With practical example and task for readers
Introduction:
Learning Kanji can be a daunting task, especially for beginners in Japanese. However, with the right strategy and tools, you can simplify the process and make it enjoyable. In this blog post, we will delve into the minutest details of learning Kanji easily and effectively, offering practical examples and an extensive exploration of resources. Let’s begin your Kanji journey!
- Understand the basics of Kanji: Kanji are the Chinese characters adopted in the Japanese writing system. There are approximately 2,000-2,500 commonly used characters called “Jōyō Kanji.” Each Kanji character represents a concept and can have multiple readings, known as “On’yomi” (Chinese reading) and “Kun’yomi” (Japanese reading).
For example, the Kanji character for “tree” (木) has the On’yomi reading “moku” and the Kun’yomi reading “ki.” In compound words, you’ll often encounter the On’yomi reading, such as “forest” (森林), which is pronounced “shinrin.” However, in standalone words or when combined with hiragana, the Kun’yomi reading is used, as in “tree” (木) being pronounced “ki.”
- Break down Kanji into radicals: Radicals are the building blocks of Kanji characters. By learning the most common radicals, you can quickly recognize and memorize new Kanji. Some popular resources to learn radicals include:
- Wanikani (https://www.wanikani.com/)
- Kanji Damage (http://www.kanjidamage.com/)
- Remembering the Kanji (book by James Heisig)
For instance, the Kanji character for “rest” (休) consists of two radicals: “person” (亻) and “tree” (木). By breaking down the Kanji into its component radicals, you can create a story to help remember its meaning: “A person leaning against a tree takes a rest.”
- Set achievable goals: Start with a small daily goal, such as learning 3-5 new Kanji characters per day. Gradually increase your target as you gain confidence. Aim to master the Jōyō Kanji, which will enable you to read and understand most Japanese texts.
To create a structured learning plan, you can follow the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) levels, which are divided into five levels from N5 (easiest) to N1 (most difficult). Start by mastering the 100 Kanji required for the N5 level before progressing to more advanced levels.
- Use the Spaced Repetition System (SRS): SRS is a proven method for long-term retention of information. Tools like Anki (https://apps.ankiweb.net/) and Wanikani incorporate SRS to help you efficiently review and memorize Kanji.
In Anki, you can create or download pre-made decks, like the popular “Kanji All-In-One” deck, which covers Jōyō Kanji and their readings. The system will show you the Kanji at increasing intervals based on your ability to remember them, ensuring that you review them just before you are likely to forget.
- Contextualize your learning: Study Kanji in context by reading real-life materials, such as news articles, manga, or books. Websites like NHK News Web Easy (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/easy/) and TangoRisto (https://www.tangoristo.com/) provide beginner-friendly content with furigana (hiragana reading aid) and vocabulary support.
For example, reading a short news article on NHK News Web Easy about an event in Japan will expose you to several Kanji characters in context. This exposure will help you understand how the Kanji are used in sentences, making it easier for you to remember their meanings and readings.
- Write Kanji by hand: Writing Kanji by hand helps solidify your memory and improves recognition. Practice writing each character multiple times while paying attention to stroke order. Use resources like Jisho (https://jisho.org/) to check the correct stroke order for each character.
Suppose you want to practice writing the Kanji for “mountain” (山). Start by searching for the character on Jisho and observe the correct stroke order. Then, write the character several times on paper or using a digital writing app, repeating the process for each new Kanji you learn.
- Create mnemonics and stories: Use mnemonics and stories to associate each Kanji with a memorable image or idea. This technique will make it easier to recall the meaning and readings of each character. Heisig’s “Remembering the Kanji” series is a fantastic resource for creating mnemonic stories.
For example, let’s look at the Kanji for “fire” (火). You can create a mnemonic story by imagining the character as a person with their arms raised, running away from a fire. Associating the character with this vivid image will help you remember its meaning more easily.
- Engage with native speakers: Join language exchange groups, online forums, or conversation partners to practice your Kanji skills in real-life situations. Websites like iTalki (https://www.italki.com/) and HelloTalk (https://www.hellotalk.com/) can connect you with native Japanese speakers for language exchange.
By engaging in conversations with native speakers, you can practice using the Kanji you’ve learned in a practical context. For instance, you might learn the Kanji for “delicious” (美味しい) and then use it in a conversation to describe a tasty meal you recently had.
- Track your progress: Keep a record of your Kanji learning progress. Use tools like Kanji Study (https://www.kanjistudyapp.com/) or Kanshudo (https://www.kanshudo.com/) to track the number of Kanji you have learned and review them regularly.
With Kanji Study, you can set daily goals, view your progress statistics, and organize your Kanji by JLPT level or Jōyō grade. This will help you stay on track and visualize your progress as you work towards mastering Kanji.
- Stay consistent and motivated: Learning Kanji is a long-term commitment. Stay consistent in your daily practice, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Celebrate your milestones and enjoy the process.
To keep yourself motivated, set personal challenges or participate in community challenges, like the “Kanji Kentei” (a comprehensive Kanji test) or the “365 Kanji Challenge,” where you learn one new Kanji every day for a year. Share your progress on social media or with friends to maintain accountability and motivation.
Conclusion: Learning Kanji may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right approach and tools, it becomes manageable and enjoyable. Break down Kanji into radicals, set achievable goals, use effective learning techniques like SRS and mnemonics, and engage with native speakers to refine your skills. Stay consistent and motivated, track your progress, and enjoy the journey towards mastering the fascinating world of Kanji. With persistence and dedication, you’ll be amazed at how far you can come in your Kanji journey.
sample table for the first ten Kanji characters from N5 to N1, including their On’yomi, Kun’yomi, and example words.
Here are sample table for the first ten N5 Kanji characters, including their On’yomi, Kun’yomi, and example words.
| Kanji | On’yomi | Kun’yomi | Example 1 | Example 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 一 | ichi | hito-tsu | 一つ (ひとつ) | 一人 (ひとり) |
| 二 | ni | futa-tsu | 二つ (ふたつ) | 二人 (ふたり) |
| 三 | san | mi-ttsu | 三つ (みっつ) | 三時 (さんじ) |
| 四 | shi | yo-ttsu | 四つ (よっつ) | 四時 (よじ) |
| 五 | go | itsu-tsu | 五つ (いつつ) | 五時 (ごじ) |
| 六 | roku | mu-ttsu | 六つ (むっつ) | 六時 (ろくじ) |
| 七 | shichi | nana-tsu | 七つ (ななつ) | 七時 (しちじ) |
| 八 | hachi | ya-ttsu | 八つ (やっつ) | 八時 (はちじ) |
| 九 | kyū | kokono-tsu | 九つ (ここのつ) | 九時 (きゅうじ) |
| 十 | jū | tō | 十 (じゅう) | 十日 (とおか) |
For a complete list of JLPT N5 Kanji, you can refer to resources like the following website: https://jlptsensei.com/learn-japanese-kanji/jlpt-n5-kanji-list/
Here are sample table for the first ten N4 Kanji characters, including their On’yomi, Kun’yomi, and example words.
| Kanji | On’yomi | Kun’yomi | Example 1 | Example 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 会 | kai | a(u) | 会う (あう) | 会社 (かいしゃ) |
| 同 | dō | ona(ji) | 同じ (おなじ) | 同時 (どうじ) |
| 他 | ta | hoka | 他 (ほか) | 他人 (たにん) |
| 白 | haku | shiro(i) | 白い (しろい) | 白紙 (はくし) |
| 自 | ji | mizuka(ra) | 自分 (じぶん) | 自然 (しぜん) |
| 社 | sha | yashiro | 社 (やしろ) | 社会 (しゃかい) |
| 地 | chi, ji | to | 地図 (ちず) | 地下鉄 (ちかてつ) |
| 方 | hō | kata | 方向 (ほうこう) | 方法 (ほうほう) |
| 者 | sha | mono | 者 (もの) | 読者 (どくしゃ) |
| 考 | kō | kangae(ru) | 考える (かんがえる) | 考古学 (こうこがく) |
For a complete list of JLPT N4 Kanji, you can refer to resources like the following website: https://jlptsensei.com/learn-japanese-kanji/jlpt-n4-kanji-list/
Here are sample table for the first ten N3 Kanji characters, including their On’yomi, Kun’yomi, and example words.
| Kanji | On’yomi | Kun’yomi | Example 1 | Example 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 悪 | aku | waru(i) | 悪い (わるい) | 悪口 (あっこう,わるぐち) |
| 安 | an | yasu(i) | 安い (やすい) | 安全 (あんぜん) |
| 暗 | an | kura(i) | 暗い (くらい) | 暗記 (あんき) |
| 意 | i | – | 意味 (いみ) | 意見 (いけん) |
| 医 | i | – | 医者 (いしゃ) | 医学 (いがく) |
| 育 | iku | sodatsu(ru) | 育つ (そだつ) | 教育 (きょういく) |
| 員 | in | – | 社員 (しゃいん) | 職員 (しょくいん) |
| 院 | in | – | 病院 (びょういん) | 大学院 (だいがくいん) |
| 飲 | in | no(mu) | 飲む (のむ) | 飲料水 (いんりょうすい) |
| 運 | un | hako(bu) | 運ぶ (はこぶ) | 運転 (うんてん) |
For a complete list of JLPT N3 Kanji, you can refer to resources like the following website: https://jlptsensei.com/learn-japanese-kanji/jlpt-n3-kanji-list/
Here are sample table for the first ten N2 Kanji characters, including their On’yomi, Kun’yomi, and example words.
| Kanji | On’yomi | Kun’yomi | Example 1 | Example 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 課 | ka | – | 課題 (かだい) | 課税 (かぜい) |
| 果 | ka | ha(tasu) | 果たす (はたす) | 果物 (くだもの) |
| 貸 | tai | ka(riru) | 貸す (かす) | 貸し出し (かしだし) |
| 快 | kai | kokoroyo(i) | 快い (こころよい) | 快適 (かいてき) |
| 界 | kai | – | 世界 (せかい) | 界隈 (かいわい) |
| 解 | kai | to(ku) | 解く (とく) | 解決 (かいけつ) |
| 開 | kai | a(keru) | 開く (あく) | 開始 (かいし) |
| 階 | kai | – | 階段 (かいだん) | 二階 (にかい) |
| 価 | ka | atai | 価格 (かかく) | 価値 (かち) |
| 海 | kai | umi | 海 (うみ) | 海外 (かいがい) |
For a complete list of JLPT N2 Kanji, you can refer to resources like the following website: https://jlptsensei.com/learn-japanese-kanji/jlpt-n2-kanji-list/
Here are sample table for the first ten N1 Kanji characters, including their On’yomi, Kun’yomi, and example words.
| Kanji | On’yomi | Kun’yomi | Example 1 | Example 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 認 | nin | mi(tomeru) | 認める (みとめる) | 認定 (にんてい) |
| 億 | oku | – | 一億 (いちおく) | 億万長者 (おくまんちょうじゃ) |
| 演 | en | – | 演劇 (えんげき) | 演説 (えんぜつ) |
| 厭 | en | i(tou), a(kiru) | 厭う (いとう) | 厭きる (あきる) |
| 臨 | rin | nozo(mu) | 臨む (のぞむ) | 臨時 (りんじ) |
| 響 | kyō | hibi(ku) | 響く (ひびく) | 音響 (おんきょう) |
| 喚 | kan | wame(ku) | 喚く (わめく) | 喚起 (かんき) |
| 壊 | kai | ko(wasu) | 壊す (こわす) | 破壊 (はかい) |
| 懐 | kai | natsu(kashii) | 懐かしい (なつかしい) | 懐中時計 (かいちゅうどけい) |
| 該 | gai | – | 該当 (がいとう) | 当該 (とうがい) |
For a complete list of JLPT N1 Kanji, you can refer to resources like the following website: https://jlptsensei.com/learn-japanese-kanji/jlpt-n1-kanji-list/
Task for Readers: Create Your Personal Kanji Flashcards
To help you practice and improve your Kanji skills, we encourage you to create your own set of Kanji flashcards. This activity will not only help you memorize Kanji characters and their readings but also reinforce your learning through the process of creating the cards.
Instructions:
- Choose 20 Kanji characters from the level you’re currently studying (N5, N4, N3, N2, or N1). You can refer to the lists provided in the previous answers or use other resources to find Kanji characters suitable for your level.
- Prepare materials needed for creating flashcards. You can use physical index cards, pieces of paper, or digital flashcard apps like Anki, Quizlet, or Memrise.
- On one side of the card, write the Kanji character in clear, large strokes. Make sure the character is centered and easy to read.
- On the other side of the card, write the following information:
- On’yomi reading(s)
- Kun’yomi reading(s)
- Two example words that use the Kanji character, including furigana to indicate the pronunciation
- Repeat this process for each of the 20 Kanji characters you’ve chosen.
- Once you have completed your set of 20 flashcards, start studying them regularly. Review the cards daily, quizzing yourself on the Kanji character, its readings, and the example words.
- Track your progress and adjust the difficulty of the Kanji characters as needed. As you become more comfortable with your current set, add more challenging characters to your flashcard collection.
By completing this task, you’ll create a useful tool for learning Kanji and develop a habit of regular practice that will aid your progress in mastering the Japanese language.