Learning Kanji is often considered one of the most challenging aspects of mastering the Japanese language, but with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Kanji are Chinese characters used in Japanese writing to represent words or ideas, and understanding them is essential for reading and communication.

If you're just getting started, don't worry! In this guide, we'll share simple yet effective Kanji mastery tips to help you learn faster and retain better. Plus, we’ve included a list of 20 common Kanji words that every beginner should know. Whether you're studying on your own or joining a language school like TLS: The Japanese Language School Delhi, these strategies will set a strong foundation for your Kanji learning journey.

Get ready to transform complex symbols into meaningful words, one Kanji at a time!

How to Start Learning Kanji

Start with the Basics: Lay a Strong Foundation

Learn Hiragana and Katakana first.

Before diving into Kanji, it’s essential to build a solid understanding of the Japanese phonetic scripts: Hiragana and Katakana. These are the stepping stones for learning Kanji and form the backbone of Japanese literacy.

Hiragana is used for native Japanese words, while Katakana is used for foreign loanwords and other specific categories like names and onomatopoeia. By mastering these scripts, you’ll gain a better understanding of how Kanji characters fit into Japanese writing.

Why is it important?

Knowing Hiragana and Katakana allows you to read and write basic words, making it easier to tackle Kanji. It also helps in understanding how Kanji interacts with the phonetic scripts in real-life texts, such as books, signs, and menus. TLS(Team Language Services) emphasizes starting with these scripts to ensure you’re well-prepared for Kanji learning.

Embrace Radicals for Easier Learning

Understanding the building blocks of Kanji.

Kanji characters are composed of smaller components called radicals. These radicals represent meanings or parts of pronunciation and act as building blocks for more complex Kanji. Learning radicals makes it easier to understand and memorize full characters.

For example, the radical "氵" (sanzui) represents water and appears in many Kanji related to water, such as "海" (umi, meaning "sea") and "河" (kawa, meaning "river"). At TLS, we encourage students to familiarize themselves with radicals early on, as they simplify the learning process.

Why focus on radicals?

Radicals help you break down complicated Kanji into manageable parts. By learning a set of basic radicals, you’ll be able to decode many characters and make educated guesses about new ones. This strategy greatly enhances your ability to learn Kanji.

Start with the Most Common Kanji

Why focus on frequently used Kanji?

To make the learning process more practical, it’s crucial to begin with the most commonly used Kanji characters. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) organizes Kanji into different levels, with N5 being the easiest. Starting with N5 Kanji provides a solid foundation and ensures you can read basic texts.

At TLS, we follow the principle of teaching the most frequent characters first, such as "日" (hi, meaning "day" or "sun"), "人" (hito, meaning "person"), and "本" (hon, meaning "book"). These characters are frequently found in everyday conversations, street signs, and even news articles, making them highly useful for beginners.

Why start with N5-level Kanji?

By beginning with simpler Kanji, you’ll gain immediate access to useful vocabulary and be able to read basic texts with confidence. You’ll also build momentum as you master more frequently used characters before progressing to more difficult ones.

Use Mnemonics to Make Kanji Memorable

Visual learning through storytelling.

anji characters are often difficult to memorize due to their unique shapes. To make learning more enjoyable and effective, we recommend using mnemonics—memorable stories or associations that make characters easier to remember.

For example, to remember the Kanji "木" (ki, meaning "tree"), imagine the character as a tree with branches extending upward. The shape of the Kanji reflects the concept of a tree, making it easier to recall.

Why do mnemonics work?
Mnemonics create mental images that enhance retention. By associating Kanji with a story or image, you’ll have a better chance of recalling it when needed. TLS integrates mnemonic techniques into lessons to help you engage with the material and enjoy the learning process.

Regular Practice is Essential

Consistent practice leads to mastery.
The key to mastering Kanji is repetition. Kanji characters require regular practice to commit them to memory and perfect your writing skills. Writing Kanji by hand is particularly beneficial, as it helps reinforce both the character’s structure and its meaning.

Why does practice matter?
Writing out each Kanji character repeatedly builds muscle memory, improving your ability to recall and write characters with accuracy. TLS provides extensive practice sheets and writing exercises to ensure you hone your skills, paying attention to stroke order and proper writing techniques.

Learn Vocabulary Alongside Kanji

Connect Kanji to real-world usage.

To fully grasp the meaning of Kanji, it’s crucial to learn vocabulary words that incorporate them. This helps you understand how Kanji is used in context and makes it easier to apply what you’ve learned in daily communication.

For instance, the Kanji "食" (shoku, meaning "eat") appears in words like "食べる" (taberu, meaning "to eat") and "食事" (shokuji, meaning "meal"). Learning these words alongside the Kanji helps you see how the characters function in full sentences.

Why learn vocabulary concurrently?

By associating Kanji with vocabulary words, you’ll quickly see how each character is used, making your learning more practical. At TLS, we integrate vocabulary learning into our curriculum, helping you build a deeper understanding of the language.

Leverage Online Resources for Extra Practice

Take advantage of technology.

There’s a wealth of online resources designed to help Kanji learners. Popular apps like WaniKani, Anki, and Kanji Study offer flashcards, quizzes, and other interactive tools that enhance your learning.

At TLS, we recommend using these resources alongside your lessons. They provide additional practice and reinforcement of the concepts you’ve learned in class, helping you stay on track and continue learning at your own pace.

Be Patient and Keep Pushing Forward

Learning Kanji takes time.

Mastering Kanji is a long-term process. It’s important to stay patient and persist through the challenges. Progress may be slow at first, but consistent practice and a positive mindset will lead to success.

Celebrate small wins.
Every time you learn a new character or successfully write a Kanji from memory, celebrate your progress. These small victories will motivate you to keep going. TLS encourages students to track their progress and celebrate each milestone along the way.

Common Kanji Words: 

Here’s a list of 20 commonly used Kanji words suitable for JLPT N4 level learners, presented in a table format for clarity:

Expert Guidance Makes All the Difference

Why choose expert instruction?

Kanji learning can be daunting, but with expert guidance, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your progress. TLS(Team Language Services)offers personalized instruction, helping you understand the finer points of Kanji and refine your skills.

Why TLS(Team Language Services) ?
As the best Japanese language institute in Delhi, TLS provides structured lessons, one-on-one guidance, and comprehensive resources to ensure you achieve your Kanji learning goals. Our experienced instructors will support you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Mastering Kanji is a rewarding challenge in your Japanese language journey. By following these tips and enrolling in TLS(Team Language Services), Delhi’s leading Japanese language institute, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer Kanji. With consistent practice, expert guidance, and the right strategies, you’ll unlock the full potential of the Japanese writing system and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese language and culture. Stay dedicated, be patient, and soon you’ll be writing Kanji with confidence!

FAQs  

1. How many Kanji should I learn first?
For beginners, starting with around 100-150 basic Kanji (JLPT N5 level) is ideal. These commonly used characters help you read simple sentences, signs, and basic texts.

2. What is the best way to memorize Kanji?
Using mnemonics, breaking Kanji into radicals, practicing regularly, and associating characters with vocabulary are effective methods. TLS incorporates these strategies into structured lessons for better retention.

3. Do I need to learn Hiragana and Katakana before Kanji?
Yes, learning Hiragana and Katakana first is essential. They form the foundation of Japanese literacy and make understanding Kanji readings much easier. TLS ensures a strong base before moving to Kanji.

4. How long does it take to master Kanji?
It depends on your learning pace and dedication. Basic Kanji can be learned in a few months, but mastering the 2,000+ characters for fluency may take several years. Consistency is key!

5. Can I pass the JLPT without knowing Kanji?
No, Kanji is a crucial part of the JLPT exam. Even at the N5 level, you need to recognize and understand basic Kanji. TLS offers specialized JLPT preparation to help you excel.