Master JLPT N5 Kanji

Learn the 100 Must-Know Characters

If you're preparing for the JLPT N5 or just getting started with Japanese, kanji can seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! This page is your starting point for mastering the kanji required at the N5 level. We’ve gathered the tools, tips, and course recommendations to help you read and write confidently.

📥 Download the JLPT N5 Kanji List

Get instant access to our free N5 Kanji List, including:

A printable PDF version for offline study
A digital grid version for quick review
Stroke order and meaning for each character

👉 Download the N5 Kanji List

How to Study Kanji Effectively

Learning kanji can feel a little overwhelming. But the truth is, with the right approach, kanji becomes less of a hurdle and more of a rewarding part of your Japanese journey.

If you're just starting out or aiming to pass something like the JLPT N5, here's how you can make kanji study enjoyable, consistent, and effective.

1. 🔁 Repetition, But With Meaning

Write kanji in full words (e.g. 学 in 学校)
Use it in real sentences
Recall from memory, not just copy

Connect each kanji to sound, meaning, and usage to make it stick.

2. 🧩 Learn Radicals (Building Blocks)

Recognize parts like 氵(= water)
Break down complex characters
Learn 30–50 useful radicals

Radicals help you decode meanings even for kanji you haven't studied yet.

3. 📝 Write Kanji by Hand

Reinforce stroke order & shape
Use notebooks or tablets
Write in full context

Handwriting activates your memory better than typing or tapping.

4. 📚 Study Kanji in Context

Read simple texts or JLPT samples
Spot kanji in real sentences
Use Satori Reader or WaniKani

Seeing kanji in action helps you understand when and how they’re used.

5. 🎧 Pair Listening with Reading

Hear the word (e.g. がっこう)
See the kanji (e.g. 学校)

Multisensory learning builds stronger brain connections.

6. 🧠 Use SRS Tools (Spaced Repetition)

Practice just before forgetting
Use Anki, WaniKani, KameSame
Daily 5–10 min reviews

Efficient and scientifically proven for long-term retention.

7. 🎯 Start with N5 or Genki Kanji

Focus on ~100 essential kanji
Numbers, days, verbs (一, 学, 行)
Used in menus, signs, Genki books

These characters appear everywhere! Start here and build from it.

Final Thought: Start Small, Stay Consistent

You don’t need to learn 50 kanji in a weekend. Even 1 kanji a day adds up to over 300 in a year. The key is: Start with what’s relevant, make it fun, and use it in real ways

And don’t worry, it’s okay to forget and relearn. Every time you revisit a kanji, it gets stronger in your memory.

Ready to Start?

You don’t have to memorize 100 characters alone. Start learning with expert guidance, a clear roadmap, and resources that make the process feel rewarding.