Just starting to learn JLPT level N5 kanji and looking for a clear, easy-to-follow study path? Migii offers 500+ essential kanji vocabulary words, free PDF materials, trusted reference books, and practical tips to help you conquer N5 with confidence.
JLPT level N5 kanji
How Many Kanji Should You Learn for N5?
In the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), JLPT level N5 is the most basic level, designed for complete beginners. Despite being introductory, kanji still plays a crucial role in assessing reading comprehension and foundational vocabulary. That’s why mastering JLPT level N5 kanji is an essential first step if you’re aiming to pass the exam with confidence.
So, how many kanji for each JLPT level, and specifically, how many for N5? According to current JLPT standards, learners at the N5 level are expected to know around 100 to 120 basic kanji characters. This forms the foundation of the entire JLPT number of kanji system, which increases with each level. N4 includes about 300 characters, N3 around 650, and N1 well over 2.000. In other words, the number of kanji per JLPT level steadily rises, and N5 gives you the building blocks to develop stronger reading skills later on.
The kanji required at this level are practical and commonly used in everyday life. You’ll encounter characters like:
- 日 (sun, day), 月 (moon, month), 年 (year) for expressing time
- 一, 二, 三 and so on for basic numbers
- 上 (up), 下 (down), 中 (middle) for directions
- Plus many simple verbs and adjectives like 行 (to go), 見 (to see), 大 (big), 小 (small)
While 100 characters may not seem overwhelming, for new learners, kanji can be tricky. The strokes are unfamiliar, the readings are multiple, and the meanings don’t always follow intuition. Without a solid method or quality learning materials, it’s easy to feel lost or discouraged early on.
If you’re looking for a realistic, structured approach to kanji that you can actually stick with, keep reading. Everything you need to confidently begin your N5 journey is right here.
How many kanji for JLPT N5
Free Study Materials for JLPT Level N5 Kanji for Beginners
When starting to learn JLPT level N5 kanji, many learners get discouraged not because of difficulty but due to the lack of suitable and accessible study materials. Understanding this, Migii has carefully selected and offers a range of free resources that help you study from basics to practical application, supporting effective review from the very first weeks.
PDF with Over 100 Common JLPT N5 Kanji
This special resource is designed specifically for beginners learning Japanese kanji JLPT N5. It includes:
- Kanji characters
- English meanings
This is not just a simple JLPT N5 kanji chart but a complete study tool with a clear structure that is easy to print and annotate. You can break it down week by week to systematically learn the kanji needed for JLPT N5. With over 100 characters, this material covers almost all JLPT N5 kanji words that commonly appear in real exams.
Get your free PDF here:
Kirari Nihongo N5 – Combined Vocabulary and Kanji by Topic
Kirari Nihongo is one of the most highly recommended textbooks by learners of kanji JLPT N5. Instead of learning isolated lists, the book helps you study 100 kanji for JLPT N5 in meaningful contexts such as school, family, work, and weather.
Its strengths include:
- Topic-based Kanji organization for easy association
- Clear examples to understand usage within sentences
- Integrated listening and reading practice, essential for the N5 exam
If you’re looking for a resource that supports both JLPT N5 kanji and vocabulary, Kirari is a reliable choice.
Get your free PDF here:
1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5
Although this is primarily a vocabulary book, 1000 Essential Vocabulary is especially effective for learning Japanese JLPT N5 kanji. Each word comes with practical example sentences that help you:
- Recognize and understand Kanji in everyday communication
- Learn vocabulary and Kanji together, not separately
- Retain knowledge longer through contextual repetition
This method is ideal for those who find learning from a JLPT 5 kanji list too dry or quickly forget what they study. Instead of memorizing characters in isolation, you remember Kanji naturally as part of meaningful sentences.
Get your free PDF here:
1000 Essential vocabulary for the JLPT N5
Effective and Easy-to-Remember Tips for Learning JLPT N5 Kanji
Learning JLPT level N5 kanji doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you apply practical and proven techniques. Below are methods highly recommended by Migii learners that help you memorize quickly and retain kanji for longer.
Learn Kanji by Thematic Groups
Grouping related Kanji characters make it easier for your brain to connect information. For example, nature-related kanji like 日 (sun), 月 (moon), 火 (fire), and 水 (water).
When you associate their meanings and shared imagery, you will remember them better than studying isolated characters. This approach works well when using a JLPT 5 kanji list.
Use Visual Mnemonics to Remember Kanji
Some Kanji are much easier to remember by associating them with vivid images. For example:
- 山 (mountain): looks like three pointed peaks stacked together
- 木 (tree): clearly shows branches and trunk like a real tree
You can draw these images in your kanji notebook or use apps that support illustrated learning. This technique helps you remember the kanji required for JLPT N5 more quickly and makes studying less boring.
Practice Writing Each Stroke by Hand
Writing kanji by hand daily helps you become familiar with the structure and stroke order. This skill is especially important if you take paper-based exams or want to write letters in Japanese. Writing aids deeper memorization compared to just looking or reading silently. This is a popular method to study JLPT N5 kanji effectively.
Apply Kanji in Simple Sentences
Avoid learning Kanji in isolation. Instead, learn them through simple example sentences to understand practical usage and context. For example:
- 日曜日に友だちと会います。 (I will meet my friend on Sunday.)
- 水を飲みます。 (I drink water.)
Learning kanji through sentences helps you remember not only the characters but also how to use them and basic grammar for the exam. This is a key strategy to remember JLPT N5 kanji words much more effectively.
Tips for learning JLPT N5 kanji
If you're not sure where to start, you can check out the JLPT Level N5 kanji study roadmap for beginners.
Conclusion
Learning JLPT level N5 kanji becomes much easier and more effective when you have a clear study plan, suitable materials and practical learning tips. Migii JLPT proudly offers you a system of free resources, convenient practice tools, and scientific methods to help you confidently and quickly conquer the N5 exam. Start today with Migii JLPT and make your Japanese learning goals a reality!
