Looking for free resources? This kanji book JLPT N4 PDF collection gives you easy access to top study materials without extra cost. Downloadable, practical, and exam-focused, these Kanji books help you improve your JLPT N4 score effectively.

JLPT N4 Kanji Requirements: What You Need to Know

To pass JLPT N4, you need to recognize and understand around 300 basic Kanji characters. These Kanji cover everyday topics such as daily routines, shopping, transportation, weather, time, and simple work-related terms. Mastering these characters allows you to read simple texts, short articles, and understand common conversations.

Unlike JLPT N5, where Kanji is very limited, JLPT N4 introduces a wider range of vocabulary and sentence structures, making Kanji knowledge even more crucial. You'll encounter both Onyomi (Chinese reading) and Kunyomi (Japanese reading) for many characters.

Here are a few common Kanji you must learn for JLPT N4:

Kanji	Meaning	Onyomi	Kunyomi
時	Time	ジ	とき
新	New	シン	あたらしい
電	Electricity	デン	-
車	Car	シャ	くるま
語	Language	ゴ	かたる / かたらう
駅	Station	エキ	-
会社	Company	カイシャ	-
勉強	Study	ベンキョウ	-
病院	Travel	リョコウ	-

What Makes a Good JLPT N4 Kanji Book?

Feature	Description	Why It Matters
Complete Kanji List	Covers all ~300 Kanji required for JLPT N4	Ensures full exam coverage
Stroke Order Diagrams	Visual guides for writing each Kanji correctly	Helps memorization and writing accuracy
Onyomi & Kunyomi Readings	Includes both Chinese and Japanese readings	Prepares for reading Kanji in different contexts
Example Vocabulary	Shows common words using each Kanji	Builds real-life vocabulary for reading & listening
Example Sentences	Full sentence examples with translations	Improves reading comprehension and practical usage
Practice Exercises & Quizzes	Writing drills, quizzes, and review sections	Reinforces learning through repetition
Clear English Explanations	Simple translations and detailed explanations	Makes self-study easier for non-native learners
Extra Resources	Access to audio, apps, or online materials	Supports interactive and varied learning styles

Top Kanji Book JLPT N4 Recommendations

Choosing the best kanji book JLPT N4 can make your study journey smoother and more efficient. Here are some of the most recommended books trusted by many learners worldwide:

Find more JLPT N4 materials here!

Minna no Nihongo Kanji Book JLPT N4

Overview

This book is part of the famous Minna no Nihongo series. It offers clear Kanji explanations along with vocabulary and example sentences, making it ideal for learners who already use the Minna no Nihongo main textbooks.

Pros	Cons
Well-organized according to JLPT N4 topics Includes stroke orders, readings, and sample sentences Simple and consistent structure	May require some basic Japanese knowledge Limited English explanations

Nihongo Sou Matome JLPT N4 Kanji

Overview

A popular choice among JLPT takers, this book divides Kanji study into short, daily lessons, making it easy to follow for busy learners.

Pros	Cons
8-week study plan Combines Kanji, vocabulary, and grammar Includes quizzes after each section Clear illustrations to support memorization	Less detailed explanations for absolute beginners Focuses more on reading than writing

Shin Kanzen Master JLPT N4 Kanji

Overview

This book is excellent for serious learners who want full preparation for JLPT N4 Kanji. It offers deep explanations and thorough practice exercises.

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive coverage of JLPT N4 Kanji Detailed readings and multiple practice questions Strong focus on test-style questions	More suitable for learners with some Japanese foundation Less visual; mostly text-based content

TRY! JLPT N4 Kanji Book

Overview

TRY! is known for its well-balanced approach that combines Kanji learning with grammar and reading comprehension, useful for integrated study.

Pros	Cons
Covers both Kanji and related grammar points Includes practice tasks that simulate real JLPT tests Suitable for classroom or self-study	Less focused exclusively on Kanji Some practice sections may feel short for advanced practice

Basic Kanji Book

Overview

One of the most popular Kanji textbooks for beginners and JLPT learners. Basic Kanji Book focuses on building a strong Kanji foundation, with clear stroke orders, readings, example vocabulary, and practice exercises.

Pros	Cons
Very beginner-friendly Covers essential JLPT N5–N4 Kanji Includes writing practice and quizzes Systematic approach to Kanji learning	Slightly older format May require supplementary grammar resources

Basic Kanji Bool Vol.01

Basic Kanji Bool Vol.02

Kanji Look and Learn N4–N5

Overview

Known for its visual approach, Kanji Look and Learn uses fun illustrations to help learners remember Kanji meanings and readings effectively. Suitable for visual learners.

Pros	Cons
Colorful illustrations for easy memorization Includes ~512 Kanji for N5–N3 levels (N4 fully covered) Vocabulary, sample sentences, and practice exercises included Great for self-study	May feel too basic for advanced learners No JLPT-style quizzes

Kanji Master N4

Overview

Part of the Kanji Master series, this book is fully dedicated to JLPT N4 Kanji, providing thorough coverage of characters, readings, vocabulary, and practice drills.

Pros	Cons
Complete Kanji list for JLPT N4 Includes detailed practice exercises Stroke order diagrams and example sentences Test-style practice questions	Japanese-only explanations (may require some basic Japanese ability) Less visual than other books

Soumatome N4 Kanji

Overview

Soumatome N4 Kanji divides the content into daily study units, making it easy to stay consistent and build steady progress over several weeks.

Pros	Cons
8-week Kanji study plan Combines vocabulary and Kanji usage Simple structure and layout Ideal for self-study schedules	Less explanation for absolute beginners Limited number of practice questions

Nihongo Challenge N4–N5 Kanji

Overview

This Kanji book is perfect for beginners preparing for JLPT N4–N5. Nihongo Challenge provides clear explanations, readings, and plenty of practice in an easy-to-understand format.

Pros	Cons
Beginner-friendly design Detailed stroke order and readings Includes vocabulary and review quizzes Balanced approach for N4 learners	Covers both N4 and N5 (less intensive for N4 only) May require additional practice for full exam readiness

Study Tips for Mastering Kanji N4

Mastering Kanji for JLPT N4 requires a smart and consistent study strategy. With around 300 Kanji characters to memorize, it’s important to combine multiple study methods to reinforce both recognition and recall. Here are some proven tips to help you succeed:

Learn Kanji in Context

Don't memorize Kanji as isolated characters. Always study them with example vocabulary and sentences. This helps you understand how each Kanji is used in daily situations, making it easier to remember.

Example: 学 (study) → 学生 (student), 学校 (school), 勉強 (study)

Practice Writing by Hand

Writing Kanji by hand strengthens your memory through muscle repetition. Use Kanji workbooks or printable practice sheets to write each character multiple times, following the correct stroke order.

Focus on writing 10–20 Kanji per day.
Repeat the same Kanji over several days for better retention.

Break Study into Small Sessions

Instead of long, exhausting sessions, break your study time into short, focused blocks of 20–30 minutes. This keeps your concentration high and helps long-term retention.

Mix Reading and Listening Practice

Expose yourself to real Japanese content like simple articles, JLPT practice texts, manga, or anime with subtitles. Seeing Kanji used naturally reinforces your understanding and reading skills.

Regularly Review Older Kanji

Don’t just move forward—schedule weekly reviews of previously learned Kanji. This prevents forgetting and solidifies long-term memory.

Practice Kanji N4 here!

Take JLPT N4 Practice Tests

Use full JLPT N4 mock exams to test your Kanji knowledge in real exam conditions. Practice tests help you identify weak areas and adjust your study plan accordingly.

FAQ about Kanji Book JLPT N4

How many Kanji do I need to learn for JLPT N4?

For JLPT N4, you need to know approximately 300 basic Kanji characters. These cover common topics such as daily life, transportation, work, school, and weather. Mastery of these Kanji allows you to read simple texts, short articles, and basic conversations.

Which is the best Kanji book for JLPT N4?

There is no single "best" book for everyone, but some highly recommended options include:

Basic Kanji Book – best for building strong Kanji foundations.
Kanji Look and Learn N4–N5 – perfect for visual learners.
Kanji Master N4 – comprehensive and exam-focused.
Shinkanzen Master N4 Kanji – ideal for serious exam preparation.
Soumatome N4 Kanji – great for daily study schedules.
Nihongo Challenge N4–N5 Kanji – excellent for beginners.

Choose based on your learning style, available time, and study goals.

Is it possible to pass JLPT N4 by only studying Kanji?

No. While Kanji is an essential part of JLPT N4, the exam also tests grammar, vocabulary, listening, and reading comprehension. A balanced study plan covering all sections is necessary to pass the exam successfully.

How long does it take to master Kanji for JLPT N4?

For most learners, it may take 3–6 months of consistent daily study to fully master the N4 Kanji list, depending on your study pace, previous knowledge, and study methods used (e.g. writing, SRS, practice tests).

Conclusion

Choosing the right kanji book JLPT N4 is the key to building a strong foundation and boosting your exam score. With the proper study materials, consistent practice, and effective learning strategies, mastering over 300 Kanji characters becomes much more achievable.

Ready to start your JLPT N4 Kanji journey? Visit Migii JLPT for more study resources, practice tests, and personalized learning tools to help you pass the exam with confidence!

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