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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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!
