JLPT N5 Kanji List : Master All 112 Kanji Required for the Exam
Learning kanji is both exciting and challenging when starting your Japanese journey. If you are aiming for the JLPT N5 exam, knowing the JLPT N5 Kanji List is essential. This beginner level introduces you to 112 foundational characters used in daily life, numbers, directions, and basic expressions.
In this detailed guide, we will cover the JLPT N5 Kanji List, provide meanings, examples, memorization tips, and point to helpful resources like JLPT N5 Kanji List PDF free download. Whether you are starting fresh or revising, this guide will help you navigate the N5 level confidently.
Understanding the JLPT N5 Kanji List
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has five levels, with N5 being the entry-level exam. At this stage, you need to recognize and understand 112 essential kanji. These characters are the building blocks of Japanese literacy and appear in textbooks, simple sentences, signage, and daily communication.
Mastering these characters allows you to read basic texts, follow simple instructions, and build a strong foundation for progressing to JLPT N4 Kanji List.
For testing your knowledge, try out kanji quizzes online test to reinforce your JLPT N5 kanji learning.
Categorized JLPT N5 Kanji with Meaning and Readings
To make learning easier, the 112 kanji are divided into logical categories. Each entry includes the Kanji character, On-yomi (Chinese reading), Kun-yomi (Japanese reading), and English meaning.
Numbers and Basic Quantities
These kanji are essential for counting, dates, and prices:
| Kanji | Meaning | On-yomi | Kun-yomi |
|---|---|---|---|
| 一 | One | ICHI | hito(tsu) |
| 二 | Two | NI | futa(tsu) |
| 三 | Three | SAN | mit(tsu) |
| 四 | Four | SHI | yo(tsu) / yon |
| 五 | Five | GO | itsu(tsu) |
| 六 | Six | ROKU | mut(tsu) |
| 七 | Seven | SHICHI | nana(tsu) |
| 八 | Eight | HACHI | yat(tsu) |
| 九 | Nine | KYUU / KU | kokono(tsu) |
| 十 | Ten | JUU | too |
| 百 | Hundred | HYAKU | — |
| 千 | Thousand | SEN | chi |
| 万 | Ten Thousand | MAN / BAN | — |
| 円 | Yen / Circle | EN | maru(i) |
Time and Calendar Kanji
These are important for dates, schedules, and the exam:
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| Kanji | Meaning | On-yomi | Kun-yomi |
|---|---|---|---|
| 日 | Day / Sun | NICHI / JITSU | hi / ka |
| 月 | Month / Moon | GETSU / GATSU | tsuki |
| 火 | Fire (Tuesday) | KA | hi |
| 水 | Water (Wednesday) | SUI | mizu |
| 木 | Tree (Thursday) | MOKU / BOKU | ki |
| 金 | Gold (Friday) | KIN / KON | kane |
| 土 | Earth (Saturday) | DO / TO | tsuchi |
| 年 | Year | NEN | toshi |
| 時 | Time / Hour | JI | toki |
| 分 | Minute / Part | BUN / FUN | wa(karu) |
| 午 | Noon | GO | — |
| 前 | Before / Front | ZEN | mae |
| 後 | After / Behind | GO / KOU | ato / ushiro |
| 今 | Now | KON / KIN | ima |
| 先 | Previous / Ahead | SEN | saki |
| 来 | Next / To Come | RAI | ku(ru) |
| 毎 | Every | MAI | — |
| 週 | Week | SHUU | — |
To strengthen your kanji foundation, explore Japanese language learning resources for study guides and practice materials.
Directions and Positions
Crucial for reading comprehension questions:
上 (Ue): Up / Above
下 (Shita): Down / Below
左 (Hidari): Left
右 (Migi): Right
中 (Naka): Middle / Inside
外 (Soto): Outside
北 (Kita): North
南 (Minami): South
東 (Higashi): East
西 (Nishi): West
間 (Aida): Between
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People and Common Nouns
人 (Hito): Person
子 (Ko): Child
女 (Onna): Woman
男 (Otoko): Man
父 (Chichi): Father
母 (Haha): Mother
友 (Tomo): Friend
名 (Na): Name
本 (Hon): Book / Origin
語 (Go): Language
車 (Kuruma): Car / Vehicle
駅 (Eki): Station
店 (Mise): Shop
Nature and Elements
Build a basic vocabulary foundation using basic Japanese words for everyday conversation and reading comprehension.
山 (Yama): Mountain
川 (Kawa): River
田 (Ta): Rice Field
天 (Ten): Sky / Heaven
気 (Ki): Spirit / Energy
空 (Sora): Sky
雨 (Ame): Rain
電 (Den): Electricity
花 (Hana): Flower
魚 (Sakana): Fish
For overall guidance, read how to learn Japanese language to understand the most effective strategies.
Essential Verbs
Kanji often represent the root of verbs. Recognizing them in context is key.
| Kanji | Meaning | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 行 | To go | I-ku |
| 来 | To come | Ku-ru |
| 見 | To see / watch | Mi-ru |
| 聞 | To hear / listen | Ki-ku |
| 食 | To eat | Ta-beru |
| 飲 | To drink | No-mu |
| 買 | To buy | Ka-u |
| 書 | To write | Ka-ku |
| 読 | To read | Yo-mu |
| 話 | To speak | Hana-su |
| 出 | To exit | De-ru |
| 入 | To enter | Hai-ru |
| 休 | To rest | Yasu-mu |
| 会 | To meet | A-u |
For guided classroom support, check Japanese language institute for structured N5 and N4 preparation.
How to Study for N5 Kanji Successfully
Learning 112 characters can feel overwhelming. However, using the right resources like a Jlpt n5 kanji list pdf free download or physical flashcards can make a massive difference. Here are the top strategies used at TLS-The Japanese Language School:
- Use Mnemonics: Create stories for each character. For example, the kanji for "Mountain" (山) looks like three mountain peaks.
- Learn Vocabulary, Not Just Kanji: Don't just learn 日 means "Sun." Learn that 日曜日 (Nichiyoubi) means "Sunday."
- Spaced Repetition Systems (SRS): Use apps like Anki to review kanji at intervals that maximize memory retention.
- Practice Writing: Even though the JLPT is multiple-choice, writing the characters helps cement the "radical" shapes in your brain.
Looking for structured guidance? TLS-The Japanese Language School provides expert-led coaching in New Delhi, specifically designed to help students ace the N5 and N4 levels through immersive techniques.
Learn about social norms and customs with Japanese etiquette to communicate respectfully in daily situations.
Download Your JLPT N5 Kanji List PDF
To study on the go, many students prefer having a physical or digital copy. You can find various N5 Kanji PDF free download options online that include the Jlpt n5 kanji list with meaning and stroke order diagrams. Having a printed list allows you to highlight characters you struggle with and track your progress daily.
Why Choose Professional Coaching?
Self-study is great, but many students find the nuances of On-yomi and Kun-yomi confusing. At TLS-The Japanese Language School, we specialize in breaking down these complexities. Our curriculum is tailored for the Jlpt n5 kanji list 2025 requirements, ensuring you don't waste time on irrelevant material.
If you are planning to build overall proficiency alongside mastering the JLPT N5 Kanji List, enrolling in a well-structured Japanese language course can help you learn kanji in real-life contexts.
Read more: https://www.teamlanguages.com/japanese-language
About The Japanese Language School
We are a premier institute dedicated to providing top-quality Japanese education in India.Whether you are a student or a professional, our courses are designed to get you JLPT-ready in record time.
Contact Details:
- Call Us: +918700956038
- Address: 2/81-82, Ground Floor, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi - 110092
- Email Us: tls@teamlanguages.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on JLPT N5 Kanji List
1. What kanji do you need to know for JLPT N5?
For JLPT N5, you need to know 112 basic kanji characters. These kanji are commonly used in everyday Japanese, such as numbers, time, directions, people, and simple nature-related words. The exam mainly tests your ability to recognize and understand these kanji in simple sentences rather than write them perfectly.
2. Is there an official list of N5 kanji?
There is no officially published kanji list by JLPT for N5. However, the commonly accepted JLPT N5 kanji list is based on past exams, standard textbooks, and official guidelines. Most language schools and study materials follow the same set of 112 kanji.
3. How many kanji characters are there in N5?
The JLPT N5 level includes approximately 112 kanji characters. These kanji represent the foundation of written Japanese and are the first step toward reading simple texts, signs, and basic instructions in Japanese.
4. Is 1000 kanji enough for JLPT N2?
Yes, knowing around 1000 kanji is generally considered sufficient for JLPT N2. However, simply memorizing kanji is not enough. You must also understand readings, meanings, and how they are used in real sentences to perform well in the exam.
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5. Can I pass JLPT N5 without learning kanji?
It is very difficult to pass JLPT N5 without learning kanji. Although N5 is a beginner level, kanji appear in reading sections and vocabulary questions. Knowing the JLPT N5 kanji list greatly improves your chances of understanding questions accurately and scoring higher.
6. How long does it take to learn the JLPT N5 kanji list?
Most beginners can learn the JLPT N5 kanji list in 1 to 2 months with regular practice. Studying 5 to 7 kanji daily along with revision and example words helps retain meanings effectively.
7. Are meanings enough or should I learn readings too?
You should learn both meanings and readings for N5 kanji. While meanings help with understanding, readings are essential for vocabulary and sentence comprehension. JLPT questions often test kanji within words, not in isolation.
8. Are JLPT N5 kanji used in daily Japanese life?
Yes, N5 kanji are widely used in everyday Japanese. You will see them on signs, calendars, menus, schedules, and basic written communication. Learning them helps you understand real-life Japanese beyond the exam.
9. What is the best way to remember N5 kanji?
The best method is to learn kanji with example words, meanings, and context. Writing practice, flashcards, and using a JLPT N5 kanji list PDF for daily revision also improve long-term memory.
For online kanji lessons, see learn Japanese kanji online for interactive resources and practice.
10. Should I finish N5 kanji before moving to N4?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to master all N5 kanji before starting N4. The JLPT N4 kanji list builds directly on N5, and a strong foundation makes advanced kanji learning much easier and faster.
Start Your JLPT N5 Preparation
Enroll now with expert guidance and structured lessons at TLS-The Japanese Language School.
Take advantage of free JLPT practice tests online to assess your readiness before the exam.
Call Us: +91 8700956038
Address: 2/81-82, Ground Floor, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi 110092
Email Us: tls@teamlanguages.com
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