Introduction
If you’re learning Japanese and aiming to pass the JLPT N4, mastering kanji is a crucial step. The N4 level tests your ability to recognize around 300 kanji, along with their readings and common vocabulary.
But how do you efficiently learn all these kanji without feeling overwhelmed?
In this guide, I’ll provide:
✅ A complete list of all JLPT N4 kanji (with meanings, onyomi, kunyomi, and examples)
✅ Proven study strategies to memorize kanji faster
✅ Common mistakes learners make and how to avoid them
✅ Free resources to help you practice
Whether you’re self-studying or taking classes, this guide will help you build a strong kanji foundation for the JLPT N4 and beyond.
(Need a quick refresher on JLPT levels? Check out our Master JLPT N4 Kanji: Complete Guide with Examples and Tips for a breakdown.)
How Many Kanji Are on the JLPT N4?
The JLPT N4 requires knowledge of approximately 167 kanji (in addition to the 103 kanji from N5). While this may seem daunting, many of these kanji are commonly used in daily life, making them easier to remember with consistent practice.
Unlike N5, where kanji are mostly standalone, N4 introduces more compound kanji (jukugo)—words made up of two or more kanji.
(Want to know the exact number? The Japan Foundation provides official guidelines, but most textbooks cover around 300 kanji for N4.)
For more details, please visit JLPT N4 Important Kanji: Characters You Must Learn to Pass
Complete List of JLPT N4 Kanji (With Readings & Examples)
Below is a structured list of essential N4 kanji, categorized for easier learning. Each kanji includes:
- Meaning (English translation)
- Onyomi (Chinese reading) – Used in compound words
- Kunyomi (Japanese reading) – Used in standalone words
- Example words
For more details, please visit Best Anki Decks for JLPT N4 Kanji: Download & Study Guide
1. Time & Calendar-Related Kanji
| Kanji | Meaning | Onyomi | Kunyomi | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 年 | Year | ネン | とし | 今年 (ことし) – This year |
| 月 | Month/Moon | ゲツ, ガツ | つき | 月曜日 (げつようび) – Monday |
| 日 | Day/Sun | ニチ, ジツ | ひ, か | 毎日 (まいにち) – Every day |
| 時 | Time | ジ | とき | 時間 (じかん) – Time |
| 分 | Minute/Part | ブン, フン | わ.かる | 十分 (じゅうぶん) – Enough |
2. People & Relationships
| Kanji | Meaning | Onyomi | Kunyomi | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 人 | Person | ジン, ニン | ひと | 日本人 (にほんじん) – Japanese person |
| 父 | Father | フ | ちち | 父親 (ちちおや) – Father |
| 母 | Mother | ボ | はは | 母親 (ははおや) – Mother |
| 友 | Friend | ユウ | とも | 友達 (ともだち) – Friend |
| 子 | Child | シ, ス | こ | 子供 (こども) – Child |
For more details, please visit Take This JLPT N4 Kanji Quiz to Test Your Skills
3. Common Verbs & Actions
| Kanji | Meaning | Onyomi | Kunyomi | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 行 | To go | コウ, ギョウ | い.く | 行く (いく) – To go |
| 来 | To come | ライ | く.る | 来る (くる) – To come |
| 食 | To eat | ショク | た.べる | 食べる (たべる) – To eat |
| 飲 | To drink | イン | の.む | 飲む (のむ) – To drink |
| 見 | To see | ケン | み.る | 見る (みる) – To see |
| Kanji | Meaning | Onyomi | Kunyomi | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 上 | Up/Above | ジョウ | うえ, あ.げる | 上 (うえ) – Up |
| 下 | Down/Below | カ, ゲ | した, さ.げる | 下 (した) – Down |
| 中 | Middle/Inside | チュウ | なか | 中 (なか) – Inside |
| 外 | Outside | ガイ, ゲ | そと | 外国 (がいこく) – Foreign country |
| 駅 | Station | エキ | – | 駅 (えき) – Train station |
How to Study JLPT N4 Kanji Effectively
Memorizing kanji isn’t just about rote learning—you need a strategy. Here’s what works best:
1. Learn Kanji in Context
- Don’t just memorize individual kanji—learn them in words.
- Example: Instead of just remembering 食 (eat), learn 食べる (to eat), 食事 (meal), 食堂 (cafeteria).
2. Use Mnemonics & Stories
- Our brains remember stories better than random strokes.
- Example: 休 (rest) = ⼈ (person) + 木 (tree) → A person resting under a tree.
3. Practice Writing (But Don’t Overdo It)
- Writing helps with muscle memory, but focus on recognition first for the JLPT.
4. Use Spaced Repetition (SRS) Apps
- Apps like Anki and WaniKani help reinforce memory over time.
5. Test Yourself Regularly
- Use JLPT N4 mock tests to check your progress.
For more details, please visit Download JLPT N4 All Kanji PDF – Study the Full Kanji List Easily
Common Mistakes When Learning N4 Kanji
❌ Only focusing on readings without vocabulary → Learn words, not just kanji.
❌ Ignoring stroke order → Proper stroke order helps with memorization.
❌ Cramming last minute → Kanji requires consistent daily practice.
Free Resources for JLPT N4 Kanji Practice
📖 Books:
- Basic Kanji Book Vol. 2
- *Nihongo So-Matome N4 Kanji*
🌐 Websites:
- Jisho.org (Online Japanese Dictionary)
- Tae Kim’s Guide to Japanese
📱 Apps:
- Anki (Flashcards)
- Kanji Study (Android/iOS)
For more details, please visit JLPT N4 All Kanji You Need to Know – Master List with Readings
Final Thoughts
Mastering JLPT N4 kanji is a big step toward fluency. By studying smart
