Are you ready to take your Japanese language skills to the next level? Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to solidify their foundation in Japanese, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 level is an excellent milestone to aim for. Among the various aspects of the JLPT, kanji proficiency plays a crucial role in understanding written Japanese. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the JLPT N4 kanji list, exploring its significance and offering tips on how to master it.
Understanding the JLPT N4 Kanji List
The JLPT N4 level is designed for learners who have mastered basic Japanese grammar and vocabulary. At this stage, you’ll encounter approximately 103 kanji characters as part of the test syllabus. These kanji are carefully selected to cover a range of everyday situations, allowing learners to comprehend and communicate effectively in various contexts.
The N4 kanji list includes fundamental characters such as numbers, days of the week, directions, and common verbs and adjectives. Mastering these kanji not only enhances your reading comprehension but also expands your ability to recognize and use essential vocabulary in written form.
Tips for Mastering the N4 Kanji List
- Consistent Practice: Regular practice is key to mastering kanji. Allocate a specific time each day to study kanji characters and their meanings. Flashcards, kanji workbooks, or online resources can be valuable tools for practice.
- Break it Down: Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to learn all the kanji at once. Break down the list into smaller, manageable chunks and focus on mastering a few characters at a time. Gradually increase the difficulty as you become more comfortable.
- Contextual Learning: Kanji are often easier to remember when learned in context. Try to associate each kanji with words or phrases that use it. Create sentences or short paragraphs using the kanji you’ve learned to reinforce your understanding.
- Writing Practice: While reading and recognizing kanji is important, don’t neglect writing practice. Repetition is key to memorizing stroke order and character structure. Use grid paper or apps with stroke order diagrams to practice writing each kanji correctly.
- Review Regularly: Consistent review is essential for retaining kanji knowledge. Set aside time each week to review previously learned characters and reinforce your understanding. Spaced repetition systems (SRS) can be helpful for scheduling review sessions.
- Apply What You Learn: Look for opportunities to apply the kanji you’ve learned in real-life situations. Whether it’s reading signs, menus, or Japanese text online, actively seek out opportunities to practice your kanji skills in context.
JLPT N4 kanji List
| Kanji | Romaji | Meaning |
| 住宅 | jūtaku | residence, housing |
| 家具 | kagu | furniture |
| 電気 | denki | electricity, electric |
| 階段 | kaidan | stairs |
| 洗濯機 | sentakuki | washing machine |
| 冷蔵庫 | reizōko | refrigerator |
| 掃除機 | sōjikī | vacuum cleaner |
| 布団 | futon | futon (Japanese bedding) |
| 銀行 | ginkō | bank |
| 郵便局 | yūbinkyoku | post office |
| 病院 | byōin | hospital |
| 学校 | gakkō | school |
| 図書館 | toshokan | library |
| 警察 | keisatsu | police |
| 火事 | kajiri | fire |
| 事故 | jiko | accident |
| 怪我 | kega | injury |
| 薬 | kusuri | medicine |
| 病気 | byōki | illness |
| 先生 | sensei | teacher |
| 生徒 | seito | student |
| 友達 | tomodachi | friend |
| 家族 | kazoku | family |
| 父親 | chichioya | father |
| 母親 | hahaoya | mother |
| 息子 | musuko | son |
| 娘 | musume | daughter |
| 祖父 | sofu | grandfather |
| 祖母 | sobo | grandmother |
| 結婚 | kekkon | marriage |
| 誕生 | tanjō | birth |
| 死ぬ | shinu | to die |
| 食べる | taberu | to eat |
| 飲む | nomu | to drink |
| 寝る | neru | to sleep |
| 着る | kiru | to wear |
| 見る | miru | to see |
| 聞く | kiku | to hear |
| 話す | hanasu | to speak |
| 書く | kaku | to write |
| 読む | yomu | to read |
| 行く | iku | to go |
| 来る | kuru | to come |
| 返事 | hensaji | reply, answer |
| 時間 | jikan | time |
| 買い物 | kaimono | shopping |
| 市場 | ichiba | market |
| 勉強 | benkyō | study |
| 仕事 | shigoto | work |
| 休み | yasumi | holiday, rest |
| 曜日 | youbi | day of the week |
| 天気 | tenki | weather |
Conclusion
Mastering the JLPT N4 kanji list is a significant milestone on your journey to Japanese proficiency. By dedicating time and effort to study and practice, you’ll build a strong foundation in kanji recognition and comprehension. Remember that language learning is a gradual process, so be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. With determination and consistent effort, you’ll be well on your way to conquering the JLPT N4 and advancing to higher levels of Japanese proficiency. Ganbatte kudasai (頑張ってください) – good luck!
