Complete JLPT N5 Kanji List: Master All 104 Characters

Are you preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test but feeling overwhelmed by kanji? You’re not alone. The JLPT N5 kanji list contains approximately 100 characters that every beginner needs to master—but memorizing strange symbols with multiple readings and meanings can feel like an impossible task without the right approach.

Having taught hundreds of students who successfully passed the JLPT N5, I’ve seen firsthand that kanji mastery doesn’t need to be a struggle. With proper organization, effective study techniques, and the right resources, you can confidently learn the entire JLPT N5 kanji list in just 2-3 months of consistent practice.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the complete JLPT N5 kanji list, share proven memorization strategies, and provide valuable context that will help you not just memorize, but truly understand these essential characters.

What Exactly Is the JLPT N5 Kanji List?

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is divided into five levels, with N5 being the entry level. While the Japan Foundation doesn’t publish an official JLPT N5 kanji list, analysis of past exams and preparation materials indicates that around 100-104 kanji consistently appear at this level.

These kanji represent the foundational characters every Japanese learner should know, covering basic concepts like:

• Numbers (一, 二, 三, etc.)
• Directions (上, 下, 北, 南, etc.)
• Time (日, 月, 年, etc.)
• People (人, 女, 男, etc.)
• Common objects and concepts (本, 水, 火, etc.)

As I explained in my Japanese Grammar Lessons article, having a strong kanji foundation significantly accelerates your overall language learning by making grammar and vocabulary acquisition more intuitive.

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The Complete JLPT N5 Kanji List: Organized for Effective Learning

Rather than presenting the JLPT N5 kanji list as one overwhelming collection, I’ve organized these 104 characters into logical categories to help you build meaningful connections as you learn.

Numbers and Counting Kanji

Example usage:

• 一人で行きます。 (Hitori de ikimasu.) “I’ll go alone.” (Literally: “I’ll go as one person.”)

Time and Calendar Kanji

Example usage:

• 来年日本に行きます。 (Rainen Nihon ni ikimasu.) “I will go to Japan next year.”

Directional and Spatial Kanji

Example usage:

• 駅の北に大きい公園があります。 (Eki no kita ni ōkii kōen ga arimasu.) “There is a big park north of the station.”

People and Family Kanji

Example usage:

• 友達と映画を見ました。 (Tomodachi to eiga o mimashita.) “I watched a movie with my friend.”

Nature and Elements Kanji

Example usage:

• 山に登るのが好きです。 (Yama ni noboru no ga suki desu.) “I like climbing mountains.”

Common Actions and States Kanji

Example usage:

• 本を読むのが趣味です。 (Hon o yomu no ga shumi desu.) “Reading books is my hobby.”

Common Objects and Concepts Kanji

Example usage:

• この本は日本語で書いてあります。 (Kono hon wa nihongo de kaite arimasu.) “This book is written in Japanese.”

Descriptive Kanji

Example usage:

• 新しい車を買いました。 (Atarashii kuruma o kaimashita.) “I bought a new car.”

How to Learn the JLPT N5 Kanji List Effectively

Now that you have the complete JLPT N5 kanji list, let’s explore the most effective strategies for mastering these characters. As I mentioned in my Japanese Numbers 1-100 article, a structured approach makes even the most challenging aspects of Japanese more manageable.

1. Focus on the Most Frequent Kanji First

While all the kanji on the JLPT N5 kanji list are important, some appear much more frequently in everyday Japanese. Start with these high-frequency characters:

• 日 (day, sun)
• 一 (one)
• 人 (person)
• 大 (big)
• 年 (year)
• 本 (book)
• 中 (middle)
• 出 (exit)
• 時 (time)
• 上 (up)

By mastering these first, you’ll quickly be able to recognize parts of many common words, which will motivate you to continue learning.

2. Learn Kanji in Context, Not in Isolation

Rather than memorizing kanji as isolated characters, learn them within common vocabulary words. For example:

• 人 (person): 日本人 (nihonjin – Japanese person), 外国人 (gaikokujin – foreigner)
• 学 (study): 学生 (gakusei – student), 大学 (daigaku – university)
• 食 (eat): 食べる (taberu – to eat), 食事 (shokuji – meal)

This approach helps you understand how kanji function in real Japanese and improves your vocabulary simultaneously.

3. Use the Mnemonic Method

Create memorable stories or images that connect the kanji’s shape to its meaning. For example:

• 木 (tree): Looks like a tree with branches and roots
• 口 (mouth): Resembles an open mouth
• 山 (mountain): Depicts three mountain peaks
• 川 (river): Represents flowing water with its three lines

These visual associations create stronger memory hooks than rote memorization alone.

4. Practice Writing Regularly

While the JLPT is a reading test, writing kanji helps cement them in your memory. For each new character you learn:

1. Study the stroke order
2. Practice writing it 10-15 times
3. Write common vocabulary words containing that kanji
4. Create and write simple sentences using those words

Just 15 minutes of daily writing practice dramatically improves retention.

5. Use Spaced Repetition Systems (SRS)

SRS tools like Anki or digital flashcard apps optimize your review schedule based on how well you remember each kanji. This ensures you spend more time on difficult characters and less on ones you know well.

When creating flashcards for the JLPT N5 kanji list, include:

• The kanji itself
• Its readings (both onyomi and kunyomi)
• 1-2 common vocabulary words
• A mnemonic device or memory hint

6. Study Kanji Radicals

Many kanji are composed of smaller components called radicals. Learning these building blocks helps you recognize patterns across multiple characters. Common radicals in the JLPT N5 kanji list include:

• 人 (person) – appears in 入, 休, etc.
• 口 (mouth) – appears in 話, 名, etc.
• 日 (sun/day) – appears in 明, 時, etc.
• 木 (tree) – appears in 本, 森, etc.

Understanding these components makes learning new kanji much easier.

Common Challenges and Solutions for JLPT N5 Kanji Mastery

Challenge: Confusing Similar-Looking Kanji

Some kanji on the JLPT N5 kanji list look deceptively similar:

• 土 (soil) vs. 士 (warrior)
• 午 (noon) vs. 牛 (cow)
• 大 (big) vs. 太 (fat)
• 千 (thousand) vs. 干 (dry)

Solution: Create comparison flashcards that highlight the differences between these characters. Study them side by side until you can instantly distinguish them.

Challenge: Remembering Multiple Readings

Most kanji have at least two readings (onyomi and kunyomi), which can be overwhelming.

Solution: Focus first on learning the readings as they appear in common vocabulary words, not as isolated readings. For example, learn that 山 is read as やま (yama) in 山 (mountain) and さん (san) in 富士山 (Mount Fuji).

Challenge: Maintaining Motivation

The JLPT N5 kanji list might seem like a mountain to climb for beginners.

Solution: Set small, achievable goals like learning 5 new kanji per week. Celebrate milestones (25 kanji, 50 kanji, etc.) and use your growing knowledge to read simple texts, which provides a sense of accomplishment.

Essential JLPT N5 Kanji Practice Resources

To master the JLPT N5 kanji list, you’ll need quality practice materials. Here are my top recommendations:

1. JLPT N5 Kanji Cheat Sheet

For quick reference and efficient review, I’ve created a comprehensive JLPT N5 Kanji Cheat Sheet that organizes all 104 kanji with their readings, meanings, and common vocabulary words. This printable PDF is perfect for daily review and can be downloaded for free from our resources page.

2. JLPT N5 Practice Tests

Regular self-assessment helps identify weak areas and builds test-taking confidence. Look for N5 kanji practice tests that mimic the actual exam format, with sections on reading comprehension and kanji recognition.

3. Graded Readers

Books written specifically for Japanese learners using only JLPT N5 level kanji and vocabulary are excellent for practical application. Series like “Japanese Graded Readers” or “Tadoku” books provide engaging stories that reinforce your kanji knowledge.

4. Kanji Writing Practice Sheets

Structured writing practice improves retention and helps with character recognition. JLPT N5 kanji practice worksheets with stroke order guides are ideal for beginners.

Real JLPT N5 Kanji Test Questions: What to Expect

The JLPT doesn’t have a standalone kanji section, but tests kanji knowledge through reading comprehension. Typical question types include:

1. Kanji Reading Questions: “How do you read the underlined kanji in this sentence?” Example: 今日は買い物に行きます。 A) かいもの B) たいもの C) かいぶつ D) たいぶつ
2. Kanji Selection Questions: “Which kanji should be used in the blank?” Example: 私は毎日、学校に＿＿きます。 A) 行 B) 来 C) 言 D) 聞
3. Sentence Completion with Kanji Words: “Choose the appropriate word for the blank.” Example: 駅の＿＿に郵便局があります。 A) 前 B) 千 C) 午 D) 半

To excel on the test, practice reading complete sentences and short paragraphs that incorporate JLPT N5 kanji list characters in context.

Study Plan: Master the JLPT N5 Kanji List in 3 Months

Here’s a practical 12-week study plan to learn all 104 kanji on the JLPT N5 kanji list:

Weeks 1-4: Foundation Phase (40 Kanji)

• Daily routine: Learn 2 new kanji per day, 5 days a week
• Weekend routine: Review all kanji learned that week, practice reading simple sentences
• Focus groups: Numbers, directions, time-related kanji

Weeks 5-8: Expansion Phase (40 Kanji)

• Daily routine: Learn 2 new kanji per day, 5 days a week
• Weekend routine: Review all kanji from the current and previous weeks
• Focus groups: People, objects, nature, basic actions

Weeks 9-10: Completion Phase (24 Kanji)

• Daily routine: Learn 2-3 new kanji per day, 5 days a week
• Weekend routine: Comprehensive review of all kanji learned so far
• Focus groups: Remaining descriptive and miscellaneous kanji

Weeks 11-12: Review and Test Preparation

• Complete review of all 104 kanji
• Daily practice with authentic reading materials
• Weekly mock tests to simulate exam conditions

This structured approach ensures you’ll have adequate time to learn, review, and apply your knowledge before the examination.

FAQ About the JLPT N5 Kanji List

How many kanji are on the JLPT N5?

The JLPT N5 includes approximately 100-104 kanji characters that test-takers are expected to recognize and understand in context.

Is the JLPT N5 kanji list official?

No, the Japan Foundation does not publish an official JLPT N5 kanji list, but textbooks and prep materials have established a commonly accepted set of approximately 100-104 kanji based on past exams.

Can I pass the JLPT N5 without knowing all the kanji?

Yes, you can pass without perfect kanji knowledge, but mastering the entire JLPT N5 kanji list significantly improves your chances and makes the reading section much easier.

How long does it take to learn all JLPT N5 kanji?

With consistent daily practice of 30-45 minutes, most learners can master all 104 kanji on the JLPT N5 kanji list in about 3 months.

What’s the best way to memorize kanji for the JLPT N5?

The most effective approach combines learning kanji in context through vocabulary words, using mnemonics for visual memory, practicing writing, and implementing spaced repetition for review.

Conclusion: Your Path to JLPT N5 Kanji Mastery

Mastering the JLPT N5 kanji list is a significant milestone in your Japanese learning journey. These 104 characters form the foundation upon which you’ll build your language skills, enabling you to read simple texts, understand basic signs, and progress confidently to higher levels.

Remember that consistent practice trumps intensity—15 minutes of daily study is more effective than cramming for hours once a week. Use the structured approach outlined in this guide, take advantage of the resources provided, and be patient with yourself as you learn.

For a quick-reference tool that will accelerate your kanji learning, download our free JLPT N5 Kanji Cheat Sheet that organizes all 104 characters with their readings and meanings in an easy-to-use format.

What’s your experience with learning the JLPT N5 kanji list? Which characters do you find most challenging? Share your thoughts in the comments below!