JLPT N5 Kanji List: Complete Guide to All 112 Essential Characters
Learning kanji is one of the most exciting yet challenging parts of studying Japanese. If you are preparing for the JLPT N5 exam, mastering the JLPT N5 Kanji List is a crucial step. This level introduces you to the foundation of written Japanese, with 112 essential characters that cover everyday words, numbers, directions, and basic concepts.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the JLPT N5 Kanji List, provide meanings and examples, share tips for memorization, and even point you toward resources like JLPT N5 Kanji List PDF free download options. Whether you are a beginner or brushing up for the exam, this article will serve as your roadmap to success.
What is the JLPT N5 Kanji List?
The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is divided into five levels, with N5 being the easiest. At this level, you are expected to recognize and understand 112 kanji characters. These kanji form the building blocks of Japanese literacy, appearing in simple sentences, textbooks, and daily life.
The JLPT N5 Kanji List 2025 remains consistent with previous years, but updated study materials often include modern examples and improved explanations. By mastering these characters, you’ll be able to read basic signs, understand simple texts, and build confidence for higher levels like JLPT N4 Kanji List.
For a comprehensive introduction, you can explore learn kanji to build a strong foundation in reading and writing Japanese characters.
Complete JLPT N5 Kanji List with Meaning and Readings
We have categorized the 112 characters into logical groups to make your memorization process smoother.Each entry includes the Kanji, its On-yomi (Chinese-derived reading), Kun-yomi (native Japanese reading), and English meaning.
1. Numbers and Basic Quantities
These are the building blocks of counting and price tags.
| 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) |
2. Time and the Calendar
Essential for scheduling and understanding dates on the JLPT exam.
To prepare effectively for the exam, check out the JLPT N5 course in Delhi for structured classroom guidance and study strategies.
| 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 along with vocabulary and grammar, explore structured learning materials and practice resources provided by Japanese language learning resources.
Read more: https://www.teamlanguages.com/resources
3. Directions and Positions
Crucial for the "Reading Comprehension" section of the test.
- 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
Understanding the exam format is essential, so review the JLPT N5 exam pattern to know what types of questions to expect.
4. People and Everyday 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
5. Nature and Elements
- 山 (Yama): Mountain
- 川 (Kawa): River
- 田 (Ta): Rice field
- 天 (Ten): Heaven / Sky
- 気 (Ki): Spirit / Energy
- 空 (Sora): Sky
- 雨 (Ame): Rain
- 電 (Den): Electricity
- 花 (Hana): Flower
- 魚 (Sakana): Fish
For practice, go through sample questions for JLPT N5 to get a feel of real exam questions.
Essential Verbs for JLPT N5
In the N5 level, kanji often represent the root of a verb. You must recognize the kanji even when it is followed by hiragana (okurigana).
For learners who prefer expert guidance and classroom-based training, choosing a reputed Japanese language institute ensures systematic preparation from N5 to higher JLPT levels.
Read more: https://www.teamlanguages.com/japanese-language-institute
| 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-u |
| 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 |
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.
Make learning fun by trying Japanese learning games that reinforce kanji and vocabulary naturally.
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.
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.
If you prefer online study, learn Japanese kanji online offers flexibility and structured lessons.
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.
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.
Enroll in a JLPT N5 preparation course in Delhi for complete guidance from basics to exam readiness.
Conclusion
The JLPT N5 Kanji List is your gateway to the Japanese language.By focusing on these 112 essential characters, you are setting yourself up for success not just for the N5, but for the more advanced JLPT N4 Kanji List as well. Start with the numbers, move to time and directions, and soon you'll find yourself reading basic Japanese with ease.
Start Your JLPT N5 Preparation with Expert Support
If you want structured learning, personalized guidance, and exam-focused preparation, expert help can make your journey smoother.
For a blend of online and offline learning, explore the JLPT preparation course in Delhi online to suit your schedule.
Call Us: +91 8700956038
Address: 2/81-82, Ground Floor, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi 110092
Email Us: tls@teamlanguages.com
Take the first confident step toward mastering the JLPT N5 Kanji List and building a strong foundation in Japanese.