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Nihongo Online School > Tips for More Effective Studying > JLPT N4 Kanji List – Essential Characters, Meanings & Study Tips
JLPT N4 Kanji List – Essential Characters, Meanings & Study Tips
2024/08/30
Director: Kotaro Muramoto
Principal of Nihongo Online School
In September 2019, he founded "Nihongo Online School". Since then, has been teaching Japanese online lessons, with a total of over 1,000 students.
He has designed an individualized curriculum based on student’s needs and study goal. And is conscious of making the classes speech-centered in order to improve students’ speaking skills.
The school asks students to submit homework assignments worth 2 hours per lesson to improve faster. By supporting students with these features, students are able to efficiently improve Japanese language skills.
Mastering JLPT N4 kanji is a crucial step in your Japanese language journey. This comprehensive guide provides a complete list of N4 kanji, effective memorization techniques, and insights into other essential JLPT N4 components.
Whether you’re preparing for the test or aiming to enhance your overall Japanese proficiency, this resource offers valuable strategies and answers to common questions about the N4 level.
Contents
JLPT N4 Kanji List
| Kanji | Meaning | On’yomi | Kun’yomi | Example Words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 会 | meeting; meet | カイ (kai) | あ(う) (a(u)) | 会議 (kaigi): meeting |
| 同 | same, agree, equal | ドウ (dou) | おな(じ) (ona(ji)) | 同じ (onaji): same |
| 事 | matter, thing, fact | ジ (ji) | こと (koto) | 仕事 (shigoto): work |
| 自 | oneself | ジ (ji), シ (shi) | みずか(ら) (mizuka(ra)) | 自分 (jibun): oneself |
| 社 | company, firm, office | シャ (sha) | やしろ (yashiro) | 会社 (kaisha): company |
| 発 | departure, discharge | ハツ (hatsu), ホツ (hotsu) | – | 出発 (shuppatsu): departure |
| 者 | someone, person | シャ (sha) | もの (mono) | 若者 (wakamono): young person |
| 地 | ground, earth | チ (chi), ジ (ji) | – | 地図 (chizu): map |
| 業 | business, vocation | ギョウ (gyou) | わざ (waza) | 作業 (sagyou): operation |
| 方 | direction, person | ホウ (hou) | かた (kata) | 方法 (houhou): method |
| 新 | new | シン (shin) | あたら(しい) (atara(shii)), あら(た) (ara(ta)) | 新聞 (shinbun): newspaper |
| 場 | location, place | ジョウ (jou) | ば (ba) | 場所 (basho): place |
| 員 | employee, member | イン (in) | – | 社員 (shain): employee |
| 立 | stand up, rise | リツ (ritsu) | た(つ) (ta(tsu)) | 立つ (tatsu): to stand |
| 開 | open, unfold | カイ (kai) | ひら(く) (hira(ku)), あ(ける) (a(keru)) | 開く (hiraku): to open |
| 手 | hand | シュ (shu) | て (te) | 手紙 (tegami): letter |
| 力 | power, strength | リョク (ryoku), リキ (riki) | ちから (chikara) | 力強い (chikarazuyoi): powerful |
| 問 | question, ask | モン (mon) | と(う) (to(u)) | 質問 (shitsumon): question |
| 代 | substitute, change | ダイ (dai) | か(わり) (ka(wari)) | 代わり (kawari): substitute |
| 明 | bright, light | メイ (mei), ミョウ (myou) | あか(るい) (aka(rui)) | 明るい (akarui): bright |
| 動 | move, motion | ドウ (dou) | うご(く) (ugo(ku)) | 運動 (undou): exercise |
| 京 | capital | キョウ (kyou), ケイ (kei), キン (kin) | みやこ (miyako) | 東京 (toukyou): Tokyo |
| 目 | eye, class, look | モク (moku), ボク (boku) | め (me) | 目的 (mokuteki): purpose |
| 通 | traffic, pass through | ツウ (tsuu) | とお(る) (too(ru)), かよ(う) (kayo(u)) | 通る (tooru): to pass |
| 言 | say, word | ゲン (gen), ゴン (gon) | い(う) (i(u)), こと (koto) | 言葉 (kotoba): word |
| 理 | logic, reason | リ (ri) | – | 理由 (riyuu): reason |
| 体 | body, substance | タイ (tai) | からだ (karada) | 体操 (taisou): gymnastics |
| 田 | rice field | デン (den) | た (ta) | 田んぼ (tanbo): rice paddy |
| 主 | lord, main thing | シュ (shu) | ぬし (nushi), おも (omo) | 主人 (shujin): master |
| 題 | topic, subject | ダイ (dai) | – | 問題 (mondai): problem |
| 意 | idea, mind | イ (i) | – | 意見 (iken): opinion |
| Kanji | Meaning | On’yomi | Kun’yomi | Example Words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 意 | idea, mind | イ (i) | 意見 (iken): opinion | |
| 不 | negative, non- | フ (fu), ブ (bu) | 不便 (fuben): inconvenient | |
| 作 | make, production | サク (saku), サ (sa) | つく(る) (tsuku(ru)) | 作品 (sakuhin): work of art |
| 用 | use, employ | ヨウ (you) | もち(いる) (mochi(iru)) | 使用 (shiyou): use |
| 度 | degree, time | ド (do), タク (taku) | たび (tabi) | 今度 (kondo): this time |
| 強 | strong | キョウ (kyou), ゴウ (gou) | つよ(い) (tsuyo(i)) | 強い (tsuyoi): strong |
| 公 | public, official | コウ (kou) | 公園 (kouen): public park | |
| 持 | hold, have | ジ (ji) | も(つ) (mo(tsu)) | 持つ (motsu): to hold |
| 野 | field, plains | ヤ (ya) | の (no) | 野球 (yakyuu): baseball |
| 以 | by means of, because | イ (i) | もっ(て) (mot(te)) | 以上 (ijou): more than |
| 思 | think | シ (shi) | おも(う) (omo(u)) | 思う (omou): to think |
| 家 | house, family | カ (ka), ケ (ke) | いえ (ie), や (ya) | 家族 (kazoku): family |
| 世 | generation, world | セイ (sei), セ (se) | よ (yo) | 世界 (sekai): world |
| 多 | many, much | タ (ta) | おお(い) (oo(i)) | 多い (ooi): many |
| 正 | correct, justice | セイ (sei), ショウ (shou) | ただ(しい) (tada(shii)) | 正しい (tadashii): correct |
| 安 | peaceful, cheap | アン (an) | やす(い) (yasu(i)) | 安い (yasui): cheap |
| 院 | institution, temple | イン (in) | 病院 (byouin): hospital | |
| 心 | heart, mind | シン (shin) | こころ (kokoro) | 心配 (shinpai): worry |
| 界 | world, boundary | カイ (kai) | 世界 (sekai): world | |
| 教 | teach, religion | キョウ (kyou) | おし(える) (oshi(eru)) | 教える (oshieru): to teach |
| 文 | sentence, literature | ブン (bun), モン (mon) | ふみ (fumi) | 文章 (bunshou): sentence |
| 元 | origin, base | ゲン (gen), ガン (gan) | もと (moto) | 元気 (genki): healthy |
| 重 | heavy, important | ジュウ (juu), チョウ (chou) | おも(い) (omo(i)) | 重要 (juuyou): important |
| 近 | near, early | キン (kin) | ちか(い) (chika(i)) | 近い (chikai): near |
| 考 | consider, think | コウ (kou) | かんが(える) (kanga(eru)) | 考える (kangaeru): to think |
| 画 | picture, stroke | ガ (ga), カク (kaku) | 映画 (eiga): movie | |
| 海 | sea, ocean | カイ (kai) | うみ (umi) | 海外 (kaigai): overseas |
| 売 | sell | バイ (bai) | う(る) (u(ru)) | 売る (uru): to sell |
| 知 | know, wisdom | チ (chi) | し(る) (shi(ru)) | 知る (shiru): to know |
| Kanji | Meaning | On’yomi | Kun’yomi | Example Words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 不 | negative, non- | フ (fu), ブ (bu) | – | 不安 (fuan): anxiety |
| 作 | make, production | サク (saku), サ (sa) | つく(る) (tsuku(ru)) | 作品 (sakuhin): work of art |
| 用 | utilize, use | ヨウ (you) | もち(いる) (mochi(iru)) | 使用 (shiyou): use |
| 度 | degrees, time | ド (do), タク (taku) | たび (tabi) | 今度 (kondo): this time |
| 強 | strong | キョウ (kyou), ゴウ (gou) | つよ(い) (tsuyo(i)) | 強い (tsuyoi): strong |
| 公 | public, official | コウ (kou) | おおやけ (ooyake) | 公園 (kouen): park |
| 持 | hold, have | ジ (ji) | も(つ) (mo(tsu)) | 持つ (motsu): to hold |
| 野 | field, plain | ヤ (ya) | の (no) | 野球 (yakyuu): baseball |
| 以 | by means of, because | イ (i) | もっ(て) (mot(te)) | 以上 (ijou): more than |
| 思 | think | シ (shi) | おも(う) (omo(u)) | 思う (omou): to think |
| 家 | house, family | カ (ka), ケ (ke) | いえ (ie), や (ya) | 家族 (kazoku): family |
| 世 | generation, world | セイ (sei), セ (se) | よ (yo) | 世界 (sekai): world |
| 多 | many, much | タ (ta) | おお(い) (oo(i)) | 多い (ooi): many |
| 正 | correct, justice | セイ (sei), ショウ (shou) | ただ(しい) (tada(shii)), まさ (masa) | 正しい (tadashii): correct |
| 安 | peaceful, cheap | アン (an) | やす(い) (yasu(i)) | 安い (yasui): cheap |
| 院 | institution, temple | イン (in) | – | 病院 (byouin): hospital |
| 心 | heart, mind | シン (shin) | こころ (kokoro) | 心配 (shinpai): worry |
| 界 | world, boundary | カイ (kai) | – | 世界 (sekai): world |
| 教 | teach, faith | キョウ (kyou) | おし(える) (oshi(eru)) | 教室 (kyoushitsu): classroom |
| 文 | sentence, literature | ブン (bun), モン (mon) | ふみ (fumi) | 文章 (bunshou): sentence |
| 元 | origin, base | ゲン (gen), ガン (gan) | もと (moto) | 元気 (genki): healthy |
| 重 | heavy, important | ジュウ (juu), チョウ (chou) | おも(い) (omo(i)) | 重要 (juuyou): important |
| 近 | near, early | キン (kin) | ちか(い) (chika(i)) | 近い (chikai): near |
| 考 | consider, think | コウ (kou) | かんが(える) (kanga(eru)) | 考える (kangaeru): to think |
| 画 | picture, stroke | ガ (ga), カク (kaku) | – | 映画 (eiga): movie |
| 海 | sea, ocean | カイ (kai) | うみ (umi) | 海外 (kaigai): overseas |
| 売 | sell | バイ (bai) | う(る) (u(ru)) | 売る (uru): to sell |
| 知 | know, wisdom | チ (chi) | し(る) (shi(ru)) | 知る (shiru): to know |
| 道 | road, way | ドウ (dou) | みち (michi) | 道路 (douro): road |
| Kanji | Meaning | On’yomi | Kun’yomi | Example Words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 道 | road, way | ドウ (dou) | みち (michi) | 道路 (douro): road |
| 集 | gather, meet | シュウ (shuu) | あつ(まる) (atsu(maru)) | 集める (atsumeru): to collect |
| 別 | separate, other | ベツ (betsu) | わか(れる) (waka(reru)) | 別々 (betsubetsu): separately |
| 物 | thing, object | ブツ (butsu), モツ (motsu) | もの (mono) | 物語 (monogatari): story |
| 使 | use, send | シ (shi) | つか(う) (tsuka(u)) | 使う (tsukau): to use |
| 品 | goods, quality | ヒン (hin) | しな (shina) | 品物 (shinamono): goods |
| 計 | measure, plan | ケイ (kei) | はか(る) (haka(ru)) | 計画 (keikaku): plan |
| 死 | death, die | シ (shi) | し(ぬ) (shi(nu)) | 死ぬ (shinu): to die |
| 特 | special | トク (toku) | 特別 (tokubetsu): special | |
| 私 | I, private | シ (shi) | わたし (watashi) | 私立 (shiritsu): private (school) |
| 始 | begin, start | シ (shi) | はじ(める) (haji(meru)) | 開始 (kaishi): start |
| 朝 | morning | チョウ (chou) | あさ (asa) | 朝食 (choushoku): breakfast |
| 運 | fortune, transport | ウン (un) | はこ(ぶ) (hako(bu)) | 運転 (unten): driving |
| 終 | end, finish | シュウ (shuu) | お(わる) (o(waru)) | 終わる (owaru): to end |
| 台 | stand, counter | ダイ (dai), タイ (tai) | 台所 (daidokoro): kitchen | |
| 広 | wide, spacious | コウ (kou) | ひろ(い) (hiro(i)) | 広い (hiroi): wide |
| 住 | dwell, reside | ジュウ (juu) | す(む) (su(mu)) | 住所 (juusho): address |
| 無 | nothing, none | ム (mu), ブ (bu) | な(い) (na(i)) | 無理 (muri): impossible |
| 真 | true, real | シン (shin) | ま (ma) | 写真 (shashin): photograph |
| 有 | possess, have | ユウ (yuu), ウ (u) | あ(る) (a(ru)) | 有名 (yuumei): famous |
| 口 | mouth | コウ (kou) | くち (kuchi) | 入口 (iriguchi): entrance |
| 少 | few, little | ショウ (shou) | すく(ない) (suku(ない)) | 少し (sukoshi): a little |
| 町 | town, village | チョウ (chou) | まち (machi) | 町内 (chouнai): neighborhood |
| 料 | fee, materials | リョウ (ryou) | 料理 (ryouri): cooking | |
| 工 | craft, construction | コウ (kou), ク (ku) | 工場 (koujou): factory | |
| 建 | build | ケン (ken), コン (kon) | た(てる) (ta(teru)) | 建物 (tatemono): building |
| 空 | sky, empty | クウ (kuu) | そら (sora), あ(く) (a(ku)) | 空港 (kuukou): airport |
| 急 | urgent, sudden | キュウ (kyuu) | いそ(ぐ) (iso(gu)) | 急ぐ (isogu): to hurry |
| 止 | stop, halt | シ (shi) | と(まる) (to(maru)) | 中止 (chuushi): cancellation |
| 送 | send, escort | ソウ (sou) | おく(る) (oku(ru)) | 送る (okuru): to send |
| Kanji | Meaning | On’yomi | Kun’yomi | Example Words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 切 | cut, cutoff | セツ (setsu), サイ (sai) | き(る) (ki(ru)) | 切手 (kitte): stamp |
| 転 | revolve, turn around | テン (ten) | ころ(がる) (koro(garu)) | 転勤 (tenkin): job transfer |
| 研 | polish, study | ケン (ken) | と(ぐ) (to(gu)) | 研究 (kenkyuu): research |
| 足 | leg, foot | ソク (soku) | あし (ashi) | 足りる (tariru): to be enough |
| 究 | research, study | キュウ (kyuu) | きわ(める) (kiwa(meru)) | 研究 (kenkyuu): research |
| 楽 | comfort, ease | ガク (gaku), ラク (raku) | たの(しい) (tano(shii)) | 楽しい (tanoshii): enjoyable |
| 起 | wake up, get up | キ (ki) | お(きる) (o(kiru)) | 起こす (okosu): to wake (someone) |
| 着 | arrive, wear | チャク (chaku) | き(る) (ki(ru)) | 到着 (touchaku): arrival |
| 店 | store, shop | テン (ten) | みせ (mise) | 店員 (ten’in): store clerk |
| 病 | illness, disease | ビョウ (byou) | や(む) (ya(mu)) | 病気 (byouki): sickness |
| 質 | substance, quality | シツ (shitsu), チ (chi) | 品質 (hinshitsu): quality | |
| 待 | wait | タイ (tai) | ま(つ) (ma(tsu)) | 待つ (matsu): to wait |
| 試 | try, attempt | シ (shi) | こころ(みる) (kokoro(miru)) | 試験 (shiken): exam |
| 族 | tribe, family | ゾク (zoku) | 家族 (kazoku): family | |
| 銀 | silver | ギン (gin) | 銀行 (ginkou): bank | |
| 早 | early, fast | ソウ (sou), サッ (sat) | はや(い) (haya(i)) | 早い (hayai): early |
| 映 | reflect, project | エイ (ei) | うつ(る) (utsu(ru)) | 映画 (eiga): movie |
| 親 | parent, intimate | シン (shin) | おや (oya), した(しい) (shita(shii)) | 親切 (shinsetsu): kind |
| 験 | verify, experience | ケン (ken), ゲン (gen) | 経験 (keiken): experience | |
| 英 | England, English | エイ (ei) | 英語 (eigo): English language | |
| 医 | doctor, medicine | イ (i) | 医者 (isha): doctor | |
| 仕 | serve, work | シ (shi) | つか(える) (tsuka(eru)) | 仕事 (shigoto): work |
| 去 | go away, past | キョ (kyo), コ (ko) | さ(る) (sa(ru)) | 過去 (kako): past |
| 味 | flavor, taste | ミ (mi) | あじ (aji) | 味方 (mikata): ally |
| 写 | copy, photograph | シャ (sha) | うつ(す) (utsu(su)) | 写真 (shashin): photograph |
| 字 | character, letter | ジ (ji) | あざ (aza) | 文字 (moji): letter, character |
| 答 | answer, response | トウ (tou) | こた(える) (kota(eru)) | 返答 (hentou): reply |
| 夜 | night, evening | ヤ (ya) | よる (yoru) | 夜中 (yonaka): midnight |
| 音 | sound, noise | オン (on) | おと (oto), ね (ne) | 音楽 (ongaku): music |
| 注 | pour, concentrate on | チュウ (chuu) | そそ(ぐ) (soso(gu)) | 注意 (chuui): attention |
| 帰 | return, go back | キ (ki) | かえ(る) (kae(ru)) | 帰国 (kikoku): return to one’s country |
Tips for JLPT N4 Kanji
JLPT N4 kanji are characterized by their increased complexity compared to N5, but they still represent everyday concepts and are frequently used in daily life.
The N4 level introduces about 150 new kanji, bringing the total to around 300 when combined with N5 kanji.
Techniques to Memorize Kanji
To effectively memorize these kanji, consider employing a combination of methods. One powerful technique is the use of mnemonics, where you create vivid mental images or stories that connect the kanji’s shape, meaning, and readings.
This approach can make abstract symbols more concrete and memorable.
Regular writing practice is crucial. By physically writing the kanji, you reinforce muscle memory and improve your ability to recognize and recall them. This tactile approach complements visual learning methods.
Learning kanji in context is also highly effective. Instead of studying isolated characters, focus on how they’re used in vocabulary words and sentences. This method not only aids memorization but also enhances your understanding of kanji usage in real-life situations.
Other Essential Areas for JLPT N4
While kanji is a significant component of the JLPT N4, it’s important to remember that the test covers various aspects of Japanese language proficiency. Here are key areas to focus on:
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
N4 introduces more complex grammatical structures. Pay special attention to conditional forms, passive voice, and causative forms. Practice constructing sentences using these new patterns to solidify your understanding.
Vocabulary Expansion
Alongside kanji, expanding your vocabulary is crucial. The N4 level expects you to know about 1,500 words. Focus on words commonly used in daily conversations and simple written materials.
Reading Comprehension
Work on improving your ability to understand short passages on familiar topics. Practice reading signs, notices, and simple articles to build your comprehension skills.
Listening Skills
Enhance your ability to follow conversations on everyday topics. Use podcasts, Japanese dramas, or language learning apps to improve your listening comprehension.
See Also: Comprehensive Guide for the JLPT N4 Exam
Frequently Asked Questions about JLPT N4
Q: How many kanji are required for JLPT N4?
A: The JLPT N4 typically covers around 300 kanji, including those from the N5 level.
Q: What is the equivalent Japanese school grade level for N4?
A: N4 roughly corresponds to the latter half of elementary school in Japan, around 5th or 6th grade.
Q: What is the pass rate for JLPT N4?
A: The pass rate for N4 varies but is generally around 40-50%. However, this can fluctuate depending on the specific exam and the pool of test-takers.
Q: How long should I study to pass N4?
A: The time needed varies greatly depending on your background and study intensity. On average, learners might need 400-600 hours of study to reach N4 level, which could translate to 6-12 months of consistent study.
Q: What score is needed to pass N4?
A: To pass N4, you need to score at least 90 points out of 180 across all sections (vocabulary, grammar, and reading), and at least 19 points out of 60 in the listening section.
Q: How does N4 proficiency compare in real-world terms?
A: At N4 level, you can understand basic Japanese used in everyday situations. You can engage in simple conversations and read and understand basic written Japanese.
Remember, while these guidelines and facts are helpful, everyone’s learning journey is unique. Consistent practice and exposure to the language are key to success in JLPT N4 and beyond.
We are also offering a Japanese Online Lesson for JLPT N4 Level.
