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JLPT N2 kanji: list & requirements to pass

2025/11/23

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.

To succeed at the JLPT N2, you must develop solid proficiency with hundreds of characters and their multiple readings. This comprehensive resource walks you through everything required to build N2 kanji competency. 

Whether you’re preparing for the test or simply want to reach upper-intermediate Japanese fluency, this guide provides concrete steps and top-ranked study materials to accelerate your progress.

What are the JLPT N2 kanji requirements?

The JLPT N2 assessment contains three components: 

  • Language Knowledge
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Listening Comprehension 

Japanese Kanji N2 mastery forms the backbone of this level. You’ll encounter characters spanning professional writing, journalism, and formal correspondence. These kanji appear consistently across newspapers, workplace documents, and specialized fields, making their recognition vital for actual written Japanese beyond casual materials.

How many kanji do you need for JLPT N2?

Passing the JLPT N2 requires recognizing approximately 1,000 to 1,250 characters.
Keep in mind this cumulative total includes material from N5, N4, and N3, not just fresh N2 Kanji material.

Breaking this down by each level reveals the progression:

  • N5: 80 characters
  • N4: 170 characters
  • N3: 370 characters
  • N2: 380 characters

Total reaching N2: approximately 1,000-1,250

How long does it take to learn all N2 kanji?

Climbing to N2 kanji competency generally demands 800 to 1,000 total study hours from absolute zero. However, timing varies based on daily study commitment and your chosen approach.

  • At 3~4 hours daily: You can reach JLPT N2 from N3 within a 6–9 month window.
  • At 2~3 hours daily: 9 to 12  months of steady effort yields solid progress at a moderate pace.
  • At 1 hour daily: Expect 3.5~4 years moving from N3 toward N2 pass. 

Interestingly, study methodology influences these timelines significantly. Learners employing immersion-heavy techniques sometimes report clearing N2 in approximately 600~700 hours, while those following traditional textbook-centered paths may need closer to 2,200 cumulative hours from the starting point. 

The complete JLPT N2 kanji list (380 Characters)

The following reference table presents all 380 kanji at the JLPT N2 tier. Each entry includes character meaning, pronunciation variants, and authentic vocabulary samples demonstrating real-world application. You can reference this JLPT N2 kanji list repeatedly,many entries appear in actual testing scenarios.

N2 Kanji 1-100

KanjiMeaningOn’yomiKun’yomiExample Words
armyグンいくさ軍隊 (military), 自衛隊 (self-defense forces)
soldierヘイつわもの兵隊 (soldier), 兵士 (private)
islandトウしま日本列島 (Japanese islands), 島国 (island nation)
villageソンむら村長 (village chief), 農村 (rural village)
gateモンかど門戸 (gateway), 校門 (school gate)
door戸別訪問 (door-to-door visit)
warriorたけ武器 (weapon), 武道 (martial arts), 武装 (armed)
castleジョウしろ城下町 (castle town), 城郭 (castle fortification)
general, allソウすべ(て)総合 (comprehensive), 総務 (general affairs)
groupダンかたまり団体 (organization), 楽団 (orchestra), 団結 (unity)
lineセンすじ線路 (railway), 直線 (straight line), 曲線 (curve)
establishセツもう(ける)設置 (installation), 設定 (setting), 設立 (establishment)
forceセイいきお(い)勢い (momentum), 形勢 (situation), 勢力 (influence)
partyトウなかま政党 (political party), 野党 (opposition party), 与党 (ruling party)
history歴史 (history), 古史 (ancient history)
conductエイいとな(む)営業 (business), 営利 (profit-making), 営農 (farming)
government京都府 (Kyoto Prefecture), 政府 (government), 府知事 (prefectural governor)
rollカンま(く)巻物 (scroll), 第一巻 (volume one), 巻き込む (to involve)
mediateカイ介入 (intervention), 紹介 (introduction), 仲介 (mediation)
storehouseゾウくら蔵書 (stored books), 酒蔵 (sake brewery), 厳蔵 (treasury)
makeゾウつく(る)造成 (land development), 造船 (shipbuilding)
rootコン根拠 (basis), 根本 (fundamental), 生根 (roots)
templeてら寺院 (temple), 禅寺 (Zen temple)
investigate調査 (survey), 検査 (inspection), 査察 (inspection)
generalショウmasa(に)将来 (future), 将軍 (shogun), 将校 (military officer)
reformカイあらた(める)改善 (improvement), 改革 (reform), 改正 (revision)
prefectureケン東京都 (Tokyo), 県知事 (prefectural governor)
springセンいずみ泉水 (spring water), 温泉 (hot spring)
imageゾウ雕像 (statue), 現象 (phenomenon), 象徴 (symbol)
thinサイほそ(い)細部 (details), 細心 (careful attention), 細線 (thin line)
valleyコクたに谷間 (valley), 山谷 (mountain valley)
depthオウおく奥深い (profound), 奥義 (secret teaching), 奥様 (madam)
againサイふたた(び)再開 (restart), 再度 (once again), 再考 (reconsideration)
bloodケツ血液 (blood), 出血 (bleeding), 血管 (blood vessel)
calculateサン計算 (calculation), 算数 (arithmetic), 暗算 (mental calculation)
elephantショウかたど(る)象徴 (symbol), 現象 (phenomenon), 象牙 (ivory)
pureセイきよ(い)清潔 (clean), 清廉 (pure and honest), 清流 (clear stream)
techniqueわざ技術 (technique), 技能 (skill), 技芸 (art)
stateシュウオーストラリア州 (Australian states)
territoryリョウえり領土 (territory), 領域 (region), 領海 (territorial waters)
bridgeキョウはし橋梁 (bridge), 跨橋 (overpass)
artゲイわざ芸術 (art), 芸能 (entertainment), 歌舞伎芸 (kabuki art)
typeケイかた型紙 (template), 型通り (typical), 新型 (new model)
fragranceコウかお(り)香料 (spice), 香水 (perfume), 沈香 (aloeswood)
quantityリョウはか(る)量産 (mass production), 数量 (quantity), 容量 (capacity)
long timeキュウひさ(しい)久遠 (eternity), 久別 (long separation)
borderキョウさかい境界 (boundary), 国境 (national border), 市境 (municipal boundary)
stairカイきざはし階段 (staircase), 階級 (class/rank)
district地区 (district), 区別 (distinction), 区域 (area)
waveなみ波動 (wave motion), 波長 (wavelength), 音波 (sound wave)
moveうつ(る)移動 (movement), 移転 (relocation), 移住 (migration)
regionイキ地域 (region), 領域 (domain), 区域 (area)
circumferenceシュウまわ(り)周辺 (surroundings), 周期 (period/cycle), 一周年 (first anniversary)
touchセツつ(ぐ)接触 (contact), 接近 (approach), 直接 (direct)
ironテツくろがね鉄道 (railroad), 鉄鋼 (steel), 鉄板 (iron plate)
aroundケイころ最近の頃 (recent times), 頃日 (the other day)
materialザイ材料 (material), 木材 (timber), 素材 (raw material)
individual個人 (individual), 個性 (individuality), 個数 (number of items)
cooperationキョウ協力 (cooperation), 協会 (association), 協定 (agreement)
eachカクおのおの各地 (every place), 各自 (each person), 各部門 (each division)
beltタイお(びる)帯域 (zone), 帯電 (electrification)
historyレキ歴史 (history), 経歴 (career history), 履歴 (record)
editヘンあ(む)編成 (organization), 編集 (editing), 編著 (compiled work)
backうら裏側 (back side), 表裏 (front and back), 中裏 (inside)
compareくら(べる)比較 (comparison), 比率 (ratio), 比例 (proportion)
slopeハンさか坂道 (slope), 急坂 (steep slope)
attireソウよそお(う)装備 (equipment), 装甲 (armor), 装飾 (decoration)
ministryセイかえり(みる)省庁 (government ministry), 省略 (abbreviation), 節省 (economizing)
taxゼイ所得税 (income tax), 税務 (taxation), 消費税 (consumption tax)
competeキョウきそ(う)競争 (competition), 競技 (sport), 競合 (rivalry)
surroundかこ(む)囲碁 (Go game), 囲む (to surround), 取囲 (encirclement)
edgeヘンあた(り)周辺 (periphery), 近辺 (near vicinity), 山辺 (mountainside)
riverかわ河口 (river mouth), 河川 (rivers), 河岸 (riverbank)
poleキョクきわ(める)極端 (extreme), 北極 (North Pole), 極限 (limit)
defendボウふせ(ぐ)防止 (prevention), 国防 (national defense), 防水 (waterproof)
lowテイひく(い)低迷 (decline), 低下 (decrease), 低気圧 (low pressure)
groveリンはやし林業 (forestry), 竹林 (bamboo grove), 雑木林 (mixed woods)
guideドウみちび(く)指導 (guidance), 導入 (introduction), 導出 (derivation)
forestシンもり森林 (forest), 深い森 (deep forest)
roundガンまる丸形 (round shape), 丸暗記 (rote memorization)
chestキョウむね胸部 (chest), 胸痛 (chest pain), 胸像 (bust sculpture)
landリクおか陸地 (land), 陸路 (overland route), 陸上 (on land)
healリョウ治療 (treatment), 療法 (therapy), 療養 (recuperation)
variousショもろ諸国 (various countries), 諸問題 (various issues), 諸般 (various)
pipeカンくだ管理 (management), 管轄 (jurisdiction), 管状 (tubular)
friendチュウなか仲介 (mediation), 仲裁 (arbitration), 仲間 (companion)
reformカクかわ改革 (reform), 革命 (revolution), 皮革 (leather)
carryタンかつ(ぐ)担当 (charge), 分担 (sharing), 担任 (homeroom teacher)
effectコウき(く)効果 (effect), 有効 (effective), 効力 (efficacy)
prizeショウほ(める)賞金 (prize money), ノーベル賞 (Nobel Prize), 優賞 (award)
starセイほし星座 (constellation), 流れ星 (shooting star), 明星 (bright star)
restoreフクまた復活 (revival), 復旧 (restoration), 復帰 (return)
one-sidedヘンかた片側 (one side), 片方 (one of a pair), 片言 (broken language)
line upヘイなみ並列 (parallel), 並行 (running parallel), 並ぶ (to line up)
bottomテイそこ底面 (bottom surface), 底部 (bottom), 海底 (sea bottom)
warmオンあたた(かい)温度 (temperature), 温泉 (hot spring), 温和 (gentle)
lightケイかる(い)軽減 (mitigation), 軽視 (underestimation), 軽車両 (light vehicle)
recordロクと(る)記録 (record), 録画 (recording), 録音 (audio recording)
waistヨウこし腰痛 (lower back pain), 腰掛 (sitting down), 腰部 (waist area)
famousチョあらわ(す)著作 (literary work), 著者 (author), 著述 (writing)
disorderランみだ(れる)混乱 (confusion), 乱闘 (brawl), 反乱 (rebellion)
chapterショウ章立て (chapter structure), 第一章 (Chapter one), 序章 (prologue)
殿palaceデンとの殿下 (Your Highness), 本殿 (main hall)
clothぬの布地 (cloth), 布製 (made of cloth), 麻布 (hemp cloth)
cornerカクかど角度 (angle), 四角形 (quadrilateral), 直角 (right angle)
Buddhaブツほとけ仏教 (Buddhism), 仏像 (Buddha statue)
eternityエイなが(い)永遠 (eternity), 永住 (permanent residence), 永年 (long years)
magazine雑誌 (magazine), 機関誌 (house organ)
decreaseゲンへ(る)減少 (decrease), 削減 (reduction), 減速 (deceleration)
abbreviateリャクほぼ省略 (abbreviation), 略図 (sketch map), 略称 (abbreviation)
semiジュン準備 (preparation), 準優勝 (runner-up), 準急 (semi-express)
entrustゆだ(ねる)委員会 (committee), 委任 (delegation), 委譲 (transfer)
orderレイ命令 (order), 法令 (ordinance), 政令 (government ordinance)
publishカン出刊 (publication), 週刊 (weekly), 月刊 (monthly)
bakeショウや(く)焼成 (firing), 焼却 (incineration), 焼き物 (pottery)
villageさと故里 (hometown), 里山 (village mountain)
pressureアツお(す)圧力 (pressure), 圧倒 (overwhelming), 気圧 (atmospheric pressure)
amountガクひたい金額 (amount), 額面 (face value), 領収額 (amount received)
stampインしるし印鑑 (seal), 印刷 (printing), 指紋 (fingerprint)
pondいけ池畔 (pond edge), 庭池 (garden pond)

N2 Kanji 101-200

KanjiMeaningOn’yomiKun’yomiExample Words
retainerシン家臣 (retainer), 大臣 (minister), 属臣 (vassal)
warehouseくら倉庫 (warehouse), 書庫 (book storage), 冷蔵庫 (refrigerator)
agricultureノウ農業 (agriculture), 農村 (rural area), 農民 (farmer)
boardハンいた板材 (board), 板張 (wooden planking), 板金 (sheet metal)
romanceレンこい(しい)恋愛 (romance), 初恋 (first love), 恋しい (yearning for)
feather羽根 (wing feather), 羽毛 (feathers)
specialtyセン専門 (specialty), 専攻 (major), 専任 (full-time)
reverseギャクさか(らう)逆転 (reversal), 逆流 (counter-current), 逆さ (upside down)
armワンうで腕力 (arm strength), 腕利き (skillful), 腕前 (ability)
shortタンみじか(い)短縮 (shortening), 短期 (short-term), 短編 (short story)
universalあまね(く)普及 (popularization), 普通 (common), 普遍 (universal)
rockガンいわ岩盤 (bedrock), 岩石 (rock), 巨岩 (boulder)
bambooチクたけ竹林 (bamboo grove), 竹製 (bamboo made), 竹細工 (bamboo craft)
child小児 (small child), 幼児 (infant), 児童 (child)
hairモウ毛髪 (hair), 毛皮 (fur), 毛織物 (woolen cloth)
editionハン出版 (publication), 版元 (publisher), 版権 (copyright)
space宇宙 (space), 宇宙人 (alien)
situationキョウ状況 (situation), 情況 (circumstances)
coverこうむ(る)被害 (damage), 被告 (defendant), 被保険者 (insured person)
shoreガンきし岸壁 (quay), 河岸 (riverbank), 海岸 (seashore)
exceedチョウこ(える)超過 (excess), 超越 (transcendence), 超音速 (supersonic)
abundantホウゆた(か)豊富 (abundant), 豊かな生活 (rich life)
containガンふく(む)含有 (containment), 内含 (implicit), 含意 (implication)
plantショクう(える)植林 (afforestation), 植民 (colonization), 植物 (plant)
supplementおぎな(う)補助 (subsidy), 補充 (replenishment), 補完 (complementarity)
violenceボウあば(く)暴力 (violence), 暴露 (exposure), 暴動 (riot)
lesson課題 (subject), 税課 (tax division), 課程 (course)
traceセキあと遺跡 (ruins), 跡地 (site), 足跡 (footprint)
touchショクふ(れる)接触 (contact), 触発 (instigation), 触媒 (catalyst)
jewelギョクたま宝玉 (precious stone), 玉石 (jewel and stone), 玉造 (bead making)
shakeシンふる(う)地震 (earthquake), 震動 (vibration), 共震 (sympathetic vibration)
hundred millionオク一億 (one hundred million), 億万長者 (multimillionaire)
shoulderケンかた肩幅 (shoulder width), 肩書 (title), 肩車 (piggyback)
dramaゲキ劇場 (theater), 劇作 (playwriting), 戯劇 (drama)
pierceさ(す)刺激 (stimulation), 刺繍 (embroidery), 反刺 (counterattack)
stateジュツの(べる)述べる (to state), 論述 (narrative), 所述 (aforementioned)
wheelリン輪ゴム (rubber band), 車輪 (wheel), 指輪 (ring)
shallowセンasa(i)浅深 (shallowness and depth), 浅黄 (pale yellow)
pureジュン純粋 (pure), 純金 (pure gold), 単純 (simple)
thinハクうす(い)薄板 (thin plate), 薄紙 (thin paper), 薄利 (small profit)
slopeハン大阪 (Osaka)
Koreaカン韓国 (South Korea)
solidかた(める)固定 (fixation), 固体 (solid), 固有 (inherent)
hugeキョ巨人 (giant), 巨額 (huge sum), 巨大 (gigantic)
lectureコウ講座 (lecture), 講演 (speech), 講義 (lecture)
generalハン一般 (general), 百般 (all kinds), 万般 (all matters)
hot waterトウ温湯 (warm water), 湯沸し (boiling water), 湯浴み (bathing)
abandonシャす(てる)捨去 (abandonment), 捨身 (self-sacrifice)
garmentころも衣服 (clothing), 衣装 (costume), 衣類 (garments)
exchangeタイか(わる)交替 (replacement), 代替 (substitute), 替え玉 (substitute)
centerオウ中央 (center), 央行 (central bank)
boneコツほね骨組 (skeleton frame), 骨髄 (bone marrow), 骨粉 (bone meal)
ageレイよわい年齢 (age), 同齢 (same age), 老齢 (old age)
shineショウて(る)照射 (irradiation), 照明 (lighting), 照合 (collation)
layerソウ層別 (stratification), 階層 (social class), 地層 (geological layer)
weakジャクよわ(い)弱体化 (weakening), 弱点 (weak point), 弱者 (weak person)
buildチクきず(く)築造 (construction), 築城 (castle building), 新築 (newly built)
brainノウ脳卒中 (stroke), 脳死 (brain death), 脳裏 (mind)
navigateコウ航海 (voyage), 航空 (aviation), 航行 (navigation)
cheerfulカイこころよ(い)快感 (pleasant sensation), 快速 (rapid), 爽快 (refreshing)
nextヨク翌日 (next day), 翌週 (next week), 翌年 (next year)
oldキュウふる(い)旧式 (old-fashioned), 旧友 (old friend), 旧暦 (lunar calendar)
brushヒツふで筆跡 (handwriting), 筆記 (writing), 筆者 (author)
exchangeカンか(える)両替 (exchange), 換金 (conversion to cash), 乗換 (transfer)
flockグンむ(れる)群集 (crowd), 群馬県 (Gunma Prefecture)
explodeバクは(ぜる)爆発 (explosion), 爆撃 (bombing)
searchソウsaga(す)捜索 (search), 捜査 (investigation)
oilあぶら油田 (oil field), 油流出 (oil spill), 油脂 (oil and fat)
shoutキョウsake(bu)叫声 (shout), 絶叫 (scream)
extendシンの(びる)伸長 (extension), 伸展 (stretching), 伸びる (to extend)
acceptショウうけたまわ(る)承認 (approval), 承知 (acknowledgment), 引受承諾 (acceptance)
cloudウンくも雲量 (cloud cover), 雲海 (sea of clouds)
practiceレンね(る)練習 (practice), 錬金術 (alchemy), 練成 (forging)
introduceショウ紹介 (introduction), 推薦 (recommendation)
wrapホウつつ(む)包装 (packaging), 包括 (inclusion), 包含 (contain)
officeチョウやくしょ都庁 (metropolitan government office), 庁舎 (government building)
measureソクはか(る)測定 (measurement), 測量 (surveying), 推測 (conjecture)
occupyセンし(める)占有 (occupation), 占拠 (seizure), 占星術 (astrology)
mixコンま(じる)混合 (mixing), 混雑 (congestion), 混乱 (confusion)
doubleバイ倍増 (doubling), 倍数 (multiple), 二倍 (double)
milkニュウちち乳製品 (dairy products), 乳幼児 (infants), 乳離れ (weaning)
roughコウあら(い)荒天 (rough weather), 荒廃 (desolation), 荒削り (rough-hewn)
stuffキツつ(める)詰問 (interrogation), 詰所 (checkpoint), 詰め込む (to cram)
gloryエイさか(える)栄光 (glory), 栄養 (nutrition), 栄進 (advancement)
floorショウとこ床板 (floorboard), 床面 (floor surface), 花床 (flower bed)
ruleソクのっと(る)法則 (law), 原則 (principle), 規則 (regulation)
forbidキン禁止 (prohibition), 禁煙 (non-smoking), 禁用 (prohibited use)
orderジュン順序 (order), 順調 (smooth), 順位 (rank)
counterマイ一枚の紙 (one sheet of paper), 複数枚 (multiple sheets)
thickコウあつ(い)厚板 (thick plate), 厚物 (thick cloth), 厚情 (kindness)
skinかわ皮膚 (skin), 皮革 (leather), 皮下 (subcutaneous)
transport輸出 (export), 輸入 (import), 輸送 (transportation)
denseノウこ(い)濃度 (concentration), 濃厚 (thick/dense), 濃紫 (dark purple)
simpleカン簡潔 (conciseness), 簡単 (simple), 簡明 (clear and simple)
grandchildソンまご孫娘 (granddaughter), 孫息子 (grandson)
lengthジョウ身丈 (body height), 丈夫 (robust)
yellowコウ黄色 (yellow), 黄金 (gold), 黄河 (Yellow River)
deliverカイとど(ける)届け出 (notification), 配達 (delivery), 届く (to reach)
entangleラクから(む)絡み合う (to intertwine), 絡繰 (mechanism)
pickサイと(る)採用 (adoption), 採集 (collection), 採掘 (excavation)
leanケイかたむ(く)傾向 (trend), 傾斜 (inclination), 傾く (to lean)
noseはな鼻腔 (nasal cavity), 鼻血 (nosebleed)
treasureホウたから宝物 (treasure), 宝庫 (treasure trove)
afflictカンわずら(う)患者 (patient), 患部 (affected area), 患難 (suffering)
extendエンの(びる)延長 (extension), 延期 (postponement), 延べ (total)
lawリツ律令 (law and ordinance), 自律 (autonomy), 規律 (discipline)
hopeまれ希少 (rare), 希望 (hope), 希薄 (thin)
sweetカンあま(い)甘味 (sweetness), 甘辛い (sweet and spicy), 甘党 (sweet-toothed person)
bayワン湾曲 (curvature), 東京湾 (Tokyo Bay)
sinkチンしず(む)沈下 (subsidence), 沈静 (calmness), 沈黙 (silence)
sellハン販売 (sales), 販路 (sales channel), 販売店 (retail store)
Europeオウ欧米 (Europe and America), ヨーロッパ (Europe)
sandすな砂漠 (desert), 砂利 (gravel), 砂糖 (sugar)
reveredソンとうと(い)尊敬 (respect), 尊重 (esteem), 尊重意識 (respect consciousness)
crimsonコウべに紅葉 (autumn leaves), 紅血球 (red blood cell)
doubleフク複合 (combination), 複数 (plural), 複雑 (complex)
overnightハクと(まる)泊船 (anchored ship), 一泊 (one night’s stay)
cargo荷物 (baggage), 運送荷物 (shipped cargo)
branchえだ枝葉 (twigs and leaves), 樹枝 (tree branch)
relyよ(る)依頼 (request), 依存 (dependence), 依拠 (basis)
infancyヨウおさな(い)幼児 (young child), 幼稚園 (kindergarten), 幼少 (childhood)
cutザンき(る)斬撃 (slash attack), 斬首 (beheading)
courageユウいさ(む)勇気 (courage), 勇敢 (brave), 勇士 (brave soldier)
riseショウのぼ(る)昇進 (promotion), 昇格 (advancement), 昇天 (ascension)
寿longevityジュ寿命 (lifespan), 長寿 (longevity)
vegetableサイ野菜 (vegetables), 菜食 (vegetarianism)
season季節 (season), 季刊 (quarterly), 四季 (four seasons)
liquidエキ液体 (liquid), 液晶 (liquid crystal), 体液 (body fluid)
ticketケン切符 (ticket), 乗車券 (transportation ticket), 商品券 (gift certificate)
festivalサイまつり祭祀 (religious rite), 文化祭 (cultural festival), 学園祭 (school festival)
bagタイふくろ袋詰 (packing in bags), 紙袋 (paper bag)
burnネンも(える)燃焼 (combustion), 燃料 (fuel), 燃費 (fuel consumption)
poisonドク毒性 (toxicity), 毒物 (poison), 解毒 (antidote)
ticketサツふだ札幌 (Sapporo), 札束 (bundle of notes)
aimねら(う)狙撃 (sniping), 狙撃手 (sniper)
sideキョウわき脇腹 (side of abdomen), 脇役 (supporting role)
graduateソツそっ(する)卒業 (graduation), 卒業式 (graduation ceremony), 大卒 (college graduate)
viceフク副作用 (side effect), 副社長 (vice president), 副知事 (vice governor)
respectケイうやま(う)敬意 (respect), 敬礼 (salute), 尊敬 (respect)
needleシンはり針葉樹 (coniferous tree), 縫い針 (sewing needle)
worshipハイおが(む)拝礼 (worship), 拝殿 (worship hall)
batheヨクあ(びる)浴場 (bathhouse), 浴衣 (summer kimono), 浴びる (to bathe)
worryノウなや(む)悩み (worry), 悩ましい (bothersome)
dirtyよご(す)汚染 (pollution), 汚れ (dirt), 汚濁 (murky)
lightトウ灯火 (light), 街灯 (streetlight), 灯台 (lighthouse)
boyボウ坊主 (bald head), 坊ちゃん (young master)
buttocksしり尻拭い (cleaning up), 尻込み (hesitation)
tearルイなみだ涙ぐましい (touching), 涙目 (tearful eyes)
stopテイと(める)停車 (stopping), 停電 (blackout), 停止 (halt)
completeリョウ了解 (understanding), 了承 (agreement), 了知 (knowledge)
sweatカンあせ汗水 (sweat), 冷や汗 (cold sweat), 汗ばむ (to perspire)
mailユウ郵便 (mail), 郵送 (mailing), 郵便局 (post office)
widthフクはば幅広い (wide), 幅員 (width), 道路幅 (road width)
childドウわらべ童話 (fairy tale), 童謡 (children’s song), 童心 (childlike heart)
insectチュウむし虫歯 (cavity), 虫刺され (insect bite), 昆虫 (insect)
buryマイう(める)埋蔵 (buried storage), 埋め込む (to embed)
boatシュウふね舟遊び (boating), 小舟 (small boat)
darknessアンやみ闇市場 (black market), 闇金融 (loan shark)
stickボウ棒読み (monotone reading), 棒グラフ (bar graph)
goodsたから貨物 (cargo), 貨幣 (currency)
skinはだ肌着 (undergarment), 肌色 (skin color), 肌触り (feel of skin)
organゾウはらわた臓器 (organ), 五臓六腑 (internal organs)
saltエンしお塩漬け (salt-pickled), 食塩 (table salt), 塩化 (chlorination)
equalキンなら(す)均等 (equal), 均衡 (balance), 均一 (uniform)
lakeみずうみ淡水湖 (freshwater lake), 湖畔 (lakeside)
lossソンそこ(なう)損失 (loss), 損害 (damage), 損益 (profit and loss)
kneeシツひざ膝小僧 (kneecap), 膝を突く (to kneel)
spicyシンから(い)辛苦 (hardship), 辛辣 (caustic), 辛酸 (bitterness)
pairソウふた双眼鏡 (binoculars), 双子 (twins)
counterケンのき一軒家 (single house), 商店街の軒数 (number of stores)
achievementセキ実績 (results), 戦績 (battle record), 成績 (grades)
dryカンほ(す)干天 (drought), 干し肉 (dried meat), 干渉 (interference)
surnameセイ姓名 (full name), 姓氏 (surname)
digクツほ(る)掘削 (excavation), 掘り出す (to unearth)
registerセキ籍を置く (to register), 戸籍 (family register)
rareチンめずら(しい)珍しい (rare), 珍品 (rare article), 珍獣 (rare animal)
instructionクンよ(む)訓読 (native Japanese reading), 訓示 (instruction)
entrustあず(ける)預金 (bank deposit), 預け荷物 (checked luggage)
officeショ警察署 (police station), 税務署 (tax office)
fishingギョあさ(る)漁業 (fishing industry), 漁村 (fishing village)
greenリョクみどり緑茶 (green tea), 緑地 (green space), 新緑 (fresh greenery)

N2 Kanji 201-300

KanjiMeaningOn’yomiKun’yomiExample Words
mailユウ郵便 (mail), 郵送 (mailing), 郵便局 (post office)
friendチュウなか仲介 (mediation), 仲裁 (arbitration), 仲間 (companion)
gloryエイさか(える)栄光 (glory), 栄養 (nutrition), 栄進 (advancement)
ticketサツふだ札幌 (Sapporo), 札束 (bundle of notes)
boardハンいた板材 (board), 板張 (wooden planking), 板金 (sheet metal)
boneコツほね骨組 (skeleton frame), 骨髄 (bone marrow), 骨粉 (bone meal)
leanケイかたむ(く)傾向 (trend), 傾斜 (inclination), 傾く (to lean)
deliverカイとど(ける)届け出 (notification), 配達 (delivery), 届く (to reach)
rollカンま(く)巻物 (scroll), 第一巻 (volume one), 巻き込む (to involve)
burnネンも(える)燃焼 (combustion), 燃料 (fuel), 燃費 (fuel consumption)
traceセキあと遺跡 (ruins), 跡地 (site), 足跡 (footprint)
wrapホウつつ(む)包装 (packaging), 包括 (inclusion), 包含 (contain)
stationedチュウ駐車 (parking), 駐在 (station), 駐屯 (garrison)
weakジャクよわ(い)弱体化 (weakening), 弱点 (weak point), 弱者 (weak person)
introduceショウ紹介 (introduction), 推薦 (recommendation)
employやと(う)雇用 (employment), 雇用契約 (employment contract)
exchangeタイか(わる)交替 (replacement), 代替 (substitute), 替え玉 (substitute)
entrustあず(ける)預金 (bank deposit), 預け荷物 (checked luggage)
bakeショウや(く)焼成 (firing), 焼却 (incineration), 焼き物 (pottery)
simpleカン簡潔 (conciseness), 簡単 (simple), 簡明 (clear and simple)
chapterショウ章立て (chapter structure), 第一章 (Chapter one), 序章 (prologue)
organゾウはらわた臓器 (organ), 五臓六腑 (internal organs)
lawリツ律令 (law and ordinance), 自律 (autonomy), 規律 (discipline)
giveゾウおく(る)贈呈 (presentation), 贈り物 (gift), 贈答 (gift exchange)
shineショウて(る)照射 (irradiation), 照明 (lighting), 照合 (collation)
thinハクうす(い)薄板 (thin plate), 薄紙 (thin paper), 薄利 (small profit)
flockグンむ(れる)群集 (crowd), 群馬県 (Gunma Prefecture)
secondビョウ秒針 (second hand), 1秒 (one second)
depthオウおく奥深い (profound), 奥義 (secret teaching), 奥様 (madam)
stuffキツつ(める)詰問 (interrogation), 詰所 (checkpoint), 詰め込む (to cram)
pairソウふた双眼鏡 (binoculars), 双子 (twins)
pierceさ(す)刺激 (stimulation), 刺繍 (embroidery), 反刺 (counterattack)
pureジュン純粋 (pure), 純金 (pure gold), 単純 (simple)
nextヨク翌日 (next day), 翌週 (next week), 翌年 (next year)
cheerfulカイこころよ(い)快感 (pleasant sensation), 快速 (rapid), 爽快 (refreshing)
one-sidedヘンかた片側 (one side), 片方 (one of a pair), 片言 (broken language)
respectケイうやま(う)敬意 (respect), 敬礼 (salute), 尊敬 (respect)
worryノウなや(む)悩み (worry), 悩ましい (bothersome)
springセンいずみ泉水 (spring water), 温泉 (hot spring)
skinかわ皮膚 (skin), 皮革 (leather), 皮下 (subcutaneous)
fishingギョあさ(る)漁業 (fishing industry), 漁村 (fishing village)
roughコウあら(い)荒天 (rough weather), 荒廃 (desolation), 荒削り (rough-hewn)
saveチョた(める)貯蓄 (savings), 貯金 (bank savings)
hardコウかた(い)硬度 (hardness), 硬質 (hard quality)
buryマイう(める)埋蔵 (buried storage), 埋め込む (to embed)
pillarチュウはしら柱時計 (pillar clock), 支柱 (support), 擁壁支柱 (retaining wall support)
festivalサイまつり祭祀 (religious rite), 文化祭 (cultural festival), 学園祭 (school festival)
bagタイふくろ袋詰 (packing in bags), 紙袋 (paper bag)
brushヒツふで筆跡 (handwriting), 筆記 (writing), 筆者 (author)
instructionクンよ(む)訓読 (native Japanese reading), 訓示 (instruction)
batheヨクあ(びる)浴場 (bathhouse), 浴衣 (summer kimono), 浴びる (to bathe)
childドウわらべ童話 (fairy tale), 童謡 (children’s song), 童心 (childlike heart)
treasureホウたから宝物 (treasure), 宝庫 (treasure trove)
afflictカンわずら(う)患者 (patient), 患部 (affected area), 患難 (suffering)
extendエンの(びる)延長 (extension), 延期 (postponement), 延べ (total)
hopeまれ希少 (rare), 希望 (hope), 希薄 (thin)
bayワン湾曲 (curvature), 東京湾 (Tokyo Bay)
sinkチンしず(む)沈下 (subsidence), 沈静 (calmness), 沈黙 (silence)
sellハン販売 (sales), 販路 (sales channel), 販売店 (retail store)
Europeオウ欧米 (Europe and America), ヨーロッパ (Europe)
reveredソンとうと(い)尊敬 (respect), 尊重 (esteem), 尊重意識 (respect consciousness)
crimsonコウべに紅葉 (autumn leaves), 紅血球 (red blood cell)
doubleフク複合 (combination), 複数 (plural), 複雑 (complex)
overnightハクと(まる)泊船 (anchored ship), 一泊 (one night’s stay)
cargo荷物 (baggage), 運送荷物 (shipped cargo)
branchえだ枝葉 (twigs and leaves), 樹枝 (tree branch)
relyよ(る)依頼 (request), 依存 (dependence), 依拠 (basis)
infancyヨウおさな(い)幼児 (young child), 幼稚園 (kindergarten), 幼少 (childhood)
cutザンき(る)斬撃 (slash attack), 斬首 (beheading)
courageユウいさ(む)勇気 (courage), 勇敢 (brave), 勇士 (brave soldier)
riseショウのぼ(る)昇進 (promotion), 昇格 (advancement), 昇天 (ascension)
寿longevityジュ寿命 (lifespan), 長寿 (longevity)
vegetableサイ野菜 (vegetables), 菜食 (vegetarianism)
season季節 (season), 季刊 (quarterly), 四季 (four seasons)
liquidエキ液体 (liquid), 液晶 (liquid crystal), 体液 (body fluid)
ticketケン切符 (ticket), 乗車券 (transportation ticket), 商品券 (gift certificate)
burnネンも(える)燃焼 (combustion), 燃料 (fuel), 燃費 (fuel consumption)
poisonドク毒性 (toxicity), 毒物 (poison), 解毒 (antidote)
aimねら(う)狙撃 (sniping), 狙撃手 (sniper)
sideキョウわき脇腹 (side of abdomen), 脇役 (supporting role)
graduateソツそっ(する)卒業 (graduation), 卒業式 (graduation ceremony), 大卒 (college graduate)
viceフク副作用 (side effect), 副社長 (vice president), 副知事 (vice governor)
needleシンはり針葉樹 (coniferous tree), 縫い針 (sewing needle)
worshipハイおが(む)拝礼 (worship), 拝殿 (worship hall)
dirtyよご(す)汚染 (pollution), 汚れ (dirt), 汚濁 (murky)
lightトウ灯火 (light), 街灯 (streetlight), 灯台 (lighthouse)
boyボウ坊主 (bald head), 坊ちゃん (young master)
buttocksしり尻拭い (cleaning up), 尻込み (hesitation)
tearルイなみだ涙ぐましい (touching), 涙目 (tearful eyes)
stopテイと(める)停車 (stopping), 停電 (blackout), 停止 (halt)
completeリョウ了解 (understanding), 了承 (agreement), 了知 (knowledge)
sweatカンあせ汗水 (sweat), 冷や汗 (cold sweat), 汗ばむ (to perspire)
widthフクはば幅広い (wide), 幅員 (width), 道路幅 (road width)
insectチュウむし虫歯 (cavity), 虫刺され (insect bite), 昆虫 (insect)
boatシュウふね舟遊び (boating), 小舟 (small boat)
darknessアンやみ闇市場 (black market), 闇金融 (loan shark)
stickボウ棒読み (monotone reading), 棒グラフ (bar graph)
goodsたから貨物 (cargo), 貨幣 (currency)
skinはだ肌着 (undergarment), 肌色 (skin color), 肌触り (feel of skin)
saltエンしお塩漬け (salt-pickled), 食塩 (table salt), 塩化 (chlorination)
equalキンなら(す)均等 (equal), 均衡 (balance), 均一 (uniform)
lakeみずうみ淡水湖 (freshwater lake), 湖畔 (lakeside)
lossソンそこ(なう)損失 (loss), 損害 (damage), 損益 (profit and loss)
kneeシツひざ膝小僧 (kneecap), 膝を突く (to kneel)
spicyシンから(い)辛苦 (hardship), 辛辣 (caustic), 辛酸 (bitterness)
counterケンのき一軒家 (single house), 商店街の軒数 (number of stores)
achievementセキ実績 (results), 戦績 (battle record), 成績 (grades)
dryカンほ(す)干天 (drought), 干し肉 (dried meat), 干渉 (interference)
surnameセイ姓名 (full name), 姓氏 (surname)
digクツほ(る)掘削 (excavation), 掘り出す (to unearth)
registerセキ籍を置く (to register), 戸籍 (family register)
rareチンめずら(しい)珍しい (rare), 珍品 (rare article), 珍獣 (rare animal)
entrustあず(ける)預金 (bank deposit), 預け荷物 (checked luggage)
officeショ警察署 (police station), 税務署 (tax office)
greenリョクみどり緑茶 (green tea), 緑地 (green space), 新緑 (fresh greenery)

N2 Kanji 301-380 

KanjiMeaningOn’yomiKun’yomiExample Words
tatamiジョウたたみ畳敷き (tatami-matted), 一畳 (one tatami mat)
bloomショウさ(く)花咲く (flowers bloom), 満開 (in full bloom)
貿tradeボウ貿易 (trade), 輸出貿易 (export trade)
danceヨウおど(る)踊り (dancing), 盆踊り (Bon festival dance)
sealフウ封書 (sealed letter), 封筒 (envelope), 封建 (feudal)
trillionチョウきざ(す)兆候 (sign), 前兆 (omen), 3兆円 (three trillion yen)
pillarチュウはしら柱時計 (pillar clock), 支柱 (support), 擁壁支柱 (retaining wall support)
stationedチュウ駐車 (parking), 駐在 (station), 駐屯 (garrison)
celebrateシュクいわ(う)祝日 (national holiday), 祝詞 (blessing), 結婚祝い (wedding gift)
charcoalタンすみ炭火 (charcoal fire), 活性炭 (activated charcoal), 木炭 (charcoal)
tenderジュウやわ(らかい)柔道 (judo), 柔和 (mild), 柔軟 (flexible)
employやと(う)雇用 (employment), 雇用契約 (employment contract)
dryカンかわ(く)乾燥 (dryness), 乾季 (dry season)
sharpエイするど(い)鋭角 (acute angle), 鋭敏 (keen), 鋭利 (sharp-edged)
iceヒョウこおり氷河 (glacier), 浮氷 (floating ice), 氷漬け (iced)
cornerグウすみ隅々 (every corner), 隅田川 (Sumida River)
volumeサツふみ一冊 (one volume), 三冊 (three volumes)
threadいと糸口 (thread), 糸状 (thread-like), 絹糸 (silk thread)
recruitつの(る)募集 (recruitment), 募金 (fundraising)
hardコウかた(い)硬度 (hardness), 硬質 (hard quality)
paintぬ(る)塗料 (paint), 塗装 (coating), 下塗り (undercoat)
hateゾウにく(む)憎悪 (hatred), 憎たらしい (detestable)
mudデイどろ泥土 (mud), 泥棒 (thief)
fatあぶら脂肪 (fat), 脂質 (lipid), 脂汗 (profuse sweat)
powderフン粉末 (powder), 粉吹き芋 (powdery potatoes), 小麦粉 (wheat flour)
wordことば詞華集 (poetry anthology), 修飾詞 (modifying word)
cylinderトウつつ筒井戸 (tube well), 望遠筒 (spyglass)
sweepソウは(く)掃除 (cleaning), 掃海 (mine-sweeping)
towerトウ宝塔 (pagoda), 灯塔 (lighthouse), 五重塔 (five-story pagoda)
wiseケンかしこ(い)賢人 (wise person), 賢明 (wise), 賢妻 (wise wife)
pick upシュウひろ(う)拾得物 (found article), 拾遗 (supplement)
wheatバクむぎ麦芽 (malt), 麦わら (straw), 大麦 (barley)
printサツす(る)刷新 (renovation), 印刷 (printing), 版刷 (printing)
eggランたまご卵殻 (eggshell), 受精卵 (fertilized egg), 鶏卵 (chicken egg)
machineカイかせ機械 (machine), 械鬼 (machinery demon)
plateベイさら皿鉢 (large plate), 湯皿 (hot plate)
prayいの(る)祈願 (prayer), 祈祷 (prayer), 祈りの言葉 (prayer words)
ashカイはい灰皿 (ashtray), 火山灰 (volcanic ash), 灰色 (gray)
summonショウめ(す)召喚 (summons), 召集 (call-up), 召し上がる (to eat – honorific)
meltヨウと(ける)溶解 (dissolution), 溶接 (welding), 溶液 (solution)
grindみが(く)磨粉 (grinding powder), 研磨 (polishing), 歯磨き (tooth-brushing)
grainリュウつぶ粒度 (particle size), 粒子 (particle), 一粒万倍 (grain brings ten thousandfold)
consumeキツの(む)喫煙 (smoking), 喫茶店 (coffee shop)
deskつくえ机上の空論 (theory without practice)
saveチョた(める)貯蓄 (savings), 貯金 (bank savings)
counterヒツひき一匹狼 (lone wolf), 猫一匹 (one cat)
綿cottonメンわた綿花 (cotton plant), 綿製品 (cotton products)
giveゾウおく(る)贈呈 (presentation), 贈り物 (gift), 贈答 (gift exchange)
freezeトウこお(る)凍結 (freezing), 凍土 (frozen soil)
bottleビンかめ瓶詰め (bottled), 泡盛の瓶 (bottle of awamori)
hatボウ帽子 (hat), 野球帽 (baseball cap)
coolリョウすず(しい)涼風 (cool breeze), 涼しげ (appearing cool)
secondビョウ秒針 (second hand), 1秒 (one second)
湿dampシツしめ(る)湿度 (humidity), 湿気 (moisture), 湿潤 (damp)
steamジョウむ(す)蒸気 (steam), 蒸し料理 (steamed dishes), 蒸し暑い (humid and hot)
candy菓子 (confectionery), 焼き菓子 (baked confectionery)
tillコウたがや(す)耕作 (farming), 耕地 (arable land), 開耕 (pioneering cultivation)
mineralコウaragane鉱物 (mineral), 鉱石 (ore), 鉱山 (mine)
skinはだ膚理 (skin texture), 膚馴染み (familiar feeling)
stomach胃癌 (stomach cancer), 胃液 (gastric juice)
pinchキョウはさ(む)挟撃 (pincer attack), 挟み込む (to sandwich)
suburbsコウ郊外 (outskirts), 郊園 (suburban gardens)
copperドウあかがね銅製 (copper-made), 銅メダル (bronze medal)
dullドンにぶ(い)鈍感 (insensitivity), 鈍い痛み (dull pain)
shellfishバイかい貝類 (shellfish), 貝塚 (shell mound), 宝貝 (cowrie shell)
canカンかま缶詰め (canned), 空き缶 (empty can)
witherか(れる)枯木 (dead tree), 枯草 (withered grass), 枯れ葉 (withered leaves)
dripテキしずく滴水 (dripping water), 首尾一貫の滴 (consistent drop)
token符号 (code/symbol), 暗号符 (cipher)
livestockチク畜産 (livestock farming), 畜舍 (animal shed)
softナンやわ(らかい)軟質 (soft quality), 軟鋼 (soft steel)
washタクすす(ぐ)濯ぎ洗い (rinsing wash)
vesselsセキ船隻 (number of vessels), 軍艦隻数 (number of warships)
inquireうかが(う)伺書 (inquiry letter), 伺う (to ask), お話を伺う (to hear a story)
boilフツわ(く)沸騰 (boiling), 沸き立つ (to bubble up)
cloudyドンくも(る)曇天 (cloudy day), 曇り空 (cloudy sky)
affirmコウ肯定 (affirmation), 肯定的 (affirmative)
dryソウ乾燥 (dryness), 燥熱 (dry heat)
zeroレイ零度 (zero degrees), 零時 (midnight)

How to Study and Practice JLPT N2 Kanji

Although the JLPT N2 exam prioritizes kanji reading ability over handwriting skill, practicing character formation significantly sharpens recognition speed and deepens memorization. 

The best N2 kanji books to study for the JLPT

Specialized publications have emerged specifically for N2-level kanji mastery, organizing hundreds of characters by subject matter and progressive complexity. 

Kanji Master N2

This textbook divides content into a foundational tier (300 characters) plus an advanced tier (239 characters), totaling 539 kanji entries. Material classifies by themes such as personal life, education, community, governance with advancing difficulty progression. This N2 kanji book proves especially useful for learners seeking thematic organization.

Nihongo Sōmatome N2 Kanji

Drawing from a 1.2-million-copy series, this dedicated workbook targets JLPT N2 preparation directly. The expanded current version incorporates color gradients for visual clarity, simulated exam sections, seventh-day review reinforcement, and a companion reference for pronunciation verification.. Bilingual English-Vietnamese support, illustration-enriched narratives, and JLPT N2 kanji practice modeled precisely on official tests make it exam-aligned.

Speed Master N2 Kanji

This intensive guide covers roughly 400 characters plus 1,000+ paired compounds, organizing information by subject through visual associations boosting retention. Embedded drill exercises and cumulative review guarantee retention patterns. Non-CJK-background learners benefit from core semantic translations (English) plus phonetic Vietnamese mappings, plus N3–N5 reference verification for foundation-checking.

Shin Kanzen Master N2 Kanji

The Shin Kanzen Master suite offers comprehensive N2 modules, including dedicated kanji N2 instruction. Contains 1,046 characters, roughly 50% of regularly-used characters, furnishing abundant recognition capability on exam day. Entries pair meanings with derivative vocabulary and reinforcement exercises. Audio CD components build supplementary listening competence.

See also our selection of books for JLPT N2 preparation

Accelerate progress through online japanese tutoring

While textbooks and flashcards build solid foundations, working with a live instructor fundamentally accelerates your N2 kanji mastery. A qualified tutor personalizes your JLPT N2 study plan to your specific obstacles, explains nuanced readings and contextual uses, and adjusts pacing to match your absorption rate.

At Nihongo Online School, our JLPT N2 preparation course combines everything above into a structured program. You receive comprehensive instruction, live tutor support, personalized feedback on your progress, and strategic guidance aligned with official exam format. Our instructors have guided hundreds of students through N2 preparation, we know which characters trip up learners and which resources deliver results.

Start your personalized JLPT N2 preparation with Nihongo Online School