Top Kanji Learning Tips from Delhi’s Best Japanese Language Institute

Mastering Kanji can be an intimidating journey for anyone starting to learn Japanese. With thousands of characters and intricate meanings, it can seem like an insurmountable task. However, with expert guidance and a structured approach, you can overcome these challenges and unlock the beauty of the Japanese writing system.  TLS(Team Language Services), the best Japanese language institute in Delhi, provides invaluable tips to help you master Kanji efficiently and effectively.

Learn Kanji from Scratch

Begin with a strong foundation.
Before diving into Kanji, it's essential to build a foundation in the basics of the Japanese language. Start with Hiragana and Katakana, the two phonetic scripts used in Japanese writing. These scripts are the foundation of Japanese literacy, and mastering them will make learning Kanji much more manageable.

Hiragana is used for native Japanese words and grammatical elements, while Katakana is used for foreign loanwords, onomatopoeia, and the names of plants, animals, and minerals. Once you are comfortable with these scripts, you'll have a better understanding of how Kanji interacts with them in written Japanese.

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Why is it important?

Kanji characters are often combined with Hiragana to form words. For example, in the word "自転車" (jitensha, meaning "bicycle"), "自" (ji) and "転" (ten) are Kanji characters, while "車" (sha) is combined with Hiragana to make the complete word. A strong grasp of Hiragana and Katakana makes reading and writing Kanji smoother.

Radicals are Your Friends

If you've passed the JLPT and are wondering about the next steps, consider enrolling in a Japanese language course to refine your skills further.

What are radicals?

Kanji characters are built from smaller components called radicals, which are individual parts of a character that often carry meaning or influence the pronunciation. There are over 200 basic radicals, and learning these smaller components will help you break down complex Kanji into digestible parts.

For example, the radical "氵" (sanzui) represents water and is found in many Kanji characters related to water, like "海" (umi, meaning "sea") or "河" (kawa, meaning "river"). Understanding the radicals helps you grasp the essence of Kanji characters and speeds up the learning process.

At TLS, we emphasize learning radicals early on, as they serve as building blocks for mastering more complex characters.

Why should you focus on radicals?

Radicals give you clues about the meaning and sometimes even the pronunciation of Kanji. By learning them, you can more easily remember Kanji characters. For example, once you learn the radical for "tree" (木), you’ll be able to identify the meanings of Kanji like "林" (hayashi, meaning "forest") and "森" (mori, meaning "woods").

Start with Common Kanji Characters

Focus on the frequently used characters.
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is one of the most popular ways to measure one's proficiency in Japanese. Kanji characters are categorized by difficulty, with N5 being the easiest level and N1 being the most advanced. Starting with the most common characters is a smart approach.

Use Mnemonics and Stories

What are mnemonics?

Kanji characters can seem difficult to remember due to their unique and often complex shapes. One effective strategy is using mnemonics, which are memory aids or stories that help you associate a Kanji character’s shape and meaning.

For example, the Kanji "木" (ki) means "tree." To remember it, think of the character as a tree with branches extending upward. Visualizing the character as something tangible makes it easier to recall.

Why are mnemonics helpful?

By associating each Kanji character with a memorable story, you make learning more engaging and enjoyable. This technique significantly boosts retention and helps you remember the characters for longer periods. TLS integrates mnemonic techniques into its curriculum, making your learning experience more interactive.

To strengthen your foundation, it's essential to learn Kanji and simple words. If you're planning to study in Japan, preparing for the EJU Examination 2025 is a great step forward.

Common Kanji Words:  

Certainly! Here's a set of 6 tables with 20 beginner-friendly Kanji words, organized in small, easy-to-learn groups. This way, you and your interns can gradually practice and memorize them:

✅ Table 1: Numbers & Time

✅ Table 2: Days & Nature

✅ Table 3: Places

✅ Table 4: People & Family

✅ Table 5: Directions & Movement

✅ Table 6: Everyday Objects

Practical Kanji Exercises: Where to Learn

For learners serious about mastering Kanji, regular practice is essential. One highly recommended method is working with structured practice sheets and guided writing exercises, which help reinforce stroke order, balance, and character formation. Writing each Kanji multiple times not only develops muscle memory but also improves overall retention and accuracy by focusing on the fine details of every stroke.

If you're looking for a place to sharpen your Kanji skills, TLS – The Japanese Language School in Delhi is a great option to consider. TLS offers comprehensive Kanji practice sessions where students are provided with detailed writing sheets, stroke order guidelines, and correction support from experienced instructors. Their approach focuses on building confidence through repetition, ensuring that learners don’t just recognize Kanji but can write them accurately from memory.

Whether you're just starting out or preparing for JLPT levels N5 and above, consistent, hands-on writing practice like that offered at TLS can make a significant difference in your Kanji journey.

Learn Vocabulary Concurrently

Why learn vocabulary alongside Kanji?
Studying Kanji in isolation can be difficult and sometimes demotivating. To see progress, it’s essential to learn vocabulary words that include Kanji characters. This approach helps you see how Kanji is used in context and makes your learning more practical.

Example:
The Kanji character "食" (shoku, meaning "eat") appears in vocabulary words like "食べる" (taberu, meaning "to eat") and "食事" (shokuji, meaning "meal"). By learning vocabulary that uses the Kanji you've studied, you’ll see how it functions in sentences, making it easier to remember and apply in conversation.

Utilize Online Resources

What online resources can help you?
The internet is full of Kanji learning resources, such as quizzes, flashcards, and apps. Some popular tools include:

• WaniKani: A popular app for learning Kanji using spaced repetition.
• Anki: A flashcard app where you can create personalized Kanji decks.
• Kanji Study: An app dedicated to learning Kanji characters with built-in quizzes and practice exercises.

At TLS, we recommend using these tools in conjunction with our lessons to enhance your learning experience.

Be Patient and Persistent

Learning Kanji is a marathon, not a sprint.
It’s essential to stay patient and persistent. Kanji is a complex system, and it’s normal to struggle at first. However, with consistent practice and dedication, you will see gradual improvement.

Celebrate small victories.
Each time you learn a new Kanji character or master a vocabulary word, celebrate your progress. Remember that learning Kanji is a long-term process, and persistence will pay off.

Seek Guidance from Experts

The importance of expert guidance.
Kanji can be challenging, but with the support of expert instructors, you can overcome obstacles more easily.TLS(Team Language Services), the best Japanese language institute in Delhi, offers personalized guidance, helping you avoid common mistakes and offering valuable tips and feedback.

For structured learning, joining a Japanese language institute with native teachers can be highly beneficial. If you're ready for the next JLPT level, don't forget to check out the JLPT admission form online.

FAQs  

1. How many Kanji do I need to learn to read Japanese fluently?
To read Japanese fluently, you need to learn around 2,000 Kanji, which are commonly used in newspapers and official documents. However, starting with the basic 100-200 Kanji (N5 level) will allow you to read simple texts, signs, and beginner-level books.

2. What is the best way to remember Kanji characters?
Using mnemonics, learning radicals, practicing daily, and associating Kanji with vocabulary words are effective ways to remember Kanji. At TLS, we teach techniques that make memorization easier, such as visual stories and repetitive writing exercises.

3. How long does it take to master Kanji?
The time required to master Kanji depends on your study consistency and method. With dedicated practice, learning basic Kanji (N5-N4 level) can take a few months, while full proficiency (N1 level) can take several years. TLS provides structured learning to help you progress efficiently.

4. Is handwriting Kanji necessary, or can I just recognize them?
Handwriting Kanji helps reinforce memorization and improves reading skills. While recognizing Kanji is important for digital communication, writing them by hand enhances your understanding of their structure and meaning. TLS includes writing exercises to ensure comprehensive learning.

5. Do I need to know Kanji for the JLPT exam?
Yes, Kanji is an essential part of the JLPT exam, especially for N5-N1 levels. The higher the level, the more Kanji you need to recognize and understand. TLS offers specialized JLPT preparation courses to help you master Kanji effectively for the exam.