Mastering Kanji for Beginners – A Complete Guide by TLS, Delhi’s Best Japanese Language Institute
Learning Kanji, one of the three Japanese writing systems, can feel daunting—but with the right strategy and guidance, it's entirely achievable. If you're a beginner, starting your Kanji journey with structured learning, practical examples, and expert help will make all the difference. At TLS (The Japanese Language School), the best-rated Japanese institute in Delhi, we help learners approach Kanji step-by-step with proven methods and tools.
Start with the Basics: Hiragana & Katakana First
Before jumping into Kanji, it’s essential to get comfortable with Hiragana and Katakana. These phonetic alphabets are the building blocks of Japanese writing and will help you read and understand how Kanji fits into the language.
- Hiragana: Used for native Japanese grammar and words.
- Katakana: Used for foreign words, sounds, and names.
Example: The word bicycle in Japanese is written as 自転車 (jitensha). Here, 自 and 転 are Kanji, while 車 can also be found combined with Hiragana in other contexts.
Understand Radicals – The Kanji DNA
Every Kanji is made up of radicals, smaller parts that give you a clue about meaning or pronunciation.
Example: The radical 氵(sanzui) indicates water. It appears in words like:
- 海 (umi – sea)
- 河 (kawa – river)
At TLS, we recommend learning the top 50 radicals first—they unlock hundreds of other Kanji characters down the line.
Use Mnemonics and Visual Stories
One of the most effective memory aids when learning Kanji is mnemonics—funny, weird, or vivid stories that help you recall character meanings.
Example: 木 (ki – tree) looks like a tree with branches. Now you’ll never forget it!
TLS instructors use visual storytelling and practice sessions so you not only memorize but truly internalize each character.
Learn the Most Common Kanji First
Don’t try to memorize 2000 characters at once. Start with Kanji used in daily life and JLPT N5/N4 levels.
Examples of beginner Kanji you’ll learn:
| Kanji | Meaning | Word Example | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| 一 | One | 一つ (hitotsu – one thing) | いち / ひと |
| 火 | Fire | 火山 (kazan – volcano) | か / ひ |
| 木 | Tree | 木曜日 (mokuyoubi – Thursday) | もく / き |
Practice with Writing Sheets & Stroke Order
Handwriting Kanji develops muscle memory, which improves retention. At TLS, we offer structured writing practice that includes:
Stroke order guides
Kanji tracing sheets
Instructor feedback
Whether you're learning 10 characters or 100, our writing sessions ensure you're not just recognizing Kanji—you’re writing them with confidence.
Learn Kanji Through Vocabulary
Studying Kanji in context boosts retention. Learn new vocabulary with Kanji to reinforce what you've studied.
Example: 食 (shoku – eat)
- 食べる (taberu – to eat)
- 食事 (shokuji – meal)
TLS integrates Kanji into everyday vocabulary, so your learning is practical and immersive.
Use Modern Tools Alongside Your Classes
We also encourage students to use online resources and mobile apps between lessons.
Recommended Kanji Learning Tools:
- WaniKani – Mnemonics-based Kanji learning
- Anki – Flashcard decks with spaced repetition
- Kanji Study – Writing practice and quizzes
These tools perfectly complement TLS’s classroom learning environment.
Be Consistent – Kanji Takes Time!
Don’t rush. Learning Kanji is a long-term commitment. Whether it’s five characters a day or 20 per week, consistency matters more than speed.
Quick Motivation Tip:
Celebrate small wins—every new Kanji learned is a step closer to reading fluency!
Expert Help at TLS – Your Kanji Success Partner
- The road to mastering Kanji becomes smoother with expert guidance. At TLS, our instructors:
- Break down complex Kanji
- Help correct your stroke order
- Provide personalized feedback
- Prepare you for JLPT levels using proven strategies
Looking to pass the JLPT with confidence? TLS is your go-to institute in Delhi for JLPT-focused Kanji training.
Common Kanji Words – Easy Tables for Daily Practice
Learning common Kanji words is essential for building a strong foundation in Japanese. These characters appear frequently in daily conversations, signs, menus, and textbooks. Practicing them through simple, organized tables helps improve recognition and writing speed. Start with basic Kanji like 日 (day), 月 (month), and 人 (person) to boost your daily usage.
Numbers & Time
| Kanji | Meaning | Example | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| 一 | One | 一つ | いち / ひと |
| 二 | Two | 二人 | に / ふた |
| 三 | Three | 三日 | さん / みっ |
| 四 | Four | 四月 | し / よん |
| 五 | Five | 五年 | ご / いつ |
(You can continue using the remaining tables as in your original content.)
FAQs – Mastering Kanji with TLS
Q1. How many Kanji should I learn first?
Start with 100–150 basic Kanji. These cover most signs, JLPT N5 questions, and everyday words.
Q2. Is writing Kanji by hand still important?
Yes! Writing improves memory and helps you understand character construction better than just reading.
Q3. Can I learn Kanji without knowing Hiragana/Katakana?
It’s not recommended. First learn Hiragana and Katakana, then begin Kanji to avoid confusion.
Q4. How can TLS help me with Kanji?
TLS offers guided lessons, practice sessions, test preparation, and custom feedback for each student—ensuring your progress is structured and visible.
Q5. Do I need to learn all 2000+ Kanji?
Not right away. Focus on JLPT-level Kanji first (N5 to N1). With TLS, you’ll gradually move toward fluency.
🎯 Ready to Begin Your Kanji Journey?
Visit Us: 2/81-82, Ground Floor, Gali No - 2, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi - 110092
📞 Call: +91 8700956038
📩 Email: info@teamlanguages.com
Leave Your Thought Here