JLPT N4 requires knowledge of approximately 300 kanji. This guide focuses on 50 of the most important — covering readings, common compounds, and exam-ready examples.
At a Glance: N4 Kanji by Theme
| Theme | Kanji | Key Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Movement / Direction | 向, 通, 進, 返, 送 | むか・とお・すす・かえ・おく |
| Feelings / Mind | 感, 思, 想, 念, 願 | かん・おも・そう・ねん・ねが |
| Society / People | 社, 員, 族, 民, 産 | しゃ・いん・ぞく・みん・さん |
| Nature | 森, 林, 野, 岩, 港 | もり・はやし・の・いわ・みなと |
| Daily Actions | 使, 開, 閉, 始, 終 | つか・ひら・し・はじ・お |
50 Key N4 Kanji with Examples
| Kanji | On-reading | Kun-reading | Example word |
|---|---|---|---|
| 向 | コウ | む(く) | 方向 (ほうこう) direction |
| 通 | ツウ | とお(る) | 通勤 (つうきん) commuting |
| 感 | カン | — | 感謝 (かんしゃ) gratitude |
| 思 | シ | おも(う) | 思い出 (おもいで) memory |
| 使 | シ | つか(う) | 使い方 (つかいかた) how to use |
| 開 | カイ | ひら(く) | 開店 (かいてん) store opening |
| 閉 | ヘイ | し(まる) | 閉店 (へいてん) store closing |
| 始 | シ | はじ(める) | 開始 (かいし) start |
| 終 | シュウ | お(わる) | 終電 (しゅうでん) last train |
| 送 | ソウ | おく(る) | 送信 (そうしん) send (message) |
N4 Kanji Reading Tips
Most N4 kanji have both on-reading (音読み, Chinese-origin sound) and kun-reading (訓読み, Japanese native sound). Key patterns:
• Compound words (2+ kanji together) usually use on-readings: 通勤 (つうきん), 感謝 (かんしゃ)
• Single kanji + hiragana usually use kun-readings: 通る (とおる), 感じる (かんじる)
YukaHow many kanji do I need to know for N4?
ReiJLPT officially doesn’t specify an exact list, but the commonly accepted benchmark is about 300 kanji for N4 (building on N5’s ~100). The key is not just recognizing the kanji — you need to know readings AND meaning in context. JLPT tests kanji in compound words and sentences, not in isolation.
YukaWhat’s the best way to memorize N4 kanji?
ReiLearn kanji through WORDS, not individual characters. 感 on its own doesn’t tell you much — but learning 感謝, 感情, 感動 as a group anchors the kanji with meaning. Use spaced repetition and always write example sentences. The ‘radicals + story’ method (like in WaniKani or Remembering the Kanji) helps for visual memory.
JLPT Practice Questions
Choose the correct reading:
1. 通勤 → つうきん (commuting)
2. 閉店 → へいてん (store closing)
3. 思い出 → おもいで (memory)
Quick Quiz
1. What is the kun-reading of 開? → ひらく (hiraku)
2. What does 終電 (shuuden) mean? → Last train of the day
3. Compound words between kanji usually use which reading? → On-reading (音読み)
Practice in the Comments!
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Keep Learning: JLPT Study Guide | Kanji Guide | N4 Vocabulary
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