The Greatest Kanji Studying Packages

Studying kanji is hard. The unfamiliar shapes. All of the other ways to learn a single kanji. And what’s extra — there are over 2,000 of them to be taught?!

Sadly, there is no shortcut round these hurdles. And I am not gonna lie, studying kanji does take time and power it doesn’t matter what methodology you select. However for those who’re making the funding, you need to do it in essentially the most environment friendly and efficient approach attainable.

For those who’re scrolling this web page with a hand that is hurting from writing kanji on paper a gazillion occasions — you got here to the suitable place.

Fortunately, there are studying packages you’ll be able to simply observe alongside to make the kanji studying expertise much less of a ache (actually, and figuratively). With the suitable program, kanji may be manageable. It would not should be this large bushy objective for Japanese learners.

On this article, I am going to introduce you to the perfect kanji studying packages out there. They arrive in numerous codecs like textbooks and apps, however whatever the format, I am going to use the phrase “program” for a construction that guides you thru your kanji research and helps you construct a basis for Japanese literacy.

How To Select A Kanji Studying Program

There are a lot of kanji studying packages on the market, so what are the variations between them, and the way do you choose one? Properly, there are some issues to contemplate…

1. What Facet(s) of Kanji Does It Educate?

The very first thing to contemplate is what kanji-related ability you are trying to enhance. Like once you say “I need to be taught kanji,” what do you imply by that?

Would you like to have the ability to inform the that means of a kanji once you see one? Do you need to bear in mind the best way to pronounce it too?

I like to recommend you listen to a few elements: kanji readings and kanji vocabulary.

Virtually all kanji studying packages train the that means(s) of every kanji, however not all of them train kanji readings. So that is undoubtedly one thing to contemplate.

So what about kanji vocabulary? By this, I imply vocabulary that makes use of the kanji characters this system teaches. Kanji and kanji vocabulary go hand in hand. Although kanji are semantic (that’s, every kanji has at the least one that means), they’re characters fairly than standalone phrases. Positive, some single kanji characters may be phrases on their very own, however they’re extra generally used as parts to make vocabulary. It is necessary to be taught them collectively.

Studying vocabulary together with kanji isn’t just about seeing how the kanji is utilized in actual life. It additionally helps you bear in mind the kanji readings. Many kanji have a number of readings and are pronounced in another way relying on the phrase they’re utilized in. By studying kanji vocabulary, you’ll be able to reinforce numerous kanji readings. It may be overwhelming to consider having to be taught a number of readings per kanji, however studying the readings together with vocabulary makes it much more doable.

2. How Does It Educate Kanji?

With a photographic reminiscence, studying kanji could be really easy — all you’d want is a kanji dictionary. However in actuality, that is not the case for most individuals, and remembering kanji is difficult with out assist.

So, it is necessary to verify: Does this system make it easier to truly bear in mind kanji?

Some packages could solely introduce data versus supplying you with a significant method to bear in mind it. One of the crucial widespread approaches for that is known as mnemonics. Mnemonics are mainly a reminiscence approach that will help you bear in mind issues.

For kanji studying, mnemonics come in several codecs. Some packages let you know the historical past of how the kanji had been created, whereas different train you parts of kanji and what they imply, then what the kanji means from these broken-down elements (which is what we prefer to name Radical + Mnemonic methodology).

And take note of what facet of kanji they provide mnemonics that will help you bear in mind, too. For instance, many present mnemonics that will help you bear in mind the meanings, however what about mnemonics for readings or vocabulary? Not all packages provide these.

One other consideration is: Does this system make it easier to retain the data in any approach?

As time passes, you may doubtless overlook what you have realized. So reviewing or refreshing what you have realized is necessary for turning that data into one thing concrete and secure in your thoughts. One of the crucial widespread options is to make use of an SRS (Spaced Repetition System), which repeatedly prompts you to recall an merchandise you have realized over time. Relying on how nicely the merchandise sticks in your reminiscence, it goals to optimize the intervals and variety of occasions an merchandise seems in your evaluation queue to enhance your recall and strengthen every merchandise in your reminiscence.

3. How Many Kanji Does It Educate (& Does It Educate Helpful Kanji)?

Whereas the whole variety of kanji in existence is debatable, fortunately, you do not have to review all of them to have the ability to learn a lot of the issues you could get by on a day-to-day foundation.

“So, what number of kanji ought to I be taught?” Simply to offer you an concept, the final word objective for critical learners is round 2,000 kanji. It is best to be capable of learn most issues comfortably with that stage of literacy. However the variety of kanji is not the one factor it’s best to care about when selecting a kanji studying program. It is also necessary to concentrate to whether or not they’re making an attempt to show you helpful kanji, too.

Many packages concentrate on introducing jōyō kanji, a set of kanji chosen by the Japanese authorities which are generally utilized in day by day life. These kanji are additionally taught in Japanese colleges, and there are roughly 2,000 of them (2,136 to be precise).

Nevertheless, it’s best to needless to say the jōyō kanji record would not cowl all of the helpful kanji it’s best to know. In any case, the record is supposed to be a foundational guideline. It is not an exhaustive record for many who are studying Japanese as a overseas language.

Some widespread and helpful kanji like 嬉 (glad) and 嘘 (lie), should not on the jōyō kanji record, whereas among the kanji included will not be helpful or generally utilized in real-life communication.

4. What Format/Media Kind Is It?

Like I stated earlier, kanji studying packages are available numerous codecs — textbooks, apps, video classes, and so on. You may need a powerful choice for a particular format over others, however attempt to maintain an open thoughts.

For instance, reviewing kanji may be a lot simpler and more practical once you use digital instruments that use SRS, which automate all the reviewing course of. You possibly can nonetheless use textbooks or video classes, however you may also contemplate pairing it with an SRS flashcard app for evaluations.

The Greatest Kanji Studying Packages

Okay, now let’s speak about precise choices.

I picked 4 of the best and hottest kanji studying packages for an in-depth comparability. Two of those are textbooks, Remembering The Kanji 1 and Kodansha Kanji Learners’ Course, and the opposite two are the web packages WaniKani, and Kanji Harm.

For full transparency earlier than entering into extra particulars, I need to let you recognize one of many packages, WaniKani, is our personal product we created right here at Tofugu. I attempted my greatest to analysis every useful resource intimately and write up all the professionals and cons from a impartial place, however I am most likely considerably biased. It is as a result of I have been witnessing what our customers have achieved over the previous years with WaniKani (and I am pleased with them), however I simply wished to be sure you know WaniKani is our personal.

Anyway, getting again to the precise choices…

To start with, all of them share some comparable qualities that make them efficient for studying kanji:

1. All of them have good protection of kanji (at the least 1,700, not only a few hundred).
2. All of them use mnemonics (at the least that will help you bear in mind the meanings).
3. All of them use the method of breaking down kanji into parts (Radical + Mnemonic methodology).

Regardless of the similarities, they’re all very completely different packages designed and created with numerous intentions in thoughts. There are a number of components that make the training expertise distinctive, starting from small to giant options. This is a fast chart for simpler comparability.

I am going to undergo every program intimately, however in case you need a fast abstract of what I believe, here is the TLDR model:

• For those who’re in search of an interactive instrument to recollect (and never overlook) kanji and vocabulary, strive WaniKani.
• For those who’re in search of a high quality textbook to be taught kanji, Kodansha’s Kanji Learners’ Course is a good and reliable choice.
• For those who’re on a funds (and do not thoughts an overall-inappropriate use of language), Kanji Harm could be a nice choice. You would possibly even discover the humor hilarious.
• If you wish to cram for solely the meanings of kanji in a short time, contemplate Remembering The Kanji 1, however concentrate on what you’ll NOT get out of it. For precise Japanese literacy, you may should make up in your kanji studying and vocabulary data exterior of this guide. I’ll speak about this textbook first as a result of it is some of the well-known strategies, however I personally do not suggest this feature as a lot because the others.

Now, let’s discover every choice.

Remembering The Kanji 1 (RTK 1)

The quickest useful resource that helps you bear in mind the best way to ‘acknowledge the meanings’ of two,200 kanji. Warning: You will not be taught kanji readings or vocabulary.

Remembering The Kanji 1: A Full Course on How To not Overlook the That means and Writing of Japanese Characters is the primary quantity of the Remembering The Kanji collection, sometimes called “RTK.”

It was first revealed in 1977, and might be one of many oldest assets that makes use of the now considerably widespread method of breaking down kanji into parts and offering “tales,” aka mnemonics, that will help you bear in mind these kanji.

The primary quantity of the RTK collection is essentially the most well-known. It has a repute for being the quickest methodology of studying 2,200 kanji, with learners who’ve accomplished the primary quantity and realized all 2,200 kanji in solely a few months or much less, which is an distinctive velocity.

However there is a catch — it teaches you kanji meanings solely, so you will not know the best way to learn the kanji. Whereas it is an efficient useful resource for recognizing the meanings of kanji rapidly, you will not be uncovered to kanji readings in any respect. The second quantity of the collection is devoted to instructing the readings of the kanji you realized within the first quantity. Nevertheless, it would not provide as a lot steerage as the primary quantity. Sadly, no mnemonics are offered that will help you bear in mind the readings, despite the fact that that is what the readers of the primary quantity may need anticipated to see within the second quantity as nicely.

Along with the power to acknowledge the kanji meanings, the objective of the primary quantity is to familiarize you with the shapes of kanji that will help you handwrite the characters. Though it is nonetheless a well-liked kanji studying collection at the moment, needless to say this guide was first revealed in 1977. Learners’ wants have modified since then. Typing is way extra widespread and sensible than handwriting expertise, and you will not be capable of sort if you do not know the best way to learn.

One other large draw back is that it teaches you kanji in isolation from vocabulary. Which means you will not be studying kanji in any form of context. In real-life, kanji are mainly parts of phrases. It is necessary to know the way and in what sort of phrases they are going to be used. For this reason many RTK customers transfer on to different assets for vocabulary studying as soon as they end the primary quantity.

RTK 1 might be the quickest method to get by and get aware of an enormous quantity of kanji. For those who’re the form of one that desires to cram and drill down kanji meanings in a brief period of time, it’s price testing. Understanding the meanings of kanji is not fully ineffective in any case — that is completely higher than having zero kanji data. You need to use that to guess the that means of Japanese phrases that they make up. Properly, form of…

Nevertheless, with its strict concentrate on meaning-only, what you truly get out of it might be restricted and superficial — You will not be capable of learn, sort kanji, or acquire vocabulary data from this guide.

Total, RTK 1 just isn’t designed to offer you sensible data or expertise for studying Japanese texts. It covers all the jōyō kanji, which incorporates unusual kanji, and a few non-jōyō kanji as nicely. These are primarily kanji utilized in correct names or added with the intention of utilizing them as parts of different kanji, fairly than for his or her usefulness. This additionally implies that you may be lacking some extraordinarily widespread non-jōyō kanji too.

Additionally, observe that the primary quantity expects you to learn to create mnemonics by yourself, so the mnemonics progressively fade out and are not offered later within the guide. Arising with your individual mnemonics may make it easier to strengthen your reminiscence, however it’s additionally time-consuming. Particularly for those who’re contemplating RTK for its velocity, use Koohii, a database of user-generated mnemonics for RTK.

Lastly, it is a textbook. Utilizing it alone will not make it easier to retain your kanji data. For those who resolve to go along with RTK, undoubtedly pair it with Anki or one other SRS.

The Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Course (KLC)

A well-thought-out textbook that will help you bear in mind 2,300 kanji with mnemonics and thoroughly picked kanji vocabulary.

The Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Course, also called the “KLC,” is a textbook designed to assist Japanese learners bear in mind 2,300 kanji. Because it was revealed in 2013, it is constructed up a repute as the most effective textbooks for studying kanji.

Whereas it may be in comparison with the opposite highly regarded kanji textbook, James Heisig’s Remembering the Kanji, the KLC presents a extra up to date and thorough method in addition to options that RTK was lacking. Their elementary strategies are comparable — they each train kanji with element elements (they name them “graphemes”) and supply mnemonics to recollect the core meanings of kanji. Whereas RTK is most identified for being the quickest kanji studying methodology whereas sacrificing among the necessary elements for Japanese learners (akin to kanji readings and vocabulary), KLC is designed as a sensible useful resource to assist learners acquire real literacy.

One of many largest variations is that whereas RTK teaches you kanji in isolation from vocabulary or any form of context, KLC teaches you kanji in context. KLC presents a number of pattern vocabulary phrases per kanji to characterize the usage of kanji in addition to widespread readings. And, the vocabulary solely makes use of kanji that you’ve got realized beforehand, so you can reinforce your kanji data in subsequent vocabulary. Though this method will not be as hand-holding as WaniKani (I will be speaking about this subsequent), which offers you with mnemonics that will help you bear in mind the kanji readings in addition to vocabulary, the intentional instructing order and thoroughly chosen vocabulary undoubtedly makes KLC useful.

KLC additionally takes under consideration the frequency of utilization of every kanji, that means that you will be taught essentially the most generally used kanji first, which is able to make it easier to to begin studying real-world Japanese supplies extra rapidly. The collection of kanji has given a number of thought to it too. The one draw back is that it consists of all the jōyō kanji, together with some unusual ones. The complete protection of jōyō kanji makes the whole quantity 2,300, which is unquestionably on the heavier facet of most kanji studying packages. It additionally covers non-jōyō kanji primarily based on how helpful they’re and the way simple they’re to be taught, however simply bear in mind that not each kanji from this guide will probably be helpful (particularly unusual kanji saved for the sake of being jōyō kanji).

The KLC textbook is sort of easy — when you open the guide and flip the pages, you may understand it seems to be virtually like a kanji dictionary or a reference, fairly than a course to undergo. And since it’s a guide in any case, it would not include an built-in system to evaluation what you have realized like a built-in SRS. So to additional evaluation and apply the kanji you be taught, there are supplemental assets like graded readers, or handwriting worksheets out there. Whereas probably useful, it might probably find yourself costing fairly a bit for those who’re buying all of the advisable supplies.

Total, KLC is a well-designed useful resource for learners of Japanese that will help you not solely familiarize your self with kanji, but additionally be capable of learn Japanese textual content in real-life. For those who resolve to offer KLC a go, begin at first to know how this system is designed and its advisable use to maximise the advantages. Be certain that to take a look at the appendix, too — you may choose up some elementary kanji data that may undoubtedly be helpful!

WaniKani

An entire package deal for kanji and Japanese vocabulary studying, utilizing built-in SRS and mnemonics that will help you bear in mind and never overlook kanji meanings, readings, and vocabulary.

WaniKani is a kanji and Japanese vocabulary studying platform created right here at Tofugu. It is a web based program that teaches you 2,074 kanji and 6,528 vocabulary phrases (as of March, 2023) over a complete of 60 ranges. WaniKani’s intention is to show you essentially the most helpful kanji primarily based on components like frequency and native speaker instinct, along with whether or not a kanji is jōyō or not. And the record is constantly up to date and improved.

What units WaniKani other than different kanji studying assets is that it is an all-in-one interactive instrument to be taught and bear in mind kanji and vocabulary. There are kanji textbooks which have nice content material, however many customers should pair it with a separate SRS like Anki to be able to evaluation what they realized in these books. WaniKani streamlines this course of, providing classes to introduce you to new gadgets (radicals, kanji, and vocabulary), and a built-in SRS to evaluation what you have realized.

WaniKani additionally takes the method of slowly constructing on what you have realized. Like many different efficient kanji studying assets, it breaks down kanji into element elements or what we name “radicals.” You may be launched to radicals first, then kanji that use these radicals. And what’s extra — you may be taught vocabulary phrases that use the kanji with WaniKani. As a result of its SRS retains a report of your right and incorrect solutions, WaniKani is aware of how acquainted (and the way not but acquainted) you might be with the gadgets you have realized. This manner, WaniKani makes certain you are already aware of the prerequisite gadgets first, then unlocks new gadgets solely once you’re prepared.

One other factor that differentiates WaniKani from different assets is that it presents mnemonics for kanji readings along with kanji meanings. Many assets provide kanji that means mnemonics, however only some present mnemonics that will help you bear in mind kanji readings. WaniKani additionally prioritizes kanji readings in keeping with how helpful they’re so you do not have to fret about which studying(s) you need to be placing extra effort into remembering.

And remember — WaniKani teaches you vocabulary that makes use of the kanji you beforehand realized. It is designed in a approach that you will be reinforcing numerous readings of kanji by studying Japanese phrases, not solely seeing kanji as part of vocabulary. Whereas different kanji studying assets solely present vocabulary alongside kanji, WaniKani helps you bear in mind the vocabulary with mnemonics and SRS, too.

As a bonus, you would possibly like WaniKani’s enjoyable and pleasant voice. (Customers have described our personalities as foolish or quirky.) Conventional textbook-based kanji packages like RTK or KLC usually use extra formal educational language, however WaniKani retains issues approachable and interesting (at the least, we strive). WaniKani additionally has a big group of fellow learners providing recommendation, help, and actions like guide golf equipment. Understanding that you just’re in it with different individuals may be reassuring and motivating, particularly if you’re a self-learner.

Nevertheless, regardless of all the good issues that I’ve stated about WaniKani, like every other useful resource, WaniKani just isn’t for everybody.

One of many advantages of utilizing a kanji studying program is that there is construction. You possibly can leap proper in and simply observe this system with out worrying about what to do subsequent. Nevertheless, it additionally means packages restrain flexibility for effectiveness, and WaniKani’s program is pretty inflexible.

For instance, for those who’re studying from textbooks, you’ll be able to skip pages and sure kanji (despite the fact that they often suggest to not, there’s nothing to cease you). With WaniKani, you’ll be able to’t skip gadgets or ranges. This may very well be probably irritating for learners not to have the ability to skip the kanji that they already know. Nevertheless, there are additionally many profitable customers who began WaniKani with months or years of kanji research underneath their belts who can attest that they might be taught kanji extra effectively with WaniKani than ever earlier than.

Additionally WaniKani would possibly really feel sluggish for customers who’ve simply began as a result of the built-in SRS makes you wait. However that is simply at first — it’s best to take pleasure in it whereas it lasts. The variety of evaluations will also be rapidly overwhelming as you progress. One of the crucial widespread items of recommendation that fellow WaniKani customers are giving out is to ensure to tempo your self. Even when new classes can be found, you would possibly maintain off on doing them so that you just will not get overwhelmed by evaluations. For those who’re making an attempt to finish WaniKani, you are in it for the lengthy haul — it takes at the least a 12 months to finish this system. It is necessary to not burn your self out.

Lastly, WaniKani is not the most affordable program. There is a crew of us constantly working laborious to help our customers, enhance and replace this system (content-wise in addition to feature-wise). Having stated that, the first three ranges are free and will offer you an concept of the way it works and whether or not or not it is for you.

Kanji Harm

A free kanji studying program utilizing the NSFW mnemonics within the type of ‘Yo Mama jokes’ (as they name it).

Thus far, I’ve solely launched you to packages that price some cash. Whereas I personally consider a high quality program is a worthy funding contemplating how a lot time it can save you, I additionally wished to introduce you to an choice that you need to use free of charge.

Kanji Harm is a web site the place you’ll be able to be taught 1,700 kanji utilizing the strategy of breaking down kanji into parts and providing mnemonics for each meanings and readings. And, it is free!

What makes Kanji Harm completely different from different kanji studying packages is its distinctive voice and writing type. Like I discussed earlier, textbook-based kanji packages have a tendency to make use of skilled and educational language. Kanji Harm goes within the complete other way and retains issues unapologetically informal. Possibly a bit too informal (and barely offensive) for some individuals. However let’s be sincere — conventional textbooks can sound too uptight typically. Kanji Harm is perhaps excessive by comparability, however you would possibly discover it extra entertaining or approachable.

Total, the content material is unquestionably NSFW, and never one thing to let your children use for his or her kanji research, however for those who do not thoughts that form of language, Kanji Harm is a good choice you’ll be able to strive free of charge.

The language could also be inappropriate general, however do not simply decide it by how they communicate. This system is designed from a learner’s perspective. There are hints to assist customers inform lookalike kanji aside kanji and every kanji web page has a listing of vocabulary that makes use of the kanji as nicely, so you’ll be able to see the kanji in context. Every kanji compound phrase (jukugo) reveals how it’s made out of various kanji parts and the way the meanings are derived, making it simple so that you can piece them collectively and bear in mind.

Though Kanji Harm is a web site, observe that it’s NOT an interactive instrument. It’s a assortment of static internet pages, and in reality, the writer truly calls it a “guide.” So, it will not save your progress, and you will not be capable of evaluation or apply with built-in digital flashcards like WaniKani. Nevertheless, it’s best to observe that Kanji Harm has an official Anki deck, so despite the fact that it isn’t built-in, you need to use that as a instrument to evaluation what you realized on Kanji Harm.

Additionally, bear in mind that the whole variety of kanji is 1,700, a number of hundred fewer than what comparable kanji studying packages cowl. The writer used a listing of kanji from JLPT and jōyō kanji, then “threw out all of the bullshit ones,” utilizing their judgment of what is helpful and what’s not. Whereas a lot of the excluded jōyō kanji are certainly obscure, there are some that you’d run into in day by day life. As a local speaker of Japanese, I’d say the record could also be a bit too pared down for learners trying to obtain a good stage of literacy, and familiarize themselves with a lot of the kanji they’d encounter every day.

Different Kanji Studying Assets

We hope this text helped introduce you to at least one or two kanji studying packages you need to take a look at.

In case you could not discover what you had been in search of, there are a number of different assets that did not fairly make the shortlist you is likely to be all in favour of. They’re all high quality assets, however they had been excluded for numerous causes; much less kanji protection, concentrate on one explicit kanji-related ability (akin to handwriting), and so on.

Video Program

• Outlier Linguistics Kanji Masterclass: For those who’re the form of one that desires to be taught from precise talking human beings, there’s even a web based video course. It solely covers 300 kanji, however it teaches you the best way to be taught extra kanji by yourself with that foundational data.

In style Textbooks

• Kanji Look and Study: For those who’re a Genki textbook fan, Kanji Look and Study is likely to be an excellent choice that comes with illustrations for mnemonics for every kanji. It additionally has a separate workbook stuffed with actions, together with apply handwriting. Simply observe it solely covers 512 newbie to intermediate-level kanji.

• Kanji from Zero!: The “from Zero!” collection has textbooks to review kanji too. Whereas the textbooks embody a bunch of actions, together with handwriting, they arrive in separate volumes, every solely protecting a pair hundred kanji.

Instruments To Observe Handwriting

• Skritter: For those who be taught kanji greatest by handwriting (or tracing) the characters, otherwise you need to grasp writing kanji by hand, the Skritter app could also be an ideal choice. It is fairly dear although, so for those who merely need to apply handwriting, think about using an alternate like Japanese Kanji Research, which I speak about subsequent, and pair it together with your important kanji studying program.

• Japanese Kanji Research: An Android app with a number of options and adaptability to review kanji. It comes with loads of choices — data associated to every kanji in addition to the best way to research them, together with a characteristic to apply handwriting. For the reason that construction is compromised for its customizability, I would suggest utilizing it as a secondary useful resource to pair with a kanji studying program of your selection.

No matter what you choose, be sure that to reap the benefits of the trial or preview of the product if it is out there. Everybody learns in another way, and you will not know what works greatest for you till you truly strive it out. Hopefully, we may also help you level you towards assets that will probably be best for you, however it’s additionally necessary to stay with one thing as soon as you have began; no must stress about discovering absolutely the excellent methodology, simply the one which fits you the place you are at in your language journey proper now.

Now, go do some kanji studying, and hopefully you may take pleasure in it!