The Finest Kanji Studying Packages

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

Sadly, there is not any shortcut round these hurdles. And I am not gonna lie, studying kanji does take time and vitality it doesn’t matter what technique you select. However when you’re making the funding, you need to do it in essentially the most environment friendly and efficient approach doable.

If you happen to’re scrolling this web page with a hand that is hurting from writing kanji on paper a gazillion occasions — you got here to the precise place.

Fortunately, there are studying packages you possibly can simply comply with alongside to make the kanji studying expertise much less of a ache (actually, and figuratively). With the precise program, kanji might be manageable. It would not must be this massive bushy purpose for Japanese learners.

On this article, I am going to introduce you to the very best 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 decide one? Nicely, there are some issues to think about…

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

The very first thing to think about is what kanji-related talent 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 easy methods to pronounce it too?

I like to recommend you concentrate to some points: kanji readings and kanji vocabulary.

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

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. Regardless that kanji are semantic (that’s, every kanji has not less than one that means), they’re characters fairly than standalone phrases. Positive, some single kanji characters might be phrases on their very own, however they’re extra generally used as elements to make vocabulary. It is vital to be taught them collectively.

Studying vocabulary together with kanji is not only 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 possibly can 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 can 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 tough with out assist.

So, it is vital to verify: Does this system provide help to truly bear in mind kanji?

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

For kanji studying, mnemonics come in numerous codecs. Some packages inform you the historical past of how the kanji have been created, whereas different educate you elements of kanji and what they imply, then what the kanji means from these broken-down elements (which is what we wish to name Radical + Mnemonic technique).

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 provide help to retain the data in any approach?

As time passes, you will possible neglect what you’ve got realized. So reviewing or refreshing what you’ve got realized is vital for turning that data into one thing concrete and steady in your thoughts. Some of the in style options is to make use of an SRS (Spaced Repetition System), which repeatedly prompts you to recall an merchandise you’ve got 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 overview 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 full variety of kanji in existence is debatable, fortunately, you do not have to review all of them to have the ability to learn many of the issues that you must get by on a day-to-day foundation.

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

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

Nevertheless, you must remember the fact that the jōyō kanji record would not cowl all of the helpful kanji you must know. In spite of everything, the record is supposed to be a foundational guideline. It isn’t 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 many others. You may need a robust desire for a particular format over others, however attempt to preserve an open thoughts.

For instance, reviewing kanji might be a lot simpler and simpler once you use digital instruments that use SRS, which automate the whole reviewing course of. You possibly can nonetheless use textbooks or video classes, however you may additionally think about pairing it with an SRS flashcard app for opinions.

The Finest Kanji Studying Packages

Okay, now let’s discuss 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 net packages WaniKani, and Kanji Harm.

For full transparency earlier than moving into extra particulars, I need to let one of many packages, WaniKani, is our personal product we created right here at Tofugu. I attempted my finest to analysis every useful resource intimately and write up all the professionals and cons from a impartial place, however I am in all probability 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 happy with them), however I simply wished to ensure you know WaniKani is our personal.

Anyway, getting again to the precise choices…

Initially, all of them share some comparable qualities that make them efficient for studying kanji:

1. All of them have good protection of kanji (not less than 1,700, not just some hundred).
2. All of them use mnemonics (not less than that will help you bear in mind the meanings).
3. All of them use the strategy of breaking down kanji into elements (Radical + Mnemonic technique).

Regardless of the similarities, they’re all very totally different packages designed and created with numerous intentions in thoughts. There are a number of elements 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, this is the TLDR model:

• If you happen to’re searching for an interactive instrument to recollect (and never neglect) kanji and vocabulary, attempt WaniKani.
• If you happen to’re searching for a top quality textbook to be taught kanji, Kodansha’s Kanji Learners’ Course is a good and reliable possibility.
• If you happen to’re on a price range (and do not thoughts an overall-inappropriate use of language), Kanji Harm is usually a nice possibility. You may even discover the humor hilarious.
• If you wish to cram for solely the meanings of kanji in a short time, think about Remembering The Kanji 1, however pay attention to what you’ll NOT get out of it. For precise Japanese literacy, you will must make up in your kanji studying and vocabulary data outdoors of this e-book. I’ll discuss this textbook first as a result of it is one of the vital well-known strategies, however I personally do not advocate this selection as a lot because the others.

Now, let’s discover every possibility.

Remembering The Kanji 1 (RTK 1)

The quickest useful resource that helps you bear in mind easy methods 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 Neglect the Which means and Writing of Japanese Characters is the primary quantity of the Remembering The Kanji sequence, also known as “RTK.”

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

The primary quantity of the RTK sequence is essentially the most well-known. It has a repute for being the quickest technique 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 pace.

However there is a catch — it teaches you kanji meanings completely, so you will not know easy methods 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 sequence is devoted to educating 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 supplied that will help you bear in mind the readings, though that is what the readers of the primary quantity may need anticipated to see within the second quantity as nicely.

Along with the flexibility to acknowledge the kanji meanings, the purpose 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 sequence as we speak, remember the fact that this e-book was first revealed in 1977. Learners’ wants have modified since then. Typing is much extra widespread and sensible than handwriting expertise, and you will not be capable of sort if you do not know easy methods to learn.

One other massive draw back is that it teaches you kanji in isolation from vocabulary. Meaning you will not be studying kanji in any form of context. In real-life, kanji are principally elements of phrases. It is vital to know the way and in what sort of phrases they are going to be used. This is the 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 option to get by and get accustomed to an enormous quantity of kanji. If you happen to’re the form of one that needs to cram and drill down kanji meanings in a brief period of time, it’s value testing. Realizing the meanings of kanji is not utterly ineffective in any case — that is completely higher than having zero kanji data. You should utilize that to guess the that means of Japanese phrases that they make up. Nicely, form of…

Nevertheless, with its strict give attention to meaning-only, what you truly get out of it could be restricted and superficial — You will not be capable of learn, sort kanji, or acquire vocabulary data from this e-book.

General, RTK 1 will not be designed to provide 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 elements of different kanji, fairly than for his or her usefulness. This additionally implies that you will be lacking some extraordinarily widespread non-jōyō kanji too.

Additionally, be aware that the primary quantity expects you to learn to create mnemonics by yourself, so the mnemonics step by step fade out and are not supplied later within the e-book. Developing with your personal mnemonics might provide help to strengthen your reminiscence, however it’s additionally time-consuming. Particularly when you’re contemplating RTK for its pace, use Koohii, a database of user-generated mnemonics for RTK.

Lastly, this can be a textbook. Utilizing it alone will not provide help to retain your kanji data. If you happen to resolve to go together 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 referred to as 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 among the best 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 provides a extra up to date and thorough strategy in addition to options that RTK was lacking. Their basic strategies are comparable — they each educate kanji with element elements (they name them “graphemes”) and supply mnemonics to recollect the core meanings of kanji. Whereas RTK is most recognized for being the quickest kanji studying technique whereas sacrificing among the vital points for Japanese learners (reminiscent of 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 provides a couple of pattern vocabulary phrases per kanji to signify using kanji in addition to widespread readings. And, the vocabulary solely makes use of kanji that you have realized beforehand, so you can reinforce your kanji data in subsequent vocabulary. Though this strategy will not be as hand-holding as WaniKani (I will be speaking about this subsequent), which gives you with mnemonics that will help you bear in mind the kanji readings in addition to vocabulary, the intentional educating order and thoroughly chosen vocabulary undoubtedly makes KLC precious.

KLC additionally takes into consideration the frequency of utilization of every kanji, that means that you’re going to be taught essentially the most generally used kanji first, which can provide help to to start out studying real-world Japanese supplies extra rapidly. The number of kanji has given a whole lot of thought to it too. The one draw back is that it contains all the jōyō kanji, together with some unusual ones. The total protection of jōyō kanji makes the full quantity 2,300, which is certainly on the heavier aspect 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 remember that not each kanji from this e-book can be helpful (particularly unusual kanji saved for the sake of being jōyō kanji).

The KLC textbook is kind of easy — when you open the e-book and flip the pages, you will notice it seems virtually like a kanji dictionary or a reference, fairly than a course to undergo. And since it’s a e-book in any case, it would not include an built-in system to overview what you’ve got realized like a built-in SRS. So to additional overview and observe the kanji you be taught, there are supplemental assets like graded readers, or handwriting worksheets out there. Whereas doubtlessly useful, it may well find yourself costing fairly a bit when you’re buying all of the really helpful supplies.

General, 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. If you happen to resolve to provide KLC a go, begin at the start to know how this system is designed and its really helpful use to maximise the advantages. Make certain to take a look at the appendix, too — you will decide up some basic kanji data that may undoubtedly be helpful!

WaniKani

An entire bundle for kanji and Japanese vocabulary studying, utilizing built-in SRS and mnemonics that will help you bear in mind and never neglect 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 goal is to show you essentially the most helpful kanji primarily based on elements 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 must pair it with a separate SRS like Anki as a way to overview 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 overview what you’ve got realized.

WaniKani additionally takes the strategy of slowly constructing on what you’ve got 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 will be taught vocabulary phrases that use the kanji with WaniKani. As a result of its SRS retains a file of your right and incorrect solutions, WaniKani is aware of how acquainted (and the way not but acquainted) you’re with the gadgets you’ve got realized. This fashion, WaniKani makes positive you are already accustomed to 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 provides mnemonics for kanji readings along with kanji meanings. Many assets provide kanji that means mnemonics, however just a few present mnemonics that will help you bear in mind kanji readings. WaniKani additionally prioritizes kanji readings in accordance with how helpful they’re so you do not have to fret about which studying(s) you have 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’re going to 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 may 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 typically use extra formal educational language, however WaniKani retains issues approachable and interesting (not less than, we attempt). WaniKani additionally has a big neighborhood of fellow learners providing recommendation, help, and actions like e-book golf equipment. Realizing that you just’re in it with different folks might 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 another useful resource, WaniKani will not be 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 comply with 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, when you’re studying from textbooks, you possibly can skip pages and sure kanji (though they normally advocate to not, there’s nothing to cease you). With WaniKani, you possibly can’t skip gadgets or ranges. This could possibly be doubtlessly 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 examine below their belts who can attest that they may be taught kanji extra effectively with WaniKani than ever earlier than.

Additionally WaniKani may 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 — you must get pleasure from it whereas it lasts. The variety of opinions can be rapidly overwhelming as you progress. Some of the 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 may maintain off on doing them so that you just will not get overwhelmed by opinions. If you happen to’re making an attempt to finish WaniKani, you are in it for the lengthy haul — it takes not less than a yr to finish this system. It is vital to not burn your self out.

Lastly, WaniKani is not the most cost effective program. There is a group 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 provide you with 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).

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

Kanji Harm is an internet site the place you possibly can be taught 1,700 kanji utilizing the tactic of breaking down kanji into elements and providing mnemonics for each meanings and readings. And, it is free!

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

General, the content material is certainly NSFW, and never one thing to let your children use for his or her kanji research, however when you do not thoughts that form of language, Kanji Harm is a good possibility you possibly can attempt 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 an inventory of vocabulary that makes use of the kanji as nicely, so you possibly can see the kanji in context. Every kanji compound phrase (jukugo) exhibits how it’s made out of various kanji elements 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 an internet site, be aware that it’s NOT an interactive instrument. It’s a assortment of static net pages, and in reality, the writer truly calls it a “e-book.” So, it will not save your progress, and you will not be capable of overview or observe with built-in digital flashcards like WaniKani. Nevertheless, you must be aware that Kanji Harm has an official Anki deck, so though it is not built-in, you need to use that as a instrument to overview what you realized on Kanji Harm.

Additionally, remember that the full variety of kanji is 1,700, a couple of hundred fewer than what comparable kanji studying packages cowl. The writer used an inventory 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 many of the excluded jōyō kanji are certainly obscure, there are some that you’d run into in every day life. As a local speaker of Japanese, I might say the record could also be just a little too pared down for learners trying to obtain a good stage of literacy, and familiarize themselves with many of the kanji they’d encounter each day.

Different Kanji Studying Sources

We hope this text helped introduce you to 1 or two kanji studying packages you need to take a look at.

In case you could not discover what you have been searching for, there are a couple of different assets that did not fairly make the shortlist you is perhaps taken with. They’re all high quality assets, however they have been excluded for numerous causes; much less kanji protection, give attention to one specific kanji-related talent (reminiscent of handwriting), and many others.

Video Program

• Outlier Linguistics Kanji Masterclass: If you happen to’re the form of one that needs 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 easy methods to be taught extra kanji by yourself with that foundational data.

Widespread Textbooks

• Kanji Look and Study: If you happen to’re a Genki textbook fan, Kanji Look and Study is perhaps a superb possibility that comes with illustrations for mnemonics for every kanji. It additionally has a separate workbook filled with actions, together with observe handwriting. Simply be aware it solely covers 512 newbie to intermediate-level kanji.

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

Instruments To Apply Handwriting

• Skritter: If you happen to be taught kanji finest by handwriting (or tracing) the characters, otherwise you need to grasp writing kanji by hand, the Skritter app could also be an ideal possibility. It is fairly expensive although, so when you merely need to observe handwriting, think about using an alternate like Japanese Kanji Examine, which I discuss subsequent, and pair it along with your important kanji studying program.

• Japanese Kanji Examine: An Android app with a whole lot of options and suppleness to review kanji. It comes with loads of choices — data associated to every kanji in addition to easy methods to examine them, together with a characteristic to observe handwriting. Because the construction is compromised for its customizability, I might advocate utilizing it as a secondary useful resource to pair with a kanji studying program of your alternative.

No matter what you decide, make sure that to make the most 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 finest for you till you truly attempt it out. Hopefully, we may also help you level you towards assets that can be best for you, however it’s additionally vital to stay with one thing as soon as you’ve got began; no must stress about discovering absolutely the excellent technique, 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 will get pleasure from it!