Learn Japanese Kanji – Meanings, Readings & Stroke Order
Browse our growing collection of Japanese Kanji. Each page includes meaning, Onyomi & Kunyomi readings, stroke order, vocabulary, and example sentences.
Kanji are the logographic characters borrowed from Chinese that form the backbone of written Japanese, alongside Hiragana and Katakana. This Kanji list covers essential characters from JLPT N5 to N1, each with its meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and real example sentences — everything you need to build genuine reading fluency.
How to Use This Kanji List
Search by character, English meaning, or romaji reading using the search bar above, or filter by JLPT level to focus your study. Click any Kanji card to open its full breakdown, including stroke order, vocabulary, and example sentences in Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English.
Frequently Asked Questions About Learning Kanji
How many Kanji are there in Japanese?
There are over 2,000 commonly used Kanji (Joyo Kanji) in modern Japanese, though the JLPT tests a subset of around 100 to 2,000+ depending on the level, from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced).
What order should I learn Kanji in?
Most learners start with JLPT N5 Kanji, which cover basic numbers, directions, time, and everyday objects, then progress through N4, N3, N2, and finally N1 as vocabulary and reading ability grow.
What is the difference between Onyomi and Kunyomi?
Onyomi is the Chinese-derived reading of a Kanji, usually used in compound words, while Kunyomi is the native Japanese reading, usually used when the Kanji stands alone or is paired with Hiragana.
How can I memorize Kanji stroke order?
Practice writing each Kanji by hand following the numbered stroke order shown on its detail page, generally moving top to bottom and left to right, until the sequence becomes automatic.
Is this Kanji list free to use?
Yes, every Kanji page on JLPTForAll is completely free, including meanings, readings, stroke order, vocabulary, and example sentences.
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