Tips for Non-Japanese Speakers: Easy Ways to Learn Japanese Kanji

Even for Japanese people, Kanji is a challenging script to learn because of its vast variety. For foreigners trying to learn it, it must be incredibly difficult. Moreover, the use of Kanji can change depending on the grammatical context in Japanese, which I think makes it an almost impossible game.

If I were a foreigner, I'd be so frustrated, I might flip the table – that's a Japanese joke. So, today, from a Japanese perspective, I will introduce some tips for foreigners who are learning Kanji for the first time.

Learn Japanese Kanji

Japanese Kanji are known for their beauty and complexity, but they can be a bit challenging for beginners. However, with the right approach, even those from outside of Japan can master Kanji. Here are some tips for easily learning Kanji.

1. Start with the Basics: Begin with the most common and basic Kanji. For example, start learning simple characters like '日' (sun/day), '月' (moon/month), and '山' (mountain), and gradually increase the difficulty.
2. Use Mnemonics: Utilizing mnemonics or stories to remember Kanji can be very effective. For instance, '林' (woods) can be remembered as two trees, while '森' (forest) as many trees.
3. Regular Practice: Kanji improves with practice. Writing a little every day helps gradually memorize the strokes and meanings of different characters.
4. Leverage Digital Tools: Apps for smartphones and tablets allow you to learn Kanji anywhere. These apps also teach pronunciation and meanings, aiding in a deeper understanding.

Learning Kanji requires time and practice, but it can be an enjoyable process. Try these tips and challenge yourself with the beautiful art of Japanese Kanji.