As you can see, different sources may refer to lists of 165, 167, 178, or 180 kanji, as they are all compiled based on previous test patterns and common beginner textbooks. For example, nihongo-pro.com lists 167 characters, while Clay Boutwell's "Japanese Kanji for JLPT N4" covers 178 kanji commonly found on the test. More comprehensive books like "Basic Kanji 320" cover all 320 essential characters required for both N5 and N4. The key takeaway is that mastering a core set of around 180 characters will give you a solid foundation for the exam.
| Resource Name | Description & Format | Key Features | Price / Access | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | (tiengnhatvui.com, tiengnhatcoban.net) | Simple, comprehensive lists of all N4 kanji. Available for download as PDF | Printable list of 180 Kanji; Full list sorted by stroke count; User-friendly Japanese learning websites | Free | | Basic Kanji 320 (MLC Japanese) | A 53-page PDF workbook covering 320 essential kanji for JLPT N5 & N4 | 10/20/40/50 kanji quizzes with review system; Clear examples sentences (furigana) and practical vocabulary; Smart review system for long-term retention | Paid (Instant digital delivery) | | Kanji Look and Learn (The Japan Times) | A textbook that introduces 512 essential kanji (N5 & N4) through a unique visual learning method | Engaging illustrations for mnemonics; widely considered one of the best kanji books for JLPT preparation | Varies (Contact publisher for purchase options) | | Learn Japanese Pod - Combined Kanji List | A comprehensive 114-page PDF cumulative list for JLPT N1 through N5 | Reference list for learners at all levels | Free | | Clay Boutwell's "Japanese Kanji for JLPT N4" | An eBook (PDF/ePUB) covering 178 kanji believed to be found in the N4 test | Mnemonic stories; Graphic for stroke order; Over 500 free downloadable audio files | Paid (eBook) | | Iuliia Nelidova's "Basic 180 Japanese Kanji N4" | A 180-kanji copybook / exercise book specifically for JLPT N4 | Designed for quick mastery with ample writing space; Highly practical and easy-to-use | Paid / Free (Varies by source) | | Eriko Sato's "Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 2" | A practice book for JLPT Level N4 & AP Exam | Step-by-step stroke order diagrams; Special boxes with grid lines for writing practice; Includes words and phrases using each kanji | Paid | n4 kanji pdf
Clearly labels Onyomi (usually in katakana) and Kunyomi (usually in hiragana). As you can see, different sources may refer
List 2 or 3 high-frequency N4 vocabulary words using that kanji. Step 2: Include Writing Practice Sheets Dedicate the second half of your PDF to blank grid squares. The key takeaway is that mastering a core
Don't overwhelm yourself. Plan to study a specific number of kanji per week. For instance, if you study 20 new kanji per week, you could finish the N5 range in 6 weeks and all N4 kanji in 16 weeks. For a faster pace, try studying 40 kanji each week to complete all 320 in 8 weeks. Having a target, such as the next JLPT exam date, makes these schedules incredibly motivating.
At the N4 level, you will transition to more complex daily actions. (To begin) – On: シ / Kun: はじ・める 終 (To end) – On: シュウ / Kun: お・わる 動 (To move) – On: ドウ / Kun: うご・く 働 (To work) – On: ドウ / Kun: はたら・く 考 (To think) – On: コウ / Kun: かんが・える