Printable Japanese reference

Beginner Kanji Chart

Browse beginner Kanji by topic, search English meanings or Japanese readings, and copy any character. Includes On and Kun reading cues.

91 beginner Kanji shown

What the readings mean

On readings often entered Japanese through Chinese-derived vocabulary, while Kun readings are native Japanese readings. A Kanji can have several of each, so the chart gives concise cues rather than an exhaustive dictionary entry.

Learn Kanji inside words

Do not memorize isolated readings as if every character had one pronunciation. Learn with words such as 学生 and 学校, then notice how the same character behaves in context.

About level labels

The chart is a practical beginner reference grouped by topic. The JLPT does not publish an official Kanji list for each level, so this page avoids claiming that every item belongs to one fixed official band.