Does Kanji frighten? Of course. There's no denying it: learning Japanese without facing this obstacle seems impossible. There are thousands of ideograms, each with its nuances and readings. In this scenario, many people freeze, not even knowing where to start.
It was precisely to alleviate this burden that the Japanese Ministry of Education created the famous list of Jōyō Kanji (常用漢字). Have you heard of this name? No? Then pay attention: knowing this list is a game changer for those who want to learn Japanese strategically and not get lost amidst the chaos of thousands of characters.
And do you want to know the best part? Even before you reach the end of this list, you will already be able to read newspapers, magazines, and signs on the streets of Japan. Sounds impossible? It isn't.
Table of Contents
What is the Jōyō Kanji?
The term Jōyō Kanji literally means "common use kanji." It is an official set of ideograms that form the basis of reading and writing in Japanese society. This list emerged in 1946 as an attempt by the government to standardize written language after World War II, reducing the absurd number of ideograms that were in circulation until then.
But don't think that the list has become rigid. Quite the opposite. Since its creation, it has been updated several times, until it reached the current version, formalized in 1981 and last reviewed in 2010, when 196 kanji were added and five were removed. Today, there are 2,136 characters considered essential for anyone who wants to communicate in writing in Japanese.
And here's an interesting fact: by mastering approximately 1,000 to 1,200 of these kanji, you will already be able to understand most of the informative content of everyday Japanese life.
Why is the Jōyō Kanji so important?
It may seem obvious, but it’s worth reinforcing: learning Japanese without knowing kanji is like trying to swim without water. And the Jōyō Kanji list serves as a reliable map in this vast ocean.
First, it sets a manageable number of characters, preventing the student from getting lost trying to learn thousands of rare and unnecessary ideograms. After all, it is not necessary to know all of the more than 50,000 kanji cataloged throughout history to read a newspaper in Japan.
Furthermore, the Jōyō Kanji defines the kanji taught in Japanese schools, from elementary education to the end of high school, over 12 years of study. In other words, the Japanese education system itself follows this order.
Are you wondering if you need to follow the same sequence? The answer is: not necessarily. But understanding how natives learn can be an efficient shortcut.
Finally, the Jōyō Kanji is essential for those who intend to take the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). This exam, which certifies your proficiency in Japanese, requires a progressive mastery of kanji according to the level. Not mastering the list is equivalent to preparing poorly for the test.
How to study Jōyō Kanji without going crazy?
Here is the point where many people stumble: studying kanji is not about memorizing endless lists. At least, not if you really want to learn.
The first thing you should know: kanji are not isolated entities. The same ideogram can have multiple readings, depending on the word and the context. For example, the kanji 生 can be read as sei, shō, nama, or ikiru. If you try to memorize the kanji alone, without context, you will likely become confused — or give up.
So, how to proceed? In an intelligent way:
- Learn the kanji within words and phrases: this helps to understand not only the meaning but also the real use.
- Focus first on the most common readings: the famous Pareto principle applies here. Few readings are responsible for the majority of uses.
- Use visual resources: Flashcards, recognition apps, and reading native texts with furigana are indispensable allies.
Rhetorical question: and what if there’s no furigana? Well... you will have to manage. That's why studying in an active and contextual way is essential.
Practical tips for mastering the Jōyō Kanji
No one said it would be easy, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare either. Here are some practical strategies:
- Study frequently, not intensely: the brain assimilates better with spaced repetition than with sporadic marathons.
- Use authentic materials: mangas, newspapers, songs, and even street signs.
- Follow the order of the strokes: this helps not only with memorization but also with correct writing.
- Do not skip the Hiragana and Katakana: they are the foundation of everything. Without them, you won't progress even a millimeter.
Curiosity: did you know that there are Japanese people who, with the advent of digital writing technologies, also forget how to write some kanji? This shows that the challenge is not just yours!
Jōyō Kanji and its impact on your fluency in Japanese
Imagine that you want to travel to Japan or work with Japanese companies. Without the Jōyō Kanji, your ability to read contracts, signage, or even menus will be severely limited.
In addition, anyone who intends to consume Japanese culture without intermediaries — reading manga in the original, watching anime without subtitles, or understanding song lyrics — needs this repertoire. Not all at once, of course. But little by little, consolidating the learning.
Even more: if your goal is to live in Japan, mastering the Jōyō Kanji will be just as necessary as knowing how to order food or get around.
So, don't waste time: start today!
Conclusion: mastering the Jōyō Kanji is your bridge to real Japan.
Instead of drowning in thousands of kanji aimlessly, you can walk step by step, using the Jōyō Kanji list as a reliable guide. It's not about an obligation, but rather a strategic tool that will speed up your learning, open cultural doors, and boost your confidence.
So, are you going to keep thinking that kanji is impossible or are you going to take the first step now?
If you want, you can the complete table with the 2,136 Jōyō Kanji, organized by the official order. Use it as a reference and inspiration.
Don't be afraid to make direct proposals for your learning: either you master the kanji, or the kanji masters you.
