40 Articles
Radicals, SRS, mnemonics, contextual learning, writing practice: 5 proven methods to learn kanji. From zero to reading Japanese.
Read articleExact kanji counts: N5 (80), N4 (240), N3 (620), N2 (1,000), N1 (2,136). Plus study time estimates and what else you need beyond kanji to pass.
Hiragana, katakana, and kanji: what each one does, when to use them, and the exact order to learn them. Clear examples included.
How SRS (spaced repetition) makes kanji stick in long-term memory. The science, optimal review intervals, and best apps to use it.
The 100 kanji you'll encounter most in Japan: on signs, menus, stations, and daily life. Each with meaning, readings, and example words.
Rote repetition, flashcard overload, no context: 3 common mistakes killing your kanji progress. Here's what actually works instead.
Why do you forget kanji you thought you knew? Recognizing isn't remembering. Discover the difference and how to actually study.
2136 kanji, multiple readings, infinite combinations. Here's why traditional methods fail and what you actually need to learn Japanese kanji.
Find out how long it really takes to pass each JLPT level, from N5 to N1. Realistic timelines, not impossible promises.
Pass JLPT N5 on your first try: study plan, grammar checklist, kanji list, vocabulary targets, and the mistakes that fail 40% of test-takers.
JLPT 2026: July 6 and December 7 test dates. Registration deadlines, fees by country, and test locations worldwide. Updated monthly.
N5: 80 kanji, 800 words. N1: 2,136 kanji, 10,000+ words. All 5 JLPT levels compared: study hours, pass rates, and which level to target first.
Practical, tested strategies to pass the JLPT at any level. Tips on studying, time management, and what to do on exam day.
Why studying kanji alone fails and how a learning community changes everything. Science-backed methods, accountability, and real progress.
Master Japanese particles に, で, を, は and が with practical examples. The complete guide to never confusing them again.
Type A is organized, B is creative, O is confident, AB is mysterious: the full guide to Japan's blood type personality theory.
10 anime ranked by difficulty: beginner to advanced. Each with why it helps your Japanese and what patterns to listen for.
Step-by-step roadmap: hiragana (week 1), katakana (week 2), first kanji, grammar foundations, and the best resources at every stage.
The must-know kanji for surviving in Japan as a tourist. Stations, restaurants, bathrooms, shops: all the characters you'll see everywhere.
How do you call people in Japanese? When to use さん, 君, ちゃん? Is あなた rude? The complete guide to pronouns and honorific suffixes.
What is rendaku and why does hito become bito? The guide to the Japanese phonetic phenomenon that transforms voiceless consonants into voiced ones.
You've learned N5 kanji, now what? Here's what to read to practice what you know: graded readers, manga, apps and resources perfect for your level.
Kanjidon vs WaniKani: features, SRS methods, pricing, and user experience compared side by side. Which kanji app fits your goals and budget in 2026?
Kanjidon vs Anki for kanji learning: SRS methods, ease of use, pricing, and effectiveness compared. Which flashcard app fits your study style?
Kanjidon vs Duolingo for learning Japanese: an honest comparison. Discover which app is better for kanji, vocabulary, and reaching fluency in 2026.
We tested WaniKani, Anki, Duolingo, and 4 more kanji apps. Honest pros, cons, and pricing for each. Find the best app for your learning style.
The complete list of 103 JLPT N5 kanji with meaning, ON and KUN readings, and example words. Everything you need to prepare for the exam.
The 214 kanji radicals turn 2,000 characters into recognizable patterns. The 30 most important radicals explained with examples and mnemonics.
How long does it take to learn kanji? Honest breakdown by JLPT level, method comparison and realistic timeline. No impossible promises.
Japanese Kanji and Chinese Hanzi share origins but diverged over centuries. Key differences, false friends, simplified vs traditional, and mutual intelligibility.
The 7 best free apps for learning kanji, tested and ranked. Pros, cons and honest verdict for each app. Find the right one for you.
All costs to learn Japanese in 2026: apps, books, JLPT, tutors. Comparative tables and 3 budget plans from zero to full. No surprises.
Duolingo for Japanese has structural limits on kanji. Honest analysis of what's good and what's not, with alternatives that really work.
Month-by-month plan to go from absolute zero to JLPT N3 in 12 months. Resources, times, milestones and Plan B for those with less time.
Follow a typical beginner's 6-month journey from zero Japanese to JLPT N5. Week-by-week breakdown: kana, first kanji, SRS routines, and real progress milestones.
Stuck at intermediate Japanese? See how typical N4 learners break through the kanji plateau and reach N3 using spaced repetition, PvP battles and mnemonics.
A practical guide for advanced JLPT learners tackling N1. Strategy, timeline, and how to master 2,000+ kanji with spaced repetition and targeted study.
Learn the shadowing technique to improve your Japanese pronunciation and listening skills. A method used by professional interpreters, perfect for every JLPT level.
Discover why writing kanji by hand improves memorization. Guide to stroke order rules and how to practice anywhere with a drawing quiz on your phone.
Prepare for the JLPT with realistic mock exams. Discover how practice tests improve your score, reduce anxiety, and reveal weaknesses to fix before exam day.
