When you begin your journey to study Japanese language, mastering kanji can seem overwhelming. However, learning some essential kanji early on can make understanding the language more accessible and help you navigate daily situations in Japan. Here, we introduce a few fundamental kanji characters that will give you a solid foundation to start with.
1. 日 (Nichi/Hi) – Day, Sun
The kanji “日” is one of the most commonly used characters in Japanese. It can mean “day” or “sun” depending on the context. This kanji is found in words like 日本 (Nihon), meaning Japan, and 日曜日 (Nichiyoubi), meaning Sunday. Learning this kanji early will help you recognize dates, days of the week, and even references to Japan itself.
2. 本 (Hon) – Book, Origin
Another essential kanji is “本,” which means “book” or “origin.” When combined with “日” to form 日本 (Nihon), it represents Japan as the “origin of the sun.” The character appears frequently in words related to books and learning, making it a useful kanji for those who wish to learn Japanese language for study or leisure.
3. 人 (Hito/Jin) – Person
The kanji “人” means “person” and is often used to describe nationalities or professions. For example, 日本人 (Nihonjin) means “Japanese person,” while 医者 (Isha), meaning “doctor,” contains the character for person (者). Understanding this kanji is crucial when discussing people or identities in Japanese language for beginners.
4. 大 (Dai) – Big, Large
The kanji “大” is used to indicate something large or important. It appears in many common words, such as 大学 (Daigaku), meaning “university,” and 大切 (Taisetsu), meaning “important.” Learning this character can help you recognize size or significance when reading Japanese.
5. 小 (Shou) – Small, Little
In contrast, “小” represents something small. It’s often paired with other kanji to form words like 小学校 (Shougakkou), meaning “elementary school.” Recognizing “小” can help you understand the scale or magnitude of things in Japanese.
Conclusion
Starting with these essential kanji characters will give beginners a head start in recognizing important terms and concepts. As you continue to study Japanese language, you’ll find that learning kanji gradually builds your reading and comprehension skills. The journey to learn Japanese language may be challenging, but understanding these fundamental characters will lay a strong foundation for further progress in mastering the language.
Studying Japanese language, especially kanji, can seem intimidating, but with consistent practice and the right approach, Japanese language for beginners can become an exciting and rewarding experience.
Study Japanese Language : Japanese Language for Beginners: Essential Kanji to Get You Started