Decoding Kanji: How Japanese Students Learn (and How You Can Too!)

As you are learning Japanese, you know that kanji can feel like climbing a never-ending mountain, right? But did you know that even native Japanese speakers go through a structured learning process?

Understanding how Japanese students learn kanji can provide valuable insights and strategies for your own journey.

The Kanji Curriculum: A Japanese Student's Path

In Japan, students learn a specific set of kanji throughout their primary and secondary education.

By the end of ninth grade, they are expected to master the 2,136 jouyou kanji (常用漢字), which are the kanji officially designated for everyday use.

This is broken down as follows:

• Elementary School (Aged 7-12): 1,026 kanji

• Junior High School (Aged 13-15): 1,110 additional kanji

Imagine learning over a thousand new characters in just six years! So, how do they do it?

Methods Used in Japanese Schools (and How to Adapt Them)

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition: Japanese students write kanji… a lot! They practice stroke order meticulously, often filling entire notebooks with repeated characters.

• Adaptation for Learners: While rote memorisation isn't always the most exciting method, consistent practice is crucial. Use kanji writing apps, flashcards, or even create your own practice sheets. Aim for short, frequent practice sessions rather than long, infrequent ones.

Contextual Learning: Kanji are introduced within the context of words and sentences. Students learn to recognise kanji in real-world situations, rather than in isolation.

• Adaptation for Learners: Focus on learning kanji as part of vocabulary. When you encounter a new kanji, don't just memorise its meaning and reading. Learn several words that use that kanji. Read Japanese texts to see kanji in context.

Mnemonics and Radicals: While not always explicitly taught, many teachers incorporate mnemonics (memory aids) to help students remember kanji. Understanding radicals (the building blocks of kanji) is also emphasised.

For example, the kanji “親,” which means “parent,” consists of three parts: 立 (standing), 木 (tree), and 見 (looking). When I was a student, my teacher told me to remember it like this: “Your parents are standing on the tree and looking at you.”

• Adaptation for Learners: Explore mnemonic techniques! There are many resources available online and in textbooks that provide stories and images to help you remember kanji. Actively learn the meanings of common radicals – this will make it easier to understand the meaning and structure of new kanji.

Kanji Tests and Drills: Regular assessments are a key part of the learning process.

• Adaptation for Learners: Test yourself regularly! Use online quizzes, create your own flashcard tests, or ask a tutor or language partner to quiz you.

Tips for Improving Your Kanji Learning

1. Set Realistic Goals: Don't try to learn everything at once. Focus on mastering a small number of kanji each week.

2. Prioritise Jouyou Kanji: Since these are the most commonly used, focusing on them will give you the biggest return on your investment.

3. Use a Variety of Resources: Don't rely on just one textbook or app. Combine different methods to keep things interesting and reinforce your learning.

4. Make it Relevant: Connect your kanji learning to your interests. If you enjoy cooking, learn the kanji related to food and recipes.

5. Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes when learning kanji. The important thing is to learn from them and keep practicing.

6. Find a Community: Connect with other Japanese learners online or in person to share tips, ask questions, and stay motivated.

Learning kanji is a challenging but rewarding journey! By understanding the methods used in Japanese schools and adapting them to your own learning style, I believe that you can make significant progress.

Don't give up, and remember to celebrate your successes along the way!

See you soon in the next newsletter.

Yoshie | japanesewithyoshie.com