Easy Kanji to Learn First (Beginner Friendly List with Meaning & Reading)
If you are just starting your Japanese learning journey, choosing the right kanji to learn first can make a huge difference. Instead of trying to memorize complex characters, it is much more effective to begin with easy kanji that are simple, visual, and commonly used.
Easy kanji are typically made up of fewer strokes and represent basic concepts such as numbers, nature, directions, and everyday actions. These characters are easier to remember and often appear in daily Japanese, making them perfect for beginners.
In this guide, you will find a curated list of easy kanji to learn first. Each kanji includes its reading in hiragana and romaji, along with English and Indonesian meanings. This helps reinforce learning across multiple languages.
The table below is fully searchable, allowing you to quickly find kanji. You can also click on any kanji to copy it instantly, making it easier for writing practice and memorization.
For best results, start by learning 5โ10 kanji per day. Focus on understanding the meaning and usage rather than just memorizing the shape.
| Kanji | Reading | English | Indonesian |
|---|---|---|---|
ไธ | ใใก (ichi) | one | satu |
ไบ | ใซ (ni) | two | dua |
ไธ | ใใ (san) | three | tiga |
ๅ | ใใ ใ (juu) | ten | sepuluh |
ๆฅ | ใซใก (nichi) | day | hari |
ๆ | ใใค (getsu) | month | bulan |
็ซ | ใ (ka) | fire | api |
ๆฐด | ใใ (sui) | water | air |
ๆจ | ใ (ki) | tree | pohon |
ๅฑฑ | ใใพ (yama) | mountain | gunung |
ๅท | ใใ (kawa) | river | sungai |
ไบบ | ใฒใจ (hito) | person | orang |
ๅฃ | ใใก (kuchi) | mouth | mulut |
็ฎ | ใ (me) | eye | mata |
ไธ | ใใ (ue) | up | atas |
ไธ | ใใ (shita) | down | bawah |
ไธญ | ใชใ (naka) | inside | dalam |
ๅทฆ | ใฒใ ใ (hidari) | left | kiri |
ๅณ | ใฟใ (migi) | right | kanan |
ๅคง | ใใ (oo) | big | besar |
ๅฐ | ใกใ (chii) | small | kecil |
่ก | ใใ (iku) | go | pergi |
ๆฅ | ใใ (kuru) | come | datang |
่ฆ | ใฟใ (miru) | see | melihat |
้ฃ | ใในใ (taberu) | eat | makan |
้ฃฒ | ใฎใ (nomu) | drink | minum |
Why Start with Easy Kanji?
Learning easy kanji builds confidence and creates a strong foundation. These characters are simple, frequently used, and easier to remember compared to advanced kanji.
By starting with basic shapes and meanings, your brain adapts faster to recognizing patterns. This makes it easier to learn more complex kanji later.
Consistency is key. Even learning a few kanji per day can lead to significant progress over time.
To expand your study, check our basic kanji list and most common kanji.