In Japan, the learning of kanji begins early, already in the first year of elementary school. Students dive into the universe of these complex and fascinating characters, starting with 80 essential kanji. These symbols, which represent ideas and sounds, are the foundation for mastering the Japanese language and play a crucial role in the culture and daily life of Japan.
The introduction to the study of kanji includes cultural and practical elements, as these characters are used in signs, books, and even in cartoons. Learning the kanji of the first year is more than a school obligation; it is a rite of passage that connects children to the history and future of Japan. Let’s explore what these kanji are, their meanings, and how they are taught.
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What are the 80 kanji of the first year?
In Japan, the Ministry of Education defines a list of 80 kanji that children must learn in the first school year. These characters are carefully selected to introduce basic concepts of reading and writing. They include words related to nature, numbers, days of the week, and fundamental elements of daily life.
Examples of basic kanji:
- 一 (Ichi): Means “one” and is one of the first kanji learned.
- 山 (Yama): Represents “mountain,” connecting students to the geography of Japan.
- 月 (Tsuki): Symbolizes “moon” or “month,” being a frequent concept in calendars.
These kanji not only teach children to read but also to understand the ideas and images associated with them. This approach helps to create an emotional connection with learning.
Teaching methods in Japanese schools:
- Ordered strokes: Teachers teach the correct order and direction of the strokes.
- Flashcards: Use of visual cards to reinforce recognition.
- Practical exercises: Children write the characters repeatedly to memorize them.
By the end of the first year, students can read simple words and sentences, which is an important milestone in their educational journey.
The cultural importance of initial kanji
The 80 basic kanji have a relevance that goes beyond the classroom. They reflect Japan’s connection to its history and culture, offering children an understanding of their national identity. Many of these characters are linked to nature and the cycles of time, concepts deeply rooted in Japanese life.
Kanji and the connection to nature:
- 川 (Kawa): “River” – symbolizes the relationship with water, essential for Japan.
- 雨 (Ame): “Rain” – a recurring and vital phenomenon in the archipelago.
- 木 (Ki): “Tree” – represents the vast woods and forests of Japan.
Historical facts:
The kanji were introduced to Japan from China, but they gained their own meanings and uses over the centuries. Many kanji taught in the first year reflect this adaptation, showing how Japan personalized this writing system to meet its cultural needs.
Learning these kanji early on is not just an educational requirement but a way to pass on values and traditions to the next generation.
How to continue learning kanji?
For those who wish to learn kanji like a Japanese student, it is essential to follow structured methods and persist with daily practices. The kanji of the first year are just the beginning of a path that involves about 2,136 characters necessary for complete literacy.
Practical tips for beginners:
- Focus on strokes: Memorizing the correct order of strokes facilitates learning.
- Use apps: Platforms like Anki or Quizlet help with memorization.
- Practice reading: Read Japanese children’s stories to recognize basic kanji.
Learning resources:
- Japanese textbooks: Many are available with illustrations and interactive exercises.
- Educational videos: YouTube channels teach the meaning and writing of kanji.
- Study groups: Joining online communities can help maintain motivation.
With dedication and the use of modern resources, it is possible to learn the 80 basic kanji and take the first steps on the path to fluency in Japanese.
The First 80 Kanji
See below the list of all the first Kanji and their meanings:
- 一 (ichi) – One
- 九 (kyū) – Nine
- 七 (nana) – Seven
- 二 (ni) – Two
- 人 (hito) – People
- 入 (nyū) – Entry
- 八 (hachi) – Eight
- 力 (chikara) – Power, strength
- 十 (jū) – Ten
- 下 (shita) – Below
- 三 (san) – Three
- 千 (sen) – Thousand
- 上 (ue) – Top
- 口 (kuchi) – Mouth
- 土 (do) – Soil
- 夕 (yū) – Evening
- 大 (dai) – Big
- 女 (onna) – Woman
- 子 (ko) – Child
- 小 (shō) – Small
- 山 (yama) – Mountain
- 川 (kawa) – River
- 五 (go) – Five
- 天 (ten) – Sky
- 中 (naka) – Middle
- 六 (roku) – Six
- 円 (en) – Yen
- 手 (te) – Hand
- 文 (bun) – Sentence
- 日 (nichi) – Day
- 月 (tsuki) – Month
- 木 (ki) – Tree
- 水 (mizu) – Water
- 火 (hi) – Fire
- 犬 (inu) – Dog
- 王 (ō) – King
- 正 (tadashi) – Correct
- 出 (izuru) – Out
- 本 (hon) – Book, origin
- 右 (migi) – Right
- 四 (yon) – Four
- 左 (hidari) – Left
- 玉 (tama) – Ball
- 生 (nama) – Raw
- 田 (ta) – Rice field
- 白 (shiro) – White
- 目 (me) – Eye
- 石 (ishi) – Stone
- 立 (tatsu) – Stand
- 百 (hyaku) – Hundred
- 年 (toshi) – Year
- 休 (kyū) – Holiday
- 先 (saki) – Previous
- 名 (na) – Name
- 字 (ji) – Character
- 早 (haya) – Early
- 気 (ki) – Care
- 竹 (take) – Bamboo
- 糸 (ito) – Thread
- 耳 (mimi) – Ear
- 虫 (mushi) – Insect
- 村 (mura) – Village
- 男 (otoko) – Man
- 町 (machi) – City
- 花 (hana) – Flower
- 見 (mi) – See
- 貝 (kai) – Shellfish
- 赤 (aka) – Red
- 足 (ashi) – Foot
- 車 (kuruma) – Car
- 学 (manabu) – Learn
- 林 (hayashi) – Forest
- 空 (sora) – Sky
- 金 (kimu) – Gold
- 雨 (ame) – Rain
- 青 (ao) – Blue
- 草 (kusa) – Grass
- 音 (oto) – Sound
- 校 (kō) – School
- 森 (mori) – Forest
The video below shows in detail how to write each kanji found in this article.
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