Into kanjis we go

[patroclus]

Hello
I already know about 120 kanjis or so. So far, it's been possible to study all of them, but I feel very hard to memorize all possible lectures, meaning ans examples. I have a kanji book, with all 2229 Jooyoo. But I really would have some advice on how to get into this.
These days I'm trying to learn about 5 more kanjis per day, but it really gets hard! It is easier if just studying kun lecture, and meaning, but on lecture really gets this task difficult!
any advice?

 

[KrazyKat]

Here are my tips:
1) Find a good textbook on Kanji that explains what each of the parts of Kanji are so you can break them down.
2) Don't worry about learning all the readings at once.
3) First only learn the main kun-reading. chances are you already know the verb/adjective and if you don't now you will.
4)Once you are already famailiar with the Kanji, come back and learn the on-readings within a compound word. This is the best way to learn on readings and your vocab will grow very fast.
5) Don't learn 5 Kanji at a time. Familiarize yourself with 30. You will learn more over the long run by doing lots and lots of Kanji a little than writing out just 5 over and over. At least that what I think.
6) Flash Cards!


(We have a Japanese language learning section here. nihongo forum - learning Japanese)

 

[yukio_michael]

Another thing to point out I think is that the Japanese themselves have some problems with kanji, as the use of computers seems to have an effect on the way that people use and remember the kanji.

You'll see shows on television that are like language quizes for different talent as a sort of edutainment program.

Many Japanese people I've known have told me that they knew off hand around 500 or so kanji rather than the 2000 expected by the Ministry of Education as 'daily use' kanji.

I've always read good things about Japanese lessons that emphasise use of the kanji early, I think this is also a good way to learn them, by seeing them in context.

 

[Ewok85]

I agree that you should show people the first 100-150 kanji early on, but until that simple base is perfect I wouldnt move up. Then like KrazyKat said, about 30 a week is right.

 

[patroclus]

Thanks, I'm actually trying to get used to 15-20 kanji before I try to memorize all about them. This way it seems better.