Kanji Library
Search every kanji — meanings, JLPT levels, and readings. Tap one for its full guide.
Tap + on any kanji to add it to a recall set, then drill your sets from memory →
Search the Complete Japanese Kanji Catalog
The Kanji Library lets you search and browse the full catalog of Japanese kanji — nearly two thousand characters — by meaning, reading, or JLPT level. Every entry shows the kanji’s core meaning, its on’yomi and kun’yomi readings, and its JLPT level, and links to a full guide with stroke order, example words, and practice.
How to Use the Kanji Library
Type a meaning, a kanji, or a JLPT level (such as N5) into the search box to filter the list instantly, or pick a category to narrow the list by theme. Tap any kanji to see its readings and meaning in the detail panel, and open its full guide for stroke order and example words. Use the + button to add a kanji to a recall set, then study your sets from memory on the recall page.
Kanji by JLPT Level
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) groups kanji into five levels, from N5 for beginners to N1 for advanced learners. N5 covers about a hundred of the most common characters, and each higher level adds several hundred more. Filtering the library by level is an easy way to focus on the kanji that matter most at your current stage.
On’yomi and Kun’yomi Readings
Most kanji have two kinds of reading. The on’yomi is derived from the original Chinese pronunciation and usually appears in compound words, while the kun’yomi is the native Japanese reading used when the kanji stands on its own. The library lists both for every character so you can learn how each kanji is actually pronounced in context.
Keep Learning
Pair the library with the rest of the site: build and drill kanji recall sets, study Japanese grammar, expand your vocabulary, or review the hiragana and katakana chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kanji are there?
Japanese uses several thousand kanji, but everyday literacy centers on the 2,136 jōyō (regular-use) kanji taught in schools. This library covers the characters you are most likely to encounter, from beginner to advanced.
What are JLPT kanji levels?
The JLPT sorts kanji into five levels, N5 (easiest) through N1 (hardest). N5 includes roughly a hundred basic kanji, and each level up adds several hundred more. You can filter the library by level to focus your study.
What is the difference between on’yomi and kun’yomi?
On’yomi is the reading borrowed from Chinese, common in compound words; kun’yomi is the native Japanese reading, common when a kanji appears on its own. Most kanji have at least one of each, and the library lists both.
Do I need to learn kanji stroke order?
Yes — correct stroke order makes kanji easier to write, read, and remember, and it keeps handwriting legible. Every kanji’s full guide includes an animated stroke-order diagram you can follow.
What is the best way to memorize kanji?
Combine recognition with recall: read and search kanji here, add the ones you are learning to a recall set, and review them with spaced repetition. Studying kanji alongside example words and grammar helps the meanings and readings stick.