Learning the First 80 Kanji

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 Japan's culture and daily life.

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 first-year kanji is more than a school requirement; it is a rite of age that connects children to the history and future of Japan. Let’s explore what these kanji are, their meanings, and how they are taught.

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 their 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 everyday life.

Examples of basic kanji:

• One: Means "one" and is one of the first kanji learned.
• 山 (Yama): Represents "mountain", connecting students to the geography of Japan.
• 月 (Tsuki): It symbolizes "moon" or "month," being a common 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 create an emotional connection with learning.

Teaching methods in Japanese schools:

1. Ordered strokes: Teachers teach the correct order and direction of the strokes.
2. Flashcards: Use of visual cards to enhance recognition.
3. Practical exercises: The children write the characters repeatedly to memorize them.

At the end of the first year, students are able to read simple words and sentences, which is an important milestone in their educational journey.

The cultural importance of the initial kanji

The 80 basic kanji have a relevance that goes beyond the classroom. They reflect Japan's connection with its history and culture, providing children with an understanding of their national identity. Many of these characters are related to nature and the cycles of time, concepts deeply rooted in Japanese life.

Kanji and the connection with 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 Japanese woods and forests.

Historical facts:

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 convey 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 from the first year are just the beginning of a journey that involves about 2,136 characters needed for full literacy.

Practical tips for beginners:

1. Focus on the strokes: Memorizing the correct order of the strokes makes learning easier.
2. Use apps: Platforms like Anki or Quizlet help with memorization.
3. Practice reading: Read Japanese children's stories to recognize the basic kanji.

Resources for learning:

• Japanese textbooks: Many are available with illustrations and interactive exercises.
• Educational videos: YouTube channels teach the meaning and writing of kanji.
• Study groups: Participating in 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:

1. One (ichi) - Um
2. Ku (kyū) - Nine
3. 七 (nana) - Seven
4. 二 (ni) - Two
5. 人 (hito) - People
6. Entrance (nyū) - Entrada
7. 八 (hachi) - Eighteen
8. 力 (chikara) - Power, strength
9. 十 (jū) - Ten
10. 下 (shita) - Below
11. 三 (san) - Three
12. Sen - Thousand
13. Top - 上 (ue)
14. 口 (kuchi) - Mouth
15. Soil (do) - Soil
16. Evening (yū) - Night
17. Large - Big
18. Woman - Mulher
19. Child - Criança
20. 小 (shō) - Small
21. 山 (yama) - Mountain
22. 川 (kawa) - River
23. Five (go) - Five
24. Ten (天) - Sky
25. 中 (naka) - Medium
26. 六 (roku) - Six
27. 円 (en) - Yen
28. te (て) - Hand
29. Sentence - Sentença
30. 日 (nichi) - Day
31. Moon (tsuki) - Month
32. 木 (ki) - Tree
33. 水 (mizu) - Water
34. 火 (hi) - Fire
35. 犬 (inu) - Dog
36. King (ō) - Rei
37. 正 (tadashi) - Correct
38. Izuru - Outside
39. 本 (hon) - Book, origin
40. Right (migi) - Right
41. Four (yon) - Four
42. Left (hidari) - Left
43. 玉 (tama) - Ball
44. Nama (生) - Cru
45. 田 (ta) - Rice field
46. 白 (shiro) - White
47. Eye - Olho
48. 石 (ishi) - Stone
49. 立 (tatsu) -
50. Hyaku (百) - One hundred
51. 年 (toshi) - Year
52. Kyū (休) - Holiday
53. Before (saki) - Anterior
54. 名 (na) - Name
55. Character (ji) - Person
56. Haya - Early
57. Ki (気) - Care
58. Take (竹) - Bamboo
59. 糸 (ito) - Thread
60. 耳 (mimi) - Ear
61. 虫 (mushi) - Insect
62. 村 (mura) - Village
63. 男 (otoko) - Man
64. 町 (machi) - Town
65. 花 (hana) - Flower
66. 見 (mi) - See
67. Shellfish (kai) - Shellfish
68. 赤 (aka) - Red
69. Foot (ashi) - Foot
70. 車 (kuruma) - Car
71. 学 (manabu) - Learn
72. 林 (hayashi) - Forest
73. 空 (sora) - Sky
74. Gold (kimu) - Gold
75. 雨 (ame) - Rain
76. 青 (ao) - Blue
77. 草 (kusa) - Grass
78. 音 (oto) - Sound
79. 校 (kō) - School
80. 森 (mori) - Forest

The video below shows in detail how to write each kanji found in this article.