This is Part 2 of our N5 Kanji series! In this post, we’ll explore 5 more fundamental kanji: 出 (exit), 本 (book/origin), 中 (inside), 子 (child), and 見 (see). These characters are commonly found in everyday Japanese, and are essential for passing the JLPT N5 exam. Let’s break them down with meanings, readings, stroke counts, and vocabulary examples.
1. 出 (exit / go out)
- Meaning: to go out, exit
- Onyomi: シュツ (shutsu)
- Kunyomi: で（る）, だ（す）
- Stroke Count: 5
🔍 Vocabulary Examples:
- 出口（でぐち）– exit
- 出る（でる）– to go out
- 出す（だす）– to put out
2. 本 (book / origin)
- Meaning: book, origin, main
- Onyomi: ホン (hon)
- Kunyomi: もと
- Stroke Count: 5
🔍 Vocabulary Examples:
- 本（ほん）– book
- 日本（にほん）– Japan
- 本当（ほんとう）– truth
3. 中 (middle / inside)
- Meaning: middle, inside, during
- Onyomi: チュウ (chuu)
- Kunyomi: なか
- Stroke Count: 4
🔍 Vocabulary Examples:
- 中（なか）– inside
- 中国（ちゅうごく）– China
- 昼休み中（ひるやすみちゅう）– during lunch break
4. 子 (child)
- Meaning: child
- Onyomi: シ (shi), ス (su)
- Kunyomi: こ
- Stroke Count: 3
🔍 Vocabulary Examples:
- 子供（こども）– child
- 男子（だんし）– boy
- 女子（じょし）– girl
5. 見 (to see / look)
- Meaning: to see, to watch
- Onyomi: ケン (ken)
- Kunyomi: み（る）, み（える）, み（せる）
- Stroke Count: 7
🔍 Vocabulary Examples:
- 見る（みる）– to see
- 見せる（みせる）– to show
- 意見（いけん）– opinion
📘 Study Tips
- Write each kanji 10 times and speak the readings out loud.
- Use example words in simple sentences to build context.
- Review flashcards daily for stroke order and readings.
✅ With these five kanji under your belt, you’re well on your way to mastering the JLPT N5 kanji set. Keep practicing and come back for Part 3 where we’ll cover even more useful characters!