This is a free, curated JLPT N1 kanji list with on'yomi/kun'yomi readings and English meanings. JLPT N1 requires command of around 2,000 kanji in total, with about 1,200 introduced at the N1 level. The high-frequency characters below are the best place to start — study them online, or print this page for offline review.

Tip: learn each kanji inside a word, not alone. Open the matching JLPT N1 vocabulary list and JLPT N1 grammar notes to see these kanji in real sentences.

High-frequency JLPT N1 kanji

ガイ
general; outline
universal, general
ヘン
widespread, universal
チツ
order, sequence
ジョ
order; preface
カク
core; nucleus
わく
frame; limit
コウ
clause, item
セン・ひそむ
conceal; lurk
ケン
apparent, manifest
チョ・いちじるしい
remarkable; author
ボウ・ふくらむ
swell, expand
delicate; slight
アイ
vague, obscure
マイ
dark; obscure
ゲン・きびしい
strict, stern
ム・ほこ
halberd; contradiction
ジュン・たて
shield
ソク・うながす
urge, prompt
ソ・はばむ
obstruct, hinder
テツ
withdraw, remove
スイ・とげる
accomplish
コ・かえりみる
look back; consider
タイ・おこたる
neglect; lazy
ギ・あざむく
deceive
ワイ・まかなう
bribe; cover (cost)
シャ・さえぎる
interrupt, block
サ・そそのかす
tempt, instigate
ユウ・うれい
grief, anxiety
リョ
consideration, prudence

Related study materials

Frequently asked questions

How many kanji are needed for JLPT N1?

N1 expects command of around 2,000 kanji — close to the full set of jōyō kanji — including roughly 1,200 beyond the N2 level.

Is this N1 kanji list free?

Yes. This curated high-frequency N1 kanji list is free to read online with readings and meanings, printable and mobile-friendly, with no signup required.

What is the best way to learn N1 kanji?

Focus on jukugo (compound words) and abstract vocabulary, read authentic material like editorials, and use spaced repetition. Recognising kanji in context matters more than writing them by hand at N1.

Does this cover every N1 kanji?

This is a curated high-frequency selection of important N1 kanji as a starting point. Combine it with the N1 vocabulary and grammar pages for complete preparation.