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Complement your studies with these free matching guides and worksheets from NihongoDoya.
Genkō-style grid paper for the first 20 JLPT N5 kanji — a trace reference plus eight practice squares with cross guides for each character.
Learning kanji means learning to write them with correct stroke order and balance, and the traditional tool for that is genkō (grid) paper. The cross guide lines in each square help you place each stroke and keep the character square and legible.
This worksheet takes the first 20 JLPT N5 kanji — 一, 二, 三, 人, 日, 本, 山, 川, 木, 水, 火, 金, 土, 月, 大, 小, 中, 上, 下, 学 — and gives each a light-grey trace reference followed by eight practice squares. The reading and meaning sit beside every character so you connect the shape with its sound and sense.
Follow correct stroke order from the start: it makes characters faster to write, easier to remember, and legible to Japanese readers. Reprint the grid for as many repetitions as you need.
Here is what you will find inside the PDF to support your learning journey:
This resource is built with structured sections to target different aspects of your Japanese progress.
Build the habit of writing each kanji in the correct order from day one.
Cross guides keep every stroke placed and the character square.
Start on the grey reference, then reproduce it in the blank squares.
Learn how to say and understand each kanji as you write it.
The 20 most fundamental kanji every beginner meets first.
Eight squares per character, and reprintable for more.
Designed specifically to address the pain points of beginner and intermediate self-study learners.
Clean A4 layout with generous writing space — print as many copies as you need.
You write the answers yourself, which fixes the material in memory far better than reading.
Every worksheet comes with a full answer key so you can self-check without a teacher.
Vector PDF that stays sharp on phone, tablet or paper — study on the bus or at your desk.
Whether preparing for tests or building practical skills, this resource fits your study roadmap.
The first kanji every N5 candidate needs to read and write.
Guide lines and trace hints teach correct form without a tutor.
Anyone who wants neat, correctly-ordered kanji rather than just recognition.
Follow these step-by-step methods to get the maximum educational benefit from the materials.
Got questions about using or printing this resource? Check out our quick answers below.
Yes, it is completely free with no signup. Download and print as many copies as you like.
The first 20 JLPT N5 kanji, each with a trace reference and eight practice squares.
It gives a clear reference character to copy. For animated stroke-by-stroke order, use it alongside our N5 kanji charts.
Genkō yōshi is the squared paper traditionally used to write Japanese, with guide lines that keep characters evenly balanced.
Correct order makes kanji faster to write, easier to remember, and readable to native speakers — worth building as a habit from the start.
Yes. Reprint the grid for as many repetitions as you need; repetition is how kanji sticks.
It covers the first 20. For the full set, pair it with our JLPT N5 Kanji List and Practice Workbook.
Designed for A4 and prints fine on US Letter too.
Improve your reading, writing and grammar reference. 100% free for every learner.
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Complement your studies with these free matching guides and worksheets from NihongoDoya.
