JLPT Kanji Questions

The kanji section has four sets of questions – four sections. We are going to look at some important tips for section 1 and 2 questions. These questions deal with identifying the hiragana readings of kanji.

 

Section 1 Questions

1. Read (or try to read) the question or sentence several times before looking for
answers. You will have a tendency to want to get to the answers quickly. Taking
your time and pacing yourself is better than rushing through the questions.
Understanding the Kanji in context will ensure you make the right choice.

2. Beware of long and short vowel Kanji.

3. Beware of the だくてん　- The small two lines that mark hiragana to
represent a change in the reading. Here is an example　とand ど ( to & do). It is
very easy to miss these.

Example

（れい）　 土よう日に　妹と　買い物　に　行きます。

１　土よう日　 １　とようび　　　 ２　どようび　 ３　かようび　 　４　どようひ – beware of the だくてん
２　妹　　　　   １　おとうと 　 　 ２　いもと　　 ３　いもうと　 　 ４　むすめ　　- watch for long vowels
３　買い物　　 １　かいぶつ　　 ２　がいもの　 ３　がいぶつ　 　４　かいもの
４　行きます　 １　あきます　　 ２　うきます　 ３　いきます　 ４　ききます
　

 

Important Tips for section II questions

Section 2 question focus on your ability to identify kanji from hiragana readings.
1. Read the question or sentence several times before looking for answers. Because
the whole sentence is written in hiragana you will have no trouble reading it. Read
it slowly and try to grasp the meaning in English. Again, you will have a tendency to
want to get to the answers quickly.
2. Eliminate choices you know are wrong.
3. Watch out for of swapped Kanji
4. Go with your instincts or first choice.
5. Think about the grammar of the sentence.
Example

（れい）　きょねん　とうきょうに　すんだ。

１　きょねん　　　 １　今年　　 ２　去年　     ３　来年　     ４　毎年
２　とうきょう　　  １　京都        ２　東京　 　 ３　京東 　    ４　都京
３　すんだ　　　   １　休んだ　 ２　住んだ　 ３　済んだ 　 ４　飲んだ