Essential Kanji
2,000 Basic Japanese Characters Systematically Arranged For Learning And Reference
- Language
- English
- Publisher
- Weatherhill
- ISBN
- 9780910305242
Original edition
Essential Kanji 2,000 Basic Japanese Characters Systematically Arranged For Learning And ReferenceOriginally published in 2003 Japanese Shambhala
Other editions (1)
No summary for this edition yet.
What readers say
4.18
211 ratings across the webReviewers largely commend this book as an excellent and highly useful resource for learning and reviewing Kanji. Many users highlight its thoroughness, clear layout, and concise information, particularly appreciating its coverage of the 2,000 most commonly used characters. It consistently receives praise for featuring stroke order, all readings (onyomi and kunyomi), and often used compounds. The comprehensive index is frequently mentioned as a valuable feature, allowing the book to effectively double as a dictionary and making it easy to look up unfamiliar Kanji quickly. For many, it has significantly enhanced their ability to read and write Japanese, proving its enduring utility even after many years and advancements in technology.
Despite its many positives, some reviewers note a few areas for improvement. The book's unique arrangement, which differs from other traditional Kanji learning methods, can occasionally cause minor confusion for some users. While it covers essential Kanji and some compounds, a few reviewers suggest it does not extensively address radicals or the vast number of additional Kanji and compounds required for advanced fluency. A recurring point of criticism for some is that, in the era of modern apps and online dictionaries, the book's utility has been somewhat superseded or made less essential by digital alternatives.
In conclusion, this book is widely regarded as a very good and highly recommended guide, particularly beneficial for beginners through intermediate learners of Japanese. It provides a strong foundation for understanding and mastering the core 2,000 Kanji, complete with essential details like stroke order and readings. It is an ideal resource for anyone seeking a dedicated, comprehensive physical reference to build their foundational Kanji knowledge, or for those who appreciate a well-structured tool for reviewing characters. While it may require supplementary resources for extensive compound word study or advanced learning, it remains a valuable asset for a significant portion of Japanese language students.
Despite its many positives, some reviewers note a few areas for improvement. The book's unique arrangement, which differs from other traditional Kanji learning methods, can occasionally cause minor confusion for some users. While it covers essential Kanji and some compounds, a few reviewers suggest it does not extensively address radicals or the vast number of additional Kanji and compounds required for advanced fluency. A recurring point of criticism for some is that, in the era of modern apps and online dictionaries, the book's utility has been somewhat superseded or made less essential by digital alternatives.
In conclusion, this book is widely regarded as a very good and highly recommended guide, particularly beneficial for beginners through intermediate learners of Japanese. It provides a strong foundation for understanding and mastering the core 2,000 Kanji, complete with essential details like stroke order and readings. It is an ideal resource for anyone seeking a dedicated, comprehensive physical reference to build their foundational Kanji knowledge, or for those who appreciate a well-structured tool for reviewing characters. While it may require supplementary resources for extensive compound word study or advanced learning, it remains a valuable asset for a significant portion of Japanese language students.
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