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Pick a level & grid size
Choose a JLPT level from N5 to N1 and a board from 3×3 up to 10×10. A bigger grid means a longer study session with more kanji.
Free · No login · JLPT N5–N1
Feed the monster one kanji at a time.
Pick a level and a grid. Tap a box, read the kanji, guess its meaning. Fill the grid, earn points, and climb a global ranking — no account, no paywall, just practice that sticks.
2,211 kanji · 5 levels
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How it works
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Tap a box
Each box hides a random kanji from your level. Tap it to reveal the character in a large, readable serif and four possible English meanings.
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Guess the meaning
Pick the correct meaning with your mouse or number keys 1–4. Right answers turn the box green; wrong answers turn it red — tap a red box again to review it, no penalty.
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Fill the grid & climb
Clear every box to finish the session and earn points. Harder levels are worth more, so answering N1 kanji lifts you up the global rankings faster.
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Study by JLPT level
N5
The absolute basics — your first real kanji.
For: New to kanji
Start →
N4
Everyday words and simple sentences.
For: Finished N5
Start →
N3
The bridge to intermediate reading.
For: Comfortable with N4
Start →
N2
News, work, and denser text.
For: Reading fluently
Start →
N1
Advanced, specialised vocabulary.
For: Going for mastery
Start →
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Why grid repetition helps you remember kanji
The fastest way to memorize kanji is not to re-read them, but to keep pulling them back out of memory. Every time you tap a box and try to recall what a kanji means, you are practicing active recall — the same retrieval effort that makes flashcards so effective. Getting it right strengthens the memory; getting it wrong shows you exactly which kanji to focus on next.
Kanji Monster turns that retrieval into a game with a clear finish line. Filling a grid means answering the same kinds of kanji-meaning questions again and again in one short session, and revisiting red boxes gives you repeated exposure to the characters you find hardest. This mix of repetition and testing is a proven, low-effort way to move JLPT kanji from short-term recognition into long-term memory.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Kanji Monster free?
Yes. Kanji Monster is completely free to use. It is supported by advertising, so you can study kanji online free with no subscription and no paywall.
Do I need an account to practice kanji?
No login is required. A guest nickname is created for you automatically so your points are saved. If you want to keep your progress across devices, you can claim a nickname and receive a one-time recovery code.
Which JLPT levels are covered?
All five levels of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test are covered: JLPT N5, N4, N3, N2 and N1. You can practice each level separately, from beginner N5 kanji up to advanced N1 kanji.
How many kanji are in each level?
Kanji Monster includes about 79 kanji at N5, 166 at N4, 367 at N3, 367 at N2 and 1232 at N1 — roughly 2,211 kanji in total across all levels.
Where do the readings and meanings come from?
Kanji readings and JLPT level classifications are derived from KANJIDIC2 (from the Electronic Dictionary Research and Development Group), and the English meanings are adapted to read naturally for learners. Because JLPT lists are community-compiled, level groupings are a widely-used approximation.
Will Kanji Monster guarantee I pass the JLPT?
No. Kanji Monster is a practice tool for active recall, not an official course. It can help you memorize kanji meanings through repetition, but using it does not guarantee any particular result on the JLPT or any other exam.
Can I use it on mobile?
Yes. Kanji Monster is fully responsive and works in any modern mobile or desktop browser — no app install needed. Tap-to-reveal boxes are designed for touch screens.
Is Kanji Monster affiliated with the official JLPT?
No. Kanji Monster is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Japan Foundation, JEES, or the official JLPT. See our Disclaimer for details.