how are you supposed to study kanji?

2 comments

1. I wrote a proper explanation [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/19FEIOJWbLhJQ-AmepxFBMC2ebhJJr9RBUMfMeatYuq8/edit?usp=sharing) but in short, yes you should learn kanji through learning vocabulary and not try to memorise a kanji with all its associated knowledge (appearance, meaning, stroke order, readings, vocabulary) all at once. Unfortunately, most textbooks and classes ask that you do the latter.

   Dedicated kanji-learning methods such as Remembering the Kanji and WaniKani will have you learn the absolute minimum about each kanji – appearance and meaning – which creates a space in your memory for the rest of the information to fit into later when you learn vocabulary. In my experience, this feels very natural and is very effective.

2. >is even learning kanji individually worth it? ive seen many articles and answers

   If you have already seen many articles and answers and are still not sure what to do, why not just try it? Learning Japanese will take years and you will spend hours and hours on learning vocabulary, you might as well spend a little time on finding a way that works well for you. Get started on a vocabulary deck and see if you can remember the words without studying individual kanji. Yes? –> Great, just keep going. No? –> Try studying individual kanji and see if it helps and if the extra time spent on it is worth it for you or not.