The Most Difficult Kanji, Ranked

Ranking factors for difficult Kanji

1. Stroke count
   The number of strokes required to write a kanji character can significantly affect its difficulty. More complex kanji with a higher number of strokes are generally considered harder to remember and write correctly.
2. Readings
   Each kanji usually has multiple readings (pronunciations) based on context. Some kanji may have only two or three readings, while others may have more than ten. The more readings a kanji has, the harder it is to remember and use in context.
3. Meaning
   Some kanji have a single, clear meaning, while others have multiple meanings or abstract concepts that are difficult to grasp. A kanji's difficulty can be influenced by how easily one can understand its meaning(s).
4. Radicals and components
   Some kanji are made up of several smaller parts, called radicals, which can often be seen in other kanji characters. The more radicals and components a kanji has or the more complex the radicals themselves are, the harder it generally is to remember and write.
5. Similarity to other kanji
   Some kanji characters look very similar to others, with only small differences in strokes or radicals. This can make it more challenging to differentiate between them and remember which is which.
6. Frequency of use
   Less commonly used kanji are often considered more difficult, as learners have fewer opportunities to see them in context and reinforce their memory. On the other hand, more frequently used kanji may be encountered early in textbooks and materials, allowing students more time and exposure to remember them.
7. Learning order
   The order in which a kanji is introduced in learning materials or classes can affect its perceived difficulty. If a learner encounters more complex kanji too early in their studies, they may find it more difficult to understand, remember, and use.
8. Personal interest and mnemonic devices
   Learners may find some kanji easier to remember and use if they have a personal interest in the meaning or if they develop mnemonic devices to help them remember the strokes, readings, or meanings. This factor is subjective and varies from person to person.