I notice that you’re level one - so what I will say in this case is that meaning vs. reading is a learning curve I also went through. (I would even go as far as to say others experience it too)
After using Wanikani for about a week or so you get the hang of it and typically look out for what it’s asking for in the input spot.
This is of course my opinion though and the Back to Back user script can help with this. Double Check is also my favorite because on the off chance you get something wrong and you honestly knew the answer, you can fix it!
https://community.wanikani.com/t/userscript-double-check-version-2x/31456