JLPT N4 Course
N4 is the second level of the JLPT, building upon the foundation established at N5. To pass JLPT N4, you’ll need to know approximately 1,500 vocabulary words and around 300 kanji characters. N4 demonstrates your ability to understand basic Japanese used in everyday situations and shows you’re making solid progress toward functional fluency.
Everything you need to know about preparing for and passing the JLPT N4 exam.
JLPT N4 tests your reading and listening skills at a basic level. The test evaluates your understanding of passages on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji. You'll need to comprehend conversations in daily life and generally follow their content when spoken slowly. The format remains multiple-choice with increased complexity from N5.
Building on your N5 foundation, you should plan for approximately 600 total hours of study. This typically means 6-12 months of dedicated preparation. Focus on expanding your grammar knowledge, learning more complex sentence structures, and building your kanji recognition. Practice with official JLPT mock tests regularly.
The N4 reading section features longer passages compared to N5. You'll encounter texts about everyday topics with more kanji and less furigana. Practice reading Japanese news articles written for beginners, manga, and graded readers to build speed and comprehension. Understanding context clues becomes increasingly important at this level.
The N4 listening section features longer dialogues and more complex scenarios than N5. Conversations occur at near-natural speed about daily life topics. Practice with NHK World easy Japanese, podcasts for intermediate learners, and JLPT listening practice materials to build your comprehension at natural speed.
Passing N4 demonstrates meaningful Japanese ability. It shows you can handle basic everyday conversations, read simple texts, and understand common announcements. N4 certification is often a stepping stone for those planning to study or work in Japan, and some employers and institutions recognize N4 as a minimum requirement.
Detailed breakdown of what you’ll need for the exam.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Kanji | 300 Kanji |
| Vocabulary | 1,500 Words |
| Total Score | 180 Points |
| Minimum Passing Score | 90 Points |
| Time Allowed | Vocabulary: 30 min, Grammar & Reading: 60 min, Listening: 35 min |
| Study Time (With Kanji Knowledge) | 550 to 600 hours |
| Study Time (From Scratch) | 700 to 800 hours |
Join our expert-led course and get the guidance you need to pass with confidence.
