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Comprehensive Guide for the JLPT N4 Exam
2024/08/18
Director: Kotaro Muramoto
Principal of Nihongo Online School
In September 2019, he founded "Nihongo Online School". Since then, has been teaching Japanese online lessons, with a total of over 1,000 students.
He has designed an individualized curriculum based on student’s needs and study goal. And is conscious of making the classes speech-centered in order to improve students’ speaking skills.
The school asks students to submit homework assignments worth 2 hours per lesson to improve faster. By supporting students with these features, students are able to efficiently improve Japanese language skills.
A comprehensive guide for JLPT N4 aspirants. From effective study strategies to recommended materials, this article covers all the essential information needed to master Japanese at the N4 level.
Discover practical advice to efficiently improve your skills and approach the exam with confidence in a short period.
Contents
Overview of JLPT N4
What is the JLPT?
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), known as 日本語能力試験 in Japanese, is a standardized exam designed to evaluate and certify the Japanese language skills of non-native speakers.
Administered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, this widely recognized test is conducted twice a year in Japan (July and December) and once or twice annually in other countries.
Its certifications are valued by universities, companies, and government institutions worldwide as a reliable measure of Japanese language proficiency.
What level is the N4 exam?
The JLPT is structured into five levels, with N5 being the most basic and N1 the most advanced. The N4 exam sits at the upper-beginner level, representing a significant step up from the elementary N5.
The N4 bridges the gap between basic and intermediate Japanese, requiring test-takers to demonstrate a broader vocabulary and grasp of more complex grammatical structures than at the N5 level.
Sections of the N4 exam
The JLPT N4 exam is divided into three main sections, each designed to test different aspects of language proficiency.
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary): This 25-minute section assesses the candidate’s understanding of kanji reading, orthography, and vocabulary usage.
- Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading: Allocated 55 minutes, this section evaluates grammar knowledge and reading comprehension skills.
- Listening: The final 35-minute section tests the ability to understand spoken Japanese in everyday situations.
The total examination time is 115 minutes. Scoring is divided into two main categories: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading (0-120 points), and Listening (0-60 points).
To pass, candidates must achieve a minimum overall score of 90 points, with sectional minimums of 38 for Language Knowledge/Reading and 19 for Listening.
What is covered on the N4 exam
The N4 exam covers a range of language skills essential for basic communication in Japanese. In terms of vocabulary, test-takers are expected to know approximately 1500 words, including basic nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and some katakana words commonly used in everyday situations.
Kanji knowledge at this level extends to about 300 characters, encompassing those used in daily conversations, restaurant settings, and simple workplace scenarios.
The grammar portion tests understanding of basic particle usage, verb and adjective conjugations in both formal and casual forms, and simple conditional expressions.
Reading comprehension is assessed through short passages on familiar daily topics and simple informational texts such as signs, schedules, and advertisements.
The listening section features slow-paced conversations on everyday topics, along with simple announcements and instructions.
What is not covered on the N4 exam
It’s important to note that the N4 exam does not assess speaking or writing skills beyond the recognition of kanji. Complex grammatical structures, advanced or specialized vocabulary, and in-depth cultural knowledge are reserved for higher levels.
Additionally, the exam does not cover business Japanese or formal language used in professional settings.
Study Time Required to Pass N4
The amount of study time needed to pass the JLPT N4 can vary significantly depending on your background and prior experience with Japanese.
For Learners from Kanji-using Countries
Learners from countries that use Chinese characters (such as China, Korea, or Taiwan) typically require about 550 hours of study to pass the N4 level. This is roughly equivalent to improving one’s TOEIC score from 500 to 700.
For Learners from Non-Kanji-using Countries
For learners from countries that don’t use Chinese characters, passing the N4 generally requires about 787 hours of study. This is comparable to the time it takes to become qualified as a train driver in Japan.
It’s important to note that these are average estimates. Your actual study time may vary based on factors such as study methods, intensity, and individual aptitude for language learning.
How to Prepare for N4 Exam
Vocabulary
To prepare for the N4 vocabulary section, focus on mastering approximately 1,500 words, including basic nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
Concentrate on words used in everyday situations, including some katakana words. Utilize flashcards or spaced repetition systems for efficient memorization.
Learn vocabulary in context through example sentences and real-life materials. Pay special attention to the 300 kanji required for N4, including their readings and meanings.
Grammar
For the grammar section, study basic particle usage (は、が、に、で、へ、など).
Master verb and adjective conjugations in both formal and casual forms. Learn N4-level grammar structures, such as conditional forms and more complex sentence patterns.
Practice creating your own sentences using new grammar points. Review N5 grammar alongside N4 material to reinforce your foundation.
Listening
To improve your listening skills, immerse yourself in Japanese audio content, such as podcasts, dramas, and news broadcasts.
Practice with JLPT N4-level listening exercises and past exam questions. Focus on understanding slow-paced conversations on everyday topics.
Use shadowing techniques to improve comprehension and pronunciation. Pay attention to different speech styles and regional accents.
Example Phrases Used at N4 Level
Understanding and being able to use common phrases is crucial for success in the JLPT N4 exam. Here are some examples of phrases typically encountered at this level:
そうです (sou desu)
Meaning: It seems like…
Example: 明日は雨が降りそうです。(Ashita wa ame ga furi sou desu.)
Translation: It looks like it will rain tomorrow.
～てみる (te miru)
Meaning: To try doing something
Example: この料理を作ってみます。(Kono ryouri wo tsukutte mimasu.)
Translation: I’ll try making this dish.
～なら (nara)
Meaning: If (conditional)
Example: 時間があるなら、映画を見に行きましょう。(Jikan ga aru nara, eiga wo mi ni ikimashou.)
Translation: If you have time, let’s go see a movie.
～がほしい (ga hoshii)
Meaning: To want something
Example: 新しい自転車がほしいです。(Atarashii jitensha ga hoshii desu.)
Translation: I want a new bicycle.
～かもしれない (kamoshirenai)
Meaning: Maybe, perhaps
Example: 彼は遅れるかもしれません。(Kare wa okureru kamoshiremasen.)
Translation: He might be late.
～たらどうですか (tara dou desu ka)
Meaning: How about…? (suggestion)
Example: もっと運動したらどうですか。(Motto undou shitara dou desu ka.)
Translation: How about exercising more?
～てあげる (te ageru)
Meaning: To do something for someone
Example: 友達に日本語を教えてあげました。(Tomodachi ni nihongo wo oshiete agemashita.)
Translation: I taught Japanese to my friend.
～ないでください (naide kudasai)
Meaning: Please don’t do…
Example: ここでタバコを吸わないでください。(Koko de tabako wo suwanaide kudasai.)
Translation: Please don’t smoke here.
～そうです (sou desu)
Meaning: It looks/sounds like… (based on appearance or hearsay)
Example: このケーキはおいしそうです。(Kono keeki wa oishi sou desu.)
Translation: This cake looks delicious.
～ばよかった (ba yokatta)
Meaning: I wish I had… / It would have been better if…
Example: もっと早く起きればよかったです。(Motto hayaku okireba yokatta desu.)
Translation: I wish I had woken up earlier.
These phrases demonstrate the grammatical structures and vocabulary typical of the N4 level. Practice using them in various contexts to improve your language skills and prepare for the exam.
Useful Study Materials for JLPT N4
Effective JLPT N4 preparation relies on choosing the right study materials. Here’s a concise guide to some recommended resources:
Official Practice Materials
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Official Practice Workbook Vol.2 N4 is an essential resource published by Bonjinsha Inc.
It provides authentic practice questions and closely mimics the actual test format.
Comprehensive Textbook
Minna no Nihongo II Main Textbook – Second Edition
“Minna no Nihongo Shokyu II” is a comprehensive Japanese textbook for upper beginners. It aims to develop all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The book focuses on practical conversations, progressing from simple to complex sentence patterns and from concrete to abstract situations. It’s designed to enable learners to communicate effectively in basic everyday scenarios.
Vocabulary and Kanji
Nihongo So Matome JLPT N4 Japanese Language Proficiency Test So-Matome 2 books
“Sou-matome N4” offers structured daily lessons for vocabulary and kanji.
For those focusing on reading and selecting correct kanji, “Nihongo Challenge N4-N5 Kanji” is particularly useful for online study.
Grammar
TRY! JAPANESE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST N4 REVISED EDITION
“TRY! N4” is highly recommended for comprehensive grammar study, especially for first-time JLPT takers. It includes numerous practice problems and a full mock test.
Practice Tests
As the exam approaches, focus on materials like “Zettai Goukaku Complete Mock Test N4″(日本語能力試験完全模試N4) to simulate the actual exam environment.
Boost Your Japanese Skill with Nihongo Online Lesson
Accelerate your Japanese learning with Nihongo Online School’s comprehensive 150-hour program. Combining 50 hours of personalized 1:1 online lessons with 100 hours of study materials and homework, this flexible course spans 3-6 months.
Regular progress checks ensure steady improvement, and upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate valuable for study abroad applications.
Whether you’re preparing for JLPT N4 or enhancing daily communication skills, our program is tailored to your needs.
We are also offering a Japanese Online Lesson for JLPT N4 Level.