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15 Best Textbooks for JLPT N4
2025/02/23
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.
Are you preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4? Choosing the right textbooks can make a significant difference in your study journey.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the best textbooks for JLPT N4 that cover essential areas such as vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.
Contents
Textbooks for Japanese Vocabulary
Building a strong vocabulary foundation is crucial for success in the JLPT N4. Here are some excellent textbooks that focus on N4-level vocabulary:
1. 1500 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N4
1500 JAPANESE VOCABULARY WORDS FOR THE JLPT LEVEL 4
This comprehensive book covers 1,500 essential words for the JLPT N4, providing a solid foundation for your vocabulary studies. The words are organized into various themes, making it easier to learn and remember them in context.
2. Nihongo Challenge N4 Vocabulary
Nihongo Challenge N4 Vocabulary
The Nihongo Challenge series is known for its engaging approach to language learning. This vocabulary book includes illustrations, example sentences, and practice exercises to reinforce your understanding of N4-level words.
3. JLPT N4 Vocabulary Flashcards
If you prefer a more visual and interactive learning style, consider using vocabulary flashcards. This set of flashcards covers the essential N4 vocabulary, allowing you to study on the go and test your memory.
Textbooks for Japanese Grammar
Mastering grammar is essential for understanding and using the Japanese language effectively. These textbooks will help you grasp the key grammar points for JLPT N4:
1. Minna no Nihongo Chūkyū I (Beginner II)
Minna no Nihongo Chūkyū I (Beginner II)
Minna no Nihongo is a widely used series for learning Japanese. The Chūkyū I (Beginner II) book covers grammar points that are relevant to the JLPT N4 level.
It includes clear explanations, example sentences, and practice exercises.
2. Shin Nihongo 500 Mon JLPT N4
This book focuses specifically on the grammar patterns tested in the JLPT N4. It provides 500 practice questions to help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and reinforce your understanding of N4 grammar.
3. A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
While not exclusively for N4, this comprehensive grammar dictionary is an invaluable resource for learners at all levels. It offers detailed explanations and examples of various grammar points, including those relevant to the N4 level.
Textbooks for Reading Comprehension
Improving your reading skills is vital for success in the JLPT N4. These textbooks offer practice materials and strategies to help you tackle N4-level reading passages:
1. Nihongo So-Matome N4 Reading
The Nihongo So-Matome series is designed specifically for JLPT preparation. This book focuses on developing your reading comprehension skills for the N4 level.
It includes a variety of reading passages, questions, and explanations to help you improve your understanding of written Japanese.
2. Minna no Nihongo Chūkyū I Honsatsu (Beginner II Main Textbook)
Minna no Nihongo Chūkyū I Honsatsu (Beginner II Main Textbook)
In addition to grammar, the Minna no Nihongo Chūkyū I book also includes reading passages that are suitable for the N4 level. These passages cover various topics and are accompanied by comprehension questions to test your understanding.
3. Japanese Graded Readers
Graded readers are books that are specifically written for language learners, with controlled vocabulary and grammar.
The Japanese Graded Readers series offers books at different levels, including those suitable for JLPT N4 learners. Reading these books can help you build your reading skills and vocabulary in a more enjoyable and accessible way.
Textbooks for Listening Comprehension
Developing your listening skills is crucial for success in the JLPT N4. These textbooks provide audio materials and exercises to help you improve your listening comprehension:
1. Mimi Kara Oboeru: Mastering “Listening” through Auditory Learning – New JLPT N4
Mimi Kara Oboeru: Mastering “Listening” through Auditory Learning – New JLPT N4
This book focuses specifically on developing your listening skills for the JLPT N4. It includes audio CDs with various listening passages and comprehension questions. The book also provides explanations and strategies to help you improve your listening comprehension.
2. Minna no Nihongo Chūkyū I Listening Tasks 25
Nihongo Listening: Training for Quick Comprehension
This book is part of the Minna no Nihongo series and focuses specifically on developing your listening skills. It includes 25 listening tasks that are designed to reinforce the grammar and vocabulary covered in the main textbook. The audio CDs provide authentic listening materials that will help you prepare for the JLPT N4 listening section.
Textbooks for Comprehensive JLPT N4 Preparation
If you’re looking for a comprehensive textbook that covers all aspects of the JLPT N4, consider the following options:
1. Nihongo So-Matome N4
The Nihongo So-Matome series offers a comprehensive approach to JLPT preparation. The N4 book covers all the essential areas, including vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. It provides concise explanations, practice exercises, and mock tests to help you familiarize yourself with the exam format.
2. New Kanzen Master JLPT N4
The New Kanzen Master series is another popular choice for JLPT preparation. The N4 book offers a thorough coverage of all the key areas tested in the exam. It includes detailed explanations, practice questions, and full-length mock tests to help you assess your readiness for the JLPT N4.
3. Goukaku Dekiru JLPT N4
This textbook is designed to help you achieve a passing score on the JLPT N4. It covers all the essential grammar points, vocabulary, and kanji required for the exam. The book also includes practice tests and listening exercises to help you prepare for the actual test day.
Prepare for JLPT N4 with Nihongo Online School
While high-quality textbooks are essential for JLPT N1 preparation, investing in personalized instruction and guidance can take your skills to the next level. Nihongo Online School offers a comprehensive JLPT N4 Course designed for advanced learners who want to excel on the exam and achieve fluency in Japanese.
Our experienced instructors provide live online lessons tailored to your individual needs and goals. You’ll receive personalized feedback, strategies for overcoming your weaknesses, and regular progress assessments to keep you on track.
In addition to the live lessons, you’ll have access to our extensive library of JLPT N4 study materials, including grammar guides, vocabulary lists, kanji flashcards, and practice tests.