JLPT N4

What N4 Adds Over N5

The JLPT N4 is the second-lowest level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, sitting between N5 and N3. While N5 covers the very basics of Japanese, N4 expects you to understand and use a wider range of everyday expressions and grammatical structures.

Compared to N5, N4 introduces:

• More complex sentence patterns: You move beyond simple present and past tense to handle conditional forms, passive and causative constructions, and more nuanced expressions of intention, obligation, and permission.
• A larger vocabulary: The total vocabulary requirement is roughly 1,500 words (compared to about 800 for N5). This includes common verbs, adjectives, and nouns used in daily conversation and simple written texts.
• More kanji: N4 requires knowledge of approximately 300 kanji (up from about 100 at N5). These are common characters used in everyday contexts, such as 時間 (じかん, time), 食事 (しょくじ, meal), and 電車 (でんしゃ, train).
• A faster reading speed: The reading section of N4 requires you to process short passages more quickly than at N5. You are expected to read and understand simple texts on familiar topics, such as personal letters, short articles, or everyday notices, at a pace that allows you to answer questions within the time limit.

Grammar Expected at N4

The grammar at N4 builds directly on N5 and introduces several key patterns that are essential for everyday communication. Some of the most important structures include:

• Conditionals: たら, ば, と, and なら. For example, 雨が降ったら、行きません (あめがふったら、いきません, If it rains, I won't go).
• Passive and causative forms: られる (passive) and させる (causative). For example, 犬に噛まれた (いぬにかまれた, I was bitten by a dog) and 母は私に野菜を食べさせる (はははわたしにやさいをたべさせる, My mother makes me eat vegetables).
• Expressing obligation and permission: なければならない (must), てもいい (may), てはいけない (must not). For example, 宿題をしなければならない (しゅくだいをしなければならない, I must do my homework).
• Giving and receiving: あげる, もらう, くれる. For example, 友達に本をあげた (ともだちにほんをあげた, I gave a book to my friend) and 友達が本をくれた (ともだちがほんをくれた, My friend gave me a book).
• Expressing intention and plans: つもり, 予定 (よてい), ことにする. For example, 来年日本に行くつもりです (らいねんにほんにいくつもりです, I intend to go to Japan next year).
• Connecting clauses: ので (because), のに (even though), ながら (while). For example, 雨が降っているので、傘を持って行きます (あめがふっているので、かさをもっていきます, Because it's raining, I'll take an umbrella).

These patterns are not just academic; they appear constantly in daily conversation, so mastering them is crucial for moving beyond the beginner stage.

The Jump in Reading Speed

One of the most noticeable differences between N5 and N4 is the reading speed required. At N5, you have plenty of time to read short sentences and simple passages. At N4, the passages are longer, and you have less time per character. The test gives you about 60 minutes for the reading section, which includes several passages of varying lengths. You need to read at a pace of roughly 100-150 characters per minute to finish comfortably.

This means you cannot stop to analyze every word. You need to be able to recognize common kanji and vocabulary instantly and understand grammar patterns without translating them in your head. Building this fluency requires regular reading practice, not just studying vocabulary lists. Start with short articles, children's books, or graded readers, and gradually increase the length and complexity.

How to Prepare for N4

To prepare for N4, you should:

• Study grammar systematically: Use a textbook like Genki II or Tobira: Beginning Japanese to cover the required grammar points.
• Expand your vocabulary: Learn words in context, not just from lists. Use flashcards or apps, but also read and listen to Japanese to see words used naturally.
• Practice reading daily: Even 10-15 minutes a day can help you build reading speed. Try reading NHK News Easy or similar simplified news sites.
• Take practice tests: Familiarize yourself with the format and timing. The official JLPT website offers sample questions.

For more structured practice, you can use the grammar library to review specific patterns, the vocabulary section to build your word bank, and JLPT quizzes to test yourself.

What N4 Does Not Cover

N4 is still a beginner level. It does not cover:

• Advanced grammar: Patterns like 〜ばかりか, 〜ものの, or 〜ざるを得ない are N3 and above.
• Complex reading: You will not see opinion pieces, editorials, or abstract texts at N4.
• Keigo (honorific language): While you may see basic 敬語 (けいご) forms like いらっしゃる, a full understanding of keigo is not required until N3.

Understanding the limits of N4 helps you set realistic goals. Passing N4 is a solid achievement, but it is only a stepping stone to intermediate proficiency.

Conclusion

The JLPT N4 is a significant step up from N5. It requires more vocabulary, more kanji, more grammar, and faster reading. But with consistent study and practice, it is an achievable goal that will give you a solid foundation for everyday Japanese. Focus on building reading speed and using grammar in context, and you will be well prepared.