Level guide · Updated October 2026

JLPT N4

Everyday Japanese: familiar topics, basic vocabulary and kanji, slow conversations.

Can-do statement (official): Read passages on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji. Follow conversations about everyday matters spoken slowly.

At a glance

Vocabularyabout 1,500 words
Kanjiabout 300 kanji
Study hours575 to 1,000 hours (lower end with a kanji background)
Test time115 minutes
Pass mark90 / 180; sectional minimums: 38 / 120 on language knowledge and reading combined, 19 / 60 on listening
Typical pass ratearound 35 to 40%

Sections and timing

言語知識(文字・語彙) Vocabulary25 min
言語知識(文法)・読解 Grammar and reading55 min
聴解 Listening35 min

Question types

Every N4 paper follows the same layout. Learn what each 問題 asks and the paper stops being a surprise.

文字・語彙

文法・読解

聴解

Practise every one of these question types in full N4 mock tests: one free, and 5 more for ¥5,500 once.

Full JLPT mock tests and practice drills

Sit a complete N4 mock test in your browser under exam timing and get an estimated score out of 180, pass or fail against every section minimum, and a review of every answer. Between tests, practise one skill at a time with 20-question kanji, vocabulary and grammar drills that show the answer and an explanation after each question. One mock test and one drill per skill are free; the rest of a level is ¥5,500 once, no subscription.

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Item counts per 問題 shift by one or two between sessions. Format checked against jlpt.jp in October 2026.