If you’re preparing for the JLPT N3 or just stepping into intermediate-level Japanese, you’re entering an exciting stage. The JLPT N3 vocabulary list includes around 3,750 words, which contain a mix of practical terms you’ll encounter in everyday conversations, at school, in the workplace, and even in formal settings. 

While N3 is often considered one of the more challenging JLPT levels, with a passing rate of only around 40%, success is absolutely within reach. The key lies in building a solid vocabulary foundation, mastering the 650 kanji that may appear, and staying consistent with mock exams and listening practice.

To help you stay on track, we’ve created a complete JLPT N3 vocabulary list, thoughtfully organized by theme. 

Note: This list includes only new vocabulary introduced at the JLPT N3 level. It does not cover words already studied in JLPT N4 and N5. If you’re just starting out or need a refresher, be sure to check out our full JLPT N4 Vocabulary List and JLPT N5 Vocabulary List to build a strong foundation before moving on.

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JLPT N3 Nouns Vocabulary

Nouns, or meishi (名詞),  make up a large portion of the vocabulary you’ll learn at the JLPT N3 vocabulary. In this list, we’ve sorted them alphabetically for easier reference.

If you’re using flashcard tools like Anki, we recommend you tag the nouns based on specific categories. Some JLPT N3 vocabulary books and pocket guides also organize words this way, which can be especially helpful for building vocabulary in context!

JapaneseKanaEnglish Translation
グループgroup
ハイキングhiking
メモmemorandum
アルバムalbum
コードcode,cord,chord
ユーモアhumor
ボールball,bowl
ソファーsofa,couch
ピクニックpicnic
バンbun,van
おやparents
カーcar
チャンスchance,opportunity
ノックknock
アイロンiron
マーケットmarket
ケースcase
パスpass, path
タオルtowel
パーセントpercent
ミスmistake, Miss
ダイヤdiagram, diamond, schedule
クリスマスChristmas
あいlove
合図あいずsignal
相手あいてcompanion, opponent
明かりあかりlight, brightness
握手あくしゅhandshake
あせsweat
辺りあたりvicinity, nearby
辺りあたりnearby
集まりあつまりgathering
あとtrace, mark
あなhole
誤りあやまりerror
あらしstorm
現れあらわれembodiment
哀れあわれpity
あんplan
暗記あんきmemorization
暗記あんきmemorization, learning by heart
stomach
委員いいんcommittee member
意外いがいunexpected (used as noun/adj)
意外いがいunexpected, surprising
行きいきgoing
いきbreath
勢いいきおいforce, energy
生き物いきものliving thing, creature
幾ついくつhow many?
意思いしintention, purpose
医師いしdoctor
維持いじmaintenance
意識いしきconsciousness, senses
いずみspring
以前いぜんbefore, ago
いたboard
偉大いだいgreatness
痛みいたみpain, ache, grief
痛みいたみpain, ache, sore, grief, distress
位置いちplace, situation, position, location
位置いちposition, location
市場いちばmarket
一番いちばんbest, number one
一家いっかfamily, household
一瞬いっしゅんmoment, instant
一生いっしょうwhole life
一層いっそうmuch more
一致いっちagreement
移動いどうmovement, migration
いねrice plant
居眠りいねむりdozing
いのちcommand,decree,life,destiny
違反いはんviolation
違反いはんviolation (of law), transgression, infringement, breach
衣服いふくclothes
居間いまliving room
依頼いらいrequest
以来いらいsince
以来いらいsince, henceforth
医療いりょうmedical treatment
いわrock, crag
祝いいわいcelebration
印刷いんさつprinting
印象いんしょうimpression
印象いんしょうimpression
うおfish
うおfish
うさぎrabbit,hare,cony
うしろback, behind, after
うそlie
うちinside
うちinside
うまhorse
うめplum,plum-tree,lowest (of a three-tier ranking system)
うわさrumour, report, gossip
うわさrumour, report, gossip, common talk
うんfortune, luck
運転うんてんdriving
運動うんどうexercise
永遠えいえんeternity
永久えいきゅうeternity
影響えいきょうinfluence
営業えいぎょうbusiness
衛星えいせいsatellite
笑顔えがおsmiling face
えさfeed
えんcircle,money
延期えんきpostponement
演技えんぎperformance
援助えんじょassistance, aid, support
演説えんぜつspeech
演奏えんそうmusical performance
遠慮えんりょdiffidence,restraint,reserve
老いおいold age
おうking, ruler, sovereign, monarch
おうking
王様おうさまking
王子おうじprince
横断おうだんcrossing
横断おうだんcrossing
覆うおおうto cover, to hide, to conceal, to wrap, to disguise
大家おおやrich family, distinguished family
大家おおやrich family, landlord
おきopen sea
おくinterior
おくinterior, inner part
汚染おせんpollution, contamination
男の人おとこのひとman
お腹おなかstomach
おにdemon, ogre
おびband, belt
思い出おもいでmemory
泳ぎおよぎswimming
泳ぎおよぎswimming
おわりthe end
おわりthe end
おんfavor, obligation
温度おんどtemperature
passable
かいcounter for occurrences
かいcounter for occurrences
かいmeeting
会員かいいんmember, the membership
会員かいいんmember
絵画かいがpainting
海外かいがいoverseas
会計かいけいaccount, finance, accountant
会計かいけいaccounting
外交がいこうdiplomacy
外交がいこうdiplomacy
開始かいしstart
解釈かいしゃくinterpretation
外出がいしゅつouting
香りかおりfragrance, scent
画家がかpainter, artist
価格かかくprice
化学かがくchemistry
かかりperson in charge
かぎkey
家具かぐfurniture
確実かくじつcertainty,reliability,soundness
学者がくしゃscholar
学者がくしゃscholar
学習がくしゅうstudy, learning
拡大かくだいmagnification,enlargement
かげshade, shadow, other side
かげshade, shadow, other side
過去かこthe past
かごbasket
貸しかしloan, lending
菓子かしsweets
菓子かしpastry
歌手かしゅsinger
歌手かしゅsinger
かずnumber
かたshoulder
かたshoulder
かたなsword
かたなsword, saber, knife, engraving tool
価値かちvalue
勝ちかちwin, victory
勝ちかちvictory
活気かっきliveliness
学期がっきterm (school)
学期がっきsemester
格好かっこうappearance, shape
活動かつどうactivity
活用かつようconjugation, practical use
活用かつようusage, application
かねgold
かぶstock, share
我慢がまんpatience
かみ(1) first volume, (2) superior quality, (3) governmental
かみgod
かみsuperior, first part
かみgod
かみなりthunder
髪の毛かみのけhair
科目かもくschool subject
火曜かようTuesday
からsky
からsky
かわriver
かわriver
かんcan, tin
考えかんがえthought, idea
感覚かんかくsensation, feeling
観客かんきゃくaudience
歓迎かんげいwelcome
観光かんこうsightseeing
観光かんこうsightseeing
観察かんさつobservation
感じかんじfeeling, impression
勘定かんじょうcalculation, counting, consideration
勘定かんじょうcalculation, counting, consideration
関心かんしんconcern, interest
感心かんしんadmiration
完成かんせいcompletion
感動かんどうbeing deeply moved, excitement, impression, deep emotion
感動かんどうdeep emotion
監督かんとくsupervision
管理かんりmanagement
完了かんりょうcompletion, conclusion
完了かんりょうcompletion
関連かんれんrelation, connection
記憶きおくmemory
気温きおんtemperature
気温きおんtemperature
機械きかいmachine
議会ぎかいparliament
期間きかんperiod
機関きかんengine, mechanism
企業きぎょうenterprise
機嫌きげんmood
気候きこうclimate
きしshore
記事きじnews article, report
生地きじbirthplace
生地きじcloth, fabric
技師ぎしengineer
記者きしゃreporter
期待きたいexpectation, hope
帰宅きたくreturning home
議長ぎちょうchairman
記入きにゅうentry, filling in forms
記念きねんcommemoration
寄付きふdonation
義務ぎむduty,obligation
疑問ぎもんdoubt, question
ぎゃくreverse, opposite
きゅうnine
きゅうglobe,sphere,ball
休憩きゅうけいrest, break
吸収きゅうしゅうabsorption
救助きゅうじょrescue
給料きゅうりょうsalary, wages
教科書きょうかしょtextbook
競技きょうぎmatch
供給きょうきゅうsupply,provision
教師きょうしteacher
教師きょうしteacher (classroom)
教授きょうじゅprofessor
強調きょうちょうemphasis
恐怖きょうふdread, terror
協力きょうりょくcooperation
強力きょうりょくherculean strength, mountain carrier-guide
強力きょうりょくpowerful
許可きょかpermission
きりfog, mist
切れきれpiece, cloth
議論ぎろんdebate
きんgold
ぎんsilver
禁煙きんえんno smoking
金額きんがくamount of money
禁止きんしprohibition,ban
金銭きんせんmoney, cash
金属きんぞくmetal
金属きんぞくmetal
近代きんだいmodern times
緊張きんちょうtension
筋肉きんにくmuscle
金融きんゆうfinance
金曜きんようFriday
くさりchain
くせhabit
くだpipe, tube
くだpipe, tube
組合くみあいunion
くもりcloudiness, cloudy weather, shadow
くらいrank, about
くらいgrade, rank, about
暮らしくらしliving, livelihood
暮れくれyear end,sunset,nightfall,end
くんnative reading
ぐんarmy
軍隊ぐんたいarmy, troops
軍隊ぐんたいarmy
訓練くんれんtraining
under, below, beneath
below
けいplan
敬意けいいrespect
経営けいえいmanagement
計画けいかくplan
景気けいきcondition, state, business (condition)
景気けいきeconomy
経験けいけんexperience
傾向けいこうtendency, trend, inclination
傾向けいこうtendency
警告けいこくwarning
刑事けいじdetective
掲示けいじnotice
掲示けいじnotice, bulletin
芸術げいじゅつart
芸術げいじゅつ(fine) art, the arts
契約けいやくcontract
経由けいゆvia, route through
怪我けがinjury, hurt
化粧けしょうmakeup
結果けっかresult
欠陥けっかんdefect
決心けっしんdetermination
欠席けっせきabsence
決定けっていdecision
欠点けってんfault
欠点けってんfaults, defect, weakness
月曜げつようMonday
結論けつろんconclusion
けんeaves
けんprefecture
けんticket
見解けんかいopinion
現金げんきんcash
言語げんごlanguage
健康けんこうhealth
健康けんこうhealth, sound, wholesome
現在げんざいpresent, now
現実げんじつreality
現象げんしょうphenomenon
現状げんじょうpresent condition
現状げんじょうpresent condition, existing state, status quo
現代げんだいmodern times, nowadays
建築けんちくconstruction,architecture
見当けんとうestimate, guess
現場げんばscene
憲法けんぽうconstitution
権利けんりright,privilege
word, language
恋人こいびとlover, sweetheart
恋人こいびとlover
幸運こううんgood fortune
講演こうえんlecture
硬貨こうかcoin
効果こうかeffect
高価こうかhigh price
合格ごうかくsuccess (exam)
航空こうくうaviation
光景こうけいscene
攻撃こうげきattack
広告こうこくadvertisement
後者こうしゃthe latter
構成こうせいcomposition
強盗ごうとうrobbery
工場こうばfactory
幸福こうふくhappiness
公平こうへいfairness, justice
考慮こうりょconsideration
こおりice
誤解ごかいmisunderstanding
語学ごがくlanguage learning
呼吸こきゅうbreath,respiration
故郷こきょうhometown
国語こくごnational language
国語こくごnational language
黒板こくばんblackboard
黒板こくばんblackboard
克服こくふくconquest, overcoming
国民こくみんnational, people, citizen
国民こくみんnation, citizens
穀物こくもつgrain, cereal
こしhip
故障こしょうbreak-down, failure
個人こじんindividual, private person
国家こっかnation, country
国会こっかいNational Diet,parliament,congress
国境こっきょうborder
骨折こっせつbone fracture
ことthing, matter
ことわざproverb
こなpowder
小麦こむぎwheat
小麦こむぎwheat
小屋こやhut
今回こんかいthis time
今後こんごfrom now on,hereafter
困難こんなんdifficulty
今日こんにちtoday
婚約こんやくengagement
混乱こんらんconfusion
difference,variation
さいoccasion
財産ざいさんproperty, assets
最中さいちゅうin the middle of
才能さいのうtalent
裁判さいばんtrial
材料ざいりょうmaterials
盛りさかりserving, helping
作業さぎょうtask, work
さくlast (year/day)
作品さくひんwork, opus
作品さくひんwork, opus, performance, production
作物さくもつcrops, agricultural produce
座席ざせきseat
さつlabel, ticket
作家さっかwriter
作曲さっきょくcomposition
作曲さっきょくcomposition, setting (of music)
砂漠さばくdesert
左右さゆうleft and right, influence
さらplate
騒ぎさわぎuproar
参考さんこうreference
酸素さんそoxygen
酸素さんそoxygen
散歩さんぽwalk, stroll
four
family name, lineage
poem
幸せしあわせhappiness,good fortune,luck,blessing
時期じきseason
刺激しげきstimulus
資源しげんresources
支出ししゅつexpenditure
事情じじょうcircumstances
自然しぜんnature
自然しぜんnature, spontaneous
思想しそうthought, idea
したtongue
支度したくpreparation
しち・ななseven
失業しつぎょうunemployment
実験じっけんexperiment
実行じっこうexecution, practice
実際じっさいactual condition, status quo
実施じっしimplementation
指導しどうguidance
しなgoods, item
芝生しばふlawn
支払しはらいpayment
死亡しぼうdeath
資本しほんcapital
姉妹しまいsisters
事務じむoffice work
しもbelow
しもfrost
借金しゃっきんdebt
邪魔じゃまhindrance, obstacle
しゅうsandbank
じゅうgun
じゅうten
周囲しゅういsurroundings
収穫しゅうかくharvest
週間しゅうかんweek
宗教しゅうきょうreligion
重視じゅうしserious consideration
就職しゅうしょくemployment
就職しゅうしょくfinding employment, inauguration
修正しゅうせいcorrection
渋滞じゅうたいcongestion, delay
住宅じゅうたくresidence, housing
集団しゅうだんgroup, mass
集中しゅうちゅうconcentration,focusing the mind
収入しゅうにゅうincome
修理しゅうりrepair
主義しゅぎprinciple
宿泊しゅくはくlodging
手術しゅじゅつsurgery
首相しゅしょうPrime Minister
手段しゅだんmeans, way
主張しゅちょうclaim, assertion
出席しゅっせきattendance,presence
出発しゅっぱつdeparture
出版しゅっぱんpublication
首都しゅとcapital city
需要じゅようdemand
種類しゅるいkind
じゅんorder
瞬間しゅんかんmoment
順調じゅんちょうfavorable, going well
順番じゅんばんorder
使用しようuse
しょうchapter, medal
しょうprize, award
しょうprize, award
しょうsmall
じょうsuperior quality
障害しょうがいobstacle
奨学金しょうがくきんscholarship
上京じょうきょうproceeding to the capital (Tokyo)
上京じょうきょうproceeding to the capital (Tokyo)
条件じょうけんcondition, term
条件じょうけんconditions, terms
正午しょうごnoon
正午しょうごnoon, mid-day
少女しょうじょlittle girl
少々しょうしょうa little, small amount
症状しょうじょうsymptoms, condition
招待しょうたいinvitation
上達じょうたつimprovement, advance, progress
冗談じょうだんjoke
冗談じょうだんjest, joke
承知しょうちconsent, acceptance
承認しょうにんapproval
商人しょうにんmerchant
少年しょうねんboy
商売しょうばいtrade,business,commerce,transaction,occupation
消費しょうひconsumption
情報じょうほうinformation
女王じょおうqueen
しょくemployment
しょくjob
職業しょくぎょうoccupation, profession
植物しょくぶつplant
食物しょくもつfood, foodstuff
食欲しょくよくappetite (for food)
食欲しょくよくappetite (for food)
食糧しょくりょうprovisions,rations
書斎しょさいstudy room
女子じょしgirl
書物しょもつbooks
書類しょるいdocuments
知らせしらせnotice
しりbuttocks
しるしmark,symbol,evidence
進学しんがくadvancement to university
神経しんけいnerve, sensitivity
神経しんけいnerve
真剣しんけんseriousness
信仰しんこうreligious belief
信号しんごうtraffic lights, signal, semaphore
信号しんごうtraffic light
人工じんこうartificial
深刻しんこくserious
深刻しんこくserious
診察しんさつmedical examination
人生じんせいhuman life
親戚しんせきrelative
心臓しんぞうheart
心配しんぱいworry,concern,anxiety,care
審判しんぱんreferee, judgment
親友しんゆうclose friend
親友しんゆうclose friend, buddy
信用しんようtrust
信頼しんらいtrust
心理しんりmentality
人類じんるいmankind, humanity
diagram, figure
水準すいじゅんlevel
水準すいじゅん(1) water level, (2) level, standard
推薦すいせんrecommendation
睡眠すいみんsleep
すうnumber
数字すうじnumeral
姿すがたappearance, figure, shape
スキースキーskiing
すじmuscle, line
頭痛ずつうheadache
全てすべてeverything, all
すみcorner
せいgender, sex
所為せいcause, reason
せいheight
せいraw, draft
ぜいtax
世紀せいきcentury
世紀せいきcentury, era
成功せいこうsuccess
生産せいさんproduction, manufacture
生産せいさんproduction, manufacture
正式せいしきdue form, official, formality
正式せいしきofficial
精神せいしんmind, soul, heart
成績せいせきgrades, performance
製造せいぞうmanufacturing
贅沢ぜいたくluxury, extravagance
成長せいちょうgrowth
制度せいどsystem, institution
青年せいねんyouth, young man
製品せいひんmanufactured goods
政府せいふgovernment
生命せいめいlife
生命せいめいlife, existence
せきcough
責任せきにんresponsibility
石油せきゆoil, petroleum
世間せけんsociety
せつtheory
設備せつびfacility
絶滅ぜつめつextinction
世話せわlooking after, help, aid, assistance
世話せわhelp, assistance
ぜんgood, virtue
全員ぜんいんall members
専攻せんこうmajor, special study
全国ぜんこくnationwide
先日せんじつthe other day
前者ぜんしゃthe former
選手せんしゅplayer,team
前進ぜんしんprogress
全体ぜんたいwhole, entirety, whatever (is the matter)
全体ぜんたいwhole
騒音そうおんnoise
騒音そうおんnoise
増加ぞうかincrease
増加ぞうかincrease, addition
掃除そうじcleaning, sweeping
掃除そうじcleaning, sweeping
想像そうぞうimagination, guess
想像そうぞうimagination
装置そうちequipment
速度そくどspeed
そこbottom, sole
組織そしきorganization, tissue, structure
そでsleeve
そばside
そんloss, disadvantage
尊敬そんけいrespect
尊重そんちょうesteem
rice field
rice field
だいtitle, theme, topic
だいstand
体育たいいくphysical education
体温たいおんbody temperature
大会たいかいconvention, tournament
大会たいかいconvention, tournament, mass meeting, rally
大気たいきatmosphere
大気たいきatmosphere
代金だいきんprice
退屈たいくつboredom, tedium
滞在たいざいstay
大使たいしambassador
対象たいしょうtarget, subject
大臣だいじんcabinet minister
大戦たいせんgreat war
態度たいどattitude, manner
大半たいはんmajority,mostly,generally
代表だいひょうrepresentative
逮捕たいほarrest,apprehension
太陽たいようsun
大陸たいりくcontinent
互いたがいeach other, mutual
たからtreasure
たからtreasure
たくhome
たくhouse, home, husband
他人たにんanother person, unrelated person, outsider, stranger
他人たにんanother person
たねseed, cause
たばhandbreadth,bundle
たびtravel, trip
たびcounter for occurrences
たびcounter for occurrences
たまbullet, shot
たまball, sphere, coin
たまball
駄目だめno good
試しためしtrial, test
だんstep, rank, level
単位たんいunit, credit (in school)
単語たんごword, vocabulary
男子だんしboy
単純たんじゅんsimplicity
団体だんたいgroup
担当たんとうperson in charge
地下ちかbasement, underground
近頃ちかごろlately, recently, nowadays
地球ちきゅうthe earth
地球ちきゅうEarth
知事ちじprefectural governor
知識ちしきknowledge
父親ちちおやfather
知能ちのうintelligence, brains
知能ちのうintelligence, brains
地平線ちへいせんhorizon
地方ちほうregion
ちゃtea
ちゃtea
ちゅうinside,middle,among
中央ちゅうおうcentre, central, center, middle
中央ちゅうおうcenter
中学ちゅうがくmiddle school
中古ちゅうこsecondhand
駐車ちゅうしゃparking (e.g. car)
昼食ちゅうしょくlunch
中心ちゅうしんcenter, core
注目ちゅうもくattention, notice
調査ちょうさinvestigation, survey
頂上ちょうじょうsummit, top
貯金ちょきんsavings
貯金ちょきん(bank) savings
著者ちょしゃauthor,writer
通学つうがくcommuting to school
通信つうしんcorrespondence, communication, news, signal
通信つうしんcommunication
疲れつかれtiredness, fatigue
疲れつかれtiredness, fatigue
つきmoon, month
付き合いつきあいassociation, socializing, fellowship
包みつつみbundle, package, parcel, bale
包みつつみparcel
務めつとめduty
勤めつとめduty,responsibility,task
つばさwings
つみcrime, fault, indiscretion
抵抗ていこうresistance
提出ていしゅつsubmission
程度ていどdegree
停留所ていりゅうじょbus stop
適度てきどmoderate
適用てきようapplication
哲学てつがくphilosophy
徹底てっていthoroughness, completeness
徹底てっていthoroughness
鉄道てつどうrailroad
徹夜てつやall-night vigil
手間てまtime, labor
デモデモdemonstration
典型てんけいtype, pattern
典型てんけいtype, pattern, archetypal
電子でんしelectron
テントテントtent
伝統でんとうtradition
伝統でんとうtradition, convention
天然てんねんnature
counter for occurrences
問いといquestion
同一どういつidentity,sameness,similarity
動詞どうしverb
同時どうじsame time
投票とうひょうvoting
投票とうひょうvoting, poll
同様どうようsame kind
同僚どうりょうcolleague
道路どうろroad
都会とかいcity
ときtime, moment
どくpoison, toxicant
どくpoison
得意とくいspecialty
読書どくしょreading
独身どくしんsingle life
特徴とくちょうfeature, characteristic
特徴とくちょうfeature, characteristic
独特どくとくuniqueness
独立どくりつindependence
都市としcity
都市としtown, city, municipal, urban
年月としつきyears and months
年寄としよりold person
土地とちland, lot, soil
ともfriend
土曜どようSaturday
努力どりょくeffort
どろmud
name, reputation
内容ないようsubject, contents, matter, substance, detail, import
内容ないようcontents, subject, detail
なかrelation,relationship
仲間なかまcomrade, companion
眺めながめview, outlook
流れながれstream
なぞriddle
納得なっとくconsent,assent,understanding
なみwave
なわrope
匂いにおいsmell
にちday
日常にちじょうdaily life
日曜にちようSunday
日本にっぽんJapan
日本にっぽんJapan
入院にゅういんhospitalization
入学にゅうがくschool admission
人気にんきpopularity, sign of life
人間にんげんhuman being
root
願いねがいwish
ねずみmouse
ねずみ(1) mouse, rat, (2) dark gray, slate color
値段ねだんprice
値段ねだんprice, cost
熱心ねっしんenthusiasm (also adj-na)
熱心ねっしんzeal, enthusiasm
熱帯ねったいtropics
年間ねんかん(period of a) year
年月ねんげつmonths and years
年代ねんだいera, period
field
field
のうability
農家のうかfarm family
農民のうみんfarmer
能力のうりょくability
残りのこりremaining
望みのぞみwish, desire
のちlater, after
はいash
梅雨ばいうrainy season
パイプパイプpipe, tube
はかgrave
博士はかせPhD
拍手はくしゅapplause
莫大ばくだいenormous (amount)
爆発ばくはつexplosion, eruption
破産はさん(personal) bankruptcy
はしedge
始まりはじまりbeginning
はたflag
はたけfield
二十はたち20 years old
働きはたらきwork, labor
発見はっけんdiscovery, detection, finding
発見はっけんdiscovery
発行はっこうpublication issue
発展はってんdevelopment,growth
発明はつめいinvention
発明はつめいinvention
はねcounter for birds
はばwidth
はばwidth, breadth
母親ははおやmother
場面ばめんscene, setting
はらbelly
はらfield, plain, prairie, tundra, moor, wilderness
はらplain, field
はりneedle, hand (e.g. clock)
はりneedle
反抗はんこうresistance
犯罪はんざいcrime
判断はんだんjudgement
犯人はんにんcriminal
被害ひがいdamage
被害ひがいdamage
悲劇ひげきtragedy
飛行ひこうaviation
非常ひじょうemergency, extraordinary, unusual
非常ひじょうemergency
美人びじんbeautiful woman
ひたいforehead
日付ひづけdate
日付ひづけdate, dating
必死ひっしdesperation
否定ひていnegation
一言ひとことsingle word
人込みひとごみcrowd
独りひとりalone
批評ひひょうcriticism
微妙びみょうsubtlety (also adj-na)
微妙びみょうdelicate, subtle
費用ひようcost, expense
ひょうtable (e.g. Tab 1), chart, list
びょうsecond (60th min)
びょうsecond (60th min)
表現ひょうげんexpression, presentation, representation (math)
表現ひょうげんexpression
表情ひょうじょうfacial expression
表情ひょうじょうfacial expression
平等びょうどうequality, evenness
評判ひょうばんfame, reputation, popularity, arrant
評判ひょうばんreputation
表面ひょうめんsurface
ひんitem, product, elegance
びんbottle
便びんway, means
便びんway, means
negative prefix
part, dividing
nothing
不安ふあんanxiety
風景ふうけいscenery
夫婦ふうふmarried couple
武器ぶきweapon
服装ふくそうgarments
ふくろbag
ふしjoint, section, tune
不思議ふしぎmystery
不自由ふじゆうinconvenience, disability
婦人ふじんwoman
不正ふせいinjustice
舞台ぶたいstage (theater)
双子ふたごtwins
普段ふだんusually, habitually, ordinarily, always
普段ふだんusually, habitual
ふちedge, rim (or fate in some context)
物質ぶっしつmaterial, substance
ふでbrush
ふねship,boat
部分ぶぶんsection, part
不満ふまんdissatisfaction, displeasure, discontent, complaints, unhappiness
不満ふまんdissatisfaction
プランプランplan
ぶんpart, segment
ぶんsentence
ぶんsentence
分析ぶんせきanalysis
文明ぶんめいcivilization
平均へいきんequilibrium, balance, average, mean
変化へんかchange, transformation
勉強べんきょうstudy
変更へんこうchange,modification,alteration
弁当べんとうlunch box
ほうside
ほうlaw
ぼうrod, stick
冒険ぼうけんadventure
宝石ほうせきgem, jewel
放送ほうそうbroadcasting
放送ほうそうbroadcast, broadcasting
豊富ほうふabundance
方々ほうぼうpeople, various places
ほおcheek
ほかother
ほかoutside
誇りほこりpride
保存ほぞんpreservation
ほどextent
歩道ほどうfootpath,walkway,sidewalk
ほとけBuddha,the dead
ほりmoat
本当ほんとうtruth
本人ほんにんthe person himself
space,time
迷子まいごlost child
まくcurtain, act
負けまけdefeat
まごgrandchild
真面目まじめserious, diligent
間違いまちがいmistake
まつりfestival
真似まねmimicry
まるcircle, full (month), perfection, purity, suffix for ship names
まるcircle, perfection, suffix for ship names
満足まんぞくsatisfaction
body, main part, oneself, sword
body, oneself
fruit, result
見送りみおくりsend-off
味方みかたally
見事みごとsplendid, admirable
見舞いみまいenquiry, expression of sympathy
土産みやげsouvenir
みやこcapital
明後日みょうごにちday after tomorrow
みんなall,everyone,everybody
nothing, naught, nil, zero
nothing, none
迎えむかえmeeting, welcome
虫歯むしばcavity, tooth decay
無駄むだfutility,uselessness
夢中むちゅうtrance,ecstasy,delirium
むねbreast,chest
無料むりょうfree, no charge
sprout
明確めいかくclarity (noun use)
命令めいれいcommand
迷惑めいわくnuisance
めし(sl) meals,food
綿めんcotton, padding
綿めんcotton
免許めんきょlicense
申し訳もうしわけexcuse
毛布もうふblanket
目標もくひょうmark, objective, target
木曜もくようThursday
木曜もくようThursday
文字もじcharacter
もとbasis
もとorigin
もとprime
物語ものがたりstory, legend
物事ものごとthings
模様もようpattern
文句もんくphrase, complaint
文句もんくcomplaint, phrase
文字もんじletter (of alphabet), character
文字もんじcharacter (written)
やくrole, position
やくapproximately
役割やくわりrole
家賃やちんrent
厄介やっかいtrouble, burden, care
厄介やっかいtrouble, burden, care, bother
宿やどinn
唯一ゆいいつonly, sole, unique
唯一ゆいいつonly, unique
勇気ゆうきcourage
有効ゆうこうvalidity
友情ゆうじょうfriendship
友人ゆうじんfriend
有能ゆうのうcapable
郵便ゆうびんmail,postal service
ゆかfloor
ゆかfloor
愉快ゆかいpleasant
行きゆきgoing
輸出ゆしゅつexport
輸入ゆにゅうimportation,import,introduction
evening, night
夜明けよあけdawn
ようway,manner
要求ようきゅうdemand
用心ようじんcare, precaution, guarding, caution
様子ようすappearance
様子ようすaspect, state, appearance
要素ようそelement
要点ようてんmain point, gist
曜日ようびday of the week
予期よきexpectation
予算よさんestimate, budget
予算よさんbudget
予測よそくprediction, estimation
世の中よのなかsociety, the world
予報よほうforecast
予防よぼうprevention
読みよみreading
余裕よゆうsurplus, composure, margin
余裕よゆうsurplus, composure, margin, room, time, allowance, scope, rope
喜びよろこびjoy
よんfour
らくease, comfort
利益りえきprofit, gain
理解りかいunderstanding
りくsix (used in legal documents)
理想りそうideal
りつrate, ratio, proportion, percentage
留学りゅうがくstudy abroad
流行りゅうこうtrend, fashion
りょうquantity, amount
料金りょうきんfee
れいgratitude
れいexample
礼儀れいぎmanners, etiquette
冷静れいせいcomposure
れつqueue,line,row
列車れっしゃtrain
連想れんそうassociation (of ideas), suggestion
労働ろうどうlabor, work
論争ろんそうcontroversy, dispute
論争ろんそうcontroversy, dispute
論文ろんぶんthesis, paper
論文ろんぶんthesis, essay, treatise, paper
ring, circle
別れわかれparting, farewell
わきside
わきside
綿わたcotton
話題わだいtopic
話題わだいtopic, subject
笑いわらいlaugh, laughter, smile
笑いわらいlaughter
悪口わるくちabuse, slander
我々われわれwe
我々われわれwe
わんbay
わんbay, gulf, inlet

.

JLPT N3 Verb

Now that you have learned some nouns, the next will be Japanese verb. JLPT N3 level, you’ll start seeing a wider variety of them, including more complex conjugations, formal expressions, and verbs used in both casual and professional settings. 

This is also where you might be introduced to many compound verbs and more nuanced transitive or intransitive pairs.

In this list, we’ve organized verbs alphabetically. But as you study, it’s helpful to group them by function or form, such as る-verbs, う-verbs, irregular verbs, or by usage patterns like potential form, passive, or causative

JapaneseKanaEnglish Translation
できるto be able to
愛するあいするto love
明けるあけるto dawn, to become daylight
与えるあたえるto give
暖かい(い-adj)あたたかいwarm, mild
当たるあたるto be hit
扱うあつかうto handle
当てるあてるto hit
浴びるあびるto bathe, to shower
表すあらわすto express, to reveal
有るあるto be, to have
抱くいだくto hold, to embrace
頂くいただくto receive (humble)
至るいたるto reach
祝ういわうto celebrate
引退いんたいto retire
受け取るうけとるto receive
動かすうごかすto move, to shift
失ううしなうto lose
疑ううたがうto doubt, to distrust, to be suspicious of
撃つうつto attack
移すうつすto move, to infect
訴えるうったえるto sue, appeal
うなるうなるto groan
奪ううばうto snatch away
売れるうれるto be sold
描くえがくto draw, paint
得るえる・うるto obtain
追い付くおいつくto catch up, to overtake
追うおうto chase
応じるおうじるto respond
終えるおえるto finish
覆うおおうto cover
恐れるおそれるto fear
劣るおとるto be inferior
溺れるおぼれるto drown
及ぼすおよぼすto exert, to cause
居るおるto be (animate)
下すおろすto lower
降ろすおろすto take down, to drop
飼うかうto raise
換えるかえるto exchange
替えるかえるto replace, to exchange
抱えるかかえるto carry (in arms)
輝くかがやくto shine, to glitter
罹るかかるto suffer
掛かるかかるto take (time/money), to hang
限るかぎるto limit
描くかくto draw
隠すかくすto hide
隠れるかくれるto hide, to disappear
欠けるかけるto be lacking
囲むかこむto surround, to encircle
稼ぐかせぐto earn
数えるかぞえるto count
語るかたるto talk
被るかぶるto suffer
刈るかるto cut (hair), to mow (grass), to harvest
感じるかんじるto feel
関するかんするto concern
効くきくto be effective
気付くきづくto notice
食うくうto eat (vulgar, male)
暮らすくらすto live, to get along
狂うくるうto go mad, to get out of order
加えるくわえるto add
決定するけっていするto determine
行動するこうどうするto act, to behave
凍るこおるto freeze
越すこすto go over, to pass
異なることなるto differ
断ることわるto refuse, to decline
好むこのむto like
殺すころすto kill
転ぶころぶto fall
叫ぶさけぶto shout, to cry
避けるさけるto avoid, to ward off, to avert
支えるささえるto support
指すさすto point, to put up umbrella, to play
誘うさそうto invite, to tempt
覚ますさますto awaken
覚めるさめるto wake up
従うしたがうto obey, to follow, to accompany
支配するしはいするto control
支払うしはらうto pay
しまうしまうto finish
示すしめすto show
占めるしめるto occupy, to account for
処理するしょりするto process
信頼するしんらいするto trust
空くすくto be empty
救うすくうto rescue from, to help out of
優れるすぐれるto excel
勧めるすすめるto recommend
進めるすすめるto advance, to promote
済ませるすませるto finish
注ぐそそぐto pour
育つそだつto grow up
備えるそなえるto provide
対するたいするto confront
倒すたおすto beat, to bring down
確かめるたしかめるto confirm
助けるたすけるto help
戦うたたかうto fight
叩くたたくto strike
立ち上がるたちあがるto stand up
経つたつto pass, to lapse
黙るだまるto be silent
頼るたよるto rely on, to depend on
通じるつうじるto communicate, lead to
捕まるつかまるto be caught
就くつくto take (position), to settle in
注ぐつぐto pour (into), to irrigate, to pay
付けるつけるto attach, to join, to add, to append
繋ぐつなぐto connect
出会うであうto meet by chance
適するてきするto suit
通り過ぎるとおりすぎるto pass through
解くとくto unfasten
解けるとけるto come untied
届くとどくto reach
飛ばすとばすto skip over, to omit
留めるとめるto fasten, to turn off
取れるとれるto come off
流すながすto drain
眺めるながめるto view, to gaze at
流れるながれるto stream, to flow
怠けるなまけるto neglect
悩むなやむto be troubled, to worry
成るなるto become
為るなるto become
似合うにあうto suit, to match
握るにぎるto grasp, to mold (sushi)
濡れるぬれるto get wet
願うねがうto desire, to wish, to request
残すのこすto leave
除くのぞくto remove
伸ばすのばすto lengthen, to stretch, to grow (beard)
伸びるのびるto stretch
昇るのぼるto rise, ascend
計るはかるto measure
吐くはくto vomit
履くはくto wear (lower body)
外すはずすto remove
罰するばっするto punish
話し合うはなしあうto discuss
放すはなすto release
離すはなすto separate
離れるはなれるto separate
省くはぶくto omit
貼るはるto stick, paste
引っ張るひっぱるto pull
広がるひろがるto spread
含むふくむto include
防ぐふせぐto defend
振るふるto shake
震えるふるえるto shiver
触れるふれるto touch
吠えるほえるto bark, to roar
微笑むほほえむto smile
任せるまかせるto entrust
増すますto increase, to grow
学ぶまなぶto learn
招くまねくto invite
守るまもるto protect, to obey
満ちるみちるto be full, to expire
見るみるto see
向くむくto face
向けるむけるto turn toward
結ぶむすぶto tie, bind
申し込むもうしこむto apply
燃えるもえるto burn
持ち上げるもちあげるto raise, to lift up
戻すもどすto return
基づくもとづくto be based on
貰うもらうto receive
雇うやとうto hire
言うゆうto say
譲るゆずるto hand over
許すゆるすto allow
酔うようto get drunk
横切るよこぎるto cross
止すよすto quit
論じるろんじるto argue, to debate
分けるわけるto divide
割るわるto divide, to cut, to break, to halve

JLPT N3 Adjectives

Before diving in, make sure you’re already familiar with the difference between い-adjectives and な-adjectives, as JLPT N3-level adjectives go beyond the usual simple words like “kawaii” or “senpai.”

As always, list is organized alphabetically for easy reference, but for more effective study, try grouping adjectives by themes such as feelings, appearance, or degree.

JapaneseKanaEnglish Translation
かわいらしいlovely
うまいdelicious
かわいそうpitiable
いいgood
もっともnatural, most reasonable
すてきlovely, dreamy
きついtight, intense
愛するあいするto love
暖かいあたたかいwarm
新たあらたnew
偉大いだいgreat
うるさいうるさいnoisy, fussy
嬉しいうれしいhappy
穏やかおだやかcalm, gentle
快適かいてきcomfortable
賢いかしこいwise
硬いかたいhard
完全かんぜんperfect
気の毒きのどくpitiful
奇妙きみょうstrange
巨大きょだいgigantic
臭いくさいodour, stench
苦しいくるしいpainful, difficult
濃いこいthick, dense, strong
高価こうかhigh-priced
豪華ごうかwonderful, gorgeous, splendor, pomp, extravagance
最終さいしゅうlast, final
最低さいていleast, worst
親しいしたしいintimate
重大じゅうだいserious, important
上等じょうとうsuperior
新鮮しんせんfresh
慎重しんちょうprudent, cautious
すごいすごいamazing, terrific
素晴らしいすばらしいwonderful
鋭いするどいsharp, pointed
せいregular, correct
正確せいかくaccurate
積極的せっきょくてきproactive
粗末そまつcrude
大抵たいていusually
単なるたんなるmere
辛いつらいpainful
適切てきせつappropriate
典型的(な)てんけいてきtypical (implied from 典型)
得意とくいproud/specialty
苦手にがてpoor at, dislike
激しいはげしいviolent, intense
必死ひっしdesperate (can be treated as na-adjective)
等しいひとしいequal
不自由ふじゆうinconvenient (also noun)
不利ふりdisadvantageous
豊富ほうふabundant
真面目まじめserious, honest (also noun)
貧しいまずしいpoor, needy
真っ赤まっかdeep red
真っ直ぐまっすぐstraight
満ちるみちるto be full, to expire
みょうstrange
面倒めんどうtroublesome
有利ゆうりadvantageous
豊かゆたかabundant
よいよいgood, nice, pleasant
容易よういeasy, simple
宜しいよろしい(hon) good, OK
立派りっぱsplendid, fine
冷静れいせいcalm

JLPT N3 Adverb

Adverbs play a key role in adding detail and nuance to your sentences, helping you describe how, when, where, and to what extent actions occur. In JLPT N# vocabulary, you’ll find a wider range of adverbs that let you express subtle differences in timing, frequency, degree, and manner

Check out’ Basic Japanese Adverbs to Know

JapaneseKanaEnglish Translation
まさにexactly
それぞれeach
どんなwhat kind of
もしもif
いずれeventually
いらいらirritation
どこかsomewhere
かもしれないperhaps
がっかりdisappointed
ただonly
おそらくmaybe
あいにくunfortunately
そのうちeventually
いつもalways
しきりにfrequently, eagerly
ややa little, somewhat
たびたびrepeatedly
どうしてもno matter what
およそapproximately
ゆっくりslowly
ふとsuddenly, unexpectedly
さっぱりfeeling refreshed, neatly, clearly
なかなかvery, considerably, not easily (with negative)
いつでもalways, at all times
それともor, or else
むしろrather
あちこちhere and there
ばったりwith a crash, suddenly
かなりfairly, quite
のんびりcarefree
まさかno way
ぴったりperfectly
まるでentirely
だけどhowever
そしてand
ますますincreasingly
ちゃんとproperly
じっとfirmly, patiently
さてnow then
よりmore (comparison)
どうhow
ではthen, well
余りあまりnot much
あんなにあんなにto that extent
一度にいちどにall at once
いつかいつかsomeday
いつまでもいつまでもforever
今にもいまにもany moment
言わばいわばso to speak
思わずおもわずunintentionally
必ずしもかならずしも(not) necessarily
急にきゅうにsuddenly
偶然ぐうぜんby chance, unexpectedly
ぐっすりぐっすりsound asleep
更にさらにfurthermore, again
じきimmediately
したがってしたがってtherefore
実にじつにtruly
しばしばしばしばoften
随分ずいぶんquite, extremely
ずっとずっとthroughout
既にすでにalready
精々せいぜいat best, at most
是非ぜひcertainly
そっくりそっくりexactly like, identical
そっとそっとquietly, gently
それとそれとand then, also
だからだからso, therefore
多少たしょうsomewhat
ただonly, free of charge
直ちにただちにimmediately
たったたったonly, merely
たっぷりたっぷりfull, plenty
たとえたとえeven if
偶々たまたまby chance
遂についにfinally
次々つぎつぎone by one
つまりつまりin short, in brief
どんなにどんなにhow much
にっこりにっこりsmile sweetly
年中ねんじゅうyear-round, always
一人一人ひとりひとりone by one, each
まだまだstill, yet
全くまったくentirely, completely
もちろんもちろんof course
最ももっともmost
やがてやがてsoon
やはりやはりstill, also, after all
要するにようするにin short

Other JLPT N3 Vocabulary: Particles, Loanwords, Expressions

The JLPT N3 vocabulary section doesn’t just test your knowledge of word meanings. Ot also challenges your understanding of context and appropriate usage. This means you’ll encounter not only individual words but also common expressions and set phrases.

In addition, we group loanwords (often written in katakana) here, even though most of them are nouns. The good news is that if you already know English, learning these loanwords can be much easier since many are borrowed directly from English or other languages.

Read More: 30 English Loanwords that Come from Japanese

JapaneseKanaEnglish Translation
ところがhowever
はあ(interjection)
(particle)
それ(interjection, pronoun)
ケチstingy person
ベルトbelt
ボートboat
ゴールgoal
ミルクmilk
ワインwine
ボーイboy
キャンプcamp
プラスplus
トラックtruck
スタイルstyle
トップtop
あっ(interjection)
いちmarket
スイッチswitch
セットset
ごめんなさいsorry
other
がらpattern/handle (ambiguous, multiple meanings)
よるとaccording to
でもbut, however
あんまりnot very, remainder
そのままas it is, unchanged
そこでso, accordingly
そうso
こんにちはhello, good day
いわゆるso-called
しかもmoreover, furthermore
ところでby the way
わざとon purpose
おまえyou (casual, rough)
センターcenter
プロprofessional
チーズcheese
これらthese
ざっとroughly
またagain, and
ジーンズjeans
スピーチspeech
わがままselfishness
クラシックclassical music
コンピューターcomputer
クリームcream
オフィスoffice
トランプplaying cards
スープsoup
チームteam
しゃべるto chat (colloquial, often kana only)
あしたあしたtomorrow
ありがとうありがとうthank you
あるいはあるいはor, possibly
いただきますいただきますexpression before meals
インクインクink
うん(感)うんfortune, luck
honorific prefix
おめでとうおめでとうcongratulations!
カードカードcard
くもりcloudy weather
グラスグラスglass
グランドグランドgrand, ground, gland
しまったしまったDamn it! (interjection)
みませんすみませんsorry, excuse me
そのそのthat (determiner)
デートデートdate (romantic)
できればできればif possible
通りとおりas per, street
トンネルトンネルtunnel
無しなしwithout
なぜならなぜならbecause
ノーノーno
ハンサムハンサムhandsome
ビデオビデオvideo
non-, un- (prefix)
ペンキペンキpaint (loanword from Dutch)
ホームホームplatform
ぼんやりぼんやりabsent-mindedly, vaguely
まあまあyou might say
マスターマスターbar owner, master
よろしく(感)よろしくbest regards, properly
ライターライターlighter, writer
ラケットラケットracket

Ace the JLPT with Coto Academy’s JLPT Lesson!

Thinking of taking the JLPT again or aiming for a higher level to boost your career in Japan? Pass the JLPT with Coto Academy’s JLPT prep courses. This special preparation class covers exam practices and all test sections, including how to master the reading, grammar, kanji, and listening. Our teachers are highly specialized in teaching JLPT, and you’ll learn alongside motivated peers!

Join the hundreds of successful students who’ve improved their JLPT results with Coto. See our past JLPT success rate story.

Currently, we offer an in-person JLPT prep course in Tokyo and Yokohama, and an online JLPT lecture course

Interested? Fill out the form below for a free level check. Our staff will get in touch with you!

FAQ

How many words are in JLPT N3?

JLPT N3 vocabulary includes about 3,500 to 3,750 words. This typically includes vocabulary you have learned in JLPT N5 and JLPT N4.

How many kanji should I study for JLPT N3?

You should study approximately 600 to 650 kanji for JLPT N3.

Where can I register for the JLPT N3?

You can register for the JLPT through the official JLPT website or authorized testing centers in your country. Check out how to register for JLPT N3 online in our guide. 

Can I work with JLPT N3 certificate?

Typically, JLPT N3 can help you get part-time jobs that require intermediate Japanese, but it may not be enough for many full-time professional positions. For that, you would typically need JLPT N2 and above. 

How do I find my JLPT result?

JLPT results are usually available online about two months after the exam on the official JLPT website. Check out how to find your JLPT results in our guide. 

Can I pass JLPT N3 in 5 months?

Yes, with focused and consistent study, passing the JLPT N3 in 5 months is definitely achievable. This requires setting a clear study schedule, regularly practicing vocabulary, grammar, kanji, listening, and reading comprehension.

Check out our guides for the upcoming JLPT:

Are you planning to take the JLPT and wondering how you can apply online? This blog will be a thorough guide on how to apply for the JLPT online. It’s almost that time of the year again when most of us are getting all ready to sign up for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, otherwise known as the JLPT. With varying difficulty levels from N5 to N1 (with N1 being the most difficult), it is relatively important to start deciding on which level to take on the test date before applying for the JLPT online. With that being said, let’s get on with how to register for the JLPT and some of the details related to the test!

Study the JLPT Smarter with Coto Academy!

Getting ready for the JLPT? Boost your chances of passing with Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course — designed for busy learners. With just 3 focused hours per week, you’ll turn your current Japanese skills into real test results in 3 months.

When is the JLPT?

First things first, let’s go through the dates on which the tests are being held so you can mark them down on the calendar. Throughout the span of one year, there are typically JLPT tests being held biannually.

In Japan, the JLPT is typically held twice a week, but this might be different if you are taking the JLPT from overseas. Either way, these tests are usually held on the first Sunday of July and December.

  • First JLPT Test in 2025: First week of July
  • Second JLPT Test in 2025: First week of July

In 2026, you can expect the tests to take place around early July and early December. Registration usually opens a few months before each test, with exact dates varying depending on your location. It’s best to check the official JLPT website or your local test center for the most accurate information as the dates approach.

Registration Dates for the 2025 and 2026 July JLPT

The registration period for the July 2025 JLPT is expected to open in March 2025 and close in April 2025. This is the same for the July 2026 JLPT, too.

Registration Dates for the 2025 and 2026 December JLPT

The registration period for the December 2025 JLPT is expected to open in August and close in September 2025—the same timeline typically applies to the December 2026 test as well.

Test Location

Moving on, let’s see the various locations in which you can take the JLPT. You have two options: take the test locally in Japan or in an educational institute overseas. For the full and comprehensive list of overseas institutes that conduct JLPT, head down to the link over here to check if it is an approved institute.

As the location in which you take the JLPT varies, there may be different procedures, windows, or deadlines that you have to take note. However, the test date still remains the same. For more information on how you would go about applying for the JLPT online or otherwise, please click on any one of the links below:

1. Taking the Test in Japan
2. Taking the Test from an Overseas Educational Institute

JLPT Test Components

Looking at the test components, JLPT Test Levels N1 to N3 are composed of 3 Components: Reading (60 marks), Vocabulary (60 marks) as well and Listening (60 marks). As for JLPT Test Levels N4 to N5, there are 2 Components: Japanese Language Knowledge (120 marks) and Listening (60 marks).

If you are unsure of how to prepare for JLPT N2 or N3, click on the links and it will lead you to a guide we came up with some time back!

However, in order to pass, you need to meet 2 conditions:

  1. Score at least 19 marks for any sections with 60 marks obtainable and 38 marks for sections with 120 marks obtainable.
  2. Meet the overall passing grade for the test at each level. Here’s a list of the passing marks:
JLPT Level
Vocabulary/ Grammar)
ReadingListeningTotal Score
N1191919100
N219191990
N319191995
JLPT LevelVocabulary/ Grammar and ReadingListeningTotal Score
N4381990
N5381980

How to Apply to the JLPT & Application Window

Part 1: Setting up a MyJLPT Account to Apply for the JLPT Online

Step 1: Apply for a MyJLPT Account here

how to apply to jlpt online
How to apply for the JLPT online

Step 2: Choose your Language

how to apply to jlpt online

Step 3: Agree to the Terms and Conditions

how to apply to jlpt online

Step 4: Fill up your Details and Confirm

how to apply to jlpt online

Step 5: Confirm your Personal Information and check your Email Inbox for a Confirmation Email


Part 2: Registering for a Test Online with your MyJLPT Account

Once you have obtained the MyJLPT ID you will be asked to complete the online application from your MyJLPT page.  The website itself is more friendly to certain web browsers, and the site recommends that you use Microsoft Edge.

Step 1: Log in to your My JLPT account


how to apply jlpt online

Step 2: Click on “Examination application

how to apply jlpt online

Step 3: Choose your application type

how to apply jlpt online

Step 4: Sign the agreement to the privacy policy

step 4 how to apply jlpt online

Step 5: Choose your level and fill in other details required

step 5 how to apply jlpt online

Step 6: Choose Payment type

If you are in Japan, you can pay the test fee through several payment methods: credit card, bank transfer or payment via the convenience store. Please confirm the available payment method for countries outside Japan. Generally, credit card is acceptable.

step 6  how to apply jlpt online

Step 7: Confirm your information

Final step: The application will be completed after confirmation of your information

Application Window

For local students, the application window can start anywhere from Mid-March (July Test) to Mid-August (December Test). As for overseas students, the application window can be anywhere from March to April (July Test) or August to September (December Test). Check your MyJLPT Account for more details and stay up to date on when you can apply.

Payment of Fees & Window for Payment to be Made

After completing your application, you must complete payment before your registration will be confirmed. Test Fees are approximately 5,500 Yen but may vary based on the location in which you decide to take the test.

If you are in Japan, the payment options for the JLPT range from online with a credit card to cash at a convenience store or post office.  If you are outside of Japan, the payment method will depend on the test location.

From January 17, 2022, a separate fee of 110 yen will be required for a cash payment from a Japan Post Bank ATM. For group applications, a fee of 110 yen will be required for each “payment number”.

The test payment window for December is from early to late September.

After making payment, you will be set to receive a Test Voucher which you would need to bring to your test venue to confirm and verify your status as a participant of the JLPT you have signed up for. Ensure that this slip of paper is well-kept and not lost, as it is very important.

If you sign up for the JLPT 2022 in December, you will likely receive your test voucher sometime in November.

With these, remember to bring in some form of identification together with your Test Voucher. With that, take the test and you’re all good to go.

Release of Results

After all that hard work, just sit back, relax and give yourself a well-deserved break. Until the time comes, enjoy yourself! But until when? Well, the release of results can vary based on whether you’ve taken the test locally or from an overseas educational institute, but here are some dates you can stay on the lookout for!

  • Local July Test: Early September
  • Local December Test: Early February
  • Overseas July Test: Early October
  • Overseas December Test: Early March

Note: For Overseas Students, collect your Score Reports and hopefully, a Certificate of Proficiency, at your Local Host Institute. As for Local Students, the Score Reports and Certificates will be mailed to you directly based on the address associated with your MyJLPT Account.

If you have questions about our school or taking JLPT Prep lessons with us, don’t worry. Here’s a link to the FAQ site where you can check to see if it answers any queries you have. With that, we would like to wish you all the best and happy studying! 😀

Start taking Japanese lessons and pass the JLPT exam!

When is the next JLPT in 2025 and when can I sign up?

The next JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The previous session was on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Where do I apply for the JLPT?

To apply, you will need a MyJLPT account, which you can sign up for here. Once you have an account, you can sign in with your account and start to register.

When do the JLPT results come out?

Depending on when you take the test, the release of the results can differ. In general, you will get your results 2-3 months after the test. Here is when you should look out for your results depending on when you take the test!

  • Local July Test: Early September
  • Local December Test: Early February
  • Overseas July Test: Early October
  • Overseas December Test: Early March

I have a question about the JLPT that isn't addressed here. What do I do?

If you have any JLPT-related inquiries, you can visit the JLPT FAQ site. Your answer should be there.

When is JLPT 2026?

The JLPT is held twice a year, typically in July and December. In 2026, you can expect the tests to take place around early July and early December. Registration usually opens a few months before each test, with exact dates varying depending on your location. It’s best to check the official JLPT website or your local test center for the most accurate information as the dates approach.

So you’ve studied the JLPT for months, reading grammar books, making flashcards, and taking mock exams. You feel like you’re all set to take the test. There’s nothing that can go wrong when you have all that knowledge locked in, right? 

How well you prepare for the JLPT the night before is just as important as your six-month study plan — and we’re not talking about cramming all the lesson materials you never managed to cover. 

Avoid saying, “I should have done that,” after the JLPT ends. Check out these realistic JLPT tips that can mean the difference between a full-blown panic attack in the exam center and a smooth test session.

Why It’s Important to Be Prepared During the JLPT Test Day

While we focus most of our attention on studying Japanese, we tend to overlook the practical elements of taking the JLPT: what to prepare, what to bring, and what to anticipate.

Like any standardized exam, the JLPT, or Nihongo Nouryoku Shiken (日本語能力試験) is not just a test of the theoretical Japanese language, but of how well you do under pressure. They usually fall on a Sunday, giving you ample time to do any last-minute reviews and cramming on Saturday. This also gives you enough space for mental preparations. 

At the same time, this also means that a lot of things can go wrong.

Getting ready for the JLPT? Boost your chances of passing with Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course — designed for busy learners. With just 3 focused hours per week, you’ll turn your current Japanese skills into real test results in 3 months.

JLPT Test Day Tips

1. Have a Good Rest The Night Before JLPT

Though seemingly an obvious JLPT tip, having a good sleep before the JLPT is something a lot of test takers fail to do.

Late nights can be more harmful than helpful when cramming for exams. This is because staying up late to try to memorize new Japanese vocabulary, kanji, or grammar points has the opposite effect. You’re not letting your brain have “downtime” to let the new things sink in. 

If you’re trying to catch up on half of your study materials the night before, chances are you won’t even remember it the next day. Staying up late will only give you stress and sleep deprivation. Any final reviews or mock tests are okay, but make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep. 

In other words, cramming doesn’t help. It can break your concentration the next day and lower your mood — something you don’t want during the most crucial day of the year. 

2. Bring Extra Pencil and Eraser to Test Site — and Shade Properly

This sounds like a “duh” JLPT tip, but you’d be surprised by how many examinees we’ve seen who brought pens instead of pencils and erasers to the JLPT exam location. You input your answers by shading the circle with a pencil. If you’re using a mechanical pencil, bring extra leads. If you’re using a wooden pencil, get a sharpener. 

Most importantly, bring a spare pencil and eraser. They might fall on the floor or break at any moment, so avoid the panic by staying prepared. 

Make sure they are at least 2B, a dark shade for the computer to read. Remember that the software can only read your answer when you’ve colored the circle properly.  

Pencil cases aren’t allowed during test sessions. Only bring the essentials: no highlighters or colored pens. 

Disclaimer: Some test sites might not allow mechanical pencils, so always check what the test voucher says. 

3. Make Sure it’s Clear Bottled Water

Your brain won’t function well when you’re thirsty. Thankfully, you can bring water in a clear bottle to the JLPT test sites. No labels though, and you need to keep it in the bag during the test.

For more information, check out what other things you can bring to the JLPT test site.

4. Bring a (Wrist) Watch to The Exam Centre to Save Time

Every JLPT exam center is different, and that means you don’t know what you’re expecting. The JLPT sections are all timed, but during the tests, you’re not going to hear any countdowns or warnings. The proctors will only say, “Time’s up. Put your pencils down.” 

The only indicator of how much time you have left is through the wall clock — if they provide one. Some test centers may hang their clock on your back or somewhere where it’s hard for you to see it. Some might even cover the clock. Moving your head around will raise suspicion and waste your precious, limited time. Tough choice, right?

This is why you need to bring your own watch. Remember to budget your time. Make sure it’s an analog watch (anything digital is prohibited) with no alarms.

Check out our guides for the upcoming JLPT:

6. Speaking of Time, Manage It Well

One of the common pitfalls for test-takers is to submit their JLPT answer sheets half-finished because they’re shocked by how quickly the exam can go. The good news is that for every different test section (kanji-vocabulary, grammar, reading, or listening), you’ll have a short break in between. This means, at least, you have a softer cushion for time management. 

When you finish a few answers, see if you’re running out of time and adjust your pace from there. 

7. Don’t Get Stuck on One Question

Perhaps the most important JLPT tip is to never contemplate too long on one question. The JLPT is strictly timed, and you might feel like it’s okay to go slow at first.

The biggest mistake you can make is to skip skimming through the questions: how many are there? Which section will probably take the longest time? 

Chances are, you’re going to find a question (or many) that you don’t know. Don’t get stuck there. Instead, mark the question or take a rough guess and move on. 

Only when you’re done going through all the questions can you go back again. 

8. Filled Answers Are Always Better Than Blank

Despite our stress on time management during the JLPT, we know it’s easier said than done.

If you’re faced with unfavorable circumstances where you have a bunch of questions unanswered, with only one or two minutes to spare, we suggest doing what any desperate student would do: take wild guesses.

It seems counterintuitive, but writing something is always better than nothing. Statistically speaking, if you have 10 questions unanswered with only one minute left, you can blindly fill the answers and still have 2-3 of them correct. If you only use that one minute to only answer one question, you’ll, well, only have one answer correct — if you do get it right. 

Besides that, the JLPT scoring system will not negatively mark a wrong answer, which is a common thing in other standardized exams (you get a minus 1 for every wrong answer, for example). This means you’re not risking your best score by answering wrong.

9. Listen to The Proctors

This isn’t just a JLPT tip. It’s a requirement. Coming from real experience, the proctors are very strict. They’re that to confirm your identity and make sure the test environment is conducive. The JLPT rules are typical: no talking, no suspicious activities, no cheating and no cellphones. 

But they also hold authority in the exam center to issue yellow and red cards — and they’re something you’d want to avoid at all costs. If you break one of the JLPT rules, they can give you a warning (yellow card) or, worst, expel you on-site, effectively failing you from the JLPT. 

In every exam hall, there’s almost one person who got kicked out because their phone rang or, more commonly, because they keep writing when the proctors tell them to put their pencils down. 

You’re not going to get away from sneaking in a few answers. The risk is simply not worth it. If they tell you to stop, stop. 

10. Use Question Papers for Note-taking for JLPT Listening Sections

You’re faced with another challenge in the JLPT listening section. Besides time, the audio will only be repeated once. At the same time, you need to know what’s happening in the scenario given, which means you don’t have a lot of time to comprehend and answer the question. 

Take notes as you listen to the audio. They will give you a brief moment to answer the questions, and you can use this period to review your notes. They don’t have to be long; just short reminders to refresh your memories

 It’s important to know the directions and what is going to happen on the test so you can focus purely on answering the questions. On most of the questions, they don’t give you a whole lot of time to think about it. You have to answer and keep going. If you don’t, you might find yourself halfway through the next question before you realize you haven’t made a decision yet.

Where possible, mark answers that are clearly not correct when you’re listening to whatever passage is playing. People lose marks for accidentally filling the wrong box.

Also check out: How to Check Your Results for the JLPT

11. Take Advantage of Restroom Breaks

This is your chance to reset your mind. Meeting your friend to talk about the past JLPT questions isn’t wrong, but prioritize your personal needs, too. Use this time to relax or do another final review. Go to the bathroom to avoid holding your pee during the next session. The whole test lasts around 3-4 hours, so prepare a meal so you don’t get hungry. 

Depending on where you are, there might not be a nearby convenience store. You may not be able to go and buy snacks and return on time, so pack some snacks from home just in case. 

Taking the JLPT? Join Preparation Lessons at Coto

Planning to take the JLPT? Maximize your chances of success with customized lessons at Coto Academy. Our experienced instructors have helped hundreds of students pass the exam. You’ll cover all sections of the test and practice with real mock exams based on past JLPT papers.

Spots fill up quickly. Sign up today and start your path to JLPT success!

FAQ

What is the JLPT?

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a standardized exam that evaluates and certifies the Japanese language skills of non-native speakers.

Can I wear a watch to the JLPT test center?

Yes, you can wear a simple wristwatch, but there are strict rules. Smartwatches or watches with alarms, data storage, or sound functions are strictly prohibited.

What do I need to bring to the JLPT test center?

To take the JLPT, you must bring your test voucher, a valid photo ID, HB or B pencils, an eraser, and optionally a simple wristwatch, making sure all electronic devices are turned off and stored away.

Where is the JLPT test center located?

The location of your JLPT test center depends on where you registered, so please check your test voucher carefully for the exact address and room details.

Yes, you can pass the JLPT with just three more months of study. Join Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course, designed to help you overcome that final hurdle and succeed in one of the most important exams of your life.

With just 3 focused hours per week, our course transforms your existing knowledge into practical, test-ready skills. No cramming — just targeted, effective training that sharpens your abilities exactly where it matters most.

What is Coto Academy’s JLPT 3-Month Intensive Course?

Coto Academy’s 3-month JLPT course is a strategic, result-proven program that has helped hundreds of learners successfully pass the JLPT year after year. You’ll study 3 hours every Saturday, from September to December 2025, alongside motivated classmates and expert instructors dedicated to your success. 

The course covers all aspects of the JLPT, including listening and key strategic tips to tackle some of the hardest sections, like reading. You’ll tackle real test challenges while strengthening your test-taking techniques and practical understanding.

Don’t believe us? Coto students have an average pass rate of 72.7%. That means you are 35% more likely to pass the JLPT compared to the national average. Check out our pass rate for 2021.

JLPT Prep Course vs. Year-Round Course: What’s the Difference?

Feature3-Month Intensive CourseYear-Round JLPT Course
Test FocusProblem-solving & test strategyGrammar foundations & explanation
Duration3-month, focused lessonYear-round (can join anytime)
Listening PracticeIncludedNot included
Ideal forLearners who already know the grammar and want test-focused practiceBeginners starting from the basics
coto academy jlpt 3 month course 2025

What You’ll Learn in a 3-month JLPT Prep Course

This JLPT course is tailor-made to address common challenges learners face when preparing for the exam. It’s ideal for learners who have never taken the JLPT at the level they plan to take

1. Key strategies for solving reading comprehension questions.

Our instructors focus on teaching both the fundamentals and useful “tricks” — for example, paying attention to conjunctions when tackling reading passages.

2. Step-by-step review throughout the course.

You’ll steadily build and reinforce your skills with thorough guidance from our experienced teachers. 

3. Detailed explanations from expert instructors:

Get clear summaries of essential grammar points, their usage, and targeted exercises.

4. All the Key JLPT Components

This comprehensive course covers listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary, and kanji—all taught by expert instructors to help you succeed.

Is It Available for All JLPT Levels?

Yes! Our JLPT Preparation Course is available for all levels, from N4 to N1.

Course Details

Coto Academy’s 3-Month JLPT Prep Course for 2025 runs from September 6th to December 6th, finishing just before the final JLPT exam of the year!

DetailsDescription
Available LevelsJLPT N4 to N1
Course PeriodSeptember 6 – December 6, 2025
ScheduleEvery Saturday, 14:10–17:00 (3 hours/week)
LocationCoto Academy (In-person at Coto Academy Iidabashi)
Total Duration14 weeks / 42 lessons
coto academy 2025 jlpt prep course september - december poster

How Much Does the JLPT 3-month Prep Course Cost?

The full 3-month JLPT Prep Course is available for 98,280 yen! Please note that this price does not include materials fees.

How to Sign Up for Coto Academy’s JLPT Course

Get started in as little as one week! Simply fill out our contact form and select “JLPT Prep Course.” Once submitted, you’ll be directed to our booking calendar to schedule your level check and consultation.

This is a free session held by our in-house Japanese language expert, who can tell you more about the courses and answer questions you may have.

Join the JLPT Prep Course in Tokyo Today!

FAQ

How many hours does it take to study for the JLPT?

It typically takes 300–450 hours for N4, 450–750 hours for N3, and 900+ hours for N2, depending on your background and study habits. For a full explanation, check out our blog on the hours you need to study for the JLPT.

How do I sign up for the JLPT online?

You can register for the JLPT through the official JEES website during the application period. Check out our step-by-step guide here.

Can I take the JLPT course online?

This specific 3-month course is in-person at Coto Academy, but we also offer online JLPT prep courses. Check out Coto Academy’s online Japanese courses.

How much does the course cost?

The 3-month JLPT Prep Course is normally priced at ¥109,200 for new students. However, current Coto Academy students enjoy a special discounted rate of ¥98,280! The price does not include materials and an initial registration fee of 10,000 yen for new students.

Is the 3-month JLPT Prep Course available for all JLPT levels?

Yes, this prep course is available on all JLPT levels, from JLPT N4 to JLPT N1.

How do you get your JLPT results?

You receive your JLPT results by checking the official JLPT website with your registration details on the announced result release date. Read our full guide on how to check JLPT results here.

You’ve decided to take on JLPT N5, but looking for the right Japanese N5 textbook can feel more overwhelming than actually studying the language.

So, read this guide to find out the top 20 N5 textbooks for beginners to ace the JLPT with flying colors — or to start your studies on the right foot. When you’re ready to jump to the next level, we have also JLPT N3 textbook and JLPT N4 textbook recommendations!

Should I take the JLPT N5 Exam?

If you plan on studying Japanese for a long time, signing up for the JLPT N5 helps you create a concrete goal to reach. Even though it will only cover the very basics, it’s the perfect way for beginners to stay motivated. JLPT N5 requires you to master at least 800 Japanese vocabulary words and 100 kanji, so you can also assess your ability and level appropriately.

Even if you’re not taking the JLPT N5, these textbooks are great for learners to soak in all the important beginner-level Japanese language components: hiragana, katakana, key vocabulary, and basic kanji. But what’s the best one you can find online?

Don’t know where to start with the JLPT? Check out our full guide on how to study for the JLPT!

What Will I Need To Pass the JLPT N5?

In order to pass the JLPT N5, you will need to know hiragana, katakana, kanji (around 100 characters), and master some essential grammar. You will also need to understand basic conversation in Japanese since there is a listening section. So, the best textbooks often prepare you specifically for the JLPT N5 or focus on one of the key areas, such as vocabulary, fundamental grammar, etc. There are a variety of options out there, but here are our top 20 picks!

Read More: Top 100 JLPT N5 Vocabulary List

Study the JLPT Smarter with Coto Academy!

Getting ready for the JLPT? Boost your chances of passing with Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course — designed for busy learners. This class is perfect for students who plan to take the JLPT exam and work optimally towards their objectives. It covers exam practices and explanations of essentials such as Japanese grammar, vocabulary, kanji, and more! 

Top JLPT N5 Textbooks

1. Nihongo Fun and Easy

Nihongo Fun & Easy Textbooks

Nihongo Fun and Easy is Coto’s self-developed study book. This book is designed to help students who are new to Japanese, including those with no prior knowledge of the language, to acquire natural-sounding, essential Japanese that can be used immediately in daily conversation. It’s a great option for beginners who want to study on their own. All practice and examples come with full English translation. You don’t have to worry about knowing hiragana and katakana first, too. The textbook comes with romaji, and you will learn the alphabet along the way.

The book includes lessons on simple Japanese words and a list of verbs and adjective conjugations. You’ll also receive an audio CD for learning dialogues in both Japanese and English. The book comes with an audio CD for learning conversational dialogues in both Japanese and English.

The book currently has two volumes:

  • Nihongo Fun & Easy: Survival Japanese Conversation for Beginners
  • Nihongo Fun & Easy 2: Basic Grammar for Conversation for Beginners

Price: $24 (¥2,782)

Click on this link to purchase the book.

Many of our courses use this textbook as well. Feel free to contact us about our JLPT Courses and more!

2. Genki

Genki is one of the most used Japanese language textbook series for beginners. Lesson chapters don’t focus on the JLPT itself but on everyday real-life situations and dialogues. For example, in the first lesson, they first teach you about conversations that can happen during the day, combined with clear and concise explanations about grammar and vocabulary.

Keep in mind that Genki is a textbook that was specifically designed for classroom teaching, so it may not be perfect for self-learners.

Price: $39.90 (¥4,601)

Click this link to purchase the book.

3. Minna No Nihongo

Minna no Nihongo is another popular classroom textbook. Lesson chapters include Japanese grammar, vocabulary, listening, and speaking skills. The text in the book is also fully in Japanese, so you will have to know hiragana and katakana in advance.

Price: $28.80 (¥3,920)

Click this link to purchase the book.

4. Nihongo So-Matome N5

The Nihongo So-Matome N5 is an all-inclusive textbook. The book features 42 daily Japanese lessons that are categorized as kanji, vocabulary, grammar, and reading. It’s designed as a 6-week self-study aid. You’ll find common grammar points, guides on syntax and a list of kanji and vocabulary commonly found in the JLPT N5 exam. The textbook also includes a reading and listening practice with a pre-recorded audio CD.

Some popular topics covered in the textbook are

  • What’s your name?
  • What are you doing?
  • Hands and feet

Price: $21.99 (¥2,535)

Click this link to purchase the book.

5. Goukaku Dekiru JLPT N4 & N5

Gokaku dekiru jlpt prep textbook image

While the Minna no Nihongo or Genki are N5-level, they’re not necessarily targeted to students who want to take the JLPT. For that, the Goukaku Dekiru JLPT book series is by far the most popular choice for test-takers. The textbook breaks down the JLPT into two parts. Part one focuses on all grammar and vocabulary, with 863 questions to help you tackle the language knowledge section. Part two is a collection of mock tests in the official format of JLPT.

The book includes two CDs for the listening section and an answer book.

Price: $29.89 (¥3,446)

Click this link to purchase the book.

6. 55 Reading Comprehension Tests for JLPT N5

The textbook includes 55 different N5-related Japanese readings with over a hundred questions. You will learn to analyze passages by understanding how to break down sentences into simple words to better comprehend them sentences. Questions in the book are modeled to represent the actual JLPT exam.

Price: $24.99 (¥2,881)

Click this link to purchase the book.

7. JLPT N5 Kanji, Vocabulary & Grammar Chokuzen-Taisaku

JLPT N5 Kanji, Vocabulary & Grammar Chokuzen Taisaku is a workbook perfect for anyone who is looking to take mock tests for the JLPT N5 exam, focusing on vocabulary, kanji, and grammar questions. Included is also an appendix section that contains important verbs, adverbs, and adjectives related to the N5.

Price: $17.73 (¥2,044)

Click this link to purchase the book.

8. 1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5

1000 Essential Vocabulary JLPT N5 Text book

To pass the JLPT N5, you will need to know 800 vocabulary, so learning 1,000 is a safe bet that you’ll ace the test. The textbook is broken down into 10 different chapters. Vocabularies are sorted based on their function and related contexts, like friends, food, hobbies, shopping, living, and health. This allows for better word retention.

There’s also a link to audio files for learners who want to hear the words and example sentences. Because of the small size of the vocabulary book, many learners will conveniently carry it around. There’s a red sheet to block the Japanese word (for a quick mini-quiz) and a checkbox for you to tick.

Price: $14.99 (¥1,728)

Click this link to purchase.

9. The Preparatory Course for the JLPT N5 Reading, Kanji, Vocabulary, and Grammar

Image for the textbook: preparatory course for the jlpt n5

This textbook is a study guide for the JLPT N5. Chapters of the book include all material related to N5 kanji, grammar, forms of speech, and model sentences with simple explanations, making it easy to study on your own. There are multiple practice problems that allow you to check your comprehension level as well.

Price: $25.80 (¥2,974)

Click this link to purchase.

10. Tanki Master JLPT N5

With an audio CD, the Tanki Master JLPT N5 has five different categories of Japanese Learning: Japanese characters, vocabulary, grammar, listening, and reading. The contents cover questions for every section of the test. The book is especially effective when used to help you review. It’s separated into two parts: practice questions and practice tests for mockups,s for learners to see how they did.

Price: $20.00 (¥2,304)

Click this link below to purchase.

11. Nihongo Challenge for JLPT N4 & N5 Kanji

Nihongo Challenge N4 - N5 textbook

Each chapter in the Nihongo Challenge series teaches about 10 new kanji, complete with their stroke orders and free blank spaces to practice writing them. What is unique about this textbook is that each kanji has its own illustration and explanation.

Price: $19.00 (¥2,189)

Click this link to purchase the book.

12. Mastering Kanji: Guide to JLPT N5 Kanji

Mastering Kanji N5

All kanji is thoughtfully introduced with a number of illustrations, which makes your learning more interesting and effective, too. At the end of every chapter, there will be review questions to assess your progress. You can also check your level in a separate “achievement”.  

Price: $25.00 (¥2,881)

Click this link to purchase the book.

13. JLPT Official Practice Workbook

JLPT Official Practice Workbook

Once you’re confident that you’ve learned everything needed for the test, you can start doing mock tests through the official JLPT practice workbook.

Acting as a revision guide, the workbook is perfect if you wish to practice before the actual exam. There’s an audio CD for the listening section. The workbook has over 33 vocabulary and kanji sections, as well as 26 grammar and 6 reading questions.

Price: $14.00 (¥1,613)

Click the link below to purchase the book.

14. Basic Kanji Book

image of the Basic Kanji Book

As one of the classic books for learning kanji, Basic Kanji Book Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 gives 500 fundamental kanji. You will learn to memorize kanji and write them according to their correct stroke order. Each unit has simple practice exercises to practice writing the kanji.

Price: $29.00 (¥3,344)

Click this link to purchase the book.

15. Try! Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5

Image of the Try! Japanese Language Proficiency Test textbook

As part of the Try! series, the N5 volume covers nine different chapters of everyday life conversations. The Try! series is specifically designed to help students focus on Japanese grammar. In total, there are nine chapters, each equipped with practice questions and a final review.

Price: $24.50 (¥2,825)

Click the link below to purchase the book.

16. Drill and Drill JLPT N5 Kanji, Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading and Listening

Image for Drill And Drill JLPT N5 textbook

The Drill and Drill JLPT N5 has over 250 questions on vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. Answers to the questions are provided in a separate booklet at the back of the book. The booklet contains detailed explanations of each question as well as example sentences and tips to answer each question. You can also find an audio CD for the listening section of the test.

Price: $28.00 (¥3,229)

Click this link to purchase the book.

17. JLPT Preparation Book Speed Master – Quick Mastery of N4 & N5 Vocabulary

JLPT vocabulary speed master

This is a book that combines N5 and N4 vocabularies. There are 1,800 words in total, separated into 50 units based on their relevant topics. Readings of the words are shown in both kanji and hiragana and have translations in English and Chinese. Every new word learned has a checkbox that makes it easy to continue where you left off.

Price: $19.99 (¥2,305)

Click this link to purchase the book.

18. JLPT Study Guide

Created by a popular JLPT mockup test website, JLPTBootCamp.com, the book has over 300 practice test questions with printable flashcards for vocabulary, hiragana, katakana, and kanji.

Price: $25.00 (¥2,883)

Click this link to purchase the book.

19. Yookoso! Invitation to Contemporary Japanese Student

Textbook called Yookoso! a contemporary Japanese introduction

This book serves as a two-volume series for basic Japanese. It’s known to be the first to integrate all the Japanese language technical skills. The book is comprehensive but simple to follow. Although it’s more on the expensive side, there are a lot of example sentences and detailed explanations to help break down complex sentences into simpler words and phrases.

Price: $146.01 (¥17,692.15) 

Click this link to purchase the book.

20. Japanese Kanji Mnemonics JLPT N5

JLPT Kanji mnemonics N5 textbook

Centered to help readers pass the exam, the book focuses on the 103 most common Kanji found on the N5 level test. The book is mostly used as flashcards as readers will be able to find the kanji mnemonic on the front page and the kanji information on the back of the page. Each mnemonic has its own drawing as well as a sentence example and explanations for better memorization.

Price: $16.91 (¥1,937)

Click this link to purchase the book.

What’s Next After Finding The Best JLPT N5 Textbook

Once you have found the best JLPT Textbook, use you will need to it to help strategize how to pass the JLPT N5. It’s a pretty long test and your chosen textbook(s) should cover every area from reading to listening in Japanese.

While finding JLPT learning resources is great for self-learning, we also recommend finding the right support from a professional instructor. We offer both JLPT self-study courses as well as online or in-person JLPT Courses taught by an experienced teacher who can help you dissect the N5 exam and be fully equipped to pass!

Want to learn JLPT N5?

FAQ

How many words and kanji do you need for JLPT N5?

You will need to know about 100 kanji and about 800 vocabulary words.

How long does it take to pass the JLPT N5?

It should take roughly 100 – 200 class hours, depending on how you study and what resources you use.

How can you prepare for the JLPT N5?

Both the JLPT N5 and N4 levels have been designed to test classroom Japanese. The best way to prepare is to take an introductory or beginner course in Japanese. We also recommend you buy N5 textbooks and workbooks and work through them on your own to better prepare yourself.

When I register for the JLPT N5?

The JLPT is held twice a year, usually in July and December. If you’re outside Japan, the test may be held only once a year, in July or December. Registration is usually open until mid-March (for July) and mid-August (for December)

How can JLPT N5 help you in Japan?

It does not help you that much.

Passing the different levels of the JLPT can provide you with great opportunities to work in Japan. However, simply passing the N5 is not enough to help you since the N5 is just a test of basic knowledge of the Japanese language. You would require at least a JLPT N3 certificate if you want to work comfortably in Japan. If you are planning to take the JLPT, we would recommend that you go through all 5 levels until you feel comfortable having conversations in Japanese fluently.

Shhould I take JLPT lessons?

Taking JLPT lessons can significantly boost your chances of success by providing structured learning with experienced Japanese teachers. With Coto Academy, you’ll benefit from expert instruction, flexible schedules, and a proven track record of helping students pass levels N5 to N1.

Check out our guides for other JLPT levels as well:

Planning to take the JLPT N5? Although it is technically the lowest level a foreigner can take, the N5 can be a great milestone for those who want to see if they have made real progress. Understandably, the thought of taking the JLPT is stressful, with so many things to learn and consider. So, where do you start?

Good news is you are in the right place! In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the JLPT N5 exam (test contents, length, scoring methods), how to register, how to prepare, what happens on test day, and some resources and lessons we offer at Coto Academy to help you through your studies.

Want to take your JLPT preparation to the next level? We have in-person and online JLPT courses taught by our experienced Japanese instructors to help you ace your next JLPT exam!

What is the JLPT?

JLPT stands for Japanese Language Proficiency Test, also known as 日本語能力試験. As the name suggests, the exam measures and certifies the Japanese proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers and is used by universities and employees inside and outside Japan. It is normally carried out twice a year in Japan and is also available in certain other countries. JLPT Exams are often taken by Japanese learners planning a future in Japan!

Check out our guides for other JLPT levels as well:

What are the different levels of the JLPT?

The JLPT is divided into 5 different levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5, with N1 being the most advanced level and N5 being the most basic.

  • The N4 and N5 tests you on basic Japanese that you can often learn in a classroom environment
  • The N3 acts as a bridge between N4/N5 and N2/N1
  • The N2 and N1 tests you on a wider spectrum of Japanese knowledge used in various situations in everyday life

Who should take the JLPT N5?

While JLPT is the most widely recognized standardized Japanese test, the JLPT N5 is often not enough to help you find employment. Still, the exam can be a viable first goal for beginner Japanese learners. You can set it as a short-term target. By taking the N5 Exam, you may be able to discover your strengths and weaknesses and pursue your studies more efficiently thereafter.

Addiionally, JLPT N5 has recently become more necessary when applying for certain types of student visas. In some cases, it is actually required that you have a JLPT N5 certificate before you can study in Japan!

If you’re seeking employment in Japan, holding JLPT N2 or, even better, JLPT N1 certification will give you a major advantage. Employers often grant preferential treatment to candidates who have passed N2 or N1, and N1 holders in particular can unlock the best opportunities.

What does the JLPT N5 test?

Generally, the JLPT N5 tests you on the understanding of some core basics of Japanese, including your ability to read and comprehend elementary expressions and sentences expressed in hiragana, katakana, and some kanji. You also need to be able to listen and comprehend typical, slow-spoken conversations abundant in everyday life and in classroom environments.

What are the different sections of N5 Exam?

The JLPT N5 Exam consists of three main sections. Each of the three sections tests you on different aspects of the Japanese language.

SectionQuestion types
1. Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)– Kanji reading
– Orthography
– Contextually-defined expressions
– Paraphrases
2. Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading– Sentential grammar 1 (selecting grammar form)
– Sentential grammar 2 (sentence composition)
– Text grammar
– Comprehension (short passages)
– Comprehension (mid-length passages)
3. Listening– Task-based comprehension
– Comprehension of key points
– Verbal expressions
– Quick response

What is covered in the JLPT N5 Exam?

For all of the above three sections, you must master approximately 800 vocabulary words and 100 kanji. The 800 vocabulary words covered in the N5 Exam will correspond to the most commonly used words in the Japanese language. The 100 kanji will cover those that are naturally used in simple daily conversations, such as those related to numbers, time and days of the week, family members, and basic verbs.

Furthermore, you must be familiar with typical grammar points such as basic particle usage (は、が、を) and basic formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives for past and present tenses. Before taking the test, you should be comfortable with reading and writing short, simple sentences.

Because the JLPT Exam does not test on speaking, learners who are not comfortable speaking in Japanese can theoretically still pass, as long as they have mastered the vocabulary, kanji, and grammar covered on the N5 Exam. (However, Japanese conversational abilities would make life much easier if you are seriously considering a future in Japan.)

If you are living in Japan already and want to improve your Japanese speaking, there are a variety of fun ways to practice Japanese and get out of your shell!

How long is the N5 Exam?

You are given different amounts of time for each of the three test sections.

SectionTime
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)20 minutes
Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading40 minutes
Listening30 minutes
Total Time90 minutes

In total, you are given 90 minutes to complete the JLPT N5 Exam.

What is the scoring for the JLPT N5 like?

Although the N5 Exam contains three sections, the scoring is divided into two.

SectionRange of Scores
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading0 – 120
Listening0 – 60
Overall Score0 – 180

Your overall score can range from anywhere between 0 to 180.

For the N5 Exam, a passing score is anything above an overall score of 80 points. However, in addition to meeting the overall score of 80 points, you must also meet sectional pass marks of 38 points in the Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading Section and 19 points in the Listening Section.

How long should I study for JLPT N5?

For students with kanji knowledge, like Chinese students, it takes 350 hours to pass the N5 exam. For other students who don’t have prior kanji knowledge, it takes 462 hours of studying.

These hours estimates are gathered when students self-report their estimated study time during the exam registration process. The question is added as a compulsory field.

For more information on the study hours for all levels of the JLPT, check out this blog article: How Many Hours Does it Take to Pass the JLPT – Illustrated Guide.

How to Prepare for JLPT N5

Mastering Kanji and Vocabulary

In addition to hiragana and katakana, the JLPT N5 covers around 100 kanji and 800 vocabulary words. (Of course, you do not have to know all of them to pass, but it’s impossible to predict which ones will be on the exam.)

We highly recommend that you check out our JLPT N5 Self-Study Guide.

JLPT N5 Kanji Writing Workbook / Worksheets E-Book

We have also provided several of the worksheets free of charge at the links below! These are very useful as they cover many of the kanji that you will be tested on during the N5 exam.

To become familiar with the most commonly used vocabulary words likely to appear on the JLPT N5 Exam, check out our list of the Top 100 Basic Japanese Words.

Mastering JLPT N5 Grammar

Although the JLPT N5 Exam scores vocabulary and grammar cumulatively, it is recommended that you study for them independently. The grammar section of the exam tests on basic particle usage (ha, ga, wo, etc.) and formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives for past and present tenses.

To learn grammar points covered on the N5 Exam, you can check out the below the articles on basic Japanese Grammar:

Japanese particles can be a tricky subject, so check: Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Particles.

Mastering JLPT N5 Listening

To help you get prepared for the listening section, we have a 30-day challenge for you!

In our Free JLPT N5 30-Day Grammar Listening Challenge, you will spend 15 minutes each day for 30 days improving your listening and learning new grammar points. Each day, you will be given two phrases or grammar points and check your understanding with a flash card matching game. By the end of the course, not only will you have strengthened your listening, but you will have also learned 60 grammar points necessary to pass the N5 Exam!

Our Coto Japanese Academy YouTube Channel can be a great tool for listening practice and growing your grammar arsenal.

Although self-studying is a great way to study at your own pace, textbooks and worksheets may not perfectly prepare you for what’s to come on the JLPT Exam.

How to register for JLPT N5

Registering for the JLPT can be done online via the official JLPT website. The tests are conducted worldwide. In Japan, the JLPT is held annually in July and December. Make sure to check the official site for the list of overseas JLPT test sites.

  • Application Period: The July exam application periods end in April. December exam applications end in September
  • Application Method: You must apply from the MyJLPT “JLPT Application” screen after registering with MyJLPT on the JLPT website of Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JESS).
  • Test Fee: ¥7,500 yen (price can vary depending on country and test sites, so always refer to the original JLPT portal)

Payment Methods: Credit card, bank wire transfer (pay-easy), payment at a convenience store.

Once registered, you will receive a test voucher around mid-November indicating your test location and more details about the JLPT Exam.

We have provided a step-by-step guide to registering for the JLPT.

What happens on test day

Before heading out to your test center, make sure to bring your test voucher, writing utensils (mechanical pencils are accepted), and maybe some snacks and a watch to help you with time management.

For examinees in Japan, your test will begin at 12:30, but the test center will already be open from 11:45. We recommend you head out early to be safe.

Once you arrive at your test venue, you will be asked to show your test voucher to the staff. Examinees are split into different rooms based on their voucher numbers. You will be instructed to enter one of these rooms.

The whole exam will take several hours to complete (in the case of the N5 Exam, an hour and a half), and you will get short breaks between each section. When the exam is finished, you will need to wait until all test papers have been collected before you can leave the room. Check out our article on JLPT tips for the actual day.

Taking the JLPT? Join Preparation Lessons at Coto Academy!

Planning to take the JLPT? Maximize your chances of success with customized lessons at Coto Academy. Our experienced instructors have helped hundreds of students pass the exam. You’ll cover all sections of the test and practice with real mock exams based on past JLPT papers.

Spots fill up quickly. Sign up today and start your path to JLPT success!

FAQ

Around what level is the JLPT N5

The JLPT N5 is considered to be the most basic level of Japanese. To pass the test you would need to know around 800 vocabulary words and 100 kanji characters. The test mostly uses hiragana, katakana, and just a bit of kanji. You would also need to understand simple Japanese conversation.

How many hours of studying is needed to pass the JLPT?

While it depends on your current level and linguistic background, on average, it could take around 460 hours of study if you are starting from scratch. If your native language already uses kanji, the hours of study could be much less, around 350 hours.

Would passing the JLPT N5 have benefits for visas or getting jobs?

Passing the JLPT N5 could be considered when applying for certain work or long-term stay visas. Some roles that require a basic level of Japanese would consider the N5 certification a plus point for your application.

Is taking the N5 worth it?

The JLPT N5, while still testing a basic level, is still very valuable. It’s a great way to gauge your Japanese level and progress, which can be very motivating. It’s also an official certificate that you can use on your resume or other documents, showcasing your skills.

Are you preparing for the JLPT and learning the N2 grammar now? In total, there are around 200 grammar lessons that you need to know in order to pass the JLPT N2, including grammars you have learned from lower levels.

This article explains 30 of the must-know grammar points for JLPT N2 that have been featured on previous tests, from the meaning to sentence structures and sentence examples!

Study the JLPT Smarter with Coto Academy!

Getting ready for the JLPT? Boost your chances of passing with Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course — designed for busy learners. This class is perfect for students who plan to take the JLPT exam and work optimally towards their objectives. It covers exam practices and explanations of essentials such as Japanese grammar, vocabulary, kanji, and more! 

1. っぽい (poi)

This grammar point is used to express something that “has a strong tendency of~” or simply put, it means “like” or “ish”. For example, you can add this grammar point at the back of the noun-て form to make them adjective-forms.

こども + っぽい = こどもっぽい (Childish)

2. がち (gachi)

がち is usually used for something negative or to express a tendency to do something. For example, 疲れがち which means tend to be tired easily as compared to 疲れ, which just means tired.

3. ていられない (te irarenai)

You may use this grammar point if you have no time to do something or do not find the activity time-worthy. This grammar point means you “can’t afford” or “can’t” do something.

For example, のんびりしてはいられない means I can’t afford to slack off. You add the noun-て form in front of the grammar point.

4. てはならない (tewanaranai)

てはならない is more subjective. It means must not, cannot or should not. You can use this grammar point with a verb-て form and add the grammar at the back of the verb.

For example, 忘れ+てはならない which means never forget.

5. ねばならない (nebanaranai)

This grammar point means you have to do something or there is something that you must do. Add this grammar point to a verb-ない form. When you add in the grammar point, be sure to remove the ない at the back of the verb.

6. ずにはいられない (zu ni wa irarenai)

This grammar point describes naturally irrepressible actions. It means “can’t help but do something” or “have to do something”. This grammar point can only be used in writing.

When spoken, it is changed to 「…ないではいられない」 instead. This grammar point is being added to a verb-ない form. When placing the grammar point, remove the ない at the back of the verb.

7. ないではいられない (nai de wa irarenai)

This grammar point means you “can’t help it but feel” or you “can’t help but do”. You need to place this grammar point with a verb-ない form. You do not need to take out the ない when placing the grammar point at the back.

8. ないこともない (nai koto mo nai)

This means you “can do something” or “something is not impossible to do”. Another way to put it is “it isn’t the case that ~ not ~.”

For example, I can eat natto, but I don’t like it very much. You can eat natto, but if given another kind of food, you would not pick natto because you don’t like it very much.

9. しょうがない (shou ga nai)

You may have heard this used in a sentence before in dramas or animeしょうがない means “there is no other way but…” or “very, extremely.”

Note that しょうがない is a contraction of しようがない, which is used in informal spoken conversations.

10. てたまらない (tetamaranai)

This grammar point comes from the word たまる, which means to endure something. With the ない at the back, the word comes in a negative form. This means “cannot endure something”.

Verbs and い adjectives would use the てたまらない while な adjectives would use でたまらない

11. は抜きにして (wa nuki ni shite)

This grammar point is used in both positive and negative situations. For positive situations, rather than は抜きにして, we use 抜きに。As for negative situations, we use 抜きで

12. てばかりはいられない (te bakari wa irarenai)

Based on the word ばかり, we change it into a て form to express that one cannot do something repeatedly. The grammar point can be written in two ways; てばかりはいられない and てばかりもいられない

13.まだしも (mada shimo)

This grammar point is used when comparing with different opinions and choosing a better opinion. For example, if we say [A]まだしも, [B], it means [A] is better or more preferred than [B]. Another way we can look at it is [B] is disliked over [A]

14. ものの (mono no)

This grammar point is normally used to express a contradiction. For example, [A]ものの + [B]  means you want to go to [A] but you have something on [B].

15. ものだから (mono da kara)

ものだから is used when saying the reason is … for something which is unavoidable. For example, “the dog ate my homework, therefore (ものだから), I can’t turn in my homework.

16. ものなら (mono nara)

This is used when saying if [A] is possible, then [B]. Simply put, it is either impossible or very unlikely to be done. For example, (if I can go, then..) or (if I can return this, then…).

17. 気味 (kimi)

気味 means something looks like or seems to be in a certain way.

For example, 疲れ気味 which means seems tired. You can add the grammar point with any noun or verb ます form. When you add 気味 with a verb ます form, be sure to take out ます before adding in.

18. もの (mono)

This is used when you want to explain a reason for something. However, this expression is usually used most by girls and children. You add the reason with もの when you want to justify what you said.

19. でならない (denaranai)

This is used to describe an emotion that is beyond control or used to describe “extremely”. でならない is mostly used for emotions, wishes, and feelings.

The grammar point is usually used in writing and is an old way used in spoken language.

20. ないことはない (nai koto wa nai)

This grammar point is used when something is not impossible to do. Another meaning would be “it isn’t the case that.. not..”.

For example, in the above example, “it’s not that I can’t drive, I just don’t do it very often”. You can do it, but you just do not do it often.

21. 何といっても (nanto ittemo)

何といっても is used to emphasize the most important or undeniable aspect of a situation. It means “after all” or “no matter what you say,” highlighting something that stands out above all else.

For example, “何といっても彼が一番だ” means “No matter what, he’s the best.”

Use: Emphasizes the most important point
Example:
何といっても健康が一番大切だ。
After all, health is the most important.

22. ~ような気がする (you na ki ga suru)

~ような気がする expresses a personal feeling or hunch about something. It translates roughly to “I feel like…” or “It seems that…” and is often used when you’re uncertain but have a subjective impression.

23. ~ことにする (koto ni suru)

~ことにする indicates that someone has made a decision or chosen a course of action. It literally means “to make it a thing to…” and is used for deliberate decisions,

Like that, with our JLPT N2 Grammar list, you can pass your test with consistent effort and hard work! 頑張ってください!

Example:
彼は嘘をついているような気がする。
I feel like he’s lying.

24. 以外の (igai no)

Structure: Noun + 以外の + noun

以外の means “except for” or “other than” and is used to exclude something from a group or list.
Example:
彼以外の人は全員来ました。
Everyone except him came.

25. ~に気をつける (~ni ki o tsukeru)

Structure: Noun + に気をつける
The use of this JLPT N2 grammar means “to be careful about” or “pay attention to” something.
Example:
健康に気をつけてください。
Please take care of your health.

26. ~限り (~gakiri)

Structure: Verb plain form / Noun + の + 限り
~限り is used to indicate a limitation or boundary. In English, you can translate it as “as long as” or “as far as.”

Example:
知っている限り、彼は無実です。
As far as I know, he is innocent.

27. ~ことなく (koto naku)

Structure: Verb dictionary form + ことなく

ことなく expresses not doing an action or a state not occurring.
Example:
彼は一度も休むことなく働いた。
He worked without taking a single break.

28. ~にもかかわらず (ni mo kakawarazu)

Structure: Verb / adjective / noun + にもかかわらず

“にもかかわらず” means “despite” or “in spite of.” It’s used when the result goes against expectations or is surprising, and it often conveys the speaker’s sense of surprise, disappointment, or irony.
Example:
雨にもかかわらず、彼は来ました。
He came despite the rain.

29. ~にすぎない (ni suginai)

Structure: Verb / noun + にすぎない

にすぎない means “nothing more than,” “no more than,” or “merely.” It is used to downplay or minimize the importance or value of something. In other words, something is not as important as it might seem.
Example:
それはうわさにすぎない。
That’s nothing more than a rumor.

30. とともに (to tomo ni)

Structure: Noun / verb (dictionary form) + とともに

The JLPT N2 grammar point とともに (to tomoni) has multiple uses, but all generally relate to the idea of “together with,” “at the same time,” or “as something happens.”

Example:
インターネットの普及とともに、情報の流れが速くなった。」
As the internet became widespread, the flow of information sped up.

Taking JLPT N2 Soon? Pass the Test with Coto Academy!

JLPT N2 is one of the hardest levels to pass, but it’s a valuable certification often required for finding a job in Japan.

If you’re planning to take the exam, boost your chances of success with JLPT preparation lessons at Coto Academy. Our expert teachers will guide you through JLPT N2 grammar, vocabulary, and more — all in flexible classes designed for busy learners like you.

FAQ

Can I rely only on grammar study to pass JLPT N2?

No, grammar is essential, but you also need vocabulary, kanji, listening, and reading comprehension skills. Combining all these areas will give you the best chance to pass the exam.

How many JLPT N2 grammars are there?

There are around 200 grammar points commonly recognized at the JLPT N2 level. These include a wide range of patterns, from basic conjunctions and conditionals to more complex expressions of nuance.

How can I effectively study JLPT N2 grammar?

Focus on learning grammar in context with example sentences, practice reading passages that use N2 grammar, do targeted exercises, and review with flashcards or quizzes. Regularly practicing listening and speaking also helps solidify your understanding.

Planning to take the JLPT N2 by yourself? Don’t forget to read our useful guide on:

How many study hours do you need to pass the JLPT? The Japanese Language Proficiency Test is the benchmark for your knowledge of the Japanese language. One of the first questions that probably comes to mind is: “How long do I need to prepare for the JLPT?”

The answer isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on things like your current level, how you study, and whether you’ve learned the language before. Still, having a rough idea of the time commitment for each level (from N5 to N1) can really help with planning and staying motivated.

In this post, we will show you some interesting comparisons of the number of JLPT study hours it will take you to pass each exam level.

Getting ready for the JLPT? Boost your chances of passing with Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course — designed for busy learners. With just 3 focused hours per week, you’ll turn your current Japanese skills into real test results in 3 months.

Study Hours Needed to Study JLPT N5 to N1

how many hours needed to pass the jlpt
JLPT levelHours needed to study
With kanji knowledgeWithout kanji knowledge
N5350 hours400 – 500 hours
N4550 hours800 – 1,000 hours
N3900 hours1,325 hours
N21,500 hours2,200 hours
N12,150 hours3,900 – 4,500 hours

The number of study hours needed to pass the JLPT can vary a lot depending on the learner. If you’re living in Japan or regularly exposed to Japanese, especially kanji, you may be able to progress more quickly thanks to daily practice and immersion. Similarly, learners who already know Chinese or Korean often need fewer hours because of shared kanji or grammar patterns.

Note that the numbers above are cumulative totals. For example, to reach JLPT N2, you need about 1,500–2,200 hours total, not just 1,000 hours after passing N3. If you have already passed N4 and are aiming for N3, you’d need around 250–400 more hours, depending on your level.

To help you plan, here’s a breakdown of the estimated total study hours for each JLPT level, along with how many days it might take if you study 1 hour a day. We’ll also include how those numbers change if you study 2 hours daily.

How many days to study for the JLPT?

JLPT levelDays needed (1 hour/day)Days needed (2 hours/day)
N5250 – 400 days125 – 200 days
N4600 – 750 days300 – 375 days
N3950 – 1,100 days475 – 550 days
N21,600 – 2,200 days800 – 1,100 days
N12,150 – 4,500 days1,075 – 2,250 days

What do these numbers mean?

Some learners can reach JLPT N5 in just 6 months, and with intensive study, it’s even possible to pass JLPT N1 within 2 years. But how long it takes depends on how much time you put in consistently. Here’s a general breakdown based on studying 1 hour per day:

  • N5: If you study just 1 hour per day, you could be ready in under a year.
  • N4: Builds on N5 with more vocabulary and grammar. Studying 1 hour a day means about 1.5 to 2 years of study.
  • N3: Intermediate level, with a big jump in vocabulary and kanji. It can take around 3 years at 1 hour per day.
  • N2: Upper-intermediate, where you handle complex grammar and real-world materials. This level often takes 4.5 to 6 years at 1 hour per day.
  • N1: It may take around 6 years of 2 hours per day study, or up to 12+ years if you’re studying lightly!

Study Hours Needed for JLPT N5

Estimated study time: 350 – 500 hours

For students with kanji knowledge, it takes around 350 hours to study for the JLPT! It’s close to the hours you would spend in preparing for a driver’s license in Japan.
For other students who don’t have prior kanji knowledge, it takes 400 – 500 hours. That is about the same as if you were to take a course to obtain a pastry diploma in Le Cordon Bleu, which is around 453 hours!

The number of study hours increases quite a bit when you’re starting Japanese from scratch, since you first need to learn the basics—like hiragana and katakana—before even beginning to tackle kanji and grammar.

Study Hours Needed for JLPT N4:

Estimated study time: 550 – 1,000 hours

JLPT N4 builds upon what you learned in N5. You’ll expand your vocabulary to around 1,500 words and know about 300 kanji. Grammar becomes a bit more complex, and you’ll begin to understand more conversational Japanese, such as simple instructions, or casual dialogue.

For students with kanji knowledge, it takes 550 hours to pass the test.
If you are a non-native English speaker, that is about the same as studying to improve your TOEIC score from 500 to 700.
For other students, it’s 787 hours. With this time, you can become a train driver in Japan!

Study Hours Needed for JLPT N3:

Estimated study time: 900 – 1,325 hours

N3 represents a big jump in difficulty and marks the shift to intermediate Japanese. You’ll need to know around 650 kanji and 3,700 vocabulary words. At this level, you should be able to understand written and spoken content on everyday topics with some abstract language.

For students with kanji knowledge, it takes 900 hours. This amount of hours is the same as getting a Spanish Food Le Cordon Bleu diploma, which requires around 880 hours!
For other students with no prior kanji knowledge, it would take around 1,325 hours to study for JLPT N3. With this amount of time, you can become an architect, as that course takes 1500 hours.

Study Hours Needed for JLPT N2:

Estimated study time: 1,500 – 2,200 hours

N2 is often required for working in Japan or entering a Japanese university. You’ll be expected to know about 1,000 kanji and 6,000 vocabulary words. The test includes more complex texts, nuanced grammar, and fast-paced spoken Japanese.

For students with kanji knowledge, it takes around 1475 hours to study for the JLPT. This number is equivalent to becoming a co-pilot of an aircraft! For other students, it’s 2,200 hours, which is almost the same time it would take to get a USCPA (Certified Public Accountant).

Study Hours Needed for JLPT N1: 

Estimated study time: 2,150 – 4,500 hours

To pass JLPT N1, it generally takes 3,900 – 4,500 hours to study without any prior kanji knowledge. If you already know most of the kanji, it requires around 2,150 hours.

You might notice there’s a big jump between JLPT N2 and N1. The difficulty gap is significant, with N1 requiring much deeper understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and kanji. Because of this, many learners spend one to three years just moving from N2 to N1, even after years of study to reach N2.

To put that into perspective: 2,150 hours is about the same amount of time it would take to walk from the southern tip of Yamaguchi Prefecture to the northern edge of Aomori Prefecture, which is a journey across the length of Japan’s main island, Honshu. And 4,500 hours? That’s roughly the time it would take to travel around the world on a cruise ship!

Pass the JLPT with Coto Academy!

Now that you know how much time it takes to prepare for the JLPT, it’s time to make a plan! The best way to pass the JLPT is by studying at a top language school like Coto Academy.

Coto Academy offers both online and in-person JLPT preparation courses in Tokyo, led by experienced instructors who will guide you through every section of the exam. Whether you’re aiming for N5 or N1, our focused, supportive environment will help you stay motivated and on track. Ready to pass the JLPT with confidence? Join Coto Academy!

Want more tips on how to pass the JLPT? Check out our other in-depth guides and start preparing smarter today!

FAQ on JLPT study hours

How many hours does it take to pass the JLPT N5?

It typically takes around 350 to 500 hours of study to pass the JLPT N5. This level covers basic grammar, vocabulary, and hiragana/katakana.

Can I pass the JLPT by studying on my own?

Yes, many learners pass the JLPT through self-study, but joining a structured course like those at Coto Academy can significantly improve your efficiency and chances of success.

Is it possible to become fluent in Japanese in 2 years?

Yes, it’s possible if you study consistently and immerse yourself. To reach conversational fluency, aim for 1.5–3 hours of study per day, practice speaking regularly, and expose yourself to real Japanese (TV, podcasts, books).

Can I pass JLPT N3 in 1 year?

Yes, you can pass JLPT N3 in 1 year if you study around 3 hours per day consistently. It takes around 900 – 1,325 hours to study for JLPT N3.

Studying for the JLPT N4 usually means two things: scribbling down flashcards for new kanji and flipping through loads of vocabulary. That is because to pass the N4, you’ll need to put in around 550 to 1,000 study hours and learn about 1,500 vocabulary words, including everything from the N5 level.

But what exactly is the JLPT N4 vocabulary you need to master?

This list features the most common and essential words, thoughtfully organized by topic to help you learn words in context. Each entry includes the word in kanji, its reading in kana, and its English meaning.  Let’s dive in!

Before you go: Interested in studying for the JLPT? Take JLPT lessons at Coto Academy, specifically designed to teach the elements required for the test so you can pass with flying colors! Contact us today!

Vocabulary for Noun (名詞)

Did you know that nouns, called meishi (名詞) in Japanese, make up the largest portion of the N4 vocabulary?

These words form the backbone of everyday conversations, covering topics like people, places, objects, time, and abstract ideas. For easy reference and learning, the list is organized alphabetically.

KanjiKanaEnglish translation
あいだa space
あかちゃんinfant
赤ん坊あかんぼうbaby
アクセサリーaccessory
あじflavour
アジアAsia
明日あすtomorrow
遊びあそびplay
アナウンサーannouncer
アフリカAfrica
アメリカAmerica
アルコールalcohol
アルバイトpart-time job
安心あんしんrelief
安全あんぜんsafety
以下いかless than
以外いがいwith the exception of
医学いがくmedical science
意見いけんopinion
いしstone
以上いじょうmore than, this is all
一生懸命いっしょうけんめいwith utmost effort
いっぱいfull
いとthread
以内いないwithin
田舎いなかcountryside
受付うけつけreceipt
うそa lie
うちwithin
うでarm
うらreverse side
売り場うりばplace where things are sold
運転手うんてんしゅdriver
エスカレーターescalator
えだbranch, twig
オートバイmotorcycle
お祝いおいわいcongratulation
おくone hundred million
屋上おくじょうrooftop
贈り物おくりものgift
押し入れおしいれcloset
お嬢さんおじょうさんyoung lady
おっとhusband
おつりchange from purchase, balance
おとsound, note
踊りおどりa dance
お祭りおまつりfestival
お見舞いおみまいcalling on someone who is ill, enquiry
お土産おみやげsouvenir
おもちゃtoy
おもてthe front
おやparents
泳ぎ方およぎかたway of swimming
お礼おれいexpression of gratitude
終わりおわりthe end
カーテンcurtain
海岸かいがんcoast
会議かいぎmeeting
会議室かいぎしつmeeting room
会場かいじょうassembly hall or meeting place
会話かいわconversation
帰りかえりreturn
科学かがくscience
かがみmirror
火事かじfire
ガスpetrol
ガソリンpetrol
ガソリンスタンドpetrol station
かたちshape
課長かちょうsection manager
かっこうappearance
家内かないhousewife
お・金持ちかねもち/おかねもちrich man
かべwall
かみhair
ガラスa glass pane
代わりかわりsubstitute, alternate
関係かんけいrelationship
看護婦かんごふfemale nurse
spirit, mood
機会きかいopportunity
危険きけんdanger
汽車きしゃsteam train
技術ぎじゅつart, technology, skill
季節きせつseason
規則きそくregulations
きぬsilk
気分きぶんmood
気持ちきもちfeeling, mood
着物きものkimono
きゃくguest, customer
急行きゅうこうspeedy, express
教育きょういくeducation
教会きょうかいchurch
競争きょうそうcompetition
興味きょうみan interest
近所きんじょneighbourhood
具合ぐあいcondition, health
空気くうきair, atmosphere
空港くうこうairport
くさgrass
くびneck
くもcloud
hair or fur
ケーキcake
経済けいざいfinance, economy
警察けいさつpolice
景色けしきscene, landscape
消しゴムけしゴムeraser
下宿げしゅくlodging
決してけっしてnever
原因げんいんcause, source
研究けんきゅうresearch
研究室けんきゅうしつstudy room, laboratory
見物けんぶつsightseeing
child
こうthis way
郊外こうがいoutskirts
講義こうぎlecture
工業こうぎょうthe manufacturing industry
高校こうこうhigh school
高校生こうこうせいhigh school student
工場こうじょうfactory
校長こうちょうheadmaster
交通こうつうtraffic, transportation
講堂こうどうauditorium
高等学校こうとうがっこうhigh school
公務員こうむいんgovernment worker
国際こくさいinternational
こころcore, heart
御主人ごしゅじん(honorable) your husband
ご存じごぞんじknowing, acquaintance
こたえresponse
ごちそうa feast
ことthing, matter
小鳥ことりsmall bird
ごみrubbish
こめuncooked rice
コンサートconcert
今度こんどnow, next time
コンピュータ/コンピューターcomputer
最近さいきんlatest, nowadays
最後さいごlast, end
最初さいしょbeginning, first
さかslope, hill
盛んさかんpopularity, prosperous
さ来月さらいげつthe month after next
さ来週さらいしゅうthe week after next
サラダsalad
産業さんぎょうindustry
サンダルsandal
サンドイッチsandwich
残念ざんねんdisappointment
city
character
試合しあいmatch, game
仕方しかたmethod
試験しけんexamination
事故じこaccident
地震じしんearthquake
時代じだいera
下着したぎunderwear
失敗しっぱいfailure, mistake
辞典じてんdictionary
品物しなものgoods
しまisland
市民しみんcitizen
事務所じむしょoffice
社会しゃかいsociety, public
社長しゃちょうcompany president
じゃまhindrance, intrusion
ジャムjam
自由じゆうfreedom
習慣しゅうかんcustom, manners
住所じゅうしょan address, a residence
柔道じゅうどうjudo
趣味しゅみhobby
紹介しょうかいintroduction
小学校しょうがっこうelementary school
小説しょうせつnovel
将来しょうらいfuture, prospects
食料品しょくりょうひんgroceries
女性じょせいwoman
人口じんこうpopulation
神社じんじゃShinto shrine
新聞社しんぶんしゃnewspaper company
スーツsuit
スーツケースsuitcase
水泳すいえいswimming
水道すいどうwater supply
数学すうがくmathematics, arithmetic
スクリーンscreen
ステーキsteak
ステレオstereo
すなsand
すみcorner, nook
すりpickpocket
政治せいじpolitics, government
西洋せいようwestern countries
世界せかいthe world
せきseat
説明せつめいexplanation
背中せなかback of the body
せんline
戦争せんそうwar
先輩せんぱいsenior
卒業そつぎょうgraduation
祖父そふgrandfather
ソフトsoft, software
祖母そぼgrandmother
大学生だいがくせいuniversity student
タイプtype, style
台風たいふうtyphoon
たたみJapanese straw mat
例えばたとえばfor example
たなshelves
楽しみたのしみjoy
男性だんせいmale
暖房だんぼうheating
blood
ちからstrength, power
注意ちゅういcaution
中学校ちゅうがっこうjunior high school, middle school
注射ちゅうしゃinjection
駐車場ちゅうしゃじょうparking lot
地理ちりgeography
つきmoon
都合つごうcircumstances, convenience
つま(humble) wife
つもりintention
丁寧ていねいpolite
テキストtext, text book
適当てきとうsuitability
テニスtennis
手袋てぶくろglove
てらtemple
てんpoint, dot
店員てんいんshop assistant
天気予報てんきよほうweather forecast
電灯でんとうelectric light
電報でんぽうtelegram
展覧会てんらんかいexhibition
metropolitan
道具どうぐtool, means
動物園どうぶつえんzoo
とこやbarber
途中とちゅうon the way
特急とっきゅうlimited express train (faster than an express train)
泥棒どろぼうthief
においa smell
二階建てにかいだてtwo storied
日記にっきjournal
人形にんぎょうdoll, figure
ねだんprice
ねつfever
ねっしんenthusiasm
寝坊ねぼうsleeping in late
のどthroat
乗り物のりものvehicle
leaf
パートpart time
場合ばあいsituation
ばいdouble
歯医者はいしゃdentist
場所ばしょlocation
パソコンpersonal computer
発音はつおんpronunciation
花見はなみcherry-blossom viewing
はやしwoods, forester
番組ばんぐみtelevision or radio program
反対はんたいopposition
ハンドバッグhandbag
fire
day, sun
ピアノpiano
ひかりlight
引き出しひきだしdrawer, drawing out
ひげbeard
飛行場ひこうじょうairport
久しぶりひさしぶりafter a long time
美術館びじゅつかんart gallery
ビルbuilding or bill
昼間ひるまdaytime, during the day
昼休みひるやすみnoon break
ファックスfax
復習ふくしゅうrevision
部長ぶちょうhead of a section
ぶどうgrapes
布団ふとんJapanese bedding, futon
ふねship
プレゼントpresent
文化ぶんかculture
文学ぶんがくliterature
文法ぶんぽうgrammar
ベルbell
貿易ぼうえきtrade
法律ほうりつlaw
ほしstar
ほどextent
翻訳ほんやくtranslation
周りまわりsurroundings
漫画まんがcomic
真中まんなかmiddle
みずうみlake
味噌みそbean paste
みなeverybody
みなとharbour
むかしolden days, former
むしinsect
息子むすこ(humble) son
むすめ(humble) daughter
木綿もめんcotton
もりforest
約束やくそくpromise
hot water
ゆびfinger
指輪ゆびわfinger ring
ゆめdream
ようuse
用意よういpreparation
用事ようじthings to do
予習よしゅうpreparation for a lesson
予定よていarrangement
予約よやくreservation
理由りゆうreason
利用りようutilization
両方りょうほうboth sides
旅館りょかんJapanese hotel
留守るすabsence
冷房れいぼうair conditioning
歴史れきしhistory
レジregister
レポート/リポートreport
連絡れんらくcontact
ワープロword processor
わけmeaning, reason
忘れ物わすれものlost article
割合わりあいrate, ratio, percentage

Tip: The list above is the additional words you need to study. 

Read More: Top 100 Basic Japanese words

JLPT N4 Vocabulary for Pronoun (代名詞)

In Japanese, some pronouns like kare (he) and kanojo (she) can also be used as nouns, depending on the context. For example, kanojo can mean “girlfriend, ” not just “she”! Keep an eye out for how they’re used in real sentences!

KanjiKanaEnglish translation
彼女かのじょShe, girlfriend
彼らかれらthey
ぼくI (used by males)
かれHe, boyfriend

Need a refresher on Japanese pronouns? Make sure you already know how to refer to yourself in Japanese!

Vocabulary forN4 Suffix (接尾語)

Ever heard of suffixes, called setsubigo in Japanese? These small but mighty elements are attached to the ends of words to add politeness, show relationships, or indicate roles and titles.

KanjiKanaEnglish translation
くんsuffix for a familiar young male
ちゃんsuffix for a familiar female person

Read More: How to Use Japanese suffixes

JLPT N4 Verb (動詞)

Japanese verbs, or doushi, are at the heart of every sentence. To make the most of this section, be sure to check out how to conjugate verbs in Japanese. 

KanjiKanaEnglish translation
合うあうto match
上るあがるto rise
空くあくto open, to become empty
あげるto give
浅いあさいshallow, superficial
集るあつまるto gather
集めるあつめるto collect something
謝るあやまるto apologize
案内あんない・するto guide
生きるいきるto live
いじめるto tease
急ぐいそぐto hurry
致すいたす(humble) to do
いただく(humble) to receive
祈るいのるto pray
いらっしゃる(respectful) to be, to come or to go
植えるうえるto plant, to grow
うかがうto visit
受けるうけるto take a lesson or test
動くうごくto move
打つうつto hit
写すうつすto copy or photograph
移るうつるto move house or transfer
運転うんてん・するto drive
運動うんどう・するto exercise
選ぶえらぶto choose
遠慮えんりょ・するto be reserved, to be restrained
おいでになる(respectful) to be
おかげowing to
送るおくるto send
遅れるおくれるto be late
起すおこすto wake
行うおこなうto do
怒るおこるto get angry, to be angry
お宅おたく(polite) your house
落るおちるto fall or drop
おっしゃる(respectful) to say
落すおとすto drop
踊るおどるto dance
驚くおどろくto be surprised
思い出すおもいだすto remember
思うおもうto think, to feel
下りるおりるto get off
折るおるto break or to fold
折れるおれるto break or be folded
変えるかえるto change
掛けるかけるto hang something
飾るかざるto decorate
片付けるかたづけるto tidy up
勝つかつto win
かまうto mind
噛むかむto bite, to chew
通うかようto commute
乾くかわくto get dry
変わるかわるto change
考えるかんがえるto consider
聞こえるきこえるto be heard
決るきまるto be decided
きみ(informal) You (used by men towards women)
決めるきめるto decide
くださる(respectful) to give
比べるくらべるto compare
暮れるくれるto get dark, to come to an end
くれるto give
計画けいかく・するto plan
経験けいけん・するto experience
けが・するto injure
けんか・するto quarrel
故障こしょう・するto break-down
込むこむto be crowded
ごらんになる(respectful) to see
壊すこわすto break
壊れるこわれるto be broken
今夜こんやtonight
探すさがすto look for
下るさがるto get down, to descend
下げるさげるto hang, to lower, to move back
差し上げるさしあげる(polite) to give
騒ぐさわぐto make noise, to be excited
触るさわるto touch
しかるto scold
支度したく・するto prepare
出席しゅっせき・するto attend
出発しゅっぱつ・するto depart
準備じゅんび・するto prepare
招待しょうたい・するto invite
承知しょうち・するto consent
食事しょくじ・するto have a meal
知らせるしらせるto notify
調べるしらべるto investigate
心配しんぱい・するto worry
過ぎるすぎるto exceed
すくto become empty
進むすすむto make progress
捨てるすてるto throw away
滑るすべるto slide, to slip
済むすむto finish
生活せいかつ・するto live
生産せいさん・するto produce
世話せわ・するto look after
相談そうだん・するto discuss
育てるそだてるto rear, to bring up
それほどto that extent
退院たいいん・するto leave hospital
倒れるたおれるto break down
足すたすto add a number
尋ねるたずねるto ask
訪ねるたずねるto visit
建てるたてるto build
立てるたてるto stand something up
楽むたのしむto enjoy oneself
ためin order to
足りるたりるto be enough
チェック・するto check
捕まえるつかまえるto seize
付くつくto be attached
漬けるつけるto soak, to pickle
伝えるつたえるto report
続くつづくto be continued
続けるつづけるto continue
包むつつむto wrap
釣るつるto fish
連れるつれるto lead
手伝うてつだうto assist
通るとおるto go through
届けるとどけるto reach
泊まるとまるto lodge at
止めるとめるto stop something
取り替えるとりかえるto exchange
直すなおすto fix, to repair
直るなおるto be fixed, to be repaired
治るなおるto be cured, to heal
泣くなくto weep
無くなるなくなるto disappear, to get lost
亡くなるなくなるto die
投げるなげるto throw or cast away
なさる(respectful) to do
鳴るなるto sound
慣れるなれるto grow accustomed to
逃げるにげるto escape
入院にゅういん・するto hospitalise
入学にゅうがく・するto enter school or university
似るにるto be similar
盗むぬすむto steal
塗るぬるto paint, to plaster
ぬれるto get wet
眠るねむるto sleep
残るのこるto remain
乗り換えるのりかえるto change between buses or trains
拝見はいけん・する(humble) to look at
運ぶはこぶto transport
始めるはじめるto begin
払うはらうto pay
冷えるひえるto grow cold
光るひかるto shine, to glitter
引き出すひきだすto withdraw
びっくり・するto be surprised
引っ越すひっこすto move house
開くひらくto open an event
拾うひろうto pick up, to gather
増えるふえるto increase
太るふとるto become fat
踏むふむto step on
降り出すふりだすto start to rain
放送ほうそう・するto broadcast
ほめるto praise
参るまいる(humble) to go, to come
負けるまけるto lose
間違えるまちがえるto make a mistake
間に合うまにあうto be in time for
回るまわるto go around
見えるみえるto be in sight
見つかるみつかるto be discovered
見つけるみつけるto discover
向かうむかうto face
迎えるむかえるto go out to meet
召し上がるめしあがる(polite) to eat
申し上げるもうしあげる(humble) to say, to tell
申すもうす(humble) to be called, to say
戻るもどるto turn back
もらうto receive
焼くやくto bake, to grill
役に立つやくにたつto be helpful
焼けるやけるto burn, to be roasted
痩せるやせるto become thin
止むやむto stop
止めるやめるto stop
輸出ゆしゅつ・するto export
輸入ゆにゅう・するto import
揺れるゆれるto shake, to sway
汚れるよごれるto get dirty
寄るよるto visit
喜ぶよろこぶto be delighted
沸かすわかすto boil, to heat
別れるわかれるto separate
沸くわくto boil, to grow hot, to get excited
笑うわらうto laugh, to smile
割れるわれるto break

Read More: Top 100 Japanese Verbs You Need to Know

JLPT N4 Adjective (形容詞・形容動詞)

Be sure to check out Nami-sensei’s video on our YouTube channel, where she explains how to use Japanese adjectives clearly and with fun examples!

How do you describe people, things, and situations?. Here you’ll find important JLPT N4 i-adjectives (keiyoushi) and na-adjectives (keiyoudoushi). Before that, make sure you already know the difference between the two Japanese adjectives and how to modify them.  

KanjiKanaEnglish
美しいうつくしいbeautiful
うまいdelicious
うれしいglad
おかしいstrange or funny
堅/硬/固いかたいhard
悲しいかなしいsad
簡単かんたんsimple
厳しいきびしいstrict
細かいこまかいsmall, fine
怖いこわいfrightening
寂しいさびしいlonely
十分じゅうぶんenough
親切しんせつkindness
凄いすごいterrific
すばらしいwonderful
大事だいじimportant, valuable, serious matter
確かたしかdefinite
正しいただしいcorrect
遠くとおくdistant
特別とくべつspecial
苦いにがいbitter
眠いねむいsleepy
恥ずかしいはずかしいembarrassed
必要ひつようnecessary
ひどいawful
深いふかいdeep
複雑ふくざつcomplexity, complication
不便ふべんinconvenience
べつdifferent
へんstrange
まじめserious
無理むりimpossible
珍しいめずらしいrare
優しいやさしいkind
柔らかいやわらかいsoft

JLPT N4 Adverb (副詞)

Adverbs, or fukushi, modify verbs, adjectives, or even other adverbs! This section introduces the most frequently used JLPT N4 vocabulary for adverbs. 

KanjiKanaEnglish translation
一度いちどonce
必ずかならずcertainly, necessarily
きっとsurely
急にきゅうにsuddenly, quickly, adruptly
このあいだthe other day, recently
しっかりfirmly , steadily
しばらくlittle while
ずいぶんextremely
すっかりcompletely
すっとstraight, all of a sudden
するとthen
ぜひwithout fail
ぜんぜんnot entirely (used in a negative sentence)
そうreally
そろそろgradually, soon
大体だいたいgenerally
たいていusually
大分だいぶgreatly
たまにoccasionally
ちっともnot at all (used with a negative verb)
できるだけas much as possible
とうとうfinally, after all
特にとくにparticularly, especially
どんどんmore and more
中々なかなかconsiderably
なるべくas much as possible
なるほどnow I understand
はっきりclearly
非常にひじょうにextremely
普通ふつうusually, or a train that stops at every station
返事へんじreply
ほとんどmostly
まずfirst of all
もうすぐsoon
もしif
もちろんof course
もっともextremely
やっとat last
やはり/やっぱりas I thought, absolutely

Read More: Top 100 Common Japanese Adverbs

JLPT N4 Expressions, Particles or Conjunctions 

Finally, we’ve reached the last section! This list features a mix of common expressions and conjunctions that often pop up in conversations, vocabulary questions, or even casual reading passages. 

KanaEnglish translation
Ah
ああlike that
あんなsuch
うん(informal) yes
けれど/けれどもhowever
このごろthese days, nowadays
これからafter this
さっきsome time ago
それでbecause of that
それにmoreover
そんなthat sort of
そんなにso much, like that
だからso, therefore
だめno good
はずit should be so
またはor, otherwise
よろしい(respectful) OK , all right

What’s Next After Learning JLPT N4 Vocabulary?

Of course, studying for the test doesn’t stop at just memorizing JLPT N4 vocabulary. You’ll also need to tackle new N4 grammar points, practice reading, and get comfortable with listening to conversations and announcements in Japanese.

Don’t miss our complete guide on how to study for the JLPT, along with our top picks for the best JLPT N4 textbooks to help you succeed!

While the JLPT N4 is still considered upper-beginner level, many learners take it to gauge their progress and build confidence before moving on to higher levels. Good luck!

Pass JLPT N4 with Coto Academy!

The thought of taking the JLPT is stressful, but what about preparing for it? With so many things to learn,it can be scary. 

Want to take your JLPT preparation to the next level? Why not take in-person and online JLPT courses at Coto Academy? You’ll be taught by our experienced Japanese instructors to help you ace your next exam! Contact us to discover the best course for you!

Want to study Japanese with us?

FAQ

What is Coto’s JLPT exam course?

Our JLPT Exam Prep Courses are designed to help people ace their JLPT exams. We offer short and long-term courses that focus on different targets. The short-term courses focus on exam practices, while the long-term courses focus on building grammar and reading foundations.

Do I need to know all the N5 vocabulary for N4?

Yes! The JLPT N4 builds on the N5 level, so it’s important to have a strong foundation in both N5 and N4 vocabulary to do well on the exam.

How many vocabulary words are on the JLPT N4?

The JLPT N4 includes approximately 1,500 vocabulary words, including all essential N5-level words. 

How many kanji do I needt to learn for JLPT N4?

Yes, you’re expected to recognize and understand about 300 basic kanji for the N4. 

Check out our guides for the upcoming JLPT:

Planning to study for the JLPT? Short for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, JLPT is the most recognized Japanese language certification used by employers, universities, and immigration authorities to assess non-native speakers’ Japanese proficiency.

People say that passing the JLPT opens many doors, like landing a job in Japan and even help with your visa application for permanent residence. But with so much at stake, the JLPT can also be one of the most stressful tests to take. How long should you study? Can you even take the test where you live? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the JLPT, from registration to preparation strategies and resources, so you can walk into the exam room ready to pass!

What is the JLPT?

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a standardized exam administered by the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) and the Japanese Ministry of Education. It evaluates and certifies the Japanese language skills of non-native speakers across five levels, from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced).

The JLPT was first introduced in 1984 in response to the growing demand for a reliable Japanese language certification. In its first year, only 7,000 people took the test. By 2024, around 1.72 million people took the test worldwide!

The exam has evolved significantly over time. Back then, it was even used as a requirement for international students applying to Japanese universities. While the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) has largely taken its place in academia, the JLPT remains a trusted credential for employers.

Originally held only once a year with just four levels, it now takes place twice a year (in July and December) in many countries, except in 2020, when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, all JLPT levels use multiple-choice questions and are machine-scored to maintain fairness. 

Study the JLPT Smarter with Coto Academy!

Getting ready for the JLPT? Boost your chances of passing with Coto Academy’s JLPT Prep Course — designed for busy learners. With just 3 focused hours per week, you’ll turn your current Japanese skills into real test results in 3 months.

What are the JLPT levels?

magnified japanese text

There are five JLPT levels, each designed to measure different stages of Japanese language proficiency. 

The beginner levels, N5 and N4, focus on building a solid foundation in basic Japanese. N3 serves as a bridge between beginner and advanced skills, demonstrating the ability to handle everyday conversations comfortably. N2 is often considered business-level Japanese and is the minimum requirement for many companies hiring foreign workers. Finally, N1 represents full fluency of the language.

Here’s an overview of how many kanji and vocabulary words you’ll need to know for each JLPT level:

JLPT LevelApproximate Kanji to KnowApproximate Vocabulary to Know
N5100800
N43001,500
N36503,750
N21,0006,000
N12,000+10,000+

Below is a detailed explanation of each level to help you decide which JLPT exam best suits your current skills and goals:

1. JLPT N5

The JLPT N5 is the most basic level, designed to test fundamental Japanese language skills. It is roughly equivalent to A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This level evaluates your ability to understand and use simple phrases and everyday expressions written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji. 

At this point, you can prove that you can greet people, but you can’t express your opinion yet.

While N5 alone may not open many job opportunities, it serves as a valuable goal for beginners!

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Taking JLPT N5

2. JLPT N4

The JLPT N4 shows that you can handle basic Japanese used in daily life, including reading simple passages and understanding common conversations. It corresponds approximately to A2-B1 on the CEFR. 

Passing the JLPT N4 is usually manageable for those who have already cleared N5. However, N4 requires knowing about 200 additional kanji and roughly 700 more vocabulary words compared to the N5 level.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Passing JLPT N4

Make sure to watch our YouTube video, where Nami-sensei teaches you how to use one of JLPT N3 grammar, dake (だけ)!

3. JLPT N3

JLPT N3 is the intermediate level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, sitting right between the beginner (5 or N4) and advanced (N2 and N1) tiers. It’s designed to test your ability to understand everyday Japanese used in a range of familiar situations.

At this level, you’re expected to have a solid grasp of grammar, a growing vocabulary, and the ability to read slightly more complex texts.

For many learners, N3 is an achievable milestone. It shows that you can handle daily conversations, understand basic news headlines, and navigate typical communication in a Japanese environment without much difficulty.

Professionally, JLPT N3 is often the minimum requirement for part-time jobs in Japan and may also be accepted for technical roles in global companies where some Japanese ability is helpful but not strictly essential, such as in IT or engineering teams.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Taking JLPT N3 and the Complete JLPT N3 Vocabulary

4. JLPT N2

The JLPT N2 demonstrates advanced intermediate proficiency. At this level, you are expected to understand Japanese used in a wide variety of contexts, such as newspapers, TV shows, lectures, and business conversations. 

N2 is often regarded as the benchmark for business-level Japanese. Although N2 is the threshold for fluency, more companies are relaxing their standards for Japanese fluency to the N3 level. 

 It is approximately equivalent to B2 on the CEFR.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Taking JLPT N2

5. JLPT N1

The JLPT N1 is the highest and most challenging level, indicating near-native fluency. It covers about 2,000 kanji and 10,000 vocabulary words. N1 tests your ability to comprehend complex texts such as academic articles, editorials, and detailed reports, as well as to follow nuanced conversations on specialized topics. 

Although N1 is the highest JLPT level, learners can further challenge themselves by taking the Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT). Unlike the JLPT, which focuses on general language proficiency, the BJT is designed to objectively measure practical communication skills in a Japanese business environment. 

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Taking JLPT N1

What is the structure of JLPT?

The JLPT measures your language skills across four main areas: vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. Each section is timed, and the structure varies slightly depending on the test level.

For JLPT N5 to N3, the exam is split into three sections:

  • Vocabulary
  • Grammar and Reading
  • Listening

For JLPT N2 and N1, vocabulary, grammar, and reading are merged into one section, making time management even more crucial.

Test duration by level

LevelTest SectionsTime AllotmentTotal Duration
N1Vocabulary, Grammar and Reading110 minutes165 min
Listening55 minutes
N2Vocabulary, Grammar and Reading105 min155 min
Listening50 minutes
N3Vocabulary30 min140 min
Grammar + Reading70 min
Listening40 min
N4Vocabulary25 minutes115 minutes
Grammar + Reading55 minutes
Listening35 minutes
N5Vocabulary20 minutes90 minutes
Grammar + Reading40 minutes
Listening30 minutes

JLPT section breakdown

1. Vocabulary (語彙)

This section tests your knowledge of Japanese words and kanji readings. You’ll need to recognize vocabulary in different formats, such as:

  • Kanji reading: Select the correct reading of the underlined kanji.
  • Orthography: Choose the correct kanji for a word written in hiragana.
  • Word formation: Complete compound words or expressions.
  • Paraphrasing: Pick a synonym or phrase with a similar meaning.
  • Usage and expressions: Choose the sentence where a word is used correctly or complete the missing parts.

2. Grammar (文法)

Though the dedicated grammar test section in JLPT is short, remember that the level-appropriate grammar is also embedded across other sections like reading and vocabulary. You may encounter:

  • Grammar fill-in-the-blank: Choose the appropriate grammar form or phrases.
  • Sentence order: Rearrange jumbled parts into a grammatically correct sentence.
  • Phrase completion: Select the best phrase to complete a sentence naturally.

3. Reading (読解)

The reading section is often considered one of the most difficult. You’ll read various texts and answer questions about them. The complexity increases at higher levels. Reading tasks may include:

  • Passage comprehension: Understand short to long texts.
  • Information retrieval: Extract key details from ads, notices, or schedules.
  • Integrated comprehension: Compare two passages (only in N2 and N1).
  • Thematic comprehension: Grasp the main idea of long-form texts (N2 and N1).

4. Listening (聴解)

The listening section of the JLPT tests how well you can understand spoken Japanese in real-life situations. You’ll hear short conversations, announcements, or monologues, and answer questions based on what you heard. Importantly, you only hear the audio once, and the questions appear after the audio, so active listening and memory are key.

  • Appropriate Response: Choose the best reply to a short conversation or question.
  • Task Comprehension: Understand what action is required based on instructions or requests.
  • Key Point Comprehension: Identify the main idea or important details of the dialogue.
  • Verbal Expressions: Interpret specific phrases or expressions in context.
  • Integrated Comprehension: (N2/N1 only) Follow longer conversations and compare opinions or viewpoints.

Passing score for JLPT

To pass the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test), you must pass both the overall score requirement and the minimum sectional score. 

1. Overall score requirement

Each JLPT level has a different total score and passing threshold:

JLPT LevelTotal ScorePassing Score
N1180100
N218090
N318095
N418090
N518080

2. Minimum sectional score

Similarly, the minimum required scores for each section of the JLPT vary by level. Note that for JLPT N4 and N5, vocabulary, grammar, and reading are combined into a single section!

JLPT LevelVocabulary and GrammarReadingListening
Total scorePassing scoreTotal scorePassing scoreTotal scorePassing score
N1196019601960
N2196019601960
N3196019601960
JLPT LevelVocabulary, Grammar and ReadingListening
Total scorePassing scoreTotal scorePassing score
N4120381960
N5120381960

This means even if your total score meets the passing requirement, you won’t pass the test unless you also reach the minimum score in each individual section. 

For instance, in N2, you must score at least 19 points in both the combined Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading section, and in the Listening section. You can’t rely on one strong area to make up for a weak one!

When and where can you take the JLPT? 

tokyo tower

Wondering if you can take the JLPT in your home country? The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is held twice a year, typically on the first Sunday of July and December, both in Japan and at select overseas locations.

However, some countries only offer the JLPT once a year, either in July or December, so it’s important to check your local schedule.

As of 2024, the JLPT is conducted in over 96 countries and regions. That means if you live in or near a major city, there’s a good chance a test center is available nearby. You can check the official JLPT site for the list of overseas test sites. 

How many hours does it take to study for JLPT?

The number of study hours needed to pass the JLPT can vary widely depending on the learner. If you’re living in Japan or regularly exposed to Japanese, especially kanji, you may progress more quickly. 

Learners with a background in Chinese or other kanji-based languages also tend to pick things up faster due to their familiarity with the writing system.

Exam levelHours needed to study
With kanji knowledgeWithout kanji knowledge
N5350 hours400 – 500 hours
N4550 hours800 – 1,000 hours
N3900 hours1325 hours
N21500 hours2200 hours
N12150 hours3900 – 4500 hours

Take a look at the table below for a rough estimate of how many hours you might need to spend studying for each JLPT level!

JLPT LevelEstimated Study Duration (1–2 hours/day)
N54 to 6 months
N4 7 to 9 months
N310 to 12 months
N2 14 to 18 months
N1 20 to 24+ months

If you study for 1–2 hours a day, you can expect to reach JLPT N5 or N4 in about 6 to 9 months. Advancing to N2 or N1, however, might take 2 to 3 years of consistent effort. Keep in mind that even some long-time learners haven’t reached N1!

You can read our more thorough breakdown of how many hours it takes to study for the JLPT!

How to study for the JLPT?

The best way to prepare for the JLPT combines multiple strategies: taking mock exams, joining a prep course, using varied study materials, immersing yourself in Japanese media, and, most importantly, being consistent.

Everyone learns differently, so there’s no single approach that works for everyone. The key is to find a routine that fits your goals and stick to it. Here’s how to get started:

1. Set up a study schedule

If you’re serious about passing the JLPT, especially with a high score, you need a realistic and consistent study plan. Design a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening.

For example:

  • Learn 10–20 new vocabulary words and kanji each day.
  • Dedicate one day a week to reading practice or mock test review.
  • Review previous content regularly to reinforce memory.

You never want to cram your JLPT exam preparation, especially for higher levels. 

2. Take mock exams

Practice exams help you get familiar with the JLPT format and time constraints. Simulating real test conditions helps reduce anxiety and improves time management. It also reveals your weak points so you can focus your efforts more efficiently.

Pro tip: For N2 and N1, where reading, vocabulary, and grammar are combined into one long section, poor time management can cost you the entire reading section. Practice under timed conditions to develop your pacing.

3. Join a JLPT prep course

While it’s entirely possible to prepare for the JLPT on your own, many learners find that structured guidance and support make a huge difference. 

Joining a course like the JLPT prep course at Coto Academy gives you access to expert teachers, well-organized lessons, and high-quality study materials. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by classmates who share your goal, creating a motivating and encouraging environment.

Coto Academy’s JLPT courses cover everything you need to succeed, from essential grammar and vocabulary to kanji and exam strategies. Whether you prefer a focused three-month intensive program or a year-round course, we offer options for all JLPT levels!

3. Gather study materials

To effectively prepare for the JLPT, it’s essential to use a mix of study tools. Combining different resources helps reinforce your skills in kanji, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening, and keeps your study sessions more engaging.

  • Textbooks: JLPT-specific textbooks like the Shin Kanzen Master or TRY! series are great for targeted practice in grammar, vocabulary, and reading. We’ve curated a list of the best JLPT textbooks to help you choose the right one.
  • Online Resources & Apps: Make use of websites, mobile apps, and online platforms designed for JLPT learners. Need recommendations? Check out our blog on the best Japanese learning apps.
  • Flashcards: Flashcards are great for memorizing vocabulary and kanji. Tools like Anki, which use spaced repetition, can make your study more efficient. We’ve also created a guide to help you get started with Anki and listed our favorite Japanese decks.

4. Read newspapers and watch the news

This is especially helpful for JLPT N2 and N1 learners, where the reading section becomes more advanced. Anime can help you learn Japanese, but it might not be able to prepare you for JLPT N1.

Instead, you can switch to content that uses more formal and natural Japanese, like:

  • Japanese news (NHK, ANN on YouTube)
  • Newspapers and articles
  • TV shows that require concentration

Keep a dictionary handy and look up unfamiliar words as you read or listen. The more you expose yourself to real-world Japanese, the more comfortable you’ll become with kanji, grammar patterns, and idiomatic expressions.

person bringing jlpt textbooks

Best JLPT textbooks

There are many great textbooks you can buy to prepare for the JLPT, ranging from those that cover a lot of test elements to specialized ones that cover only vocabulary.

Some of our top recommendations include:

1. Genki

Best for: Beginners (N5 – N4)

If you’re enrolled in a Japanese language class, chances are you’ll be using either Genki or Minna no Nihongo. Both offer a solid foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and kanji through clear explanations. 

While it doesn’t specifically target JLPT N5 or N4, its content closely aligns with what you’ll need to pass those levels.

2. Minna no Nihongo 

Best for: Beginners (N5 – N4)

Another go-to for beginners, Minna no Nihongo is used by a lot of language schools in Japan. It’s more grammar-focused than Genki and written mostly in Japanese, which really helps with immersion. 

It does come with a translation and grammar guide in your language, so you won’t get lost.

3. Try! Japanese Language Proficiency Test

Best for: All levels

The Try! series is a favorite among JLPT test-takers because it’s made specifically for each JLPT level. It walks you through grammar with clear explanations, real-life example sentences, and practice questions that feel just like the actual test. 

What’s great is how it breaks things down into three simple steps: first, you see how grammar is used in real conversations, then you get to practice the basics, and finally, you apply what you’ve learned through listening and reading exercises. Each book also comes with an audio CD and a separate answer booklet!

4. Shin Kanzen Master

Best for: Intermediate to advanced (N3 – N1)

The Shin Kanzen Master series is one of the most thorough JLPT prep resources out there for serious learners aiming for a high score on N2 or N1. 

Each book focuses on a specific section of the test: grammar, vocabulary, reading, or listening, and goes into impressive detail. The vocabulary book, for example, is split into two parts: the first helps you learn words based on themes and everyday situations, while the second breaks them down by part of speech and usage. 

There’s also a mock test section so you can get a feel for the real exam.

5. Tango Vocabulary Series

Best for: Vocabulary practice for all levels

This compact, almost pocket-sized vocabulary book comes with a red plastic sheet that lets you hide the Japanese vocabulary for self-review. 

Each book is tailored to a specific JLPT level and organizes vocabulary by theme, like hobbies, family, and adverbs. It’s especially great for building a daily study habit and perfect for learners who want quick, portable practice sessions on the go.

6. Nihongo So Matome 

Best for: N3–N1 prep with lighter content

This series is designed to be completed in a short time (around 6 weeks per book). It’s great for learners who prefer visual aids and concise explanations. It’s not as in-depth as Shin Kanzen Master, but it’s great for reinforcing key concepts efficiently.

Of course, there are other great textbooks! We’ve made a full coverage of the best JLPT textbooks you can get based on each level:

How to register for the JLPT

If you’re planning to take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), it’s important to know when and how to register. The registration period opens a few months before the exam date, but the exact timing depends on where you plan to take the test.

In Japan:

  • For the July exam, registration usually opens around mid-March.
  • For the December exam, registration starts around mid-August.

Outside Japan:

  • For the July exam, registration is typically open from March to April.
  • For the December exam, registration usually runs from August to September.

Since these dates can vary by location, the best way to stay updated is visiting the official JLPT website.

How to register for the JLPT: 

  • Create a MyJLPT account: This online account is your portal to managing your test registration and viewing your results later on.
  • Complete the online application: Fill out your personal details, choose your test level, and select your test location.
  • Make your payment: Test fees are generally around 5,500 yen but can vary by country and test center. Your registration isn’t complete until payment is confirmed.

Test seats can fill up fast, especially in popular locations. Make sure to register as soon as the application window opens to secure your spot.

Find Out More: How to Register for The JLPT

How to find your test results 

Your JLPT results will be available online approximately two months after your test date. You can check them by logging into your MyJLPT account, where you’ll get instant access to your scores.

For those residing in Japan, the official physical certificate will be mailed to your registered address on a scheduled date. Once you receive it, you can also request an official transcript, which can be sent out right away.

If you need your results urgently, you may apply for express delivery of your transcript.

Want a detailed, step-by-step breakdown? Check out our full blog post on how to view your JLPT results!

Find Out More: How to Find Your JLPT Test Results 

how to study and pass the jlpt

Tips for taking the test

We already have a dedicated blog post with practical tips for test day (check it out!), but here are some essential reminders to keep in mind before and during the exam:

1. Bring an analog watch

Sometimes the wall clock is behind you or in a hard-to-see spot. Having your own watch helps you manage time without looking suspicious. Just make sure it’s not a smartwatch, as those are strictly prohibited.

2. Pack extra supplies

Bring multiple sharpened pencils and an extra eraser — better safe than sorry! You don’t want to be stuck with a broken pencil halfway through a timed section.

3. Answer every question

There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so make sure you fill in something for every question, especially if time is running out. Guessing is better than leaving anything blank — you’ve got nothing to lose!

4. Arrive early

It might sound obvious, but make sure to get to the test center at least 30–45 minutes before the exam starts. This buffer time allows you to check in, find your seat, and mentally prepare without feeling rushed. It’s also a great time to visit the restroom — while there are breaks between test sections, you can expect long lines, so going beforehand can save you unnecessary stress.

Read More:  10 JLPT Tips for The Actual Test Day

Plan to take the JLPT? Join a JLPT prep Course at Coto Academy!

Preparing for the JLPT on your own can be challenging. With Coto Academy’s online and in-person JLPT prep courses, you’ll do more than just pass — you’ll unlock your full potential, reach your target score, and go beyond.

Our expert instructors guide you through all test sections, with classes available in Tokyo and online. You can choose between a 3-month intensive course or take more structured, year-round lessons. Ready to get started? Contact us today for a Japanese-level assessment and a free consultation to find the perfect course for you!

Want to study JLPT with us?

Don’t believe us? See our past JLPT success rate story. Love our content and want more free resources on JLPT grammar and vocabulary? Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we share new learning materials every week.

What is the JLPT?

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a standardized exam that measures and certifies your Japanese language ability. It has five levels: N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced).

When is the JLPT held?

The JLPT is offered twice a year, typically in July and December. In some countries, it may only be available once a year, so check the official JLPT website or your local test center.

Where can I take the JLPT?

The JLPT is administered in over 90 countries and regions worldwide. Most major cities have test centers. You can find the full list of test locations on the official JLPT website.

How much does the JLPT cost?

The test fee is generally around 5,500 yen (approximately $50 USD), but fees may vary depending on the country or test site.

What is the passing score for the JLPT?

Passing requires meeting both the overall score and minimum sectional score requirements. Each level has different passing criteria, but generally, you need around 60% overall and a minimum score in each section.

Can I take the JLPT multiple times?

Yes, you can take the JLPT as many times as you want. Many learners retake the exam to improve their scores or advance to higher levels.

Can I pass JLPT N5 in 3 months?

If you study intensively and daily, you might be able to pass JLPT N5 within 3 – 6 months.