Do you know how to describe and write the position of something in Japanese using directions?
We have a new unit for your Kanji practice and studies! This features N5 Kanji that deal with directions such as up, down, north, south, etc.
This is the fifth unit in a series of free Kanji writing practice sheets that you can download and print. It features N5 Kanji that will appear on the JLPT N5, and mastering these kanji is an important step to passing the test!
This is the third in a series of free Kanji writing practice sheets that you can download and print.
This series deals with kanji related to the human body. If you want to learn Japanese Kanji that relates to the human body, then you can download these excerpts for free.
We will be releasing more over the coming weeks – so stay tuned to this page as we will update it with new links.
Start taking Japanese lessons and master Kanji skills with us!
Welcome to the ultimate guide to passing the JLPT N1 Exam!
The thought of taking JLPT is stressful, but what about preparing for them? With so many things to learn, it’s easy for anyone to feel completely disorganized.
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!
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the JLPT N1 Exam (test contents, length, scoring methods, etc.), 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.
Keep scrolling if you are considering or planning to take the JLPT N1 Exam!
Check out our guides for other JLPT levels as well:
Before we get started – what exactly 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 available in certain other countries. JLPT Exams are often taken by Japanese learners who are planning a future in Japan!
What are the different levels of the JLPT?
The JLPT is divided into five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5. N1 is the most advanced level, and N5 is the most basic.
The N4 and N5 test 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 test you on a wider spectrum of Japanese knowledge used in various situations in everyday life
Who should take the JLPT?What are the advantages of taking the N1?
If you are looking for a job or planning to pursue education in Japan, your JLPT scores will be useful. JLPT certifications can also be advantageous when immigrating to Japan, as those who have passed the N2 and N1 qualify for preferential treatment.
Additionally, passing the JLPT N1 Exam can be an ultimate goal for Japanese learners wanting to test their ability to understand Japanese used in various circumstances.
2. About the JLPT N1 Exam
What does the N1 Exam test on?
The JLPT N1 Exam is an exam for upper-intermediate/advanced-level speakers. The JLPT N1 tests your ability to understand Japanese in various circumstances. This includes having no difficulty in:
Reading writings with logical complexity and/or abstract writings on various topics, such as newspaper editorials and critiques, and comprehending their structures and contents.
Reading written materials with profound content on various topics, following their narratives, and comprehensively understanding the writers’ intent.
Comprehending orally presented materials such as coherent conversations, news reports, and lectures, spoken at natural speed in a wide variety of settings, and following their ideas and comprehending their contents comprehensively
Understanding the details of the presented materials, such as the relationships among the people involved, the logical structures, and the essential points
How many sections are on the N1 Exam?
To study for the JLPT N1 Exam efficiently, it is important to be aware of its structure. The exam consists of two main sections, each testing different aspects of the Japanese language.
Section
Question types
1. Language Knowledge(Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading
– Task-based comprehension – Comprehension of key points – Comprehension of general outline – Verbal expressions – Quick response – Integrated comprehension
What is and is not covered in the JLPT N1 Exam?
For the above three sections, you must master approximately 10000 vocabulary words and 2000 kanji. Although this may sound like a lot, you should already know around 6000 words and 1000 kanji from N2-N5, so you are already halfway there! The vocabulary words and kanji covered in the N1 Exam include nouns and verbs from N2-5 and more complex terms necessary to comprehensively understand difficult written materials such as newspapers and critiques. This is similar to N2, but N1 differs because it will require you to understand Japanese abstractly. Therefore, topics related to art and literature might require focus.
Furthermore, you must be familiar with around 400 grammar points related to particle usage, formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives for past and present tenses, and sentence combinations. Before taking the test, you should be comfortable reading and writing long passages.
Because the JLPT Exam does not test on speaking, Japanese 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 N1 Exam. (However, you must keep in mind that Japanese speaking and conversational abilities are still necessary for life if you are seriously considering a future in Japan!)
How long is the N1 Exam?
You are given different amounts of time for each of the two different test sections.
Section
Time
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading
110 minutes
Listening
60 minutes
Total Time
170 minutes
You are given 170 minutes to complete the JLPT N1 Exam.
What is the scoring for the JLPT N1 like?
Although the N1 Exam contains two sections, the scoring is divided into three.
Section
Range of Scores
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)
0 – 60
Reading
0 – 60
Listening
0 – 60
Overall Score
0 – 180
In total, your overall score can range from anywhere between 0 to 180.
For the N1 Exam, a passing score is anything above an overall score of 100 points. However, besides meeting the overall score of 95 points, you must also meet sectional pass marks of 19 points in the Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) Section, Reading Section, and Listening Section. This means that even if your overall score is above 100 points if you do not meet the sectional pass marks for all three of the sections, you cannot pass. Thus, balancing your knowledge and avoiding relying on one section for points is important.
For how long should I study to pass the N1?
Students with kanji knowledge take 2150 hours of JLPT study to pass. With this time, you can travel from the south prefecture Yamaguchi in Honshu to the north prefecture Aomori on foot.
For other students, it takes about 3900 hours. Traveling around the world by cruise would take about the same time.
As previously mentioned, the JLPT N1 Exam covers around 2000 kanji (see the list of kanji by JLPT Sensei here) and 10000 vocabulary terms. (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.)
By the time you are studying for the N1, you probably have already formed a solid study routine for Japanese kanji and vocabulary. Because the JLPT N1 tests you on many kanji and vocabulary, it is most efficient to memorize the kanji based on its usage rather than its meaning and pronunciation. It may also be useful to memorize parts of the kanji and the meanings of radicals. For a list of common kanji radicals. Visit this website.
The best way to master the kanji and vocabulary for N1 is to READ. Reading newspaper articles and magazines would be extremely effective in attaining the kanji and vocabulary you need, as most things featured on the JLPT N1 are at the same level as newspaper editorials and critiques. Reading news articles would help expand your vocabulary and improve your reading speed, comprehension skills, and ability to figure out meanings through context. You can easily access Japanese news articles on Yahoo, NHK, and Yomiuri Shinbun websites.
Mastering Grammar
To learn grammar points covered on the N1 Exam, you can check out our YouTube Channel, great for learning important N1 grammar points and improving your Japanese listening skills. We offer useful videos on phrases and grammar points commonly featured on the JLPT and include familiar examples to help you understand how they are often used in daily life. Here’s an example of our grammar videos:
If you are a person who learns better through videos and audio, check out our JLPT N1 Playlist where we have compiled all of the existing N1 grammar videos for you. Although we do not have as many videos as we do for other lower JLPT levels, we plan on expanding the playlist in the future!
Mastering Listening
The vocabulary used in the listening section is easier than in the reading section. However, we still recommend you get used to listening and simultaneously holding multiple Japanese sentences in your head. This skill is very important, as the JLPT exam does not let you hear the question until after you’ve heard the entire audio. To practice, watching Japanese films (without subtitles) and listening to podcasts is useful. Although watching the TV may also help, most things on television are strictly conversational. For the N1, focusing more on resources featuring educated discussions is recommended.
Recommended Textbooks
If you are looking for textbooks to help you through your studies toward an N1 certification, I recommend you check out the following:
New Kanzen Master Grammar (新完全マスター文法)
Nihongo Sou Matome (日本語総まとめ)
Both series prepare you for all the categories of study you will need, including Kanji, Vocabulary, Listening, Reading Comprehension, and Grammar.
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.
We recommend enrolling in offline or online courses at Coto to study for the N1.
4. Offline/Online Courses Offered at Coto
In addition to utilizing the resources mentioned above, we recommend you to check out Coto Academy‘s offline and online classes that are designed to fulfill your needs and help you through your studies with plentiful resources and interactive learning. (Offline classes are offered at our schools in Iidabashi (Tokyo) and Yokohama.)
Here is a list of lessons available at the JLPT N1 level. Click on your course of interest to learn more about the contents, price, and course schedule.
Coto Academy provides JLPT prep courses to help you ace your following JLPT exams; check the course information here and learn with us today!
Offline Courses (Tokyo/Yokohama)
Private Lessons – matched to our students’ Japanese study experience and comprehension and need 1-1 with a professional teacher. Instead of in small groups, you will privately meet a professional instructor and receive a lesson plan strictly designed to fit your needs and studying habits. Perfect for those wanting flexible scheduling to proactively tackle their language weaknesses.
JLPT Prep Courses – designed to prepare you for everything you will encounter on the JLPT in small groups of no more than 8 students. With in-house materials and an interactive classroom environment, you will work towards N1 certification alongside your peers.
Online Courses
Private Lessons – matched to our students’ Japanese study experience, comprehension, and needs 1-1 with a professional teacher online. Instead of in small groups, you will meet privately with a professional instructor online via Zoom and receive a lesson plan strictly designed to fit your needs and studying habits. Perfect for those wanting flexible scheduling to tackle their language weaknesses proactively.
Group Lessons
Advanced Japanese Explanation Training – designed to help each student develop the ability to explain topics using correct Japanese grammar. This course is conversational. You will learn to talk about various topics – hobbies, experiences, dream house, job, etc. – and strengthen your ability to think proactively in Japanese.
Read and Discuss Current Events – focused on improving the student’s ability to talk about recent news and important topics in Japanese naturally. You will read articles currently being discussed in Japanese news and actively discuss topics ranging from politics to the environment to economics. This course is recommended because the N1 includes many newspaper articles and critiques in its reading comprehension section.
JLPT N1 Online Prep Lecture – designed for students wanting to study individually with the lesson material while listening to the lecture on the screen. It is an affordable and convenient option for those seeking a high-quality seminar-style classroom taught by a professional native. We utilize our in-house exercises and study materials specialized for JLPT preparation in this lecture. You will be assigned materials each week on Google Classroom.
To sign up for and enroll in classes, visit this page and you will be directed to schedule a free interview!
5. Join our JLPT Prep Courses
For effective studying for the JLPT N1, we highly recommend our JLPT N1 Prep Course! This Japanese language course is available both online and offline and will prepare you to take and successfully pass the JLPT N1 with a mix of in-house materials and hand-selected materials trusted by our instructors. The course will strengthen your vocabulary, kanji, grammar, reading comprehension, and listening skills required to successfully obtain an N1 certification. By taking the JLPT N1 Prep Course, pass the exam and open more opportunities for your life in Japan!
For more information on JLPT Prep Courses (such as schedule and price), click here.
6. How to Register
Next Test Date: December 1st 2024
Application Period: Until September 12 (Thu), 17:00
Before heading out to your test center, 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 be already 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.
Once you have found and entered your room, you will find the desk with your number. You will receive instructions from staff and begin your exam when it’s time.
The whole exam will take several hours to complete (in the case of the N1 Exam, 170 minutes), and you will get short breaks between each section. When the exam is finished, you must wait until all test papers have been collected before leaving the room.
*Processes at overseas testing sites may differ.
You’ve reached the end of the ultimate guide to passing the JLPT N1 Exam. We hope this was helpful and wish you good luck on your studies!
Start taking Japanese lessons at Coto and pass the JLPT N1!
Welcome to the ultimate guide to passing the JLPT N2 Exam!
The thought of taking JLPT is stressful, but what about preparing for them? With so many things to learn, it’s easy for anyone to feel completely disorganized.
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!
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the JLPT N2 Exam (test contents, length, scoring methods, etc.), 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.
Keep scrolling if you are considering or planning to take the JLPT N2 Exam!
Check out our guides for other JLPT levels as well:
Before we get started – what exactly 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 available in certain other countries. JLPT Exams are often taken by Japanese learners who are planning a future in Japan!
What are the different levels of the JLPT?
The JLPT is divided into five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5. N1 is the most advanced level, and N5 is the most basic.
The N4 and N5 test 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 test you on a wider spectrum of Japanese knowledge used in various situations in everyday life
Who should take the JLPT?What are the advantages of taking the N2?
Your JLPT scores will be useful if you are looking for a job or planning to pursue education in Japan. JLPT certifications can also be advantageous when immigrating to Japan, as those who have passed the N2 and N1 qualify for preferential treatment.
Additionally, passing the JLPT N2 Exam can be a fitting goal for Japanese learners wanting to test their ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations and in various circumstances to a certain degree.
2. About the JLPT N2 Exam
What does the N2 Exam test on?
The JLPT N2 Exam is an exam for upper-intermediate/advanced-level speakers. The JLPT N2 tests your ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations and various circumstances to a certain degree. This includes having no difficulty in:
Reading materials are written clearly on a variety of topics, such as articles and commentaries in newspapers and magazines, as well as simple critiques and comprehending their contents
Reading written materials on general topics and following their narratives, as well as understanding the intent of the writers
Comprehending orally presented materials such as coherent conversations and news reports, spoken at nearly natural speed in everyday situations as well as in a variety of settings, and following their ideas and comprehending their contents
Understanding the relationships among the people involved and the essential points of the presented materials
How many sections are on the N2 Exam?
It is important to be aware of the structure of the exam to study for it efficiently. The JLPT N2 Exam consists of two main sections. Each section tests you on different aspects of the Japanese language.
Section
Question types
1. Language Knowledge(Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading
– Task-based comprehension – Comprehension of key points – Comprehension of general outline – Verbal expressions – Quick response – Integrated comprehension
What is and is not covered in the JLPT N2 Exam?
For the above three sections, you must master approximately 6000 vocabulary words and 1000 kanji. Although this may sound like a lot, you should already know around 3700 words and 650 kanji from N3-N5, so you are already halfway there! The vocabulary words and kanji covered in the N2 Exam include basic nouns and verbs from N4 and N5 and more complex terms necessary to understand difficult written materials such as newspapers, magazines, and simple critiques.
Furthermore, you must be familiar with grammar points such as particle usage, formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives for past and present tenses, and sentence combinations. You must know around 200 more grammar points besides what you already know from the N3. Before taking the test, you should be comfortable reading and writing longer passages.
Because the JLPT Exam does not test on speaking, Japanese 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 N2 Exam. (However, you must keep in mind that Japanese speaking and conversational abilities are still necessary for life if you are seriously considering a future in Japan!)
How long is the N2 Exam?
You are given different amounts of time for each of the two different test sections.
Section
Time
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading
105 minutes
Listening
50 minutes
Total Time
155 minutes
You are given 155 minutes to complete the JLPT N2 Exam.
What is the scoring for the JLPT N2 like?
Although the N2 Exam contains two sections, the scoring is divided into three.
Section
Range of Scores
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)
0 – 60
Reading
0 – 60
Listening
0 – 60
Overall Score
0 – 180
In total, your overall score can range from anywhere between 0 to 180.
For the N2 Exam, a passing score is anything above an overall score of 90 points. However, besides meeting the overall score of 95 points, you must also meet sectional pass marks of 19 points in the Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) Section, Reading Section, and Listening Section. This means that even if your overall score is above 90 points if you do not meet the sectional pass marks for all three of the sections, you cannot pass. Thus, balancing your knowledge and avoiding relying on one section for points is important.
For how long should I study to pass the N2?
For students with kanji knowledge, 1475 hours of JLPT study is required. A restricted privileges ATP certificate allows a pilot to serve as a co-pilot until he or she obtains 1,500 hours. – So you can become the co-pilot of an aircraft for this number of hours.
For other students, it takes about 2200 hours. As a reference, credentials for a USCPA (Certified Public Accountant) take 2000 hours. Have fun crunching numbers!
As previously mentioned, the JLPT N2 Exam covers around 1000 kanji. (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.)
This self-study course covers N2 kanji and contains a quiz for each kanji, a downloadable pdf workbook, and a printable cheat sheet to help you through kanji memorization.
This downloadable and printable E-book aims to help you practice writing N2-level kanji and memorize them efficiently.
We have also provided samples of the worksheets free of charge at the below links! These are very useful as they give you an idea of some kanji you will be tested on during the N2 exam. Click on the topic to download.
The best way to master the vocabulary for N2 is to memorize the words along with their kanji. This will also help you retain all the kanji, so the vocabulary and kanji study reinforce each other.
Mastering Grammar
To learn grammar points covered on the N2 Exam, you can check out the below articles on basic Japanese grammar for free:
In addition, our YouTube Channel is also great for learning important N2 grammar points, as well as improving your Japanese listening skills. We offer useful videos on phrases and grammar points commonly featured on the JLPT N2 and include familiar examples to help you get a grasp of how they are often used in daily life.
Here’s an example of our grammar videos:
If you are a person who learns better through videos and audio, check out our JLPT N2 Playlist, which has compiled all of the N2 grammar videos for you.
If you prefer to work with textbooks and worksheets, we recommend another self-study course! Our JLPT N2 Grammar Self-Study Course (¥1,000) is a grammar course that you complete all on your own.
This course includes 149 lessons and 149 quizzes on grammar points that will be featured on the JLPT N2 Exam. You will also receive a link to download our JLPT N2 Grammar PDF Workbook upon purchase.
This workbook includes 124 grammar points you need to pass the JLPT N3. Each grammar point has short explanations in English and in Japanese. The workbook includes practice exercises that you can do on your own!
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.
We recommend enrolling in offline or online courses at Coto to study for the N2.
4. Offline/Online Courses Offered at Coto
In addition to the resources mentioned above, Coto Academy offers offline and online classes to help you through your studies. (Offline classes are offered at our schools in Tokyo and Yokohama.)
Here is a list of lessons available at the JLPT N2 level. Click on your course of interest to find out more details about its contents, price, and schedule.
Coto Academy provides JLPT prep courses to help you ace your following JLPT exams; check the course information here and learn with us today!
Offline Courses (Tokyo/Yokohama)
Intensive Courses
Advanced Level 1-2 – an 8-week intensive course in a class of no more than 8 students, designed to train you to understand abstract Japanese content. You will also broaden your conversation to topics of interest and specialized fields and become able to express and defend your point of view. Classes take place every weekday, each lasting 3 hours.
Advanced Level 3-4-5 – a 12-week advanced intensive course in which you will learn more abstract contents that will allow you to carry on and hold sophisticated conversations. By the end of this course, your grammar and vocabulary will become proficient enough that you will be able to speak in-depth and objectively with native Japanese speakers. This course also meets every weekday, each class lasting 3 hours.
Part-time Lessons
Natural and Fluent Japanese Communication 2 – the goal of this course is to acquire a broad spectrum of vocabulary and freely use it in numerous sentence patterns during conversations, so you’ll be able to speak about general things in Japanese only.
Business Japanese – you will learn the etiquette and vernacular of doing business in Japan. The course will teach you basic formal expressions (basic keigo), setting-specific expressions on business situation in Japan.
Japanese Explanation Training – designed for anyone who can communicate using only Japanese but feels they have problems with detailed explanations. The course will improve your ability to speak about familiar topics in-depth.
Keigo Training – designed to hone your Keigo Japanese to improve your Japanese language in a professional setting.
Private Lessons – matched to our students’ Japanese study experience, comprehension, and needs 1-1 with a professional teacher. Instead of in small groups, you will meet privately with a professional instructor in-person and receive a lesson plan strictly designed to fit your needs and studying habits. Perfect for those wanting flexible scheduling to tackle their weaknesses in the language proactively.
JLPT Prep Courses – designed to prepare you for everything you will encounter on the JLPT, in small groups of no more than 8 students. With in-house materials and interactive classroom environment, you will work towards N2 certification alongside your peers.
Online Courses
Private Lessons – matched to our students’ Japanese study experience, comprehension, and needs 1-1 with a professional teacher online. Instead of in small groups, you will meet privately with a professional instructor online via Zoom and receive a lesson plan strictly designed to fit your needs and studying habits. Perfect for those wanting flexible scheduling to tackle their weaknesses in the language proactively.
Group Lessons
Business Lite Intensive – designed to teach Japanese that is common in the workplace to prepare you for a job in Japan. A group of more than 8 students.
Business Japanese – dedicated to cover basic formal expressions (basic keigo) and setting-specific expressions in Japanese business scenes.
Natural and Fluent Japanese 2 – a grammar-focused course encouraging students to acquire a broad spectrum of vocabulary and freely use it in numerous sentence patterns during conversations.
Japanese Explanation Training – designed for anyone who can communicate using only Japanese, but feel they have problems with detailed explanations. The course will improve your ability to speak about familiar topics in-depth.
Read and Discuss Current Events – focused on improving the students’ ability to naturally talk about recent news and important topics in Japanese. You will read articles that are in current discussion in Japanese news and actively discuss over topics ranging from politics to environment to economics. Because the N2 includes many newspaper articles and critiques in its reading comprehension section, this course is recommended.
Advanced Japanese Explanation Training – designed to help each student develop the ability to explain topics using correct Japanese grammar. This course is conversational. You will learn how to talk about a variety of topics – hobbies, experiences, dream house, job, etc. – and strengthen the ability to proactively think in Japanese.
JLPT N2 Grammar – a year-long course that will prepare you for the JLPT N2 Exam. You will read passages common to the JLPT N2 Exam and learn how to use most of the grammar points covered on the N2.
JLPT N2 Reading – a 6 month course focusing on the key points of reading comprehension necessary for the JLPT N2 exam.
JLPT N2 Online Prep Lecture – designed for students wanting to study individually with the lesson material while listening to the lecture on the screen. It is an affordable and convenient option for those who are looking for a high-quality seminar-style classroom taught by a professional native. In this lecture, we utilize our in-house exercises and study materials specialized for JLPT preparation. You will be assigned materials each week on Google Classroom.
To sign up for and enroll in classes, visit this page and you will be directed to schedule a free interview!
5. Join our JLPT Prep Courses
For effective studying for the JLPT N2, we highly recommend our JLPT N2 Prep Course! This Japanese language course is available both online and offline and will prepare you to take and successfully pass the JLPT N2 with a mix of in-house materials and hand-selected materials trusted by our instructors. The course will strengthen your vocabulary, kanji, grammar, reading comprehension, and listening skills required to successfully obtain a N2 certification. By taking the JLPT N2 Prep Course, pass the exam and open more opportunities for your life in Japan!
For more information on JLPT Prep Courses, click here.
6. How to Register
Next Test Date: December 1st 2024
Application Period: Until September 12 (Thu), 17:00
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 be already open from 11:45. We recommend you to 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.
Once you have found and entered your room, you will find the desk that has your number on it. You will receive instructions from staff and begin your exam when it’s time.
The whole exam will take several hours to complete (in the case of the N2 Exam, 155 minutes) 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.
*Processes at overseas testing sites may differ.
You’ve reached the end of the ultimate guide to passing the JLPT N2 Exam. We hope this was helpful and wish you good luck on your studies!
Start taking Japanese lessons at Coto and pass the JLPT N2!
Welcome to the ultimate guide to passing the JLPT N3 Exam!
The thought of taking JLPT is stressful, but what about preparing for them? With so many things to learn, it’s easy for anyone to feel completely disorganized.
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!
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the JLPT N3 Exam (test contents, length, scoring methods, etc.), 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.
If you are considering or planning to take the JLPT N3 Exam, keep scrolling!
Check out our guides for other JLPT levels as well:
Before we get started – what exactly 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!
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 test 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 test you on a more wider spectrum of Japanese knowledge used in various situations in everyday life
Who should take the JLPT?What are the advantages of taking the N3?
If you are looking for a job or planning to pursue education in Japan, then your JLPT scores will come in handy. JLPT certifications can also be advantageous when immigrating to Japan, as those who have passed the N2 and N1 qualify for preferential treatment.
However, JLPT is only really useful for employment or immigration when you have passed the N2 or N1. This guide focuses on JLPT N3, which does not have much real-life use other than to check and prove your personal improvement in Japanese.
Still, the JLPT N3 Exam can be a fitting goal for Japanese learners wanting to test their ability to fairly understand Japanese used in everyday situations. A N3 certification acts as a nice intermediate-level bridge between the easier levels and the harder levels of the JLPT. It will prepare you for the more difficult stuff covered in N2 and N1!
2. About the JLPT N3 Exam
What does the N3 Exam test on?
In general, the JLPT N3 Exam is an exam for intermediate-level speakers. The JLPT N3 tests you on the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree. This includes having no difficulty in:
Reading and understanding materials concerning specific everyday topics
Grasping summary information such as newspaper headlines
Reading and fairly understanding slightly difficult writings encountered in everyday situations
Listening and comprehending everyday conversations spoken at near-natural speed, following their contents, and grasping the relationships among the people involved
How many sections are are on the N3 Exam?
To study for the exam efficiently, it is important to be aware of the structure of the test. The JLPT N3 Exam consists of three main sections. Each of the three sections tests you on different aspects of the Japanese language.
– Task-based comprehension – Comprehension of key points – Comprehension of general outline – Verbal expressions – Quick response
What is and is not covered in the JLPT N3 Exam?
For all of the above three sections, you must master approximately 3700 vocabulary words and 650 kanji. Although this may sound like a lot, you should already know around 1500 words and 300 kanji from N5 and N4, so you are actually already halfway there! The vocabulary words and kanji covered in the N3 Exam include basic nouns and verbs from N4 and N5, as well as more complex terms necessary to understand slightly difficult written materials such as newspaper headlines.
Furthermore, you must be familiar with typical grammar points such as particle usage, formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives for past and present tenses, and sentence combinations. Before taking the test, you should be comfortable with reading and writing middle-length sentences and passages.
Because the JLPT Exam does not test on speaking, Japanese 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 N3 Exam. (However, you must keep in mind that Japanese speaking and conversational abilities are still necessary for life if you are seriously considering a future in Japan!)
How long is the N3 Exam?
You are given different amounts of time for each of the three different test sections.
Section
Time
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
30 minutes
Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading
70 minutes
Listening
40 minutes
Total Time
140 minutes
In total, you are given 140 minutes to complete the JLPT N3 Exam.
What is the scoring for the JLPT N3 like?
Since the N3 Exam contains three sections, the scoring is divided into three as well.
Section
Range of Scores
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)
0 – 60
Reading
0 – 60
Listening
0 – 60
Overall Score
0 – 180
In total, your overall score can range from anywhere between 0 to 180.
For the N3 Exam, a passing score is anything above an overall score of 95 points. However, in addition to meeting the overall score of 95 points, you must also meet sectional pass marks of 19 points in the Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) Section, Reading Section, and the Listening Section. This means that even if your overall score is above 95 points, if you do not meet the sectional pass marks for all three of the sections, you cannot pass. Thus, it is important to balance out your knowledge and avoid relying on one section for points.
For how long should I study to pass the N3?
For students already with kanji knowledge, it takes 900 hours. This is about the same as a attaining a Spanish Food Le Cordon Bleu diploma.
For other students, it takes around 1325 hours of studying. With this amount of time, you can become an architect!
As previously mentioned, the JLPT N3 Exam covers around 650 kanji. (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.)
This self-study course covers N3 kanji and contains a quiz for each kanji, downloadable pdf workbook, and printable cheat sheet to help you through kanji memorization.
This is a downloadable and printable E-book aimed to help you practice writing N3-level kanji and memorize them efficiently.
We have also provided samples of the worksheets free of charge at the below links! These are very useful as they give you an idea of some kanji that you will be tested on during the N3 exam. Click on the topic to download.
As you move on from N5 and N4 to N3-level kanji, it becomes important to learn about kanji radicals and know the meanings of individual parts of kanji. This will help you memorize each kanji more productively and recognize definitions of words better. When studying N3 kanji, we recommend you to study parts of each kanji as well.
Mastering Grammar
Although the JLPT N3 Exam scores vocabulary and grammar cumulatively, it is recommended that you study for them independently. To learn grammar points covered on the N3 Exam, you can check out the below articles on basic Japanese grammar for free:
It covers 17 common particles, its usages, meanings, and example sentences.
In addition, our YouTube Channel is also great for learning important N3 grammar points, as well as improving your Japanese listening skills. We offer useful videos on phrases and grammar points commonly featured on the JLPT N3 and include familiar examples to help you get a grasp of how they are often used in daily life.
Here’s an example of our grammar videos:
If you are a person who learns better through videos and audio, check out our JLPT N3 Playlist where we have compiled all of the N3 grammar videos for you.
If you prefer to work with textbooks and worksheets, we recommend you another self-study course! Our JLPT N3 Grammar Self-Study Course (¥1,000) is a grammar course that you complete all on your own.
This course includes 153 lessons and 153 quizzes on grammar points that will be featured on the JLPT N3 Exam. Upon purchase, you will also receive a link to download our JLPT N3 Grammar PDF Workbook.
This workbook includes 127 grammar points you need to pass the JLPT N3. Each grammar point has short explanations in English and in Japanese. The workbook includes practice exercises that you can do on your own!
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.
We recommend enrolling in offline or online courses at Coto to more efficiently study for the N3.
4. Offline/Online Courses Offered at Coto
In addition to resources mentioned above, Coto Academy offers offline and online classes to help you through your studies. (Offline classes are offered at our schools in Tokyo and Yokohama.)
Here is a list of lessons available at the JLPT N3 level. Click on your course of interest to find out more details on the contents, price, and schedule of the course.
Coto Academy provides JLPT prep courses to help you ace your following JLPT exams; check the course information here and learn with us today!
Offline Courses (Tokyo/Yokohama)
Intensive Courses
Intermediate Level 1-2 – an 8 week transition course to the intermediate level. You will review previously-learned expressions so that you can hold more “natural” conversations in Japanese. The course meets every weekday for 3 hours.
Intermediate Level 3-4-5 – a 12 week intensive course at the intermediate level. You will further develop your proficiency in the Japanese language and practice your knowledge with real world scenarios. The course meets every weekday, each lesson lasting 3 hours.
Advanced Level 1-2 – an 8 week intensive course in a class of no more than 8 students, designed to train you in understanding abstract contents in Japanese. You will also broaden your conversation to topics of interest and specialized fields and become able to express and defend your point of view. Classes take place every weekday, each lasting 3 hours.
Part-time Lessons
Bridge to Intermediate – serves as a “Bridge” to the intermediate level. The course focuses on the core basic sentence patterns, improving vocabulary for a variety of daily situations, and building more complex sentences.
Natural and Fluent Japanese Communication 1 – the goal of this course is to acquire a broad spectrum of vocabulary and freely use it in numerous sentence patterns during conversations, so you’ll be able to speak about general things in Japanese only.
Business Japanese – you will learn the etiquette and vernacular of doing business in Japan. The course will teach you basic formal expressions (basic keigo), setting-specific expressions on business situation in Japan.
Keigo Training – designed to hone in your Keigo Japanese to improve your Japanese language in a professional setting.
Private Lessons – matched to our students’ Japanese study experience, comprehension, and needs 1-1 with a professional teacher. Instead of in small groups, you will meet privately with a professional instructor in-person and receive a lesson plan strictly designed to fit your needs and studying habits. Perfect for those wanting flexible scheduling to tackle their weaknesses in the language proactively.
JLPT Prep Courses – designed to prepare you for everything you will encounter on the JLPT, in small groups of no more than 8 students. With in-house materials and interactive classroom environment, you will work towards N3 certification alongside your peers.
Online Courses
Private Lessons – matched to our students’ Japanese study experience, comprehension, and needs 1-1 with a professional teacher online. Instead of in small groups, you will meet privately with a professional instructor online via Zoom and receive a lesson plan strictly designed to fit your needs and studying habits. Perfect for those wanting flexible scheduling to tackle their weaknesses in the language proactively.
Group Lessons
Bridge to Intermediate – serves as a “Bridge” to the intermediate level. The course focuses on the core basic sentence patterns, improving vocabulary for a variety of daily situations, and building more complex sentences.
Natural and Fluent Japanese 1 – a grammar-focused course encouraging students to acquire a broad spectrum of vocabulary and freely use it in numerous sentence patterns during conversations.
Business Lite Intensive – designed to teach Japanese that is common in the workplace to prepare you for a job in Japan. A group of more than 8 students.
Business Japanese – dedicated to cover basic formal expressions (basic keigo) and setting-specific expressions in Japanese business scenes.
Japanese Explanation Training – designed for anyone who can communicate using only Japanese, but feel they have problems with detailed explanations. The course will improve your ability to speak about familiar topics in-depth.
Read and Discuss Current Events – focused on improving the students’ ability to naturally talk about recent news and important topics in Japanese. You will read articles that are in current discussion in Japanese news and actively discuss over topics ranging from politics to environment to economics.
JLPT N3 Online Prep Lecture – designed for students wanting to study individually with the lesson material while listening to the lecture on the screen. It is an affordable and convenient option for those who are looking for a high-quality seminar-style classroom taught by a professional native. In this lecture, we utilize our in-house exercises and study materials specialized for JLPT preparation. You will be assigned materials each week on Google Classroom.
To sign up for and enroll in classes, visit this page and you will be directed to schedule a free interview!
5. Join our JLPT Prep Courses
For effective studying for the JLPT N3, we highly recommend our JLPT N3 Prep Course! This Japanese language course is available both online and offline and will prepare you to take and successfully pass the JLPT N3 with a mix of in-house materials and hand-selected materials trusted by our instructors. The course will strengthen your vocabulary, kanji, grammar, reading comprehension, and listening skills required to successfully obtain a N3 certification. By taking the JLPT N3 Prep Course, pass the exam and open more opportunities for your life in Japan!
For more information on JLPT Prep Courses, click here.
6. How to Register
Next Test Date: December 1st 2024
Application Period: Until September 12 (Thu), 17:00
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 be already open from 11:45. We recommend you to 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.
Once you have found and entered your room, you will find the desk that has your number on it. You will receive instructions from staff and begin your exam when it’s time.
The whole exam will take several hours to complete (in the case of the N3 Exam, 140 minutes) 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.
*Processes at overseas testing sites may differ.
You’ve reached the end of the ultimate guide to passing the JLPT N3 Exam. We hope this was helpful and wish you good luck on your studies!
Start taking Japanese lessons at Coto and pass the JLPT N3!
Welcome to the ultimate guide to passing the JLPT N4 Exam!
The thought of taking JLPT is stressful, but what about preparing for them? With so many things to learn, it’s easy for anyone to feel completely disorganized.
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!
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the JLPT N4 Exam (test contents, length, scoring methods, etc.), 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.
If you are considering or planning to take the JLPT N4 Exam, keep scrolling!
Check out our guides for other JLPT levels as well:
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 available in certain other countries. JLPT Exams are often taken by Japanese learners who are planning a future in Japan!
What are the different levels of the JLPT?
The JLPT is divided into five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5, with N1 being the most advanced level and N5 being the most basic.
The N4 and N5 test 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 test you on a wider spectrum of Japanese knowledge used in various situations in everyday life
Who should take the JLPT?What are the advantages of taking the N4?
If you are looking for a job or planning to pursue education in Japan, your JLPT scores will be useful. JLPT certifications can also be advantageous when immigrating to Japan, as those who have passed the N2 and N1 qualify for preferential treatment.
However, JLPT is only really useful for employment or immigration when you have passed the N2 or N1. This guide focuses on JLPT N4, which does not have much real-life use other than to check your personal improvement and prove your interest in the Japanese language.
Still, the JLPT N4 Exam can be a fitting goal for Japanese learners wanting to test their comprehension skills and basic Japanese knowledge. By taking the N4 Exam, you may be able to discover your strengths and weaknesses and pursue your studies more efficiently after that. In addition, an N4 certification can prove your mastery of basic Japanese and prepare you for the more difficult stuff covered in higher JLPT levels.
2. About the JLPT N4 Exam
What does the N4 Exam test on?
The JLPT N4 Exam is an exam for upper beginners. Generally, the JLPT N4 tests you on the understanding of the core basics of Japanese, including your ability to read and comprehend passages on daily topics written in basic Japanese vocabulary and kanji. You also need to be able to listen and follow slow-spoken conversations in daily life situations. Vocabulary and expressions used in the N4 are slightly more advanced and complex compared to those featured in the N5. Like the N5, questions on the N4 are generally straightforward.
For more information on the JLPT N5 Exam, click here.
What are the different sections of the N4 Exam?
The JLPT N4 Exam consists of three main sections. Each of the three sections tests you on different aspects of the Japanese language.
For all of the above three sections, you must master approximately 1500 vocabulary words and 300 kanji. This is 200 more kanji and 700 more vocabulary words compared to what you must know for the N5. The 1500 vocabulary words covered in the N4 Exam include basic nouns and verbs, as well as commonly used expressions, adjectives, adverbs, and some katakana words. In addition to the 100 N5 kanji 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), the N4 will cover kanji that are used in a wider variety of places such as restaurants and workplace. Once you’ve mastered the 300 N4 kanji, you may still have a difficult time reading native-level Japanese passages, but you will be able to survive in common situations.
Furthermore, you must be familiar with typical grammar points such as basic particle usage and 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 simple sentences and expressing opinions.
Because the JLPT Exam does not test on speaking, Japanese 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 N4 Exam. (However, you must keep in mind that Japanese speaking and conversational abilities are still necessary for life if you are seriously considering a future in Japan!)
How long is the N4 Exam?
You are given different amounts of time for each of the three different test sections.
Section
Time
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
25 minutes
Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading
55 minutes
Listening
35 minutes
Total Time
95 minutes
In total, you are given 95 minutes to complete the JLPT N4 Exam.
What is the scoring for the JLPT N4 like?
Although the N4 Exam contains three sections, the scoring is divided into two.
Section
Range of Scores
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading
0 – 120
Listening
0 – 60
Overall Score
0 – 180
Your overall score can range from anywhere between 0 to 180.
For the N4 Exam, a passing score is anything above an overall score of 90 points. However, in addition to meeting the overall score of 90 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. This means that even if your overall score is above 90 points, if you do not have meet the sectional pass marks for both of the sections, you cannot pass. Thus, it is important to balance out your knowledge and avoid relying on one section for points.
For how long should I study to pass the N4?
For students with kanji knowledge, it takes 550 hours. That is the same as studying to improve your TOEIC score from 500 to 700.
For other students. It takes about 787 hours of studying to pass the N4. With this time, you can become a train driver in Japan.
As previously mentioned, the JLPT N4 Exam covers around 300 kanji. (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.)
This is a downloadable and printable E-book aimed to help you practice writing N4-level kanji and memorize them efficiently.
We have also provided samples of the worksheets free of charge at the below links! These are very useful as they cover many of the kanji that you will be tested on during the N4 exam.
As you move on from N5-level kanji to N4-level, it becomes important to learn about kanji radicals and know the meanings of individual parts of kanji. This will help you memorize each kanji more productively and recognize definitions of words better. When studying N4 kanji, we recommend you to study parts of each kanji as well.
Mastering Grammar
Although the JLPT N4 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, ni, wo, etc.) and formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives for past and present tenses.
To learn grammar points covered on the N4 Exam, you can check out the below articles on basic Japanese Grammar for free:
It covers 17 common particles, its usages, meanings, and example sentences.
Our YouTube Channel is also great for learning important N4 grammar points, as well as improving your Japanese listening skills. We offer useful videos on phrases and grammar points commonly featured on the JLPT N4 and include familiar examples to help you get a grasp of how they are often used in daily life.
Here’s an example of our grammar videos:
If you are a person who learns better through videos and audio, check out our JLPT N4 Playlist, which has compiled all of the N4 grammar videos for you.
Coto also offers a FREE JLPT N4 YouTube Video Grammar Course, which includes short quizzes testing you on each of the YouTube grammar videos. This free self-study course will help you understand the contents of the videos more clearly by testing and checking your understanding of the meaning and uses of every grammar point.
If you prefer to work with textbooks and worksheets, we recommend another self-study course! Our JLPT N4 Grammar Self-Study Course (¥1,000) is a 16-week course that you complete all on your own.
This course includes 68 lessons and 67 quizzes on grammar points that will be featured on the JLPT N4 Exam. Upon purchase, you will also receive a link to download our JLPT N4 Grammar PDF Workbook.
This workbook includes all 48 grammar points you need to pass the JLPT N4. Each grammar point has short explanations in English and in Japanese. The workbook includes practice exercises that you can do on your own!
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.
We recommend enrolling in offline or online courses at Coto to more efficiently study for the N4.
4. Offline/Online Courses Offered at Coto
In addition to the resources mentioned above, Coto Academy offers offline and online classes to help you through your studies. (Offline classes are offered at our schools in Tokyo and Yokohama.)
Here is a list of lessons available at the JLPT N4 level. Click on your course of interest to learn more about the contents, price, and course schedule.
Coto Academy provides JLPT prep courses to help you ace your following JLPT exams; check the course information here and learn with us today!
Offline Courses (Tokyo/Yokohama)
Intensive Courses
Beginner Level 4-5-6 – a 12-week upper beginner course, perfect for students who want to start broadening their conversational Japanese. You will learn to express yourself with more complex phrases.
Intermediate Level 1-2 – an 8-week transition course to the intermediate level. You will review previously learned expressions so that you can hold more “natural” conversations in Japanese. The course meets every weekday for 3 hours.
Part-time Lessons
Effective Drill Training – aimed to help students improve their quick-response ability and build their confidence. You will use a series of specially designed drills and speaking training to improve your communication ability.
Conversation Level-up – focused on developing your ability to convey your wishes, ask for permission while giving a reason, study assumptive expressions, and express your feelings or things that happened more accurately.
Essential Grammar and Conversation – a part-time class dedicated to helping you practice making conversations about a variety of topics. You will improve your vocabulary and ability to converse smoothly throughout this course.
Bridge to Intermediate – serves as a “Bridge” to the intermediate level. The course focuses on the core basic sentence patterns, improving vocabulary for a variety of daily situations, and building more complex sentences.
Private Lessons – matched to our students’ Japanese study experience and comprehension, and needs 1-1 with a professional teacher. Instead of in small groups, you will privately meet a professional instructor and receive a lesson plan strictly designed to fit your needs and studying habits. Perfect for those wanting flexible scheduling to tackle their language weaknesses proactively.
Online Courses
Private Lessons – matched to our students’ Japanese study experience, comprehension, and needs 1-1 with a professional teacher online. Instead of in small groups, you will meet privately with a professional instructor online via Zoom and receive a lesson plan strictly designed to fit your needs and studying habits. Perfect for those wanting flexible scheduling to tackle their language weaknesses proactively.
Group Lessons
Essential Grammar & Conversation – an online part-time class dedicated to helping you practice making conversations about a variety of topics. You will improve your vocabulary and ability to converse smoothly throughout this course.
Bridge to Intermediate – serves as a “Bridge” to the intermediate level. The course focuses on the core basic sentence patterns, improving vocabulary for a variety of daily situations, and building more complex sentences.
Lite Intensive (Beginner 4) – an upper-beginner intensive course that uses the Genki textbook series and will cover ways to construct natural conversations. By the end of this course, you will be able to have more natural conversations and make long sentences.
JLPT N4 Online Prep Lecture – designed for students wanting to study individually with the lesson material while listening to the lecture on the screen. It is an affordable and convenient option for those seeking a high-quality seminar-style classroom taught by a professional native. We utilize our in-house exercises and study materials specialized for JLPT preparation in this lecture. You will be assigned materials each week on Google Classroom.
To sign up for and enroll in classes, visit this page and you will be directed to schedule a free interview!
5. How to Register
Next Test Date: December 1st 2024
Application Period: Until September 12 (Thu), 17:00
Before heading out to your test center, 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 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.
You will find the desk with your number once you have found and entered your room. You will receive instructions from staff and begin your exam when it’s time.
The whole exam will take several hours (in the case of the N4 Exam, 95 minutes), and you will get short breaks between each section. When the exam is finished, you must wait until all test papers have been collected before leaving the room.
*Processes at overseas testing sites may differ.
Welcome to our guide on passing the JLPT N5 Exam!
The thought of taking JLPT is stressful, but what about preparing for them? With so many things to learn, it’s easy for anyone to feel completely disorganized.
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!
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the JLPT N5 Exam (test contents, length, scoring methods, etc.), 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.
If you are considering or planning to take the JLPT N5 Exam, keep reading!
Check out our guides for other JLPT levels as well:
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!
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 test 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 test you on a more wider spectrum of Japanese knowledge used in various situations in everyday life
Who should take the JLPT?What are the advantages of taking the N5?
If you are looking for a job or planning to pursue education in Japan, then your JLPT scores will come in handy. JLPT certifications can also be advantageous when immigrating to Japan, as those who have passed the N2 and N1 qualify for preferential treatment.
However, JLPT is only really useful for employment or immigration when you have passed the N2 or N1. This guide focuses on N5, which does not have much real-life use other than to check your personal improvement and prove your interest in the Japanese language.
Still, the JLPT N5 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.
Additionally, JLPT N5 has recently become more necessary when applying for certain types of student visas to Japan. In some cases, it is actually required that you have a JLPT N5 certificate before you can apply.
2. About the JLPT N5 Exam
What does the N5 Exam test on?
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 the 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.
Section
Question types
1. Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
– Kanji reading – Orthography – Contextually-defined expressions – Paraphrases
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 (read, write, walk, etc.).
Furthermore, you must be familiar with typical grammar points such as basic particle usage (は、が、を etc.) 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, Japanese 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, you must understand that Japanese speaking and conversational abilities are still necessary for life if you are seriously considering a future in Japan.)
How long is the N5 Exam?
You are given different amounts of time for each of the three different test sections.
Section
Time
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
20 minutes
Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading
40 minutes
Listening
30 minutes
Total Time
90 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.
Section
Range of Scores
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading
0 – 120
Listening
0 – 60
Overall Score
0 – 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.
For how long should I study to pass the N5?
For students with kanji knowledge (ex. Chinese students), it takes 350 hours to pass the N5 Exam. 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 462 hours of studying. 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.
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.
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.)
This is a printable PDF worksheet featuring 103 N5 kanji. It allows you to physically practice writing kanji and memorize them efficiently.
We have also provided several of the worksheets free of charge at the below links! 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 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 articles on basic Japanese Grammar:
We have also prepared for you a downloadable Japanese Particles Cheat Sheet & Guide.
It covers 17 common particles, its usages, meanings, and example sentences.
You can download the Particles Cheat Sheet by entering your email in the slot at the bottom of this page.
This article also covers some common Japanese particles and its usages.
Mastering Listening
To help you get prepare 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 would have also learned 60 grammar points necessary to pass the N5 Exam!
Our YouTube Channel is also useful in widening grammar knowledge while practicing listening.
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.
We recommend enrolling in offline or online courses at Coto to more efficiently study for the N5.
4. Offline/Online Courses Offered at Coto
In addition to resources mentioned above, Coto Academy offers offline and online classes to help you through your studies. (Offline classes are offered at our schools in Tokyo and Yokohama.)
Here is a list of lessons available at the JLPT N5 level. Click on your course of interest to find out more details on the contents, price, and schedule of the course.
Coto Academy provides JLPT prep courses to help you ace your following JLPT exams; check the course information here and learn with us today!
Offline Courses (Tokyo/Yokohama)
Intensive Courses
Japanese Crash Course – a 4 week crash course for absolute beginners to the Japanese language. This course is designed to teach you the basics of Japanese, starting with Hiragana and Katakana and moving onto topics or situations that you can use immediately in your daily life. This course meets every weekday.
Beginner Level 1-2-3 – a 12 week intensive course for those wanting to start learning the basics of conversational Japanese. With many opportunities for spoken role-play, you will be able to solidify what you learn and instill confidence in your ability to speak Japanese. This course meets every weekday.
Part-time Lessons
Practical Japanese for Beginners – a part-time course for complete beginners. You will start by learning Japanese skills for everyday use. Since you’ll be studying vocabulary for times and places, as well as basic grammar, you’ll be able to create simple sentences by yourself.
Active Basic Japanese Grammar A&B – this course acts as the foundation to be able to communicate in Japanese. By the end of this course, you will be able to to use basic conjugated forms and speak naturally.
Effective Drill Training – aimed to help students improve their quick-response ability and build their confidence. You will use a series of specially designed drills and speaking training to improve your communication ability.
Essential Grammar and Conversation – a part-time class dedicated to help you practice making conversations about a variety of topics. You will improve your vocabulary and ability to converse smoothly throughout this course.
Beginner Level 4-5-6 – a 12 week upper beginner course, perfect for students who want to start broadening their conversational Japanese. You will learn to express yourself with more complex phrases.
Intermediate Level 1-2 – an 8 week transition course to the intermediate level. You will review previously-learned expressions so that you can hold more “natural” conversations in Japanese. The course meets every weekday for 3 hours.
Part-time Lessons
Effective Drill Training – aimed to help students improve their quick-response ability and build their confidence. You will use a series of specially designed drills and speaking training to improve your communication ability.
Conversation Level-up – focused on developing your ability to convey your wishes, ask for permission while giving a reason, study assumptive expressions, and express your feelings or things that happened more accurately.
Essential Grammar and Conversation – a part-time class dedicated to help you practice making conversations about a variety of topics. You will improve your vocabulary and ability to converse smoothly throughout this course.
Bridge to Intermediate – serves as a “Bridge” to the intermediate level. The course focuses on the core basic sentence patterns, improving vocabulary for a variety of daily situations, and building more complex sentences.
Private Lessons – matched to our students’ Japanese study experience, comprehension, and needs 1-1 with a professional teacher. Instead of in small groups, you will meet privately with a professional instructor in-person and receive a lesson plan strictly designed to fit your needs and studying habits. Perfect for those wanting flexible scheduling to tackle their weaknesses in the language proactively.
Online Courses
Private Lessons – matched to our students’ Japanese study experience, comprehension, and needs 1-1 with a professional teacher online. Instead of in small groups, you will meet privately with a professional instructor online via Zoom and receive a lesson plan strictly designed to fit your needs and studying habits. Perfect for those wanting flexible scheduling to tackle their weaknesses in the language proactively.
Group Lessons
Practical Japanese for Beginners – an online part-time course for complete beginners. You will start by learning Japanese skills for everyday use. Since you’ll be studying vocabulary for times and places, as well as basic grammar, you’ll be able to create simple sentences by yourself.
Lite Intensive (Beginner 1) – this course strikes a balance between learning progress and study commitment. You can learn and progress in your ability, without having to worry about an overwhelming pace. This classes is a “minified” version of our intensive courses, meeting for 100 minutes twice per week.
Active Basic Grammar A&B – this online course acts as the foundation to be able to communicate in Japanese. By the end of this course, you will be able to to use basic conjugated forms and speak naturally.
Lite Intensive (Beginner 3) – this class meets twice a week and focuses on many aspects of the Japanese language. By the end of this course, you will be able to use a wide range of expressions, talk about your schedule, and give advice in Japanese.
To sign up for and enroll in classes, visit this page and you will be directed to schedule an interview!
5. How to Register
Next Test Date: December 1st 2024
Application Period: Until September 12 (Thu), 17:00
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 be already open from 11:45. We recommend you to 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.
Once you have found and entered your room, you will find the desk that has your number on it. You will receive instructions from staff and begin your exam when it’s time.
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.
*Processes at overseas testing sites may differ.
You’ve reached the end of the ultimate guide to passing the JLPT N5 Exam. We hope this was helpful and wish you good luck on your studies!
Start taking Japanese lessons and pass the JLPT N5
