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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.

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What are the JLPT levels?

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 Level	Approximate Kanji to Know	Approximate Vocabulary to Know
N5	100	800
N4	300	1,500
N3	650	3,750
N2	1,000	6,000
N1	2,000+	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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Level	Test Sections	Time Allotment	Total Duration
N1	Vocabulary, Grammar and Reading	110 minutes	165 min
N1	Listening	55 minutes	165 min
N2	Vocabulary, Grammar and Reading	105 min	155 min
N2	Listening	50 minutes	155 min
N3	Vocabulary	30 min	140 min
	Grammar + Reading	70 min
	Listening	40 min
N4	Vocabulary	25 minutes	115 minutes
	Grammar + Reading	55 minutes
	Listening	35 minutes
N5	Vocabulary	20 minutes	90 minutes
	Grammar + Reading	40 minutes
	Listening	30 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 Level	Total Score	Passing Score
N1	180	100
N2	180	90
N3	180	95
N4	180	90
N5	180	80

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 Level	Vocabulary and Grammar		Reading		Listening
JLPT Level	Total score	Passing score	Total score	Passing score	Total score	Passing score
N1	19	60	19	60	19	60
N2	19	60	19	60	19	60
N3	19	60	19	60	19	60

JLPT Level	Vocabulary, Grammar and Reading		Listening
JLPT Level	Total score	Passing score	Total score	Passing score
N4	120	38	19	60
N5	120	38	19	60

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?

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 level	Hours needed to study
Exam level	With kanji knowledge	Without kanji knowledge
N5	350 hours	400 – 500 hours
N4	550 hours	800 – 1,000 hours
N3	900 hours	1325 hours
N2	1500 hours	2200 hours
N1	2150 hours	3900 – 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 Level	Estimated Study Duration (1–2 hours/day)
N5	4 to 6 months
N4	7 to 9 months
N3	10 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.

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

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.

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.

The easiest way to say “no” in Japanese is by saying “いいえ (iie),” but in actuality, it is not always that simple. Japanese people will rarely give a direct “no” as an answer, preferring instead to communicate indirectly a message that conveys so.

Japanese culture and the language itself has developed to prioritize politeness as a way to maintain peace and cooperation. Because of this, people often communicate indirectly. Saying “no” directly can feel too harsh or disruptive in a society that highly values harmony. That’s why Japanese speakers usually choose their words very carefully, especially in business or formal situations.

So, what are the different ways you can say “no” in Japanese? Let’s continue reading to find out!

How Do You Say No In Japanese?

The exact word and textbook translation for no in Japanese is “いいえ (iie).” In more causal settings, you might also say “ううん (uun)”.

The term いいえ is considered more respectful and won’t sound so harsh. ううん is something you would say with friends or people you’re familiar with. However, Japanese language actually has a wide range of expressions to avoid using a strong no.
For example, they could say chotto that conveys the difficulty of answering a request.

A: Why don’t we drink together tomorrow?「明日一緒に飲みませんか?」Ashita, isshyo ni nomimasen ka?

B: I am sorry, tomorrow. I have some errands…「ごめんなさい、明日はちょっと用事があって・・・」Gomennasai, ashita wa chotto youji ga atte…

Perhaps the best way to interpret no in Japanese is to understand the different levels. We have divided them into four groups, starting from definite expressions to the grey and ambiguous expressions that you have to read in between the lines.

How To Say No In Japanese Around Friends & Colleagues

There are three expressions typically used by friends and close colleagues when it comes to expressing refusal: むり, ダメ and できない. These are ideal for more casual situations.

無理(むり) – (Muri)- Impossible
ダメ – (Dame)- No good
出来(でき)ない – (Dekinai)- Cannot

1. 無理 (muri)

Translation: Impossible

The word むり (muri) literally means “impossible.” For example, if your friend asks if you can get to their house in 5 minutes but they live an hour away, you can say むり.

In English, this is like saying “no way” or “that’s impossible.”

2. ダメ (dame)

Translation: Not good

ダメ is usually translated into English as “no good”, “not allowed”, or “cannot”. It can be used in a variety of situations including saying “no” more directly in Japanese such as:

A: Is it okay if I eat in your room? 「あなたの部屋(へや)にたべてもいいですか？」anatono heya ni tabetemo iidesuka?

B: No, you may not. 「だめです。」damedesu.

3. できない (dekinai)

Translation: Cannot

できない is less definite. The word shows the speaker’s regret that the circumstances would not allow acting in accordance with one’s request. Always keep in mind, these expressions are rarely if ever heard as a response to a request in business-related situations.

Learning Japanese can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! Check out our Coto Academy courses to learn how to speak Japanese in real-life situations.

Inquire now and take the first step!

How To Say No In Japanese For A Business Context

Saying “no” in Japanese when you are speaking with a client or company partner is even more tricky. In general, people can use these three expressions:

厳(きび)しい – (Kibishii)- Hard (conditions)
難(むずか)しい – (Muzukashii)- Difficult
大変(たいへん) – (Taihen)- Hard (task)

These expressions seem to have similar translations in English but each carry different nuances.

1. 厳しい(kibishii) & 難しい(muzukashii)

Translation: Strict and difficult

Saying 難しい (muzukashii) in response to a request is essentially an indirect and polite way to say no in Japanese. 厳しい(Kibishii) also serves a similar role to muzukashii when wanting to say no indirectly.

2. 大変 (taihen)

Translation: Tough, difficult, hard

たいへん (taihen), on the other hand, refers to a suggestion or request that is not easy because of a situation’s complexity. The word has similar meaning to むずかしい (muzukashii), but is often used for situations or experiences rather than just problems.

The term たいへん can be subjective and creates ambiguity amongst the parties involved in various business relations.

Speaking Japanese in a formal capacity can seem overwhelming and full of nuances to be aware of. So, read our Introduction to Japanese Keigo to overcome that fear of speaking out of turn in delicate situations.

Other Ways To Indirectly Say No In Japanese

Other ways to say “no” in Japanese include:

微妙(びみょう) – (Bimiyoe)- Delicate (situation)
忙(いそが)しい – (Isogashii)- Too busy
結構(けっこう)です – (Kekkoedesu)- No thank you

These words tend to dwell in the grey areas of meaning and interpreting. Even native Japanese speakers could misinterpret the signals these words are meant to express. But it’s possible the ambiguity is intentional to avoid commitment or disrupting harmony when multiple parties are involved in the decision-making.

1. 微妙 (bimiyoe)

Translation: Subtle, delicate, tricky

びみょう expresses a borderline scenario where neither party can express certainty of what will play out. Despite the underlying uncertainty hinted in びみょう, more often than not, the speaker means to decline.

2. 結構です (kekkou)

Translation: Enough

The Japanese expression けっこうです may be the greyest of these expressions. The term can have complete opposite meanings such as an affirmative “ok” or a negative “no thank you”.

3. 忙しい (isogashii)

Translation: Busy

Now, this brings us to いそがしい, typically used as an excuse to decline a request. Therefore, people usually take it as a decline to an invitation and don’t bother asking to reschedule despite いそがしい literally meaning “busy”.

Showing Uncertainty To Indirectly Say No In Japanese

…かもしれません / かもしれない / かも – (…kamo shiremasen)- Perhaps
多分(たぶん) – (tabun)- Maybe or probably
臨機応変 [りんきおうへん] に対応 [たいおう] する – (rinkiouhen ni taio suru)- Depends

If you thought, there weren’t enough ambiguous expressions for saying no in Japanese, above are a few more. However, these terms leave potential for an affirmative response. Initially, when someone uses these expressions, it may seem they are denying your request, however, they are actually expressing uncertainty of the current circumstances which could change in the future.

1. かもしれません / かもしれない / かも (kamoshiremasen / kamoshirenai / kamo)

Translation: Maybe, might, possibly

かもしれません and all of its variations communicates a certain level of uncertainty like saying “maybe” or “perhaps”. This expression is more of a clause that attaches to verbs or nouns. So, if you want to say “I probably can’t make it” you would attach かもしれない to いけない by saying “いけないかもしれない”. This expresses a higher probability that you can’t make it while being open to the possibly that you can.

In the video above, Yuka-sensei will introduce you a more in-depth explanation on how to use かもしれない!

2. 多分 (tabun)

Translation: Maybe

たぶん is similar to かもしれない since it also conveys uncertainty. The difference here is that 多分 doesn’t attach to other words and can be used more flexibly. Below could be some instances of how to use たぶん:

Using Tabun When Refusing,

A: Can you make it? いけますか？ ikemasuka?

B: Maybe, I cannot. 多分、いけません。tabun, ikemasen.

Using Tabun When Affirming,

A: Is that a dog? 「それはいぬですか？」 sore wa inu desu ka

B: I think so. 「多分そうでしょう。」tabun soudeshou

3. 臨機応変に対応する(rinkiouhen ni taiyou suru)

Translation: Let’s play it by the ear

The expression, “りんきおうへんにたいおうする” is similar to the English expression: let’s play it by ear. This expression is often used to postpone difficult decisions at business meetings when the voting is not unanimous.

Closing Thoughts On Saying No In Japanese

As you can see, saying “no” in Japanese is a tricky ordeal: ambiguous and subject to lots of interpretation (and misinterpretation). Due to Japanese culture’s emphasis on politeness and avoidance of offending the other party, indirect and high context expressions became prevalent in the language.

So, that is why saying “no” in Japanese is more indirect and ambiguous. Navigating these social norms may seem overwhelming at first but with just a bit of practice you’ll start to develop a sense of how to communicate “no” in Japanese very comfortably.

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What is the word for "No" in Japanese?

The direct translation for “no” in Japanese is 「いいえ」(iie). But there are many ways one can say “no” especially to be more polite in more formal or delicate situations.

What is a polite way to say "no" in Japanese?

There are many ways to say “no” politely in Japanese, such as simply saying “chotto” which implies the request is a bit difficult to fulfill.

In a situation when denying someone kindly offering something like a food or drink, you could say “kekkou desu” or even “daijoubu desu”. In a more formal context, saying “kibishii” or “muzukashii” would be a polite way of saying “no”.

Do Japanese People Never Say "No"? Do they say something else instead?

Japanese do say “no” but tend to do so in more indirect ways to avoid conflict. They don’t want to seem rude or outright decline someone. So, a few common phrases instead of a direct “no” include,

結構です (kekkou desu): It’s okay or I’m fine
厳しい (kibishii): tough/difficult situation
忙しい (isogashii): I’m busy

Do you know how to say “yes” beyond “hai” in Japanese, learn different expressions for “yes” with our blog: How to Say Yes in Japanese: 10 Essential Ways with Examples!

When learning Japanese, “Yes” (はい – hai) and “No” (いいえ – iie) are among the first words you encounter. However, just like in English, there are many ways to say “yes” in Japanese, each with different levels of formality and nuances. If you want to build a strong foundation in everyday Japanese, check out 48 Useful and Basic Japanese Phrases You Need to Know Before Coming to Japan.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common ways to say yes in Japanese, their meanings, and when to use them.

1.はい (Hai) – The Standard Japanese Yes

Usage: はい is interchangeable with the English word “yes”. It shows a positive agreement to the question asked. It’s commonly used in formal and neutral situations and conveys a clear agreement.

Example:

Q: 佐藤さんは先生ですか。

(Satou san wa sensei desuka)

Is Mr. Sato a teacher？

A: はい, 佐藤さんは先生です。

(Hai, Satou san wa sensei desu)

Yes. Mr. Satou is a teacher

2.ええ (Ee) – A Less Formal Yes

It expresses agreement and can also serve as a brief response to keep the conversation flowing. Polite yet more relaxed than hai, it is commonly used in everyday interactions.

Q: いい財布ですね

(ii saifu desune)

Such a nice wallet

A: ええ, 兄が買ってくれたのです

(Ee, ani ga kattekuretanodesu)

yes, my brother bought for me.

3.うん (Un) – A Casual Yes

Usage: うん is a casual expression, it is the most casual way of saying yes. It’s commonly used among close friends, family members, or when speaking with people of the same or lower status.

This expression can only be used when talking to someone you are close to. Use はい when talking to strangers or someone who outranks you.

Example:

Q: もうお昼食べた？

(Mou ohiru tabeta?)

have you had lunch already?

A: うん, 食べたよ

(Un, Tabetayo.)

yeah, I have.

🚨 Note: Avoid using うん (un) in formal situations, such as at work or when speaking to elders. Use はい (hai) instead.

4.そうですね (Soudesune) – Agreeing Thoughtfully

Usage: そうですね is used to express agreement in a thoughtful or reflective manner. It can also serve as a filler phrase when you need time to think.

Examples:

Expressing Agreement:

Q: 昨日は寒かったですね

(Kinou wa samukatta desune)

Yesterday was really cold, wasn’t it?

A: そうですね

(Soudesune)

yes, it was really cold.

Buying Time to Think:

Q: 新しい元号についてどうおもいますか?

(Atarashii gengou ni tsuite dou omoimasu ka?)

How do you think of the new era name?

A: そうですね, とてもいいと思います

Totemo ii to omoimasu

I think it is great.

5. そうそう (Sou sou) – Yes, that’s right!

Usage: This phrase is used for enthusiastic agreement or to confirm something strongly. It often carries a sense of excitement or reassurance.

Example:
Q: つまり、このボタンを押せばいいんですね？

(Tsumari, kono botan o oseba ii n desu ne?)
So, I just need to press this button, right?

A: そうそう！

(Sou sou!)
Yes, exactly!

6. えええ (Eee…) – A Hesitant Yes

Usage: Used when agreeing but with some hesitation or uncertainty. This expression is often used when the speaker is unsure, thinking, or reluctant to give a direct answer.

Example:
Q: 来週の会議に出席できますか？

(Raishuu no kaigi ni shusseki dekimasu ka?)
Can you attend next week’s meeting?

A: えええ… たぶんできます。

(Eee… tabun dekimasu.)
Uh… probably, yes.

7. その通り (Sono tōri) – Exactly!

Usage: A more formal and precise way to confirm something. This expression is often used in discussions or debates where you strongly agree with a point.

Example:
Q: 君はとても努力家ですね。

(Kimi wa totemo doryokuka desu ne.)

You’re a really hard-working person.

A: その通りです！

(Sono tōri desu!)
That’s exactly right!

8: もちろん (Mochiron) – Of course

Usage: Used to say “yes” with certainty or enthusiasm. It emphasizes strong agreement or willingness.

Example:
Q: 手伝ってくれる？

(Tetsudatte kureru?)
Can you help me?

A: もちろん！

(Mochiron!)
Of course!

9. 分かりました (Wakarimashita) – I understand / Got it

Usage: Used to confirm understanding, often in a professional or educational setting. It signifies that you fully comprehend what has been said.

Example:
Q: 明日朝9時に会議があります。

(Ashita asa kuji ni kaigi ga arimasu.)
There’s a meeting tomorrow at 9 AM.

A: 分かりました！

(Wakarimashita!)
Got it!

10. 承知しました (Shouchi shimashita) – Understood (very formal)

Usage: A highly formal way to acknowledge instructions, often used in business and customer service interactions. If you want to master polite and formal Japanese, check out our guide on Japanese Keigo: A Guide to Formal Speech.

Example:
Q: 注文の変更をお願いします。

(Chuumon no henko o onegai shimasu.)
Can you change my order?

A: 承知しました。

(Shouchi shimashita.)
Noted.

🔍 Want to explore more about Japanese vocabulary? Check out Jisho.org to look up different expressions and their meanings in context!

Summary: Choosing the Right “Yes” word in Japanese

Expression	Formality	Common Usage
はい (Hai)	Formal/Neutral	General use, business, polite settings
ええ (Ee)	Semi-formal	Casual conversations, polite but relaxed
うん (Un)	Informal	Friends, family, informal chats
そうですね (Sou desu ne)	Neutral	Agreeing thoughtfully, buying time
そうそう (Sou sou)	Informal	Enthusiastic agreement, reassurance
えええ (Eee…)	Informal	Hesitant agreement, uncertainty
その通り (Sono tōri)	Formal	Strong agreement, debates, discussions
もちろん (Mochiron)	Casual/Neutral	Expressing certainty or enthusiasm
分かりました (Wakarimashita)	Formal	Confirming understanding
承知しました (Shouchi shimashita)	Very Formal	Business, customer service

These are some of the most common ways of saying yes in Japanese, do use them in suitable situations. You can also read other interesting articles written by us.

FAQ

What is the difference between はい (hai) and ええ (ee)?

Both mean “yes,” but はい (hai) is the standard and can be used in any situation, while ええ (ee) is slightly more casual and typically used in friendly but polite conversations.

When should I use うん (un) to say "yes"?

うん (un) is an informal way to say “yes,” similar to “yeah” in English. It should only be used in casual conversations with friends, family, or people of the same status. Avoid using it in formal situations or with superiors.

How do you express enthusiastic agreement in Japanese?

To express strong agreement, you can use:

もちろん (mochiron) – “Of course!”
そうそう (sou sou) – “Exactly!” or “That’s right!”

Are there Japanese expressions for "yes" that don’t directly translate to English?

Yes! Some expressions include:

そうですね (sou desu ne) – Can mean “that’s true” or be used as a thoughtful agreement.
その通り (sono tōri) – Means “exactly” or “that’s correct.”

How can I say "yes" while keeping a neutral tone in Japanese?

そうですね (sou desu ne) is commonly used to agree without sounding overly enthusiastic. It can also serve as a way to buy time while thinking about a response.

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If you live long enough in Japan, you might notice that Japanese work culture is different from its Western counterpart, such as the U.S. or European countries.

Maybe you’ve visited Japan before or had a blast studying abroad, so you decide you want to work in Japan as well. Before you start rushing to find a job here, being aware of specific cultural differences may help you adjust or even rethink if working here is right for you.

The good news is that Japan is hiring foreigners on a large scale, allowing for vast work opportunities. People from all over the globe are swarming to work here. Last year, the number of foreign workers in Japan amounted to a whopping 2.049 million. The first time in history to exceed 2 million. However, all that glitters may not be gold.

The work culture in Japan is very different from that in Western countries like America. These include employee-employer relationships, dress codes, colleagues’ behavior, and ethics at Japanese workplaces. Essentially, aspects of traditional Japanese culture persevered into the modern working environment, resulting in distinct expectations and norms from the West. As a result, it can be difficult for a foreigner to understand many of these social norms since they are not always visually observable and can be hidden in layers of context.

Want to fast-track your career in Japan? Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course is designed to help you master keigo (business Japanese) and improve workplace communication skills. Gain the confidence to speak professionally with colleagues and clients, navigate meetings, and open up new career opportunities!

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Japanese Work Culture: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Work culture in Japan is almost that of legend, or rather infamy, where we hear that there is even a word for working yourself to death, known as karoshi (過労死). The general perception of the Japanese work environment is that it’s rigid, hierarchical, and unforgiving, with poor work-life balance. But how accurate is this perception, and how does that compare with Western work culture such as the U.S.?

Strong Work Commitment And Overwork

If there is a reputation that precedes the Japanese working population, it’s their strong work ethic. Punctuality and commitment to work are of utmost importance to Japanese work culture. Being on time means being at least 15 minutes early, and prioritizing work over family is an expectation. They start their day early and spend hours commuting. Working overtime is often a normal practice. In some sense, Japanese people view the workplace as their family. If a person works for long hours then it is seen as a sign of love toward his or her family.

In America, balancing work and life is given priority. About 72 percent of Americans consider work-life balance while looking for a job. Employees acknowledge that spending quality time with their loved ones is as essential as work. However, overtime and low work-life balance are pervasive issues in the U.S. Several surveys indicate that over 60% of Americans do not have a work-life balance. The surveys often cite working too many hours or working on vacation as reasons for the lack of balance. But how does Japan compare?

Karoshi (過労死)

How serious is the Karoshi issue for work culture in Japan? According to Nippon.com using data from the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), the mental health issues related to work has increased from last year and the rate of self-harm and those taking their lives saw an increase as well. The number of people suffering from heart and brain health conditions related to work was 216, the highest rate in 4 years.

This is all linked to Japan having one of the highest rates of overtime in the world with very few employees actually taking their paid time off (PTO). You often hear that employees feel guilty to take time off or may even have their PTO requests rejected.

This paints a very grim picture of the current work situation in Japan. However, the nation is making efforts to improve the work culture. One initiative includes a 4 day work week policy that the Japanese government is attempting to encourage.

Workplace Formalities

In Japan, companies follow a quite strict formal dress code. Male employees wear charcoal grey, navy blue, or black suits along with a white shirt and subdued ties throughout the year. While female employees wear similar color blazers along with trousers, skirts, heels, and tied-up ponytails. Standing out or wearing bright colors is a slight no-no at the offices in Japan.

This contrasts with most companies in the west, like America, where there tends to be more flexibility as employees are free to wear casual at work. Mostly, suits are worn whenever there is a business meeting or presentation.

Overall, the work culture in Japan is more formal than in the US. Best practice is to use formal language and show greater respect to your boss and seniors (or senpai). An essential aspect of Japanese culture is treating anyone older, more experienced, or in a higher social position with the utmost respect, as they can impart their knowledge to you.

It was once normal to refrain from leaving the workplace before your boss or seniors, but this is largely being phased out. However, the pressure to not say ‘no’ to your seniors, especially to after-work drinking called nomikai (飲み会), is still rather prevalent. Even when drinking, it is essential to maintain proper manners to your boss and senior colleagues, such as serving them drinks before yourself.

Generalists Over Specialists

The Japanese workplaces focus on the group. During the hiring process, a lot of companies give less priority to skill sets and specialization. Instead, they want to evaluate the cultural fit of the candidates. This is because Japanese companies want employees that can perform well in a group for a good amount of time. They don’t have a firing culture. Employees work at companies for a very long period. In fact, Japan is known for its lifetime employment system.

On the other hand, American companies look for candidates who have specialization as well as the right skills for the job. They follow a system of ‘structural individualism’ wherein the main focus is on the individual’s career. That’s why switching companies for better opportunities or strategic job hopping is a common practice in the US. However, this should not be mistaken for the absence of teamwork. Individual employees do participate in group projects from time to time.

Rigid Top-down Hierarchy in Japanese companies

Employees must report to their seniors, inform the seniors about the latest developments, and consult seniors for work advice. Employees are not free to make decisions. They have to approve everything from their superiors, even the small things. This is called ho-ren-so (ほれんそう), which means “spinach” in the Japanese language but is actually an abbreviation for:

報告 Hokoku (to report)
連絡 Renraku (to inform)
相談 Sodan (to consult)

In contrast to this, American organizations tend to decentralize authority and decision-making. Every employee gets to make his or her decisions that could help the business to grow. Of course, employees go to their seniors for professional advice now and then. Ultimately, this comes back to how Western-style organizations tend to hire specialists who already have the skills, whereas Japanese companies hire generalists that they can train. This is what necessitates the hierarchy in Japanese companies that rely on seniors to train juniors. Since professionals who don’t need to be trained are often hired in Western organizations, they rely less on the company and are more willing to leave. As a result, western companies tend to have a more individualistic atmosphere.

Risk Adversity

People have a conservative mindset in Japanese corporations. Employees avoid taking risks unless they are 100 percent sure about the outcomes. They usually go along with safer old ideas which are already tried and tested.

On the flip side, western businesses tend to take more risks and are much more open to trying something fresh. American employees don’t hesitate as much to take risks even if they are not certain about the results. Americans are more likely to invest in disruptive startups, projects ,and technologies. However, the drawback of taking more risks means that American companies might suffer more losses. Although America is often characterized as a land of risk-takers, many companies are adverse to risk. So, conservative sentiments towards risk are not uncommon in the states either.

Close relationships with colleagues

Work culture in Japan is not just about working on and off. When employees are at work, they only work. However, once the work hours end, employees go out to socialize with one another. They usually hang out at karaoke or restaurants for nomikai, which is a Japanese word for a drinking party. With everyone seated around one big table, co-workers are expected to drink, share meals and interact with each other. Nomikai has all different kinds. It even exists outside the work circle in Japan. Joining such parties is considered socially appropriate. Still, they are completely optional and anyone can skip them if they want.

In America, there are no social norms for socializing or bonding after work. American employees are already familiar with their co-workers due to their informal working environment. Thus, they largely don’t need to set separate times to get to know one another. This gives them more space for their personal life.

Prioritizing harmony over conflict

The Japanese way of communicating is quite indirect. Japanese people are usually accustomed to observing and absorbing knowledge thoroughly. Due to this, asking questions is sometimes considered rude by society. As a result, you will rarely see anyone raising their hands with queries in mind by the end of business meetings or presentations. Even if they didn’t understand anything, people will tend to avoid asking it because of this stigma.

Meanwhile, in America, questions come and go anytime. There are no social barriers and clearing doubts is a normal thing. The American work culture is more straightforward in these aspects.

Picture displaying the daily Japanese work culture in a typical office with employees sitting at their desks — Image from Noahpinion

Common Business Etiquettes in Japanese Work Culture

Social interactions in Japanese work culture can be confusing. Japan has unique business manners and etiquette that differ from western standards. To avoid cultural shock, it’s best if you know them firsthand. In Japan, there are quite a several do’s and don’ts that business professionals are required to keep in mind. Here’s a crisp list of the few most important etiquettes that you need to catch sight of.

1. Bowing to Clients Till The Elevator Door Closes

Whenever you have visitor clients at the office, it is expected to accompany them to the front door. If your office is at a high-rise building then seeing off the visitors to the front door may seem too much. In that case, you should escort visitors to the elevator. Once they get on the elevator, you should bow till the gates close.

2. Removing Coats Before Entering Office

In winter, you will see employees taking off their coats and folding them over their arms before entering the office buildings. They don’t do so inside building hallways because it might disturb other people.

3. Business Card Etiquette

Japanese business culture is very polite and respectful. Whenever there is an exchange of business cards during meetings, they are done gracefully like a ritual. The first person holds the card with both hands while facing the other person. Then he bows while offering the card and the other party also bows the same way and accepts the card.

4. Seat Arrangement Based On Rank

During business conferences or meetings, members are seated as per their position in the company. Leaders or seniors with more expertise get front seats. A similar seating arrangement is used in other places such as colleges, trains, taxis and so on.

5. Customer is the God

You may have heard multiple times how the customer is the ‘king’ in the market. However, in Japan, the customer is not just regarded as the king but as a ‘god’ as well. Employees greet customers with care whenever they come and go. Their happiness is the number one priority of every business. They are handled with proper respect and offending them is out of option.

Fact vs. Fiction of Japanese Work Culture

Work culture in Japan is far from perfect, and there are many common notions across the globe, but how much holds true?

Work Environment and Labor Regulations In Japan

Despite the amount of overtime reported by the nation, labor law is quite strong and protects employees very well. It is for this reason that companies have a difficult time firing people in Japan. Additionally, labor law also takes precedence over any legally binding employee contract, but there are limitations. You should be careful of burakku kigyou (ブラック企業) or black companies which are infamous for trapping employees in exploitative contracts.

If you are having any issues regarding work, Japan has a variety of support services available. One place to contact or visit is FRESC which is a government organization that can assist with employment, unemployment, legal issues, etc., for foreigners living in Japan. They have an office in Shinjuku and usually have staff who can speak English. Hellowork is more available across Japan but generally only has Japanese speaking staff.

Times Are Changing For Work Culture In Japan

Amidst the influx of foreigners coming to work and offset the aging population, Japanese companies have already started embracing the change that comes with them. Aspects of traditional Japanese work culture that is difficult for foreigners to adjust to are shifting. Even the younger Japanese population is driving change in similar ways to foreigners since they are more likely to change companies in their careers and expect greater work-life balance. Japanese companies hiring lots of foreigners tend to be more flexible with PTO, less rigid about hierarchies and do not expect employees to stick around for life.

Although this may be the case with certain Japanese companies, Japan is a nation that likes to preserve traditions and is adverse to change. So, you can expect many companies may still be very conservative in certain expectations. However, as a foreigner, they likely won’t expect you to know every minute detail of proper Japanese manners so I wouldn’t sweat over it.

Most Common Jobs For Foreigners In Japan

The Japanese job market is vast and more open to foreigners than ever before. While many companies do not accept foreign employees, the amount that do is increasing year by year according the MHLW. This is great news for the increasing number foreign job seekers entering the Japanes workforce every year. But most foreigners from the west tend to work in certain industries. We’ll be covering a few positions, but for the full list of popular jobs for foreigners in Japan, head to this article.

Infographic showing employment of American workers in Japan

1. English Teacher

English teaching is the most common form of employment for many foreigners, or rather many foreigners get trapped in English teaching. Most can land a job teaching at cram schools and educational institutions by having a bachelor’s or associate’s degree of any kind. Many roles do not require any teaching certificates, so the barrier to entry is not too high. Based on the graph above, most Americans by far land jobs in the education sector, usually as English Teachers. If you enjoy and have a passion for teaching, Japan is one of the best places for employment. This is because the government is making drastic efforts to improve English literacy, so they are turning to foreigners to help bridge this gap.

2. IT Professional

If you have a background in development, design, data, or IT of any kind, Japan is fertile ground for employment. Currently, there is a huge demand for professionals with IT skills and Japanese abilities are oftentimes not necessary. On average, a tech professional or software engineer usually earns around ¥7.7 million per year.

3. Translator or Interpreter

It’s no surprise that translation or interpreter-related roles are also highly valued, but these roles are rather limited in comparison to the others mentioned. The job of a translator is pretty much versatile in Japan. Translators are required not only for English to Japanese translations but in many other languages as well. The gaming industry is one of the biggest sectors needing translators to overcome the language barrier. A good number of translators also do freelance assignments for brands, publishing houses, etc. The salary of a translator can vary depending on the skill level. Usually, the average translator makes about ¥3 million in a year.

4. Engineer

In the utopia of advanced technology, Japan undoubtedly stands as a key player. From manufacturing world-class automobiles to electronics, there’s so much to this country. It’s thriving and full of prospects. Companies dealing in cars or electronic items regularly have openings for engineers with excellent pay. An average engineer receives a salary of ¥7 million per year. Check out some of the best IT job sites in Japan.

Brush Up on Your Business in Japanese

To truly adapt to work culture in Japan, your polite business Japanese must be sharp so you can mesh with your teams. Being able to speak business Japanese and practice proper business etiquette will definitely enhance your hire-ability. The sad truth is that passing certain levels of the JLPT is never enough for this.

To heighten your Japanese abilities, taking up business Japanese courses while working in Japan is very effective. Coto Japanese Academy offers business Japanese courses covering every aspect of business Japanese. If you wish to learn Japanese in Tokyo, check out our various Japanese courses!

Send us an inquiry now!

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FAQ

What are the similarities between workplaces in Japan and America?

Japan and America have a couple of similarities as well. Both countries have very long work weeks. Japanese people are extremely hardworking and working overtime is not something strange to them. There is even an odd phenomenon known as Karoshi where people die due to overwork. Similarly, Americans spend most of their time at work and face similar experiences.

In both countries, employees prefer to take shorter vacations or time off from work. Japanese employees feel guilty when they don’t work. Just like that, most American employees stay devoted to their jobs.

How to overcome cultural differences while working in Japan?

Working in Japan can be an overwhelming experience. The cultural shock is quite strong when you first arrive. But it’s only a matter of time. You need to be patient, and observant, and try your best in meeting the expectations. Make friends because having good companions will help you in your lonesome moments. Keep navigating your way, you will eventually find yourself overcoming the cultural barrier.

Do Japanese companies hesitate to offer jobs to foreigners?

Some Japanese companies hesitate to offer jobs to foreigners. That is primarily because there is a vast difference between Japanese work culture and American or European work culture. They know very well that fitting into the Japanese environment will take time. Thus, Japanese companies prefer to recruit either local candidates or foreigners who are already stationed in Japan.

What are the perks of working in Japan?

There are several mandatory benefits provided to employees in Japan. These includes:

Dietary assistance
Pensions (for old age, disability, and survivors)
Maternity leaves up to 14 weeks
Paid leaves (at least 5 days a year)
Insurance and compensations

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Why did the term senpai become so popular outside of Japan?

Most people who have never stepped foot in Japan let alone studied Japanese, are well aware of the word Senpai/Sempai (先輩). You have probably seen variations of “I hope senpai will notice me” across the internet. This line doesn’t come from any specific anime or manga; rather, it was picked up by users on social media or fan blogs to play on tropes of romance between senpai and kohai (後輩).

Image of the popular internet meme, "notice me senpai" with a seal — Image from Make Better Memes!

So, this internet trend shows that many non-Japanese speakers understand that senpai means superior or senior. However, the internet meme also implies that a kohai has a romantic infatuation for their sempai. Due to them seeming more experienced and mature, a power asymmetry is created that the kohai must overcome, driving them to ask or hope for the senpai’s attention. This type of Senpai/Kohai dynamic is popular in certain Japanese anime and pop culture.

I would argue that similar tropes are popular in other nations, such as the United States, since crushing on someone who is a grade level above is not uncommon. But, equivalent terms like senior or superior are not common in English, especially as a way to address someone. This is likely why the word, Senpai, caught on since it’s much more frequent, and you could actually call someone Sempai. However, the term is not inherently romantic.

What Is The True Meaning of Senpai and Kohai?

Senpai (先輩)

The word has a bit of nuance since it’s used in different social contexts. But breaking down 先輩, 先(sen) means before, prior, or former. Thus, the word mainly refers to someone who is:

Older, more experienced, in a higher social position, etc., regardless of age.
Have entered the same school or workplace earlier (and there is a culture of approaching them with polite manners and speech).

Daisenpai (大先輩)

Daisenpai is used for those who are much older, have a lot more experience, or are significantly more senior. It is sometimes used to describe someone who is an alumni of your school or university. This term is not as common, and you never use it in the 2nd person, unlike sempai.

Kohai (後輩)

後(ko) in the word 後輩, kohai, means ‘after’. Thus, the word refers to those ‘who come after’ the senpai in any given situation. The word refers to the following:

People who are younger, less experienced, or in a lower social position in relation to the senpai.
It is not really used to address someone but rather as a way of describing someone, for example, 「たけしは私の後輩です。」“Takeshi is my kohai.”

When Is The Word Senpai Used In Japan?

School Environment

Generally speaking, senpai is not used until junior high school to address classmates who are in higher grade levels. Oftentimes, there is a senpai/kohai tension where the kohai must maintain optics of their senpai and be on their best behavior whenever they are around. This is mostly the case for both junior high and high schools, but the relationship is at its strictest in club activities.

Bukatsu (部活)

In Bukatsu or school extracurricular clubs/circles, such as baseball, basketball, soccer, Kendo, and so on, the hierarchical relationship between kohai and senpai can be at its most rigid. Ordinarily, members who have joined earlier are considered senpai, regardless of skill level. Kohai must give their utmost respect and may even need to address them as Senpai, either alone or with their last name, like “Yoshida-senpai,” for instance.

Certain clubs may have stricter customs regarding activities kohai must do for the club and their senpais, such as having to clean before and after club activities. It is also customary for kohai to use 敬語(keigo) with their sempai.

Work Environment

Once you become a working adult, senpai takes on a role more about looking after their juniors, and the relationship isn’t as rigid as it was for students. When called “senpai,” many people feel a sense of responsibility to raise and look after their kohai.

However, it is possible for 2 people working at the same company to both consider each other as senpai. In many cases, this is because one started working at the company first, while the other is older in age. But age is less of a factor in who is a senpai in this day and age.

Traditionally, Japanese employees stay in one company their whole career. So, when you join as a 新卒 (shinsotsu), or newly graduated hire, you would be the youngest in the company. Promotions were given the longer you stay rather than for individual accomplishments. As a result, senpai’s were almost always older and stayed in the company longer. But, as work attitudes change, the age and social dynamics reshape as well. Now it’s not uncommon for younger but more experienced employees to be working at the same company as someone who is older.

In the current work culture, experience in the company or industry is what determines a senpai rather than age. Unlike school, you also don’t often address someone as sempai; it’s more common to use it when speaking about them to someone else. Overall, companies are getting even more relaxed about hierarchies and are even adopting flatter structures. So, in more and more companies in Japan, the necessity of who is your senpai is less of a concern.

Other Circumstances

Senpai and kohai relationships do exist outside of work or school since the word can describe anyone who is more senior in virtually any field. Certain activities, such as martial arts, may require you to be aware of who your sempai is. Most Japanese martial arts use a belt ranking structure. This creates a very easy-to-understand system where the person whose belt is higher would be your sempai. Within the higher ranks, the concept of senpai/kohai is not too important, but you should respect those with more experience.

You wouldn’t ever need to call someone sempai but you would treat them with higher regard by using more respectful language and listening diligently to their advice. Like work, the concept of senpai is not so rigid and their role is more about guiding their less experienced kohai.

Illustration of the relationships between Boss, Senpai, and Kōhai

How to Use the Term “Senpai” in Japanese

Calling Someone “Senpai”

As mentioned, there are two ways to call somebody “senpai.” The first is to attach the person’s name before 「先輩」 “senpai,” as with 「吉田先輩」 “Yoshida-sempai.” For working adults, it’s also common to attach “san” after someone’s name, as with 「吉田さん」 “Yoshida-san.”

The second way is to directly refer to someone as “sempai” without attaching their name. What’s important to pay attention to is not just what you call someone but also expressing respect toward them.

There isn’t a need to use honorific language, but it’s wise to at least use polite forms such as 「です」 “desu” and 「ます」 “masu.” If you do so, your senpai will be happy to teach you about the job.

Read here to learn how to use San, Sama, Kun etc.

However, there are some people whose relationship with their seniors is more so as “coworkers,” even if they call them “sempai” as a hierarchical formality. When compared with the boss, it’s a much closer relationship. Sempai might be seen as warm and encouraging, especially when your boss is giving you a hard time.

Describing Someone as Senpai or Kohai

Most of the time, sempai is used to describe who someone is in relation to you. Such as saying:

山本さんは仕事の先輩で、はるとは後輩です。“Yamamoto-san is my senpai from work, and Haruto is my kohai”
チームの中には2人の先輩がいます。“My team has 2 senpais”

In Japanese, the word is pretty flexible (outside of school); you can use it as a descriptor for anyone who has more experience in any field. You can also refer to someone as sempai who has more industry experience 「マーケティング業界の先輩」“marketing industry senpai” even if you have been in the same company longer.

Final Thoughts – Do Japanese Use “Senpai” Often Anymore?

As a rigid term strictly used whenever you’re speaking or referring to someone who is senior to you, it is not common at all. However, more flexible and casual usage of the word is very common. You would often say it when you like to express respect to someone who has more experience than you. You could say, 「先輩なので、はやてさんから学びたいです。」” I would like to learn from you, Hayate, because you are my sempai”.

If you’re curious about how senpai is used in real dialogue or anime, and something doesn’t quite make sense, it’s easy to translate with tools like Quillbot a phrase or sentence to get a clearer feel for the nuance.

When it comes to work colleagues, though it could depend on the company, most people view each other as fellow coworkers, and maintaining a rigid senpai/kohai relationship is rarely observed. Even referring to other colleagues as sempai in the 3rd person is becoming less common. It is still a useful term and can be an easy and respectful way to describe people who have more experience than you.

Ready to Start Your Japanese Learning Journey?

So what’s next? Learn how to speak Japanese and go beyond just knowing how to use “senpai.” You might want to know more about how to form sentences or expand your vocabulary.

Kickstart your journey with Coto Academy, where fun, conversation-focused classes are designed for beginners. Choose from intensive, part-time, or online Japanese courses tailored to help you reach your goals faster!

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FAQ

What is the meaning of Senpai?

Senpai means senior or superior. It refers to someone who could be older, more experienced, or in a higher social position.

Does Senpai mean dad, father, or father figure?

No, senpai does not mean father nor imply any type of father figure dynamic. It does not inherently carry additional connotation beyond just senior or upperclassmen.

Can I call a girl Senpai? Is there a female version of senpai?

Yes, you can call or refer to females as senpai. The term senpai is not gendered.

Is it Senpai or Sensei?

Senpai is not the same as sensei. Sensei means “teacher,” while senpai means “senior”. In a school setting, senpai would be upperclassmen. In the workplace, they are colleagues who joined before you.

Is Senpai respectful?

Yes, the term is considered respectful and is used to express or acknowledge someone is older or more experienced. You often speak to someone who is your senpai with more respectful language in Japanese.

You have probably heard that Japanese people are known to be polite. That’s why it is no surprise that there are various ways to say “you’re welcome” in Japanese.

In a country brimming with respectful people, “Thank You!” can often be heard along the streets or at one’s workplace! However, reciprocating the Japanese’s goodwill may be one of the challenges most beginners would initially face. As such, today we’ll cover a few ways in which you can say “You’re Welcome!” in Japanese.

Interested in learning more or have specific questions? Contact us here — we’d love to help you get started.

The Most Common Way to Say “You’re Welcome!” in Japanese

More often than not, when we look up a Japanese Dictionary, this may be the first word that pops up: どう致しまして (Dou itashimashite).

In Japanese, the word would mean something like “You are Welcome!” However, the phrase is rarely used in Casual Conversations amongst Native Speakers. With these in mind, let’s look at some other ways.

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Saying “You’re Welcome!” in a more Casual Situation

First up, let’s take a look at “いえいえ (ieie).” When taken literally, the phrase itself means “No, No”. This is typically used when someone is expressing their innermost gratitude towards you. However, all you wanted to tell them was something along the lines of “Nah, don’t mention it”

By the way, there are many ways to say “no” in Japanese

Next, we take a look at “とんでもない (Tondemonai),” a phrase used to indicate that “It’s nothing” in a casual conversation. Usually, some Japanese people use this as an informal way of saying “You’re Welcome” as well.

Next up, we have “よかった (Yokatta)“. This phrase would usually be “I’m glad.” When placed following the Te-form of a word (E.g., 好きで/助けになれて), it can mean something like “I’m glad you liked it/I was able to help you,” whatever you feel is appropriate or relevant to the context of the conversation.

Another word that’s occasionally used is “気にしないで (Kinishinaide).” The phrase means “No Worries” but can also be used in certain contexts to say “You’re Welcome.”

For example, someone may go on to say something like “Oh my, thank you so much, is there anything I can do to repay you a favour?” in Japanese. In this case, you can simply use the word “気にしないで (Kinishinaide)” to tell them, “It’s okay, no worries.”

Lastly, we look at a phrase known as “いえいえ、いつでも声かけて (Ieie, itsudemo koe kakete)“. The phrase itself is composed of “いえいえ” and “いつでも声かけて”. Of which, the former we had covered in an earlier part of this section.

As such, let’s take a look at the latter, “いつでも声かけて.” The second part of this phrase would mean something like “I’m here for you if you need help” or “Let me know if you need help again.”

Adding the two together would make the phrase mean, “It’s fine. Let me know if you ever need help again!”

In a more Formal Situation…

But then again, there must be other alternatives for a more formal and business context, right? This is where the next 3 phrases and expressions come in. Other Formal Japanese(Keigo) used in formal situations can be found here

The first of which would be “恐縮でございます (Kyoushuku de gozaimasu)“. The word “恐縮 (Kyoushuku)” refers to feeling obliged. The word “でございます (de gozaimasu),” on the other hand, refers to “Being.”

When put together, the phrase would refer to “I am Obliged,” or so you would say in a formal situation when somebody thanks you.

Moving on, we take a look at the phrase: お役に立ってよかった (Oyakunitatte yokatta). “役に立って (Yakunitatte)” refers to being helpful or useful. By adding the Honorific Prefix “お (O)” to the front of the word, we can, in turn, make it sound more polite towards the other party.

“よかった (Yokatta)” can be translated to “I’m glad,” as mentioned in the earlier section. Combining the two, the phrase/expression somehow means, “I am glad that I was of use to you.”

Last but not least, another phrase in which you can use is こちらこそ (Kochirakoso). “こちら (Kochira)” refers to over here but can also refer to me, Myself. “こそ (Koso)” refers to for sure and can be used to emphasize the preceding word.

When the words are combined, they mean “(Surely it should be me) It is I, who should say so.” This expression can often be used when someone thanks you for something, but you would also like to thank them back.

Let’s watch a video to recap on what we have learned today!

With these words, phrases, and expressions up your sleeves, are you ready to use them in your daily Japanese conversations?

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FAQ

How do you say "you're welcome" in Japanese?

The most common and polite way is どういたしまして (dō itashimashite). For informal situations, いえいえ (iie iie) or とんでもない (tondemo nai) are often used.

What is the polite way to say "you're welcome" in Japanese?

Use どういたしまして.

What are some casual ways to say "you're welcome" in Japanese?

You could use いえいえ or とんでもない.

Are there regional variations in how to say "you're welcome" in Japanese?

You could use いえいえ or とんでもない.

Are there regional variations in how to say "you're welcome" in Japanese?

While these are the most common ways, regional variations or nuances may exist.

Want to study Japanese with us?

Inquire Now

There are four basic Japanese greetings, or aisatsu (挨拶), that can be used at different times of the day. If you’re starting to learn Japanese, this will be the first thing you’re introduced to. After all, you don’t want to accidentally claim “Good morning” in the middle of the night or say “Have a good rest!” when you wake your friend to start the day.

But beyond that, there are many other ways to say hello in Japanese. Want to know other Japanese greetings besides saying “ohayou gozaimasu” and “konbanwa”? In this article, you’ll learn not only the basic Japanese greetings, but also more intermediate and advanced ways to say “hi” in Japanese different contexts.

1. Ohayou Gozaimasu (おはようございます): Good Morning in Japanese

おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu) is the polite way to say “good morning” in Japanese and is commonly used until around noon. Having a good command of Japanese greetings is the first step toward building smooth relationships in Japan. Whether you are coming for a short trip or a few years, learning to greet people confidently in Japanese is the key to leaving a good impression.

Of course, knowing how to say good morning is important if you are working with Japanese. The impression you give is largely determined by the morning greetings.

In Japanese, we have a phrase that encourages initiative.

相手より先に!
Aite yori saki ni!
Be earlier than others (to say it)!

Of course, you might not always be the first to notice a colleague or someone you know in the hallways or the elevators. But if you were to be the first, you should greet the person as soon as you notice her presence. You should care to say ohayou gozaimasu regardless of the person’s rank: whether you encounter your chief or the new intern. Actually, even if you meet someone who never cares to answer back, you should care to say hello anyway.

Greeting a colleague:
○○さん、おはよう。
○○ san, ohayou.

Greeting your chief:
○○課長、おはようございます。
○○ kachou, ohayou gozaimasu.

Ohayou gozaimasu is not only a way to say good morning but also to create a certain intimacy and the art of starting a conversation. The most common topic is the weather of the day and the season in general.

Japanese also like to discuss sports, news, and cultural events. These small talks are very useful for creating a nice atmosphere between people, and more than the topic, the conversation itself is the key to getting along with others.

おはようございます。今日も朝から暑いですね。
Ohayou gozaimasu. Kyou mo asa kara atsui desu ne.
Good morning. Today too, it is hot from the morning.

おはようございます。昨日のサッカー見ました？すごかったですね。
Ohayou gozaimasu. Kinou no sakkaa- mimashita? Sugokatta desune.
Good morning. Did you watch the football last night? It was really great.

おはようございます。昨日はどうもご馳走様でした。
Ohayou gozaimasu. Kinou ha doumo gochisousamadeshita.
Good morning. Thank you for yesterday’s feast.

In Japan, especially in the working environment, the importance of greetings is serious. Outside your workplace, if you miss the chance to say ohayou gozaimasu to clients or people who know your company, here’s the Japanese thinking: “the employee of this company did not greet us decently”. Their opinion of the entire company will take a hit!

Another point you might have noticed or heard is that Japanese people bow even when they are on the phone and their interlocutors cannot see them. Bowing is not only a habit but also a way to be respectful at all times and to give a good impression to people around.

How is this greeting used at work?

A: おはようございます。
A: Ohayou gozaimasu.
A: Good morning.

B: おはようございます。
B: Ohayou gozaimasu.
B: Good morning.

A: 今日はいい天気ですね.
A: Kyou wa ii tenki desune.
A: The weather is fine today.

B: そうですね。いい天気ですね。
B: Sou desune. Ii tenki desune.
B: Yes, the weather is nice.

The unique thing about おはようございます is that it can be used at any hour of the day. You will notice this in a lot of work environments, like your part-time job.

The first thing you need to say as a greeting when you clock into your shift is おはようございます, even if you are doing a late-night shift.

The reason? It’s because, instead of the exclusively “good morning”, you use おはようございます to greet someone new for the first time that day.

2. Konnichiwa (こんにちは): Good Afternoon in Japanese

What does こんにちは (Konnichiwa) mean? こんにちは (konnichiwa) is a standard greeting that means “hello” or “good afternoon,” typically used from late morning to early evening.
Usually, it can be used as the Japanese word for saying “hi” or “hello”.

こんにちは（Konnichiwa) is usually written in hiragana, but if you write it in kanji, it’s 今日は, which can also be read as きょうは (kyo wa). This directly translates to “today is”.

Originally, people often greeted each other with:

今日は天気が良いですね
Kyou wa tenki ga ii desune.
Today, the weather is nice.

今日は暑いですね.
Kyou wa atsui desune.
Today, it is hot.

Over time, people began to shorten their greetings by cutting off the latter portions, eventually resulting in こんにちは (konnichiwa).

At times, people ask, “What part of speech is こんにちは?”

Is it a noun? Greetings, including おはよう (ohayou), こんにちは (konnichiw) and こんばんは (konbanwa)are not nouns, but interjections. Interjections are words that we use when our hearts are stirred.

For example, look at what someone said when given a flower bouquet. You would say:

わぁー。きれいだなぁ。
Waa! Kirei da naa!
Waa, it’s so beautiful!

Another example is someone forgetting their homework.

あっ。宿題を忘れた。
Aa, shukudai o wasureta.
Aa, I forgot my homework!

In both cases, the phrase phrases “わぁー” and “あっ” are interjections. Therefore, greetings encompass the stirring of our hearts when we meet someone and the feeling of wanting to communicate with the people we meet.

3. Konbanwa (こんばんは): Good Evening in Japanese

Sounding similar to こんにちは (Konnichiwa), こんばんは (Konbanwa) is the Japanese greeting for “good evening”. According to NHK, the national public broadcasting organization in Japan, こんばんは should be used when the sun has already set and it has gotten dark usually at around 7 pm in summer and in winter time it will be around 5.30 pm.

How to use this Japanese greeting

How you can use “Konbanwa ” is actually similar to how you can use “ohayougozaimasu” in the morning. Besides saying it as a simple greeting, It is a good phrase to start friendly small talk with your friends

For example:

こんばんは！今日のテストどうだった？
Konbanwa! Kyounotestodoudatta?
Good evening! How was the test today?

こんばんは！今日は一日中雨降っていましたね。
Ｋonbanwa! Kyouwa ichinichijuu amefutteimashitane
Good evening! It was raining all day today, wasn’t it?

こんばんは！飲みにいきましょう！
konbanwa! Nomini ikimashou!
Good evening! Let’s go and have a drink!

4. Oyasumi (おやすみ): Goodnight in Japanese

Generally, the Japanese expression for saying” good night is “おやすみ“(Oyasumi). However, it may be inappropriate to use it sometimes, depending on the situation.

Situation 1: When Someone Is Going to Bed

Similar to you saying “goodnight” when your friend (or someone who is close to you) is going to bed, you can use “Oyasumi” to wish goodnight to your friend. You can also say “oyasumi” to your friend when you are about to sleep.
For Example: When you are on the phone with your friend.

そろそろ寝(ね)るね、おやすみ。
Sorosoro nerune, oyasumi
I’m about to sleep, goodnight.

おやすみ。
Oyasumi
Goodnight.

When your friend says ”oyasumi” to you, you should also reply to your friend with “oyasumi”.

When wishing goodnight to someone superior to you, instead of saying “oyasumi”, you should use the more formal form “おやすみなさい“.

For example, when you are on a business trip with your supervisor, he is going to sleep.

今日はちょっと疲れたから、先に寝るよ, おやすみ。
Kyouwa chotto tsukaretakara, sakini neruyo, oyasumi
I will sleep first because I’m a little tired today, goodnight.

はい,　おやすみなさい！
Hai, oyasuminasai.
Sure, goodnight!

Situation 2: When Leaving to Go Home Late at Night

Oyasumi can also be used when it is late at night and someone is leaving to go home. For example, when you and your colleagues are on the last train, your friend is alighting before you.

You can say:

今日は一日お疲れ様でした、おやすみなさい。”
Kyowa ichinichi otsukaresamadeshita, oyasuminasai
Thanks for your work today, good night.

However, unless you are very close with him/her, do not use “おやすみ (oyasumi)” to someone superior to you as it may be considered impolite. Use the more formal form: “おやすみなさい” instead.

It is rarely the case that some people may find”おやすみなさい” inappropriate to be said to a superior person. This is because, in the strict sense, “おやすみなさい (oyasuminasai)” does not belong to any type of Japanese Keigo.

To avoid trouble, alternatives you can use one of the two:

お疲れ様でした
Otsukaresamadeshita.
Thank you for your hard work.

今日はありがとうございました
Kyouwa arigatougozaimashita.
Thank you for today.

5. もしもし (Moshi moshi): Hello (on the phone)

Moshi moshi is a phone-specific greeting in Japanese. It’s used when you answer the phone or when you’re trying to get someone’s attention over the line. It’s casual and never used in face-to-face conversation. You can also use it to check if the other person is still on the line if the connection seems quiet.

Example:
もしもし、田中ですが、佐藤さんはいらっしゃいますか？
Mosho moshi, Tanaka-san desu ga, Satou-san wa irasshaimasuka?
Hello, this is Tanaka. Is Sato-san there?

6. いらっしゃいませ (Irasshaimase): Welcome (to a store)

Irasshaimase is a very polite phrase used by shop and restaurant staff to welcome customers. It’s not typically used in everyday conversation, but you’ll hear it constantly in Japanese stores. It doesn’t expect a response. It’s purely a greeting to acknowledge your presence.

Example:
いらっしゃいませ！本日はこちらがセール中です。
Irasshaimase! Honjitsu wa kochira ga seeruchuu desu.
Welcome! These items are on sale today.

7. いってきます (Ittekimasu): I’m off / I’ll be back

Ittekimasu is said when leaving home or a familiar place, with the nuance that you’ll be back soon.

Example:
いってきます！今日も頑張ります。
Ittekimasu! Kyou mo ganbarimasu.
I’m off! I’ll do my best today.8. いってらっしゃい (Itterasshai): Take care / See you later

Itterasshai is the typical reply to ittekimasu, said by the person staying behind. It means “Go and come back safely” and expresses care and encouragement for the person leaving. It’s a warm and common phrase used between family members and close colleagues.

Example:
いってらっしゃい！気をつけてね。
Itterasshai! Ki o tsukete ne.
Take care! Be safe.

9. ただいま (Tadaima): I’m home

Tadaima is said when returning home or back to a familiar place. It literally means “just now” but functions as “I’m back.” It’s a phrase that signals your return and lets others know you have arrived safely.

Example:
ただいま戻りました。
Tadaima modorimashita.
I’m back now.

10. おかえり / おかえりなさい (Okaeri / Okaerinasai): Welcome back

Okaeri (casual) and okaerinasai (polite) are used to greet someone who has just returned home. It’s the customary response to tadaima, showing warmth and hospitality. These phrases strengthen bonds within families and communities.

Example:
おかえりなさい。今日は早かったですね。
Okaerinasai. Kyou wa hayakatta desu ne.
Welcome back. You’re home early today.

11. おひさしぶりです (Ohisashiburi desu): Long time no see

Ohisashiburi desu is used when meeting someone after a long time apart. It’s polite and expresses happiness to see the person again. The casual form hisashiburi can be used among close friends or peers.

Example:
おひさしぶりです！お元気でしたか？
Ohisashiburi desu! O-genki deshita ka?
Long time no see! How have you been?

12. はじめまして (Hajimemashite): Nice to meet you

Hajimemashite is the greeting used when meeting someone for the first time. It shows respect and friendliness. Usually, it’s followed by an introduction of your name and yoroshiku onegaishimasu to express a desire for a good relationship.

Example:
はじめまして、ジョンと申します。よろしくお願いします。
Hajimemashite, Jon to moushimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Nice to meet you. My name is John. Please take care of me.

13. おつかれさまです (Otsukaresama desu): Thank you for your hard work

Otsukaresama desu is a polite phrase commonly used in workplaces to acknowledge someone’s effort or hard work. It can be said during or at the end of the workday. It helps create a positive and respectful work environment.

Example:

おつかれさまです。先ほどの会議、よかったですね。
Otsukaresama desu. Sakihodo no kaigi, yokatta desu ne.
Thank you for your hard work. That meeting earlier went well, didn’t it?

14. お世話になっております (Osewa ni natte orimasu): Thank you for your continued support

Osewa ni natte orimasu is a very formal phrase used mainly in business to express gratitude for someone’s ongoing help or support. It is often used in emails, phone calls, and formal meetings. This phrase helps maintain good professional relationships.

Example:
いつもお世話になっております。株式会社〇〇の山田です。
Itsumo osewa ni natte orimasu. Kabushikigaisha 〇〇 no Yamada desu.
Thank you for your continued support. This is Yamada from 〇〇 Corporation.

15. おじゃまします (Ojama shimasu): Excuse me for intruding

Ojama shimasu is said when entering someone’s home or private space. It expresses humility and acknowledges that you are entering someone else’s territory. It is a polite way to announce your arrival.

Example:
おじゃまします。今日はお招きありがとうございます。
Ojama shimasu. Kyō wa omaneki arigatou gozaimasu.
Excuse me for intruding. Thank you for inviting me today.

16. ようこそ (Youkoso): Welcome

Youkoso is a warm and formal way to say “welcome.” It is often used in speeches, signage, or to greet guests warmly. This phrase conveys hospitality and friendliness, making guests feel appreciated.

Example:
日本へようこそ！楽しんでくださいね。
Nihon e youkoso! Tanoshinde kudasai ne.
Welcome to Japan! Please enjoy your stay.

Want to learn Japanese beyond basic Japanese greeting?

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FAQ

What are the four basic Japanese greetings?

The four basic Japanese greetings are “Ohayou gozaimasu” (Good morning), “Konnichiwa” (‘Hello’ or ‘Good day’), and “Konbanwa” (‘Good evening’)

How to say thank you for the hard work in Japanese?

お疲れ様, or “otsukare sama”, means “thank you for your hard work.

How to say good morning in Japanese?

Ohayo (おはよう) means “good morning” in Japanese.

What is the difference between Konbanwa and Oyasumi?

Konbanwa is used to greet someone anytime in the evening, but oyasumi is strictly used when you want to go to bed and sleep.

What is the meaning of konnichiwa in Japanese?

In Japanese, konnichiwa means “Hello” or “Good Day” in Japanese. It is used when meeting someone during the day, until the evening.

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-person: JLPT Prep Course.
Online: JLPT Prep Course

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:

1. About the JLPT
2. About the JLPT N2 Exam
3. How to Prepare
- Mastering Kanji and Vocabulary
- Mastering Grammar
4. Offline/Online Courses Offered at Coto
- Offline Courses (Tokyo/Yokohama)
- Online Courses
5. Join our JLPT Prep Courses
6. How to Register
7. What Happens on Test Day
Start taking Japanese lessons at Coto and pass the JLPT N2!

1. About the JLPT

What is the JLPT?

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	– Kanji reading – Orthography – Word formation – Contextually-defined expressions – Paraphrases – Usage – Sentential grammar 1 (selecting grammar form) – Sentential grammar 2 (sentence composition) – Comprehension (short passages) – Comprehension (mid-size passages) – Integrated comprehension – Thematic comprehension (long passages) – Information retrieval
2. Listening	– 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?

how many hours does it take to pass jlpt - study hours 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!

For more information on necessary 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.

3. How to Prepare

Mastering Kanji and Vocabulary

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.)

We highly recommend you check out our JLPT N2 Kanji Self-Study Course (¥1,000) to learn the necessary N2 kanji.

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.

Click on the image to check it out!

Additionally, you can check out our JLPT N2 Kanji Writing Workbook (¥1,500).

JLPT N2 Kanji Writing Workbook / Worksheets E-book

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.

The JLPT N2 Grammar Workbook can also be purchased independently for ¥1,300.

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

Japanese teacher teaching Japanese to the students

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

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 (consumption tax included)

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.

For more information, visit the JLPT Official Website.

7. What Happens on Test Day

It’s your big 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 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!

Are you going to live in Japan? Better prepare yourself with a Japanese self-introduction, or a jikoshoukai. Early in your Japanese study, this language knowledge will help you establish yourself among Japanese friends and colleagues.

You will need to introduce yourself in Japanese in various contexts (such as school, work, parties, etc.). What should you say? How do you condense everything about yourself into just one or two minutes?

Do not be afraid. We will introduce the way to make a successful Japanese jikoshoukai step by step!

Want to advance your career with better Japanese communication skills? Check out Coto Academy’s 3-month Business Japanese Course, designed to help you build fluency in keigo, formal expressions, and workplace communication, so you can open more doors in your career!

Join Japanese Business Course

Starting A Conversation by Saying Nice to Meet You

Whether you are preparing to introduce yourself in Japanese to a curious crowd of classmates or an interviewer, saying hello first is very important! Depending on the time of the day, you may say ohayou gozaimasu, konnichiwa, konbanwa. Do you know the difference? If not, you can simply state はじめまして“hajimemashite,” or “nice to meet you.”

Watch this video below to learn how to say nice to meet you!

Self-Introduction (Jikoushoukai 自己紹介)

You can politely say your name with the to-be verb “desu” or the verb “to say” (言います). You should use a more formal structure in a more formal context, such as an interview. Note that Japanese people are used to giving their family name first and their given name second.

Casual

私の名前はボンド・ジェームズです。
Watashi nonamae ha bondo jieemuzu desu.
My name is James bond.

ボンド・ジェームズです。
Bondo, jieemuzu desu.
I am James Bond.

Polite

ボンド・ジェームズと言います。
Bondo, jieemuzu to iimasu.
My name is James Bond.

Formal

ボンド・ジェームズと申します。
Bondo, jieemuzu to moushimasu.
I am James Bond.

Where Are You From? ご出身はどちらですか？

Being a foreigner in Japan constantly stimulates the imagination of the Japanese. Whether you are from Spain, Germany, or Australia, they will more likely give some exotic origins and be surprised to hear the truth. So the next step in your jikoshoukai is to introduce your country and, eventually, your city! Tips: if you are American and wish to precise your state, you will have to use shuu (州, しゅう).

イギリス（のロンドン）から来ました。
Igirisu (no rondon) kara kimashita.
I came from London, England.

アメリカのカリフォルニア州から来ました。
Amerika no karifuorunia shuu kara kimashita.
I came from California, in America.

You can also tell where you are from with the word for origins (出身, しゅっしん), or an even easier way would be to give your nationality by adding jin (人, じん) after a country’s name.

マドリッド出身です。
Madoriddo shusshin desu.
I am from Madrid.

パリ出身です。
Pari shusshin desu.
I am from Paris.

ドイツ人です。
Doetsu jin desu.
I am German.

インドネシア人です。
Indoneshia jin desu.
I am Indonesian.

Why Do You Study Japanese? どうして日本語を勉強しているんですか？

This is the hot point of your introduction. Not only will the Japanese be flattered, but they will be eager to know why you are studying their language. If you are confident enough, you can speak about how long you have studied Japanese, how, where, etc.

日本の文化に興味があって、日本語を勉強しています。
Nihon no bunka ni kyoumi ga atte, nihongo wo benkyou shite imasu.
I am interested in Japanese culture, so I am studying Japanese.

字幕なしでアニメを見たいから、日本語を勉強しています。
Jimaku nashi de anime o mitaikara, nihongo o benkyō shite imasu.
I study Japanese because I want to watch anime without the help of subtitles.

Why Are You In Japan? どうして日本に来たんですか？

You could have closed earlier. But giving more details is the recipe for a good jikoshoukai, after which you will proudly answer the crowd’s questions. Many reasons might have led you to live in Tokyo, Kawagoe, or Sapporo. Whether you are in Japan for a short stay out of pure curiosity or a longer commitment, you should say…

日本語を勉強するために日本に来ました。
Nihongo wo benkyou suru tame ni nihon ni kimashita.
I came to Japan to study Japanese.

日本で働きたいから、日本に来ました。
Nihon de hatarakitaikara, Nihon ni kimashita.
I came to Japan because I want to work here.

旅行できました。
Ryoko de kimashita.
I came to travel.

卒業旅行できました。
sotsugyo ryoko de kimashita.
I came for the graduation trip.

新婚旅行できました。
shinkon ryoko de kimashita.
I came because of my honeymoon.

Introducing Your Occupation? 日本で何をしていますか？

Whether you are a student or working, the “occupation” has an essential place in Japanese culture. Introducing yourself in Japanese about what you are doing will not be surprising. Students can say that they are studying at a University or in a school or state where they are (university or not) students.

大学/学校で勉強しています。
Daigaku /gakkou de benkyou shite imasu.
I am studying at a university/school.

（大）学生です。
(dai) gakusei desu.
I am a (university) student.

If you are working, the following examples should help you prepare your introduction:

エンジニアです。
Engina desu.
I work as an engineer.

英語の先生です。
Eigo no sensei desu.
I am an English teacher.

日本の会社で働いています。
Nihon no kaisha de hataraite imasu.
I’m working for a Japanese Company.

外資系の会社で働いています。
Gaishikei no kaisha de hataraite imasu.
I’m working for a global company.

Depending on your level, you can always give a richer jikoshoukai explaining in more detail what you are studying or exactly doing at your workplace.

Introducing Interests and Hobbies

This part would be wise in a friendly context. If you are meeting new people, sharing your passions in Japanese is always enjoyable. You can speak about your hobbies and what you like in various ways, but the two easiest ones are the expression to like (好き, suki) and the word hobby (趣味, shumi).

料理好きです。
Ryouri suki desu.
I like cooking.

趣味はスポーツです。
Shumi ha supottsu desu.
My hobby is sport.

趣味は漫画を読むことです。
Shumi ha manga wo yomu koto desu.
My hobby is to read manga.

The Final Step: よろしく Yoroshiku!

We have spoken before of the wonders of the Japanese yoroshiku onegaishimasu, an expression challenging to translate into other languages. A jikoushokai usually ends with this phrase, meaning in such context that you look forward to the relationship with your new friends.

Casual

よろしく！
Yoroshiku!
Nice to meet you!

Formal

今後もどうぞよろしくお願い致します。
Kongo mo douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
I look forward to our relationship from now on.

Polite

どうぞよろしくお願いします。
Douzo yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
I look forward to our relationship.

Example of a Full Japanese Self-introduction

Great! Now that we’ve learned the key parts of a 自己紹介 (jikoshoukai), let’s put everything together into a cohesive, natural self-introduction.

Casual Jikoshoukai

This form of self-introduction is perfect for everyday or casual settings, such as introduction to a stranger in a classroom.

はじめまして、〇〇です。アメリカから来ました。東京で日本語を勉強しています。趣味は映画を見ることとカフェ巡りです。よろしくお願いします！

Hajimemashite, 〇〇 desu. Amerika kara kimashita. Toukyou de nihongo o benkyō shiteimasu. Shumi wa eiga o miru koto to kafe meguri desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

Nice to meet you, I’m 〇〇. I’m from the U.S. I’m studying Japanese in Tokyo. My hobbies are watching movies and visiting cafes. Looking forward to getting to know you!

Formal Jikoshoukai

This jikoshoukai is used when you are introducing yourself to a manager, client, or prospective employer during your job interview.

本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。〇〇と申します。アメリカ出身で、大学では国際関係を専攻いたしました。
卒業後は貿易会社で2年間勤務しておりました。日本の企業文化に興味があり、貴社で新しい挑戦ができればと思っております。本日はどうぞよろしくお願いいたします。

Honjitsu wa ojikan o itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu.〇〇 to moushimasu. Amerika shusshin de, daigaku de wa kokusai kankei o senkō itashimashita. Sotsugyou-go wa boueki gaisha de ni-nenkan kinmu shite orimashita. Nihon no kigyou bunka ni kyōmi ga ari, kisha de atarashii chousen ga dekireba to omotte orimasu. Honjitsu wa douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.

Thank you very much for your time today. My name is 〇〇. I’m from the U.S. and studied international relations at university. After graduating, I worked at a trading company for two years. I’m very interested in Japanese corporate culture and hope to take on new challenges at your company. I look forward to speaking with you today.

Free Jikoshoukai Infographics

Infographic explaining how to introduce yourself (Jikoshoukai) in Japanese, including phrases for name, nationality, occupation, hobbies, and closing greetings — Master the Art of Jikoshoukai: Essential Phrases for Introducing Yourself in Japanese.

Etiquette

Proper etiquette is essential for Japanese culture. When introducing yourself in Japanese, your manner should be professional and appropriate.

Japanese people usually do not shake hands in professional settings, so it is usually best to bow instead. People generally bow once at the beginning and the end of their jikoshoukai.

Handshakes are sometimes okay for casual interactions. Make sure to “read the air” of the situation to see if they are appropriate.

In many professional settings, it is best to keep your hands at your sides while you talk. Avoid crossing your arms, if possible!

In the case of business settings, you might also encounter exchanging business cards or meishi 名刺. Here is what you should do:

Prepare Your Meishi in Advance: Before the meeting, ensure your meishi are in a cardholder and accessible. This shows organization and respect for the person you are meeting.
Present Your Card with Both Hands: Hold your meishi to face the recipient, allowing them to read it easily. Extend it towards them with both hands, typically with the thumb and forefinger of each hand at opposite corners of the card.
Introduce Yourself (Jikoshoukai): As you present your card, briefly introduce yourself.
Receiving a Meishi: When someone offers you their meishi, accept it with both hands. It is polite to express your gratitude and acknowledge the receipt:
Review the Meishi: After receiving it, take a moment to look at the card carefully. Show interest and respect for the information provided.
Properly Store the Meishi: After examining it, place it in your cardholder or a respectful location, not in your pants pocket or anywhere informal.

If you are having a meeting with the person after changing the name card, you should place it on the table on the right or left side during the meeting!

Here are some blogs you can take a look on Japanese manners:

Now You Can Introduce Yourself in Japanese!

Now, you are ready for your very first 自己紹介 jikoshoukai! Always remember that a self-introduction with a group of friends or with your new boss will be different. You can be casual with people your age but should always be formal in a business environment. Be even more prepared to give a strong and polite self-introduction for a job interview! Need more tips on job interviews? Read the following blogs!

Want to study Japanese with us?

Inquire Now

Once you’ve learned how to self-introduce yourself in Japanese, we recommend practicing them with immersive Japanese listening conversations. Our Japanese podcasts are a great way to do this. The NHK World Japan Audio Shows also offer excellent listening practice for learners at any level.

FAQ

How to say nice to meet you in Japanese?

“Hajimemashite” (はじめまして) is the most common way to say “Nice to meet you” in Japanese.

What are the two common phrase to introduce yourself?

You can use two common phrases:

“[Name] to mōshimasu” (〇〇と申します) – This is a more formal and humble way to introduce your name.
“[Name] desu” (〇〇です) – This is the most straightforward way to say “My name is…”

How to introduce where I am from?

You can use the phrase “〇〇から来ました” (〇〇からきました) where “〇〇” is the name of your country or region. For example, “Nihon kara kimashita” means “I am from Japan.”

What to keep in mind when doing self-introduction?How to start a self-introduction in Japan?

Generally, you start with a greeting, followed by your name, where you are from, and occupation. You can also add information about your hobbies or interests.

What to keep in mind when doing self-introduction?

Yes, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Humble language: Using humble language can show respect and humility, especially in formal settings.
Bowing: Bowing is a common gesture of respect in Japanese culture. A slight bow is usually sufficient for a casual introduction.
Eye contact: While maintaining eye contact is essential in many cultures, in Japan, it’s considered polite to avoid prolonged eye contact, especially with people of higher social status.

What are some polite phrases to say please?

Some polite phrases you can use are:

“Dōzo yoroshiku” (どうぞよろしくお願いします) – This is a more polite way to say the same thing.
“Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (よろしくお願いします) – This phrase is used to ask for kind treatment or cooperation.

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-person: JLPT Prep Course.
Online: JLPT Prep Course

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:

1. About the JLPT

What is the JLPT?

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.

Section	Question types
1. Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)	– Kanji reading – Orthography – Contextually-defined expressions – Paraphrases – Usage
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) – Comprehension (long passages)
3. Listening	– 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?

how many hours does it take to pass jlpt - study hours 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!

For more information on necessary 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.

3. How to Prepare

Mastering Kanji and Vocabulary

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.)

We highly recommend you to check out our JLPT N3 Kanji Self-Study Course (¥1,000) to learn the necessary N3 kanji.

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.

Click on the image to check it out!

Additionally, you can check out our JLPT N3 Kanji Writing Workbook (¥1,000).

JLPT N3 Kanji Writing Workbook / Worksheets E-book

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:

Basic Sentence Patterns
Particles (wa, ga, o, ni, de)
Particles (no, to, mo, kara, made, ga)
Verbs
20 Must-Know Grammar Points for the JLPT N3

We have also prepared for you a free, downloadable Japanese Particles Cheat Sheet & Guide.

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.

The JLPT N3 Grammar Workbook can also be purchased independently for ¥1,300.

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

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 (consumption tax included)

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.

For more information, visit the JLPT Official Website.

7. What Happens on Test Day

It’s your big test day!

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 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!