Learning and practicing your N4 Kanji? Do you know what kind of words to use to describe your favorite hobby? If you don’t, you will shortly after using our Kanji Worksheet
We have a new unit for you!
This is the third unit in the JLPT N4 series of free Kanji writing practice sheets that you can download and print.
You can check out our previously uploaded worksheets as well as look forward to more that we will update soon! Click here to download: FREE Kanji Writing Practice Sheet – JLPT N4 Hobbies – PDF
Want to learn and practice your JLPT N4 with a Kanji worksheet? Do you know what kind of words to use to describe the seasons, weather or animals in Japanese?
In This Article: Unit 2 JLPT N4 Kanji
We have a new unit for you!
This is the second unit in the JLPT N4 series of free Kanji writing practice sheets that you can download and print. You can check out our previously uploaded worksheets as well as look forward to more that we will update soon!
Click here to download: FREE Kanji Writing Practice Sheet – JLPT N4 Weather, Nature, Animal – PDF Check out these articles below to learn more about the seasons in Japan. https://cotoacademy.com/autumnal-equinox-day/ https://cotoacademy.com/support/free-jlpt-kanji-writing-worksheet-pdfs-for-jlpt/?preview_id=42594&preview_nonce=b293a95dac&preview=true
Do you know how to describe and write the position of something in Japanese using directions?
We have a new unit for your Kanji practice and studies! This features N5 Kanji that deal with directions such as up, down, north, south, etc.
This is the fifth unit in a series of free Kanji writing practice sheets that you can download and print. It features N5 Kanji that will appear on the JLPT N5, and mastering these kanji is an important step to passing the test!
This is the third in a series of free Kanji writing practice sheets that you can download and print.
This series deals with kanji related to the human body. If you want to learn Japanese Kanji that relates to the human body, then you can download these excerpts for free.
We will be releasing more over the coming weeks – so stay tuned to this page as we will update it with new links.
Start taking Japanese lessons and master Kanji skills with us!
Planning to take the JLPT N5? Although it is technically the lowest level a foreigner can take, the N5 can be a great milestone for those who want to see if they have made real progress. Understandably, the thought of taking the JLPT is stressful, with so many things to learn and consider. So, where do you start?
Good news is you are in the right place! In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the JLPT N5 exam (test contents, length, scoring methods), how to register, how to prepare, what happens on test day, and some resources and lessons we offer at Coto Academy to help you through your studies.
Want to take your JLPT preparation to the next level? We have in-person and online JLPT courses taught by our experienced Japanese instructors to help you ace your next JLPT exam!
JLPT stands for Japanese Language Proficiency Test, also known as 日本語能力試験. As the name suggests, the exam measures and certifies the Japanese proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers and is used by universities and employees inside and outside Japan. It is normally carried out twice a year in Japan and is also available in certain other countries. JLPT Exams are often taken by Japanese learners planning a future in Japan!
Check out our guides for other JLPT levels as well:
The JLPT is divided into 5 different levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5, with N1 being the most advanced level and N5 being the most basic.
The N4 and N5 tests you on basic Japanese that you can often learn in a classroom environment
The N3 acts as a bridge between N4/N5 and N2/N1
The N2 and N1 tests you on a wider spectrum of Japanese knowledge used in various situations in everyday life
Who should take the JLPT N5?
While JLPT is the most widely recognized standardized Japanese test, the JLPT N5 is often not enough to help you find employment. Still, the exam can be a viable first goal for beginner Japanese learners. You can set it as a short-term target. By taking the N5 Exam, you may be able to discover your strengths and weaknesses and pursue your studies more efficiently thereafter.
Addiionally, JLPT N5 has recently become more necessary when applying for certain types of student visas. In some cases, it is actually required that you have a JLPT N5 certificate before you can study in Japan!
If you’re seeking employment in Japan, holding JLPT N2 or, even better, JLPT N1 certification will give you a major advantage. Employers often grant preferential treatment to candidates who have passed N2 or N1, and N1 holders in particular can unlock the best opportunities.
What does the JLPT N5 test?
Generally, the JLPT N5 tests you on the understanding of some core basics of Japanese, including your ability to read and comprehend elementary expressions and sentences expressed in hiragana, katakana, and some kanji. You also need to be able to listen and comprehend typical, slow-spoken conversations abundant in everyday life and in classroom environments.
What are the different sections of N5 Exam?
The JLPT N5 Exam consists of three main sections. Each of the three sections tests you on different aspects of the Japanese language.
Section
Question types
1. Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
– Kanji reading – Orthography – Contextually-defined expressions – Paraphrases
For all of the above three sections, you must master approximately 800 vocabulary words and 100 kanji. The 800 vocabulary words covered in the N5 Exam will correspond to the most commonly used words in the Japanese language. The 100 kanji will cover those that are naturally used in simple daily conversations, such as those related to numbers, time and days of the week, family members, and basic verbs.
Furthermore, you must be familiar with typical grammar points such as basic particle usage (は、が、を) and basic formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives for past and present tenses. Before taking the test, you should be comfortable with reading and writing short, simple sentences.
Because the JLPT Exam does not test on speaking, learners who are not comfortable speaking in Japanese can theoretically still pass, as long as they have mastered the vocabulary, kanji, and grammar covered on the N5 Exam. (However, Japanese conversational abilities would make life much easier if you are seriously considering a future in Japan.)
If you are living in Japan already and want to improve your Japanese speaking, there are a variety of fun ways to practice Japanese and get out of your shell!
How long is the N5 Exam?
You are given different amounts of time for each of the three test sections.
Section
Time
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
20 minutes
Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading
40 minutes
Listening
30 minutes
Total Time
90 minutes
In total, you are given 90 minutes to complete the JLPT N5 Exam.
What is the scoring for the JLPT N5 like?
Although the N5 Exam contains three sections, the scoring is divided into two.
Section
Range of Scores
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading
0 – 120
Listening
0 – 60
Overall Score
0 – 180
Your overall score can range from anywhere between 0 to 180.
For the N5 Exam, a passing score is anything above an overall score of 80 points. However, in addition to meeting the overall score of 80 points, you must also meet sectional pass marks of 38 points in the Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading Section and 19 points in the Listening Section.
How long should I study for JLPT N5?
For students with kanji knowledge, like Chinese students, it takes 350 hours to pass the N5 exam. For other students who don’t have prior kanji knowledge, it takes 462 hours of studying.
These hours estimates are gathered when students self-report their estimated study time during the exam registration process. The question is added as a compulsory field.
In addition to hiragana and katakana, the JLPT N5 covers around 100 kanji and 800 vocabulary words. (Of course, you do not have to know all of them to pass, but it’s impossible to predict which ones will be on the exam.)
We highly recommend that you check out our JLPT N5 Self-Study Guide.
We have also provided several of the worksheets free of charge at the links below! These are very useful as they cover many of the kanji that you will be tested on during the N5 exam.
To become familiar with the most commonly used vocabulary words likely to appear on the JLPT N5 Exam, check out our list of the Top 100 Basic Japanese Words.
Mastering JLPT N5 Grammar
Although the JLPT N5 Exam scores vocabulary and grammar cumulatively, it is recommended that you study for them independently. The grammar section of the exam tests on basic particle usage (ha, ga, wo, etc.) and formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives for past and present tenses.
To learn grammar points covered on the N5 Exam, you can check out the below the articles on basic Japanese Grammar:
To help you get prepared for the listening section, we have a 30-day challenge for you!
In our Free JLPT N5 30-Day Grammar Listening Challenge, you will spend 15 minutes each day for 30 days improving your listening and learning new grammar points. Each day, you will be given two phrases or grammar points and check your understanding with a flash card matching game. By the end of the course, not only will you have strengthened your listening, but you will have also learned 60 grammar points necessary to pass the N5 Exam!
Although self-studying is a great way to study at your own pace, textbooks and worksheets may not perfectly prepare you for what’s to come on the JLPT Exam.
How to register for JLPT N5
Registering for the JLPT can be done online via the official JLPT website. The tests are conducted worldwide. In Japan, the JLPT is held annually in July and December. Make sure to check the official site for the list of overseas JLPT test sites.
Application Period: The July exam application periods end in April. December exam applications end in September
Before heading out to your test center, make sure to bring your test voucher, writing utensils (mechanical pencils are accepted), and maybe some snacks and a watch to help you with time management.
For examinees in Japan, your test will begin at 12:30, but the test center will already be open from 11:45. We recommend you head out early to be safe.
Once you arrive at your test venue, you will be asked to show your test voucher to the staff. Examinees are split into different rooms based on their voucher numbers. You will be instructed to enter one of these rooms.
The whole exam will take several hours to complete (in the case of the N5 Exam, an hour and a half), and you will get short breaks between each section. When the exam is finished, you will need to wait until all test papers have been collected before you can leave the room. Check out our article on JLPT tips for the actual day.
Taking the JLPT? Join Preparation Lessons at Coto Academy!
Planning to take the JLPT? Maximize your chances of success with customized lessons at Coto Academy. Our experienced instructors have helped hundreds of students pass the exam. You’ll cover all sections of the test and practice with real mock exams based on past JLPT papers.
Spots fill up quickly. Sign up today and start your path to JLPT success!
The JLPT N5 is considered to be the most basic level of Japanese. To pass the test you would need to know around 800 vocabulary words and 100 kanji characters. The test mostly uses hiragana, katakana, and just a bit of kanji. You would also need to understand simple Japanese conversation.
How many hours of studying is needed to pass the JLPT?
While it depends on your current level and linguistic background, on average, it could take around 460 hours of study if you are starting from scratch. If your native language already uses kanji, the hours of study could be much less, around 350 hours.
Would passing the JLPT N5 have benefits for visas or getting jobs?
Passing the JLPT N5 could be considered when applying for certain work or long-term stay visas. Some roles that require a basic level of Japanese would consider the N5 certification a plus point for your application.
Is taking the N5 worth it?
The JLPT N5, while still testing a basic level, is still very valuable. It’s a great way to gauge your Japanese level and progress, which can be very motivating. It’s also an official certificate that you can use on your resume or other documents, showcasing your skills.
Welcome to the ultimate guide to passing the JLPT N1 Exam!
The thought of taking JLPT is stressful, but what about preparing for them? With so many things to learn, it’s easy for anyone to feel completely disorganized.
Want to take your JLPT preparation to the next level? We have in-person and online JLPT courses taught by our experienced Japanese instructors to help you ace your next JLPT exam!
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the JLPT N1 Exam (test contents, length, scoring methods, etc.), how to register, how to prepare, what happens on test day, and some resources and lessons we offer at Coto Academy to help you through your studies.
Keep scrolling if you are considering or planning to take the JLPT N1 Exam!
Check out our guides for other JLPT levels as well:
Before we get started – what exactly is the JLPT? JLPT stands for Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, also known as 日本語能力試験. As the name suggests, the exam measures and certifies the Japanese proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers and is used by universities and employees inside and outside Japan. It is normally carried out twice a year in Japan and available in certain other countries. JLPT Exams are often taken by Japanese learners who are planning a future in Japan!
What are the different levels of the JLPT?
The JLPT is divided into five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5. N1 is the most advanced level, and N5 is the most basic.
The N4 and N5 test you on basic Japanese that you can often learn in a classroom environment
The N3 acts as a bridge between N4/N5 and N2/N1
The N2 and N1 test you on a wider spectrum of Japanese knowledge used in various situations in everyday life
Who should take the JLPT?What are the advantages of taking the N1?
If you are looking for a job or planning to pursue education in Japan, your JLPT scores will be useful. JLPT certifications can also be advantageous when immigrating to Japan, as those who have passed the N2 and N1 qualify for preferential treatment.
Additionally, passing the JLPT N1 Exam can be an ultimate goal for Japanese learners wanting to test their ability to understand Japanese used in various circumstances.
2. About the JLPT N1 Exam
What does the N1 Exam test on?
The JLPT N1 Exam is an exam for upper-intermediate/advanced-level speakers. The JLPT N1 tests your ability to understand Japanese in various circumstances. This includes having no difficulty in:
Reading writings with logical complexity and/or abstract writings on various topics, such as newspaper editorials and critiques, and comprehending their structures and contents.
Reading written materials with profound content on various topics, following their narratives, and comprehensively understanding the writers’ intent.
Comprehending orally presented materials such as coherent conversations, news reports, and lectures, spoken at natural speed in a wide variety of settings, and following their ideas and comprehending their contents comprehensively
Understanding the details of the presented materials, such as the relationships among the people involved, the logical structures, and the essential points
How many sections are on the N1 Exam?
To study for the JLPT N1 Exam efficiently, it is important to be aware of its structure. The exam consists of two main sections, each testing different aspects of the Japanese language.
Section
Question types
1. Language Knowledge(Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading
– Task-based comprehension – Comprehension of key points – Comprehension of general outline – Verbal expressions – Quick response – Integrated comprehension
What is and is not covered in the JLPT N1 Exam?
For the above three sections, you must master approximately 10000 vocabulary words and 2000 kanji. Although this may sound like a lot, you should already know around 6000 words and 1000 kanji from N2-N5, so you are already halfway there! The vocabulary words and kanji covered in the N1 Exam include nouns and verbs from N2-5 and more complex terms necessary to comprehensively understand difficult written materials such as newspapers and critiques. This is similar to N2, but N1 differs because it will require you to understand Japanese abstractly. Therefore, topics related to art and literature might require focus.
Furthermore, you must be familiar with around 400 grammar points related to particle usage, formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives for past and present tenses, and sentence combinations. Before taking the test, you should be comfortable reading and writing long passages.
Because the JLPT Exam does not test on speaking, Japanese learners who are not comfortable speaking in Japanese can theoretically still pass, as long as they have mastered the vocabulary, kanji, and grammar covered on the N1 Exam. (However, you must keep in mind that Japanese speaking and conversational abilities are still necessary for life if you are seriously considering a future in Japan!)
How long is the N1 Exam?
You are given different amounts of time for each of the two different test sections.
Section
Time
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) and Reading
110 minutes
Listening
60 minutes
Total Time
170 minutes
You are given 170 minutes to complete the JLPT N1 Exam.
What is the scoring for the JLPT N1 like?
Although the N1 Exam contains two sections, the scoring is divided into three.
Section
Range of Scores
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar)
0 – 60
Reading
0 – 60
Listening
0 – 60
Overall Score
0 – 180
In total, your overall score can range from anywhere between 0 to 180.
For the N1 Exam, a passing score is anything above an overall score of 100 points. However, besides meeting the overall score of 95 points, you must also meet sectional pass marks of 19 points in the Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) Section, Reading Section, and Listening Section. This means that even if your overall score is above 100 points if you do not meet the sectional pass marks for all three of the sections, you cannot pass. Thus, balancing your knowledge and avoiding relying on one section for points is important.
For how long should I study to pass the N1?
Students with kanji knowledge take 2150 hours of JLPT study to pass. With this time, you can travel from the south prefecture Yamaguchi in Honshu to the north prefecture Aomori on foot.
For other students, it takes about 3900 hours. Traveling around the world by cruise would take about the same time.
As previously mentioned, the JLPT N1 Exam covers around 2000 kanji (see the list of kanji by JLPT Sensei here) and 10000 vocabulary terms. (Of course, you do not have to know all of them to pass, but it’s impossible to predict which ones will be on the exam.)
By the time you are studying for the N1, you probably have already formed a solid study routine for Japanese kanji and vocabulary. Because the JLPT N1 tests you on many kanji and vocabulary, it is most efficient to memorize the kanji based on its usage rather than its meaning and pronunciation. It may also be useful to memorize parts of the kanji and the meanings of radicals. For a list of common kanji radicals. Visit this website.
The best way to master the kanji and vocabulary for N1 is to READ. Reading newspaper articles and magazines would be extremely effective in attaining the kanji and vocabulary you need, as most things featured on the JLPT N1 are at the same level as newspaper editorials and critiques. Reading news articles would help expand your vocabulary and improve your reading speed, comprehension skills, and ability to figure out meanings through context. You can easily access Japanese news articles on Yahoo, NHK, and Yomiuri Shinbun websites.
Mastering Grammar
To learn grammar points covered on the N1 Exam, you can check out our YouTube Channel, great for learning important N1 grammar points and improving your Japanese listening skills. We offer useful videos on phrases and grammar points commonly featured on the JLPT and include familiar examples to help you understand how they are often used in daily life. Here’s an example of our grammar videos:
If you are a person who learns better through videos and audio, check out our JLPT N1 Playlist where we have compiled all of the existing N1 grammar videos for you. Although we do not have as many videos as we do for other lower JLPT levels, we plan on expanding the playlist in the future!
Mastering Listening
The vocabulary used in the listening section is easier than in the reading section. However, we still recommend you get used to listening and simultaneously holding multiple Japanese sentences in your head. This skill is very important, as the JLPT exam does not let you hear the question until after you’ve heard the entire audio. To practice, watching Japanese films (without subtitles) and listening to podcasts is useful. Although watching the TV may also help, most things on television are strictly conversational. For the N1, focusing more on resources featuring educated discussions is recommended.
Recommended Textbooks
If you are looking for textbooks to help you through your studies toward an N1 certification, I recommend you check out the following:
New Kanzen Master Grammar (新完全マスター文法)
Nihongo Sou Matome (日本語総まとめ)
Both series prepare you for all the categories of study you will need, including Kanji, Vocabulary, Listening, Reading Comprehension, and Grammar.
Although self-studying is a great way to study at your own pace, textbooks, and worksheets may not perfectly prepare you for what’s to come on the JLPT Exam.
We recommend enrolling in offline or online courses at Coto to study for the N1.
4. Offline/Online Courses Offered at Coto
In addition to utilizing the resources mentioned above, we recommend you to check out Coto Academy‘s offline and online classes that are designed to fulfill your needs and help you through your studies with plentiful resources and interactive learning. (Offline classes are offered at our schools in Iidabashi (Tokyo) and Yokohama.)
Here is a list of lessons available at the JLPT N1 level. Click on your course of interest to learn more about the contents, price, and course schedule.
Coto Academy provides JLPT prep courses to help you ace your following JLPT exams; check the course information here and learn with us today!
Offline Courses (Tokyo/Yokohama)
Private Lessons – matched to our students’ Japanese study experience and comprehension and need 1-1 with a professional teacher. Instead of in small groups, you will privately meet a professional instructor and receive a lesson plan strictly designed to fit your needs and studying habits. Perfect for those wanting flexible scheduling to proactively tackle their language weaknesses.
JLPT Prep Courses – designed to prepare you for everything you will encounter on the JLPT in small groups of no more than 8 students. With in-house materials and an interactive classroom environment, you will work towards N1 certification alongside your peers.
Online Courses
Private Lessons – matched to our students’ Japanese study experience, comprehension, and needs 1-1 with a professional teacher online. Instead of in small groups, you will meet privately with a professional instructor online via Zoom and receive a lesson plan strictly designed to fit your needs and studying habits. Perfect for those wanting flexible scheduling to tackle their language weaknesses proactively.
Group Lessons
Advanced Japanese Explanation Training – designed to help each student develop the ability to explain topics using correct Japanese grammar. This course is conversational. You will learn to talk about various topics – hobbies, experiences, dream house, job, etc. – and strengthen your ability to think proactively in Japanese.
Read and Discuss Current Events – focused on improving the student’s ability to talk about recent news and important topics in Japanese naturally. You will read articles currently being discussed in Japanese news and actively discuss topics ranging from politics to the environment to economics. This course is recommended because the N1 includes many newspaper articles and critiques in its reading comprehension section.
JLPT N1 Online Prep Lecture – designed for students wanting to study individually with the lesson material while listening to the lecture on the screen. It is an affordable and convenient option for those seeking a high-quality seminar-style classroom taught by a professional native. We utilize our in-house exercises and study materials specialized for JLPT preparation in this lecture. You will be assigned materials each week on Google Classroom.
To sign up for and enroll in classes, visit this page and you will be directed to schedule a free interview!
5. Join our JLPT Prep Courses
For effective studying for the JLPT N1, we highly recommend our JLPT N1 Prep Course! This Japanese language course is available both online and offline and will prepare you to take and successfully pass the JLPT N1 with a mix of in-house materials and hand-selected materials trusted by our instructors. The course will strengthen your vocabulary, kanji, grammar, reading comprehension, and listening skills required to successfully obtain an N1 certification. By taking the JLPT N1 Prep Course, pass the exam and open more opportunities for your life in Japan!
For more information on JLPT Prep Courses (such as schedule and price), click here.
6. How to Register
Next Test Date: December 1st 2024
Application Period: Until September 12 (Thu), 17:00
Before heading out to your test center, bring your test voucher, writing utensils (mechanical pencils are accepted), and maybe some snacks and a watch to help you with time management.
For examinees in Japan, your test will begin at 12:30, but the test center will be already open from 11:45. We recommend you head out early to be safe.
Once you arrive at your test venue, you will be asked to show your test voucher to the staff. Examinees are split into different rooms based on their voucher numbers. You will be instructed to enter one of these rooms.
Once you have found and entered your room, you will find the desk with your number. You will receive instructions from staff and begin your exam when it’s time.
The whole exam will take several hours to complete (in the case of the N1 Exam, 170 minutes), and you will get short breaks between each section. When the exam is finished, you must wait until all test papers have been collected before leaving the room.
*Processes at overseas testing sites may differ.
You’ve reached the end of the ultimate guide to passing the JLPT N1 Exam. We hope this was helpful and wish you good luck on your studies!
Start taking Japanese lessons at Coto and pass the JLPT N1!
