- N4 = understanding basic Japanese in everyday situations, spoken slowly.
- Common study estimates: ~300 kanji and ~1,500 words.
- Pass mark: 90 of 180 points, with minimums in each section.
- Many learners need 6–9 more months after N5 with steady study.
The N4 test format
| Section | What it tests | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Language knowledge: vocabulary | kanji readings, spelling, word usage | 25 min |
| Language knowledge: grammar · reading | grammar, sentence building, short texts | 55 min |
| Listening | everyday conversations | 35 min |
Like all JLPT levels, N4 is multiple choice only: no speaking, no writing.
Scoring
N4 is scored out of 180. You need at least 90 overall, plus at least 38 of 120 in language knowledge and reading and 19 of 60 in listening.
Key N4 grammar
- Plain forms of verbs and adjectives (casual speech)
- Potential form: たべられる (can eat), はなせる (can speak)
- Volitional form: いこう (let’s go), 〜ようとおもう (I’m thinking of…)
- Giving and receiving: あげる, くれる, もらう, also with て-form
- Conditionals: 〜たら, 〜と, 〜ば
- Passive and causative basics: たべられる (be eaten), たべさせる (make/let eat)
- Expressing intention and plans: 〜つもり, 〜よてい
- Appearance and hearsay: 〜そう, 〜ようだ, 〜らしい
Kanji and vocabulary
Around 300 kanji are typical for N4: the N5 set plus common verbs (思, 起, 送), places (駅, 病院), time and everyday topics. Vocabulary grows to around 1,500 words. The JLPT doesn’t publish official lists, so these are study estimates.
Build kanji efficiently with kanji radicals and our guide on how to memorise kanji.
From N5 to N4: a study plan
| Month | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Plain forms, casual conversation, 50 new kanji |
| 3–4 | Potential, volitional, giving/receiving, 100 kanji |
| 5–6 | Conditionals, passive/causative basics, 300 kanji total |
| 7+ | Reading practice, daily listening, timed mock tests |
Dates
Like N5, N4 is held on the first Sunday of July and December in many countries, with some locations offering only one date. Register through your local host institution.
N4 grammar in action
- にほんごがすこしはなせますnihongo ga sukoshi hanasemasuI can speak a little Japanese.Potential form.
- あしたやまにのぼろうとおもっていますashita yama ni noborō to omotte imasuI’m thinking of climbing a mountain tomorrow.Volitional + とおもう.
- ともだちがほんをくれましたtomodachi ga hon o kuremashitaA friend gave me a book.くれる: giving to me.
- あめがふったら、いきませんame ga futtara, ikimasenIf it rains, I won’t go.Conditional たら.
- おいしそうですねoishisō desu neThat looks delicious!Appearance そう.
How N4 differs from N5
| N5 | N4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Speech style | mostly polite です/ます | polite and casual |
| Kanji | ~100 | ~300 |
| Vocabulary | ~800 words | ~1,500 words |
| Reading | very short texts | short everyday texts, notices, emails |
| Listening | slow, simple dialogues | everyday conversations, still fairly slow |
Exam tips
- Do timed practice tests. Many people know enough but run out of time in the grammar and reading section.
- Read the question first in reading tasks, then scan the text.
- In listening, focus on the question at the start of each item; it tells you what to listen for.
- Don’t leave answers blank. There’s no penalty for wrong answers.
Frequently asked questions
How many kanji do you need for JLPT N4?
Around 300 kanji is the common study estimate, including the roughly 100 from N5.
What is the passing score for JLPT N4?
At least 90 out of 180 points overall, plus at least 38 of 120 in language knowledge and reading and 19 of 60 in listening.
How long does it take to go from N5 to N4?
Many learners need around six to nine months of steady study after passing N5, depending on time invested.
Is JLPT N4 much harder than N5?
N4 roughly triples the kanji (about 300) and doubles the vocabulary (about 1,500 words), and adds casual forms, potential, volitional, giving and receiving, and conditionals. It's a real step up, but a natural continuation of N5.