What each level means
Official descriptions, summarised, with the parts of this course that prepare you.
| Level | You can | Course stages |
|---|---|---|
| N5 | read kana and basic kanji, understand slow everyday phrases | Script, first words, sentence basics |
| N4 | follow everyday conversation on familiar topics | + describing and doing, everyday topics |
| N3 | read everyday material, follow near-natural speech | + building sentences |
| N2 | read newspapers, follow a range of natural speech | + upper grammar, media |
| N1 | read complex texts, follow fast speech on any topic | + real Japanese, advanced skills |
The sections
Every level tests the same three areas, grouped slightly differently.
Language knowledge: vocabulary
Grammar and reading
Listening
How passing works
You need the total pass mark and a minimum in every section, so you cannot pass on reading alone.
How long each level takes
Rough study hours from zero, for learners whose first language uses an alphabet. Learners who know Chinese characters usually need fewer.
| Level | Kanji | Approx. hours |
|---|---|---|
| N5 | about 100 kanji | ≈ 300 to 500 hours |
| N4 | about 300 | ≈ 600 to 800 |
| N3 | about 650 | ≈ 1,000 to 1,300 |
| N2 | about 1,000 | ≈ 1,600 to 2,000 |
| N1 | about 2,000 | ≈ 3,000+ |
On the test day
Words you will see on the voucher and in the room.
Check yourself
Try each one, then open the answer to check and hear it.
- the Japanese name of the JLPT
Show answer
Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken - I passed N2.
Show answer
Enu ni ni gōkaku shimashita. - the listening section
Show answer
chōkai
Beyond the JLPT
The JLPT does not test speaking or writing, which this course teaches to C2. Employers and universities in Japan often ask for N2 or N1 alongside an interview.
日本語能力試験Nihongo Nōryoku ShikenJLPTのno’sN2enu niN2にni(goal)合格しましたgōkaku shimashitapassed
次tsuginextはwa(topic)N1enu ichiN1をo(object)受けようukeyōlet’s takeとto(quote)思っていますomotte imasuam thinking