Japanese Language Proficiency Tests (JLPT) is segregated into 5 levels, N5 being the basic to N1 the most advanced. We have customized each level in this JLPT guide which include study advises, resources and test-taking strategies.
Beginner Level N5 Focused Areas:
- Vocabulary: There are around 800 words and phrases.
- Grammar: However, basic simple sentence formation, particles and conjugations are included in basic grammar.
- Kanji: There are around 100 characters in basic N5 kanji.
Study Tips and tricks:
- To build vocabulary, use flashcards such as Anki or Quizlet.
- Practice with N5 vocabulary sets.
- Learn and practice kanji radicals.
- To master grammar study from textbooks like “Genki I” or “Minna no Nihongo I.”
- Practice and use sentence structure.
Listening Skills:
- Listen to important related Japanese podcasts and YouTube channels.
- You can also utilize the JLPT N5 listening practice audio.
Resources:
- Textbooks: You can buy textbooks such as Genki I and Minna no Nihongo I.
- You can even download the applications like Anki, WaniKani, and Tae Kim’s Guide.
- Online Practice: Official JLPT Practice Tests, NHK Easy News.
Test Taking Strategies:
- Go through the question paper in order to understand the format.
- Do not get stuck on any particular question, try to answer the well-known questions first.
- While attending the listening part, do concentrate on all the terms.
Elementary Level N4 Focused Areas:
- Vocabulary: There are around 1500 words in N4 elementary level.
- Grammar: Sentences are written in a more elegant and simpler format.
- Kanji: There are around 300 characters in N4 elementary level.
- Listening: Try to listen to everyday news in little quicker speed than you used to listen in N5
Study Tips:
- Create more flashcards and practice more.
- Incorporate reading exercises to help you grasp words in context.
- Graded readers may assist in improving kanji reading and writing abilities.
- Use kanji apps to track your progress.
- Use “Genki II” or “Minna no Nihongo II” to increase grammar comprehension.
- Practice with JLPT N4 Elementary level grammar notes.
- Watch Japanese TV shows, plays, or anime with subtitles to strengthen your listening abilities.
- Use hearing tests and dictation activities.
Resources:
- Textbooks: Genki II and Minna no Nihongo II.
- Apps include Anki, LingoDeer, and Human Japanese.
- Online resources: JLPT official practice exams, JapanesePod101. Test-taking strategies:
- Answer the more straightforward questions first to get those points.
- Eliminate tricky multiple-choice questions.
- Take notes during the listening phase to retain critical information.
N3: Intermediate Level Focused Areas:
- Vocabulary: Approximately 3,000 terms, both common and semi-formal.
- Grammar includes complex sentence constructions, conjunctions, and subtleties.
- Kanji: Approximately 650 characters.
- Listening: Conversations at an average pace in diverse circumstances.
Study Tips:
- To improve vocabulary, read relevant news items, blogs, and novels.
- Practice with JLPT N3 vocabulary lists and sample sentences.
- To consolidate your kanji skills, practice writing and reading advanced kanji regularly.
- To maintain kanji information, use spaced repetition techniques (SRS).
Grammar proficiency:
- Apply “Tobira” instead of “An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese.”
- Perform exercises based on JLPT N3 grammar points.
- Improve listening skills by engaging with Japanese media, including radio, podcasts, and TV.
- Shadowing might help you enhance your understanding and pronunciation.
Resources:
- Textbooks: Tobira, An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese.
- Apps include Anki, Memrise, and JLPT Sensei.
- Online Practice: Official JLPT Practice Tests on NHK News Web Easy.
Test-taking Strategies:
- Understand the test format and questions.
- Context cues help you understand the meaning of new words or characters.
- To better understand the context, try to visualize the scenarios while listening.
- N2: Pre-Advanced Level Focused Areas
- Vocabulary: Academic and commercial terms (about 6,000 words).
- Grammar consists of both sophisticated grammatical structures and conversational phrases.
- Kanji contains around 1,000 characters.
- Listening: Complex and intricate discussions at a natural pace.
- Study Tips:
- Reading newspapers, novels, and specialty journals may help you learn Kanji and vocabulary.
- Regularly practice the JLPT N2 vocabulary and kanji lists.
- Learn advanced grammar with the “Shin Kanzen Master N2” series.
- Concentrate on comprehending and using complex grammatical structures.
- Listen to Japanese news, podcasts, and business-related subjects.
- Engage in conversations with native speakers or language partners.
Resources:
- Textbooks: Shin Kanzen Master N2 series and Nihongo So-matome N2.
- Apps include Anki, iKnow!, and Satori Reader.
- Online practice includes authentic JLPT practice examinations and BJT Business
- Japanese Proficiency Test resources.
Test-taking Strategies:
- Before diving into the questions, go over the texts to gain a feel of the main points.
- While listening, pay attention to the speaker’s tone and hidden meanings.
- Allow time for evaluating and double-checking responses.
N1: Advanced Level Focused Areas:
- Vocabulary: Contains around 10,000 words of specialist terminology, idioms, and phrases.
- Grammar includes nuanced use, complex phrase structures, and formal terms.
- Kanji: Approximately 2,000 characters.
- Listening: High-level talks, lectures, and newscasts.
Study Tips:
- Read extensively, including academic papers, professional publications, and literature.
- Use advanced vocabulary sets and practice with real-life examples.
Advanced grammar and kanji:
- Study with the “Shin Kanzen Master N1” series.
- Use intricate sentence constructions and colloquial language.
- Listen to high-level Japanese media, including NHK, TED presentations, and university lectures.
- Engage in interactions with native speakers to improve understanding.
Resources:
- Textbooks: Shin Kanzen Master N1 series; Nihongo So-matome N1.
- Apps: Anki, WaniKani, and Yomiwa.
- Online Practice: JLPT Official Practice Tests, Advanced Japanese News Websites.
Test Taking Strategies:
- Prioritize time management, leaving enough time for reading comprehension and hearing components.
- While reading, rapidly identify the key arguments and supporting information.
- When listening, take notice of keywords and infer meanings from context and tone.