JLPT: N5 basic to N1 most advanced

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.
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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.