JLPT N4: Vocabulary, Grammar, and Study Plan
The second JLPT level, focused on understanding basic Japanese.
Overview
These notes summarize the official reading and listening goals. The JLPT FAQ explains that the test does not assess speaking or writing and does not publish fixed vocabulary, kanji or grammar lists. The counts below are editorial estimates, not exam requirements.
- Vocabulary target
- 1,500words
- Kanji target
- 300kanji
- Study hours
- Depends on prior study and practice
Reading and listening goals
- Understand familiar everyday passages using basic vocabulary and kanji
- Generally follow daily-life conversations spoken slowly
Vocabulary examples
A small sample of the kind of words that appear at this level.
| Kanji | Kana | English |
|---|---|---|
| 旅行 | りょこう | travel, trip |
| 将来 | しょうらい | future |
| 説明する | せつめいする | to explain |
| 親切 | しんせつ | kind (na-adj) |
| 最近 | さいきん | recently |
Grammar examples
V-て form chains
Connecting verbs ('and then...')
朝起きて、コーヒーを飲んで、仕事に行きます。 (I wake up, drink coffee, then go to work.)
V-たい / V-たくない
Expressing desire
日本に行きたいです。 (I want to go to Japan.)
~ことができる
Can do / ability
日本語を話すことができます。 (I can speak Japanese.)
Suggested study plan
Use this sequence as a starting point and adjust it to your current skills and available time.
- Review earlier material that still blocks comprehension.
- Add vocabulary and kanji inside words and sentences.
- Continue a beginner grammar course and daily-life listening.
- Use official N4 samples to choose further practice.
Common questions
How long does N4 take after N5?+
There is no single study deadline that predicts a pass. Compare your reading and listening with the official sample questions, then plan practice around the gaps. Prior study, available time and the task all affect your pace.
How many kanji are on JLPT N4?+
About 300 kanji total, including the ~100 from N5. The N4 syllabus also expects fluent reading of common compound words written in those kanji.
Should I skip N5 and go straight for N4?+
Only if you've already mastered N5 material. The JLPT does not require you to pass N5 first, but the levels build on each other; weak N5 grammar is the most common reason candidates fail N4.
Is N4 enough to live in Japan?+
An N4 result describes tested reading and listening. It does not certify that you can manage every daily-life situation or hold a conversation; practise the interactions your own plans require.
Related guides
Inku's current catalog includes curated vocabulary bundles for every JLPT level from N5 through N1. Download Inku to study the full deck.
