Are you willing to pursue JLPT N4? In this blog, we will learn about JLPT N4 and learn a few tips and tricks to clear the JLPT N4 test in 2024. This guide covers everything you need to know about N4, including study tips, key resources, and actionable strategies to ace the test while improving your real-world Japanese skills. Whether you're preparing for the JLPT or seeking to enhance your language proficiency, this guide is your roadmap to mastering Japanese at the N4 level!

About JLPT N4: Fees, Advantages, Passing Marks, Tips for Exam

Advantages of the JLPT N4 Level

These JLPT certificates will be very advantageous for those who are willing to pursue education in Japan or work for a Japanese company.

In this blog, we will focus more on how the JLPT certificates will be useful and how they prove your interest in the Japanese language.

For those Japanese language learners willing to test their skills and basic Japanese knowledge, this JLPT N4 level certificate can be a perfect goal. You can easily discover your strengths and weaknesses by opting for this JLPT N4 level exam and even further pursue your Japanese language studies. An N4 certificate can prove your mastery of the Japanese language and can motivate you to move ahead to higher JLPT levels.
 

Different sections of the JLPT N4 Level.

The JLPT N4 level is further divided into 3 major sections as follows:

• Vocabulary: kanji, orthography, contextually defined expressions, paragraphs, and their usages.
• Grammar and Reading: Grammar form, sentence composition, short and mid-length passages.
• Listening: task-based comprehensions, verbal expressions, and quick responses.
   

In the JLPT N4 level, there are around 1500 vocabulary words and 300 kanji. That is, 200 kanji and 700 vocabulary words are added to N4 rather than N5.

On the N4 Level, nouns and verbs and daily expressions, adjectives, adverbs, and some katakana words are included in 1500 vocabulary words. The N4 level will cover the kanjis that are used in a variety of places, such as restaurants and workplaces. 

However, the N5 level included kanji that were used in daily life. Once you master the N4 level, you will be able to handle the daily situations hassle-free.

Apart from kanjis and vocabulary words, you should also be familiar with typical grammar points like basic particle usage and formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives. You should also be comfortable with reading and writing sections before opting for the N4 level tests.

Japanese learners who are comfortable speaking Japanese can also easily clear this test, although there is no speaking section in JLPT N4 level tests. However, fluently speaking, reading, and writing the Japanese language is equally important for Japanese learners.

Must Read: All About JLPT N4 Level 
 

How long is the JLPT N4 Level Test?

Each section holds a different level of time for the tests.

• Vocabulary takes 25 minutes.
• Grammar and reading take 55 minutes.
• Listening takes 35 minutes.

In total, you are allotted 95 minutes to complete your JLPT exam.

Scoring of JLPT N4 Level

Though the N4 level is divided into 3 sections, the scoring is divided only into 2 sections, as follows:

• Vocabulary, grammar, and reading range from 0 to 120.
• Listening ranges from 0 to 60.

Hence, the overall score ranges from 0 to 180.

Must Read: Know How to Prepare for JLPT N5 Level 

Passing Marks for JLPT N4

To pass the JLPT N4, you need a total score of at least 90 out of 180. Additionally, each section—Language Knowledge, Reading, and Listening—requires a minimum score of 19 out of 60.

1. Total Passing Score: 90/180
2. Sectional Minimum: 19/60 in each section (Language Knowledge, Reading, and Listening).

Syllabus for JLPT N4

The JLPT N4 syllabus covers essential language components that will help you build a solid foundation in Japanese.

Vocabulary: At the N4 level, you are expected to know around 1,500 words, including essential terms used in daily life, such as words for family, travel, work, and hobbies.

Kanji: You need to learn approximately 300 kanji characters. These kanji are the most basic ones that are commonly used in daily life, including simple verbs, numbers, and days of the week.

Grammar: The grammar section covers fundamental patterns such as:

• ～たり～たりする (used to express actions that occur alternately)
• ～ように (used to express purpose or intention)
• ～ないといけない (indicating something must be done) Understanding these structures allows you to form more complex sentences and communicate more effectively.

Listening: The listening section includes daily conversations, short stories, and basic dialogues. You'll need to be able to understand simple spoken Japanese in everyday situations, including basic exchanges at work or social settings.

Focusing on mastering these areas will ensure that you are well-prepared for the JLPT N4 and can handle the language used in everyday contexts.

Exam Pattern for JLPT N4

1. Language Knowledge (Vocabulary & Grammar): 30-40 minutes.
2. Reading: 60-70 minutes.
3. Listening: 35 minutes.

The JLPT N4 exam is divided into three main sections, each testing different aspects of your Japanese language skills:

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary & Grammar): This section lasts 30-40 minutes and assesses your understanding of Japanese vocabulary and grammar structures. You’ll need to identify kanji meanings, choose appropriate vocabulary, and apply grammar patterns correctly in different contexts.

Reading: Taking 60-70 minutes, the reading section tests your ability to read and understand simple texts, such as short passages or dialogues. You will need to demonstrate your comprehension by answering questions related to the content.

Listening: With a duration of 35 minutes, the listening section involves listening to short conversations and answering questions based on what you hear. It focuses on understanding everyday spoken Japanese in familiar situations.

To succeed in the JLPT N4, it’s crucial to master the basics of vocabulary, kanji, and grammar. Regularly practicing mock tests and reinforcing your foundational knowledge will help you build confidence and increase your chances of passing.

JLPT N4 Exam Fees in India:

The JLPT N4 exam fees in India generally range from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500, depending on the exam center and location. In Delhi, the fee is typically ₹1,200 to ₹1,500. It's always advisable to check with the official JLPT website or your local examination center for the most accurate and current fee details.

TLS Intermediate Level Course Fees:

Enhance your Japanese language skills with a focus on grammar, vocabulary, and cultural knowledge with Team Language Services- Best Japanese Institute. Our Intermediate Level Course is designed to help you build a strong foundation in the language and prepare you for the JLPT N4 and beyond.

Course Fees: ₹20,000

N4 Level Exam: Preparation Tips

Now let’s learn how to effectively prepare for the N4 level.

Before you start your preparation for the N4 level exam, you should first understand the structure of the tests. The test is divided into three sections to assess your knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and listening ability. Each section has multiple-choice questions and written pieces at a higher level.

Use preparation materials for a better score.

Make use of flashcards, last-year test papers, worksheets, and grammar books while preparing for the JLPT N4 exam. Do you use online resources to search for meanings and gain a gain a better understanding of vocabulary words and grammar? 

Also, many online courses now offer access to virtual classrooms, which can be beneficial for learning with peers, asking questions, and getting feedback from an instructor.

Try to create strategy plans.

You can make sure you have a good strategy plan for the test by coming up with methods for each type of question. Review all kinds of questions and use practice tests to work on different skills, like how to remember kanji or vocabulary words faster, how to understand language patterns quickly and effectively, or how to quickly find information in a passage. 

You could read the questions ahead of time, for instance, so that you know what the main points are when you read the text.

On the test day.

Do arrive before time and carry your own pencils, erasers, test voucher, and a watch. When you arrive, show your voucher, and the staff will direct you to a room.