JLPT N4 Guide: Learn More Effectively and Efficiently

This guide is designed to help you prepare for the JLPT N4 exam with maximum efficiency and clarity. Before diving in, ensure that you have a solid understanding of N5-level Japanese. If you’ve already passed the N5 exam with a good score, you’re ready to proceed. However, if you haven’t taken the JLPT N5 exam but believe you understand N5-level content, I highly recommend testing your knowledge with YukiQuiz. It’s free and provides a clear assessment of your readiness.

What is the JLPT N4 Exam?

The JLPT N4 exam is designed for upper beginners. It tests your grasp of essential Japanese basics, including your ability to:

  • Read and comprehend passages on everyday topics written with basic vocabulary and kanji.
  • Listen to and understand slow-spoken conversations in typical daily situations.

Compared to N5, N4 introduces more advanced vocabulary and expressions while remaining accessible. Here is a breakdown of the exam sections:

To pass, you need:

  • A total score of at least 90 points.
  • Sectional pass marks: 38 points in Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar and Reading) and 19 points in Listening.

Failing to meet these sectional scores will result in failure, even if your overall score exceeds 90. Therefore, a balanced approach is crucial.

Tools

Leverage these essential tools to make your preparation smoother and more efficient:

  • Anki
    • Vocabulary: Use the Yuki 1.5k deck.[Dircet Download] or [visit Github Page]
    • Kanji: Use the Pass N4 deck.
    • Note: If you don't know much about Anki, then you can check out this post and Set a daily review limit of 10 cards for vocabulary and 5 cards for kanji to avoid burnout.
  • YukiQuiz: Test your understanding regularly with N4 quizzes. Frequent practice will refine your skills and boost confidence.
  • Dictionary: Use Jisho.org for desktop and Akebi for Android to look up unfamiliar words.

Focus Areas

Grammar

Follow structured resources like the YouTube playlist “ToKini Andy Genki 2 Grammar.” Watch one video daily and practice applying the concepts immediately.

Listening

Immerse yourself in Japanese media, such as anime, podcasts, YouTube videos, and TV shows. This builds familiarity with the language and reduces frustration when tackling exam-specific listening exercises.

Reading

Daily reading helps you develop fluency and improves your speed in tackling exam passages. Dedicate 30 minutes to an hour to reading Japanese texts every day.

Study Routine

Daily Activities

  • Read for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Listen to Japanese content for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Watch one video from the recommended grammar playlist.
  • Practice Anki decks.

Weekly Activities

  • Take quizzes on YukiQuiz to evaluate your progress.

Consistency and balance are the keys to success. Avoid cramming or over-relying on one section to carry your overall score. Use the tools and strategies outlined in this guide to create a steady, confident approach to mastering N4-level Japanese.

Resources and links are mentioned below. Stick to this plan, and you’ll not only pass the JLPT N4 but excel in it. Best of luck!

Resources

Listening

Reading

Simple Stories with reading level

Many sites use the reading levels as defined by the NPO Tagengo Tadoku. For those with reading abilities similar to JLPT N4 the appropiate level is level 2.

Blog Articles

Getting started with reading Manga

Fairytales, Folklore and Picture Books