The Japanese language preparation test has 5 different levels- n5 n4 n3 n2 and n1 — each level work towards testing your Japanese language proficiency skill. Although their differences are based on the recommended amount of vocabulary words, kanji, and grammar patterns that you need to know to pass the test, therefore, it’s up to you to decide which level you want to register for.
what is difference between jlpt n4 and n5
Japanese language preparation test (JLPT) N4
The JLPT N4 is the second level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It aims to test and prove your ability to speak and understand the basics of the Japanese language. At this level, most people are normally able to read topics written with simple vocabulary, kanjis and also various conversations about these topics if said at a slow pace.
N5 is the first and easiest level of the Japanese language proficiency test (JLPT). Although most people consider this level as well as the N4 level to be irrelevant because they cover just the basics of the Japanese language.
N4 covers more of basics and a little of intermediate vocabulary and grammar, while N5 is based on just a few basic.
Now, let’s get back to why we are here: Can you write JLPT N4 without N5? Yes, you can! But I’ll strongly advise against it. Before I tell you why I need you to answer the following questions to yourself honestly.
- What are your reasons for learning the Japanese language?
- Why do you want to take the tests?
- Do you think you are ready to take N4 without N5?
Well, it’s like this; if you are taking the JLPT to enhance your career, broaden your opportunity in the market place, or for academic purposes, then skipping a level isn’t advisable.
While the JLPT does not restrict gaining admission into a school or obtaining a job to certain test levels, most schools and organizations may likely rate an applicant who is able to understand basic Japanese language and read simple sentences in basic kanji, katakana, and hiragana than one who understand just the basics.
In other sense, it is true that N5 and N4 do not offer much value to your career or academic, but somehow, they show enthusiasm towards personal improvement and the fact that you are interested in and acting towards acquiring Japanese proficiency.
Note that whether you write the JLPT N5 or you skip it for an N4, either can help you secure a job with a Japanese company outside of Japan. These levels aren’t deemed fluent or really functional, but it is good evidence to show that you are interested in Japanese culture and language. In other words, it may not necessarily be required for a job, but it will definitely look good on your resume.
Although It is not compulsory to take all the test levels, what’s worth doing, is worth doing well.
Pros and cons of taking JLPT
Pros
Taking the JLPT can help you achieve your Japanese language set goals
Each level of the JLPT has a specific amount of grammar, kanji, vocabulary, etc. that you need to know in order to be able to pass the test. Hence, taking one level at a time will show you your strengths and weaknesses, and help you focus on the areas that need more work.
All levels are worthwhile
Taking the JLPT despite the level has some added benefits apart from the knowledge acquired. Although the N2 and N1 are considered the most beneficial, N5 and N4 can also pave the way for you in some cases.
Can boost your school and scholarship applications
Are you applying for admission or scholarship in Japan? Your JLPT shows just how much Japanese you are able to understand and how sufficient your communication skills are. Although a few Japanese universities do not require JLPT, other Japanese universities may require potential international students to acquire a JLPT level before they can be considered for admission.
Enhances your comprehension skills
All levels of JLPT requires a lot of content cramming. This means that in order to pass, you need to be able to comprehend a wide variety of material very quickly. With this skill, you can easily read through a passage and rightly decide which texts are more important. Comprehension skills are becoming a must-have in the world’s marketplace, and so yours can come in handy.
Cons
It doesn’t develop your speaking and writing skills
Since JLPT is solely based on grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening, it can’t really be considered as fluent because it doesn’t really measure your speaking and writing skills. You can’t consider someone to be fluent in a language if they can only express themself clearly but cannot read or write.
Not passing the test can be discouraging.
Failing the test discourage you from wanting to try again. Sometimes, you hear people talk about how they have been studying for years but still can’t get to pass a particular JLPT level. As mentioned before, the test doesn’t demonstrate how good your speaking and writing skills are, neither does it test your ability to use Japanese in a real-world setting.
Lower levels are limited to some extent
Both N4 and N5 may not offer you any valuable function other than making your resume look good. As a result of this, most learners prefer to wait until they are ready to take the N3 or N2 test.
It can be stressful.
Preparing for this test can cause you to experience undue stress. Hence, unless you intend using the test to achieve your study goal or to prove your proficiency for work or school, sitting for JLPT may be unnecessary.
In conclusion, you can decide to sit for whichever JLPT level you feel is right for you. If you want to take the N5 test, take it, if you decide to skip it for N4, the choice is yours. Just ensure to put your goals into consideration when making this decision.