When learning Japanese, the target of numerous individuals is to take different levels of the JLPT and pass in flying colors. Notably, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is designed for assessing each learner’s understanding of the Japanese language. It can be compared to IELTS, TOEFL, and other exams for testing a person’s knowledge of the English language.
The second-lowest and second-easiest level of the JLPT is N4. Whenever you are set to take this test, you will be tested under three major sections – kanji and vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension, and listening comprehension. To avoid failing any of these sections, you have to get some essential books written for individuals taking the JLPT N4.
JLPT N5 and N4 Online Course By JLPT TUTOR
So,Which JLPT N4 books should I use for the exam ?
- 1500 Japanese Vocabulary Words for the JLPT Level 4 (Trilingue Japonais – Anglais – Chinois) (N4)
2. Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level N4 Kanji, Vocabulary
3. Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level N4 Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension (with CD)
4. Kanji Master N4 Paperback – March 1, 2012
5. New Kanzen Master JLPT Grammar Bunpo Japanese Language Proficiency Test N4
6. Shin Kanzen Master N4 Reading Dokkai JLPT Japanese Language Proficiency Test
7. New Fully Master Listening Japanese Language Proficiency Test N4
8. Shin Kanzen Master N4 Kanji JLPT Japan Language Proficiency Test Paperback
In conclusion, learning the hiragana, katakana, as well as kanji characters and readings needed to pass the JLPT N4 can be quite challenging, especially if you only speak languages with romanticized letters.
However, if you can get most of the textbooks mentioned above, you will get a head-start to getting it. This is because these textbooks will show you the fundamental things you need to know as you prepare for the test. Therefore, you should endeavor to get these books now.
1. 1500 Japanese Vocabulary Words for the JLPT Level 4 (Trilingue Japonais – Anglais – Chinois) (N4)
As stated early, your knowledge of the Japanese vocabulary will be tested when taking the JLPT N4. For this, the #1 book you can count on is 1500 Japanese Vocabulary Words for the JLPT Level 4. As its name suggests, this 198-page textbook contains a total of 1500 words that you will likely find in your N4 test. Therefore, 1500 Japanese Vocabulary Words for the JLPT Level 4has what you need to pass this exam.
The main features of 1500 Japanese Vocabulary Words for the JLPT Level 4
- Vocabulary for N4 in different sections
This textbook is particularly written for N4. Therefore, it is the go-to resource that features all the vocabulary words that you will come across in the test. The vocabulary in the book is categorized based on some relevant themes. Generally, they include greetings, time, family, room, and other common themes that you will find in your day-to-day conversations. With the use of the themes, it is easier for you to learn different related words in the textbook.
- Good structure
The structure of 1500 Japanese Vocabulary Words for JLPT Level 4 is one of its most crucial features. When you are introduced to a new word, you will also learn its English and Vietnamese translation, part of speech, and Japanese example sentences with translations in Vietnamese and English. The structure of the themes and words in this book is quite consistent; hence, each person’s learning experience is balanced and consistent.
- Additional features for ease of use
1500 Japanese Vocabulary Words for the JLPT Level 4 has two extra features that make it easy for anyone to use. The first one is a box close to each word. You are expected to tick this box once you have finished learning a word. Therefore, you won’t be confused about whether you have learned a specific word or not.
The second additional feature of this book is the red sheet that it comes with. You can use this red sheet to cover the answers to the practice questions and then guess the missing Japanese words in the examples. This is a good way to encourage you to practice after learning each new word.
Another exceptional book that you should use for preparing for the kanji and vocabulary section of the N4 is Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level Nn4 Kanji, Vocabulary. This book has been structured to ease the process of learning kanji and several new words that you need for the JLPT N4.
The main features of Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level N4 Kanji, Vocabulary
- Designed for thorough learning in only 6 weeks
Just like the Nihongo So-matome for level 5, this book is structured to allow you to learn all you need to pass the kanji and vocabulary section in only 6 weeks. During this period, you will be introduced to 200 different kanji characters and 300 vocabulary words that are meant for passing the JLPT N4. Apart from allowing you to pass the N4, this book will also enhance your day-to-day communication in the Japanese language.
- Great layout
Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level Nn4 Kanji, Vocabulary has an amazing and easy-to-follow layout. Based on the layout of this textbook, you will find the study material on the left-hand page whereas the right-hand page has all the practice questions required to pass the JLPT N4. Therefore, you have to start by using the study material to study for new vocabulary words and kanji characters. Afterward, you can use the practice questions on the right-hand page to practice the common questions you will find in the test.
- English and Vietnamese translations
In addition to the features above, Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level Nn4 Kanji, Vocabulary contains English and Vietnamese translations for its resources. This means that whether you understand English or Vietnamese, you can use this textbook to learn the Japanese language without much hassle.
The first type of this textbook is for kanji and vocabulary while this second one is for grammar, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension which are the other sections of the JLPT N4. This book is a reliable study guide that you need for N4.
The main features of Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the JLPT Test Level N4 Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension
- Detailed structure
Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the JLPT N4 for Grammar, Reading Comprehension, and Listening Comprehension has been designed in such a way that it presents you with what you need to take the test. Foremost, you will be shown the basic sentence patterns that are required for passing JLPT N4. If you adhere to the structure of the book, you can cover these sentence patterns in just 4 weeks.
When you are done with the patterns, you can start practicing the essential points useful for reading and listening comprehension. This will take you a few weeks to complete; however, it will equip you with all the vital grammar, reading, and listening points to perform excellently in the exam.
- Easy-to-follow layout
Just like other books in the Nihongo So-matome series, this textbook for N4 has the study material on the right-hand page. When you are done with the material, check out the left-hand page for the practice questions needed to prepare for the exam. This layout is not only easy for anyone to follow, but it also ensures consistency in how each learner studies for the JLPT N4.
- Inclusion of English and Korean translations
For every sentence that teaches grammar, reading comprehension, or listening comprehension in this textbook, you will get its English and Korean translations. Therefore, if you understand English and/or Korean, you can use Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the JLPT N4 as a self-guide to learning the Japanese language without any assistance from a tutor.
- CDs for listening comprehension
Well, you cannot pass the listening section of the JLPT N4 if you cannot comprehend simple Japanese sentences. Therefore, CDs are sold with Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the JLPT N4. So, you can listen to these CDs at your convenience on your music players and learn how each Japanese word is pronounced.
4. Kanji Master N4 Paperback – March 1, 2012
Published in 2012, Kanji Master N4 Paperback is one of the leading textbooks for learning the majority of the kanji characters needed to pass the JLPT N4. Containing over 200 pages, this textbook has several hiragana and katakana characters. Therefore, it is meant for individuals who have already learned these important Japanese writing systems and want to study kanji for N4. Kanji Master N4 Paperback boasts of comprising only the most vital kanji characters that the test will be based on.
The main features of Kanji Master N4 Paperback
- Comprehensive structure
Learning kanji characters can be difficult especially if you don’t have a well-structured resource for it. Luckily, Kanji Master N4 Paperback has been specifically structured to make studying easy and straightforward. The textbook will introduce you to every new vocabulary word or kanji character in a simple way. With over 300 kanji characters, Kanji Master N4 Paperback will show you the most common characters that you cannot avoid in the test. Also, you will first learn simple vocabulary words and characters before studying the difficult ones.
- Detailed self-study guide with a great study flow
Kanji Master N4 Paperback comes with an awesome study flow that will take you through the learning process. Foremost, you will see the study material that contains all the kanji characters and vocabulary words that you need for JLPT N4. Then, you have “Review” which is meant for revising the characters and words you have studied earlier. If you feel you are missing out on anything, “Review” will let you know. Another section of Kanji Master N4 Paperback is ”Quizzes” which provides some useful homework and tests for assisting what you have learned.
All these different aspects of Kanji Master N4 Paperback go an extra mile to make it possible for you to study kanji characters and vocabulary words on your own without any tutoring.
- Realistic scenarios
Kanji Master N4 Paperback contains lots of example sentences that are used in realistic situations. Therefore, as you are using this book to prepare for the JLPT N4, you will be getting examples that you are likely going to utilize in your everyday expressions. These can come in handy when you are communicating with someone in the Japanese language.
5. New Kanzen Master JLPT Grammar Bunpo Japanese Language Proficiency Test N4
New Kanzen Master JLPT Grammar Bunpo Japanese Language Proficiency Test N4 is for beginners that have good knowledge of the Japanese language. If this book is studied effectively and efficiently, you can be certain of passing the JLPT N4 with a good score. Notably, the New Kazen Master JLPT series also has books for studying kanji, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension which you can get separately.
The main features of New Kanzen Master JLPT Grammar Bunpo Japanese Language Proficiency Test N4
- Great structure
As long as its structure is concerned, New Kanzen Master JLPT Grammar Bunpo N4 is somehow different from other grammar books for JLPT N4. This is because it is sectioned into 4 areas. The first area contains Question Examples which provide you with practical sentences that can enhance your grammar. Then, you will proceed to Practice Grammatical Forms. These forms are for evaluating what you have studied and see whether you have mastered them or not. You can also take advantage of this area to review everything you have learned.
Next is Skills Development. Firstly, you will get 2 or 3 questions to provide more clarity on grammatical forms through the use of the semantic function. Then, you will learn about various usages of particles in the Japanese language. Lastly, you can assess your overall knowledge through the Mock Test section.
- Specific for JLPT N4
When you are studying New Kanzen Master JLPT Grammar Bunpo N4 properly, you can rest assured that you already have everything to pass N4 excellently. This is because the grammar is mainly focused on the requirements for the JLPT N4. Therefore, you are not going to miss out on anything that you need for the test.
Even if you don’t want to write the JLPT N4, you can still use New Kanzen Master JLPT Grammar Bunpo Japanese Language Proficiency Test N4 to establish yourself as someone that understands Japanese.
6. Shin Kanzen Master N4 Reading Dokkai JLPT Japanese Language Proficiency Test
To simply prepare for the reading section of N4 or just enhance your Japanese reading comprehension, Shin Kanzen Master N4 Reading Dokkai is highly recommended. The structure and features of this textbook ensure that it covers the three aspects of the reading comprehension section of N4.
The main features of Shin Kanzen Master N4 Reading Dokkai JLPT
- Easy-to-follow structure
To make it easy for each learner to perform well in the test, Shin Kanzen Master N4 Reading Dokkai introduces each topic gradually. With this, you don’t have to rush into learning anything. Foremost, the book has proficiency training that is divided into different units. The first unit is targeted at assisting you in building up your reading skills. Afterward, you will learn how you can answer the possible questions in the reading comprehension section of the JLPT N4. This is a way to train you to get set for what you will come across in the exam.
- Multiple mock questions
To ensure you understand what the actual questions in the JLPT N4 look like, Shin Kanzen Master N4 Reading Dokkai dedicates a whole unit to answering multiple mock questions. These questions have the same format as the real N4 exam; hence, if you can perform well in the questions, you are truly prepared for the test. These mock questions have the same number of questions as the actual exam. Also, like in the JLPT N4, you are expected to answer the mock questions in just 60 minutes.
Like the actual JLPT N4, these questions are divided into various parts – understanding the content (short texts & medium-length texts) and finding out information.
- Extra training for vocabulary
Besides, the words and phrases used in the different units of the book are discussed later. There are some notes attached at the end of the texts that shed more light on these words and phrases. As a result of this, you will learn more about the meaning and uses of these words and phrases. So, although Shin Kanzen Master N4 Reading Dokkai is not for vocabulary, it will improve your vocabulary.
7. Shin kanzen Master Listening Japanese Language Proficiency Test N4
As the name rightly suggests, New Fully Master Listening JLPT N4 is for preparing for the listening section of the JLPT N4. Packed with several practice reading sentences, this textbook focuses on only the fundamental things you need to pass the N4. It trains you to understand the best means to respond to each question in the exam. Those that are not writing the JLPT N4 can also count on New Fully Master Listening JLPT N4 to boost their general Japanese reading skills.
The main features of New Fully Master Listening JLPT N4
- Sectioned for effective training
Since the focus of this book is to make it easy for you to train yourself and boost your reading skills, it has been created to help you learn gradually. This exam is categorized into 2 major parts – skill training and mock test. The skill training is based on showing you many types of basic exercises like news, explanatory text, and email. These basic exercises will assist you to get accustomed to the reading comprehension section of N4. If you can study this part effectively, your reading skills will improve gradually until you are good enough to answer the reading questions in the test.
As expected, the mock test is all about giving you sample questions that look like the real test questions in N4. If you can pass the mock test with flying colors in a simulated test setting, you are set to take the actual exam itself.
- English and Vietnamese translation
You should note that New Fully Master Listening JLPT N4 is written in easy-to-understand Japanese. Therefore, as long as you understand simple hiragana, katakana, and kanji, you can utilize this book to boost your reading comprehension skills. Even if your Japanese is rusty, you can still use New Fully Master Listening JLPT N4 as it has both English and Vietnamese translations. Hence, if you understand any of these two languages, this book is recommended for you.
8. Shin Kanzen Master N4 Kanji JLPT Japan Language Proficiency Test Paperback
Shin Kanzen Master N4 Kanji JLPT takes you through the journey of the movement of Nguyen’s family to Fuji City. This story will be used to introduce you to some of the important kanji characters that you need for N4. Before reading this book, it is believed that you have completed the JLPT N5; hence, you have a good knowledge of around 100 kanji characters.
The main features of Shin Kanzen Master N4 Kanji JLPT
- Essential kanji characters and their readings
For JLPT levels 5 and 4, you need about 300 kanji characters. This book will teach you all the characters you need to pass the test. In addition to this, you will learn the readings of 278 kanji characters and how to write about 186 of these characters. Therefore, if you can complete Shin Kanzen Master N4 Kanji JLPT, you can rest assured that you have covered what you need to pass N4.
- Well-structured chapters
Shin Kanzen Master N4 Kanji JLPT contains 15 different sessions. Each of these sessions has two parts – the first part describes the kanji characters and the second part assesses your ability to remember the things you have learned. In every section, you will be given a list of the kanji characters that you have to learn. Foremost, you will learn the meaning of each word and proceed to study how to write it. Then, you will be required to read the text out loud so that you don’t forget the readings of these words.
By the end of all the sessions of Shin Kanzen Master N4 Kanji JLPT, you would have known how to use kanji. Similarly, you should be able to deal with single kanji with different readings. Also, you should be set to take the kanji section of N4 in just 3 to 4 months.
