The JLPT is a test that measures the understanding of basic Japanese comprehension. There are five levels to the test, ranging from information learned in a normal class setting to the ability to fully comprehend complex lectures and topics.
Which level of the JLPT is conversational? N3, the middle level, measures one’s ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations a majority of the time. Below N3, it could be difficult to operate at a conversational level.
The levels above N3, N4 and N5, are obviously also conversational. Each level of the Japanese-Langauge Proficiency Test has minimum goals which must be met in both reading and listening.
Basics Of The JLPT
Before diving into the various levels and meanings of the JLPT, it is important to get a grasp on some basics about the exam. The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test is meant to evaluate and certify proficiency in Japanese for non-native speakers. It examines the test taker’s reading and listening abilities.
There are five levels to the JLPT. N5 is the lowest and represents basic understanding, while N1 shows the ability to understand Japanese at an extremely high-level. Details about the different levels will be explained here, but if you want to get an even more in-depth look you can read about it on the JLPT website here.
Taking The Test
The JLPT is administered twice yearly in July and December. The test is always available in Japan during these months, and some cities in other countries also offer the exam during the same timeframe.
All sections of the exam must be taken, so hopeful examinees must be well-rounded if they hope to achieve a certain level. In addition, they must choose a level of test beforehand. Different questions are given to examine proficiency depending on the level chosen, so be realistic when choosing to take the exam.
Luckily, there are no special qualifications needed to take the JLPT so anyone can try.
Preparing To Take The Test
Taking the JLPT can be a daunting task, and preparation will be key to achieve your hoped for level. Luckily, there are many tools available to help prepare even beyond normal classes. Here are some of the available free tools to get a feel for how you might do taking the JLPT:
- The Can-do Self-Evaluation List – this is an unofficial list of what previous examinees consider themselves able to do, ranging from simple tasks like ordering food to complex occurrences like understanding a scientific study.
- Sample Questions from the JLPT – The JLPT committee provides great, free sample questions to get an idea for what level you may be able to pass.
- Workbooks and practice exams – Practice workbooks and exams are also available from a variety of retailers and creators to help with studying
Signing up for the JLPT also requires a small amount of preparation. There is a signup period a few months before the actual test, and you cannot just show up on the day of to take the test. You can find information on signups and taking the exam at the JLPT website here.
Objectives Of The JLPT
The JLPT was made to have a consistent and reliable way to test for Japanese language proficiency. The certificates awarded by the program are representative of that, and ultimately help many different businesses and individuals prove their proficiency.
There are other tests of Japanese language made for non-native speakers available, but the JLPT is one of the most widely respected and available.
Sadly, the JLPT was not made to measure any level of conversational Japanese. While there is inevitably some correlation between test results and ability to be conversational in Japanese, the skillset required to pass the exam at its various levels is slightly different from what is necessary to be conversational in Japanese.
What Is Conversational Japanese?
Being conversational in any language is not clearly defined. However, many consider being conversational as being able to have everyday conversations in language. This often includes tasks like ordering food, asking where a bathroom is, and answering questions about your life, name, etc.
Being conversational also means that Japanese can be spoken at natural speed, or at least close to it so that native speakers do not need to limit themselves too much while speaking. Many would consider a level where basic content is understood to be conversational, even if certain words slip through.
Being conversational in Japanese often means being able to speak and listen rather than write and read. While reading and writing in Kanji are important skills, they ultimately come up much less in everyday life. As such, the common interpretation of conversational tends to focus heavily on speaking and listening.
Are Conversational and Fluent The Same?
Conversational and fluent are not the same thing. When conversational in Japanese or any other language, it simply means that you are able to convey your ideas to another person, most often through speaking. A lack of vocabulary or missing details in a language does not interfere with one’s ability to be conversational.
Being fluent means that one is above and beyond the requirements to be conversational. Where details, vocabulary and mastery of grammar can easily be missed when conversational, fluency requires all of these to be at an extremely high level.
In addition, being considered fluent in a language often comes with the assumption that the adeptness extends to written language. This extra requirement is often disregarded when talking about being conversational in a language.
Does The JLPT Measure Whether Someone Is Conversational?
The JLPT does not directly measure when someone is conversational in Japanese due to not quizzing on speaking at all. However, the topics the test examines at all levels tend to correlate strongly with one’s ability to be conversational.
With that in mind, the most important parts of the JLPT when trying to judge conversationalism are the listening portions. N5 through N1 all measure how much a person can understand and at what speeds. While there is no official standing on measuring how conversational someone is, the N3 or N2 level seems to be conversational by most standards.
The Different Levels Of The JLPT
The JLPT has five levels of proficiency which can be achieved, ranging from understanding the basics of Japanese to understanding and utilizing the language in most circumstances. Each level has minimum requirements in both reading and listening that must be met.
While each of the five levels is unique, they are also split into three tiers.
- Levels N5 and N4 measure the level of Japanese traditionally taught in a classroom setting.
- Levels N1 and N2 measure Japanese as used in everyday life or work.
- Level N3 is meant as a bridge level between the two tiers.
Here are some specific examples and requirements for each level of the JLPT.
N5
The entry level of the JLPT is N5, measuring someone’s ability to understand some of the basics of Japanese. The time it takes to reach this level will vary from person to person, although usually only a year or two of classes will reach this level.
N5 measures reading comprehension as the ability to read and understand basic sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and kanji, three of Japanese’s written languages. For this level, sentences will not be complex and should require little vocabulary.
For listening comprehension, the N5 level measures the ability to understand short sentences spoken slowly about everyday situations. Specific words and the occasional topic will be missed but the testee should be able to understand the most basic of phrases.
Someone at the N5 level would not be considered conversational yet, although they are on their way.
N4
The N4 level is very similar to N5, with only a few minor differences indicating higher understanding. While still not reaching a level which most would consider conversational, people who have tested at the N4 level will have an easier time doing daily life activities in Japan.
Reading comprehension goes up to understanding more kanji and vocabulary, focusing less on hiragana and katakana. While the JLPT does not directly use a vocabulary section, more complex words start to be used here. Writing here is simple, often below the level of newspapers and books.
Listening comprehension also increases in difficulty, requiring those taking the test to understand more than the N5 level. The expectation is that Japanese is still spoken slowly and words will still be missed, but the listener can comprehend most of the topics of a conversation.
N3
The N3 test level exists as a bridge between the lower and higher levels of the JLPT. When the JLPT was reformatted in 2009, this was added due to the once extreme gap between those lower levels and the highly competitive upper tests.
The N3 level exams the ability to understand Japanese in everyday situations to a modest degree. While it is expected that some readings and spoken words will go over the heads of people at this level, this is commonly the level where someone could be considered conversational in Japanese.
Reading comprehension is expected to go up significantly, with one being able to understand newspaper headlines, articles about specific content, and navigating signs fluently. More difficult writings are still expected to elude those testing at this level, though some of the topics should be starting to slip through.
The level of listening comprehension required to pass the N3 level goes up quite a bit as well. Conversations should be understood at natural speed, or very close to it. When talking with multiple people, everyone’s relationship with each other through language should be understood and most content being talked about should be understood.
N2
At the N3 and above levels, you would almost certainly be considered conversational by anyone. At the N2 level, it is expected that you have the ability to understand Japanese in a variety of circumstances to a fairly high degree. Taking any and all everyday situations should be a fairly easy task. While many would not consider you fluent yet, you are close.
The ability to read about a multitude of topics is expected at this level, even topics of specialized intelligence. When reading extremely high-level topics such as scientific reports, it is expected that some of the language will be missed. Still, a large majority of topics read about should be understood at this level.
Speaking and listening wise, people at the N2 level should be able to track conversation, news reports, and other spoken topics with relative ease. Talking should be done and understood at a natural pace. When difficult topics are discussed, the essential points should at least be understood even if specific language is lost.
N1
The level of N1 essentially means that you are fluent in Japanese, both written and spoken. While this may be extremely difficult to achieve, someone at this level should have absolutely no issues conducting daily life in Japan. Testing at this level is also a great certification to have if looking for any jobs seeking Japanese language proficiency.
Reading at the N1 level implies that even topics of complexity can be understood and responded to. Writing, as well, is expected to be at this level. One could write their own articles or even books if they so choose.
Listening at this level means being able to track almost all daily conversation and other spoken forms. A key difference between the N2 and N1 level is being able to comprehend and actively respond to complex spoken ideas. In addition, details should be noted and understood more so than all other levels.
Studying For The JLPT
The JLPT can be a very difficult exam to take, especially at the higher levels. Whether you want to take the exam to get the certification or to test how conversational you may be, it is important to put in the proper amount of prep work necessary.
There are a few different steps that you should consider before taking the JLPT:
- Learn Japanese, either on your own or in a class
- Decide which level of the test you want to take
- Practice using workbooks and sample problems
Many of these seem easy and obvious at a first glance, but there are some important tips for each stage of the process.
Learning Japanese
There are a plethora of different ways to learn Japanese. The main consideration that must be taken when first learning is whether you are going to study on your own or with a class. Both have their pros and cons, and considering how you have learned best in the past will help you make the best decision.
Learning Japanese on your own can be a difficult task but is great if you have a busy schedule or hectic learning patterns. Using a language learning app, of which there are many great ones, is a good idea. In the beginning, simply practice everyday with your books and apps and you are well on your way to getting the basics of the language.
Learning in a classroom is another great option and generally results in faster, most focused learning. In addition, learning with others tends to help keep people on track and provide great opportunities for practicing speaking and listening. Learning in a class may not be good for everyone, however, due to higher costs and an often strict schedule.
Regardless of the path you choose, self-study will be vital. The JLPT tends to focus on knowing kanji and vocabulary across all levels, so those will be important to study regardless of what level of test you aim for.
Choosing A Test Level
Choosing what level of test to take is a fairly simple matter. Especially if you have just started to learn Japanese, it is best to start with the N5. This will help you get a feel for the exam’s structure as well as offer the best chance of a passing grade.
If you are interested in taking the JLPT for a job position or other certificate requirement, it is best to figure out what level is required and aim for that. Be warned that if it is a high level certificate, you will more than likely need to study for quite a while.
If you are aiming to prove that you are conversational in Japanese, the N3 level is a good goal.
Once you have chosen a test level, it is time to find workbooks and practice problems that correspond with that level of exam.
Practicing Using Workbooks
As was briefly covered in the first section of this article, the organization that hosts the JLPT every year has a number of great resources available for studying. These include free practice problems, workbooks that can be bought and used, and a few other resources.
If you want to gain knowledge through multiple sources, there are a plethora of YouTube videos and other free sources online where studying for the test is talked about. Spend some time searching the net for a source that works best for you and utilize it!
At this point, you should still be keeping up with your initial Japanese lessons, as well. Practicing using the workbooks and other exam prep is supplementary to actually learning the language.
Good luck with the exam!