If you’re serious about becoming fluent in Japanese, then you’re probably wanting to take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). However, with 5 levels available, how do you know where to start?
Which JLPT level should you take? The JLPT level that you decide to take is determined by a number of factors that all deal with how well you can read, write, and listen to Japanese. While there isn’t a guide that the JLPT gives you, there are some self-evaluation questions you can ask yourself to see which test you should start with.
The JLPT tests are offered once every six months, so it’s important to start with the right test instead of failing a test that’s too difficult for you. The more information you have about how prepared you should be, the better; that’s why we’ve created this guide!
What exactly does the JLPT consist of?
The JLPT has three major components: reading, language knowledge, and listening. Each level has its own section that relates to these components, and you will take each section of the test separately from the others (i.e. you won’t be able to go back to the reading section when you’re done with the language knowledge section).
For the easiest tests, the N5 and N4, the language knowledge and reading sections will be combined, meaning that you’ll get to use the test to help you if you get stuck. The higher levels, N3, N2, and N1, have a seperate section for each test that requires you to score evenly across all sections.
Each test contains 180 possible points you can achieve. Here are the passing points you need for each level:
- N5 – 80
- N4 – 90
- N3 – 95
- N2 – 90
- N1 – 100
While this sounds like a low score, they’re actually very difficult marks to make. Similar to other tests of the same caliber, wrong points actually count against you. In other words, it’s better to leave questions blank than answer them incorrectly.
The Reading Section of the JLPT
The reading section of the JLPT measures how well your reading comprehension skills are. It’s similar to most every standardized reading test in the United States, and it’s going to push you through your exam with passages and questions about each passage.
Reading comprehension isn’t always easy; native speakers sometimes struggle despite being fluent in the language. It’s going to take some time and skill to be able to read and comprehend passages in Japanese, so it’s important that you’re also practicing your reading comprehension skills in English (or whatever your primary language is).
In the first three levels, the JLPT will test you using short and medium-sized passages that will require you to recall the information you read to answer questions. However, the last two levels will incorporate long passages, and start questioning you on things that aren’t explicitly stated.
To answer these more difficult passages, you’ll have to know how to recognize authorial intent in Japanese; this can rely on word choice (or syntax), the connotations of words used, and idioms. Before thinking about taking the N2 exam, make sure you can do this extremely well in your own language.
The Language Knowledge Section of the JLPT
The language knowledge section includes two areas: grammar and vocabulary. While the sections are very different, you’ll be able to work on them both at the same time; if you pay attention to the questions and answers, you’ll be able to use this to your benefit and help with deductive reasoning.
When it comes to vocabulary, you’ll have to think about a number of things. First, you’ll need to be aware and fluent in all three writing systems that Japanese uses—kanji, katakana, and hiragana. You’ll need to be familiar with sentences in all three forms, and your kanji reading will need to be decent even at the N5 level.
Secondly, you’ll need to think about how things like capitalization and compound words work. These things are called orthography, and they go further than just the spelling of a specific word. You’ll need to be able to paraphrase sentences using other words across all levels as well.
The second area, grammar, focuses on the technical formation of sentences in Japanese. If you’re an English speaker, then you can’t rely on the same word order that you would regularly use.
The JLPT website states that they measure text grammar across all levels as well. This means that you’ll be making choices about definitions and word choices based on the underlying assumptions that a statement can make.
The Listening Section of the JLPT
When it comes to the listening section, there are a few key things that you’ll be asked to do. Depending on the level you’re taking, you’ll be asked to do each of these tasks as different speeds of speech. Your reaction time also plays a part in the points you get, so it’s important that you can reliably listen to Japanese speech without missing important details.
You’ll have to listen and determine the tasks that the person is asking you to do. This applies to all levels, so it ranges from very simple questions to complex or abstract debates. The listening section is heavily influenced by how much vocabulary you know, so make sure that you never stop studying new words.
While there is no speaking or writing section on the JLPT, it’s highly recommended that you can write and speak at the same level you can read and listen. Speaking in particular is going to ensure that you retain your listening skills, and it’ll even help you move forward with your learning easier.
How can mastery of my own language help me on the JLPT?
If you’ve ever studied another language, then you know how much it teaches you about your first language. Oftentimes, you learn just as much about your native language as you do whatever language you’re studying.
In particular, your own grammar will benefit from learning the correct grammar of another language. However, it’s best if you have a solid foundation of grammar in your own language before you try learning grammar in another language.
While you’re studying a new language, study your native language as well! This will help you learn Japanese quicker while also preparing you for the more difficult grammar sections of the JLPT. Knowing how to read and comprehend the meaning of something is one thing, but understanding the true reasons behind it is much more difficult.
JLPT Level Requirements
The JLPT has five sections that range in difficulty and mastery of the Japanese language, with the N5 level being the easiest and the N1 level being the hardest. Each of these levels have important milestones you should be crossing before taking the exam, so it’s pretty simple to decide which one you can take just from these alone.
While the JLPT doesn’t actually give a list of requirements for each test, it does give a few resources to help you piece together what you should be able to do or what you’re comfortable with.
You’ll find things such as self-evaluation reports and abstract ideas about what each level should be able to do; you can piece these things together to get an idea of what you should feel comfortable with before taking the test.
The JLPT makes it a point to not provide the exact things you need, such as vocabulary lists. The point of the exam is to test how well your Japanese is, not how well you can follow instructions or memorize a list of characters and words.
With all of that being said, we’ve broken down each level of the JLPT using all the resources we could find, including past test-takers’ experience. You can use this to get an idea of where you and where you should be going in the future.
Keep in mind that these requirements have speaking sections, you won’t be tested on how well you can speak Japanese. However, your speaking competence has a huge impact on how well you can read, write, and listen, and it also pushes your grammar and vocabulary skills; it’s something you should be focusing on developing while you learn Japanese, and it’ll help you on every section of these tests.
JLPT N5 Level Requirements
The JLPT N5 test is for those who have a very basic and minimal understanding of Japanese. Because of its simplicity, many people choose to skip over this test. However, if you’re looking to take every test or you want to stop from the bottom and work your way up, then this test is your starting place.
When it comes to listening, you’ll need to be able to follow short conversations that are spoken in slower-than-normal Japanese. You don’t necessarily have to be able to translate every statement, but you should be able to know what’s going on and the main points of the conversation. These conversations are the typical kinds of things you’d hear in daily life.
When it comes to reading, you should be able to read the most common and basic characters and sentences in kanji, hiragana, and katakana. You don’t need to have a crazy extensive vocabulary, but you should know the common phrases and things that you would see in everyday life.
When it comes to speaking, you should be able to hold short, simple conversations that describe yourself and the environment around you. You should also be able to participate in small, everyday conversations like giving directions or work-related conversations (note that work-related conversations does not mean work-related vocabulary).
JLPT N4 Level Requirements
The JLPT N4 test is slightly more difficult than the N5 test, and it’s best described by the JLPT official website as “the ability to understand basic Japanese” versus the N5 description of “the ability to understand some basic Japanese.” In this section, your vocabulary will need to step up your vocabulary and refine your grammar skills.
When it comes to listening, you’ll need to be able to understand and comprehend any kind of conversations you would have in everyday life, such as asking questions at a market or asking for help. These conversations will generally be at a slower-than-normal speed, so you don’t have to focus on quickness.
When it comes to reading, you’ll need to be able to read everything that would present itself in the daily life of someone living in Japan. This means that you’ll need to know all basic Japanese vocabulary, including kanji characters. While the JLPT doesn’t test on Japanese culture, this is where you’ll start finding information in questions that pertain to mainstream culture.
When it comes to speaking, you should be able to do the same things as you were able to for the N1 test. However, the scope of conversations that you should be able to engage with broadens, so you should be able to handle any situation you could encounter in everyday life. This doesn’t mean you should have complex conversations, but you should be able to have simple ones. You should also be able to talk about how you feel and express emotions.
JLPT N3 Level Requirements
The JLPT N3 level is a level that was added in 2010 to separate the simple levels of N4 and the complex levels of N2. It acts as a bridge between the two in a similar way that N5 acts as an almost-there version of N4.
When it comes to listening, you’ll need to be able to follow the same kinds of conversations that you would at the N4 level but at a quicker speed. While it’s not quite normal Japanese speaking speed, it’s only barely slowed. You should also be able to understand the relationships between speakers at this level.
When it comes to reading, you should be able to start reading more difficult things and summaries, such as headlines, that you would see everyday. While you might not know every word that appears, you should be able to determine what the piece is saying based on context clues and alternative words used.
When it comes to speaking, you should be able to make short speeches and announcements if you’re given time to prepare. You should also be able to talk about your past experiences and future plans with friends. The most important thing to realize here is that you need to know much more about Japanese grammar than you did in previous levels.
JLPT N2 Level Requirements
This is the level of the majority of native Japanese speakers, and it’s equivalent to the level of most native speakers of any language. This is where you’ll find mastery of Japanese in everything except business and higher-education scenarios.
When it comes to listening, you should be able to understand any kind of speech at a natural speaking speed. You’ll know if you’re at this level if you can regularly comprehend and respond to news stories or sports broadcasts. It’s important that you also understand relationships between speakers and the main points of every conversation.
When it comes to reading, you should be able to read almost anything now. Things like magazines should be easy to thumb through, and your vocabulary should be well beyond simple, common terms; this includes kanji as well. You should also be able to pick up on the author’s intent in the writing, which means you’ll need to know about syntax and connotations of Japanese phrases.
When it comes to speaking, you should be able to start debating about topics like politics or news stories. You should be able to give details about things you’ve read or seen, including movies or books. You should also know how to have proper conversations given the relationship between you and the other person speaking.
JLPT N1 Level Requirements
The JLPT N1 level is only achieved by those who have gone through, or can completely understand, higher education topics. This is a form of mastery that most native speakers don’t typically achieve, and it is a very difficult thing to accomplish.
When it comes to listening, you should be able to listen to any type of conversation, including things like political debates, college lectures, and legal hearings. There shouldn’t be anything you listen to that you can’t understand at any speed.
When it comes to reading, you should be able to read pretty much anything thrown your way, including abstract concepts (such as college papers or, to a lesser extent, poetry). You shouldn’t struggle with grammar or vocabulary at this point, and you should have kanji mastered.
When it comes to speaking, you should be able to say anything and everything. A good sign that you’re getting closer to this level in terms of speaking is how logical your conversations are. If you can clearly and swiftly move people through your points without stumbling, then you’re on your way to being at an N1 level.
Find Out Your JLPT Level
These eighteen yes-or-no questions will help you determine which JLPT you should take. Make sure to keep a record of your answers so you can easily determine the results. Also, make sure that you’re answering each question honestly; a self-evaluation isn’t helpful if you exaggerate your own abilities.
- Can you introduce yourself?
- Can you read a business sign?
- Can you call out from work?
- Can you write a term paper for a college-level language class?
- Can you have a discussion about the news?
- Can you read magazines and movie reviews?
- Can you use context clues to figure out the meanings of words you don’t know?
- Can you tell your friends about the latest book you’ve read?
- Can you tell your boss about your travel plans?
- Can you tell your friends about your past experiences with work?
- Can you debate politics?
- Can you lay out your points in a heated discussion in a logical manner?
- Can you understand when others introduce themself?
- Can you determine the relationship between two people based on their conversation?
- Do you struggle with some basic kanji?
- Can you read news headlines?
- Can you understand the underlying opinion of an author when they don’t come out and say it?
- Can you go to a market and not struggle with vocabulary?
You’ll want to take the highest level test you feel comfortable with, so we’ll be starting with the N1 exam and making our way down to the N5 exam. Remember that the N1 exam is the most difficult while the N5 exam is the easiest.
However, while you don’t want to settle for too low of a test, you don’t want to overshoot and fail any of the JLPT tests. It’s best if you were able to answer yes to all of the questions for a level before you decide to take that test.
Your results:
- If you answered “yes” to questions 4, 11, and 12, then you’re ready to take the JLPT N1 exam.
- If you answered “yes” to questions 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, and 17, then you’re ready to take the JLPT N2 exam.
- If you answered “yes” to questions 7, 10, and 16, then you’re ready to take the JLPT N3 exam.
- If you answered “yes” to questions 2, 3, and 18, then you’re ready to take the JLPT N4 exam.
- If you answered “yes” to questions 1, 13, and 15, then you’re ready to take the JLPT N5 exam.
After you’ve taken the self-evaluation above, you can use this link from the official JLPT website to try some sample questions for each level. You can use this to practice for the exam or to double-check and make sure you choose the correct level to start with!
How Can I Prepare to Take the JLPT?
After you’ve determined what level of the JLPT you’re going to take, then you’ll need to start studying! If you know someone fluent in Japanese or you’re currently living in Japan, then you can find resources in the people around you.
However, if you’re not in a place where you can immerse yourself in Japanese, then what can you do? Use study books! There are several amazing series of study books for every level of the JLPT. The Kanzen Master series and the Somotoma series are great places to start.
If you’re trying to cut costs, then the JLPT website has free workbooks you can download and review. Even if you do buy study books, you’ll still want to capitalize on these free review guides. You can also skim through YouTube and find some great instruction on Japanese if you’re a visual learner.
If you’re looking to take the N2 or N1 test, then it’s time to start thinking about how you can immerse yourself in Japanese whether you’re in Japan or not. Immersion has proven over and over again to be the best way to become fluent in a language. However, it can be frustrating and discouraging if you haven’t reached a high enough level of competency first.
There are simple things you can do, such as watching Japanese TV shows and movies in Japanese, that will really help you get accustomed to Japanese itself. This is also a really great way to test your listening skills—you can even turn off the subtitles for a more challenging (and more rewarding) study.
Another easy way to push yourself farther is by setting your phone’s language to Japanese. This will definitely take some time to get used to, but it’s the perfect way to keep Japanese around you at all times. It’s difficult to find areas where you can immerse yourself in a new language when you’re physically bound somewhere else, and your phone is your best resource.
You can also try finding someone online who speaks Japanese to talk with. There are a ton of forums where you can meet people, and you can even hire speech tutors to help you over the internet. However, if you choose to do this, make sure you stay safe. Don’t give away personal information, banking information, or employment information. If you want to practice talking about these things, make up fake information to practice with.
When and where can I take the JLPT?
The JLPT is offered twice a year in a variety of locations. However, you’ll have to choose between July and December no matter where you go to physically take the test.
While the test is administered by the Japan Foundation and the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, you can find locations to take the test in most countries. In the United States, you’ll probably have to travel a bit to find a testing site.
It’s important to make sure that you pick the right JLPT level to take because of these testing restrictions. Taking the test can be a difficult process before you begin thinking about the test itself with six months and possible travel time between every test. Make sure you’ve found the right test for your skill level before registering to take the JLPT.
