JLPT
JLPT levels N5 to N1: what each test covers and how to prepare
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test has five levels. N5 is the easiest and N1 the hardest; N4 and N5 test classroom Japanese, N1 and N2 test Japanese used in real situations, and N3 bridges the two. Pick your level for the format, a ten-question check, the lists to study and free practice.
JLPT N5 Beginner
The ability to understand some basic Japanese.
90 min · pass 80/180 · 56 grammar patterns · 614 words
N5 study guideJLPT N4 Elementary
The ability to understand basic Japanese.
115 min · pass 90/180 · 97 grammar patterns · 621 words
N4 study guideJLPT N3 Intermediate
The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree.
140 min · pass 95/180 · 118 grammar patterns · 1,908 words
N3 study guideJLPT N2 Upper intermediate
The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree.
155 min · pass 90/180 · 131 grammar patterns · 1,540 words
N2 study guideJLPT N1 Advanced
The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.
165 min · pass 100/180 · 188 grammar patterns · 3,062 words
N1 study guideThe five levels side by side
| Level | Test time | Pass mark | Grammar patterns | Words | Listening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N5 | 90 min | 80 of 180 | 56 | 614 | Short conversations about daily life and classroom situations, spoken slowly, picking out the information you need. |
| N4 | 115 min | 90 of 180 | 97 | 621 | Everyday conversations, provided they are spoken slowly. |
| N3 | 140 min | 95 of 180 | 118 | 1,908 | Coherent everyday conversations at near-natural speed, including who is talking to whom. |
| N2 | 155 min | 90 of 180 | 131 | 1,540 | Conversations and news reports at nearly natural speed, following the key points and who is involved. |
| N1 | 165 min | 100 of 180 | 188 | 3,062 | Material spoken at natural speed in a broad variety of settings, such as lectures, following details and structure. |
Which level should you take?
Each level page opens with a ten-question check built from that level’s word and grammar lists. Eight or more right means the level’s material is at your level; ten out of ten twice means try the next one. The listening section has its own minimum score at every level, so pick a level you can also follow by ear, not only read.
What the test scores, and where to practise each part
- Vocabulary and grammar: the JLPT grammar lists N5 to N1 (590 patterns with audio and quizzes) and the level word lists (7,745 words across the five levels).
- Reading: N5, N4 and N3 reading practice with questions and a timer; N2 and N1 practice is in the YoMoo app.
- Listening: no section of this site replaces graded audio; shadowing materials by level says what to listen to and shadow at each level.
Practice any level in the apps
All four apps are free, with one optional purchase to remove ads. Each link opens the app's page, where you can try it in the browser before installing.
- vocabularyMy Senpai CrosswordA daily crossword built from the N5 word list: every clue is an English meaning, every answer a N5 word, typed in romaji.Play the N5 crossword
- speakingFluencyToolN5 sentences in sub-levels 1 to 5: a sentence plays, you repeat it, speech-to-text checks the words you said.Shadow N5 sentences
- readingYoMooJLPT-graded passages and real news with furigana, JLPT colours on every word and one-tap meanings.Read at N5 level
- kanjiFluencyToolWrite kanji stroke by stroke in real sentences; the dictionary shows each kanji's JLPT level and school grade.Write kanji in the Kanji Tower
Frequently asked questions
Which JLPT level should I take first?
N5 if you have under a year of study and read kana comfortably; N4 after a full beginner textbook; N3 once you follow everyday conversation. Take the 10-question check on each level page: eight or more right means that level’s material is at your level.
How is the JLPT scored?
Every level is scored out of 180. You need the overall pass mark (80 for N5, 90 for N4 and N2, 95 for N3, 100 for N1) and at least the minimum in every scoring section (38 of 120 or 19 of 60). A high total with one weak section still fails.
Are there official JLPT vocabulary, kanji or grammar lists?
No. The JLPT stopped publishing lists with the 2010 revision. Lists on this site and elsewhere are reconstructions from past tests and textbooks, which is why counts differ between publishers.
How often is the JLPT held?
Twice a year, in July and December, in most countries, with some test sites running only one date. Check the official site for your country’s dates and registration window.
Can I prepare for the JLPT with free apps?
Yes. My Senpai’s four apps cover the skills the test scores: Crossword for vocabulary recall by level, FluencyTool for speaking the graded sentences and writing kanji, YoMoo for reading with furigana, and Kana Challenge for the kana you need before N5. All are free with one optional purchase to remove ads.