JLPT Levels Explained
Complete guide to understanding all JLPT levels from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced). Learn about difficulty, study requirements, and what each level represents.
N1
Advanced Level
The highest level of Japanese proficiency
Study Hours
3000-4500 hours
Vocabulary
10,000+ words
Kanji
2,000+ characters
Grammar
Advanced grammar patterns
Reading & Listening
Reading:
Complex texts, newspapers, literature
Listening:
Fast-paced conversations, news, lectures
Key Skills
- ✓Understand complex written materials
- ✓Follow fast-paced conversations
- ✓Read newspapers and academic papers
- ✓Comprehend abstract concepts
N2
Upper-Intermediate Level
Business and academic Japanese proficiency
Study Hours
1500-3000 hours
Vocabulary
6,000+ words
Kanji
1,000+ characters
Grammar
Intermediate to advanced grammar
Reading & Listening
Reading:
News articles, business documents
Listening:
Business meetings, presentations
Key Skills
- ✓Handle business communications
- ✓Read news and magazine articles
- ✓Understand presentations and lectures
- ✓Follow complex conversations
N3
Intermediate Level
Bridge between basic and advanced Japanese
Study Hours
900-1500 hours
Vocabulary
3,750+ words
Kanji
650+ characters
Grammar
Intermediate grammar patterns
Reading & Listening
Reading:
Daily life texts, simple news
Listening:
Everyday conversations, simple announcements
Key Skills
- ✓Read and understand everyday topics
- ✓Follow conversations about familiar subjects
- ✓Handle most daily situations
- ✓Understand simple news articles
N4
Elementary Level
Basic Japanese for daily communication
Study Hours
600-900 hours
Vocabulary
1,500+ words
Kanji
300+ characters
Grammar
Basic grammar patterns
Reading & Listening
Reading:
Simple sentences, basic texts
Listening:
Slow, clear conversations
Key Skills
- ✓Understand basic Japanese
- ✓Read simple texts and signs
- ✓Have basic conversations
- ✓Follow simple instructions
N5
Beginner Level
Entry-level Japanese proficiency
Study Hours
300-600 hours
Vocabulary
800+ words
Kanji
100+ characters
Grammar
Basic sentence patterns
Reading & Listening
Reading:
Hiragana, katakana, simple sentences
Listening:
Very slow, clear speech
Key Skills
- ✓Read hiragana and katakana
- ✓Understand basic phrases
- ✓Introduce yourself
- ✓Ask and answer simple questions
Study Tips for Each Level
N5-N4: Foundation
Focus on hiragana, katakana, and basic grammar. Use flashcards for vocabulary and practice daily.
N3-N2: Communication
Practice reading news articles and watching Japanese media. Focus on natural conversation patterns.
N1: Mastery
Study academic materials, read literature, and practice with native speakers. Focus on nuances and cultural context.