JLPT Levels Explained

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has five levels, from N5, the easiest, to N1, the hardest. Each level is a separate test: you choose one level, and you pass or fail that level with a score out of 180.

The five levels at a glance

Level	Understands	Kanji	Words	Test time	Pass mark
N5	Some basic Japanese	≈ 100	≈ 800	90 min	80 / 180
N4	Basic Japanese	≈ 300	≈ 1,500	115 min	90 / 180
N3	Everyday Japanese, to a certain degree	≈ 650	≈ 3,500	140 min	95 / 180
N2	Everyday Japanese, and a wider range of situations to a certain degree	≈ 1,000	≈ 6,000	155 min	90 / 180
N1	Japanese in a wide range of situations	≈ 2,000	≈ 10,000	165 min	100 / 180

Kanji and word totals include the levels below. The JLPT hasn't published official lists since 2010: N5 to N3 come from our own lists, built by comparing several study sources, and N2 and N1 are commonly quoted estimates. Test time doesn't include breaks.

N5

Some basic Japanese

Reading: Typical phrases and sentences written in hiragana, katakana and basic kanji.
Listening: Short, slowly spoken conversations about everyday topics, picking out the information you need.
To pass: 80 of 180 overall, with at least 38 of 120 in vocabulary, grammar and reading, and 19 of 60 in listening.

Test sections

Vocabulary20 min
Grammar and reading40 min
Listening30 min

About 100 kanji and 800 words

See the N5 word list

N4

Basic Japanese

Reading: Short passages on familiar everyday topics, written with basic vocabulary and kanji.
Listening: Everyday conversations, as long as they're spoken slowly.
To pass: 90 of 180 overall, with at least 38 of 120 in vocabulary, grammar and reading, and 19 of 60 in listening.

Test sections

Vocabulary25 min
Grammar and reading55 min
Listening35 min

About 300 kanji and 1,500 words

See the N4 word list

N3

Everyday Japanese, to a certain degree

Reading: Writing about everyday topics, the gist of newspaper headlines, and slightly harder everyday texts when they're put more simply.
Listening: Everyday conversations at close to natural speed, including who is talking to whom.
To pass: 95 of 180 overall, with at least 19 of 60 in each of vocabulary and grammar, reading, and listening.

Test sections

Vocabulary30 min
Grammar and reading70 min
Listening40 min

About 650 kanji and 3,500 words

N2

Everyday Japanese, and a wider range of situations to a certain degree

Reading: Clearly written newspaper and magazine articles, commentaries and simple critiques, and texts on general topics, following what the writer means.
Listening: Conversations and news reports at close to natural speed, following the main points and how the speakers relate.
To pass: 90 of 180 overall, with at least 19 of 60 in each of vocabulary and grammar, reading, and listening.

Test sections

Vocabulary, grammar and reading105 min
Listening50 min

About 1,000 kanji and 6,000 words

N1

Japanese in a wide range of situations

Reading: Logically complex and abstract writing on a wide range of topics, such as editorials and critiques, following its structure and what the writer means.
Listening: Conversations, news reports and lectures at natural speed, following the details, the argument and how the speakers relate.
To pass: 100 of 180 overall, with at least 19 of 60 in each of vocabulary and grammar, reading, and listening.

Test sections

Vocabulary, grammar and reading110 min
Listening55 min

About 2,000 kanji and 10,000 words

How the test works

When: The test is held on the first Sunday of July and of December. Some cities hold it only once a year. You register through the test organizer in your country, and registration closes a few months before the test.
Format: Every question is multiple choice, answered on paper. There is no speaking or writing section.
Scoring: You need the overall pass mark and a minimum score in each section, so a high reading score can't make up for a very low listening score. Missing a section is a fail.
Choosing a level: You don't have to start at N5 or take the levels in order. You can take one level per test date.
Results: Results come out about two months after the test. A pass doesn't expire.

Which level should I take?

N5 if you can read hiragana and katakana and are starting out.
N4 if you know the N5 words and grammar and can read short, simple passages.
N3 if you can follow everyday conversations and read simple texts with some kanji.
N2 if you're aiming to work or study in Japan: it's the level many employers and universities ask for.
N1 if you can read newspapers and follow lectures with little trouble.

Not sure? Try the official sample questions for the level you're thinking of.

Studying for N5, N4 or N3?

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