What Are the JLPT Levels? N5 to N1 Explained
The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) has five levels. N5 is the easiest and N1 is the hardest. Every level tests vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening. There is no speaking or writing section.
What does each JLPT level mean?
The official descriptions are short. Here is what each level covers, in the test's own words and in practice.
- N5: "the ability to understand some basic Japanese". Greetings, numbers, everyday words and simple sentences written in hiragana, katakana and basic kanji.
- N4: "the ability to understand basic Japanese". Everyday conversations at a slow pace, and short texts on familiar topics.
- N3: "the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree". The bridge between the basic levels and the advanced ones.
- N2: everyday Japanese, and Japanese used in a variety of other situations to a certain degree. Newspaper articles, clear explanations, conversations at natural speed.
- N1: "the ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances". Complex writing, abstract topics and fast speech.
How is the JLPT scored?
Every level is scored out of 180. To pass, you need the overall pass mark and a minimum score in each section.
| Level | Pass mark (out of 180) |
|---|---|
| N1 | 100 |
| N2 | 90 |
| N3 | 95 |
| N4 | 90 |
| N5 | 80 |
At N1, N2 and N3, each section is out of 60 and you need at least 19 in every one. At N4 and N5, vocabulary, grammar and reading are scored together out of 120 (minimum 38), and listening out of 60 (minimum 19). A high total does not make up for failing a section.
When can you take the JLPT?
The test is held twice a year, in July and December. Some cities outside Japan only hold it once a year, so check the dates for your country early.
How many words do you need for each level?
Since the test changed in 2010, there are no official word lists. Teachers and learners usually estimate around 800 words for N5 and around 10,000 for N1, so treat any number you see as a rough guide rather than a target.
Which JLPT level should you start with?
If you are new to Japanese, start with N5. If you can already read hiragana and katakana and get through simple conversations, try a few N4 practice questions and see how they feel. Moving up one level at a time works better than jumping ahead, because each level builds on the words of the one before.
How LanguaCards helps
In LanguaCards, Japanese words are grouped by JLPT level, from N5 to N1. Every card has audio, in a choice of a female or male voice, and romaji you can switch off as your reading improves. Reviews bring each word back before you would forget it, so the words you learn for N5 are still there when you reach N4.