N4

JLPT N4 Practice Test: Numbered Practice Sets

Basic - Common everyday expressions • 10 tests available

Try the free JLPT N4 mock test (10 questions) →6-week N4 study plan to Dec 6 →
Fastest path to a better score
N4

Turn N4 practice into a focused study plan

The highest-frequency N4 vocab and grammar in PDF + Anki, covering the patterns most likely to move your score.

500 vocab · 100 grammar · PDF + Anki · instant download

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About JLPT N4

N4 tests your ability to understand basic Japanese. You should be able to read and understand passages on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji, listen to and understand conversations encountered in daily life spoken at slightly slower speeds, and use simple grammar patterns.

Vocabulary1,500+ words
Kanji300+ characters
Estimated Study Hours575-1,000
Text Question Sets10 sets

Vocabulary, kanji, and study-hour figures are broad planning estimates, not official JLPT requirements. Prior knowledge and learning environment can change them substantially.

Current exam guide

JLPT N4 format, timing, and passing score

Reviewed September 24, 2026
against official JLPT guidance

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)

25 min

文字・語彙

Basic kanji and vocabulary used in familiar daily situations

Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading

55 min

文法・読解

Basic grammar, everyday passages, notices, and information retrieval

Listening

35 min

聴解

Everyday conversations spoken somewhat slowly

Overall pass mark
90 / 180

Approximate listed test time: 115 minutes. You must also meet every sectional minimum.

Scoring sectionRangeMinimum
Language Knowledge and Reading0–12038
Listening0–6019

The JLPT uses scaled scores, not a simple raw percentage. Missing a required test section results in a fail. Verify details on the official pages for test sections and times and scoring and pass marks.

See current JLPT dates, registration links, and exam-day rules →

What to study

JLPT N4 skills and question types

Use the five skill areas below to move from the official question format into focused practice.

語彙

Vocabulary

Understand common words in context, equivalent expressions, and correct usage.

  • Contextually defined expressions
  • Paraphrases
  • Usage
Practice vocabulary →

漢字

Kanji

Read elementary kanji and select the right kanji spelling for familiar words.

  • Kanji reading
  • Orthography
Practice kanji →

文法

Grammar

Select grammar forms, assemble sentences, and follow connections across a short text.

  • Selecting grammar form
  • Sentence composition
  • Text grammar
Practice grammar →

読解

Reading

Read short and mid-size material about familiar daily topics and locate practical details.

  • Short passages
  • Mid-size passages
  • Information retrieval
Practice reading →

聴解

Listening

Follow everyday exchanges spoken somewhat slowly and identify actions, key points, and replies.

  • Task-based comprehension
  • Key points
  • Verbal expressions
  • Quick response
Practice listening →

Five-point self-check

Are you ready for JLPT N4 practice?

  1. 1I can read kana fluently and recognize elementary kanji in short sentences.
  2. 2I understand common vocabulary for home, school, work, shopping, travel, and daily routines.
  3. 3I can use basic conjugations, particles, comparisons, requests, and reasons without guessing every form.
  4. 4I can identify the main point and specific details in a short everyday passage or notice.
  5. 5I can follow a somewhat slow conversation and understand what someone will do next.

4–5 checks: try a timed section now. 2–3: use the 90-day plan. 0–1: build foundations with the six-month plan. This is a study diagnostic, not an official score prediction.

Choose your next step

Turn the check into practice

Start a free N4 testPractice without registrationTake the 20-minute N4 mini mockFour skills with a timed resultRun the full timed N4 mockComplete text-section practiceBuild a custom diagnosticChoose level, skill, and lengthPreview Keiko's explanationsSee grammar, reading, and mistake-review examplesCheck the pass forecastUse your saved practice historyPreview N4 study materialsPDF and Anki samplesDownload a free N4 mini mockPrintable PDF with answersTry official JLPT sample questions ↗One official sample for each N4 item type

Pick a realistic schedule

JLPT N4 preparation plans

30 days

Best for: Learners who have completed beginner Japanese and need exam practice

  1. 1.Take a full diagnostic across vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening, then rank weak item types.
  2. 2.Alternate language-knowledge days with reading and listening days while reviewing mistakes every day.
  3. 3.Run each official section under its current time limit at least twice before test day.

90 days

Best for: N5-level learners moving into elementary-intermediate material

  1. 1.Spend month one expanding everyday vocabulary and kanji while consolidating core conjugations and particles.
  2. 2.Spend month two combining grammar with short reading and transcript-supported listening.
  3. 3.Spend month three on mixed timed sets, recurring-error review, and sectional-minimum checks.

6 months

Best for: Learners who know kana but still need a broad beginner foundation

  1. 1.Build N5 foundations first and steadily add N4 vocabulary, kanji, and grammar in context.
  2. 2.Read graded everyday material and listen several times a week, gradually reducing transcript support.
  3. 3.Introduce item-type drills by month four and timed sections during the final two months.

JLPT N4 common questions

What is the JLPT N4 passing score?

You need at least 90 out of 180 overall, at least 38 out of 120 in Language Knowledge and Reading, and at least 19 out of 60 in Listening. A strong total cannot compensate for a section below its minimum.

How long is the JLPT N4 exam?

The current listed times total about 115 minutes: 25 minutes for Vocabulary, 55 minutes for Grammar and Reading, and 35 minutes for Listening. The official JLPT site notes that allotted time can change and listening time can vary slightly.

What is the difference between JLPT N5 and N4?

N4 still focuses on basic Japanese, but it expects a broader command of everyday vocabulary, kanji, and grammar, longer reading, and better comprehension of daily conversations. Use an N4 diagnostic after you can handle N5-style material consistently.

Is there an official N4 vocabulary or kanji list?

No. The JLPT does not publish an official vocabulary, kanji, or grammar list. Use approximate prep targets only as planning aids, then verify readiness through the official item types and representative practice.

N4 Study Materials

Top 500 vocabulary items and 100 grammar patterns ranked by frequency in this site's text-question corpus. PDF guides and Anki flashcards.

Preview samples →

JLPT N4 guides

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JLPT N4 Practice Test: 10 Free Numbered Practice Sets