What You Have to Study in JLPT N4 Level – A Complete Guide for Beginners

Are you preparing for the JLPT N4 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) and wondering exactly what to study? Don’t worry! Whether you're using textbooks like Minna no Nihongo II or preparing with other resources, this blog will give you a clear roadmap of what to cover in grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, and listening to pass JLPT N4 confidently.

Let’s break it all down step-by-step.

🎯 What is JLPT N4?

JLPT N4 is the second level of the JLPT exam, just above N5. It tests your ability to understand basic Japanese used in daily life. You’ll need to:

1. Understand basic grammar
2. Read short passages
3. Listen and understand daily conversations

It’s perfect for students who have completed about 300–400 hours of Japanese study, or finished books like Minna no Nihongo I & II.

🧠 What You Have to Study in JLPT N4

1. 📚 Grammar (ぶんぽう / 文法)

Grammar is the core of N4. You should study:

1. Conjugation of verbs and adjectives
2. Sentence patterns for describing, reasoning, giving advice, and more

✅ Must-Know Grammar Patterns:

There are over 100+ grammar points to know for N4. Use Minna no Nihongo II or Try! N4 Grammar to cover them.

2. 📝 Vocabulary (たんご / 単語)

You need to know around 1,500 words for N4, including:

1. Daily life verbs (e.g., はしる - to run, すべる - to slip)
2. Adjectives (e.g., ひつよう - necessary, うるさい - noisy)
3. Nouns (e.g., こうつう - traffic, しゅうかん - habit)

📌 Tip:

Make your own vocabulary notebook with:

1. Hiragana
2. Romaji
3. Meaning in English or Nepali
4. Example sentence

Apps like Anki or JLPT N4 Tango books help review effectively.

3. 漢字 (Kanji)

JLPT N4 includes around 300 kanji, including:

1. Numbers: 一、二、三…
2. Days & time: 日、月、年、時、分
3. Verbs: 見 (to see), 行 (to go), 食 (to eat), 書 (to write)
4. Adjectives: 高 (high), 新 (new), 大 (big), 小 (small)

✅ You Must:

1. Read and recognize kanji in words (漢字 vocabulary)
2. Understand meanings in reading sections
3. Not necessary to write them by hand (but writing helps memory)

👉 Use resources like JLPT N4 Kanji books, or apps like Wanikani, Kanshudo, or Anki decks.

4. 📖 Reading (どくしょ / 読解)

You need to:

1. Read short paragraphs and emails
2. Understand simple explanations, signs, and schedules

The content will look like:

1. Notices (ポスター)
2. Daily conversations
3. Short essays and opinions

📝 Tip: Practice reading Minna no Nihongo II reading sections, and do JLPT N4 mock reading tests regularly.

5. 🎧 Listening (ちょうかい / 聴解)

N4 listening includes:

1. Simple conversations in daily settings (like shops, school, home)
2. Short monologues
3. Instructions and questions

You're tested on:

1. Main idea
2. Specific details (time, price, location)
3. Reason or decision

🧠 Trick: Use the Minna no Nihongo II CD, JLPT N4 Listening Practice, or free YouTube videos. Listen daily — even 10 minutes helps!

🛠️ Tools and Resources to Study

📅 How Long Does It Take to Reach N4?

With consistent study:

1. Daily: 1–1.5 hours
2. Complete N4 level in 3 to 6 months
3. Ideal pace: 1 grammar point + 10 words + 5 kanji per day

✅ Summary: What to Study for JLPT N4

🎓 Final Advice

JLPT N4 is a great milestone on your Japanese learning journey. Mastering it proves that you can survive in real-life Japanese conversations, understand basic reading materials, and follow instructions in Japanese.

Don’t rush — study a little every day. Use your favorite tools, review often, and test yourself. With a solid plan, you'll pass JLPT N4 with confidence!