Understanding the JLPT N4 Syllabus: A Comprehensive Guide for Intermediate Learners

Mastering Japanese requires dedication, consistency, and a clear understanding of what to study. One of the most important milestones in your Japanese learning journey is the JLPT N4 level. Positioned between beginner and intermediate stages, this level builds on your N5 foundation and prepares you for more advanced Japanese in N3.

In this guide, we will explore the Japanese N4 syllabus, including grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, listening, and study strategies, so you can prepare with confidence and clarity.

For a complete overview of the JLPT structure and levels, check out our Complete Guide on JLPT 2026.
👉 https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/blogs/complete-guide-on-jlpt-2026

Visit & Enroll 

Ready to start your language journey?
Visit TILS – School of Foreign Languages in Laxmi Nagar and meet our certified trainers.

📌 Address:
2/81-82, Ground Floor, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi – 110092

👉 Book a Visit Now
https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/contact-us

What Is the JLPT N4 Level?

The JLPT N4 (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test N4) is the second level from the bottom in the JLPT system. It is designed for learners who already understand basic Japanese (N5 level) and are ready to handle everyday communication.

At this level, learners should be able to:

• Understand common expressions used in daily life
• Read short passages written in basic Japanese
• Follow conversations spoken slowly and clearly
• Understand simple written instructions and announcements

The Japanese N4 syllabus helps learners move from basic recognition to real-world communication.

For details on where you can take the JLPT and how to register, see JLPT 2026 Registration and Test Locations.
👉 https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/blogs/jlpt-2026-registration-and-test-locations

Overview of the Japanese N4 Syllabus

The JLPT N4 exam is designed to measure how well you can use Japanese in real-life, everyday situations. It is divided into three key sections that together assess your overall language ability:

• Language Knowledge (Vocabulary & Grammar) – Tests how well you understand words, sentence patterns, and grammar used in daily communication.
• Reading – Evaluates your ability to comprehend short texts, notices, and simple passages written in Japanese.
• Listening – Measures how effectively you can understand spoken Japanese in conversations and common situations.

Together, these three sections ensure that you can not only recognize Japanese but also understand and use it confidently in practical, real-world contexts.

Call to Action – Speak With an Expert

Want to learn Japanese, German, or French?
Our counselors are ready to guide you.

📞 Call Us: 91 9218071730
📧 Email: info@teamforeignlanguages.com

👉 Talk to a Language Advisor
https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/contact-us

1. Vocabulary and Grammar

Vocabulary

The Japanese N4 syllabus includes around:

• 1,500 words
• 300 kanji characters

These words cover topics such as:

• Daily routines
• Travel and directions
• Work and school
• Family and relationships
• Feelings and opinions

Common prefixes and suffixes are also introduced, such as:

• 再 (sai – again)
• 的 (teki – “-like” or “-al”)

Check out the JLPT 2026 Exam Dates to plan your study schedule effectively.
👉 https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/blogs/jlpt-2026-exam-dates

Grammar

The N4 level introduces around 50–60 grammar points, allowing learners to form longer and more meaningful sentences.

Important grammar includes:

• ～たい (want to)
• ～つもり (intend to)
• ～ながら (while doing)
• ～たことがある (have done before)
• ～たり～たりする (listing actions)
• ～と思う (I think)
• 可能形 (potential form – can do)
• ～ば / ～なら (conditionals)
• ～ほど (comparisons)
• てしまう (completion or regret)

You will also learn how to switch between casual and polite speech, which is important for real conversations.

For step-by-step application guidance, see JLPT Exam Registration 2026.
👉 https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/blogs/jlpt-exam-registration-2026

2. Reading in JLPT N4

The reading section tests your ability to understand:

• Short stories
• Emails and letters
• Signs and notices
• Event descriptions
• Simple instructions

At this level, you should be able to:

• Identify the main idea
• Understand connected sentences
• Recognize more kanji and grammar than N5

Reading materials may include menus, advertisements, short articles, and notices.

If you’re starting your Japanese journey, explore the JLPT N5 Complete Course here.
👉 https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/blogs/jlpt-n5-complete-course

Enroll in a Language Course

Join TILS – School of Foreign Languages and get:
✔ Certified Trainers
✔ Online & Offline Classes
✔ JLPT & Goethe Exam Prep
✔ Study Abroad & Visa Support

👉 Enroll Now
https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/contact-us

3. Listening in JLPT N4

The listening section focuses on:

• Daily conversations
• Requests and responses
• Short dialogues
• Instructions and explanations

Learners should be able to:

• Understand slow, clear speech
• Pick out key information
• Follow conversations on familiar topics

Want to know the cost of learning Japanese N5 in Delhi? Check Japanese N5 Course Fees in Delhi.
👉 https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/blogs/japanese-n5-course-fees-in-delhi

Understanding the Kanji N4 Syllabus

Kanji plays a vital role in the Japanese N4 syllabus, as it directly impacts your ability to read and understand everyday Japanese. At the N4 level, you are expected to recognize approximately 300 kanji characters, which appear regularly in daily life—on street signs, menus, train stations, and simple written communication.

Key Kanji Categories You’ll Learn

To make learning more practical and relevant, the Kanji N4 syllabus focuses on commonly used themes, such as:

• Time & Date – 年 (year), 月 (month), 日 (day), 時 (time)
• Nature & Weather – 雨 (rain), 雪 (snow), 山 (mountain), 川 (river)
• Directions & Places – 東 (east), 西 (west), 南 (south), 北 (north), 駅 (station), 学校 (school)
• Essential Verbs – 食 (eat), 飲 (drink), 行 (go), 来 (come), 見 (see)
• People & Relationships – 父 (father), 母 (mother), 友 (friend), 先生 (teacher)

These kanji help you move beyond basic reading and start understanding real Japanese used in everyday settings, making them a key step toward fluency and confidence.

Boost your JLPT preparation with our JLPT Exam Oriented Japanese Course.
👉 https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/blogs/jlpt-exam-oriented-japanese-course

Key Learning Areas in the Japanese N4 Curriculum

The Japanese N4 level strengthens your ability to understand and use Japanese in everyday situations. At this stage, learners develop skills across four main areas: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

Listening Skills

At the N4 level, you will be able to understand spoken Japanese in familiar, real-life situations. This includes:

• Conversations about daily activities
• Requests and polite responses
• Commonly used expressions and phrases

Recommended listening resources:

• Nihongo Sou Matome N4
• NHK Easy News
• JapanesePod101

These tools help train your ears to recognize natural Japanese speech and improve comprehension.

Join our JLPT N5 Course in Delhi to kickstart your Japanese language journey.
👉 https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/blogs/jlpt-n5-course-in-delhi

Reading Skills

N4 reading focuses on understanding short, practical texts commonly seen in daily life, such as:

• Letters and emails
• Instructions and notices
• Event announcements
• Short stories and dialogues

To improve reading, learners should practice with graded readers, advertisements, and JLPT-style passages, which help build both vocabulary and comprehension.

Speaking Skills

By the N4 level, learners can:

• Talk about past experiences and daily routines
• Discuss future plans
• Express opinions
• Ask for clarification during conversations

This allows you to participate more naturally in basic Japanese conversations.

Find nearby JLPT preparation options on JLPT Courses Near Me.
👉 https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/blogs/jlpt-courses-near-me

Writing Skills

At this stage, learners are able to:

• Write short paragraphs
• Compose simple emails and messages
• Use connectors and kanji to create smoother sentences

These skills help you communicate clearly in written Japanese and prepare you for more advanced levels.

How to Study for JLPT N4

Preparing for JLPT N4 requires a balanced and consistent approach. Focusing on all language skills every day will help you build confidence and steady progress.

Daily Study Plan

A simple and effective daily routine could look like this:

• Vocabulary – 30 minutes to build your word bank
• Grammar – 30 minutes to strengthen sentence structure
• Kanji – 20 minutes to improve reading accuracy
• Listening & Reading – 40 minutes to develop real-world understanding

This balanced schedule ensures that no skill is left behind.

Learn Japanese conveniently with our Japanese Language Course in Laxmi Nagar.
👉 https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/blogs/japanese-language-course-in-laxmi-nagar

Effective Study Methods

To make your preparation more productive and enjoyable, try combining multiple learning techniques:

• Use flashcards to memorize vocabulary and kanji
• Take mock tests to become familiar with the exam format
• Watch Japanese videos to improve listening and pronunciation
• Read real-world materials like ads, menus, and short articles
• Join online study groups to stay motivated and exchange tips

These methods help reinforce what you learn and make studying more interactive.

Why Achieve N4 Proficiency?

Passing JLPT N4 is a major milestone in your Japanese learning journey. It allows you to:

• Communicate confidently in everyday situations
• Understand basic written and spoken Japanese
• Build a strong foundation for the N3 level
• Travel, study, or live in Japan with greater ease and confidence

Reaching N4 proves that you can use Japanese practically, not just academically—bringing you one step closer to fluency.

Join quality prep with our JLPT N5 Classes in Delhi NCR.
👉 https://www.teamforeignlanguages.com/blogs/jlpt-n5-classes-in-delhi-ncr

Conclusion

The Japanese N4 syllabus is a crucial bridge between beginner and intermediate Japanese. By mastering vocabulary, grammar, kanji, reading, and listening, you build the foundation needed for real communication and higher JLPT levels. With consistency, the right resources, and structured practice, passing JLPT N4 is completely achievable.

FAQs – JLPT N4 Syllabus

1. What is the JLPT N4 syllabus?

The JLPT N4 syllabus covers basic Japanese used in everyday life. It includes vocabulary, grammar, kanji, listening, and reading that allow learners to understand simple conversations, written instructions, and short passages commonly used in Japan.

2. How many words are required for JLPT N4?

The JLPT N4 requires approximately 1,500 vocabulary words. These include daily-use words related to food, travel, work, emotions, directions, and common activities.

3. How many kanji are in JLPT N4?

You need to learn around 300 kanji for the JLPT N4. These kanji are used in everyday contexts such as dates, time, shopping, transportation, and basic workplace situations.

4. How many grammar points are there in JLPT N4?

The JLPT N4 includes around 50–60 grammar patterns. These grammar rules help you form sentences, express intentions, ask questions, describe actions, and talk about past and future events.

5. How difficult is JLPT N4?

JLPT N4 is an upper-beginner to lower-intermediate level. It is more challenging than N5 but easier than N3. You should be able to understand slow conversations and read simple texts with basic kanji.

6. How many hours are needed to prepare for JLPT N4?

Most learners need around 300 to 450 study hours depending on their background. If you have already passed N5, you may need closer to 200–300 hours.

7. How often is the JLPT N4 exam conducted?

The JLPT N4 exam is held twice every year:

• July session
• December session

This allows students to choose a date that fits their preparation schedule.

8. What is the passing score for JLPT N4?

The total score is 180 marks, and you must score at least 90 marks overall. You must also pass each section (Language Knowledge, Reading, and Listening) to qualify.

9. Can I take JLPT N4 without passing N5?

Yes. JLPT N5 is not mandatory. You can directly apply for N4 if you feel confident with basic Japanese.

10. Is JLPT N4 enough to work in Japan?

JLPT N4 allows you to handle basic daily conversations, but it is usually not enough for full-time jobs. Most employers prefer N3 or higher.

11. Can I study JLPT N4 in 3 months?

Yes, if you study 2–3 hours daily with a structured plan, JLPT N4 can be completed in about 3 to 4 months.

12. What skills will I gain after passing JLPT N4?

You will be able to:

• Understand simple spoken Japanese
• Read basic sentences and notices
• Talk about everyday topics
• Prepare for JLPT N3 level

13. Is JLPT N4 useful for students and visa applications?

Yes. JLPT N4 is useful for Japanese language schools, student visas, and skill training programs, especially for beginners planning to study or work in Japan.

14. What is the best way to prepare for JLPT N4?

The best preparation includes:

• Vocabulary & Kanji practice
• Grammar study
• Listening to Japanese audio
• Reading simple Japanese texts
• Taking mock tests regularly