JLPT Levels Explained: N5, N4, N3, N2, N1
✍️ Dr. Winnie · Founder & Principal · 2026-06-22 更新
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the world’s most recognized exam for non-native Japanese speakers. It has five levels, from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced). This guide explains what each level covers, roughly how much vocabulary and kanji you need, and how to pick the level that fits you.
What is the JLPT?
The JLPT is held twice a year (July and December) in many countries and tests reading and listening only — there is no speaking or writing section. Your score decides a single result: pass or fail.
Each level has a pass mark you must reach overall, plus a minimum score in each section so you can’t pass on one skill alone. Levels are not school grades — N5 is the easiest and N1 is the hardest.
The five levels at a glance
- •N5 — Basic. You can read and understand simple phrases and sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji.
- •N4 — Elementary. You can understand everyday conversations spoken slowly and read simple passages on familiar topics.
- •N3 — Intermediate. The bridge level: you can follow everyday Japanese and start handling more abstract or formal material.
- •N2 — Upper-intermediate. Often the level employers ask for: you can understand newspapers, general news, and most workplace Japanese.
- •N1 — Advanced. You can read complex, abstract, and academic Japanese and follow natural-speed conversation on a wide range of topics.
How much vocabulary and kanji does each level need?
These are widely used study targets, not official counts — the JLPT no longer publishes a fixed list — but they are a reliable guide for planning.
- •N5: ~100 kanji, ~800 words.
- •N4: ~300 kanji, ~1,500 words.
- •N3: ~650 kanji, ~3,700 words.
- •N2: ~1,000 kanji, ~6,000 words.
- •N1: ~2,000 kanji, ~10,000+ words.
The jump from N3 to N2, and again to N1, is large — plan extra time for those.
Which level should you take?
If you are starting from zero, begin studying toward N5 even if you don’t sit it. If you already know some Japanese, the fastest way to find your level is a placement test that adapts to your answers.
For study or work in Japan, N2 is the common requirement; N1 is expected for academic or professional roles that use Japanese all day. For travel and everyday life, N5–N4 already make a real difference.
You do not have to take every level in order. Many learners skip straight to the level they need — the certificate for a higher level supersedes the lower ones.
How long does each level take?
It depends on your starting point and study time, but a rough guide for consistent study is: N5 in 2–3 months, N4 in another 3–4 months, N3 in 4–6 months, and N2 and N1 each often a year or more of focused work.
Steady daily practice — a little vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening every day — beats occasional long sessions. Timed mock exams close to your test date show you exactly where you stand.
よくある質問
What is the pass mark for the JLPT?
You need to reach an overall score (for example, 80/180 at N3) and also clear a minimum in each section. The exact totals vary by level, so always check the current requirement for the level you are taking.
Is N3 enough to work in Japan?
N3 shows solid intermediate Japanese and helps, but many employers ask for N2 or N1 for roles that use Japanese daily. N3 is a strong stepping stone toward those.
Does the JLPT test speaking?
No. The JLPT only tests reading (including vocabulary and grammar) and listening. There is no speaking or writing section, though speaking practice still helps your overall Japanese.
Should I start with N5 or jump to a higher level?
Sit the level that matches your current ability. A higher-level certificate covers the lower ones, so you don’t need to pass every level in order. A placement test is the quickest way to find your starting point.