JLPT N4 Syllabus: Complete Guide to Vocabulary, Grammar & Kanji

The JLPT N4 syllabus marks the next step after the N5 level, designed for learners who can understand and use basic Japanese in daily situations. This level builds upon the foundation of N5 and introduces more complex grammar structures, kanji, and vocabulary that allow you to express ideas more fluently. While the official JLPT website does not publish a fixed syllabus, learners can refer to general content guidelines and study materials that reflect the skills required for this level.

If you’ve already cleared N5 or have a grasp of everyday Japanese, preparing for JLPT N4 is your natural progression. Institutions like TLS – The Japanese Language School offer comprehensive study programs tailored for this level, helping students achieve confidence and fluency in reading, writing, and conversation.

If you’re preparing for the intermediate level, check the complete JLPT N3 Syllabus to understand vocabulary, grammar, and reading sections in detail.

Overview of the JLPT N4 Syllabus

The JLPT N4 syllabus primarily tests your ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations at a slightly higher level than N5. You’ll need to know around 1,500 vocabulary words and 300 kanji, along with various grammar structures that allow you to communicate effectively in casual and polite contexts.

The test consists of three main sections:

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading
Listening

The total JLPT N4 exam time duration is approximately 105 minutes, divided among these sections.

Go to Official website -: www.jlpt.jp/e/samples/sampleindex.html

JLPT N4 Test Sections

The JLPT N4 syllabus is structured into three major test sections designed to assess your overall Japanese language proficiency at the basic-intermediate level. Each section focuses on a specific skill set — vocabulary, grammar and reading, and listening comprehension. The exam evaluates not only your ability to recall words or kanji but also how effectively you can understand and apply them in real-life situations.

1. Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)

This section tests your understanding of approximately 1,500 vocabulary words, including their readings, spellings, and contextual meanings. You’ll be expected to identify the correct kanji readings, choose appropriate words for specific contexts, and understand nuances between similar expressions.

Topics covered include:

Nouns related to family, work, school, and travel
Verbs: Godan, Ichidan, and irregular forms
Adjectives: i-adjectives and na-adjectives
Adverbs and basic conjunctions
Expressions used in formal and informal communication

Using structured materials like the JLPT N4 textbook PDF and vocabulary lists helps you grasp common sentence patterns and contextual usage effectively.

Beginners can start with the JLPT N5 Syllabus to build a strong foundation in Japanese language skills.

2. Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading

This combined section evaluates your grasp of grammar and your ability to comprehend short passages, emails, notices, and conversations about everyday life. The focus is on connecting ideas, expressing intentions, and understanding slightly longer sentences than those in N5.

Common grammar patterns include:

Verb conjugations (past, negative, potential, polite, and casual)
Particle usage: は, が, を, に, で, と, も, から, まで
Expressions like:
- ～たい (want to do something)
- ～つもり (intend to do something)
- ～ながら (while doing something)
- ～てください (please do something)
- ～なければなりません (must do something)
- Conditional forms: ～たら, ～なら, ～ば
- Causative and passive forms

Reading passages test your understanding of main ideas, key details, and inferred meanings. You should practice using the JLPT N4 syllabus PDF and reading comprehension exercises to improve this skill.

3. Listening

Listening comprehension in the JLPT N4 syllabus focuses on conversations and announcements in daily settings such as workplaces, schools, or public places. The audio speed is slightly faster than N5, testing your ability to follow dialogues and grasp context.

You’ll hear:

Short exchanges with direct questions or responses
Longer conversations with context-based information
Real-life situations like directions, requests, or brief discussions

Regular practice using mock tests and JLPT N4 question audios helps build confidence and listening speed.

For an overview of all levels, from N5 to N1, visit the JLPT Syllabus for structured exam guidance.

Kanji Requirements for JLPT N4

The JLPT N4 syllabus includes approximately 300 kanji characters. These build upon the 100 learned in N5 and cover commonly used words in daily communication.

Kanji topics include:

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

Mastering kanji is essential for reading comprehension, as many JLPT questions use mixed scripts of hiragana, katakana, and kanji.

Vocabulary Scope

The JLPT N4 vocabulary list contains roughly 1,500 words. These cover topics such as:

Daily life activities (食べる – to eat, 寝る – to sleep, 行く – to go)
Work and school-related terms
Basic adjectives (大きい – big, 小さい – small, 静か – quiet)
Common adverbs and expressions (とても – very, たぶん – probably)
Polite expressions used in conversation

To prepare efficiently, use JLPT N4 syllabus PDF downloads, vocabulary flashcards, and apps to review and test your knowledge daily.

Learn about the test format, question types, and sections through the detailed JLPT Exam Guide to plan your preparation effectively.

Grammar Overview

The grammar in the JLPT N4 syllabus deepens your understanding of Japanese sentence structure. You’ll learn to connect clauses, describe actions in sequence, and express opinions or intentions clearly.

Some important grammar forms include:

～ている: expressing continuous actions or states
～ながら: doing two actions simultaneously
～たことがある: describing past experiences
～ので / ～から: giving reasons
～でしょう / ～と思います: expressing assumptions or thoughts
～すぎる: expressing excess (too much)

Practicing with JLPT N4 textbook PDFs or materials like Minna no Nihongo II is highly effective for mastering these forms.

Searching for the right place to study? Find the best nearby institutes in our article on Japanese Coaching Near Me offering expert classes for all JLPT levels.

Exam Pattern and Time Duration

The JLPT N4 exam time duration is divided as follows:

Section	Content	Duration
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)	Kanji, word usage, orthography	~25 minutes
Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading	Sentence structure, reading comprehension	~55 minutes
Listening	Spoken comprehension	~25 minutes

The total duration is approximately 105 minutes. You’ll be tested on your overall comprehension ability, so consistent practice is essential.

Study Tips for JLPT N4 Preparation

Build a daily study routine: Spend time each day reviewing vocabulary, grammar, and kanji.
Use structured resources: Rely on official JLPT N4 syllabus PDFs and practice books for guidance.
Listen daily: Improve listening by engaging with Japanese podcasts or JLPT mock audio tests.
Read short texts: Practice reading simple news, blogs, or manga to improve comprehension.
Join a professional course: Institutes like TLS – The Japanese Language School provide systematic lessons, mock exams, and personalized feedback for JLPT success.

Planning to appear for the JLPT outside India? Explore the list of Overseas Test Centers for JLPT and check available exam locations globally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about JLPT N4 Syllabus

1. What is the JLPT N4 syllabus?

The JLPT N4 syllabus covers basic-intermediate Japanese language skills needed for daily communication.

Around 1,500 vocabulary words and 300 kanji.
Grammar patterns used in simple conversations and readings.
Listening comprehension for natural-paced dialogues.
It builds upon N5 and is ideal for learners who can manage short discussions and written passages.

2. Can I pass JLPT N4 in 4 months?

Yes, it’s possible — but it depends on your consistency and background knowledge.

Study 2–3 hours daily focusing on vocabulary and grammar.
Practice with JLPT N4 syllabus PDF and past question papers.
Regular listening and reading exercises will help build speed and accuracy.
With structured effort, 4 months can be enough to pass.

3. What is the syllabus of JLPT?

The JLPT syllabus (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) is divided into five levels — N5 to N1.

N5 and N4 focus on basic communication.
N3–N1 involve advanced vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.
Each level tests language knowledge, reading, and listening.
Official details are available on the JLPT guidelines page.

4. Is N4 enough to live in Japan?

For short-term stays or basic communication, JLPT N4 is sufficient.

You can handle shopping, travel, and small conversations.
However, for work or study in Japan, N3 or higher is recommended.
TLS – The Japanese Language School suggests continuing to N3 for better fluency and job prospects.

Get a feel for the actual exam pattern with free Sample Questions for JLPT N5 to assess your readiness.

5. What is the 80/20 rule in Japanese learning?

The 80/20 rule means focusing on the 20% of study material that brings 80% of results.

Prioritize high-frequency words and grammar used daily.
Focus on real conversations, not just memorization.
This approach helps you progress faster while saving time.

6. How long is the JLPT N4 exam time duration?

The JLPT N4 exam time duration is approximately 100 to 105 minutes in total:

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary): ~25 minutes
Grammar & Reading: ~55 minutes
Listening: ~30 minutes
Check the official JLPT guidebook PDF for updated timings and test structure.

7. What books should I use for JLPT N4 preparation?

Some recommended study materials include:

Minna no Nihongo II (Grammar & Vocabulary)
Try! JLPT N4 (Textbook & Workbook)
Shin Kanzen Master N4 (Comprehensive practice)
JLPT N4 textbook PDF versions are available online for convenience.

Ready to apply? Follow the step-by-step JLPT Registration Process for smooth enrollment.

8. How many kanji are required for JLPT N4?

You should know around 300 kanji characters.

These include basic verbs, directions, time, nature, and people-related terms.
Build on the 100 kanji from N5 and expand through regular reading and writing practice.

9. Is the JLPT N4 syllabus available in PDF?

Yes, many institutions and websites provide a JLPT N4 syllabus PDF download for free.

It includes vocabulary lists, kanji charts, and grammar summaries.
You can also refer to Team Languages Resources for authentic study materials.

10. What comes after JLPT N4?

After passing N4, the next step is JLPT N3.

It introduces more advanced grammar and vocabulary used in workplace and academic settings.
N3 serves as the bridge between beginner and intermediate Japanese.
For learners aiming to work or study in Japan, advancing beyond N4 is highly recommended.

Learn the value of achieving proficiency through the Japanese Language Certificate and how it enhances your study or career opportunities.

Conclusion

The JLPT N4 syllabus is designed to test your ability to comprehend and use Japanese in practical, everyday scenarios. With around 1,500 vocabulary words, 300 kanji, and essential grammar structures, it bridges the gap between beginner and intermediate proficiency.

Whether you’re preparing through self-study or guided courses at trusted institutions like TLS – The Japanese Language School, consistent practice and exposure to authentic materials are key to achieving success. Download the JLPT N4 syllabus PDF, review question papers, and practice regularly to build confidence for the exam.