Understanding the JLPT Levels

What are JLPT Levels and Why Do They Matter?

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the most widely recognized and administered test of Japanese language ability for non-native speakers worldwide. Jointly administered by The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, it assesses knowledge of Japanese language (Vocabulary and Grammar) and communicative competence reading and listening.

The JLPT has five levels: N5, N4, N3, N2, and N1. N5 is the easiest level, and N1 is the most difficult. Passing the JLPT is often a requirement for academic programs in Japan or for certain jobs. The levels provide a clear benchmark for learners and educational institutions.

At Sprachlingua, our Japanese language courses are carefully structured to help you build the skills and knowledge required to pass each JLPT level. Following the JLPT framework ensures a systematic progression through the language, preparing you effectively for the test and for real-world communication in Japanese.

JLPT N5: Beginner

At the N5 level, you are able to understand some basic Japanese. You can read and understand typical stylized phrases written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji, and can listen and comprehend conversations about topics encountered in daily life and classroom situations, limited to slow exchanges.

• Key Outcomes: You can understand and use basic words and phrases, read simple signs and phrases, introduce yourself, and comprehend slow, simple conversations. Covers fundamental grammar and vocabulary (approx. 800 words, 100 kanji).
• This level forms the essential foundation of our beginner Japanese language courses, introducing the basic writing systems, core vocabulary, and simple grammar structures.

Explore the curriculum for this level in:

• Japanese JLPT course

JLPT N4: Elementary

At the N4 level, you are able to understand basic Japanese. You can read and understand passages on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji, and can listen and comprehend conversations encountered in daily life and generally follow their contents, provided that they are spoken relatively slowly.

• Key Outcomes: You can read simple texts on everyday topics, understand the gist of slightly longer slow conversations, and handle basic communication situations. Builds on N5 grammar/vocab (approx. 1500 words, 300 kanji).
• The N4 level expands upon the N5 foundation, increasing vocabulary and grammar points to handle more common daily situations and reading materials.

Explore the curriculum for this level in:

• Japanese JLPT course

JLPT N3: Intermediate

At the N3 level, you are able to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree. You can read and understand written materials with specific contents concerning everyday topics, and can also grasp summary information from headlines. You can listen and comprehend conversations about everyday topics spoken at near-natural speed and generally follow their contents as well as the relationships among the people involved.

• Key Outcomes: You can understand slightly more complex everyday conversations, read typical narrative passages, and connect sentences smoothly. Acts as a bridge between N4 and N2.
• The N3 level focuses on increasing your comprehension and linking skills to handle more nuanced everyday communication and reading.

Explore the curriculum for this level in:

• Japanese JLPT course

JLPT N2: Upper Intermediate

At the N2 level, you are able to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in addition, can understand Japanese used in a wider range of settings to a certain degree. You can read and understand materials on general topics and follow their narratives as well as understand written materials such as newspaper articles and magazines on general topics. You can listen and comprehend orally presented materials, such as conversations and news reports, spoken at a nearly natural speed and understand their contents and the relationships among the people involved as well as the veiled contents.

• Key Outcomes: You can understand everyday conversations and news reports at natural speed, read articles and commentaries, and grasp main points and underlying meaning. Essential for many jobs and university programs in Japan.
• Our N2 level programs significantly enhance your ability to understand and process spoken and written Japanese at a higher speed and complexity, preparing you for more independent use.

Explore the curriculum for this level in:

• Japanese JLPT course

JLPT N1: Proficiency

At the N1 level, you are able to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances. You can read and understand writings on a variety of topics, including abstract ones, as well as comprehend both the structure and contents of writings with complex narratives and/or logical complexity. You can listen and comprehend orally presented materials such as extended conversations, news reports, and lectures, spoken at natural speed, and understand their contents and the relationships among the people involved as well as the detailed contents and the underlying intentions.

• Key Outcomes: This level signifies a high level of fluency and comprehension, close to that of a native speaker in various contexts. You can understand complex materials, analyze nuanced language, and communicate effectively in a wide range of situations.
• The N1 level at Sprachlingua aims for mastery, allowing you to navigate complex Japanese language environments with confidence and a deep understanding.

Explore the curriculum for this level in:

• Japanese JLPT course