🇯🇵 JLPT N4 vs N5: What’s the Difference & Which Should Take?
🌸 Introduction: Choosing the Right JLPT Level
If you’re learning Japanese, you’ve probably heard about the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)—the world’s most recognized Japanese exam. But if you’re just starting out, you might be wondering, “Should I take JLPT N5 first or go straight to N4?”
In this complete guide, we’ll compare JLPT N4 vs N5, explain the difference between N4 and N5, and help you decide which exam best suits your current skill level.
🧩 What Is the JLPT? (Quick Overview)
The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is divided into five levels—from N5 (beginner) to N1 (native-like fluency).
| Level | Proficiency | Description |
|---|---|---|
| N1 | Advanced | Understands complex Japanese in all forms |
| N2 | Upper-Intermediate | Handles daily and workplace Japanese |
| N3 | Intermediate | Can read and understand standard materials |
| N4 | Lower-Intermediate | Understands basic Japanese and can have conversations |
| N5 | Beginner | Understands simple Japanese used in daily life |
💡 Both N4 and N5 measure your foundational knowledge, but N4 goes deeper into grammar, kanji, and reading comprehension.
📖 JLPT N5: The Starting Point for Beginners
JLPT N5 is perfect if you’re new to Japanese. It focuses on basic grammar, vocabulary, and listening—the building blocks for future levels.
🈶 Key Features of N5:
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Around 800–1000 vocabulary words
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Around 100–120 basic kanji
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Focus on simple sentences and polite speech (ます form)
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Easy listening passages spoken slowly
Example:
わたし は にほんご を べんきょうします。
(I study Japanese.)Also, visit here:
Skills Tested:
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Vocabulary recognition
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Grammar and reading short sentences
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Listening to slow, clear conversations
✅ Ideal For: Complete beginners or those who’ve studied Japanese for less than a year.
🎓 JLPT N4: The Next Step Up
Once you’ve mastered N5-level grammar and vocabulary, JLPT N4 is your next goal. It measures your ability to understand basic Japanese used in daily life and introduces longer sentences and new grammar forms.
🈸 Key Features of N4:
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Around 1500–2000 vocabulary words
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Around 300 kanji
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Intermediate grammar patterns (like ～ながら, ～と思います, ～たり～たりする)
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Reading short paragraphs and simple dialogues
Example:
きのう は あめ が ふった と 思います。
(I think it rained yesterday.)
Skills Tested:
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Reading short passages and conversations
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Understanding spoken Japanese at natural speed
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Recognizing polite and casual forms
✅ Ideal For: Learners with 1–2 years of study or those who’ve passed JLPT N5.
⚖️ JLPT N4 vs N5: Main Differences
Here’s a clear side-by-side comparison between the two levels:
| Feature | JLPT N5 | JLPT N4 |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner | Lower-Intermediate |
| Vocabulary | 800–1000 words | 1500–2000 words |
| Kanji | 100–120 | 300 |
| Grammar Patterns | Basic (ます form, particles) | Includes casual speech, compound sentences |
| Reading | Simple phrases & signs | Short paragraphs & conversations |
| Listening Speed | Slow & clear | Slightly faster, natural tone |
| Estimated Study Hours | ~150 hours | ~300–400 hours |
| Recommended For | New learners | Learners with basic fluency or JLPT N5 pass |
📘 In short: N4 = twice as difficult as N5, with more kanji and grammar variety.
🕒 Exam Structure Comparison
Both exams share similar sections, but N4 includes longer reading and listening parts.
| Section | JLPT N5 | JLPT N4 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | 20 mins | 25 mins |
| Grammar + Reading | 40 mins | 55 mins |
| Listening | 30 mins | 35 mins |
| Total Duration | ~90 mins | ~115 mins |
✅ Passing Score (average):
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N5: 80/180
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N4: 90/180
(Note: You must pass each section separately.)
🧠 Grammar Examples (N4 vs N5)
| Grammar Concept | JLPT N5 Example | JLPT N4 Example |
|---|---|---|
| Polite form | たべます (eat) | 食べています (am eating) |
| Past tense | いきました (went) | いったことがあります (have been) |
| Casual form | N/A | たべる / のむ (plain form) |
| Complex sentences | N/A | 〜ながら / 〜たり〜たりする |
🌟 Learning N4 grammar helps you express opinions, experiences, and daily routines naturally.
📚 How Long to Prepare for Each
| Level | Study Time | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| JLPT N5 | 3–6 months (1 hour/day) | Focus on hiragana, katakana, and basic grammar |
| JLPT N4 | 6–12 months (1–2 hours/day) | Build vocabulary, master verb conjugations, and read short texts |
🕰️ If you’re unsure, start with N5. You’ll build confidence and get used to the test format.
🧾 JLPT Levels Explained: Why N4 and N5 Matter
Even though they’re the “lowest” levels, N4 and N5 are extremely valuable. They:
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Build the foundation for advanced grammar (N3–N1)
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Help you understand everyday Japanese conversation
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Qualify you for some part-time jobs or study programs in Japan
🎯 Think of N5 as learning to walk, and N4 as learning to run in Japanese.
💡 Which Should You Take: JLPT N4 or N5?
✅ Take JLPT N5 if:
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You’ve just started learning Japanese
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You’re still learning kana and basic kanji
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You want a confidence boost before tackling harder exams
✅ Take JLPT N4 if:
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You’ve completed beginner textbooks (like Genki I & II)
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You can hold short conversations in Japanese
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You already passed JLPT N5 or equivalent
🎓 Pro Tip: Passing N4 looks great on a résumé — it shows commitment and comprehension beyond basic phrases.
📖 Recommended Resources
| Resource | Level | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Genki I & II | N5 → N4 | Grammar & vocab fundamentals |
| Minna no Nihongo | N5 → N4 | Widely used classroom textbook |
| JLPT Sensei | Both | Grammar lists & quizzes |
| Tae Kim’s Guide | Both | Free grammar explanations |
| Anki Decks | Both | Vocabulary & kanji flashcards |
| NHK Easy News | N4 | Reading & listening practice |
⚙️ Tips for Moving from N5 to N4
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Review daily—consistency beats cramming.
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Learn 5 kanji a day—in 2 months, you’ll know 300.
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Shadow audio—repeat native sentences aloud.
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Write short diary entries—build writing fluency.
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Take mock tests monthly to track improvement.
🧩 Remember: N4 builds directly on N5 — nothing is wasted.
🌺 Conclusion: JLPT N4 vs N5—Start Smart, Level Up Wisely
When comparing JLPT N4 vs N5, the difference lies in depth, not direction. Both tests measure progress on the same path—N4 simply pushes you further into real-world comprehension.
If you’re just starting, begin with JLPT N5 and build your confidence.
If you already understand basic grammar and everyday conversation, aim for JLPT N4.
✨ Whichever you choose, consistency, curiosity, and daily practice will lead you to success — one kanji at a time.
