The JLPT N4 exam is the second level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It tests basic Japanese comprehension — enough to understand everyday conversations and simple written materials. This page breaks down exactly what the exam looks like: sections, time limits, question counts, how it's scored, and what you need to pass.
JLPT N4 Exam Structure Overview
The JLPT N4 has two main sections:
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary & Grammar) & Reading — 60 minutes
- Listening — 35 minutes
Total test time: approximately 95 minutes (excluding breaks and instructions).
Section-by-Section Breakdown
Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
- Time: 25 minutes (shared with Grammar & Reading)
- Question types: Kanji reading, orthography, contextual expressions, paraphrases
- Approximate number of questions: 15–20
Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading
- Time: 35 minutes (shared with Vocabulary)
- Grammar questions: Sentence grammar, sentence composition
- Reading questions: Passage comprehension (short, medium, and information retrieval)
- Approximate number of questions: 20–25
Listening
- Time: 35 minutes
- Question types: Task-based comprehension, point-inference, summary comprehension, verbal expressions
- Approximate number of questions: 25–30
Marking Scheme & Scoring
JLPT N4 uses scaled scoring, not raw marks. Each section is scored out of 60, and total score is out of 180.
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary & Grammar): 0–60 points
- Reading: 0–60 points
- Listening: 0–60 points
Scaled scoring means the weight of each question can vary slightly across test administrations. You don't lose points for wrong answers — only correct ones count.
Pass Criteria
To pass JLPT N4, you must meet both conditions:
- 1Total score ≥ 90 points (out of 180)
- 2Each section ≥ 19 points (out of 60)
If you score 90 total but get 18 in Listening, you fail. Section minimums are strict.
How to Prepare for JLPT N4
- Focus on vocabulary: aim for ~1,500 words and ~300 kanji.
- Practice reading short passages (200–400 characters) daily.
- Listening: watch anime with subtitles, listen to Japanese news for learners.
- Take timed mock tests to build speed and stamina.
Take a free JLPT N4 demo mock to find out where you stand: Try the demo →
Common Mistakes in JLPT N4
- Ignoring listening: Many candidates focus only on kanji and grammar. Listening is equally weighted.
- Not managing time: The Language Knowledge & Reading section is 60 minutes total — you need to pace yourself.
- Skipping reading practice: Reading comprehension questions are tricky if you haven't practiced with real passages.
What to Expect on Test Day
- Bring your test voucher and a photo ID.
- No dictionaries, phones, or smartwatches allowed.
- The test is conducted globally twice a year (July and December).
- Results take about 2 months.
See JLPT N4 mock-test packs and pricing: View plans →