Passing the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) requires a strong foundation in vocabulary and Kanji. To make preparation straightforward, all the necessary study materials are organized below by level, from N5 beginner to N1 advanced. Browse the levels below to find dedicated vocabulary and Kanji lists for that exam.
What is the JLPT?
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or 日本語能力試験 is the official, internationally recognized exam used to evaluate and certify the Japanese language skills of non-native speakers. It measures vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening comprehension across five levels, from beginner (N5) to advanced (N1).
As you advance from JLPT level N5 to N1, the required knowledge for Kanji, vocabulary, and grammar increases significantly to match real-world Japanese language skills. Because the organizers no longer publish an official list of exactly what will be tested, you will find different totals across the internet. To help you study, the materials in this resource combine data from various sources to give you a well-rounded estimate of what to expect at each level.
JLPT N5
Japanese proficiency required for JLPT N5: The ability to understand some basic Japanese.
| Skill | JLPT N5 Passing Criteria & Requirements |
|---|---|
| JLPT N5 Reading | able to read and understand typical expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji. |
| JLPT N5 Listening | able to listen and comprehend conversations about topics regularly encountered in daily life and classroom situations, and is able to pick up necessary information from short conversations spoken slowly. |
JLPT N5 Resources
Complete JLPT N5 Kanji List with Interactive Flashcards
Complete JLPT N5 Vocabulary List with Interactive Flashcards
Complete JLPT N5 Grammar List
JLPT N4
Japanese proficiency required for JLPT N4: The ability to understand basic Japanese.
| Skill | JLPT N4 Passing Criteria & Requirements |
|---|---|
| JLPT N4 Reading | able to read and understand passages on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji. |
| JLPT N4 Listening | able to listen and comprehend conversations encountered in daily life and generally follow their contents, provided that they are spoken slowly. |
JLPT N4 Resources
Complete JLPT N4 Kanji List with Interactive Flashcards
Complete JLPT N4 Vocabulary List with Interactive Flashcards
JLPT N3
Japanese proficiency required for JLPT N3: The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree.
| Skill | JLPT N3 Passing Criteria & Requirements |
|---|---|
| JLPT N3 Reading | able to read and understand written materials with specific contents concerning everyday topics. able to grasp summary information such as newspaper headlines. able to read slightly difficult writings encountered in everyday situations and understand the main points of the content if some alternative phrases are available to aid one's understanding. |
| JLPT N3 Listening | able to listen and comprehend coherent conversations in everyday situations, spoken at near-natural speed, and is generally able to follow their contents as well as grasp the relationships among the people involved. |
JLPT N3 Resources
Complete JLPT N3 Kanji List with Interactive Flashcards
Complete JLPT N3 Vocabulary List with Interactive Flashcards
JLPT N2
Japanese proficiency required for JLPT N2: The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree.
| Skill | JLPT N2 Passing Criteria & Requirements |
|---|---|
| JLPT N2 Reading | able to read materials written clearly on a variety of topics, such as articles and commentaries in newspapers and magazines as well as simple critiques, and comprehend their contents. able to read written materials on general topics and follow their narratives as well as understand the intent of the writers. |
| JLPT N2 Listening | able to comprehend orally presented materials such as coherent conversations and news reports, spoken at nearly natural speed in everyday situations as well as in a variety of settings, and is able to follow their ideas and comprehend their contents. One is also able to understand the relationships among the people involved and the essential points of the presented materials. |
JLPT N2 Resources
Complete JLPT N2 Kanji List with Interactive Flashcards
Complete JLPT N2 Vocabulary List with Interactive Flashcards
JLPT N1
Japanese proficiency required for JLPT N1: The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.
| Skill | JLPT N1 Passing Criteria & Requirements |
|---|---|
| JLPT N1 Reading | able to read writings with logical complexity and/or abstract writings on a variety of topics, such as newspaper editorials and critiques, and comprehend both their structures and contents. able to read written materials with profound contents on various topics and follow their narratives as well as understand the intent of the writers comprehensively. |
| JLPT N1 Listening | able to comprehend orally presented materials such as coherent conversations, news reports, and lectures, spoken at natural speed in a broad variety of settings, and is able to follow their ideas and comprehend their contents comprehensively. One is also able to understand the details of the presented materials such as the relationships among the people involved, the logical structures, and the essential points. |
JLPT N1 Resources
Complete JLPT N1 Kanji List with Interactive Flashcards
Complete JLPT N1 Vocabulary List with Interactive Flashcards
