N4 Hold a real conversation about daily topics.
Te-form combinations, potential, passive, causative, conditionals and giving / receiving. You start reading short passages and understanding slow conversations.
- Grammar112 patternsMeaning, formation, diagrams, examples, mistakes and JLPT tips.
- Vocabulary728 wordsWords in context with readings, examples and collocations.
- Kanji166 charactersReadings, common words, look-alikes and memory aids, grouped by day.
- Reading30 passagesShort, medium and long passages with strategy notes and questions.
- Listening30 exercisesScripted conversations with audio and comprehension questions.
- TestsWeekly and phase tests built from the question bank.
- Mock examsTimed, full-length exams with the real section structure.
Frequently asked questions
Official facts about the N4 test and what this course covers. Figures come from the JLPT site; see the JLPT guide for sources.
What does JLPT N4 certify?
Officially, N4 certifies the ability to understand basic Japanese. The test has three parts at every level: language knowledge (vocabulary and grammar), reading, and listening.
What is the pass mark for JLPT N4?
90 out of 180 overall, and you must also reach the sectional minimum of 38 / 120 in vocabulary, grammar and reading combined, and 19 / 60 in listening. A section below its minimum is a fail regardless of the total. Scores are scaled, so the number of correct answers does not map one-to-one to points.
How long is the JLPT N4 exam?
115 minutes of testing in total: Vocabulary 25 minutes, Grammar and reading 55 minutes, Listening 35 minutes. There is a break between sessions, and instructions add some time on the day.
How many kanji and words do I need for JLPT N4?
The JLPT publishes no official vocabulary, kanji or grammar lists. Commonly cited estimates for N4 are about 300 kanji and 1,500 words in total, including everything from the lower levels. Treat these as a guide to the scale, not a checklist.
Does the JLPT test speaking or writing?
No. The JLPT has no speaking or writing section at any level. Every question is multiple choice and answered on a mark sheet; the official FAQ states that neither a conversation nor a composition test is currently included.
When is the JLPT held?
Twice a year, in July and December, on the first Sunday of the month in most countries. Some overseas test sites hold only one of the two sittings, and registration usually opens three to four months before the test through the host institution in your country.
What does Nihongo Path cover for N4?
112 grammar lessons, 728 vocabulary entries, 166 kanji, 30 reading passages and 30 listening exercises, plus tests and full-length mock exams in the official section structure. Everything is free to read without an account.