JLPT N4 & N5: Beginner Japanese Levels
N5 and N4 are the entry levels of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. They certify foundational Japanese: hiragana, katakana, basic kanji, and everyday conversation. N4/N5 is the typical starting point for Japanese language school admission and one of the accepted language proofs for Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) route.
N5 is the first step: you can read hiragana, katakana, and about 100 basic kanji, and understand simple everyday conversations spoken slowly.
N4 goes one level further: around 300 kanji and 1,500 vocabulary words, with the ability to follow daily conversations and read simple passages.
Together they form the foundation you need before progressing to N3 and the N2 level required by most Japanese universities.
Students applying to Japanese language schools: most schools ask for N5-level proof or roughly 150 hours of documented Japanese study.
SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) applicants: JLPT N4 or above satisfies the Japanese language requirement for the SSW work visa.
Anyone planning a long-term future in Japan: starting with a solid N5/N4 base makes the jump to N3 and N2 far smoother.
We assess your current level and build a realistic study plan from zero Japanese to N5 or N4, typically 3 to 6 months per level.
We connect you with structured Japanese classes and mock tests through trusted local partners in Lalitpur.
We align your JLPT test date with your language school intake or SSW application timeline so nothing is left to the last minute.
Common questions from students preparing for Japanese N4/N5.
From zero, N5 typically takes 3 to 4 months of regular study (about 150 hours). N4 takes roughly another 3 to 6 months on top of N5.
Yes, JLPT N4 or above satisfies the language requirement for the Specified Skilled Worker visa. JFT-Basic is the accepted alternative.
No, universities generally require N2 or N1. N4/N5 is for language school admission and the SSW route, and is your first step toward higher levels.
See which test fits your destination.
Book a free counselling session and we will help you plan your score target and study timeline.
