Understand the N4 test format and sample reading, vocabulary and grammar skills.

The idea

N4 has vocabulary (25 minutes), grammar and reading (55), and listening (about 35). To pass, take every section and reach 90/180 overall, at least 38/120 in language knowledge and reading, and 19/60 in listening. Times can change; check the official site. 連絡 is read れんらく and means getting in touch. 時間がありません means there is no time, explaining why the speaker hurries. から gives a reason: because it is raining, the speaker stays home.

Patterns to compare
Test sectionTime
文字もじ・語彙ごい二十五分にじゅうごふん
文法ぶんぽう・読解どっかい五十五分ごじゅうごふん
聴解ちょうかい三十五分さんじゅうごふん

Examples

  • 着ついたらまた連絡れんらくします。I’ll get in touch again when I arrive.
  • 時間じかんがありませんから、急いそぎます。I have no time, so I will hurry.
  • 雨あめですから、家いえにいます。Because it is raining, I am staying home.
  • すみません、明日あしたの約束やくそくを変かえたいです。Sorry, I’d like to change tomorrow’s appointment.
  • この電車でんしゃはバスより速はやいです。This train is faster than the bus.
  • 授業じゅぎょうは九時半くじはんに始はじまります。Class starts at half past nine.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

The test does not directly assess speaking or writing. The JLPT no longer publishes an official vocabulary or kanji list, so lesson labels are estimates rather than promises of test content.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct answer: 着ついたらまた連絡します。「連絡」の読よみ方かたはどれですか。（れんらく／れんろく／れんらぐ）

    Show answer or example answer

    れんらく

    連絡 is read れんらく and means getting in touch.

  2. Choose the correct answer: ＿＿がありませんから、急いそぎます。（時間じかん／りんご）

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    時間

    時間がありません means there is no time, explaining why the speaker hurries.

  3. Choose the correct answer: 雨あめです＿＿、家いえにいます。（から／まで）

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    から

    から gives a reason: because it is raining, the speaker stays home.

Use it today

Choose each answer, then explain which word or form led you to it.