N5 and N4 are the two beginner levels of the JLPT, and together they had 542,535 test-takers in 2024. If you're just starting your JLPT journey, the first question is: which level should you aim for?
~800
N5 Vocabulary
Basic survival words
~1,500
N4 Vocabulary
Nearly double N5
49.5%
N5 Pass Rate
Highest of all levels
~38%
N4 Pass Rate
Notable drop from N5
The Numbers Side by Side
| Category | N5 | N4 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | ~800 words | ~1,500 words |
| Kanji | ~100 characters | ~300 characters |
| Grammar Points | ~80 patterns | ~200 patterns |
| Study Hours (from zero) | ~150–400 hours | ~550–825 hours |
| Pass Rate (2024) | ~49.5% | ~38% |
| Test Duration | ~80 minutes | ~90 minutes |
| Passing Score | 80/180 (44%) | 90/180 (50%) |
| CEFR Equivalent | A1 | A2 |
| Test-Takers (2024) | ~242,000 | ~300,000 |
JLPT N5 vs N4 Comparison
What You Can Actually Do at Each Level
Real-World Ability
N5: Survival Japanese
- Read hiragana and katakana fluently
- Understand ~100 basic kanji
- Order food at a restaurant
- Introduce yourself and give basic information
- Understand simple signs and announcements
- Count, tell time, use basic numbers
- Ask and answer simple questions
N4: Basic Daily Life
- Read simple texts on familiar topics
- Follow slow, clear conversations
- Handle basic daily errands (post office, store)
- Describe your daily routine
- Understand simple instructions at work
- Read basic emails and messages
- Express basic opinions and preferences
The Grammar Gap
N5 grammar covers the absolute basics: です/ます forms, basic particles (は、が、を、に、で、へ), て-form, ない-form, past tense, and simple connectors. N4 introduces significantly more complex patterns: conditional forms (〜たら、〜ば、〜なら), passive and causative forms, giving/receiving (あげる/もらう/くれる), potential form, volitional form, and more formal expressions.
The jump from N5 to N4 grammar is substantial — you go from ~80 patterns to ~200. This is where many learners start to feel the difficulty curve. For the full lists, check our grammar points guide.
Test Format Differences
Both N5 and N4 share a similar test structure, but with different durations and difficulty:
| Section | N5 | N4 |
|---|---|---|
| Language Knowledge + Reading | 50 minutes | 55 minutes |
| Listening | 30 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Total Duration | ~80 minutes | ~90 minutes |
| Sections for Scoring | 2 (LK+Reading combined, Listening) | 2 (same structure) |
| Sectional Minimum | 38/120 (LK+R), 19/60 (L) | 38/120 (LK+R), 19/60 (L) |
Test Format Comparison
Should You Skip N5?
This is the big question, and the answer depends on your situation. The community is fairly divided, but trends toward "yes, skip if you can." Here's the logic:
- The N5 certificate has almost zero practical value. No employer or university requires it. It's a personal milestone, not a career credential.
- By the time you can pass N5, you're often close to N4. The gap is 3-6 months of additional study.
- Exam fees add up. Paying for N5, then N4, then N3 is three exam fees when you could skip to N4 or even N3 directly. See exam fees by country.
- But: If you need the confidence boost of passing an official exam, N5 provides that. Don't underestimate the motivational value.
The Community Consensus
Study Resources for Beginners
Genki I → N5
The most popular textbook for beginners. Completing Genki I puts you roughly at N5 level. Pair with the workbook for practice.
12 chapters
Genki II → N4
Genki II covers most N4 grammar and vocabulary. Completing both Genki books puts you solidly at N4 and approaching N3.
11 chapters
Anki Decks
The Tango N5 and N4 decks or Kaishi 1.5k are excellent for vocabulary drilling. See our [Anki deck guide](/blog/best-anki-decks-for-jlpt).
800-1,500 cards
Practice Tests
Take a full practice test 4-6 weeks before the exam. If you score above 60%, you're on track. See [free practice tests](/blog/free-jlpt-practice-tests).
Free online
N5 vs N4: The Verdict
- N4 requires roughly double the vocabulary and triple the kanji of N5
- The grammar jump is significant — from ~80 to ~200 patterns
- N5 pass rate is highest (49.5%), N4 drops to ~38%
- Neither certificate has strong career value — N3 is the first meaningful milestone
- Most learners benefit from studying N5 content but testing at N4 or N3
- Budget 150-400 hours for N5, 550-825 hours for N4 from zero
Whether you're targeting N5 or N4, start with adaptive practice that meets you at your level.
Start Practicing