JLPT N2
Professional Fluency
The standard for working in Japan. N2 proves you can read newspapers, follow complex discussions, and operate in professional Japanese environments.
What you'll master
Everything JLPT N2 tests
words
Vocabulary
~6,000 words spanning business, academia, media, politics, science, abstract reasoning, and idiomatic expressions.
patterns
Grammar
~200 advanced grammar patterns: formal written style, complex compound sentences, nuanced conjunctions, keigo (honorific system), written vs spoken register.
kanji
Kanji
~1,000 kanji cumulative (~350 new beyond N3). Used in business, academic, and professional contexts. Many share radicals with N3 kanji - recognizing patterns is key at this level.
8–12 months beyond N3
N2 requires sustained, disciplined study. Most learners spend 8–12 months beyond N3, with daily practice including reading real Japanese materials (news, novels, manga). Listening isn't covered here — that's a job for real Japanese audio (podcasts, news), not another flashcard tool.
Study Timeline Calculator
How many hours per week can you dedicate to Japanese study?
Estimates based on JLPT official guidelines. Assumes focused study with regular review. Immersion and consistent daily practice significantly accelerate progress.
Sample questions
See What N2 Looks Like
Preview the types of questions you'll encounter on the real exam.
「把握」の意味は？
What does 「把握」 mean?
Tap to answer
彼の発言は問題が＿＿。
His remarks are problematic...
Tap to answer
Vocabulary
N2 Vocabulary by Theme
1,826 curated words organized into 27 study themes
Business & Finance
Government & Law
Science & Research
Environment & Nature
Health & Medicine
Communication & Expression
Emotions & Mental States
Society & Culture
Thought & Logic
Actions & Processes
Physical Description
Degree & Evaluation
Time & Change
Counters & Affixes
General Adjectives (1)
General Adjectives (2)
General Expressions
General Nouns (1)
General Nouns (2)
General Nouns (3)
General Nouns (4)
General Nouns (5)
General Nouns (6)
General Verbs (1)
General Verbs (2)
General Verbs (3)
General Verbs (4)
Get the Complete JLPT N2 Vocabulary PDF
All 1,826 JLPT N2 words with kanji, hiragana readings, and English meanings — organized across 27 themes. Print-ready. No signup, no email, no ads.
Career benchmark
Why N2 Is the Benchmark
N2 is the most commonly required JLPT level for professional roles in Japan.
Industry standard
N2 is the practical threshold for functioning in Japanese professionally. Most job postings in Japan that require Japanese specify N2 as the minimum.
Scoring
Scoring & Certification
What you need to pass N2, how sections are weighted, and where it sits on the CEFR scale.
Passing score
90/ 180
Approximately 50% of total
You must also meet the sectional minimum for each section.
Pass rate
35.8%
December 2024 exam
Scores use Item Response Theory (IRT), so results are comparable across sessions.
CEFR equivalent
B2
Vantage / upper-intermediate
Section Minimum Scores
Score at or above the minimum in every section, even if your total exceeds the passing score.
Study guide
How to Study for JLPT N2
Read newspaper articles and opinion pieces regularly to build reading speed and comprehension
Master formal and written grammar patterns: 〜において, 〜に関して, 〜にもかかわらず
Practice scanning and skimming for the reading section -- time management is critical at this level
Listen to natural-speed conversations and lectures to prepare for the listening section
Common mistake: N2 tests nuance between similar expressions like 〜わけではない vs 〜とは限らない. Both mean 'not necessarily' but differ in emphasis
Exam day: allocate your reading section time strictly. Many N2 test-takers run out of time on the last 2-3 reading passages
Your Target
~1,000 kanji, ~6,000 words, ~200 grammar patterns
Learning path
Your Learning Journey
The professional benchmark is within reach.
N2 — Professional Fluency
The standard for working in Japan. N2 proves you can read newspapers, follow complex discussions, and operate in professional Japanese environments.
~6,000
Words
~1,000
Kanji
~200
Grammar
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Mock Exam
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Take a full-length N2 mock exam that mirrors the real JLPT - timed sections, authentic question formats, and a detailed score report.
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