JLPT levels
JLPT levels N5 to N1
What each level certifies, the reading and listening you need, a planning estimate of study, and exactly how scoring and the pass marks work.
The five levels in depth
N5
about 100 kanji · about 800 words · 150 to 250 hours (est.)The ability to understand some basic Japanese.
- Reading
- Read typical expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji.
- Listening
- Pick up needed information from short, slow conversations on familiar everyday topics.
N4
about 300 kanji · about 1,500 words · 300 to 500 hours (est.)The ability to understand basic Japanese.
- Reading
- Read passages on familiar daily topics written with basic vocabulary and kanji.
- Listening
- Follow daily conversations spoken slowly.
N3
about 650 kanji · about 3,700 words · 450 to 900 hours (est.)The ability to understand everyday Japanese to a certain degree.
- Reading
- Read everyday materials, grasp summary information such as headlines, and follow slightly harder passages with context.
- Listening
- Follow coherent everyday conversation at near-natural speed and identify who is speaking.
N2
about 1,000 kanji · about 6,000 words · 600 to 1,000 hours (est.)The ability to understand everyday Japanese, and a range of circumstances to a degree.
- Reading
- Read clearly written articles, commentaries and simple critiques, and follow the writer’s intent.
- Listening
- Comprehend conversations and news reports at nearly natural speed and grasp the main points.
N1
about 2,000 kanji · about 10,000 words · 900 or more hours (est.)The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.
- Reading
- Read logically complex and abstract writing such as newspaper editorials and critiques, and grasp structure and meaning.
- Listening
- Follow conversations, news and lectures at natural speed and grasp detail and logical structure.
The kanji, vocabulary and study-hour figures are widely cited estimates to help you plan. They are not official: the JLPT publishes no kanji, vocabulary or study-hour lists. Certification summaries are from the official JLPT level descriptions.
Scoring and the pass marks
Every level is scored out of 180. You must reach the overall pass mark AND meet the minimum in every scoring section. Miss one section minimum and you do not pass, however high your total.
| Level | Overall pass mark | Sections and minimums |
|---|---|---|
| N1 | 100 / 180 | Three sections (Language Knowledge, Reading, Listening), 0 to 60 each; minimum 19 / 60 in each |
| N2 | 90 / 180 | Three sections, 0 to 60 each; minimum 19 / 60 in each |
| N3 | 95 / 180 | Three sections, 0 to 60 each; minimum 19 / 60 in each |
| N4 | 90 / 180 | Language Knowledge and Reading combined (0 to 120, minimum 38) and Listening (0 to 60, minimum 19) |
| N5 | 80 / 180 | Language Knowledge and Reading combined (0 to 120, minimum 38) and Listening (0 to 60, minimum 19) |
Pass marks and section structure from the official JLPT results guidelines.
How the course maps to the levels
The Atenu Japanese course starts from the kana writing systems and builds toward N5 then N4, with a path toward N3. Because the JLPT has no writing or speaking section, the course puts its energy into kanji and vocabulary spaced repetition, listening at natural speed, and grammar and reading drills, with mock tests that track every sectional pass mark.
Start on TelegramJLPT levels FAQ
Which JLPT level should I aim for first?
Start with N5, the entry level: it shows you can read hiragana, katakana and basic kanji and follow short, slow conversations. Then build to N4. N3 is the bridge to the harder N2 and N1, which take years of study.
How many kanji and hours does each level take?
There is no official answer: the JLPT does not publish kanji, vocabulary or study-hour lists. The figures on this page are widely cited estimates to help you plan, not official requirements. Your real pace depends on your study habits and starting point.
How is the JLPT scored?
Every level is scored out of 180. You must reach the overall pass mark AND meet the minimum in every scoring section. Miss one section minimum and you do not pass, however high your total.
Does the JLPT test speaking or writing?
The JLPT is entirely multiple choice. There is no writing or speaking section: it tests language knowledge (vocabulary and grammar), reading, and listening only.
Aim for N5, then N4
Begin the free lessons, or read how to sit the JLPT from Ethiopia.