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JLPT N4 is the level after N5 on the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test. It checks that you can read short passages on familiar daily topics and follow everyday conversations spoken slowly. It is also the Japanese level Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker visa asks for. You pass with 90 of 180 points plus a minimum score in each section.
By Aditya Dewangan · Updated 1 November 2026
What does JLPT N4 test?
The JLPT describes N4 as the ability to understand basic Japanese.
- Reading: passages on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji.
- Listening: conversations from daily life, spoken slowly, well enough to follow their content.
What is the JLPT N4 exam pattern?
Three test sections, every question multiple choice. The JLPT notes that section times may change, and listening can run a little longer or shorter with the recording.
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary): 25 minutes.
- Language Knowledge (Grammar) and Reading: 55 minutes.
- Listening: 35 minutes.
What are the JLPT N4 passing marks?
You need the pass mark overall and the minimum in each section. Missing any test section means you fail, whatever your total.
- Total: scored 0 to 180. You need 90 to pass.
- Language Knowledge and Reading: scored 0 to 120, with a minimum of 38.
- Listening: scored 0 to 60, with a minimum of 19.
How is N4 different from N5?
Both measure basic Japanese mainly learned in class. N4 asks for more: reading moves from single sentences to short passages, listening from short exchanges to everyday conversations, the sections are longer (115 minutes against 90), and the pass mark rises from 80 to 90.
Why does N4 matter for working in Japan?
Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa asks for JLPT N4 or higher, or the Japan Foundation’s JFT-Basic test, together with a skills test for the job. See how the Specified Skilled Worker visa works.
When and where can you take JLPT N4 in India?
The JLPT is held on a Sunday in July and in December; in 2026 the dates were 5 July and 6 December. In India local hosts run it in New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Karur and Santiniketan, each with its own fee and application dates. Our JLPT N5 guide has the details.
How should you prepare?
- Make sure your N5 base is solid: hiragana, katakana, basic grammar and everyday words.
- Add N4 grammar and kanji steadily, and read short passages every day.
- Listen to everyday conversations daily. N4 listening is longer than N5, so build stamina.
- In the last month, practise full tests against the clock with the official sample questions.