JLPT N4 Kanji, Vocabulary & Grammar Guide
An all-in-one guide to JLPT N4 kanji, vocabulary, and grammar
JLPT N4 is where the basics you learned at N5 turn into sentences you can actually use in daily life. This guide covers the estimated scope of JLPT N4 (how many kanji and words), sample N4 kanji and vocabulary lists, key grammar patterns, and an easy study plan you can stick with.
? Written by Chiho Kamioka?️ Updated: 2026-01-14
JLPT N4 at a Glance
- Level: Basic level after JLPT N5
- Kanji: About 300 characters
- Vocabulary: Around 1,500 common words
- Grammar: Core patterns for longer sentences (reasons, possibility, intention, and comparisons)
- Goal: Understand simple explanations and short passages on everyday topics
Note: Numbers are approximate study targets.
How Many Kanji Do You Need for JLPT N4?
Most JLPT N4 learners aim for around 300 kanji. At this level, the challenge is not individual characters, but recognizing them quickly in common words and short texts. You do not need to handwrite kanji for the test, so focus on reading and meaning in context.
You will see many everyday kanji in practical topics, such as 音楽 (music), 病院 (hospital), and 会社 (company). The most efficient approach is to learn kanji as part of the vocabulary and phrases you actually use, rather than studying isolated characters.
Common JLPT N4 Words by Category
JLPT N4 words are best learned with the kanji they use. These categories highlight common N4 words you will see in everyday Japanese.
Daily Life & Actions
起きる / 洗う / 歩く / 料理 /
Translation: get up, wash, walk, cooking
Kanji hints: 起 (wake), 洗 (wash), 歩 (walk), 料 (fee), 理 (reason)
Work & Study
会社 / 社員 / 仕事 / 宿題
Translation: company, employee, work, homework
Kanji hints: 会 (meet), 社 (company), 員 (member), 仕 (do), 事 (thing), 宿 (lodging), 題 (topic)
Travel & Transportation
旅行 / 予定 / 駅 / 運転
Translation: travel, plan, station, driving
Kanji hints: 旅 (trip), 行 (go), 予 (in advance), 定 (fixed), 駅 (station), 運 (carry/operate), 転 (turn)
Feelings & Conditions
心配 / 安全 / 変
Translation: worry, safe, strange
Kanji hints: 心 (heart/mind), 配 (worry), 安 (safe/peace), 全 (whole), 変 (change/strange)
Communication & Requests
説明 / 相談 / 連絡
Translation: explanation, consult, contact
Kanji hints: 説 (explain), 明 (clear/bright), 相 (mutual), 談 (talk), 連 (connect), 絡 (contact)
Useful Ideas
便利 / 大切
Translation: convenient, important
Kanji hints: 便 (convenience), 利 (benefit), 大 (big), 切 (important)
Sample JLPT N4 Kanji
Below is a sample of 36 kanji from the N4 range.
| Kanji | Romaji | Hiragana | Meaning | Example Word |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 習 | shū / nara | しゅう・なら | learn | 習う |
| 教 | kyō / oshi | きょう・おし | teach | 教える |
| 住 | jū / su | じゅう・す | live / reside | 住む |
| 知 | chi / shi | ち・し | know | 知る |
| 作 | saku / tsuku | さく・つく | make | 作る |
| 止 | shi / to | し・と | stop | 止まる |
| 通 | tsū / tō | つう・とお | pass / commute | 通る |
| 乗 | jō / no | じょう・の | ride | 乗る |
| 降 | kō / o | こう・お | get off / fall | 降りる |
| 待 | tai / ma | たい・ま | wait | 待つ |
| 持 | ji / mo | じ・も | hold / have | 持つ |
| 押 | ō / o | おう・お | push | 押す |
| 引 | in / hi | いん・ひ | pull | 引く |
| 歩 | ho / aru | ほ・ある | walk | 歩く |
| 走 | sō / hashi | そう・はし | run | 走る |
| 急 | kyū / iso | きゅう・いそ | hurry | 急ぐ |
| 座 | za / suwa | ざ・すわ | sit | 座る |
| 写 | sha / utsu | しゃ・うつ | copy / photograph | 写す |
| 思 | shi / omo | し・おも | think | 思う |
| 切 | setsu / ki | せつ・き | cut | 切る |
| 売 | bai / u | ばい・う | sell | 売る |
| 合 | gō / a | ごう・あ | fit / match | 合う |
| 考 | kō / kanga | こう・かんが | consider | 考える |
| 貸 | tai / ka | たい・か | lend | 貸す |
| 借 | shaku / ka | しゃく・か | borrow | 借りる |
| 開 | kai / a | かい・あ | open | 開く |
| 閉 | hei / shi | へい・し | close | 閉める |
| 送 | sō / oku | そう・おく | send | 送る |
| 帰 | ki / kae | き・かえ | return | 帰る |
| 着 | chaku / tsu | ちゃく・つ | arrive | 着く |
| 起 | ki / o | き・お | wake up | 起きる |
| 寝 | shin / ne | しん・ね | sleep | 寝る |
| 旅 | ryo / tabi | りょ・たび | trip / travel | 旅 |
| 始 | shi / haji | し・はじ | begin | 始める |
| 終 | shū / o | しゅう・お | end | 終わる |
| 洗 | sen / ara | せん・あら | wash | 洗う |
Common N4 Kanji Mistakes
At N4, learners often confuse similar-looking kanji. Here are a few common examples and simple memory tips.
Mixing up 借 and 貸
借 vs 貸
借りる is “to borrow,” and 貸す is “to lend.” A quick trick is to learn them as a pair with example sentences.
Confusing 待つ and 持つ
待 vs 持
待つ (wait) has the “temple” part. 持つ (hold) has the “hand” idea. Connect each kanji to the meaning, not just the shape.
Confusing 開く and 閉める
開 vs 閉
開く is “open,” and 閉める is “close.” Study them as a pair and always connect each kanji to an action.
Mixing up 起きる and 寝る
起 vs 寝
起きる is “wake up,” and 寝る is “sleep.” Make a tiny daily-life scene in your head: wake up → sleep.
When you notice these patterns early, reading N4 passages becomes much smoother.
JLPT N4 Vocabulary: How Many Words?
Many learners aim for around 1,500 vocabulary words for JLPT N4. This includes more verbs, adjectives, and everyday expressions than N5. The best strategy is to focus on high-frequency words you meet in reading and listening practice, not just long lists.
- Daily-life topics (shopping, travel, health, work routines)
- Short explanations (rules, instructions, announcements)
- Common feelings and opinions (worry, relief, preference)
Sample JLPT N4 Vocabulary (30 High-Frequency Words + Simple Sentences)
Use these 30 high-frequency N4 words to practice making simple, natural sentences.
Read each example aloud, then change one detail (time, place, person) to make your own.
Nouns
| Word | Romaji | Hiragana | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 約束 | yakusoku | やくそく | promise / appointment | 彼と土曜日に会う約束をしました。 |
| 住所 | jūsho | じゅうしょ | address | 住所を 書いてください。 |
| 用事 | yōji | ようじ | errand / something to do | きょうは 用事が あります。 |
| 予約 | yoyaku | よやく | reservation | レストランを 予約しました。 |
| 理由 | riyū | りゆう | reason | 理由を 教えてください。 |
| 交通 | kōtsū | こうつう | traffic / transportation | この町は 交通が 便利です。 |
| 駐車場 | chūshajō | ちゅうしゃじょう | parking lot | 駐車場は あそこです。 |
| 出発 | shuppatsu | しゅっぱつ | departure | 7時に 出発します。 |
| 習慣 | shūkan | しゅうかん | habit / custom | 毎日運動する習慣が あります。 |
| 趣味 | shumi | しゅみ | hobby | 趣味は 写真です。 |
Verbs
| Word | Romaji | Hiragana | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 選ぶ | erabu | えらぶ | to choose | 好きなものを 選びます。 |
| 間違える | machigaeru | まちがえる | to make a mistake | 番号を 間違えました。 |
| 片付ける | katazukeru | かたづける | to tidy up | 部屋を 片付けます。 |
| 手伝う | tetsudau | てつだう | to help | 料理を 手伝います。 |
| 通る | tōru | とおる | to pass through | この道を 通ります。 |
| 届ける | todokeru | とどける | to deliver | 手紙を 届けます。 |
| 泊まる | tomaru | とまる | to stay (overnight) | きょうは ホテルに 泊まります。 |
| 止める | tomeru | とめる | to stop | ここで バスを 止めてください。 |
| 続ける | tsuzukeru | つづける | to continue | 日本語の 勉強を 続けています。 |
| 間に合う | maniau | まにあう | to be in time | 3時の電車に 間に合いませんでした。 |
Adjectives & Adverbs
| Word | Romaji | Hiragana | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 簡単 | kantan | かんたん | easy / simple | この問題は 簡単です。 |
| 大変 | taihen | たいへん | tough / hard | きょうは ちょっと 大変です。 |
| 有名 | yūmei | ゆうめい | famous | ここは とても 有名です。 |
| 危険 | kiken | きけん | dangerous | そこは 危険かもしれません。 |
| 十分 | jūbun | じゅうぶん | enough / sufficient | 十分な時間が あります。 |
| 自由 | jiyū | じゆう | free / freedom | きょうは 自由な時間が あります。 |
| 一生懸命 | isshōkenmei | いっしょうけんめい | very hard | 一生懸命 勉強しています。 |
| ほとんど | hotondo | ほとんど | almost / mostly | きょうは ほとんど 雨でした。 |
| もちろん | mochiron | もちろん | of course | もちろん 行きます。 |
| やっと | yatto | やっと | at last / finally | やっと 終わりました。 |
Core N4 Grammar Patterns
N4 grammar helps you connect ideas and express reason, intention, and comparison. Here are high-frequency patterns to focus on.
〜ながら (while)
音楽を 聞きながら 勉強します。
〜てしまう (finish / regret)
宿題を 忘れてしまいました。
〜そうだ (looks like)
このケーキは おいしそうです。
〜かもしれない (maybe)
明は 雨が 降るかもしれません。
〜たほうがいい (should)
早く 寝たほうがいいです。
〜なくてもいい (do not have to)
きょうは 行かなくてもいいです。
N4 Connectors You’ll See All the Time
These connectors appear often in JLPT N4 reading and listening. If you can spot them, you can follow the flow of sentences much faster.
| Word | Meaning / Use |
|---|---|
|
それで
sorede
|
so / because of that (result, next step) |
|
それでも
soredemo
|
even so / nevertheless |
|
また
mata
|
also / in addition (context dependent) |
|
では
dewa
|
then / well then (transition) |
|
ところで
tokorode
|
by the way (topic shift) |
|
ところが
tokoroga
|
however / but (unexpected turn) |
|
すると
suruto
|
then / and then (event → result / discovery) |
|
やっぱり
yappari
|
as expected / after all |
Examples
- 雨でした。それで、 家にいました。
- ところで、 きょうは 何をしますか。
- ドアを 開けました。すると、先生が いました。
Tip: In reading, underline connectors. They often signal the answer direction (reason, contrast, result, sequence).
Mini Quiz: Can You Read These N4 Words and Grammar?
Try these quick questions to check your JLPT N4 reading and grammar basics.
Q1. What is the correct reading?
予定
- よてい
- よたい
- よでい
Show Answer
Answer: ① よてい
Q2. Choose the best word: 「コンビニは＿＿です。」(Convenience stores are convenient.)
- 便利
- 必要
- 予定
Show Answer
Answer: ① 便利
Q3. Which sentence correctly uses 「〜ながら」?
- 本を 読みながらです。
- 音楽を 聞きながら 勉強します。
- 駅を ながら 行きます。
Show Answer
Answer: ②
Q4. What does 「心配」 mean?
- travel
- worry
- convenient
Show Answer
Answer: ② worry
A Simple Study Plan for JLPT N4 (4–8 Months)
N4 is very achievable if you keep a steady rhythm. Here is a simple roadmap many learners use.
- Step 1: Review N5 basics (particles, て-form, core verbs)
- Step 2: Learn core N4 grammar patterns (reason, intention, comparison)
- Step 3: Build vocabulary to ~1,500 words and kanji to ~300 by studying in context
- Step 4: Practice short reading and listening daily (10–20 minutes)
- Step 5: Do JLPT-style questions weekly and review mistakes
Consistency is more important than long study sessions. Even 20–30 minutes per day can be enough if you keep going.
Best Japonin Lessons to Reach JLPT N4
Reaching JLPT N4 is easier when you study with the right support. Use our JLPT course for step-by-step practice, or take Private Lessons to focus on the areas you want to improve most.
JLPT N4 Preparation Course
Best if you want structured JLPT-style practice, reading/listening drills, and systematic review.
Private Lessons (One-to-One)
Ideal for fixing weak points (grammar, reading strategy, listening accuracy) and getting feedback quickly.
JLPT N4 FAQ
How many kanji are required for JLPT N4?
How many vocabulary words are in JLPT N4?
Is there an official list of N4 kanji or vocabulary?
How long does it take to reach JLPT N4?
Do I need to write N4 kanji by hand?
Meet Our Teachers
Our JLPT N4 teachers help you build on your N5 foundation and start using Japanese in longer, everyday sentences with confidence.
TAKANE Yukiko
- 16 years of teaching experience
- Completed Japanese Teacher Training Course
Beginner 2 Grammar (N4)
First, I explain the key points of the sentence pattern we’ll study that day. Then we practice conjugating the verbs and adjectives used with it and apply them in context. At the end of class, you’ll work on practice exercises to review the key points. These also help you prepare for the JLPT.
OOSAWA Miki
- 14 years of teaching experience
- Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test (passed)
JLPT N4 Kanji
This class is recommended for learners who can read some kanji but haven’t practiced writing much and want to study JLPT N4 kanji and vocabulary. We’ll check stroke order with animations and practice writing on paper. You’ll also learn words that use each kanji to build your vocabulary.
YAMAMOTO Hiroshi
- 10 years of teaching experience
- Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test (passed)
Beginner 2 Grammar (JLPT N4)
You will learn the basic grammar patterns commonly used in everyday Japanese. Explanations are supported with some English, and key points are also explained in simple Japanese. Most words on the slides include furigana to help with reading. Lessons focus on understanding when and how the day’s grammar is used in real-life situations.
After each lesson, you will receive lesson notes explaining the grammar and vocabulary covered in class.
YAMAMOTO Hiroshi
- 10 years of teaching experience
- Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test (passed)
Build Your JLPT N4 Skills With Japonin (JOI) Teachers
All Japonin (JOI) teachers are certified professionals with an average of 15+ years of teaching experience.
Through conversation-based lessons, you’ll build practical JLPT N4 grammar and vocabulary while improving listening and reading with short, level-appropriate materials.
Since 2006, Japonin (JOI) has helped over 6,000 learners worldwide study Japanese online through expert guidance from our certified and experienced teachers.
Written by Chiho Kamioka Founder JLPT Guide Editor
JLPT N4 is a meaningful milestone after N5. It is where Japanese starts to connect, and basic phrases grow into longer sentences you can actually use. With core grammar patterns, a wider range of vocabulary, and more kanji, everyday Japanese becomes easier to follow step by step.