JLPT N4 — what is on the exam
JLPT N4 (初級) is the elementary level, covering basic Japanese used in familiar everyday situations, with around 300 kanji. This page lists every official question format for N4, with 208 free practice questions across 4 sections — each with the answer, a full English explanation and an example sentence.
Choose the correct reading of the underlined kanji word.
Choose the correct kanji for the underlined hiragana word.
Choose the word that best fits the blank in context.
Choose the expression closest in meaning to the underlined word.
Choose the sentence in which the given word is used correctly.
Reading 読解
Comprehension of short, mid-size and long passages, plus information retrieval.
Comprehension of a short text of around 100–200 characters.
Comprehension of a mid-size text of around 300–500 characters.
Comprehension of a long text of around 700–1000 characters.
Find the needed information in notices, schedules or advertisements.
Listen to a conversation and determine what action should be taken.
Listen for a specific point, such as a reason or a time.
Choose what to say in the situation shown.
Choose the best response to a short utterance.
What is on the JLPT N4 exam?
JLPT N4 is tested across 4 sections — Vocabulary (文字・語彙), Grammar (文法), Reading (読解), Listening (聴解). Between them there are 16 official question formats, such as Kanji reading (漢字読み), Orthography (表記), Grammar form (文法形式の判断), Sentence build ★ (文の組み立て).
How can I practise for JLPT N4 for free?
JLPT Open Catalogue has 208 free N4 practice questions covering every official question type. Each one shows the answer, a full English explanation, a vocabulary breakdown and an example sentence. No account is needed.
What question types are on JLPT N4?
Vocabulary: Kanji reading, Orthography, Context fill, Paraphrase, Usage. Grammar: Grammar form, Sentence build ★, Text grammar. Reading: Short passage, Mid passage, Long passage, Info retrieval. Listening: Task comprehension, Point comprehension, Utterance expression, Quick response.