Table of Contents
Introduction to JLPT
JLPT evaluates your understanding and using the Japanese language. It checks your reading, listening, and general language education knowledge. It is held twice a year on the first Sunday of December and July in Japan and other countries. In some countries this test is held only one time a year. Japan Educational Exchanges and Services conducts this test in Japan and overseas, and this institute collaborates with local institutions. To get more information about JLPT N5, JLPT N4 or any other test sites and cities, check JLPT official website.
JLPT consists of five levels, N1 to N5. N1 is the most difficult of all, and N5 is the easiest of all. The best feature of JLPT is that you are not bound to clear the first level to move to the second one, which means that you are not bound to clear JLPT N5 to move to JLPT N4. If you have basic knowledge of the Japanese language, then there is no need to take N5; you can simply enroll in N4 or another level, it’s totally up to you. You can pick up at any level that suits your requirements. JLPT exam has three sections: Vocabulary, Listening, Reading &Grammar
Sections of the JLPT Exam
The JLPT exam has three parts: Vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening.
In the first section, you will be assessed regarding Japanese vocabulary and specific aspects of the writing system. You will be assessed on choosing the right kanji, choosing the right hiragana readings for the given kanji, choosing the correct sentence term, and choosing the appropriate words in sentences.
You will be evaluated on listening and comprehension through two tasks in the second section. First, a recorded conversation is played, and some images are displayed. Students select the image that best matches the content of the audio. In the second task, comprehension is assessed. The same format is repeated, but without visual aids, students have to answer the question based on audio content.
In the third section, some passages assess reading comprehension ability. Fill-in-blank questions test your vocabulary and understanding of the passage, and you may be asked to paraphrase critical points. Grammar questions are presented, and you have to choose the correct grammar in a sentence to convey meaning. You might need to select appropriate conjugations and particles.
What is JLPT N4?
For JLPT N4, you must have a vocabulary of 1500 words and 120 kanji. You also need to know some verb conjugation and conjunctions.
Verb Conjugation
The verb conjugation is an essential aspect of language, and it varies according to tense, politeness, and other factors. In Japanese, verbs are divided into three groups.
U-verbs or godan verbs: These verbs end in one of five vowel sounds: u, ku, su, bu, or nu. Examples: 行く (iku, to go), 書く (kaku, to write), 話す (hanasu, to speak).
Ru-verbs or ichidan verbs: These verbs end in る (ru). Examples: 見る (miru, to see), 食べる (taberu, to eat)
Irregular Verbs: These verbs have unique conjugation patterns. Examples: する (suru, to do), 来る (kuru, to come), ある (aru, to exist)
Conjunctions
Words that connect words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence are Conjunctions. It plays a major role in structuring a sentence and conveying proper meaning. Here, we discuss coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
Coordinating Conjunction
These conjunctions connect words, clauses, and phrases that are equal. E.g., yet, (まだ, Mada), nor,(または, Matawa), and so(それで, Sore de), etc.
Subordinating Conjunction
It connects independent clause with dependent clause, E.g., Because(なぜなら, Nazenara), although(それでも, Soredemo), and while(その間, Sonoaida).
What are the benefits of taking the JLPT N4 exam?
After passing the JLPT N4 exam, you will have a good knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and kanji, which will allow you to confidently engage in daily conversation and interact appropriately in every social setting. This knowledge will also make your conversations with Japanese friends or other Japanese people more meaningful.
For almost 5 years, japan has offered many jobs and welcomed foreigners, as you can check on Japanese news. You can also get scholarships after completing N4 as you check out it on Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Japan, this foundation offer thousand of scholarship every year. While with JLPT N4, you may not get high-paying office jobs. With JLPT N4, you can get a job in a convenience Store and can be appointed as a Call Center Operator, Tour guide Assistant, Customer Care Representative, Teaching Assistant, and many more jobs like that.
What is tested in JLPT N4?
In addition to testing basic Japanese understanding, JLPT N4 tests your knowledge of 1500 new vocabulary and 170 new kanji, reading and understanding passages written in basic vocabulary and kanji, and understanding verbal conversations encountered daily.
Scoring
To pass any JLPT exam, you must need to know two things,
Your overall score must be at or above the minimum marks needed to clear the exam. Your score in each section should be at or above the score required to pass each section. If your overall score is at or above the score required to pass the exam but you fail in any section, then you will be failed N4 JLPT exam.
To pass JLPT N4, you must get 19/60 marks in the listening section,38/90 marks in the vocabulary, grammar, and reading sections, and 90/180 overall marks.
How to pass JLPT N4 exam?
Whether you study in language school, at home by yourself, or learn from any online course, practice is key to success. Try to use what you learn in daily life (e.g., message your Japanese friend using the latest grammar point and check if your friend understands it or not). Use flashcards to review new words every morning. Practice exams as much as you can. This habit of practicing helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses. While practicing, consider each test as real.
Online course.
An online course is a very good option if you don’t want to study at a Japanese school or if it’s not possible for you to learn from a Japanese school, as you can learn at your own pace. We offer an Online Japanese Exam Preparation JLPT level N4 course that prepares you for the JLPT N4 exam.
Visit Asha Gakko for more details and sign up.
