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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N3 — Pre-intermediate B1 ›

JLPT N3 — Vocabulary (~2,250 New Words)

N3 vocabulary (~3,750 cumulative words, ~2,250 new beyond N4) marks the shift from basic daily vocabulary to abstract, professional, and academic language. Many N3 words are Chinese-origin compound nouns (漢語, kango) — learning to recognize kanji components becomes essential. This page organizes all N3-level vocabulary by semantic domain. How N3 Vocabulary Differs from N4 At N4, most vocabulary is concrete: food, directions, actions, simple adjectives. N3 introduces: Abstract nouns :...
japanese jlpt jlpt-n3 vocabulary language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Nature Vocabulary

Nature vocabulary is rich in Japanese culture, deeply tied to the four seasons, haiku traditions, and appreciation of natural beauty (mono no aware). Many nature words appear in N5–N3 JLPT material. Weather Japanese Reading Romaji English 天気 てんき tenki weather 天気予報 てんきよほう tenki yohou weather forecast 晴れ はれ hare sunny; clear 曇り くもり kumori cloudy; overcast 雨 あめ ame rain 雪 ゆき yuki snow 台風 たいふう taifuu typhoon 嵐 あらし...
japanese vocabulary nature weather animals jlpt-n4 language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N3 — Pre-intermediate B1 ›

JLPT N3 — Exam Preparation

The JLPT N3 is held twice a year (July and December) and requires more strategic preparation than N4. The reading section is substantially longer, listening passages are faster and more natural, and grammar questions test nuance rather than just recognition. This page provides everything you need for the final 90 days before your exam. N3 Exam Format Section Time Points Pass Threshold Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) 30 min 0–60 pts ≥...
japanese jlpt jlpt-n3 exam-prep language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 交 (Mix, Exchange, Traffic)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 交 Strokes 6 Radical 亠 (top) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi コウ kō Kun-yomi ま・じる、まじわる ma-jiru, majiwaru Vocabulary | 交番 | こうばん | kōban | police box | | 交通 | こうつう | kōtsū | traffic, transportation | | 交換 | こうかん | kōkan | exchange | | 外交 | がいこう | gaikō | diplomacy | | 交差点 | こうさてん | kōsaten...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Food Vocabulary

Food vocabulary is essential for daily life in Japan and appears frequently in N5–N4 JLPT material. Japanese food culture is rich and vocabulary-dense. Basic Food Vocabulary Japanese Reading Romaji English JLPT 食べ物 たべもの tabemono food N5 飲み物 のみもの nomimono drink; beverage N5 料理 りょうり ryouri cooking; cuisine; dish N4 食事 しょくじ shokuji meal N4 朝ご飯 あさごはん asagohan breakfast N5 昼ご飯 ひるごはん hirugohan lunch N5 夕ご飯 ゆうごはん yuugohan dinner N5 おやつ...
japanese vocabulary food jlpt-n5 language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2 ›

JLPT N2 — 10 Structured Lessons

These 10 lessons are designed for learners who have passed N3 (or equivalent) and are systematically building toward N2. Each lesson focuses on a practical competency area, combining explanation, targeted examples, and drills. Prerequisites : JLPT N3 level grammar and vocabulary (~3,750 words), ability to read hiragana/katakana fluently, solid grasp of particles and basic verb forms. Lesson 1: Mastering Formal Written Japanese The Divide Between Written and Spoken Japanese Japanese...
japanese jlpt jlpt-n2 lessons language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 暑 (Hot (weather))

Character Info Property Value Kanji 暑 Strokes 12 Radical 日 (sun) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ショ sho Kun-yomi あつ・い atsu-i Vocabulary | 暑い | あつい | atsui | hot (weather) | | 暑さ | あつさ | atsusa | heat | | 真夏日 | まなつび | manatsubi | summer day over 30°C | | 猛暑 | もうしょ | mōsho | intense heat | | 暑中 | しょちゅう...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 › JLPT N5 Lessons ›

JLPT N5 Lesson 5: Existence and Location

Overview Two of the most fundamental verbs in Japanese are あります and います, both translating roughly as "there is" or "to exist." The key distinction is straightforward but absolutely essential: あります is used for inanimate objects, plants, and abstract things, while います is used for animate beings — people, animals, and anything capable of moving on its own. Getting this distinction right is one of the most important skills at...
japanese n5 jlpt lesson language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 会 (Meet, Gather)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 会 Strokes 6 Radical 人 (person) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi カイ、エ kai, e Kun-yomi あ・う、あわせる a-u, awa-seru Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 会う あう au to meet 社会 しゃかい shakai society 会話 かいわ kaiwa conversation 会議 かいぎ kaigi meeting, conference 機会 きかい kikai opportunity, chance Stroke Order Top horizontal line (short) Left-leaning stroke (like ノ) Short vertical stroke through center Left...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 Lessons ›

JLPT N4 Lesson 9: Noun Modification and Nominalizers

Overview Noun modification is the ability to take a full sentence or clause and use it to describe a noun — the same way English uses relative clauses like "the book that I bought" or "the person who called." In Japanese, all modification goes before the noun it modifies, and the modifying clause must be in plain form . This pre-nominal modification system is one of the most important structural...
japanese n4 jlpt lesson language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 員 (Member, Employee)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 員 Strokes 10 Radical 口 (mouth) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi イン in Kun-yomi — (no kun-yomi) — Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 社員 しゃいん shain company employee 会員 かいいん kaiin member 店員 てんいん ten'in shop staff 全員 ぜんいん zen'in all members, everyone 委員 いいん iin committee member Stroke Order 口 at top. 2-7. 貝 (shell/money) below. Mnemonic A mouth (口) on...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills ›

Kanji

Kanji (漢字, literally "Han characters") are Chinese-derived logographic characters used in Japanese writing. They are the single biggest challenge in learning Japanese, requiring years of systematic study. This guide explains the kanji system, the key lists, reading types, and the most effective learning methods. The Scale of the Problem List Count What it means Joyo kanji (常用漢字) 2,136 Officially required for functional adult literacy in Japan Kyoiku kanji (教育漢字) 1,026...
japanese kanji jlpt language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 Lessons ›

JLPT N4 Lesson 3: Giving and Receiving

Overview One of the most socially nuanced areas of Japanese grammar is the system of giving and receiving verbs . Unlike English, which uses a single verb "give" regardless of social direction, Japanese distinguishes three separate verbs — あげる, もらう, and くれる — based on the speaker's social position relative to giver and receiver. The crucial rule: direction toward the speaker or speaker's in-group uses くれる; direction away from the...
japanese n4 jlpt lesson language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 練 (Practice, Train, Knead)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 練 Strokes 14 Radical 糸 (thread) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi レン ren Kun-yomi ね・る ne-ru Vocabulary | 練習 | れんしゅう | renshū | practice | | 訓練 | くんれん | kunren | training | | 練り歩く | ねりあるく | neriaruku | to parade, to march | | 鍛錬 | たんれん | tanren | tempering, training | | 熟練 | じゅくれん |...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning ›

Learn Japanese

Japanese is spoken by ~125 million people, primarily in Japan, and is one of the most rewarding — and most challenging — languages for English speakers to learn. This guide covers everything from zero to near-native: the three writing systems, JLPT vocabulary and kanji by level, grammar patterns, all nine skills, and the best resources available. Quick Start (Week 1) Install Jisho — the best free Japanese-English dictionary (web +...
japanese jlpt language-learning hiragana katakana kanji May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 書 (Write, Book)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 書 Strokes 10 Radical 日 (sun) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ショ sho Kun-yomi か・く ka-ku Vocabulary | 書く | かく | kaku | to write | | 図書館 | としょかん | toshokan | library | | 辞書 | じしょ | jisho | dictionary | | 読書 | どくしょ | dokusho | reading (books) | | 教科書 | きょうかしょ | kyōkasho |...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 ›

JLPT N4 — Vocabulary

This page covers all new vocabulary introduced at the N4 level — approximately 700 words beyond the N5 foundation, bringing the cumulative total to ~1,500 words. Words are organized by semantic category. All N5 vocabulary is assumed known. Abstract Nouns and Concepts Japanese Reading Romaji English Part of Speech Notes 意味 いみ imi meaning; significance Noun very frequent 理由 りゆう riyuu reason; cause Noun 目的 もくてき mokuteki purpose; objective Noun...
japanese jlpt jlpt-n4 vocabulary language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Japanese Writing Systems ›

Katakana Complete Reference

Complete reference for all katakana characters and loanword transcription patterns. See the katakana skill guide for the learning strategy and confusable pairs. Base Katakana (46 characters) a i u e o ∅ ア (a) イ (i) ウ (u) エ (e) オ (o) k カ (ka) キ (ki) ク (ku) ケ (ke) コ (ko) s サ (sa) シ (shi) ス (su) セ (se) ソ (so) t タ (ta) チ (chi) ツ...
japanese katakana writing-systems loanwords language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 強 (Strong, Force)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 強 Strokes 11 Radical 弓 (bow) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi キョウ kyō Kun-yomi つよ・い、し・いる tsuyo-i, shi-iru Vocabulary | 勉強 | べんきょう | benkyō | study | | 強い | つよい | tsuyoi | strong | | 強制 | きょうせい | kyōsei | compulsion, coercion | | 強調 | きょうちょう | kyōchō | emphasis, stress | | 最強 | さいきょう | saikyō...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 ›

JLPT N5 — Grammar (All ~100 Patterns)

All ~100 JLPT N5 grammar patterns are covered here. Each entry includes the structure formula , meaning , 3+ example sentences , and notes on common mistakes . 1. 〜は〜です (Noun + は + Noun/Adj + です) Structure : Noun₁ は Noun₂/Adjective です Meaning : "Noun₁ is Noun₂/Adj." — The copula for stating facts about the topic. Examples : 私は学生です。Watashi wa gakusei desu. — I am a student. これは本です。Kore wa...
japanese jlpt jlpt-n5 grammar language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2 ›

JLPT N2 — Kanji (633 new, ~1,000 total at level)

N2 introduces approximately 633 new kanji beyond N3's 367, bringing the cumulative total to roughly 1,000 kanji recognized at this level. The N2 kanji jump is the largest in the JLPT system, and these characters skew heavily toward formal, written-language usage. You will rarely encounter many of them in daily casual conversation — they appear primarily in news, academic texts, formal correspondence, and professional settings. Key N2 strategy : At...
japanese jlpt jlpt-n2 kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 院 (Institution, Building)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 院 Strokes 10 Radical 阝(mound) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi イン in Kun-yomi — (no common kun) — Vocabulary | 病院 | びょういん | byōin | hospital | | 大学院 | だいがくいん | daigakuin | graduate school | | 医院 | いいん | iin | clinic | | 入院 | にゅういん | nyūin | hospitalization | | 退院 | たいいん | taiin...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 寒 (Cold)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 寒 Strokes 12 Radical 宀 (roof) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi カン kan Kun-yomi さむ・い samu-i Vocabulary | 寒い | さむい | samui | cold | | 寒さ | さむさ | samusa | coldness | | 寒気 | さむけ | samuke | chills; cold air | | 極寒 | ごっかん | gokkan | extreme cold | | 寒暖差 | かんだんさ | kandansa...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 ›

JLPT N4 — Kanji

This page lists all 181 kanji introduced at the N4 level, beyond the 103 kanji learned at N5. Together they bring the cumulative total to 284 kanji. They are grouped thematically for easier learning, with on-yomi (Chinese readings) in CAPITALS, kun-yomi (Japanese readings) in hiragana. Group 1: Society, Work, and Organizations Kanji Strokes On-yomi Kun-yomi Meaning Example Words 社 7 シャ やしろ company; society; shrine 会社 (kaisha), 社員 (shain), 社会...
japanese jlpt jlpt-n4 kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N1 — Advanced C1–C2 ›

JLPT N1 — 四字熟語 (Yojijukugo)

四字熟語 (yojijukugo) are four-character compound idioms — one of the most distinctive features of formal and literary Japanese. They appear directly in the N1 vocabulary section (typically 2–4 questions per exam) and throughout N1 reading passages. This page covers the 100 most important for N1. How to Use This Page Each entry includes: Reading : pronunciation in hiragana Literal : character-by-character meaning (illuminates the structure) Meaning : actual English equivalent...
japanese jlpt jlpt-n1 yojijukugo idioms language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 者 (Person (by occupation))

Character Info Property Value Kanji 者 Strokes 8 Radical 耂 (old) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シャ sha Kun-yomi もの mono Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 医者 いしゃ isha doctor 記者 きしゃ kisha journalist 作者 さくしゃ sakusha author, creator 患者 かんじゃ kanja patient (medical) 若者 わかもの wakamono young person Stroke Order 1-5. Top portion 土 and 日 combined. 6-8. Bottom 日 with additional strokes. Mnemonic An old...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N3 — Pre-intermediate B1 ›

JLPT N3 — 10 Structured Lessons

These ten lessons are designed for learners who have completed N4-level study and are preparing for JLPT N3. Each lesson focuses on a real-world skill that directly maps to N3 exam question types and practical Japanese use. Work through them in order — later lessons build on earlier ones. Time per lesson : 2–3 hours (study + exercises) Prerequisites : N4 grammar and vocabulary; hiragana, katakana, ~284 kanji Lesson 1:...
japanese jlpt jlpt-n3 lessons language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 手 (Hand)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 手 Strokes 4 Radical 手 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シュ shu Kun-yomi て、た te, ta Vocabulary | 手 | て | te | hand | | 手紙 | てがみ | tegami | letter | | 手伝う | てつだう | tetsudau | to help | | 上手 | じょうず | jōzu | skilled, good at | | 握手 | あくしゅ |...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 習 (Learn, Practice)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 習 Strokes 11 Radical 羽 (feathers) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シュウ shū Kun-yomi なら・う nara-u Vocabulary | 習う | ならう | narau | to learn, to take lessons | | 練習 | れんしゅう | renshū | practice | | 学習 | がくしゅう | gakushū | learning, study | | 習慣 | しゅうかん | shūkan | custom, habit | | 自習 |...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 番 (Number, Turn, Guard)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 番 Strokes 12 Radical 田 (field) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi バン ban Kun-yomi — (no kun) — Vocabulary | 交番 | こうばん | kōban | police box | | 番号 | ばんごう | bangō | number | | 番組 | ばんぐみ | bangumi | TV/radio program | | 一番 | いちばん | ichiban | number one, most | | 当番 |...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning ›

Learn Chinese (Mandarin)

Mandarin Chinese is spoken by ~1.1 billion native speakers. This guide covers everything from zero to C2 — HSK vocabulary, grammar patterns, all six skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing, tones, characters), and the best apps, textbooks, and resources. Quick Start (Week 1) Install Pleco — the essential Chinese dictionary app (free, iOS/Android) Learn Pinyin — the romanization system; 2–4 weeks of focused study Master the 4 tones — non-negotiable from...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 肩 (Shoulder)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 肩 Strokes 8 Radical 月/肉 (flesh) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ケン ken Kun-yomi かた kata Vocabulary | 肩 | かた | kata | shoulder | | 肩書き | かたがき | katagaki | title, position | | 肩こり | かたこり | katakori | stiff shoulders | | 双肩 | そうけん | sōken | both shoulders | | 肩幅 | かたはば | katahaba...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 館 (Building, Hall, Mansion)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 館 Strokes 16 Radical 食 (eat) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi カン kan Kun-yomi やかた yakata Vocabulary | 図書館 | としょかん | toshokan | library | | 旅館 | りょかん | ryokan | Japanese inn | | 大使館 | たいしかん | taishikan | embassy | | 体育館 | たいいくかん | taiikukan | gymnasium | | 博物館 | はくぶつかん | hakubutsukan | museum...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 図 (Diagram, Map, Plan)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 図 Strokes 7 Radical 囗 (enclosure) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ズ、ト zu, to Kun-yomi はか・る haka-ru Vocabulary | 図書館 | としょかん | toshokan | library | | 地図 | ちず | chizu | map | | 図形 | ずけい | zukei | shape, figure | | 図書 | としょ | tosho | books, library books | | 設計図 | せっけいず |...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills › Kanji ›

Kanji Radicals (部首)

The 214 classical radicals (部首, bushu) are the building blocks of kanji. They originated from the Kangxi Dictionary (1716) and are still used to index kanji in Japanese dictionaries. Learning the most frequent radicals dramatically accelerates kanji recognition. Why Learn Radicals Pattern recognition : Recognizing radicals in unfamiliar kanji gives you semantic and structural clues Dictionary lookup : Traditional kanji dictionaries are indexed by radical Mnemonic scaffolding : WaniKani and...
japanese kanji radicals bushu language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 夏 (Summer)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 夏 Strokes 10 Radical 夂 (walk slowly) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi カ ka Kun-yomi なつ natsu Vocabulary | 夏 | なつ | natsu | summer | | 夏休み | なつやすみ | natsuyasumi | summer vacation | | 夏至 | げし Stroke Order geshi | summer solstice | | 初夏 | しょか | shoka | early summer | | 真夏 | まなつ...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Work and Business Vocabulary

Work vocabulary is essential for living in Japan and appears heavily in N3–N2 JLPT material. Japanese workplace culture has unique vocabulary around hierarchy, keigo, and corporate customs. Job Titles and Professions Japanese Reading Romaji English 仕事 しごと shigoto work; job 職業 しょくぎょう shokugyou occupation; profession 社員 しゃいん shain company employee 会社員 かいしゃいん kaishain salaryman; office worker 公務員 こうむいん koumuin government employee; civil servant 自営業 じえいぎょう jieigyou self-employed; freelance 医者 いしゃ...
japanese vocabulary work business jlpt-n3 language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 局 (Bureau, Office, Situation)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 局 Strokes 7 Radical 尸 (corpse/roof) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi キョク kyoku Kun-yomi — (no common kun) — Vocabulary | 郵便局 | ゆうびんきょく | yūbinkyoku | post office | | 放送局 | ほうそうきょく | hōsōkyoku | broadcasting station | | 結局 | けっきょく | kekkyoku | in the end, after all | | 局面 | きょくめん | kyokumen | situation, phase...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 指 (Finger, Point)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 指 Strokes 9 Radical 手/扌(hand) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シ shi Kun-yomi ゆび、さ・す yubi, sa-su Vocabulary | 指 | ゆび | yubi | finger | | 指定 | してい | shitei | designation, appointment | | 指導 | しどう | shidō | guidance, instruction | | 薬指 | くすりゆび | kusuriyubi | ring finger | | 指輪 | ゆびわ | yubiwa...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 病 (Illness, Sick)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 病 Strokes 10 Radical 疒 (sickness radical) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ビョウ、ヘイ byō, hei Kun-yomi や・む、やまい ya-mu, yamai Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 病院 びょういん byōin hospital 病気 びょうき byōki illness, sickness 病人 びょうにん byōnin sick person 看病 かんびょう kanbyō nursing (sick person) 疾病 しっぺい shippei disease (formal) Stroke Order 1-5. Outer sickness radical 疒. 6-10. Inner 丙 (third, bright). Mnemonic...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills › Kanji ›

On'yomi and Kun'yomi

Every kanji in Japanese can have one or more readings: on'yomi (音読み, Chinese-derived) and kun'yomi (訓読み, native Japanese). Understanding when and why each reading is used is fundamental to kanji mastery. What Are On'yomi and Kun'yomi? On'yomi (音読み) — "Sound Reading" On'yomi are Japanese approximations of Chinese pronunciations at the time kanji were imported. Since different historical periods brought different Chinese dialects, some kanji have multiple on'yomi from different eras:...
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Language Learning ›

Learn Latin

Latin is a 2,000-year-old language spoken across the Roman Empire and preserved in an unbroken literary tradition from Plautus (200 BC) through the Renaissance and into the present day. It is the ancestor of French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian, and the source of over 60% of English vocabulary — rising to 90%+ in technical and scientific fields. It is also a living language, spoken today by scholars and enthusiasts...
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Language Learning ›

Learn Sindarin

Sindarin is J.R.R. Tolkien's Grey-Elvish language — the tongue of the Sindar (Grey Elves) and the primary Elvish language spoken in Middle-earth during the Third Age. It gives us the Ring Road's name Mithrandir , Legolas's name ("Green Leaf"), and the haunting A Elbereth Gilthoniel sung by Elves at the Ford of Bruinen. Phonologically inspired by Welsh, Sindarin has a full grammar, sound system, and consonant mutation system unlike any...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Numbers and Counters

Japanese numbers are straightforward, but the counter system — different counting words for different categories of objects — is one of the unique challenges of the language. Basic Numbers Number Kanji Hiragana Romaji Notes 1 一 いち ichi 2 二 に ni 3 三 さん san 4 四 し/よん shi/yon yon preferred in counting 5 五 ご go 6 六 ろく roku 7 七 しち/なな shichi/nana nana preferred in counting...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 勉 (Make Effort, Study Hard)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 勉 Strokes 10 Radical 力 (power) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ベン ben Kun-yomi つと・める tsuto-meru Vocabulary | 勉強 | べんきょう | benkyō | study | | 勉学 | べんがく | bengaku | studying, pursuit of learning | | 勤勉 | きんべん | kinben | diligence, hard work | | 勉強会 | べんきょうかい | benkyōkai | study group | | 不勉強 |...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Grammar ›

Japanese Particles

Particles (助詞, joshi) are one of the most fundamental elements of Japanese grammar. They are short syllables that attach to the end of nouns, pronouns, and phrases to mark their grammatical relationship to the rest of the sentence. There are no particles in English — their function is handled by word order and prepositions. Core Sentence Particles は (wa) — Topic Marker Marks the topic of the sentence — what...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N1 — Advanced C1–C2 ›

JLPT N1 — Vocabulary

JLPT N1 vocabulary (~4,000 new words beyond N2, ~10,000 cumulative) spans the full breadth of educated Japanese: academic prose, legal documents, financial news, medical terminology, literary and classical expressions, and the four-character idioms (四字熟語) that appear throughout formal writing. This page organizes the most important words by domain. Sino-Japanese Academic Compounds (漢語 — 学術語) These abstract nouns built from Chinese-origin kanji appear in essays, editorials, and academic writing. Mastery of...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 事 (Thing, Matter, Event)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 事 Strokes 8 Radical 亅 (hook) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ジ ji Kun-yomi こと koto Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 仕事 しごと shigoto work, job 大事 だいじ daiji important, precious 食事 しょくじ shokuji meal 用事 ようじ yōji errand, business 無事 ぶじ buji safe, without incident Stroke Order 1-4. Top portion (like a flag on a pole). 5-8. Bottom strokes forming support....
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 Lessons ›

JLPT N4 Lesson 2: て-Form Compound Actions

Overview The て-form (te-form) of Japanese verbs is one of the most productive grammatical structures in the language. At N5 you learned its core uses: connecting sequential actions (食べて寝る), forming the 〜ている progressive, making requests with 〜てください, and expressing permission or prohibition. At N4, you unlock six powerful て-form compound patterns that each attach a grammatical auxiliary verb to the te-form, adding a layer of nuance about completion, preparation, experimentation,...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2 ›

JLPT N2 — Vocabulary (~2,250 new words beyond N3)

N2 introduces approximately 2,250 new vocabulary items beyond N3 (~6,000 total cumulative). The defining characteristic of N2 vocabulary is its formal, written register — most new words come from newspapers, academic texts, formal correspondence, and broadcast speech. Casual conversational study alone will not cover this vocabulary; deliberate reading and SRS are essential. 1. Academic and Intellectual Vocabulary The single most important category for N2. These words appear throughout all sections...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills ›

Vocabulary

Japanese vocabulary acquisition is a years-long process requiring consistent daily effort. This guide covers the structure of Japanese vocabulary, how many words you need for each level, and the most effective strategies for building and retaining your word bank. Three Layers of Japanese Vocabulary Japanese vocabulary draws from three distinct sources: Wago (和語) — Native Japanese Words Words that predate the import of Chinese characters. Usually: Written in hiragana alone...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 道 (Road, Way, Path)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 道 Strokes 12 Radical 辶(walk/movement) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ドウ、トウ dō, tō Kun-yomi みち michi Vocabulary | 道 | みち | michi | road, path | | 道路 | どうろ | dōro | road, highway | | 北海道 | ほっかいどう | Hokkaidō | Hokkaido | | 武道 | ぶどう | budō | martial arts | | 道具 | どうぐ | dōgu...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 雪 (Snow)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 雪 Strokes 11 Radical 雨 (rain) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi セツ setsu Kun-yomi ゆき yuki Vocabulary | 雪 | ゆき | yuki | snow | | 大雪 | おおゆき | ōyuki | heavy snow | | 初雪 | はつゆき | hatsuyuki | first snow of the year | | 雪山 | ゆきやま | yukiyama | snowy mountain | | 雪国 |...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels ›

JLPT N5 — Beginner A1

JLPT N5 is the entry point to Japanese proficiency certification. At this level you can handle basic greetings, introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions about familiar topics, and read short sentences using hiragana, katakana, and 103 basic kanji. It corresponds to roughly 150–300 hours of study for an adult English speaker. Level Overview Item Count Vocabulary (approximate) ~800 words Kanji required 103 Grammar points ~100 patterns CEFR equivalent A1...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 路 (Road, Route)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 路 Strokes 13 Radical 足 (foot) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ロ ro Kun-yomi じ ji Vocabulary | 道路 | どうろ | dōro | road, highway | | 路線 | ろせん | rosen | route, line | | 路地 | ろじ | roji | alley, lane | | 進路 | しんろ | shinro | course, direction | | 通路 | つうろ |...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 ›

JLPT N4 — Exam Preparation

N4 Exam Format Structure and Timing Section Subsections Time Points Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) Kanji reading, Vocabulary, Words in context ~30 min 60 Language Knowledge (Grammar) + Reading Grammar, Sentence arrangement, Text grammar, Reading ~60 min 60 Listening Short tasks, Verbal expressions, Quick response ~35 min 60 Total ~105 min 180 Pass Requirements Total: 90 points or above (50%) Each section: 19 points or above per section All three section thresholds...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 仕 (Work, Serve)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 仕 Strokes 5 Radical 亻 (person) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シ、ジ shi, ji Kun-yomi つか・える tsuka-eru Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 仕事 しごと shigoto work, job 仕方 しかた shikata way, method 仕える つかえる tsukaeru to serve 仕上げ しあげ shiage finish, completion 仕組み しくみ shikumi structure, mechanism Stroke Order Left radical 亻(person). 2-5. Right side 士 (samurai/person). Mnemonic A person (亻) who...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills › Kanji ›

Kyoiku Kanji by School Grade

The Kyoiku kanji (教育漢字, literally "education kanji") are the 1,026 kanji mandated by Japan's Ministry of Education for Japanese elementary school students to learn by the end of 6th grade. They represent the core functional literacy foundation and cover most JLPT N5–N3 kanji. Overview Grade Count Cumulative JLPT Overlap Grade 1 80 80 Mostly N5 Grade 2 160 240 N5–N4 Grade 3 200 440 N4–N3 Grade 4 202 642 N3...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels ›

JLPT N1 — Advanced C1–C2

JLPT N1 is the highest level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, corresponding to CEFR C1–C2. N1 holders can understand virtually everything they hear and read in Japanese, including complex arguments, abstract academic text, literary prose, and fast natural conversation. Estimated total study time from zero: 2,200–4,000+ hours. Level Overview Item Count Vocabulary (approximate, cumulative) ~10,000 words Kanji 2,000+ (most Joyo 2,136) Grammar points ~200 patterns CEFR equivalent C1–C2 Estimated...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N1 — Advanced C1–C2 ›

JLPT N1 — Kanji

JLPT N1 requires mastery of approximately 2,000+ kanji — effectively the complete Joyo kanji list (2,136 characters). The ~1,000 new kanji beyond N2 are concentrated in specialized domains: literary/classical, legal, medical, academic, and cultural. At N1, kanji study is inseparable from vocabulary study. How N1 Kanji Differs from N2 At N2, most kanji are high-frequency, everyday characters. At N1: Rare on-readings from Classical Chinese that don't appear in daily speech...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 › JLPT N5 Lessons ›

JLPT N5 Lesson 9: Past Tense and Timeline

Overview Talking about what happened in the past is one of the most fundamental communication skills in any language, and Japanese handles it with elegant consistency. You have already seen the polite past tense 〜ました for verbs in Lesson 6. In this lesson we go deeper: you will learn the plain (dictionary-form) past tense for verbs (〜た form), master past-tense conjugation for い-adjectives (〜かった) and な-adjectives/nouns (〜でした), and handle negative...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N1 — Advanced C1–C2 ›

JLPT N1 — Exam Preparation

JLPT N1 is the most demanding language proficiency exam for Japanese, with a historical pass rate of approximately 35%. This guide covers everything you need to prepare systematically — from understanding the exam format to a 12-month study plan. Exam Format Time Allocation Section Time Questions Points Language Knowledge (Vocab + Grammar) + Reading 110 minutes ~70–75 0–120 Listening 60 minutes ~37 0–60 Total 170 minutes ~107–112 0–180 Pass Criteria...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 ›

JLPT N4 — Grammar

This page covers all major grammar patterns at the N4 level. Each entry includes the structure formula, meaning, example sentences, and notes on common errors. Patterns are grouped thematically. Section 1: Te-form Compound Patterns The te-form (〜て/で) is the most productive form in Japanese grammar. It powers over 30 separate patterns at N4. 1.1 〜てから (after doing ~, then ~) Structure : Verb-て + から Meaning : After completing action...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 › JLPT N5 Lessons ›

JLPT N5 Lesson 6: Daily Activities and Verbs

Overview Verbs are the engine of Japanese sentences. Unlike English verbs, Japanese verbs always come at the end of the sentence, and they conjugate in predictable patterns. The great news for learners is that Japanese has only two truly irregular verbs (する and 来る), and all other verbs follow one of two consistent patterns called u-verbs (Group 1) and ru-verbs (Group 2) . Once you identify which group a verb...
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Language Learning

Language learning resources organized by language. Each section covers vocabulary, grammar, skills, and curated resources. Language Status Levels Chinese (Mandarin) Active HSK 1–9 Latin Active Novice → Scholar (A1–C2+) Sindarin (Elvish) Active Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 便 (Convenient, Mail)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 便 Strokes 9 Radical 亻(person) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ベン、ビン ben, bin Kun-yomi たより tayori Vocabulary | 郵便 | ゆうびん | yūbin | postal mail | | 便利 | べんり | benri | convenient | | 便秘 | べんぴ | benpi | constipation | | 航空便 | こうくうびん | kōkūbin | airmail | | 大便 | だいべん | daiben | feces...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills ›

Listening

Listening is one of the most challenging skills for Japanese learners, yet it is also the skill that benefits most from consistent daily exposure. Unlike grammar study, which can feel like a checklist, listening improvement is gradual and almost invisible until suddenly natural-speed Japanese becomes comprehensible. Key Challenges 1. Vowel Devoicing Japanese devoices the vowels /i/ and /u/ in certain environments — they become nearly inaudible: す (su) between voiceless...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Vocabulary ›

Vocabulary by Frequency

Learning high-frequency words first maximizes comprehension per hour of study. The top 500 words cover ~70% of casual speech; the top 2,000 cover ~90% of most general text. Top Verbs by Frequency Rank Japanese Reading Romaji English JLPT 1 する する suru to do N5 2 ある ある aru to exist/have (inanimate) N5 3 いる いる iru to exist/be (animate) N5 4 言う いう iu to say N5 5 行く...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 Lessons ›

JLPT N4 Lesson 6: The Four Conditionals — Deep Dive

Overview Japanese does not have a single word for "if." Instead, it uses four distinct conditional forms — 〜たら, 〜ば, 〜なら, and 〜と — each encoding a different type of conditional relationship. While all four can often be translated as "if" in English, they are not freely interchangeable in Japanese. Using the wrong conditional can produce sentences that are grammatically awkward, socially inappropriate, or logically incorrect — and the JLPT...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 場 (Place, Field, Site)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 場 Strokes 12 Radical 土 (earth) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ジョウ jō Kun-yomi ば ba Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 工場 こうじょう kōjō factory 場所 ばしょ basho place, location 駐車場 ちゅうしゃじょう chūshajō parking lot 会場 かいじょう kaijō venue, hall 広場 ひろば hiroba plaza, open space Stroke Order Left radical 土 (earth). 2-12. Right side 昜 (sun rising, light). Mnemonic Earth (土)...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 ›

JLPT N5 — 10 Structured Lessons

Ten progressive lessons guide you from zero to N5-ready. Each lesson covers new vocabulary, grammar focus, sample dialogues (with romaji and English), and practice exercises. Lesson 1: Hiragana Mastery + First Greetings Learning Objectives Read and write all 46 basic hiragana characters Use 10 core greetings and expressions correctly Understand when to use formal vs casual speech Hiragana Chart — a i u e o (none) あ い う え...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 風 (Wind)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 風 Strokes 9 Radical 风 (wind) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi フウ、フ fū, fu Kun-yomi かぜ、かざ kaze, kaza Vocabulary | 風 | かぜ | kaze | wind | | 台風 | たいふう | taifū | typhoon | | 風景 | ふうけい | fūkei | scenery, landscape | | 風邪 | かぜ | kaze | cold (illness) | | 風俗 | ふうぞく |...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels ›

JLPT N4 — Elementary A2

JLPT N4 marks the transition from absolute beginner to elementary Japanese. You can handle everyday conversations on familiar topics, understand the general meaning of simple written passages, and navigate basic situations in Japan. It corresponds to approximately 300–600 total hours of study from zero. Level Overview Item Count Vocabulary (approximate, cumulative) ~1,500 words New kanji at this level ~181 Cumulative kanji ~284 Grammar points ~150 patterns CEFR equivalent A2 Estimated...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 橋 (Bridge)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 橋 Strokes 16 Radical 木 (tree/wood) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi キョウ kyō Kun-yomi はし hashi Vocabulary | 橋 | はし | hashi | bridge | | 陸橋 | りっきょう | rikkyō | overpass, viaduct | | 橋本 | はしもと | Hashimoto | (common surname) | | 鉄橋 | てっきょう | tekkyō | iron bridge | | 歩道橋 | ほどうきょう | hodōkyō...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese ›

Learning Methodology

How you study Japanese matters as much as how much you study. This section covers learning principles backed by research, common mistakes to avoid, and how to build a sustainable routine. Core Principles 1. Comprehensible Input is Primary Research by Stephen Krashen and others shows that language is acquired through exposure to messages we can understand — "comprehensible input" — rather than through conscious study of grammar rules. This means:...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills ›

Grammar

Japanese grammar is structurally unlike English, but it follows consistent patterns once understood. This guide covers the core grammar framework — particles, verb groups, conjugation forms, and key sentence patterns — organized from N5 to N2 difficulty. Core Structural Differences from English Feature English Japanese Word order SVO (I eat sushi) SOV (私はすしを食べる — I sushi eat) Verb position 2nd element Always last Articles a, an, the None Plural marking...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 医 (Medicine, Doctor)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 医 Strokes 7 Radical 匸 (hiding) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi イ i Kun-yomi — (no common kun) — Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 医者 いしゃ isha doctor 医学 いがく igaku medical science 医院 いいん iin clinic 医療 いりょう iryō medical treatment 歯医者 はいしゃ haisha dentist Stroke Order Outer 匸 (box/hiding). 2-5. Inner 矢 (arrow). 6-7. 又 (hand) at bottom right. Mnemonic...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Travel Vocabulary

Travel vocabulary is practical and high-frequency for anyone visiting Japan. Japanese public transportation is world-class but requires knowing key vocabulary to navigate confidently. Transportation Japanese Reading Romaji English 電車 でんしゃ densha train (electric) 地下鉄 ちかてつ chikatetsu subway; underground 新幹線 しんかんせん shinkansen bullet train (shinkansen) バス バス basu bus タクシー タクシー takushii taxi 飛行機 ひこうき hikouki airplane 船 ふね fune ship; boat 自転車 じてんしゃ jitensha bicycle バイク バイク baiku motorcycle 車...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Body and Health Vocabulary

Body and health vocabulary is essential for daily life and medical situations in Japan. Most basic body parts are N5–N4 level; detailed medical terminology appears at N3 and beyond. Head and Face Japanese Reading Romaji English 頭 あたま atama head 顔 かお kao face 目 め me eye 耳 みみ mimi ear 鼻 はな hana nose 口 くち kuchi mouth 歯 は ha tooth/teeth 舌 した shita tongue 唇 くちびる...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 秋 (Autumn, Fall)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 秋 Strokes 9 Radical 禾 (grain) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シュウ shū Kun-yomi あき aki Vocabulary | 秋 | あき | aki | autumn, fall | | 秋分 | しゅうぶん | shūbun | autumn equinox | | 秋祭り | あきまつり | akimatsuri | autumn festival | | 春秋 | しゅんじゅう | shunjū | spring and autumn; years | | 秋空 |...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 ›

JLPT N5 — Vocabulary (All ~800 Words)

This page lists all ~800 JLPT N5 vocabulary words grouped by category. Verb entries show dictionary form , て-form , た-form , and English meaning. People Japanese Reading Romaji English Part of Speech JLPT 私 わたし watashi I; me Pronoun N5 僕 ぼく boku I; me (masculine) Pronoun N5 あなた あなた anata you Pronoun N5 彼 かれ kare he; him; boyfriend Pronoun N5 彼女 かのじょ kanojo she; her; girlfriend Pronoun...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 Lessons ›

JLPT N4 Lesson 7: Passive and Causative

Overview At N5, all your sentences were in the active voice : the subject does the action to an object. At N4, you master two new voices that dramatically expand what you can express: the passive voice (〜られる/〜れる), where the subject receives an action done by someone else, and the causative voice (〜させる/〜せる), where the subject causes or allows someone else to do something. Combining these two gives the causative-passive...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 ›

JLPT N4 — Structured Lessons

Ten structured lessons to guide you through N4 content. Each lesson has learning objectives, key vocabulary, grammar focus, two dialogues with full translations, and practice exercises. Work through them in order — each builds on the previous. Lesson 1: From N5 to N4 — Plain Form and Politeness Levels Objectives Understand the difference between plain (dictionary) form and polite (〜ます/〜です) form Know when to use each register Recognize plain form...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 公 (Public, Official)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 公 Strokes 4 Radical 八 (divide) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi コウ kō Kun-yomi おおやけ ōyake Vocabulary | 公園 | こうえん | kōen | park | | 公務員 | こうむいん | kōmuin | government worker | | 公式 | こうしき | kōshiki | official, formal | | 公共 | こうきょう | kōkyō | public | | 主人公 | しゅじんこう | shujinkō |...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese ›

Vocabulary

Japanese vocabulary is organized here by frequency (high-impact words for general comprehension) and by thematic topic (for situational fluency). Choose the section most relevant to your current study goals. Vocabulary by Section Section Description Frequency Lists Top words by corpus frequency — maximum ROI Thematic Vocabulary Words grouped by topic for situational use How Much Vocabulary Do You Need? Goal Vocabulary size Tourist survival ~500–800 words JLPT N5 ~800 words...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills ›

Katakana

Katakana (カタカナ) is the second Japanese phonetic syllabary. It encodes the same sounds as hiragana but with distinct, angular shapes. It is used primarily for foreign loanwords, foreign names, technical terms, and emphasis — and it appears constantly in modern Japanese, especially in food, technology, and pop culture contexts. The Katakana Gojuuon Chart a i u e o ∅ ア a イ i ウ u エ e オ o k...
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Language Learning ›

Learn Esperanto

Why Esperanto? Esperanto is the world's most widely spoken constructed international language, with an estimated 2 million speakers across more than 120 countries. Created by L.L. Zamenhof in 1887, it was designed from the ground up to be easy, fair, and culturally neutral. For anyone interested in languages, Esperanto is one of the most strategically valuable investments you can make. Fastest language to fluency. Studies suggest Esperanto takes approximately 150–200...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N3 — Pre-intermediate B1 ›

JLPT N3 — Kanji (184 New, 651 Cumulative)

N3 introduces 184 new kanji (651 cumulative). These kanji shift from the concrete vocabulary of N5/N4 to abstract, social, and intellectual concepts. Multiple readings become a bigger challenge — many N3 kanji have 3+ readings. Learning kanji through compound words (熟語, jukugo) rather than in isolation is the most effective approach at this level. How N3 Kanji Differ from N4 More abstract meanings : 識 (knowledge/identify), 察 (perceive), 絡 (entangle/connect)...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 ›

JLPT N5 — Kanji (All 103)

All 103 JLPT N5 kanji are listed below with stroke count, readings, meanings, and vocabulary examples. On-yomi (Chinese-derived readings) are shown in katakana; kun-yomi (native Japanese readings) are shown in hiragana. Reading tip : Example words are shown as kanji + reading + meaning . Numbers Kanji Strokes On-yomi Kun-yomi Meaning Example Words 一 1 イチ、イツ ひと(つ) one 一つ (hitotsu, one thing); 一月 (ichigatsu, January); 一番 (ichiban, number one) 二...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills ›

Writing

Writing Japanese involves two distinct challenges: physical kanji writing (stroke order, character shape, handwriting practice) and digital composition (IME input, keyboard skills, written grammar). This guide covers both. Physical Writing: Kanji by Hand Why Physical Writing Matters Even in the age of smartphones and keyboards, physical kanji writing practice provides unique benefits: Deeper encoding : Writing forces active retrieval and motor memory encoding, resulting in stronger retention Recognition speed :...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels ›

JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2

JLPT N2 is the most practically valuable Japanese certification for non-native speakers. It is the minimum level cited by most Japanese employers and many universities for admission. At N2, you can read newspapers, follow news programs, handle professional email correspondence, and watch most anime and dramas without subtitles. Estimated study time: 1,200–2,200 total hours from zero. Level Overview Item Count Vocabulary (approximate, cumulative) ~6,000 words New kanji at this level...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N3 — Pre-intermediate B1 ›

JLPT N3 — Grammar (~200 Patterns)

N3 grammar is a major step up from N4. The patterns are longer, context-dependent, and often have subtle distinctions that require you to understand the nuance — not just the rule. Many patterns look similar (〜ために vs 〜ので vs 〜から) but carry different registers, focus, and implications. This page covers all ~200 N3 grammar patterns with full explanations and examples. How to Use This Page Each grammar entry follows this...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 行 (Go, Row, Bank)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 行 Strokes 6 Radical 行 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi コウ、ギョウ kō, gyō Kun-yomi い・く、おこな・う i-ku, okonau Vocabulary | 銀行 | ぎんこう | ginkō | bank | | 行く | いく | iku | to go | | 旅行 | りょこう | ryokō | travel | | 行動 | こうどう | kōdō | action, behavior | | 歩行 | ほこう |...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 足 (Foot, Leg, Enough)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 足 Strokes 7 Radical 足 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ソク soku Kun-yomi あし、た・りる ashi, ta-riru Vocabulary | 足 | あし | ashi | foot, leg | | 足りる | たりる | tariru | to be enough | | 満足 | まんぞく | manzoku | satisfaction | | 遠足 | えんそく | ensoku | excursion, field trip | | 不足 |...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Vocabulary ›

Thematic Vocabulary

Thematic vocabulary lists help you learn words in context-relevant groups, making them easier to remember and use in real conversations. Each topic covers the most important words from N5 to N3 level. Topics Topic Link Words Family Core family members and relationships ~50 words Food Foods, drinks, cooking, restaurants ~80 words Numbers and Counters Numbers 1–10,000 + key counters ~60 items Time Days, months, seasons, time expressions ~60 words Body...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 体 (Body)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 体 Strokes 7 Radical 亻(person) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi タイ、テイ tai, tei Kun-yomi からだ karada Vocabulary | 体 | からだ | karada | body | | 体育 | たいいく | taiiku | physical education | | 体験 | たいけん | taiken | experience (bodily) | | 全体 | ぜんたい | zentai | whole, entirety | | 体重 | たいじゅう | taijū...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills ›

Hiragana

Hiragana (ひらがな) is the first and most fundamental Japanese writing system you must learn. Every Japanese word can be written in hiragana, making it the phonetic backbone of the language. Master hiragana in 1–2 weeks before attempting any Japanese grammar, vocabulary, or kanji study. The Gojuuon Chart (五十音 — 50-sound chart) The gojuuon organizes hiragana by vowel column and consonant row. Read columns left to right, rows top to bottom:...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 薬 (Medicine, Drug)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 薬 Strokes 16 Radical 艹 (grass) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ヤク yaku Kun-yomi くすり kusuri Vocabulary | 薬 | くすり | kusuri | medicine, drug | | 薬局 | やっきょく | yakkyoku | pharmacy | | 薬剤師 | やくざいし | yakuzaishi | pharmacist | | 目薬 | めぐすり | megusuri | eye drops | | 漢方薬 | かんぽうやく | kanpōyaku |...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 銀 (Silver)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 銀 Strokes 14 Radical 金 (metal) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ギン gin Kun-yomi しろがね shirogane Vocabulary | 銀行 | ぎんこう | ginkō | bank | | 銀色 | ぎんいろ | gin'iro | silver color | | 銀河 | ぎんが | ginga | galaxy | | 銀メダル | ぎんめだる | gin medaru | silver medal | | 水銀 | すいぎん | suigin...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 頭 (Head)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 頭 Strokes 16 Radical 頁 (page/head) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi トウ、ズ tō, zu Kun-yomi あたま、かしら atama, kashira Vocabulary | 頭 | あたま | atama | head | | 先頭 | せんとう | sentō | lead, front | | 頭脳 | ずのう | zunō | brain, intellect | | 口頭 | こうとう | kōtō | oral, verbal | | 頭痛 | ずつう...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Grammar ›

Verb Conjugation

Japanese verb conjugation is systematic and predictable once you know the three verb groups. This reference covers all major conjugation forms with examples for each group. The Three Verb Groups Group Name Rule Examples Group 1 Godan (五段) / U-verbs Dictionary form ends in any う-sound except -iru/-eru 書く、話す、読む、飲む Group 2 Ichidan (一段) / Ru-verbs Dictionary form ends in -iru or -eru 食べる、見る、起きる Group 3 Irregular (不規則) Only two verbs...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 冬 (Winter)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 冬 Strokes 5 Radical 夂 (walk slowly) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi トウ tō Kun-yomi ふゆ fuyu Vocabulary | 冬 | ふゆ | fuyu | winter | | 冬休み | ふゆやすみ | fuyuyasumi | winter vacation | | 冬至 | とうじ | tōji | winter solstice | | 真冬 | まふゆ | mafuyu | midwinter | | 越冬 | えっとう | ettō...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Grammar ›

Sentence Patterns by JLPT Level

A curated reference of essential Japanese sentence patterns, organized by JLPT level with structures and example sentences. N5 Patterns 〜は〜です (A is B) Structure : Noun は Noun/Adj です Usage : Basic identification and description 私は学生です。— I am a student. これは本です。— This is a book. 今日は月曜日です。— Today is Monday. 〜がいます/あります (existence) Structure : Place に Thing が います/あります Usage : います = animate beings; あります = inanimate things 机の上に本があります。— There...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N1 — Advanced C1–C2 ›

JLPT N1 — Lessons

These 10 structured lessons are designed for learners who have passed (or are at) N2 level and are targeting N1. Each lesson addresses the qualitative shift N1 demands — not just more vocabulary, but a different register, different reading strategies, and different thinking about the language. Lesson 1: Classical Japanese Roots — Why Modern Japanese Is the Way It Is Why This Matters for N1 N1 grammar includes patterns that...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Family Vocabulary

Japanese family vocabulary has two sets of words: one for referring to your own family (plain/humble) and one for referring to someone else's family (honorific/polite). This distinction is important at N4+ level. Core Family Members Your own family (plain forms) Japanese Reading Romaji English 家族 かぞく kazoku family 父 ちち chichi father (my) 母 はは haha mother (my) 兄 あに ani older brother (my) 姉 あね ane older sister (my)...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2 ›

JLPT N2 — Grammar (~200+ patterns)

N2 grammar is characterized by formal and written register patterns. Unlike N3 and N4 grammar that primarily reflects conversational Japanese, N2 patterns come from newspapers, academic writing, business communication, and broadcast speech. Many patterns have similar meanings — distinguishing them by nuance and register is a core N2 exam skill. Patterns are organized thematically. Each entry shows: structure → meaning → nuance notes → example sentences. 1. Formal Conjunctions and...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills ›

Speaking

Japanese speaking is one of the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of the language. This guide covers pronunciation, pitch accent, the politeness register system, and practical resources for finding speaking practice. Pronunciation Basics Japanese pronunciation is in many ways simpler than English for several reasons: 5 pure vowels with consistent sounds No consonant clusters (every consonant is followed by a vowel, except ん) Regular syllable structure (mostly CV —...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N1 — Advanced C1–C2 ›

JLPT N1 — Grammar

JLPT N1 grammar includes approximately 200 patterns with a distinctive character: many are literary, classical, or from formal written Japanese (文語). This is the most challenging aspect of N1 — not just memorizing patterns but understanding the subtle distinctions between similar ones (which the exam tests extensively). Formality levels used in this guide: Literary (文語的): Found in classical texts, formal documents; rarely spoken Formal written (書き言葉): Newspapers, essays, academic writing;...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 春 (Spring (season))

Character Info Property Value Kanji 春 Strokes 9 Radical 日 (sun) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シュン shun Kun-yomi はる haru Vocabulary | 春 | はる | haru | spring | | 春休み | はるやすみ | haruyasumi | spring vacation | | 青春 | せいしゅん | seishun | youth, adolescence | | 春分 | しゅんぶん | shunbun | spring equinox | | 春夏秋冬 | しゅんかしゅうとう | shunkashūtō...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Learning Methodology ›

Japanese Study Roadmap

This roadmap provides a concrete week-by-week path from absolute beginner to JLPT N1. Times are based on 1 hour per day (365 hours/year). Adjust all timelines proportionally for your actual study hours. Phase 0: Pre-Study Preparation (Week 1) Before touching vocabulary or grammar, set up your study environment: Week 1 Checklist: Install Anki (desktop + mobile) Download Core 2000 Anki deck from AnkiWeb Bookmark jisho.org Install Yomitan browser extension Order...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Grammar ›

Keigo — Honorific Japanese

Keigo (敬語, literally "respectful language") is the system of honorific speech in Japanese. It is a fundamental part of adult Japanese communication — used in business, service industries, formal settings, and any interaction where social hierarchy matters. JLPT N2 requires recognition of keigo patterns; N1 requires deeper understanding. The Three Levels of Keigo Level Japanese Purpose When to use Teineigo 丁寧語 Polite language Standard polite speech with strangers, acquaintances Sonkeigo...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 Lessons ›

JLPT N4 Lesson 4: Expressing Probability and Inference

Overview In natural Japanese communication, speakers rarely express certainty about everything. Instead, a rich set of grammatical patterns allows you to indicate how sure you are about information — whether you are guessing, reporting what you heard, drawing a logical conclusion, or inferring from visible evidence. At N4, you must master six such patterns: 〜かもしれない, 〜でしょう/だろう, 〜はずだ/はずがない, 〜らしい, 〜そうだ (two distinct meanings!), and 〜ようだ. The most challenging aspect of this...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N2 — Upper-intermediate B2 ›

JLPT N2 — Exam Preparation

JLPT N2 is offered twice a year (July and December). The total exam time is 155 minutes , making it significantly longer and more demanding than N3 (100 minutes). This page covers the exam format in detail, section-by-section strategies, 120 practice questions, and a complete 6-month study plan. 1. Exam Format and Structure Official Time Breakdown Section Contents Time 言語知識（文字・語彙） Kanji readings, vocabulary meaning, word formation, contextual words 30 min...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 園 (Garden, Park)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 園 Strokes 13 Radical 囗 (enclosure) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi エン en Kun-yomi その sono Vocabulary | 公園 | こうえん | kōen | park | | 動物園 | どうぶつえん | dōbutsuen | zoo | | 庭園 | ていえん | teien | garden | | 幼稚園 | ようちえん | yōchien | kindergarten | | 植物園 | しょくぶつえん | shokubutsuen | botanical garden...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Skills ›

Reading

Reading Japanese is both the most challenging and most rewarding skill to develop. It requires simultaneous processing of hiragana, katakana, and kanji — sometimes all in the same sentence — while understanding grammar patterns and vocabulary. This guide maps out the reading progression from absolute beginner to advanced. The Japanese Reading Challenge Unlike learning to read European languages (one script, familiar letters), learning to read Japanese requires: Mastering hiragana (~46...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Japanese Writing Systems ›

Introduction to Kanji

Kanji (漢字) are Chinese-derived logographic characters that form the backbone of written Japanese. This page introduces the kanji system and the top most common characters. For the complete kanji skills guide, see Kanji Skills . Quick Facts Joyo kanji (常用漢字): 2,136 characters — the official "standard use" list for adults Kyoiku kanji (教育漢字): 1,026 — taught in elementary school grades 1–6 JLPT requirement : N5=103, N4≈284, N3≈651, N2≈1,651, N1≈2,000+ Readings...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 曇 (Cloudy)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 曇 Strokes 16 Radical 日 (sun) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ドン don Kun-yomi くも・る kumo-ru Vocabulary | 曇る | くもる | kumoru | to become cloudy | | 曇り | くもり | kumori | cloudy weather | | 曇天 | どんてん | donten | overcast sky | | 薄曇り | うすぐもり | usugumori | slightly cloudy | | 曇りがち | くもりがち...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 社 (Company, Society)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 社 Strokes 7 Radical 示 (show/altar) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シャ sha Kun-yomi やしろ yashiro Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 会社 かいしゃ kaisha company 社会 しゃかい shakai society 神社 じんじゃ jinja Shinto shrine 社員 しゃいん shain company employee 商社 しょうしゃ shōsha trading company Stroke Order Left radical 示 (altar). 2-7. Right portion 土 (earth) and 乙. Mnemonic An altar (示) on...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Japanese Writing Systems ›

Hiragana Complete Reference

Complete reference for all hiragana characters. See the hiragana skill guide for the learning strategy, stroke order tips, and practice methods. Base Hiragana (46 characters) a i u e o ∅ あ (a) い (i) う (u) え (e) お (o) k か (ka) き (ki) く (ku) け (ke) こ (ko) s さ (sa) し (shi) す (su) せ (se) そ (so) t た (ta) ち (chi) つ (tsu)...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 晴 (Sunny, Clear)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 晴 Strokes 12 Radical 日 (sun) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi セイ sei Kun-yomi は・れる ha-reru Vocabulary | 晴れる | はれる | hareru | to clear up (weather) | | 晴れ | はれ | hare | clear/fine weather | | 晴天 | せいてん | seiten | clear sky | | 晴れ間 | はれま | harema | break in the clouds | |...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 工 (Work, Craft, Construction)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 工 Strokes 3 Radical 工 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi コウ、ク kō, ku Kun-yomi — (no common kun) — Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 工場 こうじょう kōjō factory 工事 こうじ kōji construction work 工夫 くふう kufū devise, contrivance 人工 じんこう jinkō artificial 大工 だいく daiku carpenter Stroke Order Top horizontal line. 2. Vertical line (center). 3. Bottom horizontal line. Mnemonic Looks...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese ›

Grammar

This section provides a comprehensive reference for Japanese grammar patterns, organized by topic and JLPT level. Use the sub-pages for deep dives into specific topics. Grammar Reference Pages Page Content Particles All major particles: は が を に で から まで と も の か ね よ Verb Conjugation Plain/polite/te/ta/potential/passive/causative forms Keigo Honorific Japanese: sonkeigo, kenjougo, teineigo Sentence Patterns Common patterns organized by JLPT level Grammar Overview by Level N5...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 Lessons ›

JLPT N4 Lesson 10: N4 Capstone — Integrated Review

Overview This capstone lesson brings together everything you have studied in JLPT N4. Rather than introducing new grammar points, it provides an integrated review through authentic-feeling dialogues, a reading passage, and comprehensive practice that requires you to draw on all ten N4 grammar areas simultaneously. At N4, you have moved from the building blocks of N5 into genuinely expressive Japanese: you can make guesses, report speech, give reasons, describe complex...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 顔 (Face)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 顔 Strokes 18 Radical 頁 (head) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ガン gan Kun-yomi かお kao Vocabulary | 顔 | かお | kao | face | | 顔色 | かおいろ | kaoiro | complexion, facial expression | | 笑顔 | えがお | egao | smiling face | | 顔見知り | かおみしり | kaomishiri | acquaintance | | 素顔 | すがお | sugao...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 教 (Teach, Instruct)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 教 Strokes 11 Radical 攴/攵 (strike) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi キョウ kyō Kun-yomi おし・える、おそ・わる oshi-eru, osowa-ru Vocabulary | 教える | おしえる | oshieru | to teach | | 教科書 | きょうかしょ | kyōkasho | textbook | | 教育 | きょういく | kyōiku | education | | 教室 | きょうしつ | kyōshitsu | classroom | | 宗教 | しゅうきょう | shūkyō |...
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JLPT N4 Lesson 8: Purpose and Reason — Nuance Distinctions

Overview Expressing why you do something or what happens because of something is one of the most frequently needed communicative skills in any language. Japanese provides a rich set of six patterns for purpose and reason, each with a distinct nuance: 〜ために (deliberate purpose / causal because of), 〜ように (so that / in order for a state to come about), 〜から (because — direct, subjective, spoken), 〜ので (because — objective,...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 首 (Neck, Head, Chief)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 首 Strokes 9 Radical 首 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シュ shu Kun-yomi くび kubi Vocabulary | 首 | くび | kubi | neck | | 首都 | しゅと | shuto | capital city | | 首相 | しゅしょう | shushō | prime minister | | 手首 | てくび | tekubi | wrist | | 足首 | あしくび | ashikubi |...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels ›

JLPT N3 — Pre-intermediate B1

JLPT N3 is often considered the most important milestone in the JLPT journey. It marks the transition from basic learner to someone who can handle the majority of everyday situations in Japan — reading most menus, signs, and instructions; following conversations on familiar topics; and watching anime or dramas with Japanese subtitles as an aid. Estimated study time: 600–1,200 total hours from zero. Level Overview Item Count Vocabulary (approximate, cumulative)...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Time Vocabulary

Time vocabulary is fundamental to everyday Japanese and is heavily tested at N5–N4 level. Japanese has clear, systematic patterns for most time expressions. Days of the Week Japanese Reading Romaji English Character meaning 月曜日 げつようび Getsuyoubi Monday Moon day 火曜日 かようび Kayoubi Tuesday Fire day 水曜日 すいようび Suiyoubi Wednesday Water day 木曜日 もくようび Mokuyoubi Thursday Wood day 金曜日 きんようび Kin'youbi Friday Gold/Metal day 土曜日 どようび Doyoubi Saturday Earth day 日曜日...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 Lessons ›

JLPT N4 Lesson 5: Reported Speech and Quoting

Overview Reported speech is one of the core communicative skills at N4 level and beyond. In real life, you constantly need to relay what someone said, share what you think, report what you heard, or cite a source. Japanese uses the quotation particle と to link reported content to verbs like 言う, 思う, 聞く, 考える, and 感じる. The critical rule that unites all these patterns is that the content before...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N5 — Beginner A1 ›

JLPT N5 — Exam Preparation

This page prepares you for the actual JLPT N5 exam. It covers format, strategy, practice questions with answers, reading passages, listening guidance, and a 30-day study plan. Exam Format Breakdown Overview Section Content Time Max Score Pass Threshold Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) Vocabulary, kanji readings, usage Combined 60 min 60 pts 19 pts Language Knowledge (Grammar) + Reading Grammar patterns, reading comprehension Combined 60 min 60 pts 19 pts Listening Audio...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese ›

Japanese Writing Systems

Modern Japanese uses four writing systems simultaneously. A single sentence can contain all four. Understanding how they work together is essential from the very beginning. The Four Writing Systems System Characters Primary use Hiragana 46 base + ~58 variants Grammar endings, particles, native words, furigana Katakana 46 base + ~58 variants Foreign loanwords, emphasis, scientific terms Kanji 2,136 Joyo + more Most nouns, verbs (base), adjectives Romaji 26 Roman letters...
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Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 郵 (Mail, Post)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 郵 Strokes 11 Radical 阝(mound/town) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ユウ yū Kun-yomi — (no kun-yomi) — Vocabulary | 郵便局 | ゆうびんきょく | yūbinkyoku | post office | | 郵便 | ゆうびん | yūbin | mail, postal service | | 郵送 | ゆうそう | yūsō | mailing, sending by post | | 郵便番号 | ゆうびんばんごう | yūbin bangō | postal code |...
japanese n4 jlpt kanji language-learning May 30, 2026