JLPT N4 Study Plan: 6 Months to Success

JLPT N4 is a crucial stepping stone in your Japanese learning journey. This detailed 6-month plan will guide you to success.

What You Need to Know About N4

Requirements

• Kanji: 300 characters
• Vocabulary: 1,500 words
• Grammar: 100-150 grammar points
• Study Time: 550-900 hours total

Exam Structure

• Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar): 25 minutes
• Language Knowledge (Grammar/Reading): 55 minutes
• Listening: 35 minutes
• Total: 115 minutes

Month 1-2: Building Foundation

Daily Routine (2 hours)

• 30 min: Vocabulary (25 new words/day)
• 45 min: Grammar study (2-3 points/day)
• 30 min: Kanji practice (5-7 new kanji/day)
• 15 min: Review with Anki

Recommended Materials

• Textbook: Genki II or Minna no Nihongo II
• Workbook: Complete all exercises
• Apps: Anki, Bunpo, JLPTSENSEI
• Kanji: Remember the Kanji or WaniKani

Grammar Focus

Master these essential patterns:

• てform variations (ている, てもいい, てはいけない)
• たform variations (たら, たことがある)
• Comparisons (より, ほど, いちばん)
• Potential form (できる, られる)

Month 3-4: Expanding Knowledge

Daily Routine (2.5 hours)

• 45 min: Advanced grammar
• 45 min: Reading practice
• 30 min: Listening exercises
• 30 min: Vocabulary review

Reading Practice

Start with:

• NHK Easy News: Simple news articles
• Graded Readers: Level 2-3 stories
• Manga: With furigana
• Children's books: Simple stories

Listening Resources

• JapanesePod101: N4 level lessons
• Easy Japanese: NHK World program
• Anime: With Japanese subtitles
• YouTube: Comprehensible Japanese channels

Key Vocabulary Themes

• Daily activities and routines
• Shopping and restaurants
• Travel and transportation
• Weather and seasons
• Hobbies and interests
• Health and body

Month 5: Intensive Practice

Daily Routine (3 hours)

• 60 min: Practice tests
• 60 min: Weak area focus
• 45 min: Reading comprehension
• 15 min: Error review

Practice Test Strategy

• Take one section per day
• Full practice test on weekends
• Review ALL mistakes immediately
• Keep an error log

Common Weak Areas

1. Listening: Practice with varied speeds
2. Kanji compounds: Learn readings in context
3. Grammar nuances: Understand subtle differences
4. Time management: Practice under pressure

Month 6: Final Push

Daily Routine (3-4 hours)

• 90 min: Full section practice
• 60 min: Targeted review
• 45 min: Listening immersion
• 30 min: Grammar/vocab drilling

Last Month Checklist

• [ ] Completed 5+ full practice tests
• [ ] Reviewed all 300 N4 kanji
• [ ] Mastered 1,500+ vocabulary words
• [ ] Can explain all grammar points
• [ ] Comfortable with listening speed
• [ ] Know test format inside out

Test Week Prep

7 days before:

• Light review only
• No new material
• Rest and relax

3 days before:

• Quick grammar review
• Vocabulary flashcards
• One light practice test

Day before:

• Review common mistakes
• Early to bed
• Prepare materials (pencils, ID, watch)

Test day:

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Bring snacks and water
• Stay calm and focused

Study Tips for Success

1. Consistency Over Intensity

• Better: 2 hours daily for 6 months
• Worse: 10 hours/day for 1 month

2. Use Multiple Resources

Don't rely on just one textbook:

• Textbooks for structure
• Apps for daily practice
• Native materials for immersion
• Practice tests for exam prep

3. Find Your Learning Style

• Visual: Use flashcards and diagrams
• Auditory: Listen to podcasts and audio
• Kinesthetic: Write everything by hand
• Social: Study groups and tutors

4. Track Your Progress

• Weekly self-assessments
• Monthly practice tests
• Error log for mistakes
• Vocabulary/grammar checklists

5. Don't Neglect Listening

• Listen to something Japanese EVERY day
• Gradually reduce subtitle dependence
• Practice with various accents and speeds
• Use listening as background study

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Skipping workbook exercises ✅ Complete ALL practice problems

❌ Only studying what you like ✅ Focus MORE on weak areas

❌ Cramming before the exam ✅ Steady, consistent study

❌ Ignoring reading practice ✅ Read something daily

❌ Not timing practice sessions ✅ Always practice with time limits

Recommended Resource Budget

Free Resources ($0)

• Anki flashcard decks
• NHK Easy News
• YouTube comprehensible Japanese
• Free practice tests online
• HelloTalk language exchange

Moderate Budget ($50-100)

• Genki II textbook + workbook
• JLPT practice test book
• Anki premium (optional)

Generous Budget ($150-250)

• All above plus:
• iTalki tutors (10 lessons)
• Bunpro premium
• WaniKani subscription
• Additional practice books

Final Motivation

N4 is challenging but absolutely achievable with consistent effort. This level opens up:

• Ability to handle basic daily conversations
• Reading simple manga and books
• Understanding anime without subtitles (somewhat)
• Foundation for N3 and beyond

Remember: Everyone learns at their own pace. If you need more than 6 months, that's perfectly fine!

頑張ってください！ You've got this!