If you have completed JLPT N5 or already have a foundational understanding of Japanese — the JLPT N4 is your next milestone. But before you begin studying, you need a clear, complete picture of the JLPT N4 Syllabus 2026: exactly what vocabulary to learn, which grammar points to master, how many kanji are required, and what the reading and listening sections test.
This updated, geo-focused guide covers the Complete JLPT N4 Syllabus for Intermediate Learners chapter-wise grammar checklist, vocabulary topics list, kanji list, reading syllabus, listening syllabus, exam pattern, study plan, and preparation timeline. Whether you are in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, or studying online anywhere in India, this is your one-stop JLPT N4 Japanese Exam Curriculum Guide for 2026.
JLPT N4 Exam Dates 2026: The JLPT N4 exam date 2026 is 5 July 2026 (first session) and 6 December 2026 (second session). All levels including N4 are held simultaneously. For full registration and date details: JLPT Exam 2026 Dates in India.
The JLPT N4 is the second level in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test system (N5 → N4 → N3 → N2 → N1). It is designed for learners who have moved beyond survival-level Japanese and can now handle everyday conversations with greater confidence.
Passing JLPT N4 demonstrates that you can:
For Indian learners, JLPT N4 is an important stepping stone toward JLPT N3 and ultimately JLPT N2 — the benchmark level for most Japanese company jobs in India.
Wondering how N4 differs from N5? Read: What is the Difference Between JLPT N5 and N4.
Before diving into subject-wise content, understanding the JLPT N4 Exam Syllabus and Pattern is essential. Here is the complete structure:
| Section | Sub-Section | Time Allotted | Max Score |
| Language Knowledge | Vocabulary | 25 minutes | 60 |
| Language Knowledge | Grammar + Reading | 55 minutes | 60 |
| Listening | Audio Comprehension | 35 minutes | 60 |
| Total | — | ~115 minutes | 180 |
| Criteria | Score Required |
| Total Passing Score | 90 out of 180 |
| Language Knowledge Minimum | 38 out of 120 |
| Listening Minimum | 19 out of 60 |
You must meet both the total threshold and the section minimums. This means you cannot compensate for a weak listening score with a high vocabulary score.
For the complete exam pattern: JLPT N4 Exam Pattern | JLPT Exam Format 2026
The JLPT N4 Vocabulary Syllabus requires mastery of approximately 1,500 words — nearly double the N5 requirement. These words cover a wider range of everyday situations and are the building blocks for intermediate-level conversation and reading.
Daily Life & Routines
Transportation & Travel
Shopping & Money
Food & Restaurants
Health & Hospital
Work & Study
Feelings & Opinions
Nature & Weather
Social Situations
Counters & Quantifiers
Study tip: Learn N4 vocabulary in thematic groups and create sentences with each word. At 25–30 new words per day, 1,500 words are achievable in approximately 7–8 weeks.
Resources: Basic Japanese Words for Beginners | Japanese Synonyms | How Many Words in JLPT N4
The JLPT N4 Grammar Syllabus List builds significantly on N5 foundations, introducing conditional forms, passive/causative voice, and complex sentence connectors. Here is the complete JLPT N4 Japanese Grammar Checklist organised chapter-wise:
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
| ~てください | Please do ~ (request) | もっとゆっくり話してください。(Please speak more slowly.) |
| ~ている | Ongoing action / state | 今、本を読んでいます。(I am reading a book now.) |
| ~てから | After doing ~ | 宿題をしてから、遊びます。(After homework, I'll play.) |
| ~てもいい | It's okay to ~ (permission) | ここに座ってもいいですか。(May I sit here?) |
| ~てはいけない | Must not ~ (prohibition) | ここで食べてはいけません。(You must not eat here.) |
| ~てみる | Try doing ~ | 日本語で話してみます。(I'll try speaking in Japanese.) |
| ~ておく | Do in advance / leave as is | 窓を開けておきます。(I'll leave the window open.) |
| ~てしまう | Accidentally / completely | 財布を忘れてしまった。(I accidentally forgot my wallet.) |
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
| ~たら | If/when ~ (past-based condition) | 雨が降ったら、行きません。(If it rains, I won't go.) |
| ~れば / ~ば | If ~ (natural condition) | もっと練習すれば、上手になります。(If you practice more, you'll improve.) |
| ~と | Natural/automatic condition | 右に曲がると、駅があります。(If you turn right, there's the station.) |
| ~なら | If it's the case that ~ | 時間があるなら、来てください。(If you have time, please come.) |
Read more: Japanese Grammar Rules | JLPT N4 Course Grammar
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
| ~から | Because ~ (subjective reason) | 忙しいから、行けません。(I can't go because I'm busy.) |
| ~ので | Because ~ (objective reason) | 病気なので、休みます。(Because I'm sick, I'll rest.) |
| ~のに | Despite ~ / Even though ~ | 一生懸命勉強したのに、失敗した。(Even though I studied hard, I failed.) |
| ~から~まで | From ~ to ~ | 月曜から金曜まで働きます。(I work from Monday to Friday.) |
| Pattern | Direction | Example |
| ~てあげる | Speaker does for others | 友達に本を貸してあげました。(I lent a book to my friend.) |
| ~てくれる | Others do for speaker | 先生が説明してくれました。(The teacher explained for me.) |
| ~てもらう | Speaker receives the action | 友達に手伝ってもらいました。(I had my friend help me.) |
Read more: Give and Receive in Japanese
Potential form (ability to do):
Passive form (receiving an action):
Causative form (making/letting someone do):
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
| ~たり~たりする | Doing things like ~ and ~ | 映画を見たり、本を読んだりします。(I do things like watch movies and read.) |
| ~し~し | And also ~ | 安いし、おいしいし、このお店が好き。(It's cheap and delicious, so I like this shop.) |
At N4 level, clauses are used to modify nouns, adding descriptive richness:
Read more: Japanese Sentence Structure | Use of Koto and No
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
| ~になる | Become ~ | 日本語が上手になりました。(My Japanese has improved.) |
| ~くなる | Become ~ (i-adj) | 暑くなりました。(It has become hot.) |
| ~ようになる | Come to be able to / start doing | 漢字が読めるようになった。(I've come to be able to read kanji.) |
| ~なくなる | Stop doing | タバコを吸わなくなりました。(I stopped smoking.) |
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
| ~そうだ | Looks like / seems like | 雨が降りそうです。(It looks like it will rain.) |
| ~らしい | I hear that / apparently | 田中さんは来ないらしい。(Apparently Tanaka won't come.) |
| ~と思う | I think that ~ | 明日は晴れると思います。(I think it will be sunny tomorrow.) |
| ~つもり | Intend to ~ | 来年、日本に行くつもりです。(I intend to go to Japan next year.) |
N4 introduces the foundations of Keigo (敬語) — Japanese polite speech:
Read more: Role of Keigo in Japanese Society | JLPT N4 Grammar
The JLPT N4 Kanji Syllabus Complete Guide covers approximately 300 Kanji characters — adding roughly 200 new characters to the 100 learned at N5.
Movement & Transport 走、歩、来、行、帰、乗、降、着、出、入、止、動、速、遅
Nature & Environment 海、山、川、空、池、森、林、草、花、石、岩、砂、雲、星、光
People & Society 社、会、国、市、村、町、区、世、界、民、族、代、化
Body & Health 体、頭、顔、目、耳、口、鼻、手、足、心、血、病、医、薬、死
Time & Calendar 週、月、年、時、分、秒、昔、今、未、来、朝、昼、夜、春、夏、秋、冬
Work & Study 会、社、仕、事、働、勉、強、試、験、合、格、点、答、問
Food & Daily Life 食、飲、料、理、味、茶、肉、魚、野、菜、米、酒、湯、皿
Numbers & Measurement 百、千、万、円、度、量、重、軽、長、短、広、細
Colours, Shapes, Materials 赤、青、白、黒、黄、茶、形、丸、四、角、紙、木、金、鉄、布
Emotions & Abstract Concepts 好、嫌、楽、苦、悲、怒、喜、忘、思、知、考、感、笑、泣
Study tip: Learn N4 Kanji in thematic clusters. Practice each character with its ON-reading, KUN-reading, and at least two compound words. Aim for 7–10 new kanji per day to cover all 300 in about 5 weeks.
Resources: Learn Kanji | Learn Kanji and Japanese Words | Hiragana vs Katakana vs Kanji
The JLPT N4 Reading Section Syllabus is tested within the Language Knowledge (Grammar + Reading) section. Reading tasks at N4 are longer and more varied than at N5, testing your ability to understand written Japanese in authentic contexts.
Short Informational Texts (短文)
Emails, notices, advertisements, and simple instructions — typically 50–150 characters. Questions test: main topic, specific details, and the writer's intention.
Medium-length Passages (中文)
Descriptive or explanatory paragraphs of 200–350 characters on everyday topics. Questions test: specific information, cause-effect relationships, and overall meaning.
Information Retrieval
A practical task — reading a table, timetable, or advertisement and locating specific information quickly.
Resources: Free JLPT Practice Tests Online N5 to N1 | JLPT N4 Syllabus with Sample Questions
The JLPT N4 Listening Section Syllabus tests comprehension of conversations spoken at near-natural speed on familiar, everyday topics. Audio is played once only.
Task 1 — Picture Description (絵を見ながら)
Short monologue or dialogue; choose the matching picture. Tests understanding of actions, locations, and descriptions.
Task 2 — Immediate Response (即時応答)
A short question or statement is played; choose the most natural response from three options. Tests conversational reflexes and politeness level understanding.
Task 3 — Summary Comprehension (まとめの理解)
A longer dialogue (4–8 exchanges) is played; answer a comprehension question. Tests ability to follow a conversation and identify the key point, decision, or problem.
Task 4 — Integrated Comprehension (統合理解)
A more complex dialogue or announcement; answer two questions about the same audio. Tests ability to hold multiple pieces of information simultaneously.
Resources: Top YouTube Channels for Learning Japanese | Watching Anime — Learn Japanese Faster
The JLPT N4 Syllabus for Indian Students is identical worldwide — the Japan Foundation does not customise content by country. However, Indian learners at N4 level face specific challenges worth addressing:
Grammar Complexity: N4 introduces passive and causative forms, which have no direct equivalent in Hindi or English. Extra practice with these forms is essential.
Listening Speed: N4 audio is spoken at near-natural speed. Indian learners accustomed to slow N5 audio need deliberate exposure to faster speech before the exam.
Kanji Recognition Under Time Pressure: Reading sections are timed. Fluency in recognising N4 kanji on the fly — not just recall from memory — is critical.
Keigo (Polite Language): Japanese politeness levels (honorific and humble speech introduced at N4) are culturally distinct. Understanding these requires cultural context, not just grammar memorisation.
Read: Is Japanese Difficult for Indians? | Japanese Language and Culture
Here is a realistic Updated JLPT N4 Syllabus and Study Plan for a 4-month preparation timeline, studying 1.5–2 hours per day:
| Week | Focus | Daily Target |
| Week 1 | Vocabulary Topics 1–3 (Daily Life, Transport, Shopping) | 30 words/day |
| Week 2 | Vocabulary Topics 4–6 (Food, Health, Work) | 30 words/day |
| Week 3 | Kanji 1–50 (Movement, Nature, People) | 7–8 kanji/day |
| Week 4 | Kanji 51–100 + Vocabulary revision | 7–8 kanji + flashcard review |
| Week | Focus | Daily Target |
| Week 5 | Grammar Chapters 1–2 (Te-form, Conditionals) | 2 grammar points/day |
| Week 6 | Grammar Chapters 3–4 (Reason connectors, Giving/Receiving) | 2 grammar points/day |
| Week 7 | Grammar Chapter 5 (Potential, Passive, Causative) + Kanji 101–150 | 1 grammar form + 7 kanji |
| Week 8 | Grammar revision + Kanji 151–200 | Full review |
Resources: JLPT N4 Course Grammar | Japanese Grammar Overview
| Week | Focus | Activity |
| Week 9 | Grammar Chapters 6–8 + Kanji 201–250 | Grammar practice sentences + kanji |
| Week 10 | Grammar Chapters 9–10 (Hearsay, Keigo) + Kanji 251–300 | Keigo drills + kanji |
| Week 11 | Reading practice (short + medium passages) | 2 passages/day, timed |
| Week 12 | Listening practice daily + reading review | 30 min audio/day |
| Week | Focus | Activity |
| Week 13 | Full mock test 1 (timed, all sections) | Error analysis |
| Week 14 | Weak area intensive revision | Targeted drills |
| Week 15 | Full mock test 2 + listening intensive | Mock + 30 min audio |
| Week 16 | Final vocabulary/kanji revision + exam strategy | Light review + rest |
Resources: JLPT Study Plan | How to Create an Effective Study Plan for JLPT | Study Plan for Japanese Language Exams
If you are balancing work with JLPT N4 preparation, a 5–6 month timeline is realistic. Aim for 60–90 minutes daily on weekdays and 3 hours on weekends.
Key strategies: audio during commute, vocabulary on lunch breaks, grammar and reading in the evenings. Read: Best Way to Learn Japanese Language | Easy Way to Learn Japanese
With flexible schedules, a 3–4 month plan is achievable. Joining a structured N4 course dramatically accelerates progress versus self-study. Read: Benefits of Enrolling in a Japanese Language Course | Japanese Language Courses for Beginners
Structured JLPT N4 preparation at TLS – The Japanese Language School, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi — aligned with the Latest JLPT N4 Syllabus 2026.
Read: JLPT N4 Course Online | Tips to Prepare for JLPT N4 Level | JLPT Preparation Courses
Once your preparation is in order, registering for the exam is straightforward. In India, JLPT N4 Registration is managed by city-specific host institutions:
| City | Host Institution | Portal |
| Delhi | MOSAI (Mombusho Scholars Association of India) | jlpt.mosai.org.in |
| Mumbai / Pune | JALTAP | JALTAP official site |
| Chennai | ABK-AOTS DOSOKAI | ABK-AOTS official site |
| Bengaluru | BNK (Bangalore Nihongo Kyooshi-kai) | bnkindia.in |
| Kolkata | IJWCA | IJWCA official site |
For December 2026: Registration opens approximately August–September 2026. Seats fill extremely quickly, especially in Delhi. Register the moment the portal opens.
Read: JLPT July Registration India | JLPT Exam 2026 Registration Last Date | JLPT Registration Process | JLPT Exam Centres in India
Clearing JLPT N4 is a significant achievement that opens real doors. Here is your roadmap:
Move to JLPT N3: N3 is the true intermediate-to-upper-intermediate bridge, covering ~3,500 vocabulary words and ~650 kanji. Read: Pre-Advanced Japanese N3 Course | The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Language at N3 Level
Target JLPT N2 for Career: JLPT N2 is the standard requirement for most Japanese companies, SSW visa applicants, and Japan work visas. Read: Advanced Japanese N2 Course | Salary After JLPT N2 in India and Japan
Explore Job Opportunities: Read: Japanese Language Jobs in India | Top Job Opportunities After JLPT Certification | Work in Japan from India — Complete Guide 2026
Study in Japan: Read: Complete Guide — Study in Japan for Indian Students | Japan Student Visa Process for Indian Students | MEXT Scholarship 2027
SSW Visa: N4 level Japanese is often sufficient for the SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) visa pathway. Read: SSW Visa Japan from India | How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan from India
If you are serious about clearing the JLPT N4 in 2026 and want structured, expert-led coaching aligned with the Complete JLPT N4 Syllabus 2026, TLS – The Japanese Language School in Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi is where results happen.
✅ Syllabus-mapped curriculum — every class directly addresses JLPT N4 exam topics
✅ Expert faculty — experienced teachers with proven JLPT N4 coaching results
✅ Comprehensive materials — grammar sheets, vocabulary lists, kanji drills, and mock tests included
✅ Regular timed mock tests — build exam stamina and time management skills
✅ Flexible batch timings — morning, evening, weekend, and online batches available
✅ Online & offline options — learn from Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, or anywhere in India
✅ Visa assistance & placement support — guidance for studying or working in Japan
✅ Affordable fee structure — transparent pricing, no hidden charges
Students from Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and across India learn at TLS.
📍 Visit Us:
2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No. 2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi – 110092
(Near Laxmi Nagar Metro Station, Gate No. 5)
📞 Call Us: +91 8700956038
📧 Email Us: tls@teamlanguages.com
👉 Enrol in JLPT N4 Course Now | 📞 Book a Free Demo Class
TLS serves Japanese learners across Delhi NCR and online:
Q1. What is included in the JLPT N4 Syllabus 2026?
The JLPT N4 Syllabus 2026 covers approximately 1,500 vocabulary words, 300 Kanji characters, intermediate grammar patterns (conditionals, passive/causative forms, giving-receiving, keigo basics), reading comprehension of short to medium-length texts, and listening comprehension of near-natural speed everyday conversations.
Q2. How is JLPT N4 different from JLPT N5?
JLPT N5 covers ~800 words, ~100 kanji, and basic sentence patterns. JLPT N4 nearly doubles the vocabulary (~1,500 words), adds ~200 more kanji (total ~300), introduces conditionals, passive/causative forms, and keigo. The listening speed is also faster and the reading passages are longer. Read: What is the Difference Between JLPT N5 and N4.
Q3. Is there a JLPT N4 Syllabus PDF for free download?
The official JLPT does not publish a fixed syllabus PDF. You can access official sample questions at jlpt.jp. TLS provides comprehensive syllabus-aligned study materials to enrolled students.
Q4. How long does it take to complete the JLPT N4 Syllabus?
For a learner who has passed N5, approximately 300–400 additional study hours (about 4–6 months of consistent daily study) are needed. With a structured course at TLS, most students are exam-ready in 3–4 months.
Q5. What grammar topics are in the JLPT N4 Syllabus?
Key grammar includes: te-form extensions (～てしまう、～てみる、～ておく), conditionals (~たら、~れば、~と、~なら), reason connectors (~から、~ので、~のに), giving/receiving (~てあげる、~てくれる、~てもらう), potential/passive/causative forms, listing actions (~たりする), noun modification clauses, and introductory keigo.
Q6. How many Kanji are in the JLPT N4 Syllabus?
The JLPT N4 Kanji Syllabus covers approximately 300 kanji — about 200 new characters added to the 100 learned at N5.
Q7. What is the passing score for JLPT N4?
You need a total score of 90 out of 180, with a minimum of 38 in the Language Knowledge section and 19 in the Listening section.
Q8. Can I get a job in Japan with JLPT N4?
JLPT N4 qualifies you for certain SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) visa categories and entry-level positions in Japan's hospitality, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. However, most professional roles require N2 or N1. Read: Work in Japan from India — Complete Guide 2026.
Q9. When is the JLPT N4 exam in 2026 in India?
The JLPT N4 exam dates 2026 in India are 5 July 2026 and 6 December 2026, conducted simultaneously with all other levels at official test centres. Read: JLPT Exam 2026 Dates.
Q10. Where can I find the best JLPT N4 coaching in Delhi?
TLS – The Japanese Language School, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi offers expert JLPT N4 preparation. Call +91 8700956038 or contact us here.
The JLPT N4 Syllabus 2026 represents a significant step up from N5, but it is entirely achievable for any motivated intermediate learner with the right plan. Mastering the 1,500 vocabulary words, 300 kanji, 10 grammar chapters, and developing strong reading and listening skills will put you firmly on the path to N3 and beyond.
The key is structured preparation, consistent daily practice, and expert guidance at the right time. Whether you are in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, or anywhere in India studying online, TLS – The Japanese Language School is your trusted partner for JLPT N4 success.
Ready to start? Enrol in our JLPT N4 Course today or contact us for a free counselling session.
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