100+ Free JLPT N4 Practice Questions

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つぎの　ことばの　よみかたを　えらんでください。「工場」

こうじょう

こうつう

こうえん

こうとう

to track

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: JLPT N4 Exam

JLPT N4 is an elementary-level, all-multiple-choice Japanese proficiency exam testing vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. Passing requires 90/180 total with section minimums; held twice yearly by the Japan Foundation.

Sample JLPT N4 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your JLPT N4 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1つぎの　ことばの　よみかたを　えらんでください。「先週」

A.せんしゅう

B.らいしゅう

C.こんしゅう

D.まいしゅう

Explanation: 「先週」は「せんしゅう」と読みます。「先」は「せん」(before/previous) と読み、「週」は「しゅう」(week) と読みます。「先週」は last week という意味です。

2つぎの　ことばの　よみかたを　えらんでください。「図書館」

A.としょかん

B.びじゅつかん

C.はくぶつかん

D.こどもかん

Explanation: 「図書館」は「としょかん」と読みます。図（と）書（しょ）館（かん）= library という意味です。N4レベルの重要な単語です。

3つぎの　ことばの　よみかたを　えらんでください。「運動」

A.うんどう

B.うんてん

C.いどう

D.かつどう

Explanation: 「運動」は「うんどう」と読みます。exercise または physical activity という意味です。「運」(うん) は movement/luck、「動」(どう) は move を意味します。

4（　　）に　入る　ことばを　えらんでください。この　仕事は　むずかしいですが、（　　）おもしろいです。

A.なかなか

B.ときどき

C.たいてい

D.すこし

Explanation: 「なかなか」は「quite / pretty / fairly」という意味で、程度を表します。「なかなかおもしろい」は「quite interesting / pretty interesting」という意味です。難しいけれど、かなり面白いという逆接的なニュアンスに合います。

5つぎの　ことばと　にた　いみの　ことばを　えらんでください。「すぐ」

A.すぐに

B.はやく

C.もうすぐ

D.ただちに

Explanation: 「すぐ」は「immediately / right away / at once」という意味です。同じ意味の言葉は「ただちに」(immediately, formal) です。両方とも「遅れなく、直ちに」という意味を持ちます。

6つぎの　ぶんの（　　）に　いれるのに　いちばん　いい　ものを　えらんでください。ここに　車を　とめて（　　）いいですか。

A.も

B.が

C.を

D.に

Explanation: 「〜てもいいですか」は May I ~? / Is it okay to ~? という許可を求める表現です。「車をとめてもいいですか」= May I park my car here? 「も」が正しい助詞です。「てもいい」はN4の重要な文型です。

7つぎの　ぶんの（　　）に　いれるのに　いちばん　いい　ものを　えらんでください。彼女は　歌が　上手だ（　　）、ダンスも　できる。

A.し

B.が

C.けれど

D.から

Explanation: 「〜し、〜し」は複数の事実を列挙する時に使います。「歌が上手だし、ダンスもできる」= She's good at singing, and she can also dance. 「し」は良い点や特徴を並べる時の表現です。

8つぎの　ことばの　つかいかたとして　いちばん　いい　ものを　えらんでください。「こわい」

A.このスープはこわいです。

B.あの映画はこわかったです。

C.このケーキはこわくておいしいです。

D.先生のことばがこわくてわかりません。

Explanation: 「こわい」は「scary / frightening」という意味です。「あの映画はこわかったです」= That movie was scary. これが正しい使い方です。「こわい」は人や状況が恐ろしいという感情を表します。

9つぎの　ぶんの（　　）に　いれるのに　いちばん　いい　ものを　えらんでください。電車が　来る（　　）に　ホームに　出てください。

A.まえ

B.あと

C.とき

D.ながら

Explanation: 「〜まえに」は「before ~」という意味です。「電車が来るまえにホームに出てください」= Please go to the platform before the train arrives. 「Vる＋まえに」はN4の基本文型です。

10（　　）に　入る　ことばを　えらんでください。明日、雨が　（　　）かもしれません。

A.ふり

B.ふる

C.ふって

D.ふった

Explanation: 「〜かもしれません」は「might / may」という意味で、不確かな推量を表します。この形の前には動詞の辞書形（普通形）が来ます。「ふる」は「降る」(to fall/rain) の辞書形です。「雨がふるかもしれません」= It might rain tomorrow.

About the JLPT N4 Exam

The JLPT N4 is the second level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), a standardized exam jointly administered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) in over 85 countries worldwide. N4 targets elementary learners who can understand basic Japanese used in everyday situations. The exam is entirely multiple-choice with three sections: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary), Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading, and Listening — no speaking or writing production. Scoring uses a scaled model: a total of 180 points is possible, and candidates must clear both the overall passing score of 90 and sectional minimums in Language Knowledge/Reading (38/120) and Listening (19/60). The test is held twice yearly, in July and December. In 2026, the global test dates are Sunday, July 6 and Sunday, December 7 (Japan dates: July 5 and December 6). N4 is a recognized benchmark used by Japanese universities and employers as evidence of basic Japanese communication ability.

Questions

90 scored questions

Time Limit

115 minutes total: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) 25 min, Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading 55 min, Listening 35 min.

Passing Score

90/180 overall, with section minimums of 38/120 (Language Knowledge & Reading) and 19/60 (Listening).

Exam Fee

Approximately $100 USD in the US (2025 rate); fees vary by country — AUD 95 in Australia, PHP 1,800 in the Philippines. Check your local JLPT host institution for exact 2026 pricing. (Japan Foundation & Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES))

JLPT N4 Exam Content Outline

30%

Vocabulary

Kanji reading, orthography, contextually-defined expressions, paraphrases, and word usage in context. ~1,500 target vocabulary words and ~300 kanji.

25%

Grammar

Selecting correct grammar forms, sentence composition, and text-level grammar. Key patterns: conditionals (〜たら/〜と/〜ば), passive (〜られる), causative, giving/receiving (あげる/もらう/くれる), permissions, obligations.

20%

Reading

Short passages (emails, messages), mid-size passages (daily-life narratives), and information retrieval from schedules and notices.

13%

Listening — Task-based

Listen to conversations or announcements and determine the correct action or choice to make.

Listening — Point Comprehension

Identify a specific detail (time, place, reason, feeling) from a short conversation.

Listening — Verbal Expression & Quick Response

Choose the most natural spoken reply to a short prompt or greeting using everyday expressions.

How to Pass the JLPT N4 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 90/180 overall, with section minimums of 38/120 (Language Knowledge & Reading) and 19/60 (Listening).
Exam length: 90 questions
Time limit: 115 minutes total: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) 25 min, Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading 55 min, Listening 35 min.
Exam fee: Approximately $100 USD in the US (2025 rate); fees vary by country — AUD 95 in Australia, PHP 1,800 in the Philippines. Check your local JLPT host institution for exact 2026 pricing.

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

JLPT N4 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Build your vocabulary systematically using N4 word lists — aim for about 1,500 words and 300 kanji using spaced repetition flashcard apps.

2Master all N4 grammar patterns in both recognition and usage, paying special attention to conditionals (〜たら/〜と/〜ば/〜なら), passive voice, and the giving/receiving verb family.

3Practice reading real-world materials at N4 level: short emails, notices, schedules, and simple articles, always timing yourself to build reading speed.

4Train your listening every day with N4-paced audio — the JLPT Listening section cannot be improved by cramming vocabulary alone; your ear needs daily practice.

5Take official JLPT practice tests from the Japan Foundation's official workbooks under timed conditions to get accustomed to the exact format and pacing.

6Focus on section minimums when studying: even a high vocabulary score cannot compensate for falling below 19/60 in Listening, so give equal attention to all three sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the JLPT N4 and who should take it?

The JLPT N4 is the second-easiest of the five Japanese-Language Proficiency Test levels. It tests the ability to understand basic Japanese — reading short passages on everyday topics and following conversations spoken slowly. It is ideal for learners who have completed roughly 300 hours of study, know about 300 kanji and 1,500 words, and want to verify elementary Japanese proficiency for academic, immigration, or employment purposes.

How is the JLPT N4 scored and what is the passing score?

The JLPT N4 uses a scaled scoring system. The total is 180 points split into two scoring sections: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading (0–120) and Listening (0–60). To pass, you need at least 90 total points AND a minimum of 38 in the Language Knowledge & Reading section and 19 in Listening. Missing either sectional minimum means failing even if your total exceeds 90.

How many questions are on the JLPT N4 and how long is it?

The JLPT N4 has approximately 90 questions across three sections totaling 115 minutes: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) has about 35 items in 25 minutes, Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading has about 35 items in 55 minutes, and Listening has about 20 items in 35 minutes. The exact number of questions may vary slightly between test sessions.

When is the JLPT N4 offered in 2026?

In 2026, the JLPT is held on Sunday, July 5 (first test) and Sunday, December 6 (second test) in Japan, and on Sunday, July 6 and Sunday, December 7 internationally. Many countries offer the exam only once a year (December only in the US). Check your local host institution for test site availability.

What grammar patterns are tested on the JLPT N4?

Key N4 grammar patterns include: conditional forms (〜たら, 〜と, 〜ば, 〜なら), passive voice (〜られる), giving and receiving verbs (あげる, もらう, くれる, てもらう, てあげる), purpose expressions (〜ために, 〜ように), permission (〜てもいい), prohibition (〜てはいけない), obligation (〜なければならない), potential forms (〜ことができる), and modal expressions (〜かもしれない, 〜はずだ, 〜ようだ).

Is there a speaking or writing section on the JLPT N4?

No. The JLPT at all levels (N1–N5) is entirely multiple-choice. There is no speaking, writing, or production component of any kind. You will read questions and fill in bubbles on an answer sheet. The Listening section uses audio recordings and printed illustrations, but your response is always a multiple-choice selection.