JLPT Study Guide
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) has five levels, from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced). Most Japanese companies ask for N2 when hiring foreign engineers — but real workplace fluency starts with solid N5 and N4 foundations.
JLPT N5 — Beginner
Basic Japanese: everyday expressions, hiragana, katakana, and about 100 kanji. The starting point for living and working in Japan.
810
words102
kanji52
quizzesJLPT N4 — Elementary
Everyday conversation and about 300 kanji. Enough to handle daily life and simple workplace exchanges.
1515
words168
kanji54
quizzesJLPT N3 — Intermediate
The bridge level: everyday Japanese plus the polite forms you hear constantly at Japanese companies.
3524
words245
kanji58
quizzesJLPT N2 — Upper Intermediate
Business-ready Japanese. Most Japanese companies ask for N2 in job postings for foreign engineers.
6036
words219
kanji57
quizzesJLPT N1 — Advanced
Near-native reading and listening. Opens doors to client-facing roles and management positions.
10055
words205
kanji55
quizzes