JLPT N5-N1 Levels, Vocabulary, Grammar & Free Past Papers | NihonGyan
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a standardised test of Japanese ability, from N5 at the beginner end to N1 at the advanced end. Every level has three sections — Language Knowledge (vocabulary and grammar), Reading, and Listening — and the exam runs for roughly 90 to 165 minutes depending on level.
Beginner. 1000 vocabulary words, 45 grammar patterns and 80 kanji, plus 2 past papers to practise on.
1,000+ vocabulary words
Elementary — everyday conversation and basic kanji. 1000 vocabulary words, 60 grammar patterns and 170 kanji, plus 2 past papers.
1,000+ vocabulary words
Intermediate — broader expressions and longer passages. 2000 vocabulary words, 90 grammar patterns and 370 kanji, plus 4 past papers.
2,000+ vocabulary words
Upper-intermediate — work and formal contexts, complex constructions. 2000 vocabulary words, 212 grammar patterns and 380 kanji, plus 2 past papers.
2,000+ vocabulary words
Advanced — academic and specialised Japanese. 2000 vocabulary words, 255 grammar patterns and 1136 kanji, plus 7 past papers.
2,000+ vocabulary words
Study Sessions Available
| Year | N5 | N4 | N3 | N2 | N1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 89 Qs | 95 Qs | 138 Qs | 162 Qs | 171 Qs |
| 2023 | 89 Qs | 95 Qs | 138 Qs | 162 Qs | 171 Qs |
| 2022 | 89 Qs | 95 Qs | 138 Qs | 162 Qs | 171 Qs |
| 2021 | 89 Qs | 95 Qs | 138 Qs | 162 Qs | 171 Qs |
| 2020 | 89 Qs | 95 Qs | 138 Qs | 162 Qs | 171 Qs |
| 2019 | 89 Qs | 95 Qs | 138 Qs | 162 Qs | 171 Qs |
| 2018 | 89 Qs | 95 Qs | 138 Qs | 162 Qs | 171 Qs |
What is the JLPT?
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test measures Japanese ability at five levels, from N5 at the beginner end to N1 at the advanced end. Every level has the same three sections: Language Knowledge (vocabulary and grammar), Reading, and Listening.
What can I study here for free?
All 8000 vocabulary words, 2136 kanji and 662 grammar patterns from N5 to N1, plus 17 past papers containing 894 questions with explanations. Nothing on the vocabulary, grammar or kanji pages is behind a paywall.
Do I need the app to study?
No. Every list on this site is free to read, search and paginate. The app adds offline access, flashcards with spaced repetition, and unlocks the full past-paper papers in-app.
Which level should I start at?
Start at N5 if you have never studied Japanese, N4 if you can hold a simple conversation, and work upwards from there. You do not have to pass a level before studying the next one, but each level assumes the one below it.