Many learners wonder what the real difference is between JLPT N5 and JLPT N4 vocabulary. At first glance, both levels cover “basic” words, but the jump from N5 to N4 is bigger than it seems. Moving to N4 means more words, more kanji, and greater focus on nuance and grammar patterns that rely on vocabulary knowledge.
This guide breaks down the key differences in vocabulary between N5 and N4, shows what you’ll gain at the higher level, and offers strategies to master the transition smoothly.
Overview Table
| Aspect | JLPT N5 | JLPT N4 | What Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word Count | ~800 words | ~1,500 words | Nearly double vocabulary |
| Kanji Knowledge | ~100 characters | ~300 characters | More reading ability required |
| Word Types | Everyday nouns, basic verbs | Abstract nouns, polite verbs, connectors | Broader use |
| Sentence Usage | Short, simple phrases | Longer, linked sentences | More natural flow |
| Context | Daily life, family, school | Travel, work, social interactions | Wider situations |
| Grammar Dependency | Words support simple grammar | Vocabulary needed for complex grammar | More integration |
1. Word Count Expansion
At N5, learners cover around 800 words, mostly focused on family, school, food, basic activities, and numbers. In N4, the vocabulary requirement nearly doubles to around 1,500 words.
- N5 Example: りんご (apple), 行く (to go), 食べる (to eat)
- N4 Example: 経験 (けいけん, experience), 必要 (ひつよう, necessary), 連れて行く (つれていく, to take someone along)
Impact: You’ll need more time spent on vocabulary drills and review because of the sheer volume of new words.
2. Increase in Kanji
N5 requires only about 100 kanji, focusing on basics like numbers, time, and simple nouns. N4 raises the bar to around 300 kanji, introducing more characters related to school, travel, emotions, and abstract concepts.
- N5 Example Kanji: 山 (mountain), 水 (water), 大 (big), 小 (small)
- N4 Example Kanji: 悪 (bad), 速 (fast), 電 (electric), 駅 (station)
Impact: You can now read short passages and signs without relying too much on furigana.
3. Broader Word Types
N5 vocabulary focuses on concrete words: things you can see, touch, or describe simply. N4 introduces more abstract words, adjectives, and adverbs that allow learners to express opinions, describe conditions, and connect ideas.
- N5 Example: あたらしい (new), いい (good), きく (to listen)
- N4 Example: 安心 (あんしん, relief), 以外 (いがい, except for), 残念 (ざんねん, unfortunate)
Impact: Learners can move from “naming” things to describing and explaining ideas.
4. Longer and Connected Sentences
At N5, vocabulary supports short, simple sentences like “I go to school” or “I eat rice.” N4 adds more connectors and compound verbs, making it easier to join sentences into longer expressions.
- N5 Example Sentence: 本を読む。 (I read a book.)
- N4 Example Sentence: 本を読んでから、宿題をします。 (I will do homework after reading a book.)
Impact: Vocabulary shifts from basic survival phrases to storytelling and sequencing actions.
5. Expanded Contexts
N5 vocabulary is centered on daily life, family, and classroom situations. N4 introduces words for social interactions, traveling, and work-related topics.
- N5 Example: 学校 (school), ごはん (rice/meal), 先生 (teacher)
- N4 Example: 空港 (airport), 遅刻 (ちこく, being late), 面接 (interview)
Impact: Learners become more prepared for real-world scenarios beyond basic needs.
6. Vocabulary and Grammar Integration
At N5, grammar points are simple, so vocabulary mostly helps you form basic statements. At N4, many grammar patterns require specific vocabulary types, such as adverbs, conjunctions, and abstract nouns.
- N5 Example: りんごを食べます。 (I eat an apple.)
- N4 Example: 健康のために運動する必要があります。 (It is necessary to exercise for health.)
Impact: Vocabulary is no longer stand-alone—it becomes essential for mastering grammar.
Quick Comparison Table of Examples
| Category | N5 Vocabulary | N4 Vocabulary | Level Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | ごはん (rice), みず (water) | 食品 (food products), 材料 (ingredients) | More specific terms |
| People | お母さん (mother), 学生 (student) | 社員 (company worker), 医者 (doctor) | Professional terms |
| Actions | 行く (go), 食べる (eat) | 手伝う (help), 連絡する (contact) | More complex actions |
| Time | 今日 (today), 明日 (tomorrow) | 最近 (recently), 将来 (future) | Broader time frames |
| Feelings | うれしい (happy), かなしい (sad) | 安心 (relief), 心配 (worry) | More abstract emotions |
| Travel | 車 (car), 電車 (train) | 空港 (airport), 出発 (departure) | Wider travel situations |
Strategies for Transitioning from N5 to N4 Vocabulary
- Expand slowly: Don’t try to memorize 700 new words at once. Add 10–15 words daily.
- Focus on kanji compounds: Many N4 words are kanji-based. Study words, not single kanji.
- Use sentences: Build short paragraphs using new words to strengthen memory.
- Leverage SRS tools: Use apps like Anki or Quizlet for consistent review.
- Read simple texts: Try graded readers, children’s stories, or JLPT N4 practice passages.
Why N4 Vocabulary Matters
- Enables conversation in real-world scenarios beyond classroom Japanese.
- Strengthens reading comprehension, making it easier to progress to N3.
- Builds confidence because you can handle more natural Japanese input.
3 Best One-Line FAQs
Q1. Is N4 vocabulary just harder words?
A. Not only harder—N4 introduces abstract and situational words that expand what you can express.
Q2. How long does it take to learn N4 vocabulary after N5?
A. With daily study, most learners can bridge the gap in 4–6 months.
Q3. Do I need to learn all 1,500 words for N4?
A. Yes—while not every word appears on the test, mastering the list is key to passing comfortably.