JLPT N4 Vocabulary List: Complete Guide with Anki (2026)

The JLPT N4 is the second level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test — the step up from N5 into intermediate Japanese. To pass, you need roughly 1,500 total vocabulary words (including all of N5), covering more abstract nouns, transitive/intransitive verb pairs, and your first taste of keigo (honorific speech).

This guide is your complete N4 vocabulary hub. Use the category guides below to study each word group in depth, or import the ready-made decks into Onigiri Anki and start drilling with spaced repetition today.

JLPT N4 vs N5: What Changes

• Vocabulary: N5 (~800 words) → N4 (~1,500 words total)
• Kanji: N5 (~100 characters) → N4 (~300 characters)
• Grammar: Basic patterns → て-form, potential, conditional, passive, causative
• Reading: Simple sentences → longer passages with multiple paragraphs
• Listening: Slow, clear speech → natural speed with more complex topics

If you've built a solid N5 foundation, the jump to N4 is very achievable with consistent spaced-repetition study. Keep reviewing your N5 decks while adding N4 vocabulary — the N4 exam assumes full N5 mastery.

Complete N4 Vocabulary by Category

Each category below has a dedicated guide with words, readings, and example sentences. Click any category to study in depth — or use the Onigiri Anki deck linked in each guide to start spaced repetition immediately.

Total across all 12 categories: 594 words with readings and example sentences — covering nearly all of the ~700 new words introduced at N4.

N4 Vocabulary at a Glance

Here are the most important words from each category to give you a quick overview before you dive into the detailed guides.

Transitive/Intransitive Verb Pairs

• 壊す (kowasu) — to break (something)  ·  壊れる (kowareru) — to break (by itself)
• 変える (kaeru) — to change (something)  ·  変わる (kawaru) — to change (by itself)
• 決める (kimeru) — to decide  ·  決まる (kimaru) — to be decided

Keigo Essentials

• いらっしゃる (irassharu) — to be/come/go (honorific)  ·  参る (mairu) — to go/come (humble)
• 召し上がる (meshiagaru) — to eat/drink (honorific)  ·  いただく (itadaku) — to receive (humble)

Abstract Nouns

• 経験 (keiken) — experience  ·  理由 (riyuu) — reason  ·  意見 (iken) — opinion
• 社会 (shakai) — society  ·  文化 (bunka) — culture  ·  習慣 (shuukan) — habit/custom

Common Adjectives

• 簡単 (kantan) — easy  ·  必要 (hitsuyou) — necessary  ·  危険 (kiken) — dangerous
• 珍しい (mezurashii) — rare  ·  正しい (tadashii) — correct  ·  すごい (sugoi) — amazing

How to Study N4 Vocabulary with Spaced Repetition

Step 1 — Keep your N5 decks warm

The N4 exam assumes complete N5 mastery. Continue reviewing N5 cards in Onigiri Anki — once mastered, they take only a few minutes a day — while you add N4 vocabulary on top.

Step 2 — Import a category deck

Start with Verbs — Actions or School & Work — the two largest, highest-frequency categories. Each guide above links directly to its Onigiri Anki deck.

Step 3 — Learn verb pairs together

N4 heavily tests transitive/intransitive verb pairs (開ける/開く, 入れる/入る). Study both halves of a pair side by side — the pattern becomes intuitive much faster than memorizing them separately.

Step 4 — Set a sustainable daily pace

• 10-15 new words/day — sustainable pace, ~2-4 months to cover all 12 decks
• 30-45 minutes/day — recommended total review time at N4 volume
• Quality over quantity — better to retain fewer words well than rush and forget

N4 Vocabulary FAQ

How many words do I need for JLPT N4?

The N4 requires roughly 1,500 total words, including all of N5 (~800 words) plus ~700 new N4 words. Thoroughly learning 1,200-1,300 words is usually enough to pass comfortably.

How long does it take to go from N5 to N4?

With consistent daily study (30-45 minutes), most learners prepare for N4 in 3-6 months after passing N5. The 12 category decks in this guide make the vocabulary portion systematic — import a deck every 1-2 weeks and you'll cover everything well before a typical exam date.

What is the hardest part of JLPT N4 vocabulary?

Most learners struggle with transitive/intransitive verb pairs, keigo (honorific/humble speech), and abstract nouns that don't translate directly to English. Consistent spaced-repetition review with example sentences is the most effective way to internalize all three.

Which N4 category should I learn first?

Start with Verbs — Actions & Movement (85 words, the largest category) and School & Work (54 words). These two categories cover the highest-frequency N4 vocabulary you'll encounter in reading and listening sections.

Is JLPT N4 useful for working in Japan?

N4 is often the minimum requirement for customer-facing jobs and shows basic communication ability. N3 or N2 is typically required for professional positions, but N4 is an excellent, achievable stepping stone.

Start Studying N4 Vocabulary Today

Import any of the 12 N4 category decks into Onigiri Anki and start building your intermediate vocabulary with spaced repetition. Available on web, iOS, and Android.

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