JLPT N4 Vocabulary List: Complete Guide with Anki (2025)

What is JLPT N4?

The JLPT N4 is the second level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, designed for learners who have mastered basic Japanese and are ready to advance to intermediate level. If you've already passed N5 or have equivalent knowledge, N4 is your next milestone.

The JLPT N4 vocabulary list contains approximately 1,500 words—nearly double the N5 requirements. This includes all N5 vocabulary plus an additional 700+ new words covering more complex daily conversations, workplace situations, and abstract concepts.

Passing JLPT N4 demonstrates that you can understand basic Japanese used in everyday situations and is often the minimum requirement for working or studying in Japan.

JLPT N4 vs N5: Key Differences

Understanding the jump from N5 to N4 helps you prepare effectively:

• Vocabulary: N5 (~800 words) → N4 (~1,500 words)
• Kanji: N5 (~100 characters) → N4 (~300 characters)
• Grammar: Basic patterns → Intermediate patterns including て-form, potential, conditional
• Reading: Simple sentences → Longer passages with multiple paragraphs
• Listening: Slow conversations → Natural speed with more complex topics

The good news? If you've built a solid N5 foundation, the transition to N4 is very achievable with consistent study using spaced repetition.

JLPT N4 Vocabulary Requirements

To pass the JLPT N4 exam, you need to master vocabulary across several categories:

• Total vocabulary: ~1,500 words (including N5 words)
• New words to learn: ~700 words beyond N5
• Kanji readings: Both on'yomi and kun'yomi for ~300 characters
• Compound words: More kanji compounds and set phrases
• Verb conjugations: Multiple forms of each verb

Using Anki with spaced repetition is essential at this level. The increased vocabulary load makes traditional memorization ineffective—SRS ensures you retain words long-term while efficiently learning new ones.

JLPT N4 Vocabulary Categories

Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the JLPT N4 vocabulary list organized by category. These words build upon your N5 knowledge:

1. Advanced Daily Expressions (日常表現)

More nuanced phrases for everyday communication:

• お願いします (onegaishimasu) - Please (request)
• 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu) - Excuse me (polite)
• お疲れ様です (otsukaresama desu) - Thank you for your hard work
• 久しぶり (hisashiburi) - Long time no see
• お先に (osaki ni) - Excuse me for going first
• どうぞ (douzo) - Please / Go ahead
• かしこまりました (kashikomarimashita) - Certainly (formal)

2. Verbs - Intermediate Level (動詞)

N4 introduces many new verbs and requires mastery of multiple conjugation forms:

• 届く (todoku) - To arrive / reach
• 届ける (todokeru) - To deliver
• 集める (atsumeru) - To collect / gather
• 集まる (atsumaru) - To gather (intransitive)
• 決める (kimeru) - To decide
• 決まる (kimaru) - To be decided
• 変える (kaeru) - To change (something)
• 変わる (kawaru) - To change (intransitive)
• 続ける (tsuzukeru) - To continue
• 始める (hajimeru) - To begin (something)
• 終わる (owaru) - To end
• 間に合う (maniau) - To be in time

Note: N4 heavily tests transitive/intransitive verb pairs. Learning these pairs together improves retention significantly.

3. Adjectives - Expanded (形容詞)

More descriptive vocabulary for expressing feelings and qualities:

• うれしい (ureshii) - Happy / Glad
• 悲しい (kanashii) - Sad
• 恥ずかしい (hazukashii) - Embarrassed / Shy
• 珍しい (mezurashii) - Rare / Unusual
• 厳しい (kibishii) - Strict / Harsh
• 優しい (yasashii) - Kind / Gentle
• 正しい (tadashii) - Correct / Right
• 複雑 (fukuzatsu) - Complicated (na-adj)
• 簡単 (kantan) - Simple / Easy (na-adj)
• 特別 (tokubetsu) - Special (na-adj)
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - Necessary (na-adj)

4. Nouns - Work & Society (名詞)

Vocabulary for workplace and social situations:

• 会議 (kaigi) - Meeting
• 予定 (yotei) - Schedule / Plan
• 約束 (yakusoku) - Promise / Appointment
• 準備 (junbi) - Preparation
• 経験 (keiken) - Experience
• 機会 (kikai) - Opportunity
• 関係 (kankei) - Relationship / Connection
• 理由 (riyuu) - Reason
• 意見 (iken) - Opinion
• 説明 (setsumei) - Explanation
• 連絡 (renraku) - Contact

5. Nouns - Daily Life & Places (場所・生活)

Expanded vocabulary for locations and daily activities:

• 交差点 (kousaten) - Intersection
• 信号 (shingou) - Traffic light
• 角 (kado) - Corner
• 階段 (kaidan) - Stairs
• 受付 (uketsuke) - Reception
• 入り口 (iriguchi) - Entrance
• 出口 (deguchi) - Exit
• 場所 (basho) - Place / Location
• 周り (mawari) - Surroundings
• 近所 (kinjo) - Neighborhood

6. Time & Frequency (時間・頻度)

More precise time expressions:

• 最近 (saikin) - Recently
• 将来 (shourai) - Future
• 以前 (izen) - Before / Previously
• 以後 (igo) - After / From now on
• 急に (kyuu ni) - Suddenly
• たまに (tama ni) - Occasionally
• ずっと (zutto) - For a long time / All along
• そろそろ (sorosoro) - Soon / About time
• やっと (yatto) - Finally / At last

7. Adverbs & Conjunctions (副詞・接続詞)

Words that connect ideas and add nuance:

• もし (moshi) - If
• たぶん (tabun) - Probably
• きっと (kitto) - Surely / Definitely
• 必ず (kanarazu) - Without fail / Always
• 絶対に (zettai ni) - Absolutely
• 特に (toku ni) - Especially
• 例えば (tatoeba) - For example
• それで (sorede) - So / Therefore
• それに (soreni) - Moreover / Besides
• ところで (tokorode) - By the way

8. Counters & Numbers (助数詞)

Additional counting systems:

• 〜枚 (~mai) - Counter for flat objects
• 〜台 (~dai) - Counter for machines/vehicles
• 〜匹 (~hiki) - Counter for small animals
• 〜頭 (~tou) - Counter for large animals
• 〜回 (~kai) - Counter for occurrences
• 〜度 (~do) - Counter for degrees/times
• 〜階 (~kai) - Counter for floors
• 〜軒 (~ken) - Counter for buildings

How to Study JLPT N4 Vocabulary with Anki

With 700+ new words to learn, an efficient study strategy is essential. Here's how to use Anki effectively for JLPT N4:

Step 1: Build on Your N5 Foundation

Before diving into N4 vocabulary:

• Ensure you've mastered N5 vocabulary (maintain 90%+ retention)
• Continue reviewing N5 cards while adding N4 words
• Don't rush—a solid foundation prevents confusion later

Step 2: Get a Comprehensive N4 Deck

Choose an Anki deck that includes:

• All ~700 new N4 words
• Kanji with furigana readings
• Example sentences showing real usage
• Audio pronunciation from native speakers
• Related words and verb pairs

Onigiri Anki offers curated JLPT N4 decks with AI-generated example sentences and native audio to accelerate your learning.

Step 3: Set Realistic Daily Goals

Recommended study pace for N4 preparation:

• New cards per day: 10-15 words
• Daily review time: 30-45 minutes
• Timeline: 2-4 months for all N4 vocabulary
• Weekly new words: 70-100 words

Tip: It's better to learn fewer words with high retention than many words that you quickly forget. Quality over quantity.

Step 4: Learn Verb Pairs Together

N4 tests transitive/intransitive verb pairs heavily. Study them as pairs:

• 開ける (akeru - to open something) ↔ 開く (aku - to open)
• 閉める (shimeru - to close something) ↔ 閉まる (shimaru - to close)
• 入れる (ireru - to put in) ↔ 入る (hairu - to enter)
• 出す (dasu - to take out) ↔ 出る (deru - to exit)

Create custom Anki cards that show both verbs together to reinforce the patterns.

Step 5: Use Context-Based Learning

At the N4 level, context becomes increasingly important:

• Always learn words with example sentences
• Note the particles commonly used with each verb
• Pay attention to formal vs casual usage
• Practice recognizing words in reading passages

JLPT N4 Grammar Points to Know

Vocabulary and grammar work together. Here are key N4 grammar patterns that affect how you use vocabulary:

• て-form connections: 食べてから (after eating), 読んでいる (is reading)
• Potential form: 食べられる (can eat), 読める (can read)
• Conditional forms: 〜たら, 〜ば, 〜なら
• Giving/receiving: あげる, もらう, くれる
• Passive form: 食べられる (is eaten)
• Causative form: 食べさせる (make/let eat)

Understanding these grammar patterns helps you use N4 vocabulary correctly in context.

Study Schedule: N5 to N4 in 3 Months

Here's a recommended study schedule for mastering JLPT N4 vocabulary:

Month 1: Foundation Building

• Week 1-2: Review N5 vocabulary, ensure 90%+ retention
• Week 3-4: Begin N4 vocabulary (10 words/day)
• Focus: Basic verbs, everyday nouns
• Target: ~150 new N4 words learned

Month 2: Intensive Vocabulary

• Week 5-8: Increase to 15 words/day
• Focus: Verb pairs, adjectives, adverbs
• Add: Reading practice with N4 level materials
• Target: ~400 additional words (550 total)

Month 3: Completion & Review

• Week 9-10: Complete remaining vocabulary
• Week 11-12: Focus on weak words, practice tests
• Focus: Abstract nouns, counters, expressions
• Target: All 700 N4 words with 85%+ retention

Download JLPT N4 Anki Deck

Ready to level up from N5 to N4? Onigiri Anki provides everything you need:

• ✅ Complete JLPT N4 vocabulary deck
• ✅ AI-generated example sentences for every word
• ✅ Native Japanese audio pronunciation (Aoi Voice)
• ✅ Automatic furigana for all kanji
• ✅ Progress tracking and study analytics
• ✅ Optimized spaced repetition algorithm

→ View the N4 Elementary Deck

→ Sign up free and start your N4 journey

JLPT N4 Study Tips

1. Master Kanji Compounds

N4 introduces many kanji compound words (熟語). When you learn one kanji, study multiple words that use it. For example, with 会 (meet):

• 会う (au) - to meet
• 会議 (kaigi) - meeting
• 会社 (kaisha) - company
• 会話 (kaiwa) - conversation

2. Practice Listening Daily

N4 listening is faster than N5. Build listening skills with:

• Japanese podcasts for learners
• Anime with Japanese subtitles
• Onigiri Anki's native audio for every flashcard
• NHK World Easy Japanese

3. Read Native Materials

Start reading Japanese content at your level:

• NHK News Web Easy
• Graded readers (Level 2-3)
• Simple manga with furigana
• Japanese children's books

4. Use Words Actively

Passive recognition isn't enough at N4 level. Practice using words:

• Write simple diary entries in Japanese
• Create your own sentences for new words
• Practice speaking with language exchange partners
• Consider 1-on-1 lessons for conversation practice

5. Don't Neglect N5 Review

Keep your N5 vocabulary strong while learning N4. The N4 exam assumes complete mastery of N5 content. Continue reviewing N5 cards in Anki—they should take only a few minutes daily once mastered.

JLPT N4 Vocabulary FAQ

How many words do I need to know for JLPT N4?

The JLPT N4 requires knowledge of approximately 1,500 words total, which includes all N5 vocabulary (~800 words) plus ~700 new N4 words. Focus on thoroughly learning around 1,200-1,300 words to comfortably pass the exam.

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

With consistent daily study (30-45 minutes), most learners can prepare for N4 in 3-6 months after passing N5. This includes mastering new vocabulary, kanji, and grammar. Using Anki accelerates this timeline significantly compared to traditional study methods.

What's the hardest part of JLPT N4?

Most test-takers find these challenging: (1) Transitive/intransitive verb pairs, (2) Similar words with different nuances, (3) Listening at natural speed, and (4) Reading longer passages within time limits. Consistent Anki review helps with the first two; extensive listening and reading practice addresses the others.

Should I learn all N4 kanji before vocabulary?

No—learn kanji and vocabulary together. When you encounter a new word, learn its kanji as part of that word. This contextual approach is more effective than studying kanji in isolation. Anki decks with furigana help you learn readings naturally.

Is JLPT N4 useful for working in Japan?

JLPT N4 is often the minimum requirement for customer-facing jobs and demonstrates basic communication ability. However, N3 or N2 is typically required for professional positions. N4 is an excellent stepping stone and shows commitment to learning Japanese.

How do I remember transitive/intransitive verb pairs?

Create Anki cards that show both verbs together with example sentences. Notice patterns: often -eru verbs are transitive (開ける) and -aru/-u verbs are intransitive (開く). Practice using both in context rather than memorizing abstract rules.

Start Your JLPT N4 Journey Today

Advancing from N5 to N4 is a significant achievement that opens doors to deeper Japanese understanding. With ~700 new words to learn, a structured approach using spaced repetition is essential for success.

Onigiri Anki makes JLPT N4 preparation efficient and engaging. Import our curated N4 deck, study with native audio pronunciation, and track your progress toward exam day—all for free.

→ Browse all Japanese Anki Decks (N5-N1)

→ Create your free account and level up to N4