r/jlpt

I took the N4, and I’m feeling a bit nervous about the results.
But I’m really hoping for good news — and praying for everyone’s success as well!

I’m self studying for JLPT N2 this December. I’ve been studying Japanese at uni for years now but I never officially tested (I should be a N3 overall), so this spring I started studying by myself because I really need to get N2. I finished grammar, reading and listening of the Shinkanzen Master series but I didn’t really like vocabulary and kanji, for which I’m using So Matome and another dictionary with 2500 vocabs. The thing is that is really boring and I can’t really memorize anything, i do some exercise and then forget. I don’t like Anki at all and I tried other similar apps but I just don’t like the idea of staying there all day reading random words. Now I downloaded some other apps like Todaii and Renshuu and they look much better. Does anyone know some apps that I can use in preparation for N2, specifically for kanji and vocab? The thing is that some apps focus only on sample tests and it doesn’t help while I’m still getting through thousands of words… 😭

Who got tokens?

Hey is anyone trying to fillup jlpt exam form in india for kolkata center? Apparently the site is not working and we can't get the token for physical form fillup is anyone facing the same issue?

Is there anyone who can help me with the registration of jlpt in kolkata. I am from assam and i will not be able to collect the application form by myself right now. So if there is anyone who can collect and fill the form on my behalf plz contact me soon, I will be really grateful. Any other kind of help is greately appreciated. 🙏

Hello I am from India . I am a N4 level aspirant. Do anyone of you have been able to manage a token from today's registration in JLPT kolkata centre (IJWCA) website.

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I’m really struggling to decide whether I should take JLPT N3 this December or wait until July next year.

The main reason isn't actually my Japanese level — it's my right hand.

I've been having hand pain, and sometimes even writing just one sentence can make it hurt. Because of that, I've had to seriously cut back on writing.

It might sound like a small thing, but writing is a really important part of how I study Japanese. I like writing grammar examples, making flashcards, taking notes, and actually putting what I learned on paper.

Now I can't really study the way I used to.

I tried switching to just reading and Anki, but honestly, I'm losing motivation. It feels strange because I want to study, but the way I normally study has suddenly become difficult.

I'm also completely self-studying. Before N4, I didn't really have anyone guiding me, so I mostly followed the Migi JLPT app. Later I realized that it was teaching me some lower-N3 grammar even though I was studying for N4, so fortunately a lot of N3 grammar isn't completely new to me.

I've seen people say they passed N3 → N1 without writing anything. Maybe that's completely true, and maybe everyone just learns differently. But I tried studying that way, and I've realized that I personally struggle to stay motivated without writing.

That's why I'm stuck between two choices:

December: Take N3 while I still have momentum, even if I'm not completely ready.

July: Give myself another 11 months, hopefully let my hand recover, and study properly without feeling like I'm fighting my body just to study Japanese.

Part of me really wants to take N3 in December because I've already come this far. But another part of me is scared that I'll push myself too hard, lose motivation, or make my hand worse.

I know July isn't that far away, but when you've been studying toward something, postponing it can feel really disappointing.

For those who went from N4 → N3, what would you do in my situation?

Would you take the December exam as a challenge, or wait until July and give yourself more time?

I honestly don't know what's the right decision anymore.

Hi, this is my first time trying to sign up for the JLPT so I wanted to know what to expect! I'm planning on taking the JLPT N5 this December and I just wanted to be as prepared as possible for sign ups. It looks like seats fill up really fast so I want to give myself the best chance I can.

My original plan was to sign up for the LA testing site, but I know that location would likely be highly in demand. It would be pretty inconvenient, but I can also make the Monterey testing site work for me. Would it be better to try to aim for Monterey instead since I'm assuming its less competitive? Does anyone have an estimate for how many seats each test site has?

What materials will they be asking for during the registration process?

Any other tips or advice would be appreciated.

I know all the 108-120 kanjis for N5 and am studying vocab + grammar from bupro.
And i understand almost most of basic japanese listening.

What should i use for japanese listening practice

Also i am thinking about writing half a page of japanese each day by copying.
What should i copy ?

Hi, i saw many recommending to skip N5 and directly go to N4. Is it advisable to do so if I’m a beginner learner who can only read some basic sentences? Or is it wiser to do N5 first and skip N4 to go to N3 next? Kindly advise , appreciate it a lot 🙏

Hello everyone! I want to take the N4 this December, and registration in my city starts in three days, but I have a tricky question. I took the N5 for the first time this summer, but I still don’t know my result. I hope it will be available by the end of August or in September. What should I put in the “Times taken JLPT” section? Because it also requires the result of the exam, but I don’t know it yet. Should I put “Pass” or “Fail,” or is there another option for this situation?

I’m so confused about it...

Hey everyone,

I’m based in India and trying to register for the JLPT N4 exam. According to the official JLPT India website, registration for N4 was scheduled to open on the 26th. However, when I try to apply now, there are no options/slots showing up for N4 at all.

I emailed the organizers, and they replied saying that all N4 slots are already full. I'm really confused because the website explicitly gave a later date for N4 openings.

Has anyone else in India faced this issue for December registrations? Is it possible that slots opened early without notice, or could this be a technical glitch on the portal? Any advice on what I should do next would be greatly appreciated!

Can someone tell me how to complete registration process of jlpt if your previous scores are not yet out. I've given n3 last month and wnats to register for n2 in December but there's a section in which you have to tell how many times you appeared and your results. I do have appeared for n3 but results are not yet out and there are only two options pass or fail. What should I do?

The seats for N5 dec test are filled up. Should I apply for N4? Complete beginner this side. I can devote 3 hrs to the lang daily.

Hello everyone! I am currently a student in Japan learning Japanese and I took the N4 test in June. Based on when I started school and my level I wasn’t really all that prepared for N4 and I have a pretty strong sense that I did not pass the N4. However, it wasn’t insanely difficult so now I am debating about what to do for December!

1. I can retake the N4 which will be aligned with the materials I am studying in class but I am a bit further along with self-study. 2) I can take the N3 in December but that would require probably a lot of self-study and maybe/probably result in a fail. Or 3) I don’t take either test and I just take N3 next June and probably feel pretty confident.

I am looking to work in Japan after I graduate from my language school in October 2027 so I plan to take N2 December 2027.

I guess my question would be which of those plans makes sense (am I forgetting anything).
Is it worth it to retake N4 just to be able to say I passed (and have the cert) or should I keep pushing on to the next level?

I would love if anyone could jump in and let me know their thoughts I can’t decide and I just want to hear other perspectives of people who kinda get what I am going through! Thanks in advance!

Hey guys,

I'm from a military base in Okinawa and I learned about the language and culture there when I was growing up. I'm trying to self-study the AP exam for it (about N3 level) and take the N4 this December, but I'm having trouble finding reliable resources (the owl is kinda eh), and I want to learn the language well.

I know everybody is saying to use anki, but I don't really like the UI and the things for downloading are pretty difficult for me. I can hold basic conversations but I'm really trying to build more grammar and kanji, so any help would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Is it possible to clear the jlpt n4 in 4 months if I give 2hrs to language learning every day? Please be real💔✌️

Hey there.

I'm motivating myself to take N1 in December (passed N2 some years ago), but I'd like to ask if anyone has recommendations for what to read and listen to, to do good practice for the test. I'm already crunching a bit regarding grammar and vocabulary, so I really want to invest my time efficiently.

I know the JLPT (especially N2 and N1) features more formal/stoic Japanese than some content present in the entertainment medium (like anime or games). I'd prolly have to stick to the news or some serious podcasts, but I'd like to read and listen to something I'd enjoy, if possible.

I have some light novels that I bought some months ago, but I'm a bit afraid they won't be of much help because they're fantasy novels (Tensura, Kusuriya and Kagejitsu).

I'd like to know your recommendations!

Hi everyone!

I’m planning to take the JLPT in December 2026, and I’m aiming for N4.

At the moment, I’m basically a complete beginner. The only thing I know is Hiragana and Katakana. I don’t know Japanese grammar, vocabulary, kanji, or sentence structure yet.

So I wanted to ask people who have experience with the JLPT:

Is it realistically possible to go from this level to N4 by December if I study consistently?

I’m willing to put in the time and follow a proper study plan. I just don’t know where to start or which resources to use.

I would really appreciate a step-by-step roadmap from my current level → N4.

For example:

- What should I study first?

- How should I learn basic grammar?

- How many vocabulary words/kanji should I aim for each day?

- How should I divide my time between grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, and listening?

- How many hours per day would be realistic?

- When should I move from N5 material to N4 material?

- When should I start doing JLPT practice tests?

- What resources/textbooks would you recommend for a complete beginner?

- What are the best resources for grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, and listening?

- Are there any good Anki decks or apps that would actually help?

- Should I use something like Genki / Minna no Nihongo, or are there better resources for this goal?

There are so many resources available that I’m honestly a little overwhelmed. I’d prefer to use a small number of really good resources rather than constantly switching between different books and apps.

If you were in my position, starting with only Hiragana and Katakana and having the December JLPT as a goal, what exact study roadmap would you follow?

And honestly, if N4 by December is unrealistic from my current level, I’d also appreciate hearing that. I’d rather have a realistic goal and a proper plan than rush through everything.

Thanks in advance! 🙏