How much harder is JLPT N4 compared to N5?
Quick Answer
N4 is roughly twice as difficult as N5. It requires 3x more kanji (300 vs 100), 3x more vocabulary (1,500 vs 800), and significantly more complex grammar.
The jump from N5 to N4 is substantial but achievable. Here's a detailed comparison:
Vocabulary Comparison
- N5: ~800 words - N4: ~1,500 words (cumulative) - Additional ~700 words to learn - N4 includes more abstract concepts
Kanji Requirements
- N5: ~100 kanji - N4: ~300 kanji (cumulative) - Additional ~200 kanji to learn - More compound words tested
Grammar Complexity
- N5: ~50 grammar patterns - N4: ~100+ grammar patterns (cumulative) - N4 grammar is more nuanced - Includes conditional forms, passive, causative
Key N4 Grammar Additions
- Conditional forms (γγγγγγ°γγγ¨γγγͺγ) - Passive voice (γγγγ) - Causative (γγγγ) - Giving/receiving verbs (γγγ/γγγ/γγγ) - More complex γ¦-form combinations - Embedded clauses
Reading Differences
- N5: Simple sentences, basic topics - N4: Longer passages, everyday situations - N4 requires faster reading comprehension - More inference questions
Listening Differences
- N5: Clear, slow speech - N4: More natural speed - Longer conversations - Multiple speakers
Study Time Comparison
- N5 from zero: 150-300 hours - N4 from N5: 150-300 additional hours - Total to N4: 300-600 hours
Pass Rate Comparison
- N5: ~45-50% - N4: ~35-45% - Slightly harder to pass N4
Tips for N5 to N4 Transition
1. Complete a second textbook (Genki II, Minna II) 2. Don't rush - solidify N5 foundations first 3. Start reading simple native materials 4. Practice listening at natural speed 5. Review N5 grammar while learning N4
Realistic Timeline
- With daily study: 3-6 months from N5 - Casual study: 6-12 months from N5 - Most successful path: Take N5, study 6 months, take N4
Key Takeaways
- 1N4 requires ~3x more kanji than N5
- 2Grammar becomes significantly more complex
- 3Additional 150-300 study hours needed
- 4Pass rate drops about 10% from N5
- 5Solid N5 foundation is essential before N4
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