Crucial Vocab for the JLPT N4

Hello, Japanese learners! Let’s dive into the JLPT N4! The JLPT, or Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, is a standardized examination that measures Japanese language proficiency and is administered by the Japanese Foundation. The test consists of five levels, with N1 benign being the hardest.

If you haven’t taken the test before it can seem stressful, but we are here to help! In this article, we will explore effective study strategies and provide you with a curated list of essential vocabulary for the N4 level.

Table of content

Vocabulary Study Techniques
Mastering Kanji
Words in Context
N4 Vocabulary List

Vocabulary Study Techniques

When preparing for the JLPT N4, you really need to focus on mastering the required vocabulary. Here are some great strategies to enhance your vocabulary study:

1. Flashcards and Repetition: While flashcards may seem traditional, they remain a tried and tested method for vocabulary retention. If you prefer a digital approach, numerous apps offer premade lists specifically designed for JLPT levels.
2. Vocabulary Lists: Try organizing vocabulary into lists that you can make sense of. This helps you comprehend related words and how they are used.

Mastering Kanji

Kanji is an essential Japanese writing system that should not be overlooked. For the JLPT N4, it is important to recognize and understand some basic kanji. Here’s how to approach learning kanji effectively:

1. Stroke Order: Pay attention to the correct stroke order when writing kanji. Although the test does not have a writing section, practicing writing kanji will help with your memorization and will help you recognize kanji during the exam.
2. Radical Analysis: Break down kanji into radicals, which are smaller components with their own meanings. Understanding radicals can help distinguish between similar kanji characters and understand how some kanji connect.
3. Mnemonics: Create vivid mental images or stories that associate kanji characters with their meanings. You can find mnemonic devices online or even create your own. Mnemonics make the memorization process more enjoyable and efficient.

Words in Context

Merely memorizing vocabulary lists is boring and repetitive, and won’t make you want to study. To really understand the meaning and usage of words, you need to see them in context. So don’t forget to take a look at native materials and example sentences that show how each word is used.

N4 Vocabulary List

Now, let’s explore the vocabulary list for the N4 level! While not exhaustive, this list can provide an excellent foundation for the vocabulary necessary to pass the JLPT N4 exam.

People and Society:
- 赤ちゃん (akachan): baby, infant
- 赤ん坊 (akanbou): baby, infant
- 僕 (boku): I, me
- 部長 (buchou): head of a section or department
- 男性 (dansei): man, male
- 泥棒 (dorobou): thief, burglar, robber, theft
- 女性 (josei): woman, female
- ご主人 (goshujin): your husband
- 課長 (kachou): section manager, section chief
- 人口 (jinkou): population
- 生産 (seisan): production, manufacture
- 西洋 (seiyou): the west, Western countries
- 世界 (sekai): the world, society
- 先輩 (senpai): senior (at work or school)
- 社長 (shachou): company president
- 社会 (shakai): society, public, community
- 市民 (shimin): citizen, citizenry, public
- 新聞社 (shinbunsha): newspaper company

Actions and States:
- 上がる (agaru): to rise, to ascend
- 挨拶 (aisatsu): greeting, salutation
- 合う (au): to fit, to match, to suit
- 集る (atsumaru): to gather, to collect, to assemble
- 集める (atsumeru): to collect, to assemble, to gather
- 謝る (ayamaru): to apologize
- 遠慮 (enryo): constraint, restraint, modesty
- 選ぶ (erabu): to choose, to select
- 増える (fueru): to increase, to multiply
- 深い (fukai): deep, profound
- 復習 (fukushuu): review, revision
- 複雑 (fukuzatsu): complex, complicated
- 踏む (fumu): to step on, to tread on
- 開く (hiraku): to open, to undo
- 変える (kaeru): to change, to alter
- 拾う (hirou): to pick up
- 乗る (noru): to ride, to get on
- 通う (kayou): to commute, to go back and forth
- 乾く (kawaku): to get dry
- 泣く (naku): to cry
- 怪我 (kega): injury, hurt
- 計画 (keikaku): plan, project
- 見物 (kenbutsu): sightseeing, watching
- 喧嘩 (kenka): quarrel, brawl, fight
- 歩く (aruku): to walk
- 取る (toru): to take, to pick up
- 手伝う (tetsudau): to help, to assist, to aid
- 届ける (todokeru): to deliver, to send
- 泊まる (tomaru): to stay at (e.g. hotel)
- 取り替える (torikaeru): to exchange, to replace
- 付く (tsuku): to be attached, to adhere
- 伝える (tsutaeru): to convey, to report
- 包む (tsutsumu): to wrap up, to tuck in
- 続ける (tsuzukeru): to continue, to keep up
- 続く (tsuzuku): to continue, to last, to go on
- 受ける (ukeru): to receive, to get
- 続ける (tsuzukeru): to continue, to keep up
- 受ける (ukeru): to receive, to get
- 受付 (uketsuke): reception (desk), information desk
- 忘れ物 (wasuremono): something forgotten
- やっと (yatto): at last
- 止める (yameru): to stop
- 止む (yamu): to cease, to stop
- 喜ぶ (yorokobu): to be delighted
- 叱る (shikaru): to scold
- 仕方 (shikata): way, method, means
- 試験 (shiken): examination, exam, test
- 失礼 (shitsurei): discourtesy, impoliteness
- 失敗 (shippai): failure, mistake, blunder
- 過ぎる (sugiru): to pass through, to pass by
- すっかり (sukkari): all, completely, totally
- 進む (susumu): to advance, to go forward
- 捨てる (suteru): to throw away, to cast away
- 確か (tashika): sure, certain, positive
- 立てる (tateru): to stand up
- 訪ねる (tazuneru): to visit, to call on
- 尋ねる (tazuneru): to ask, to inquire
- 寄る (yoru): to approach, to drop by
Feelings and Concepts:
- 安心 (anshin): relief, peace of mind
- 安全 (anzen): safety
- 浅い (asai): shallow, superficial
- 足音 (ashioto): sound of footsteps
- 遊び (asobi): playing
- びっくり (bikkuri): to be surprised
- 大事 (daiji): important, serious, crucial
- 不便 (fuben): inconvenience
- 安心 (anshin): relief, peace of mind
- 普通 (futsuu): general, ordinary, usual
- 頑張る (ganbaru): to hang on, to do one’s best
- 原因 (gen’in): cause, origin, source
- 必ず (kanarazu): always, without exception
- 悲しい (kanashii): sad, sorrowful
- 酷い (hidoi): cruel, heartless
- 急ぐ (isogu): to hurry, to rush
- 形 (katachi): form, shape, figure
- 光る (hikaru): to shine, to glitter
- 明るい (akarui): bright, cheerful
- 熱い (atsui): hot, warm
- 冷たい (tsumetai): cold
- 新しい (atarashii): new
- 古い (furui): old
Locations and Places:
- 案内 (annai): guidance, leading (the way)
- 場所 (basho): place, location
- 美術館 (bijutsukan): art gallery, art museum
- 中学校 (chuugakkou): junior high school
- 駐車場 (chuushajou): parking lot
- 下宿 (geshuku): boarding, lodging
- 椅子 (isu): chair
- 海岸 (kaigan): coast, beach
- 会議室 (kaigishitsu): conference room
- 会場 (kaijou): assembly hall, meeting place
- 家 (ie): house, home
- 街 (machi): town, city
- 市 (shi): city
- 島 (shima): island
- 町 (chou): town, city
- 山 (yama): mountain
- 床屋 (tokoya): barbershop, barber
- 遠く (tooku): far away, distant
- 都合 (tsugou): circumstances, convenience
- 売り場 (uriba): sales floor, counter (in shop)
Language and Knowledge:
- 文学 (bungaku): literature
- 文化 (bunka): culture, civilization
- 文法 (bunpou): grammar
- 地理 (chiri): geography
- 注意 (chuui): caution, being careful
- 説明 (setsumei): explanation, exposition
- 世話 (sewa): looking after, help
- 心配 (shinpai): worry, concern, anxiety
- 親切 (shinsetsu): kindness, gentleness
- 調べる (shiraberu): to examine, to investigate
- 知らせる (shiraseru): to notify, to advise, to inform
- 相談 (soudan): consultation, discussion

Objects and Technology:
- 番組 (bangumi): program (e.g. TV)
- 血 (chi): blood
- 力 (chikara): force, strength, vigor
- 電報 (denpou): telegram
- 電灯 (dentou): electric light
- 注射 (chuusha): injection
- 暖房 (danbou): (indoor) heating
- 道具 (dougu): tool, implement
- 枝 (eda): branch, bough
- 布団 (futon): futon
- 引き出し (hikidashi): drawer
- 鍵 (kagi): key
- 鏡 (kagami): mirror, looking-glass
- 時計 (tokei): watch, clock
- 壁 (kabe): wall, partition
- ボタン (botan): button

Adjectives, Adverbs and Expressions:
- 大分 (daibu): considerably, greatly
- だから (dakara): so, therefore
- 駄目 (dame): no good, useless
- どんどん (dondon): rapidly, continuously
- 硬い (katai): hard, solid, tough
- 柔らかい (yawarakai): soft, tender
- 長い (nagai): long
- 短い (mijikai): short, brief
- 速い (hayai): fast, quick
- 遅い (osoi): slow, late
- 大きい (ookii): big, large
- 小さい (chiisai): small, little
- 軽い (karui): light (in weight)
- 重い (omoi): heavy

Language and Communication: