Hi! Everyone can take N4 without taking N5, is that right?
I was planning to take N5 this July but I just found out that I can take N4 right away. I’m so stpid to assume that taking the exam should be level by level and didn’t bother to double check it. If it’s possible to take N4 without taking N5, then, would it be possible for me to take N4 this December? Right now I have been studying for 5 hours a day. If I study consistently and try to have a goal of studying for 100-150 hours a month (say I still have 7 months left to prep, then maybe 700-1000 hours for 7 months), would that be enough?
I really wanted to get at least N3 or N2 where I can use it for my career. But I think taking N4 or N5 would be best to measure my process. Should I opt for N5 first this july or should I just take N4 in December?
I’m currently using Genki I series books, while OniTan and Learn Japanese! Kanji Study for apps. After that I’m planning to use Genki II series and the JLPT workbooks (N5 and N4).
Please give me insights on how your JLPT N4/N5 experience went. Thank you!
3 comments
Better try some mock tests and decide by that. Some people belittle N5 because it’s kinda easy and doesn’t require much. But it’s a nice to have for beginners 😉
There is no rule with which lvl you have to start. **Theoretically** you could also start with N1
For what it’s worth, I think N4 is doable with less than 1000 hours. I passed the N3 in December 2022, after studying for about 27 months and about 1600 total hours studied. I didn’t take the N5 or N4, but based on practice tests I took at various points, I’d estimate I hit N5 after about 6-7 months (350-400 hours), and N4 after about 12-15 months (750-900 hours).
I started studying when I was 42, and I’m currently 45.
Yes, you can take any test without taking the prior levels. It sounds like you just started learning, but if you studied for 3-5 hours a day until December you would pass the N4 no question, I think N3 would be the better goal given your time span and the amount of time you’re willing to put in per day. Honestly, N2 could be possible, but I don’t think it’s very realistic. I passed N1 without taking the other levels after around 1700 hours of study (and reading!), and I debated taking N2 instead, but I’m now glad that I just went for the higher level. If having the N5/4 doesn’t mean much to you, then I’d say just go for N3 if you’re really willing to put in as much time as you claim.