For context, I took Japanese as my Foreign Language subject few years ago. I’m also familiar with the language even before that. However, I’ve not actively learned it since. Still exposed to the language tho because of music and anime (not really a formal way to learn it I know)
Now idk why I suddenly wanted to take on JLPT. I’ve been contemplating if I should try N4 this July without going to N5. I’m kinda hesitant because of the short timeline. I may end up regretting this decision.
So I’m thinking if I should just shoot for December since it’ll give me more time and practice. And then another thought came to me if it’s possible to go straight to N3.
Thoughts? And if you could share some tips. Thank you so much!
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DuoLingo one lesson a day
N3 in 8 months is doable, but unless you’re very dedicated, don’t expect to be the one who does it.
I studied an average of almost 2 hours per day for a little over 2 years, and I barely passed the N3 in December 2022. My score was 100/180, with 95 as the minimum passing score.
I’m not saying this to make it sound like that’s how much study it *should* take. I definitely acknowledge I’m probably on the high end, in terms of hours of study needed to pass. I’m in my mid-40’s, and I’m self-taught, using a variety of study methods. I was probably inefficient in my studies. Also, I didn’t focus on JLPT-specific studies until about 7 months before the test.
That said, I’ve seen a study that suggests that for a learner who isn’t already familiar with kanji, the N3 requires between 950 and 1700 hours of study to pass. (If by chance you already are familiar with kanji, e.g. if you speak Chinese, then the range drops to 700 to 1100 hours.) I estimate I was somewhere around 1600 hours, plus or minus 200 (I didn’t log my hours, but I was fairly consistent over long stretches of time, so I think it’s a reasonable estimate). So like I said, I’m on the high end (and not in a good way).
On the flip side, you probably would do well to assume that you need at least 900 hours to pass the N3 (or 700 if you already are familiar with kanji). You can subtract whatever hours you already studied in the past, but if it was a few years ago, maybe only subtract half of whatever hours you put in previously.
Also, I’m someone who barely passed the N3 after about 1600 hours of study, so take what I say with a grain of salt.
What’s your actual level right now? Can you provide examples of the kinds of things you can or can’t read?
I wish there were things like Mock Tests so we could test where we were currently standing.
N3 has no training wheels – so I guess if you can read large passages without Furigana you should be ok.
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Try taking some of the mock tests and see what your current level is. I’ve never taken N5 or N4, but I do know that there is a huge leap between N3 and N2, and then an even bigger leap from N2 to N1. So if you’re not 100% comfortable with the N4 content, I can imagine that you’d find N3 super difficult!
That being said, why do you want to take the JLPT in the first place? If it’s just to check your level out of interest, then that’s cool, take whatever test level you feel like trying (assuming you have the money to spare for the test fees).
If you want to take JLPT for a job or something, then usually N2 is the minimum requirement in Japan, and anything under N3 is pointless from a job search perspective.
N3 is also usually the benchmark for getting into uni courses too, I think. I know it was the minimum requirement for the translation course I did. I’ve never heard of N4 being a requirement for anything, so I personally consider it a waste of time and money. But like I said, if you just want to measure your own level, then that’s fair enough!
If you live in Japan or somewhere you can get hold of Japanese textbooks, I strongly recommend any of the books by アルク or ‘ask’ publishing. I especially loved 耳から覚える文法 and レベルアップトレーニング文法 (both by アルク publishing) when I was studying for N2 and N1. (I’ve owned over 70 Japanese textbooks in the last decade or so, so I could talk about them all day if you’d let me, lol)
I’m also a big fan of taking lessons with native Japanese speakers either in person or online via sites like iTalki.
As someone else mentioned, I’m pretty sure the deadline for applying for the July JLPT has already passed, so it’s probably too late for that one anyway.
And depending on what other commitments you have in your life at the moment, half a year is probably not enough time to master a whole level’s worth of content.
If I were in your position, I’d probably skip N4 and go straight to N3 (which is what I actually did back in the day!), but wait until next year to give myself plenty of time to really master the material.
take some practice tests and evaluate how far you are off from a passing grade for each
Getting to that level within 8 months is possible, but it won’t be that easy. You’d have to have a consistent studying schedule, and don’t be surprised if you’ll have to learn Japanese multiple hours a day. Remember, studying Japanese isn’t a race, but if you’re that determined, then go for it.
You’ll need to study about 13 new words a day, including a bunch of grammar (Kanshudo’s grammar guide lists about 250 grammar points, so you’ll need to learn one grammar point every day), and you’ll also need to practise listening a lot (this will maybe be a bit easier for you since you’re already kinda exposed to the language).