JAPANESE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST (JLPT)

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO
LEARN JAPANESE?

If you’re like most aspiring learners, you may be wondering: How long does it take to learn Japanese? Some people think that learning Japanese is too hard, that it takes forever and requires tremendous painstaking effort. But is that really true? The answer to this question varies depending on multiple factors, such as your…

  • Mother Tongue
  • Educational Background
  • Previous Language Learning Experience
  • Level of Interest and Enthusiasm
  • Learning Goals
  • Study Methods

We’ll give you some insight on how long it takes to learn Japanese for the different proficiency levels, keeping these influencing factors in mind. We’ll also provide tips to help you make the most of your study time.

WHAT IS THE JLPT?

The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) is an official standardized criterion-referenced test that evaluates and certifies the Japanese-language proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers. It assesses language knowledge (grammar and vocabulary), reading ability, and listening ability.

The JLPT has five levels: N1 (the most difficult), N2, N3, N4, and N5 (the easiest).

JLPT N1

3,000~4,500 Hrs.
ADVANCED

The ability to understand all of the Japanese used in different everyday contexts.

JLPT N2

2,000~3,000 Hrs.
PRE-ADVANCED

The ability to understand the most of Japanese phrases used in different everyday contexts.

JLPT N3

1,000~2,000 Hrs.
INTERMEDIATE

The ability to understand some of the Japanese phrases used in everyday situations.

JLPT N4

500~800 Hrs.
ELEMENTORY

The ability to understand basic Japanese.

JLPT N5

300~500 Hrs.
BEGINNER

The ability to understand some basic Japanese.

The JLPT, also known as the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test or 日本語能力試験, is an exam designed to measure the Japanese proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers. It’s commonly used by universities and employers both in and outside Japan, and it’s offered twice a year within Japan, as well as in a few other countries. Those who plan on living, working, or studying in Japan often take the JLPT exams to demonstrate their Japanese language skills.

N5 Exam is a valuable goal for beginner Japanese learners. It can serve as a short-term target and help learners discover their strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, achieving the JLPT N5 level has recently become necessary in certain cases when applying for specific types of student visas to Japan.

JLPT N5

TEST STRUCTURE

Vocabulary (kanji, spelling, expressions and paraphrases)

Grammar and Reading (forming sentences, using the right verb form, basic texts and reading comprehension)

Listening

TEST SCORING SCHEME

Vocabulary, grammar, reading :                       120 points
Listening:                                                             60 points
Total score:                                                        180 points

Pass: 80 points (must have 38 points in Vocabulary, grammar, reading and 19 points in listening to pass)

Each section has a different time length.

Vocabulary – 20 minutes
Grammar and Reading – 40 minutes
Listening – 30 minutes

The exam lasts for 1.5 hours in total