JLPT N4 tests approximately 1,500 vocabulary words. This guide covers 50 of the most essential — frequently tested words that appear across reading, listening, and grammar sections.
At a Glance: Word Categories
| Category | Word Count | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Verbs | 20 | Action, state, movement |
| Adjectives | 15 | i-adj and na-adj |
| Nouns | 10 | Daily life, abstract |
| Adverbs/Expressions | 5 | Modifiers, tone |
Essential N4 Verbs
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 気づく | きづく (kiduku) | Notice / realize |
| 慣れる | なれる (nareru) | Get used to |
| 決める | きめる (kimeru) | Decide |
| 比べる | くらべる (kuraberu) | Compare |
| 集める | あつめる (atsumeru) | Collect / gather |
| 壊れる | こわれる (kowareru) | Break (intransitive) |
| 壊す | こわす (kowasu) | Break (transitive) |
| 片付ける | かたづける (katazukeru) | Tidy up / put away |
| 諦める | あきらめる (akirameru) | Give up |
| 続く | つづく (tsuzuku) | Continue (intransitive) |
Essential N4 Adjectives
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 珍しい | めずらしい (mezurashii) | Rare / unusual |
| 悔しい | くやしい (kuyashii) | Frustrated / vexed |
| 相変わらず | あいかわらず | As always / same as ever |
| 丁寧な | ていねいな (teinei na) | Polite / careful |
| 複雑な | ふくざつな (fukuzatsu na) | Complicated / complex |
| 正確な | せいかくな (seikaku na) | Accurate / precise |
| 親切な | しんせつな (shinsetsu na) | Kind / friendly |
| 十分な | じゅうぶんな (juubun na) | Sufficient / enough |
Essential N4 Nouns and Expressions
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 原因 | げんいん (genin) | Cause / reason |
| 結果 | けっか (kekka) | Result / outcome |
| 関係 | かんけい (kankei) | Relationship / connection |
| 場合 | ばあい (baai) | Case / situation |
| 気持ち | きもち (kimochi) | Feeling / emotion |
| 必要 | ひつよう (hitsuyou) | Necessary / need |
| 理由 | りゆう (riyuu) | Reason / grounds |
YukaWhat’s the best strategy for learning N4 vocabulary?
ReiThree strategies that work: 1) Learn words in sentences, not lists — context makes them stick. 2) Use spaced repetition (Anki) — N4 vocab is ideal for SRS because there are just enough words to manage. 3) Focus on verbs first — N4 tests verbs heavily in grammar questions (te-form, potential, passive).
Yuka壊れる vs 壊す — why does Japanese have two words for ‘break’?
ReiJapanese has paired transitive/intransitive verbs. 壊す (kowasu) = to break SOMETHING (you cause it). 壊れる (kowareru) = something breaks by itself. 窓を壊した (I broke the window) vs 窓が壊れた (the window broke). JLPT loves testing this distinction — watch for 〜を vs 〜が.
JLPT Practice Questions
Fill in the blank:
1. 新しい仕事に___きた。(I’ve gotten used to my new job.) → 慣れて
2. この問題の___は何ですか？(What is the cause of this problem?) → 原因
3. 最後まで___ないでください。(Please don’t give up until the end.) → 諦め
Quick Quiz
1. What is the difference between 壊す and 壊れる? → 壊す = break something (transitive); 壊れる = something breaks (intransitive)
2. What does 悔しい (kuyashii) mean? → Frustrated / vexed (feeling of regret at failing or being beaten)
3. What does 場合 (baai) mean? → Case / situation / circumstance
Practice in the Comments!
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Keep Learning: JLPT Study Guide | N5 Vocabulary | N3 Vocabulary
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