JLPT
The JLPT or the JAPANESE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST has five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5. N5 being the easiest level and the N1, the hardest.
The Linguistic competence required for the JLPT is expressed in terms of diverse language tests, such as Reading and Listening, as shown in the table below. While not noted in the table, Language Knowledge, such as Vocabulary and Grammar, is also required for successful execution of these tests.
N5
Introduction Level
The ability to understand some basic Japanese.
The examiner has mastered the basic elements of grammar, knows about 100 Kanji and 800 japanese words and has the ability to engage in simple conversation and to read and write short, simple sentences.
This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 150 hours and finishing the first half of the elementary course
One is able to read and understand typical expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji.
One is able to listen and comprehend conversations about topics regularly encountered in daily life and classroom situations, and is able to pick up necessary information from short conversations spoken slowly.
N4
Basic Level
The ability to understand basic Japanese.
The examine has mastered grammar to a limited level, knows about 300 Kanji and 1 ,500 words, has the ability to take part in everyday conversation and to read and write simple sentences.
This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for around 300 hours and after completion of an elementary course.
One is able to read and understand passages on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji.
One is able to listen and comprehend conversations encountered in daily life and generally follow their contents, provided that they are spoken slowly.
N3
Middle Level
The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to
a certain degree.
The examiner has mastered grammar between a middle and a high level, knows about 500 Kanji and 3,000 words
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One is able to read and understand written materials with specific contents concerning everyday topics.
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One is also able to grasp summary information such as newspaper headlines.
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In addition, one is also able to read slightly difficult writings encountered in everyday situations and understand the main points of the content if some alternative phrases are available to aid one’s understanding.
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One is able to listen and comprehend coherent conversations in everyday situations, spoken at near-natural speed, and is generally able to follow their contents as well as grasp the relationships among the people involved.
N2
High Level
The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations,
and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree.
The examine has mastered grammar to a relatively high level, knows about 1,000 Kanji and 6,000 words, and has the ability to converse, read and write about matters of a general nature. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 600 hours and after completion of an intermediate course.
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One is able to read materials written clearly on a variety of topics, such as articles and commentaries in newspapers and magazines as well as simple critiques, and comprehend their contents.
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One is also able to read written materials on general topics and follow their narratives as well as understand the intent of the writers.
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One is able to comprehend orally presented materials such as coherent conversations and news reports, spoken at nearly natural speed in everyday situations as well as in a variety of settings, and is able to follow their ideas and comprehend their contents.
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One is also able to understand the relationships among the people involved and the essential points of the presented materials.
N1
Highest Level
The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.
The examine has mastered grammar to a high level, knows about 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words, and has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society and providing a useful base for study at a Japanese university. This level is normally reached after studying Japanese for about 900 hours.
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One is able to read writings with logical complexity and/or abstract writings on a variety of topics, such as newspaper editorials and critiques, and comprehend both their structures and contents.
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One is also able to read written materials with profound contents on various topics and follow their narratives as well as understand the intent of the writers comprehensively.
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One is able to comprehend orally presented materials such as coherent conversations, news reports, and lectures, spoken at natural speed in a broad variety of settings, and is able to follow their ideas and
comprehend their contents comprehensively.
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One is also able to understand the details of the presented materials such as the relationships among the people involved, the logical structures, and the essential points.