Japanese language levels

Japanese language levels are often measured by the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test), which officially assesses the language proficiency of non-Japanese speakers. The JLPT has five levels, from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced), with N5 being the lowest and N1 the highest.

In addition, the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) system is also used in some cases to assess proficiency in different languages, including Japanese.

JLPT Levels:

1. N5 (Beginner):
   • Description: The lowest level, intended for absolute beginners. At this level, you can understand and use simple Japanese phrases, such as introducing yourself and asking simple questions.
   • Features:
     • Understanding of simple, everyday expressions and phrases.
     • Recognise about 100 kanji and 800 words.
     • Can understand simple phrases when spoken slowly.
   • For example:
     • これはペンです。 (Kore wa pen desu.) - This is a pen.
     • お名前は何ですか？ (Onamae wa nan desu ka?) - What is your name?
2. N4 (Basic):
   • Description: This level is for beginners who have learnt some more vocabulary and grammar. You can have simple conversations about everyday topics, such as your family and hobbies.
   • Features:
     • Understanding of simple sentences and can have simple conversations.
     • Recognise about 300 kanji and 1500 words.
     • Can read simple texts, such as letters or simple messages.
   • For example:
     • 昨日、映画を見ました。 (Kinō, eiga o mimashita.) - Yesterday I watched a film.
     • 私は日本語を勉強しています。 (Watashi wa Nihongo o benkyō shiteimasu.) - I am learning Japanese.
3. N3 (Intermediate):
   • Description: At this level, you have a good understanding of basic grammar and can participate in conversations on a wide range of topics, such as your daily life and experiences.
   • Features:
     • Understanding of everyday phrases and sentence structures.
     • Recognise about 650 kanji and 3750 words.
     • Can understand simple messages and texts that are not too complicated.
   • For example:
     • 私は今、忙しいです。 (Watashi wa ima, isogashī desu.) - I'm busy now.
     • 今日は天気がいいですね。 (Kyō wa tenki ga ii desu ne.) - The weather is nice today.
4. N2 (Advanced):
   • Description: This level is for advanced students who are able to express themselves effectively in a wide range of situations, both in spoken and written Japanese.
   • Features:
     • Comprehension of more complex sentences and longer texts.
     • Recognise about 1,000 kanji and 6,000 words.
     • Can understand a wide range of texts, such as newspaper articles or essays.
   • For example:
     • この問題は少し難しいですが、頑張ります。 (Kono mondai wa sukoshi muzukashī desu ga, ganbarimasu.) - This problem is a bit difficult, but I will try my best.
     • 彼は日本に来てから、ずっと忙しいです。 (Kare wa Nihon ni kite kara, zutto isogashī desu.) - He has always been busy since his arrival in Japan.
5. N1 (Vervent user):
   • Description: This is the highest level of the JLPT and it is considered the level of a fluent speaker of Japanese. You can understand both complex and abstract texts and have detailed conversations.
   • Characteristics:
     • Can understand long, complex texts and follow conversations on abstract and specialised topics.
     • Recognise about 2,000 kanji and 10,000 words.
     • Can make in-depth and detailed analyses of different types of text, from literature to technical documents.
   • For example:
     • この政策は、経済に大きな影響を与えるだろうと予想されています。 (Kono seisaku wa, keizai ni ōkina eikyō o ataeru darō to yosō sareteimasu.) - This policy is expected to have a major impact on the economy.
     • その問題については、もっと慎重に考える必要があります。 (Sono mondai ni tsuite wa, motto shinchō ni kangaeru hitsuyō ga arimasu.) - We need to think more carefully about that problem.

Comparison with CEFR (European Framework of Reference):

Although the JLPT system focuses specifically on Japanese language usage, it can also be compared to the CEFR levels widely used in Europe to measure language proficiency in different languages.

JLPT CEFR Description

N5 A1 (Beginner) Very basic knowledge of the language, can use and understand simple sentences.

N4 A2 (Basic) Can have simple conversations on everyday topics.

N3 B1 (Intermediate) Can communicate on a wide range of topics, with some complexity.

N2 B2 (Upper Intermediate) Can communicate fluently and naturally in a variety of situations.

N1 C1/C2 (Advanced) Can understand complex texts and communicate accurately on their own in a variety of situations.

Summary:

The JLPT measures Japanese language proficiency in five levels, from N5 for beginners to N1 for advanced speakers. Each level gives an indication of how well you are able to understand and use Japanese in various situations, from basic communication to understanding complex texts and conversations.