JLPT-N4 Course

You've already passed N5, or you've studied enough basic Japanese to be past it. Now the real question is whether you're ready for "JLPT N4" — and whether this course actually gets you there, not just further along in general.

N4 builds directly on N5: more advanced grammar, expanded vocabulary and Kanji, and stronger reading and listening comprehension. For a Japanese language school application or visa process, an N4 result is generally a more competitive credential than N5 alone — it signals real, functional progress, not just a passed beginner exam.

This course picks up exactly where N5 leaves off. We're not repeating what you already know — we're building toward the specific format and difficulty of the N4 exam.

What Is JLPT N4? (And How It Builds on N5)

N4 is the second level of the JLPT's five-level scale, and it steps up from N5 in three clear ways:

More advanced grammar — a wider range of sentence patterns and connectors than N5 requires
Expanded vocabulary and Kanji — more characters and a broader word range
Stronger reading and listening comprehension — longer passages, faster spoken Japanese

JLPT N4 assumes you already know basic Hiragana, Katakana, and N5-level grammar — this isn't the course to start Japanese from scratch.

JLPT is held only twice a year — the first Sunday of July and the first Sunday of December — which is worth repeating here, since it directly affects how you plan your study timeline. Missing a sitting doesn't mean waiting a few weeks; it means waiting months.

Schools and formal applications generally treat an N4 result as a stronger, more competitive credential than N5 — it shows you can handle real, everyday Japanese with more independence, not just recognize the basics.

Who Should Join the JLPT-N4 Course?

Students who've completed JLPT N5 (or hold equivalent basic Japanese, including NAT-N5-level ability)
Students continuing toward Japanese language school admission who want a stronger credential than N5 alone
Anyone comfortable with Hiragana, Katakana, and N5 grammar but not yet tested at N4 level

If you haven't yet passed N5 or covered equivalent basic Japanese, join our JLPT-N5 course first. N4 moves at a faster pace, and skipping the foundation costs you more time than starting at the right level.

What You'll Learn in Toddle's JLPT-N4 Course

Expanded grammar patterns beyond N5 — the particle distinctions and sentence structures N4 specifically tests
Additional Kanji at the N4 level, with reading and meaning practice
Broader vocabulary covering more situations and contexts than N5
Reading passages matched to N4 length and complexity
Listening practice at N4 speed and format

[confirm exact syllabus breakdown]

JLPT N4 Exam Format, Pass Marks & Test Dates

JLPT N4 follows the same three-section, multiple-choice structure as N5, at a higher difficulty level:

Vocabulary (Language Knowledge — Characters/Vocabulary)
Grammar and Reading (Language Knowledge — Grammar and Reading)
Listening

Scoring: the exam is scored out of 180 total points, grouped into two bands:

Language Knowledge and Reading: minimum 38 points required
Listening: minimum 19 points required

Overall pass mark: 90 out of 180 — ten points higher than N5's overall pass mark, reflecting the step up in difficulty. As with N5, falling below the minimum in either band fails the exam regardless of your total score.

Test dates: JLPT is held on the first Sunday of July and the first Sunday of December each year. For 2026, that's July 5 and December 6 — the July sitting has already passed, so the next available sitting is December 6, 2026.

Test fee: around NPR 3,000, paid through the official JLPT Nepal registration process administered by "JALTAN" — the same fee structure applies across levels, but confirm the exact current fee before quoting it to students.

Toddle JLPT-N4 Course Highlights

Curriculum that builds directly on N5 — not a repeat of basics you've already covered
Regular mock tests under real exam timing conditions, matched to the N4 format
Small batch sizes for more direct reading and listening practice
Guidance on JLPT registration deadlines — since missing the twice-yearly window costs months, not weeks
[confirm instructor credential for Japanese-language teaching]

Course Duration, Schedule & Fees

Duration: around 3 to 4 months, in line with typical intermediate-level JLPT N4 prep courses in the region
Schedule: morning and evening batches, typically 3–4 sessions a week — ask at the office for the current timetable
Fee: around NPR 22,000–30,000 for the full course (confirm exact current fee with our office)

Given JLPT's twice-yearly schedule, ask at the office about which batch lines up with the December 2026 sitting, so your course finishes with enough buffer before test day.

What Happens After the JLPT-N4 Course?

Progress toward N3 if your target school or program wants a stronger credential before you apply or arrive
Apply to your Japanese language school with your N4 result as part of the application package
Prepare supporting visa documents, since some study-visa routes ask for language proof alongside the JLPT result itself

We'll help you map out which of these applies to your specific school and timeline before you finish this course.

Frequently Asked Questions About the JLPT-N4 Course

Do I need to pass JLPT N5 before joining N4?
You need N5-level Japanese — Hiragana, Katakana, and basic grammar — whether that comes from passing JLPT N5, NAT-N5, or equivalent self-study. If you're not there yet, start with our JLPT-N5 course.

How often is the JLPT held?
Twice a year — the first Sunday of July and the first Sunday of December. For 2026, that's July 5 and December 6.

How long does it take to go from N5 to N4?
This course runs around 3 to 4 months, though your actual pace depends on how solid your N5 foundation already is.

Is JLPT N4 accepted by Japanese language schools?
Yes — many schools treat N4 as a stronger, more competitive credential than N5 alone. Requirements still vary by school, so we confirm what your specific target school expects.

What is the pass mark for JLPT N4?
90 out of 180 points overall, with minimums of 38 points in Language Knowledge and Reading and 19 points in Listening. Both the overall total and each section minimum are required to pass.

How much does the JLPT N4 exam cost in Nepal?
The registration fee is around NPR 3,000, paid through the official JLPT Nepal application process — separate from our course fee.

Can I retake JLPT N4 if I don't pass?
Yes, but only at the next scheduled sitting, six months later. That's exactly why steady preparation matters more here than with more frequent tests like NAT-TEST.

What comes after passing JLPT N4?
Most students either progress toward N3 for a stronger application, or apply directly to their Japanese language school with the N4 result, depending on what the school requires.

Ready to Move Up to JLPT N4?

Book a seat in the next Hetauda batch, or WhatsApp us at +977 9769741767 — and ask about the December 2026 JLPT registration deadline early, since missing it means waiting until mid-2027.