Complete JLPT N1 Guide: Vocabulary, Grammar, Quizzes & Study Plan

JLPT N1 is the highest level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test. It requires 8,000+ words and the ability to understand complex argumentative essays and written-style Japanese.

N1 Exam Structure

• Language Knowledge (vocabulary/grammar) and Reading: one combined section, 110 minutes
• Listening: 60 minutes
• Three scoring sections (vocabulary/grammar, reading, listening), each out of 60, for a total of 180
• To pass: an overall score of 100 or above, and at least 19 in each of the three sections

N1 Core Grammar List

• Advanced concession: とはいえ・にもかかわらず・ながらも
• Emphasis & condition: べく・べき・に際して・に当たって
• Idiomatic expressions: ならいざしらず・をもってすれば・とあれば
• Written-language grammar: を踏まえて・を前提として・に他ならない

N1 Must-Learn Vocabulary Categories

• Four-character idioms (四字熟語): 一石二鳥・七転八起・以心伝心
• Set phrases (慣用句): お茶を濁す・頭が上がらない・板に付く
• Literary & essay vocabulary: kango (Sino-Japanese) words for concepts, trends and abstractions
• News & report terminology: current-affairs vocabulary in economics, politics and society

N1 Study Plan (6 months recommended)

• Months 1–2: Systematically shore up your N2 weak points and fill in any grammar patterns you missed
• Months 3–4: Learn 30 new N1 words a day, and read Japanese newspapers and NHK Web Easy
• Months 5–6: Intensively drill the N1 question bank (2,400 questions) and do mock-exam practice

Related Resources

N1 Question Bank (2,400 questions)・N1 grammar list・EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission)・Back to the JLPT hub