JLPT N4 Mojigoi (文字・語彙)
Vocabulary Section Guide

The JLPT N4 is the second level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. The Mojigoi (文字・語彙) section tests your ability to read kanji, understand vocabulary, and choose the right words in context. Mastery of this section is essential to pass the exam.

📘 JLPT N4 Mojigoi – Test Format Overview

Section TypeQuestion StyleExample Question

1. Kanji ReadingChoose correct hiragana reading for the underlined kanji.
彼は毎朝ジョギングをします。→ (A) まいあさ (B) まいばん (C) まいにち (D) こんしゅう

2. Word MeaningChoose the word with the closest meaning.
速い → (A) おそい (B) すばやい (C) つよい (D) たかい

3. Sentence CompletionChoose the best word to complete a sentence.
昨日はとても（　）かったです。→ (A) あつ (B) あたた (C) あつく (D) あたたか

4. Usage in ContextChoose the correct word based on contextual meaning.
彼はかならず約束を（　）。→ (A) 守ります (B) 開けます (C) 閉めます (D) 出します

📚 Study Tips for JLPT N4 Mojigoi Section

✅ 1. Build Core Vocabulary (~1,500 Words)

• Use a JLPT N4 vocabulary list with example sentences.
• Focus on verbs, adjectives, and common expressions used in daily life.
• Practice with tools like Anki, WaniKani, or JLPT Tango N4 series.

✅ 2. Learn ~300 Essential Kanji

• Start from N5 kanji and expand to include daily-use N4 kanji:
• 思 (おも) – think
• 開 (あ) – open
• 乗 (の) – ride
• 病 (びょう) – illness
• Practice both reading (on-yomi and kun-yomi) and usage in vocabulary.

✅ 3. Read in Context

• Use short stories, graded readers, and JLPT N4 practice questions.
• Apps like Satori Reader, LingQ, or NHK Easy help reinforce context usage.

✅ 4. Practice Like the Real Test

• Use official JLPT practice books or online mock tests.
• Time yourself to get used to test conditions.

🎯 How to Pass the JLPT N4

SectionScore RangeTarget Score to PassLanguage Knowledge (Vocabulary & Grammar)60 pointsAim for 38+Reading60 pointsAim for 38+Listening60 pointsAim for 38+Total Needed to Pass180 points90+ (approx. 50%)

💡 You do not need to pass every section, but you must meet both total and sectional minimums.

🧠 Final Study Advice

• Review daily. 15–30 minutes of vocabulary + reading goes a long way.
• Learn collocations and common word pairs (e.g.,「時間を守る」「体にいい」).
• Use sentence mining from native content.
• Mix passive study (reading/listening) with active recall (flashcards/tests).

💪 With daily effort and the right resources, you can master JLPT N4 Mojigoi and pass the exam!
✨ がんばってください！(Good luck!)