How many words do you need for the JLPT?

Roughly 800 for N5, 1,500 for N4, 3,700 for N3 and 6,000 for N2. The JLPT publishes no official list, so those figures come from analysing past papers — which is also why word lists differ between study sites.

What is the best way to learn Japanese vocabulary?

In context, and in both directions. A word you have only ever seen in a two-column list is a word you will recognise but not recall. Every word here comes with an example sentence for exactly that reason.

Should I learn vocabulary or kanji first?

Together. Most Japanese vocabulary is written with kanji, so the two reinforce each other — learning 学 makes 学校, 学生 and 大学 far easier than memorising each as an unrelated shape.

4,742 words · JLPT N5–N2

Japanese vocabulary lists

4,742 words from the JLPT N5 to N2 lists — every one with its reading, its meaning, and a full example sentence with furigana. Browse by level, by part of speech, or by topic.

By JLPT level

N1 vocabulary is still being sourced — the N1 kanji are all available in the meantime.

By part of speech

Each list spans every level, so you can see a word class develop from N5 up to N2.

By topic

Useful when you're preparing for a specific situation rather than a specific exam section.

Japanese vocabulary — common questions

How many words do you need for the JLPT?: Roughly 800 for N5, 1,500 for N4, 3,700 for N3 and 6,000 for N2. The JLPT publishes no official list, so those figures come from analysing past papers — which is also why word lists differ between study sites.
What is the best way to learn Japanese vocabulary?: In context, and in both directions. A word you have only ever seen in a two-column list is a word you will recognise but not recall. Every word here comes with an example sentence for exactly that reason.
Should I learn vocabulary or kanji first?: Together. Most Japanese vocabulary is written with kanji, so the two reinforce each other — learning 学 makes 学校, 学生 and 大学 far easier than memorising each as an unrelated shape.

Start studying free Kanji dictionary

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