Sample monthly goals to reach N5, N4, N3
Mastering Japanese: Your Complete Self-Study Guide: Sample monthly goals to reach N5, N4, N3
Here are sample monthly goals tailored to reach JLPT N5, N4, and N3 levels:
JLPT N5 (Beginner Level):
- Month 1: Master hiragana and katakana scripts.
- Month 2: Learn about 150 basic vocabulary words and fundamental grammar points, including particles.
- Month 3: Study approximately 100 kanji characters and practice simple reading and listening.
- Month 4: Consolidate vocabulary, grammar, and kanji learned; engage in listening practice and take mock tests. This level typically requires around 200 hours of study over 3 to 6 months for a steady learner.
JLPT N4 (Elementary Level):
- Month 1: Review and consolidate all N5 vocabulary and kanji.
- Month 2: Learn 350 new vocabularies and start studying 100 kanji (about 15 per day).
- Month 3: Continue this pace with more vocabulary and start in-depth grammar study.
- Month 4: Keep learning kanji and grammar, adding about one new grammar point daily.
- Month 5: Review vocabulary, kanji, and grammar; start practicing reading comprehension.
- Month 6: Focus on reading practice, review all learned materials, and take weekly practice exams. N4 study is estimated around 300 hours including the N5 workload.
JLPT N3 (Intermediate Level):
- Around 5 to 6 hours of daily study over 6 months is recommended, totaling near 990 hours.
- Focus on expanding vocabulary from the 2000–3000 range.
- Study advanced grammar patterns.
- Prioritize kanji learning, aiming for roughly 650 characters.
- Emphasize listening and reading comprehension practice with authentic materials and mock exams.
These plans are flexible depending on available study time, but maintaining consistent daily or weekly study goals is crucial. Starting with basics at N5 and gradually intensifying grammar, kanji, and vocabulary helps build a solid foundation for higher levels. 1, 2, 3