JLPT Kanji Requirements
日本語能力試験 · Lesson 7
Learn about the kanji requirements for each JLPT level, from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced).
The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) defines kanji (and vocabulary) expectations for each level from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced). Knowing how many kanji you need and what they’re used for helps you plan your study and track progress.
On Nihondex you can see the full list of kanji by JLPT level, filter by level, and track which ones you’ve learned. Use the link at the end of this lesson to open the list.
Kanji counts below are approximate and can vary by source (e.g. N5 is usually around 100, N4 around 300, N3 around 650, N2 around 1,000, N1 around 2,000+).
| Level | Approx. kanji | Goal | Example kanji |
|---|---|---|---|
| N5 | ~80–100 | Read basic words, simple signs, and very short texts (everyday survival). | 日 人 友 |
| N4 | ~300 | Read everyday materials such as menus, notices, simple articles and messages. | 電 車 駅 |
| N3 | ~650 | Read everyday topics and newspaper headlines; serves as a bridge to intermediate proficiency. | 新 聞 社 |
| N2 | ~1,000 | Read general newspapers and articles with occasional look-ups. | 経 済 政 |
| N1 | ~2,000+ | Read complex texts, newspapers, and literature without major kanji barriers. | 複 雑 論 |
Study strategies
- Start with N5 and build up; each level assumes the previous one.
- Learn kanji in words (e.g. 学生 “student”) rather than in isolation.
- Use the Progress → Kanji page on Nihondex to see exactly which kanji are required and track your learning.
View the full kanji list by level
On the Progress page you can see all JLPT kanji (N5–N1), filter by level, search by character or reading, and track which ones you’ve learned.
You know the approximate kanji counts per level (N5 to N1) and how to use the app to track them.
You're all set! Use the JLPT kanji list and these lessons as your roadmap. Keep building from N5 up. 頑張って！