What is the JLPT N2?

Have you heard of the Japanese test called the 日本語能力試験 (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test), or JLPT?

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an exam that measures and certifies the Japanese ability of people whose native language is not Japanese. It is held not only in Japan but also in many other countries around the world. As the largest Japanese language test, it is widely recognized and well-known among people who study Japanese.

The JLPT has five levels, ranging from N5, which is the easiest, to N1, which is the most difficult. Today, we will focus on the N2 level, which is the second most difficult, but also the level that many people aim for.

At the N2 level, learners are expected to understand Japanese used in a broader range of situations beyond everyday life. This includes the ability to handle daily conversations (as required at the N3 level), use basic business expressions, communicate with internal colleagues, and participate in meetings.

The abilities assessed in the JLPT are broadly divided into reading and listening.

In this section, you will be required to understand the content and context of materials such as newspapers, magazine articles, explanations, simple essays, and relatively easy-to-understand informative texts. The key is to accurately grasp what the text is saying, rather than forming your own opinions or interpretations.

In the listening section, you will listen to conversations and news delivered at a speed close to natural, everyday speech. It is important to understand the context as well as the relationships between the speakers. The key is whether you can clearly and concisely summarize the main points.

When reviewing job listings, it is not uncommon to see “business-level Japanese proficiency” required in companies where foreign employees need to communicate in Japanese within the organization.

This “business-level Japanese proficiency” is often measured by whether or not you have passed the N2 level of the JLPT. Because of this, the N2 level is often targeted by people who are seeking career advancement. They may be trying to change jobs, apply for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa, or pursue higher positions such as supervisors and managers.

Having the N2 level of the JLPT can prove that you have business-level Japanese proficiency that is suitable for working at companies. You can also list this certification on your resume, which is one of the biggest advantages of holding the N2 level.

In addition, starting from the 2025 exam, the score report will include a CEFR reference, which is a common international standard for language proficiency used in Europe. With this CEFR level shown on your certificate, you will be able to prove your Japanese ability not only in Japan but also when applying to foreign companies or companies with international operations.

Therefore, for those aiming to obtain the Highly Skilled Professional Visa, holding the N2 level is worth 10 points. If your total score reaches 70 points, you will be eligible for special immigration benefits.

Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

At the N2 level, the Language Knowledge (Characters, Vocabulary, and Grammar) and Reading sections must be completed within a combined time limit of 105 minutes. This is different from the N5 to N3 levels, where each section had its own designated time. Spending too much time on the Language Knowledge section may result in insufficient time to complete the Reading section. It is generally recommended to allocate approximately 30 to 40 minutes to the Language Knowledge section and reserve the remaining time for Reading.

When preparing for the N2 level, it is essential to review the answers to each question and carefully identify any mistakes. By thoroughly checking the areas where errors were made, it becomes possible to answer those questions correctly in the actual examination.

In the JLPT N3 examination, the Language Knowledge (Characters, Vocabulary, and Grammar) and Reading sections must be completed within a total of 105 minutes, while the Listening section is allotted 50 minutes. The total possible score is 180 points, with a passing mark set at 90 points. Additionally, a minimum of 19 points out of 60 must be achieved in each individual section: Language Knowledge, Reading, and Listening. Please note that failure to meet the minimum requirement in any section will result in not passing the exam, regardless of the overall score.

Now, let us examine some sample questions from each section. Please take the time to try them. The correct answers can be found at the end of this article.

1.    Kanji Readings (Select the correct reading of the kanji.)
Choose the most appropriate reading for the following word from the given options.
この缶はもえないごみの日に出してください。
①びん　　②かい　　③かん　　④さん

2.    Vocabulary Readings (This is a question where you choose the correct reading of the given vocabulary.)
Choose the most appropriate reading of the following word from the options provided.
明日までにレポートを提出してください。
①たいしゅつ　　②たいで　　③ていしゅつ　　④ていだし

3.    Word Formation (This type of question appears only on the N2 level.)
Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank (____) from the choices provided.
彼はまだ(____)成年なので車の運転免許が取得できない。
①無　　②不　　③好　　④未

4.    Contextual Appropriateness (Choose the option that best fits the meaning of the sentence.)
Select the most appropriate word or phrase to fill in the blank (____) from the choices provided.
11時から14時までエレベーターの(____)をしますのでご使用できません。
①点検　　②計画　　③対策　　④実施

5.    Synonym Meaning (This is a question where you choose the word with the closest meaning.)
Choose the word that is most similar in meaning to the following word from the options provided.
これは明日までに仕上げましょう。
①改善し　　②報告し　　③完成し　　④解体し

6.    Usage (Select the correct way to use the word.)
Choose one option that best demonstrates the correct usage of the following word.
出張
①夕飯を作るのが面倒だからなにか出張を頼もう。
②明日は名古屋に出張するので一日会社にはいません。
③ここのところ毎晩遅くまで出張していてちょっと疲れ気味なんだ
④子どもに「どこかへ行こう」と言われて、温泉に出張することにした。

1.    Grammar (This question tests your understanding of grammar forms, such as the correct conjunction or adverb.)
Choose the best option to complete the sentence by filling in the blank (____) from the given choices.
雨が強くなってきた。(____)、強い風まで吹いてきて傘もさせない。
①それで　　②つまり　　③しかも　　④むしろ

2.    Sentence Structure 2 (This question tests sentence organization — select the best option to complete the sentence correctly.)
Select one option from the choices that best fits in the ★ of the following sentence.
ルールを　　　　　　　　　　　　★　　　　　　　吸うべきではない。
①歩きながら　　②にしても　　③たばこを　　④知らなかった

3.    Sentence Grammar
This question asks you to choose the vocabulary, conjunction, or sentence pattern that best fits in the blank (____) within a short sentence. Although it may seem like a reading comprehension question, it actually focuses on grammar.

1.   Short Passage Questions: The passage is within 10 lines and 2 paragraphs. There are 1 or 2 questions for each passage.
2.    Medium-Length Passage Questions: The passage is within 20 lines and around 3 paragraphs. There are 1 or 2 questions for each passage.
3.    Integrated Understanding: Read two related passages and answer the questions. You are required to compare the two texts to find the correct answer.
4.    Long Passage Questions: The passage is between 20 to 40 lines and consists of more than 5 paragraphs. There are 2 to 4 questions for each passage.
5.    Information Retrieval: Read materials such as emails or notices and find the answers to the questions based on the provided information.

1.    Task-Based Comprehension
You will solve problems while looking at pictures or diagrams.
Flow:
Listen to the explanation and question → Listen to the task → Listen to the specific question → Select the correct answer.

2.    Key Point Comprehension
You will choose the answer from printed options.
Flow:
Listen to the explanation and question → Read the printed options → Listen to the task → Listen to the specific question → Select the correct answer.

3.    General Comprehension
You will choose the answer based on what you hear. There are no printed options.
Flow:
Listen to the explanation → Listen to the task → Listen to the specific question → Select the correct answer.

4.    Instant Response
You will listen to short sentences and select the appropriate response. This is a one-on-one conversational format.

We offer optional JLPT preparation classes for levels ranging from N3 to N1. Many students who have taken these classes shared their positive experiences, saying things like:
“Knowing that there are many other learners aiming for the JLPT motivated me to keep going.”
“I learned techniques for solving questions that I would never have figured out on my own. Gaining new perspectives on how to approach questions made my study process much more efficient.”
JLPT group lessons have proven to be effective. We warmly invite you to study with us.

Language Knowledge
1→③ 2→③ 3→④ 4→① 5→③ 6→②
Grammar
1→③ 2→①