JLPT N4 Vocabulary List – Master Essential Japanese Words

Are you preparing for the JLPT N4 exam and looking for a comprehensive vocabulary list? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ve compiled 600 must-know words that frequently appear on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). Whether you’re moving up from N5 or brushing up on your intermediate Japanese skills, this JLPT N4 Vocabulary List will help you boost reading comprehension, listening skills, and overall language proficiency.

Why Focus on N4 Vocabulary?

  • Build a Solid Foundation: N4 covers essential daily-life words and phrases.
  • Enhance Grammar & Reading: Knowing these words accelerates your grasp of JLPT N4 grammar and reading passages.
  • Real-Life Application: These words frequently appear in everyday conversations and Japanese media.

How to Use This List

  1. Study in Batches: Break down the 600 words into smaller sets (e.g., 50–100) for daily or weekly review.
  2. Practice with Flashcards: Create digital flashcards or use apps like Anki to reinforce retention.
  3. Combine with Grammar: Pair vocabulary study with a JLPT N4 Grammar List to see how words work in context.

Additional Study Resources

  • 🔗 JLPT Official Website – Check upcoming test dates and official guidelines.
  • 🔗 NHK Easy News – Practice reading Japanese news in simpler language.you need a refresher.

Pro Tips for Better Retention

  • Use Words in Sentences: Create your own example sentences to internalize usage.
  • Listen & Repeat: Incorporate audio resources or YouTube videos to practice pronunciation.
  • Stay Consistent: Schedule regular study sessions—consistency is key to passing JLPT N4.

With this JLPT N4 Vocabulary List, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to excel in your exam. Feel free to bookmark this page and share it with fellow Japanese learners. If you have any questions or want more tips, drop a comment below.

#Vocabulary (Kanji)Reading (Hiragana)Meaning (English)
1愛情あいじょうLove, affection
2挨拶あいさつGreeting
3安心あんしんRelief, peace of mind
4安全あんぜんSafety
5案内あんないGuidance, information
6以下いかBelow, less than
7以外いがいExcept, other than
8意見いけんOpinion
9医者いしゃDoctor
10以上いじょうNot less than, above
11以外にいがいにBesides, in addition to
12一生懸命いっしょうけんめいWith utmost effort
13いとThread, yarn
14田舎いなかCountryside, rural area
15受付うけつけReception desk
16受けるうけるTo receive, to take (an exam)
17動くうごくTo move
18打つうつTo hit, to type
19写すうつすTo copy, to photograph
20移るうつるTo move (house), to transfer
21遠慮えんりょRestraint, modesty
22お祝いおいわいCelebration, congratulations
23おかげおかげThanks to…, owing to…
24お礼おれいThanks, gratitude
25折れるおれるTo break, to fold (intrans.)
26折るおるTo break, to fold (trans.)
27海岸かいがんSeashore, coast
28会議かいぎMeeting, conference
29会場かいじょうMeeting place, venue
30会話かいわConversation
31科学かがくScience
32火事かじFire (disaster)
33家事かじHousework
34格好かっこうAppearance, shape
35必ずかならずCertainly, without fail
36お金持ちおかねもちRich person
37構うかまうTo mind, to care about
38噛むかむTo bite, to chew
39通うかようTo commute
40彼女かのじょShe, girlfriend
41かれHe, boyfriend
42乾くかわくTo get dry
43代わりかわりSubstitute, in place of
44変わるかわるTo change (intrans.)
45変えるかえるTo change (trans.)
46看護師かんごしNurse
47関係かんけいRelation, connection
48感じかんじFeeling, sense
49簡単かんたんSimple, easy
50気分きぶんMood, feeling
51機会きかいOpportunity, chance
52危険きけんDanger
53聞こえるきこえるTo be heard, to be audible
54汽車きしゃTrain (steam train)
55技術ぎじゅつTechnology, skill
56規則きそくRules, regulations
57気持ちきもちFeeling, sensation
58着物きものKimono, clothing
59きゅうSudden, urgent
60急行きゅうこうExpress train
61教会きょうかいChurch
62競争きょうそうCompetition
63興味きょうみInterest
64近所きんじょNeighborhood
65具合ぐあいCondition, health
66空気くうきAir, atmosphere
67くびNeck
68比べるくらべるTo compare
69暮らすくらすTo live, to make a living
70生活せいかつLifestyle, living
71計画けいかくPlan, schedule
72景色けしきScenery
73消しゴムけしごむEraser
74下宿げしゅくLodging, boarding
75原因げんいんCause, origin
76研究けんきゅうResearch
77見物けんぶつSightseeing
78郊外こうがいSuburbs
79講義こうぎLecture
80工業こうぎょうManufacturing industry
81工場こうじょうFactory
82校長こうちょうPrincipal (school)
83高等学校こうとうがっこうHigh school
84交通こうつうTraffic, transportation
85校内こうないWithin the school
86国際こくさいInternational
87こころHeart, mind
88細かいこまかいDetailed, fine, small
89込むこむTo be crowded
90怖いこわいScary, frightening
91壊すこわすTo break (something)
92壊れるこわれるTo be broken
93今度こんどNext time, this time
94今夜こんやTonight
95最近さいきんRecently
96最後さいごLast, end
97最初さいしょFirst, beginning
98材料ざいりょうIngredients, materials
99さかSlope, hill
100下がるさがるTo go down, to drop
101探すさがすTo look for
102下げるさげるTo lower, to hang
103盛んさかんPopular, prosperous
104刺身さしみSashimi (raw fish dish)
105再来月さらいげつThe month after next
106再来週さらいしゅうThe week after next
107再来年さらいねんThe year after next
108騒ぐさわぐTo make noise, to be rowdy
109触るさわるTo touch
110産業さんぎょうIndustry
111サンダルさんだるSandals
112残念ざんねんRegrettable, unfortunate
113City
114仕方しかたWay, method
115試験しけんExam
116事故じこAccident
117地震じしんEarthquake
118辞典じてんDictionary
119品物しなものGoods
120失敗しっぱいFailure
121失礼しつれいRudeness, excuse me
122辞めるやめるTo quit, to resign
123しまIsland
124市民しみんCitizens
125事務所じむしょOffice
126社会しゃかいSociety
127社長しゃちょうCompany president
128自由じゆうFreedom
129習慣しゅうかんCustom, habit
130住所じゅうしょAddress
131柔道じゅうどうJudo
132十分じゅうぶんEnough, sufficient
133主人しゅじんMaster, husband
134出席しゅっせきAttendance
135出発しゅっぱつDeparture
136準備じゅんびPreparation
137紹介しょうかいIntroduction
138小説しょうせつNovel
139将来しょうらいFuture (near)
140食事しょくじMeal
141食料品しょくりょうひんGroceries
142女性じょせいWoman, female
143心配しんぱいWorry
144新聞社しんぶんしゃNewspaper company
145水泳すいえいSwimming
146数学すうがくMathematics
147すっかりすっかりCompletely
148過ぎるすぎるTo pass, to exceed
149進むすすむTo advance, to go forward
150捨てるすてるTo throw away
151すなわちすなわちIn other words
152すみCorner
153世界せかいWorld
154説明せつめいExplanation
155背中せなかBack (of body)
156せんLine
157戦争せんそうWar
158先輩せんぱいSenior, upperclassman
159そうそうSo, that way
160育てるそだてるTo raise, to bring up
161卒業そつぎょうGraduation
162祖父そふGrandfather
163祖母そぼGrandmother
164それでそれでAnd so, therefore
165それにそれにIn addition
166相談そうだんConsultation
167育つそだつTo be raised, to grow up
168そろそろそろそろSoon, any time now
169そんなそんなSuch, like that
170退院たいいんLeaving hospital
171大学生だいがくせいCollege student
172大事だいじImportant
173大体だいたいMostly, roughly
174大分だいぶConsiderably, greatly
175倒れるたおれるTo collapse, to fall over
176確かたしかCertain, sure
177足りるたりるTo be enough, to suffice
178男性だんせいMan, male
179暖房だんぼうHeating
180Blood
181近づくちかづくTo approach, to get near
182ちからStrength, power
183地理ちりGeography
184注意ちゅういCaution, attention
185中学校ちゅうがっこうJunior high school
186調べるしらべるTo investigate, to look into
187ちょうどちょうどExactly, just
188都合つごうConvenience
189続くつづくTo continue (intrans.)
190続けるつづけるTo continue (trans.)
191包むつつむTo wrap
192釣るつるTo fish
193丁寧ていねいPolite
194適当てきとうSuitable, appropriate
195手伝うてつだうTo help, to assist
196店員てんいんStore clerk
197都市としCity
198特にとくにEspecially
199特別とくべつSpecial
200途中とちゅうOn the way, in the middle of
201特急とっきゅうLimited express (train)
202間違えるまちがえるTo make a mistake
203間に合うまにあうTo be on time
204まるでまるでAs if, just like
205回すまわすTo turn (something)
206周りまわりSurroundings, vicinity
207真ん中まんなかCenter, middle
208見えるみえるTo be visible, to appear
209あじTaste, flavor
210見つかるみつかるTo be found
211見つけるみつけるTo find, to discover
212みやこCity, capital
213迎えるむかえるTo welcome, to greet
214向かうむかうTo face, to go toward
215無理むりImpossible, unreasonable
216召し上がるめしあがるTo eat, to drink (honorific)
217珍しいめずらしいRare, unusual
218申し上げるもうしあげるTo say, to tell (very humble)
219申し込むもうしこむTo apply for, to propose
220戻るもどるTo return, to go back
221木綿もめんCotton
222焼くやくTo bake, to grill
223役に立つやくにたつTo be useful
224焼けるやけるTo be roasted, baked, or burned
225優しいやさしいGentle, kind
226痩せるやせるTo lose weight
227やっとやっとAt last, finally
228止むやむTo stop (raining, snowing)
229止めるやめるTo stop, to quit
230柔らかいやわらかいSoft, tender
231理由りゆうReason
232利用りようUse, utilization
233両方りょうほうBoth
234旅館りょかんJapanese inn
235留守るすBeing away from home
236冷房れいぼうAir cooling, air conditioning
237レジれじCash register, cashier
238レポートれぽーとReport, paper
239連絡れんらくContact, communication
240沸かすわかすTo boil (water), to heat
241別れるわかれるTo separate, to part ways
242沸くわくTo boil (intrans.), to be heated
243笑うわらうTo laugh, to smile
244割合わりあいRatio, percentage, rate
245割れるわれるTo break, to be smashed
246アイロンあいろんIron (for clothes)
247アナウンサーあなうんさーAnnouncer
248アルコールあるこーるAlcohol
249インタビューいんたびゅーInterview
250受付けるうけつけるTo receive, to accept
251エスカレーターえすかれーたーEscalator
252おじいさんおじいさんGrandfather, old man (polite)
253お嬢さんおじょうさんYoung lady, someone’s daughter (polite)
254お宅おたくSomeone’s house/home (polite)
255お見舞いおみまいVisiting someone ill, get-well visit
256思い出おもいでMemory
257思わずおもわずUnintentionally, spontaneously
258会話かいわConversation
259髪型かみがたHairstyle
260Fire
261過去かこThe past
262決してけっしてNever, by no means
263建設けんせつConstruction
264喧嘩けんかFight, quarrel
265幸福こうふくHappiness, bliss
266校則こうそくSchool rules
267紅葉こうようAutumn leaves (also もみじ)
268交流こうりゅうExchange, interaction
269超えるこえるTo exceed, to go beyond
270国籍こくせきNationality
271在留カードざいりゅうかーどResidence card (for foreigners in Japan)
272財布さいふWallet, purse
273幸せしあわせHappiness
274仕方ないしかたないIt can’t be helped
275質問しつもんQuestion
276社会人しゃかいじんWorking adult
277自動販売機じどうはんばいきVending machine
278支度したくPreparations, arrangements
279自信じしんSelf-confidence
280自然しぜんNature
281辞書じしょDictionary
282事実じじつFact, truth
283実際じっさいActually, in reality
284自分自身じぶんじしんOneself
285住宅じゅうたくHousing, residence
286重大じゅうだいSerious, important
287出口でぐちExit
288順番じゅんばんOrder, sequence, turn
289正直しょうじきHonesty, honest
290商品しょうひんGoods, products
291笑顔えがおSmiling face
292食堂しょくどうCafeteria, dining hall
293書類しょるいDocuments, papers
294信号しんごうTraffic light
295親切しんせつKind, gentle
296水道すいどうWater supply, water service
297数字すうじNumbers, digits
298スーツすーつSuit (clothing)
299ステレオすてれおStereo
300素晴らしいすばらしいWonderful, splendid
301西洋せいようThe West, Western countries
302せきSeat
303先にさきにBefore, ahead
304専門せんもんSpecialty, field of study
305世界中せかいじゅうAll over the world
306そういうそういうThat kind of, such
307相談するそうだんするTo consult, to discuss
308卒業式そつぎょうしきGraduation ceremony
309だからだからSo, therefore
310確認かくにんConfirmation, verification
311大切にするたいせつにするTo value, to take good care of
312楽しみたのしみEnjoyment, looking forward to something
313楽しむたのしむTo enjoy
314例えばたとえばFor example
315たなShelf
316足すたすTo add
317訪ねる (to visit)たずねるTo visit (someone)
318尋ねる (to inquire)たずねるTo ask, to inquire
319確かめるたしかめるTo confirm, to make sure
320小さなちいさなSmall (pre-noun adjective)
321注射ちゅうしゃInjection
322駐車場ちゅうしゃじょうParking lot
323捕まえるつかまえるTo catch, to arrest
324捕まるつかまるTo be caught, to be arrested
325漬けるつけるTo soak, to pickle
326伝えるつたえるTo convey, to report
327続きつづきContinuation
328手袋てぶくろGloves
329てんPoint
330店長てんちょうStore manager
331天然てんねんNatural
332遠くとおくFar away, distant place
333通学つうがくCommuting to school
334通勤つうきんCommuting to work
335道具どうぐTool, instrument
336同時どうじSame time, simultaneously
337動物園どうぶつえんZoo
338泥棒どろぼうThief, robber
339どんどんどんどんSteadily, rapidly
340直すなおすTo fix, to repair (transitive)
341直るなおるTo be fixed, to get repaired (intransitive)
342治るなおるTo be cured, to heal (intransitive)
343治すなおすTo cure, to heal (transitive)
344中々なかなかNot easily, quite (with negative verbs)
345泣くなくTo cry
346無くすなくすTo lose something
347亡くなるなくなるTo pass away
348投げるなげるTo throw
349なさるなさるTo do (honorific)
350鳴るなるTo ring, to sound
351なるべくなるべくAs much as possible
352慣れるなれるTo get used to
353苦いにがいBitter
354二階建てにかいだてTwo-story building
355逃げるにげるTo run away, to escape
356日記にっきDiary
357入院にゅういんHospitalization
358入学にゅうがくEntering school/university
359似るにるTo resemble, to look like
360塗るぬるTo paint, to spread
361盗むぬすむTo steal
362濡れるぬれるTo get wet
363眠いねむいSleepy
364眠るねむるTo sleep
365残るのこるTo remain
366乗り換えるのりかえるTo transfer (trains, buses, etc.)
367乗り物のりものVehicle, ride
368Leaf
369場合ばあいCase, situation
370ばいDouble, times
371拝見するはいけんするTo see, to look at (very humble)
372運ぶはこぶTo carry, to transport
373始めるはじめるTo start (transitive)
374始まるはじまるTo start (intransitive)
375場所ばしょPlace, location
376はずはずShould be, expected to be
377恥ずかしいはずかしいEmbarrassed, ashamed
378発音はつおんPronunciation
379花見はなみFlower viewing (cherry blossom viewing)
380はやしWoods, forest
381払うはらうTo pay
382反対はんたいOpposition, opposite
383ひげひげBeard, moustache
384冷えるひえるTo become cold, to get chilly
385ひかりLight
386光るひかるTo shine, to glow
387引き出しひきだしDrawer
388引き出すひきだすTo withdraw, to pull out
389飛行場ひこうじょうAirfield, airport
390久しぶりひさしぶりLong time no see
391非常にひじょうにExtremely, very
392美術びじゅつFine arts
393びっくりするびっくりするTo be surprised
394必要ひつようNecessary, needed
395開く (ひらく)ひらくTo open (e.g. a book, an event)
396拾うひろうTo pick up
397増えるふえるTo increase (intransitive)
398深いふかいDeep
399複雑ふくざつComplicated, complex
400復習ふくしゅうReview (of lessons)
401吹くふくTo blow (wind)
402普通ふつうOrdinary, normal, usual
403布団ふとんFuton (Japanese bedding)
404ふねShip, boat
405不便ふべんInconvenient
406踏むふむTo step on
407ぶどうぶどうGrapes
408降り出すふりだすTo start to rain or snow
409文化ぶんかCulture
410文法ぶんぽうGrammar
411べつDifferent, separate
412へんStrange, odd
413返事へんじReply, answer
414貿易ぼうえきTrade
415放送ほうそうBroadcast
416法律ほうりつLaw
417ぼくI, me (male speech)
418ほしStar
419翻訳ほんやくTranslation
420参るまいるTo go, to come (humble form)
421負けるまけるTo lose, to be defeated
422曲がるまがるTo turn, to bend
423またはまたはOr, otherwise
424間違いまちがいMistake
425真面目まじめSerious, earnest
426回るまわるTo revolve, to go around
427マンションまんしょんApartment building (larger complex)
428魅力みりょくCharm, fascination
429向こうむこうOver there, beyond
430むしInsect, bug
431息子むすこSon
432むすめDaughter
433無料むりょうFree of charge
434申し訳ないもうしわけないI’m sorry, inexcusable
435焼き肉やきにくGrilled meat
436焼き鳥やきとりGrilled chicken skewers
437約束やくそくPromise, appointment
438優勝ゆうしょうOverall victory, championship
439輸出ゆしゅつExport
440輸入ゆにゅうImport
441揺れるゆれるTo shake, to sway
442用意よういPreparation
443用事ようじErrand, business to take care of
444用法ようほうUsage, directions
445予習よしゅうPreparation for a lesson
446予定よていPlan, schedule
447酔うようTo get drunk
448喜ぶよろこぶTo be delighted
449両親りょうしんParents
450留学生りゅうがくせいInternational (foreign) student
451料金りょうきんFee, charge
452礼儀れいぎEtiquette, manners
453冷静れいせいCalm, composed
454連続れんぞくContinuation, serial
455老人ろうじんElderly person
456論文ろんぶんThesis, essay
457若いわかいYoung
458わきSide, armpit
459わくFrame, border
460割引わりびきDiscount
461悪口わるぐちBad-mouthing, speaking ill of
462案外あんがいUnexpectedly, surprisingly
463一部いちぶOne part, portion
464移動いどうMovement, migration
465大勢おおぜいMany people
466行事ぎょうじEvent, function
467空港くうこうAirport
468原料げんりょうRaw materials
469後悔こうかいRegret
470好奇心こうきしんCuriosity
471公務員こうむいんGovernment worker
472国民こくみんThe people, citizens of a country
473誤解ごかいMisunderstanding
474広告こうこくAdvertisement
475交通事故こうつうじこTraffic accident
476支店してんBranch office
477下着したぎUnderwear
478次女じじょSecond daughter
479市役所しやくしょCity hall
480失望しつぼうDisappointment
481家庭かていHome, family
482失礼するしつれいするTo be rude, to excuse oneself
483車両しゃりょうVehicles, railroad cars
484住民じゅうみんResidents
485条件じょうけんCondition, requirement
486職業しょくぎょうOccupation
487進歩しんぽProgress
488かずNumber, amount
489生活費せいかつひLiving expenses
490精算せいさんSettlement (of an account)
491性能せいのうPerformance, efficiency
492正確せいかくAccurate, precise
493責任せきにんResponsibility
494専攻せんこうMajor (field of study)
495洗濯機せんたくきWashing machine
496想像そうぞうImagination
497尊敬そんけいRespect
498対応たいおうDealing with, correspondence
499大部分だいぶぶんMajority
500誰かだれかSomeone
501だんだんだんだんGradually, step by step
502遅刻ちこくBeing late
503中止ちゅうしSuspension, cancellation
504都合つごうCircumstances, convenience
505つまWife (one’s own)
506釣るつるTo fish
507程度ていどDegree, amount
508適切てきせつAppropriate, proper
509徹夜てつやStaying up all night
510電報でんぽうTelegram
511とうとうとうとうFinally, at last
512どろMud
513流すながすTo let flow, to wash away
514なぜなぜWhy
515なるほどなるほどI see, indeed
516日光にっこうSunshine, Nikko (place in Japan)
517入場にゅうじょうAdmission, entrance
518人形にんぎょうDoll
519ぬいぐるみぬいぐるみStuffed toy
520願うねがうTo wish, to request
521熱心ねっしんEnthusiastic, eager
522眠気ねむけSleepiness
523見舞いみまいVisiting someone ill, get-well visit
524引っ越すひっこすTo move (to a new residence)
525秘密ひみつSecret
526表示ひょうじIndication, display
527標準ひょうじゅんStandard
528拾うひろうTo pick up
529夫婦ふうふMarried couple
530不可欠ふかけつIndispensable, essential
531無事ぶじSafe, without problems
532減らすへらすTo reduce (transitive)
533減るへるTo decrease (intransitive)
534変更へんこうChange, modification
535訪問ほうもんVisit
536忘年会ぼうねんかいYear-end party
537負けまけDefeat, loss
538間に合わせるまにあわせるTo make (something) in time
539味方みかたAlly, supporter
540見直すみなおすTo look over again, to reconsider
541向けるむけるTo turn toward, to point
542無駄遣いむだづかいWaste (of money, time), wasteful spending
543命令めいれいOrder, command
544目的もくてきPurpose, goal
545文字もじLetter, character
546物語ものがたりStory, tale
547火傷やけどBurn (injury)
548宿やどInn, lodging
549やはりやはりAs expected, after all
550ゆかFloor
551譲るゆずるTo hand over, to yield
552要求ようきゅうDemand, request
553汚すよごすTo make dirty (transitive)
554汚れるよごれるTo become dirty (intransitive)
555予算よさんBudget
556予定表よていひょうSchedule table, itinerary
557理科りかScience (as a subject)
558利口りこうClever, intelligent
559離婚りこんDivorce
560留守番るすばんHouse-sitting, caretaker
561歴史れきしHistory
562恋愛れんあいRomance, love
563論じるろんじるTo argue, to discuss
564我儘わがままSelfish, willful
565別れわかれParting, separation
566わざとわざとOn purpose, intentionally
567僅かわずかOnly a little, mere
568笑いわらいLaughter, smile
569割合わりあいRatio, percentage
570割り込むわりこむTo cut in, to interrupt
571悪口わるぐちBad-mouthing, slander
572相変わらずあいかわらずAs ever, as usual
573相手あいてOpponent, partner, companion
574赤ん坊あかんぼうBaby
575諦めるあきらめるTo give up
576握手あくしゅHandshake
577朝寝坊あさねぼうOversleeping in the morning
578足跡あしあとFootprints
579味わうあじわうTo taste, to savor
580扱うあつかうTo handle, to deal with
581謝りあやまりApology
582現すあらわすTo show, to reveal (kanji: 現す)
583表すあらわすTo express, to represent (kanji: 表す)
584現れるあらわれるTo appear, to come in sight
585暗記あんきMemorization
586案外あんがいUnexpectedly, surprisingly
587一部いちぶOne part, portion
588移動いどうMovement, transfer
589大勢おおぜいCrowd, many people
590空港くうこうAirport
591原料げんりょうRaw materials
592後悔こうかいRegret
593公務員こうむいんGovernment worker
594国民こくみんCitizens, people of a country
595誤解ごかいMisunderstanding
596交通事故こうつうじこTraffic accident
597市役所しやくしょCity hall
598失望しつぼうDisappointment
599進歩しんぽProgress
600大部分だいぶぶんMajority, most part
jlpt N4 vocabulary list

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