JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List: Listening
The list summarizes "what successful JLPT examinees of each level think they can do in Japanese," based on self-evaluation
survey results.
It is not a syllabus (question outline) of the JLPT, nor does it guarantee the Japanese-language proficiency of successful
examinees. For language proficiency measured by the JLPT and question outline, please refer to "Summary of Linguistic
Competence Required for Each Level."
The list can be used as a reference to help examinees and others get an idea of "what successful examinees of a particularlevel can do in Japanese."

N1

N2

N3

N4

difficult

1 I can understand the main points of TV news about politics, economics, etc.
2

I can understand the general content when I engage in conversations on current topics
covered by the media.

3

I can understand the general content of speeches in formal situations (e.g. welcomeparties, etc.).

4

I can generally understand announcements about unpredictable occurrences (e.g.
accidents, etc.).

5 I can understand the content of inquiries about my work or specialized field.
6

I can understand the general content of lectures and speeches given on themes I am
concerned about.

7 I can follow discussions when I participate in meetings at school or work.
8

I can understand the general content of discussions and debates on themes I amconcerned about.

9

I can understand the general content of TV programs covering familiar everyday topics(e.g. cooking, travel, etc.).

10

I can follow discussions on familiar everyday topics (e.g. travel plans, preparations forparties, etc.) when I participate in meetings.

11 I can generally understand TV dramas and movies in standard Japanese.
12

I can get necessary information (e.g. features, etc.) from explanations about products
at stores.

13 I can generally understand announcements at stations and department stores.
14

I can understand the general content when I engage in small talk and freeconversations with people around me.

15 I can understand simple walking directions and directions for public transportation.
16

I can generally understand conversations on familiar everyday topics (e.g. hobbies, food,weekend plans, etc.).

17 When I am given simple instructions, I can understand what is required of me.
18 I can understand instructions from my teacher such as meeting times and places.

easy

19

I can understand phrases commonly used at stores, post offices, and stations (e.g.
“May I help you?” “It’s ○○yen.” and “Here you are.”, etc.).

20 I can understand simple self-introductions by teachers and friends in classrooms.
※Percentages of successful examinees of each level who think they "can do" an item areshown in four ranges. When estimating percentages, the responses of only "successfulexaminees near the passing line" were used. For details, please refer to "List preparation"at the beginning.

less than 25%
25-50%
50-75%
75% or higher©2012 The Japan Foundation, and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.

N5

JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List: Speaking
The list summarizes "what successful JLPT examinees of each level think they can do in Japanese," based on self-evaluation
survey results.
It is not a syllabus (question outline) of the JLPT, nor does it guarantee the Japanese-language proficiency of successfulexaminees. For language proficiency measured by the JLPT and question outline, please refer to "Summary of Linguistic
Competence Required for Each Level."
The list can be used as a reference to help examinees and others get an idea of "what successful examinees of a particularlevel can do in Japanese."

N1

difficult

1

N2

N3

N4I can express my opinion in a logical manner when I join in discussions and debates ontopics I am concerned about.

2 I can ask questions and express my opinion about current topics covered by the media.
3I can explain the background and cause of unpredictable occurrences (e.g. accidents,etc.).

4

I can use either polite or casual Japanese according to the situation and the person I
am speaking with.

5

I can give a brief description of the story line of a movie I have seen or a book I haveread recently.

6

I can express my agreement or disagreement of others’ opinions in class discussions
and tell its reason.

7

If I prepare in advance, I can give a presentation on a subject I specialize in or I knowwell.

8 I can talk with friends and colleagues about travel plans or party preparations, etc.
9I can speak of my expectations and experiences at job interviews (e.g. working hours,work experience, etc.).

10I can give walking directions and directions for public transportation to locations I knowwell.

11If I prepare in advance, I can make a short speech in formal situations such as my own
farewell party.

12 I can ask questions about things I want to buy and explain my wishes and conditions.
13 I can tell that I will be late or absent by telephone.
14I can join in conversations on familiar everyday topics (e.g. hobbies, weekend plans,etc.).

15 I can ask when is convenient for the other person and decide a day and time to meet.
16 I can express feelings such as surprise and joy, and the reasons for them.
17 I can describe my room.
18 I can talk about my hobbies and interests.

easy

19

I can engage in simple communication using phrases commonly used at stores, post
offices, and stations (e.g. “How much is it?” “Can I have ○○?”,etc.).

20 I can introduce myself and answer simple questions about myself.
※Percentages of successful examinees of each level who think they "can do" an item areshown in four ranges. When estimating percentages, the responses of only "successful
examinees near the passing line" were used. For details, please refer to "List preparation"at the beginning.

less than 25%
25-50%
50-75%
75% or higher©2012 The Japan Foundation, and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.

N5

JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List: Reading
The list summarizes "what successful JLPT examinees of each level think they can do in Japanese," based on self-evaluation
survey results.
It is not a syllabus (question outline) of the JLPT, nor does it guarantee the Japanese-language proficiency of successful
examinees. For language proficiency measured by the JLPT and question outline, please refer to "Summary of Linguistic
Competence Required for Each Level."
The list can be used as a reference to help examinees and others get an idea of "what successful examinees of a particularlevel can do in Japanese."

N1

difficult

1I can understand the main points of articles on politics, economics, etc., in newspapersand magazines.

2I can understand the points, opinions, and argument structure of editorial columns (e.g.
in newspapers, etc.).

N2

N3N4

3 I can read novels, understanding the feelings of the characters and the story line.
4 I can understand what the author wants to say in narrative essays.
5I can understand the main ideas of academic/technical texts on topics I am concerned
about.

6 I can understand the content of official letters and e-mails written in polite Japanese.
7 I can understand inquiries and requests from business partners.
8

I can understand the content of articles in newspapers and magazines written aboutfamiliar everyday topics.

9

I can get necessary information from travel guidebooks and magazines about entering
university or finding jobs.

10 I can understand the definitions provided in general Japanese-Japanese dictionaries.
11

I can get necessary information from the brochures of products (e.g. product features,etc.).

12 I can understand the main story lines of short stories.
13 I can understand post cards and e-mails from my acquaintances and friends.
14

I can get necessary information (e.g. lecture or meeting schedules, etc.) from noticeboards at school or work.

15

I can understand the sale dates and prices listed in newspaper advertisements andfliers.

16

I can read train schedules and guide signs at stations in order to determine what time
to board my train.

17 I can read and understand New Year’s and birthday cards.
18 I can understand simple memos.

easy

19

I can understand simple instructions with pictures (e.g. how to put out trash, how toprepare meals).

20

I can understand my appointment day and time from appointment reservation charts at
my school, etc.

※Percentages of successful examinees of each level who think they "can do" an item areshown in four ranges. When estimating percentages, the responses of only "successfulexaminees near the passing line" were used. For details, please refer to "List preparation"at the beginning.

less than 25%
25-50%
50-75%
75% or higher©2012 The Japan Foundation, and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.

N5

JLPT Can-do Self-Evaluation List: Writing
The list summarizes "what successful JLPT examinees of each level think they can do in Japanese," based on self-evaluation
survey results.
It is not a syllabus (question outline) of the JLPT, nor does it guarantee the Japanese-language proficiency of successful
examinees. For language proficiency measured by the JLPT and question outline, please refer to "Summary of Linguistic
Competence Required for Each Level."
The list can be used as a reference to help examinees and others get an idea of "what successful examinees of a particularlevel can do in Japanese."

N1

N2

N3

N4difficult

1 I can express my opinions logically in writing.
2 I can write explanations about unpredictable occurrences (e.g. accidents, etc.).
3 I can write instructions such as how to make meals and how to use machines.
4 I can write reports on fields I am concerned about.
5I can write letters and e-mails using basic polite Japanese to senior acquaintances(e.g. teachers, etc.).

6 I can write a short speech for my farewell party, etc.
7 I can write statements of purpose for school or work.
8 I can summarize the story line of a book I have read or a movie I have seen recently.
9 I can express my opinions in writing, giving reasons.
10 I can briefly write about my experiences and impressions about them.
11 I can write letters and e-mails to apologize or convey appreciation to acquaintances.
12 I can describe my day-to-day life in writing.
13I can briefly write about my future plans and wishes (e.g. summer vacation travel, work
I want to do).

14 I can write short entries in a diary.
15 I can write simple memos to my friends and colleagues.
16 I can briefly write about familiar topics such as my family and town.
17 I can write my schedule in short words on schedule boards or calendars.
18 I can write short sentences for birthday and thank-you cards.

easy

19 I can write a simple self-introduction.
20 I can write my name, country, etc. in forms.
※Percentages of successful examinees of each level who think they "can do" an item areshown in four ranges. When estimating percentages, the responses of only "successful
examinees near the passing line" were used. For details, please refer to "List preparation"at the beginning.

less than 25%
25-50%
50-75%
75% or higher©2012 The Japan Foundation, and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.

N5