List of Recommended JLPT Review Books for N5-N4 Levels

If you have already spent a few months or a year studying Japanese, you might be already thinking of taking your very first attempt at the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). The JLPT’s lowest level is N5 (Beginner), which is followed by N4 (Basic).

Taking the JLPT involves a lot of dedication, commitment, and hard work. While the N5 and N4 levels are far less demanding than the higher JLPT levels, some form of preparation will still be needed, especially if you care about the level of your performance.

Your likelihood of success at the JLPT will become higher if you (1) familiarize yourself with the form and content of the test, and (2) master Japanese language concepts.

The best way to do it? Use JLPT review books!

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Japanese NAT-TEST: All You Need to Know About the Best Substitute for JLPT

After two years since the pandemic started, the Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) has finally decided to resume the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). But here’s the catch: Only the most difficult levels, N1 and N2, will be conducted for the July 2022 exam in Manila.

This is a huge problem for those who want to take lower levels of the JLPT especially N4, the level which always has the greatest number of Filipino examinees by a wide margin.

Fortunately, the Japanese NAT-TEST (or “NAT-TEST”) can be the perfect alternative. While not as famous as the JLPT, it serves the same purpose and is widely accepted in the Philippines.

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The Comprehensive Guide to Understanding JLPT Scores

If there is one thing about the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) that is confusing to most test-takers, it will be the test results.

It seems that everybody has their own interpretation of how the scoring works in the JLPT and they talk about it as if scoring is shrouded in mystery. I thought, shouldn’t there be information about this that is publicly available?

Not surprisingly, the official JLPT website does provide information on the scoring. The same explanation, printed on a separate sheet, also accompanies the certificate and official score reports. I can only guess that nobody really bothered to read it and understand its implications.

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