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Curriculum
Beginner Level
Category
N5 (Beginner) Level Guideline
N4 (Basic) Level Guideline
Estimated Total Study Time up to N4 Level
Vocabulary
Around 800 words (mainly key nouns, verbs, and adjectives)
Around 1,500 words (vocabulary necessary for daily life)
300 to 500 hours
Grammar
Around 100 grammar items (particles, te-form, masu-form, present/past tense, affirmative/negative forms)”
Around 200 grammar items (including the use of volitional form, potential form, passive form, causative form, and plain form)
Short Reading Comprehension
Understanding short notices and set phrases that include hiragana, katakana, and simple kanji
Understanding the main points of short texts and letters on familiar everyday topics.
Comprehension of medium-length texts
None
Understanding the main information in slightly longer texts (paragraphs)
Reading comprehension of long passages
None
None
Listening Comprehension
Understanding classroom instructions and simple information (such as time and place) in short conversations
Understanding the main content of slightly slow-paced conversations and announcements in everyday situations
Necessary Study Hours
Approximately 150–200 hours
150 to 300 hours
Total study time: approximately 300–500 hours
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