After successfully passing the JLPT N5, I felt a surge of confidence and knew that it was time to take on the next challenge: the JLPT N4. However, moving up to this level required a significant shift in my study methods and overall approach to learning Japanese. The leap from N5 to N4 isn’t just about knowing more kanji or vocabulary—it’s about deepening your understanding of the language and developing a more nuanced grasp of Japanese grammar and sentence structure.
Shifting Study Methods: A New Approach to Learning
One of the first things I realized as I began preparing for the JLPT N4 was that Japanese language schools tend to overload students with information. This approach often leaves little room for gaining a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the language. While the sheer volume of material covered in classes can be impressive, it can also be overwhelming, leading to a superficial grasp of the content rather than true mastery.
Kanji, in particular, posed a significant challenge. The schools I attended in both Tokyo and Osaka didn’t teach kanji as effectively as I had hoped. The lessons often felt rushed, with insufficient time dedicated to truly understanding and memorizing the characters. This realization prompted me to take matters into my own hands and explore alternative resources and study methods.
Discovering New Resources: Anki and Kanji Pro
Determined to succeed, I began supplementing my schoolwork with self-study. While I continued to use "Minna no Nihongo," a trusted resource from my N5 preparation, I knew that I needed to diversify my study tools. This led me to discover Anki, a flashcard application that quickly became invaluable for learning kanji and vocabulary. Anki’s spaced repetition system helped reinforce my memory, ensuring that the characters and words I learned stayed with me over time.
In addition to Anki, I also found "Kanji Pro," a fantastic book that provided a structured approach to memorizing kanji. The combination of these tools allowed me to tackle the challenges of the JLPT N4 head-on, especially in areas where traditional classroom instruction had fallen short.
The Classroom Experience in Osaka: A Mixed Bag
In an effort to enhance my language skills further, I enrolled in a Japanese language school in Osaka for three months. The structured environment of the school helped me cover all aspects of the language, but I quickly noticed a significant flaw in the curriculum: a strong focus on receptive skills, such as listening and reading, with little emphasis on speaking and writing. Since the JLPT does not test speaking or writing, these crucial skills were often neglected in the classroom. This was a disappointment for me, as I wanted to develop a well-rounded proficiency in Japanese.
The Realities of Taking the Test in Japan
Taking the JLPT N4 in Japan was a vastly different experience from taking the N5 in New Zealand. The first major difference was the absence of a visible clock for all test-takers. In Japan, you’re expected to bring your analog watch, as smartwatches or any electronic devices are strictly prohibited. If any device beeps or vibrates during the test, you’re required to leave the room, which adds an extra layer of stress to an already intense situation.
Another surprising aspect was the timing of the test. The total duration includes the time taken for explanations, which threw me off. We started later than expected, and I assumed we would recoup the lost time. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, and I found myself rushing to copy my answers onto the answer sheet. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: always write your answers on the sheet immediately, rather than transferring them at the end.
Overcoming Challenges: The Transition from N5 to N4
The transition from N5 to N4 presented several new challenges, particularly in the reading section. The way of thinking and constructing sentences in Japanese is often very different from English or Italian, not just grammatically but conceptually as well. This made it difficult to grasp certain expressions and nuances.
A memorable breakthrough during my N4 studies was the progress I made in the classroom. Initially, I started as the weakest student in the class, struggling to keep up with the lessons. However, with persistence and dedication, I improved significantly week by week. Eventually, I reached a point where I could follow the lessons well and even ask questions in Japanese—so many that my teachers occasionally got frustrated with my enthusiasm!
Balancing my study time across different sections of the exam was essential. While the school provided a structured approach, I knew that I needed to put in extra effort to practice speaking and writing on my own. These skills, although not tested on the JLPT, were crucial for my overall language development.
Recommendations for Future JLPT N4 Takers
For anyone preparing for the JLPT N4, I highly recommend the "Shin Kanzen Master" series. These textbooks—covering kanji, reading, listening, and grammar—are designed to teach you how to pass the test effectively. In addition to these resources, "Minna no Nihongo" 1 and 2 or "Genki" 1 and 2 are excellent choices for building a solid foundation. In hindsight, I found "Genki" to be particularly effective, with clearer explanations and more modern examples and vocabulary.
Final Thoughts
The journey from JLPT N5 to N4 was challenging but immensely rewarding. It required a shift in study methods, the discovery of new resources, and a dedication to mastering the language. While there were obstacles along the way, each step brought me closer to my goal of fluency in Japanese. For anyone embarking on this journey, remember that perseverance is key. Keep pushing forward, and the progress you make will be well worth the effort.
Have you attempted the JLPT N4? I’d love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have!
Marco
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