Level test · 30 questions · About 20 minutes

Japanese N1 Test

Abstract reading, formal and literary grammar, fast natural speech.

Not sure of your level? Check your overall level →
Japanese N1 level test
Question 1 of 30
01 · The level

What the N1 level means

N1 is advanced Japanese: you read complex and abstract texts such as editorials and critical essays and follow their structure. You understand lectures, discussions and news across a broad range of subjects at natural speed. Grammar includes formal and literary structures used in editorials, speeches and professional writing.

KanjiWordsStudy hours
about 2,000about 10,000about 1,600 to 2,500

Commonly cited estimates for learners at this level.

02 · What the test covers

What this N1 test covers

  • VocabularyIdiomatic, formal and specialised vocabulary, such as 踏まえる and 見いだす.
  • KanjiAdvanced and literary kanji compounds, such as 緻密 and 顕著.
  • GrammarFormal written structures such as をもって and ならでは.
  • ReadingEditorials, essays and long texts with implied meaning.
  • ListeningLectures, discussions and fast natural speech.
03 · Sample questions

Sample N1 questions

Three practice questions in the style of the N1 test, one each for vocabulary, kanji and grammar, with answers.

Question 1 · Vocabulary · N1

Her years of effort paid off, and she finally set up on her own.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Answer: 1, 実って. 努力が実る means "efforts bear fruit", the set phrase for hard work paying off.

Question 2 · Kanji · N1

She gave a vague reply and changed the subject. Choose the reading of 曖昧.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Answer: 1, あいまい. 曖昧 is read あいまい and means "vague".

Question 3 · Grammar · N1

He kept working in spite of his illness.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Answer: 1, をおして. をおして means pushing on in spite of a hardship such as illness.

04 · Your result

How your N1 result is decided

  • ✓30 questions at the N1 level across vocabulary, kanji, grammar, reading and listening.
  • ✓21 or more correct answers out of 30 (70%): your result is "N1 reached". Below 21: your result is "N1 in progress".
  • ✓3 parallel forms for each level, so a second attempt in the same browser uses a different form.
  • ✓A certificate with your result, and a bilingual report with your result in each category, issued right after checkout.
05 · CEFR

N1 and the CEFR

N1 matches CEFR C1 (Advanced). The N levels are International Test Limited's reference levels, aligned to the CEFR.

N levelCEFRBand
N5A1Beginner
N4A2Elementary
N3B1Intermediate
N2B2Upper intermediate
N1C1Advanced

Not sure of your level? The online Japanese test places you anywhere from N5 to N1 in about 30 minutes. See all Japanese levels compared side by side.

06 · Level tests

Other level tests

07 · FAQ

N1 test FAQ

What does N1 require?

Reading abstract and complex texts such as editorials, following lectures and discussions at natural speed, and using formal and literary grammar. Commonly cited estimates are about 2,000 kanji and 10,000 words.

Is this the JLPT N1?

Japanese Proficiency Test is an independent assessment operated by International Test Limited and is not affiliated with the JLPT. JLPT is a trademark of the Japan Foundation and JEES. This N1 Test checks Japanese at the N1 level in 30 questions and about 20 minutes, with a bilingual report issued right after checkout.

Does the N1 Test include editorial-style texts?

Yes. Reading questions use editorial and essay-style passages, with questions on the writer's argument and implied meaning.

Which CEFR level matches N1?

N1 matches CEFR C1. The N levels are International Test Limited's reference levels, aligned to the CEFR.

Can I take the N1 Test again?

Yes. There are three parallel forms for each level, and your next attempt in the same browser uses a form you have not taken yet.