Level test · 30 questions · About 20 minutes

Japanese N2 Test

Newspaper reading, formal patterns and natural-speed listening.

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Japanese N2 level test
Question 1 of 30
01 · The level

What the N2 level means

N2 is working Japanese: you read articles and commentaries on a wide range of topics and follow the logic of clearly written texts. You understand conversations, interviews and news at natural speed and pick out the speaker's point. Grammar includes formal patterns of contrast, concession and stance used in writing and at work.

KanjiWordsStudy hours
about 1,000about 6,000about 1,000 to 1,600

Commonly cited estimates for learners at this level.

02 · What the test covers

What this N2 test covers

  • VocabularyAbstract and work-related vocabulary, including formal verbs such as 実施する.
  • KanjiKanji in newspapers, reports and business documents, such as 傾向 and 削減.
  • GrammarPatterns of contrast, concession and the writer's stance, such as にもかかわらず and ものの.
  • ReadingOpinion pieces, explanations and newspaper-style articles.
  • ListeningConversations, interviews and news at natural speed.
03 · Sample questions

Sample N2 questions

Three practice questions in the style of the N2 test, one each for vocabulary, kanji and grammar, with answers.

Question 1 · Vocabulary · N2

The new system is due to come into force next April.

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Answer: 1, 施行. 施行 (しこう) is used when a law or system comes into force.

Question 2 · Kanji · N2

After the talks, both sides decided to compromise. Choose the reading of 妥協.

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Answer: 1, だきょう. 妥協 is read だきょう and means "compromise".

Question 3 · Grammar · N2

He is very calm for someone so young.

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Answer: 1, わりに. わりに means "for" or "considering": calmer than we would expect at his age.

04 · Your result

How your N2 result is decided

  • ✓30 questions at the N2 level across vocabulary, kanji, grammar, reading and listening.
  • ✓21 or more correct answers out of 30 (70%): your result is "N2 reached". Below 21: your result is "N2 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

N2 and the CEFR

N2 matches CEFR B2 (Upper intermediate). 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

N2 test FAQ

Is N2 a good level for work in Japanese?

N2 is the level many employers name for office roles that use Japanese every day: reading documents, writing emails and following meetings at natural speed.

How many kanji are there at N2?

A commonly cited estimate is about 1,000 kanji, with about 6,000 words. The test uses kanji from newspapers, reports and workplace documents.

Is this the JLPT N2?

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 N2 Test checks Japanese at the N2 level in 30 questions and about 20 minutes, with a bilingual report issued right after checkout.

How fast is the listening at N2?

Natural speed, as in everyday conversations, interviews and news, with questions on the speaker's main point and intention.

Which CEFR level matches N2?

N2 matches CEFR B2. The N levels are International Test Limited's reference levels, aligned to the CEFR.