1200 Core N4 Words (Main Guide)
JLPT N4 Vocabulary Masterclass: Mastering the 1200 Core Words
Welcome to your ultimate guide to conquering the 1200 Core N4 Vocabulary words. Transitioning from N5 to N4 is a thrilling milestone. You are moving away from basic survival phrases and entering the realm of natural, expressive Japanese.
To master 1200 words without burning out, you must study strategically. This guide breaks down the high-yield vocabulary patterns you need to pass the JLPT N4 and speak with confidence.
1. The N4 Pillar: Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
The absolute core of N4 vocabulary is mastering paired verbs. The JLPT frequently tests whether you can pair the correct verb with the correct particle.
- Transitive (Active action on an object - Uses を):
- 閉める (shimeru / to close something)
- Example: 窓を閉めました。 (Mado o shimemashita.) - I closed the window.
- Intransitive (State of being/automatic action - Uses が):
- 閉まる (shimaru / to close [by itself])
- Example: 窓が閉まりました。 (Mado ga shimarimashita.) - The window closed.
High-Yield N4 Pairs to Memorize:
| Transitive (〜を) | Intransitive (〜が) | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 始める (hajimeru) | 始まる (hajimaru) | To start / To begin |
| 消す (kesu) | 消える (kieru) | To turn off / To go out |
| 壊す (kowasu) | 壊れる (kowareru) | To break / To be broken |
2. Compound Verbs (複合動詞)
N4 introduces verbs combined to create brand-new meanings. Pay close attention to how the first verb changes to its Stem Form (Masu-stem) before attaching to the second verb.
- 〜出す (-dasu / to start suddenly / to pull out)
- 急に雨が降り出した。
- Kyū ni ame ga furi-dashita.
- (Suddenly, it started raining.)
- 〜続ける (-tsuzukeru / to continue doing)
- 日本語を勉強し続けます。
- Nihongo o benkyō-shitsuzukemasu.
- (I will continue studying Japanese.)
3. Crucial Adverbs of Degree and Probability
Adverbs are the secret sauce of N4. They show nuance and prepare you for N4 grammar structures like 〜でしょう (deshō) or 〜かもしれません (ka mo shiremasen).
- ずいぶん (zuibun / extremely, considerably)
- ずいぶん寒くなりましたね。 (Zuibun samuku narimashita ne.) - It has become considerably colder, hasn't it?
- たぶん (tabun / probably) — Pairs with 〜でしょう
- 明日はたぶん雨でしょう。 (Ashita wa tabun ame deshō.) - It will probably rain tomorrow.
- もし (moshi / if) — Pairs with 〜たら
- もし雨が降ったら、行きません。 (Moshi ame ga futtara, ikimasen.) - If it rains, I won't go.
4. How to Learn 1,200 Words Efficiently
The "Sentence Mining" Method
Do not memorize words in isolation. Your brain remembers stories, not list items. Instead of memorizing 払う (harau / to pay), memorize the chunk:
- クレジットカードで払う (kurejitto kādo de harau / to pay by credit card).
The Leitner Spaced Repetition System (SRS)
Use apps like Anki or physical flashcards. Categorize your 1200 words into decks. Review difficult words daily, and mastered words once a week.
Tutor's Tip for Exam Day
When taking the N4, watch out for homophones (words that sound the same but have different Kanji). For example, 会う (to meet), 合う (to fit/match), and 遭う (to encounter a bad event) all read as au. Always look at the context and the Kanji!
Ganbatte kudasai! You are well on your way to intermediate Japanese mastery.
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