Nihongo Challenge N4 – JLPT Preparation Book

Nihongo Challenge N4 is a Japanese-language study series designed for learners preparing for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4.

The series combines practical everyday Japanese with focused exam preparation, helping learners strengthen the vocabulary, grammar, reading and kanji skills required at N4 level.

Depending on the selected volume, explanations are supported by English, Portuguese and/or Korean translations, making the series especially useful for independent learners.

Available variants:

• Kotoba – Vocabulary
• Grammar & Reading Practice
• Kanji – N4 & N5

Variant 1: Nihongo Challenge N4 Kotoba – Vocabulary

Nihongo Challenge N4 Kotoba introduces approximately 600 N4-level vocabulary words, organized by familiar everyday situations and topics.

Each word is presented with example sentences and illustrations, making vocabulary easier to understand and remember in context rather than through simple memorization.

The book also includes useful supplementary expressions, including greetings, as well as numerous practice questions modeled on the format of the JLPT.

Vocabulary Book Features

• Approximately 600 JLPT N4-level vocabulary words
• Vocabulary organized by everyday situations and familiar topics
• Example sentences for practical context
• Helpful illustrations
• Includes useful expressions and supplementary vocabulary tables
• Practice questions based on JLPT-style formats
• English translations included
• Portuguese translations included
• Suitable for self-study and classroom use

Variant 2: Nihongo Challenge N4 – Grammar & Reading Practice

The Grammar & Reading Practice volume teaches JLPT N4 grammar through a continuous one-year story featuring recurring characters.

This story-based structure helps learners understand grammar in realistic contexts while gradually developing reading comprehension.

The book also includes numerous practice questions in formats similar to those used in the JLPT.

Special “Mou Chotto” sections provide additional explanations for grammar points that can be difficult to distinguish, using conversational examples and short quizzes to reinforce understanding.

Grammar & Reading Book Features

• Covers JLPT N4-level grammar
• Develops reading comprehension alongside grammar
• Grammar introduced through a year-long story
• Recurring characters and practical everyday situations
• Numerous JLPT-style practice questions
• Additional explanations for easily confused grammar points
• Dialogue-based examples
• Short quizzes for review
• English translations of grammar explanations and examples
• Portuguese translations included
• Suitable for self-study and classroom learning

Variant 3: Nihongo Challenge N4 & N5 – Kanji

Nihongo Challenge N4 & N5 Kanji is an introductory kanji textbook created especially for learners from non-kanji language backgrounds.

The book explains how kanji characters are formed using clear language, diagrams and illustrations, helping beginners understand and remember characters more naturally.

Carefully selected kanji compounds reflect words learners are likely to encounter in everyday life, helping reinforce both recognition and practical usage. Complete stroke order is shown from the first stroke onward to support correct and neat handwriting.

Learners can review their progress using practice questions modeled on the JLPT format.

Kanji Book Features

• Covers kanji for JLPT N5 and N4 preparation
• Designed especially for learners from non-kanji backgrounds
• Explains the structure and origin of kanji with diagrams and illustrations
• Uses simple, easy-to-understand explanations
• Includes practical kanji compounds encountered in everyday life
• Complete stroke-order guidance
• Supports both kanji recognition and writing practice
• Includes JLPT-style review questions
• Downloadable kanji cards available
• English translations included
• Portuguese translations included
• Korean translations included
• Suitable for beginner and elementary-level Japanese learners

Recommended For

• Learners preparing for JLPT N4
• Beginners studying JLPT N5 and N4 kanji
• Students who have completed basic beginner Japanese
• Learners who want structured vocabulary practice
• Students who want to improve grammar and reading together
• Learners from non-kanji language backgrounds
• Students looking for clear kanji stroke-order guidance
• Learners looking for multilingual study support
• Japanese language schools and teachers

Product Information

Product Name: Nihongo Challenge N4
Japanese Series: にほんごチャレンジ
Exam Level: JLPT N4 / N4 & N5 depending on variant
Product Type: Japanese language / JLPT preparation book
Publisher: ASK Publishing (アスク)
Available Variants: Kotoba / Grammar & Reading Practice / Kanji

Variant Information

Kotoba – Vocabulary
Japanese Title: にほんごチャレンジN4［ことば］
Main Focus: Vocabulary
Vocabulary Level: Approximately 600 N4-level words
Languages: Japanese, English, Portuguese
Publication Date: November 15, 2010
Print Length: 144 pages
ISBN-10: 4872177584
ISBN-13: 978-4872177589

Grammar & Reading Practice
Main Focus: Grammar and Reading Comprehension
Learning Style: Story-based grammar study with JLPT-style exercises
Languages: Japanese, English, Portuguese
Publication Date: November 10, 2010
Print Length: 240 pages
ISBN-10: 4872177568
ISBN-13: 978-4872177565

Kanji – N4 & N5
Japanese Title: にほんごチャレンジ N4・N5［漢字］
Main Focus: Kanji recognition, meaning, compounds and stroke order
Target Level: JLPT N5–N4
Target Learners: Beginners, especially learners from non-kanji language backgrounds
Languages: Japanese, English, Portuguese, Korean
Supplementary Material: Downloadable kanji cards

Important Note

Kotoba, Grammar & Reading Practice, and Kanji are separate books. Please select the desired variant before ordering.

Kotoba focuses on N4 vocabulary, Grammar & Reading Practice develops grammar and reading comprehension, while Kanji covers essential N5 and N4 kanji with visual explanations, practical compounds and stroke-order guidance.

Using the volumes together provides more comprehensive preparation for the JLPT N4.