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Japanese Level Self-Test (A1-C1 Guide)

Updated 26 Oct 2026 3 min read LingoLadder Editorial Team
Cover: Japanese level self-test from A1 to C1, a checklist to find your starting point
Short answer

This self-test places you on the CEFR scale, from A1 (beginner) to C1 (advanced), using can-do statements. Read each level, tick what you can already do in Japanese, and your highest fully-ticked level is a fair starting point.

On this page11 sections · tap to jump
  1. 01By the end of this page you can…
  2. 02How to use this self-test
  3. 03A1 — Beginner
  4. 04A2 — Elementary
  5. 05B1 — Intermediate
  6. 06B2 — Upper intermediate
  7. 07C1 — Advanced
  8. 08Try a sentence at each level
  9. 09Where to start based on your result
  10. 10Practice
  11. 11Quiz

Level: N5 and up. No login, no score to submit — just a quick, honest way to find where to start in Japanese.

By the end of this page you can…

…place yourself on the CEFR scale (A1 to C1), see how that relates to the JLPT, and open the right first lesson.

How to use this self-test

Read each level from the top. For each can-do statement, ask whether you could do it right now, unprepared, without looking anything up. Your level is the highest band where you can honestly tick every line. The moment a band has even one line you cannot do, stop — that band is your current target, not your current level.

A1 — Beginner

  • I can use greetings and very basic phrases (konnichiwa, arigatō, sumimasen).
  • I can introduce myself and say where I am from.
  • I can read hiragana, and I am starting on katakana.
  • I can ask and answer simple questions about personal details, very slowly.

A2 — Elementary

  • I can handle short social exchanges: shopping, ordering food, asking directions.
  • I can describe my family and daily routine in simple sentences.
  • I can read hiragana and katakana comfortably and know some basic kanji.
  • I can talk about the past with the -mashita form.

B1 — Intermediate

  • I can cope with most situations while travelling in Japan.
  • I can describe experiences, plans and opinions and give short reasons.
  • I can follow the main points of clear standard speech on familiar topics.
  • I can read short everyday texts with common kanji.

B2 — Upper intermediate

  • I can hold a fluent conversation with native speakers without much strain.
  • I can understand the main ideas of complex texts and most TV news.
  • I can write clear, detailed text and argue a point of view.
  • I can read a wide range of kanji used in daily life.

C1 — Advanced

  • I can understand long, demanding texts and catch implied meaning.
  • I can express myself fluently without obviously searching for words.
  • I can use Japanese flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes.
  • I can read newspapers, essays and formal writing with few gaps.

Try a sentence at each level

Can you read and understand these without help? Comfort with each one roughly matches that band.

  1. こんにちは、私はアナです。
    Konnichiwa, watashi wa Ana desu.
    Hello, I'm Ana.
    A1 / N5
  2. 昨日、家族と買い物に行きました。
    Kinō, kazoku to kaimono ni ikimashita.
    Yesterday I went shopping with my family.
    A2 / N4
  3. 明日は雨が降ると思うので、傘を持っていきます。
    Ashita wa ame ga furu to omou node, kasa o motte ikimasu.
    I think it'll rain tomorrow, so I'll take an umbrella.
    B1 / N3
  4. この計画には利点もあるが、大きなリスクもある。
    Kono keikaku ni wa riten mo aru ga, ōkina risuku mo aru.
    Although this plan has advantages, it also has big risks.
    B2 / N2
  5. もっと早く知っていたら、違う決断をしていただろう。
    Motto hayaku shitte itara, chigau ketsudan o shite ita darō.
    Had I known earlier, I would have made a different decision.
    C1 / N1

Where to start based on your result

Recap card for the Japanese self-test showing the CEFR bands from A1 to C1

Quick recap before the quiz.

Practice

Practice

Place yourself

Try each one, then press Check. No sign-up, nothing is sent anywhere — it all runs in your browser.

1 You can greet people and read hiragana, but little else. Which band fits?
Show answer

A1 — Greetings plus beginning hiragana is A1.

2 You travel comfortably, give opinions with reasons and read common kanji. Which band?
Show answer

B1 — Coping while travelling and reading everyday kanji is B1.

3 Match the ability to its band.

  • Order food, basic past tense
  • Argue a point of view fluently
  • Catch implied meaning in essays
  • Introduce yourself slowly
Show answer
  • Order food, basic past tense → A2
  • Argue a point of view fluently → B2
  • Catch implied meaning in essays → C1
  • Introduce yourself slowly → A1

Each line is the headline skill for that band.

Hint: Not just some lines.

Show answer

every — Stop at the first band with a line you cannot do.

Quiz

Check yourself

Using the self-test

7 questions · pick an answer and you'll see straight away if it's right.

0/7 0 answered
  1. 1How do you decide your level?
    Show answer

    The highest band where you can do every line — Your level is the highest band you can fully tick.

  2. 2What should you do when judging a speaking can-do?
    Show answer

    Actually say a real example out loud — Producing language is harder than recognising it, so test it actively.

  3. 3You can shop, describe your routine and read both kana. Which band?
    Show answer

    A2 — Simple exchanges plus comfortable kana reading is A2.

  4. 4How does the JLPT grade levels?
    Show answer

    N5 (easiest) to N1 (hardest) — The JLPT runs from N5 (easiest) to N1 (hardest).

  5. 5How does the JLPT relate to the CEFR bands here?
    Show answer

    It does not map exactly, so comparisons are rough — The JLPT does not map exactly onto CEFR; treat mappings as rough.

  6. 6If two bands both feel half-true, you should…
    Show answer

    Pick the lower one and move up fast — Start lower; revising easy material is faster than struggling.

  7. 7Which script should a complete beginner read first?
    Show answer

    Hiragana — Hiragana comes first; the course and examples rely on it.

Next

Your Japanese course

All Japanese study topics

Vocabulary, pronunciation, phrases, practice and exam help, ordered by level. Pick a topic and go straight to it. New lessons go live every day, so topics marked Coming soon fill in over the next weeks.

Study topics

162 topics 2 ready now
Start here 6 topics · 2 ready
  1. 01 Start Learning Japanese Here
  2. 02 Japanese Level Self-Test (A1-C1 Guide) You are here
  3. 03 How to Use Flashcards for Japanese Coming soon
  4. 04 Spaced Repetition Explained Coming soon
  5. 05 Top Mistakes Japanese Learners Make Coming soon
  6. 06 Building a Daily Japanese Habit Coming soon
Lessons 54 topics See the lessons page →
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  2. 08 Japanese: Numbers 0 to 100 Coming soon
  3. 09 Japanese: Introducing Yourself Coming soon
  4. 10 Japanese: Days, Months & Dates Coming soon
  5. 11 Japanese: Telling the Time Coming soon
  6. 12 Japanese: Giving Personal Information Coming soon
  7. 13 Japanese: Family Members Coming soon
  8. 14 Japanese: Describing People Coming soon
  9. 15 Japanese: Colours & Shapes Coming soon
  10. 16 Japanese: Food & Drink Basics Coming soon
  11. 17 Japanese: Ordering at a Cafe Coming soon
  12. 18 Japanese: Shopping & Prices Coming soon
  13. 19 Japanese: Clothing & Sizes Coming soon
  14. 20 Japanese: Asking for Directions Coming soon
  15. 21 Japanese: Using Public Transport Coming soon
  16. 22 Japanese: At the Hotel Coming soon
  17. 23 Japanese: Weather & Seasons Coming soon
  18. 24 Japanese: Hobbies & Free Time Coming soon
  19. 25 Japanese: Daily Routine Coming soon
  20. 26 Japanese: Housing & Rooms Coming soon
  21. 27 Japanese: Household Chores Coming soon
  22. 28 Japanese: At the Doctor Coming soon
  23. 29 Japanese: Parts of the Body Coming soon
  24. 30 Japanese: Emotions & Feelings Coming soon
  25. 31 Japanese: Making Appointments Coming soon
  26. 32 Japanese: Making Plans & Invitations Coming soon
  27. 33 Japanese: Phone & Messaging Coming soon
  28. 34 Japanese: Expressing Opinions Coming soon
  29. 35 Japanese: Talking About Past Experiences Coming soon
  30. 36 Japanese: Future Plans & Goals Coming soon
  31. 37 Japanese: School & Education Coming soon
  32. 38 Japanese: Jobs & Professions Coming soon
  33. 39 Japanese: At the Office Coming soon
  34. 40 Japanese: The Job Interview Coming soon
  35. 41 Japanese: Formal Writing & Emails Coming soon
  36. 42 Japanese: Money & Banking Coming soon
  37. 43 Japanese: Restaurant & Dining Out Coming soon
  38. 44 Japanese: Supermarket & Groceries Coming soon
  39. 45 Japanese: Travel & the Airport Coming soon
  40. 46 Japanese: Sightseeing & Tourism Coming soon
  41. 47 Japanese: Emergencies & Safety Coming soon
  42. 48 Japanese: Technology & the Internet Coming soon
  43. 49 Japanese: News & Current Affairs Coming soon
  44. 50 Japanese: Environment & Nature Coming soon
  45. 51 Japanese: Health & Lifestyle Coming soon
  46. 52 Japanese: Culture & Traditions Coming soon
  47. 53 Japanese: Describing Trends & Data Coming soon
  48. 54 Japanese: Debating & Argumentation Coming soon
  49. 55 Japanese: Idioms & Colloquialisms Coming soon
  50. 56 Japanese: Formal vs Informal Register Coming soon
  51. 57 Japanese: Storytelling & Narration Coming soon
  52. 58 Japanese: Complaints & Solving Problems Coming soon
  53. 59 Japanese: Giving a Short Presentation Coming soon
  54. 60 Japanese: Small Talk & Networking Coming soon
Vocabulary 43 topics See the vocabulary page →
  1. 61 100 Most Common Japanese Words Coming soon
  2. 62 Japanese Words 101-250 (Frequency) Coming soon
  3. 63 Japanese Words 251-500 (Frequency) Coming soon
  4. 64 Japanese Words 501-1000 (Frequency) Coming soon
  5. 65 Japanese Words 1001-1500 (Frequency) Coming soon
  6. 66 Japanese Words 1501-2000 (Frequency) Coming soon
  7. 67 Japanese Words 2001-3000 (Frequency) Coming soon
  8. 68 100 Essential Japanese Verbs Coming soon
  9. 69 Common Japanese Adjectives Coming soon
  10. 70 Everyday Japanese Adverbs Coming soon
  11. 71 Japanese Connectors & Linking Words Coming soon
  12. 72 Japanese Question Words & Phrases Coming soon
  13. 73 Japanese Time Expressions Coming soon
  14. 74 Japanese Food & Cooking Vocabulary Coming soon
  15. 75 Japanese Animals Vocabulary Coming soon
  16. 76 Japanese Body & Health Vocabulary Coming soon
  17. 77 Japanese Clothing Vocabulary Coming soon
  18. 78 Japanese House & Furniture Vocabulary Coming soon
  19. 79 Japanese Kitchen & Tableware Vocabulary Coming soon
  20. 80 Japanese Transport & Travel Vocabulary Coming soon
  21. 81 Japanese Places in Town Vocabulary Coming soon
  22. 82 Japanese Nature & Geography Vocabulary Coming soon
  23. 83 Japanese Weather Vocabulary Coming soon
  24. 84 Japanese Jobs & Professions Vocabulary Coming soon
  25. 85 Japanese Technology & Internet Vocabulary Coming soon
  26. 86 Japanese Money & Shopping Vocabulary Coming soon
  27. 87 Japanese Emotions & Feelings Vocabulary Coming soon
  28. 88 Japanese Sports & Exercise Vocabulary Coming soon
  29. 89 Japanese Education & School Vocabulary Coming soon
  30. 90 Japanese Business & Work Vocabulary Coming soon
  31. 91 Japanese Family & Relationships Vocabulary Coming soon
  32. 92 Japanese Colours Vocabulary Coming soon
  33. 93 Japanese Verbs of Motion Coming soon
  34. 94 Japanese Opinion & Attitude Vocabulary Coming soon
  35. 95 Japanese Academic Vocabulary Coming soon
  36. 96 Japanese Medical & Pharmacy Vocabulary Coming soon
  37. 97 Japanese Admin & Paperwork Vocabulary Coming soon
  38. 98 Japanese Environment & Climate Vocabulary Coming soon
  39. 99 Japanese Arts, Music & Film Vocabulary Coming soon
  40. 100 Japanese Counters Reference Coming soon
  41. 101 Katakana Loanwords (Gairaigo) Vocabulary Coming soon
  42. 102 Japanese Onomatopoeia (Giongo/Gitaigo) Coming soon
  43. 103 Japanese Numbers, Dates & Counting Coming soon
Pronunciation & writing 15 topics See the pronunciation & writing page →
  1. 104 Japanese Pronunciation Overview Coming soon
  2. 105 Hiragana Chart (Complete) Coming soon
  3. 106 Katakana Chart (Complete) Coming soon
  4. 107 Dakuten & Handakuten (゛ ゜) Coming soon
  5. 108 Yoon: Combined Kana (きゃ しゅ ちょ kya shu cho) Coming soon
  6. 109 Long Vowels & Small Tsu (Sokuon) Coming soon
  7. 110 Japanese Pitch Accent (Intro) Coming soon
  8. 111 Introduction to Kanji Coming soon
  9. 112 Kanji Radicals (Bushu) Coming soon
  10. 113 Kanji Readings: On'yomi vs Kun'yomi Coming soon
  11. 114 Kanji & Kana Stroke Order Rules Coming soon
  12. 115 When to Use Kana vs Kanji Coming soon
  13. 116 Romaji: Systems & Why to Move Beyond It Coming soon
  14. 117 Essential N5 Kanji Set Coming soon
  15. 118 Essential N4 Kanji Set Coming soon
Practice 13 topics See the practice page →
  1. 119 Shadowing to Improve Japanese Speaking Coming soon
  2. 120 How to Practise Japanese Listening Coming soon
  3. 121 Japanese Reading Practice: Beginner Coming soon
  4. 122 Japanese Reading Practice: Elementary Coming soon
  5. 123 Japanese Reading Practice: Intermediate Coming soon
  6. 124 Japanese Reading Practice: Upper-Intermediate Coming soon
  7. 125 How to Practise Japanese Writing Coming soon
  8. 126 Hiragana Reading & Writing Practice Coming soon
  9. 127 Katakana Reading & Writing Practice Coming soon
  10. 128 Japanese Keigo Practice Set Coming soon
  11. 129 Japanese Particles Review Set Coming soon
  12. 130 Giving & Receiving (ageru/kureru/morau) Practice Coming soon
  13. 131 Sentence-Ending Particles Practice Coming soon
Phrases 20 topics See the phrases page →
  1. 132 50 Japanese Survival Phrases Coming soon
  2. 133 Japanese Greetings & Goodbyes Coming soon
  3. 134 Japanese Politeness & Please/Thank-You Coming soon
  4. 135 Japanese Travel Phrases Coming soon
  5. 136 Japanese Restaurant Phrases Coming soon
  6. 137 Japanese Hotel Phrases Coming soon
  7. 138 Japanese Shopping Phrases Coming soon
  8. 139 Japanese Asking Directions Phrases Coming soon
  9. 140 Japanese Emergency Phrases Coming soon
  10. 141 Japanese Small Talk Phrases Coming soon
  11. 142 Japanese Phone & Call Phrases Coming soon
  12. 143 Japanese Business Meeting Phrases Coming soon
  13. 144 Japanese Social & Making-Friends Phrases Coming soon
  14. 145 Japanese Airport Phrases Coming soon
  15. 146 Japanese Doctor & Pharmacy Phrases Coming soon
  16. 147 Japanese Opinion & Discussion Phrases Coming soon
  17. 148 Japanese Agreeing & Disagreeing Phrases Coming soon
  18. 149 Japanese Texting & Chat Phrases Coming soon
  19. 150 Japanese Classroom Phrases Coming soon
  20. 151 Japanese Complaint & Problem Phrases Coming soon
Exams 11 topics See the exams page →
  1. 152 Japanese Exams: Which One & How to Prepare Coming soon
  2. 153 JLPT Overview: Levels & Scoring Coming soon
  3. 154 JLPT N5: What You Need to Know Coming soon
  4. 155 JLPT N4: What You Need to Know Coming soon
  5. 156 JLPT N3: What You Need to Know Coming soon
  6. 157 JLPT N2: What You Need to Know Coming soon
  7. 158 JLPT N1: What You Need to Know Coming soon
  8. 159 JLPT Reading (Dokkai) Strategies Coming soon
  9. 160 JLPT Listening (Choukai) Strategies Coming soon
  10. 161 JLPT Vocabulary & Kanji Prep Coming soon
  11. 162 JLPT Grammar (Bunpou) Prep Coming soon