Course Overview
Welcome to our Basic Japanese Language Course designed specifically for learners aiming for the JLPT N4 level. This program focuses on mastering the two phonetic scriptshiragana and katakanaas well as the essential grammar patterns that appear in everyday conversation and the N4 examination.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Read and write all 46 basic hiragana and katakana characters confidently.
- Recognize common kanji up to the N4 requirement (approximately 300 characters).
- Form sentences using basic verb conjugations, adjectives, and particles.
- Understand and produce simple dialogues about daily life, personal interests, and travel.
- Take practice quizzes that simulate the JLPT N4 format.
Japanese Alphabets
Hiragana ()
Hiragana is the native Japanese script used for native words, verb endings, and grammatical particles. It consists of 46 basic symbols, each representing a distinct mora (sound).
| Character | Romanization |
|---|---|
| a | |
| i | |
| u | |
| e | |
| o |
Katakana ()
Katakana represents foreign loanwords, onomatopoeia, and the names of plants, animals, and minerals. Its shape is more angular than hiragana, making it easy to differentiate.
| Character | Romanization |
|---|---|
| a | |
| i | |
| u | |
| e | |
| o |
Both scripts share the same set of sounds, so once you know one, you can easily map the other.
Grammar Essentials for N4
The N4 grammar syllabus covers basic sentence structures, polite forms, and simple connective particles. Below are the most frequently tested patterns.
1. Verb Groups & Conjugations
- Group (Godan): change the final u sound to the appropriate ending (e.g., ).
- Group (Ichidan): drop the and add the ending (e.g., ).
- Irregular: , ().
2. Polite Present & Past
Present: verbmasu () eat.
Past: verbmasen () do not eat.
Past affirmative: verbmashita () ate.
3. Adjectives
- iadjectives: drop the final for negative () and past ().
- naadjectives: add for politeness () and for negative.
4. Particles
| Particle | Function |
|---|---|
| (wa) | Topic marker |
| (ga) | Subject marker, new information |
| (o) | Direct object |
| / (ni / e) | Direction, time, destination |
| (de) | Location of action |
| / (kara / made) | From / until |
| (to) | And / with (quotation) |
5. Common Sentence Patterns
- / Simple statements and negation.
- Desire (e.g., I want to eat).
- Opinion (e.g., I think its interesting).
- Request (e.g., Please write).
- Permission (e.g., May I come in?).
Interactive drills during the course will let you apply these patterns in realtime conversations.
Schedule & Pricing
Our course runs for 8 weeks, with two 90minute live classes each week. Each session includes a brief review, new material presentation, speaking practice, and a short quiz.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Hiragana, basic greetings |
| 2 | Katakana, loanwords, selfintroduction |
| 3 | Verb groups, present polite form |
| 4 | Past tense, negative forms |
| 5 | iadjectives & naadjectives |
| 6 | Particles (, , , , , ) |
| 7 | Complex sentences, conjunctions |
| 8 | Fulllength practice test & review |
Price: $320 (earlybird discount of $40 if you register before the 10th of the month).
All course materials, including printable worksheets, audio files, and a digital flashcard set, are included.
Ready to Start Learning?
Join a community of motivated learners and take the first step toward passing JLPT N4. Spots are limited to ensure personalized feedback.
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