JLPT N2 — Japanese for work and the wider world.
N2 means you can read newspapers and general magazines, follow news and conversation at natural speed, and grasp the structure and intent of longer texts. It is the level most employers and universities expect.
What JLPT N2 covers
Around 1,000 kanji and 6,000 vocabulary words — the level employers and universities look for.
- Around 1,000 kanji cumulatively — the working set for reading native materials.
- Around 6,000 vocabulary words across business, media, and academic registers.
- Grammar: nuanced expressions, formal and written styles, and idiomatic structures.
Who JLPT N2 is for
For advanced learners aiming to work, study, or live in Japan. N2 is the practical proficiency benchmark for professional and academic life.
How InitialJ helps you pass
Spaced repetition (SRS)
Every kanji and word has its own review schedule. Difficult items return sooner; mastered ones step aside — so the volume stays manageable.
Belt-based progress
Nine SRS stages, shown as karate belts from white to burned, give a clear sense of how solid each item really is.
Bilingual meanings
Meanings come in English and French, and reviews accept answers in either language — French speakers are first-class here.
Dictionary & grammar
Browse every kanji and word with furigana, romaji, examples, and mnemonics, plus grammar exercises tuned to each level.
Where our lists come from
Our N2 kanji and vocabulary lists are compiled from public JLPT specifications and frequency data, then reviewed manually and aligned with the in-app SRS decks. Counts are approximate ranges; the official JLPT does not publish a fixed word list.
Frequently asked questions
How many kanji for JLPT N2?
N2 expects around 1,000 kanji and roughly 6,000 vocabulary words — the practical reading set for newspapers and work.
Is N2 good enough for a job in Japan?
Yes — N2 is the most commonly requested level for office and professional roles in Japan.
Study JLPT N2 with InitialJ
Create a free account to track your belts across devices, or browse the dictionary first — no sign-up needed.