Japanese study not translating to JLPT

Japanese
#1

Hello, sorry in advance for the length, I’m just a little frustrated and confused.

I’ve been steadily improving my Japanese since moving to Japan. My vocabulary, kanji knowledge and reading ability has improved from what it was. However, when I try to practice N3 JLPT tests, it just feels so different to anything I study from Bunpro and anything I read day to day.

I used the Migii app for the most recent test and I’ve heard it’s often harder than what the N* level you’re doing is (for example it asked me questions that relied on me knowing the words 靭やか and がっつく, an N1 and unlisted word respectively). I’m going to look for alternatives to take practice tests for next time for this.

My question is - if I want to pass the JLPT, should I change my studying? I have been focusing a lot more on vocabulary and reading recently - although this reading is mainly manga/ NHK news/ BP reading practice which is typically very different to the content found in reading sections of JLPT.

I noticed during the longer reading sections - I can understand a sentence as it uses grammar I’ve already studied, however as the paragraphs get longer and longer, my understanding fades. I’m wondering if this is down to bad habits of learning grammar as single sentences at a time through Bunpro without adequate reading practice with varied material?

I don’t want to be too hard on myself, but nearing 2 years living in Japan and 4 years studying Japanese prior, I feel I shouldn’t be feeling like I’m struggling with the language so much.

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#2

Being good at Japanese and being good at JLPT are slightly different skills. They are highly correlated, but definitely not the same. I am sure your actual Japanese is much better than what it used to be, so do not stress too much over it.

If your goal is passing JLPT, try taking a couple more of the practice tests to get used to the format. Maybe try an N4, even if you are trying for an N3, to see what it is like. By cramming sample tests, you can definitely boost your score.

If you notice that certain parts of the test are much harder, then you might have to adjust your studying routine to cover those weaknesses, but hard to say without knowing your specifics.

Regarding seeing an N1 and unlisted words on the test – that is ok. Grammar/Vocab lists available online are only educated guesses; they are not official. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few curveballs on the test.

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#3

Yea I agree with what Bezmolwie says. Im floating around n4 level and I can converse day to day with some struggles, mostly lack of vocab, and I do a lot of reading.

This however, is NOT the same as a test. They dont care if you can do xyz in the real world, they want VERY specific usages and understanding. So I would just transfer and study for the test. Since you live in Japan, your ability wont decrease and you’ll have a better understanding of what it wants from you. I personally like the Japan Times JLPT books, and there is a good chance your local bookstore(or bigger city if you are lucky to live that Inaka life) will have the levels youre looking for.

Maybe grab the N4 test and give it a shot as practice, and to understand what it wants then move up

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#4

I’m at work so couldn’t do the listening section but I just did an N4 practice test on Todaii, I got 40/40 on the vocab section but then made some silly mistakes in the language/reading section regarding some particles and grammar.

I think it’s just me getting salty about the step up in difficulty from N4 to N3 when it comes to reading dull JLPT questions. The answers aren’t as obvious in N3 as they are in N4.

I completely understand though that the JLPT is nothing like normal everyday Japanese. I’m only intending to take it to get the official test on my resume.

I’ve been scouring Learn Natively for some non-manga that could be suitable for my level and something different to read from. Thank you!

#5

Yea I hear you. N3 is literally both N4 and N5 combined, so that leap is insane I hear. I hope to be there this winter for the test. Keep it up fam, and by the power if zyzz we all gonna make it.

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