The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is the most common test that learners prepare for while learning Japanese. I'm often asked whether or not renshuu teaches the JLPT.
1. There is no such thing as official JLPT lists. Many years ago, the group behind the JLPT did publish vocab/kanji lists for each level of the test. However, even then, the test stated that up to 20% of the words in the test will come from outside of those lists.
So even when the JLPT did have lists, they weren't very helpful. In 2010, though, the JLPT when from 4 levels to 5, and all the word lists were unpublished.
So basically, all "JLPT" lists (including renshuu's) are educated guesses based on those old lists, which changes made over time.
Since renshuu caters to all learners, our premade materials are broken into several groups:
Japanese Basics ("N6")
Beginner Japanese (N5)
Pre-Intermediate (N4)
Intermediate (N3)
Pre-Advanced (N2)
Advanced (N1)
Going from 0 Japanese to N5 is a huge step, and so we split the N5 words/grammar into "N6" and N5. Additionally, you'll notice that put together, out N6/N5 lists have a few hundred more words than lists in most other places.
What our word lists are built around:
1. The original JLPT lists from pre-2010
2. Words we feel are common enough, or are commonly used in N5 level grammar (you can't use grammar without words, after all)
3. A wish that learners over-prepare for the JLPT.
In particular, with #3, those that have taken it are all-too-familiar with being able to take it only once or twice a year, paying a ton for the test, then having to wait months to see if they passed it (and feel comfortable starting the next level).
Ultimately, we'd rather help you feel that, once you complete the materials on renshuu, you are *more than ready* for that particular JLPT level, and don't fall into the trap of failing by 3-5% and then having to wait another 6 months for another try.
Additionally, we hope that the JLPT is just a step in your learning journey as you progress to fluency, and so it is never a bad idea to grab more common words so you can better express yourself! Snow Rider
