Learning Japanese vocabulary is more useful when you learn words in context instead of memorizing isolated translations.

For JLPT N4 learners, everyday vocabulary can help you understand conversations, signs, notices, workplaces, and simple situations in Japan. One effective way to study is to learn a small group of words and then practice them in complete sentences.

In this lesson, we will learn five useful JLPT N4 vocabulary words:

• 以上[いじょう] — …and more; …and upwards
• 石[いし] — stone
• 事務所[じむしょ] — office
• 噛む[かむ] — to bite; to chew
• 硬い[かたい] — hard

Let’s look at each word and see how you can use it naturally.

Table of Contents

• Why Learn JLPT N4 Vocabulary in Context?
  1. 以上[いじょう] — …and More; …and Upwards
  2. 石[いし] — Stone
  3. 事務所[じむしょ] — Office
  4. 噛む[かむ] — To Bite; To Chew
  5. 硬い[かたい] — Hard
• JLPT N4 Vocabulary Summary
• How to Remember JLPT N4 Vocabulary
• Quick JLPT N4 Vocabulary Quiz
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Practical Learning Tip

Why Learn JLPT N4 Vocabulary in Context?

Knowing the English meaning of a Japanese word is only the first step.

For example, knowing that 以上[いじょう] means “and more” is helpful, but seeing it in a sentence such as 18歳[じゅうはっさい]以上[いじょう]の人[ひと]は入[はい]れます。 helps you understand how the expression works.

Learning vocabulary with example sentences can help you:

• Remember words more easily
• Understand Japanese sentences faster
• Recognize vocabulary while listening
• Use new words in your own conversations
• Prepare for JLPT reading and listening practice

1. 以上[いじょう] — …and More; …and Upwards

Meaning: …and more; …and upwards

以上[いじょう] is used when a number or amount represents a minimum level.

Example

18歳[じゅうはっさい]以上[いじょう]の人[ひと]は入[はい]れます。

Translation: People who are 18 and older can enter.

Here, 18歳以上 means “18 years old or older.”

You may see this type of expression on signs, notices, rules, and other everyday information.

Practice

Try making a sentence with an age, number, or amount.

For example:

10人[じゅうにん]以上[いじょう]で予約[よやく]できます。

Translation: You can make a reservation for 10 or more people.

2. 石[いし] — Stone

Meaning: stone

石[いし] is a common noun referring to a stone or rock.

Example

子[こ]どもが石[いし]を投[な]げました。

Translation: The child threw a stone.

The particle を shows what is being thrown. In this sentence, 石[いし] is the object of 投[な]げました.

Practice

You can create a simple sentence about something you see outside:

道[みち]に石[いし]があります。

Translation: There is a stone on the road.

3. 事務所[じむしょ] — Office

Meaning: office

事務所[じむしょ] refers to an office or workplace. You may encounter this word when talking about work or visiting an office.

Example

彼[かれ]は事務所[じむしょ]で働[はたら]いています。

Translation: He is working at the office.

Notice the use of で. The particle で indicates the place where an action takes place.

• 事務所[じむしょ] — office
• 事務所[じむしょ]で — at the office
• 働[はたら]いています — is working

Practice

Try changing the person in the sentence:

私[わたし]は事務所[じむしょ]で働[はたら]いています。

Translation: I work at the office.

4. 噛む[かむ] — To Bite; To Chew

Meaning: to bite; to chew

噛む[かむ] is a verb used when biting or chewing something.

Example

ガムをよく噛[か]みます。

Translation: I chew gum well.

Here, ガム is the object of the verb 噛む[かむ].

The polite form is:

噛みます[かみます] — chew; bite

Practice

Try using 噛む[かむ] with different foods.

食[た]べ物[もの]をよく噛[か]みます。

Translation: I chew my food well.

This is a useful sentence to practice because it combines everyday vocabulary with a common Japanese verb.

5. 硬い[かたい] — Hard

Meaning: hard

硬い[かたい] describes something that is physically hard or not soft.

Example

このパンは少[すこ]し硬[かた]いです。

Translation: This bread is a little hard.

You can use 硬い[かたい] when describing the texture of food or the physical condition of an object.

Practice

Try making your own sentence:

この肉[にく]は硬[かた]いです。

Translation: This meat is hard.

Learning 硬い[かたい] together with food-related vocabulary can make it easier to remember.

JLPT N4 Vocabulary Summary

Japanese	Reading	Meaning	Example
以上	いじょう	…and more; …and upwards	18歳以上の人は入れます。
石	いし	stone	子どもが石を投げました。
事務所	じむしょ	office	事務所で働いています。
噛む	かむ	to bite; to chew	ガムをよく噛みます。
硬い	かたい	hard	このパンは少し硬いです。

How to Remember These 5 Words

Instead of trying to memorize all five words at once, use a simple daily routine.

1. Read each word aloud

Say the Japanese word several times.

For example:

以上[いじょう]
石[いし]
事務所[じむしょ]
噛む[かむ]
硬い[かたい]

2. Read the example sentence

Don’t study only the English translation. Read the Japanese sentence aloud and notice how the word is used.

3. Create your own sentence

Change one part of the example sentence.

For example:

彼[かれ]は事務所[じむしょ]で働[はたら]いています。

can become:

私[わたし]は事務所[じむしょ]で働[はたら]いています。

4. Review the words later

Review today’s five words tomorrow and again after a few days.

Short, regular review is a useful way to keep vocabulary active in your memory.

5. Use vocabulary in real situations

When you see an office, notice a stone outside, eat something hard, or read a sign with a number, try to connect the situation with the Japanese vocabulary you have learned.

A Quick Practice Quiz

Choose the correct answer.

1. What does 以上[いじょう] mean?

A. Below
B. …and more; …and upwards
C. Inside

Answer: B

2. Which word means “stone”?

A. 石[いし]
B. 硬い[かたい]
C. 事務所[じむしょ]

Answer: A

3. What does 事務所[じむしょ] mean?

A. School
B. Office
C. Station

Answer: B

4. Which verb means “to bite; to chew”?

A. 噛む[かむ]
B. 働く[はたらく]
C. 投げる[なげる]

Answer: A

5. What does 硬い[かたい] mean?

A. Soft
B. Small
C. Hard

Answer: C

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this vocabulary useful for JLPT N4?

These are useful Japanese words for N4 learners and everyday Japanese practice. For complete JLPT preparation, learners should study vocabulary together with grammar, kanji, reading, and listening.

How can I memorize Japanese vocabulary faster?

Learn words with example sentences rather than studying only individual English translations. Reading, speaking, writing, and reviewing the words regularly can also make your study more effective.

What is the difference between 硬い[かたい] and “soft”?

硬い[かたい] describes something that is hard or firm. Its opposite in many physical contexts is 柔らかい[やわらかい], meaning “soft.”

How can I practice these N4 words?

Write one original Japanese sentence for each word, read the sentences aloud, and review the vocabulary regularly. You can also try using the words in short conversations.

Is vocabulary alone enough for JLPT N4?

No. Vocabulary is only one part of Japanese study. A balanced N4 study plan should also include grammar, kanji, reading, listening, and practical communication.

Practical Learning Tip

Try the 5-5-5 method:

• Learn 5 new words.
• Read 5 example sentences aloud.
• Review the words for 5 minutes the next day.

The goal is not to memorize hundreds of words in one sitting. Consistent practice can help you build your vocabulary step by step.

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Your Next Step

Before moving on to new vocabulary, try these five actions:

☐ Read all five words aloud.
☐ Review their meanings.
☐ Read each example sentence.
☐ Write one original sentence for each word.
☐ Review the five words again tomorrow.

If you want to study Japanese step by step with licensed native Japanese teachers, My Japanese Online can support your JLPT preparation and practical Japanese learning.

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