JLPT N2 case studies
JLPT N2 · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a five-level test of Japanese, with N5 as the easiest level and N1 as the most difficult. N2 sits one step below the top level: the official level summary describes it as "the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree." That means reading clearly written material on a range of topics - newspaper and magazine articles and commentaries, simple critiques, general-topic writing - and following a narrative while grasping the writer's intent. The JLPT N2 case studies are 5 cases and about 2,798 words.
1てある・ておく・ている: Reporting preparation under time pressure
山田さん is the newest member of a four-person 営業 team. At 13:40, twenty minutes before a 14:00 meeting with six visitors from a client, his 先輩 says, 「悪いけど、会議室、見ておいてくれる？」 The room has twelve copies of the agenda stacked on the table, the air conditioner is running, and both windows are open.
635 words, about 3 min2Collection-day planning: 祝日 cancellation, 第n週 rules, and a booking deadline
川口さん lives alone in a 市 whose rules are printed on a fridge magnet: 可燃ごみ is collected on 火・金; 資源ごみ（びん・缶・ペットボトル）on the 第2・第4水曜; collection is cancelled on 祝日 with no 振替; everything must be out by 8:00 on the day; 粗大ごみ needs a phone booking at least one week before the 第4木曜 collection day. Today is Sunday 4月20日 (2025).
567 words, about 3 min3Sorting out 二重敬語 and in-group/out-group reference in a business email
李さん works in the 営業部 of 株式会社サクラ. She must reply today to 株式会社ミナミ's 田中様 about tomorrow's meeting, and she must also report the same information to her own 部長, 佐藤.
478 words, about 2 min4Choosing a non-committal reply: 検討する・善処する・いたしかねる
鈴木さん works in the 購買部 of a 製造会社. On Tuesday a supplier emails to ask for a 5% price increase from next month and requests a reply by Friday.
519 words, about 3 min5Voicemail with a changed time, an unclear room, and a 17:00 building closing
王さん works at a 人材会社 and is the 担当 for a client, 株式会社オオタ. At 11:00 she listens to a voicemail from オオタ's 田中さん about tomorrow's 打ち合わせ.
599 words, about 3 min