Learn Japanese Language Proficiency — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the small っ (sokuon) used for in hiragana?

Marking a long vowel
Indicating a double consonant pause (Correct answer)
Ending a sentence
Writing foreign sounds

Correct answer: Indicating a double consonant pause

The small っ indicates a geminate (doubled) consonant, creating a brief pause before the following consonant.

Question 2: You see that the lights in a room are on. Which sentence correctly describes this existing state?

電気が消えています。
電気をつけました。
電気がついています。 (Correct answer)
電気をつけています。

Correct answer: 電気がついています。

The intransitive verb つく (tsuku - to turn on by itself) is used with the 〜ている form to describe a resulting state. 「電気がついています」 (Denki ga tsuite imasu) means "The light is on," which correctly describes the state of the lights without mentioning who performed the action.

Question 3: What does the phrase Hontouni shiawase da mean?

I'm happy (Correct answer)
I'm excited
I'm lonely
I'm sad

Correct answer: I'm happy

The Japanese phrase 'Hontouni shiawase da' translates to 'I'm happy' or 'I am truly happy.' 'Hontouni (本当に)' means 'truly' or 'really,' and 'shiawase (幸せ)' means 'happiness' or 'happy.' The 'da (だ)' is a copula, indicating a state of being, thus expressing a strong feeling of contentment.

Question 4: What is the hiragana character for the vowel sound 'a'?

え
あ (Correct answer)
い
う

Correct answer: あ

The hiragana character あ represents the vowel sound 'a,' the first vowel in the Japanese syllabary.

Question 5: How do you pronounce the number two?

Ni (Correct answer)
Go
Ichi
San

Correct answer: Ni

The Japanese pronunciation for the number two is 'Ni' (に). This is one of the fundamental numbers to learn in Japanese. The other options represent different numbers: 'Ichi' is one, 'San' is three, and 'Go' is five.

Question 6: You hear the following announcement in a train station: 「まもなく、一番線に、渋谷、新宿方面行き、山手線がまいります。危ないですから、黄色い線の内側までお下がりください。この電車は、各駅に停まります。」 (The Yamanote Line train for Shibuya and Shinjuku is arriving shortly on Track 1. As it is dangerous, please stand behind the yellow line. This train stops at every station.) Which track should you go to for the train bound for Shinjuku?

The Shibuya Line (渋谷線)
The yellow line (黄色い線)
Every track (各駅)
Track 1 (一番線) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Track 1 (一番線)

The announcement clearly states, 「一番線に...山手線がまいります」 (The Yamanote Line train will arrive on Track 1). '黄色い線' (yellow line) is a safety instruction, '各駅' (every station) describes where the train stops, not the track, and '渋谷線' (Shibuya Line) is not mentioned.

Question 7: What is the missing number? 一二三四五六七八十

4
2
9 (Correct answer)
5

Correct answer: 9

The sequence provided lists the Japanese kanji for numbers in order: 一 (1), 二 (2), 三 (3), 四 (4), 五 (5), 六 (6), 七 (7), 八 (8), and then jumps to 十 (10). The number missing from this numerical progression is 九 (kyū or ku), which represents 9.

Question 8: What is the solution to 十 - 四?

2
6 (Correct answer)
5
3

Correct answer: 6

In Japanese, 十 (jū) represents the number 10, and 四 (yon or shi) represents the number 4. Therefore, the expression 十 - 四 translates directly to 10 - 4. Performing this subtraction yields the result of 6.

Question 9: A storyteller begins a fairy tale with, 「昔々、ある所におじいさん_住んでいました。」 (Once upon a time, an old man lived in a certain place.) The next sentence is, 「おじいさん_とても親切でした。」 (The old man was very kind.) Which particles correctly fill the blanks in order?

は (wa), は (wa)
は (wa), が (ga)
が (ga), は (wa) (Correct answer)
が (ga), が (ga)

Correct answer: が (ga), は (wa)

The particle が (ga) is used to introduce a subject for the first time. Once the 'old man' (おじいさん) is introduced, he becomes the established topic of the story. Therefore, the topic marker は (wa) is used in the subsequent sentence to provide more information about him.

Question 10: Fill in the blank: 「友達が私に本を___。」(My friend gave me a book.)

あげました
いただきました
もらいました
くれました (Correct answer)

Correct answer: くれました

くれました is used when a third party (友達) gives something to the speaker (私).

Question 11: What does the hiragana particle を (wo) mark in a Japanese sentence?

The time
The location
The subject
The direct object (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The direct object

を (wo) is the direct object marker particle, indicating what receives the action of the verb.

Question 12: A student sees a dog running in the park and wants to tell their friend. Which of the following sentences is the most natural way to introduce this new information?

犬も走っています。
犬が走っています。 (Correct answer)
犬は走っています。
犬を走っています。

Correct answer: 犬が走っています。

The particle が (ga) is used to introduce new information into a conversation or to describe something the speaker has just observed. Since the dog is new information, 「犬が走っています。」 (A dog is running) is the most appropriate and natural choice.

Question 13: How do Japanese i-adjectives behave differently from English adjectives?

They always follow the noun
They conjugate for tense and negativity (Correct answer)
They never change form
They require a helper verb

Correct answer: They conjugate for tense and negativity

Japanese i-adjectives conjugate for tense and negativity similarly to verbs, unlike English adjectives.

Question 14: Which of the following is the correct te-form for the verb 飲む (nomu - to drink)?

飲んで (nonde) (Correct answer)
飲みて (nomite)
飲んでて (nondete)
飲って (notte)

Correct answer: 飲んで (nonde)

The verb 飲む (nomu) is a Group 1 (godan/u-verb) that ends in 'む' (mu). For Group 1 verbs ending in 'ぬ' (nu), 'ぶ' (bu), or 'む' (mu), the ending is replaced with 'んで' (nde). Therefore, 飲む (nomu) becomes 飲んで (nonde).

Question 15: Which sentence correctly means 'I had my friend teach me how to cook'?

友達に料理を教えてあげた
友達に料理を教えてもらった (Correct answer)
友達に料理を教えてくれた
友達に料理を教えてやった

Correct answer: 友達に料理を教えてもらった

「友達に料理を教えてもらった」uses 〜てもらう to express the speaker receiving the act of being taught.

Question 16: In the sentence 「速い車が通り過ぎた。」, what is the correct reading and meaning of the kanji 速い?

つめたい (tsumetai), meaning 'cold'
はやい (hayai), meaning 'early'
おそい (osoi), meaning 'slow'
はやい (hayai), meaning 'fast/quick' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: はやい (hayai), meaning 'fast/quick'

The kanji 速い (hayai) means 'fast' or 'quick' in terms of speed. The context of the sentence, 「車が通り過ぎた」 (a car passed by), indicates speed. The other kanji, 早い, is also read as 'hayai' but means 'early' in relation to time.

Question 17: 以下の短い広告を読んで、質問に答えてください。駅の前に新しいレストランができました。名前は「さくらキッチン」です。安くて、おいしい料理がたくさんあります。特に、オムライスが人気で、昼休みはいつも満席です。この文章によると、「満席（まんせき）」とはどのような状態ですか。

料理がとても安い状態。
レストランが閉まっている状態。
レストランの席がすべて使われている状態。 (Correct answer)
レストランに誰もいない状態。

Correct answer: レストランの席がすべて使われている状態。

「人気で、昼休みはいつも満席です」という文脈から、「満席」は多くの客が来て席がすべて埋まっている状態を指します。「満」は「full」、「席」は「seat」を意味します。

Question 18: 以下の感想文を読んで、質問に答えてください。昨日、「空の物語」という映画を見ました。ストーリーがとても感動的で、少し泣いてしまいました。俳優の演技もすばらしかったです。友達にもぜひおすすめしたい映画です。この映画について、書いた人はどう思っていますか。

退屈な映画だと思っている。
ストーリーは良かったが、俳優の演技は良くなかった。
とても良い映画だと思っている。 (Correct answer)
感動的だったが、他の人にはすすめたくない。

Correct answer: とても良い映画だと思っている。

文章全体を通して、「感動的」「すばらしかった」「ぜひおすすめしたい」といった肯定的な表現が使われています。これらの表現から、書いた人がこの映画を非常に高く評価していることがわかります。

Question 19: 以下のレシピを読んで、質問に答えてください。「簡単サラダ」まず、レタスを洗って、手でちぎります。次に、トマトときゅうりを小さく切ります。全部をボウルに入れて、最後に好きなドレッシングをかければ、出来上がりです。このレシピについて、正しいものはどれですか。

ナイフはトマトを切るために使う。 (Correct answer)
ドレッシングは最初に加える。
野菜を料理する必要がある。
レタスはナイフで切る。

Correct answer: ナイフはトマトを切るために使う。

レシピには「トマトときゅうりを小さく切ります」と書かれており、野菜を切るためには通常ナイフを使います。他の選択肢は、A：火を使う料理は不要、B：ドレッシングは最後、D：レタスは手でちぎる、と記述されているため間違いです。

Question 20: What sound does the katakana character テ make?

to
te (Correct answer)
de
ne

Correct answer: te

テ represents the syllable 'te' in katakana and resembles a cross with a horizontal base.

Question 21: Which of the following is the most common On'yomi (Sino-Japanese reading) for the kanji 「生」?

カ、ケ
セイ、ショウ (Correct answer)
ジン、ニン
い、う、なま

Correct answer: セイ、ショウ

The kanji 「生」 has numerous readings. However, its most common On'yomi (readings derived from Chinese) are セイ (sei) and ショウ (shou). These are frequently used in compound words like 学生 (gakusei - student) and 一生 (isshou - whole life). The other options are Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) or readings for different kanji.

Question 22: A student wants to say, "The car stopped." Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct and most natural?

車が止まりました。(Kuruma ga tomarimashita.) (Correct answer)
車が止めました。(Kuruma ga tomemashita.)
車を止めました。(Kuruma o tomemashita.)
車を止まりました。(Kuruma o tomarimashita.)

Correct answer: 車が止まりました。(Kuruma ga tomarimashita.)

The sentence describes something that happened on its own (the car stopped), so the intransitive verb 止まる (tomaru) is needed. The subject of an intransitive verb is marked with が (ga). Therefore, 「車が止まりました。」 is correct. 「車を止めました。」 uses the transitive verb 止める (tomeru) and means "I/someone stopped the car."

Question 23: What sound does the hiragana character さ make?

ha
na
sa (Correct answer)
ta

Correct answer: sa

さ represents the syllable 'sa' and is the first character of the さ-row in hiragana.

Question 24: Which hiragana character represents the sound 'ne'?

ね (Correct answer)
の
な
に

Correct answer: ね

ね (ne) belongs to the な-row of hiragana and resembles its katakana counterpart ネ.

Question 25: In the sentence 「猫___好きです。」 (I like cats), which particle correctly fills the blank to mark '猫' (cats) as the subject of the adjective '好き' (likeable)?

は (wa)
が (ga) (Correct answer)
も (mo)
を (o)

Correct answer: が (ga)

The particle が (ga) is used to mark the subject of a state or feeling, such as with adjectives like 好き (suki - likeable) or verbs like わかる (wakaru - to understand). While は (wa) marks the topic, が (ga) specifically identifies what is liked.

Question 26: If "Moshi moshi" means hello, what does "Moshi" alone mean?

Hi...
Dunno...
Hell
Nothin' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Nothin'

'Moshi moshi' is a specific, fixed phrase used in Japanese primarily for answering the telephone. The word 'moshi' by itself does not carry the meaning of 'hello' or 'hi' in isolation. It is the repetition within the phrase 'moshi moshi' that forms the greeting, making 'moshi' alone essentially meaningless in this context.

Question 27: What is the hiragana character for 'mu'?

め
ま
も
む (Correct answer)

Correct answer: む

む (mu) is in the ま-row of hiragana and is known for its distinctive curly tail stroke.

Question 28: You hear the following weather forecast: 「明日の天気です。東京は朝から晴れるでしょう。しかし、午後からは雲が多くなり、夕方から雨が降る見込みです。最高気温は２５度、最低気温は１８度でしょう。傘を忘れないようにしてください。」 (Here is tomorrow's weather. Tokyo will be sunny from the morning. However, from the afternoon it will become cloudy, and it is expected to rain from the evening. The high will be 25 degrees, the low 18. Please do not forget your umbrella.) What does the forecast advise people in Tokyo to do for tomorrow?

Enjoy the sun all day.
Wear warm clothes for the cold.
Bring an umbrella. (Correct answer)
Stay inside during the afternoon.

Correct answer: Bring an umbrella.

The forecast ends with the specific advice, 「傘を忘れないようにしてください」 (Please do not forget your umbrella), because rain is expected in the evening. While the morning is sunny, this key detail is the main takeaway for preparation.

Question 29: Choose the correct particle to complete the following sentence describing an action: 「泥棒が窓を＿＿＿＿＿、逃げました。」(The thief ___ the window and escaped.)

割る (waru)
割って (watte) (Correct answer)
割れて (warete)
割られて (wararete)

Correct answer: 割って (watte)

The sentence describes a sequence of actions performed by the thief (泥棒). The particle を marks the window (窓) as the direct object of an action. Therefore, the transitive verb 割る (waru - to break something) is required. To connect two actions, the te-form is used, so 割る becomes 割って (watte).

Question 30: What is the intransitive (自動詞) counterpart to the transitive (他動詞) verb 落とす (otosu - to drop something)?

上げる (ageru)
落として (otoshite)
落ちる (ochiru) (Correct answer)
落とさない (otosanai)

Correct answer: 落ちる (ochiru)

The verb 落とす (otosu) is transitive, meaning "to drop something." Its intransitive pair, which describes something falling by itself, is 落ちる (ochiru).

Question 31: 以下のメールを読んで、質問に答えてください。件名：明日の会議の時間変更山田さんお疲れ様です。田中です。明日の会議ですが、時間を午後3時から午後4時に変更してください。場所は同じ第一会議室です。よろしくお願いします。田中このメールの主な目的は何ですか。

会議の時間を変更すること。 (Correct answer)
山田さんを会議に招待すること。
会議の場所を知らせること。
会議をキャンセルすること。

Correct answer: 会議の時間を変更すること。

メールの本文にはっきりと「時間を午後3時から午後4時に変更してください」と書かれています。これがこのメールの最も重要な情報であり、主な目的です。

Question 32: What is the katakana character for the sound 'ko'?

ク
コ (Correct answer)
カ
キ

Correct answer: コ

コ (ko) is the fifth character of the カ-row in katakana and has a bracket-like squared shape.

Question 33: What does the particle は (wa) indicate in a Japanese sentence?

The location of action
The direct object
The topic of the sentence (Correct answer)
The time of action

Correct answer: The topic of the sentence

は (wa) is the topic marker particle, setting up what the sentence is about.

Question 34: What is the foundation of Dolly kei, one of Visual kei's variations?

Modern goth
Western religious artefacts
Western toy lines
European fairy tales (Correct answer)

Correct answer: European fairy tales

Dolly kei is a sub-style of Japanese fashion that draws heavy inspiration from European fairy tales, antique dolls, and vintage aesthetics. It incorporates elements like lace, floral patterns, antique-looking accessories, and often a melancholic or nostalgic feel. This creates a whimsical and doll-like appearance, evoking a sense of childlike wonder and old-world charm.

Question 35: What does 「〜てあげる」express when attached to a verb?

Asking someone to do something
Doing something as a favor for someone else (Correct answer)
Receiving an action as a favor from someone
Being forced to do something

Correct answer: Doing something as a favor for someone else

〜てあげる means performing an action for another person's benefit, like giving an action as a favor.

Question 36: You hear this short news report: 「今日のニュースです。昨日、上野公園で新しい桜祭りが始まりました。祭りは来週の月曜日まで続きます。期間中、夜にはライトアップも行われます。」 (Here is today's news. Yesterday, a new cherry blossom festival began in Ueno Park. The festival will continue until next Monday. During this period, there will also be a light-up event at night.) According to the report, when will the cherry blossom festival in Ueno Park end?

The end date was not mentioned.
Next Monday (来週の月曜日) (Correct answer)
Yesterday (昨日)
Today (今日)

Correct answer: Next Monday (来週の月曜日)

The report states, 「祭りは来週の月曜日まで続きます」 (The festival will continue until next Monday). 'Yesterday' was the start date, not the end date. The word 「まで」 (made) means 'until', indicating the end point.

Question 37: 「田中さんが私の子供にお菓子を___。」— Tanaka-san gave candy to MY child. Which verb is correct?

もらった
やった
あげた
くれた (Correct answer)

Correct answer: くれた

くれた is correct because 'my child' is part of the speaker's in-group, so the giving is directed toward the speaker's side.

Question 38: A speaker wants to say, 'This room is spacious and bright.' How should they correctly connect the two i-adjectives 広い (hiroi - spacious) and 明るい (akarui - bright)?

この部屋は広いで、明るいです。
この部屋は広くて、明るいです。 (Correct answer)
この部屋は広い、明るいです。
この部屋は広くてて、明るいです。

Correct answer: この部屋は広くて、明るいです。

To connect two i-adjectives, you change the first adjective into its te-form. For i-adjectives, this is done by dropping the final い (i) and adding くて (kute). So, 広い (hiroi) becomes 広くて (hirokute). The tense of the entire sentence is determined by the final adjective.

Question 39: Listen to this short dialogue between two friends: A: 「もしもし、山本？今週末、空いてる？」 (Hello, Yamamoto? Are you free this weekend?) B: 「土曜日はちょっと...。でも、日曜日は大丈夫だよ。何かあるの？」 (Saturday is a little difficult... but Sunday is okay. What's up?) A: 「映画を見に行かない？新しいアニメの映画。」 (Want to go see a movie? The new anime movie.) B: 「いいね！じゃあ、日曜日にしよう。」 (Sounds great! Let's do it on Sunday, then.) Based on the conversation, on which day will the two friends go to the movies?

Sunday (日曜日) (Correct answer)
Saturday (土曜日)
Both Saturday and Sunday
They did not decide on a day.

Correct answer: Sunday (日曜日)

Person B explicitly states that Saturday is not convenient (「土曜日はちょっと...」) but that Sunday is fine (「日曜日は大丈夫だよ」). They then mutually agree on Sunday.

Question 40: What does 「〜てもらう」express when attached to a verb?

Giving an object to someone
Offering to help someone
Having or getting someone to do something for you (Correct answer)
Doing something for another person

Correct answer: Having or getting someone to do something for you

〜てもらう means receiving the benefit of someone else's action — you get someone to do something for you.

Question 41: What does the particle も (mo) express when attached to a noun?

Also/too (Correct answer)
Not even
Only/just
Perhaps

Correct answer: Also/too

も (mo) means 'also' or 'too,' indicating that the same statement applies to an additional item.

Question 42: What shade of makeup is required for those who dress in the Shironuri fashion?

Black
Pink
White (Correct answer)
Blue

Correct answer: White

Shironuri is a Japanese street fashion style characterized by painting the entire face and often exposed skin white. The name 'Shironuri' literally translates to 'painted white' in Japanese, highlighting the central and defining feature of this aesthetic. This white base serves as a canvas for intricate makeup and elaborate costumes, creating a distinct and striking appearance.

Question 43: How do you correctly place the na-adjective 有名 (yūmei - famous) before the noun レストラン (resutoran - restaurant) to mean 'a famous restaurant'?

有名いレストラン (yūmei i resutoran)
有名レストラン (yūmei resutoran)
有名なレストラン (yūmei na resutoran) (Correct answer)
有名のレストラン (yūmei no resutoran)

Correct answer: 有名なレストラン (yūmei na resutoran)

When a na-adjective directly modifies a noun that follows it, the particle な (na) must be placed between the adjective and the noun. This is the defining characteristic from which 'na-adjectives' get their name.

Question 44: A friend is describing their meal. They say, 「この魚はとてもおいしいです。」 Which kanji correctly represents the word 「魚」?

鳥
牛
肉
魚 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 魚

The sentence translates to 'This fish is very delicious.' The kanji for 'fish' is 魚 (sakana). 鳥 (tori) means 'bird', 牛 (ushi) means 'cow/beef', and 肉 (niku) means 'meat'.

Question 45: What type of Japanese street fashion is a look that was developed by Japanese musicians in the middle of the 1980s and features eye-catching makeup, extravagant hairstyles, and flashy attire?

Mori girl
Visual kei (Correct answer)
Shironuri
Ganguro

Correct answer: Visual kei

Visual kei is a Japanese music and fashion movement that originated in the mid-1980s, characterized by elaborate costumes, striking makeup, and extravagant hairstyles. Bands and artists in this genre use these visual elements to create a unique and often theatrical stage presence. This aesthetic complements their diverse musical styles, making their performances visually captivating.

Question 46: What is the meaning of the kanji compound 「火山」?

River mountain
Big mountain
Mountain fire
Fire mountain (Volcano) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fire mountain (Volcano)

The compound 「火山」 is formed by the kanji 火 (ka - fire) and 山 (zan - mountain). When combined, they mean 'volcano'. This is a common example of On'yomi readings being used in a two-kanji compound.

Question 47: "Hontōni shiawase da" can be translated as "I'm happy" or "I am truly happy." The phrase expresses a state of happiness or contentment.

Kawaii (Correct answer)
utsukushii
minikui
anata wa kawaii

Correct answer: Kawaii

The Japanese word 'Kawaii' (可愛い) translates to 'cute,' 'adorable,' or 'lovely' in English. It is a widely used adjective in Japanese culture to describe anything charming, endearing, or appealing. The term has also gained international recognition, often associated with Japanese pop culture.

Question 48: A female who appears to be dwelling in the forest is the stylistic notion of the Mori girl. Natural and earthy aesthetics are used. One of the hairstyles that Mori females favor is what?

Braids (Correct answer)
Pixie cut
Long, straight hair
Pony tail

Correct answer: Braids

Mori girl (Mori-kei) fashion emphasizes a natural, earthy, and whimsical aesthetic, often evoking the image of a girl living in a forest. Hairstyles favored by Mori girls tend to be soft, natural, and often incorporate braids, loose waves, or messy buns. These styles complement the overall rustic and comfortable look, enhancing the connection to nature.

Question 49: What sort of Japanese street style is based on a high school uniform but includes a shorter skirt, loose stockings, coloured hair, and a scarf?

Ganguro
Decora
Kogal (Correct answer)
Gyaru

Correct answer: Kogal

Kogal (or Kogyaru) is a Japanese street fashion trend that emerged in the 1990s, characterized by a stylized high school uniform look. Key elements include shortened skirts, loose socks (often referred to as 'loose socks'), platform shoes, and often dyed hair. This style created a distinct rebellious yet fashionable aesthetic among young women.

Question 50: 以下の日記を読んで、質問に答えてください。今日は日曜日です。午前中、公園へ散歩に行きました。天気がとても良くて、気持ちがよかったです。公園には、犬と遊んでいる人がたくさんいました。私も犬が好きなので、見ていて楽しかったです。この日記を書いた人は、日曜日の午前中に何をしましたか。

一日中寝ていた。
家で犬と遊んだ。
友達と映画を見に行った。
公園へ散歩に行った。 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 公園へ散歩に行った。

日記の二文目に「午前中、公園へ散歩に行きました」と明確に記述されています。したがって、日曜日の午前中にしたことは公園への散歩です。

Question 51: What is the typical word order in a basic Japanese sentence?

Subject-Object-Verb (Correct answer)
Verb-Subject-Object
Object-Subject-Verb
Subject-Verb-Object

Correct answer: Subject-Object-Verb

Japanese follows SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) word order, with the verb placed at the end of the sentence.

Question 52: Which particle connects two nouns to show possession in Japanese?

の (Correct answer)
や
と
か

Correct answer: の

の (no) is the possessive/connecting particle used between nouns to show belonging or description.

Question 53: Which katakana character represents the sound 'ri'?

レ
リ (Correct answer)
ロ
ル

Correct answer: リ

リ (ri) belongs to the ラ-row of katakana and resembles two parallel vertical strokes.

Question 54: Fill in the blank: 「私は友達にプレゼントを___。」(I gave my friend a present.)

いただきました
くれました
あげました (Correct answer)
もらいました

Correct answer: あげました

あげました is used when the speaker (私) gives something to someone else, here a friend.

Question 55: In a dialogue, Person A asks: 「誰___来ましたか。」 (Who came?). Person B, seeing that Tanaka-san has arrived, should reply using which particle?

田中さんは来ました。
田中さんを来ました。
田中さんが来ました。 (Correct answer)
田中さんも来ました。

Correct answer: 田中さんが来ました。

When a question word like 誰 (dare - who) is the subject, it is marked by が (ga). The answer to such a question must also use が (ga) to identify the specific subject that completes the question. Therefore, 「田中さんが来ました。」 (Tanaka-san is the one who came) is the correct response.

Question 56: What does the grammar pattern 〜てみる (te miru) express in Japanese?

Trying out an action to see what happens (Correct answer)
Being on the verge of doing something
Finishing an action completely
Doing something continuously

Correct answer: Trying out an action to see what happens

〜てみる expresses the idea of trying something out, combining the te-form with みる (to see/try).

Question 57: The Kanji symbol for Juu is .

十 (Correct answer)
四
六
七

Correct answer: 十

The Kanji symbol for 'Juu' (じゅう), which means ten, is 十. The other options represent different numbers: 七 (nana/shichi) is seven, 六 (roku) is six, and 四 (yon/shi) is four. Recognizing these basic Kanji is fundamental to learning Japanese numbers.

Question 58: 以下のメモを読んで、質問に答えてください。鈴木さんへ会議の資料、机の上に置きました。私はこれから銀行へ行きます。30分ぐらいで戻ります。何かあったら、携帯に電話してください。佐藤このメモから何が分かりますか。

佐藤さんは鈴木さんに電話してほしい。
鈴木さんは銀行へ行く必要がある。
佐藤さんは今、オフィスにいない。 (Correct answer)
佐藤さんは会議を欠席する。

Correct answer: 佐藤さんは今、オフィスにいない。

佐藤さんは「これから銀行へ行きます」と書いているので、このメモが書かれた時点でオフィスを離れていることがわかります。「30分ぐらいで戻ります」とあるので、一時的に不在にしている状態です。

Question 59: Which hiragana character represents the sound 'ki'?

こ
か
き (Correct answer)
く

Correct answer: き

き (ki) is the second character in the か-row of hiragana.

Question 60: A student wants to say, 'I will eat breakfast and go to school.' How should they correctly conjugate the verb 食べる (taberu - to eat) in this sentence: 「朝ごはんを＿＿＿＿、学校に行きます。」?

食べる (taberu)
食べりて (taberite)
食べって (tabette)
食べて (tabete) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 食べて (tabete)

To connect two actions sequentially, the first verb must be in its te-form. 食べる (taberu) is a Group 2 (ichidan/ru-verb). For Group 2 verbs, the te-form is created by simply dropping the final 'る' (ru) and adding 'て' (te). Thus, 食べる becomes 食べて.

Question 61: What does the particle から (kara) mean in Japanese?

Until/to
From/because (Correct answer)
With/together
Through/across

Correct answer: From/because

から (kara) means 'from' when indicating origin and 'because' when indicating reason.

Question 62: Japanese translation of "Beautiful"

可愛い (kawaii)
美しい。 (Correct answer)
醜い (minikui)
Utsukushii (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 美しい。

The Japanese word for 'beautiful' is 'Utsukushii' (美しい). This adjective is used to describe something aesthetically pleasing, elegant, or lovely. It can refer to people, nature, art, or any object possessing beauty.

Question 63: What is the primary function of the particle で (de) in Japanese?

Marks the subject
Marks the location of action or means (Correct answer)
Marks the indirect object
Marks possession

Correct answer: Marks the location of action or means

で (de) indicates the location where an action takes place or the means/tool used to perform it.

Question 64: What is the katakana character for the sound 'a'?

ア (Correct answer)
ウ
イ
エ

Correct answer: ア

ア is the katakana equivalent of hiragana あ, and both represent the vowel 'a.'

Question 65: What particle connects an exhaustive list of nouns (similar to 'and') in Japanese?

か
だけ
も
と (Correct answer)

Correct answer: と

と (to) connects nouns in a complete, exhaustive list, equivalent to 'and' in English.

Question 66: What is the right ranking from 1 to 10?

一二三四五六十八九七
一二三四五六七八九十 (Correct answer)
一二四五六七八三九十
一三二五六八四七九十

Correct answer: 一二三四五六七八九十

This option correctly lists the Japanese kanji for numbers from 1 to 10 in their proper sequential order. The sequence is 一 (ichi/1), 二 (ni/2), 三 (san/3), 四 (yon/4), 五 (go/5), 六 (roku/6), 七 (nana/7), 八 (hachi/8), 九 (kyū/9), and 十 (jū/10). This is the standard counting order.

Question 67: A restaurant host asks your group, 「何名様ですか？」 (nan-mei-sama desu ka? - How many people are in your party?). If there are four people, what is the most appropriate and polite way to respond?

よんひきです (yon-hiki desu)
よにんです (yonin desu) (Correct answer)
よっつです (yottsu desu)
よんだいです (yon-dai desu)

Correct answer: よにんです (yonin desu)

The standard counter for people is 人, which is pronounced にん (nin) for the number four. While 名 (mei) is a very polite counter often used by staff, customers typically respond with the standard 人 (nin) counter. よっつ (yottsu) is a general counter, ひき (hiki) is for animals, and だい (dai) is for machines.

Question 68: Which katakana word means 'television' in Japanese?

カメラ
ラジオ
テレビ (Correct answer)
コンピュータ

Correct answer: テレビ

テレビ (terebi) is the Japanese loanword for 'television,' borrowed from English.

Question 69: What is the purpose of the sentence-ending particle ね (ne) in Japanese?

Seeking confirmation or shared agreement (Correct answer)
Expressing strong surprise
Asking a direct question
Indicating doubt

Correct answer: Seeking confirmation or shared agreement

ね (ne) is used at the end of sentences to seek agreement or confirmation from the listener.

Question 70: Which Japanese verb means 'to receive' or 'to get'?

あげる
くれる
もらう (Correct answer)
やる

Correct answer: もらう

もらう means to receive or get something from someone else, viewed from the recipient's perspective.

Question 71: How is a long vowel sound represented in katakana?

By using っ
By using the elongation mark ー (Correct answer)
By writing the vowel twice
By using ん

Correct answer: By using the elongation mark ー

In katakana, a long vowel is extended using the elongation mark ー (chōonpu).

Question 72: In the word 「大人」, what is the correct reading and meaning?

だいじん (daijin), meaning 'minister'
おおきいひと (ookii hito), meaning 'big person'
おとな (otona), meaning 'adult' (Correct answer)
たいじん (taijin), meaning 'giant'

Correct answer: おとな (otona), meaning 'adult'

The word 「大人」 is an example of an irregular reading. While composed of the kanji for 'big' (大) and 'person' (人), it is read as おとな (otona) and means 'adult'. Reading it as 'ookii hito' would literally mean 'big person' but is not the correct term for an adult.

Question 73: 「友達にプレゼントを買ってあげた」means:

My friend bought me a present
My friend and I bought presents together
I bought a present for my friend as a kind gesture (Correct answer)
I received a present that my friend bought

Correct answer: I bought a present for my friend as a kind gesture

「〜てあげた」means the speaker performed the action (buying) as a favor or kind act for someone else (the friend).

Question 74: What does the Japanese kanji for 7 look like?

九
三
七 (Correct answer)
四

Correct answer: 七

The Japanese kanji for the number 7 is 七, pronounced 'nana' or 'shichi'. The other options represent different numbers: 三 (san) is 3, 四 (yon/shi) is 4, and 九 (kyū/ku) is 9. Identifying these basic kanji is essential for reading and writing Japanese numbers.

Question 75: Which particle typically follows the recipient in sentences using あげる or くれる?

を
に (Correct answer)
が
は

Correct answer: に

に marks the recipient (indirect object) in giving sentences, e.g., 友達にプレゼントをあげる.

Question 76: In Japanese, katakana is primarily used for which type of words?

Foreign loanwords and names (Correct answer)
Verb conjugation endings
Grammar particles
Native Japanese words

Correct answer: Foreign loanwords and names

Katakana is mainly used to represent foreign loanwords and foreign names in Japanese.

Question 77: What does the grammar pattern 〜ながら (nagara) express in Japanese?

Two sequential actions by the same person
A completed action
Two simultaneous actions by the same person (Correct answer)
A future intention

Correct answer: Two simultaneous actions by the same person

ながら (nagara) indicates that two actions are being performed at the same time by the same subject.

Question 78: When is it appropriate to use the plain form (e.g., だ, 食べる) instead of the polite form (e.g., です, 食べます)?

During a business meeting with a new client.
When talking with a younger sibling or a close friend. (Correct answer)
When writing a formal essay for a university course.
When speaking to a police officer.

Correct answer: When talking with a younger sibling or a close friend.

The plain form (futsūtai) is used in casual situations with people you are close to, such as family and friends. In all other scenarios listed (business meeting, formal writing, speaking to an authority figure), the polite form (teineigo) is required to show respect and maintain appropriate social distance.

Question 79: What category of Lolita fashion concentrates on Rococo, Regency, and Victorian styles, as well as light hues like blue, green, and red?

Gothic
Punk
Sweet
Classic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Classic

Classic Lolita fashion draws inspiration from Rococo, Regency, and Victorian eras, focusing on elegance, modesty, and a more mature aesthetic compared to Sweet Lolita. It often features muted or sophisticated colors like blues, greens, reds, and browns, with intricate details and historical silhouettes. This style creates a refined and graceful look, emphasizing timeless beauty.

Question 80: You are speaking to your professor. How would you politely ask, 'What is your professor's name?'

先生の名前は何だ。
先生の名前は何ですか。
先生のお名前は何でございますか。
先生のお名前は何ですか。 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 先生のお名前は何ですか。

The correct answer uses the honorific prefix 'お' (o) before '名前' (namae) to show respect towards the professor's name. It also uses the standard polite sentence ender 'ですか' (desu ka), which is appropriate for this context. 「何でございますか」 is overly formal, and 「何だ」 is too casual.

Question 81: Which of the following statements about te-form conjugation is correct?

Group 2 (ichidan) verbs are conjugated by dropping the final 'る' (ru) and adding 'て' (te). (Correct answer)
All verbs ending in 'る' (ru) follow the same conjugation rule.
Group 1 verbs ending in 'す' (su) change to 'んで' (nde).
The te-form always indicates that an action is happening in the past.

Correct answer: Group 2 (ichidan) verbs are conjugated by dropping the final 'る' (ru) and adding 'て' (te).

Group 2 (ichidan) verbs, like 食べる (taberu), are conjugated by simply replacing the final 'る' (ru) with 'て' (te). Statement A is incorrect because Group 1 verbs can also end in 'る' (e.g., 帰る - kaeru) and follow a different rule (-tte). Statement C is incorrect; verbs ending in 'す' (su) change to 'して' (shite). Statement D is incorrect; the te-form itself is tenseless, and the tense is determined by the final verb in the sentence.

Question 82: If you don't know the specific counter for an object, or for counting general items up to ten, which of the following counter series is the most appropriate to use?

一台 (ichidai), 二台 (nidai), 三台 (sandai)...
一つ (hitotsu), 二つ (futatsu), 三つ (mittsu)... (Correct answer)
一個 (ikko), 二個 (niko), 三個 (sanko)...
一枚 (ichimai), 二枚 (nimai), 三枚 (sanmai)...

Correct answer: 一つ (hitotsu), 二つ (futatsu), 三つ (mittsu)...

The native Japanese counting system using つ (hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu, etc.) is a general-purpose counter that can be used for many objects when the specific counter is unknown, especially for quantities from one to ten. While 個 (ko) is also a very general counter, the つ series is considered the primary 'catch-all' counter.

Question 83: Which of the following sentences correctly uses humble language (謙譲語 - kenjougo) to say 'I will go to the teacher's office'?

先生のオフィスに行きます。
先生のオフィスへ行く。
先生のオフィスにいらっしゃいます。
先生のオフィスへ参ります。 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 先生のオフィスへ参ります。

「参ります」 (mairimasu) is the humble equivalent of 「行きます」 (ikimasu - to go). It is used to speak humbly about one's own actions when talking to someone of higher status. 「いらっしゃいます」 is the honorific form used for the actions of the respected person. 「行きます」 is polite but not specifically humble, and 「行く」 is the plain/casual form.

Question 84: What does the hiragana word ほん (hon) mean in English?

door
pen
name
book (Correct answer)

Correct answer: book

ほん (hon) means 'book' in Japanese; the kanji equivalent is 本.

Question 85: How is the conditional form using たら (tara) constructed in Japanese?

Verb plain form + たら
Verb te-form + たら
Verb negative form + たら
Verb past plain form + ら (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Verb past plain form + ら

The たら conditional is formed by taking the verb's past plain form (た-form) and adding ら to it.

Question 86: One of the more popular and well-known street fashion trends in Japan is lolita. There are numerous varieties of Lolita clothing. Which of them is NOT one?

Classic
Cute (Correct answer)
Gothic
Sweet

Correct answer: Cute

While Lolita fashion often incorporates elements that are perceived as 'cute,' 'Cute' itself is not a distinct, recognized subcategory of Lolita fashion in the same way that Gothic, Classic, and Sweet Lolita are. These three are well-established styles within the Lolita community, each with specific aesthetic guidelines and influences. 'Cute' is more of a general descriptor rather than a specific sub-style.

Question 87: Which of the following kanji means 'to listen' or 'to hear'?

見
話
書
聞 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 聞

The kanji 聞 (kiku) means 'to listen' or 'to hear'. 見 (miru) means 'to see'. 話 (hanasu) means 'to speak'. 書 (kaku) means 'to write'.

Question 88: 「先生が説明してくれた」means:

The teacher received my explanation
I explained something to the teacher
The teacher explained things for my benefit (Correct answer)
I asked the teacher to explain

Correct answer: The teacher explained things for my benefit

くれた indicates the teacher performed the action (explaining) for the speaker's benefit.

Question 89: How is the plain negative form of a verb constructed in Japanese?

Add ません to the plain stem
Add ず to the verb stem
Add ない to the verb stem (Correct answer)
Add なかった to the verb root

Correct answer: Add ない to the verb stem

The plain negative is formed by adding ない to the verb stem (e.g., 食べない = don't eat).

Question 90: Which of the following items would be counted using the counter 台 (dai)?

Televisions (Correct answer)
Books
Oranges
Shirts

Correct answer: Televisions

The counter 台 (dai) is used for machines, vehicles, and large household appliances. Televisions fall into this category. Oranges would be counted with 個 (ko) or つ (tsu). Books are counted with 冊 (satsu). Shirts are counted with 枚 (mai).

Question 91: Which katakana character represents the sound 'su'?

シ
ス (Correct answer)
セ
ソ

Correct answer: ス

ス (su) is the katakana character for the syllable 'su' in the サ-row.

Question 92: Which of the following Group 1 (u-verb) endings conjugates to 'って' (tte) in the te-form?

ぐ (gu)
す (su)
う (u) (Correct answer)
く (ku)

Correct answer: う (u)

Group 1 verbs that end in 'う' (u), 'つ' (tsu), or 'る' (ru) are conjugated into the te-form by replacing the final kana with 'って' (tte). For example, 買う (kau) becomes 買って (katte) and 待つ (matsu) becomes 待って (matte).

Question 93: What is the humble form of もらう, used when humbly receiving from a social superior?

いただく (Correct answer)
さしあげる
くださる
もらいます

Correct answer: いただく

いただく is the humble form of もらう, expressing receiving in a deferential way toward a superior.

Question 94: Which writing system would you use to write a foreign person's name in Japanese?

Romaji
Katakana (Correct answer)
Hiragana
Kanji

Correct answer: Katakana

Foreign names are written in katakana in Japanese, as it is the script designated for foreign words and names.

Question 95: What does 「〜てくれる」express when attached to a verb?

You ask someone to do something
Someone performs an action for the speaker's benefit (Correct answer)
Receiving an object as a gift
You do something for others

Correct answer: Someone performs an action for the speaker's benefit

〜てくれる means someone else performs an action that benefits the speaker or the speaker's in-group.

Question 96: Which pronunciation of a Japanese number from 1 to 10 is incorrect?

Go
RokuGo
Jun (Correct answer)
Ichi

Correct answer: Jun

'Jun' is not a standard or correct pronunciation for any single Japanese number from 1 to 10. The correct pronunciations for the numbers are Ichi (1), Ni (2), San (3), Yon/Shi (4), Go (5), Roku (6), Nana/Shichi (7), Hachi (8), Kyū/Ku (9), and Jū (10). RokuGo is also incorrect as it combines two numbers.

Question 97: Which of the following is an INCORRECT use of the giving/receiving verbs?

私は彼にお金をくれた (Correct answer)
私は彼からお金をもらった
私は彼にお金をあげた
彼が私にお金をくれた

Correct answer: 私は彼にお金をくれた

「私は彼にお金をくれた」is wrong; the speaker (私) cannot be the subject of くれる when giving to someone outside the speaker's group.

Question 98: You are at a clothing store and a clerk gives you these instructions for the fitting room: 「お客様、こちらの試着室をご利用いただき、ありがとうございます。お洋服は３点まで同時にお持ち込みいただけます。靴を脱いで、中のフックにおかけください。」 (Thank you for using this fitting room. You may bring in up to three items of clothing at one time. Please take off your shoes and use the hook inside.) What is the maximum number of items you can take into the fitting room at once?

Two items (２点)
One item (１点)
Three items (３点) (Correct answer)
There is no limit mentioned.

Correct answer: Three items (３点)

The clerk clearly states, 「お洋服は３点まで同時にお持ち込みいただけます」 (You may bring in up to three items of clothing at one time). The key phrase is 「３点まで」 (up to 3 items).

Question 99: In the sentence「会議を＿＿＿＿＿。」(kaigi o _____.), which verb correctly fills the blank to mean "(Someone) will start the meeting"?

始める (hajimeru) (Correct answer)
始まる (hajimaru)
始まりました (hajimarimashita)
始まっている (hajimatte iru)

Correct answer: 始める (hajimeru)

The particle を (o) marks 会議 (kaigi - meeting) as the direct object. This requires a transitive verb. 始める (hajimeru) is the transitive verb meaning "to start something." 始まる (hajimaru) is intransitive and means "(something) starts."

Question 100: Which hiragana character represents the sound 'wa'?

よ
わ (Correct answer)
や
ゆ

Correct answer: わ

わ (wa) is one of the special characters outside the main grid rows, appearing in the small わ-row.

Learn Japanese Language Proficiency

A comprehensive assessment of Japanese language skills covering writing systems, grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension for beginner to intermediate learners, modeled after JLPT-style evaluation criteria.

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