The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is fast approaching, so it’s time to open those books, practice that kanji, or procrastinate with just another episode of your favorite anime. So, just what kind of student are you, and will you be ready on December 4th?
Here are four types of JLPT student. Which do you identify with most?
The Lazy Shut In
Like Kazuma Satō in KonoSuba, you’d probably ace the exams if you could be bothered to pull your finger out. At least your video game scores are improving. Your parents are probably bribing you to get outside once in a while, but the vampiric look works for you. As for studying, you’ll get it done the day before. It’ll be fine. Don’t worry…
The only thing that motivates you is finding the challenge in Japanese or a Japanese girlfriend. Play Pokémon in Japanese, or watch anime in the original Japanese, with subtitles off. If you’re already translating scans of hentai then you know we’ve called you on this one.
The Power Hitter
If you were a KonoSuba character, you’d be Megumin: you study hard and probably have a study schedule that you follow. You’ll get the kanji, vocabulary, or grammar, but somehow the rest never gets any attention. On test day, you’ll blast through one of the sections and ace it but flunk everything else.
Okay, we know you love kanji (or grammar, or vocabulary), and it’s great being the expert in your friends’ group, but survival depends on diversity. Buy a Genki book and get a grip on all the other parts of the Japanese language. You can still keep your first love, we promise.
The Not-So-Silent Sufferer
Darkness wannabes, this one’s for you. You love talking about how difficult Japanese is (in fact, you like complaining; it’s an art form). Despite your complaining, you’re either working away at your studies and will wow everyone when you get that certificate, or you’re using the complaining to shield yourself from failure. If the latter is the case, grab some books and put your energy into learning, rather than increasing everyone else’s test anxiety.
The Airhead with Real Power
Aqua-sama, how do you do it? You’re the one everyone underestimates, and even though you’ve already proven your abilities (you watch anime with Japanese subtitles), nobody expects you to smash through this round of the JLPT.
You’re the kind of student who works through old test papers, asks questions after class, and uses the learning guides they’ve bought (the rest use them to decorate their shelves). Nobody knows how much effort and talent you have, and you hide it well. In fact, you’ve already stopped reading this article to work through the next chapter of the study guide. Go you!
See You on Test Day
All silliness aside, the JLPT is a great opportunity to prove your Japanese ability, so start preparing now. I failed my first go at JLPT 5, but realizing the effort the test required helped me pass both the JLPT 5 and JLPT 4. J-List has many great Japanese learning resources to help you prepare for December. Good luck! You’ve got this!
Life is Just a Waiting Room for Isekai Heaven
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All images and animated gifs from the KonoSuba anime
