JLPT N4 Verbs – Complete Guide for Learners

JLPT N4 introduces a wide range of verbs that go beyond basic actions and help you express routine, feelings, existence, movement, ability, and obligation. Mastering N4 verbs is important because they appear in listening, reading, and daily conversation. This blog explains the meaning, usage, and natural examples of the most important N4-level verbs using simple English and hiragana-only Japanese.

1. Daily Action Verbs (N4 Essential)

These verbs describe daily life actions you must understand at N4.

はじまる (to start, intransitive)

はじめる (to start something, transitive)

つづく (to continue, intransitive)

つづける (to continue something, transitive)

きまる (to be decided)

きめる (to decide)

あつまる (to gather)

あつめる (to collect)

These pairs show important N4 differences between transitive and intransitive verbs.

Examples:

じゅぎょうがはじまります。 — The class starts.

せんせいがじゅぎょうをはじめます。 — The teacher starts the class.

しごとをつづけます。 — I continue the work.

ひとがたくさんあつまります。 — Many people gather.

2. Movement & Direction Verbs

N4 covers more detailed movement verbs for describing travel, arrival, and leaving.

つく (to arrive)

こまる (to be troubled)

のこる (to remain)

うごく (to move)

さがす (to search, look for)

Examples:

えきにつきました。 — I arrived at the station.

さいふをさがしています。 — I am looking for my wallet.

ひとがうごいています。 — People are moving.

3. Emotion & Condition Verbs

These help you express feelings, states, and abilities.

かなしい (to be sad – adjective but used like a state verb)

こまる (to be troubled)

たりる (to be enough)

なれる (to get used to)

Examples:

にほんのせいかつになれてきました。 — I am getting used to life in Japan.

おかねがたりません。 — I don’t have enough money.

4. Giving & Receiving Verbs (Important for N4)

These verbs express social relationships and politeness.

あげる (to give – from me to others)

もらう (to receive)

くれる (to give to me)

Examples:

ともだちがプレゼントをくれました。 — My friend gave me a present.

わたしはいもうとにはなをあげました。 — I gave flowers to my little sister.

5. Intention, Ability & Try Verbs (Key N4 Grammar)

These appear frequently in grammar patterns.

つもりです (to intend)

ことができる (can do)

〜てみる (to try doing)

ひつようです (to need)

Examples:

にほんへいくつもりです。 — I intend to go to Japan.

にほんごをはなすことができます。 — I can speak Japanese.

すしをたべてみました。 — I tried sushi.

6. Important N4 Verb Forms

N4 expects mastery of:

〜てけい (te-form)

〜ないけい (nai-form)

〜たけい (ta-form)

〜じしょけい (dictionary form)

〜ている (continuous/progressive)

〜ておく (do in advance)

〜てしまう (finish/regret)

Example Sentences:

ほんをよんでいます。 — I am reading a book.

りょうりをつくっておきます。 — I will prepare the food in advance.

おかねをわすれてしまいました。 — I accidentally forgot my money.

7. Common Mistakes at N4

Mixing up transitive vs intransitive (はじまる / はじめる)

Using できる incorrectly (must be noun + が or verb dictionary form + ことが)

Forgetting polite forms (ます / ません / ました)

Using くれる and あげる incorrectly based on direction of giving

8. Tips for Mastering N4 Verbs

Practice verb pairs in groups (あつまる/あつめる, はじまる/はじめる)

Make small daily sentences to remember usage

Learn verbs in context, not as isolated words

Review て-form combinations daily

Conclusion

N4 verbs allow you to express deeper actions, feelings, decisions, and polite interactions. Understanding transitive/intransitive pairs, giving/receiving verbs, and grammar-related verbs will help you speak naturally and pass JLPT N4 confidently. Practice them every day through writing, speaking, and listening for fast improvement.

Complete Guide to JLPT N4 Verbs – Meanings, Forms & Usage Explained