The JLPT is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. There are four different levels based off of how much you know. At this point in my Japanese language career, I should be able to pass level 4 and know some of level 3.

Well… that’s definitely not the case.

I was looking through the vocabulary list today, and I definitely would not be able to pass. There’s so much I don’t know! What I don’t understand is why classrooms just don’t teach things according to the JLPT level, or in accordance to elementary school. I mean, last year I learn some pretty useless things that will probably never come up while I’m in Japan. Furoshiki, for example. Somehow that word was drilled into my head and I can remember it, but I’m just NOW learning how to say shirts, pants, shoes, etc. in second year.

“Just do self study!” That would be fantastic, except for my lack of self-discipline. I had this huge plan laid out for how I was going to study so much Japanese during the summer. Yeah, that didn’t work out AT ALL. I need guidance. And I would prefer if I could actually understand a Japanese children’s book written for 5 year olds than knowing how to say, “I have no cards on hand” (meaning business cards). In case you’re wondering, it’s “meishi no mochiawase ga nai desu.” So useful, right? For all those business cards I’ll be handing out to business people when I’m in Japan.

So many words I should know. So many words I’ve forgotten. So many words that I’ve never been taught but will be expected to know. I feel a bit overwhelmed. I’m supposed to be at level 3 JLPT in five months. FIVE MONTHS. And I can’t even do JLPT 4. I am absolutely TERRIFIED.

I’m going to try my very hardest to do 2 hours of study every day over the next five months…. but man, I’m so easily distracted. I don’t know how I’m going to get myself to maintain focus!

I guess I’ll just have to try my best!