JLPT N2 Reading Practice

Longer stories about work, housing and community, built around N2 grammar such as 〜ざるを得ない and 〜わけにはいかない. Each story has an English translation, a vocabulary list, grammar notes and two JLPT-style questions. Open the interactive version to tap any word for its reading and meaning, and to listen.

• チャットの向むこう側がわ
  The Other Side of the Chat
  Back in the office after two years, Misaki finally meets the colleague who only ever replied "Noted".
  〜ざるを得ない · 働き方
• パソコン係がかり
  The Computer Person
  One careless remark makes Ken'ichi the computer expert of his block of flats.
  〜ばかりに · 近所づきあい
• 留学りゅうがくの口座こうざ
  The Study-Abroad Account
  Yuki keeps saving to study in Italy, but never feels she can leave her job.
  〜わけにはいかない · キャリアと留学
• 冷蔵庫れいぞうこのメモ
  The Note on the Fridge
  In a share house, Shota apologises for everything until a housemate's note changes his mind.
  〜ことはない · シェアハウス
• 券売機けんばいきが止とまった日ひ
  The Day the Ticket Machine Stopped
  The old ticket machine at a diner breaks down in the lunchtime rush.
  〜最中（に） · 小さな店
• 最初さいしょの部屋へや
  The First Flat
  After viewing twenty flats, Naoto and Mari remember the first one.
  〜あげく · 部屋探し
• 忘わすれ物もののノート
  The Forgotten Notebook
  A hotel receptionist finds a notebook left by an elderly guest.
  〜次第 · 職場
• 親方おやかたの椅子いす
  The Master's Chair
  Koji leaves banking to train as a furniture maker and finds his master's first chair.
  〜にしては · 転職
• 既読きどくのまま
  Left on Read
  Kaori has left a friend's message unanswered for three months.
  〜つつ · 友人関係
• 台風たいふうの夜よる
  The Night of the Typhoon
  Takuya thinks he'll be safe on the first floor as a typhoon approaches.
  〜おそれがある · 地域と防災