What is JLPT N5?
The JLPT N5 is the entry-level test of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, perfect for absolute beginners. It assesses your ability to understand basic Japanese used in everyday situations.
At the N5 level, you should be able to read and understand typical expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji, and comprehend slow-paced conversations about familiar topics.
Key Takeaways
- Master hiragana, katakana, and ~80 kanji
- Learn ~800 vocabulary words for daily life
- Study time: 325-462 hours depending on background
- Passing score: 80/180 points with sectional minimums
- Test duration: 105 minutes total
Test Structure
Section 1: Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar) & Reading
Time: 70 minutes
Minimum Score: 38/120 points
This section tests:
- Hiragana and katakana recognition
- Basic vocabulary and kanji
- Simple grammar patterns
- Reading short, simple sentences
Section 2: Listening
Time: 35 minutes
Minimum Score: 19/60 points
This section tests:
- Understanding very slow, clearly spoken conversations
- Comprehension of basic greetings and introductions
- Following simple instructions
- Identifying numbers, time, and dates
What You Need to Know
Hiragana & Katakana: 92 Characters
Before starting N5 preparation, you must master both Japanese syllabaries:
- Hiragana (46 characters): Used for native Japanese words and grammar
- Katakana (46 characters): Used for foreign loanwords and emphasis
- Combined characters (が, ぎ, etc.) and small characters (きゃ, しゅ, etc.)
- Proper stroke order and pronunciation
Pro Tip: Spend 1-2 weeks mastering hiragana and katakana before moving to kanji. This foundation is crucial!
Kanji: ~80 Characters
Learn approximately 80 basic kanji, including:
- Numbers (一, 二, 三, 四, 五, 六, 七, 八, 九, 十, 百, 千, 万)
- Time and dates (日, 月, 火, 水, 木, 金, 土, 年, 時, 分)
- Family members (父, 母, 兄, 弟, 姉, 妹, 子)
- Common verbs (見る, 行く, 来る, 食べる, 飲む, 書く, 読む)
- Basic nouns (人, 山, 川, 田, 車, 学校, 先生)
Vocabulary: ~800 Words
Essential vocabulary categories:
- Greetings and basic phrases (おはよう, こんにちは, ありがとう)
- Numbers, time, and dates
- Family and personal pronouns
- Food and drinks (ご飯, 水, お茶, パン)
- Common adjectives (大きい, 小さい, 新しい, 古い)
- Basic verbs in present and past tense
Grammar: Foundation Patterns
Core grammar points to master:
- Basic particles (は, が, を, に, で, へ, の)
- です/だ and ます forms
- Present and past tense (positive and negative)
- Question formation with か
- Basic adjectives (い-adjectives and な-adjectives)
- Location words (ここ, そこ, あそこ)
- Counting and numbers
Beginner Study Strategies
1. Start with the Basics (Weeks 1-2)
- Master hiragana completely (1 week)
- Master katakana completely (1 week)
- Practice writing each character 20+ times
- Use flashcards and mobile apps for daily review
- Read simple words and practice pronunciation
2. Build Your Foundation (Months 1-2)
- Learn 5-10 new vocabulary words daily
- Study 2-3 new kanji per week
- Focus on high-frequency words first
- Practice basic sentence patterns
- Listen to beginner Japanese podcasts
3. Practice Grammar (Month 3)
- Study one grammar point per day
- Create your own example sentences
- Do textbook exercises (Genki I, Minna no Nihongo)
- Practice verb conjugations daily
- Review particles and their usage
4. Develop Listening Skills
- Watch Japanese children's shows with subtitles
- Listen to slow Japanese podcasts (JapanesePod101 Absolute Beginner)
- Practice with JLPT N5 listening exercises
- Repeat after native speakers (shadowing)
- Listen to the same content multiple times
5. Take Practice Tests (Final Month)
- Start with individual section practice
- Take at least 3 full practice tests
- Time yourself to simulate real conditions
- Review every mistake thoroughly
- Focus on weak areas in final weeks
Common Beginner Mistakes
Skipping Hiragana/Katakana
Don't rely on romaji. Master both syllabaries before moving forward.
Learning Too Fast
Quality over quantity. Make sure you truly understand each concept before moving on.
Ignoring Pronunciation
Bad pronunciation habits are hard to fix later. Listen and repeat from day one.
Not Practicing Writing
Writing by hand helps memory retention. Don't just type or use apps.
Studying Alone Without Context
Always learn vocabulary and grammar in context, not isolated lists.
Recommended Study Resources
Textbooks:
- Genki I (Beginner)
- Minna no Nihongo I
- Japanese from Zero! 1-2
Apps & Websites:
- Rocket JLPT (comprehensive N5 study)
- Anki (flashcards with spaced repetition)
- WaniKani (kanji learning)
- JapanesePod101 (listening practice)
Practice Tests:
- Official JLPT Practice Workbooks
- Shin Kanzen Master N5
- TRY! JLPT N5
Begin Your Japanese Journey Today!
JLPT N5 is the perfect starting point for your Japanese learning adventure. With consistent daily practice and the right approach, you can pass N5 in 3-6 months. Remember: every expert was once a beginner!
Start with hiragana and katakana today, and you'll be reading Japanese in just a few weeks!