What Is the JLPT N5?
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N5 is the entry-level certification for Japanese learners. It tests basic vocabulary of approximately 800 words, fundamental grammar patterns, and the ability to read simple sentences. Passing N5 demonstrates that you can understand basic Japanese used in everyday situations. The vocabulary section is crucial because it directly affects your performance in reading and listening sections as well.
Greetings and Daily Expressions
These are the words you will use from your very first day studying Japanese:
- ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます) - Good morning (polite)
- konnichiwa (こんにちは) - Hello / Good afternoon
- konbanwa (こんばんは) - Good evening
- sayounara (さようなら) - Goodbye
- arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) - Thank you (polite)
- sumimasen (すみません) - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- onegaishimasu (お願いします) - Please (when requesting)
- itadakimasu (いただきます) - Said before eating
- gochisousama (ごちそうさま) - Said after eating
Numbers and Time
Numbers form the foundation for telling time, counting objects, and discussing prices:
- ichi, ni, san, shi/yon, go, roku, shichi/nana, hachi, kyuu/ku, juu (一〜十) - Numbers 1 through 10
- hyaku (百) - Hundred
- sen (千) - Thousand
- ima (今) - Now
- ji (時) - O'clock / hour
- fun/pun (分) - Minute
- kyou (今日) - Today
- ashita (明日) - Tomorrow
- kinou (昨日) - Yesterday
Essential Nouns
These nouns appear frequently on the N5 exam and in daily conversation:
- hito (人) - Person
- mono (物) - Thing / object
- tokoro (所) - Place
- uchi (家) - House / home
- gakkou (学校) - School
- shigoto (仕事) - Work / job
- tabemono (食べ物) - Food
- nomimono (飲み物) - Drink / beverage
- densha (電車) - Train
- hon (本) - Book
Key Verbs and Adjectives
Verbs and adjectives at the N5 level are mostly about daily actions and basic descriptions:
- taberu (食べる) - To eat
- nomu (飲む) - To drink
- iku (行く) - To go
- kuru (来る) - To come
- miru (見る) - To see / watch
- kiku (聞く) - To listen / ask
- hanasu (話す) - To speak
- ookii (大きい) - Big
- chiisai (小さい) - Small
- takai (高い) - Expensive / tall
Study Strategy for N5 Vocabulary
Rather than memorizing words in isolation, learn them through short sentences. Write each word in a notebook with an example sentence, practice writing the hiragana and kanji, and review using spaced repetition. Aim to learn 10 to 15 new words per day, with daily review of previously learned words. Use KotobaPeek to look up definitions and see real usage examples for every word on your list.