JLPT N5
The Foundation
The first step in your JLPT journey. N5 tests basic Japanese comprehension - everyday vocabulary, simple grammar patterns, and short reading passages.
What you'll master
Everything JLPT N5 tests
words
Vocabulary
~800 words covering daily life: numbers, time, family, food, places, actions, adjectives, school vocabulary. All words include kanji, reading, meaning, and usage.
patterns
Grammar
~80 fundamental patterns: particles, verb conjugation, て-form, adjective conjugation, basic sentence structures. Patterns taught in context with real example sentences.
kanji
Kanji
~103 essential kanji with on'yomi, kun'yomi readings, meanings, and vocabulary words. The foundation for reading Japanese text.
4–6 months of consistent daily practice
Listening: not yet. We focus on what an app does best — vocab, grammar, kanji, and confusion drilling. For listening practice, real Japanese audio (podcasts, news) does more than another flashcard tool.
Study Timeline Calculator
How many hours per week can you dedicate to Japanese study?
Estimates based on JLPT official guidelines. Assumes focused study with regular review. Immersion and consistent daily practice significantly accelerate progress.
Sample questions
See What N5 Looks Like
Preview the types of questions you'll encounter on the real exam.
「たべる」の意味は？
What does 「たべる」 mean?
Tap to answer
わたしは がっこう＿＿ いきます。
Fill in the particle
Tap to answer
Vocabulary
N5 Vocabulary by Theme
647 curated words organized into 14 study themes
Numbers & Counters
Time & Dates
Family & People
Daily Actions
Adjectives
Food & Shopping
Places & Directions
School & Daily Life Objects
Pronouns & Expressions
Katakana Loanwords
Body, Clothing & Colors
Nature & Weather
Additional Verbs
Daily Life Nouns
Get the Complete JLPT N5 Vocabulary PDF
All 647 JLPT N5 words with kanji, hiragana readings, and English meanings — organized across 14 themes. Print-ready. No signup, no email, no ads.
Getting started
Your First Steps in Japanese
N5 is the starting line. Here's the recommended order for building a solid foundation.
Master hiragana and katakana
The two phonetic alphabets are the foundation for all Japanese reading. Most learners complete them in 2-4 weeks with daily practice.
Learn your first 103 kanji
Start with the most common characters: numbers (一二三), days (月火水), and everyday words (人大小). Focus on recognition, not writing.
Build vocabulary by theme
Group words by topic - time, family, food, places - instead of memorizing random lists. Research shows thematic grouping significantly improves word retention.
Practice with real question formats
The JLPT tests vocabulary meaning, reading, grammar fill-in, and listening. Practicing the actual question types builds exam confidence.
Scoring
Scoring & Certification
What you need to pass N5, how sections are weighted, and where it sits on the CEFR scale.
Passing score
80/ 180
Approximately 44% of total
You must also meet the sectional minimum for each section.
Pass rate
49.5%
December 2024 exam
Scores use Item Response Theory (IRT), so results are comparable across sessions.
CEFR equivalent
A1
Breakthrough / basic user
Section Minimum Scores
Score at or above the minimum in every section, even if your total exceeds the passing score.
Study guide
How to Study for JLPT N5
Master hiragana and katakana before anything else -- they are the foundation for all Japanese reading
Learn vocabulary by theme (food, time, family) rather than alphabetically -- thematic grouping improves retention
Focus on basic particles: は, が, を, に, で, へ -- these are essential for forming correct sentences
Practice simple sentence patterns daily using fill-in-the-blank exercises for grammar
Common mistake: confusing は (topic) with が (subject). Use は for contrast or known topics, が for new information or questions
Exam day: read all options before answering. N5 vocabulary questions often include similar-sounding distractors like おかし vs おかしい
Your Target
~103 kanji, ~800 words, ~80 grammar patterns
Learning path
Your Learning Journey
Every journey begins with a single step.
N5 — The Foundation
The first step in your JLPT journey. N5 tests basic Japanese comprehension - everyday vocabulary, simple grammar patterns, and short reading passages.
~800
Words
~103
Kanji
~80
Grammar
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Mock Exam
Ready to test your N5 skills?
Take a full-length N5 mock exam that mirrors the real JLPT - timed sections, authentic question formats, and a detailed score report.
The next JLPT is 35 days away.
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