JLPT N5: the complete guide
The JLPT N5 is the first level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Here you learn exactly what you need to know, how to get there in a few months and how the exam works. With a free checklist to tick off.
What you need to know for N5
Hiragana and katakana
Read and write both syllabaries fluently, including dakuten and combined sounds.
Around 100 kanji
Numbers, time, directions and core characters like 人・大・学 with their common readings.
Around 800 words
Everyday life, family, food, time, common verbs and adjectives, active and passive.
Core grammar
Particles, です・ます, verb forms, adjectives and patterns like 〜たい and 〜てください.
Listening
Understand slow, simple conversations and catch times, prices and dates.
Reading
Understand short texts, signs and notes in kana and simple kanji.
Free study material to download
Download the checklist, kanji and vocabulary lists and the particle cheat sheet, then tick off what you already know.
JLPT N5 Checklist
PDFTick off what you already know and see at a glance whether you are ready for the exam.
JLPT N5 Kanji List
PDFAll ~100 N5 kanji with on and kun readings, meaning and stroke count.
JLPT N5 Vocabulary List
PDFAround 700 N5 words grouped by topic, with kana, romaji and meaning.
Particle Cheat Sheet
PDFThe key N5 particles with their function and an example sentence on one page.
A realistic study plan
Weeks 1 to 4: the writing systems
Master hiragana and katakana. Nothing else in N5 works without them. Review briefly every day.
Weeks 5 to 12: vocabulary and kanji
Build the ~800 words and ~100 kanji with spaced repetition. Start core grammar alongside.
Weeks 13 to 16: practise and simulate
Consolidate grammar, train listening and reading, and do at least one full mock exam.
How the exam works
The N5 has three parts: language knowledge (vocabulary), language knowledge (grammar) with reading, and listening. The exam takes around 90 minutes in total. Every question is multiple choice, there is no speaking or writing section. To pass you need at least 80 out of 180 points plus a minimum score in each section.
Frequently asked questions
What is the JLPT N5?
The JLPT N5 is the first and easiest level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It tests basic ability: simple sentences, everyday vocabulary, the syllabaries and around 100 kanji.
How many kanji and words do I need for N5?
For N5 you should know around 100 kanji and roughly 800 vocabulary words. Both can be built up in a few months with regular spaced repetition.
How long does it take to prepare for N5?
With about 30 to 60 minutes a day, most learners reach N5 in three to four months. It depends on prior knowledge and consistency.
Do I need to speak or write for N5?
No. The JLPT tests reading, listening and language knowledge with multiple choice. There is no speaking or essay section.
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