Japan N5 exam

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a widely recognized standard for measuring Japanese language ability. The N5 level is the entry-level test, perfect for beginners and those looking to establish a foundation in Japanese. This post will go into the essential vocabulary and grammar needed for the JLPT N5, and will also highlight some valuable resources, including Japanese vocabulary flashcards, Japanese vocabulary apps, and free materials to download for Japanese.

JLPT N5 Exam Prep Course

We designed this course specifically for you, taught by two of our most experienced teachers who are committed to ensuring your success.

book the course

Understanding JLPT N5

The JLPT N5 assesses basic Japanese language skills, focusing on everyday phrases, simple sentences, and foundational grammar. Successfully passing this level demonstrates a basic understanding of the language, allowing for basic communication in everyday situations.

Essential JLPT N5 Vocabulary

Building a solid vocabulary is crucial for passing the JLPT N5. Here are some of the key vocabulary categories and words you should know:

Everyday Words and Phrases

Greetings and Common Expressions
  • こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello
  • おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning
  • こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
  • ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you
  • すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry
Numbers
  • 一 (Ichi) – One
  • 二 (Ni) – Two
  • 三 (San) – Three
  • 四 (Yon/Shi) – Four
  • 五 (Go) – Five
days of weeks
  • 月曜日 (Getsuyoubi) – Monday
  • 火曜日 (Kayoubi) – Tuesday
  • 水曜日 (Suiyoubi) – Wednesday
  • 木曜日 (Mokuyoubi) – Thursday
  • 金曜日 (Kinyoubi) – Friday
  • 土曜日 (Doyoubi) – Saturday
  • 日曜日 (Nichiyoubi) – Sunday
Common Nouns
  • 学校 (Gakkou) – School
  • 先生 (Sensei) – Teacher
  • 本 (Hon) – Book
  • 友達 (Tomodachi) – Friend
  • 食べ物 (Tabemono) – Food

Adjectives and Verbs

Adjectives
  • 大きい (Ookii) – Big
  • 小さい (Chiisai) – Small
  • 新しい (Atarashii) – New
  • 古い (Furui) – Old
  • 高い (Takai) – Expensive / High
Verbs
  • 行く (Iku) – To go
  • 来る (Kuru) – To come
  • 食べる (Taberu) – To eat
  • 見る (Miru) – To see
  • 話す (Hanasu) – To speak

Essential JLPT N5 Grammar

Mastering basic grammar is equally important for the JLPT N5. Here are some fundamental grammar points you should understand:

Sentence Structure

Japanese sentence structure typically follows the Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) format. For example:

  • 私は学校へ行きます (Watashi wa gakkou e ikimasu) – I go to school.

Particles

Particles are essential in Japanese grammar as they indicate the relationship between words in a sentence. Some key particles include:

  • は (wa) – Topic marker (e.g., 私は学生です (Watashi wa gakusei desu) – I am a student)
  • を (wo) – Object marker (e.g., りんごを食べます (Ringo o tabemasu) – I eat an apple)
  • に (ni) – Direction/time marker (e.g., うちに帰ります (Uchi ni kaerimasu) – I go home)
  • で (de) – Location marker (e.g., 学校で勉強します (Gakkou de benkyou shimasu) – I study at school)

Verb Conjugation

Understanding basic verb conjugation is crucial. The three main verb groups are:

Group 1 (U-verbs)
  • 書く (Kaku) – To write
  • 書きます (Kakimasu) – Write (polite)
  • 書いている (Kaite iru) – Writing (present continuous)
Group 2 (Ru-verbs)
  • 食べる (Taberu) – To eat
  • 食べます (Tabemasu) – Eat (polite)
  • 食べている (Tabete iru) – Eating (present continuous)
Group 3 (Irregular Verbs)
  • する (Suru) – To do
  • します (Shimasu) – Do (polite)
  • している (Shite iru) – Doing (present continuous)

Adjective Conjugation

Adjectives in Japanese are divided into two main types: i-adjectives and na-adjectives.

I-adjectives
  • Example: 新しい (Atarashii) – New
  • Past: 新しかった (Atarashikatta) – Was new
  • Negative: 新しくない (Atarashikunai) – Not new
  • Negative Past: 新しくなかった (Atarashikunakatta) – Was not new
Na – adjectives
  • Example: きれい (Kirei) – Beautiful
  • Past: きれいだった (Kirei datta) – Was beautiful
  • Negative: きれいじゃない (Kirei janai) – Not beautiful
  • Negative Past: きれいじゃなかった (Kirei janakatta) – Was not beautiful

Tools and Resources for Learning JLPT N5 Vocabulary and Grammar

To effectively study for the JLPT N5, using the right tools and resources can make a significant difference. Here are some recommended resources:

Japanese Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcards are a proven method for memorising vocabulary. Here are some options:

  1. Anki: A popular flashcard app that uses spaced repetition to help you remember vocabulary over time. You can find JLPT N5 decks or create your own.
  2. Quizlet: Another excellent flashcard app that allows you to study pre-made decks or create your own. It also offers various study modes, including games and tests.

Japanese Vocabulary Apps

Using dedicated apps can enhance your learning experience. Some highly recommended apps include Memrise: This app offers a range of Japanese courses, including those focused on JLPT N5 vocabulary. It uses interactive games and multimedia to make learning fun.

Japanese Vocabulary Free Download

There are numerous free resources available for downloading Japanese vocabulary lists and study materials:

  1. JLPT Official Website: The official JLPT website provides sample questions and vocabulary lists for free.
  2. Jisho.org: A comprehensive online dictionary where you can look up words and create your own vocabulary lists.
  3. Japanese Language School: Dear Asia London provide comprehensive free materials to help you prepare the JLPT N5 exam. Download it below.

Study Tips for JLPT N5 Success

  1. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks and set achievable goals. For example, aim to learn 10 new words each day.
  2. Practice Daily: Consistency is key. Dedicate a certain amount of time each day to studying Japanese, even if it’s just 15-20 minutes.
  3. Mix Up Study Methods: Use a combination of flashcards, apps, textbooks, and practice exams to keep your study sessions varied and engaging.
  4. Spend time in Japanese media: Watch Japanese shows, listen to Japanese music, or read simple Japanese books to immerse yourself in the language.
  5. Seek help from language school: It’s best to seek help from professional language school, they will be able to guide and teach you how to pass the exams.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help

Preparing for the JLPT N5 is a rewarding endeavor that sets the foundation for further Japanese language learning. By mastering the essential vocabulary and grammar outlined in this guide, and utilizing tools such as Japanese vocabulary flashcards, Japanese vocabulary apps, and resources for Japanese vocabulary free download, you’ll be well on your way to achieving success in the JLPT N5.

Remember, the journey of learning a language is gradual, but with consistent effort and the right resources, you’ll find yourself improving day by day. Good luck with your studies, and we hope to see you ace the JLPT N5!

Similar Posts