How to Pass the JLPT

Comprehensive study guides and strategies for all JLPT levels

JLPT N5 Study Guide

Entry level certification for basic Japanese comprehension

⏱️Estimated study time: 3-6 months (150-300 hours)

Exam Structure

Language Knowledge (文字・語彙・文法)

25 minutes38 questions
Vocabulary & Kanji
  • 800 basic vocabulary words
  • 100 kanji characters
  • Basic verb conjugations (ます, て-form)
  • Common adjectives and their conjugations
  • Numbers, time, and dates
  • Basic nouns for everyday objects
Grammar
  • Basic sentence structure (は, が, を, に, で)
  • Present and past tense
  • Basic questions (か, どこ, なに)
  • Basic counters and time expressions
  • Simple requests and desires (ください, ほしい)
  • Basic て-form usage

Reading (読解)

50 minutes12 questions
Reading Comprehension
  • Short text messages and emails
  • Simple signs and notices
  • Basic advertisements
  • Short diary entries
  • Simple schedules and timetables

Listening (聴解)

30 minutes15 questions
Listening Comprehension
  • Basic greetings and conversations
  • Simple questions and answers
  • Short announcements
  • Basic instructions
  • Simple telephone conversations

Weekly Study Plan

Vocabulary & Kanji

  • Learn 30-40 new words per week
  • Practice writing 5 new kanji
  • Review previously learned kanji
  • Use flashcards for daily review

Grammar

  • Study 2-3 grammar points per week
  • Complete practice exercises
  • Write simple sentences
  • Review previous grammar points

Reading & Listening

  • Read short texts daily
  • Listen to basic conversations
  • Practice with audio materials
  • Take practice tests weekly

Recommended Resources

📚 Textbooks

  • Genki I
  • Minna no Nihongo I
  • JLPT N5 Complete Practice Tests

💻 Online Resources

  • JLPT Professor N5 Kanji Course
  • JLPT Professor Practice Tests
  • JLPT Professor Flashcards

📱 Apps

  • Anki (flashcards)
  • Japanese (free dictionary)
  • Kanji Study

Pro Tips

Tip 1

Focus on mastering basic sentence patterns before moving to complex grammar

Tip 2

Practice writing kanji daily, even if just for 10 minutes

Tip 3

Listen to Japanese audio while doing other activities

Tip 4

Use real-life situations to practice basic conversations

Tip 5

Take regular mock tests to track progress

Start Practicing

漢

Kanji Practice

Master the kanji required for N5

📝

Mock Tests

Test your knowledge with full practice exams

🔄

Flashcards

Review vocabulary and kanji efficiently