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JLPT N5 study guide: what's on the test, a plan and a method

The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) is the most recognised Japanese exam. N5 is the first level: it shows you can read kana, the most common kanji and simple everyday sentences.

Updated

How the test works

  • Language knowledge (vocabulary and kanji): about 20 minutes.
  • Language knowledge (grammar) and reading: about 40 minutes.
  • Listening: about 30 minutes.
  • Scored out of 180, pass from 80, with a minimum in each part (38/120 for knowledge + reading, 19/60 for listening).
  • The test is held in July and December in most countries (only once a year in some): check the dates with your local test centre.

What you need to know

The Japan Foundation hasn't published an official list since 2010; reference lists are around a hundred kanji and 700 to 800 words. KanaLearn covers 109 kanji, 696 words and 40 grammar points for N5.

Grammar: particles (は, が, を, に, で, へ, と, も), polite ます and です forms, the past tense, the て-form, い and な adjectives, existence (あります / います), and simple requests (〜てください).

The first grammar points

PatternMeaning
〜は〜ですBasic sentence: "A is B". は marks the topic.
〜は〜ではありませんNegative of です (polite): "A is not B".
〜も"also"; replaces は/が to show similarity.
〜のParticle of possession / link between two nouns ("of", "'s").
〜を〜ますを marks the direct object of the verb.
〜に（時間）に marks the exact time of an action (hour, day, date).
〜へ／〜に（方向）Direction / destination of a movement ("to, toward").
〜で（場所）で marks the place where an action happens.
〜で（手段）で marks the means / tool ("by, with").
〜と（並列・相手）Links two nouns ("and") or marks company ("with").
〜か（疑問）か at the end of a sentence makes a question.
〜ませんかPolite invitation: "Won't you…? / Would you like to…?"

A 3-month plan

  • Weeks 1-2: hiragana and katakana together, row by row, until you read them without hesitating.
  • Weeks 3-8: 15 new words and 3 to 5 kanji a day, reviewing what comes due every day.
  • Alongside: one grammar point every other day, with example sentences.
  • Weeks 9-12: daily listening, short reading texts, and one mock exam a week to find your weak spots.

Mistakes that cost points

  • Neglecting listening: it's often where people fail, and it has its own minimum.
  • Learning kanji without their words: the test asks you to read words, not isolated characters.
  • Cramming the night before: spaced repetition, a little every day, sticks far better.

Practise

FAQ

How long does it take to prepare for N5?
About 3 to 6 months at 30 minutes a day from scratch. Faster if you already know kana.
Do I have to take N5 first?
No: you can register for a higher level directly. But it's a good first goal, motivating and within reach.
Is there a speaking or writing part?
No: there is no speaking or essay. Everything is multiple choice (reading and listening).

Remember them for good

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