Learning Japanese can feel overwhelming, but the JLPT N5 is the perfect place to start. It’s designed for beginners and focuses on everyday words and phrases that form the foundation of the language. Building a strong vocabulary isn’t just helpful for passing the exam—it’s key to understanding basic conversations and written Japanese. In this post, we’ll walk you through the essential words you need to know, making your study process simpler and more effective.
Understanding the JLPT N5 Vocabulary List
If you’re just starting your Japanese language journey, the JLPT N5 is the perfect stepping stone. It’s tailored for beginners and gives you a solid foundation in essential words and phrases. Understanding how the vocabulary list is structured can make your study sessions more focused and productive. Let’s break down the essentials of the JLPT N5 vocabulary list.
What is the JLPT N5?
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an internationally recognized exam used to assess non-native speakers’ Japanese skills. The N5 level is the most basic of the five levels, designed for absolute beginners. It measures your ability to understand simple Japanese used in everyday life, focusing on listening and reading.
Passing N5 means you’re prepared to comprehend short phrases, basic sentence patterns, and expressions commonly found in beginner-level conversations or texts. The vocabulary covered in the N5 is an essential tool for navigating basic interactions in Japanese, whether it’s reading signs, understanding spoken instructions, or engaging in simple dialogue.
How Many Words Are in the N5 Vocabulary List?
The JLPT N5 vocabulary list contains approximately 800 words and phrases. These include high-frequency words that you’ll encounter in everyday Japanese conversations and beginner-level reading materials. While 800 may seem like a lot, breaking it into smaller, manageable chunks makes the process much easier.
To prepare for the exam, it’s a good idea to focus on memorizing and using these words consistently in practice sentences. Learning these words isn’t just about passing the JLPT—it’s about building a practical vocabulary you’ll use regularly.
Types of Words on the N5 List
The N5 vocabulary list is diverse, covering a variety of word types essential to basic communication. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
- Nouns: Words for people, places, objects, and ideas make up a large portion of the list. Examples include 学校 (がっこう, “school”), 本 (ほん, “book”), and 電車 (でんしゃ, “train”).
- Verbs: Expect commonly used verbs like する (“to do”), 食べる (たべる, “to eat”), and 行く (いく, “to go”). These verbs are crucial for forming everyday sentences.
- Adjectives: Adjectives are split into two categories—い-adjectives and な-adjectives. Simple descriptors like 小さい (ちいさい, “small”) and 元気 (げんき, “healthy/energetic”) are key to expressing opinions or describing people or things.
- Pronouns: Words such as 私 (わたし, “I”), あなた (“you”), and これ (“this”) are foundational for constructing basic phrases.
- Numbers and Counters: Numbers like 一 (いち, “one”) and common counters for time, objects, or people are also heavily featured in this list.
Each word type plays a role in helping you form grammatically correct sentences. By studying the list in these categories, you’ll create connections and patterns that speed up your learning process.
By understanding what the JLPT N5 vocabulary covers and how it’s structured, you can approach your study with confidence.
Core Nouns You Need to Know for JLPT N5
Building a solid foundation in Japanese starts with mastering basic nouns. These are the building blocks of daily conversations and essential for passing the JLPT N5. By focusing on common words for objects, people, and places, you’ll not only prepare for the test but also gain practical vocabulary for everyday life. Let’s break down the must-know nouns into manageable categories.
Everyday Objects and Items
One of the first things you’ll need to recognize in Japanese is everyday items. These are the words you’ll hear, see, and use regularly, whether at home, on the go, or in conversation. Here are some commonly used nouns you’ll encounter:
- Household items: Words like テーブル (“table”), 椅子 (いす, “chair”), 電気 (でんき, “electricity” or “light”), and 部屋 (へや, “room”) are essential for describing your living space. Want to talk about cleaning or organizing? Words like 箒 (ほうき, “broom”) and ごみ (“trash”) might come up.
- Transportation: If you plan to travel around Japan, knowing words like 車 (くるま, “car”), 電車 (でんしゃ, “train”), and 自転車 (じてんしゃ, “bicycle”) will help you get where you need to go. Don’t forget key nouns like 駅 (えき, “station”)!
- Daily necessities: Common terms such as 傘 (かさ, “umbrella”), 財布 (さいふ, “wallet”), and 鍵 (かぎ, “key”) are great examples of items you might reference every day.
By practicing these words in context, you’ll start recognizing them in real life and solidify your understanding.
People and Family Terms
Talking about people and relationships is a big part of communication in any language. In Japanese, there are specific words for different family members and other individuals in your life. Knowing these names is not just important for conversations—it also helps you understand Japan’s cultural emphasis on relationships and hierarchy.
- Family members: Some of the first nouns you’ll learn for family include 母 (はは, “mother”), 父 (ちち, “father”), 兄 (あに, “older brother”), and 妹 (いもうと, “younger sister”). Respect is crucial in Japanese, so you’ll often hear polite alternatives like お母さん (おかあさん, “mom”) and お父さん (おとうさん, “dad”).
- Other people: Everyday interactions require you to know nouns like 先生 (せんせい, “teacher”), 友達 (ともだち, “friend”), 彼 (かれ, “he/boyfriend”), and 彼女 (かのじょ, “she/girlfriend”). You’ll also encounter terms like 学生 (がくせい, “student”) frequently.
These words help you address and refer to others appropriately while navigating both casual and formal situations in Japanese.
Places and Locations
In conversations, talking about where you’re going or where something is often comes up. That’s why knowing location-related nouns is so helpful. These words are used to describe schools, public spaces, and other places that are part of daily life.
- Educational settings: For students or those interested in studying, some key nouns are 学校 (がっこう, “school”), 教室 (きょうしつ, “classroom”), and 図書館 (としょかん, “library”). These places will come up in both spoken and written contexts.
- Workplaces: If you’re learning Japanese for work, start with simple terms like 会社 (かいしゃ, “company”) and 事務所 (じむしょ, “office”). They’re straightforward but important in professional settings.
- Public areas: Other indispensable words include 銀行 (ぎんこう, “bank”), 病院 (びょういん, “hospital”), 公園 (こうえん, “park”), and スーパー (“supermarket”). These words are great for discussing errands or outings.
Mastering nouns for places will ensure you can talk about your daily activities with confidence, whether you’re asking for directions or describing where something happened.
By focusing on these categories, you’ll cover some of the most practical and frequently used nouns in Japanese. Start practicing these words in sentences to connect them with real-life contexts, and you’ll notice them becoming second nature.
Essential Verbs for JLPT N5
One of the most important categories on the JLPT N5 vocabulary list is verbs. Verbs are the action words that form the backbone of every sentence, making it possible to describe what happens, where, and how. Whether you’re talking about daily routines, expressing states of being, or describing actions in specific contexts, these verbs are an absolute must-know for the exam and beyond.
Basic Action Verbs
For everyday conversations, basic action verbs are indispensable. These are the words you’ll rely on to express simple, daily activities like eating, drinking, going places, and more. Mastering these verbs will provide you with the tools to navigate life in Japanese.
Here are some essential JLPT N5 action verbs you’ll need:
- 食べる (たべる) – to eat
- 飲む (のむ) – to drink
- 行く (いく) – to go
- 来る (くる) – to come
- 見る (みる) – to see/watch
- 聞く (きく) – to hear/listen
- 話す (はなす) – to speak
- 買う (かう) – to buy
- 書く (かく) – to write
- 立つ (たつ) – to stand
- 座る (すわる) – to sit
- 歩く (あるく) – to walk
Each of these verbs corresponds to actions that you’re likely to use on a daily basis. Whether you’re talking about grabbing a snack or commuting to work, these verbs are foundational to basic communication.
State of Being Verbs
In Japanese, expressing existence or possession is slightly different from English. These “state of being” verbs are critical, as they allow you to say things like “I am here,” or “I have something.” These verbs also appear frequently in both the exam and everyday conversations.
Key JLPT N5 state of being verbs include:
- ある – to exist (non-living things)
Use this to describe the location of objects, e.g., “The book is on the table” (本はテーブルの上にあります). - いる – to exist (living things)
Use this for people or animals, e.g., “There is a cat in the room” (部屋に猫がいます). - です – to be (copula)
This is the most basic verb for stating facts or describing nouns, e.g., “This is a book” (これは本です). - 持つ (もつ) – to have/hold
Whether you’re talking about possessions or physical holding, this verb is a must, e.g., “I have a pen” (ペンを持っています).
These verbs set the foundation for describing statements of existence, location, and ownership, which are incredibly common in both spoken and written Japanese.
Describing Actions in Context
Knowing individual verbs is just the first step—understanding how to use them in context is where the real magic happens. Here are a few simple yet practical examples to illustrate how these JLPT N5 verbs are commonly used in sentences:
- 食べる (to eat)
毎朝パンを食べます。
(まいあさパンをたべます。)
I eat bread every morning. - 行く (to go)
学校へ行きます。
(がっこうへいきます。)
I go to school. - 見る (to see)
テレビを見ます。
(テレビをみます。)
I watch TV. - ある (to exist [non-living])
公園に木があります。
(こうえんにきがあります。)
There is a tree in the park. - いる (to exist [living])
部屋に犬がいます。
(へやにいぬがいます。)
There is a dog in the room. - 話す (to speak)
日本語で話します。
(にほんごではなします。)
I speak in Japanese.
As you study these verbs, practice creating your own sentences with them. Not only will it help you remember the words, but it will also prepare you for comprehension and conversation.
Understanding these verbs in context will help you tackle JLPT N5 questions that require reading or listening to short passages. The more you practice constructing sentences, the more intuitive it becomes to pick the correct verb forms on test day.
Must-Know Adjectives and Adverbs for JLPT N5
When preparing for the JLPT N5, adjectives and adverbs are essential for creating clear and meaningful sentences. These descriptive words allow you to express how things are (adjectives) or how actions are performed (adverbs). Mastering these foundational words can make your conversations more natural and help you tackle exam questions with confidence. Let’s explore some of the key adjectives and adverbs you’ll encounter, as well as how to use them in sentences.
Common Adjectives
Adjectives bring life to your vocabulary by letting you describe objects, people, and situations. For the JLPT N5, there are two main types of adjectives in Japanese: い-adjectives and な-adjectives. Let’s focus on some high-frequency ones you’re likely to use both on the test and in real life.
Popular い-Adjectives:
These adjectives end in い and are incredibly versatile for describing various things.
- 大きい (おおきい) – big
Example: 大きい犬がいます。
(おおきいいぬがいます。)
There is a big dog. - 小さい (ちいさい) – small
Example: この部屋は小さいです。
(このへやはちいさいです。)
This room is small. - 新しい (あたらしい) – new
Example: 新しい本を買いました。
(あたらしいほんをかいました。)
I bought a new book. - 古い (ふるい) – old (not for age)
Example: 古い家に住んでいます。
(ふるいいえにすんでいます。)
I live in an old house. - 楽しい (たのしい) – fun
Example: 昨日のパーティーは楽しかったです。
(きのうのパーティーはたのしかったです。)
Yesterday’s party was fun.
Common な-Adjectives:
These are used with the particle な when placed before nouns.
- 元気 (げんき) – healthy, energetic
Example: お母さんは元気ですか？
(おかあさんはげんきですか？)
Is your mom doing well? - 好き (すき) – liked, favorite
Example: 私は日本の食べ物が好きです。
(わたしはにほんのたべものがすきです。)
I like Japanese food. - 静か (しずか) – quiet
Example: この図書館は静かです。
(このとしょかんはしずかです。)
This library is quiet. - 便利 (べんり) – convenient
Example: 電車は便利です。
(でんしゃはべんりです。)
Trains are convenient.
These adjectives help you describe daily activities and surroundings, and they’re incredibly common on the JLPT N5.
Helpful Adverbs
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and even other adverbs. In Japanese, they add layers of detail to show how, when, or to what degree something happens. Here are a few must-know adverbs for JLPT N5 that frequently appear in daily conversations and test questions.
Time-Based Adverbs:
- いつも – always
Example: 彼はいつも早く起きます。
(かれはいつもはやくおきます。)
He always wakes up early. - ときどき – sometimes
Example: ときどき映画を見ます。
(ときどきえいがをみます。)
I sometimes watch movies. - もう – already
Example: もう宿題をしました。
(もうしゅくだいをしました。)
I already did my homework.
Action-Modifying Adverbs:
- ゆっくり – slowly
Example: ゆっくり話してください。
(ゆっくりはなしてください。)
Please speak slowly. - はやく (早く) – quickly, early
Example: バスは早く来ました。
(バスははやくきました。)
The bus arrived quickly. - よく – often, well
Example: よく図書館で勉強します。
(よくとしょかんでべんきょうします。)
I often study at the library.
Degree-Modifying Adverbs:
- とても – very
Example: この本はとてもおもしろいです。
(このほんはとてもおもしろいです。)
This book is very interesting. - 少し (すこし) – a little
Example: 少し日本語が話せます。
(すこしにほんごがはなせます。)
I can speak a little Japanese. - 全然 (ぜんぜん) – not at all (used with negatives)
Example: 全然覚えていません。
(ぜんぜんおぼえていません。)
I don’t remember at all.
These adverbs will help you express details about actions and situations with greater precision, both in conversations and on the exam.
Using Descriptive Words in Sentences
Learning adjectives and adverbs is only part of the equation—knowing how to use them in sentences is just as key. At the JLPT N5 level, simple sentences are usually structured with a subject + descriptive word + predicate format. Here are some practical ways to incorporate adjectives and adverbs into your speech or writing.
Adjectives in Action:
- い-Adjectives:
Example: 今日は暑いです。
(きょうはあついです。)
Today is hot. - な-Adjectives:
Example: 庭はとても綺麗です。
(にわはとてもきれいです。)
The garden is very beautiful.
Adverbs in Action:
- Action Modifier:
Example: 毎日早く起きます。
(まいにちはやくおきます。)
I wake up early every day. - Degree Modifier:
Example: その映画はあまり面白くないです。
(そのえいがはあまりおもしろくないです。)
That movie isn’t very interesting.
By combining adjectives and adverbs, you can make your sentences visually vibrant and contextually precise. Practice forming basic sentences like these, and soon enough, descriptive words will flow naturally into your conversations.
Practice Tips for Mastering JLPT N5 Vocabulary
Mastering JLPT N5 vocabulary takes time, effort, and consistent practice. Instead of just memorizing words, you’ll need a smart study approach that ensures long-term retention. With the right tools and techniques, you can make learning more efficient and enjoyable. Below are three proven strategies to help you master the N5 vocabulary with confidence.
Flashcards and Mnemonics
Photo by Ling App
Flashcards are one of the easiest and most effective ways to learn new vocabulary. They allow you to actively test your memory while visualizing words, kana, and English meanings. Whether you use physical flashcards or digital apps like Anki, here’s how to get the most out of them:
- Include example sentences: Write or include a simple sentence for each vocabulary word on the back of the card. This helps you understand how the word is used in context.
- Separate by categories: Divide the words by topics like food, family, or places. This makes learning feel less random and easier to internalize.
- Use spaced repetition systems (SRS): Digital flashcard apps like Anki introduce previously learned words at specific intervals to help them stick in your memory.
Mnemonics can also make tricky words more memorable. For example, to remember 学校 (がっこう) (“school”), you might visualize a loud bell ringing in a corridor, as “っこう” sounds a bit like the echo. By tying a mental image to a word, your recall rate will improve dramatically.
Reading and Listening Practices
Immersing yourself in the Japanese language—even as a beginner—helps reinforce vocabulary. Combining reading and listening exposes you to words in context, making them easier to remember and recognize. Here’s how to incorporate both activities into your routine:
Beginner-level Reading Material:
Consider starting with picture books, manga, or graded readers designed for N5 learners. These materials often include furigana (kana readings) for kanji, so you won’t get stuck on unfamiliar characters. Websites like NHK Web Easy or apps like Satori Reader offer beginner-friendly articles that align well with N5-level vocabulary.
Listening Practice:
Listening trains your brain to process Japanese words naturally. For N5 learners, try these ideas:
- Watch kids’ shows or anime aimed at young audiences, such as Doraemon or Chibi Maruko-chan, since they use simple vocabulary.
- Listen to slow-speed Japanese podcasts for beginners. Apps like Spotify host free options tailored for learners.
- Repeat phrases out loud to connect listening with speaking skills.
By combining reading and listening, you’ll not only recognize vocabulary during the exam but also develop the ability to use it in conversations with more confidence.
Daily Practice Schedule
Consistency is the key to learning. A daily routine ensures that vocabulary words don’t fade over time. Even if you’re busy, a deliberate 15–30 minutes each day can make a big difference. Here’s a simple structure you can follow:
- Morning Review (5–10 minutes):
Start the day by reviewing the previous day’s words using flashcards or an app. This keeps them fresh in your mind. - Learn New Words (10–15 minutes):
Pick 5–10 new vocabulary words to study every day. Write each one down multiple times, say it out loud, and use it in a sentence. - Midday Listening (5–10 minutes):
During lunch or a short break, listen to a short podcast or video using words you’ve been studying. This reinforces those words without feeling like “study time.” - Nighttime Practice (10–15 minutes):
Quiz yourself on the day’s words before bed. Use the “active recall” method—try to recall meanings without looking at your notes.
For extra reinforcement, sprinkle Japanese into your everyday life. Label household items with sticky notes showing the Japanese word. Greet yourself in Japanese in the mirror or try describing your meals in Japanese. These little actions chip away at the language barrier without feeling overwhelming.
With tools like flashcards, engaging content, and a structured daily schedule, mastering the JLPT N5 vocabulary becomes both attainable and engaging. Practice regularly, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly those 800 words start turning into knowledge you can use every day.
Resources for Learning JLPT N5 Vocabulary
When preparing for the JLPT N5, choosing the right resources can make your study sessions effective and enjoyable. From textbooks and apps to practice tests, there’s a wide variety of tools designed to help you memorize, understand, and apply vocabulary in real-life contexts. Below, we’ll explore some of the best resources available for mastering JLPT N5 vocabulary.
Recommended JLPT N5 Textbooks
For beginners, textbooks serve as structured guides that combine vocabulary, grammar, and cultural context. Some textbooks excel at breaking down JLPT N5 vocabulary into digestible sections with exercises for reinforcement. Here are a few that students consistently praise:
- “Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese”
This popular textbook is ideal for beginners. Its vocabulary lists are neatly organized by chapter and paired with dialogues and exercises for practical application. The included workbook offers additional opportunities to practice kanji and vocabulary recall. - “Try! JLPT N5”
Specifically tailored for the JLPT, this book focuses on grammar and vocabulary that frequently appear in the N5 exam. Its vocabulary sections highlight words often seen in test questions and provide example sentences for context. - “日本語総まとめ N5 (Nihongo So-Matome N5)”
This all-in-one JLPT prep book offers a dedicated vocabulary section alongside listening, grammar, and reading practice. Each page is designed for quick daily review, making it great for learners with busy schedules.
Using a structured textbook ensures that you’re not just learning vocabulary in isolation but understanding how to use it in combination with grammar and sentence patterns.
Top Vocabulary Apps
Photo by SNDRF .
Apps are perfect for studying on the go, offering interactive features that keep you engaged. Many focus specifically on vocabulary and include tools like spaced repetition and quizzes to help you learn more effectively. Here are some must-try apps for JLPT N5 vocabulary:
- Anki
This flashcard-based app uses spaced repetition to ensure you retain words long term. You can download pre-made JLPT N5 vocabulary decks or create your own customized cards with example sentences and images. - WaniKani
Best for kanji learners, WaniKani teaches you kanji alongside vocabulary. Its gamified system motivates you to progress through levels by gradually introducing new characters and words in context. - Bunpo
Bunpo offers a JLPT-specific course that includes N5 vocabulary. Words are paired with sentence-based quizzes, so you’ll immediately see how to use them in real-life contexts. - Drops
If you prefer a visual learning style, Drops is a fantastic choice. It uses images and short, engaging sessions to help you memorize vocabulary. The app even allows category-based learning, such as food, transportation, or family.
Take advantage of app notifications to build consistent study habits—think of them as little nudges to keep you on track!
Online Practice Tests and Quizzes
Testing your knowledge through quizzes and mock exams is a smart way to measure your vocabulary retention. These websites offer free or low-cost JLPT N5-style tests to help you prepare:
- JLPT Sensei
JLPT Sensei provides free N5 practice quizzes focusing on vocabulary, kanji, and grammar. The quizzes are timed, simulating real test conditions, and give immediate feedback to help you learn from mistakes. - JLPT Official Practice Workbook
Available on the official JLPT website, this workbook contains sample vocabulary questions directly modeled after the exam format. It’s an excellent resource for understanding what to expect on test day. - Renshuu
Renshuu is a user-friendly tool offering customizable quizzes. You can focus exclusively on N5 vocabulary and even add words to a personal study list. The platform also tracks your progress, showing areas for improvement. - Quizlet
On Quizlet, you’ll find shared JLPT N5 vocabulary decks created by other learners. Use their testing modes, such as flashcards and matching games, to make studying more dynamic.
Challenge yourself regularly with these tests. Not only do they highlight weak spots, but they also build confidence as you see your score improve!
These resources provide a range of study solutions, whether you’re flipping through physical textbooks or drilling vocabulary on your phone. Combine them for a well-rounded approach, and you’ll set yourself up for success on the JLPT N5 exam.
Conclusion
Mastering the JLPT N5 vocabulary list is a meaningful step toward building your Japanese skills. These essential words and phrases aren’t just for passing the test—they’re tools that open doors to real-world conversations and connections.
Consistency is what turns learning into results. Even with just a few dedicated minutes each day, you can make steady progress. Use what you’ve learned in practical ways, like writing sentences, listening to simple dialogues, or challenging yourself with mock quizzes.
Every word you learn brings you closer to fluency and closer to understanding a new culture. Keep pushing forward and enjoy the process—it’s more than studying; it’s a journey toward communication and growth. You’ve got this!
