JLPT · JLPT N5
JLPT N5: Vocabulary, Grammar, and Study Plan
The first JLPT level. Basic Japanese, around 800 words and 100 kanji. The floor of 'can hold a simple conversation.'
Overview
- Vocabulary target
- 800words
- Kanji target
- 100kanji
- Study hours
- 150-300 hours of study
What you can do at this level
- Read hiragana, katakana, and about 100 basic kanji
- Introduce yourself, your family, your job, your hometown
- Order food at a restaurant and ask for directions
- Read simple signs, menus, and app interfaces
- Hold a short, slow-paced conversation about daily life
Vocabulary examples
A small sample of the kind of words that appear at this level.
| Kanji | Kana | English |
|---|---|---|
| 水 | みず | water |
| 学校 | がっこう | school |
| 食べる | たべる | to eat |
| 大きい | おおきい | big |
| 今日 | きょう | today |
Grammar examples
N は N です
Basic 'A is B' sentence structure
私は学生です。 (I am a student.)
V-ます / V-ません
Polite present tense (affirmative and negative)
日本語を勉強します。 (I study Japanese.)
N が あります / います
Existence ('there is X')
机の上に本があります。 (There is a book on the desk.)
Study plan
- Week 1-2: Hiragana and katakana to full recognition.
- Month 1-2: Build vocabulary through the 515 N5 cards. Aim for 10 new words a day.
- Month 2-3: Expand to the full N5 list (~800 words). Add basic grammar patterns.
- Month 3-4: Start reading simple Japanese (NHK Web Easy, graded readers).
- Month 4-5: Take the JLPT N5 practice test. Identify weak areas and drill.
- Month 5-6: Sit the real N5 in July or December, or skip the certification and move to N4 prep.
Common questions
How long does it take to pass JLPT N5?+
Most adult learners reach N5 in 3 to 6 months of consistent study at 30 minutes a day. Total study time runs 150 to 300 hours, including hiragana, katakana, ~800 vocabulary words, and ~30 grammar patterns.
Is JLPT N5 worth taking?+
If your career, visa, or school requires it, yes. For most learners, N5 is a useful milestone, not a goal. Many people skip the certification and use the N5 syllabus as a checklist instead.
How many kanji are on the JLPT N5?+
Approximately 100 kanji. The official list is not published by the JLPT, but reference vocabulary lists consistently include around 100 jōyō kanji at this level.
Can I pass JLPT N5 with only flashcard apps?+
You can pass the vocabulary and kanji sections, but the listening and reading sections require exposure beyond flashcards. Pair an SRS app like Inku with NHK Easy and a beginner podcast for a balanced prep.
Related guides
Inku's current curriculum focuses on N5 (complete) and N4 (expanding monthly). Start the 7-day free trial to see the full deck.