JLPT N5 Vocabulary by Topic

Most N5 vocabulary lists are dumped alphabetically, which is the worst possible order for actually learning. The lists below mirror how this editorial N5 selection is organized: by theme, with the highest-frequency words first inside each theme.

Looking for one word instead? Use the Inku Japanese Library to search this public N5 collection by Japanese, kana, romaji, English, or topic.

• JLPT N5 Japanese Food Vocabulary

  The 30 most useful Japanese food words at JLPT N5, with kana, romaji, and short usage notes.

  30 words

• JLPT N5 Japanese Family Vocabulary

  The dual-register family terms (humble vs honorific) every Japanese learner needs at N5.

  26 words

• JLPT N5 Japanese Time and Date Vocabulary

  How to tell time, name the days, and talk about yesterday/today/tomorrow at JLPT N5 level.

  29 words

• JLPT N5 Japanese Travel Vocabulary

  Train stations, airports, hotels, and asking for directions: the survival travel vocabulary at N5.

  25 words

• JLPT N5 Japanese Body Parts Vocabulary

  The 20 body-part terms you'll see at the doctor, in idioms, and in describing yourself.

  20 words

• JLPT N5 Japanese Weather Vocabulary

  Sunny, rainy, cool, and cold: everyday Japanese weather words at JLPT N5, including how to say cool weather.

  20 words

• JLPT N5 Japanese Numbers and Counters

  How to count to a billion in Japanese, plus the 10 essential counters every learner needs.

  24 words

• JLPT N5 Japanese Verbs (Top 30)

  The 30 highest-frequency verbs at JLPT N5, sorted by class (ichidan, godan, irregular).

  30 words

• JLPT N5 Japanese Places Vocabulary

  Station, school, bank and library: the everyday Japanese place words at JLPT N5, with how to ask where they are.

  26 words

• JLPT N5 Japanese Clothing Vocabulary

  Clothes, shoes and hats at JLPT N5, and the four different Japanese verbs for wearing them.

  14 words

For the broader study plan, see the JLPT N5 study guide and the full N5 vocabulary guide.