N5 Your first sentences in Japanese.
Hiragana, katakana, the most common kanji, basic particles and verb forms. After N5 you can introduce yourself, talk about daily life and read simple signs and notes.
- Grammar76 patternsMeaning, formation, diagrams, examples, mistakes and JLPT tips.
- Vocabulary729 wordsWords in context with readings, examples and collocations.
- Kanji80 charactersReadings, common words, look-alikes and memory aids, grouped by day.
- Reading30 passagesShort, medium and long passages with strategy notes and questions.
- Listening30 exercisesScripted conversations with audio and comprehension questions.
- TestsWeekly and phase tests built from the question bank.
- Mock examsTimed, full-length exams with the real section structure.
Books that go with this level
The course here is complete on its own. These are the textbooks learners at this level most often study alongside it, in case you want one on paper.
Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese (3rd edition)
Eri Banno et al.
The standard first textbook in English-speaking classrooms. Pairs well with the N5 grammar here, which follows a similar order.
Minna no Nihongo Shokyu I (2nd edition), main textbook
3A Corporation
The textbook most language schools in Japan use. All Japanese, so get the separate translation and grammar notes in your language too.
A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Seiichi Makino and Michio Tsutsui
A reference, not a course: look up any beginner pattern and get a precise explanation with the related patterns compared. Worth owning from N5 to N3.
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Frequently asked questions
Official facts about the N5 test and what this course covers. Figures come from the JLPT site; see the JLPT guide for sources.
What does JLPT N5 certify?
Officially, N5 certifies the ability to understand some basic Japanese. The test has three parts at every level: language knowledge (vocabulary and grammar), reading, and listening.
Do I need hiragana and katakana before starting N5?
Yes. N5 reading is written in hiragana, katakana and basic kanji, and there is no romaji on the test. If you cannot yet read kana, start with the Foundation lessons on this site; they take about four hours in total.
What is the pass mark for JLPT N5?
80 out of 180 overall, and you must also reach the sectional minimum of 38 / 120 in vocabulary, grammar and reading combined, and 19 / 60 in listening. A section below its minimum is a fail regardless of the total. Scores are scaled, so the number of correct answers does not map one-to-one to points.
How long is the JLPT N5 exam?
90 minutes of testing in total: Vocabulary 20 minutes, Grammar and reading 40 minutes, Listening 30 minutes. There is a break between sessions, and instructions add some time on the day.
How many kanji and words do I need for JLPT N5?
The JLPT publishes no official vocabulary, kanji or grammar lists. Commonly cited estimates for N5 are about 100 kanji and 800 words in total, including everything from the lower levels. Treat these as a guide to the scale, not a checklist.
Does the JLPT test speaking or writing?
No. The JLPT has no speaking or writing section at any level. Every question is multiple choice and answered on a mark sheet; the official FAQ states that neither a conversation nor a composition test is currently included.
When is the JLPT held?
Twice a year, in July and December, on the first Sunday of the month in most countries. Some overseas test sites hold only one of the two sittings, and registration usually opens three to four months before the test through the host institution in your country.
What does Nihongo Path cover for N5?
76 grammar lessons, 729 vocabulary entries, 80 kanji, 30 reading passages and 30 listening exercises, plus tests and full-length mock exams in the official section structure. Everything is free to read without an account.