Your Complete Guide to the JLPT N5 Exam (2026 Edition)
Everything English speakers need to know about taking the JLPT N5 — exam format, scoring, vocabulary, kanji, study plans, and tips to pass first time.
Table of Contents
- What Is the JLPT?
- What Level Is N5?
- Who Should Take the JLPT N5?
- JLPT N5 Exam Format
- JLPT N5 Scoring and Pass Mark
- JLPT N5 Vocabulary List
- JLPT N5 Kanji List
- JLPT N5 Grammar Points
- How Long Does It Take to Prepare for N5?
- JLPT N5 Study Plan
- Best Resources to Study for JLPT N5
- Exam Schedule and Registration
- On Exam Day
- Collecting Your Results
- After N5 — What’s Next?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the JLPT?
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the world’s most widely recognised Japanese language certification for non-native speakers. It was first launched in 1984 by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, and has grown to become the gold standard for proving Japanese ability internationally. By 2011, over 610,000 people worldwide were sitting the exam each year — and that number has kept growing.
The test is held twice a year — in July and December — at test centres across the globe. It is divided into five levels:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| N1 | Advanced — near-native fluency |
| N2 | Upper intermediate — business level |
| N3 | Intermediate — everyday Japanese |
| N4 | Elementary — basic understanding |
| N5 | Beginner — foundational Japanese |
If you’re just starting out, N5 is your entry point.
The JLPT certificate doesn’t expire, and is accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in Japan and beyond as proof of your Japanese ability.
What Level Is N5?
N5 is the entry-level JLPT certification. It measures your ability to understand the very foundations of Japanese — the scripts, core vocabulary, basic grammar, and simple conversations.
Reading (N5 Standard)
You’ll be expected to read and understand:
- Short phrases, sentences, and simple passages
- Text written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji used in everyday situations
- Things like signs, simple notices, menus, and short messages
Listening (N5 Standard)
You’ll need to:
- Follow simple conversations spoken at a slow, deliberate pace
- Understand classroom instructions, greetings, numbers, times, and everyday requests
- Pick out key information from short audio clips
In short: If you can read hiragana and katakana fluently, recognise around 100 kanji, and handle basic greetings and everyday phrases — you’re ready to start preparing for N5.
Who Should Take the JLPT N5?
The N5 is ideal for:
- Complete beginners who have finished a beginner Japanese textbook (like Genki I or Minna no Nihongo I)
- Self-studiers who want an official milestone to work towards
- Students who want a recognised certificate to list on their CV or university application
- Travellers who want to test how much Japanese they’ve picked up before or after visiting Japan
- Anime and manga fans who have been informally learning Japanese and want to formalise their progress
You do not need any prior qualifications to register for the JLPT N5. Anyone can sit it, at any age.
JLPT N5 Exam Format
The N5 exam is split into 3 sections and takes 90 minutes in total:
| Section | Content | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Language Knowledge (Vocabulary) | Kanji readings, vocabulary meaning, context fill-in | 20 minutes |
| Language Knowledge (Grammar) + Reading | Grammar patterns, sentence structure, short reading passages | 40 minutes |
| Listening | Audio clips with multiple-choice questions | 30 minutes |
| Total | 90 minutes |
Section 1 — Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)
This section tests:
- Kanji readings — picking the correct reading (hiragana) for a kanji word
- Vocabulary meaning — choosing the right meaning for a word in context
- Writing — picking the correct kanji or kana for a given reading
- Context vocabulary — completing a sentence with the appropriate word
Section 2 — Language Knowledge (Grammar) + Reading
This section tests:
- Grammar — filling in blanks with the correct grammar structure or particle
- Sentence ordering — rearranging scrambled words into a grammatically correct sentence
- Reading comprehension — answering questions about short passages (notices, messages, short articles)
Section 3 — Listening
This section uses audio recordings played once, and tests:
- Picture selection — listening to a description and choosing the matching image
- Best response — selecting the most appropriate reply to a spoken phrase
- Short conversation comprehension — answering questions about brief dialogues
All questions are multiple choice (4 options). You answer on a bubble sheet with an HB pencil.
JLPT N5 Scoring and Pass Mark
Score Breakdown
| Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Language Knowledge (Vocabulary, Grammar) + Reading | 0 – 120 |
| Listening | 0 – 60 |
| Total | 0 – 180 |
Pass Requirements
To pass the N5, you must meet both of these conditions simultaneously:
| Condition | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Total score | 80 out of 180 |
| Language Knowledge + Reading | 38 out of 120 |
| Listening | 19 out of 60 |
⚠️ Critical: Even if your total score is 90 or 100, you will fail if any single section falls below its minimum threshold. This catches many test-takers off guard — do not neglect listening or grammar just because you’re strong in vocabulary.
If you miss or leave early from any part of the exam, all your sections — including the ones you did sit — will be marked as ungraded, and you’ll be considered absent for the entire test.
JLPT N5 Vocabulary List
The N5 vocabulary list contains approximately 800 words. These cover the most basic and essential words in everyday Japanese. Here are the key categories and some examples to give you a feel for the level:
People and Pronouns
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 私 | わたし (watashi) | I / me |
| あなた | あなた (anata) | You |
| 彼 | かれ (kare) | He / him / boyfriend |
| 彼女 | かのじょ (kanojo) | She / her / girlfriend |
| 友達 | ともだち (tomodachi) | Friend |
| 先生 | せんせい (sensei) | Teacher |
| 学生 | がくせい (gakusei) | Student |
Time and Numbers
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 今日 | きょう (kyou) | Today |
| 明日 | あした (ashita) | Tomorrow |
| 昨日 | きのう (kinou) | Yesterday |
| 今 | いま (ima) | Now |
| 時間 | じかん (jikan) | Time / hour |
| 年 | ねん (nen) | Year |
| 週間 | しゅうかん (shuukan) | Week |
Places
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 学校 | がっこう (gakkou) | School |
| 家 | いえ / うち (ie / uchi) | House / home |
| 駅 | えき (eki) | Train station |
| 店 | みせ (mise) | Shop / store |
| 病院 | びょういん (byouin) | Hospital |
| 図書館 | としょかん (toshokan) | Library |
| レストラン | — | Restaurant |
Common Verbs
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 食べる | たべる (taberu) | To eat |
| 飲む | のむ (nomu) | To drink |
| 行く | いく (iku) | To go |
| 来る | くる (kuru) | To come |
| 見る | みる (miru) | To see / watch |
| 聞く | きく (kiku) | To listen / hear / ask |
| 話す | はなす (hanasu) | To speak |
| 書く | かく (kaku) | To write |
| 読む | よむ (yomu) | To read |
| 買う | かう (kau) | To buy |
| 起きる | おきる (okiru) | To wake up |
| 寝る | ねる (neru) | To sleep |
Common Adjectives
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 大きい | おおきい (ookii) | Big |
| 小さい | ちいさい (chiisai) | Small |
| 新しい | あたらしい (atarashii) | New |
| 古い | ふるい (furui) | Old |
| 高い | たかい (takai) | Tall / expensive |
| 安い | やすい (yasui) | Cheap |
| 暑い | あつい (atsui) | Hot (weather) |
| 寒い | さむい (samui) | Cold (weather) |
| 好き | すき (suki) | Liked / favourite |
| 嫌い | きらい (kirai) | Disliked |
💡 Study tip: Learn vocabulary in thematic groups (food, transport, family, etc.) rather than random lists — your brain retains connected words much more effectively.
JLPT N5 Kanji List
The N5 requires knowledge of approximately 100 kanji. These are the most fundamental characters used in everyday Japanese writing. Here’s a breakdown by category:
Numbers
一、二、三、四、五、六、七、八、九、十、百、千、万
Time
年、月、日、時、分、週、今、前、後、毎、間
People and Family
人、父、母、子、女、男、友、先、生
Nature
山、川、木、水、火、土、空、雨、花、犬、魚
Directions and Places
上、下、左、右、中、外、東、西、南、北、国、学、校、駅
Body
目、耳、口、手、足
Actions and Things
見、聞、話、読、書、食、飲、行、来、入、出、買、大、小、長、高、安、新、古、白、黒、青、赤
💡 Study tip: Don’t just memorise kanji in isolation. Learn each one with at least two vocabulary words that use it — this doubles your vocab learning at the same time.
JLPT N5 Grammar Points
Grammar is tested throughout both the Language Knowledge and Reading sections. The core N5 grammar points include:
Verb Forms
- ます / ません / ました / ませんでした — polite present, negative, past, past negative
- て-form — used for connecting actions, making requests (〜てください)
- ない-form — plain negative
- たい-form — expressing desire (〜たいです = “I want to…”)
- Dictionary form vs ます-form
Particles
| Particle | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| は (wa) | Topic marker | 私は学生です (I am a student) |
| が (ga) | Subject marker | 猫がいます (There is a cat) |
| を (wo) | Object marker | 水を飲みます (I drink water) |
| に (ni) | Direction / time / location | 学校に行きます (I go to school) |
| で (de) | Location of action / means | 電車で来ます (I come by train) |
| の (no) | Possession / description | 私の本 (My book) |
| も (mo) | Also / too | 私も学生です (I am also a student) |
| と (to) | And / with | 友達と行きます (I go with a friend) |
| か (ka) | Question marker | これは何ですか？(What is this?) |
| ね (ne) | Seeking agreement | いいですね (That’s nice, isn’t it?) |
| よ (yo) | Assertion / emphasis | 大丈夫ですよ (It’s fine, I tell you) |
Sentence Patterns
- 〜は〜です — X is Y (basic copula)
- 〜がいます / あります — there is (animate / inanimate)
- 〜に〜があります — there is X in/at Y
- 〜ましょう / 〜ましょうか — let’s do / shall we?
- 〜ないでください — please don’t do
- 〜から — because / from
- 〜まで — until / up to
- 〜と思います — I think that…
- Adjective + noun (い-adj and な-adj modifying nouns)
- 〜より〜のほうが — X is more [adj] than Y (comparisons)
- 〜が好きです / 嫌いです / 上手です / 下手です
How Long Does It Take to Prepare for N5?
The Japan Foundation estimates that N5 requires approximately 150 hours of study for learners with no prior Japanese knowledge. In practice, this varies significantly based on your study method and consistency:
| Study Hours Per Day | Approximate Time to N5 |
|---|---|
| 30 min/day | ~10 months |
| 1 hour/day | ~5 months |
| 2 hours/day | ~2.5 months |
| 3+ hours/day | ~6–8 weeks (intensive) |
Factors that speed things up:
- Previous knowledge of Chinese (kanji recognition transfers significantly)
- Prior exposure to Japanese through anime, games, or music
- Using active recall methods (flashcard apps like Anki)
- Immersion — listening to Japanese daily even passively
Factors that slow things down:
- Inconsistent study (long gaps between sessions)
- Passive studying only (reading without testing yourself)
- Skipping hiragana/katakana and trying to rely on romaji
JLPT N5 Study Plan
Here’s a practical 3-month study plan for someone starting from scratch:
Month 1 — Build Your Foundation
Weeks 1–2: Master the Scripts
- Learn all 46 hiragana characters (target: 1 week)
- Learn all 46 katakana characters (target: 1 week)
- Practice reading simple words written in each script daily
- Tool: Use mnemonics — apps like Dr Moku make this fast
Weeks 3–4: Core Vocabulary and Basic Sentences
- Start a beginner textbook (Genki I or Minna no Nihongo I)
- Learn 10–15 new vocabulary words per day using flashcards
- Study basic sentence structure: 〜は〜です、〜がいます/あります
- Begin learning numbers, time expressions, and basic nouns
Month 2 — Build Grammar and Kanji
Weeks 5–6: Verb Forms and Particles
- Master the ます-form conjugation (present, past, negative)
- Study core particles: は、が、を、に、で、の、も
- Begin learning N5 kanji — aim for 5–7 new characters per day
- Listen to beginner Japanese podcasts or YouTube daily (passive immersion)
Weeks 7–8: Expand Grammar Patterns
- Study て-form and its uses (requests, connecting actions)
- Learn adjective types (い-adjectives vs な-adjectives)
- Continue kanji — aim to have 80+ by end of this month
- Introduce reading practice: simple graded readers or NHK Web Easy
Month 3 — Test Prep and Practice
Weeks 9–10: Review and Past Papers
- Complete your first official JLPT N5 practice test under timed conditions
- Identify your weakest section and prioritise it
- Revise all grammar points systematically
- Finish learning remaining kanji (target: all ~100)
Weeks 11–12: Mock Exams and Fine-Tuning
- Take at least 2–3 full mock exams under real exam conditions
- Review every wrong answer and understand why it was wrong
- Drill listening daily — get comfortable with the pace and question format
- Do final vocabulary review: focus on words you keep forgetting
💡 Key principle: Consistency beats intensity. 45 minutes every day will beat a 5-hour study marathon once a week.
Best Resources to Study for JLPT N5
Textbooks
- Genki I (3rd Edition) — the most popular beginner Japanese textbook in the English-speaking world. Covers most N5 grammar and vocabulary in an organised, structured way.
- Minna no Nihongo I — widely used in Japanese language schools. More grammar-focused; pairs with a separate translation/grammar guide.
- JLPT Sensei N5 Workbook — specifically designed for N5 test prep with practice questions by section.
Apps
- Anki — free flashcard app with spaced repetition. Download a pre-made N5 deck (vocabulary + kanji) and study daily. Arguably the single most effective tool for vocabulary retention.
- WaniKani — gamified kanji and vocabulary learning using mnemonics and spaced repetition. Gets you through N5 and N4 kanji in a systematic order.
- Duolingo (Japanese) — good for absolute beginners to get started, but not sufficient alone for passing JLPT. Use as a supplement, not a primary resource.
- Bunpro — grammar-focused SRS app. Great for drilling N5 (and N4) grammar patterns in sentence context.
Websites
- JLPT Sensei (jlptsensei.com) — free vocabulary lists, kanji lists, grammar explanations, and practice tests organised by JLPT level.
- Tanos (tanos.co.uk) — comprehensive N5 word and kanji lists with downloadable PDF resources.
- NHK Web Easy (www3.nhk.or.jp/news/easy) — real Japanese news articles written in simple Japanese (aimed at children and learners). Good for reading practice once you have basic vocabulary.
- Official JLPT Practice Workbook — published by the Japan Foundation. Available on Amazon. The closest thing to real past papers (the JLPT does not release official past papers publicly).
YouTube Channels
- JapanesePod101 — video lessons by level, including N5-specific content
- Nihongo no Mori — Japanese-language channel popular for JLPT prep at all levels
- Cure Dolly (Organic Japanese) — unconventional but highly effective grammar explanations that make Japanese logic click
Listening Practice
- JapanesePod101 beginner podcasts — dialogue-based audio at beginner pace
- Erin’s Challenge (NHK) — free online Japanese course from NHK with video and audio
- Anime (with subtitles) — slice-of-life anime (Shirokuma Cafe, Chi’s Sweet Home, Yotsuba) uses simple, slow, everyday Japanese ideal for N5 learners
Exam Schedule and Registration
Exam Dates
The JLPT is held twice a year, globally on the same dates:
- 1st sitting: First Sunday of July
- 2nd sitting: First Sunday of December
N5 Session Time (from 2025)
N5 is held in the afternoon session:
- Approximate time: 1:50 PM – 5:30 PM
Note: From 2025, N1 and N2 are held in the morning (8:05 AM – 12:30 PM), and N3, N4, N5 are all afternoon sessions. If you’re registering for two levels, check they are not in the same session — the system will not allow it.
When to Register
Registration typically opens 2–3 months before the exam date. Check your local JLPT organiser’s website for exact dates.
How to Register
Registration is done through your local JLPT organising body. Each country or region has a designated organiser — check the official JLPT website to find the one for your location.
Key Registration Rules
- If registering for two levels, you need two separate application forms and two separate payments.
- Exam venues are assigned randomly by computer — you cannot request a specific location.
- Fees are non-refundable once submitted. No level changes or transfers are accepted.
- If you have a disability and require special exam arrangements, contact the organiser before the registration deadline.
- The organiser reserves the right to refuse registration without explanation.
Results Timeline
| Sitting | Results Available |
|---|---|
| July (1st sitting) | End of August (online) |
| December (2nd sitting) | Mid-March the following year |
On Exam Day
What to Bring
- Your admission card (printed)
- HB or No. 2 pencil — this is mandatory; answers are machine-read
- Eraser
- Your photo ID (same document used during registration)
- A wristwatch — analog or digital (no smartwatches permitted)
Important Rules (Effective 2026)
- You must be seated before the official start time. From 2026, latecomers will not be permitted to enter for the first section. You may still sit remaining sections, but if you miss any section, all your sections are voided and you will not receive a score.
- All electronic devices (mobile phones, smartwatches, alarm watches) must be switched off and sealed inside a provided opaque envelope at the start of the exam. This envelope must stay sealed for the entire duration, including rest breaks between sections.
- There are no clocks in exam rooms. Bring a watch and wear it on your wrist. You cannot use your phone to check the time.
- You may only place permitted items on your desk during the exam.
During the Exam
- Exam announcements are made in the local language of the test centre.
- Some questions may be unscored trial items — these are used by the organiser to calibrate future exams. You won’t know which ones they are, so attempt every question.
- If you finish early, you cannot leave the room until the section ends.
What Counts as Cheating
The following will result in immediate disqualification and removal from the exam room:
- Sharing or receiving answers from other candidates
- Using any reference material (dictionaries, notes, phone, written cues on your desk)
- Impersonating another candidate or using false ID
- Removing, copying, or photographing the question or answer paper
- Recording any part of the listening section
- Ignoring invigilator instructions
- Disturbing other candidates
- Posting exam content online in any form
Disqualified candidates may also have all past JLPT results cancelled and may be permanently banned from future sittings. Institutions that inquire about a disqualified candidate’s results will be notified of the disqualification.
Collecting Your Results
- Results are issued by the Japan Foundation and sent to your local JLPT organiser — they are not mailed directly to you.
- The organiser will notify you when and where to collect your result slip and (if you passed) your certificate.
- December exam: Results and certificates available around mid-March the following year.
- July exam: Results and certificates available around early October the same year.
- There is no re-marking or appeals process. Each answer sheet goes through multiple rounds of checking before results are finalised.
- Your JLPT certificate does not expire.
After N5 — What’s Next?
Passing the JLPT N5 is a fantastic achievement — but it’s the beginning, not the end. Here’s what your Japanese journey can look like from here:
The Road Ahead
| Level | What You Can Do | Approx. Study Hours from Zero |
|---|---|---|
| N5 ✓ | Basic everyday phrases, hiragana/katakana, 100 kanji | ~150 hrs |
| N4 | Basic daily conversations, 300 kanji | ~300 hrs |
| N3 | Understand daily Japanese, read news headlines | ~450 hrs |
| N2 | Business Japanese, read newspapers and novels | ~600 hrs |
| N1 | Near-native comprehension, full professional use | ~900+ hrs |
What N5 Can Do for You
- Add it to your CV or LinkedIn as a certified language skill
- Use it as proof of Japanese ability for university applications
- It’s a stepping stone for Japan working holiday visa or student visa applicants wanting to demonstrate commitment
- Some companies in Japan and internationally recognise JLPT certifications as part of hiring criteria (typically N2 or N1 for professional roles, but N5/N4 shows initiative)
Tips for Continuing to N4
- Keep your study habit going — don’t take a long break after N5
- Start Genki II or continue Minna no Nihongo II
- Aim to reach 300 kanji and ~1,500 vocabulary words
- The gap between N5 and N4 is manageable if you maintain momentum
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the JLPT N5 hard? For complete beginners, N5 requires genuine study — typically 3–6 months of consistent effort. The hiragana and katakana scripts take time to memorise, and the grammar logic is different from English. However, compared to other language certifications, N5 is very achievable with the right resources and a consistent schedule.
Q: Can I take the JLPT N5 with no Japanese knowledge? Technically yes, but you would be very unlikely to pass. You need to be able to read hiragana and katakana as a bare minimum — these are tested implicitly in every section. Most people who pass N5 have studied for at least 2–3 months beforehand.
Q: Do I have to take N5 before N4? No. The JLPT levels are independent — you can register for any level at any time without passing the level below it first. If you feel confident, you can skip N5 and go straight to N4. However, for most beginners, N5 is a useful confidence-builder and a way to validate your foundational skills.
Q: How many times can I take the JLPT N5? As many times as you like. The JLPT is held twice a year, and there’s no limit on retakes. Many learners sit it in July and, if unsuccessful, again in December of the same year.
Q: What ID do I need to bring to the exam? You must bring the same photo ID you submitted when registering. This is typically a passport, national ID card, or government-issued photo ID. Make sure the name matches your registration exactly.
Q: Does the JLPT N5 certificate expire? No. JLPT certificates do not have an expiry date. Once you pass, that certification is permanent.
Q: Are there speaking or writing sections in the JLPT N5? No. The JLPT tests only reading, vocabulary, grammar, and listening. There is no speaking test and no written composition. All answers are multiple choice on a bubble sheet.
Q: What happens if I fail one section but pass the total? You fail. You must meet the minimum score for every section as well as the total pass mark. For N5, that means at least 38/120 in Language Knowledge + Reading, and at least 19/60 in Listening, plus a total of 80/180.
Q: Can I use a dictionary during the N5 exam? No. No dictionaries, notes, phones, or reference materials of any kind are permitted. Using any of these will result in immediate disqualification.
Q: What if the exam is cancelled due to bad weather? If the exam is cancelled due to circumstances outside anyone’s control (typhoon, natural disaster, political unrest, etc.), you can either transfer your registration to the next sitting at no cost, or receive a 50% refund of your exam fee.
Continue Your Preparation
Ready to start studying? Nihongomachi offers free flashcards, kanji drills, and grammar practice covering all 127 N5 vocabulary words, 103 kanji, and 20 grammar patterns — no sign-up required.
For the full word-by-word breakdown of vocabulary across all eight N5 categories, see our JLPT N5 Vocabulary List. To understand how those words work in sentences, read our N5 Grammar: Noun Fundamentals guide. For a detailed look at preparation timelines and study strategies, read our JLPT N5 Preparation Guide. If you want a week-by-week study schedule built around your availability, see our JLPT N5 Study Plan.
Useful Links
- Official JLPT Website
- JLPT Test Content Guidelines
- JLPT Scoring & Results
- JLPT Sensei — Free N5 Resources
- Tanos — N5 Word and Kanji Lists
Information in this article is based on official JLPT guidelines and is intended as a general guide for English-speaking learners. Exam details, fees, dates, and rules are subject to change — always check the latest announcements from your local JLPT organising body before registering.