JLPT N5 Vocabulary List: 100+ Must-Know Nouns, Verbs & Adjectives
Your complete JLPT N5 vocabulary reference — numbers, time, people, food, places, everyday items, verbs, and adjectives, all with readings and romaji. Build your word bank and pass N5 with confidence.
JLPT N5 Vocabulary List: 100+ Must-Know Nouns, Verbs & Adjectives
Vocabulary is the foundation of everything in Japanese. Before grammar makes sense, before you can read a sentence, before the listening clicks into place — you need words. And for the JLPT N5, around 800 words form the core of what you need to know.
This article organises the most important N5 vocabulary into eight practical categories: numbers, time, people and roles, food and drink, places, everyday objects, verbs, and adjectives. Each entry includes the Japanese, hiragana reading, and romaji so you can study however suits you best.
Work through these tables, build them into your flashcard decks, and you will have covered the heart of the N5 vocabulary range.
Table of Contents
- Numbers
- Time Expressions
- People and Roles
- Food and Drink
- Places and Locations
- Everyday Objects
- Common Verbs
- Common Adjectives
- How to Study These Words Effectively
1. Numbers
Numbers come up constantly in everyday Japanese — shopping, telling the time, giving your phone number, asking about prices. Getting these down early makes everything else easier.
| English | Japanese | Reading | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 一 | いち | ichi |
| 2 | 二 | に | ni |
| 3 | 三 | さん | san |
| 4 | 四 | し・よん | shi / yon |
| 5 | 五 | ご | go |
| 6 | 六 | ろく | roku |
| 7 | 七 | しち・なな | shichi / nana |
| 8 | 八 | はち | hachi |
| 9 | 九 | く・きゅう | ku / kyuu |
| 10 | 十 | じゅう | juu |
| 100 | 百 | ひゃく | hyaku |
| 1,000 | 千 | せん | sen |
| 10,000 | 一万 | いちまん | ichiman |
💡 Note on readings: Some numbers have two readings depending on context. Four can be し (shi) or よん (yon); seven can be しち (shichi) or なな (nana); nine can be く (ku) or きゅう (kyuu). In daily speech, よん, なな, and きゅう tend to be more common — but both readings appear in the N5 exam, so learn both.
Also note: 100 is simply 百 (ひゃく) and 1,000 is simply 千 (せん) — no 一 before them. However, 10,000 is 一万 (いちまん) — the 一 is required here.
2. Time Expressions
Once you know the numbers, expressing time in Japanese is largely a matter of adding the right counter word: 時 (じ) for hours, 分 (ふん/ぷん) for minutes, 秒 (びょう) for seconds. Beyond clock time, the following vocabulary covers the days, weeks, months, and seasons you’ll encounter in N5.
| English | Japanese | Reading | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time / hour | 時間 | じかん | jikan |
| Minute | 分 | ふん | fun |
| Second | 秒 | びょう | byou |
| Season | 季節 | きせつ | kisetsu |
| Spring | 春 | はる | haru |
| Summer | 夏 | なつ | natsu |
| Autumn / Fall | 秋 | あき | aki |
| Winter | 冬 | ふゆ | fuyu |
| Today | 今日 | きょう | kyou |
| Yesterday | 昨日 | きのう | kinou |
| The day before yesterday | 一昨日 | おととい | ototoi |
| Tomorrow | 明日 | あした | ashita |
| The day after tomorrow | 明後日 | あさって | asatte |
| Morning | 朝 | あさ | asa |
| Daytime / noon | 昼 | ひる | hiru |
| Night / evening | 夜 | よる | yoru |
| AM / morning | 午前 | ごぜん | gozen |
| PM / afternoon | 午後 | ごご | gogo |
| Early evening | 夕方 | ゆうがた | yuugata |
| This morning | 今朝 | けさ | kesa |
| Tonight | 今晩 | こんばん | konban |
| Last night | 昨夜 | さくや | sakuya |
| This week | 今週 | こんしゅう | konshuu |
| Last week | 先週 | せんしゅう | senshuu |
| Next week | 来週 | らいしゅう | raishuu |
| This month | 今月 | こんげつ | kongetsu |
| Last month | 先月 | せんげつ | sengetsu |
| Next month | 来月 | らいげつ | raigetsu |
| Year | 年 | とし | toshi |
💡 Study tip: Notice the pattern — 今 (this), 先/昨 (last/previous), 来/明 (next/coming). Once you see this logic, a whole cluster of time words becomes easier to remember together.
3. People and Roles
These words cover family relationships, social roles, and common job titles. Many of them appear in N5 reading passages and listening dialogues, especially in self-introduction and daily-life scenarios.
| English | Japanese | Reading | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| Father | 父・お父さん | ちち・おとうさん | chichi / otousan |
| Mother | 母・お母さん | はは・おかあさん | haha / okaasan |
| Siblings (in general) | 兄弟 | きょうだい | kyoudai |
| Sisters (in general) | 姉妹 | しまい | shimai |
| Grandfather | 祖父 | そふ | sofu |
| Grandmother | 祖母 | そぼ | sobo |
| Teacher | 先生 | せんせい | sensei |
| Student | 学生 | がくせい | gakusei |
| Senior / upperclassman | 先輩 | せんぱい | senpai |
| Junior / underclassman | 後輩 | こうはい | kouhai |
| Friend | 友達 | ともだち | tomodachi |
| Close friend | 親友 | しんゆう | shinyuu |
| International student | 留学生 | りゅうがくせい | ryuugakusei |
| Company employee | 会社員 | かいしゃいん | kaishain |
| Government worker | 公務員 | こうむいん | koumuin |
| Police officer | 警察 | けいさつ | keisatsu |
💡 Note on family terms: Japanese has two sets of words for family members — humble forms used when talking about your own family (e.g. 父 chichi, 母 haha), and polite forms used when referring to someone else’s family (e.g. お父さん otousan, お母さん okaasan). Both sets are tested at N5.
4. Food and Drink
Japan’s food culture is rich and varied, and a significant portion of N5 vocabulary and listening content takes place in food-related settings — restaurants, cafés, shopping for groceries. Pay particular attention to katakana words here, as many food items are borrowed from other languages.
| English | Japanese | Reading | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | 食べ物 | たべもの | tabemono |
| Cooking / cuisine | 料理 | りょうり | ryouri |
| Rice / cooked rice / meal | ご飯 | ごはん | gohan |
| Fruit | 果物 | くだもの | kudamono |
| Sweets / snacks | お菓子 | おかし | okashi |
| Vegetables | 野菜 | やさい | yasai |
| Egg | 卵 | たまご | tamago |
| Milk | 牛乳 | ぎゅうにゅう | gyuunyuu |
| Meat | 肉 | にく | niku |
| Fish | 魚 | さかな | sakana |
| Soy sauce | 醤油 | しょうゆ | shouyuu |
| Water | 水 | みず | mizu |
| Tea (Japanese green tea) | お茶 | おちゃ | ocha |
| Black tea | 紅茶 | こうちゃ | koucha |
| Coffee | コーヒー | — | koohii |
| Juice | ジュース | — | juusu |
| Beer | ビール | — | biiru |
| Curry | カレー | — | karee |
| Sashimi (raw fish) | 刺身 | さしみ | sashimi |
💡 Katakana note: Words like コーヒー (coffee), ジュース (juice), ビール (beer), and カレー (curry) are written in katakana because they are loanwords from other languages. Being able to read katakana fluently is essential for the N5 exam — these words will not have hiragana readings provided in the test.
5. Places and Locations
Location vocabulary is heavily tested in N5, both in reading (notices, maps, messages) and listening (directions, arrangements). Knowing these words also builds practical Japanese you can use immediately in real-world situations.
| English | Japanese | Reading | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| House / home | 家 | いえ | ie |
| Room | 部屋 | へや | heya |
| Park | 公園 | こうえん | kouen |
| School | 学校 | がっこう | gakkou |
| Hospital | 病院 | びょういん | byouin |
| Subway / underground | 地下鉄 | ちかてつ | chikatetsu |
| Bus stop | バス停 | ばすてい | basutei |
| Train station | 駅 | えき | eki |
| Library | 図書館 | としょかん | toshokan |
| Cinema / movie theatre | 映画館 | えいがかん | eigakan |
| Café / coffee shop | 喫茶店 | きっさてん | kissaten |
| Department store | デパート | — | depaato |
| Entrance | 入り口 | いりぐち | iriguchi |
| Exit | 出口 | でぐち | deguchi |
| Intersection / crossing | 交差点 | こうさてん | kousaten |
| Toilet / restroom | トイレ | — | toire |
| Stairs | 階段 | かいだん | kaidan |
| Place / location (general) | 所 | ところ | tokoro |
| Place / location (specific) | 場所 | ばしょ | basho |
💡 ところ vs 場所: Both translate as “place” but are used slightly differently. 所 (ところ) tends to be more abstract or general (“a place where…”), while 場所 (ばしょ) refers more specifically to a physical location. Both appear in N5 — learning example sentences for each is the best way to internalise the difference.
6. Everyday Objects
From stationery to clothing to household electronics, these items come up frequently in N5 reading passages and listening scenarios set in homes, classrooms, and shops.
| English | Japanese | Reading | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pen | ペン | — | pen |
| Book | 本 | ほん | hon |
| Ruler | 定規 | じょうぎ | jougi |
| Eraser | 消しゴム | けしゴム | keshigomu |
| Pencil | 鉛筆 | えんぴつ | enpitsu |
| Fountain pen | 万年筆 | まんねんひつ | mannenhitsu |
| Ballpoint pen | ボールペン | — | boorupen |
| Clothes | 服 | ふく | fuku |
| Trousers / pants | ズボン | — | zubon |
| Shorts | 半ズボン | はんズボン | hanzubon |
| Shoes | 靴 | くつ | kutsu |
| Socks | 靴下 | くつした | kutsushita |
| Telephone | 電話 | でんわ | denwa |
| Computer / PC | パソコン | — | pasokon |
| Television | テレビ | — | terebi |
| Map | 地図 | ちず | chizu |
| Letter | 手紙 | てがみ | tegami |
| Stamp (postage) | 切手 | きって | kitte |
| Dictionary | 辞書 | じしょ | jisho |
| Paper | 紙 | かみ | kami |
| Bookshelf | 本棚 | ほんだな | hondana |
💡 Watch out for false friends: 手紙 (てがみ) means letter (as in a written message) in Japanese — not “hand paper” as the kanji might suggest to a Chinese speaker. Similarly, 切手 (きって) means postage stamp, not “cut hand.” These kinds of unexpected meanings are common in N5 and worth noting.
7. Common Verbs
Verbs are the engine of Japanese sentences. At N5 level, you need to know these words in their dictionary form and be able to recognise them in various conjugated forms — polite present, past, negative, and te-form especially.
| English | Japanese | Reading | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| To eat | 食べる | たべる | taberu |
| To drink | 飲む | のむ | nomu |
| To sleep | 寝る | ねる | neru |
| To meet / see someone | 会う | あう | au |
| To play / hang out | 遊ぶ | あそぶ | asobu |
| To say | 言う | いう | iu |
| To sing | 歌う | うたう | utau |
| To buy | 買う | かう | kau |
| To write | 書く | かく | kaku |
| To return / go home | 帰る | かえる | kaeru |
| To arrive | 着く | つく | tsuku |
| To use | 使う | つかう | tsukau |
| To stop | 止まる | とまる | tomaru |
| To begin / start | 始まる | はじまる | hajimaru |
| To line up / queue | 並ぶ | ならぶ | narabu |
| To cost / take (time or money) | 掛かる | かかる | kakaru |
| To listen / hear / ask | 聞く | きく | kiku |
| To answer / respond | 答える | こたえる | kotaeru |
| To teach / tell | 教える | おしえる | oshieru |
| To swim | 泳ぐ | およぐ | oyogu |
| To read | 読む | よむ | yomu |
| To study | 勉強する | べんきょうする | benkyou suru |
| To go | 行く | いく | iku |
| To come | 来る | くる | kuru |
| To see / watch | 見る | みる | miru |
| To speak | 話す | はなす | hanasu |
| To wake up | 起きる | おきる | okiru |
| To do / make | する | — | suru |
| To be / exist (animate) | いる | — | iru |
| To be / exist (inanimate) | ある | — | aru |
💡 いる vs ある: One of the most important N5 distinctions. いる is used for living things (people, animals); ある is used for non-living things and abstract concepts. 猫がいます (There is a cat) vs 本があります (There is a book).
8. Common Adjectives
Japanese adjectives come in two types — い-adjectives (ending in い) and な-adjectives — and each type conjugates differently. The N5 exam tests both types, so you need to recognise them and understand their basic forms.
い-Adjectives
| English | Japanese | Reading | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | 良い | いい・よい | ii / yoi |
| Bad | 悪い | わるい | warui |
| Long | 長い | ながい | nagai |
| Short | 短い | みじかい | mijikai |
| Hot (weather/temperature) | 暑い | あつい | atsui |
| Cold (weather) | 寒い | さむい | samui |
| Warm | 暖かい | あたたかい | atatakai |
| Cool / refreshing | 涼しい | すずしい | suzushii |
| Early | 早い | はやい | hayai |
| Fast / quick | 速い | はやい | hayai |
| Slow / late | 遅い | おそい | osoi |
| Interesting / funny | 面白い | おもしろい | omoshiroi |
| Big / large | 大きい | おおきい | ookii |
| Small | 小さい | ちいさい | chiisai |
| Delicious | 美味しい | おいしい | oishii |
| Kind / gentle | 優しい | やさしい | yasashii |
| Strict | 厳しい | きびしい | kibishii |
| Bright / cheerful | 明るい | あかるい | akarui |
| Cute | 可愛い | かわいい | kawaii |
| Fun / enjoyable | 楽しい | たのしい | tanoshii |
| Cheap | 安い | やすい | yasui |
| Expensive / tall / high | 高い | たかい | takai |
| Busy | 忙しい | いそがしい | isogashii |
な-Adjectives
| English | Japanese | Reading | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convenient | 便利 | べんり | benri |
| Famous | 有名 | ゆうめい | yuumei |
| Lively / bustling | 賑やか | にぎやか | nigiyaka |
| Quiet / peaceful | 静か | しずか | shizuka |
| Healthy / energetic | 元気 | げんき | genki |
| Liked / favourite | 好き | すき | suki |
| Disliked | 嫌い | きらい | kirai |
| Safe / all right | 大丈夫 | だいじょうぶ | daijoubu |
| Strange / unusual | 変 | へん | hen |
| Skilled / good at | 上手 | じょうず | jouzu |
| Unskilled / bad at | 下手 | へた | heta |
💡 早い vs 速い: Both are read はやい (hayai) but mean different things. 早い refers to time (early, soon); 速い refers to speed (fast, quick). This distinction frequently trips up N5 learners — watch out for it in the exam.
How to Study These Words Effectively
Having a vocabulary list is only the starting point. Here are the methods that turn word lists into genuine knowledge:
Use Spaced Repetition (Not Rereading)
Rereading a list gives you the feeling of learning without the retention. Instead, use spaced repetition flashcards and load in these words. The algorithm shows you each card at the exact moment you’re about to forget it — the most efficient way to build long-term memory. Nihongomachi’s flashcard mode has spaced repetition built in and covers all 127 N5 vocabulary words. Aim for 15–20 new words per day with daily review of previous cards.
Learn Words in Sentences, Not Isolation
For every word you learn, immediately attach it to a short example sentence. Don’t just learn 食べる (to eat) — learn 毎朝ご飯を食べます (I eat rice every morning). The sentence gives the word context, grammar structure, and a memorable image all at once.
Group Words by Theme
This vocabulary list is already organised by theme for a reason. Studying words in thematic clusters (all the food words together, all the time words together) is significantly more effective than random lists, because your brain builds associations between related items.
Say Every Word Out Loud
Pronunciation and listening recognition are deeply connected. Every time you review a word, say it aloud rather than just reading it silently. Better yet, record yourself and compare your pronunciation to a native audio source. This simultaneously trains your ear for the listening section.
Use the Words in Context
The fastest learners don’t treat vocabulary as a separate “studying” activity — they look for every opportunity to use words in real situations. Label objects around your home with their Japanese names. Try writing simple sentences in a Japanese diary. Attempt to think in Japanese during your commute. Every real-world use of a word cements it more deeply than any flashcard.
Quick Reference: N5 Vocabulary by the Numbers
| Category | Words in This Article | Total N5 Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers | 13 | ~20 |
| Time expressions | 28 | ~40 |
| People and roles | 16 | ~30 |
| Food and drink | 19 | ~50 |
| Places | 19 | ~40 |
| Everyday objects | 21 | ~60 |
| Verbs | 30 | ~150 |
| Adjectives | 34 | ~100 |
| Total in this article | 180+ | ~800 |
This article covers the most frequently tested and broadly useful words within each category. As you work through your N5 preparation, use these tables as your core reference and expand outward into the full vocabulary range using a dedicated N5 word list or textbook.
Continue Your N5 Preparation
Ready to drill these words? Nihongomachi’s free flashcard app lets you study all 127 N5 vocabulary words with spaced repetition — no sign-up needed.
For everything you need to know about the exam itself, read our Complete JLPT N5 Guide. Once you know the words, learn how they combine in sentences with our N5 Grammar: Noun Fundamentals guide. If you want a structured week-by-week schedule, see our JLPT N5 Study Plan. For preparation timelines and practical study tips, see our JLPT N5 Preparation Guide.
Recommended Vocabulary Resources
- Anki (free) — download a pre-made JLPT N5 deck to get all ~800 words in spaced repetition format
- JLPT Sensei (jlptsensei.com) — free N5 vocabulary lists with example sentences and practice quizzes
- Tanos (tanos.co.uk) — downloadable N5 vocabulary and kanji lists
- Genki I — beginner textbook that introduces N5 vocabulary in thematic, contextualised chapters
- Jisho (jisho.org) — free online Japanese dictionary with example sentences, stroke order, and JLPT level tags
This vocabulary guide is produced by Nihongomachi to support English-speaking learners preparing for the JLPT N5. For the complete official vocabulary list and exam guidelines, refer to the official JLPT website.