JLPT N5 Course
N5 is the lowest level of the JLPT. To pass JLPT N5, you’ll need to know at least 800 vocabulary words and be able to read hiragana and katakana. Moreover, you need to know at least 80 basic kanji. While N5 isn’t anywhere close to fluent in Japanese, it’s a good measure of your ability to understand basic conversational Japanese. Studying and passing the test shows that you have some foundation in basic functional Japanese. You can greet people and make some sense of the talks, but you can’t express your opinion yet.
Everything you need to know about preparing for and passing the JLPT N4 exam.
JLPT N5 is about testing Japanese reading and listening skills. There aren't any speaking and writing tests, but we recommend practicing speaking and writing also. JLPT N5 is in a multiple-choice format, with the test content related to everyday real-life situations. More exposure to the language will help you become more familiar with trickier parts of the tests, such as how to use grammar particles and Japanese grammar accurately.
Like any standardized test, you'll want to spend at least three months to prepare for the test. For test-takers who don't know kanji, you can assume it will take around 450 to 500 hours of study to pass the JLPT N5 test. Out of 450 to 500 hours, approximately 150 hours are for learning Kanji — that translates into approximately 2.5 hours of studying daily for 6 months.
Test takers should prepare by reading Japanese without using Romaji. The test will use Kanji in some parts to challenge your reading ability with some furigana available for help. There will also be short reading passages. Some tests will specifically test for katakana comprehension, and some questions will challenge your knowledge of Japanese grammar.
Neglecting your listening comprehension will hinder your ability to take the JLPT and hamper your ability to communicate in daily life. While watching Japanese TV shows and movies is a good way to prepare, using structured CDs with your course and JLPT textbooks is the best way to prepare for the listening portion of JLPT N5.
Passing the N5 likely won't help you with any major transition, but it's a good starting point to measure how much Japanese you've been able to learn within 6 months to 1 year. It also reflects your interest in the Japanese language and your seriousness about learning. Certifying for the N5 level would reflect that you have a good foundation in Japanese.
Detailed breakdown of what you’ll need for the exam.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Kanji | 80 Kanji |
| Vocabulary | 800 Words |
| Total Score | 180 Points |
| Minimum Passing Score | 80 Points |
| Time Allowed | Vocabulary: 25 min, Grammar & Reading: 50 min, Listening: 30 min |
| Study Time (With Kanji) | 450 to 500 hours |
| Study Time (Without Kanji) | 300 to 350 hours |
Join our expert-led course and get the guidance you need to pass with confidence.
