How to Study for JLPT N5: A Beginner's Plan (from Zero)

Step 0 — kana first (non-negotiable)

Before anything else, learn to read hiragana and katakana fluently. The N5 is written in kana with only basic kanji, so slow kana reading silently costs you time on every single question. Spend your first week or two here until you can read kana without sounding them out.

What N5 asks of you

• Kana: fully fluent (both sets).
• Kanji: ~100 of the most common characters (numbers, days, basic verbs).
• Vocabulary: ~800 everyday words.
• Grammar: core beginner patterns — particles, verb tenses (ます/ました), the て-form, 〜たい, 〜から, and more. See the N5 grammar list.

These are common community targets, not official quotas — a sensible "you're ready" benchmark.

The scoring rule to keep in mind

N5 reports two scores: Language Knowledge + Reading combined (0–120, min 38) and Listening (0–60, min 19), with a total pass of 80/180. Translation: don't skip listening. Many beginners read well and then miss the 19/60 floor. (Full detail: scoring guide.)

A 3-month plan (~45–60 min/day)

Month 1 — Foundations

• Kana to fluency (week 1–2).
• Start a vocabulary SRS habit: 10–15 new words a day.
• Begin grammar with the basics: です/だ, は and が (は vs が), verb ます-form, basic particles.
• Listen 5–10 min/day to slow beginner audio.

Month 2 — Build

• Keep vocab/kanji SRS going (you're aiming for ~800 words, ~100 kanji over the three months).
• Grammar: the て-form and its first uses (〜てください, 〜ている), plus 〜たい, 〜から.
• Start short reading — simple sentences and mini-dialogues.

Month 3 — Apply & polish

• Take your first full N5 mock test under time. Expect a dip; it shows your weak spots.
• Drill the weakest section (often listening) and review missed grammar.
• Two more timed mocks, then a light taper into test day.

Section strategies

Vocabulary & grammar. This is the bulk of your score. Drill little and often with SRS; consistency beats cramming. Practise the question types directly in our practice section.

Reading. Passages are short and simple. Read the question first, then scan. Don't translate word-by-word — get the gist.

Listening. The audio is slow and clear, but practise anyway: predict from the setup, and don't freeze on a word you miss. Ten minutes a day adds up fast.

Mistakes beginners make

1. Rushing past kana. Shaky kana slows everything down. Fix it first.
2. Hoarding grammar points without using them. Make your own example sentence for each new pattern.
3. Skipping listening until the end and missing the 19/60 minimum.
4. No timed mock before test day — you'll misjudge your pace.

Quick recap

• Learn kana first; then ~800 words, ~100 kanji, core grammar.
• Pass = 80/180 with 38/120 and 19/60 minimums.
• Three months: Foundations → Build → Apply, first mock in Month 3.
• Practise listening from day one.

Test your level

Take a free JLPT N5 mock test →