For those of you who are beginning to learn Japanese, selecting the appropriate book is crucial for your success, especially if your goal is to study and establish a career in Japan. Mastering the JLPT N5 is the most critical starting point, as it serves as the foundation of your Japanese language education.
JLPT N5 provides a very important base for all learners of Japanese. To pass the JLPT N5 exam, a minimum of 800 words and 100 kanji in Japanese must be mastered.
Okay, in this article, we’ll cover the top 10 JLPT N5 study materials to help you master the basic components of the test. These books are powerful tools that will equip you with the necessary skills for the exam. Keep reading to learn more and find answers to your questions.
We hope you continue to explore our other articles to broaden your understanding of the JLPT. After reading this article, we look forward to hearing your suggestions and impressions in the comment section below. Thank you for your interest.
Be sure to click the link provided below for a deeper dive into JLPT Guideline, JLPT N5, a list of 100 essential kanji, and more than 700 JLPT N5 vocabulary words here!
Read also:
700+ JLPT N5 Vocabulary | The Most Complete Lists
The Ultimate JLPT Guides & List of 100 Kanji for JLPT N5
Contents
About JLPT N5
JLPT N5 is the most basic level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, assessing your comprehension of fundamental Japanese concepts. The JLPT N5 evaluates learners’ abilities across five distinct domains as follows:
| 1. Grammar (文法) |
| 2. Vocabulary (単語) |
| 3. Kanji (漢字) |
| 4. Reading Comprehension (読解) |
| 5. Listening Comprehension (聴解) |
Reading
According to JEES (Japan Educational Exchanges and Services), the reading skills assessed include comprehension of hiragana and katakana, as well as basic phrases and simple sentences related to daily life written in simple kanji.
Listening
In the listening comprehension section, you will encounter various simple and brief conversational scenarios, such as a classroom discussion about personal topics. Rest assured, the conversation will still be at a slow pace suitable for this level.
JLPT N5 Books for Grammar
The goal for the JLPT N5 grammar section is to comprehend around 40 grammar points, which encompass the fundamentals of the Japanese language. Here are the specific grammar points that will be assessed. The exam will evaluate your grasp of these fundamentals, as well as your ability to apply them accurately.
| 1. Basic Japanese sentence patterns. |
| 2. Basic particles such as は (ha or wa), が (Ga), を (wo), の (no), から (kara), まで (made), etc. |
| 3. Formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives |
| 4. Forms of verbs and adjectives in past and present tense |
Please read the list of top-notch N5 grammar books below to enhance your proficiency in JLPT N5!
1. Nihongo Fun & Easy
This book is divided into two editions, as follows:
| 1. 1st is Nihongo Fun & Easy Survival Japanese Conversation |
| 2. 2nd is Nihongo Fun & Easy Basic Grammar for Conversation |
Nihongo Fun & Easy Survival Japanese Conversation
This textbook aims to assist beginners in learning practical Japanese for everyday conversation. The material is presented in kana, kanji, and romanized characters alongside English translations. Additional features of this book are outlined below.
| 1. This textbook uses a conversational style to help you sound more natural. |
| 2. From situation to setting to the topic, you can learn more about what you’re interested in. |
| 3. Each section is independent, giving you the flexibility to learn what is most important to you. |
| 4. Practical exercises in each unit help you learn natural expressions and idioms. |
| 5. There are sentences at the beginning of each unit that offer grammar explanations rather than grammar instruction. |
The goal of this book is for learners to comprehend the precise usage of each term and concept in various contexts. At the outset of each unit, grammatical explanations are provided to facilitate the acquisition of this knowledge.
Nihongo Fun & Easy Basic Grammar for Conversation
With this book, you can take the next step in learning Japanese. Beginning with basic exercises in each sentence, learners of this book will progressively work toward practical application.
| 1. This book is good for anyone who wants to improve their grammar skills. |
| 2. This textbook is suited for people who want to quickly get better at speaking. |
| 3. The goal is for students to learn how to use each term and idea in a context. |
| 4. The units have a variety of contexts to make the lesson more interesting for the students. |
The 2nd volume has 14 units, each focusing on a specific topic: how to introduce yourself, ask for and give opinions on prices, talking about ultimate frisbee, etc. However, this 2nd volume does not include romanized text to make learners get to be used to reading hiragana and kanji.
2. Genki
Genki is a highly lauded series of textbooks that covers the lessons of the Japanese elementary school and one of the most renowned for Japanese learners. Renowned for its effectiveness, clarity, and ease of use.
| 1. Genki is very effective in helping you learn polite Japanese. |
| 2. Genki teaches the basics of the Japanese language in 23 structured lessons. |
| 3. Well-illustrated and variety of exercises, Genki is sure to enhance your Japanese skill! |
Although primarily intended for college-level instruction, the book is also suitable for self-learners. The Genki series, written by various authors, includes:
| 1. Genki I: Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese. |
| 2. Genki II: Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese |
| 3. Genki II (Workbook): Integrated Basic Course in Elementary Japanese, and several more |
The grammar and conversation sections comprise the most extensive portion of the Genki textbook. This is the primary reason you should purchase Genki as it will not only prepare you formally for the JLPT Exam but also aid in your day-to-day conversation practice.
JLPT N5 Books for Kanji & Vocabulary
To pass the JLPT N5, it is necessary for you to have knowledge of approximately 800 Japanese vocabulary words. These words consist of verbs and adjectives that express simple conditions, colors, and emotions. Furthermore, they include numbers, places, objects, and days.
To be proficient in kanji, a minimum of 100 characters is necessary. Tested kanji commonly relate to numbers, body parts, directions, sizes, and some basic vocabulary.
3. Basic Kanji Book
This popular and well-reviewed textbook is the ideal reference for learners who need a solid basic knowledge of the most important kanji. This book consists of two volumes as follows:
| 1. 1st Basic Kanji Book Vol.1 contains 251 kanji |
| 2. 2nd Basic Kanji Book Vol.2 contains 249 kanji to complete its first volume |
The book consists of about 22 lessons. Begins with the “Kanji Topics” section that will introduce the origins, structure, common usage, and other aspects of the Kanji. This is followed by lessons on writing and reading exercises.
There is also a longer reading section, followed by a quiz about “Kanji in daily life”. This book is highly recommended for those who want to start learning Kanji comprehensively.
4. 1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5 Exam Exercise
1000 Essential Vocabulary for JLPT N5 is an essential resource for mastering Japanese. This textbook presents general vocabulary in 10 chapters, covering daily life in Japan, such as work, hobbies, shopping, health, and more.
Also, this guidebook features roughly 1,000 essential vocabulary words required for the JLPT N5 examination. To aid in memorization, 1000 Essential Vocabulary for JLPT N5 includes various audio files available for download.
With this book, you will be amazed by how charming illustrations and insightful Japanese annotations enhance your comprehension.
JLPT N5 Books for Practice Test
To familiarize yourself with the JLPT N5 examination, it’s also very important that you try to solve the sample questions as much as you can.
For a limited budget, the following books will cover most of the facets of the JLPT. They even have questions that are extremely detailed.
5. Nihongo So-Matome N5
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive textbook, Nihongo So-Matome is for you! The book focuses on everything you need for N5. If you can learn 2 pages a day, you can prepare for the JLPT N5 in just 6 weeks. The book contains:
| 1. 42 daily Japanese lessons organized by kanji and vocabulary |
| 2. Also grammar, reading comprehension, and listening exercises |
It also includes English and Vietnamese translations. Don’t miss the cute illustration and an audio CD is also presented to you.
6. JLPT N5 Official Practice Workbook
You should try the Official JLPT N5 Practical Workbook which is exactly the same simulation as the JLPT N5 exam. This book contains:
| 1. Over 33 vocabulary and kanji |
| 2. 26 grammar and 6 reading questions |
For the listening part, there’s an audio CD. With just this one book, you’ve enough material to strengthen your JLPT N5 preparation.
7. Drill and Drill JLPT N5 Kanji, Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, and Listening
This book is also very comprehensive for the JLPT N5 prep. It contains more than 250 questions. All contents cover vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. This book includes:
| 1. The answers are in a separate booklet |
| 2. Detailed translations and explanations |
| 3. Sample sentences, tips, and hints |
To help you learn with this book, it’s important that you record your score after the test. Then, you can easily track your progress.
8. Try! Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5
Try! The N5 Japanese Proficiency Test will give you a better approach to Japanese conversation. This book will enrich your understanding of Japanese grammar through conversation.
The book includes nine different chapters with conversations from everyday life. This book is another strong supplement to passing the JLPT N5 exam.
9. JLPT Chokuzen Taisaku: Drill and Mock Test N5
This book is perfect for those of you who’ve limited time to pass the JLPT N5. If you need more practice, this book is the solution. The book includes:
| 1. 2 main sections: 1 with multiple choice drills featuring kanji, vocabulary, and grammar. Then the other one provides 3 challenging mock exams. |
| 2. Mock test questions similar to the actual JLPT N5 Exam. |
| 3. Comprehensive explanation. |
To increase your speed in answering the questions, this book is also great.
10. The Best Practice Tests for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5
With this book, you have a complete package to prepare for the JLPT N5 with a strong strategy. The book includes:
| 1. The 3 full detachable tests modeled on JLPT N5. |
| 2. Downloadable audio files. |
| 3. Multiple-choice answer sheets. |
Especially how to manage your time, and answer tricky and difficult questions. And of course, using this you can strengthen your understanding of the basics of Japanese N5 at the same time.
Conclusion
Finally, please review the 10 Most Famous and Powerful Textbooks for Passing JLPT N5 once more above. We appreciate any comments and suggestions for our improvement. We wish you success in passing JLPT N5!
