JLPT N5 Vocabulary List: Complete Guide with Anki (2025)

What is JLPT N5?

The JLPT N5 is the first level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), designed for beginners who have just started learning Japanese. To pass the JLPT N5, you need to understand basic Japanese vocabulary, hiragana, katakana, and elementary kanji.

The JLPT N5 vocabulary list contains approximately 800 words that cover everyday situations, basic greetings, numbers, time expressions, and simple conversations. Mastering this vocabulary is the foundation for your Japanese learning journey.

JLPT N5 Vocabulary Requirements

Before diving into the word list, let's understand what the JLPT N5 exam expects:

• Vocabulary: ~800 words
• Kanji: ~100 characters
• Grammar: Basic sentence patterns
• Reading: Simple sentences and short passages
• Listening: Slow, clear conversations about daily topics

Using spaced repetition with Anki is the most efficient way to memorize JLPT N5 vocabulary. Studies show that SRS can improve retention by up to 90% compared to traditional memorization methods.

JLPT N5 Vocabulary Categories

The JLPT N5 vocabulary list is organized into several important categories. Here's a breakdown of what you need to learn:

1. Greetings & Basic Expressions (挨拶)

Essential phrases for daily communication:

• こんにちは (konnichiwa) - Hello
• ありがとう (arigatou) - Thank you
• すみません (sumimasen) - Excuse me / Sorry
• おはよう (ohayou) - Good morning
• さようなら (sayounara) - Goodbye
• はじめまして (hajimemashite) - Nice to meet you
• おやすみなさい (oyasuminasai) - Good night

2. Numbers & Counting (数字)

Japanese numbers and counters are essential for daily life:

• 一、二、三... (ichi, ni, san) - 1, 2, 3...
• 百 (hyaku) - 100
• 千 (sen) - 1,000
• 万 (man) - 10,000
• 〜つ (hitotsu, futatsu...) - General counter
• 〜人 (~nin) - Counter for people
• 〜本 (~hon) - Counter for long objects

3. Time Expressions (時間)

Words for expressing time, days, and dates:

• 今日 (kyou) - Today
• 明日 (ashita) - Tomorrow
• 昨日 (kinou) - Yesterday
• 〜時 (~ji) - O'clock
• 〜分 (~fun/pun) - Minutes
• 月曜日〜日曜日 - Monday to Sunday
• 午前・午後 (gozen/gogo) - AM/PM

4. Common Nouns (名詞)

Everyday objects and concepts:

• 水 (mizu) - Water
• ご飯 (gohan) - Rice / Meal
• 家 (ie/uchi) - House / Home
• 学校 (gakkou) - School
• 駅 (eki) - Station
• 本 (hon) - Book
• 電話 (denwa) - Telephone

5. Common Verbs (動詞)

Basic action words you'll use every day:

• 食べる (taberu) - To eat
• 飲む (nomu) - To drink
• 行く (iku) - To go
• 来る (kuru) - To come
• 見る (miru) - To see / watch
• 聞く (kiku) - To hear / listen / ask
• 話す (hanasu) - To speak
• 読む (yomu) - To read
• 書く (kaku) - To write
• する (suru) - To do

6. Common Adjectives (形容詞)

Descriptive words for people, things, and situations:

• 大きい (ookii) - Big
• 小さい (chiisai) - Small
• 新しい (atarashii) - New
• 古い (furui) - Old
• 高い (takai) - Expensive / Tall
• 安い (yasui) - Cheap
• おいしい (oishii) - Delicious
• いい/良い (ii/yoi) - Good

How to Study JLPT N5 Vocabulary with Anki

Anki's spaced repetition system (SRS) is proven to be the most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Here's how to use it for JLPT N5 preparation:

Step 1: Get the Right Deck

Start with a comprehensive JLPT N5 vocabulary deck that includes:

• Japanese word (kanji + hiragana reading)
• English translation
• Example sentences
• Audio pronunciation (if available)

Onigiri Anki offers a free N5 Beginner deck with 30 core words to get you started, plus the ability to create custom decks with AI-powered translations and example sentences.

Step 2: Set Your Daily Goals

For JLPT N5 vocabulary mastery:

• New cards per day: 10-20 words
• Review time: 15-30 minutes daily
• Timeline: 2-3 months to complete 800 words

Step 3: Review Consistently

The key to Anki success is consistency:

• Never skip your daily reviews
• Study at the same time each day
• Use the rating system honestly (Again, Hard, Good, Easy)
• Focus on understanding, not just memorization

Download Free JLPT N5 Anki Deck

Ready to start your JLPT N5 journey? Onigiri Anki provides:

• ✅ Pre-made JLPT N5 vocabulary deck
• ✅ AI-powered translations and example sentences
• ✅ Spaced repetition algorithm optimized for Japanese
• ✅ Progress tracking and analytics
• ✅ Create unlimited custom decks

→ View the N5 Beginner Deck

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JLPT N5 Study Tips

Maximize your JLPT N5 vocabulary learning with these proven strategies:

1. Learn Words in Context

Don't just memorize isolated words. Learn them with example sentences to understand how they're used in real Japanese. Onigiri Anki automatically generates contextual examples for every word.

2. Group Words by Theme

Study related words together (food vocabulary, time expressions, family members). This creates mental associations that improve recall.

3. Use Multiple Input Methods

Combine Anki with:

• Listening practice (podcasts, anime with subtitles)
• Reading practice (NHK Easy News, graded readers)
• Writing practice (keep a simple Japanese diary)
• Speaking practice (language exchange apps)

4. Focus on High-Frequency Words First

The most common 300 words make up about 65% of everyday Japanese. Prioritize these before moving to less common vocabulary.

5. Review Weak Words More Often

Anki automatically shows you words you struggle with more frequently. Trust the algorithm and be honest with your self-assessment.

JLPT N5 Vocabulary FAQ

How many words do I need to know for JLPT N5?

The official JLPT N5 vocabulary list contains approximately 800 words. However, knowing around 600-700 words thoroughly is usually sufficient to pass the exam.

How long does it take to learn JLPT N5 vocabulary?

With consistent daily study using Anki (15-30 minutes per day), most learners can master the JLPT N5 vocabulary in 2-3 months. Learning 10-15 new words per day while reviewing previously learned words is a sustainable pace.

Should I learn kanji for JLPT N5?

Yes! JLPT N5 requires knowledge of about 100 basic kanji characters. Many N5 vocabulary words are written in kanji, so learning them together is more efficient than studying separately.

What's the best way to memorize Japanese vocabulary?

Spaced repetition systems (SRS) like Anki are scientifically proven to be the most effective method. Combined with learning words in context (example sentences) and regular exposure through reading/listening, you'll retain vocabulary much better than with rote memorization.

Is JLPT N5 difficult?

JLPT N5 is designed for beginners and is achievable for most dedicated learners within 3-6 months of study. The key is consistent daily practice, especially with vocabulary and basic grammar patterns.

Start Your JLPT N5 Journey Today

Mastering JLPT N5 vocabulary is your first step toward Japanese fluency. With the right tools and consistent practice, you can build a solid foundation for your Japanese learning journey.

Onigiri Anki makes it easy to study JLPT N5 vocabulary with spaced repetition. Import our pre-made N5 deck, create custom flashcards, and track your progress—all for free.

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