JLPT N5 Vocabulary List: 700+ Essential Words for Beginners
If you’re preparing for the JLPT N5, mastering vocabulary is your first big step. The JLPT N5 vocabulary list includes the most common 700+ Japanese words used in daily life. Learning these will help you read simple texts, understand basic conversations, and score confidently in the exam.
This guide covers the full N5 vocab list with meanings, categories, and learning tips—perfect for beginners.
1. What Is the JLPT N5 Vocabulary List?
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) measures your Japanese skill level from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced).
The N5 vocab list focuses on:
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Everyday words used in simple sentences
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Basic nouns, verbs, adjectives, and expressions
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Kana and basic kanji (around 100 characters)
Learning all JLPT N5 words builds your foundation for grammar, reading, and listening.
2. JLPT N5 Vocabulary Categories
The best way to study vocabulary is to group words by type. Here’s how the 700+ N5 words are typically organized:
| Category | Example Words | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Nouns | 学校, 先生, 時間 | School, teacher, time |
| Verbs | 行く, 見る, 食べる | To go, to see, to eat |
| Adjectives | 大きい, 小さい, 新しい | Big, small, new |
| Adverbs | よく, すぐ, とても | Often, soon, very |
| Pronouns | 私, あなた, これ | I, you, this |
| Counters | 一つ, 二人, 三枚 | One thing, two people, three sheets |
| Expressions | こんにちは, おはよう, ありがとう | Hello, good morning, thank you |
These are the core word types you’ll need for both the vocabulary and grammar sections of the test.
3. Sample JLPT N5 Vocabulary List
Here are some commonly tested Japanese N5 words with their meanings and readings:
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 水 | mizu | water |
| 学生 | gakusei | student |
| 車 | kuruma | car |
| 食べる | taberu | to eat |
| 行く | iku | to go |
| 大きい | ookii | big |
| 小さい | chiisai | small |
| ありがとう | arigatou | thank you |
| 猫 | neko | cat |
| 時間 | jikan | time |
You can download the complete 700+ JLPT N5 vocabulary PDF at the end of this article (optional resource for your readers).
4. How to Memorize JLPT N5 Vocabulary Effectively
Memorizing over 700 words might sound hard, but these methods make it easier:
✅ Use Flashcards
Try apps like Anki, Quizlet, or KeyNihongo Flashcards to review words daily.
✅ Group by Category
Study similar words together—for example, verbs for actions, nouns for objects, etc.
✅ Practice in Sentences
Create example sentences to remember context:
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私は水を飲みます。 (Watashi wa mizu o nomimasu.) → I drink water.
✅ Listen and Repeat
Audio repetition helps retention. Listen to Japanese podcasts or JLPT prep videos while commuting.
5. JLPT N5 Word Count by Part of Speech
| Word Type | Approx. Count |
|---|---|
| Nouns | ~350 |
| Verbs | ~150 |
| Adjectives | ~100 |
| Adverbs | ~50 |
| Expressions | ~50 |
| Others | ~20 |
| Total | 700+ words |
This breakdown helps you set study goals week by week.
6. Free JLPT N5 Vocabulary PDF Download
Looking for a printable version?
📘 Download: JLPT N5 Vocabulary List PDF (700+ Words)
The PDF includes romaji, meanings, and example sentences for each word—perfect for offline study or exam preparation.
Also, visit here:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Relying only on romaji—learn kana early.
❌ Cramming too many words at once.
❌ Ignoring context—knowing words is useless without example usage.
Consistency beats memorization marathons!
Conclusion
Mastering the JLPT N5 vocabulary is your gateway to understanding Japanese. These 700+ essential words form the foundation of daily communication. Study a few each day, review consistently, and test yourself regularly—soon you’ll be ready for JLPT N5 success!
