Learning Japanese has become a popular choice among students, professionals, anime lovers, and people planning to work or study in Japan. When someone begins their Japanese language journey, the first term they usually hear is JLPT N5. Many beginners often ask — What is N5? Is it difficult? How does it work?
In this detailed guide, we will explain what is N5, how the N5 Japanese test works, what you need to study, how long it takes, and how N5 connects to higher levels like N4 to N1 Japanese. This article is specially written for beginners who want clear and simple information before starting their Japanese language learning journey.
Table of Contents
What is N5 – Your First Step into Japanese Language
What is N5? N5 is the basic and beginner level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). It is the easiest level among the five JLPT levels — N5, N4, N3, N2, and N1.
If you are completely new to Japanese, N5 is the perfect starting point. It tests your ability to understand simple Japanese used in daily life, such as basic greetings, common expressions, simple sentences, and everyday vocabulary.
In simple words, N5 checks whether you can:
- Read and understand basic Japanese words
- Recognize Hiragana, Katakana, and a few Kanji
- Understand slow and simple spoken Japanese
This level builds the foundation for all higher levels.
What Is N5 in Japanese Language?
Many learners wonder what is N5 in Japanese language exactly. N5 represents the beginner stage where you start understanding how Japanese works structurally.
At this level, students learn:
- Basic grammar patterns
- Sentence formation
- Daily-use vocabulary
- Simple conversations
You won’t be speaking fluent Japanese yet, but you will be able to understand and use short sentences such as:
- Watashi wa gakusei desu. (I am a student.)
- Kore wa hon desu. (This is a book.)
N5 focuses more on understanding rather than advanced speaking or writing.
N5 Japanese Test – How It Works
The N5 Japanese test is conducted under the official JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), usually twice a year in many countries, including India.
The exam mainly consists of:
1. Language Knowledge (Vocabulary & Grammar)
- Hiragana
- Katakana
- Around 100 basic Kanji
- Simple grammar rules
2. Reading
- Short sentences
- Simple notices
- Basic written Japanese
3. Listening
- Everyday conversations
- Short dialogues
- Spoken Japanese at a slow speed
The total exam duration is around 105 minutes.
You don’t need to write long answers — the test is mostly MCQ-based.
Japanese Writing Systems You Learn in N5
To understand what is N5, you must first understand Japanese scripts. At the N5 level, learners study three writing systems:
Hiragana
Hiragana is used for grammar and native Japanese words. Beginners usually start learning from Hiragana. You can learn more from What is Hiragana Japanese.
Katakana
Katakana is mainly used for foreign words like coffee, hotel, and names. You can read a detailed explanation here: What is Katakana.
Kanji
At N5 level, students learn around 100 basic Kanji used in daily life. Learn more here: What is Kanji used in Japanese.
What Is N5 in Japanese Anime?
Anime lovers often ask what is N5 in Japanese anime. The truth is, most anime dialogues are faster and more casual than JLPT N5.
However, N5 helps anime beginners because:
- You start recognizing basic words
- You understand greetings and expressions
- You can identify sentence patterns
Anime alone cannot prepare you for JLPT, but N5 gives you the base to slowly understand anime conversations.
N5 to N1 Japanese – Full JLPT Levels Explained
Japanese language has five proficiency levels:
- N5 – Beginner
- N4 – Elementary
- N3 – Intermediate
- N2 – Upper Intermediate
- N1 – Advanced
If you want a complete explanation, check Japanese language levels.
What Is N4 Level Japanese?
After completing N5, learners move to what is N4 level Japanese. N4 includes:
- More Kanji (around 300)
- Complex grammar
- Better listening comprehension
N4 prepares students for real-life conversations.
How to Learn N5 Japanese
Many beginners ask how to learn N5 Japanese effectively. The best approach is structured learning.
Here’s how beginners should start:
- Learn Hiragana and Katakana properly
- Study basic grammar patterns
- Practice vocabulary daily
- Listen to simple Japanese audio
- Practice reading short sentences
You can also follow this guide: Easy way to learn Japanese language.
Joining professional classes helps you stay consistent and exam-focused.
How Long to Learn N5 Japanese?
A common question is how long to learn N5 Japanese.
On average:
- Regular students: 3 to 4 months
- Weekend learners: 4 to 6 months
This depends on:
- Study time per day
- Guidance quality
- Practice consistency
With proper training and daily revision, N5 can be cleared comfortably.
Best Way to Study N5 – Online or Offline
Today, students can choose:
Both modes are effective if the institute follows JLPT-focused teaching.
You can also explore Online Japanese course in India if you prefer learning from home.
Why N5 Is Important for Japanese Learners
Understanding what is N5 is important because:
- It builds your Japanese foundation
- It improves reading confidence
- It prepares you for higher JLPT levels
- It helps in future study or work in Japan
Even companies and institutes recommend starting with N5 before advancing.
After N5 – What Comes Next?
Once you clear N5, you can move toward:
- N3 Japanese classes (after N4)
- Advanced grammar and conversation
- Business Japanese preparation
If your goal is long-term Japanese mastery, N5 is just the beginning.
Learn Japanese from a Professional Institute
If you would like to learn more about the N5 level or want to study the Japanese language from a Japanese institute, you can contact TLS – Japanese Language Institute.
TLS – Japanese Language Institute
- Website: www.teamlanguages.com
- Google Location: https://share.google/Vmy1XY9yo7TfNUsP3
- Address: 2/81, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110092
- Phone: 087009 56038
- Hours: Open daily, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
TLS offers structured JLPT preparation, including beginner-friendly N5 Japanese course and higher-level training.
You can also explore trusted options like Best institutes in Delhi for JLPT to compare learning paths.
Final Thoughts
Now that you clearly understand what is N5, you can confidently begin your Japanese language journey. N5 is not difficult if learned properly with the right guidance and consistent practice.
Whether your goal is anime understanding, higher JLPT levels, studying in Japan, or career growth — N5 is your first and most important milestone.
Start slow, stay consistent, and enjoy learning Japanese step by step.
Japanese may look difficult at first, but with N5, everything begins to make sense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is N5 fluent in Japanese?
No, What is N5 does not mean fluency in Japanese. N5 is the beginner level of the JLPT and focuses only on basic understanding of the language. At this stage, learners can recognize Hiragana, Katakana, and a few basic Kanji. Fluency usually starts from N2 or N1 level, where advanced grammar, vocabulary, and real-life communication skills are developed.
2. Which is better, N4 or N5?
When understanding What is N5, it is important to know that N5 is the starting level, while N4 is the next step. N4 is considered better in terms of language ability because it includes more grammar, vocabulary, and listening practice. However, N5 is essential before moving ahead. Beginners should always start with N5 and then gradually progress through Japanese language levels explained here: Japanese language levels.
3. Is N1 or N5 the highest?
N1 is the highest level in the JLPT system, not N5. If you are learning What is N5, remember that it is the lowest and easiest level. JLPT follows this order: N5 → N4 → N3 → N2 → N1. N1 represents near-native Japanese proficiency and is required for professional and corporate roles in Japan. N5 only builds the foundation for higher levels.
4. Can I pass N5 without kanji?
It is difficult to pass N5 without learning Kanji. While What is N5 focuses mainly on basics, the exam still includes around 100 Kanji. Learners must understand simple characters used in daily life. You can study Kanji easily with beginner-friendly explanations from What is Kanji used in Japanese and combine it with Hiragana and Katakana practice.
5. Can I pass N5 in 1 month?
Passing N5 in one month is possible only if you already have some background knowledge. For absolute beginners learning What is N5, one month is usually not enough. Most students need at least 3–4 months with regular practice. Following a structured method like the easy way to learn Japanese language and joining online Japanese classes for beginners can help speed up learning.
6. What is the salary of JLPT N5 in India?
JLPT N5 alone does not offer a high salary in India because it is a beginner level. When learning What is N5, understand that it is mainly for foundation. Entry-level jobs may offer ₹10,000–₹20,000 per month, mainly in training or support roles. Better salary opportunities begin after N3 or N2, which you can pursue through N3 Japanese classes.
7. Is 100 kanji enough for N5?
Yes, around 100 Kanji are generally enough for N5. When studying What is N5, learners are expected to recognize basic Kanji related to numbers, time, days, and daily activities. These Kanji are simple and frequently used. Beginners can also improve reading confidence by understanding how Kanji works through detailed guides like What is Kanji.
8. Is 3000 words enough for Japanese?
For N5 level, 3000 words are more than enough. In fact, What is N5 requires only about 700–800 basic vocabulary words. However, to reach fluency or higher JLPT levels, vocabulary needs increase significantly. Learning fun expressions and daily-use terms such as those shared in trending cute Japanese words also helps improve language familiarity.
9. Which level of Japanese is fluent?
Fluency usually begins at JLPT N2 level. While understanding What is N5 helps build your base, N5 and N4 are not considered fluent levels. N2 allows learners to understand news, conversations, and workplace Japanese. N1 represents advanced mastery. You can explore proper learning paths through professional training like Japanese language course in Laxmi Nagar.
10. What is the best way to prepare for JLPT N5?
The best way to prepare after understanding What is N5 is to follow a structured course. This includes learning Hiragana, Katakana, basic Kanji, grammar, and listening practice. Joining a dedicated N5 Japanese course, studying through online Japanese course in India, or enrolling in reputed centers listed under best institutes in Delhi for JLPT can greatly improve success rate.
