JLPT N5 Vocabulary

The most common beginner words, grouped by topic so you can actually use them, not just recognize them on a test. These are the building blocks for real sentences.

Test Strategy: Particles

Both the N5 and N4 exams score out of 180 points total, split into two sections: Language Knowledge and Reading (120 points) and Listening (60 points). You need 90 out of 180 overall, but you also have to clear a minimum score in each section separately, so one strong section can't cover for a weak one.

That means every minute you spend memorizing grammar has to actually earn points on test day. Some particles are simple enough that a little study locks in the point almost every time. Others have so many overlapping jobs and native-speaker gray areas that even hours of study won't make you meaningfully faster than a guess. Spend your limited prep time where it pays off, and treat the rest as a quick guess you move past.

Learn These Solidly

"toward, in the direction of"
Marks where you're headed. One job, one meaning, low risk.
"from, since"
Marks a starting point in time or place. Rarely ambiguous.
"until, up to"
Marks an ending point, and pairs naturally with kara.
"and, with"
Connects nouns or marks who you did something with.
"object marker"
Marks the direct object of a verb. The rule barely changes across sentences.
"at, by means of"
Marks the location of an action or the tool or method used.

Skip When Unsure

"at, to, in, for, by..."
Handles time, direction, location, and indirect objects. So many jobs that it's easy to second-guess.
"topic marker"
Overlaps constantly with ga, and even native speakers disagree on which one feels right.
"subject marker"
The classic wa or ga confusion. Entire textbooks exist just to explain the difference.
"possessive, connector"
Looks simple but shifts meaning by context, including turning verbs into nouns.

If a question hinges on one of these four, take your best guess and move on. Chasing certainty here costs more time than it's worth.

Time and Days

"today"
Use this when talking about today's plans or schedule.
"tomorrow"
Say this to talk about plans for the next day.
"yesterday"
Use it to talk about something that already happened.
"now"
Handy for "where are you now?" or "I'm free now."
"time"
Comes up whenever you're asking how long something takes.
"morning"
Pairs with greetings and daily routines.
"noon, daytime"
Useful for lunch plans or daytime activities.
"night"
For evening plans or asking what's open at night.
"weekend"
Comes up in "what are you doing this weekend?"
"every day"
Describes routines and habits.

People and Family

"I, me"
The safest way to refer to yourself in most situations.
"friend"
Use when introducing someone or talking about your circle.
"family"
Comes up in small talk about where you're from.
"teacher"
Also used to politely address doctors and instructors.
"student"
Useful when explaining your situation or status.
"man"
Use to describe or point out someone.
"woman"
Use to describe or point out someone.
"child"
Comes up around families, schools, and safety announcements.
"name"
The first thing people ask when you meet them.
"who"
Ask this when you don't recognize someone being talked about.

Food and Drink

"rice, meal"
Also just means "meal" in general, not only rice.
"water"
Ask for this anywhere, restaurants included.
"tea"
The default drink offered almost everywhere.
"bread"
Common at bakeries and breakfast menus.
"meat"
Useful when asking what's in a dish.
"fish"
Common on menus and at markets.
"vegetables"
Handy for dietary questions.
"fruit"
Comes up at markets and breakfast spots.
"egg"
Shows up in almost every Japanese meal.
"snacks, sweets"
For convenience store runs.

Places and Buildings

"house"
Talk about where you live or are headed.
"school"
Comes up in daily routine conversations.
"company"
Used when talking about work or your job.
"station"
The most common landmark for directions.
"hospital"
Important if you or someone needs medical help.
"store"
General word for any shop.
"bank"
Useful when asking for directions.
"toilet, restroom"
One of the most useful words you'll ever learn.
"room"
Comes up at hotels and homes.
"park"
Common in casual plans and directions.

Basic Verbs

"to go"
The base word for talking about any destination.
"to come"
Use when talking about someone arriving.
"to eat"
The base word behind ordering food.
"to drink"
The base word behind ordering drinks.
"to see, watch"
For sightseeing, TV, or noticing something.
"to listen, to ask"
Covers both listening and asking a question.
"to read"
Useful for signs, menus, and books.
"to write"
Comes up with forms and paperwork.
"to buy"
The base word behind any shopping phrase.
"to speak, talk"
Comes up whenever language itself is the topic.

Basic Adjectives

"big"
Describes size, comes up constantly when shopping.
"small"
The opposite pair to ookii, just as useful.
"new"
Common when comparing products or places.
"old (things)"
Comes up describing buildings, shops, and objects.
"hot (weather)"
Everyday small talk material.
"cold (weather)"
Everyday small talk material.
"expensive, tall"
Comes up constantly while shopping.
"cheap"
The opposite pair to takai.
"delicious"
The most useful word at any meal.
"busy"
Common answer to "how are you these days?"