Are you starting Japanese and preparing for the JLPT N5 exam? Learning JLPT N5 vocabulary is one of the best places to start.
At first, Japanese may feel difficult. However, learning common words little by little makes the language easier to understand. You can use these words while reading, listening, speaking, and studying grammar.
In this guide, you will learn 100 useful Japanese words for beginners. We have grouped them by topic, so they are easier to study and remember.
What Is JLPT N5 Vocabulary?
JLPT N5 is the beginner level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.
At this level, learners need to understand basic Japanese used in simple daily situations. Therefore, building a strong vocabulary is important.
You will see common words related to:
- People and family
- Numbers and time
- School and work
- Food and drinks
- Places
- Daily activities
- Common verbs
- Common adjectives
However, vocabulary should not be studied alone. You should also practise Hiragana, Katakana, basic Kanji, grammar, reading, and listening.
100 Essential JLPT N5 Vocabulary Words
Let’s start with useful Japanese words that beginners should know.
1. People and Family
| Japanese | Reading | English |
|---|---|---|
| 人 | ひと (hito) | Person |
| 私 | わたし (watashi) | I / Me |
| 友達 | ともだち (tomodachi) | Friend |
| 家族 | かぞく (kazoku) | Family |
| 父 | ちち (chichi) | Father |
| 母 | はは (haha) | Mother |
| 兄 | あに (ani) | Older brother |
| 姉 | あね (ane) | Older sister |
| 弟 | おとうと (otouto) | Younger brother |
| 妹 | いもうと (imouto) | Younger sister |
Example:
わたしの かぞくです。
Watashi no kazoku desu.
This is my family.
2. Numbers and Time
Numbers and time appear often in everyday Japanese. Therefore, beginners should become comfortable using them.
| Japanese | Reading | English |
| 一 | いち (ichi) | One |
| 二 | に (ni) | Two |
| 三 | さん (san) | Three |
| 四 | よん / し (yon / shi) | Four |
| 五 | ご (go) | Five |
| 六 | ろく (roku) | Six |
| 七 | なな / しち (nana / shichi) | Seven |
| 八 | はち (hachi) | Eight |
| 九 | きゅう / く (kyuu / ku) | Nine |
| 十 | じゅう (juu) | Ten |
| 今日 | きょう (kyou) | Today |
| 明日 | あした (ashita) | Tomorrow |
| 昨日 | きのう (kinou) | Yesterday |
| 朝 | あさ (asa) | Morning |
| 夜 | よる (yoru) | Night |
Example:
あした がっこうへ いきます。
Ashita gakkou e ikimasu.
I will go to school tomorrow.
Check Also : How to Prepare for the JLPT N5
3. School and Work
If you study or work in Japan, these basic words can be very useful.
| Japanese | Reading | English |
| 学校 | がっこう (gakkou) | School |
| 大学 | だいがく (daigaku) | University |
| 学生 | がくせい (gakusei) | Student |
| 先生 | せんせい (sensei) | Teacher |
| 会社 | かいしゃ (kaisha) | Company |
| 仕事 | しごと (shigoto) | Work / Job |
| 本 | ほん (hon) | Book |
| 鉛筆 | えんぴつ (enpitsu) | Pencil |
| 紙 | かみ (kami) | Paper |
| 勉強 | べんきょう (benkyou) | Study |
Example:
わたしは にほんごを べんきょうします。
Watashi wa nihongo o benkyou shimasu.
I study Japanese.
4. Food and Drinks
Food vocabulary is useful from the beginning because you can use these words at home, restaurants, shops, and cafés.
| Japanese | Reading | English |
| 食べ物 | たべもの (tabemono) | Food |
| 水 | みず (mizu) | Water |
| お茶 | おちゃ (ocha) | Tea |
| ご飯 | ごはん (gohan) | Rice / Meal |
| 肉 | にく (niku) | Meat |
| 魚 | さかな (sakana) | Fish |
| 野菜 | やさい (yasai) | Vegetables |
| 果物 | くだもの (kudamono) | Fruit |
| 卵 | たまご (tamago) | Egg |
| 牛乳 | ぎゅうにゅう (gyuunyuu) | Milk |
Example:
みずを のみます。
Mizu o nomimasu.
I drink water.
5. Places
Next, learn some common places that you may see in basic Japanese conversations and reading.
| Japanese | Reading | English |
| 家 | いえ (ie) | House / Home |
| 駅 | えき (eki) | Station |
| 店 | みせ (mise) | Shop |
| 病院 | びょういん (byouin) | Hospital |
| 銀行 | ぎんこう (ginkou) | Bank |
| 公園 | こうえん (kouen) | Park |
| 図書館 | としょかん (toshokan) | Library |
| 部屋 | へや (heya) | Room |
| 国 | くに (kuni) | Country |
| 日本 | にほん / にっぽん | Japan |
Example:
えきは どこですか。
Eki wa doko desu ka?
Where is the station?
6. Essential Japanese Verbs
Verbs help you talk about actions. As a result, they are an important part of JLPT N5 vocabulary.
| Japanese | Reading | English |
| 行く | いく (iku) | To go |
| 来る | くる (kuru) | To come |
| 帰る | かえる (kaeru) | To return |
| 食べる | たべる (taberu) | To eat |
| 飲む | のむ (nomu) | To drink |
| 見る | みる (miru) | To see / Watch |
| 聞く | きく (kiku) | To listen / Ask |
| 読む | よむ (yomu) | To read |
| 書く | かく (kaku) | To write |
| 話す | はなす (hanasu) | To speak |
| 買う | かう (kau) | To buy |
| 会う | あう (au) | To meet |
| 起きる | おきる (okiru) | To wake up |
| 寝る | ねる (neru) | To sleep |
| 働く | はたらく (hataraku) | To work |
Example:
ほんを よみます。
Hon o yomimasu.
I read a book.
7. Common Japanese Adjectives
Adjectives help you describe people, places, objects, and situations.
| Japanese | Reading | English |
| 大きい | おおきい (ookii) | Big |
| 小さい | ちいさい (chiisai) | Small |
| 新しい | あたらしい (atarashii) | New |
| 古い | ふるい (furui) | Old |
| 高い | たかい (takai) | High / Expensive |
| 安い | やすい (yasui) | Cheap |
| 暑い | あつい (atsui) | Hot |
| 寒い | さむい (samui) | Cold |
| 面白い | おもしろい (omoshiroi) | Interesting |
| 忙しい | いそがしい (isogashii) | Busy |
Example:
この ほんは おもしろいです。
Kono hon wa omoshiroi desu.
This book is interesting.
8. Everyday Japanese Words
Finally, these words are useful in simple daily conversations.
| Japanese | Reading | English |
| はい | hai | Yes |
| いいえ | iie | No |
| ありがとう | arigatou | Thank you |
| こんにちは | konnichiwa | Hello |
| おはよう | ohayou | Good morning |
| さようなら | sayounara | Goodbye |
| 何 | なに / なん (nani / nan) | What |
| どこ | doko | Where |
| いつ | itsu | When |
| 誰 | だれ (dare) | Who |
Example:
これは なんですか。
Kore wa nan desu ka?
What is this?
How to Remember JLPT N5 Vocabulary
Reading a long vocabulary list once is not enough. Instead, try to use the words regularly.
Learn a Few Words Every Day
First, set a simple daily goal.
For example, learn 10 new words each day. Then, review the words you learned earlier.
Small daily goals are easier to follow than trying to learn hundreds of words at once.
Use Flashcards
Flashcards can help you review Japanese vocabulary quickly.
For example, put the Japanese word on one side and its reading and meaning on the other.
In addition, review difficult words more often.
Create Simple Japanese Sentences
Do not only memorize:
食べる = to eat
Instead, use it in a sentence:
パンを たべます。
Pan o tabemasu.
I eat bread.
As a result, you learn both the word and how to use it.
Listen to Japanese
Listening can also help you remember vocabulary.
For example, listen to beginner Japanese conversations and try to identify words you already know.
Over time, common words will become easier to recognize.
Review Regularly
Finally, make review part of your study routine.
You may learn a word today and forget it next week. That is normal. Therefore, regular review is important.
How Many Words Do You Need for JLPT N5?
The official JLPT does not publish a fixed vocabulary list that guarantees success on N5.
Therefore, you should avoid focusing only on reaching a specific number of words.
Instead, build a broad beginner vocabulary and learn how words are used in sentences.
Also, remember that JLPT N5 tests more than vocabulary. You need to work on grammar, Kanji, reading, and listening as well.
If you are preparing for the exam, read our How to Prepare for the JLPT N5 guide for a broader study strategy.
Should You Learn Kanji with Vocabulary?
Yes. Learning basic Kanji together with vocabulary can be useful.
For example:
水 — みず — water
山 — やま — mountain
人 — ひと — person
Instead of seeing the Kanji as a separate topic, connect it with its meaning and common vocabulary.
However, beginners should take it slowly. Start with basic Kanji and build your knowledge over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About JLPT N5 Vocabulary
Is JLPT N5 suitable for beginners?
Yes. N5 is the introductory JLPT level and is a common target for people starting Japanese.
How should I study JLPT N5 vocabulary?
Learn a small number of words each day. Also, use flashcards, example sentences, listening practice, and regular review.
Should I learn Hiragana before JLPT N5 vocabulary?
Learning Hiragana early makes vocabulary study much easier. Katakana is also important because Japanese uses it for many foreign words.
Do I need Kanji for JLPT N5?
You need to understand basic Kanji at the N5 level. Therefore, include Kanji in your regular study plan.
Can I prepare for JLPT N5 online?
Yes. You can study vocabulary, grammar, Kanji, reading, and listening online. Structured online Japanese classes can also help you follow a clear learning plan.
Is vocabulary enough to pass JLPT N5?
No. Vocabulary is only one part of your preparation. You should also practise grammar, reading, Kanji, and listening.
Start Your Japanese Learning Journey with Koderbox
Learning JLPT N5 vocabulary is an important first step in your Japanese journey.
However, vocabulary works best when you combine it with grammar, Kanji, reading, listening, and regular practice.
Koderbox offers online Japanese language classes for beginners and JLPT learners. Whether you are starting from zero or preparing for your next JLPT level, you can learn Japanese through a structured learning path.
Want to learn Japanese with Koderbox?
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