Many beginners ask me the same question:
“I want to take JLPT N5, but how should I start studying?”
If you’re a complete beginner, the most important thing is this:
Keep your study simple.
Buying too many textbooks or jumping between materials often slows you down.
Instead, follow a clear order and stay consistent.
This is the roadmap I recommend to my students.
Step 1: Master Hiragana & Katakana First
Before anything else, you should completely master hiragana and katakana.
- Read them without hesitation
- Write them comfortably
- Recognize them instantly in words
Without this foundation, grammar, vocabulary, and kanji will feel much harder than they need to be.
★ Tip: I offer a free workbook on my website that helps you master hiragana and katakana very quickly.
No registration is required — just download and start practicing.
Step 2: Focus on Listening Early
Many beginners wait too long to start listening.
That’s a mistake.
Listening helps you:
- Get used to Japanese sounds and rhythm
- Understand sentence patterns naturally
- Reduce fear of “real Japanese”
Even if you don’t understand everything, listen every day.
Short, simple audio is enough.
Step 3: Reading Aloud (Grammar + Vocabulary)
Reading aloud is one of the most effective ways to study for JLPT N5.
Instead of memorizing grammar rules one by one, you:
- Learn grammar and vocabulary together
- Feel natural sentence patterns
- Improve pronunciation at the same time
How to practice reading aloud
- Read the same short sentence about 20 times
- Repeat the same sentence:
- the next day
- 3 days later
- 1 week later
- 2 weeks later
This timing works well with how memory is strengthened over time.
Step 4: Kanji for JLPT N5
For JLPT N5, writing kanji is not required.
Your first goal should be:
- Recognize kanji
- Read kanji correctly
If you have time, practicing writing basic kanji is a bonus.
Writing helps memory and can improve reading speed — but it’s not the priority.
Reading first. Writing is optional.
How Many Hours a Day? How Long Does It Take?
For most beginners, I recommend:
- 1–2 hours a day
- 3–6 months of consistent study
Studying a little every day is far more effective than long, irregular study sessions.
Don’t Buy Too Many Textbooks
This is very important.
You only need:
- 📘 One grammar textbook
- 📙 One JLPT N5 workbook
That’s it.
Buying too many books often leads to:
- Confusion
- Lack of consistency
- Unfinished materials
There are official JLPT practice books published by the Japan Foundation and JLPT organizers.
They use real test formats and are excellent for checking your level before the exam.
A Fun, Story-Based Option
If you want a fun and story-based way to study, I also recommend my learning material:
“LOST IN YOU, LOST IN TOKYO” (Beginners1)
It’s not made specifically for JLPT N5, but it covers:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Listening
- Speaking
- Kanji
—all at a level that’s perfect for N5 learners.
Final Advice
To pass JLPT N5:
- Keep your study simple
- Follow the right order
- Study consistently
- Don’t rush or overbuy materials
Simple study, done well, works best.
