{"id":100181,"date":"2023-07-19T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-19T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=100181"},"modified":"2025-08-18T15:18:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T06:18:00","slug":"passing-the-jlpt-n5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/passing-the-jlpt-n5\/","title":{"rendered":"Passing the JLPT N5: what you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re learning Japanese, you\u2019ll probably have heard about the <\/span>Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)<\/b>. In this five-part series, we will break down each test level, what they test you on, how they\u2019re scored, and how to prepare for taking the exam. This is the first article, looking at the JLPT N5. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to learn more about what you need to know to pass the JLPT N5 exam.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An introduction to the JLPT<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The JLPT has been around since 1984 and it is currently the most widely-taken Japanese language test in the world. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as acting as an indicator of language ability for Japanese employers hiring foreign workers<\/a>, passing a JLPT exam is also valid for meeting the government\u2019s <\/span>150-hour study requirement<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are <\/span>five levels<\/b> of the JLPT, with N5 being the easiest level to pass and N1 being the most difficult. You do not have to pass a certain level before moving onto the next level i.e. you do not have to have passed N5 before you can do the N4 exam.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each exam tests four things: reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and listening.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Japan, the exam is normally held twice a year \u2014 once in July and once in December. There are many overseas testing sites, but not all of them offer the chance to take the test twice a year.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The<\/span> official JLPT website<\/span><\/a> has the most updated information on where all the testing sites are and when they offer the chance to take the exam.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why take the JLPT N5 exam?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Preparing for and taking the JLPT N5 exam is a great <\/span>learning experience<\/b> and <\/span>motivator<\/b> for beginner-level Japanese language students. It can be challenging to wrap your head around a new language, so having an exam to work towards can give you structure and learning goals that help take your language skills to the next level.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The N5 isn\u2019t going to land you a job with a Japanese company, but it does demonstrate your <\/span>ability to understand the building blocks of the language<\/b>. This foundation is crucial to the success of your Japanese learning journey. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s also not downplay the sense of achievement you will feel when you pass the exam. It might be a lifelong dream of yours to learn Japanese, or you might have Japanese heritage and want to connect with your roots. Whatever your reason for learning Japanese, passing your first JLPT exam is a <\/span>significant milestone<\/b> that shouldn\u2019t be overlooked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What does the JLPT N5 exam test on?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The N5 tests you on your ability to understand some basic Japanese. What does this mean? You need to be able to:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n