This lesson introduces common everyday nouns at the JLPT N5 level. These are words you’ll often encounter in daily conversations, exams, and beginner textbooks. Each noun includes its Kanji, Hiragana, Romaji, and English meaning. We’ve also included example sentences, grammar tips, listening suggestions, and exercises with full answers to help you study smarter!
🌟 Why JLPT N5 Vocabulary Matters
The N5 level is the most basic level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). To pass this level, you should master around 600 to 800 common vocabulary words. Learning these words not only helps you succeed on the test, but also lays a strong foundation for everyday conversation and communication in Japan.
📝 JLPT N5 Vocabulary List (with Romaji & English Meaning)
| Kanji | Hiragana | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 上 | うえ | ue | above, up |
| 後ろ | うしろ | ushiro | behind |
| 歌 | うた | uta | song |
| 海 | うみ | umi | sea |
| 上着 | うわぎ | uwagi | jacket |
| 絵 | え | e | picture |
| 映画 | えいが | eiga | movie |
| 映画館 | えいがかん | eigakan | cinema |
| 英語 | えいご | eigo | English (language) |
| 駅 | えき | eki | station |
| エレベーター | エレベーター | erebeetaa | elevator |
| 鉛筆 | えんぴつ | enpitsu | pencil |
| 大勢 | おおぜい | oozei | many people |
| お母さん | おかあさん | okaasan | mother (someone else’s) |
| お菓子 | おかし | okashi | sweets, snacks |
📝 Example Sentences
Here are some sample sentences using JLPT N5 vocabulary. These examples show how the words are used in everyday contexts to help you better understand and memorize them.
| Japanese | Romaji | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 机の上に本があります。 | Tsukue no ue ni hon ga arimasu. | There is a book on the desk. |
| 駅はあのビルの後ろです。 | Eki wa ano biru no ushiro desu. | The station is behind that building. |
| この歌が大好きです。 | Kono uta ga daisuki desu. | I really like this song. |
| 夏に海へ行きます。 | Natsu ni umi e ikimasu. | I go to the sea in summer. |
| 寒いので上着を着ます。 | Samui node uwagi o kimasu. | I wear a jacket because it’s cold. |
| 子どもは絵をかいています。 | Kodomo wa e o kaiteimasu. | The child is drawing a picture. |
| 毎週映画を見ます。 | Maishuu eiga o mimasu. | I watch a movie every week. |
| 映画館は駅の近くです。 | Eigakan wa eki no chikaku desu. | The movie theater is near the station. |
| 英語の勉強をしています。 | Eigo no benkyou o shiteimasu. | I am studying English. |
| エレベーターで3階に行きましょう。 | Erebētā de san-kai ni ikimashou. | Let’s go to the third floor by elevator. |
| 鉛筆で名前を書いてください。 | Enpitsu de namae o kaite kudasai. | Please write your name with a pencil. |
| パーティーに大勢の人が来ました。 | Pātī ni ōzei no hito ga kimashita. | Many people came to the party. |
| お母さんは買い物に行きました。 | Okaasan wa kaimono ni ikimashita. | My mom went shopping. |
| お菓子をたくさん食べました。 | Okashi o takusan tabemashita. | I ate a lot of sweets. |
📝 Exercises
Exercise 1: Match the Word with the Meaning
| Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| うた | a. station |
| えき | b. song |
| うみ | c. mother |
| おかあさん | d. sea |
Answer:
うた – b, えき – a, うみ – d, おかあさん – c
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank
- えいがを______（watch a movie）
- えきで______をまつ（wait for the train at the station）
- おかしを______（eat snacks）
Answer:
1. みます 2. でんしゃ 3. たべます
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
What does 「うしろ」 mean?
- Above
- Behind
- Song
- Mother
Answer: b. Behind
🔗 Related Grammar & Vocabulary
- JLPT N5 Grammar List – 60 Essential Grammar Points
- JLPT N5 600+ Vocabulary List (Part 5)
- JLPT N5 600+ Vocabulary List (Part 4)
- JLPT N5 600+ Vocabulary List (Part 3)
- JLPT N5 600+ Vocabulary List (Part 2)
- JLPT N5 600+ Vocabulary List (Part 1)
📌 Conclusion
Mastering JLPT N5 vocabulary is a crucial first step in your Japanese learning journey. With the right methods and consistency, you’ll be able to remember and use these 600+ words with confidence.
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