JLPT N5 — where your Japanese begins.
N5 is the first and easiest level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test. It proves you can understand basic Japanese: simple sentences, everyday phrases, hiragana, katakana, and a first set of kanji.
What JLPT N5 covers
Around 100 kanji and 800 vocabulary words — the foundations of everyday Japanese.
- Around 100 essential kanji — numbers, days, directions, basic verbs and adjectives.
- Around 800 vocabulary words for greetings, family, food, and daily routines.
- Core grammar: particles, polite verb forms (ます/です), and basic sentence structure.
Who JLPT N5 is for
For complete beginners. If you have learned hiragana and katakana and want a structured, exam-aligned way to build your first hundred kanji, N5 is your starting line.
How InitialJ helps you pass
Spaced repetition (SRS)
Every kanji and word has its own review schedule. Difficult items return sooner; mastered ones step aside — so the volume stays manageable.
Belt-based progress
Nine SRS stages, shown as karate belts from white to burned, give a clear sense of how solid each item really is.
Bilingual meanings
Meanings come in English and French, and reviews accept answers in either language — French speakers are first-class here.
Dictionary & grammar
Browse every kanji and word with furigana, romaji, examples, and mnemonics, plus grammar exercises tuned to each level.
Where our lists come from
Our N5 kanji and vocabulary lists are compiled from public JLPT specifications and frequency data, then reviewed manually and aligned with the in-app SRS decks. Counts are approximate ranges; the official JLPT does not publish a fixed word list.
Frequently asked questions
How many kanji do I need for JLPT N5?
Around 100 kanji and roughly 800 vocabulary words are expected at N5. InitialJ teaches all of them with spaced repetition, free of charge.
Is JLPT N5 free on InitialJ?
Yes. The entire N5 level is free forever, with no credit card required. Premium unlocks N4 through N1.
Start JLPT N5 free
Create a free account to track your belts across devices, or browse the dictionary first — no sign-up needed.