How to pass the JLPT N5 in one month - is it possible? (2024)

How to pass the JLPT N5 in one month - is it possible? (1)

We cannot guarantee that you will pass the JLPT in just one month – but in this article – we will share our tips for preparing to pass the JLPT N5 Quickly!

Passing the JLPT N5 in just one month: is it really possible?

If you want to pass the JLPT N5 in as little as one month, it really depends on two factors:

  • What Japanese level are you starting at?
  • How much time do you have to study per day?

In the following image – we will share an estimate for how many study hours it takes.

How to pass the JLPT N5 in one month - is it possible? (2)


These estimates are based on the self reported study hours from the test takers themselves – reported when they register for the exam. These are based on the 2019 edition of the JLPT.

Passing the JLPT N5 from Zero in One Month

Given the self-reported constraint, if you started from absolutely no Japanese ability – it would take you about two months of 8 hours of daily study in order to accomplish this. This may be disputed – but its a general estimate based on anecdotal reporting.

Although we cannot guarantee you a pass – we may be able to increase your chances of passing the JLPT N5 by doing the following.

Memorize JLPT N5 Kanji and Vocabulary

Because the JLPT N5 has a combined grading tier for grammar, vocabulary, reading, and kanji – we recommend that your main study priority is to route memorize kanji and their readings – as the volume of the questions on the exam will likely be higher for kanji and vocabulary related questions.

The amount of Kanji covered on the n5 level is higher than the amount of grammar constructions – and many of these grammar constructions.

If you would like a full list of JLPT kanji, please check out our JLPT Mega List. Here, you can find a list of common kanji found ont he JLPT, seperated by level.

Make sure to learn basic Japanese Grammar – Especially Particles

The Wa and Ga particles as well as the De and Ni particles will almost definitely be covered on the JLPT N5 exam’s grammar section.

If you are looking for a quick explanation of how to use these Japanese particles – check out our basic grammar guides.

Don’t forget Listening Practice!

The JLPT N5 Grading sections are divided into the written portion (grammar, kanji, vocabulary, reading) and the listening. In order to pass the exam you have to pass both sections of the test. A mistake that many last-minute learners make is that they forget to prepare for the listening section of the JLPT.

The JLPT N5 is around the same level as the genki textbook series – so having a basic understanding of the first ten chapters of the Genki textbook series is a good first step.

If you do not have the time to study that much, we recommend that you start our 30 day JLPT N5 Listening Challenge. We will provide you with a daily listening exercise and set of flash cards that will allow you to learn JLPT N5 level kanji and vocabulary alongside grammar.

Conclusion

We feel that if you take care to complete the 3 steps we’ve listed above you could stand a decent chance of passing the JLPT N5. Of course it is not guaranteed – but learning Japanese is a journey of a thousand steps – and taking the test whether you pass or fail is an important step on that journey.

If you are looking for online Japanese lessons or intensive Japanese courses in order to improve your Japanese. Please connect with us for a free level check and interview!


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How to pass the JLPT N5 in one month - is it possible? (2024)

FAQs

Can I pass JLPT N5 in 1 month? ›

Passing the JLPT N5 from Zero in One Month

Given the self-reported constraint, if you started from absolutely no Japanese ability – it would take you about two months of 8 hours of daily study in order to accomplish this. This may be disputed – but its a general estimate based on anecdotal reporting.

How long does it take to pass JLPT N5? ›

Like any standardized test, you'll want to spend at least three months to prepare for the test. For test-takers who don't know kanji, you can assume it will take around 450 to 500 hours of study to pass the JLPT N5 test. Moreover, out of 450 to 500 hours, approximately 150 hours are for learning Kanji.

Can I pass JLPT N5 by self study? ›

i took and passed N4 after self learning for about 1.5 years (note: i skipped N5. It is totally possible to cram N5 in 1–2 months if all you want is to pass it). i heard from someone who took N2, 5 times. Personally i think until N3 is possible (it will probably take 1 year at least to go from N4 to…

Is JLPT N5 hard to pass? ›

There are five levels 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.

How many people pass JLPT N5? ›

The overall pass mark depends on the level, and varies between 100/180 (55.55%) for the N1 and 80/180 (44.44%) for the N5.

Is Genki 1 enough for N5? ›

Genki I is 99% of N5. Genki II is the majority of N4. (Not sure about the newest editions as I used the 2nd edition.) This is because there isn't really a definitive list for the JLPT and things move around over time.

Is N5 enough to live in Japan? ›

The first two levels N5 and N4 are considered to be classroom-level Japanese, while N3 serves as a preparation level for the more technical and complex levels N2 and N1. So, to find a job in any way, shape, or form in Japan, it's safe to say that you'll at least need to pass N5 and N4 levels.

How much vocab is needed for JLPT N5? ›

There are 103 Kanji characters and 821 vocabulary words deemed necessary for the JLPT N5 test.

What level of Japanese does duolingo teach? ›

The levels vary from N5 (lowest) to N1 (highest). The graph (which is cropped; click on image to see in full) shows that Duolingo coverage is only about 15% the lexis for JLPT N1. Filling the remaining 85% gap (amounting to about 2000 words) will require additional resources, such as this Memrise Course.

Is N5 the hardest Japanese? ›

The JLPT has five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5. The easiest level is N5 and the most difficult level is N1. N4 and N5 measure the level of understanding of basic Japanese mainly learned in class. N1and N2 measure the level of understanding of Japanese used in a broad range of scenes in actual everyday life.

Can I skip N5 exam? ›

In Japan, the JLPT is held twice a year, in July and December. At the time of application for the test, you must select the level you wish to take. Beginners may start with N5 and work their way up to N1. If you feel confident about your Japanese language ability, you can skip all other levels and go straight to N1.

Can I work in Japan without JLPT? ›

The short answer is that there isn't a particular JLPT level that will open doors for you, but as long as you can speak Japanese smoothly with your coworkers and superiors, you should be fine.

Can you pass N5 in 3 months? ›

Can I pass the JLPT N5 in 3 months with self-study? Though JLPT N5 is very basic level of japanese language it require your honest efforts. As you are asking about 3 months by self study, then of course this is possible if you have dedication for it.

What is the hardest part of the JLPT? ›

The most difficult levels are the JLPT N1 and N2 levels. As indicated above, the JLPT has 5 levels with N1 being the most difficult and N5 being the easiest. On the other hand, the N4/N5 are relatively easier, focusing on basic conversations and simple kanji.

How do I prepare for N5? ›

When preparing for the JLPT N5 exam, utilize flashcards, practice tests, worksheets and grammar books specifically tailored to the N5 exam. If you are studying hard but find yourself stuck on a certain concept or vocabulary word, consider an online resource or forum for additional help.

Can I study N5 in 2 months? ›

Yes, it's possible. It's totally depends on how much hours you study. In general it requires 325 to 600 max hours of study, if you are not having any background about kanjis. I would recommend study by using book Genki instead of Minna no nihongo when you are doing self study.

What is the minimum score for JLPT N5? ›

3. Determination of pass/fail
LevelTotal score
N40~180 points90 points
N50~180 points80 points
2 more rows

How many hours of study to pass JLPT? ›

How many hours should I study for the JLPT?
Exam levelHours needed to study
N4550 hours787 hours
N3900 hours1325 hours
N21475 hours2200 hours
N12150 hours3900 hours
2 more rows
Nov 30, 2022

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