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 |
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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