If you’re preparing for the JLPT N5, mastering the essential grammar points is the first step toward success.
This complete guide covers the most important JLPT N5 grammar points, with simple explanations and example sentences to help beginners understand and use them confidently.
📌 What Is JLPT N5?
JLPT N5 is the beginner level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
At this level, you should be able to:
- Understand basic Japanese sentences
- Read simple hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji
- Handle everyday conversations
Grammar is the foundation of this level.
📚 Complete JLPT N5 Grammar List
Below is a structured list of the core N5 grammar points.
1. です (Desu) – To Be
Used to make polite statements.
Example:
- わたしは学生(がくせい)です。
I am a student.
2. は (Wa) – Topic Marker
Marks the topic of the sentence.
Example:
- わたしはアメリカ人(じん)です。
I am American.
3. が (Ga) – Subject Marker
Highlights the subject.
Example:
- ねこがいます。
There is a cat.
4. を (O) – Object Marker
Marks the object of a verb.
Example:
- パンを食べます。
I eat bread.
5. に (Ni) – Time / Destination Marker
Used for time and movement destination.
Example:
- 7時に起きます。
I wake up at 7. - 日本に行きます。
I go to Japan.
6. で (De) – Place of Action
Indicates where an action happens.
Example:
- 学校で勉強します。
I study at school.
7. い-Adjectives
End with い and conjugate directly.
Example:
- これは高いです。
This is expensive.
8. な-Adjectives
Require な before nouns.
Example:
- きれいな人
A beautiful person
9. Verb Masu Form
Polite present tense.
Example:
- 食べます (eat)
- 行きます (go)
10. Negative Form (〜ません)
Polite negative.
Example:
- 食べません。
I do not eat.
11. Past Form (〜ました)
Polite past tense.
Example:
- 行きました。
Went.
12. Question Form (〜か)
Add か to form a question.
Example:
- 学生ですか?
Are you a student?
13. これ / それ / あれ
Demonstratives.
- これ – this
- それ – that
- あれ – that (over there)
14. も (Mo) – Also
Example:
- わたしも学生です。
I am also a student.
15. Numbers & Counters
Basic counting system.
Example:
- 一つ (one thing)
- 二人 (two people)
📝 How to Study JLPT N5 Grammar Effectively
To pass JLPT N5:
- Learn 2–3 grammar points per day
- Practice example sentences
- Review with flashcards
- Take mock tests
- Use grammar in conversation
Consistency is more important than speed.
📌 Final Thoughts
The JLPT N5 grammar list may seem long at first, but each point is simple when studied step by step.
Once you master N5 grammar, you’ll be ready to move to N4 and even prepare for working in Japan.
