JLPT N5 case studies
JLPT N5 · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a Japanese-language proficiency test with five levels, N1 through N5. N5 is the easiest and N1 the most difficult. The official level summary defines N5 as “the ability to understand some basic Japanese”: reading typical expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji, and listening to short conversations about regularly encountered everyday and classroom topics, spoken slowly, to pick up necessary information. N4 and N5 measure basic Japanese mainly learned in class, so N5 is a sensible checkpoint for learners who have completed an introductory course. The JLPT N5 case studies are 5 cases and about 2,339 words.
1Party Supplies and Counter Choice
Mei is in charge of buying supplies for her Japanese class party. There are 12 students, and each student will get one bottle of juice and one cake.
484 words, about 2 min2Hot, Cool, or Cold: Choosing Temperature Words
Ravi is studying in Japan in August. Today the temperature is 36°C and the sun is very strong.
476 words, about 2 min3Who Ate the Cake? は and が in a Small Office
At a small office, a cake that was in the refrigerator is gone. Three people were in the office: Tanaka, Mori, and Sato.
474 words, about 2 min4Can I Still Join the Class Party?
A notice on the classroom wall says: 「クラス パーティー：6月10日（どようび）ごご2じから5じまで、3かいの きょうしつ。おかねは 500えん。6月7日（すいようび）までに たなかせんせいに はなしてください。のみものは じぶんで もってきます。おそく くる ひとは でんわを ください。でんわ：090-1234-5678」. Hana works every Saturday until 3:30.
435 words, about 2 min5Hearing the Difference: 4時 or 8時?
In a listening exercise, a woman says: 「あしたの よる、しちじに えきの きたぐちで あいましょう。わたしは しろい コートを きます。」 The learner, Dani, hears the sound 'shichi' but is not sure whether it is 4時 (よじ) or 7時 (しちじ); the recording is fast and the woman's voice is soft. He also hears 'きたぐち' and writes it down, but then wonders if it was 'みなみぐち'.
470 words, about 2 min