JLPT N5 key terms

A first-person pronoun meaning I or me. It is neutral and can be used by both men and women in everyday polite conversation.

A person or human being. It can also mean people in general, and it appears in many everyday expressions about someone's identity or character.

A friend or companion. The word refers to someone you know well and like, not a family member or a romantic partner.

A school or educational institution. It covers places from elementary school through high school and is commonly used with particles showing location or direction.

A teacher or instructor. It is also a respectful title for doctors, lawyers, and other experts, so context decides the exact meaning.

The Japanese language. It names the language itself, including its spoken and written forms, and is often used in study or nationality contexts.

To eat or take food into the mouth. This common verb describes meals and can be used with objects marked by the particle o.

To drink a liquid. It can also mean to take medicine, and it is often paired with words for water, tea, coffee, or alcohol.

To go or move away from the current place toward another place. It is a common verb with special te-form and past forms, and it often appears with destination particles.

To come or arrive at the speaker's location or a stated destination. It is an irregular verb with special polite and negative forms.

To see, look at, or watch something. It can describe watching television, viewing a scene, or checking a situation. It is a common verb and often takes an object marked by the particle o.

To hear or listen to something. It also means to ask a question, so context and particles show whether listening or asking is meant.

To speak, talk, or tell someone something. It focuses on conversation or communication rather than simply making sounds. It is a common verb often used with languages and people.

To read written text, such as a book, newspaper, sign, or message. It is a common verb used in study and daily life.

To write letters, words, or symbols on paper or another surface. It is a common verb used for notes, messages, and schoolwork.

Large, big, or great in size. This i-adjective describes physical size and can also describe sound, amount, or importance in some contexts.

Small or little in size. This i-adjective describes physical size and can also describe amount, age, or importance depending on context.

New or fresh. This i-adjective describes something recently made, bought, or begun, and it contrasts with old or used things.

High, tall, or expensive. Context decides whether the adjective describes height, price, or a level such as temperature or ability.

Cheap or inexpensive. This i-adjective describes a low price and is often used when shopping or comparing costs. It is the common opposite of expensive.

Today. It refers to the current day and can be used in greetings, schedules, and statements about present plans or events.

Tomorrow. It refers to the day after today and often appears in plans, promises, and weather talk. The reading ashita is common in everyday speech.

Yesterday. It refers to the day before today and is commonly used when talking about past events or completed actions.

Time or an hour. It can mean time in general or a period of time, and it combines with counters to state durations.

A counter suffix for clock time, meaning o'clock. It attaches to numbers to say what hour something happens, as in three o'clock.

A counter suffix for minutes. It attaches to numbers to state minutes past the hour or a duration in minutes, with sound changes in pronunciation.

A counter suffix for Japanese yen, the country's currency. It follows a number to state a price or amount of money.

This one. It points to something close to the speaker and can stand alone as a pronoun when the object is already clear.

A polite verb ending used in present or future statements and questions. It shows respect toward the listener and contrasts with plain verb forms.

A polite request pattern meaning please do something. It follows a verb in the te-form and asks the listener to perform an action.

A pattern meaning is doing or is in a state. It combines a verb in the te-form with imasu and describes ongoing actions or resulting conditions.

A verb ending that expresses the speaker's wish or desire to do something. It behaves like an i-adjective when conjugated.

A particle meaning from or because. It marks a starting point, such as a time or place, or introduces a reason at the end of a clause.

Excuse me, I am sorry, or thank you for trouble. This polite expression gets attention, apologizes lightly, or acknowledges inconvenience in daily situations.

Thank you. This common expression shows gratitude informally and politely, and it can be strengthened with gozaimasu in formal settings.

Please or I ask for your help. This polite phrase makes requests, asks for favors, or confirms an order in shops and services.