JLPT EDU

How to Prepare for JLPT N5 + Best JLPT Apps in 2025

If you’re planning to take JLPT N5, you’re probably excited (and a little nervous) about this first milestone in your Japanese journey. N5 is the most basic level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, meant to gauge your ability to understand simple expressions, greetings, and sentence structures in Japanese.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to prepare effectively for JLPT N5 and highlight some fantastic apps to help you study smarter in 2025.

🔹How to Prepare for JLPT N5

Here are a few key strategies to maximize your readiness for the test:

1️⃣ Set Clear Goals

Start by marking your test date on a calendar and estimating how much time you have to prepare. Ideally, you should devote at least 2–3 months of consistent study, 30–60 minutes per day.

2️⃣ Master the Basics first

The N5 covers:
✅ Hiragana and Katakana: Make sure you can read all 46 base hiragana and katakana.
✅ Kanji: There are about 100–150 essential N5 kanji. Focus on their meanings and readings.
✅ Vocabulary: Prepare a word list of about 800–1,000 frequently used words.
✅ Grammar: N5 grammar comprises simple structures like です (desu), ます (masu), particles (に, を, の), and question formations.

3️⃣ Develop All Four Skills

✅ Reading: Start with simple texts and practice spotting key words and phrases.
✅ Writing: Write daily to memorize hiragana, katakana, and kanji.
✅ Listening: Watch children’s shows, listen to simple Japanese conversations, or use listening apps.
✅ Speaking: Try shadowing or repeating after audio to improve your pronunciation and confidence.

4️⃣ Take Mock Tests

About a month before your exam, start taking JLPT N5 practice tests. They help you:

🔹Best JLPT Apps in 2025

Using apps can be a convenient and effective way to practice on the go. Here are some of the Best JLPT Apps in 2025 to aid your preparation:

1️⃣ Bunpo

✅ Features: Comprehensive grammar lessons, interactive quizzes, and JLPT practice questions.
✅ Strength: Covers all JLPT levels (N5-N1) with clear explanations and a well-structured curriculum.

2️⃣ WaniKani

✅ Features: An mnemonic-based, spaced repetition app designed to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary quickly.
✅ Strength: Exceptionally effective for retaining large amounts of kanji and vocabulary in a short period.

3️⃣ Anki

✅ Features: Personalized Flashcards with a powerful spaced repetition algorithm.
✅ Strength: Fully customizable decks — perfect for N5 vocabulary, kanji, and grammar.

4️⃣ JLPT Test App (by JLC)

✅ Features: Tons of practice questions divided by level, realistic mock exams, and scoring.
✅ Strength: Allows you to track progress and practice under timed conditions.

5️⃣ HelloTalk

✅ Features: Language exchange with native Japanese speakers.
✅ Strength: Great for developing listening and speaking skills alongside your N5 preparation.

🔹Final Thoughts

Preparing for JLPT N5 might seem challenging at first, but with the right strategies, resources, and discipline, you can certainly pass it with flying colors. Combine traditional methods — books, practice tests — with technology — apps and online communities — to maximize your progress.

🚀 Tip: Consistency matters more than cramming. Try to study a little bit each day, practice all skills evenly, and track your progress regularly.