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15 Best Textbooks for JLPT N5
2024/08/23
Director: Kotaro Muramoto
Principal of Nihongo Online School
In September 2019, he founded "Nihongo Online School". Since then, has been teaching Japanese online lessons, with a total of over 1,000 students.
He has designed an individualized curriculum based on student’s needs and study goal. And is conscious of making the classes speech-centered in order to improve students’ speaking skills.
The school asks students to submit homework assignments worth 2 hours per lesson to improve faster. By supporting students with these features, students are able to efficiently improve Japanese language skills.
Embarking on your Japanese language journey with the JLPT N5 exam in sight? Choosing the right study materials can make all the difference in your preparation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 15 best textbooks for JLPT N5, covering everything from vocabulary and kanji to grammar and listening comprehension.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to solidify your foundational Japanese skills, these carefully selected resources will help you build a strong base for success in the JLPT N5 and beyond.
Contents
Textbooks for Japanese Vocabulary
1. 1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5
“1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5” is an excellent resource for building your N5 vocabulary. This book goes above and beyond by covering 1000 words, which is more than the 800 required for the N5 level. Its organization into 10 thematic chapters, such as food, hobbies, and daily life, makes learning more contextual and easier to remember.
The inclusion of audio files allows learners to practice pronunciation, enhancing both recognition and speaking skills. Its compact size is particularly useful for studying on the go, making it easy to squeeze in study sessions during commutes or short breaks.
2. Quick Mastery of N4 & N5 Vocabulary
Another valuable resource is the “Quick Mastery of N4 & N5 Vocabulary”. This book takes a unique approach by combining N5 and N4 vocabularies, totaling 1,800 words. This comprehensive coverage not only prepares you for N5 but also gives you a head start on N4. The book’s organization into 50 topic-based units helps in building vocabulary within specific contexts.
It provides readings in both kanji and hiragana, along with English and Chinese translations, catering to a wide range of learners. The inclusion of checkboxes for each word allows you to track your progress effectively, giving a sense of accomplishment as you work through the book.
Textbooks for Kanji
3. Basic Kanji Book Vol. 1 & Vol. 2
For mastering kanji, the “Basic Kanji Book Vol. 1 & Vol. 2” is a classic choice. This set covers 500 fundamental kanji, which is more than sufficient for the N5 level. Its strength lies in its focus on teaching the correct stroke order, which is crucial for proper kanji writing.
The books provide ample writing practice, helping to reinforce memory through muscle memory. Simple exercises for each kanji unit allow for immediate application of what you’ve learned, enhancing retention.
4. Nihongo Challenge for JLPT N4 & N5 Kanji
The “Nihongo Challenge for JLPT N4 & N5 Kanji” takes a more gradual approach, introducing about 10 new kanji per chapter. What sets this book apart is its use of illustrations and explanations for each kanji, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.
The inclusion of stroke order guides and practice spaces ensures that learners develop proper writing techniques from the start.
5. Mastering Kanji: Guide to JLPT N5 Kanji
For those looking for a more focused N5 kanji resource, “Mastering Kanji: Guide to JLPT N5 Kanji” is an excellent choice. This book hones in on the 103 most common kanji for N5, ensuring that you’re studying exactly what you need for the test.
Its use of illustrations aids in memorization, creating visual associations that can make recalling kanji easier during the exam. The review questions at the end of each chapter provide valuable self-assessment opportunities, allowing you to gauge your progress and identify areas that need more attention.
Textbooks for Japanese Grammar
6. Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese
Genki I is a comprehensive textbook that, while not specifically designed for JLPT, covers all the grammar points necessary for N5. Its strength lies in its integrated approach, combining grammar explanations with real-life dialogues and situations. Each chapter introduces new grammar points in context, making it easier for learners to understand how to use them in everyday conversations.
The book includes a variety of exercises, helping students practice what they’ve learned. While it may be more suited for classroom use, self-learners can still benefit from its clear explanations and abundant examples.
7. Minna No Nihongo Elementary 1
Minna No Nihongo is another popular choice for N5 grammar study. This textbook is entirely in Japanese, which can be challenging for absolute beginners but immensely beneficial for developing reading skills.
It comes with a separate translation and grammatical notes book available in various languages. The grammar points are introduced systematically, with plenty of practice exercises to reinforce learning. Its structured approach and comprehensive coverage make it an excellent resource for thorough N5 grammar preparation.
8. TRY! Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5
The TRY! series is specifically designed for JLPT preparation, making it an excellent choice for focused N5 grammar study.
This book breaks down grammar points into nine chapters based on everyday life situations. Each grammar point is explained clearly, often with comparison to similar structures to help learners understand the nuances. The book includes practice questions similar to those on the actual JLPT, giving students valuable test-taking experience.
Textbooks for Reading Comprehension
9. 55 Reading Comprehension Tests for JLPT N5
55 Reading Comprehension Tests for JLPT N5
This book is an excellent resource for developing N5-level reading skills. It contains 55 different readings related to N5 content, each followed by comprehension questions. The passages gradually increase in difficulty, allowing learners to build their skills progressively.
One of its strengths is teaching students how to break down sentences into simpler components, a crucial skill for tackling more complex texts. The questions are designed to mimic the style of the actual JLPT, providing valuable exam preparation.
10. JLPT N5 Kanji, Vocabulary & Grammar Chokuzen-Taisaku
JLPT N5 Kanji, Vocabulary & Grammar Chokuzen-Taisaku
While this book covers multiple areas, its reading comprehension section is particularly useful. It includes several mock tests that closely resemble the format of the JLPT N5. The reading passages are carefully selected to match the difficulty level of the actual exam, giving students a realistic preview of what to expect.
The book also includes an appendix with essential verbs, adverbs, and adjectives frequently used in N5-level texts, helping students build their reading vocabulary.
Textbooks for Listening Comprehension
11. Nihongo So-Matome N5
The Nihongo So-Matome N5 is an all-inclusive textbook that covers all aspects of the JLPT N5, including a robust listening section. What sets this book apart is its structured 6-week study plan, with listening practice integrated throughout.
The book comes with an audio CD, allowing students to practice with authentic Japanese spoken at a natural pace. The listening exercises are designed to mirror the types of questions found in the actual JLPT N5, making it an excellent tool for exam preparation.
12. JLPT N5 Official Practice Workbook
While not exclusively a listening textbook, the JLPT N5 Official Practice Workbook deserves mention for its authentic listening materials. Produced by the same organization that creates the JLPT, this workbook includes a CD with listening exercises that closely resemble the actual test. The audio tracks cover various scenarios you’ll encounter in the exam, from short conversations to announcements. This resource is invaluable for getting accustomed to the pace and style of the JLPT N5 listening section.
Textbooks for Comprehensive JLPT N5 Preparation
13. Goukaku Dekiru JLPT N4 & N5
The Goukaku Dekiru series is specifically tailored for JLPT preparation. This book covers both N5 and N4 levels, making it a good investment for those planning to continue their JLPT journey.
It’s divided into two main parts: the first focuses on grammar and vocabulary with over 800 practice questions, while the second part consists of mock tests in the official JLPT format. The inclusion of two CDs for the listening section provides ample practice for this crucial component of the exam.
14. JLPT Study Guide
Created by the popular JLPT preparation website JLPTBootCamp.com, this study guide offers a comprehensive approach to JLPT N5 preparation.
It includes over 300 practice test questions covering all sections of the exam. One of its unique features is the inclusion of printable flashcards for vocabulary, hiragana, katakana, and kanji. This multi-faceted approach allows learners to practice in various ways, catering to different learning styles and preferences.
15. Drill and Drill JLPT N5
The Drill and Drill JLPT N5 is another excellent comprehensive resource. It contains over 250 questions covering vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. What makes this book stand out is its detailed answer booklet. For each question, it provides not just the correct answer, but also thorough explanations, example sentences, and tips for tackling similar questions. This approach helps learners understand the reasoning behind each answer, improving overall comprehension of the material.
Prepare for JLPT N5 with Nihongo Online School
While textbooks are invaluable resources, combining them with personalized instruction can significantly boost your JLPT N5 preparation. Nihongo Online School offers a unique, tailored approach to help you achieve your Japanese language goals.
Our 150-hour kick-start program is designed to help students complete their first 150 hours of Japanese learning in just 3-6 months. This comprehensive course includes 50 hours of one-on-one online lessons plus 100 hours of study materials and homework, providing a balanced approach to language acquisition.
