JLPT N5 Test or Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level N5, is a entry level or beginner level exam that certifies the proficiency of a person that is globally recognized for all non-native Japanese speakers. In this blog we will cover all you need to know about JLPT N5? What all you learn in JLPT N5 course, how learning Japanese can be beneficial? And what are the opportunities you unlock after doing JLPT N5?
What is the structure of JLPT N5 Test?
Before learning about JLPT N5 one must know what is JLPT, Japanese Language Proficiency Test are the exams designed by Japan Foundation to test the Japanese language proficiency of a person who is not a native Japanese speaker. These tests are universal to all and thus recognised globally. There are five levels in JLPT, N5,N4,N3,N2 and N1, N5 being the basic level N4 and N3 are intermediate levels and N2 and N1 are advance levels. JLPT N5 test is designed for beginners and is the stepping stone for learning Japanese language.
The JLPT N5 tests your understanding of:
- Basic Vocabulary and kanji
- Simple grammar and sentence structure.
- Listening comprehension of everyday conversations.
- Reading passages and basic understanding of information.
There are three sections in this test, Vocabulary/ Grammar, Reading and Listening. Learning new scripts (hiragana, katakana and kanji) can be tough but if you follow the proper format and the structured step by step approach of N5 you’ll learn Japanese with ease.
Preparation of JLPT N5
- Find a good institute or a personal trainer: learning a new language is not a subject one can master without proper guidance, you must choose an institute that is right for you. A good institute will help you in your journey and keeps you motivated.
- Set a study schedule: consistency is key. Make a daily timetable allocating time to practice vocabulary, hiragana, grammar and kanjis. Self-study is very important if you want to learn anything. Your institute or teachers can only take you so far.
- Practice listening: JLPT exams include a listening section, its is often challenging for students in India as they do not have practice of listening Japanese. You can improve your listening skills by listening audios with there Mina-No-Nihongo text books or you can also find many listening resources online.
- Watching Japanese Language shows: While learning any new language, watching shows of that language not only helps your listening practice but also deepens your knowledge about there culture and understand how locals talk. But one must be cautious while watching Japanese shows as casual dialect in series can be different than the professional course work.
- Mock Exams: Regularly take practice tests to analyse your progress and your shortcomings. Solve past year papers within the exam time. Conduct regular dictations and solve chapter wise exercises without looking at solutions.
Benefits and Opportunities after completing JLPT N5 Test
- Cultural Insights: one of the exciting part of learning Japanese is to getting to know about the Japanese culture. Even at N5 level, you start to get the feel of Japan’s unique way of life. From there greetings to festivals students are fascinated to learn about the rich history, customs, and even there approach to punctuality and politeness.
- Enhancement of your resume: many Japanese companies or companies that has ties with Japan, value employees with basic Japanese language skills. Having even basic level of JLPT gives you a leg up from other candidates. Many companies even offer a raise to people knowing a foreign language.
- Teaching Japanese: After clearing JLPT N5 test, you can start offering beginner-level Japanese tutoring.
- Further Studies in Japan: many institutes and colleges require students to complete N5 level of JLPT to be eligible for applying. Some universities even offer scholarships to Indian students how have basic level certificate in Japanese language.
JLPT N5 test is the first step towards learning Japanese language, there are 5 levels in JLPT (N5,N4,N3,N2,N1) N5 being the basic and N1 being the most advanced level. Learning N5 level is very fruitful weather you want to enhance you career prospects or explore new culture. And remember this is only the beginning, higher levels opens up more opportunities and experiences.
FAQs
- How long does it take to learn JLPT N5?
In average it takes a student 6 months to complete JLPT N5 Course. But it depends on student to student some complete it earlier some might take a bit longer.
- Is N5 enough for Japan?
N5 is the most basic level of Japanese Language Proficiency Test, so if you want to go and work in Japan you would have to do further levels but many companies and universities are willing to take N5 on a condition that you complete further levels in Japan.
- Is JLPT N5 hard to pass?
Learning a new language is always challenging but nothing is hard if you are willing and dedicated to learning.
- How many kanji to pass N5?
To clear N5 test one has to learn 100 kanjis minimum.
- Is JLPT N5 for beginners?
Yes, JLPT N5 is the most basic level of Japanese and a good start for beginners.
- Can I take N3 without N4?
Yes, technically you can take N3 without taking N4, but you’ll have to complete the syllabus of N4 for clearing N3.
- How many people pass N5?
Average passing percentage of JLPT N5 is quiet low which is about 50% every year. But don’t let this demotivate you if you are working on it dedicatedly and are practicing daily there is no reason you won’t clear it.
- Can I pass JLPT N5 in 2 months?
No, you need at least 4-6 months of daily study to crack JLPT Level N5.
- How many questions are in N5?
There are total of 67 questions in JLPT N5 test. Divided into 2 sections Reading and Listening, Reading is further divided in two section Vocabulary- 21 questions to be solved in 20 mins and Grammer and Reading- 22 questions to be solved in 40 mins and Listening- 24 questions to be solved in 30 mins.
- How many marks are required to pass JLPT N5?
Clearing N5 level requires you to achieve overall passing marks as well as clearing each individual section. The total passing marks are 80/180 i.e. 44.44% and individual sectional percentage is 31.66% which means you need 38/120 in Reading section and 19/60 in Listening section to clear JLPT N5 Level Test.