How to prepare for JLPT N5 in 60 days

Krisada Hemsoe

If you want to improve your skills in Japanese, then the JLPT N5 is the right test for you. However, if you plan on taking the test, you’ll need to be prepared for the expenses as well as the time and effort involved with studying. The JLPT N5 limits itself to assessing listening and reading skills in Japanese. Plus, the question answers features a standard mark sheet for grading. That means that complicated grammar in Japanese becomes reduced to a selection of four choices

Download JLPT N5 TEXT BOOK CHECK THIS LINK

So, how can you prepare for the JLPT N5 in 60 days? There are a few ways you can approach preparing for the JLPT N5 in 60 days, including:

  • Reviewing the JLPT N5 workbook
  • Learning to select the best possible answer
  • Preparing for adverse conditions
  • Using Mobile Apps to help you study

Since there isn’t much information available on the Internet today covering how to prepare for the JLPT N5 in 60 days, we created this guide to help you out. Below we’ll discuss how you can best prepare for the JLPT N5 and know the material within two months.

The Presentation of the JLPT N5

As we noted above, the JLPT N5 is presented in a multiple-choice format, where test takers are given four different answers to assess, and they must pick the best one out of the group. While that approach sounds like it may make things easier for you, and it can, it all depends on your path to the language. By presenting four potential answers to each question, you’ll need to approach your Japanese differently.

For example, one particular student prepared for the JLPT N5 by cramming and drilling several test questions into her head during the weeks that passed before her exam day. On one particular weekend, she spent the entire period reviewing practice test questions. The night before the test, she went out with a few of her Japanese companions and realized with worry that after all of the studying she had done, she couldn’t complete a sentence correctly in Japanese.

This student feared she would fail the test. However, when she prepared to take the examination the next morning, she realized she had become so used to studying Japanese in multiple-choice form and responding to the practice test questions, that she passed the test the first time she took it.

Learn to Answer Multiple Choice Questions with Ease

While learning how to answer the multiple-choice questions on the JLPT N5 may not transfer your skills far outside of the JLPT, it will help you pass on the first try and receive a higher score.

So, part of your studying concerning the JLPT needs to involve reviewing the practice tests and workbooks in Japanese so that you get used to answering similar questions in your new language. If you allow yourself to get comfortable with the items you’ll see on the test, you won’t need to think so hard about the answers when your test day arrives. However, where do you go to get some practice e test questions?

The JLPT N5 Workbook

You can access the JLPT N5 Workbook here. It’s useful to continuously use this resource to review the types of multiple-choice test questions you’ll encounter on the test. To successfully pass the test in two months, you’ll need to consider those test questions several times. If you stop looking at the test questions, and months pass, you’ll most likely forget the answers, and your multiple-choice test-taking skills in Japanese will wane. You’ll need to plan a continual method of daily study, up and until the exam day.

The more you review the JLPT N5 workbook, the more details, and information you’ll learn before your exam day. By studying practice questions, you’ll familiarize yourself with

  • how different particles are used in Japanese
  • you’ll be able to answer questions referring to Japanese grammar more efficiently
  • you won’t feel so overwhelmed.

By studying the JLPT N5 Workbook, you’ll also familiarize yourself with the test’s overall format. During the trial, you don’t want to waste your time trying to figure out what the instructions for each part are covering. Instead, you can prepare yourself to avoid this issue by studying the official workbook. It’s free to access the JLPT N5 Workbook online, so don’t forget to review that information. You want to ensure that you are prepared for all of the instructions before you take your exam.

Learn to Find the Best Possible Answer

When you reach the reading and listening portions of the JLPT N5 test, many of the questions and answers will seem similar. That means that more than just one single solution could be correct, but only one is the best possible answer because of the information you’ll assess by either reading the passage or listening to a speaker.  When taking the JLPT N5, you don’t want to select an incorrect answer just because it sounds like it could be possible. Instead, learn to double-check your answers.

When taking the JLPT, you want to look for that one small clue that will help guide you to the correct answer. Usually, that clue comes in the form of some extra context. If you teach yourself, by utilizing the practice test on how to find that additional clue, you’ll be well-prepared for the test. Just remember that when you run across a question with several details, pay attention to everything and review it to ensure the right answer.

Be Ready for Adversity

When it comes to the JLPT N5, you also want to ensure that you are ready for any potential adverse conditions you might encounter on the day of the test. While you might wind up lucky and take the test in a room that has excellent sound quality and no other noise in it, that’s probably not going to happen. At best, you’ll likely get an okay PA system, and at worst, you might be using a depressing, outdated CD player.

However, remember if the volume is low and the sound quality of the speakers isn’t excellent, you are allowed to ask your proctor to turn the system up so that you can hear it. However, if the noise winds up being turned up so loud it’s overwhelming because there is a person in the room that is hard of hearing, you’ll need to be prepared for that.

Another issue you may run into when taking the JLPT N5 is poor climate control. Since you’ll most likely be taking the test in Japan, be prepared for potential inadequate heating or cooling areas, especially if you are taking the test in a large room. Also, the hallways of the test-taking area are not generally heated, either.

To ensure that you are prepared for any adverse test-taking conditions, you should dress in layers. That way, you can remove or add any clothes you need to keep your body temperature comfortable while you take the test. Most proctors will try to keep the room in a friendly condition. However, remember that the proctors will be limited in what they can offer.

Studying with Mobile Apps

If you’ve started searching around already for mobile apps that can help you prepare for the JLPT N5, then you probably already feel overwhelmed by the many options. It’s certainly a significant accomplishment to discover a creative way to study for a formal standardized test. However, figuring out which one of the many mobile apps would be best for studying Japanese can be challenging.

What most people need to study for this test, is useful as well as attention grabbing information. It needs to keep your interest when studying Japanese. That means using some fun games and activities that will help you prepare better for your exam. Also, the mobile apps you need for this test should be more JLPT-specific and feature more than just the standard apps many people learn to use fundamental principles in Japanese.

Remember that the JLPT includes five levels, including:

Also, before preparing for the JLPT, you’ll need to understand the hiragana or katakana writing systems. You can study either hiragana or katakana writing systems on the go with mobile apps as well. If you don’t know either one of the writing systems yet, you’ll need to study them before you start preparing for your JLPT exam.

If you know you are prepared to take the JLPT N5 test, you can register for the test at the JLPT site.

  • The test takes place twice a year, July and December.
  • Once you register, you can sign up for a MyJLPT login account.
  • The JLPT N5 exam costs ¥5,500

The JLPT N5 involves:

  • One hundred ten minutes of vocabulary, reading, and grammar questions.
  • An extra sixty minutes of listening questions.

If you are trying to figure out a time frame to prepare for this exam, we understand. If you already know hiragana and katakana, then you are probably already ready to prepare for the JLPT N5 within sixty days. However, if you aren’t, it’s best to give yourself some additional time and familiarize yourself with hiragana and katakana first. Once you understand them, you’ll be able to pick up on your Japanese relatively quickly.

So, now, what are the best mobile apps you can use to prepare for the JLPT N5 within sixty days? We’ll cover that information in more detail below. The apps we will be covering include:

  • Moji N5
  • JLPT Encyclopedia
  • Bunpo
  • JLPT Practice N1-N5
  • Kanji Tree

Mobile App #1: Moji N5

The Moji N5 allows you to customize your study plan. When you set this feature up, the app will show you how many words each day you’ll need to study and how long learning your daily lessons will take. Let’s say you can only use about twenty minutes per day for learning more vocabulary, and another twenty minutes daily to review words. Moji N5 allows you to set all of this up and break up your studying into short sections until the date of your exam.

With Moji N5, you can plan to study during your daily commute with the simple, short lessons that the app will create for you. After you’ve created your study plan, you’ll see a new random phrase appear on your main page every day. That way, you’ll develop a successful grammar list in Japanese that offers real explanations, too. Unfortunately, many other mobile apps used for studying Japanese skip this benefit, which does slow down your ability to learn Japanese.

So, if you do want to pass the JLPT N5 and prepare over sixty days, this app can give you a cutting edge in preparation. You’ll be able to:

  •  intensify your grammar skills
  •  develop a better understanding of Japanese overall
  •  become more proficient at reading Japanese in a multiple-choice format, which is precisely what the JLPT N5 involves.

So, this app is excellent for giving you that jump-start on studying that you’ll need.

Moji N5 also offers several examples sentences for you to study in Japanese daily with English accompanying it, and audio also being featured. You’ll also get twelve different mix and match test modes with Moji N5, allowing you to assist your learning method with some experimentation. Moji N5 is currently only available on iOS. Unfortunately, there is no Android version of this app available as of yet.

Mobile App #2: JLPT Encyclopedia

After you’ve learned some Japanese grammar and vocabulary, you’ll be ready to use our second app choice, the JLPT Encyclopedia, to help you better prepare for the JLPT N5. The JLPT Encyclopedia app allows you to study for every level of the JLPT, including the N5. Using the lesson options featured in this app, you’ll be able to consider some excellent grammar points as well as example sentences that relate.

This app breaks up its Japanese vocabulary lessons into sets of ten words. Every set then provides flashcards to help you study and some multiple-choice exercises that resemble what you’ll find on the JLPT N5. Many JLPT test takers feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of new words they need to learn for each level of the test. However, with the JLPT Encyclopedia app, you’ll be able to remember your vocabulary quickly. You can also study Kanji using a similar method of study.

Each category of the JLPT on this app offers many example tests that cover all of the crucial stages of the JLPT N5, including:

After you complete your particular multiple-choice section, you’ll be awarded a score, and the app will then allow you to take a look at the right answers so that you can improve upon your skills in Japanese. You won’t see any translation with this app when it comes to the questions and answers, however. So, if you feel lost when using this app, you probably need to spend more time studying your grammar and vocabulary for your exam.

While the JLPT Encyclopedia is an excellent app and we highly recommend it as a preparative method, you will have to, unfortunately, deal with pop-ups on the app as you try to finish specific tests or lessons. While we all know why apps need to run ads to keep their services available to all for free, there is no way to upgrade this app by purchasing an ad-free version.

While it would be awesome if the JLPT Encyclopedia offered an ad-free version, that’s the only drawback to this app. Otherwise, it will help you strengthen your vocabulary and multiple-choice test-taking skills in Japanese. You can download the JLPT Encyclopedia for iOS only. Unfortunately, there is currently no Android version.

Mobile App #3: Bunpo

 With Bunpo, you can learn hiragana and katakana before you start reviewing your JLPT N5 questions. Knowing how to read in both hiragana and katakana is an essential starting point when it comes to studying Japanese and passing the JLPT N5.

So, it’s good news that the Bunpo app will start your studying for your test on the right foot. Also, since Bunpo gives you the option to study both hiragana and katakana before moving into your JLPT N5 materials, you’ll be able to skip those sections if you already know them. Bunpo provides you with a sort of digital textbook, so you can flip through areas of the app that feature specific explanations and examples if you already know the gist of the material.

If you flip through Bunpo and you see something you feel isn’t clear enough as an example to you, you can get more information by tapping the text bubble, found on the top right of the app. Once you click there, you can get access to an actual person that can explain things so that they make sense to you. Keep in mind that it can take a couple of hours to hear back on a question. Regardless, this feature provides you with an excellent opportunity to learn more Japanese by reaching out to a real person.

Aside from that, you’ll also see sentences in Japanese that feature audio on the top left, if you want to listen to the sentence in Japanese. Plus, Bunpo also offers a small sentence below the Japanese sentence, which translates Japanese into English so that you comprehend the text or audio you are reviewing at the time.

Bunpo also offers lessons that feature easy to learn grammar categories like

  • Particles
  • New adjectives
  • Adverbs
  • Demonstratives

By categorizing the segments of the vocabulary so that they are easy for English speakers to digest, it isn’t challenging to learn new Japanese vocabulary with Bunpo. You can also tap on the interface if you want to know the definition of a particular word. Once you tap on the interface, you’ll see the word’s meaning in:

  • English
  • Kanji
  • Hiragana

That way, you’ll be able to understand Japanese writing more quickly as well. Plus, when the app gives you answers that you need to type in, you can type it using an English keyboard and have that keyboard convert the information into Japanese for you, so you learn the translations more easily.

Bunpo also offers plenty of different testing exercise to help you better prepare for the JLPT, including:

  • Putting words in the correct word order
  • Filling in a participle that’s blank
  • Multiple-choice questions

The interface on Bunpo is immaculate, clean, and comfortable to comprehend. You can only get Bunpo for iOS, but Bunpo is also currently working on an Andriod app.

Mobile App #4: JLPT Practice N5-N1

If you already know hiragana and katakana and you are fully ready to study for your JLPT N5, then you’ll need to download the JLPT Practice N5-N1 app. This mobile app is pretty self-explanatory and is designed to help you study for the official JLPT exams. The questions featured on this app come from past JLPT N5 exams. That way, you’ll get a real feel for the test.

So, if you plan on drilling yourself into understanding how to respond to questions written in Japanese featuring a multiple-choice format as we suggested earlier in this guide, then this is an excellent app for you. With this app, you’ll see what was included in previous exams. You’ll also be able to select options on what you want to study from past reviews, including:

Depending on what your strengths and weaknesses are as you prepare for the JLPT N5, you can improve on areas that you struggle with by focusing on one category. Or, if you feel the need to study everything, you have the opportunity to select the combined vocab and grammar option. The choice is up to you.

When you take the practice exams on this app, as soon as you select your answer, the app will tell you immediately if your answer was correct or wrong. Then, the app will demonstrate the right solution and also pair it with the English translation. All of this mirrors what you’ll see in the JLPT N5 exam section of the test.

This app is relatively straightforward in its use. However, it will better help you understand the presentation of the exam so that you can anticipate what you’ll encounter more easily. Many people preparing for the JLPT N5 exam find it helpful to see real example questions before taking the actual exam. You can find this app in both iOS and Android versions.

Mobile App #5: Kanji Tree

Kanji Tree is another excellent app that can help you study for the JLPT N5 with ease. For Android users, this is the highest rated app used to study Japanese available in the Google store. The learning features that are offered on Kanji Tree come free of charge. That allows you to start studying your Japanese wherever you feel comfortable.

Also, while Kanji Tree is free, it also doesn’t include ads. However, you can subscribe to a paid version of Kanji Tree, which works as a donation. Once you start using Kanji Tree for your Japanese language studies, you’ll probably want to donate. That’s because this is one of the best apps around for studying Japanese.

If you do donate to Kanji Tree, you’ll also get access to some of the bonus features in the app, including:

  • Synching across all of your devices
  • Defined study lists
  • Speech output

Many other apps created to study Japanese only offer some information about kanji, with little organization. Expecting people that aren’t experts in Japanese to figure all of that out can be very tedious. Instead, Kanji Tree will save you that time so you can use it to study with its organization.

Kanji Tree offers a fun, effective, and organized plan to help you learn Japanese. The better you become at your Japanese, the more you get to explore with Kanji Tree. Also, the more exploring you do, the more your previous learning will become reinforced.

Kanji Tree also features several fun games to help you improve your Japanese, including:

Kanji Tree is developed to help users move at their own pace, and it also makes learning Japanese both fun and rewarding. You’ll be in control of your pace and process, which should allow you to learn what you need in sixty days to pass the JLPT 5.

My Recommendations for your Japanese learning

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