The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is designed to evaluate the knowledge of each individual concerning their understanding of the Japanese language. This test is divided into 5 different levels (N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5). As long as writing the JLPT is concerned, N5 is the lowest and easiest level of the test.
When preparing for N5 with Minna no Nihongo, you may be bothered about whether using only Minna no Nihongo will be enough to provide you with everything you need to pass the test. Undoubtedly, Minna no Nihongo is enough for N5. This is because this book covers different topics that help you learn the kanji, grammar, and vocabulary that you need to pass the exam. In fact, studying half of the book (this will cover about 13 chapters) should be enough to pass the JLPT N5. However, there are a few things you need to know about using Minna no Nihongo for N5.
Although there is no thumb rule that determines the level of JLPT that each individual should write first, most individuals start with N5 and then move up the ladder as they improve their understanding of the Japanese language. Like other exams, there are tons of materials that you can read when preparing to write the JLPT N5, and Minna no Nihongo is one of them.
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Minna No Nihongo is not particularly meant for N5
Based on the structure of the Minna no Nihongo, we can deduce that this textbook was not actually written for passing N5. In other words, the textbook doesn’t have an exact mapping that helps you treat each topic in a way that prepares you specifically for Japanese. Minna no Nihongo is just for people that want to learn Japanese, whether they are planning to write a language exam or not.
Therefore, if you want to use Minna no Nihongo for N5, it is necessary for you to get the syllabus of what you need for N5. With this, you can structure your readings to suit the things that the test requires. This can go a long way in determining whether you will pass the exam or not.
What is Minna no Nihongo?
Having explained that this book is enough for N5, let’s talk more about it. Minna no Nihongo is one of the most common textbooks for individuals that are studying the Japanese language. This series of books is often recommended by most teachers and schools along with the well-known Genki book series. The publisher of this series is Three A Network, which is also behind the publication of the New Kanzen Master. It is widely adopted by most language schools in Japan; therefore, you will likely come across Minna no Nihongo during your journey of preparing for N5.
This book features lesson topics that cover vocabulary, essential grammar, speaking, and listening. Minna no Nihongo can come in handy to equip you with the most vital things you need for situational daily discussions with other individuals in Japanese. It has 2 basic volumes, with each volume having 25 chapters. The first Minna no Nihongo book is enough to give you everything required to pass N5 with flying colors.
Minna no Nihongo is undoubtedly an excellent tool for individuals that are committed to learning and enhancing their understanding of the Japanese language. While the book is more demanding than most other Japanese language book series, it comes with more practice, lessons, and vocabulary. Hence, your chances of passing N5 are high if you study with Minna no Nihongo.
The structure of Minna no Nihongo
After buying Minna no Nihongo, you will be given a textbook and a workbook. The textbook is structured to follow the learning journey of a foreigner, Miller-San, who has just started learning the Japanese language. So, in the student’s adventure, you will be shown different lessons, conversations, and lots more that will assist you to learn vocabulary, grammar points, and kanji. Also, this book series helps you to practice reading as well as listening comprehension.
The first set of this book has 25 lessons and is suitable for beginners. Unlike some other Japanese language books, most parts of Minna no Nihongo is written in Japanese. However, there is a different workbook that has an English translation. So, this may be a deterrent for some people.
Based on the structure of Minna no Nihongo, it demands a lot of dedication from beginners as they will need to immerse themselves in the learning process. Also, Minna No Nihongo may not be the best book for self-study as you may struggle to have a grasp of the whole concept of the language. However, it offers more for individuals that are learning in a classroom setting with assistance from a teacher.
This book also has an extra textbook that is entirely dedicated to teaching kanji characters. In addition, it comes with 8 workbooks. Using the workbooks, you can practice many of the things you have learned in the book. Resultantly, you can improve your understanding of the Japanese language significantly if you can get Minna no Nihongo.
The workbooks include:
- Basic workbook
- Basic writing practice workbook
- Sentence pattern workbook
- Kanji workbook
- Listening comprehension task workbook
- Reading comprehension task workbook
- Kanji textbook
- Translation and grammar notes
Along with these essential textbooks and workbooks, you will also get 5 different CD sets. These CDs also have lots of lessons that can help you learn to speak and listen to Japanese dialogues.
With all the materials in Minna no Nihongo, you can rest assured that passing N5 is not a problem as long as you prepare well for the test.
What other resources can you use for N5?
If you don’t want to rely on only Minna no Nihongo to pass JLPT N5, there are other resources you can use or combine with this book. These resources include:
- Genki 1: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese
- Remembering the Kana: A Guide to Reading and Writing the Japanese Syllabaries in 3 Hours Each
- Kodansha’s Furigana Japanese Dictionary
- A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
- Online resources such as different materials available on YouTube and other platforms. Also, listening to podcasts can help you prepare for N5.
In a nutshell, Minna no Nihongo is definitely enough for N5. However, since the series is not specifically designed for N5, you should endeavor to check out the structure of the exam to know the specific things you need to read to pass.
