When preparing for any exam, it is important for you to read certain textbooks that cover the questions you will be asked during the test. The same thing applies to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). Therefore, if you want to write JLPT N5, there are a few textbooks that cover the curriculum of the exam and, as such, they can play a key role in ensuring that you perform well in the exam.
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I will review the essential textbooks that can help your preparation. So, let’s take a look at some of the best textbooks that you should read when planning to write JLPT N5 list as below :
- Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level N5 Kanji, Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension
- 1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5 (Trilingue en Japonais – Anglais – Chinois)
- Kanji Master JLPT N5
- apanese Vocabulary for JLPT N5: Master the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5
- Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1: (JLPT Level N5 & AP Exam) The Quick and Easy Way to Learn the Basic Japanese Kanji
Although N5 is the simplest level of the JLPT, you can still fail it if you don’t prepare enough for it. Therefore, you should kick-start your preparation for this test by getting the best textbooks for N5 described above. If you have these books, you can practice for the test alone or along with other learners.
Foremost, Nihongo So-matome is a series of books written for individuals that are writing different levels of the JLPT. For JLPT N5, Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level N5 is one of the most tested and trusted textbooks you can rely on. This book has been used by several other individuals in the past with tremendous success; hence, you can rest assured that this textbook has everything you need to pass the JLPT N5.
With this textbook, you will be equipped with all the essential points that you will likely come across when you are taking the JLPT N5. You will learn kanji, vocabulary, grammar and listening, and reading in this single series of the textbook. The beautiful thing about this book is that it is structured in a way that will make it easy for you to learn everything you need.
The main features of Nihongo So-matome for Level N5
- Daily lessons spread across 6 different weeks
This textbook has been structured to provide you with different daily lessons. These lessons are centered on everything you need for N5 and spread over 6 weeks. This means that if you can follow the curriculum of this textbook, you can prepare for JLPT N5 in just 6 weeks.
- Coverage for all sections of JLPT N5
As you would have known, JLPT N5 is divided into 4 different sections – Kanji, Reading, Vocabulary, and Grammar. Each of these 4 sections plays a key role in determining whether you are going to pass the test or not. Therefore, you cannot afford to pass some sections and fail woefully in the others. Fortunately, Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level N5 covers all these 4 sections. As a result of this, you can be certain that this textbook comes with all lessons you need to pass the test in flying colors. Besides, each section is described in such a way that it is easy for you to prepare for N5 without leaving out anything.
- Well-structured layout
To make studying easier for learners, Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the JLPT N5 has an easy-to-understand layout. Basically, the study material can be found on the right-hand page while the left-hand page contains the practice questions. As a result of this structure, you can study and then practice what you have learned as you get set for the test. Consequently, if there is anything you don’t understand, you can go through it again before moving to the next segment.
Additionally, the book has both English and Vietnamese translations. Therefore, if you understand any of these two languages, you can use this textbook to study for N5.
- Audio CD and listening scripts
Since the listening section is a crucial part of JLPT N5, it is not strange that Nihongo So-matome: Essential Practice for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level N5 comes with an audio CD and listening scripts. These materials are audible and can be played on different devices; therefore, you will hardly have any issue with using them for practicing for the listening section. Apart from helping you prepare properly for N5, these audio CD and listening scripts will also serve as a great boost for your ability to understand when Japanese people are talking.
- Practice exam questions and answer key
Of course, preparing for N5 is not just about studying different materials. It is equally important for you to know the possible questions that you can be asked in the test. Luckily, Nihongo So-matome for N5 features some vital practice exam questions that will show you everything you need to prepare for N5. In addition, it has answer keys that will highlight how you can find the right answers to the questions you will likely come across in JLPT N5.
2. 1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5 (Trilingue en Japonais – Anglais – Chinois)
When it comes to preparing for the vocabulary section of the JLPT N5, 1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5 is the reliable textbook that you can depend on to get most of the things you need. As suggested by the name of this textbook, it is specifically written for individuals that are preparing for N5; therefore, the vocabulary covered in this book involves the specific ones you need for the test. Besides, the vocabulary words in this textbook are commonly used every day in Japan; hence, it will go a long way in boosting your ability to communicate with other people that understand Japanese.
The main features of 1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5
Perhaps you are wondering why you should invest in this textbook; it has lots of amazing features that can assist you to prepare for N5. The most vital features of 1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5 are described below.
- Detailed structure
The first feature of 1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5 that makes it highly recommended for N5 is its comprehensive structure. This structure does not only make it easy for people to practice, but it also encourages learners to remember the things they have studied.
When you learn a new word, you will be shown different sets of information about it. This includes its English and Vietnamese translation, part of speech, as well as Japanese example sentence with translations in English and Vietnamese.
Furthermore, every word has a box that you can tick once you have learned it. This is to make sure that you can know the words you have studied and can continue from the following word when next you want to use the book to study for N5.
In addition to the above, this book also has a red plastic sheet that can be used for hiding the answers. Consequently, you review the things you have learned and then check the answers later to see whether you have got them right or not. This can be instrumental in preparing for the JLPT N5.
- Categorization of each new word
Generally, the textbook comes with around 1,000 words. Each word is categorized under a section. However, every section is based on a particular theme such as self-introduction, friends, restaurants, work, hobbies, health, holidays, studying, shopping, and living. These are everyday subjects that are essential for communicating in Japanese.
Due to the categorization of the section, when you are introduced to a new word, you will later come across other words that relate to it. For instance, if you learn the word “father”, you can rest assured that “mother” and other common words in the family segment will be introduced later. This structure guarantees a consistent learning experience that can boost your understanding and ability to remember the words.
- Downloadable audio files
To assist you to memorize the vocabulary you are studying, 1000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N5 comes with some downloadable audio files. These files contain important vocabulary and example sentences. They include male and female narrators that are reading some particular vocabulary and example sentences. All you have to do is to listen and repeat what these narrators are saying. Without a doubt, this can be a big boost to your ability to learn the vocabulary required for passing the JLPT N5.
- Downloadable detailed practice questions
As mentioned earlier, this textbook comprises different chapters. Notably, every chapter has comprehensive practice tests that you can download. This is another good way through which you can get set for N5 as you can practice your vocabulary with the questions.
Your journey to taking the JLPT N5 involves learning three different Japanese characters – hiragana, katakana, and kanji. So, if you have learned the first two, you need to get a book that can help you to master kanji, and this is where Kanji Master JLPT N5 comes into the picture.
It is one of the textbooks in the Kanji Master Series and explores different areas of kanji that you need for the JLPT N5. It is worthwhile to understand that the complete series features a total of 2,150 kanji characters. However, Kanji Master JLPT N5 focuses on only over 100 characters that you need to pass N5. Therefore, you should see this book as an introductory resource for learning Kanji.
The main features of Kanji Master JLPT N5
- Comprehensive structure
Since the JLPT N5 only tests your knowledge of the introductory stage of the Japanese language, Kanji Master JLPT N5 comprises basic kanji characters. This textbook will teach you the first 118 characters that you need for the fundamental understanding of kanji. You will be introduced to the characters based on the ascending order of difficulty. In other words, you will first learn the simple characters that act as bases for more difficult kanji characters.
This structure is to ease the process of learning as you would have gotten some rudimentary knowledge of kanji before coming across hard-to-understand characters. In the book, you will see different pictographs, logograms, as well as compound ideographs that are essential for the representation of some meanings.
- Rich vocabulary and idioms
As you are using Kanji Master JLPT N5 to learn kanji characters, the textbook will also expose you to some great vocabulary and idioms. By the time you are writing N5, you can be certain that you have a good understanding of the Japanese language.
The textbook also has several sample words and sentences that are derived from day-to-day Japanese scenarios. Hence, Kanji Master JLPT N5 prepares you to communicate with people in real life.
- Detailed and helpful study flow
Having understood how difficult learning kanji can be for many students, Kanji Master JLPT N5 has an exceptional study flow. The first thing that you will see is how you can study the meaning and readings of each kanji character. You will also learn how you can write each kanji character.
When you are done with a chapter, you need to proceed to “Review”. This assists you to revise everything you have learned in the chapter and can play an essential role in making sure that you retain everything you have learned. Similarly, each chapter has “Quizzes”, which is meant for homework and tests that pertain to the chapter. The tests are bound to examine your knowledge to ascertain what you have studied.
After completing every five chapters, the study flow will give you “Achievement Tests”. This segment is to evaluate the level of what you have learned from the textbook. It features check columns and study date columns that help assess your learning experience.
4. Japanese Vocabulary for JLPT N5: Master the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5
If you want to improve your Japanese vocabulary and reading comprehension, Japanese Vocabulary for JLPT N5: Master the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5 is the recommended book for you. It is normally used by people that are preparing to take N5. However, those brushing up their vocabulary for the JLPT N4 often use it too.
The main features of Japanese Vocabulary for JLPT N5: Master the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5
- Vocabulary for N5
There are lots of books that you can come across when preparing for the JLPT N5, but most of them don’t have the vocabulary that is specifically meant for N5. In this area, Japanese Vocabulary for JLPT N5: Master the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5 is different as its vocabulary is specifically meant for N5. Therefore, when you are studying for the JLPT N5 with this textbook, you can be certain that you have everything required to pass the vocabulary and reading comprehension section of the test.
The textbook is written in English, so you don’t need any translation app before using it to learn Japanese vocabulary. Besides, its structure makes it possible for learners to study on their own without any assistance from a tutor. However, using this Japanese textbook with the aid of a tutor can boost your learning speed.
- Ease of use
Another feature of Japanese Vocabulary for JLPT N5: Master the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5 is its ease of use. This is because it is structured to allow beginners to use it. Generally, all you need is a good understanding of katakana and hiragana, and you can start enjoying all the amazing offers of this book. Even if your kanji readings are rusty, you can rely on furigana in this textbook to understand the meanings of the kanji characters. Therefore, the best time to use this textbook is when you have covered other areas of the JLPT N5.
Also, the textbook is available in A5 size and the font size is quite clear for anyone to see. Therefore, you cannot have any challenges with using it. Similarly, you can fit the book into your handbag or work bag and use it wherever you want.
- Several MP3s
This 94-page textbook boasts of having numerous MP3s that have the majority of the vocabulary and example sentences of each chapter. Therefore, as you are learning to identify or read the vocabulary, you can also comprehend how they are spoken through the MP3s.
The previous version of the book has only 1,445 MP3s. However, the new version has added a new audio chapter to the 1,445 MP3s. The newly added MP3s focus on the essential Japanese vocabulary words, example sentences, as well as their English translations. Each word is pronounced clearly and slowly so that beginners will not miss out on anything as they listen to the MP3s. With the help of the newly added MP3s, you can learn Japanese on the go. So, whether you are walking on the road, riding a bike in a trail, studying this textbook, or even sitting inside a train, you can continue learning the Japanese language.
Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1 has been written to provide you with a quick and easy way to study the basic Japanese kanji. Although the series of the book can be used by experienced Japanese speakers, Volume 1 is only for beginners that want to take the JLPT N5.
As long as you study Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1 well, you are bound to pass the test. This 128-page textbook contains the characters that you will see in the AP Japanese Language and Culture Exam. Therefore, you can look forward to seeing readings, meaning, and common compounds in this textbook.
The main features of Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1
- Comprehensive stroke order diagrams
Stroke order diagrams are some of the crucial tools that are usually utilized for teaching kanji. Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1 has lots of these diagrams for every kanji character described in the book. With the aid of these diagrams, your Japanese learning experience will be better, easier, and faster.
- Individual boxes with grid lines
Generally, you are not required to write anything in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) as you only answer multiple-choice questions (MCQs). However, it is not easy to learn Japanese without writing kanji characters. Therefore, Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1 has individual boxes with grid lines that you can use for practicing how to write the kanji characters you have learned. This will contribute immensely to your learning process and make it easier for you to identify the kanji characters when you are taking the JLPT N5.
Furthermore, the textbook has additional printable practice grids. So, you can use these grids to practice writing kanji characters at your leisure.
- Several words and phrases for each kanji character
To make your learning process more practical, Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1 will first teach you a kanji character and then use it in words and phrases. Hence, you will learn a few instances where you can apply the characters you have studied. Therefore, when you can across any kanji character in your test, it will not look strange to you.
- Romanization of the characters
As a person preparing for the JLPT N5, your knowledge of Japanese is still largely limited. Nonetheless, you have to be able to identify and pronounce each kanji character you have studied. As a consequence of this reality, Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1 has romanized each character. In this context, Romanization is the process of converting the kanji writing system into the Roman writing script that is used in English, French, etc.
Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1 romanizes the words to ensure that you can know the right way to pronounce each kanji character. Besides, this makes it easier for you to even remember what each character means.
- Numerous exercises
Like other Japanese language textbooks, Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1 has different sections for exercises. These sections encourage you to practice what you have studied as you continue your preparation for the test.
Although N5 is the simplest level of the JLPT, you can still fail it if you don’t prepare enough for it. Therefore, you should kick-start your preparation for this test by getting the best textbooks for N5 described above. If you have these books, you can practice for the test alone or along with other learners.