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JLPT N5 Question Pattern

Complete exam structure and question breakdown

JLPT N5 Exam Structure

Japanese Language Proficiency Test - N5 Level

N5
90
Minutes
67
Questions
3
Sections
80/180
Passing Score

What You Need to Know

Vocabulary

~800 words

Kanji

~100 characters

Grammar

Basic patterns

Listening

Daily conversations

Language Knowledge (Vocabulary)

Kanji reading, vocabulary, and word formation

20 min
21 questions
Max: 60 pts

Question Types:

Kanji Reading
Q1-6

Read kanji in hiragana/katakana

View Example
Orthography
Q7-12

Write kanji from hiragana/katakana

View Example
Contextually-defined expressions
Q13-17

Select appropriate word for sentence context

View Example
Paraphrases
Q18-21

Find sentences with similar meanings

View Example

Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading

Grammar patterns, sentence structure, and reading comprehension

40 min
22 questions
Max: 60 pts

Question Types:

Grammar Format
Q1-12

Select correct grammar point to complete sentence

View Example
Sentence Composition
Q13-16

Arrange words to form correct sentence

View Example
Short Passages
Q17-19

Read simple passages about daily life

View Example
Information Retrieval
Q20-22

Read notices/announcements to find specific information

View Example

Listening Comprehension

Audio comprehension and listening skills

30 min
24 questions
Max: 60 pts

Question Types:

Task-based Comprehension
Q1-8

Listen to conversation and choose correct action from pictures

View Example
Point Comprehension
Q9-16

Listen to dialogue and answer multiple-choice question about specific detail

View Example
Verbal Expressions
Q17-20

See picture and hear dialogue, choose most appropriate line for situation

View Example
Quick Response
Q21-24

Listen to short question/statement and choose most fitting response

View Example

📊 Scoring System

Total Score

Maximum Score:180 points
Passing Score:80 points

Section Requirements

Vocabulary:19+ points
Grammar & Reading:19+ points
Listening:19+ points

💡 You must pass BOTH the total score (80+) AND each section minimum to pass the exam!

💡 Exam Tips

Time Management

Allocate time wisely: Vocabulary (25 min), Grammar & Reading (50 min), Listening (30 min)

Strategy

Answer easy questions first, don't spend too much time on difficult ones

Scoring

You need 90/180 points (50%) to pass, and must pass each section individually

Preparation

Practice with mock tests and focus on your weakest areas