How to Pass the JLPT N5 and Speak Basic Japanese in Just 4 Weeks
If you're serious about learning Japanese fast, it's absolutely possible to pass the JLPT N5 and reach a basic speaking level in just 4 weeks. Whether you're planning a trip to Japan, want to enjoy anime without subtitles, or are laying the foundation for professional Japanese, this guide is your all-in-one roadmap. Here's exactly how to hit both goals—JLPT certification and conversational fluency—in just 28 days.
Why Set a 4-Week Goal for JLPT N5?
Motivation Through Milestones
JLPT N5 provides a concrete goal, boosting focus and motivation. Test deadlines create urgency—perfect for pushing through daily study routines.
Fast Progress with Focused Planning
By focusing only on what matters for JLPT N5 and spoken Japanese, you can shortcut your learning path. You'll skip the fluff and build high-utility skills fast.
Proven: 150 Hours Can Be Enough
Most sources, including Go! Go! Nihon and Nihongo Know, agree that JLPT N5 can be passed with 150 hours of focused study (Go! Go! Nihon, 2023). Spread over 4 weeks, that's just over 5 hours per day.
The JLPT N5: What You Need to Know
JLPT N5 Format Breakdown
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Vocabulary (20 min): Kanji reading, meanings in context
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Grammar & Reading (40 min): Sentence structure, short passages
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Listening (30 min): Daily conversations, choosing correct responses
Speaking Isn’t Tested, But Still Essential
While the JLPT doesn't test speaking, building spoken fluency ensures long-term success and retention.
Required Knowledge for N5
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800 words, 100–150 kanji
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Mastery of hiragana & katakana
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Basic grammar like です, ます, verbs, particles, and questions
Your 4-Week JLPT N5 + Speaking Plan
Week 1: Master the Basics
Learn Kana (Hiragana + Katakana)
Spend the first 3–4 days mastering kana. Use tools like:
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RealKana
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Tofugu's guides
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Nihongo Know's 12-day reading challenge
Learn Core Grammar Patterns
Start with sentence structures:
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XはYです (X is Y)
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Questions with か
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Verb conjugations (する, します, しません)
Start Vocabulary (50–100 Words)
Focus on:
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Numbers
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Greetings
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Common nouns and verbs
Week 2: Build Comprehension + Speaking Confidence
Continue Grammar
Cover:
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Verb tenses (past, negative)
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Question words (what, when, where)
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Simple connectors: と, でも, から
Learn 150–200 More Words
Focus on categories:
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Family and people
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Places and directions
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Food and shopping
Start Speaking Practice
Use:
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Shadowing with Nihongo Con Teppei
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Practice apps (HelloTalk, iTalki speaking sessions)
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Record yourself daily: Describe your day or ask questions aloud
Week 3: Start Mock Tests + Daily Listening
Practice JLPT-style Questions
Use official N5 workbooks and sites like:
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JLPT Sensei
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Japanesetest4you
Listen Daily (30 mins)
Sources:
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NHK Easy News (with audio)
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YouTube: JapanesePod101, Misa
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Children’s anime (clear pronunciation, slow pace)
Speaking: Use "Daily 3-Minute Talk"
Prepare and speak 3-minute monologues daily about basic topics:
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Self-introduction
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What you did today
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Your favorite food, hobby, etc.
Week 4: Simulate the Real Exam + Final Polish
Take Full-Length Timed Tests
Simulate JLPT N5 with:
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20-min vocab
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40-min grammar/reading
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30-min listening
Target Weak Spots
Use an error log to track patterns in your mistakes. Focus review here.
Final Vocabulary + Kanji Push
Target:
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800 total words
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120–150 kanji (with radicals + mnemonics)
Speaking: Try Roleplays
Ask a friend or tutor to do short roleplays:
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Ordering at a restaurant
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Asking for directions
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Shopping in a store
Best Study Tools & Resources
Textbooks
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Genki I: Structured and comprehensive
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Japanese From Zero: Friendly for absolute beginners
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Minna no Nihongo: More traditional, grammar heavy
Apps
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Anki (with N5 decks)
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Bunpo (gamified grammar)
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JLPT Tango N5 (vocab builder)
Listening & Speaking
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Nihongo Con Teppei Podcast (Beginner)
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JapanesePod101 N5 Playlist
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HelloTalk / Tandem (language exchange)
Free Online Resources
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Tae Kim’s Guide (grammar reference)
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NHK Easy News
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JLPT Sensei, Kanji123
Speaking Fluency vs JLPT: What to Balance
JLPT N5 Proves:
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Reading & listening to basic Japanese
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Familiarity with sentence structure and grammar
Speaking Proves:
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You can apply Japanese in real-time situations
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You’re preparing for long-term fluency
Tip: Even just 15 minutes of speaking per day gives a huge boost to your retention and confidence.
10 Smart Strategies That Speed Up Your Progress
1. Use the “Daily 15-15-15” Rule
15 mins each of vocab, grammar, and listening per day.
2. Make Your Own Error Log
Track frequent mistakes to focus your review.
3. Learn Grammar Through Sentences
Don’t just memorize rules—use example sentences.
4. Practice Speed Recognition
Get faster at kana, kanji, and word recognition.
5. Shadow Japanese Audio
Repeat out loud what you hear, to build rhythm.
6. Create Mnemonics for Kanji
Make kanji stick with visual stories.
7. Do Speaking Aloud Every Day
Even alone, speaking helps internalize patterns.
8. Use Real-World Context
Group words and phrases by scenario: restaurant, shopping, home.
9. Review Before Sleep
Memory improves with spaced review and sleep reinforcement.
10. Find a Study Buddy
Accountability boosts consistency and motivation.
Your Final 7-Day Checklist Before the Exam
Day 1: Full Practice Test + Listening
Day 2: Vocabulary Review + Shadowing
Day 3: Grammar Drill + Speaking Practice
Day 4: Kanji Writing & Context Use
Day 5: Timed Listening Test + Flashcard Review
Day 6: Simulated Exam Under Test Conditions
Day 7: Light Review + Early Sleep
You Can Speak Japanese and Pass JLPT N5 in 4 Weeks
If you follow a focused daily routine, use effective tools, and prioritize both test prep and real conversation, you can absolutely achieve JLPT N5 and basic Japanese speaking ability in just one month.
The most important thing? Start today. Every word, every sentence, every minute counts.