JLPT N5 is where real Japanese sentences start to click. You’ve learned some words and maybe a few phrases, but now you need the grammar patterns that turn a pile of vocabulary into actual communication-things like 〜たい for wants, 〜ている for ongoing actions, and 〜から because, well, reasons matter. This list gathers around 80 N5 grammar points you’ll use constantly, whether you’re talking about your hobbies, describing where things are, or just trying to string together a simple story.
We skipped the dusty linguistic jargon and kept only the patterns that show up in real beginner conversations. Each entry gives you a straightforward meaning and a natural example sentence, so you can see exactly how the grammar behaves in the wild-not a stiff textbook line you’ll forget by tomorrow. Because this is all about practical use, you won’t find obscure grammar rules that only exist in exam drills. Round out the same beginner level with JLPT N5 kanji.
Ready to give your Japanese study a little boost? Scroll to the bottom of the article to find the free printable JLPT N5 Japanese Grammar vocabulary list PDF and the free downloadable printable JLPT N5 Japanese Grammar flashcards—perfect for quick review, tiny victories, and maybe a smug little “I’ve got this” nod.
Use this list as a starting point, then keep going in the Yak Yacker Japanese section for more words, phrases, and study-friendly reference pages.
Quick Quiz
Think you’ve got these N5 grammar patterns locked in? The quick quiz below will gently show you which ones still need a second look.
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Choose a practical next step when you are ready.
Browse the Full List
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ～から | because | 寒いから、窓を閉めます。 |
| ～たことがあります | have done (experience) | 日本に行ったことがあります。 |
| ～たり～たりします | do things like (listing activities) | 休みの日は、テレビを見たり、本を読んだりします。 |
| ～でしょう | probably, right? | 明日は暑いでしょう。 |
| ～てはいけません | must not (prohibition) | 図書館で食べてはいけません。 |
| ～てもいいですか | may I | このペンを使ってもいいですか。 |
| ～と思います | I think that | 明日は雨だと思います。 |
| ～ないでください | please don't | ここでタバコを吸わないでください。 |
| ～なくてもいいです | don't have to | 明日、学校に来なくてもいいです。 |
| ～なければなりません | must / have to | 毎日、日本語を勉強しなければなりません。 |
| ～ましょう | let's do (polite invitation) | いっしょに行きましょう。 |
| ～ましょうか | shall I | 窓を開けましょうか。 |
| ～ませんか | won't you / why don't we | 映画を見ませんか。 |
| ～前に | before doing | 寝る前に、歯を磨きます。 |
| ～後で | after doing | 勉強した後で、テレビを見ます。 |
| が | Subject/new info | There is a cat. |
| か | Question marker | Do you go? |
| から / まで | From / until | From 9 to 5 |
| で | Place of action | I study at school. |
| てください | Please do | Please look. |
| です | Polite “is/are” | I am a student. |
| と (particle) | with, and | 友達とカフェで話します。 |
| に | Time, destination, existence | I wake up at 7. |
| は | Topic marker | As for me |
| ます | Polite verb form | I go. |
Free JLPT N5 Japanese Grammar Vocabulary List PDF and Flashcards
Download the JLPT N5 Japanese Grammar vocabulary list with the purple vocab-list button, and grab the JLPT N5 Japanese Grammar flashcards with the teal flashcards button. Both are 100% free and require no signup.
