Japanese Grammar for JLPT N5: Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5

Japanese Grammar for JLPT N5

Master the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N5

See last page for audio, unlock code for Makoto+ sentence trainer, PDF worksheets, and an Anki flashcard deck.

Clay & Yumi Boutwell

Copyright © 2019-2025 Clay Boutwell

All rights reserved.

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INTRODUCTION

Taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a wonderful way to assess your skills and set a clear goal for your Japanese studies. Goals increase motivation, which nearly always leads to greater progress. By committing to take a test—often in another city—you are making a significant investment of time and money. Few things motivate better than a firm deadline or financial investment. That’s why I always recommend signing up for the JLPT to any serious student of Japanese.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

This book covers essential JLPT N5 grammar patterns, including particles, core grammatical concepts, and important function words. Each grammar point is explained clearly and shown in one or more carefully chosen example sentences.

Most examples are presented in the polite masu/desu form. While other, less polite forms might be more common in casual conversation, we believe beginners should build a strong foundation with the masu/desu form first.

We strongly recommend reading each example sentence many times—dozens, even. Learning vocabulary in isolation is helpful, but seeing vocabulary in full, natural sentences while observing how the grammar works will dramatically improve your retention. As you read, you may also want to listen to the included audio files on your smartphone or other device. Use the unlock code found at the end of this book to practice the sentences even more with our new Makoto+ Sentence Trainer—more on this below.

This book is designed to complement a beginner-level Japanese textbook. We assume you have at least a very basic grasp of Japanese grammar and a solid understanding of hiragana. If you do not yet feel comfortable with hiragana, we highly recommend mastering it first before working through this book.

New: Unlock the Sentence Trainer

One of the biggest improvements we’re excited to offer is free access to the interactive Sentence Trainer on Makoto+. With a free-tier Makoto+ membership (simply register with your email—no credit card required), you can unlock all of this book’s example sentences for extra practice at no additional cost.

Here’s what the Sentence Trainer adds:

Take any sentence—or a group of sentences (for example, all sentences from the particles chapter)—and practice them interactively

See each sentence fully broken down and explained in more depth than in the book

Review all vocabulary for each sentence

Listen to each sentence

Reinforce your skills through fun quizzes and games

Since you own this book, you can unlock every sentence immediately, with no charge. We think this is a fantastic way to supercharge your learning. Find the unlock code at the back of this book, sign up for a free Makoto+ account, and get started.

https://makotoplus.com/makoto-free-membership/

BONUS DOWNLOAD

In addition to the Sentence Trainer, be sure to use the bonus download link at the end of this book. It includes:

Audio files for all grammar points and their example sentences

Printable worksheets for extra practice

An Anki flashcard deck containing all the sentences

As you study, listen to each sentence repeatedly, and try shadowing: repeat after the recording, matching pronunciation and intonation as closely as possible. Shadowing is a proven technique for internalizing grammar and improving your spoken Japanese.

ABOUT CLAY & YUMI

Yumi was a popular radio DJ in Japan for over ten years. She has extensive training in standard