N5 Nouns List (Part 1) - Let’s Pass the JLPT!

Nouns in Japanese are called 名詞 (meishi). Nouns are the most extensive part of studies for JLPT, with hundreds to remember at each level. For N5, we have compiled 582 vocabularies that you should know, and have split them into 5 articles (100~ each) based on category which is the easiest way to memorise. 

Table of Contents

1. N5 Nouns List - Introducing Yourself 
   1. Countries & Languages
   2. Occupation
2. N5 Nouns List - More About Yourself 
   1. Colours
   2. Hobbies & Interests
   3. Nature
   4. Animals 
3. Example Simple Sentences at N5 Level

At the beginner N5 level, after you’re done memorising hiragana and katakana, the next step is to stockpile some kanji and a reasonable amount of vocabulary. With this knowledge, you are able to form basic sentences. 

In this article, we have compiled 126 nouns that are useful for making easy sentences and to introduce yourself. At the end of the article are some examples of easy sentences that you can make using the nouns you have learned. 

N5 Nouns List - Introducing Yourself

To start with, you need to know how to refer to yourself. 

A simple sentence about yourself would go like this, “私の名前は〇〇です。(watashi no namae wa 〇〇 desu) - My name is 〇〇.” or “私は〇〇が好きです。(watashi wa 〇〇 ga suki desu) - I like 〇〇.”

Below are 5 categories of nouns; countries & languages, occupation, colours, nature, and animals, that you can use to introduce yourself. 

Countries & Languages 

The Kanji characters that you need to know at the N5 level are indicated in BOLD.

Adding “~人 (~jin”) to the end of a country name will transform it into a different noun that means a person of that country. For example, Japanese is 日本人 (nihonjin), Australian is オーストラリア人 (oosutorariajin), and so on. 

語 (go) means language. Adding  ~語 to the end of some countries names will transform it into a noun that means that countries language, but not all the time. 

Occupation / Work

As part of your self-introduction, you'll need to tell people what you are doing now. Or, what you were doing before.

Note : Kanji characters in BOLD need to be remembered. 

Below, we have various types of occupations. 

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N5 Nouns List - More About Yourself

A good self-introduction doesn’t just contain hard facts. It also includes interesting information about yourself. Your likes and dislikes, hobbies, and more. 

Colours

Share what your favourite colour is. 

Not many colours are taught at the N5 level, and you only need to remember the kanji for “white”. Colours can be nouns or adjectives. For example, “my favourite colour is red (noun)” versus “i like this red (adjective) shirt”. 

Likewise with 色々, it can be an adjective and also a noun. “色々な色 (iro iro na iro) - various colours” is something of a tongue twister. 

Hobbies & Interests

What are your hobbies & interests? 

Here are a variety of hobbies, interests and things you can do during your free time. There are already many Katakana vocabulary at the N5 level. 

Nature

Many people love Japan for its nature. Why not share what part of it you love in your introduction? These are also useful words to learn to describe things. 

Remember the Kanji that are in BOLD.

Animals

Very limited vocabulary for animals at the N5 level. Mostly common pets and livestock to help you introduce your favourite animal or any pets you have. 

Example Simple Sentences at N5 Level

A quick lesson on how to put these nouns to good use. Just change the bolded words.

1. わたしはマレーシアから来ました。
(watashi wa mareeshia kara kimashita)
- I came from Malaysia.

2. わたしは英語と中国語が話せます。
(watashi wa eigo to chuugokugo ga hanasemasu)
- I can speak English and Chinese. 

3. わたしはかいしゃいんです。
(watashi wa kaishain desu)
- I am a company employee.

4. わたしのすきな色はあおです。
(watashi no sukina iro wa ao desu)
- My favourite colour is blue. 

5. わたしのしゅみはおんがくを聞くことです。
(watashi no shumi wa ongaku wo kiku koto desu)
- My hobby is listening to music. 

6. わたしはスポーツがきらいです。
(watashi wa supootsu ga kirai desu)
- I dislike sports. 

7. わたしはあきのこうようがすきです。
(watashi wa aki no kouyou ga suki desu)
- I like the autumn leaves in autumn. 

8. わたしはねこがすきです。
(watashi wa neko ga suki desu)
- I like cats.