JLPT N5 Grammar Patterns: The Complete Guide for Beginners
Introduction
If you are preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N5, grammar will play a big role in your success. The N5 level is designed for beginners, so the grammar patterns are simple, but you still need to master them to understand listening and reading tasks.
In this guide, we will explore 20 of the most common JLPT N5 grammar patterns. These are the foundations of Japanese sentences, and mastering them will not only help you pass the exam but also make real-life communication easier.
Why Grammar Matters in JLPT N5
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Grammar makes it possible to connect vocabulary into meaningful sentences.
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Many questions in the JLPT N5 test your ability to choose the correct grammar form.
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Even simple listening exercises require you to understand common structures quickly.
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Having a solid grammar base helps you advance to higher levels like N4 and N3.
That’s why learning grammar patterns systematically is one of the best ways to prepare.
20 Essential JLPT N5 Grammar Patterns
Below is a list of 20 patterns you should know for JLPT N5, with explanations and examples.
1. ～です (desu)
Polite ending used in statements.
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Example: これは本です。 (This is a book.)
2. ～ではありません (dewa arimasen)
Polite negative form.
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Example: それは机ではありません。 (That is not a desk.)
3. ～か (ka)
Question marker.
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Example: これは何ですか。 (What is this?)
4. ～の (no)
Indicates possession.
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Example: 彼の名前は田中です。 (His name is Tanaka.)
5. ～も (mo)
Means “also/too.”
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Example: 私も学生です。 (I am also a student.)
6. ～から (kara)
Indicates reason or “from.”
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Example: 雨だから、行きません。 (Because it’s raining, I won’t go.)
7. ～まで (made)
Indicates “until.”
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Example: 9時まで勉強します。 (I will study until 9 o’clock.)
8. ～と (to)
Used for quoting or listing with “and.”
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Example: 水とパンをください。 (Please give me water and bread.)
9. ～や (ya)
Used to list items (non-exhaustive).
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Example: 本や雑誌があります。 (There are books and magazines, etc.)
10. ～に (ni)
Indicates location or time.
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Example: 学校に行きます。 (I go to school.)
11. ～で (de)
Indicates location of action or means.
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Example: 電車で行きます。 (I go by train.)
12. ～を (wo)
Object marker.
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Example: パンを食べます。 (I eat bread.)
13. ～が (ga)
Subject marker, often used to highlight something.
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Example: 猫が好きです。 (I like cats.)
14. ～ます / ～ません (masu / masen)
Polite verb endings.
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Example: 食べます。 (I eat.) / 食べません。 (I don’t eat.)
15. ～ましょう (mashou)
Let’s do something.
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Example: 行きましょう。 (Let’s go.)
16. ～たい (tai)
Expresses desire.
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Example: 日本に行きたいです。 (I want to go to Japan.)
17. ～てください (te kudasai)
Polite request.
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Example: ドアを開けてください。 (Please open the door.)
18. ～てもいいです (temo ii desu)
Permission.
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Example: ここに座ってもいいですか。 (May I sit here?)
19. ～てはいけません (te wa ikemasen)
Prohibition.
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Example: ここでタバコを吸ってはいけません。 (You must not smoke here.)
20. ～が好きです / ～が上手です (ga suki desu / ga jouzu desu)
Expressing likes and abilities.
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Example: 日本語が好きです。 (I like Japanese.)
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Example: 英語が上手です。 (I am good at English.)
Tips to Master JLPT N5 Grammar Patterns
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Learn with examples – don’t just memorize the rule.
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Practice with mock tests – this helps you get used to real exam questions.
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Mix grammar with vocabulary – the more words you know, the easier it is to use grammar naturally.
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Do daily practice – even 10 minutes a day is effective.
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Combine grammar and listening – many N5 listening questions test grammar indirectly.
Study with Real JLPT N5 Resources
If you want to practice these patterns in real exam-style questions, check out JLPT N5 Grammar Practice
