Learning Japanese: JLPT N5 – Numbers, Time & Basic Personal Information

The JLPT N5 is your first step into learning Japanese! It focuses on essential vocabulary and simple grammar. This article will break down how to tackle reading comprehension questions about numbers, time, and basic personal information – a common theme in the test.

Understanding Numbers (数字 – ji-su)

Japanese number system is mixed Sino-Japanese and native Japanese. Knowing them is crucial!

• Counting from 1 to 10:
• 一 (ichi) – One
• 二 (ni) – Two
• 三 (san) – Three
• 四 (shi/yon) – Four. Note: ‘Shi’ sounds like “she,” and ‘yon’ sounds like “yawn.”
• 五 (go) – Five
• 六 (roku) – Six
• 七 (shichi) – Seven
• 八 (hachi) – Eight
• 九 (kyuu/ku) – Nine. Note: ‘Kyuu’ sounds like “queue,” and ‘Ku’ sounds like “koo.”
• 十 (juu) – Ten

Example: “これは ichibu です。” (Kore wa ichibu desu.) – “This is one ten.” (Meaning 10).

Talking About Time (時間 – jikan)

Japanese time expressions are important. Here’s a simplified guide:

• 今 (ima) – Now
• 今日 (kyou) – Today
• 明日 (ashita) – Tomorrow
• 昨日 (kinou) – Yesterday
• 午後 (gogo) – Afternoon
• 朝 (asa) – Morning
• 夜 (yoru) – Evening/Night

Example Dialogue:

A: “今日、何時ですか？” (Kyou, nanji desu ka?) – “What time is it today?”

B: “今三時です。” (Ima san-ji desu.) – “It’s three o’clock now.”

Basic Personal Information (個人情報 – kojin jōhō)

Knowing basic personal questions and answers is essential for everyday conversations.

• 名前 (namae) – Name
• 年齢 (nemawashi/nenrei) – Age. Note: “Nemawashi” is more common, “Nenrei” is slightly formal
• 出身地 (shusshin chi) – Place of origin
• 職業 (shokugyō) – Occupation

Example:

A: “あなたのお名前は何ですか？” (Anata no o-namae wa nan desu ka?) – “What is your name?”

B: “私の名前は田中です。” (Watashi no namae wa Tanaka desu.) – “My name is Tanaka.”

Common Mistakes & Corrections

• Mistake: Saying “ichi-go” instead of “juu” for ten.
• Correction: Remember, it’s ‘juu’ for ten!
• Mistake: Using incorrect time expressions – saying “konban” when you mean “yoru.”
• Correction: Pay attention to the specific word for evening – “yoru”

Practice & Resources

To succeed on the JLPT N5 reading section, practice regularly! Utilize textbooks specifically designed for the test, online resources (like Tofugu and Jisho.org), and practice reading simple Japanese texts.