#Japanese N5 Vocabulary

[warau-okami]

People enjoyed the charts for English learners in Japan. Here, as promised, is one for Japanese language learners.

右 みぎ : right, right-hand side

左 ひだり : left, left hand side

横 よこ : horizontal (as opposed to vertical), lying down

side-to-side (as opposed to front-to-back), width, breadth

side (of a box, etc.)

beside, aside, next to

unconnected

側 そば : near, close, beside, vicinity, proximity, besides, while

隣 となり : next (to), adjoining, adjacent

後ろ うしろ : back, behind, rear

下 した : below, down, under, younger (e.g. daughter)

bottom

beneath, underneath

近く ちかく : nearly (e.g. "it took nearly one year"), close to

上 うえ : above, over, up

中 なか : inside, interior

among, within

[senchastudying]

I learned it's easier to learn verbs in their ない form first, vs. their dictionary form first. Makes recognizing the difference between Godan and Ichidan verbs 100% easier and removes the need to "remember" the "hidden/fake/lying" verbs that parade as the other verb type. The trick to doing it is far easier and I hate how Genki teaches it in the book. Leaving me with only having to learn the conjugation patterns for Ichidan, Godan, and Irregular verbs. Far, far easier.

[japanesetest4you]

Batch download Japanese vocabulary infographics

[inkichan]

Slang Words

(⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧ vocabulary

words you might hear in small talk with friends

note: parents may find it unsuitable for younger children!

イカれる - to go crazy

なあ、この 運転士 (うんてんし)、イカれてるよ

Oh, the driver's a maniac. source

シケる - bad, distateful

あらやだ、このお煎餅もうシケってる

Yecch. This rice cracker is soggy. source

ブス - ugly

ナースと職員がブスばっか。

All the nurses and staff are ugly. source

ビミョー - kind of sucky, not good

ここのランチ美味しかった? How was the lunch at this place? ビミョ〜.. Not really… source

w - LOL

using "w" or "www" is similar to our "lol" or "lmao"

チャラい - flirtatious, player

あの人はチャラチャラしている。 That person is frivolous. source

腹減る (はらへる) - I'm hungry

食べなさい、おなかがへっているのでしょう。 Eat, for you are hungry. source

ひどい - it's terrible, you're mean

ひどい雨だった!

It was raining terribly! source

サイテー - worst

used colloquially to say something akin to English as "you suck"

サイコー - best, coolest

さいこうだぜ！ This is awesome, man!

どした - what's up?

can be also translated into: "what's wrong?" or "what happened"

マジで - seriously?

used in a surprised way like "are you kidding?!"

ヤバい - risky, wow

could also be used when you realize something. For example it's late and you say "shoot, we won't make it in time!" You'd use ヤバい to express "shoot"

めっちゃ - very

エマ、めっちゃ美人さんだね。 Emma.. You're really beautiful. source

this is a vocabulary list I found here! I searched for examples online and the source is linked whenever necessary (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠)

またね～@inkichan

꒰ა ˚₊ ✧・┈・╴﹕꒰ ᐢ｡- ༝ -｡ᐢ ꒱﹕╴・┈・𐑺 ‧₊˚໒꒱

[ihayachii]

What should I use after Genki? Books I used for N5 + N4

English sub included ⭐

[maziijapanese]

JLPT Tips and Tricks: Conquer the Exam with Confidence

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a standardized assessment of Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers. Whether you're aiming for N5, the introductory level, or N1, the most challenging one, thorough preparation is crucial for success. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you ace your JLPT exam:

1. Understand the Test Format

Familiarize yourself with the JLPT's structure and scoring system. The test consists of three main sections: Vocabulary, Grammar & Reading, and Listening. Each section has a specific number of questions and allotted time. Knowing the format will help you manage your time effectively during the exam.

2. Set Realistic Goals and Create a Study Plan

Establish achievable goals based on your current Japanese language proficiency and the JLPT level you're targeting. Develop a realistic study plan that incorporates daily or weekly study sessions. Allocate sufficient time to cover all the necessary grammar points, vocabulary, and Kanji.

3. Gather High-Quality Learning Resources

Utilize a variety of effective learning resources to enhance your preparation, such as textbooks, online courses, language learning apps, and practice tests, choosing those that align with your learning style and preferences.

4. Practice Regularly and Consistently

Regular practice is essential for success in the JLPT. Take practice tests frequently to familiarize yourself with the question formats, timing, and scoring system. Consistent practice will help you identify areas for improvement and build your confidence. Focus on Active Learning Techniques

Active learning techniques, such as flashcards, mnemonics, and summarizing key concepts, can significantly enhance your memorization and retention of Kanji, vocabulary, and grammar rules.

Besides, immerse yourself in Japanese, surround yourself with as much Japanese as possible. Listen to Japanese music, watch Japanese movies and TV shows, and read Japanese books and articles. This exposure will improve your listening comprehension, reading skills, and overall language proficiency.

5. Stay Positive and Believe in Yourself

Maintain a positive mindset and believe in your ability to succeed in the JLPT. Your confidence and determination will play a significant role in achieving your goals.

Remember, the JLPT is a challenging but rewarding exam. With dedication, perseverance, and the right strategies, you can conquer the test and achieve your Japanese language proficiency goals.

Goodluck for guys!

[tokidokitokyo]

Podcast Review: Let's Talk in Japanese

Podcast Title: Let's Talk in Japanese!

Ease of Listening: ★★★★★

Length of Episodes: ★★★★★

Level of Engagement: ★★★★★

Episode Frequency: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★★

Today I will be reviewing the Let's Talk in Japanese! podcast by Tomo-sensei. This podcast is aimed at Japanese learners who want more chances to listen to spoken Japanese but using vocabulary and grammar that they can understand. The podcast is for levels N1 (the highest level) to N5 (the lowest level), but I would say that a majority of the content is focused on level N3 or N4.

Do I currently listen to this podcast?: Yes, I like this podcast a lot and listen to it frequently.

General Overview

Good For Levels: Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced

In this series, Tomo, a Japanese teacher for foreign students, discusses in Japanese only a variety of topics either selected by him or suggested by the audience. These can range from topics about daily life to JLPT related topics. He understandably discusses topics that he has a decent knowledge of, and admits when there are gaps. He is quite faithful to the level of each episode, which he indicates at the end of the episode title, so you can be sure that you will be able to understand the majority of the content or challenge yourself as the case may be.

Length of Episodes ★★★★★

The podcasts are usually around 10-15 minutes long. This is ideal for a quick listen when you are short on time or just want to supplement your studies, but may not be ideal if you are looking for something a bit longer. I usually listen to two or three podcasts in a row during my commute and feel like I've spent my time well. The short length can be useful if you are not interested in a particular topic, because you can make it to the end of the episode without losing interest and a new topic will come up with the next episode.

Level of Engagement ★★★★★

Although this is just one person (Tomo) talking throughout the podcast, he is engaging because he speaks as though he is talking to a small group. I find it engaging because I can, in the privacy of my room or car, reply to him when he poses questions, or make a response if I am surprised by what he says, etc. Even though it's not interactive per se, it can feel interactive because of the way he speaks in his podcast. I find myself engaged in most episodes, and the shorter length means I don't have to work as hard to stay engaged through the entire episode.

Episode Frequency ★★★★★

New podcasts come out about weekly, and sometimes more frequently than that. I have heard that he works very hard to put out the podcasts so frequently, and I think this intense schedule plus the large archive of material means you can listen almost indefinitely to this podcast.

Overall ★★★★★

This podcast is completely in Japanese and designed by a Japanese teacher for foreigners learning Japanese, and has material for everyone from beginners to advanced learners. The shorter episodes mean you can fit it into a busy schedule, and the JLPT labels mean you can pick and choose episodes based on your own level and be confident that you will get what you expect. I highly recommend this for those looking to improve their listening skills.

[masaotheheckindog]

・Vocabularies of the day:

枝 (えだ) - branch

株 (かぶ) - (tree) stump, stock (financial). This one is fun because it's the same pronunciation as turnip, which is why in animal crossing you buy and sell turnips like stocks.

拾う (ひろう) - to pick up (e.g. off the ground)

・Grammar points studied:

1. ​​ である: written Japanese

This lesson was about the だ/である. It's a formal style of writing that has an authoritative tone. It's often used for things like academic papers, legal documents, and sometimes newspaper articles. In this style, verbs at the end of sentences will be in casual form, and where you might hear です in spoken Japanese, you might see である or だ.

2. ～が欲しい・～てほしい

This two-part lesson explains how to say you 'want' something (a noun that can be possesed) with ～が欲しい.

For example: パソコンが欲しい。

With ～てほしい, you can say that you want someone else to do something. For example,

田中さんに事務所に来てほしいです。(I want Tanaka to come to the office)

・Kanji practice (anki's kanji damage deck) Current percent mature: 98.95%

・Current grammar progress (using marumori.io):

N5 - 82/82

N4 - 57/110

N3 - 0/180

N2 - 0/200

N1 - 0/250

[hamusuke-japanese-learning]

I am creating website where you can learn Japanese vocabulary with image↓

↓Demonstration Video

[learninternational]

Knowledge of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and NAT Scoring Systems

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and NAT exams are two of the most widely recognized language proficiency tests for Japanese language learners. Both exams are designed to evaluate the language skills of non-native Japanese speakers, but they have distinct scoring systems that can be confusing for test-takers. In this article, we'll delve into the details of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and NAT scoring systems, helping you understand how to interpret your scores and set realistic goals for your language learning journey.

JLPT Scoring System

The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) administer the JLPT, which is available in five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5. The test evaluates language skills in three areas: language knowledge (vocabulary), reading, and listening. The scoring system is based on a scale of 0 to 180 points, with 100 points required to pass.

N1: Advanced level, requiring a high degree of language proficiency (100–180 points)

N2: Upper-intermediate level, requiring a good command of Japanese (100–180 points)

N3: Intermediate level, requiring a moderate level of language proficiency (100–180 points)

N4: Elementary level, requiring a basic level of language proficiency (100–180 points)

N5: Basic level, requiring a limited level of language proficiency (80–180 points)

NAT Scoring System

The NAT exam, administered by the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, is designed for students who wish to study at a Japanese university. The test evaluates language skills in four areas: vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. The scoring system is based on a scale of 0 to 400 points, with 240 points required to pass.

Level 1: Advanced level, requiring a high degree of language proficiency (360–400 points)

Level 2: Upper-intermediate level, requiring a good command of Japanese (280–359 points)

Level 3: Intermediate level, requiring a moderate level of language proficiency (240–279 points)

Level 4: Elementary level, requiring a basic level of language proficiency (200–239 points)

Level 5: Basic level, requiring a limited level of language proficiency (0–199 points)

Key Differences

While both exams evaluate language proficiency, there are key differences in their scoring systems. The JLPT has a more nuanced scoring system, with a greater range of points available for each level. In contrast, the NAT exam has a more straightforward scoring system with a clear distinction between levels.

Tips for Test-Takers

Understanding the scoring system is crucial for setting realistic goals and developing an effective study plan. Here are some tips for test-takers:

Familiarize yourself with the exam format and content.

Set specific, achievable goals for each section of the exam.

Practice with sample questions and mock tests to improve your time management and test-taking strategies.

Focus on your weaknesses and allocate more study time to those areas.

In conclusion, understanding the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and NAT scoring systems is essential for language learners who wish to demonstrate their proficiency in Japanese. By recognizing the differences between the two exams and setting realistic goals, you can optimize your study plan and achieve success in your language learning journey.

[lingopotatous]

Sat, Aug 24, 2024

This month has been a bit slow, I barely made any progress on my Japanese. I only had time to spend a few minutes a day on LingoDeer, which added up to about an hour a week. But it's alright because I had a fun and longer Japanese study session today! 🌸

~🌿🌿🌿~

I switched my YouTube interface to Japanese, and it's been quite tricky to get around. So, I decided to learn the interface today. By learning the interface, I mean translating the side navigation menu and adding them into my vocab bank (because it's not realistic to translate every single page on that site, lol).

I use Remnote to collect vocabulary because it has flashcards and spaced repetition features while functions like regular note-taking apps. so it's really easy to use. Plus, it allows you to share notes publicly! If anyone is interested, you can check the Youtube interface vocab notes I did today.

~🌿🌿🌿~

After today's study session, I updated my Japanese study plan. I listed the grammar points I need to master for the JLPT N5 and evaluated my study flow. Here's my plan:

📘 Learning Vocab

● Vocab Shopping: Collect words while studying (using various media) or choose themes I’m interested in. ● Vocab Collecting:  1. Type raw vocab into Remnote. 2. Check the meaning and furigana for kanji on Jisho. 3. Embed pronunciation audio from Reverso. 4. Verify translations with DeepL if Jisho & Reverso don't feel accurate. 5. Type the meaning. 6. Practice using flashcards (Remnote).

🏮 Learning Kanji

● Collect kanji while studying. ● Make time to learn kanji in order using LingoDeer resources. ● Practice by writing and using flashcards.

📏Studying the Grammar Book

● Read the book and collect vocab. ● Practice making sentences and type them into Remnote for easier translation and text-to-speech use. ● Look up and listen to pronunciations. ● Try forming more comprehensive paragraphs or stories after learning enough grammar points. ● Write them down in a notebook to practice handwriting. ● Review vocab and kanji regularly.

~🌿🌿🌿~

Challenges to solve later:

The vocab-collecting process takes a lot of time, which makes me impatient and feels less productive. I wish I could automate it somehow.

Learning kanji is still tough! I still have no idea how to distinguish different strokes, they all look the same to me lol

I tried listening to beginner Japanese podcasts, but I barely recognized any words except for some borrowed English terms. Since I'm still a total beginner, should I continue listening even though I don't understand much, or should I set aside time to study the podcasts' scripts?

I haven’t learned as much as I hoped, but I’ll keep studying. I’ll try to post something in Japanese next time!

[warau-okami]

The Body Words

Kanji Hiragana/Katakana Meaning

顔 かお Face

髪 かみ Hair

髪の毛 かみのけ Hair

頭 あたま Head

耳 みみ Ear

耳たぶ みみたぶ Earlobe

頬 ほお ほほ Cheek

頬っぺた ほっぺた Cheek

額 ひたい Forehead

お凸 おでこ Forehead

眉 まゆ Eyebrow

目 め Eye

瞼 まぶた Eyelids

���毛 まつげ Eyelashes

鼻 はな Nose

鼻孔 びこう Nostril

口 くち Mouth

唇 くちびる Lips

歯 は Teeth

歯茎 はぐき Gum / Tooth Ridge

舌 した Tongue

顎 あご Chin / Jaw

体 からだ Body

首 くび Neck

喉 のど Throat

肩 かた Shoulder

腕 うで Arm

脇の下 わきのした Armpit

肘 ひじ Elbow

手 て Hand

手首 てくび Wrist

拳 こぶし Fist

指 ゆび Finger

親指 おやゆび Thumb

人差し指 ひとさしゆび Index Finger

中指 なかゆび Middle Finger

薬指 くすりゆび Ring Finger

小指 こゆび Little Finger

爪 つめ Fingernail / Toenail

胸 むね Breast / Chest

お腹 おなか Stomach

腹 はら Stomach

臍 へそ Belly Button

腰 こし Waist / Hips

太股 ふともも Thigh

脹脛 ふくらはぎ Calf

膝 ひざ Knee

膝頭 ひざがしら Kneecap

足 あし Foot / Leg

足首 あしくび Ankle

踵 かかと Heel

爪先 つまさき Toe / Tiptoe

背中 せなか Back (of Body)

お尻 おしり Buttocks

肌 はだ Skin

骨 ほね Bone

筋肉 きんにく Muscle

肺 はい Lung (organ)

心臓 しんぞう Heart (organ)

胃 い Stomach (organ)

[my-japanese-corner]

Japanese Kanji/Word of the day!

目 (め)

JPLT N5: Vocabulary

Kanji pronunciation: "me-y"

Meaning: eyes, vision, eyesight

Caution: this kanji is only for describing the physical eye, not to be confused or used with "Megane" which is specs / eyewear.

めがね which means specs are is actually a different kanji all together!

[japanesetest4you]

Batch download Japanese vocabulary infographics

[shiki-aki]

ok so... I'm wondering if anybody would be interested in me translating all the Shikiaki drama CDs and making a masterlist of them? The thing is, I'm hesitant because I'm a beginner in Japanese and only N5 level.

My translation process for drama CDs usually consists of transcribing the Japanese words I hear into text, which requires me to listen closely by ear and type out the individual Hiragana/Katakana. It takes some trial and error with me double checking the vocabulary with a Japanese dictionary to make sure I typed the right word based on the context. Then I paste it into a translation machine like DeepL. When I write the English translation, I have to take care that it's worded in a way that sounds in-character. Regardless, I don't know how people feel about reading a translation that was machine translated, which is why I've been hesitant to translate any of the Shikiaki drama CDs.

I recently found out there's another Shikiaki drama CD that I haven't listened to before after doing some digging on Aarinfantasy. There are apparently 6 Shikiaki drama CDs that came with the Shikiaki figures when you bought them (I think? feel free to fact check me on this), but only 5 of them have been uploaded to Youtube this whole time, and I finally found the 6th one.

I'm considering translating all the drama CDs because the Youtube channel that had videos with translations of these drama CDs got terminated a while ago, and I haven't been able to find the translations anywhere else. It would probably take me a while to get through translating all these drama CDs so like, I want to know if people would be interested in these translations before I devote my time to this project lol. I'd also have to bother my friend who's way better at Japanese than me to help me out with these translations, and she's really busy, so again, it would be a time-consuming process that requires commitment.

Otherwise I can just make a masterlist of how to access/download the Shikiaki drama CDs, since I've gotten some questions on that lol.

[rigelmejo]

I was looking up "how many words to learn to read japanese" and oh my was there a surprising result. The various reddit posts seemed to say at least 10,000 words as that is what is on N1, while also saying it may just be the beginning of reading at 10,000 words and you'll still be looking up many words per page.

I am a bit confused by this answer, and still looking for a possibly truer one. Im looking for: how many words must a person learn in japanese to start reading materials for native speakers, if they look up a word every few sentences? Or even 1-3 words per sentence to start. So this would be maybe 80-90% reading comprehension (and with word lookup they'd boost that to 90% or more), with some simpler materials (like say Yotsuba or Ranma or School Rumble mangas) being 90% comprehensible before word lookup (and 95% or more comprehensible after word lookup).

For comparison: in French the number of words to start reasing was 1000-2000 (at least what I personally experienced), with 1000 being when I could read if i looked up 1 word per sentence or a a few words a paragraph. Chinese was also 1000-2000, the average webnovel felt more comfortable once learning 2000 words (at which point looking up 1-3 words or less a sentence or paragraph became doable), and for novels for children and some manhua just knowing 1000 words was enough to read while looking words up (for example, 秃秃大王 would be very readable with a 1000 vocabulary you know and looking up a word every sentence or so, and if your vocabulary is higher you may only look up words once every few paragraphs). For both french and chinese, once i learned lets estimate around 3000 french words or 3000 chinese hanzi (which is ultimately over 3000 words they can combine into which you can guess the meaning of... maybe by several thousand more), then there were at least SOME reading materials that could be read extensively with NO word lookups and using only context to guess the meaning of everything. In short: french and chinese basically matched up to what most "learn to read in a language" articles suggest you learn, which is around 2000 words to start reading with the aid of dictionary/translation word lookup, and then eventually work your way toward a goal of ~9000 words to read most materials comfortably. And along the path from 2000-9000 words, you'll find some materials that become readable to you aa you learn more words - without any dictionary/translation aids.

With Japanese reddit learners (as thats the forums i could browse): Refold learning plan used to suggest learning Tango N5 and N4 and 1000 basic kanji, so around 1000-2000 words, then to immerse with reading (sometimes at first just japanese show subtitles). The older Mass Immersion Approach (same overall study methods) used to do the 2,000 Core Japanese deck, or a personally made variant, and then around the end of that suggest people start including practicing reading. Sometimes people used the Core 6000 Japanese anki deck (more words), or used the nukemarine Lets Learn Japanese deck (i did this... it had 6000 words, around 2000 kanji, and tae kims grammar guide in it, and then later on some additional vocabulary from specific shows... i only learned about 1000 kanji and 2000 words from this deck before stopping). So for MIA and Refold learners, at least SOME of them started reading with word lookups around 2000-6000 words learned.

My question is: when did YOU feel comfortable starting to read Japanese reading materials for native speakers, with the use of word lookup tools (translation/dictionary)? When do you see some people got comfortable starting to read with word lookups? Did some people do something like Satori Reader (graded reading app) when they'd learned X words, until they'd increased their vocabulary to Y words? What was the vocabulary level at which they started to read japanese with word lookups? I think that for a lot of people, the point when they started reading materials for native speakers (with the help of word lookup tools) was Before they had learned 10,000 words.

(Ignore grammar knowledge, yes that greatly effects reasing comprehension. Id just like to focus on number of words a person knows when they start reading with word lookups).