This page gives you 19 free JLPT N5 reading practice passages written in the style of the actual test, each followed by comprehension questions and answers. Bookmark it, work through a passage or two a day, and by test day the reading section will feel familiar instead of intimidating.
The passages match the three question types you will see on the real JLPT N5:
- 短文（80文字） short paragraphs with about 80 characters followed by one or more questions for comprehension.
- 中文（250文字） mid-length paragraphs with about 250 characters followed by one or more questions for comprehension.
- 情報検索 information retrieval: you will be asked to extract necessary information using short text, graphs, or other visuals (such as timetables, schedules, or pamphlets).
While we do include a few N4-level kanji (with furigana), the majority of the kanji shown is for N5. Vocabulary, likewise, is mostly limited to N5 vocabulary, but we have also included a few higher-level vocabulary if the word is extremely useful for the student. We have tried to indicate these non-N5 words when possible.
What the reading section looks like on test day
On the actual JLPT N5, reading shares a section with grammar: 言語知識（文法）・読解, 40 minutes for both. Expect a few short passages of about 80 characters, one or two mid-length passages of about 250 characters, and one information-retrieval task built around something practical, such as a class schedule or a store flyer. Two things surprise first-time test takers: the test itself has no furigana, and the clock is tighter than it looks, because the grammar questions will eat most of your 40 minutes if you let them.
How to get the most out of these passages
- Read the question first. On the JLPT you read to answer, not to enjoy. Knowing what is asked tells you what to look for.
- Make your first pass without a dictionary. Guess from context, answer, and only then look words up. Tolerating a little ambiguity is exactly the skill the test measures.
- Time yourself. About three minutes for a short passage and five or six for a mid-length passage leaves a safe margin on test day.
- Reread yesterday’s passage before starting today’s. At this level, rereading builds speed faster than always reading something new.
Try one right now
Here is a fresh 短文-style practice passage at exactly this level. We include furigana here so you can check yourself as you learn; remember that the real test has none.
私は毎朝７時に起きます。朝ごはんを食べてから、電車で学校へ行きます。学校の前に小さな店があります。昨日、そこで新しいペンを買いました。２００円でした。
問題: この人は、どうやって学校へ行きますか。
Show the answer
電車で行きます。
The passage says the writer takes the train to school. The little store and the 200-yen pen are there to distract you; the JLPT loves to place extra facts around the one you actually need.
Section One: Short Paragraphs (短文) — 9 Passages
Around 80 characters each: the length of the first reading questions on the test. Aim for about three minutes per passage, question included.
Section Two: Longer Paragraphs (中文) — 6 Passages
Around 250 characters: here the skill is holding the whole situation in your head while you hunt for the answer. Five or six minutes each is a good pace.
Section Three: Information Retrieval (情報検索) — 4 Passages
Timetables, flyers, notices. You are not reading top to bottom; you are scanning for one fact. These are the fastest points on the whole test once you practice the format.
JLPT N5 Reading FAQ
How much kanji do I need for JLPT N5 reading?
Around 100 kanji and roughly 800 vocabulary words cover the N5. The test prints its passages in kana and basic kanji without furigana, so practice weaning yourself off the readings as you go. Our passages include furigana as training wheels; try covering it on your second read.
What score do I need to pass the JLPT N5?
You need 80 of 180 points overall, and you must clear both sectional minimums: 38 of 120 on Language Knowledge & Reading, and 19 of 60 on Listening. That sectional minimum is why you cannot afford to write off the reading questions.
Is there furigana on the actual test?
No. The N5 sticks to kana and basic kanji, but nothing gets a printed reading. That is why our passages exist: read each one first with the furigana, then again without letting your eyes jump to it.
What should I read after finishing these 19 passages?
Keep reading a little every day. Graded readers with audio are the natural next step, and that is exactly what our Makoto+ magazine and app were built for; see below.
Keep reading (with audio and stories)
For more practice (or just to help support what we are doing), please purchase our JLPT N5 digital bundle. You'll get all three eBook formats, MP3 sound files of all the Japanese, and any future updates for free.
Makoto+ — Japanese Reading & Listening Practice for Beginner to Intermediate Learners. Short Japanese stories with native audio, vocabulary, grammar explanations, and cultural notes. Approximately JLPT N5–N3. App + Magazine + Web + Native Audio. More than 100 issues. Hundreds of Japanese stories. Thousands of explained sentences.
To celebrate passing 100 issues, the complete milestone Makoto #100 is free, sound files included, and the same link unlocks it inside the free Makoto+ Japanese Explorer app.
