What are the best books for JLPT N5?

Main Textbooks (Choose One)

Genki I (3rd Edition) - Best Overall

- Comprehensive grammar and vocabulary - Excellent for self-study with workbook - Covers about 70% of N5 content - English explanations throughout - Price: ~$50-60

Minna no Nihongo - Best for Classroom

- Japanese-only main text (translation book separate) - Intensive grammar drilling - Popular in Japanese language schools - More formal Japanese style - Price: ~$40-50 + translation book

Japanese From Zero 1-2 - Best for Beginners

- Gentler learning curve - Free YouTube video support - Integrated hiragana/katakana practice - Best for nervous beginners - Price: ~$30 each

JLPT-Specific Prep Books

Nihongo So-Matome N5

- Quick daily lessons (8-week program) - Great for review before test - Vocabulary, kanji, grammar sections - Good supplementary material - Price: ~$20-25

TRY! JLPT N5

- Practice test format - Listening CD included - Grammar explanations - Good for exam preparation - Price: ~$25-30

JLPT Official Practice Test

- Real past exam questions - Essential for test preparation - See actual question formats - One test per book - Price: ~$8-12

Supporting Materials

Vocabulary

- Anki N5 deck (free) - JLPT Tango N5 book (~$20)

Kanji

- Basic Kanji Book Vol.1 - Kanji Look and Learn

Recommended Combinations

Self-Study Path

1. Genki I + Workbook 2. Nihongo So-Matome N5 3. Official Practice Test

Classroom Path

1. Minna no Nihongo I + Translation 2. TRY! N5 3. Official Practice Test

Budget Path

1. Japanese From Zero 1-2 2. Free Anki decks 3. Official Practice Test

Study Timeline

- Months 1-3: Main textbook - Months 4-5: JLPT prep books - Month 6: Practice tests, review

What N5 Books Should Cover

- ~100 kanji - ~800 vocabulary words - Basic grammar patterns - Hiragana and katakana mastery