JLPT N5 Grammar: Question Types, Traps, and Study Routine

Understanding the JLPT N5 Grammar Section

Whether you are preparing for the December JLPT N5 for a student visa or aiming for the JFT-Basic in Kathmandu for the Specified Skilled Worker visa, mastering grammar is essential. The Language Knowledge section, which covers vocabulary and grammar, is scored alongside Reading out of 120 points. You need at least 38 points to pass. Since Nepali is an SOV language like Japanese and uses postpositions similar to Japanese particles (joshi), you already have a head start in understanding sentence structure. The grammar portion tests your ability to identify correct sentence structures using two primary question types: Sentence Composition (並べ替え) and Sentence Grammar (文法形式).

Question Type 1: Sentence Composition (並べ替え)

In this section, you are given a sentence with four parts and one missing segment indicated by an asterisk (*). You must arrange the parts to form a grammatically correct sentence and identify which word belongs in the asterisk position.

Example: わたしは　きのう　＿＿　＿＿　＊　＿＿　買いました。

  1. 本を 2. おもしろい 3. 図書館で 4. かりた

Correct order: 3. 図書館で 2. おもしろい 4. かりた 1. 本を Result: わたしは きのう 図書館で おもしろい かりた 本を 買いました。(Note: The correct noun modification is: 「図書館でかりたおもしろい本を買いました」.)

Traps: The most common trap is misplacing particles or failing to conjugate the verb correctly before a noun. Always look for the particle immediately following the blank space.

Question Type 2: Sentence Grammar (文法形式)

This section tests your knowledge of particles and auxiliary verbs. You must select the correct word or phrase to complete the sentence from four choices.

Example: きょうは　あめ　＿＿　ふっています。

  1. を 2. が 3. に 4. は

Correct answer: 2. が

Traps: Distinguishing between particles like が and は or に and で is critical. Focus on the verb at the end of the sentence to determine which particle is required.

Weekly Study Routine

To master these, dedicate 45 minutes daily to the following routine:

  1. Review (15 mins): Take 5 grammar points from your textbook (like Genki or Minna no Nihongo) and write one original sentence for each. Ensure you use the correct particle.
  2. Practice (20 mins): Find or create 10 'Sentence Composition' problems. Do not look at the answers immediately. If you get one wrong, analyze why the word order was incorrect.
  3. Drill (10 mins): Use flashcards for particles (は, が, を, に, で, と, も, へ). Focus on the function of each particle in a sentence context.

Repeat this cycle for each of the 80 grammar points required for the N5 level. Consistency is more important than long, irregular study sessions.