Free · JLPT N5–N1
みんな日本語 (Minna Nihongo)
Master Japanese with structured lessons and real exam practice
Courses, quizzes, and full-length JLPT mock tests — built for self-learners preparing from beginner to advanced.
Learn Japanese from N5 to N1. Practice vocabulary, grammar, kanji, and reading with interactive quizzes and structured JLPT lessons.
Start with the alphabet
New to Japanese? Learn the syllabaries with free printable charts: Hiragana chart (printable PDF) and Katakana chart (printable PDF).
What you can study here
Minna Nihongo is a free online Japanese-learning website for JLPT N5 through N1. You can study with structured courses, a full lesson library, interactive quizzes, timed mock tests, daily Japanese news, kanji lookup with stroke-order animation, a placement test, and peer speaking practice. The site is built for self-learners who want a clear path from beginner vocabulary to advanced reading and listening.
Each course groups lessons by skill — vocabulary, grammar, kanji, reading, and listening — so you can practise one topic at a time and then check yourself with a quiz. Explanations appear after every attempt. When you are ready for exam conditions, open a full-length JLPT mock test with the same section structure used on test day.
New learners can start with the placement test to estimate a JLPT band, then pick a matching course or browse the lesson library. If you prefer reading, the study-guide blog covers roadmaps, grammar notes, and exam strategy. Daily やさしい日本語ニュース articles pair Japanese text with English titles so you can practise reading in context.
Quizzes, mock tests, and study guides are original materials written for this site. Lesson pages include vocabulary, example sentences, and practice — not empty templates. You can browse the lesson library and blog without creating an account; streak, speaking match, and saved enrollments need a free login.
How to start
Take the free placement test, open a beginner course, or read a study guide. All published courses on this site are free to study in the browser — you do not need a paid subscription to read lessons or try quizzes.
Start with these study guides
Long-form guides for new learners — clear study paths, not empty marketing pages:
Everything you need to prepare for JLPT
Pick a learning path that fits your level and study goals.
やさしい日本語ニュース
Read real Japanese news with video — practice listening and reading every day.
News courses
Study Easy Japanese News by topic, then practise matching, cloze, and comprehension.
Structured courses
Follow JLPT-aligned lessons with vocabulary, grammar, kanji, and reading in one place.
Lesson library
Browse every published lesson by course — vocabulary, grammar, kanji, reading, and listening.
Interactive quizzes
Practice with instant scoring, explanations, and rankings after every attempt.
Peer speaking practice
Join a waitlist and match with another learner in your JLPT band. Meet on Jitsi — no tutor, no payment.
Mock tests
Timed full-length JLPT and NAT tests with real section structure — train like exam day.
Kanji lookup
Search by radical or stroke count, animate writing order, and practice with quiz mode.
Placement test
30 questions across five skills to find your level from N5 to N1 in ~18 minutes.
Study guides
JLPT tips, study strategies, and platform guides to learn more effectively.
Latest study guides
- Is the JLPT Worth It? When to Take It, When to Skip
Is the JLPT worth your time and money? See what a pass gets you, which levels carry weight, and when self-learners can safely skip it.
- Is Genki Enough for JLPT N5 and N4? What's Missing
Genki 1 and 2 teach most N5 and N4 grammar, but the books are not built for the JLPT. See what they cover, where learners hit gaps, and how to fill them.
- Is Duolingo Enough for JLPT N5? What It Misses
Duolingo is a good start for Japanese, but it rarely covers everything JLPT N5 tests. See what it teaches, what it skips, and how to fill the gaps.
- JLPT in the USA: Dates, Registration, Cost, Test Sites
The JLPT in the US runs once a year, in December, through AATJ. Here is how registration, fees, test sites and preparation work for American learners.
- How to Study Japanese Alone as a Beginner (Self-Study Plan)
A practical self-study plan for beginners: kana first, one textbook spine, daily quizzes, and weekly checks — without needing a classroom.
- Best Free JLPT Practice Online (Quizzes, Mocks & Placement)
Build a free JLPT practice stack: placement test, daily quizzes with instant feedback, and timed mock tests — plus a weekly plan for working learners.
- Easiest Japanese Novels for Adult Learners (Where to Start)
Looking for the easiest Japanese novel for adults? Start with short, modern, dialogue-heavy books like Before the Coffee Gets Cold. Picks, levels, and a reading plan.
- Free JLPT N5 Quizzes with Instant Feedback
Practice JLPT N5 with free quizzes that score you instantly — vocabulary, grammar, kanji, reading, and listening — so every mistake becomes a clear next study step.
Japanese courses
Independent learning platform
Minna Nihongo is an independent Japanese-learning website created by our editorial team. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by 3A Corporation or the Minna no Nihongo textbook series. Textbook and exam names are used for descriptive identification only, and all trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Content is curated by the Minna Nihongo Editorial Team, reviewed against JLPT-aligned goals, and updated based on learner feedback.