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.
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.
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
- Passed JLPT N3? Here's What's Next
Passing JLPT N3 opens the door to N2 prep, real conversation practice, and entry-level work in Japan. Here's how to sequence what comes next without losing momentum.
- What to Do After Failing JLPT N3 (A Practical Recovery Plan)
Failing JLPT N3 usually comes down to one weak section, not an overall knowledge gap. Read your score report, target that section, and rebuild toward the December retake.
- JLPT Passing Score by Level: N5, N4, N3, N2, and N1 Explained
JLPT pass marks out of 180: N5 80, N4 90, N3 95, N2 90, N1 100 — but you must also clear a minimum in every section, or you fail regardless of your total.
- How to Check JLPT Results Online (Step by Step)
Check your JLPT result online through the MyJLPT portal using your Examinee ID and password. Here's the exact process, plus fixes for login and recovery issues.
- JLPT July 2026 Results: When and Where to Check Your Score
JLPT July 2026 online results open August 21 and run through October 31, with most candidates outside Japan seeing scores around late August. Here's exactly how to check.
- Failed the JLPT in July? Here's How to Pass in December
Failed a JLPT section in July? A focused 5-month retake plan — diagnose the exact weak section, close the gap, then shift to timed mocks before December.
- Japanese Study Roadmap for Working in Japan: From N4 to N2 in About a Year
A practical roadmap for learners aiming to work in Japan — target level, timeline from N4 to N2, and the workplace Japanese skills the JLPT doesn't teach.
- From N4 to N3: A Realistic Japanese Study Roadmap for What Comes Next
A realistic 4–6 month roadmap for learners who finished JLPT N4 — what to study, in what order, and how to know you're ready for N3.
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.