Basic Adjectives Vocabulary for N5 | Examples & Quiz
Study Basic Adjectives for N5 with Japanese words, romaji, English meanings, example sentences, pronunciation support, and beginner practice.
Adjectives allow you to describe the world. In Japanese, they are divided into two distinct groups with different grammar rules.
Quick Meaning Box
Understand the core meaning first
Main Japanese
おおきい
ookii
English Meaning
Big
Nepali Meaning
ठूलो
Romaji
ookii
Level
JLPT N5
Complete lesson list
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| おおきい | ookii | Big | |
| ちいさい | chiisai | Small | |
| あたらしい | atarashii | New | |
| ふるい | furui | Old | |
| いい | ii | Good | |
| わるい | warui | Bad | |
| あつい | atsui | Hot | |
| さむい | samui | Cold (weather) |
How To Use It
Use Basic Adjectives correctly
Simple Explanation
Use this vocabulary when the situation matches the meaning. First connect the Japanese sound to the meaning, then use it inside a short sentence.
Sentence Structure
おおきい (ookii) = Big
Start with this simple structure before making longer sentences.
When To Use
Use it in beginner reading, short answers, daily-life examples, and JLPT review questions where the topic appears naturally.
When Not To Use
Do not force it into every sentence. If another word, particle, or grammar pattern expresses the idea more naturally, choose that instead.
- Japanese learners grow faster when they notice how this topic appears in everyday routines, classroom language, and common study examples.
- Even simple vocabulary lessons become more memorable when students connect them to real situations instead of treating them like a word list only.
Open the full beginner explanation
I-Adjectives (True Adjectives)
These end in ~i and behave like verbs; they contain their own tense.
- Example: 'Samui' (Cold). Past: 'Samukatta'. Negative: 'Samukunai'.
Na-Adjectives (Adjectival Nouns)
These require the particle な (na) when describing a noun.
- Example: 'Kirei' (Beautiful/Clean). Describe: 'Kirei na hana' (Beautiful flower).
Opposite Pairs
- Big/Small: Ookii / Chiisai
- Hot/Cold: Atsui / Samui
- New/Old: Atarashii / Furui
Formula / Pattern Box
Memorize the reusable pattern
Pattern 1
おおきい (ookii) = Big
Pattern 2
おおきい + です
Pattern 3
おおきい + を / が + verb
Pattern 4
Time or place + particle + おおきい
Example Sentences
Read, repeat, and understand the usage
Example 1
このラーメンはおいしいです。
Kono raamen wa oishii desu.
English
This ramen is delicious.
Nepali
यो रामेन स्वादिलो छ।
- Focus: このラーメンはおいしいです。
- Meaning: This ramen is delicious.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Example 2
昨日は忙しかったです。
Kinou wa isogashikatta desu.
English
Yesterday was busy.
Nepali
हिजो व्यस्त थियो।
- Focus: 昨日は忙しかったです。
- Meaning: Yesterday was busy.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Example 3
彼女はとても元気な人です。
Kanojo wa totemo genki na hito desu.
English
She is a very energetic person.
Nepali
उनी धेरै ऊर्जावान व्यक्ति हुन्।
- Focus: 彼女はとても元気な人です。
- Meaning: She is a very energetic person.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Common Mistakes
Avoid the beginner traps
Mistake 1
Wrong
Memorize only: "Big"
Correct
Read おおきい, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Trying to memorize Basic Adjectives only by translation instead of noticing how it appears in real Japanese patterns.
Mistake 2
Wrong
Memorize only: "Big"
Correct
Read おおきい, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Reviewing the list once and assuming the lesson is finished without testing recall later.
Mistake 3
Wrong
Memorize only: "Big"
Correct
Read おおきい, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Skipping speaking or writing practice, which makes the lesson harder to use actively.
Practice Section
Turn passive reading into active memory
Task 1
Fill in the blank
Complete the sentence: おおきい means Big.
Task 2
Multiple choice
Choose the best meaning for おおきい before checking the lesson list.
Task 3
Sentence building
Make one short beginner sentence using おおきい. Keep it simple.
Task 4
Translation practice
Translate this idea into Japanese: Big.
Extra practice prompts
- Write two original sentences that use Basic Adjectives naturally.
- Review the lesson once without notes, then check what you missed.
- Explain the main meaning of this topic in simple English as if teaching another beginner.
Self-check before moving on
- Can I explain the main purpose of Basic Adjectives without reading the notes?
- Can I use at least one example from this lesson in my own sentence?
- Can I come back tomorrow and still remember the key meaning or pattern?
Mini Quiz
Check your understanding
Q1. What does おおきい mean?
Q2. What does ちいさい mean?
Q3. What does あたらしい mean?
Q4. What does ふるい mean?
Q5. What does いい mean?
Q6. What does わるい mean?
Q7. What does あつい mean?
Q8. What does さむい mean?
Show answer key
- Big
- Small
- New
- Old
- Good
- Bad
- Hot
- Cold (weather)
Real Life Usage
Use the lesson outside flashcards
Conversation Example
A: おおきい？
B: はい、おおきいです。
ookii - Big
Classroom Example
A teacher may ask you to read, choose, or explain おおきい during a beginner review.
Daily Life Example
Use おおきい when the meaning "Big" appears in a simple real situation.
Use Basic Adjectives in a short real-life scene
Imagine you are studying or interacting in a simple daily situation where JLPT N5 Japanese is enough. Your goal is to use this lesson clearly and naturally, not perfectly.
- Create one short scene that includes Basic Adjectives.
- Say or write two useful lines connected to the topic.
- Review what felt difficult and repeat the scene one more time with better accuracy.
FAQ
Common beginner questions
Is 'Kirei' an i-adjective since it ends in 'i'?
No! This is a famous trap. 'Kirei' is a Na-adjective. Always check the kanji (綺麗).
Summary Box
What to remember
Key Point
Basic Adjectives becomes useful when you can recognize it, explain it simply, and use it in one short sentence.
Pattern
おおきい (ookii) = Big
Next Action
Review with a practice tool3 must-remember examples
- このラーメンはおいしいです。 - This ramen is delicious.
- 昨日は忙しかったです。 - Yesterday was busy.
- 彼女はとても元気な人です。 - She is a very energetic person.