Greetings & Basics Vocabulary for N5 | Examples & Quiz
Study Greetings & Basics for N5 with Japanese words, romaji, English meanings, example sentences, pronunciation support, and beginner practice.
Greetings & Basics is an important JLPT N5 vocabulary lesson. This page helps students understand the topic clearly, practice it in context, and review it with better retention.
Quick Meaning Box
Understand the core meaning first
Main Japanese
おはようございます
ohayou gozaimasu
English Meaning
Good morning
Nepali Meaning
शुभ प्रभात
Romaji
ohayou gozaimasu
Level
JLPT N5
Complete lesson list
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| おはようございます | ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning | |
| こんにちは | konnichiwa | Hello / Good afternoon | |
| こんばんは | konbanwa | Good evening | |
| さようなら | sayounara | Goodbye | |
| ありがとう | arigatou | Thank you | |
| はい | hai | Yes | |
| いいえ | iie | No |
How To Use It
Use Greetings & Basics 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
おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu) = Good morning
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
In-Depth Analysis of Greetings & Basics
Welcome to this comprehensive guide on Greetings & Basics for the JLPT N5 exam. To master Japanese, you must go beyond simple memorization and understand the context, usage, and nuances of each concept. The JLPT heavily tests your ability to recognize these patterns in reading and listening sections, so building a strong foundational knowledge is key. Let's break down the essential components you need to know in detail.
Understanding "おはようございます"
The item おはようございます (read as ohayou gozaimasu) translates to "Good morning" in English. When studying for JLPT N5, encountering おはようございます is extremely common. It is crucial to recognize the specific context where this is used. Many beginners confuse it with similar-sounding words, so pay close attention to the pronunciation (ohayou gozaimasu). Practicing this in a full sentence rather than in isolation will significantly boost your retention. For instance, if you are reading a passage about greetings & basics, this word will likely serve as a key context clue. Make sure to write it down multiple times to commit the visual shape to memory. Furthermore, native Japanese speakers often use おはようございます in casual daily conversations. Being able to hear ohayou gozaimasu and instantly know it means "Good morning" without translating it in your head is the ultimate goal of fluency. Always remember that mastering おはようございます brings you one step closer to your Japanese learning goals. Review it regularly along with other related items in the Greetings & Basics category to ensure it stays in your long-term memory.
Understanding "こんにちは"
The item こんにちは (read as konnichiwa) translates to "Hello / Good afternoon" in English. When studying for JLPT N5, encountering こんにちは is extremely common. It is crucial to recognize the specific context where this is used. Many beginners confuse it with similar-sounding words, so pay close attention to the pronunciation (konnichiwa). Practicing this in a full sentence rather than in isolation will significantly boost your retention. For instance, if you are reading a passage about greetings & basics, this word will likely serve as a key context clue. Make sure to write it down multiple times to commit the visual shape to memory. Furthermore, native Japanese speakers often use こんにちは in casual daily conversations. Being able to hear konnichiwa and instantly know it means "Hello / Good afternoon" without translating it in your head is the ultimate goal of fluency. Always remember that mastering こんにちは brings you one step closer to your Japanese learning goals. Review it regularly along with other related items in the Greetings & Basics category to ensure it stays in your long-term memory.
Understanding "こんばんは"
The item こんばんは (read as konbanwa) translates to "Good evening" in English. When studying for JLPT N5, encountering こんばんは is extremely common. Notice how the structure of こんばんは plays a role in sentences. As you progress through the N5 curriculum, words and patterns like this become the building blocks of your fluency. You will find that native speakers use this naturally in everyday conversation. To truly master "Good evening", try forming your own unique sentence using the grammar rules you have already learned. Speaking it aloud while focusing on the correct intonation will help bridge the gap between reading comprehension and speaking ability. Another great practice method is to imagine a specific scenario where you would need to say こんばんは. Visualizing the context strongly reinforces the memory pathways in your brain, making it much easier to recall during an actual exam or conversation. Always remember that mastering こんばんは brings you one step closer to your Japanese learning goals. Review it regularly along with other related items in the Greetings & Basics category to ensure it stays in your long-term memory.
Understanding "さようなら"
The item さようなら (read as sayounara) translates to "Goodbye" in English. When studying for JLPT N5, encountering さようなら is extremely common. This is a foundational concept. The meaning "Goodbye" can sometimes be nuanced depending on the particle or verb it attaches to. Be careful not to translate it too literally into English, as the Japanese cultural context often gives it a slightly different feeling. When listening to Japanese media or N5 audio tracks, train your ear to catch sayounara. You will be surprised at how often it appears once you actively start looking for it! In written Japanese, spotting さようなら quickly allows you to skim paragraphs faster. Speed is a critical factor in the JLPT, and instantly recognizing words like this will save you valuable time on the reading section. Always remember that mastering さようなら brings you one step closer to your Japanese learning goals. Review it regularly along with other related items in the Greetings & Basics category to ensure it stays in your long-term memory.
Understanding "ありがとう"
The item ありがとう (read as arigatou) translates to "Thank you" in English. When studying for JLPT N5, encountering ありがとう is extremely common. It is crucial to recognize the specific context where this is used. Many beginners confuse it with similar-sounding words, so pay close attention to the pronunciation (arigatou). Practicing this in a full sentence rather than in isolation will significantly boost your retention. For instance, if you are reading a passage about greetings & basics, this word will likely serve as a key context clue. Make sure to write it down multiple times to commit the visual shape to memory. Furthermore, native Japanese speakers often use ありがとう in casual daily conversations. Being able to hear arigatou and instantly know it means "Thank you" without translating it in your head is the ultimate goal of fluency. Always remember that mastering ありがとう brings you one step closer to your Japanese learning goals. Review it regularly along with other related items in the Greetings & Basics category to ensure it stays in your long-term memory.
Understanding "はい"
The item はい (read as hai) translates to "Yes" in English. When studying for JLPT N5, encountering はい is extremely common. Notice how the structure of はい plays a role in sentences. As you progress through the N5 curriculum, words and patterns like this become the building blocks of your fluency. You will find that native speakers use this naturally in everyday conversation. To truly master "Yes", try forming your own unique sentence using the grammar rules you have already learned. Speaking it aloud while focusing on the correct intonation will help bridge the gap between reading comprehension and speaking ability. Another great practice method is to imagine a specific scenario where you would need to say はい. Visualizing the context strongly reinforces the memory pathways in your brain, making it much easier to recall during an actual exam or conversation. Always remember that mastering はい brings you one step closer to your Japanese learning goals. Review it regularly along with other related items in the Greetings & Basics category to ensure it stays in your long-term memory.
Understanding "いいえ"
The item いいえ (read as iie) translates to "No" in English. When studying for JLPT N5, encountering いいえ is extremely common. It is crucial to recognize the specific context where this is used. Many beginners confuse it with similar-sounding words, so pay close attention to the pronunciation (iie). Practicing this in a full sentence rather than in isolation will significantly boost your retention. For instance, if you are reading a passage about greetings & basics, this word will likely serve as a key context clue. Make sure to write it down multiple times to commit the visual shape to memory. Furthermore, native Japanese speakers often use いいえ in casual daily conversations. Being able to hear iie and instantly know it means "No" without translating it in your head is the ultimate goal of fluency. Always remember that mastering いいえ brings you one step closer to your Japanese learning goals. Review it regularly along with other related items in the Greetings & Basics category to ensure it stays in your long-term memory.
Core Patterns and Usage Rules
When you study Greetings & Basics, you are dealing with concepts that frequently appear on the JLPT N5. The exam loves to test your ability to distinguish between closely related items. The vocabulary and grammar rules presented here are not just for passing a test; they are essential for practical, everyday communication in Japan. Whether you are ordering food, asking for directions, or making small talk, these patterns will serve as your reliable toolkit. Japanese is an incredibly contextual language. A word's nuance can shift entirely depending on who you are speaking to, the level of politeness required, and the particles surrounding it. As a general rule, always learn items like おはようございます and こんにちは in pairs or groups. Creating mental webs of related words is far more effective than studying isolated flashcards.
The category of Greetings & Basics is especially important because it bridges the gap between absolute beginner Japanese and functional intermediate Japanese. Every time you review this page, try to read the Japanese text without looking at the romaji. It may be slow at first, but it is the only way to build true reading speed. Do not get discouraged if you forget a word tomorrow. Forgetting is a natural part of the learning process. Each time you relearn おはようございます, the neural connection grows stronger until it becomes effortless.
Summary of Greetings & Basics
In summary, mastering the elements of Greetings & Basics involves active practice, continuous review, and contextual understanding. You have explored the direct translations, the romaji readings, and the nuances of each item. Your next step is to apply these concepts. Use the practice quizzes provided on this page, write your own sentences, and listen to native audio to perfect your pronunciation. The journey to JLPT N5 success is paved with consistent, daily effort. Keep practicing, and you will see incredible progress in your Japanese proficiency.
Formula / Pattern Box
Memorize the reusable pattern
Pattern 1
おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu) = Good morning
Pattern 2
おはようございます + です
Pattern 3
おはようございます + を / が + verb
Pattern 4
Time or place + particle + おはようございます
Example Sentences
Read, repeat, and understand the usage
Example 1
おはようございます
ohayou gozaimasu
English
Good morning
Nepali
शुभ प्रभात
- Focus: おはようございます
- Meaning: Good morning
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: First learn this as a core vocabulary item. Read the Japanese, then connect it to the English meaning.
Example 2
こんにちはです。
konnichiwa desu.
English
It is Hello / Good afternoon.
Nepali
यो नमस्ते / शुभ दिउँसो हो।
- Focus: こんにちは
- Meaning: Hello / Good afternoon
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: First learn this as a core vocabulary item. Read the Japanese, then connect it to the English meaning.
Example 3
こんばんはです。
konbanwa desu.
English
It is Good evening.
Nepali
यो शुभ साँझ हो।
- Focus: こんばんは
- Meaning: Good evening
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: First learn this as a core vocabulary item. Read the Japanese, then connect it to the English meaning.
Example 4
さようならです。
sayounara desu.
English
It is Goodbye.
Nepali
यो बिदा / फेरि भेटौँला हो।
- Focus: さようなら
- Meaning: Goodbye
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: First learn this as a core vocabulary item. Read the Japanese, then connect it to the English meaning.
Example 5
ありがとうです。
arigatou desu.
English
It is Thank you.
Nepali
यो धन्यवाद हो।
- Focus: ありがとう
- Meaning: Thank you
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: First learn this as a core vocabulary item. Read the Japanese, then connect it to the English meaning.
Example 6
はいです。
hai desu.
English
It is Yes.
Nepali
यो 'हो' हो।
- Focus: はい
- Meaning: Yes
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: First learn this as a core vocabulary item. Read the Japanese, then connect it to the English meaning.
Example 7
いいえです。
iie desu.
English
It is No.
Nepali
यो 'होइन' हो।
- Focus: いいえ
- Meaning: No
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: First learn this as a core vocabulary item. Read the Japanese, then connect it to the English meaning.
Example 8
おはようございます
ohayou gozaimasu
English
Good morning
Nepali
शुभ प्रभात
- Focus: おはようございます
- Meaning: Good morning
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: Use this as recall practice. Cover the English and check whether you can remember the meaning from the Japanese.
Example 9
こんにちはです。
konnichiwa desu.
English
It is Hello / Good afternoon.
Nepali
यो नमस्ते / शुभ दिउँसो हो।
- Focus: こんにちは
- Meaning: Hello / Good afternoon
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: Use this as recall practice. Cover the English and check whether you can remember the meaning from the Japanese.
Example 10
こんばんはです。
konbanwa desu.
English
It is Good evening.
Nepali
यो शुभ साँझ हो।
- Focus: こんばんは
- Meaning: Good evening
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: Use this as recall practice. Cover the English and check whether you can remember the meaning from the Japanese.
Example 11
さようならです。
sayounara desu.
English
It is Goodbye.
Nepali
यो बिदा / फेरि भेटौँला हो।
- Focus: さようなら
- Meaning: Goodbye
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: Use this as recall practice. Cover the English and check whether you can remember the meaning from the Japanese.
Example 12
ありがとうです。
arigatou desu.
English
It is Thank you.
Nepali
यो धन्यवाद हो।
- Focus: ありがとう
- Meaning: Thank you
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: Use this as recall practice. Cover the English and check whether you can remember the meaning from the Japanese.
Example 13
はいです。
hai desu.
English
It is Yes.
Nepali
यो 'हो' हो।
- Focus: はい
- Meaning: Yes
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: Use this as recall practice. Cover the English and check whether you can remember the meaning from the Japanese.
Example 14
いいえです。
iie desu.
English
It is No.
Nepali
यो 'होइन' हो।
- Focus: いいえ
- Meaning: No
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: Use this as recall practice. Cover the English and check whether you can remember the meaning from the Japanese.
Example 15
おはようございます
ohayou gozaimasu
English
Good morning
Nepali
शुभ प्रभात
- Focus: おはようございます
- Meaning: Good morning
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Usage note: Make a tiny original sentence or phrase with this item so it becomes active knowledge.
Common Mistakes
Avoid the beginner traps
Mistake 1
Wrong
Memorize only: "Good morning"
Correct
Read おはようございます, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Trying to memorize Greetings & Basics only by translation instead of noticing how it appears in real Japanese patterns.
Mistake 2
Wrong
Memorize only: "Good morning"
Correct
Read おはようございます, 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: "Good morning"
Correct
Read おはようございます, 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: おはようございます means Good morning.
Task 2
Multiple choice
Choose the best meaning for おはようございます before checking the lesson list.
Task 3
Sentence building
Make one short beginner sentence using おはようございます. Keep it simple.
Task 4
Translation practice
Translate this idea into Japanese: Good morning.
Extra practice prompts
- Write two original sentences that use Greetings & Basics 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 Greetings & Basics 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 おはようございます mean?
Q2. What does こんにちは mean?
Q3. What does こんばんは mean?
Q4. What does さようなら mean?
Q5. What does ありがとう mean?
Q6. What does はい mean?
Q7. What does いいえ mean?
Q8. What does おはようございます mean?
Show answer key
- Good morning
- Hello / Good afternoon
- Good evening
- Goodbye
- Thank you
- Yes
- No
- Good morning
Real Life Usage
Use the lesson outside flashcards
Conversation Example
A: おはようございます？
B: はい、おはようございますです。
ohayou gozaimasu - Good morning
Classroom Example
A teacher may ask you to read, choose, or explain おはようございます during a beginner review.
Daily Life Example
Use おはようございます when the meaning "Good morning" appears in a simple real situation.
Use Greetings & Basics 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 Greetings & Basics.
- 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
What should I focus on first in Greetings & Basics?
Start with the most frequent patterns and examples, then move into recall practice. For JLPT N5 study, accuracy with the core items matters more than trying to memorize every variation at once.
How should I review this lesson after today?
Review it in short cycles: read the examples once, test yourself without looking, and then connect this topic to another nearby lesson in the same vocabulary path.
Is Greetings & Basics important for JLPT N5 beginners?
Yes. Greetings & Basics supports the kind of recognition, sentence reading, and recall practice that beginners need for JLPT N5 study.
How long should I spend on Greetings & Basics?
Spend enough time to understand the explanation, read the examples aloud, and answer the mini quiz. A focused 10 to 20 minute session plus a short review tomorrow works better than rushing.
Should I memorize every single example provided?
No, you do not need to memorize every single sentence perfectly. Instead, focus on understanding the underlying patterns so you can apply them to new vocabulary.
Should I memorize every example on this page?
No. First understand the pattern and the most useful examples. Then review the remaining examples as exposure so the topic becomes familiar in different contexts.
Can I study this lesson before learning all kana?
You can start with romaji support, but learning hiragana and katakana will make this lesson much easier to remember and use in real Japanese.
What is the best practice method for Greetings & Basics?
Use active recall. Read the Japanese, cover the meaning, guess, check, and then make one short sentence of your own.
Summary Box
What to remember
Key Point
Greetings & Basics becomes useful when you can recognize it, explain it simply, and use it in one short sentence.
Pattern
おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu) = Good morning
Next Action
Review with a practice tool3 must-remember examples
- おはようございます - Good morning
- こんにちはです。 - It is Hello / Good afternoon.
- こんばんはです。 - It is Good evening.