Vocabulary: Hobbies & Activities Vocabulary for N5 | Examples & Quiz
Study Vocabulary: Hobbies & Activities for N5 with Japanese words, romaji, English meanings, example sentences, pronunciation support, and beginner practice.
Hobbies are the fastest way to make friends in Japan. Knowing the verb 'To do/play' (Suru/Shimasu) is key here.
Quick Meaning Box
Understand the core meaning first
Main Japanese
おんがく
ongaku
English Meaning
Music
Nepali Meaning
संगीत
Romaji
ongaku
Level
JLPT N5
Complete lesson list
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| おんがく | ongaku | Music | |
| えいが | eiga | Movie | |
| スポーツ | supootsu | Sports | |
| りょこう | ryokou | Travel | |
| しゃしん | shashin | Photography | |
| かいもの | kaimono | Shopping | |
| さんぽ | sanpo | Walk / Stroll |
How To Use It
Use Vocabulary: Hobbies & Activities 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
おんがく (ongaku) = Music
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
Common Hobbies (Shumi)
- 音楽を聴くこと (Ongaku wo kiku koto): Listening to music
- 映画を見ること (Eiga wo miru koto): Watching movies
- 読書 (Dokusho): Reading books
- 旅行 (Ryokou): Traveling
- 買い物 (Kaimono): Shopping
The 'Suru' Form
Many hobbies and sports are just nouns attached to the verb する (Suru - to do/play).
- テニス(を)する (Tenisu wo suru) - To play tennis.
- ゲーム(を)する (Geemu wo suru) - To play games.
Asking about Hobbies
'Shumi wa nan desu ka?' (What is your hobby?) is the classic icebreaker.
Formula / Pattern Box
Memorize the reusable pattern
Pattern 1
おんがく (ongaku) = Music
Pattern 2
おんがく + です
Pattern 3
おんがく + を / が + verb
Pattern 4
Time or place + particle + おんがく
Example Sentences
Read, repeat, and understand the usage
Example 1
趣味は写真を撮ることです。
Shumi wa shashin wo toru koto desu.
English
My hobby is taking photos.
Nepali
मेरो शौक फोटो खिच्नु हो।
- Focus: 趣味は写真を撮ることです。
- Meaning: My hobby is taking photos.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Example 2
週末はテニスをします。
Shuumatsu wa tenisu wo shimasu.
English
I play tennis on the weekends.
Nepali
म सप्ताहन्तमा टेनिस खेल्छु।
- Focus: 週末はテニスをします。
- Meaning: I play tennis on the weekends.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Common Mistakes
Avoid the beginner traps
Mistake 1
Wrong
Memorize only: "Music"
Correct
Read おんがく, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Trying to memorize Vocabulary: Hobbies & Activities only by translation instead of noticing how it appears in real Japanese patterns.
Mistake 2
Wrong
Memorize only: "Music"
Correct
Read おんがく, 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: "Music"
Correct
Read おんがく, 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: おんがく means Music.
Task 2
Multiple choice
Choose the best meaning for おんがく before checking the lesson list.
Task 3
Sentence building
Make one short beginner sentence using おんがく. Keep it simple.
Task 4
Translation practice
Translate this idea into Japanese: Music.
Extra practice prompts
- Write two original sentences that use Vocabulary: Hobbies & Activities 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 Vocabulary: Hobbies & Activities 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 おんがく mean?
Q2. What does えいが mean?
Q3. What does スポーツ mean?
Q4. What does りょこう mean?
Q5. What does しゃしん mean?
Q6. What does かいもの mean?
Q7. What does さんぽ mean?
Q8. What does 趣味は写真を撮ることです。 mean?
Show answer key
- Music
- Movie
- Sports
- Travel
- Photography
- Shopping
- Walk / Stroll
- My hobby is taking photos.
Real Life Usage
Use the lesson outside flashcards
Conversation Example
A: おんがく？
B: はい、おんがくです。
ongaku - Music
Classroom Example
A teacher may ask you to read, choose, or explain おんがく during a beginner review.
Daily Life Example
Use おんがく when the meaning "Music" appears in a simple real situation.
Use Vocabulary: Hobbies & Activities 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 Vocabulary: Hobbies & Activities.
- 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
How do I say 'I play the guitar'?
Musical instruments use the verb 'Hiku' (弾く), not 'Suru'. So: 'Gitaa wo hikimasu'.
Summary Box
What to remember
Key Point
Vocabulary: Hobbies & Activities becomes useful when you can recognize it, explain it simply, and use it in one short sentence.
Pattern
おんがく (ongaku) = Music
Next Action
Review with a practice tool3 must-remember examples
- 趣味は写真を撮ることです。 - My hobby is taking photos.
- 週末はテニスをします。 - I play tennis on the weekends.