Kotoba Street foundation path · 5 lessons
Build the script and sound base before N5-oriented study
If hiragana, katakana, and Japanese sound length are still new, use these five lessons as a suggested sequence. “Pre-N5” is our own label—not an official JLPT level, prerequisite, or placement test.
Before you begin
Use this path as a scaffold, not a gate.
Official boundary: The JLPT has five official levels, N1 through N5. It does not define a Pre-N5 level or prescribe this study order.
Our editorial choice: We place route choice, the script map, hiragana, katakana, and sound together because they can reduce friction in later reading, listening, and real-life practice.
The official N5 description includes basic reading in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji. Speaking and pronunciation are not tested directly, so the sound lesson here is support—not an exam requirement. Check the official level summary and how the test measures language ability.
Suggested sequence
Follow five steps—or enter at the first checkpoint you cannot do yet.
Starting from zero? Go in order. Returning learner? Read the checkpoints and start at the first one that is not reliably true. You do not need perfect recall before using Japanese.
Choose a realistic route
Set one useful reason for learning before scripts and resources compete for your attention.
Lesson: Learn Japanese for Beginners: Choose Your First Route
- Move on when
- I can choose Quick Start, Situations, or the Roadmap based on my immediate need.
Map the three scripts
See what hiragana, katakana, and kanji each do before you try to memorize them.
Lesson: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji: How Japanese Writing Works
- Move on when
- I can identify hiragana that connects or completes part of a mixed message.
Begin reading hiragana
Build the sound map used by many endings, particles, and beginner examples.
Lesson: Hiragana Chart for Beginners: Learn the 46 Basic Characters
- Move on when
- I can read あ・い・う・え・お without romaji.
Add katakana for common words
Recognize the second kana script in menus, signs, names, and loanwords.
Lesson: Katakana Chart for Beginners: Read Japanese Loanwords
- Move on when
- I can read ア・イ・ウ・エ・オ without romaji.
Train sound length and rhythm
Connect the symbols you read to vowels, timing, and contrasts you need to hear.
Lesson: Japanese Pronunciation Guide: Vowels, Rhythm, and Long Sounds
- Move on when
- With reliable reference audio, I can compare the five vowel targets one at a time.
After Step 5
Use the foundation in one real exchange.
Lesson 6 begins Kotoba Street’s N5-oriented collection with everyday greetings. This is the next site lesson, not an official exam milestone or a readiness guarantee.