Nihongo Sou Matome N5

にほんご総まとめ (Nihongo Sou Matome) is great for anyone aiming to pass the N5 level of the JLPT. It’s perfect if you want to study everyday grammar, kanji, and vocabulary, and get comfortable with simple conversations.

The book includes explanations in English and Vietnamese, making it super easy to study on your own, no matter your background.

This JLPT study book, like TRY JLPT n5, covers all aspects needed to get ready for a test, including, grammar, kanji, listening, vocabular and reading.

One of the unique things about this book is the way that it structures its material. One of the things that self-studiers struggle with most is a sense of structure or progression. Nihongo Sou Matome addresses this by arranging its lessons in to 6 separate weeks, with mini lessons for each day of the week.

This can really help those that could be overwhelmed by the amount of material they need to cover, and suddenly a 129 page book seems all the more approachable. That’s especially encouraging for those looking to prepare for an upcoming JLPT n5 test! Each week then concludes with a revision section to make sure learners have properly memorised the week’s lessons.

An important thing to take notice of with this book is the timers that it gives you to complete each task. Many students who take the JLPT test complain about running out of time, and so Nihongo Sou Matome pushes reader to complete tasks in the way a JLPT test would expect you to.

It’s a good way to spot where your weaknesses might be. Though if you want something more in depth, chances are you’ll have to refer back to a traditional Japanese textbook. Overall it’s a good ‘all-rounder’ JLPT n5 book. For grammar specifically we’d recommend Shin Nihongo 500 Mon JLPT N4-N5 over this, as it pushes students a little harder in those areas. That said, it doesn’t cover reading or listening like Nihongo Sou-Matome does.