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JLPT · JLPT N3

JLPT N3: Vocabulary, Grammar, and Study Plan

The middle JLPT level. About 3,750 words and 650 kanji. The bridge between 'student' and 'can actually live in Japan.'

BBao HuaUpdated April 21, 202610 min read

Skeletal page

Deeper JLPT N3coverage lands as Inku's curriculum grows. This page gives you a map of the level and links to the guides that cover the prerequisites.

Overview

Vocabulary target
3,750words
Kanji target
650kanji
Study hours
600-1,200 hours

What you can do at this level

  • Read everyday topics at near-normal speed
  • Understand TV and podcasts aimed at Japanese natives (with effort)
  • Write emails and informal letters in Japanese
  • Hold longer conversations on abstract topics
  • Navigate daily life in Japan without an interpreter

Vocabulary examples

A small sample of the kind of words that appear at this level.

KanjiKanaEnglish
experience
situation
relationship

Grammar examples

Regret or completion

In order to, so that

Study plan

  1. Reach solid N4 level first.
  2. Months 1-3: Add 1,000+ N3 vocabulary words.
  3. Months 3-6: Add 200+ new kanji through reading, not rote.
  4. Months 6-12: Immersive reading and listening with gradually less support.

Related guides

Inku's current curriculum focuses on N5 (complete) and N4 (expanding monthly). Start the 7-day free trial to see the full deck.