ROADMAP FOR N3 LEVEL
Here’s a comprehensive roadmap to help you reach JLPT N3,
the intermediate level of Japanese proficiency. This level
bridges the gap between basic daily communication (N5/N4)
and advanced fluency (N2/N1), and it’s a major milestone for
learners aiming to live, study, or work in Japan.
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JLPT N3 Roadmap Overview
1. | Vocabulary | ~3,750 words, including formal/informal
expressions and idioms |
2. | Kanji | ~650 characters, including compound kanji used
in signs, menus, and media |
3. | Grammar | ~100 intermediate grammar points (e.g., ～よ
うに ～ばかり ～てしまう
, , ) |
4. | Reading | Understand short essays, instructions, ads,
and opinion pieces |
5. | Listening | Comprehend conversations, announcements,
and task-based dialogues |
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Study Plan (6-Month Sample)
1. | 1–2 | Review N4, start N3 grammar (5–7 points/week), 20
kanji/week |
2. | 3 | Expand vocab (20–30/day), read NHK Easy News,
start listening drills |
3. | 4 | Practice grammar in context, JLPT-style reading,
mock quizzes |
4. | 5 | Full-length mock tests, focus on weak areas, increase
listening speed |
5. | 6 | Final review, timed practice exams, polish
reading/listening fluency |
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Key Grammar Examples
a. ～ようにする (try to): 毎日日本語を勉強するようにしていま
す。
b. ～ばかり (just did): 食べたばかりです。
c. ～てしまう (regret/unintended): 忘れてしまいました。
Recommended Resources
1. | Textbooks | Try! JLPT N3, Shin Kanzen Master N3,
Nihongo So-Matome N3 |
2. | Apps | Anki (flashcards), WaniKani (kanji), BunPro
(grammar), JLPT Sensei |
3. | Listening | NHK Easy Japanese, JapanesePod101,
anime/dramas with Japanese subtitles |
4. | Practice | JLPT mock tests, grammar drills, reading NHK
News Web Easy |
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Tips for Success
a. Immerse daily: Read manga, watch anime, or listen to
Japanese radio
b. Shadowing: Repeat native audio to improve
pronunciation and fluency
c. Join a community: Practice with Discord groups or
language exchange partners
d. Track progress: Use a study journal or app to log hours
and milestones
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Helpful Guides
JLPT N3 Study Guide: Grammar, Vocab, Practice Tests
Complete JLPT N3 Syllabus & Strategy
Real Learner’s Journey from Zero to N3
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Would you like a printable checklist, a custom Anki deck, or a
visual roadmap poster for N3? I can help you build a
personalized study tracker too!
JLPT Sensei
JLPT N3 Study Guide: grammar list & practice test — JLPT
Sensei
Learn how to pass the JLPT N3 with our detailed JLPT N3
grammar list, vocabulary, and practice tests. (Learn Japanese
with JLPT Sensei)
Japanese Language Courses
Japanese Language Courses | Learn & Master Japanese
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My Japanese learning path from Zero to JLPT N3 - Mark's blog
A blog recording my Japanese learning path in the year 2020,
from Zero to passing JLPT N3.
