Are you willing to pursue JLPT N3? In this blog, we will understand about JLPT N3 and learn a few tips and tricks to clear the JLPT N3 level in 2025.

Understanding JLPT.

Japanese Language Proficiency Tests, also known as JLPT, help examine the Japanese language score of non-native Japanese Language speakers. This test is organized twice yearly (July and December) in India. People willing to settle in Japan or want to study there need to opt JLPT tests.

JLPT is divided into five levels, as follows:

• N5 and N4: The Most Basic Level
• N3: Is the medium level. It works as a bridge between N5, N4, and N2, N1.
• N2 and N1 are the most advanced levels.

All About Japanese Language N3 Level - JLPT N3

Advantages of the JLPT N3 Level

These JLPT certificates will be very advantageous for those who are willing to pursue education in Japan or work for a Japanese company.

In this blog, we will focus more on how the JLPT certificates will be helpful and how they prove your interest in the Japanese language.

For those Japanese Language students who are willing to test their skills and basic Japanese knowledge, this JLPT N3 level certificate can be a perfect goal. You can easily discover your strengths and weaknesses by opting for this JLPT N3 level exam and even further pursue your Japanese language studies. An N3 certificate can prove your mastery of the Japanese language and can motivate you to move ahead to higher JLPT levels.

Different sections of the JLPT N3 Level.

The JLPT N3 level is further divided into 3 major sections as follows:

• Vocabulary: kanji, orthography, contextually defined expressions, paragraphs, and their usages.
• Grammar and Reading: Grammar form, sentence composition, short and mid-length passages.
• Listening: task-based comprehensions, verbal expressions, and quick responses.

In the JLPT N3 level, there are around 3000 vocabulary words and around 650 kanji. That is, 350 kanji and 1500 vocabulary words are added to N3 rather than N4.

On the N3 Level, nouns and verbs and daily expressions, adjectives, adverbs, and some katakana words are included in 3000 vocabulary words. The N3 level will cover the kanjis that are used in a variety of places, such as restaurants and workplaces. 

However, the N4 level included kanji that were used in daily life. Once you master the N3 level, you will be able to handle the daily personal and professional situations hassle-free.

Apart from kanjis and vocabulary words, you should also be familiar with typical grammar points like particle usage and formal and casual conjugations of verbs and adjectives. You should also be comfortable with reading and writing sections before opting for the N3 level tests.

Fluently speaking, reading, and writing the Japanese language is equally important for Japanese learners.

How long is the JLPT N3 Level Test?

Each section holds a different level of time for the tests.

• Vocabulary takes 30 minutes.
• Grammar and reading take 70 minutes.
• Listening takes 40 minutes.

In total, you are allotted 140 minutes to complete your JLPT exam.

Scoring Marks of JLPT N3 Level

The scoring is also divided only into 3 sections, as follows:

• Vocabulary, grammar, and reading range from 0 to 60.
• Reading ranges from 0 to 60.
• Listening ranges from 0 to 60.

Hence, the overall score ranges from 0 to 180.

Overall Passing Score

• Minimum Total Score: 95/180

Sectional Passing Scores

To pass N3, you must meet both the overall score and sectional minimum requirements for each of the three sections:

1. Language Knowledge (Vocabulary/Grammar): 19/60
2. Reading: 19/60
3. Listening: 19/60

Passing Marks for JLPT N3

• Total Minimum: 95 out of 180
• Sectional Minimum: 19 in each section (Vocabulary/Grammar, Reading, Listening)

You must meet both criteria (overall and sectional) to pass the N3 level.

N3 Level Exam: Preparation

Now let’s learn how to effectively prepare for the N3 level.

Before you start your preparation for the N3 level exam, you should first understand the structure of the tests. The test is divided into three sections to assess your knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and listening ability. Each section has multiple-choice questions and written pieces at a higher level.

Use preparation materials for a better score.

Make use of flashcards, last-year test papers, worksheets, and grammar books while preparing for the JLPT N3 exam. Do you use online resources to search for meanings and gain a better understanding of vocabulary words and grammar? 

Also, many online courses now offer access to virtual classrooms, which can be beneficial for learning with peers, asking questions, and getting feedback from an instructor.

Try to create strategy plans.

You can make sure you have a good strategy plan for the test by coming up with methods for each type of question. Review all kinds of questions and use practice tests to work on different skills, like how to remember kanji or vocabulary words faster, how to understand language patterns quickly and effectively, or how to quickly find information in a passage.

You could read the questions ahead of time, for instance, so that you know what the main points are when you read the text.

On the test day.

Do arrive before time and carry your own pencils, erasers, test voucher, and a watch. When you arrive, show your voucher, and the staff will direct you to a room.

How to Pass JLPT N3: 7 Essential Tips

Master Vocabulary and Kanji
Focus on learning the N3 vocabulary (around 3,750 words) and kanji (approximately 650 characters). Use apps like Anki or Quizlet for daily practice.

Practice Grammar Patterns
Study common N3 grammar structures, like ～ようにする, ～ておく, and ～らしい, using JLPT-specific textbooks like TRY! N3 or Shin Kanzen Master N3.

Improve Reading Skills
Practice reading passages on topics like news, daily life, and short stories. Focus on understanding the context and implied meanings in texts.

Sharpen Listening Skills
Listen to N3-level audio materials, podcasts, or Japanese TV shows. Try to catch keywords, speaker intentions, and nuances.

Take Mock Tests
Simulate the exam with past papers and online mock tests. Focus on time management and identify weak areas to improve.

Join a Study Group
Collaborate with others preparing for N3 to exchange resources, clarify doubts, and stay motivated.

Consistency is Key
Dedicate daily time to studying and stick to a schedule. Progress steadily across all sections (vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening).

Bonus Tip: Stay positive, review regularly, and aim for a balanced score across sections to meet both sectional and overall passing criteria!