JLPT N3 overview: test sections and preparation

The idea

N3 has vocabulary (30 minutes), grammar and reading (70), and listening (about 40). To pass, take every section and reach 95/180 overall and at least 19/60 in each of language knowledge, reading and listening. Times can change; check the official site. 降りそう describes an apparent likelihood of rain, not a report heard from someone. 間に合うように expresses the aim of arriving in time. 読んでおいてください asks someone to do the reading in advance as preparation.

Examples

• 雨あめが降ふりそうなので、予定よていを変かえました。It looked like rain, so I changed my plans.
• 仕事しごとが終おわってから、友達ともだちに連絡れんらくします。I’ll contact my friend after work ends.
• 会議かいぎに間まに合あうように、早はやめに出でます。I’ll leave early so I can make it to the meeting on time.
• 初はじめは難むずかしかったですが、練習れんしゅうするうちに慣なれました。It was difficult at first, but I got used to it as I practised.
• 駅えきまで歩あるけますが、荷物にもつが多おおいのでバスにします。I can walk to the station, but I’ll take the bus because I have a lot of luggage.
• 明日あしたまでに資料しりょうを読よんでおいてください。Please read the materials by tomorrow in preparation.

Watch out

The test does not directly assess speaking or writing. The JLPT no longer publishes an official vocabulary or kanji list, so lesson labels are estimates rather than promises of test content.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct answer: 雨あめが降ふり＿＿なので、予定よていを変かえました。（そう／ながら／まで）

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   そう

   降りそう describes an apparent likelihood of rain, not a report heard from someone.

2. Choose the correct answer: 会議かいぎに間まに合あう＿＿、早はやめに出でます。（ように／ためを／よりも）

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   ように

   間に合うように expresses the aim of arriving in time.

3. Choose the correct answer: 明日あしたまでに資料しりょうを読よんで＿＿ください。（おいて／あって）

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   おいて

   読んでおいてください asks someone to do the reading in advance as preparation.

Use it today

Choose each answer, then explain which word or form led you to it.