JLPT N3 — the leap into real Japanese.
N3 is the intermediate level and the bridge between beginner and advanced. You can understand Japanese used in everyday situations at near-natural speed and read newspapers headlines with effort.
What JLPT N3 covers
Around 650 kanji and 3,750 vocabulary words — the intermediate threshold many learners aim for.
- Around 650 kanji cumulatively — abstract concepts, compound words, and nuance.
- Around 3,750 vocabulary words spanning news, work, and social topics.
- Grammar: keigo basics, passive and causative forms, and longer connected sentences.
Who JLPT N3 is for
For learners crossing from beginner to advanced. N3 is the level many target for study or work in Japan, and the one where vocabulary volume starts to demand a real system.
How InitialJ helps you pass
Spaced repetition (SRS)
Every kanji and word has its own review schedule. Difficult items return sooner; mastered ones step aside — so the volume stays manageable.
Belt-based progress
Nine SRS stages, shown as karate belts from white to burned, give a clear sense of how solid each item really is.
Bilingual meanings
Meanings come in English and French, and reviews accept answers in either language — French speakers are first-class here.
Dictionary & grammar
Browse every kanji and word with furigana, romaji, examples, and mnemonics, plus grammar exercises tuned to each level.
Where our lists come from
Our N3 kanji and vocabulary lists are compiled from public JLPT specifications and frequency data, then reviewed manually and aligned with the in-app SRS decks. Counts are approximate ranges; the official JLPT does not publish a fixed word list.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is JLPT N3?
N3 is the well-known difficulty jump: around 650 kanji and 3,750 words. A spaced-repetition system keeps that volume manageable instead of overwhelming.
Is N3 enough to work in Japan?
N3 is often the minimum for many roles and visas, though N2 is preferred for office work. It is a meaningful, recognised milestone.
Study JLPT N3 with InitialJ
Create a free account to track your belts across devices, or browse the dictionary first — no sign-up needed.