Level test · 30 questions · About 20 minutes

Japanese N3 Test

The bridge between everyday and advanced Japanese.

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Japanese N3 level test
Question 1 of 30
01 · The level

What the N3 level means

N3 is the bridge between everyday and advanced Japanese: you read texts on everyday topics with concrete content. You grasp the gist of headlines and short articles, and follow conversations at close to natural speed. Grammar includes passive and causative forms, ように and ために, and set patterns such as ことになっている.

KanjiWordsStudy hours
about 650about 3,750about 600 to 1,000

Commonly cited estimates for learners at this level.

02 · What the test covers

What this N3 test covers

  • VocabularyVocabulary for familiar topics and common paraphrases.
  • KanjiKanji compounds in everyday texts and messages, such as 連絡 and 確認.
  • GrammarPassive, causative, conditional forms, ように and ために.
  • ReadingShort articles, emails and notices of a few paragraphs.
  • ListeningConversations and short talks at close to natural speed.
03 · Sample questions

Sample N3 questions

Three practice questions in the style of the N3 test, one each for vocabulary, kanji and grammar, with answers.

Question 1 · Vocabulary · N3

This dish is (    ) to make, so even beginners can make it quickly.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Answer: 1, 単純な. 単純な means "simple", which explains why beginners can make the dish quickly.

Question 2 · Kanji · N3

Are your travel preparations done yet? Choose the reading of 準備.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Answer: 1, じゅんび. 準備 is read じゅんび and means "preparation".

Question 3 · Grammar · N3

This medicine is to be taken after meals.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Answer: 1, こと. ことになっている describes a rule or an arrangement: the medicine is to be taken after meals.

04 · Your result

How your N3 result is decided

  • ✓30 questions at the N3 level across vocabulary, kanji, grammar, reading and listening.
  • ✓21 or more correct answers out of 30 (70%): your result is "N3 reached". Below 21: your result is "N3 in progress".
  • ✓3 parallel forms for each level, so a second attempt in the same browser uses a different form.
  • ✓A certificate with your result, and a bilingual report with your result in each category, issued right after checkout.
05 · CEFR

N3 and the CEFR

N3 matches CEFR B1 (Intermediate). The N levels are International Test Limited's reference levels, aligned to the CEFR.

N levelCEFRBand
N5A1Beginner
N4A2Elementary
N3B1Intermediate
N2B2Upper intermediate
N1C1Advanced

Not sure of your level? The online Japanese test places you anywhere from N5 to N1 in about 30 minutes. See all Japanese levels compared side by side.

06 · Level tests

Other level tests

07 · FAQ

N3 test FAQ

What makes N3 different from N4?

N3 moves from basic to independent Japanese. Texts are longer and on wider topics, conversations are closer to natural speed, and grammar adds passive and causative forms and set patterns.

How long are the reading texts at N3?

Short articles, emails and notices of a few paragraphs, with questions on both the main idea and details.

Is this the JLPT N3?

Japanese Proficiency Test is an independent assessment operated by International Test Limited and is not affiliated with the JLPT. JLPT is a trademark of the Japan Foundation and JEES. This N3 Test checks Japanese at the N3 level in 30 questions and about 20 minutes, with a bilingual report issued right after checkout.

What does 18 out of 30 mean?

18 correct answers is 60%, so your result is N3 in progress. Your report shows your result in each category, so you can see which areas will take you to 21 and N3 reached.

Which CEFR level matches N3?

N3 matches CEFR B1. The N levels are International Test Limited's reference levels, aligned to the CEFR.