JLPT 日本語能力試験

JLPT N3: requirements, vocabulary and CEFR level

Understand everyday written material and coherent everyday conversations at near-natural speed.

The short answer

JLPT N3 is the bridge level: everyday Japanese in real situations at near-natural speed. This page shows the kanji and vocabulary targets, test sections, pass marks, estimated study hours and the approximate CEFR equivalent.

3750Words

650Kanji

140Minutes

CEFR (approx.)

A2–B1

How official is that?

official reference ranges, score-dependent (see JLPT CEFR reference)

Pass mark

95/180

Sections

Vocabulary 30 min; grammar and reading 70 min; listening 40 min. Pass: 95/180 with at least 19/60 in each section

Notes

Vocab/kanji counts are community estimates; JLPT has published no official lists since 2010

Kungfucius says: The bridge level: officially A2 or B1 depending on your score, emotionally somewhere in between.

How it compares

JLPT N3 ≈ CEFR B1official reference, score-dependentJLPT reference: N3 104+ = B1, but a pass of 95–103 = A2. Add an N3 to CEFR A2 row.

JLPT N3 ≈ CEFR A2official reference, score-dependentJLPT reference: a pass at the lower end of the JLPT N3 score range is reported as A2.

Keep reading

/tests/jlpt/n4//tests/jlpt/n2//tests/jlpt/study-plan//tests/jlpt-to-cefr/