15 Best Textbooks for JLPT N2

2025/02/23

As you progress to the upper-intermediate level of Japanese language proficiency, having the right study materials becomes increasingly important. The JLPT N2 is a significant milestone, demonstrating advanced competency in grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, and listening comprehension.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best textbooks to help you prepare for the JLPT N2 exam.

Textbooks for Japanese Vocabulary

Mastering a wide range of vocabulary is crucial for success in the JLPT N2. Here are some excellent textbooks that focus on N2-level vocabulary:

1. 2500 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N2

2500 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N2

This comprehensive book covers 2,500 essential vocabulary words that frequently appear in the JLPT N2 exam. The words are organized into 12 thematic chapters, making it easier to learn and remember them in context. The book also includes example sentences, as well as English and Vietnamese translations.

2. New Kanzen Master JLPT N2: Vocabulary

New Kanzen Master JLPT N2: Vocabulary

Part of the well-known New Kanzen Master series, this vocabulary book is designed specifically for the JLPT N2. It covers approximately 2,200 words that are essential for the exam. The book provides clear explanations and plenty of practice exercises to reinforce your learning.

3. JLPT Preparation Book Speed Master: Quick Mastery of N2 Vocabulary

JLPT Preparation Book Speed Master: Quick Mastery of N2 Vocabulary

The Speed Master series is known for its efficient approach to JLPT preparation. This vocabulary book focuses on helping you quickly master the 2,500 intermediate-level words needed for the N2 exam. The book includes various exercises and quizzes to test your understanding.

Textbooks for Japanese Grammar

A solid understanding of advanced grammar points is essential for achieving a high score on the JLPT N2. These textbooks provide comprehensive explanations and practice exercises for N2-level grammar:

1. New Kanzen Master JLPT N2: Grammar

New Kanzen Master JLPT N2: Grammar

This grammar book from the New Kanzen Master series offers a thorough coverage of the grammar points tested in the JLPT N2. It includes detailed explanations, example sentences, and ample practice exercises to help you master the material. The book is entirely in Japanese, providing an immersive learning experience.

2. A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar

A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar

While not specifically designed for the JLPT, this comprehensive grammar dictionary is an invaluable resource for upper-intermediate and advanced learners. It provides in-depth explanations and examples for a wide range of complex grammar structures that you may encounter in the JLPT N2.

3. Shin Nihongo 500 Mon: JLPT N2 Grammar

Shin Nihongo 500 Mon: JLPT N2 Grammar

This book is part of a series that focuses on mastering Japanese grammar through 500 essential questions. The JLPT N2 version covers the key grammar points tested in the exam, providing concise explanations and practice exercises. The book is designed to be completed in a structured manner, with a set number of questions per day.

Textbooks for Kanji

The JLPT N2 requires knowledge of approximately 1,000 kanji characters. These textbooks will help you master the kanji needed for the exam:

1. Kanji in Context

Kanji in Context

This comprehensive kanji textbook is designed for intermediate and advanced learners. While not specifically targeted at the JLPT N2, it covers a significant portion of the kanji required for the exam. The book presents kanji in context, with numerous example sentences and vocabulary words to help you understand their usage.

2. Nihongo So-matome JLPT N2: Kanji

Nihongo So-matome JLPT N2: Kanji

Part of the popular Nihongo So-matome series, this kanji book is specifically designed for the JLPT N2. It covers the essential kanji characters and vocabulary words needed for the exam, providing clear explanations and practice exercises. The book is organized into a 8-week study schedule, making it easy to follow a structured learning plan.

3. Remember This! Kanji Dictionary for Foreigners Learning Japanese 2500

Remember This! Kanji Dictionary for Foreigners Learning Japanese 2500

This unique kanji dictionary is designed to help learners memorize kanji effectively. It covers 2,500 characters, including those tested in the JLPT N2. The book uses a mnemonic approach, associating each kanji with a memorable image or story to aid in retention. It also provides example sentences and common vocabulary words for each character.

Textbooks for Reading Comprehension

Improving your reading skills is crucial for tackling the challenging texts in the JLPT N2 reading section. These textbooks offer practice materials and strategies to help you enhance your reading comprehension:

1. New Kanzen Master JLPT N2: Reading Comprehension

New Kanzen Master JLPT N2: Reading Comprehension

This book from the New Kanzen Master series focuses on developing your reading skills for the JLPT N2. It includes a variety of reading passages, covering topics such as news articles, essays, and literary excerpts. The book provides detailed explanations and practice questions to help you improve your understanding of complex texts.

2. Nihongo So-matome JLPT N2: Reading Comprehension

Nihongo So-matome JLPT N2: Reading Comprehension

The Nihongo So-matome reading comprehension book is designed to be completed in 8 weeks, with a structured study plan. It includes various reading passages and practice questions that are similar to those found in the actual JLPT N2 exam. The book also provides helpful strategies for tackling different types of reading questions.

3. Japanese Graded Readers (Level 3)

Japanese Graded Readers (Level 3)

While not specifically designed for the JLPT, Japanese graded readers are an excellent resource for improving your reading skills. The Level 3 readers are suitable for upper-intermediate learners and can help you build your reading fluency and comprehension. These books often come with audio CDs, allowing you to practice your listening skills as well.

Textbooks for Listening Comprehension

Developing your listening skills is essential for success in the JLPT N2. These textbooks provide audio materials and practice exercises to help you improve your listening comprehension:

1. New Kanzen Master JLPT N2: Listening

New Kanzen Master JLPT N2: Listening

This book from the New Kanzen Master series focuses on honing your listening skills for the JLPT N2. It includes a variety of listening passages, such as conversations, news reports, and lectures. The book comes with CDs containing the audio materials and provides practice questions and detailed explanations to help you improve your understanding of spoken Japanese.

2. Mimi Kara Oboeru: Mastering “Grammar” through Auditory Learning – New JLPT N2

Mimi Kara Oboeru: Mastering “Grammar” through Auditory Learning – New JLPT N2

This unique book combines grammar learning with listening practice. It includes audio CDs that cover the essential grammar points for the JLPT N2. By listening to the explanations and example sentences, you can reinforce your understanding of grammar while improving your listening skills at the same time.

3. Everyday Listening Plus 40: Listening Tasks for Intermediate-Advanced Level

Everyday Listening Plus 40: Listening Tasks for Intermediate-Advanced Level

This book offers a collection of 40 listening tasks designed for upper-intermediate and advanced learners. While not specifically targeted at the JLPT, the listening passages cover a wide range of topics and styles that are relevant to the exam. The book includes transcripts and practice questions to help you improve your listening comprehension skills.

Prepare for JLPT N2 with Nihongo Online School

While high-quality textbooks are essential for JLPT N2 preparation, combining them with personalized instruction and guidance can take your learning to the next level. Nihongo Online School offers a comprehensive approach to help you succeed in the JLPT N2 and beyond.

Our JLPT N2 Prep Course is designed for motivated learners who want to achieve their goals efficiently. The course combines live online lessons with experienced instructors and structured self-study materials. You’ll receive personalized feedback, regular progress assessments, and strategies to overcome your weaknesses.

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