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15 Best Textbooks for JLPT N3
2025/02/23
Director: Kotaro Muramoto
Principal of Nihongo Online School
In September 2019, he founded "Nihongo Online School". Since then, has been teaching Japanese online lessons, with a total of over 1,000 students.
He has designed an individualized curriculum based on student’s needs and study goal. And is conscious of making the classes speech-centered in order to improve students’ speaking skills.
The school asks students to submit homework assignments worth 2 hours per lesson to improve faster. By supporting students with these features, students are able to efficiently improve Japanese language skills.
Preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3 can be a challenging task, but with the right study materials, you can increase your chances of success. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best textbooks for JLPT N3 that cover essential areas such as vocabulary, grammar, kanji, and reading comprehension.
Contents
Textbooks for Japanese Vocabulary
Building a strong vocabulary is crucial for passing the JLPT N3. Here are some excellent textbooks that focus on N3-level vocabulary:
1. 2000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N3
2000 Essential Vocabulary for the JLPT N3
This book covers 2000 essential vocabulary words that frequently appear in the JLPT N3 exam. The words are organized into 12 comprehensive chapters that cover various topics relevant to daily life.
The book also includes example sentences, English and Vietnamese translations, and a checkbox system to track your progress.
2. Nihongo So-matome N3 Vocabulary
Nihongo So-matome N3 Vocabulary
The Nihongo So-matome series is a popular choice among JLPT candidates. This vocabulary book is designed to be completed in 6 weeks, with each chapter containing 7 lessons.
It covers 1,200 high-frequency words for the N3 level and includes cute illustrations to help with context understanding.
3. New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Vocabulary
New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Vocabulary
This book is part of the comprehensive New Kanzen Master series. It covers all the essential vocabulary that often appears in the JLPT N3 exam. The book includes detailed explanations and plenty of practice exercises to reinforce your learning.
Textbooks for Japanese Grammar
Mastering grammar points is essential for succeeding in the JLPT N3. These textbooks provide comprehensive explanations and practice exercises for N3-level grammar:
1. Nihongo So-matome N3 Grammar
This grammar book from the Nihongo So-matome series covers all the essential grammar points for the JLPT N3. The material is categorized by specific themes, and with regular practice of 2 pages per day, you can complete your N3 grammar preparation in just 6 weeks.
2. New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Grammar
New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Grammar
The New Kanzen Master grammar book offers a wide range of skill practice for all JLPT N3 grammar points. It focuses on teaching you how to use the grammar correctly in various contexts. The book includes detailed explanations and ample practice exercises.
3. A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar
A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar
While not specifically designed for the JLPT, this comprehensive grammar dictionary is an invaluable resource for N3-level learners. It provides in-depth explanations and examples for around 200 essential intermediate-level grammar points.
Textbooks for Kanji
Kanji knowledge is a significant component of the JLPT N3. These textbooks will help you master the required kanji characters:
1. Kanji Master N3
The Kanji Master N3 book is part of an extensive series that covers the kanji required for each JLPT level. This book features 18 units with diverse topics that frequently appear in the N3 exam. It also includes English, Chinese, and Vietnamese translations, as well as ample practice drills and review tests.
2. Nihongo So-matome N3 Kanji
This kanji book from the Nihongo So-matome series consists of 6 chapters, each containing 7 lessons. It covers a total of 336 kanji characters and 850 vocabulary words. The structured approach and regular practice make it an effective resource for N3 kanji preparation.
3. New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Kanji
New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Kanji
The New Kanzen Master kanji book includes over 420 kanji characters spread across 25 chapters. It provides comprehensive explanations and practice exercises to help you master the kanji required for the N3 level.
Textbooks for Reading Comprehension
Improving your reading skills is essential for tackling the JLPT N3 reading section. These textbooks offer practice materials and strategies to help you enhance your reading comprehension:
1. New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Reading
New Kanzen Master JLPT N3: Reading
This book from the New Kanzen Master series covers a wide range of practice questions for JLPT N3 reading proficiency. It includes passages from various subject areas that have a high likelihood of appearing in the actual exam. The book offers detailed explanations and ample practice to improve your reading skills.
2. Nihongo So-matome N3 Reading Comprehension
Nihongo So-matome N3 Reading Comprehension
The Nihongo So-matome reading comprehension book comprises 6 chapters, each containing 7 lessons. It covers various topics related to daily life and includes questions that are crucial for the JLPT N3 exam. The structured approach helps you gradually build your reading comprehension skills.
3. Nihongo Dokkai: Speaking and Writing through Reading Comprehension (Intermediate)
Nihongo Dokkai: Speaking and Writing through Reading Comprehension
This textbook focuses on improving your reading skills while also developing your speaking and writing abilities. It includes 12 interesting stories that cover a range of topics. Although challenging, this book is an excellent resource for enhancing your overall Japanese language proficiency.
Textbooks for Comprehensive JLPT N3 Preparation
If you prefer a comprehensive approach to JLPT N3 preparation, consider these all-in-one textbooks:
1. Nihongo So-matome N3 (Complete Set)
Nihongo So-matome N3 (Complete Set)
The Nihongo So-matome series offers a complete set of books for JLPT N3 preparation. The set includes 5 books covering grammar, kanji, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and listening comprehension.
Each book is designed to be completed in 6 weeks, making it an efficient and structured approach to N3 preparation.
2. New Kanzen Master JLPT N3 (Complete Set)
Nihongo So-matome N3 (Complete Set)
The New Kanzen Master series is another popular choice for comprehensive JLPT preparation. The N3 set includes 5 books focusing on kanji, listening, grammar, vocabulary, and reading.
Each book provides detailed explanations, ample practice exercises, and mock tests to help you prepare thoroughly for the exam.
3. Try! Japanese Language Proficiency Test N3
Try! Japanese Language Proficiency Test N3
This all-in-one textbook is an excellent choice for those on a budget who want to cover all the essential aspects of the JLPT N3 in a single book. It features 11 chapters that cover a wide range of everyday topics that may appear in the exam. The book also includes an audio CD for listening practice.
Prepare for JLPT N3 with Nihongo Online School
Preparing for the JLPT N3 requires dedication and the right study materials.
By using the textbooks introduced in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the various aspects of the exam, including vocabulary, grammar, kanji, reading, and listening.
Remember to choose the resources that best suit your learning style and needs, and complement your textbook studies with regular practice and exposure to authentic Japanese materials. Good luck with your JLPT N3 preparation!