Introduction
Welcome to the JLPT N3 word guide at NihongoDoya. This collection lists ~1,800 Japanese terms from Minna no Nihongo Intermediate I & Sō-Matome (lessons 1–25), with kanji, hiragana, romaji and English meanings. The search bar above accepts Japanese, romaji or English — try typing konnichiwa, こんにちは or hello and you will land on the same card. Every entry links back to the matching grammar guide unit and audio practice scene.
What you will learn
- Intermediate nouns, verbs, and adjectives for daily conversation
- Formal and casual register vocabulary options
- Common kanji compounds (Jukugo) for abstract concepts
- Time and frequency adverbs for intermediate expression
- Essential particles and transitions for coherent writing
- Standard business vocabulary and honorific terminology
Who this level is for
JLPT N3 acts as a bridge between elementary and advanced Japanese. It is ideal for intermediate learners who can hold basic daily-life conversations but want to transition into reading newspapers, understanding news broadcasts, and expressing complex opinions. If you have finished N4 and want to expand your vocabulary and understand nuanced grammar patterns, this is the perfect level for you.
A useful weekly cycle for word study
- Scan a new unit and read every entry aloud once.
- Star the items you missed and copy them into a short example sentence.
- Listen on the matching audio practice page so each new term gets a real-world voice.
- Cross-link with the matching grammar guide unit to lock the term into a sentence pattern.
- Review for five minutes daily and run a longer pass once a week.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Learning synonyms without their specific contexts (e.g. 変更 vs 修正).
- Neglecting transitive and intransitive verb pairs in vocabulary items.
- Ignoring compound words (Jukugo) readings where custom onyomi combinations exist.
- Failing to practice intermediate kanji writing alongside meaning.
Related study materials
Build a joined-up study cycle by combining this page with the matching JLPT N3 grammar guide, the JLPT N3 Japanese word list and the JLPT N3 audio practice page.
Frequently asked questions
How many words are on the N3 word list?
Our N3 word list is curated to cover the intermediate vocabulary syllabus. It includes essential verbs, nouns, and adjectives that frequently appear in reading sections.
What is the best way to master N3 vocabulary?
Combine interactive lists with intermediate reading practice. Learning compounds (Jukugo) and their associated kanji in context is highly effective, as is using spaced repetition.
Is it necessary to study N3 vocabulary alongside grammar?
Yes, grammar gives structure, but vocabulary provides the substance. Grouping them together allows you to read sentences with confidence and understand the nuance of intermediate grammar patterns.
How do I search the N3 vocabulary database?
Use the search bar at the top of the vocabulary page. You can type in English, kana, kanji, or romaji (e.g., typing "yotei" or "予定" will find the entry for schedule/plan).