How many words do you need for JLPT N3?
Updated: 2026-11-09
There has been no official JLPT vocabulary list since the 2010 revision — the test specifications are not published. Every “N3 = X words” figure is an estimate. In the Shikken list, N3 has 1,652 words; N5 through N3 total 2,961.
Words per level (Shikken)
| Level | Words at this level | Total from N5 |
|---|---|---|
| N5 | 677 | 677 |
| N4 | 632 | 1,309 |
| N3 | 1,652 | 2,961 |
| N2 | 1,739 | 4,700 |
| N1 | 3,043 | 7,743 |
The words themselves, with readings and meanings: JLPT N3 vocabulary list (free, with CSV download).
Why the numbers differ between lists
- There is no official list. Every list is a reconstruction, mostly from the official lists published before 2010.
- Counting rules differ. Shikken merges spelling variants of the same word (嘘 and うそ) into one card; the same kanji with a different reading is a separate card (角 かど and 角 つの).
- Level decisions differ. Shikken compares three public lists; when they disagree, the word goes to the easier level.
Where the Shikken list comes from
- Words, readings, meanings: JMdict (EDRDG, CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Levels: Jonathan Waller’s JLPT lists (tanos.co.uk) checked against other public lists
- Example sentences: mostly Tatoeba (CC BY 2.0 FR)
N3 is the fastest-growing level
N3 applicants in Japan grew from 79,448 (December 2023) to 151,874 (December 2025), +91% in two years. N3 is 34.0% of all 447,285 applicants in Japan — the largest level (JEES data).
How many words a day you need before December 6: JLPT December 2026 countdown.
FAQ
How many words do you need for JLPT N3?
There is no official number. In the Shikken list, N3 has 1,652 words and N5–N3 together have 2,961.
Is there an official JLPT vocabulary list?
No. No official list has been published since the 2010 revision.
How long does it take to learn N3 vocabulary?
If you know N5–N4: 1,652 words. At 30 words a day, about 56 days.
Also on this site: Days until the December JLPT · Pass score calculator · Word lists N5–N1 (CSV)