Essential JLPT N3 Grammar Guide: Build Intermediate Japanese Skills

Building on your N4 foundation, the JLPT N3 level introduces more complex and nuanced grammar patterns that are crucial for natural, real-world communication. This comprehensive guide covers all N3 grammar points, arranged in a logical learning sequence.

At N3, you will master conditional expressions, compound verbs, formal language, and a wide array of patterns for expressing reasons, comparisons, and hearsay. Each section builds systematically, with authentic examples to show each grammar point in context.

Interactive Features

Search for specific patterns, filter by section, and click any card to reveal detailed examples. The search and filter tools work on all screen sizes for convenient mobile learning.

How to Use This Guide Effectively

For N4 Graduates

Start from Section 1. N3 introduces many nuanced patterns that look similar but have different connotations (e.g., the many "reason" or "hearsay" patterns). Pay close attention to the example sentences and the subtle differences in meaning.

For JLPT N3 Preparation

Use the search and filter functions to target your weak areas. Focus on "sets" of grammar: conditionals (Section 4), comparison/contrast (Section 7), and formal expressions (Section 9) are common exam topics. Practice creating your own sentences for each pattern to solidify your understanding.

Study Tips

Focus on 5-7 grammar points per study session.
Group similar patterns (e.g., all hearsay, all conditionals) and write sentences comparing them.
Compound verbs (Section 13) as they are very common.
Pay attention to formality. N3 introduces more formal patterns (~において, ~に関して) used in writing.
Review N4 foundations, as N3 patterns often build on them.

Key Takeaways

Explain nuanced causality (~おかげで, ~せいで, ~からこそ)
Understand conditional regrets & hypotheticals (~ばよかった, ~たら...のに)
Distinguish hearsay & appearance patterns (~らしい, ~っぽい, ~みたい)
Learn compound verbs for completion/tendency (~切る, ~出す, ~がち)
Use formal patterns for relation/method (~に関して, ~によって, ~として)

1. Reasons, Causes, and Results

Learn to express a variety of reasons, from positive outcomes (~おかげで) to negative ones (~せいで) and logical conclusions (~わけだ).

2. Advice, Obligation, and Prohibition

Move beyond simple commands to giving strong advice (~べきだ), stating rules (~こと), and expressing obligations or lack thereof (~わけにはいかない, ~ことはない).

3. Time, Sequences, and Change

Describe actions in detail, including sudden starts (~出す), opportunities (~うちに), and simultaneous changes (~とともに).

4. Hypotheticals, Conditionals, and Regret

Hypothetical situations (~としたら), express strong regrets (~ばよかった), and make concessions (~たって).

5. Appearance, Tendencies, and Hearsay

Learn the subtle differences between describing tendencies (~がち), appearances (~っぽい, ~気味), and reporting information (~らしい, ~ということだ).

6. Intentions, Efforts, and Feelings

Express failed intentions (~つもりだった), lack of effort (~ようとしない), and uncontrollable feelings (~ずにはいられない, ~てしょうがない).

7. Contrast, Comparison, and Concession

Make sharp contrasts (~に対して), comparisons (~に比べて), and express unexpected results (~にしては, ~わりに).

8. Emphasis, Limitation, and Addition

Emphasize specific points (~こそ), express extremes (~さえ), and add information (~ばかりか, ~はもちろん).

9. Methods, Scope, and Relation

Use more formal and precise language to describe methods (~によって), targets (~に対して), perspectives (~にとって), and topics (~に関して).

10. Definitions and Topics

Define terms (~というのは) and introduce topics (~というと) in natural conversation.

11. Wishes and Desires

Express what you want others to do (~てほしい) and pray for outcomes (~ますように).

12. Actions in Progress or State

Describe states of neglect (~っぱなし), things left as-is (~まま), half-finished actions (~かけ), and past habits (~たものだ).

13. Compound Verbs and Suffixes

Combine verbs to add meaning, such as finishing completely (~上げる, ~切る) or expressing an extent (~くらい).

14. Casual, Colloquial, and Alternative Forms

Learn common contractions (~とく, ~ちゃう), colloquialisms (~っけ), and formal alternatives (~にかわって).

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