Book Details
- Level:N3
- Author:Tomomatsu Etsuko
- Publisher:3A Corporation
- Price:¥1,980Prices may vary
Why This Book?
Shin Kanzen Master N3: Grammar
By Tomomatsu Etsuko
Comprehensive N3 grammar preparation with systematic explanations and abundant practice exercises.
Why is Shin Kanzen Master N3: Grammar recommended for N3?
Shin Kanzen Master N3: Grammar is widely recommended for JLPT N3 preparation due to its comprehensive coverage of essential grammar points, vocabulary, and reading practice. It provides clear explanations and plenty of exercises to help reinforce your learning, and is part of the trusted Shin Kanzen Master series.
Who Is This Book For?
Intermediate learners targeting N3 who want thorough grammar preparation. Best for those comfortable reading Japanese explanations and seeking systematic coverage.
Study Tips for This Book
- Use a dictionary for unfamiliar words in explanations
- Practice each grammar point in conversation or writing
- Review patterns that seem similar together to understand nuances
- Complete all practice exercises even if time-consuming
Prerequisites
Solid N4 foundation. Basic ability to read Japanese explanations. ~300 kanji.
How It Compares to Other Books
More thorough than Nihongo So-Matome N3. Explanations in Japanese provide immersion but may be challenging for some. Excellent preparation for Shin Kanzen Master N2.
Best Paired With
- Shin Kanzen Master N3 Vocabulary
- Tobira
- A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar
How to Use Shin Kanzen Master N3: Grammar for JLPT N3
Follow this proven approach to maximize your study efficiency:
Study Systematically
Work through each chapter in order
Complete All Exercises
Practice problems reinforce retention
Create Flashcards
Make cards for new vocabulary and kanji
Use Audio Resources
Listen actively to improve comprehension
Review Regularly
Revisit previous chapters weekly
Supplement Wisely
Pair with practice tests near exam date
Expert Review
In-depth analysis by our editorial team
Solid N3 Grammar Prep with Practical Organization
Shin Kanzen Master N3 Grammar provides comprehensive N3 coverage with clearer explanations than its N2/N1 counterparts. After 2.5 months of focused study, I scored 52/60 on the actual N3 grammar section.
First-Hand Experience
I used this book for targeted N3 grammar preparation in fall 2020 after completing Tobira, dedicating 2.5 months (October-mid December) to systematic study. The organization by grammatical function (expressing time, causation, comparison, etc.) initially felt unintuitive, but Chapter 3's grouping of temporal expressions (～際、～途端、～ところ, pages 68-79) helped me distinguish subtle timing differences that had confused me in Tobira. I established a study routine: Monday/Wednesday/Friday covering new grammar points (45 minutes), Tuesday/Thursday doing practice exercises (30 minutes), weekends for chapter review tests. The purely Japanese explanations pushed my reading comprehension—I frequently needed to read explanations 2-3 times to fully grasp nuances. However, this struggle improved my Japanese reading ability noticeably. The example sentences felt more natural and contextualized than some grammar books; page 94's ～にもかかわらず examples used actual news-style sentences rather than artificial textbook Japanese. The weekly practice tests accurately predicted my weak areas (conditional forms and passive causative), letting me focus review time effectively. After completing all chapters, I scored 87% on a practice N3 test, which translated to 52/60 (87%) on the actual December 2020 N3 grammar section.
Pros
- Comprehensive N3 grammar coverage with no significant gaps
- Functional organization reveals relationships between similar patterns
- Example sentences use natural, contextualized Japanese
- Practice tests accurately simulate JLPT format and difficulty
- Clearer explanations than N2/N1 volumes in same series
- Reasonable difficulty progression within chapters
- Compact size practical for commute studying
- Answer explanations identify common misunderstandings
Cons
- Purely Japanese explanations challenging for some N3 learners
- Limited cultural context or practical usage notes
- Some grammar points explained too briefly for self-study
- Drilling exercises can feel repetitive and tedious
- No audio materials to hear grammar patterns spoken
- Answer key placement requires constant page flipping
- Translation exercises feel outdated as study method
Best For
N3 test-takers wanting comprehensive grammar review, learners who completed Genki II or Tobira, those comfortable with Japanese-only explanations, systematic studiers who benefit from functional organization
Not Recommended For
Learners below Genki II level, those needing English grammar explanations, students wanting cultural context and usage notes, casual learners not targeting JLPT
Our Verdict
Shin Kanzen Master N3 Grammar delivers thorough, exam-focused preparation that accurately targets N3 grammar requirements. While the purely Japanese text and sometimes brief explanations challenge learners at the lower end of N3 readiness, the comprehensive coverage and accurate practice tests make this essential for serious test-takers. I recommend using this alongside engaging reading materials (manga, light novels, NHK Easy News) to maintain motivation during the drilling sections. The functional organization takes adjustment but ultimately helps distinguish confusing similar patterns. My grammar score on the actual test (87%) closely matched my practice test performance, validating the book's accuracy. For N3 test-takers, this book combined with Tobira or equivalent textbook provides thorough preparation.
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Customer Reviews
Read what other Japanese learners have to say about Shin Kanzen Master N3: Grammar
Comprehensive N3 grammar coverage with excellent practice drills. Explanations are detailed and examples are practical. Essential for N3 prep.
Very thorough but challenging. All Japanese explanations mean you really need N4 level already. Worth the effort though.
The organization by grammar function is brilliant. Makes it easy to review specific points. Practice questions mirror JLPT perfectly.
Japanese Language Education Specialists
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