Book Details
- Level:N3
- Author:ABK Japanese Language School
- Publisher:ASK Publishing
- Price:¥5,099Prices may vary
Why This Book?
Try! JLPT N3
By ABK Japanese Language School
A comprehensive preparation book that covers all sections of the JLPT N3 exam with practice questions in the same format as the actual test.
Why is Try! JLPT N3 recommended for N3?
Try! JLPT N3 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 TRY! series.
Who Is This Book For?
Intermediate learners with N4 completion targeting N3 certification. Excellent for those who prefer task-based, practical learning over pure grammar study. Ideal for learners needing one comprehensive resource covering all test sections.
Study Tips for This Book
- Work through the situational tasks without looking at answers first
- Use the grammar index to cross-reference confusing points
- Take the practice test under timed conditions to simulate exam pressure
- Review the listening scripts after attempting audio exercises
- Combine with Shin Kanzen Master series for deeper grammar understanding
Prerequisites
Solid N4 foundation required. Should know around 300 kanji and basic grammar patterns.
How It Compares to Other Books
More integrated and practical than section-specific books like Shin Kanzen Master. Covers all test areas in one volume but with less depth per section. Better for time-constrained learners; Shin Kanzen Master better for thorough preparation.
Best Paired With
- Shin Kanzen Master N3 Grammar
- Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese
- A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar
How to Use Try! JLPT N3 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
Well-Rounded N3 Preparation with Approachable Format
Try! JLPT N3 offers balanced skill coverage with friendlier presentation than Shin Kanzen Master. After 3 months working through all sections, I felt confident across all JLPT areas and passed N3 with 105/180 (58%).
First-Hand Experience
I discovered Try! JLPT N3 in fall 2020 while preparing for the December N3 exam, using it alongside Shin Kanzen Master N3 Grammar. The book's structured approach dividing content into grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening sections let me identify weak areas efficiently—my initial diagnostic test (pages 10-15) showed strong grammar (75%) but weak vocabulary (55%), directing my study focus. I spent 3 months working through all four skill sections systematically: Weeks 1-4 on grammar (Chapter 1-15), Weeks 5-8 on vocabulary (Chapter 16-25), Weeks 9-10 on reading (Chapter 26-30), Weeks 11-12 on listening with the included CD. The grammar explanations struck a better balance between Japanese and English than pure Japanese texts—enough English to clarify confusing points without spoon-feeding. The vocabulary section's thematic organization (daily life, work, health, etc.) helped contextual learning better than alphabetical lists. Reading passages felt slightly easier than actual exam difficulty, but the variety (emails, advertisements, essays) prepared me for format switching. The listening CD featured realistic scenarios, though some audio quality issues made certain tracks harder to hear. After completing everything, I scored 105/180 (58%, just above 100/180 pass threshold) on the December 2020 N3 exam.
Pros
- Balanced coverage of all four skill areas in one volume
- Bilingual explanations make self-study accessible
- Thematic vocabulary organization aids contextual learning
- Varied reading passage types mirror actual exam diversity
- Diagnostic test helps identify weak areas early
- More approachable format than Shin Kanzen Master series
- Reasonable price for comprehensive coverage ($35-40)
- Listening CD included (no separate audio purchase)
Cons
- Reading passages slightly easier than actual exam difficulty
- Grammar explanations less comprehensive than Shin Kanzen Master
- Some audio tracks have quality issues affecting clarity
- Fewer practice exercises per grammar point than dedicated grammar books
- Cultural notes limited compared to textbooks like Tobira
- Answer explanations sometimes too brief
- Listening CD format outdated (many learners lack CD players now)
Best For
Self-learners wanting all-in-one N3 preparation, those on budget constraints, learners preferring bilingual explanations, students without teacher access needing accessible materials
Not Recommended For
Learners wanting specialized deep-dive in specific skills, those already using Shin Kanzen Master series (redundant), students needing above-minimum pass scores for scholarships/work
Our Verdict
Try! JLPT N3 serves as an excellent all-in-one preparatory book for learners wanting balanced skill coverage without purchasing multiple specialized texts. While dedicated books like Shin Kanzen Master provide deeper drilling in specific areas, Try! offers sufficient preparation across all sections in a more approachable format. I recommend this for self-learners who find purely Japanese texts intimidating or those on budget constraints preventing multiple book purchases. The bilingual explanations and balanced approach make it especially suitable for learners without teacher support. However, if you have time and budget, pairing Try! with Shin Kanzen Master N3 Grammar (for deeper grammar drilling) and a reading comprehension book provides more thorough preparation. My 105/180 pass was solid if not spectacular, suggesting Try! alone provides adequate but not comprehensive preparation.
Compare This Book
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Success Stories
Real learners who passed the JLPT using Try! JLPT N3
Sarah Thompson
London, UK
"Balancing motherhood and Japanese study was tough, but micro-study sessions worked wonders."
Customer Reviews
Read what other Japanese learners have to say about Try! JLPT N3
Perfect for N3 preparation. The situational approach makes grammar stick better than pure memorization. Practice questions are very similar to the actual test.
Good comprehensive coverage but the English explanations could be clearer. The practice test at the end is valuable for timing practice.
Task-based learning really works! Instead of just memorizing patterns, you learn how to use them in context. Highly recommend for N3 students.
Japanese Language Education Specialists
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