I took the JLPT N4 in Japan in December 2022, and passed. It was pretty easy, I think I am between N4 and N3 level, but I would like to take the JLPT again in July 2023. However, I was wondering how much of a jump there is between N3 and N2? I definitely want to take the N3 in July, I think I have a good chance of passing because it’s about six months from now and I’ll be resuming my Japanese classes soon. Is it unreasonable to aim for N2 in this time frame instead of N3?
3 comments
(Insert generic comment on study habits… etc) At higher levels it seems vocab is your biggest issue and that means more Kanji. If you are N4 – probably won’t make it. N3, a solid high N3 – then you could probably make it. Take the N3 test and then take an N2 test. Or even do youtube videos that have test questions – find out where you are. You will want a sizable vocab well over 5k words.
It’s a big jump and N2 will surely kick your ass.
Take some timed practice tests to see. The format changes from N5-3 when you jump to 2-1 as well.
If you have decent aptitude and devote the next 6 months to studying for N2, then maybe you could get it done. By “devote” I mean it is the main thing you are doing everyday.
If you have a job, an involved hobby, demanding relationships, then maybe make do with N3, which 6 months of steady (rather than relentless) study should be enough.