1. Vocabulary

• Quantity: You need to know approximately $3,500$ to $4,000$ words. This includes daily vocabulary as well as more abstract terms related to office work, news, and social topics.

2. Kanji

• Quantity: You must be able to recognize and understand around $650$ to $700$ Kanji. These are the basic Kanji commonly used in Japanese newspapers, magazines, and official documents.

3. Grammar

$N3$ grammar is deeper and more nuanced. It involves expressions that convey the speaker's feelings, assumptions, and desires:

• Complex Expressions: Learning complex patterns to express cause, purpose, conditions, and comparison (e.g., Tame ni, Hazuda, You ni, Kamoshirenai).
• Formal vs. Informal Distinction: The ability to choose the appropriate grammatical form ($Plain$ $Form$ vs. $Polite$ $Form$) depending on the social situation (e.g., speaking to a customer or boss vs. speaking to friends).
• Introduction to Honorific Language (Keigo): An introduction to very simple honorific and humble expressions ($Keigo$).

4. Communication and Comprehension

• Listening:
  • You should be able to understand longer and more complex conversations spoken at a near-normal speed.
  • You must be able to grasp not just the main point of the conversation, but also the speaker's intent and subtle opinions.
• Reading:
  • You can read materials written on various topics (e.g., news headlines, blog posts, office memos).
  • You must be able to understand the implied meaning and the author's perspective within a paragraph.

In Conclusion: $N3$ makes you a fully intermediate user of the Japanese language, enabling you to comfortably participate in social and professional life in Japan.