How do I jump to the Nth next search match instead of pressing n repeatedly?

Explanation

Like most Vim motions, the n and N search repeat commands accept a count prefix. Typing 3n skips directly to the 3rd next occurrence of the current search pattern, avoiding the need to press n three times separately. This works in both directions and integrates with the jump list.

How it works

• {count} — a number typed before the command (e.g., 3, 10)
• n — repeat the last search in the forward direction
• N — repeat in the backward direction
• 3n jumps to the 3rd next match from the cursor
• 5N jumps to the 5th previous match

Example

Searching for error in a log file with /error<CR> places the cursor on the first match. Instead of pressing n ten times, type 10n to jump immediately to the 10th match from the current position.

Tips

• The count can be used with N too: 3N jumps 3 matches backward
• After jumping, the jump list is updated — use <C-o> to return
• Combine with * or # (search word under cursor) to quickly skip ahead several occurrences
• Works with gn as well: 2gn selects the 2nd next match as a text object
• If the count exceeds available matches, Vim wraps around (if wrapscan is set)