36466776 JLPT Grammar Index

8/8/2019 36466776 JLPT Grammar Index

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JLPT GRAMMAR GUIDE

A

AGEKUAGEKU NOGrade 2Meaning: After much __ing Used only for negative results, such as After much

worrying, I decided to quit my job.Notes: Same as sue nibut can only be used for actions which have negative

results. Sue ni , on the other hand, can be used for both positive andnegative things. Agekuand ageku noare the same meaning, but differgrammatically. agekuis a conjunction, used to join two clause, whereasagekunoalways comes before a noun.

Example:

o (After consulting with my parents, I quit school.

o ()

This is a decision that I reached after talking with my parents.CF: sue ni

AREBA(see to areba)

ATARANAI

(See ni ataranai)

ATTE NOGrade 1Meaning: Its only possible because of; If not for A, B would not be possible.Notes: Comes between two nouns.Example:

(Society is only possible because oflaws.

B

BAKARI NI () Grade 2Meaning: Because. Always indicates a negative outcome.Example:

o ( I dont have any money becauseI bought a new car.

o (I failed the test becauseI didnt study.

~BA KOSO Grade 1Meaning: If only.Notes: Always used with a conditional form verb.


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Example:

(If only I had money, I could go on a trip.

CF: Koso

BEKARAZU, BEKARAZARU

~

Grade 1Meaning: Shouldnt; Dont.Notes: Written only. Old fashioned word that was often used on public notices

prohibiting actions. Bekarazualways comes at the end of a sentence.Bekarazarucomes before a noun. Although the meanings are completelydifferent, they may throw in questions where both beku and gatera wouldbe appropriate, but only one would be grammatically correct. Bekucomesafter a masuform verb, or a gerund. E.g. Hakamairi o suru beku, furusatoni kaetta.

Example:

o (Do notthrow your garbage here.

o (

That matter is something I can never forgive.

BEKU Grade 1Meaning: For the purpose of; To ____, In order toNotes: Bekuis the same as ~ngatame but they differ grammatically. Beku

comes after the dictionary form of a verb, whereas ~ngatame follows the~tai form of a verb. Written.

Example:

o (I studied hard in order tobecome an engineer.

D

DAKE, DAKE NO Grade 2Meaning: As much as; As fast as; To the extent of.Notes: Has no negative form. Dake nois always used before a noun.Example:

o (Have as much asyou want.

o I did asmuch asI could.

DAKE ATTE ()Meaning: As might be expected.Notes: Often used after sasuga.Example:

o ( )As might be expected from a child whose parents are professional athletes, hes anall-around athlete.


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DANIGrade 1Meaning: Even; Just. Used for emphasizing the unlikelihood of something happening.

Notes: Often used after () or ().Example:

o ()

I never evenimagined it.o

()Justhearing about it is dreadful.

DARAKE () Grade 2Meaning: Covered in; Full of. Used for things that can be sensed or seen, always has a

negative nuance.Notes: Darakeis easily confused with mamire. They are similar, but mamire

means totallycovered and cant be used for intangible things. You can sayboth chidarakeand chimamire(covered in blood), hokoridarakeand

hokorimamireor dorodarakeand doromamire(covered in mud). You cansay machigaidarake(full of mistakes), shiwadarake(covered in wrinkles)and kizudarake(covered with cuts) but not machigaimamire,shiwamamireand kizumamire. Both mamireand darakehave negativemeanings, while zukumehas a positive meaning.

Example:

o ()Covered inmud.

o ()Full ofmistakes.

CF:~gimi, ~gachi, ~ppoi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~rashii, kirai ga aru

DE ARE (1)Grade 1Meaning: No matter what; Even if; No matter howNotes: Same meaning as Tatoe~temo. Written. Formal.Example:

o ()Eventhe company president has to obey the rules.

o (Voting is something that you have to do, even ifyou live abroad.

CF: Tatoe~demo

DE ARE (2) Grade ?Meaning: It doesnt matter which; It doesnt matter whether.Notes: Unlike ~u ga/~nai ga, de are can be used in both positive and negative

sentences. Always follows a noun or a naadjective. In the case of an Iadjective, the form changes to kare. Usually written. After verbs, use nishiro.

Example:

o (It doesnt matter whether its a weekend or a weekday, this shop is always crowded.

CF: De are (1), ~u ga, ~nai ga, ~kare, ni shiro

DE AROU TOGrade 1


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Meaning: No matter what; Even if; No matter howNotes: Same as de are. Formal. Written.Example:

o (

This movie can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter whatkind of person they are.

CF: De are, Tatoe~demo

DE NAKUTE NAN DAROU Grade 1Meaning:If thats not _________, then I dont know what is.Notes: Always follows a noun. Written only.

Example:

If this isnt the worlds best cake, then I dont know what is.CF:

DE SAE

(See sae)

DE SHIKANAIGrade 2Meaning: Nothing butNotes: De shikanaiis easily confused with de shikanai, as they are both translated

in English as nothing but. However, shikanaimeans nothing else, as inHe eats nothing but vegetables, whereas de shikanai means merely, asin Nothing but a child.

Example:

o (

This is nothing butan ordinary stamp.CF:shikanai

DE SURA

(See sura)

DE WA OKANAI

(See ~nai de ha okanai)

DE WA ARU/DE WA ARIMASU GA Grade 2Meaning: But, Although.Notes: De wa aruis only used in written Japanese. De wa arimasu gais used in

formal speech.Example:

o (Its February, but today is very warm.

o ()Its February, buttoday is very warm.

DOKORO DE WA NAI/DOKORO DE WA NAKU Grade 2Meaning: Theres no way, Its out of the question, There is no time toNotes: Dokoro dewa naigoes at the end of a sentence. Dokoro dewa nakugoes in

the middle.Example:


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o (I have no money, sotheres no way I can go shopping.

o ()

Taking a vacation is out of the questionbecause Im busy everyday.

G

GA

(~u ga ~maiga)

~GACHI Grade 2

Meaning: Tend to; Likely toNotes: Differs from gimiin that gachidescribes a general tendency, whereas

gimidescribes a visible indication of a tendency. For example, kazegimimeans a slight cold whereas kaze o hikigachimeans a tendency to catch

cold.Example:

o A tendencyto be late

o Likely tobe out of the house

CF: ~gimi, ~ppoi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, ~rashii, kirai ga aru

GA HAYAI KAGrade 1Meaning: As soon as.Notes: Basically the same as ya inaya and nari but ga hayai ka indicates that

the speaker was waiting for something to happen.Example:

o As soon asthe company president entered the meeting room, the meeting started.

CF: Ya inaya, nari.

GA SAIGO () Grade 1Meaning: Once someone starts something, the person cant stop it.Notes: Easily confused with ~kiri, but the meanings are completely different and

ga saigodoesnt mean for the last time. Always used with past tense verbs.Example:

o It was so delicious that once I started eating, I couldnt stop.

CF: kiri

GATAME

(see n gatame)

GATERA Grade 1Meaning: While;partly.Notes: Easily confused with tsuide niand katagata. Differs from tsuide niin that in

gatera, both actions are of equal importance, while in tsuide ni, one action


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is the main one, and the other action is done on the way or while doingthe more important action.Although the meanings are completely different, they may throw inquestions where both beku and gatera would be appropriate, but only one

would be grammatically correct. Bekucomes after a masuform verb, or agerund. E.g. Hakamairi o suru beku, furusato ni kaetta.Katagata?

Example:

o I went to Tokyo, partly for business and partly for sight-seeing.

CF: Tsuide ni, katagata, katawara.

~GIMI ~Grade 2Meaning:Tend to, A touch of _____, A little _____.Example:

o ()slightlytired;

o (slightlytired

CF: ~gachi, ~ppoi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, ~rashii, kirai ga aru

GOTOKU, GOTOKIGrade 1Meaning: As; Similarly.Notes: Written, formal. Use gotokuafter nouns. Gotoku and gotoki are exactly

the same meaning, but differ grammatically. Use gotoki before a noun andgotoku at the end of a phrase. Gotokuis always followed by a comma.

Example:

o (AsI said before, I am opposed to that plan.

o (Asis written in the above program, the meeting will take place tomorrow.

GOTOKU, GOTOKI (2) Grade 1

Meaning: Like, As as Notes: Written. Formal. Use gotokuafter nouns. Gotoku and gotoki are exactly

the same meaning, but differ grammatically. Use gotoki before a noun and

gotoku at the end of a phrase. Gotokuis always followed by a comma.Example:

o He is ascold asice.

o Ten years passed as if it wasone day.

o (

There are some things that even a person as rich as him cant buy.


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H

HIKIKAE

(See ni hikikae)

I

IE DOMO

(See to ie domo)

IKAN

(See Ikanda)

IKANDA, IKAN DE, IKAN NI YOTTE Grade 1

Meaning: Depending on; On the basis of. Sometimes untranslatable. Sentences like

are easy to translate. In the aforementioned example, Your level will be decided on

the basis ofyour test results. means depending on or based on. In a sentence like,

, however, the meaning is less clear. If we translate it as It depends on the

results of the placement test, but I dont know what will happen, it means bothdepending on and because of.

Notes: Written. Formal. Ikandegoes in the middle of a sentence. Ikandagoes at the endof the sentence. Ikan ni yotteis exactly the same as ikandeand the two can by usedinterchangeably.

Example:

Your level will be decided on the basis of your ability test.



IKAN NI YORAZU, IKAN NI KAKAWARAZU Grade1Meaning: Whether or not; Unrelated to; It doesnt depend on; Regardless of.Notes: Formal. Written. Ikan ni yorazuand ikan ni kakawarazuare exactly the same.

Example:

We will hire anyone, regardless of what universitythey graduated from.

We will hire anyone, regardless of what university they graduatedfrom.CF:

ITARU

(See ni itaru)

ITARI

(See ni itaru)


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ITATTA

(See ni itataru)

ITATTE

(See ni itaru)

K

KA

(See ~u ka ~mai ka)

KAGIRI/KAGIRI NO/Grade 2

Meaning: As long as; Within the limits of; As far as.Notes:

Example: Ill

never forgive him as long as I live.CF: Kagiri da.

KAGIRI DAGrade 1Meaning:Nothing but; The height of; Completely. This expression literally means that thespeaker is at the limit of whatever emotion he or she is talking about. Eg. Ureshii kagiri.(The height of happiness.)Notes: Exactly the same meaning as no kiwamibut the grammar is different. No kiwamialways follows a noun, whereas kagiri da follows adjective.Easily confused with kagiri. However, they are different both grammatically and inmeaning. Kagiri dais used to express the speakers strong emotion or feeling aboutsomething, whereas kagirisimply expresses something that is limited. An easy way to

distinguish between them is to remember that kagiricomes in the middle of a sentence,whereas kagiri dacomes at the end.

Example:Im nothing butembarrassed.

Imreally, really happy because of the baby being born.CF: No kiwami, kagiri.

KAGIRI NI Grade 1Meaning:Notes:Kagiri niis easily confused with okagiri ni. They are similar in meaning, but kagiriniexpresses that something is only happening now. O kagiri nimeans that something is

ending. To better understand the difference, compare these two sentences: Kyou o kagirini, 30% offu. (Today is the last day that we will offer a 30% discount.) Kyou kagiri ni 30%offu. (Today only! 30% off!).Example:

CF: O kagiri ni.

KAGIRU

(see ni kagiru)

KAKAWARU

(see ni kakawaru)

~KAKERU, ~KAKENO, ~KAKE DAGrade 2Meaning: Not finished; In the middle of


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Notes: Kakeru is for verbs, ~kakeno is a modifier for nouns (eg. tabekake no ringo, a half-eaten apple) ~Kake da is for ??

Example: I fell asleep with the book half read.

In the middle ofsaying something.

A half-eatenapple

KAKETE

(see ni kakete waor kara ni kakete

KANARAZU SHI MO ~ TO WA KAGIRANAI Grade 1Meaning:It doesnt necessarily mean that.

Example:

Just because someone is Japanese,it doesnt necessarily mean thathe or she likes sushi.

KANAWANAI Grade 1Meaning:No match for; Cant compare with; There is no way (it can be done). Notes: Negative form ofkanau.

Example:Prices are so high Icant afford anything.

~KANENAI () Grade 2Meaning:There is a chance that; _____ is not impossible. Only used for negative results orthings you dont want to happen.Notes: Formed by using the masuform of a verb, removing the masu, and addingkanenai.

Example:If you dont study hard, theres a chance you will fail.

KANSHITE

(see ni kanshite)

KARA ARU~Grade 1Meaning: At least.Used for measurement of height, weight, length, etc.Notes:

Example: That building is atleast500m tall.

KARA ~ NI KAKETE~Grade 2

Meaning:From about (time/place) until about (time/place). Only used for indefinite areasor time periods.Notes: Similar to ni watatte, ni wataru, and o tsuujite, but is easy to distinguishbecause there will always be two times or places in the sentence.

Example:

Rain is expectedfromKyushu toShikoku.

CF: ni watatte, ni wataru, o tsuujite

KARA NI WA, KARA WAGrade 2


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Meaning: Because; Since.Notes: Use kara wa after na adjectives and nouns.

Example:

I have to do it becauseI promised.

KARASHITEGrade 2Meaning:Starting with; Especially. Used to indicate the main or most important reason orexample. Similar to o hajime, but karashiteis usually only used for negative things.Notes: Always follows a noun.

Example:

I really dislike him, especially because of his foul mouth.

KARA WA

(see Kara ni wa)

~KARE () Grade 1Meaning: It doesnt matter which; It doesnt matter whether.Notes: Exactly the came meaning as de are(2) but differs grammatically. De areis used

with nouns and naadjectives, whereas ~kareis used with iadjectives. Usually written.

Example: Illhave to do it sooner or later.CF:de are(2)

KATAGATA Grade 1Meaning:While. Used to express that one action has two objectives.Notes: Katagatais very similar to katawara, but katagatais usually used moreformally, especially for business situations. In addition, katawara is used for things thatlast a long time, or situations, such as being a student, visiting a friend in the hospital,

etc., whereas katagatais for actions that can be accomplished relatively quickly, suchas taking a stroll, or eating a meal.

Example:

While visiting someone at the hospital, I visited my friend.

I went ot see the president of the company for the dual purpose of paying myrespects and giving my report on my business trip.

CF: Katawara

KAWAKIRI(see o kawakiri)

KATAWARA~Grade 1Meaning:While. Used to express that two unrelated actions are being performed at thesame time.Notes: Katawarais very similar to katagata, but katagatais usually used moreformally, especially in business situations. In addition, katawarais used for things thatlast a long time, or situations, such as being a student, visiting a friend in the hospital,etc., whereas katagatais for actions that can be accomplished relatively quickly, suchas taking a stroll, or eating a meal.Katawarais also similar to nagara, but katawarausually lasts longer.

Example:

(Whilestudying at school, I also work part-time.)CF:Nagara, katagata.


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KINJIENAI

(See okinjienai)

KIRAI GA ARU Grade 1Meaning: Has a (natural) tendency toNotes: Usually has a negative meaning.

Example: a tendencyto exaggerateCF:~gimi, ~gachi, ~ppoi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, ~rashii

KIWAMARU, KIWAMARINAI, KIWAMATTE, KIWAMATTA

Grade 1Meaning:Extremely; The height of; Knows no bounds. Always has a negative meaning.Notes: Formal. Kiwamaruand kiwamarinaiare exactly the same meaning and can beused interchangeably. Kiwamatteis also the same meaning, but is used as a conjunction

and is often used with the word (, feeling).

Example:The height ofrudeness.

The filmwas so movingthat I cried.

The film was so movingthat it made her seem very sad.

It was a mostuncomfortableconversation.KIWAMI

(See no kiwami)

KIWAMI DA Grade 1Meaning: Extremely; The height of; Completely.Notes: Exactly the same meaning as kagiri da, but the grammar is different. No kiwamialways follows a noun, whereas kagiri da follows an adjective.

Example:This is the height ofembarrassment.CF: No kiwami

~KKONAI Grade 1Meaning:Definitely won't ...Notes: Very casual. Spoken only. Differs from wa shinaiin that it is never used formally.

Example: If you don'tstudy, you definitely won't pass.CF: wa shinai

KOSO Grade 2Meaning: Used to add emphasis. Something like the English practice of writing a word initalics to emphasize it. E.g. He always leaves his office at exactlyfive oclock.Notes:The difference between kosoand to wais that kosoalways follows a noun,

whereas to wafollows a plain form verb. Also, to waonly emphasizes surprise, whereaskosois more general.

Example: I definitely

want to take a trip thisyear.CF: To wa


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Example:

Becauseits North Korea, you never know what theyregoing to say.CF: Koto kara

KOTO DEGrade 2

Meaning:Because. Same as koto karabut more often used in negative sentences.Notes:

Example:

The fight started because of something he said.CF: koto kara, koto dakara

KOTO KA Grade 2Meaning:How ___!; What a ___!Used for exclamations.Notes: Usually follows adjectives. Sometimes follows past tense verbs.

Example:How many times did Iwarn him?!

How happy I was!What a disappointment it

was.

KOTO KARA Grade 2

Meaning: Because. Used for origins and causes but notordinary sentences like

Im tired because I didnt sleep.Notes: Dont confuse koto karawith koto dakara. Koto karais for facts, whereas koto dakarais used for speculation and conjecture.

Example:

Because they wanted a bright, cheerful child, they named her

Yoko (literally Sun Child).CF: kara, tokorokara

KOTO NASHI Grade 1Meaning: Without.Notes: Koto nashiand nashimean exactly the same thing. Koto nashiis used to turn averb into a noun whereas nashiis used after regular nouns.

Example: I cant enjoy a party withoutdrinking.

KOTO NASHI NI

See nashi ni

KOTO NI Grade 2Meaning: Used to express the speakers strong emotion about some fact.Notes:

Example:

Unfortunately, that restaurant that I really like went out ofbusiness.CF: koto da(3)

KOTO NI NATTE IRU () Grade 2Meaning: Untranslatable. Used to express that something is a rule.

Notes:Example:

Smoking is not allowed here.


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KOTO TOTEGrade 1Meaning:Because. Often used for excuses and explanations.Notes: Always followed by bad news. Old-fashioned. Written. Formal.

Example:

Becauseit was the first time (I had tried it), I failed.

This area is rural,so we dont have anything interesting. (Set phrase often used at traditional inns in thecountry.)

KOTO WA NAI () Grade 2Meaning:Dont have to.Notes: Comes after a dictionary form verb.

Example:You dont have tobe afraid.

KUSE NIGrade 2Meaning: Even though; But; Although; In spite of; And yet(always has a negative nuance)Notes: Usually used to complain, or show contempt/scorn

Example:

Even thoughyoure capable of doing it, you dont (even) try.

M

MADE MO

(See nai made mo)

MADE MO NAI, MADE MO NAKUGrade 1Meaning: Theres no need to; It goes without saying thatNotes: Made mo naku is used as an adverb and comes in the middle of a sentence.Made mo nai always comes at the end of a sentence. Both forms always follow adictionary form verb.

Example: I understand.Theres no need to say it.

It goes without sayingthat she is the most intelligent student.

~MAI Grade 2Meaning: It is not likely; __ is not expected to; Probably notNotes: Written. Formal.

Example: Nobody understands.

MAJIKI Grade 1Meaning: Not allowed; Should not be done.Notes: Written. Formal. Similar to bekarazubut bekarazualways comes at the end of asentence.

Example: Using violence against a citizen of the community

is something that a police officer should never do.CF: bekarazu


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MAMIRE Grade 1Meaning: Covered in ____; ____stainedNotes: Usually used for things that can be sensed or seen, always has a negative nuance.Darake is easily confused with Mamire. They are similar, but mamire means totallycovered and cant be used for intangible things. You can say both chidarake andchimamire (covered in blood), hokoridarake and hokorimamire or dorodarake anddoromamire (covered in mud). You can say machigaidarake (full of mistakes), andshiwadarake (covered in wrinkles) but not machigaimamire, shiwamamire andkizumamire. Both mamire and darake have negative meanings, while zukume has a

positive meaning.

Example:

bloodstainedCF: ~gimi, ~gachi, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, ~rashii, ~ppoi, kirai ga aru

MASHITE

(see ni mo mashite)

MEGUTTE

(see o megutte)

MEITA

(see meku)

MEITE

(see meku)

MEKU, MEITA, MEITE () Grade 1Meaning: ~like(e.g. springlike).Notes: Always follows a noun.

Example: When itbecomes springlike, people feel happy.

There were a lot ofspringlike days this month.

The weather has gradually becomemore sprinlike.CF:

MO~BAMO/MONARAMO Grade ?Meaning: On top of that; in addition

Notes:Mo~bamois used with verbs and i keiyoushi. Monaramois used withnouns and na keiyoushi.

Example:

On top of being very hot, the Kyushu summer is hot aswell.

On top ofnot liking sweet things, I also dislike meat.CF:

MONO:

(See:mono da, mono ka, mono ga aru, mono o, mono de wa nai, mono demo nai, mono no,

mono tomosezu, mono nara, mono dakara)One trick for mastering mono is remembering which expressions come in the middle ofa sentence, and which are only used at the end. The following come in the middle: mono


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no, mono tomo sezu, mono nara, monodakara. These monoexpressions always come atthe end: mono da, mono ka, mono ga aru, mono o, mono de wa nai, mono demo nai.

MONO DA (1) ~ Grade 2Meaning: Used to express that something is a rule, or something that everyone knows.Notes: Always used at the end of sentences.

Example:

Youre a studentso youre supposed to study!CF:mono dewa nai, mono da (2)

MONO DA (2) Grade 2Meaning: No English equivalent. Attached to sentences in which the speaker isexpressing that something is a vivid memory for him or her.Notes: Only used for good memories.

Example:

When I was a child, I often used to play in this park.CF: mono da(1)

MONO DAKARA, MONO DE, MONOGrade 2Meaning:Because. Usually used when making an excuseNotes: Mono de is used in the middle of sentences. Monodakaracomes at the end of asentence.

Example:

BecauseI didnt have time, I havent finished preparing.

MONO DEMO NAI () Grade 1

Meaning: Not impossible; Not always; Not entirely.Notes: Used only at the end of a sentence.

Example: If you askfor my help, its not impossible.

MONO DEWA NAI Grade 2Meaning: Used to express that something is a rule, or is something that everyone knows.

This is the negative form of mono da.Notes: Always used at the end of sentences.

Example:(

) Students are not supposed tostay out late at night!CF: mono da, mono demo nai

MONO GA ARU Grade 2Meaning:I feel that. Always expresses the speakers feeling about something.Notes: Always used in the present tense and never attached to verbs.

Example:Thispicture has something in it that really moves me.

MONO KAGrade 2Meaning: Used to emphasize that you will never do something again.Notes: Always comes at the end of a sentence. Mono ka sentences usually include the

words nante or nanka.

Example: Imnevercoming back to this shop again.


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MONO NARA Grade 2Meaning:If only. Used for something that is impossible.Notes: Used in the middle of a sentence.

Example: If onlyIcould become a bird, I would like to fly.

MONO O IUMeaning: What counts; The most important thingExample: Experience is what counts.

MONO NOGrade 2Meaning:Although; Even though. Mono no is used for unexpected things or exceptions tothings that usually happen. It is similar to ni mo kakawarazubut the speaker is statinga fact, rather than expressing an opinion. Mono no is different from kuse ni because

when you use mono no, you are not criticizing or complaining about something.

Example:Even thoughits fall, the temperature is 30 degrees.CF:

kuse ni, ni mo kakawarazu

MO SARU KOTO NAGARAGrade 1Meaning: A cant be ignored, but B is also important.Notes: Formal.

Example:

(Althoughthe unemployment problem cant beignored, the environment problem is also very important.

MONO TOMO SEZU

(See o mono tomo sezu)

MUKE NI /MUKE NO/MUKE DA//Grade 2Meaning: For.Notes: Muke ni comes after a verb. Muke no is always followed by a noun. Muke da isused at the very end of a sentence (or clause).

Example: A bookforchildren.

N

NAGARA (1), NAGARA NI, NAGARA NOGrade 1Meaning: Since; born with. Used to express a situation or condition that is unchanged.Notes: Nagara and nagara ni are adverbs. Nagara no is used with

nouns.Example:

o He was born with poor eyesight.

o A handicap that has been with him since birth.

o (

The Prince has had the right of succession since birth.CF: nagara mo


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NAGARA (2) Grade 2Meaning: Although.Example:Although hes a child,hes very intelligent.

Unfortunately, we lost.

CF: Nagara(1), nagara mo

NAGARA MO Grade 1Meaning: Although. Same as nagara(2) but more formal.Notes: Both nagara moand to omikiyamean even though in English, but omoikiyarefersto a situation which came out differently from the way the speaker expected. It contains

the kanji (think) to it is easy to remember that it means different than I thoughtitwould. This difference also goes for to wa ie, to ie domoand other words which meaneven though.Watch out for trick questions involving nagara moand to ie domo. In nagara mo, thesubjects of the sentence must be the same. Therefore, both San sai nagara mo hon gajouzu ni yomeru(Even though hes only three, he can read well) and San sai to ie domo

hon ga jouzu ni yomeru(same meaning). However, we can say Kugatsu to wa ie yuki gafutta(Even though its September, snow fell), but not Kugatsu nagara mo yuki ga futta.

Example: Althoughhes a new employee, he works extremely hard.CF: Nagara

~NAI DE WA IRARENAI Grade 2Meaning:Cant help __ing. Differs from other cant help __ing expressions in that ~nai dewa irarenai indicates the speakers emotional or sympathetic reaction to some condition

or situation. Therefore, you can say, (I couldnt helpgiving a hand to my little sister because she was in so much trouble), but not

(I couldnt help crying).Notes: Same meaning as ~zu ni wa irarenai, but less formal.

Example:

I stink so I really musttake a shower.CF:~te tamaranai, ~zu ni wa irarenai.

~NAI DE WA OKANAI, ~ZU NI WA OKANAIGrade 1Meaning:Definitely have to; This cant go un__ed. Very similar to ~nai de ha sumanaiand~zu ni ha sumanai, but has a stronger, more positive nuance. An easy way to remember

the difference is that sumanai is used by the person who is in the wrong or has theobligation, whereas okanai is used by the person in the right or who deserves or is owedsomething.Notes: Written Only. ~Nai de wa okanaiand ~zu ni wa okanaimean exactly the samething, but ~zu ni wa okanaiis more formal.

Example: This cant go unpunished.CF:~nai de wa sumanai, ~zu ni ha sumanai.

~NAI DE WA SUMANAI, ~ZU NI WA SUMANAI Grade1Meaning: Definitely have to do.Very similar to ~nai de ha okanaibut ~nai de ha okanai

has a stronger, more positive nuance. Also, ~nai de wa okanaiis used in sentenceswritten in the active voice, whereas ~nai de wa sumanaiis used in the passive voice.Notes: ~nai de wa sumanaiand ~zu ni wa sumanaimean exactly the same thing, but ~zuni wa sumanaiis more formal.


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Example:

Hes the one whos at fault, so I definitely have to must notapologize.

~NAI KAGIRI Grade 2Meaning:As long as; Until; If ___ doesnt happen.

Notes: Usually followed by something negative. The negative part is sometimes omitted,but it is always understood.

Example:

As long as it doesnt rain, the picnic will be held.CF:

~NAI KOTO MO NAI/~NAI KOTO WA NAI/Grade 2Meaning:Its not impossibe; I cant say it wont happen.Notes: Always follows a conditional like if.

Example:

If you go by bullet train, its not impossiblethat youll make it on time.

~NAI KOTO NI WA () Grade 2

Meaning:Have to; If you dont A, you cant B.Notes:

Example:

No matter how boring it is, if you

dont learn the basics, youll never progress.CF:~Nai koto wa nai

~NAI KOTO WA NAI(See ~nai koto mo nai)

~NAI MADE MO Grade 1Meaning: Although its not __, its still __. Even if it doesnt happen; even if its notcompletely. Expresses the idea that although something is not 100%, it has someredeeming qualities, is still useful, or was not a complete failure. For example, Althoughhes not good enough to be a professional, hes by far the best on our team. Notes:

Example:

Althoughshe doesnt look like a model, shes very beautiful.

NANDEMONAI Grade 2Meaning: Easy; trifling.Notes: An idiomatic usage of Nan demo nai, which means nothing.

Example: An easyproblem

NAN TO IUGrade 2Meaning: Used for adding emphasis, as in Whatbeautiful sceneryNotes: Not a question.

Example: Whatbeautiful scenery!

NAN TO ITTE MO Grade ??Meaning:Above all (?); After all; when all is said and done; by far the most.Notes: Used to express that something is the most important or the best.


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Example:

When it comes to learning Japanese,remembering kanjiis by far the most difficult thing.CF:

NAN TO KA () Grade 2

Meaning: Manage to do, do with difficulty, barely, somehow.Example:

I was really tired but I somehowmanaged to do it through to theend.CF:

~NARA DEWA Grade 1Meaning:~nara dewais used to indicate that there is no other way to do something, orthat only one person or thing can do somethingNotes: Comes after a noun

Example:

This painting is so beautiful that no one buthim could have done it.

~NARI (1)Grade 1

Meaning: As soon as something happened, something else unexpected happenedNotes: Similar to totan, but there are two differences. The first is that after narithere

will always be something unexpected. For example, you could say

As soon as he got

home from school, he did his homework. This is a normal thing so we use totan. If

something unexpected happened, however, we would use nari. For example,

As soon as he got home, hewent out again. The second difference is grammatical. Totancomes after a past tense

verb, while naricomes after a dictionary form verb.Example: As soon ashe got home, he went out again.CF:Totan, ~ka to omou to, ~ka ~nai ka no uchi ni

~NARI (2) () Grade ?Meaning: Or. Used for advice, suggestions or requests.Notes: Tokaand nariare the same meaning and can often be used interchangeably, buttokais a little stronger and is used more often. Also, toka is used for giving regularexamples, but nariis used for examples in which the there is a nuance that these are

just two of many possibilities. Often used twice. Cannot be used more than twice in one

sentence.Example:

Watch TV, take a shower make yourself at

home.CF: toka, yara

~NARI NI, ~NARI NOGrade 1Meaning: Within the limits of my ability; For a ; Do the best one can.Notes: Although the expression Watashi nari ni is very common, it should not usuallyused when speaking to ones elders/superiors.

Example: For a beginner, he

did very well.

There were a lot of words I didnt


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know, but I did the best I couldwith my homework.

NASHI NI, KOTO NASHI NI () Grade 1Meaning: Without. Often used to describe actions which are inappropriate or are contraryto common sense or accepted practice.Notes: Written. Formal. Easily confused with nuki de, which is translated into English as

without, but actually means, to set aside something which is usually there. Tounderstand the difference, compare these two examples:Arukohuru nuki no paati. (A party without alcohol)Kotowari nashi ni watashi no mono o tsukata. (He used my things without askingpermission).Koto nashi niis used when you want to use a verb as a noun.

Example:Noproblem.

He returned home withoutpermission.

He returned home withoutgetting permission.CF:Nuki de, koto nashi.

~N BAKARI NI, ~N BAKARI NO, ~N BAKARI DA

Grade 1Meaning: About to __; on the verge of __ing; Seems to be saying Notes: Never used talk about oneself. ~N bakari niis used for nouns. ~N bakari daalwayscomes at the end of a sentence.

Example:

Although hes in the wrong, he seems to be sayingthat I should apologize.

.Shes on the verge oftears.

That area is (on the verge of) over=flowing with resources.

Her lips were trembling and she seemed to be on the verge of tears.

~N GATAME/~N GATAME NO ~/Grade 2Meaning:To have a goal.Notes: ~ngatameis the same as bekubut they differ grammatically. Bekucomes afterthe dictionary form of a verb, whereas ~ngatamefollows the ~taiform of a verb. Formal.Written.

Example: Immaking a big effort so thatI can pass the test.CF:

NI ATARANAI, NI WA ATARANAI, Grade 1Meaning: Nothing to ____ about; Not worthy of ___.Notes: Often followed by the words involving surprise, compliments, emotions, or praise.

Example: () Its not worthy of praise.

NI HIKIKAEGrade 1Meaning: In contrast with

Example:

In contrast tomy old computer, his is very fast.

NI ITARU, NI ITATTA, NI ITATTE, NI ITATTE WA (, ,Grade 1Meaning: Only after; Things became so bad that


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Notes: Written. Formal. The difference between ni itatteand ni itatte wais that the wainni itatte wais emphasizing the following phrase. For example Kare ni itatte wa, bi-ru onijyuppon mo nomu sou da. (He can hold his liquor so well that he can drink 20 beers.)

Example:

Only after a long period of discussion was a consensus reached.

Only

aftermy temperature reached forty degrees did I go to the hospital.The number of deadreached 100.

NI ITARU MADE Grade 1Meaning: From A to B. Starting with A and ending with B.Notes: Easily confused with ni itatte. Ni itaru mademeans from A to B whereas ni itatteexplains the process and the final result. If you see kara in the sentence, you probablyneed to use ni itaru made.

To better understand the difference, compare these two sentences: Hiragana kara kanjini itaru made benkyou shita. (I studied everything from hiragana to kanji.) and Sensouni itatte, heiwa no taisetsusa ni ki ga tsuita. (Only after the war happened did weunderstand the importance of peace.)Example:CF: Ni itatte.

NI ITATTA

(See ni itaru)

NI ITATTE

(See ni itaru

NI ITATTE MO () Grade 1Meaning:No matter how bad/serious Awas, B still happened/was done.Notes: Always used for actions which occurred in the past; cannot be used for thepresent or future. In addition, it is never used for minor things like No matter how sickhe was, he was never absent.

Example:

Even though his company seemed like itwas about to go bankrupt, he never became pessimistic.CF:Ni itatte.

NI ITATTE WA

(See ni itaru)

NI KAGIRAZU Grade 2Meaning:Not only; Not just.Notes: Always comes after a noun.

Example: Thismovie can be enjoyed by anyone, not just children.CF:

NI KAGIRI () Grade 2

Meaning:Only.Notes: Always comes in the middle of a sentence.

Example:. () Today only. 30% Off!


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CF:

NI KAGIRU~Grade 2Meaning:The best; There is nothing better.Notes: Used for opinions, not objective things. Easily confused with ni kagitte. An easy

way to remember the difference is that ni kagirualways comes at the end of a sentencewhereas ni kagitteis a conjunction and therefore comes in the middle of a sentence.

Example:If you want to eat okonomiyaki, theres noplace likeOsaka.CF: Ni kagitte.

NI KAGITTE (1) () Grade 2Meaning: Used to express that something always happens. Always used negatively (butdoesnt have to include a negative word like not or never.)Notes: Easily confused with ni kagirubecause they sound alike, but the meaning isdifferent. Ni kagiru means that something is the best whereas ni kagittemeans thatsomething always happens.In addition, it is similar in meaning to koto dakara. The difference is that ni kagitteis

always negative, whereas koto dakaracan be used in both positive and negativesentences.

Example:

You can neverfind a policeman when you need one.

It alwaysrains on myday off.CF:Ni kagiru, ni kagitte (2).

NI KAGITTE (2)Grade 2

Meaning:Knowing ___, he would never; Knowing ___, it wouldnt. Used to indicate thatbecause of something the speaker knows about the person or object in question, a

previous negative statement could not be true.Notes: Easily confused with koto dakara. The difference is that ni kagitteis used to denysome negative statement or idea about a person or thing, saying that it cant be truebecause it is something we know they would never do or that would never happen tothem. Koto dakara, on the other hand, indicateds that because of something that weknow about the person or companys character, another thing must be true. Ni kagitteisalways used to deny some negative thing, whereas koto dakaracan be used for eitherpositive or negative things. Another difference is that koto dakaracan never be used forobjects. To understand the difference, compare these sentences: Uchi no ko ni kagitte, usoo tsuku hazu ga nai. (Because hes my son, I know he cant be lying.) Uchi no koto dakara,kono omocha wa ki ni iru darou. (Because hes my son, I think hell like this toy.

Example: This car is a Toyota so I dont think it wouldhave that sort of defect.CF: Ni kagitte (1), koto dakara.

NI KAKAWARAZU

(See ikan ni yorazu)

NI KAKAWARU ~Grade 1Meaning: Be concerned in; Have to do with; Take part in.Notes: Ni kakawaruimplies that the things being described have a significantrelationship, or that one thing has a strong influence on another.

Example: ??CF:

NI KAKETE


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(See kara ni kakete)

NI KAKETE WA Grade 2Meaning: When it comes toNotes: Always follows a noun.

Example:

(

) When it comes torunning, theres no one who can beat me.

NI KANSHITE~Grade 2Meaning: About.Notes: Ni tsuiteand ni kanshitemean exactly the same thing, but ni kanshiteis moreformal.

Example:

He knows a lot aboutJapanCF: ni taishite, ni tsuite, o megutte, ni kakawaru

NI KOSHITA KOTO WA NAI GA

Grade 1Meaning: Of course, __ is good, butNotes: Always follows a dictionary form verb.

Example:

Of course beauty is good, but character ismore important.

NI KOTAERU/NI KOTAETE (~) Grade 2Meaning: In answer to; In response to.

Example:

In response to the wants of its citizens,the city build a new sports center. I lived up to my parentsexpectations.

NI MO KAKAWARAZUGrade 2Meaning:Although.Notes:Ni mo kakawarazuis very similar to mono noand is also used in situations wheresomething surprising or unexpected happens. The difference is that when one uses ni mokakawarazu, you are expressing your opinion about the surprising things, whereas whenone uses mono no, one is just stating a fact.

Example:

He graduated even thoughhe has a handicap.CF: Mono no, kuse ni

NI MO MASHITEGrade 1Meaning:Ni mo mashiteexpresses the idea that one thing is better/more important thananother.Notes: Usually follows maeor izen

Example:

Im more worried about his illness than I amabout my own problem.

Shes morebeautiful than before.


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NI SOUI NAIGradeMeaning: Surely; Certainly; Definitely; Must be.Notes: Written. Formal.

Example: He is definitelythecriminal.

NI SHIRO () Grade ?Meaning: It doesnt matter which; It doesnt matter whether.Notes:De arealways follows a noun or a naadjective. In the case of an Iadjective, theform changes to kare. Usually written. After verbs, use ni shiro.

Example:

It doesnt matter whether its Japan or China,going to Asian countries is interesting.CF:de are(1), kare

NI SHITATTE () Grade 1Meaning:

Even if, even. Sentences using ni shitattewill always have some negative thingwhich contradicts, affects or negates the first part.Notes: Similar to ~ta tokoro debutdiffers both grammatically and in usage. ~Ta tokoro deis used with past tense verbs, while ni shitatteis used with plain form verbs. Also, ~tatokoro deis much stronger and more negative. To see the difference, compare these twosentences. Donnani ganbatta tokoro de muri darou. (No matter how much you try, itsimpossible). Donnani ganbaru nishitatte kantan dewanai. (No matter how much you try,it wont be easy).

Example:

There are questions that evena teacher cannot answer.

NI SHITEGrade 1Meaning:Even; Only. Used to express the idea that something is only possible because acertain age/level/degree has been reached.Notes: Always follows a noun.

Example:

I onlybegan to enjoy gardening when I turned fifty.

CF:Ni shite wa

NI SHITE WA~Grade 2Meaning: For. Shows that something is relative. Ni shite wa is only used when somethingis different from what would normally be expected.Notes: Not usually used when speaking about oneself.

Example:Forsomeone whos 80 years old, he looks very young.CF:Ni shite.

NI SOKU SHITE () Grade 1Meaning: In accordance with; In line with; Conforming to.Notes: Same as ni sotte, but more formal. Written. Formal.

Example:We do the training in accordance with the manual.

The thiefwas dealt with in accordance with the law.)

CF:Ni sotte.


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NI TAERU, NI TAENAIGrade 1Meaning:Can bear; Can stand; Cant bear; Cant stand.

Notes: There are often JLPT questions where both i taenaiand to ittaranaiwould be

logical (although they have different meanings), but you may have to choose betweenthem based on grammar. To ittaranai follows only I adjectives and nouns, whereas nitaenai is used for dictionary form verbs and nouns. Also to ittaranaiis casual and ni

taenaiis formal. Therefore, in the case of nouns, formal words like kansha(gratitude) areused with ni taenai, but less formal nouns like arigatasawould be used with to ittaranai.Eg. Kansha ni taenai. (I cant help feeling grateful). Arigatasa to ittaranai. (I cant expressmy thanks in words.) Shiai ni makete, kuyashii to ittaranai. (I cant express in words howmuch I regret losing that match.) Jiko gemba miru ni taenakatta. (I couldnt help lookingat the site of the accident.)

Example:

I couldnt bear to watch the violent scene in that movie.

CF: to ittaranai

NI TAENAI

(see ni taeru)

NI TAISHITE () Grade 2Meaning: To; Ttoward; For; Against.Notes: Be careful not to confuse ni taishitewith ni tsuite, which means about.

Example: a teacher who is nice to her students.

rebel againstones parents.CF: Ni tsuite, ni kanshite

NI TSUITE Grade 2Meaning: About; Regarding.Notes: Ni tsuiteand ni kanshitemean exactly the same thing, but ni kanshiteis only usedin writing. Also, ni tsuiteand ni taishitesound similar but the meaning is very different.Ni tsuitemeans about whereas ni taishitemeans towards, to, or for.

Example:

He knows a lot aboutJapanCF: Ni taishite, ni kanshite, o megutte, ni kakawaru

NI TSUKE (1)Grade 2

Meaning:Whenever.

Example:WheneverI see him, Im reminded of my brother.CF:ni tsuke(2)

NI TSUKE (2) Grade 1

Meaning:Whether.Notes: Always used for sentences contrasting good situations and bad situations. Thesentence always ends with an action. Therefore, a sentence like, Umaku iku ni tsuke,ikanai ni tsuke, kare wa itsumo ureshii desu (Whether things go well or badly, hesalways happy) is wrong.

Example:

Whether things go well or badly, he always complains.CF:ni tsuke(1)

NI WA OKANAI


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(See nai de wa okanai)

NI WATATTE, NI WATARUGrade 2Meaning: Throughout. Shows length of time or duration.

Notes: Very similar to o tsuujite(2) and o tooshite, but only used for things that havefinished. O tsuujite(2) and o tooshiteare used for ongoing things. Always follows a noun.

Example: I studied forthe test for two months.

NI YORAZU


NI YORU

(See ni yotte)

NI YORU TO, NI YOREBA Grade 2Meaning:According to.Notes: Always follows a noun.

Example:According tothe weather forecast, its going to rain tomorrow.

NI YOTTE (1), NI YORUGrade 2Meaning: By; At (his request); In accordance with; Under (the regulations); Because of.Notes: Always follows a noun.

Example:

Bytalking about it, we were able to solve the problem.

NI YOTTE (2) Grade 2Meaning:By.Notes: Only used in passive sentences.

Example:

This book was written by Natsume Soseki.

CF:Ni yotte (1)

NO ITARI Grade 1Meaning: The best; the greatest.Notes: Formal. No kiwamiand no itarimean exactly the same thing and are also exactly

the same grammatically. The only difference is that no itarisounds more humble. Forexample, you might say, (

) Making this kind of mistake leaves me completely red-faced.

Compare this with

Having a child is the happiest thing that can ever happen to you.

Example:

Receiving the Nobel Prize is the highest honour I could askfor. (Notice the humble language.)

NO KIWAMI Grade 1Meaning:The best; The greatest.No kiwamiis also used for praising other people and

talking about how happy you feel.Notes: Formal. No kiwamiand no itarimean exactly the same thing and are also exactlythe same grammatically. The only difference is that no itarisounds more humble. For


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example, you might say, (

) Making this kind of mistake leaves me completely red-faced.

Compare this with

Having a child is

Example:

As a scientist, the Nobel Prize is the highest

honour that I could attain.CF:

NOMINARAZUGrade 2Meaning: Not only; Not just.Notes: Same meaning as tadanominarazu, but tadanominarazuis not necessarilyformal and only used in writing (nominarazucan be used in formal speech). Nominarazuand tada nominarazuare exactly the same meaning. Written. Formal.

Example:

We cant just think about the price. We have to think aboutquality to.

NUKU () Grade 1Meaning: Make an effort to finishNotes: Nukialso means without or to take off.

Example: Imade an effortto finish, but in the end, I couldnt finish.CF:Nuki de.

NUKI DEGrade 1Meaning: Without. Although it is translated in English as without in order to avoidconfusing it with nashi ni (see the Notes), remember it as To put aside or not use

something that is usually there.Notes: Easily confused with nashi ni, which means without. To understand thedifference, compare these two examples:Arukohuru nuki no paati. (A party without alcohol)Kotowari nashi ni watashi no mono o tsukata. (He used my things without askingpermission).

Example:

I like my hamburgers without ketchup.CF: nashi ni

O

O HAJIME, O HAJIME TO SURU Grade 2Meaning: First; Most important; First and foremost; Especially. Used to indicate that thefirst thing in the list is the most important one.Notes: Written only.

Example:

I Have been helped by everyonein this school, but especiallyby Mr. Tanaka.

O KAGIRI NI Grade 1

Meaning:Only until; This is the lastNotes:O kagiri niis easily confused with kagiri ni. They are similar in meaning, but kagiriniexpresses that something is only happening now. O kagiri nimeans that something is


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ending. To better understand the difference, compare these two sentences: Kyou o kagirini, 30% offu. (Today is the last day that we will offer a 30% discount.) Kyou kagiri ni 30%offu. (Today only! 30% off!).

Example:We cheered at the top ofour lungs.CF: Kagiri ni.

OKANAI

(See ~nai de wa okanai)

O KAWA KIRI ~Grade 1Meaning: Starting with.Notes:

Example:

The tour started with Tokyo andwent all over Japan.

O KINJI ENAI () Grade 1Meaning: Cant help feeling ____. Only used for feelings.Notes: Written only.

Example: I cant helpfeelingsorry for the orphans.

O MEGUTTE~Grade 2Meaning: About; Concerning. Usually used for arguing or disagreeing.Notes:

Example: ( ).They argued aboutthe environment problem.CF: ni taishite, ni kanshite, o megutte, ni kakawaru

OMOI KIYA(see to omoikiya)

O MONO TOMO SEZU NI () Grade 1

Meaning: Overcome; Succeed in spite of __; Make an effort in spite of __.Notes: Not used when talking about oneself. Always comes in the middle of a sentence,never at the end.

Example: Inspite ofthe typhoon, he went out of the house.

~O MOTTE (1) ~Grade 1Meaning: Use; Utilize; By; ThroughNotes: ~O motte has two meanings. See the next entry for the other meaning.

Example: Isolved the problem by making a big effort.

We will notify youthroughthe mail.

~O MOTTE (2) Grade 1

Meaning: At. Indicates time. Used instead of the particle dein formal speech. Forexample, in ordinary speech, you would say,

The shop closes at 6. In formal speech, however, you say,


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Meaning: ~like; Like a ___, ~ishNotes: Many people confuse ppoi and rashii. The best way to remember the difference isthe words otokoppoi and otokorashi. A mannish woman is otokoppoi it has anegative nuance and it is describing the woman as having some characteristics of a man,

while not actually being a man. A manly man is Otokorashii. He is not being compared toa man, he is a man and has the characteristics associated with being one. ~ppoi isusually used negatively. Also used for colours. eg. shiroppoi means whitish)

Example: forgetful, childish,

cheap, cheesy whiteish

CF: ~gimi, ~gachi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, ~rashii, kirai ga aru

R~RASHII () Grade 2

Meaning: ~like, like a ___, ~lyNotes: Many people confuse ppoi and rashi. The best way to remember the difference is

the words otokoppoi and otokorashi. A mannish woman is otokoppoi it has a

negative nuance and it is describing the woman as having some characteristics of a man,while not actually being a man. A manly man is Otokorashi. He is not being compared toa man, he is a man and has the characteristics associated with being one. Also means Iheard that (Ashita kuru rashii I heard hes coming tomorrow)

Example: gentlemanly

TrulyOsakanCF: ~gimi, ~gachi, ~ppoi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, ~rashii, kirai ga aru

SSAE, DE SAE Grade 2Meaning:Even, not even, even though, although.Notes: Exactly the same as sura, but saeis more common. Saeand de saemean thesame thing, but de saeis used after words that express time, situations, and positions.

Examples: 15 15Even thoughits winter, thetemperature is 15 degrees. (situation)

Even the teachercouldnt answer the question. (position)

I dont have evena single yen.

Even a child can do it.Even a child can do it.

Im sobusy I dont evenhave time to cook.CF:Sura

SURA/DE SURAGrade 1Meaning: Even. Used for emphasis.Notes: Exactly the same as saeand de sae. Suraand de suraare the same meaning butthere is a tendency to use de suraand de sae with positions such as child, teacher,professor, etc. All forms follow a noun.

Example:CF: Sae, de sae.


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~SAKARIGrade 1Meaning: In full swing, at the height of ones powers, the peak season

Example:

A mathematician is at the height of his powers and does his most successful workwhile hes in his twenties.

SAKIDACHI Grade 1Meaning:To come before, go ahead of, precede

Example: Family comes beforemoney.

SARU KOTO NAGARA

(See Mo saru koto nagara)

SHIKANAI Grade 2Meaning:nothing butNotes:Shikanaiis easily confused with de shikanai, as they are both translated inEnglish as nothing but. However, shikanaimeans nothing else, as in He eats nothingbut vegetables, whereas de shikanai means merely, as in Nothing but a child.

Example:

There is nothing butstamps in his collection.CF:de shikanai

SHIKARU NI ~Grade 1Meaning: In spite of that.Notes: Exactly the same as sore na no ni but much more formal.

Example:

I reminded him of it many times, but in spite of that, he forgot.

SHIMATSU DA Grade 1Meaning: Finally, on top of that. Used to describe when something bad becomes worse.

Example:

On top of getting divorced, I got fired from my job.

SHITE MO

(see to shite mo)

~SEZARU O ENAI Grade 2Meaning: Have no choice but toNotes: Formal.

Example:

My grades are bad so I have no choice but to repeat the year.

~SOBA KARA~Grade 1

Meaning: as soon asNotes: ~Soba karais very similar to ~totanand ~nari. The difference is that ~sobakarais used for things that happen over and over whereas ~ totanand ~nariare usedfor things that only happened once. For example, if you want to say, As soon as I tidy up

my house, my children mess it up you would use ~sobakara, but if you want to say,As soon as he got home he went out again, you would use ~nari.


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Example:

As soon as I get my apartment tidy, the children mess it up.

SOKU

(see ni soku shite)

SOUI

(See ni soi nai)

~SOU MO NAIGrade 1Meaning: Its probably impossible.Notes: Formed by taking a masu form verb, removing the masu and adding ~sou monai. Eg. ikisou mo nai.

Example: Its probablyimpossible for me to make the train.

~SOU NA MONO DA Grade 2Meaning: Expect, should beNotes:

Example:(It should be able to be done.)

SUE NI, SUE NO Grade 2Meaning:After a lot of Used to describe an effort that was made, and its results.Notes: Same meaning as ageku but can be used in both positive and negative situations.Ageku is always used negatively.

Example:

Afterstudying all night, I finished my essay.

CF: ageku

SURA/DE SURAGrade 1Meaning: Even. Used for emphasis.Notes: Exactly the same as saeand de sae. Suraand de suraare the same meaning butthere is a tendency to use de suraand de sae with positions such as child, teacher,professor, etc. All forms follow a noun.

Example: Even a child can do it.

Even a child can do it.

Im so

busy I dont evenhave time to cook.

15 15Even thoughits winter, the temperature is15 degrees. (situation)

Even the teacher

couldnt answer the question. (position)CF:Sae, de sae.

T

TADANOMI () Grade 1Meaning: The only thing. Emphasizes that something is the onlything that is important,

or the only way to succeed.Notes: Formal. Written.


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Example: That is the only

mistake.CF:Tadanominarazu

TADANOMINARAZU () Grade 1Meaning: Not just; not onlyNotes: Same meaning as

nominarazu, but not necessarily formal and only used in writing

(nominarazucan be used in formal speech). Written only.

Example:

This product isnt justeconomical, its also environmentally friendly.CF: nominarazu, tadanomi

TAERU, TAENAI

(See ni taeru, ni taenai)

TAISHITE

(see ni taishite)

~TARITOMOGrade 1

Meaning:not evenNotes: Formal. Written.

Example: I

cant waste even one minute.

~TA TOKOROGrade 2Meaning: When I, because I.

Notes: When differentiating between tokoro o and ~ta tokoro, remember that tokorofollows adjectives and plain form verbs, while ~ta tokoro follows a past tense verb.

Example:

When I visited my friends house, he was out.CF:~ta tokoro de, tokoro

~TA TOKORO DEGrade 2Meaning: Even if, now matter howNotes:~Ta tokoro deis used in situations where doing an action is futile. For example,

Even though I ran, I couldnt catch the train. It is very similar to Tatoe

demo and both come out the same in English but the difference is that ~ta tokoro dealways indicates that the action is futile. Tatoe demo may be futile, but is not

necessarily so. For example, (

), which means, Even if you dont have money, you can enjoy apleasant lifestyle.

Example: (

) No matter howmuch I explained ithe didntunderstand.CF:~ta tokoro

~TE KARA TO IU MONOGrade 1

Meaning: Ever since.Notes: Always follows a verb.


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Example:

I havent slept in a bed sinceI came to Japan.

~TE YAMANAIGrade 1Meaning:Unending, never ending. Used when you are offering a prayer for a person, or astrong hope that something good will happen to someone.

Notes: FormalExample:The(appreciative) ovation went on for a long time.

I willnever stop wishing that you will get healthy again soon.

TO AREBAGrade 1Meaning: If its for, ifNotes: Formal

Example:

If its forcharity, Ill donate as much as you want.

TO BAKARI NI () Grade 1Meaning: As if to say. Used to show something that is unsaid through ones actions.Notes: Always used with plain form verbs or naadjectives

Example: He lookedat his watch as if to say that he wanted to go home.CF: bakari ni, ~n bakari ni, ~n bakari no, ~n bakari da

TO IE DOMOGrade 1

Meaning: Even, no matter how, even the most.Notes: Formal. Written. To wa ieand to ie domoare very similar and can usually be usedinterchangeably. To wa iecan always be replaced with to ie domo, but not vice versa.

This is because to ie domohas two meanings. The first, even though or although is thesame as to wa ie. The second meaning, even (as in even a child) is different and itcannot be replaced with to wa ie.Watch out for words like tatoe, ikani, donnanior ikura. They usually indicate that themeaning is even and in sentences containing these words (which usually come at thebeginning), you can only use to ie domo. Compare these examples:

Even though youre a child, you shouldnt act irresponsibly.


Example:

Even the most evil person has some good points.CF: to ie domo(2), to wa ie

TO IE DOMOGrade 1Meaning: But (always followed by some opposite thing).Notes: Formal.

Example:

Even though hes a student, he never studies.CF:to ie domo(1)


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TO ITTARA NAI, TO ITTARA ARI WA SHINAI

Grade 1Meaning: To be at a loss for words, to be unable to describe in wordsNotes: ~to ittara nai can be used for both positive and negative things, but ~to ittara ari

wa shinai is usually used negatively.Watch out for trick questions involving nagara moand to ie domo. In nagara mo, the

subjects of the sentence must be the same. Therefore, both San sai nagara mo hon gajouzu ni yomeru(Even though hes only three, he can read well) and San sai to ie domohon ga jouzu ni yomeru(same meaning). However, we can say Kugatsu to wa ie yuki gafutta(Even though its September, snow fell), but not Kugatsu nagara mo yuki ga futta.

Example: Im at a loss for wordsto describe its magnificence.

TO IU MONO DA Grade 2Meaning: No good English equivalent. In most sentences, it should be left out if youtranslate it to English, but it is sort like in my opinion or from what I can see or from

what I know.Notes: Never used with past tense or negative forms. Used for things that happen manytimes, continuing situations, or peoples characters.

Example:

He disappointed me. For that reason, it will be hard to rely on

him.CF: To iu koto da.

TO IU KOTO DA Grade 2Meaning:I heard that, It is said that, they say.

Example:

I head on the weather report that the weather willbe nice tomorrow.

TO IU MONO DE MO NAI, TO IU MONO DE WA NAI

Grade 2Meaning: Not necessarily, just __ing isnt enough, its not just a matter ofNotes: To iu mono de mo naiand to iu mono de wa naimean the same thing, but to iumono de wa naiis stronger.

Example:

Just eating less wont make you healthy.

TO IU TOKORO DA, TO ITTA TOKORO DAGrade 1Meaning:At the very mostNotes: To iu tokoro da and to itta tokoro da are exactly the same.

Example:Mymonthly salary is, at most, 300 000 yen.

TOKAGrade 2Meaning: I heard that. Short for to kikimashita.Notes: Less certain than sou da and to iu koto da.Example:

TOKATOKA Grade 2

Meaning:Such as, like. Used when giving examples. Only used for subjective things likeexpressing ones likes and dislikes, opinion, advice, etc. Similar to yarabut yarais

used for giving examples of some sort of condition or situation. For example:


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I like things likecoffee and

tea. Compare this with:

We have things likecoffee and tea.Tokaand nariare the same meaning and can often be used interchangeably, but tokaisa little stronger and is used more often. Also, toka is used for giving regular examples,but nariis used for examples in which the there is a nuance that these are just two of

many possibilities.Example: I

want to go somewhere like Thailand or Vietnam.

CF:yara

TOKITARAGrade 1Meaning: No clear English equivalent. Used for expressing dissatisfaction with

something (or someone). Often used for making negative comparisons tosomething else.

Notes:Example:

o ()As forthat teacher, his teaching is really bad.

o ( )

The child next door is an excellent student. Our child, on the other hand, doesntstudy at all.

TOKORO

(see ~ta tokoro, ~ta tokoro de, tokoro data, tokoro o, to iu tokoro da)

TOKORO DATTAGrade 2

Meaning: Almost, something bad almost happened. Always used negatively.Notes: Often used with mou sukoshi deExample:

o I almostdied.TOKORO OGrade 1Meaning: When; while; even though.Notes: Used for apologizing.Example:

o ()

Im sorry to disturb you when youre so busy.

TO MO NARU TO, TO MO NAREBAGrade 1Meaning: when one becomes ____, when ____ comesNotes:Example:

o (Whenthe spring comes, the cherry blossoms bloom.

o (

Ifyou become the president, youll get a really good salary.

TO OMOI KIYAGrade 1Meaning: contrary to what I thought


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Notes: Not usually used in formal writing or formal speech. Both nagara moand toomikiyamean even though in English, but omoikiyarefers to a situation

which came out differently from the way the speaker expected. It contains

the kanji (think) to it is easy to remember that it means different than Ithoughtit would. This difference also goes for to wa ie, to ie domoand other

words which mean even though.Example:o

(Althoughhes a new employee, he works extremely hard.

o (Although I thought the Tigers were going to lose, they won the championship.

TOSHITARA, TO SUREBA, TO SURU TOGrade 2Meaning:Suppose, supposing, if.Notes: To surebaand to suru toare often used in questions.

Example:

If you had one million yen, what would you buy?

Imvery busy this week, so if Im going to go, today is the only day.

TOSHITEGrade 2

Meaning:Even, even though, even if, granting that

Notes: ~Toshite is always used in a sentence with a , question word

such as nani, paired with ichi or hitsotsu (eg. dare hittori). The pattern for making asentence with toshite is question word + 1 + toshite + ~nai. It is almost exactly the samein meaning as to ie do mo but to ie do mo doesnt use the gimonshi pattern and ismore formal. See also the note on ~toshite mo.

Example:

After the fire, not even one person was left alive.

TOSHITE MO, ~NI SHITE MOGrade 2Meaning: Granting that, even if, no matter how __Notes: Same meaning as tatoe ~temo. Similar to ~toshite(meaning #1), ~tari to mo, andto ie do mo but when you make a sentence using toshite mo, you are indicating that

the action was useless or ineffective. For example,

Even if I study, Im going to fail.

Example:

Even ifI go, itwont be until 8.CF: tatoe ~te mo, ~toshite, ~tari to mo, ~to ie do mo

TO SUREBA, TO SURUTOGrade 2Meaning: Supposing, ifNotes: Same as ~toshitara

Example: Would you buy it ifI lowered the price?

If there is a chance we might fail, lets not do it.

TOTANGrade 2Meaning: As soon as


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Notes: Similar to nari, but there are two differences. The first is that after nari there will

always be something unexpected. For example,

As soon as he got home, he went out again. Totan does not

have this nuance of being used for something unexpected. You could say,

As soon

as he got home from school, he did his homework. This is a normal thing so we use

totan. The second difference is grammatical. Totan comes after a past tense verb, whilenari comes after a dictionary form verb.

Example:

As soon ashe got home from school, he did his homework.CF: ~nari, ~ka to omou to, ~ka ~nai ka no uchi ni

TOSHITARAGrade 2

Meaning: Supposing, ifNotes: Same as ~to sureba and ~to suru to

Example: IfI had1,000,000 yen

TOOSHITE

(see o tooshite)

TO WA Grade 1

Meaning: No good literal translation exists, but it is used to add emphasis to a sentenceand show surpise. In English, it might be I cant believe that or I was surprised to hearthat. Similar to writing something in italics to emphasize it. E.g. He always goes home atexactlyfive oclock.Notes: Always follows a plain form verb.

Example:

I neverexpected to win.CF: Koso, to wa ie

TO WA IEGrade 1Meaning: Its called a __, but its actually more of a __; although _______ is true in general,its not completely true. Usually (but not always) followed by the speakers opinion or

judgment.Notes: This is the formal version ofto itte mo. The meanings are exactly the same.To wa ieand to ie domoare very similar and can usually be used interchangeably. To waiecan always be replaced with to ie domo, but not vice versa. This is because to ie domohas two meanings. The first, even though or although is the same as to wa ie. The

second meaning, even (as in even a child) is different and it cannot be replaced with towa ie. Therefore, you can say Shinnnyuu shain to wa ie, tegiwa ga ii(For a new worker,hes very skilled) but not Shinnyuu shain to ie domo, tegiwa ga ii (Even if hes a new

worker, hes very skilled).Watch out for words like tatoe, ikani, donnanior ikura. They usually indicate that themeaning is even and in sentences containing these words (which usually come at thebeginning), you can only use to ie domo. Compare these examples:



Example: Although hes a student he doesnt study much.


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Although shes beautiful, shes not good-looking enough to say

she could be a model.CF: To itte mo, to wa

TSUIDE NIGrade 2Meaning: while, have the chance to, on ones way to somewhere, one did something else Tsuide ni

is used to express the idea that while a person was doing one thing, he or shehad a chance to do something else. For example, While I was on a business trip, I visitedmy friends house.Notes: Its easy to confuse tsuide niwith gatera. The difference is that with gatera,both actions are of equal importance.

Example:

(While on my way to work, I mailed a letter at the post office.)CF: gatera

TSUITE

(see ni tsuite)

~TSU ~TSU Grade 2Meaning: __ing and __ing. Used for alternating opposites like coming and going or risingand falling.Notes: Used with masu form verbs.

Example:

The marathon became a race where the leader overtook and was overtakenmany times.

TSUUJITE

(see o tsuujite)

U

UE DE (1)~Grade 2Meaning: for, so that, to ___Notes: Differs from you ni in that you ni expresses the speakers hope that some actionor thing will be effective in achieving a goal or result whereas ue de expresses thatsomething will be useful for achieving an important goal.

Example: I decided aftergiving itmuchthought.CF: You ni, Ue wa, Ue ni

~UE DE (2) Grade 2Meaning: ~Ue de means after doing something, doing another thing based on theprevious action.Notes:

Example:

I will decide after consulting with my parents.

~UE WA (~) Grade 2

Meaning: Since, because, now that, once you have, as long as Because of A, B must bedoneNotes:

Example:


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BecauseI promised, I have togo.CF: Ue wa, Ue ni

~U GA ~MAI GA Grade ?Meaning:Whether or notNotes: Very similar to ~u ka ~mai ka. Both mean whether in English. The differencebetween them is that in ~u ka ~mai ka, the person is deciding which of the two actions toperform (eg. whether or not to buy something) whereas in ~u ga ~mai ga, it is notnecessarily a decision.

Example:

Whether he goes or not, it doesnt make any difference to me.

CF:~u ka ~mai ka

~U KA ~MAI KA Grade ?Meaning: Whether or notNotes: Very similar to ~u ga ~mai ga. Both mean whether in English. The difference

between them is that in ~u ka ~mai ka, the person is deciding which of the two actions toperform (eg. whether or not to buy something) whereas in ~u ga ~mai ga, it is not

necessarily a decision.

Example: Imhaving trouble deciding whether or not to buy it.CF: ~u ga ~mai ga

W

WAKE NI WA IKANAI Grade 2Meaning: Impossible.

WARI NI WAGrade 2Meaning: for, expresses relative thingsNotes:

Example:

She looks youngforher age.

WA OROKAGrade 1Meaning:not evenmuch less, not even let alone (as in I dont even have a radio,much lessa TV)Notes: The construction of this structure in Japanese is opposite to the English. InEnglish we put the more difficult to obtain/better one first, where as in Japanese, the

lesser one comes in the beginning and the better one is at the end.Example: We dont evenhave a TV, much lessa VCR.

WA SHINAI () Grade 2??Meaning:definitely will not do it.Notes: Differs from ~kkonaiin that...

Example:

It's okay to touch him. He won't bite.CF: ~kkonai

YYAMANAI


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(See ~te yamanai)

YARA Grade 2Meaning: Used to give a negative emphasis to a sentence. For example:

I have noideawhat he is saying!

Example:I have noidea what he is saying!

YARAYARA Grade 2

Meaning: such as, like. Used when giving examples. Only used for objective things likegiving examples of some sort of condition or situation. Similar to toka but toka is usedfor subjective things such as expressing ones likes and dislikes, opinion, advice, etc. For

example: I like

things likecoffee and tea. Compare this with:

We have things likecoffee and tea.

Example:CF:toka

YOGINAKU SARETA

(See o yoginaku sareta)

YORAZU


YOU NI Grade 2Meaning: So that, for the purpose of, to __.Notes: Always follows the dictionary form of a verb.

Example: Im studying in order to pass the test.

YOSO NI(See o yoso ni)

Z

~ZUKUME Grade 1Meaning: all in (black/white), nothing but ____, a lot of, continuing

Notes: Both mamireand darakehave negative meanings, while zukumeoften (but notalways) has positive meaning. It is used for black and white, but not other colours.

Example: all inblack (clothes)

one good thing after another,CF: ~gimi, ~gachi, ~ppoi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, kirai ga aru

~ZU NI WA IRARENAI Grade 2

Meaning: Cant help __ing. Differs from other cant help __ing expressions in that ~nai

de wa irarenai indicates the speakers emotional or sympathetic reaction to somecondition or situation. Therefore, you can say, (I

stink so I really feel like taking a shower), but not (I couldnt help

crying).


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Notes: Same meaning as ~nai de wa irarenai, but more formal.

Example:

Once I started reading that book, I couldnt stop

until I finished it.CF:~te tamaranai, ~nai de wa irarenai

Documents

36466776 JLPT Grammar Index