⽇本語能⼒試験 ⽂法マスター

JLPT N4
Grammar Master

N4
文法 ぶんぽう
法 文
130+ GRAMMAR LESSONS YOU MUST KNOW TO PASS THE JLPT!

Complete Study Guide

By JLPTsensei.com
 JLPT N4
Grammar Master

Complete Study Guide

By: JLPTsensei.com

This book includes all of the grammar points that you will
need to know in order to pass the JLPT N4.

In total, there are lessons for 131 grammar points over 300 pages.

Each lesson includes the meaning, usage rules, grammar notes,

as well as numerous example sentences from beginner to advanced.

Good luck!

Copyright © 2020 by JLPTsensei.com

All rights reserved. This ebook or any portion thereof

may not be reproduced or distributed in any manner whatsoever
without the express written permission of the author.
 JLPT N4 Grammar Lessons

Table of Contents

#  ぶんぽう  Grammar Meaning Page

1  間 aida while; during; between 6 

2  間に aida ni while/during~ something happened 9 

3  あまり～ない amari~nai not very, not much 12 

4  後で ato de after ~; later 14 

5  ば ba conditional form; If [A] then [B] 16 

6  場合は baai wa in the event of; in the case that 21 

7  ばかり bakari only; nothing but 23 

8  だけで dake de just by; just by doing 25 

9  出す dasu to suddenly begin; to suddenly appear 27 

10  でございます de gozaimasu to be (honorific) 29 

11  でも demo ... or something 31 

12  ではないか dewa nai ka right?; isn't it? 33 

13  が必要 ga hitsuyou need; necessary 35 

14  がする ga suru to smell; hear; taste 37 

15  がり gari personality; tend to~; sensitivity towards~ 39 

16  がる・がっている garu; gatteiru to show signs of; to appear; to feel 45 

17  ございます gozaimasu to be, to exist (polite form of いる/ある) 45 

18  始める hajimeru to start; to begin to ~ 47 

19  はずだ hazu da it must be; it should be (expectation) 49 

20  はずがない hazu ga nai cannot be (impossible) 51 

21  必要がある hitsuyou ga aru need to; it is necessary to 53 

22  意向形 ikou kei volitional form​; let's do ~ 56 

23  いらっしゃる irassharu to be; to come; to go (polite version) 59 

24  いたします itashimasu to do (polite form of する) 61 

25  じゃないか janai ka right? isn't it? let's~; confirmation 63 

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#  ぶんぽう  Grammar Meaning Page

26  かどうか ka dou ka whether or not 65 

27  かしら ka shira I wonder 67 

28  かい kai turns a sentence into a yes/no question 69 

29  かもしれない kamo shirenai might; perhaps; indicates possibility 71 

30  かな kana I wonder; should I? 73 

31  から作る kara tsukuru made from; made with 75 

32  きっと kitto surely; undoubtedly; certainly; likely 77 

33  頃 koro / goro around; about; when 79 

34  こと koto Verb nominalizer 81 

35  ことがある koto ga aru there are times when 83 

36  ことができる koto ga dekiru can; able to 85 

37  ことになる koto ni naru It has been decided that..; it turns out ~ 88 

38  ことにする koto ni suru to decide on 90 

39  くする ku suru to make something ~ 92 

40  急に kyuu ni suddenly 94 

41  までに made ni by; by the time; indicates time limit 96 

42  まま mama as it is; current state; without changing 98 

43  または matawa both; or; otherwise​; choice of [A] or [B] 101 

44  みたいだ mitai da like, similar to, resembling 103 

45  みたいな mitai na like, similar to 105 

46  みたいに mitai ni like, similar to 106 

47  も mo as many as; as much as; up to; nearly 109 

48  な na don’t ~ (order somebody to not do ~) 111 

49  など nado such as, things like 113 

50  ながら nagara while; during; as; simultaneously 115 

51  なかなか～ない nakanaka~nai not easy to; struggling to; not able to~ 117 

52  なければいけない nakereba ikenai must do something; have to do something 119 

53  なければならない nakereba naranai must do something; have to do something 121 

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#  ぶんぽう  Grammar Meaning Page

54  なら nara if; in the case that ~ 123 

55  なさい nasai do this (soft/firm command) 125 

56  なさる nasaru to do (honorific) 127 

57  に気がつく ni ki ga tsuku to notice; to realize 129 

58  にみえる ni mieru to look; to seem; to appear 131 

59  にする ni suru to make something ~ 133 

60  にくい nikui difficult to do 135 

61  の中で no naka de in, among 137 

62  のに noni although, in spite of, even though 139 

63  のに noni to (do something); in order to 141 

64  のは〜だ nowa~da [A] is [B]; the reason for [A] is [B] 143 

65  お～ください o~kudasai please do (honorific) 145 

66  お～になる o~ni naru to do (honorific) 147 

67  おきに oki ni repeated at intervals, every 149 

68  終わる owaru to finish; to end 151 

69  られる rareru potential form; ability/inability to do ~ 153 

70  らしい rashii it seems like; I heard; apparently~ 157 

71  さ sa -ness​ ; nominalizer for adjective 159 

72  さっき sakki some time ago; just now 161 

73  させられる saserareru causative-passive; to be made to do ~ 163 

74  させる saseru causative form; to make/let somebody do 165 

75  させてください sasete kudasai please let me do 168 

76  さすが sasuga as one would expect; as is to be expected 170 

77  し shi and; and what’s more; emphasis 172 

78  そんなに sonna ni so much; so; like that 175 

79  それでも sore demo but still; and yet; even so 177 

80  そうだ sou da [1] I heard that; it is said that 179 

81  そうだ sou da [2] looks like; appears like 181 

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#  ぶんぽう  Grammar Meaning Page

82  そうに・そうな sou ni / sou na seems like; looks like 183 

83  たばかり ta bakari just finished; something just occurred 185 

84  たところ ta tokoro just finished doing, was just doing 187 

85  他動詞 & 自動詞 tadoushi & jidoushi Transitive & Intransitive Verbs 189 

86  たがる tagaru wants to do~ (third person) 192 

87  たら tara if, after, when 195 

88  たらどう tara dou why don't you 197 

89  たらいいですか tara ii desu ka what should I do?; seeking instruction 199 

90  て / で te / de conjunctive; so; because of [A], [B]... 201 

91  てあげる te ageru to do for; to do a favor 203 

92  てほしい te hoshii I want you to; need you to~ 205 

93  ていく te iku to start; to continue; to go on 207 

94  ていた te ita was doing something (past continuous) 209 

95  ていただけませんか te itadakemasen ka could you please 211 

96  てくれる te kureru to do a favor; do something for someone 213 

97  てくる te kuru to do… and come back; to continue 216 

98  てみる te miru try doing 218 

99  てもらう te morau to get somebody to do something 220 

100  ておく te oku to do something in advance 222 

101  てしまう / ちゃう te shimau / chau to do something by accident, to finish 224 

102  てすみません te sumimasen I’m sorry for 226 

103  てやる te yaru to do for; to do a favor (casual) 228 

104  てよかった te yokatta I’m glad that.. 230 

105  ているところ teiru tokoro in the process of doing 232 

106  ても temo even; even if; even though 234 

107  と to whenever [A] happens, [B] also happens 237 

108  と言ってもいい to ittemo ii you could say; one might say; I'd say 239 

109  という to iu called; named; that 241 

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#  ぶんぽう  Grammar Meaning Page

110  ということ to iu koto convert phrase into noun 244 

111  と言われている to iwarete iru it is said that... 246 

112  と聞いた to kiita I heard... 248 

113  と思う to omou to think…; I think…; you think… 250 

114  とか～とか toka~toka among other things; such as; like 252 

115  ところ tokoro just about to; on the verge of doing ~ 254 

116  続ける tsuzukeru continue to; keen on 256 

117  って tte named; called 259 

118  受身形 ukemi kei passive form; passive voice 261 

119  は〜が… は wa~ga... wa [A] but [B]; however; comparison 264 

120  やすい yasui easy to; likely to; prone to; a tendency to~ 266 

121  やっと yatto at last; finally; barely; narrowly 268 

122  より yori than; rather than; more than 270 

123  予定だ yotei da plan to, intend to 273 

124  ようだ you da appears; seems; looks as if 275 

125  ように / ような you ni / you na like; as; similar to 277 

126  ようになる you ni naru to reach the point that; to turn into 279 

127  ようにする you ni suru to try to; to make sure that 281 

128  ようと思う you to omou thinking of doing; planning to 283 

129  ぜひ zehi by all means; certainly; definitely 286 

130  全然～ない zenzen~nai (not) at all 288 

131  づらい zurai difficult to do 290 

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 間
あいだ

Meaning How To Use

while; during; between Verb (dictionary form)

間
Noun + の

Learn Japanese grammar: 間 【あいだ】(aida). Meaning: while; during; between.

Meaning 1) while/during

This is used when you do something the whole time during a certain period of time, so it is often paired
together with words like ずっと “continuously”.

電⾞に乗っている間、ずっと本を読んでいました。

densha ni notteiru aida, zutto hon o yonde imashita.

I read a book the entire time I was on the train.

Instead if you want to say something happened at one point “during” some time, use 間に (aida ni).

Meaning 2) between

This can express the physical space between [A] and [B].

名古屋は東京と⼤阪の間にあります。

nagoya wa toukyou to oosaka no aida ni arimasu.

Nagoya is in between Tokyo and Osaka.

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Or the time between [A] and [B].

9時から5時までの間、仕事です。

ku ji kara go ji made no aida, shigoto desu.

I work from 9 to 5.

Example Sentences

1. 昨⽇は、家にいる間、ずっとテレビを⾒ていました。
kinou wa, ie ni iru aida, zutto terebi o miteimashita.
Yesterday, while I was home I watched TV the entire time.

2. ⽇本にいる間は、毎⽇⽇本語を話すつもりです。
nihon ni iru aida wa, mainichi nihongo o hanasu tsumori desu.
I plan to speak Japanese everyday while I am in Japan.

3. サイクリングをしている間、ずっと⾬が降っていました。
saikuringu o shiteiru aida, zutto ame ga futteimashita.
It rained the entire time I was cycling.

4. ⾷事の間、彼⼥と⼀緒に映画を⾒ました。
shokuji no aida, kanojo to isshoni eiga o mimashita.
While eating dinner, I watched a movie together with my girlfriend.

5. 学校にいる間は、スマホを使ってはいけません。
gakkou ni iru aida wa, sumaho o tsukatte wa ikemasen.
We can't use our smartphones while in school.

6. バスに乗っている間、ずっと寝ていました。
basu ni notteiru aida, zutto neteimashita.
I slept the entire time I was on the bus.

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7. バスを待っている間、後ろのおばあさんと話をしていました。
basu o matteiru aida, ushiro no obaasan to hanashi o shiteimashita.
While waiting for the bus, I spoke to the elderly lady behind me.

8. ⽇本にいる間は私の家に泊まって。
nihon ni iru aida wa watashi no ie ni tomatte.
You can stay at my house while you are in Japan.

9. あなたがここにいる間は私がいろいろ案内してあげましょう。
anata ga koko ni iru aida wa watashi ga iroiro annai shite agemashou.
I'll show you around while you are here.

10. この⼆⼈の間にどのような関係が⽣まれますか︖
kono futari no aida ni dono youna kankei ga umaremasu ka?
What kind of relationship will develop between the two of them?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 間に
あいだに

Meaning How To Use

while/during~ something happened Verb (casual, non-past)

Noun + の
間に
い-adjective + い

な-adjective + な

Learn Japanese grammar: 間に 【あいだに】(aida ni). Meaning: while/during~ something happened.

Meaning 1) doing with intent while~

This is very similar to 間 (aida), but one difference is that it can also show intent. That you intentionally
chose to do something during some time or take advantage of an opportunity.

待っている間に本を読んだ。

matteiru aida ni hon o yonda.

I read a book while I waited.

This expresses that you took advantage of the time you were waiting to read a book.

Meaning 2) while/during [A] something happened

This can also express something that happened while or during a time period that is not in your control.

寝ている間に夢を⾒ました。

neteiru aida ni yume o mimashita.

I had a dream while I was sleeping.

Having a dream is something that is out of our control, so this simply expresses that the dream had
happened during the period you were asleep.

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 Example Sentences

1. 夜の間に⽕事が起こった。
yoru no aida ni kaji ga okotta.
A fire broke out during the night.

2. 知らない間に寝ていた。
shiranai aida ni neteita.
I fell asleep before I even realized it.

3. ⽇本にいる間に、⽇本語が上⼿になりたいです。
nihon ni iru aida ni, nihongo ga jouzu ni naritai desu.
I want to get good at Japanese while I'm in Japan.

4. 休みの間に漢字を200個覚えた。
yasumi no aida ni kanji o ni hyaku ko oboeta.
I memorized 200 kanji over the break.

5. 先⽣がいない間にスマホを⾒ていた。
sensei ga inai aida ni, sumaho o miteita.
I looked at my smartphone while the teacher was gone.

6. 私が料理をしている間に電話がなった。
watashi ga ryouri o shiteiru aida ni denwa ga natta.
The phone rang while I was cooking.

7. 昨⽇、私は買い物をしている間に⾃転⾞を盗まれた。
kinou, watashi wa kaimono o shiteiru aida ni jitensha o nusumareta.
Yesterday my bicycle was stolen while I was doing some shopping.

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8. 夏休みの間に、復習しておいてくださいね。
natsuyasumi no aida ni, fukushuu shite oite kudasai.
Please make sure to review over summer break.

9. 電⾞を待っている間にこの雑誌でも読んでください。
densha o matteiru aida ni kono zasshi demo yonde kudasai.
Please feel free to read this magazine while you are waiting on the train.

10. 彼は⼿術を受けている間に死んだ。
kare wa shujutsu o uketeiru aida ni shinda.
He died while undergoing surgery.

Practice writing your own sentences!

JLPTsensei.com - Page 11
 あまり〜ない

Meaning How To Use

not very, not much い-adjective + いくない

あまり な-adjective + なじゃない

Verb (ない form)

Learn Japanese grammar: あまり〜ない (amari~nai). Meaning: not very, not much.

It is used in combination with the negative form of an adjective or verb to describe something that you
don’t really do. ない can be conjugated normally into the more polite negative ません or past forms as
well.

Example Sentences

1. 私はあまり運動しない。
watashi wa amari undou shinai.
I don't really exercise.

2. ⽇本語があまり分からない。
nihongo ga amari wakaranai.
I don't really understand Japanese.

3. ホラー映画はあまり⾒ない。
horaa eiga wa amari minai
I don't really watch horror movies.

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4. 彼はあまり速く⾛ることができない。
kare wa amari hayaku hashiru koto ga dekinai.
He can't run very fast.

5. この⽂法があまり分かりません。教えてください。
kono bunpo ga amari wakarimasen. Oshiete kudasai.
I don't understand this grammar very well, could you please explain it to me?

6. この⾷べ物はあまり美味しくなかった。
kono tabemono wa amari oishi kunakatta.
The food wasn't that great.

7. 私はあまりテニスが上⼿ではない。
watashi wa amari tenisu ga jouzu dewa nai.
I'm not very good at tennis.

8. 冷たい飲み物があまり好きじゃありません。
tsumetai nomimono ga amari suki jaarimasen.
I don't really like cold beverages.

9. 最近は忙しくて、友だちとあまり遊んでいません。
saikin wa isogashikute, tomodachi to amari asonde imasen.
I've been so busy lately that I've hardly seen my friends.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 後で
あとで

Meaning How To Use

after ~; later Verb (た form) 後で

Noun + の あとで

Learn Japanese grammar: 後で 【あとで】 (ato de). Meaning: after ~; later.

To say something happens before instead, use 前に (まえに) (mae ni).

Example Sentences

1. 図書館で宿題をしたあとで、帰ります。
toshokan de shukudai o shita ato de, kaerimasu.
I will head home after I finish my homework at the library.

2. 晩ご飯の後でアイスを⾷べた。
bangohan no ato de aisu o tabeta
After dinner, I had some ice cream.

3. 授業が終わった後で、部活に⾏く。
jugyou ga owatta ato de, bukatsu ni iku.
After classes finish, I will go to my club activities.

4. お酒を飲んだ後で、運転してはダメですよ︕
osake o nonda ato de, unten shitewa dame desu yo.
Driving after drinking is not permitted.

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5. 昼ご飯を⾷べた後で、30分ほど昼寝をした。
hiru gohan o tabeta ato de, sanjuu pun hodo hirune o shita.
After eating dinner, I took a nap for about a half hour.

6. ⼤学を卒業した後で、本当の社会⼈になりました。
daigaku o sotsugyou shita ato de, hontou no shakaijin ni narimashita.
After graduating from university, I became a true member of society.

7. 宿題の後で、友だちと遊に⾏きます。
shukudai no ato de, tomodachi to asobi ni ikimasu.
After finishing my homework, I'm going out with my friend.

8. 仕事の後で、飲み会があります。
shigoto no ato de, nomikai ga arimasu.
People are going out for drinks after work tonight!

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ば

Meaning How To Use

conditional form; If [A] then [B] special formatting rules (see below)

Learn Japanese grammar: ば (ba). Meaning: conditional form; If [A] then [B].

Standard format: [A] ば [B]

If condition [A] is met, then [B] will happen.

Conditional rules for ば (ba)?

There are some special format rules for this grammar, which I will explain now with some examples
before moving on to our main example sentences.

Verbs

Use dictionary form.

Change the ending from “u” to an “e”.
Add ば at the end.

う Verb – Example

⾏く = いく = iku = to go
ku changes to ke

⾏けば = いけば = ikeba = if (you) go

る Verb – Example

⾷べる = たべる = taberu = to eat

ru changes to re

⾷べれば = たべれば = tabereba = if (you) eat

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Special Verb 来る

来る = くる = kuru = to come
ru changes to re

来れば = くれば = kureba = if (you) come

Special Verb する

する = suru = to do
ru changes to re

すれば = sureba = if (you) do

Verb (Negative Form)

Use dictionary negative form.

Change the ending い (i) to なければ (nakereba).

⾏かない = いかない = ikanai = to not go

changes to

⾏かなければ = いかなければ = ikanakereba = if (you) do not go

い-adjective

Change the ending い ( i) to ければ (kereba).

⼤きい = おおきい = ookii = big

changes to

⼤きければ = ⼤きければ = ookikereba = if big

い-adjective (Negative)

The rules are the same, change the ending い ( i) to ければ (kunakereba).

⼤きくない = おおきくない = ookikunai = not big

changes to

⼤きくなければ = おおきくなければ = ookikunakereba = if not big

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な-adjective

At the end, add either of the two.

ならば (naraba)
であれば (de areba)

便利 = べんり = benri = convenient

changes to

便利ならば = べんりならば = benri naraba = if convenient

(OR)

便利であれば = べんりであれば = benri deareba = if convenient

な-adjective (Negative)

At the end, add either of the two.

じゃなければ (janakereba) (more casual)
でなければ (de nakereba)

便利 = べんり = benri = convenient

changes to

便利じゃなければ = べんりじゃなければ = benri janakereba = if not convenient

(OR)

便利でなければ = べんりでなければ = benri denakereba = if not convenient

Noun

Same as な-adjective
At the end, add either of the two.
ならば (naraba)
であれば (de areba)

⽇本⼈ = にほんじん = nihonjin = Japanese

changes to

⽇本⼈ならば = にほんじんならば = nihonjin naraba = if Japanese

(OR)

⽇本⼈であれば = にほんじんであれば = nihonjin deareba = if Japanese

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Noun (Negative)

Same as な-adjective (negative)

At the end, add either of the two.
じゃなければ (janakereba) (more casual)
でなければ (de nakereba)

⽇本⼈ = にほんじん = nihonjin = Japanese

changes to

⽇本⼈じゃなければ = にほんじんじゃなければ = nihonjin janakereba = if not

Japanese
(OR)

⽇本⼈でなければ = にほんじんでなければ = nihonjin denakereba = if not

Japanese

Example Sentences

1. このボタンを押せば、ドアが開きます。
kono botan o oseba, doa ga hirakimasu.
If you push this button, the door will open.

2. あなたが⾏けば、わたしも⾏くよ。
anata ga ikeba, watashi mo iku yo.
If you go, then I'm going too!

3. 今すぐ出発すれば間に合うでしょう。
ima sugu shuppatsu sureba ma ni au deshou.
If you leave right away, you'll still make it in time!

4. 毎⽇練習をすれば、上⼿になるよ。
mainichi renshuu o sureba, jouzu ni naru yo.
If you practice everyday, you're going to improve!

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5. 数週間もすれば、みんな忘れるよ。
suushuukan mo sureba, minna wasureru yo.
Everyone will forget this in a few weeks.

6. 海に⾏けば誰だって⽔着を着るわ。
umi ni ikeba dare datte mizugi o kiru wa.
Everyone wears a bathing suit at the beach.

7. アメリカ⼤使館へ⾏きたいんですが、どう⾏けばいいですか。
amerika taishikan he ikitaindesuga, dou ikeba ii desuka?
I want to go to the American embassy, do you know how to get there from here?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 場合は
ばあいは

Meaning How To Use

in the event of; in the case that Verb (casual)

Noun + の 場合は
な-adjective + な ばあいは

い-adjective + い

Learn Japanese grammar: 場合は 【ばあいは】(baai wa). Meaning: in the event of; in the case that.

Example Sentences

1. パスワードを忘れた場合は、こちらからご連絡ください。
pasuwaado o wasureta baai wa, kochira kara gorenraku kudasai.
If you forget your password, please contact us here.

2. ⽕事の場合は、119をかけます。
kaji no baai wa, 119 o kakemasu.
In the case of a fire, call 119.

3. 地震が起きた場合は、テーブルの下に潜ってください。
jishin ga okita baai wa, teeburu no shita ni mogutte kudasai.
In the case of an earthquake, cover yourself under a table.

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4. 避難する場合は、⾞を使わないで必ず歩きます。
hinan suru baai wa, kuruma o tsukawanaide kanarazu arukimasu.
In an evacuation, make sure to walk instead of use your car.

5. 授業に間に合わない場合は、連絡してください。
jugyou ni ma ni awanai baai wa, renraku shite kudasai.
Please contact us if you will not make it to class on time.

6. 領収書が必要な場合は、係に⾔ってください。
ryoushuusho ga hitsuyou na baai wa, kakari ni itte kudasai.
Please tell the clerk if you will need a receipt.

7. 地震が起きた場合は、まず⽕を消すことが⼤切です。
jishin ga okita baai wa, mazu hi o kesu koto ga taisetsu desu.
In the event of an earthquake, it's very important to first put out any fires.

8. 事故を起こした場合は、すぐに警察と病院に電話してください。
jiko o okoshita baai wa, sugu ni keisatsu to byouin ni denwa shite kudasai.
In the case that an accident occurs, please call the police and hospital right away.

9. ファクスの調⼦が悪い場合は、どうしたらいいですか。
fakusu no choushi ga warui baai wa,dou shitara ii desuka.
What should I do if the fax machine is not working well?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ばかり

Meaning How To Use

only; nothing but Noun

ばかり
Verb (て form)

Learn Japanese grammar: ばかり (bakari). Meaning: only; nothing but.

This grammar point literally means “only” or “nothing but”, and is often used to express surprise,
shock, and even judgement (in a negative way).
It is not always used in a negative way, and can simply be used to say “only” or express surprise.
You’ll have to interpret the intended meaning based on the context.

Example A

6⽉は⾬ばかりです︕

roku gatsu wa ame bakari desu!

It’s constantly raining in June / It’s nothing but rain, It’s always raining, etc..

Other Variations

ばかり (bakari) is a very complex grammar point with many different variations.

When used with a noun that indicates time or distance it means “about”. See N2 lesson for ばかり
(bakari).
To describe a negative continuous / repetitive action, use ばかりいる (bakari iru)
When used with a past tense verb it means “just finished”. See たばかり (ta bakari).

Example Sentences

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1. 娘はテレビばかり⾒ている。
musume wa terebi bakari miteiru.
My daughter does nothing but watch TV.

2. 彼はお⾦ばかり考えている。
kare wa o kane bakari kangaiteiru.
He only thinks about money.

3. ⽢いものばかり⾷べると太ります。
amaimono bakari taberu to futorimasu.
If you just eat sweets you're gonna gain weight.

4. 嘘ばかりつく⼈が嫌いだ。
uso bakari tsuku hito ga kirai da.
I hate people who always lie.

5. 得るものはなく、失うものばかりだ。
eru mono wa naku, ushinau mono bakari da.
You have nothing to gain, but everything to lose.

6. このカフェのお客さんは⼥性ばかりですね。
kono kafe no o kyakusan wa josei bakari desune.
This cafe's customers are all girls.

7. ⼦どもの頃は体が弱くて病気ばかりしていました。
kodomo no koro wa karada ga yowakute byouki bakari shite imashita.
I was weak as a child and sick all the time.

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 だけで

Meaning How To Use

just by; just by doing Verb (casual)

だけで
Noun

Learn Japanese grammar: だけで (dake de). Meaning: just by; just by doing; with only.

だけで (dake de) is a combination of だけ (dake) and the で (de) particle.

It literally means “only by”, or “just by”.

Example Sentences

1. あなたに会うだけで元気になる。
anata ni au dake de genki ni naru.
I get energetic from just meeting you.

2. あなたの写真を⾒るだけでうれしい。
anata no shashin o miru dake de ureshii.
I'm happy to just see your picture.

3. 宿題のことを考えるだけでやる気がなくなります。
shukudai no koto o kangaeru dake de yaruki ga naku narimasu.
Just by thinking of my homework I start to lose motivation.

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4. ⼆⼈だけで少し話がしたい。
futari dake de sukoshi hanashi ga shitai.
I want to talk together just the two of us.

5. 彼⼥のことを思うだけでドキドキする。
kanojo no koto o omou dake de doki doki suru.
I get worked up just thinking about her.

6. 愛情だけでは⽣きてはいけない。
aijou dake de wa ikite wa ikenai.
You cannot live by love alone.

7. ⼀⽬⾒ただけで、俺に必要なことはすべてわかった。
hitome mita dake de, ore ni hitsuyou na koto wa subete wakatta.
Just one glance told me all I need to know.

8. 安定した収⼊を得るだけでは満⾜できなかった。
antei shita shuunyuu o eru dake de wa manzoku dekinakatta.
I wasn't satisfied just by a stable job and income.

9. 留学⽣の⽣活の苦労を聞くだけで、⽇本に留学している娘のこと
を⼼配する。
ryuugakusei no seikatsu no kurou o kiku dake de, nihon ni ryuugaku shite iru musume
no koto o shinpai suru.
I worry about my daughter's life in Japan when hearing about how hard it is as a over
see student.

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 出す
だす

Meaning How To Use

to suddenly begin; to suddenly appear 出す

Verb ます (stem form)
だす

Learn Japanese grammar: 出す 【だす】(dasu). Meaning: to suddenly begin; to suddenly appear.

This can be used in combination with most verbs to express a more “suddenness” or “spontaneity” to the
action.

Example Sentences

1. ⾬が急に降り出した。
ame ga kyuu ni furi dashita.
It suddenly started raining.

2. 彼は店から⾶び出した。
kare wa mise kara tobi dashita.
He dashed out of the store.

3. 校⻑室へ呼び出された。
kouchoushitsu e yobi dasareta.
I was called into the principal's office.

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4. それを運び出してくれますか。
sore o hakobi dashite kuremasu ka?
Would you please carry that out for me?

5. 朝⾷後すぐに⾶び出した。
choushoku go sugu ni tobi dashita.
I dashed out right after breakfast.

6. 彼の話を聞いて、つい笑い出してしまった。
kare no hanashi o kiite, tsui warai dashite shimatta.
I burst out laughing when I heard his story.

7. 彼を呼び出しても良いですか︖
kare o yobi dashite mo yoi desu ka?
Would it be alright if I called him?

8. そのファンはアイドルに会えた喜びのあまり、泣き出した。
sono fan wa aidoru ni aeta yorokobi no amari, nakidashita.
That fan was so overcome with joy from meeting their idol that they started bursting out
crying.

9. 彼はちょっと前までは笑っていたが、すぐに泣き出してしまっ
た。
kare wa chotto mae made wa waratte ita ga, sugu ni naki dashite shimatta.
He was smiling until just a moment ago when he burst out crying.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 でございます

Meaning How To Use

to be (honorific) です -> でございます

ではありません -> でございません

Learn Japanese grammar: でございます (de gozaimasu). Meaning: to be (honorific).

This is a more polite version of です (desu), which is often used by work staff to customers.

Example Sentences

1. お釣でございます。
otsuri de gozaimasu.
Here is your change.

2. 初めまして、経理部の佐藤でございます。
hajime mashite, keiribu no satou degozaimasu.
Nice to meet you, I am Satou from accounting.

3. この件に関しましては、ただいま確認中でございます。
kono ken ni kanshi mashite wa, tadaima kakuninchuu degozaimasu.
We are currently confirming this case.

4. 私からは以上でございます。
watashi kara wa ijou de gozaimasu.
I do not have any further statements to make.

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5. 予約で満員でございます。
yoyaku wa man'in de gozaimasu.
We are fully booked up.

6. 私は⼈⽂社会科学⼤学の２年⽣でございます。
watashi wa jinbun shakai kagaku daigaku no 2 nensei degozaimasu.
I am a second year humanities university student.

7. 当社へのお問い合わせは初めてでございますか︖
tousha e no otoiawase wa hajimete de gozaimasu ka︖
Is this the first time that you contacted us?

8. ご提案頂いた改良⽅法は検討中でございます。
goteian itadaita kairyou houhou wa kentouchuu de gozaimasu.
We are currently examining the improvement methods that you proposed.

9. 婦⼈の服の売り場は3階でございます。
fujin no fuku no uriba wa 3 kai degozaimasu.
Women's clothing is on the 3rd floor.

10. この度講習会を開催することになりました。ご参加いただけたら
幸いでございます。
kono do koushuukai o kaisai suru koto ni narimashita. Go sanka itadaketara saiwai
degozaimasu.
We would be greatly pleased if you could participate.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 でも

Meaning How To Use

... or something Noun でも

Learn Japanese grammar: でも (demo). Meaning: …or something.

This can be used to suggest something as a possible option or solution. In this case, it is very similar to
the phrase “would you care for…”

Example Sentences

1. ⽔でも飲みますか︖
mizu demo nomimasu ka?
Would you care for some water or something to drink?

2. ⽜丼でもしましょうか︖
gyuudon demo shimashou ka?
Shall we go with something like the beef bowl?

3. 寒いから、暖かいものでも飲みませんか。
samui kara, atatakai mono demo nomimasen ka.
It's a bit cold so why don't we get something warm to drink?

4. 晩ご飯ならサラダでも作りましょうか︖
bangohan nara sarada demo tsukuri mashouka?
Should I make a salad for dinner?

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5. ちょっと時間があるからゲームでもしましょうか︖
chotto jikan ga aru kara geemu demo shimashou ka︖
We have a little time, let’s play games or something︖

6. 仕事が終わりました。ちょっと酒屋でも⾏きませんか。
shigoto ga owari mashita. Sakaya demo ikimasen ka.
Work is finished. Why don't we go somewhere like an izakaya.

7. 電⾞を待っている間にこの雑誌でも読んでください。
densha o matteiru aida ni kono zasshi demo yonde kudasai.
Read this magazine while waiting for the train.

8. 連休はどうする︖郊外でも⾏ってみようか。
renkyuu wa dou suru︖kougai demo itte miyou ka︖
What are we gonna do this consecutive holiday? Shall we go to the suburb or
something?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ではないか

Meaning How To Use

right?; isn't it? ではないか

phrase
ではありませんか

Learn Japanese grammar: ではないか (dewa nai ka). Meaning: right? isn’t it?

This is interchangeable with じゃないか (janai ka).

Example Sentences

1. トムではないか。
tomu dewa nai ka.
Well if it isn't Tom?

2. 何ときれいではないか。
nanto kirei dewa nai ka.
How pretty!

3. すばらしい天気ではないか。
subarashii tenki dewa nai ka.
What wonderful weather we're having, eh?

4. 明⽇は⾬ではないかと思う。
ashita wa ame dewa nai ka to omou.
I think it will rain tomorrow.

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5. 彼は病気ではないかと思う。
kare wa byouki dewa nai ka to omou.
I suspect that he's sick.

6. タクシーに乗ろうではないか。
takushii ni norou dewa nai ka.
Why don't we take a taxi?

7. 本当のことではないかと思うよ。
hontou no koto dewa nai ka to omou yo.
I suspect it to be true.

8. 彼は来ないのではないかと思う。
kare wa konai no dewa nai ka to omou.
I'm don't think he'll be coming.

9. 試験を合格したとはすごいではないか。
shiken o goukaku shita koto wa sugoi dewa nai ka.
How wonderful that you passed your exam!

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 が必要
がひつよう

Meaning How To Use

need; necessary が必要

Noun
は必要

Learn Japanese grammar: が必要 【がひつよう】(ga hitsuyou). Meaning: need; necessary.

Example Sentences

1. それは必要だ。
sore wa hitsuyou da.
It is necessary.

2. 君が必要だ。
kimi ga hitsuyou da.
I need you!

3. サインは必要ですか︖
sain wa hitsuyou desu ka?
Is a signature required?

4. サッカーを練習する場所が必要です。
sakkaa o renshuu suru basho ga hitsuyou desu.
I need a place to practice soccer.

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5. 私は少し考える時間が必要です。
watashi wa sukoshi kangaeru jikan ga hitsuyou desu.
I need some time to think it over.

6. 試合が近い。練習が必要だよ︕
shiai ga chikai. renshuu ga hitsuyou da yo.
The match is near. We need to practice!

7. 夫婦はお互いに理解しあうことが必要だ。
fuufu wa otagai ni rikai shiau koto ga hitsuyou da.
Married couples need to understand each other.

8. このプロジェクトを成功させるには、少なくとも４⼈は必要だ。
kono purojekuto o seikou saseru ni wa, sukunakutomo yo’nin wa hitsuyou da.
We need at least four people to bring off this project.

9. 私たちには、皆が公平に扱われるための、明確な⼀連の規則が必
要だ。
watashitachi wa, minna ga kouhei ni atsukawareru tame no, meikaku na ichiren no
kisoku ga hitsuyou da.
We need a clear set of rules whereby everyone is treated fairly.

10. ⽇本の学⽣はまだ、科学の世界のトップレベルでは努⼒が必要で
す。
nihon no gakusei wa mada, kagaku no sekai no toppu reberu de wa doryoku ga hitsuyou
desu.
Japanese students need to work hard to be in the top in the world of science.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 がする

Meaning How To Use

to smell; hear; taste がする

Noun がします
がしている

Learn Japanese grammar: がする (ga suru). Meaning: to smell; hear; or taste.

Example Sentences

1. ⽢い味がする。
amai aji ga suru.
It has a sweet taste.

2. ⼈の声がする。
hito no koe ga suru.
I can hear someone's voice.

3. ガスの匂いがする。
gasu no nioi ga suru.
I smell gas.

4. このクッキーはしょうがの味がする。
kono kukkii wa shouga no aji ga suru.
I can taste ginger in this cookie.

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5. このフルーツはどんな味がする︖
kono furuutsu wa donna aji ga suru?
What kind of flavor does this fruit have?

6. それは雷のような⾳がした。
sore wa kaminari no you na oto ga shita.
That sounded like thunder.

7. このピザは変な味がします。
kono piza wa hen na aji ga shimasu.
This pizza tastes weird.

8. 何かが倒れる⾳がした。
nani ka ga taoreru oto ga shita.
It sounded like something fell.

9. このカレーは本当にいい匂いがする。
kono karee wa hontou ni ii nioi ga suru.
This curry smells really good.

10. 隣の家でピアノの⾳がしている。
tonari no ie de piano no oto ga shiteiru.
There’s a sound of piano coming from the house next door.

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 がり

Meaning How To Use

personality; tend to~; sensitivity towards~ い-adjective い

がり
な-adjective な

Learn Japanese grammar: がり (gari). Meaning: that someone tends to…; has a tendency to…; has a
sensitivity to…

Based from がる

Before starting this lesson, you may want to read the lesson for がる (garu) lesson first.

がる (garu) is used to say that someone is appearing to be a certain way. がり (gari) changes the meaning
to describe a personality, tendency, or sensitivity towards something.

Therefore, while the sound is similar, both grammar points are saying quite different things.

What is different?

While がる (garu) is usually used when talking about others, がり (gari) can be used to talk about both
others and oneself.

Meaning 1) Describe Personality

怖がり (kowa-gari)
scaredy cat; someone who is easily scared; tends to scare easily

恥ずかしがり (hazukashi-gari)
shy person; someone who tends to be shy

寂しがり (sabishi-gari)
lonely person; person who does not want to be alone

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 強がり (tsuyo-gari)
to bluff; someone who tends to look tough

⽬⽴ちたがり (medachita-gari)
Someone who tends to want to stand out
Note that this form is changed from たがる (tagaru), which means to want to do~ when
talking of others

Meaning 2) Sensitivity Towards Something

寒がり (samu-gari)
Someone who is sensitive to the cold.

暑がり (atsu-gari)
Someone who is sensitive to heat.

Extra Study Notes

When talking about someone’s personality, Japanese people will usually add 屋 (ya) at the end.

Another option, which is more friendly, is to add 屋さん (yasan) at the end instead.

恥ずかしがり屋さん (hazukashi-gari-yasan)
shy person (friendly way of saying)

Example Sentences

1. 彼⼥は怖がりだからホラー映画はダメだ。
kanojo wa kowa gari dakara horaa eiga wa dame da
My girlfriend gets scared easily so horror movies are out of the question.

2. 私は寒がりなので、冬はあまり好きじゃない。
watashi wa samu gari nanode, fuyu wa amari suki janai.
I'm sensitive to the cold, so I don't really like winter.

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3. このバンドが解散したらファンが悲しがりだろう。
kono bando ga kaisan shitara fan ga kanashi gari darou.
If this band breaks up, their fans will be very sad.

4. かっこいい彼をゲットしたらみんな羨ましがりだろうな。
kakkoii kare o getto shitara minna urayamashi gari darou na.
I bet everybody will envy me if I get a cute boyfriend.

5. ⼈々が不安がりので政府はその事実を隠していた。
hitobito ga fuan gari node seifu wa sono jijitsu o kakushite ita.
The government has kept the secret so as to not make people worry.

6. あんな所に駐⾞したら近所の⼈に迷惑がりよ。
anna tokoro ni chuusha shitara kinjo no hito ni meiwaku gari yo.
The neighbors will get annoyed if you park in such a place!

7. 彼は彼⼥が欲しがりバッグを買ってあげた。
kare wa kanojo ga hoshi gari baggu o katte ageta.
He bought her the bag she wanted.

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 がる・がっている

Meaning How To Use

to show signs of; to appear; to feel, to think がる

い-adjective い
がっている
がった
な-adjective
がらないで

Learn Japanese grammar: がる (garu) meaning: to show signs of; to appear; to feel, to think.

This grammar point basically turns adjectives into verbs, so the tense can change based on the verb
conjugation. Let’s look at some examples:

がる – to show signs of; to feel

General Use

彼は⽝を怖がる。

kare wa inu o kowa garu.

He is (appears to be/seems to be) generally afraid of dogs.

Current Tense

彼は⽝を怖がっている。

kare wa inu o kowa gatteiru.

He is currently showing signs of being afraid of dogs.

Current Tense

彼は⽝を怖がっていた。

kare wa inu o kowa gatteita.

He was showing signs of being afraid of dogs.

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ほしがる (hoshi garu) – to want

ほしい + がる combine to express a strong desire or want for something. Of course, any adjective can be
converted to a verb, but this form is quite common.

クルーズ先⽣は新しい⾃転⾞を欲しがる。。

Cruise sensei wa atarashii jitensha o hoshi garu.

Cruise-sensei wants a new bicycle (very badly).

Extra Study Notes

がる (garu) is generally used for speaking in the 3rd person, but it is also acceptable to use it for yourself
in some situations.

Example Sentences

1. 怖がらないでください。
kowa garanai de kudasai.
Please don't feel scared (or afraid)

2. 試合に負けて悔しがる。
shiai ni makete kuyashi garu.
Feeling (or appearing to be) bitter after losing the match.

3. 彼は死ぬのを怖がっている。
kare wa shinu no o kowa gatteiru.
He is afraid of death.

4. 弟は来られなくて、とても残念がっていました。
ototo wa korarenakute, totemo zannen gatteimashita.
My brother seems upset that he is not able to come.

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5. 恥ずかしがらないで、前に出てきてください。
hazukashi garanai de, mae ni dete kite kudasai.
Please don't be shy and come up here.

6. 彼⼥はその少年をまるで実の⼦のようにかわいがっている。
kanojo wa sono shounen o marude jitsu no ko no you ni kawai gatteiru.
She loves the boy as if he were her own child.

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 ございます

Meaning How To Use

to be, to exist (the polite form of いる/ある) あります changes to ございます

います changes to ございます

Learn Japanese grammar: ございます (gozaimasu). Meaning: to be, to exist (the polite form of いる/あ
る).

Example Sentences

1. ご質問はございますか。
go shitsumon wa gozaimasu ka
Do you have a question?

2. お忘れ物はございませんか。
o wasure mono wa gozai masenka?
Did you forget anything?

3. お時間がございますか︖
ojikan ga gozaimasu ka?
Do you have some time?

4. 電話は階段の横にございます。
denwa wa kaidan no yoko ni gozaimasu.
The phone is next to the stairs.

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5. お問い合わせいただいた商品については在庫がございます。
o toiawase itadaita shouhin ni tsuite wa zaiko ga gozaimasu.
We have stock of the item from your inquiry.

6. すみません、こちらの⾊違いの商品はございますか。
sumimasen, kochira no iro chigai no shouhin wa gozaimasu ka︖
Excuse me, do you have a different color of this product?

7. どうぞこちらへ。お荷物の⽅は、もうお部屋に上げてございま
す。
douzo kochira e. onimotsu no hou wa, mou oheya ni agete gozaimasu.
Please come this way. I’ve already taken your things up.

8. まだ時間がございますので、どうぞごゆっくりお召し上がりくだ
さい。
mada jikan ga gozaimasu node, douzo go yukkuri omeshiagari kudasai.
There’s still time, so please eat slowly.

9. 反対のご意⾒がございますか︖
hantai no goiken ga gozaimasu ka?
Do you have anything to say against it?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 始める
はじめる

Meaning How To Use

to start; to begin to ~ はじめる

Verb ます (stem form) はじめた
はじめている

Learn Japanese grammar: 始める 【はじめる】 (hajimeru). Meaning: to start; to begin to ~.

This is used to express when something is starting or has just begun. It can be freely conjugated to use in
current, future, and past tense.

はじめる to start
examples 1~3
はじめた started to (past)
examples 4~7
はじめて started to (current)
examples 8~10

Example Sentences

1. ⾷べ始める。
tabe hajimeru.
to begin eating.

2. ⾬が降り始めた。
ame ga furi hajimeta.
It started to rain.

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3. いつそれをやり始めるの︖
itsu sore o yari hajimeru no?
When are you starting that?

4. 今朝、⻭が痛くなり始めた。
kesa, ha ga itaku nari hajimeta.
My tooth started hurting this morning.

5. 私はまだ⾛り始めていない。
watashi wa mada hashiri hajimete inai.
I still haven't started running.

6. 私はまだ⼣⾷を作り始めていない。
watashi wa mada yuushoku o tsukuri hajimete inai.
I still haven't started cooking dinner.

7. この状況は変わり始めている。
kono joukyou wa kawari hajimete iru.
This situation is starting to change.

8. 私は今年から働き始めたばかりです。
watashi wa kotoshi kara hataraki hajimeta bakari desu.
I just started working from this year.

9. 私は再びサイクリングをやり始めた。
watashi wa futatabi saikuringu o yari hajimeta.
I started cycling again.

10. いったん話し始めると、彼⼥を⽌めることは出来ない。
ittan hanashi hajimeru to, kanojo o tomeru koto wa dekinai.
Once she starts talking, there's no stopping her.

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 はずだ

Meaning How To Use

it must be; it should be (expectation) Verb (dictionary form)

Noun + の
はずだ
な-adjective + な

い-adjective + い

Learn Japanese grammar: はずだ (hazu da). Meaning: it must be; it should be (expectation).

To say the opposite, “it cannot be..”, use はずがない (hazu ga nai).

Example Sentences

1. あなたなら分かるはずだ。
anata nara wakaru hazu da.
You should know this.

2. 彼は今学校にいるはずだ。
kare wa ima gakkou ni iru hazu da.
He should be in school right now.

3. お⽗さんがそろそろ家に帰るはずだ。
otousan ga sorosoro ie ni kaeru hazu da.
Father should be returning home anytime now.

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4. 今⽇は祝⽇だから、銀⾏は休みのはずだ。
kyou wa shukujitsu dakara, ginkou wa yasumi no hazu da.
Today is a national holiday, so surely the banks are closed.

5. それは明らかなはずだ。
sore wa akirakana hazu da.
That should be obvious.

6. あなたは法律を知っているはずだ。
anata wa houritsu o shitteiru hazu da.
You should know the law.

7. ⽥中さんは今、旅⾏中だから、家にいないはずだ。
tanaka-san wa ima, ryokouchuu dakara, ie ni inai hazu da.
Tanaka-san can't be home right now since he is currently travelling.

8. 彼らはそのテーマについて話し合っているはずだ。
karera wa sono teema ni tsuite wa hanashiatte iru hazu da.
They should be discussing that theme.

9. 彼は英語を専⾨にやったのだからできるはずだ。
kare wa eigo o senmon ni yatta no da kara dekiru hazu da.
He ought to be a good scholar, for he has made a specialty of English.

10. 私の知る限りでは彼は遅れたことはないはずだ。
watashi no shiru kagiri de wa kare wa okureta koto wa nai hazu da.
He has never been late to the best of my knowledge.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 はずがない

Meaning How To Use

cannot be (impossible) Verb (dictionary form)

Noun の はずがない
な-adjective + な はずがありません

い-adjective + い

Learn Japanese grammar: はずがない (hazu ga nai). Meaning: cannot be (impossible).

This is used to strongly emphasize that something cannot be or is impossible.

To say the opposite, use はずだ (hazu da) instead.

Example Sentences

1. そんなはずがない。
sonna hazu ga nai.
That can't be true.

2. 彼⼥の話は本当のはずがない。
kanojo no hanashi wa hontou no hazu ga nai.
Her story can't be true.

3. 彼はそんなことを⾔うはずがない。
kare wa sonna koto o iu hazu ga nai.
He would never say such a thing.

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4. ジョンが嘘をついているはずがない。
jon ga uso o tsuiteiru hazu ga nai.
There's no way that John is lying.

5. そんな⼤きな量を全部⾷べられるはずがない。
sonna ookina ryou o taberareru hazu ga nai.
There's no way you're going to be able to eat all of that.

6. そのうわさが本当のはずがない。
sono uwasa ga hontou na hazu ga nai.
That rumor cannot be true.

7. 彼が３０才より若いはずがない。
kare ga sanjuu sai yori wakai hazu ga nai.
He can't be under thirty.

8. 真⾯⽬な⽥中さんが、無断で休むはずがない。
majimena tanaka san ga, mudan de yasumu hazu ga nai.
Tanaka-san is a very honest and hardworking person. There is no way he would take
leave without informing us.

9. 彼は今事務所にいるはずがありません。
kare wa ima jimusho ni iru hazu ga arimasen.
He shouldn't be in the office now.

10. あの⼈は昨⽇⼊院したので、明⽇のレースに来るはずがない。
ano hito wa kinou nyuuin shita no de, ashita no reesu ni kuru hazu ga nai.
That person was hospitalized yesterday, so there's no way they're coming to tomorrow's
race.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 必要がある
ひつようがある

Meaning How To Use

need to; it is necessary to 必要がある

Verb (dictionary form)
必要がない

Learn Japanese grammar: 必要がある 【ひつようがある】(hitsuyou ga aru). Meaning: that one needs to
do something; that it is necessary to do something.

必要 (hitsuyou) means necessary/necessity and がある (ga aru) means there is, so it literally translates to
there is a necessity to…

Example A) Need to 必要がある (hitsuyou ga aru)

私はもっと勉強する必要がある。

watashi wa motto benkyou suru hitsuyou ga aru.

I need to study more.

Example B) Do not need to 必要がない (hitsuyou ga nai)

今⽇は事務所に⾏く必要がない。

kyou wa jimusho ni iku hitsuyou ga nai.

There is no need to go into the office today.

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Example C) More polite

To be more polite, you can use 必要があります (hitsuyou ga arimasu) and 必要がありません (hitsuyou
ga arimasen) instead.

私は⼤丈夫ですよ。あなたには何もする必要がありません。

watashi wa daijoubu desu yo. anata ni wa nanimo suru hitsuyou ga arimasen.

I’m fine. There’s no need for you to do anything.

Example Sentences

1. 彼らは休む必要がある。
karera wa yasumu hitsuyou ga aru.
They need to rest.

2. もっと勉強する必要がある。
motto benkyou suru hitsuyou ga aru.
I need to study more.

3. 私の弟は今⽇学校に⾏く必要がない。
watashi no otouto wa kyou gakkou ni iku hitsuyou ga nai.
My younger brother doesn't need to go to school today.

4. 俺にはもう必要がない。
ore ni wa mou hitsuyou ga nai.
I have no need for this anymore.

5. 何でそんなことをする必要があるんですか︖
nande sonna koto o suru hitsuyou ga aru n desu ka?
Why is it necessary to do that?

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6. 医者は彼にタバコをやめる必要があると⾔った。
isha wa kare ni tabako o yameru hitsuyou ga aru to itta.
The doctor told him that he needs to quit smoking.

7. まず、部屋を掃除する必要がある。
mazu, heya o souju suru hitsuyou ga aru.
First, we need to clean this room.

8. 私はわざわざ店にまで買いに⾏く必要がない。
watashi wa wazawaza mise ni made kai ni iku hitsuyou ga nai.
I don't need to go out of my way to go and buy it at the store.

9. ⽇本の会社で働くために、JLPT N3に合格する必要がある。
nihon no kaisha de hataraku tame ni, JLPT N3 ni goukaku suru hitsuyou ga aru.
To work at a Japanese company, you need to pass JLPT N3.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 意向形
いこうけい

Meaning How To Use

volitional form; let's do ~. see conjugation rules below...

Learn Japanese grammar: 意向形 【いこうけい】(ikou kei). Meaning: volitional form; let’s do ~.

This grammar turns verbs from statements into suggestions.

How to create volitional form:

A) る-verbs

Remove the final る (ru) syllable and replace it with よう (you).

⾷べる → ⾷べよう (taberu → tabeyou) let’s eat

To be more polite, add ましょう (mashou) instead.

⾷べる → ⾷べましょう (taberu → tabemashou) let’s eat

B) う-verbs

Change the final vowel to (o) and add a singular (u) to the end.

読む → 読もう (yomu → yomou) let’s read

買う → 買おう (kau → kaou) let’s buy

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To be more polite, change the final vowel to (i) and add ましょう (mashou) to the end.

読む → 読みましょう (yomu → yomimashou) let’s read

買う → 買いましょう (kau → kaimashou) let’s buy

C) Irregular Verbs

する → しよう (suru → shiyou) let’s do..

する → しましょう (suru → shimashou) let’s do..

来る → 来よう (kuru → koyou) let’s come/go

来る → 来ましょう (kuru → kimashou) let’s come/go

Example Sentences

1. 今⽇から⾃転⾞で出勤しよう。
kyou kara jitensha de shukkin shiyou.
Let's start commuting by bicycle from today!

2. もう11時だ。早く寝よう。
mou 11 ji da. Hayaku neyou.
It's already 11pm, let's hurry and go to sleep.

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3. 重たいそうだね。⼿伝おうか。
omotai sou da ne. Tetsudaou ka︖
That looks heavy, shall I give you a hand?

4. 今⽇は⾷堂で昼⾷を⾷べよう。
kyou wa shokudou de chuushoku o tabeyou.
Let's eat lunch at the dining room today.

5. 図書館で⼀緒に勉強しよう。
toshokan de issho ni benkyou shiyou.
Let's study together at the library.

6. 明⽇は週末ですから、飲みに⾏こう。
ashita wa shuumatsu desu kara, nomi ni ikou.
Tomorrow is the end of the week, so let's go out for some drinks.

7. ⾬が降っているよ。駅まで送ってあげようか︖
ame ga futte iru yo. eki made okutte ageyou ka?
It's raining.. Shall I give you a lift to the station?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 いらっしゃる

Meaning How To Use

to be; to come; to go (polite version) いる (changes to)

来る (changes to) いらっしゃる
⾏く (changes to)

Verb (て form) + いらっしゃる

Learn Japanese grammar: いらっしゃる (irassharu). Meaning: to be; to come; to go.

This is the more polite version of いる, 来る, ⾏く, and can take on either of these meanings.

It can be conjugated to various forms like a regular verb.

formal positive: いらっしゃいます

formal negative: いらっしゃいません

Example Sentences

1. 質問のある⽅はいらっしゃいませんか。
shitsumon no aru kata wa irasshaimasen ka.
Does anyone have any questions?

2. 校⻑先⽣は図書館にいらっしゃいます。
kouchou sensei wa toshokan ni irasshaimasu.
The headmaster is in the library.

3. 私たちと⼀緒にいらっしゃいませんか︖
watashitachi to isshoni irrashaimasen ka?
私たちと⼀緒にいらっしゃいませんか

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4. 先⽣、何時まで学校にいらっしゃいますか。
sensei, nanji made gakkou ni irasshaimasu ka.
Teacher, until what time will you remain at school?

5. 先⽣はあなたを信じていらっしゃる。
sensei wa anata o shinjite irassharu.
Our teacher believes in you.

6. 明⽇のパーティーにいらっしゃいますか。
ashita no paatii ni irasshaimasu ka.
Will you go to the party tomorrow?

7. この電⾞の中にお医者さんはいらっしゃいますか。
kono densha no naka ni oisha san wa irasshaimasu ka?
Is there a doctor in this train?

8. 申し訳ございません。ちょっと受付までいらっしゃってくださ
い。
moushiwake gozaimasen. chotto uketsuke made irasshatte kudasai.
I’m really sorry. Please go to the reception desk.

9. この⾞内にお医者様はいらっしゃいませんか。
kono shanai ni oisha sama wa irasshaimasen ka.
Is there a doctor on this train?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 いたします

Meaning How To Use

to do (polite form of する) する (changes to) いたす

します (changes to) いたします

お/ご + Verb ます (stem) いたします

Learn Japanese grammar: いたします (itashimasu). Meaning: to do (polite form of する). It is used to
say that you yourself will do something.

Example Sentences

1. 失礼いたします。
shitsurei itashimasu.
Excuse me.

2. この仕事は私がいたします。
kono shigoto wa watashi ga itashimasu.
I will do this job.

3. お席にご案内いたします。
oseki ni goannai itashimasu.
I’ll take you to your seat.

4. 新幹線の予約は私がいたします。
shinkansen no yoyaku wa watashi ga itashimasu.
I’ll book the shinkansen bullet train tickets.

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5. 荷物は私が明⽇にお届けいたします。
nimotsu wa watashi ga ashita ni otodoke itashimasu.
I’ll send the luggage tomorrow.

6. 必要な教材のリストを同封いたします。
hitsuyou na kyouzai no risuto o doufuu itashimasu.
Please find enclosed a list of all necessary teaching equipment.

7. 新学期は9⽉3⽇に始まることをお知らせいたします。
shingakki wa kugatsu mikka ni hajimaru koto o oshirase itashimasu.
I’d like to inform you that the new school year will begin on September 3rd.

8. ５千円からお預かりいたします。３千円のおつりでございます。
gosen en kara oazukari itashimasu. sanzen’en no otsuri de gozaimasu.
Here’s your change of 3,000 yen out of 5,000 yen.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 じゃないか

Meaning How To Use

right? isn't it? let's~; confirmation phrase じゃないか

Learn Japanese grammar: じゃないか (janai ka). Meaning: right? isn’t it? let’s~; confirmation.

This is interchangeable with ではないか (dewa nai ka).

Example Sentences

1. ⾏こうじゃないか。
ikou janai ka.
Let's go, shall we?

2. ダメじゃないか。
dame janai ka.
You should know that's no good / you can't do that.

3. だから⾔ったじゃないか︕
dakara itta janai ka!
I told you so! (didn't I?)

4. 今夜外⾷しようじゃないか。
konya gaishoku shiyou janai ka.
Let's go out for dinner tonight, shall we?

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5. 今⽇は元気そうじゃないか。
kyou wa genki sou janai ka.
Well aren't you looking quite energetic today?

6. お祝いに⼀杯やろうじゃないか。
oiwai ni ippai yarou janai ka.
Let's have a drink in celebration (shall we?)

7. 間違えたのは君じゃないか︕
machigaeta no wa kimi janai ka!
It was you that who made the mistake!

8. 散歩しようじゃないか。
sanpo shiyou janai ka.
Why don't we go for a walk?

9. 彼の話を最後まで聞こうじゃないか。
kare no hanashi o saigo made kikou janai ka.
Let's hear the rest of his story.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 かどうか

Meaning How To Use

whether or not Verb (casual form)

Noun
かどうか
な-adjective

い-adjective + い

Learn Japanese grammar: かどうか (ka dou ka). Meaning: whether or not.

Example Sentences

1. 明⽇晴れるかどうか知らない。
ashita hareru ka dou ka shiranai.
I don't know if the weather will be clear or not tomorrow.

2. それが正しいかどうかわからない。
sore ga tadashii ka dou ka wakaranai.
I'm not sure if that is correct or not.

3. ⾏くかどうか後で電話で知らせます。
iku ka douka atode denwa de shirasemasu.
I'll let you know later by phone if I'm going or not.

4. おいしいかどうか⾷べないとわからない。
oishii ka douka tabenai to wakaranai.
We won't know if it's good or not until we eat it.

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5. 名前を書いたかどうか、もう⼀度チェックしてください。
namae o kaita ka douka, mou ichido chekku shite kudasai.
Please check again if you wrote the name.

6. この計画は成功できるかどうか⼼配です。
kono keikaku wa seikou dekiru ka douka shinpai desu.
I'm worried if we'll be able to succeed with this plan.

7. ⽥中さんが⼤学を卒業できたかどうか知っていますか。
tanaka san ga daigaku o sotsugyou dekita ka douka shitte imasu ka.
Do you know if Tanaka graduated from college?

8. 彼がこのプレゼントを喜ぶかどうか分かりません。
kare ga kono purezento o yorokobu ka douka wakarimasen.
I don't know if he will be pleased with this gift.

9. 弱いかどうかとはまったく関係ない。
yowai ka douka towa mattaku kankei nai.
It has nothing to do with weakness.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 かしら

Meaning How To Use

I wonder phrase かしら

Learn Japanese grammar: かしら (ka shira). Meaning: I wonder.

This is either used to:

ask a question
show you are thinking about something
It is mostly used by female speakers.
It is similar to かな (kana).

Example Sentences

1. 本当かしら。
hontou ka shira.
I wonder if that's true.

2. どこへ⾏ったかしら。
doko e itta ka shira.
I wonder where they could have gone?

3. 誰かしら。
dare ka shira.
I wonder who that is.

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4. 彼は本気かしら。
kare wa honki ka shira.
I wonder if he is serious.

5. 明⽇は⾬かしら。
ashita wa ame ka shira.
I wonder if it will rain tomorrow.

6. この本は売れるかしら︖
kono hon wa ureru ka shira.
I wonder if this book will sell.

7. 明⽇は晴れるかしら。
ashita wa hareru ka shira.
I wonder if it will clear up tomorrow.

8. 今夜、外⾷するのはどうかしら︖
konya, gaishoku suru no wa dou ka shira?
What do you think about eating out tonight?

9. 以前お会いしませんでしたかしら。
izen o ai shimasen deshita ka shira?
Have we met before?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 かい

Meaning How To Use

turns a sentence into a yes/no question Sentence かい

Learn Japanese grammar: かい (kai). Meaning: turns a sentence into a yes/no question.

This is more casual Japanese and is most often used with children or with girlfriends.

Example Sentences

1. 歩けるかい︖
arukeru kai?
Can you walk?

2. コーヒーいるかい︖
koohii iru kai?
Do you want a coffee?

3. ⼀緒にくるかい。
isshoni kuru kai.
Do you want to come along?

4. まだ終わってないのかい︖
mada owatte nai no kai.
Aren’t you finished yet?

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5. 話してくれるかい︖いったい何があったんだ︖
hanashite kureru kai. ittai nani ga attan da.
Will you tell me the story? What happened?

6. それで、学校はどうだった︖友だちはできたかい︖
sore de, gakkou wa dou datta. tomodachi wa dekita kai.
So, how did you like school? Have you made any friends?

7. 俺とダンスパーティーに⾏くかい︖
ore to dansu paatii ni iku kai.
Do you want to go to the dance party with me?

8. むこう岸まで泳がなくちゃならないんだが、きみは泳げるのか
い︖
mukou kishi made oyoganakucha naranain da ga, kimi wa oyogeru no kai.
We’ve got to swim to the shore on the other side. Can you swim at all?

9. 僕はさっきもう君にすっかり話したじゃないか。それとも、覚え
てないのかい︖
boku wa sakki mou kimi ni sukkari hanashita janai ka. sore tomo, oboetenai no kai.
I went over it in detail with you a little while back.. Don’t you remember?

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 かもしれない

Meaning How To Use

might; perhaps; indicates possibility Verb (casual form)

Noun かも
かもしれない
な-adjective かもしれません
い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: かもしれない (kamo shirenai). Meaning: might; perhaps; indicates possibility.

To be more polite, use かもしれません (kamo shiremasen).

To be more casual, you can just use かも (kamo).

Example Sentences

1. 難しいかも。
muzukashii kamo.
This might be a bit difficult.

2. そうかもしれない。
sou kamo shirenai.
That may be the case. / you may be right.

3. 病気かもしれない。
byouki kamo shirenai.
I might be sick..

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4. 午後から⾬が降るかもしれない。
gogo kara ame ga furu kamo shirenai.
It might start raining in the afternoon.

5. 来週、台⾵が来るかもしれない。
konshuu, taifuu ga kuru kamo shirenai.
A typhoon might be coming this week.

6. 途中で⾬が降るかもしれないから、傘を持っていきましょう。
tochuu de ame ga furu kamoshirenai kara, kasa o motte ikimashou.
It might rain on our way there, so let's bring our umbrellas.

7. 転職するかもしれません。
tenshoku suru kamo shiremasen.
I might be changing jobs.

8. ⾛れば終電に間に合うかもしれません。
hashireba shuuden ni mani au kamo shiremasen.
If I run I might make the last train.

9. 到着が遅くなるかもしれません。
touchaku ga osoku naru kamoshiremasen.
My arrival might be a bit delayed.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 かな

Meaning How To Use

I wonder; should I? Verb (dictionary form)

Noun
かな
な-adjective

い-adjective + い

Learn Japanese grammar: かな (kana). Meaning: I wonder; should I?

かな (kana) basically means “I wonder”, and is mostly used to:

contemplate doing something

wonder if something will happen

There are also many other subtle meanings which could be implied based on context, including:

expressing doubt and asking advice

expressing hope
offering an opinion
making a suggestion
asking a small favor
expressing desire or intention

Example Sentences

1. 彼⼥は元気かな。
kanojo wa genki kana.
I wonder if she's doing well.

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2. ⾬が降るかな。
ame ga furu kana.
I wonder if it's going to rain.

3. 外は寒いかな。
soto wa samui kana.
I wonder if it's cold outside.

4. もう⾷べていいかな。
mou tabete ii kana.
I wonder if it's OK to start eating. (can also express desire to eat)

5. ⼀緒に映画を⾒るのはどうかな︖
isshoni eiga o miru no wa dou kana?
What do you think about going to see a movie together?

6. ここに座ってもいいかな︖
koko ni suwatte mo ii kana?
Do you mind if I sit here?

7. 私はカレーうどんにしようかな。
watashi wa karee udon ni shiyou kana.
I think I'll go with the curry udon.

8. そろそろ勉強しようかな。
sorosoro benkyou shiyou kana.
I guess I should start studying now.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 から作る
からつくる

Meaning How To Use

made from; made with Noun + から 作る

作られる (passive form)
Noun + で 作られている

Learn Japanese grammar: から作る 【からつくる】(kara tsukuru). Meaning: made from; made with.

作る (tsukuru) can be proceeded with either から or で.

作る is also often changed to 作られる / 作られている (tsukurareru / tsukurarete iru) passive form.

Example Sentences

1. ワインはブドウから作る。
wain wa budou kara tsukuru.
Wine is made from grapes.

2. 紙は⽊から作られる。
kami wa ki kara tsukurareru.
Paper is made from wood.

3. 酒は⽶で作る。
sake wa kome de tsukuru.
Sake (Japanese alcohol) is made from rice.

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4. このつくえは⽊で作られています。
kono tsukue wa ki de tsukurarete imasu.
This desk was made from wood.

5. チーズは⽜乳から作られますか︖
chiizu wa gyuunyuu kara tsukurare masu ka?
Can you make cheese from milk?

6. この橋は⽯から作られている。
kono hashi wa ishi kara tsukurare teiru.
This bridge was made from stones.

7. ⽇本酒は⽶から作られます。
nihonshu wa kome kara tsukuraremasu.
Japanese sake is made from rice.

8. このゼリーはリンゴジュースで作った。
kono zerii wa ringo juusu de tsukutta.
I made this jelly from apple juice.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 きっと

Meaning How To Use

surely; undoubtedly; almost certainly; most event

きっと
action
likely

Learn Japanese grammar: きっと (kitto). Meaning: surely; undoubtedly; almost certainly; most likely.

Example Sentences

1. 明⽇はきっと⾬でしょう。
ashita wa kitto ame deshou.
It will likely rain tomorrow.

2. 彼⼥はきっと来るよ。
kanojo wa kitto kuru yo.
I am certain she will come.

3. がんばって勉強したから、きっと明⽇のテストは⼤丈夫だよ。
ganbatte benkyou shita kara, kitto ashita no tesuto wa daijoubu da yo.
You studied really hard, so I'm sure tomorrow's test will be fine!

4. 明⽇は、きっと晴れるでしょう。
ashita wa, kitto hareru deshou.
It will most likely be sunny tomorrow.

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5. 彼は私の親友だから、きっと私を助けてくれる。
kare wa watashi no shinyuu da kara, kitto watashi o tasukete kureru.
He's my best friend, so I'm positive he will help me.

6. この仕事の給料は低いからきっと誰でもやりたくない。
kono shigoto no kyuuryou wa hikui kara kitto dare demo yarita kunai.
This job's salary is low, so surely no one will want to do it.

7. あの⼈は⾒たことないから、きっと新しい学⽣だ。
ano hito wa mita koto nai kara, kitto atarashii gakusei da.
I've never seen that person before, so they're most likely a new student.

8. 彼⼥はパーティーが好きじゃないから、きっと明⽇のパーティー
も来ないと思う。
kanojo wa paatii ga suki janai kara, kitto ashita no paatii mo konai to omou.
She doesn't like parties, so I'm almost certain she won't come to tomorrow's party.

9. 今⽇は結婚記念⽇だから、主⼈はきっと早く帰ると思います。
kyou wa kekkon kinenbi da kara, shujin wa kitto hayaku kaeru to omoimasu.
Today is our wedding anniversary, so surely my husband will head home early.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 頃
ころ / ごろ

Meaning How To Use

around; about; when Noun (time) ごろ (around; about)

Verb (casual)

Noun + の ころ (when)

Adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: 頃 【 ころ / ごろ 】 (koro / goro). Meaning: around; about; when.

Both the kanji version and hiragana versions are frequently used.

Example Sentences

1. 夜の8時ごろ、うちに来てもらえるか︖
yoru no hachiji goro, uchi ni kite moraeru ka︖
Can you come by my place around eight p.m.?

2. 私はこのころとても忙しいのです。
watashi wa kono koro totemo isogashii desu.
I am very busy these days.

3. 私は若いころ初めての⼀⼈旅をしました。
watashi wa wakai koro hajimete no hitori tabi o shimashita.
I traveled alone for the first time when I was young.

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4. じゃ、僕は9時半ごろ迎えに来ればいいですね。
ja, boku wa kujihan goro mukae ni kureba ii desu ne.
OK, I’ll pick you up round about nine thirty. Is that right?

5. あなたは⼦供のころ、いじめにあったことはある︖
anata wa kodomo no koro, ijime ni atta koto wa aru.
Did you ever experience bullying when you were a child?

6. ⼣⾷は何時ごろになさいますか︖
yuushoku wa itsu goro ni nasaimasu ka.
Around what time will you be expecting dinner?

7. それはわたしが⼦どものころに歌ったたいへん古い歌だった。
sore wa watashi ga kodomo no koro ni utatta taihen furui uta datta.
It had been a very old song when I was young.

8. 私たちは朝７時に出勤します。それからずっと仕事で、夜１０時
半頃に店を出ます。
watashitachi wa asa shichiji ni shukkin shimasu. sore kara zutto shigoto de, yoru juuji
han goro ni mise o demasu.
We come in at 7 o’clock in the morning. We work right through, and we leave at about
half past 10 at night.

9. 私は⼦どもの頃、学校へ⾏かず、両親と⼀緒にずっと移動⽣活を
していた。
watashi wa kodomo no koro, gakkou e ikazu, ryoushin to issho ni zutto idou seikatsu o
shite ita.
I didn’t go to school as a child and I traveled a lot with my parents.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 こと

Meaning How To Use

Verb nominalizer Verb (casual, non-past) こと

Learn Japanese grammar: こと (koto). Meaning: verb nominalizer. It allows you to use verbs as nouns.

Here are some basic examples.

Meaning Plain Form Verb (acting as Noun)

to do する すること

く く

to come 来る 来ること

あ あ

to meet 会う 会うこと

み み

to see ⾒る ⾒ること

For example, the verb ⾷べる (taberu) “to eat” can change to ⾷べること (taberu koto) “eating”.

From JLPT N3, this word can also be used as an order. See lesson for こと (koto) must do.

Example Sentences

1. 本を読むことが好きです。
hon o yomu koto ga suki desu.
I like to read books.

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2. 私は料理を作ることが下⼿です。
watashi wa ryouri o tsukuru koto ga heta desu.
I am bad at cooking food.

3. 私はゲームをすることが⼤好きです。
watashi wa geemu o suru koto ga daisuki desu.
I love playing games.

4. 私には考えることがたくさんある。
watashi ni wa kangaeru koto ga takusan aru.
There are many things that we think about.

5. 私の趣味は料理を作ることです。
watashi no shumi wa ryouri o tsukuru koto desu.
My hobby is cooking.

6. 毎⽇ウォーキングをすることにしている。
mainichi wookingu o suru koto ni shiteiru.
I go walking every day.

7. ⼦どもの頃、私の夢は歌⼿になることでした。
kodomo no koro, watashi no yume wa kashu ni naru koto deshita.
When I was a child I dreamed of becoming a singer.

8. 宿題をすることができなかった。
shukudai o suru koto ga dekinakatta.
I couldn't do my homework.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ことがある

Meaning How To Use

there are times when ことがある

こともある
Verb (casual, non-past)
ことがあります
こともあります

Learn Japanese grammar: ことがある (koto ga aru). Meaning: there are times when ~; sometimes do.

ことがある (koto ga aru) is used to say:

there are times when ~

sometimes do ~
to have things to do (examples 9~10)

It must be used with a non-past verb.

When using a past-tense verb, use たことがある (ta koto ga aru) instead.

Example Sentences

1. たまに彼⼥と⼀緒にテニスをしに⾏くことがある。
tamani kanojo to isshoni tenisu o shini iku koto ga aru.
Sometimes I go to play tennis with my girlfriend.

2. たまに⾃転⾞で通勤することがある。
tamani jitensha de tsuukin suru koto ga aru.
Sometimes I commute to work by bicycle.

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3. 私は会議中でも、寝てしまうことがある。
watashi wa kaigichuu demo, nete shimau koto ga aru.
Sometimes I fall asleep during meetings.

4. 時々仕事をやめたいと思うことがある。
tokidoki shigoto o yametai to omou koto ga aru.
There are times when I feel like quitting my job.

5. 私の地元は6⽉でも寒いことがある。
watashi no jimoto wa roku gatsu demo samui koto ga aru.
In my hometown there are times where it is cold even in June.

6. 普段は⺟がご飯を作りますが、私が作ることもあります。
fudan wa haha ga gohan o tsukurimasu ga, watashi ga tsukuru koto mo arimasu.
My mother usually cooks, but there are times when I do as well.

7. 時々ベトナム料理を作ることがあります。
tokidoki betonamu ryouri o tsukuru koto ga arimasu.
Sometimes I cook Vietnamese food.

8. たまに⼈の名前を忘れることがあります。
tamani hito no namae o wasureru koto ga arimasu.
There are times when I forget people's names.

9. 話したいことがある。
hanashitai koto ga aru.
There's something I'd like to talk to you about

10. 今週はたくさんのやることがります。
konshuu takusan no yaru koto ga arimasu.
This week there are a lot of thins for me to do.

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 ことができる

Meaning How To Use

can; able to ことができる

ことができない
Verb (dictionary form)
ことができます
ことができません

Learn Japanese grammar: ことができる (koto ga dekiru). Meaning: can; able to; not able to.

ことができる (koto ga dekiru) is used to say something can be done or is able to be done.

It is basically the same as the verb’s potential form, but simpler to use.

Example A) “can do”

Let’s first look at the normal potential form for the verb たべる “to eat”.

たべる -> たべられる

taberu -> taberareru
“to eat” -> “I can eat”

This can also be written as:

たべることができる
taberu koto ga dekiru
“I can eat”

Example B) “cannot do”

Let’s first look at the normal potential form.

たべない -> たべられない

tabenai -> taberarenai
“to not eat” -> “I cannot eat”

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This can also be written as:

たべる ことができない
taberu koto ga dekinai
“I cannot eat”

Example Sentences

1. 私は⽇本語を話すことができる。
watashi wa nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekiru.
I can speak Japanese.

2. 彼⼥は歌うことができる。
kanojo wa utau koto ga dekiru.
She can sing.

3. このナイフはどんなものでも切ることができるよ。
kono naifu wa donna mono demo kiru koto ga dekiru yo.
This knife can cut through anything.

4. 何も⾔うことができない。
nani mo iu koto ga dekinai.
I can't say anything.

5. 私は嘘をつくことができない。
watashi wa uso o tsuku koto ga dekinai.
I'm not able to tell a lie.

6. 私は⽇本語を学ぶことができない。
watashi wa nihongo o manabu koto ga dekinai.
I can't learn Japanese.

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7. ここからは⼭を⾒ることができます。
koko kara yama o miru koto ga dekimasu.
You can see the mountains from here.

8. どこで⼿を洗うことができますか︖
doko de te o arau koto ga dekimasu ka?
Where can I wash my hands?

9. 納⾖を⾷べることが出来ますか︖
nattou o taberu koto ga dekimasu ka?
Can you eat natto? (fermented soybeans)

10. 彼らは私の⽇本語を理解することが出来ませんでした。
karera wa watashi no nihongo o rikai suru koto ga dekimasen deshita.
They couldn't understand my Japanese.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ことになる

Meaning How To Use

It has been decided that..; it turns out that.. Verb (dictionary form)
ことになる
Verb (ない form)

Learn Japanese grammar: ことになる (koto ni naru). Meaning: It has been decided that..; it turns out
that..

ことになる (koto ni naru) is used used to express something that has been decided or determined by
factors outside of one’s own resolve. Though sometimes it can be an indirect way to say something that
may indeed be one’s own resolve..

If you want to express something that has been determined by one’s own resolve, you can use the similar
grammar point ことにする (koto ni suru) instead.

NOTE, this grammar point often uses the past version of なる (naru) to express that something has
already been decided:

ことになった (koto ni natta)

ことになりました (koto ni narimashita)

Example Sentences

1. ⼊学式は4⽉1⽇に⾏うことになりました。
nyuugakushiki wa shigatsu tsuitachi ni okonau koto ni narimashita.
The entrance ceremony will be held on April 1st.

2. 私の⺟が⼊院することになった。
watashi no haha ga nyuuin suru koto ni natta.
My mother has been hospitalized.

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3. ⼤阪に転勤することになりました。
oosaka ni tenkin suru koto ni narimashita.
It's been decided that I'll be transferring to Osaka for work.

4. どうしてそれを学ぶことになったの︖
doushite sore o manabu koto ni natta no?
How did you come to learn that?

5. 両親は離婚ということになった。
ryoushin wa rikon toiu koto ni natta.
My parents ended up deciding to get a divorce.

6. 明⽇新しい企画についての会議が⾏われることになっている。
ashita atarashii kikaku ni tsuite no kaigi ga okonawareru koto ni natte iru.
It's been decided that there will be a meeting regarding the new plan tomorrow.

7. ⽇本では⾞は道路の左側を運転することになっています。
nihon dewa kuruma wa douro no hidarigawa o unten suru koto ni natte imasu.
In Japan cars drive on the left side of the road.

8. A会社では新⼊社員は朝、掃除することになっている。
A kaisha dewa shinnyuu shain wa asa souji suru koto ni natte iru
It's been decided that new employees at company A will do cleaning in the morning.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ことにする

Meaning How To Use

to decide on ことにする
Verb (dictionary form) ことにします
Verb )ない form) ことにしている
ことにしています

Learn Japanese grammar: ことにする (koto ni suru) / ことにします (koto ni shimasu). Meaning: to
decide on.

This is used to express what one has decided on of their own will. Add it after a verb to say that’s what
you’ve decided on.

Example A)

⾏かないことにする。

ikanai koto ni suru.

I’ve decided to not go.

Different ways to use:

ことにする (koto ni suru) casual

ことにします (koto ni shimasu) more polite
ことにしている (koto ni shiteiru) current
ことにしています (koto ni shiteimasu) current polite
To use with a noun, remove the こと
See lesson にする (ni suru)

Example Sentences

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1. これから毎⽇ランニングをすることにする。
kore kara mainichi ranningu o suru koto ni suru.
I've decided to go running every day from now on.

2. タバコをやめることにした。
tabako o yameru koto ni shita.
I've decided to quit smoking.

3. 春休みに彼⼥と⼀緒に台湾に⾏くことにします。
haruyasumi ni okusan to isshoni taiwan ni iku koto ni shimasu.
I've decided to go to Taiwan with my girlfriend during spring break.

4. 寝る前に⾷べないことにした。
neru mae ni tabenai koto ni shimashita.
I've decided to stop eating before going to bed.

5. 毎朝、30分ジョギングすることにしています。
maiasa, 30 pun jogingu suru koto ni shite imasu.
I've decided to go jogging every morning for 30 minutes.

6. 夏休みに友達と沖縄に旅⾏することにします。
natsu yasumi ni tomodachi to Okinawa ni ryokou suru koto ni shimasu.
I've decided to go to Okinawa over summer break with my friends.

7. 太らないように夜9時を過ぎたら、私は⾷べないことにしていま
す。
futoranai youni yoru 9 ji o sugi tara, watashi wa tabenai koto ni shite imasu.
In order to not gain weight, I've decided to stop eating anything after 9pm.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 くする

Meaning How To Use

to make something ~ くする

い-adjective い くします
くして

Learn Japanese grammar: くする (ku suru). Meaning: to make something ~.

Use with い-adjective

This pattern is used after an い-adjective and makes something whatever the adjective describes.

The い is replaced with く, turning it into an adverb.

⼤きい (ookii) big

⼤きくする (ookiku suru) make big

する can also be conjugated as:

くします (ku shimasu) more polite

くして (ku shite) please make

Use with な-adjective

To use with a な-adjective instead use にする (ni suru).

Example Sentences

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1. ⾳楽でもっと良くする。
ongaku de motto yoku suru.
Make it better with music.

2. あと５００円安くしてくれたら、買いますよ。
ato go hyaku en yasuku shite kure tara, kaimasu yo.
I'll buy it if you make it 500 yen cheaper.

3. 彼⼥は声を⼤きくした。
kanojo wa koe o ookiku shita.
She raised her voice.

4. 電気をつけて、部屋を明るくしましょう。
denki o tsukete, heya o akaruku shimashou.
Let's turn on the lights and make the room brighter.

5. 部屋が暑いので、エアコンをつけて涼しくします。
heya ga atsui no de, eakon o tsukete suzushiku shimasu.
This room is a bit hot so I'll turn on the air conditioning to make it cooler.

6. 運動をして、体を強くしましょう。
undou o shite, karada o tsuyoku shimashou.
Let's workout and make our bodies stronger.

7. このコーヒーは苦すぎるので、砂糖を⼊れて⽢くします。
kono koohii wa niga sugiru no de, satou o irete amaku shimasu.
This coffee is too bitter, so I will add some sugar to make it sweeter.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 急に
きゅうに

Meaning How To Use

suddenly Can be used mid-sentence and also to start a

new sentence

Learn Japanese grammar: 急に (kyuu ni). Meaning: suddenly.

Example Sentences

1. 急に⾬が降り始めました。
kyuu ni ame ga furi hajimemashita.
It suddenly started raining.

2. ⾬は急にやんだ。
ame wa kyuu ni yanda.
The rain suddenly stopped.

3. その⾞は急に曲がった。
sono kuruma wa kyuu ni magatta.
That car made an abrupt turn.

4. 今⽇は急に涼しくなった。
kyou wa kyuu ni suzushiku natta.
It suddenly got a bit cooler today.

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5. その⼦は急に泣き出した。
sono ko wa kyuu ni naki dashita.
That child suddenly started crying.

6. 彼の病気が急に悪くなった。
kare no byouki ga kyuu ni waruku natta.
His illness took a sudden turn for the worst.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 までに

Meaning How To Use

by; by the time; indicates time limit Verb (dictionary form)

までに
Noun

Learn Japanese grammar: までに (made ni). Meaning: by; by the time; indicates time limit.

This is based off of the N5 grammar まで (made), which means until ~; as far as ~.

Example Sentences

1. 8時までに来てください。
8 ji made ni kite kudasai.
Please come by no later than 8AM.

2. この本、来週までに返してくださいね。
kono hon, raishuu made ni kaishite kudasai ne.
Please return this book by next week.

3. レポートは⾦曜⽇までに出してください。
repooto wa kinyoubi made ni dashite kudasai.
Please have the report submitted by Friday.

4. いつまでに必要ですか。
itsu made ni hitsuyou desuka?
When do you need this by?

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5. 参加したい⼈は、明⽇までに連絡ください。
sanka shitai hito wa, ashita made ni renraku kudasai.
For anyone who wants to participate, please let us know by tomorrow.

6. それはいつまでに終わりますか︖
sore wa itsu made ni owarimasu ka?
When will that finish by?

7. 死ぬまでに１度は海外へ⾏ってみたいです。
shinu made ni ichi do wa kaigai he itte mitai.
Before I die I want to try going abroad.

8. たいはんの⽇本⼈⼥性は３０歳になるまでに結婚したいです。
taihan no nihonjin josei wa 30 sai ni naru made ni kekon shitai.
Most Japanese girls want to get married before turning 30.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 まま

Meaning How To Use

as it is; current state; without changing Noun + の

Verb (た form)

Verb (ない form) まま

な-adjective + な

い-adjective + い

Learn Japanese grammar: まま (mama). Meaning: as it is; current state; without changing.

This is used to express something as it is, or to express a lack of change.

There are a few different types of uses, so let’s go through some basic examples.

Noun + のまま

昔のまま
mukashi no mama
The way things used to be / the same as always

Verb + まま

This is often used with past tense form

開けたまま
aketa mama
to be left open

It can also be used with negative form (but not with standard form)

しないまま
shinai mama
to be left undone / unfinished

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い-adjective + い + まま

熱いまま
atsui mama
while it’s (still) hot

な-adjective + な + まま

きれいなまま
kireina mama
to remain beautiful / while beautiful

Demonstrative adjective + まま

Ex) この (kono), その (sono), あの (ano)

そのままでよい。
sono mama de yoi.
it’s fine as it is.

Example Sentences

1. この町は昔のまま変わっていない。
kono machi mukashi no mama kawatteinai.
This town hasn't changed at all.

2. この野菜は、⽣のままで⾷べてもおいしいですよ。
kono yasai wa, nama no mama de tabetemo oishii desu yo.
These vegetables taste good even raw.

3. どうぞ靴のまま、お⼊りください。
douzo kutsu no mama, o hairi kudasai.
Please enter with your shoes on.

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4. その格好のままでこのレストランに⼊れないよ。
sono kakkou no mama de kono resutoran ni hairenai yo.
You can't enter this restaurant with those clothes..

5. 昨夜は、勉強したまま寝てしまった。
sakuya wa, benkyou shita mama nete shimatta.
Last night, I fell asleep while studying.

6. 鍵をかけないまま出かけてしまった。
kagi o kakenai mama dekake shimatta.
I accidentally left without locking the door.

7. 私は勉強しないままそのテストを受けた。
watashi wa benkyou shinai mama sono tesuto o uketa.
I took that test without studying.

8. 仕事は中途半端なままにしてはいけない。
shigoto wa chuutohanpa na mama ni shite wa ikenai.
You can't leave your work unfinished..

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 または

Meaning How To Use

both; or; otherwise; choice between [A] or Noun 1 + または + Noun 2

[B]

Learn Japanese grammar: または (matawa). Meaning: both; or; otherwise; choice between [A] or [B].

The kanji version is used in more advanced Japanese ⼜は, and this grammar can be used to express 2
different meanings.

Meaning 1) To choose one option between [A] and [B]. A more formal version of “or”.

Meaning 2) Both options [A] and [B] are valid.

*Note* This grammar point is very similar in meaning to あるいは (aruiwa).

Example Sentences

1. コーヒーまたはお茶からお選びください。
koohii matawa ocha kara o erabi kudasai.
Please choose from either coffee or tea.

2. ⽇本語または英語で話せます。
nihongo matawa eigo de hanasemasu.
I can speak both Japanese and English.

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3. 電話またはメールで返事してください。
denwa matawa meeru de henji shite kudasai.
Please respond either by phone or email.

4. 会場には駐⾞場がありません。電⾞⼜はバスをご利⽤ください。
kaijou ni wa chuushajou ga arimasen. densha matawa basu o goriyou kudasai.
There is no parking lot at the event location. Please come either by train or bus.

5. A社と契約するのか、またはB社と契約するのか、今週中に決めな
ければならない。
A sha to keiyaku suru no ka, matawa B sha to keiyaku suru no ka, konshuujuu ni
kimenakareba naranai.
I need to choose this week whether I will go into contract with company A or company
B.

6. 国籍や性別または職業などで⼈を差別してはいけない。
kokuseki ya seibetsu matawa shokugyou nado de hito o sabetsu shite wa ikenai.
We should not judge people based on their nationality, gender, or occupation.

7. 電話で予約しても、またはファクスで予約しても料⾦は同じだ
が、インターネットで予約するとプレゼントがもらえる。
denwa de yoyaku shitemo, matawa fakusu de yoyaku shitemo ryoukin wa onaji daga,
intaanetto de yoyaku suru to purezento ga moraeru.
If you reserve via phone or fax, the fee is the same, but if you reserve online, you receive
a present.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 みたいだ

Meaning How To Use

like, similar to, resembling Verb (casual)

Noun + （だった）
みたい（だ）
な-adjective + （だった）

い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: みたいだ (mitai da). Meaning: like, similar to, resembling.

Also see lessons for みたいに (mitai ni) and みたいな (mitai na).

Example Sentences

1. 夢みたいだ。
yume mitai da.
It's like a dream come true.

2. 外は、夏みたいだよ。
soto wa, natsu mitai da yo.
It's like summer outside.

3. 何となく⾬みたいだ。
nantonaku ame mitai da.
It looks like it's going to rain.

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4. 彼は少し疲れてるみたいだ。
kare was sukoshi tsukareteru mitai da.
He looks a little tired.

5. どうやら⾷べすぎたみたいだ。
douyara tabesugita mitai da.
I'm afraid I've eaten too much.

6. このパソコンは壊れているみたいだ。
kono pasokon wa kowareteiru mitai da.
It seems like this computer is broken.

7. あの⼈は、⽇本⼈みたいですね。⽇本語がペラペラでした。
ano hito wa, nihonjin mitai desu ne. nihongo ga perapera deshita.
That person seems like they are Japanese. They speak Japanese so fluently.

8. 私はその時、まるで⼤⼈になったみたいだった。
watashi wa sono toki, marude otona ni natta mitai datta.
It was like I had become an adult at that time.

9. 交差点にあんなにたくさん⼈がいる。何か事故があったみたい
だ。
kousaten ni annani takusan hito ga iru. nanika jiko ga atta mitai da.
There's a lot of people around the intersections, there must of been an accident or
something..

10. あなたは素晴らしい時間を過ごしたみたいだね。
anata wa subarashii jikan o sugoshita mitai dane.
You look like you had a wonderful time.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 みたいな

Meaning How To Use

like, similar to Noun

みたいな + Noun
Verb (casual form)

Learn Japanese grammar: みたいな (mitai na). Meaning: like, similar to.

When used after a verb, it means just like doing something.

* This form must be followed with a noun.

Also see lessons for みたいに (mitai ni) and みたいだ (mitai da).

Example Sentences

1. 私は、今⽇みたいな⽇が好きだ。
watashi wa, kyou mitai na hi ga suki da.
I like days like today.

2. 私たちは家族みたいなものだ。
watashi tachi wa kazoku mitai na mono da.
We are like family.

3. あなたみたいな⼈はすごいと思う。
anata mitai na hito wa sugoi to omou.
I think people like you are great.

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4. こんな⼦どもみたいなけんかはやめよう。
konna kodomo mitai na kenka wa yameyou.
Let's stop this childish fight.

5. 彼⼥は男みたいな歩き⽅をする。
kanojo wa otoko mitai na aruki kata o suru.
She walks like a man.

6. 彼が持っているみたいなパソコンが欲しい。
kare ga motteiru mitai na pasokon ga hoshii.
I want a computer like the one he has.

7. 毎⽇、仕事ばかりで、夢の中でも働いているみたいな気になる。
mainichi, shigoto bakari de, yume no naka demo hataraiteiru mitai na ki ni naru.
Every day is constant work and I even feel like I'm working in my dreams.

8. 地元にいるみたいな気分になった。
jimoto ni iru mitai na kibun ni natta.
I felt like I was in my hometown.

9. 私はあなたみたいな彼⽒が欲しい。
watashi wa anata mitai na kareshi ga hoshii.
I want a boyfriend like you.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 みたいに

Meaning How To Use

like, similar to Verb (casual)

みたいに + Verb / Adjective
Noun

Learn Japanese grammar: みたいに (mitai ni). Meaning: like, similar to.

This form must be followed by either a verb or adjective.

Also see lessons for みたいな (mitai na) and みたいだ (mitai da).

Example Sentences

1. ⼦どもみたいに遊んだ。
kodomo mitai ni asonda.
I played like a kid.

2. 私はお⺟さんみたいになりたい。
watashi wa okaasan mitai ni naritai.
I want to become like my mother.

3. 彼⼥は男の⼦みたいに元気がいい。
kanojo wa otokonoko mitai ni genki ga ii.
She is energetic like a boy.

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4. あなたみたいに美しい⼈は初めてだ。
anata mitai ni utsukushii hito wa hajimete da.
I've never seen anyone as beautiful as you.

5. 彼⼥の⼼は氷みたいに冷たい。
kanojo no kokoro wa koori mitai ni tsumetai.
Her heart is as cold as ice.

6. バカみたいに⾒えるのは分かってる。
baka mitai ni mieru no wa wakatteru.
I know I must look like an idiot.

7. 氷みたいに冷めたくしないでくれよ。
koori mitai ni tsumetaku shinaide kure yo.
Don't be so cold (like ice).

8. 私も彼みたいに広い⼼を持ちたい。
watashi mo kare mitai ni hiroi kokoro o mochitai.
I want to have an open heart like him.

9. 私は絶対に彼らみたいになりたくない。
watashi wa zettai ni karera mitai ni naritakunai.
I never want to become like them.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 も

Meaning How To Use

as many as; as much as; up to; nearly number

counter + も
time

Learn Japanese grammar: も (mo). Meaning: as many as; as much as; up to; nearly.

This can only be used with something that is measurable, like a number or time. The respective counter
must also be used between that and も.

Example Sentences

1. ⼟曜⽇は12時間も寝てしまいました。
doyoubi wa 12 jikan mo nete shimaimashita.
On Saturday I slept for nearly 12 hours.

2. ⽥中さんは１⽇に５回も⾷事をするそうだ。
tanaka san wa ichinichi ni gokai mo shokuji o suru sou da.
I heard Tanaka eats as many as 5 meals everyday.

3. どうしたの︖2時間も駅で待っていたよ。
doushita no? ni jikan mo eki de matte ita yo.
What happened? I waited at the train station for nearly 2 hours..

4. ⾬はもう3⽇も降っています。
ame wa mou mikka mo futte imasu.
It's been raining for nearly 3 days now.

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5. あの猫カフェには猫が15匹もいるそうです。
ano neko kafe ni wa neko ga 15 hiki mo iru sou desu.
I hear that cat-cafe has as many as 15 cats.

6. 今年は台⾵が多いですね。まだ5⽉なのに6回も上陸した。
kotoshi wa taifuu ga ooi desu ne. mada 5 gatsu na no ni rokkai mo jouriku shita.
There are many typhoons this year. It's still only May, but there have already been 6 of
them.

7. それを辞めてくれる︖その話はあなたが4回も⾔ったよ。
sore o yamete kureru? sono hanashi wa anata ga yonkai mo itta yo.
Could you please stop that? You've already said that story as many as 4 times.

8. 納⾖をあきないの︖毎⽇2回も⾷べているね。
nattou o akinai no? mainichi nikai mo tabete iru ne.
Don't you get tired of natto? You eat it as much as twice everyday.

9. 彼⼥は毎⽇4冊も⼩説を読んでいます。仕事をしないのかな。
kanojo wa mainichi yonsatsu mo shousetsu o yonde imasu. shigoto o shinai no kana.
She reads as many as 4 short novels everyday. She probably doesn't have a job..

10. ⽗は仕事を始まったら終わるまで1分も休憩をしないから、⼼配
だ。
chichi wa shigoto o hajimattara owaru made ippun mo kyuukei o shinai kara, shinpai
da.
My father won't even rest for one minute from when work starts until it ends, so I am
worried for him.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 な

Meaning How To Use

don’t ~ (order somebody to not do Verb (dictionary form) な

something)

Learn Japanese grammar: な (na). Meaning: don’t ~ (order somebody to not do something).

Example Sentences

1. 晩ごはんの前にデザートを⾷べるな。
bangohan no mae ni dezaato o taberu na.
Don't eat dessert before dinner!

2. ここは危ないから来るな︕
koko wa abunai kara kuru na!
It's dangerous here, so stay away!

3. 運転をするなら飲むな。
unten o suru nara nomu na.
If you're going to drive, don't drink.

4. ⼤きな声を出すな。
ookina koe o dasu na.
Keep your voice down.

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5. 窓から外を⾒るな。勉強に集中しなさい。
mado kara soto o miru na. benkyou ni shuuchuu shinasai.
Don't look out the window. Concentrate on your work.

6. 周りの⼈を気にするな。⾃分の仕事を集中してください。
mawari no hito o ki ni suru na. jibun no shigoto o shuuchuu shite kudasai.
Don't worry about the people around you. Focus on your own work.

7. お酒を飲んだら絶対に⾞を運転するな︕
osake o nondara zettai ni kuruma o unten suru na!
If you drink alcohol, definitely don't drink and drive!

8. 危ないですから川の近くに遊ぶな︕
abunai desu kara kawa no chikaku ni asobu na!
It's dangerous by the river, so don't play there!

9. 今回の結果を気にするな︕次はもっと頑張ればいい。
konkai no kekka o ki ni suru na! tsugi wa motto ganbareba ii.
Don't worry about the result this time. Just make sure you work harder next time.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 など

Meaning How To Use

such as, things like Noun など

Learn Japanese grammar: など (nado). Meaning: such as, things like.

Example Sentences

1. 私は⼩説や映画などが好きです。
watashi wa shousetsu ya eiga nado ga suki desu.
I like things like novels, movies, and so on.

2. 私はノート、ペンなどが必要だ。
watashi wa nooto, pen nado ga hitsuyou da.
I need pens, notebooks and so on.

3. 私はとても⾞などは買えない。
watashi wa kuruma nado totemo kaenai.
I can't afford to buy a car (or anything similar).

4. 兄の部屋にはラジオやテレビなどがたくさんあります。
ani no heya niwa rajio ya terebi nado ga takusan arimasu.
In my older brother's room, he has a lot of things like a radio, tv, etc..

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5. この動物園では好きな動物がたくさんいます。⾺やイルカなどい
ます。
kono doubutsuen dewa suki na doubutsu ga takusan imasu. uma ya iruka nado imasu.
This zoo has a lot of animals that I like. Things like horses and dolphins, etc.

6. 彼は⼣⾷のことなどすっかり忘れた。
kare wa yuushoku no koto nado sukkari wasureta.
He has completely forgotten about dinner (and other things).

7. 私のかばんの中に財布や鍵などがあります。
watashi no kaban no naka ni saifu ya kagi nado ga arimasu.
In my bags I have things like my wallet, keys, and so on.

8. 学校をやめて海外に⾏くことなどと⾔っている。
gakkou o yamete kaigai ni iku koto nado to itteiru.
He talks of things like leaving school and going abroad.

9. ⾦銭を浪費しようなどとは夢にも考えない。
kinsen o rouhi shiyou nado to wa yume ni mo kangaenai.
I wouldn’t dream of wasting money (or things of that nature).

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 ながら

Meaning How To Use

while; during; as; simultaneously Verb ます (stem form) ながら + [B]

Learn Japanese grammar: ながら (nagara). Meaning: while; during; as; to do two things simultaneously.

ながら (nagara) is used to show simultaneous actions.

[A]ながら[B] (to do B while doing A)
It can be used to express 2 things happening at the exact same moment, or more broad.
“I watch TV while I eat” (exact time)
“I work full time while going to school” (more broad)

NOTE*
It cannot be used with verbs related to time.
ながら (nagara) may have a different meaning depending on the context. Look at lesson なが
らも (nagara mo) for more information.

Example Sentences

1. 話を聞きながらメモします。
hanashi o kikinagara memo shimasu.
I took notes while listening to the story.

2. 歩きながら話しましょう。
aruki nagara hanashimashou.
Let's talk while walking.

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3. テレビを⾒ながら晩ごはんを⾷べます。
terebi o mi nagara bangohan o tabemasu.
I eat dinner while watching TV.

4. ⾳楽を聞きながら料理します。
ongaku o kikinagara ryouri shimasu.
I listen to music while I cook.

5. 勉強をしながら⾳楽を聞きます。
benkyou o shi nagara ongaku o kikimasu.
I listen to music while I study.

6. ギターを弾きながら歌えますか。
gitaa o hiki nagara utaemasu ka?
Can you sing and play guitar at the same time?

7. アルバイトをしながら⼤学で勉強しています。
arubaito o shinagara daigaku de benkyou shiteimasu.
I work part time while attending University.

8. 歩きながらタバコを吸ってはいけません。
aruki nagara tabako o sutte wa ikemasen.
You cannot walk and smoke at the same time.

9. 電話しながら⾞を運転してはいけません。
denwa shinagara kuruma o unten shite wa ikemasen.
You must not talk on the phone while driving a car.

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 なかなか〜ない

Meaning How To Use

not easy to; struggling to; not able to~ なかなか Verb (negative form)

Learn Japanese grammar: なかなか〜ない (nakanaka~nai). Meaning: not easy to; struggling to; not able
to; can’t seem to~.

This implies that the speaker has made an effort to do something, but cannot seem to be able to do it.

This grammar can also be used with Adjectives and Nouns for a slightly different meaning. See JLPT N3
lesson なかなか (nakanaka).

Example Sentences

1. カゼがなかなか治らない。
kaze ga nakanaka naoranai.
I can't seem to shake of this cold.

2. この会議はなかなか終わらない。
kono kaigi wa nakanaka naoranai.
This meeting just won't seem to end.

3. ⽕がなかなか燃えない。
hi ga nakanaka moenai.
The fire won't burn.

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4. さっきコーヒーを飲んだせいで、なかなか寝られません。
sakki koohii o nonda sei de, nakanaka neraremasen.
Because I drank coffee a little while ago, I can't seem to fall asleep.

5. 私の⽇本語はなかなか上達しない。
watashi no nihongo wa nakanaka joutatsu shinai.
My Japanese doesn't seem to be improving.

6. もう来るはずなんですが、なかなかバスが来ませんね。
mou kuru hazu nan desu ga, nakanaka basu ga kimasen ne.
It should have arrived already, but the bus doesn't seem to be coming.

7. 毎⽇運動をし、⾷べる量も減らしたのですが、なかなか痩せない
んだ。
mainichi undou o shi, taberu ryou mo herashita no desu ga, nakanaka herasenai nda.
I exercise every day and have reduced my food volume, but I just can't seem to lose any
weight.

8. タバコをやめたいと思っているんですが、なかなかやめることが
できません。
tabako o yametai to omotteiru n desu ga, nakanaka yameru koto ga dekimasen.
I've been thinking about quitting smoking, but I just can't seem to do it.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 なければいけない

Meaning How To Use

must do something; have to do something ければいけない

Verb (ない form) ない
ければいけません

Learn Japanese grammar: なければいけない (nakereba ikenai). Meaning: must do something; have to do
something.

To be more formal, use なければいけません (nakereba ikemasen).

It is used very similarly to some other lessons like:

なければならない (nakereba naranai);

なくてはならない (nakute wa naranai);
なくてはいけない (nakute wa ikenai);

Example Sentences

1. 早く寝なければいけない。
hayaku nenakereba ikenai.
I have to go to sleep early.

2. 私も頑張らなければいけない。
watashi mo ganbaranakereba ikenai.
I have to do my best too.

3. 私はすぐ答えなければいけない。
watashi wa sugu kotaenakereba ikenai.
I must answer right away.

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4. 私は友⼈をもっと信頼しなければいけない。
watashi wa yuujin o motto shinrai shinakereba ikenai.
I must place more trust in my friends.

5. あなたはお昼までに宿題を終わらせなければいけない。
anata wa o hiru made ni shukudai o owarasenakereba ikenai.
You need to finish your homework by noon.

6. 学ばなければいけないことが実に多かった。
manabanakereba ikenai koto ga jitsu ni ookatta.
There had been so many things to learn.

7. 私は⾃分の感情を隠さなければいけない。
watashi wa jibun no kanjou o kakusanakereba ikenai.
I must mask my own feelings.

8. もう⼀つ、考慮しなければいけないことがある。
mou hitotsu, kouryo shinakereba ikenai koto ga aru.
There's one more thing that needs to be taken into consideration.

9. あなた、彼にあなたの夢のことを話さなければいけませんよ。
anata, kare ni anata no yume no koto o hanasanakereba ikemasen yo.
You must tell him about your dreams.

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 なければならない

Meaning How To Use

must do something; have to do something ければならない

Verb (ない form) ない
ければなりません

Learn Japanese grammar: なければならない (nakereba naranai). Meaning: must do something; have to
do something.

It is used very similarly to some other lessons like:

なければいけない (nakereba ikenai);

なくてはならない (nakute wa naranai);
なくてはいけない (nakute wa ikenai);

Example Sentences

1. 薬を飲まなければなりません。
Kusuri o noma nakereba naranai.
You need to take this medicine.

2. 宿題をしなければならない。
Shukudai o shi nakereba narimasen.
I need to do my homework.

3. 今そこに⾏かなければなりませんか。
ima soko ni ikana kereba narimasen ka.
Do I have to go there now?

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4. ⺟を⼿伝わなければならない。
haha o tetsudawa nakereba naranai.
I have to help my mom.

5. 明⽇は早起きしなければならない。
ashita wa hayaoki shinakereba naranai.
I have to get up early tomorrow.

6. 23時前に寝なければなりません。
23 ji mae ni nenakereba narimasen.
I need to go to bed before 11pm.

7. 体に悪いですから、タバコを辞めなければならない。
karada ni warui desu kara, tabako o yame nakereba naranai.
Smoking is so bad for your health, I really need to quit..

8. 学⽣は学校の規則を守らなければならない。
gakusei wa gakkou no kisoku o mamora nakereba naranai.
Students must follow the school rules.

9. もうすぐサッカーの試合がありますから、毎⽇練習をしなければ
なりません。
mousugu sakkaa no shiai ga arimasu kara, mainichi renshuu o shi nakereba narimasen.
We've got a soccer match coming up, so I need to practice every day.

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 なら

Meaning How To Use

if; in the case that ~ Noun

Verb (casual form) + (の)

なら
な-adjective + (の)

い-adjective + (の)

Learn Japanese grammar: なら (nara). Meaning: if; in the case that ~.

It can be also be used to show trust in the target (see examples 5~7).

Adding a の to become のなら adds more emphasis.

Example Sentences

1. もし違うなら。
moshi chigau nara.
What if you're wrong?

2. それなら問題ありません。
sore nara mondai arimasen.
If that's the case, then there are no problems.

3. やるなら今しかない。
yaru nara ima shika nai.
If you're gonna do it, it's now or never.

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4. ⽇本語を習いたいのなら、いい先⽣を紹介してあげる。
nihongo o naraitai no nara, ii sensei o shoukai shite ageru.
If you want to learn Japanese I can introduce you to a good teacher.

5. 君なら必ずできる。
kimi nara kanarazu dekiru.
Since it's you, you can definitely do it!

6. あの店なら何を⾷べても美味しい。
ano mise nara nani o tabetemo oishii.
No matter what you eat at that place, everything is good. (shows trust in the that shop)

7. 彼ならいつでも⼒になってくれるよ。
kare nara itsu demo chikara ni natte kureru yo.
He's always willing to help out.

8. 夏休みの旅⾏なら北海道がいいですよ。
natsu yasumi no ryokou nara hokkaidou ga ii desu yo.
If you're thinking about summer holiday plans, I think Hokkaido is great.

9. あのドラマならまだ⾒ていない。
ano dorama nara mada miteinai.
If you're talking about that drama, I still haven't seen it.

10. 図書館なら案内してあげます。
toshokan nara annai shite agemasu.
If you're looking for the library, I'll help guide you there.

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 なさい

Meaning How To Use

do this (soft/firm command) なさい

Verb ます (stem form)
な (conversation)

Learn Japanese grammar: なさい (nasai). Meaning: do this (soft/firm command).

It is a soft, but firm way of issuing a command, which is often used in situations like parents
asking/ordering their kids to do something.

It is used in combination with a Verb’s stem form and can only be used with a positive Verb.

⾷べます → ⾷べなさい

tabemasu → tabenasai
Eat your food. (command)

In conversation, the last さい may be dropped to just be just な.

Ex) ⾷べな (tabena) “please eat”.

Example Sentences

1. まず、質問に答えなさい。
mazu, shitsumon ni kotaenasai.
First, answer my question.

2. 明⽇、学校に⾏くから、早く寝なさい︕
ashita, gakkou ni iku kara, hayaku ne nasai!
You've got school tomorrow so hurry up and go to bed.

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3. うるさいだよ。静かにしなさい︕
urusai da yo. shizuka ni shi nasai!
You're being really noisy, be quiet!

4. 野菜は体にいいからもっと⾷べなさい︕
yasai wa karada ni ii kara motto tabe nasai!
Vegetables are good for your body, so eat up.

5. 明⽇の9時に私に電話しなさい︕
ashita no 9 ji ni watashi ni denwa shi nasai!
Give me a call tomorrow at 9 o'clock.

6. 次の質問を⾒て、ここに答えなさい︕
tsugi no shitsumon o mite, koko ni kotae nasai !
Look at the next problem and put your answer here.

7. 分からなかったら先⽣に聞きなさい︕
wakarana kattara sensei ni kiki nasai!
If you don't understand, ask your teacher.

8. ⼈からされたいと思うことを、⾃ら⼈にしなさい。
hito kara saretai to omou koto o, mizukara hito ni shinasai.
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

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 なさる

Meaning How To Use

to do (honorific) する (changes to) なさる

します (changes to) なさいます

して (changes to) なさって

Learn Japanese grammar: なさる (nasaru) / なさいます (nasaimasu). Meaning: to do (honorific).

This is a more formal version of する (suru).

Example Sentences

1. それからどうなさいました︖
sore kara dou nasai mashita?
What happened after that?

2. お飲み物は何になさいますか︖
onomimono wa nani ni nasaimasu ka.
What would you like to drink?

3. どうかなさいましたか︖
dou ka nasai mashita ka?
Is there something wrong?

4. 今年の夏休みはどうなさるつもりですか。
kotoshi no natsuyasumi wa dou nasaru tsumori desu ka.
What will you do this summer holiday?

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5. その損を私のせいになさろうとするんですか。
sono son o watashi no sei ni nasarou to surun desu ka.
Are you blaming me for this loss?

6. なぜわざわざわたしに警告なんかなさるの︖
naze wazawaza watashi ni keikoku nanka nasaru no.
Why do you take the trouble to warn me?

7. あまり期待なさらないでくださいよ。
amari kitai nasaranaide kudasai yo.
Please do not expect too much.

8. お気になさらないでください。彼は普段から無⼝なので…
oki ni nasaranaide kudasai. kare wa fudan kara mukuchi na node.
Please don’t mind him, he usually doesn’t talk much…

9. どうぞ、お好きなようになさってください。
douzo, o sukina you ni nasatte kudasai.
Please, do as you like.

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 に気がつく
にきがつく

Meaning How To Use

to notice; to realize Verb (casual) + こと に気がつく

Noun に気がついた

Learn Japanese grammar: に気がつく 【にきがつく】(ni ki ga tsuku). Meaning: to notice; to realize.

Example Sentences

1. 電⾞の中にカサを忘れたことに気がついた。
kanojo wa densha no naka ni kasa o wasureta koto ni ki ga tsuita.
I realized I had left my umbrella inside the train.

2. 私はタクシーを降る時、財布がないことに気がついた。
watashi wa takushii o oriru toki, saifu ga nai koto ni ki ga tsuita.
When I got out of the taxi, I realized I didn't have my wallet.

3. 彼が⾃分の間違いに気がつくのは時間をかからないだろう。
kare ga jibun no machigai ni ki ga tsuku no wa jikan o kakaranai darou.
It likely won't take much time for him to realize his own mistake.

4. 空港に着いたときにフライトのチケットを忘れたことに気がつい
た。
kukou ni tsuita toki ni furaito no chiketto o wasureta koto ni ki ga tsuita.
When I arrived at the airport, I realized I that I had forgotten my flight ticket.

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5. ドアを閉めてから、ベッドに携帯電話を置いていたことに気がつ
いた。
doa o shimete kara, beddo ni keitai denwa o oitaita koto ni ki ga tsuita.
After shutting the door, I realized I had left my cell phone on my bed.

6. 彼⽒が浮気していることは昨⽇のパーティーで彼⼥に気がつい
た。
kareshi ga uwaki shite iru koto wa kinou no paatii de kanojo ni ki ga tsuita.
She realized her boyfriend had been cheating on her at yesterday's party.

7. 彼がドアを開けようとしたとき、カギを持っていないことに気が
ついた。
kare ga doa o akeyou to shita toki, kagi o motte inai koto ki ga tsuita.
He realized that he didn't have the key when he tried to open the door.

8. 私は、帰宅すると、私のスーツケースの１つがなくなっているこ
とに気がついた。
watashi wa kitaku suru to, watashi no suutsu keesu no hitotsu ga nakunatte iru koto ni
ki ga tsuita.
When I got home, I realized that one of my suitcases had disappeared.

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 にみえる

Meaning How To Use

to look; to seem; to appear Verb (て form)

Noun に⾒える
な-adjective にみえる

い-adjective + いく

Learn Japanese grammar: にみえる (ni mieru) / に⾒える. Meaning: to look; to seem; to appear.

にみえる (ni mieru) is used to say:

Looks like ~
Seems like ~
Appears like ~
It can be written both as にみえる and に⾒える.

Example Sentences

1. 同じに⾒える。
onaji ni mieru.
They look the same.

2. 彼はアメリカ⼈に⾒える。
kare wa amerika jin ni mieru.
He looks like he is American.

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3. 彼⼥は先⽣にみえる。
kanojo wa sensei ni mieru.
She looks like a teacher.

4. その⼈はとてもお⾦持ちにみえる。
sono hito wa totemo okane mochi ni mieru.
That person appears to be very rich.

5. 彼は怖くに⾒える。
kare wa kowaku ni mieru.
He looks scared.

6. 彼⼥は結婚してからとても幸せそうに⾒える。
kanojo wa kekkonn shite kara totemo shiawase sou ni mieru.
Since getting married, she seems very happy.

7. 彼は苦しんでに⾒える。
kare wa kurushinde ni mieru.
He appears to be suffering.

8. 彼⼥は嘘を付いていてに⾒える。
kanojo wa uso o tsuiteite ni mieru.
She seems like she is lying.

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 にする

Meaning How To Use

to make something ~ にする

にします
な-adjective な
にして
にした

Learn Japanese grammar: にする (ni suru). Meaning: to make something ~.

This pattern is used after a な-adjective and makes something whatever the adjective describes.

After the adjective, remove な and add にする (ni suru)

静かな (shizuka na) quiet

静かにする (shizuka ni suru) make quiet

する can also be conjugated as:

にします (ni shimasu) more polite

にして (ni shite) please make
にした (ni shita) made “past-tense”

To use with an い-adjective instead use くする (ku suru).

Example Sentences

1. もう少し、静かにしてください。
mou sukoshi, shizukani shite kudasai.
Please be a bit more quiet.

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2. この写真を⼤切にする。
kono shashin o taisetsu ni suru.
I will treasure this picture.

3. ⻭科医は私の⻭をきれいにした。
ha'isha wa watashi no ha o kirei ni shita.
The dentist cleaned my teeth.

4. 先⽣は、テストをもっと簡単にしました。
sensei wa, tesuto o motto kantan ni shimashita.
The teacher made the test easier.

5. この絵は彼⼥を有名にするでしょう。
kono e wa kanojo o yuumei ni suru deshou.
This picture will probably make her famous.

6. 最近元気にしていますか︖
saikin gennki ni shiteimasu ka?
Are you doing well lately?

7. 君を幸せにするから、僕と結婚してください。
kimi o shiawase ni suru kara, boku to kekkon shite kudasai.
I promise to make you happy, so please marry me.

8. 教室が汚いので、掃除してきれいにしましょう。
kyoushitsu ga kitanai no de, souji shite kirei ni shimashou.
The classroom is dirty so let's clean it up and make it look nice.

9. インターネットは私たちの⽣活を便利にしました。
intaanetto wa watashitachi no seikatsu o benri ni shimashita.
The internet made our lives much more convenient.

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 にくい

Meaning How To Use

difficult to do Verb ます (stem form) にくい

Learn Japanese grammar: にくい (nikui). Meaning: difficult to do.

Difficult To…

This is used to say that it is difficult to do something.

Add にくい to the verb’s stem form to say that action is difficult to do.

⾒る (miru) to see
⾒にくい (mi nikui) = difficult to see

Easy To…

To say the opposite, that something is “easy to do”, use やすい (yasui) instead.

Example Sentences

1. この質問には答えにくいです。
kono shitsumon niwa kotaenikui desu.
This question is difficult to answer.

2. この本は字が⼩さくて読みにくいです。
kono hon wa ji ga chiisakute yomi nikui desu.
This books print is too small, it's difficult to read.

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3. この漢字は覚えにくいです。
kono kanji wa oboe nikui desu.
This kanji is difficult to remember.

4. この⾃転⾞は古くて乗りにくいです。
kono jitensha wa furukute norinikui desu.
This bicycle is old and difficult to ride.

5. ⿂は⾻が多くて⾷べにくいだ。
sakana wa hone ga ookute tabe nikui da.
Fish have a bunch of bones and are difficult to eat.

6. 彼の説明が難しくて分かりにくいだった。
kare no setsumei ga muzukashikute wakari nikui datta.
His explanation was complicated and difficult to understand.

7. この道は狭くて、⾞も多いので、運転しにくいです。
kono michi wa semakute, kuruma mo ooi no de, unten shi nikui desu.
This road is really narrow, and there's lots of cars, so it's difficult to drive on.

8. 彼⼥はつき合いにくい⼈だ。
kanojo wa tukiai nikui hito da.
She's a difficult person to get along with.

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 の中で
のなかで

Meaning How To Use

in, among Noun の中で

Learn Japanese grammar: の中で 【のなかで】(no naka de). Meaning: in, among.

Example Sentences

1. ⼼の中ではこれを分かっていた。
kokoro no naka de kore o wakatteita.
I know this in my heart.

2. 病院の中で、待ちますか。
byouin no naka de, machimasu ka?
Will you wait inside the hospital?

3. 私は今⽇は⾞の中で寝ました。
watashi wa kyou wa kuruma no naka de nemashita.
I slept in my car today.

4. 私は頭の中でも⽇本語で考える。
watashi wa atama no naka demo nihongo de kangaeru.
I even think in Japanese.

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5. 季節私はの中で秋が好きです。
watashi wa kisetsu no naka de aki ga suki desu.
Out of all the seasons, I like autumn.

6. あなたはまだ夢の中でしょう。
anata wa mada yume no naka deshou.
You're probably still dreaming.

7. 部屋の中でそんなにさわぐな。
heya no naka de sonna ni sawagu na.
Don't be so loud in the room.

8. 決勝レースは９⽉30⽇に激しい⾬の中で⾏われた。
kesshou reesu wa ku gatsu sanjuu nichi ni hageshii ame no naka de okonawareta.
The final race was held on September 30th in heavy rain.

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 のに

Meaning How To Use

although, in spite of, even though Verb (casual form)

Noun + な
のに
な-adjective + な

い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: のに (noni). Meaning: although, in spite of, even though.

Be careful to not confuse this with the other grammar use of のに (noni) in order to.

Example Sentences

1. まだ20時なのに、とても眠い。
mada 20 ji nano ni, totemo nemui.
I'm really tired even though it's still only 8PM.

2. なぜ、彼らは冬なのに泳ぐのでしょうか︖
naze, karera wa fuyu na noni oyogu no deshou ka.
Why will they swim even though it's winter?

3. 約束をしたのに、彼⼥は来ませんでした。
yakusoku o shita noni, kanojo wa kimasen deshita.
Even though she promised, she didn't come..

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4. 今⽇は⽇曜⽇なのに、働かなければなりません。
kyou wa nichiyoubi na noni, hataraka nakereba narimasen.
I have to work today even though it is Sunday..

5. 彼⼥がきれいなのに彼⽒がいません。
kanojo ga kirei na noni kareshi ga imasen.
Although she is very beautiful, she doesn't have a boyfriend.

6. この携帯は⾼いのに、すぐに壊れた。
kono keitai wa takai noni, sugu ni kowareta.
Even though this cell phone was really expensive, it broke right away.

7. 薬を飲んだのに、ねつがまだ下がりません。
kusuri o nonda noni, netsu ga mada sagari masen.
Even though I took medicine, my fever didn't go down.

8. 仕事中なのに、彼はパソコンでゲームをしています。
shigoto chuu na noni, kare wa pasokon de geemu wo shite imasu.
Even though he's in the middle of work, he's playing games on his computer.

9. あなたの家が近いのに、いつも会社に遅れたね。
anata no ie ga chikai noni, itsumo kaisha ni okureta ne.
In spite of your home being close, you were always late for work..

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 のに

Meaning How To Use

to (do something); in order to Verb (dictionary form) のに

Learn Japanese grammar: のに (noni). Meaning: to (do something); in order to.

Be careful to not confuse this with the other meaning of のに (noni) even though, which means “even
though/ although”.

Example Sentences

1. 始めるのに遅すぎることはない。
hajimeru no ni ososugiru koto wa nai.
It's never too late to start.

2. 家に帰るのに3時間かかりました。
ie ni kaeru noni sanjikan kakarimashita.
It took 3 hours to return home.

3. 本を読むのに時間がかかる。
hon o yomu no ni jikan ga kakaru.
Reading books takes time.

4. 勉強するのに、それが必要だ。
benkyou suru no ni, sore ga hitsuyou da.
I need it to study.

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5. 考えるのにも疲れたし。
kangaeru noni mo tsukareta shi.
I am tired of thinking.

6. その仕事をするのにどのくらいの時間が必要ですか。
sono shigoto o suru noni dono kurai no jikan ga hitsuyou desu ka.
Around how much time do you need to do that job?

7. 朝起きるのに苦労する。
asa okiru noni kurou suru.
I have trouble getting up in the morning.

8. それを翻訳するのに時間がかかる。
sore o honyaku suru noni jikan ga kakaru.
It will take time to translate that.

9. 私は勉強をするのによく図書館を利⽤します。
watashi wa benkyou o suru noni yoku toshokan o riyou shimasu.
I often use the library for studying.

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 のは〜だ

Meaning How To Use

[A] is [B]; the reason for [A] is [B] Verb (casual)

Noun + な 〜だ
のは
な-adjective + な 〜です

い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: のは〜だ (nowa~da). Meaning: [A] is [B]; the reason for [A] is [B].

This can be used to express 2 different meanings:

1. The reason for [A] is [B].

2. Doing [A] is [B].

Example Sentences

1. 毎⽇、新しい単語を覚えるのは⼤変です。
mainichi, atarashii tango o oboeru nowa taihen desu.
It is difficult to memorize new vocabulary every day.

2. 私たちは結婚を決めたのは⼦どもができたからです。
watashi tachi wa kekkon o kimeta nowa kodomo ga dekita kara desu.
We decided to get married because we were going to have a baby.

3. 私が⽣まれたのは北海道の⼩さな村です。
watashi ga umareta nowa hokkaidou no chiisa na mura desu.
I was born in a small village in Hokkaido.

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4. このメンバーの中に独⾝なのは⽥中さんだけです。
kono menbaa no naka ni dokushin na nowa Tanaka san dake desu.
From these members, the only one who is single is Tanaka.

5. 会議が始まるのは10時です。忘れないようにメモしたほうがいい
よ。
kaigi ga hajimaru nowa 10 ji desu. wasurenai youni memo shita hou ga ii yo.
The meeting begins at 10 o'clock. It would be best to write a memo so you don't forget.

6. ⽇本語を勉強するとき、⼀番難しいのは漢字だ。
nihongo o benkyou suru toki, ichiban muzukashii nowa kanji da.
When studying Japanese, the most difficult part is kanji.

7. それを作ったのは私の⺟です。もっと⾷べたいなら明⽇も持って
くるよ。
sore o tsukutta nowa watashi no haha desu. motto tabetai nara ashita mo motte kuru yo.
The person who made that was my mother. If you want to eat more, I will bring it again
tomorrow.

8. 私はアルバイトをしているのは旅⾏の⾦を貯めたいからです。
watashi wa arubaito o shite iru nowa ryokou no kane o tametai kara desu.
The reason I am working a part-time job is so I can save up money for traveling.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 お〜ください

Meaning How To Use

please do (honorific) お Verb (ます stem) ください

Learn Japanese grammar: お〜ください (o~kudasai). Meaning: please do (honorific). Must be used with
a Verb’s ます stem form.

For example:

たべます (tabemasu) “to eat”.

changes by: お + たべますください
becomes: おたべください (otabe kudasai) “please eat”

Example Sentences

1. ここでお待ちください。
koko de omachi kudasai.
Please wait here.

2. ここにお名前をお書きください。
koko ni onamae o okaki kudasai.
Please write your name here.

3. それを⽔と⼀緒にお飲みください。
sore o mizu to issho ni onomi kudasai.
Take that together with water.

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4. あちらからお⼊りください。
achira kara ohairi kudasai.
Please enter from over there.

5. このボールペンをお使いください。
kono poorupen o otsukai kudasai.
Please use this ball pen.

6. どうぞお座りください。
douzo osuwari kudasai.
Please be seated.

7. 温かいうちにお⾷べください。
atatakai uchi ni otabe kudasai.
Please eat while it is still warm.

8. 今から調べますので、少々お待ちください。
ima kara shirabemasu node, shoushou omachi kudasai.
I will look into this for you now, so please wait a moment.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 お〜になる

Meaning How To Use

to do (honorific) になる
お Verb (ます stem)
になります

Learn Japanese grammar: お〜になる (o~ni naru). Meaning: to do (honorific).

This must be used with a Verb’s ます stem form.

For example:

たべます (tabemasu) “to eat”.

changes by: お + たべますになる
becomes: お⾷べになる (otabe in naru) “to eat” (honorific).

Example Sentences

1. 何をお飲みになりますか。
nani o onomi ni narimasu ka.
What would you like to have to drink?

2. お座りになりませんか。
osuwari ni narimasen ka?
Do you want to sit down?

3. 先⽣は何時ごろお戻りになりますか?
sensei wa nanji goro omodori ni narimasuka?
Teacher, around what time will you return?

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4. 何をお⾷べになるのですか。
nani o otabe ni naru no desu ka.
What will you have to eat?

5. どうか、ぜひお⼊りになってください。
douka, zehi ohairi ni natte kudasai.
Do come in, please.

6. 部⻑はたばこをお吸いになりません。
buchou wa tabako o osui ni narimasen.
Our manager does not smoke.

7. 社⻑はぜんぜんお酒をお飲みになりません。
shachou wa zenzen osake o onomi ni narimasen.
The company president doesn't drink any alcohol at all.

8. 昨⽇、会⻑はお亡くなりました。
kinou, kaichou wa onaku narimashita.
Yesterday the Chairman passed away.

9. ⼭⽥課⻑はもうお帰りになりました。
yamada kachou wa mou okaeri ni narimashita.
Yamada manager has already returned home.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 おきに

Meaning How To Use

repeated at intervals, every Noun (measurable) おきに

Learn Japanese grammar: おきに (oki ni). Meaning: repeated at intervals, every.

It is used following a measurable noun (minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, distance, etc..)

Example Sentences

1. 電⾞は5分おきに⾛っています。
densha wa 5 fun oki ni hashitteimasu.
The trains run every five minutes.

2. このバスは15分おきに出ている
kono basu wa 15 fun okini dete iru.
This bus leaves every 15 minutes.

3. 彼は数⽇おきに来る。
kare wa suujitsu oki ni kuru.
He comes here every few days.

4. この道には5メートルおきに⽊が植えられている.
kono michi niwa 5 meetoru okini ki ga uerarete iru.
Trees align this road every 5 meters.

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5. この薬は2時間おきに飲んでください。
kono kusuri wa 2 jikan okini nonde kudasai.
Take this medicine every 2 hours.

6. 私は⼀ヶ⽉おきに故郷へ帰ります。
watashi wa ikkagetsu okini furusato e kaerimasu.
I return to my home town every month.

7. この雑誌は、⼀ヶ⽉おきに発⾏されています。
kono zasshi wa, ikkagetsu okini hakkou sarete imasu.
This magazine is published once a month.

8. 彼は⼀週間おきに問題を起こす⽣徒だ。
kare wa isshuukan oki ni mondai o okosu seito da.
He's the kind of student that causes problems every week.

9. 空港へ向かうバスは30分おきに出ている。
kuukou e mukau basu wa 30 pun oki ni deteiru.
The bus heading towards the airport leaves every 30 minutes.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 終わる
おわる

Meaning How To Use

to finish; to end 終わる

終わらない
Verb ます (stem form)
終わった
etc..

Learn Japanese grammar: 終わる (owaru). Meaning: to finish; to end.

This can be freely conjugated to use in current, future, and past tense.

おわる to finish
examples 1~3
おわった finished
examples 4~7
おわります・おわりました (more polite)
examples 8~10

Example Sentences

1. みんなが朝⾷を⾷べ終わるまで待ちましょう。
minnna ga choushoku o tabe owaru made machimashou.
Let's wait until everyone has finished eating breakfast.

2. そのゲームをやり終わるまでに5時間くらいかかる。
sono geemu o yari owaru made ni 5 jikan kurai kakaru.
It takes about 5 hours to finish that game.

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3. 彼が話し終わるとみんな黙っていた。
kare ga hanashi owaru to minna damatteita.
There was silence when he finished speaking.

4. 仕事をし終わったらすぐ⾏く。
shigoto o shi owattara sugu iku.
I'll go/come as soon as I finish work.

5. パソコンを使い終わったら、シャットダウンをしてください。
pasokon o tsukai owattara, shatto daun o shite kudasai.
Once you've finished using the computer, please turn it off.

6. 宿題の作⽂を書き終わったのでテレビを⾒ます。
shukudai no sakubun o kaki owatta node terebi o mimasu.
I've finished writing my essay for homework and now am going to watch some TV.

7. ご飯を⾷べ終わったあとに、みんなでカラオケに⾏きました。
gohan o tabe owatta ato ni, minna de karaoke ni ikimashita.
After finishing eating, everyone went out to sing some karaoke.

8. もう⾃分の部屋を掃除し終わりましたか︖
mou jibun no heya o souji shi owarimashita ka?
Have you finished cleaning your room yet?

9. 先⽇お貸しした本は読み終わりましたか︖
senjitsu o kashi shita hon wa yomi owarimashita ka?
Have you finished reading the book I lent you the other day?

10. ご飯んが⾷べ終わりましたら、お⽫を洗ってください。
gohan ga tabe owarimashitara, sara o aratte kudasai.
Once you've finished eating please wash the dishes.

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 られる

Meaning How To Use

potential form; ability or inability to do Ru-verb る -> られる

something U-verb change "u" to "e" + る

やる やれる

する できる

くる こられる

Learn Japanese grammar: られる (rareru). Meaning: potential form; being able to do something.

This is used to describe the ability or inability to do something.

First, let’s look at the rules for how to create potential form, and then how we can use it in a sentence.

Rules for Creating Potential Form

Ru-verb

Simply remove the final る (ru) and replace with られる (rareru).

⾷べる -> ⾷べられる (taberu -> taberareru)

To eat -> To be able to eat

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U-verb

Change the final “u” to be an “e” instead, and then add る (ru).

Ex) む (mu) becomes め (me).

飲む -> 飲める (nomu -> nomeru)

To drink -> To be able to drink

つ (tsu) becomes て (te)

⽴つ -> ⽴てる (tatsu -> tateru)

To stand -> To be able to stand

Irregular verbs

する -> できる (suru -> dekiru)

To do -> To be able to do

くる -> これる (kuru -> koreru)

To come -> To be able to come

How to Use Potential Form

When using potential form, the particle を (o/wo) is often changed to が (ga) instead.

すしを⾷べる。

sushi o taberu.
I eat sushi.

Will change to..

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 すしが⾷べられる。

sushi ga taberareru
I can eat sushi.

Important Notes

You can use either を (o/wo) or が (ga) with most verbs, but when used with できる (dekiru), you must
always use が (ga).

Be careful to not confuse this with 受⾝形 (ukemi) passive voice, where many conjugations may be
similar.

Example Sentences

1. そんなことを信じられない。
sonnna koto o shinji rarenai.
I am not able to believe such a story..

2. そこにあるいちごはすべて⾷べられる。
soko ni aru ichigo wa subete taberareru.
You can eat any of the strawberries in there.

3. 今⽇は忙しすぎて、朝ごはんを⾷べられなかった。
kyou wa isogashi sugite, asagohan o taberare nakatta.
Today I was so busy and wasn't able to eat breakfast.

4. 納⾖が⾷べられるの︖
nattou ga tabe rareru no?
Are you able to eat natto? (fermented soybeans)

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5. 夜は寒くて寝られない。
yoru wa samukute nerarenai.
The nights are too cold to sleep.

6. 私はここにあまり⻑くいられない。
watashi wa koko ni amari nagaku irarenai.
I can't stay here for too long.

7. 私たちがここで何を⾒つけられるか⾒に⾏ってみましょう。
watashitachi ga koko de nani o mitsuke rareru ka mi ni itte mimashou.
Let's go to see what we can find here.

8. 私がやれる限りの事をしたい。
watashi ga yareru kagiri no koto o shitai.
I want to do everything that I can.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 らしい

Meaning How To Use

it seems like; I heard; apparently~ Verb (casual form)

Noun らしい
らしく
な-adjective らしくない
い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: らしい (rashii) / らしくない (rashiku nai). Meaning: it seems like; I heard;
apparently~

Standard Meaning

らしい is used to say:

It seems like~
I heard~
Apparently~
Typical of~

When followed up with more information, it changes to らしく (rashiiku).

Opposite use

Use らしくない to say the opposite

Do not seem like~
Not typical of~

Example Sentences

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1. ⾬らしい。
ame rashii.
It looks like rain / looks like it's gonna rain.

2. 男らしい。
otoko rashii.
Manly (like a man)

3. ⼥らしい。
onna rashii.
Womanly; feminine (like a woman)

4. 学⽣らしくもっと勉強しなさい。
gakusei rashiku motto benkyou shina sai.
Study more like a real student.

5. 今⽇は君らしくないな。
kyou wa kimi rashikunai na.
You don't seem like yourself today.

6. 遅刻するなんて彼らしくない。
chikoku suru nante kare rashiku nai.
It's not like him to be late like this.

7. これからも、⾃分らしく⽣きていきたいです。
kore kara mo, jibun rashiku ikite ikitai desu.
From now on, I want to live more true to myself.

8. 寝すぎるのは、体に悪いらしいです。
nesugiru no wa, karada ni warui rashii desu.
Sleeping too much is apparently bad for your body.

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 さ

Meaning How To Use

-ness ; nominalizer for adjective い-adjective + い

さ
な-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: さ (sa). Meaning: -ness ; nominalizer for adjectives. Adding さ after an
adjective it turns it into a Noun.

It is very similar to English words ending in -ess, for example:

やさしい (yasashii) “nice / kind”

やさしさ (yasashisa) “nice-ness / kindness”

さ (sa) is also often used for something measurable, for example:

⻑い (nagai) “long”
⻑さ (nagasa) “length”

Example Sentences

1. 背の⾼さはどれぐらいですか︖
se no takasa wa dore gurai desu ka?
How tall are you?

2. 私は、ワサビの⾟さが⼤好きです。
watashi wa, wasabi no karasa ga daisuki desu.
I love the spiciness of wasabi.

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3. この池の深さはどのぐらいですか︖
kono ike no fukasa wa dore gurai desu ka?
How deep is this pond?

4. 新しい橋の⻑さは3,911メートルです。
atarashii hashi no nagasa wa 3,911 meetoru desu.
The length of the new bridge is 3,911 meters.

5. 彼⼥の部屋の広さは畳で６畳くらいです。
kanojo no heya no hirosa wa tatami de 6 jou kurai desu.
The space of her room is about 6 tatami mats (unit of measurement for Japanese
rooms).

6. この料理の美味しさを皆さんに紹介したいです。
kono ryouri no oishisa o minasan ni shoukai shitai desu.
I want to introduce to everyone the deliciousness of this food.

7. 彼の⾯⽩さが⼤好きです。
kare no omoshirosa ga daisuki desu.
I love how interesting he is (his interesting-ness literally).

8. ⼤きさは違うけど質は同じですよ。
ookisa wa chigau kedo shitsu ga onaji desu yo.
The size is different, but the quality is the same.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 さっき

Meaning How To Use

some time ago; just now さっき Sentence

Learn Japanese grammar: さっき (sakki). Meaning: some time ago; just now; a very short time ago.

Example Sentences

1. さっきまで天気がよかったですが、今は⼤⾬です。
sakki made tenki ga yokatta desu ga, ima wa ooame desu.
The weather was fine just a moment ago, but now there's heavy rain..

2. さっき起きたばかりで、まだ眠いです。
sakki okita bakari de, mada nemui desu.
I just woke up, but am still sleepy.

3. あなたはさっき何か⾔ったでしょうね。聞こえなかったからもう
⼀回教えてくれる︖
anata wa sakki nani ka itta deshou ne. kikoena katta kara mou ikkai oshiete kureru?
What did you say earlier? I couldn't hear you, so could you tell me one more time?

4. さっき覚えた漢字を、もう忘れてしまいました。
sakki oboeta kanji o, mou wasurete shimaimashita.
I've already forgotten the kanji I just memorized not too long ago.

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5. ハサミが⾒あたらない。さっき⾒たときは、机の上にあったはず
なのに。
hasami ga miataranai. Sakki mita toki wa, tsukue no ue ni atta hazu na noni.
I can't find the scissors.. I saw them just a little while ago on top of the desk, but...

6. あの⼆⼈、さっきまで喧嘩していたかと思ったらもう仲良くして
いる。
ano futari, sakki made kenka shite ita ka to omottara mou nakayoku shite iru.
I thought those 2 were fighting just a moment ago, but they seem to have already made
up.

7. さっきご飯を⾷べたばかりなのに、もうおなかがすいてしまっ
た。
sakki gohan o tabeta bakari nanoni, mou onaka ga suite shimatta.
I just ate dinner a little while ago, but I'm already hungry again..

8. 私がさっき⾔ったとおりに、パソコンの キーを押してください。
watashi ga sakki itta toori ni , pasokon no kii o oshite kudasai.
Just like I said earlier, press the key on your computer.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 させられる

Meaning How To Use

causative-passive; to be made to do Verb (causative form させる) られる

something くる こさせられる

やる やらせられる

Learn Japanese grammar: させられる (saserareru). Meaning: causative-passive form; to be made to do

something.

The technical term for this grammar point is ‘causative-passive’, or in Japanese ‘受け⾝動詞’ (ukemi
doushi).

To use, you must first conjugate the causative form. See lesson for させる (saseru) Causative Form.

Example Sentences

1. 仕事を辞めさせられた。
shigoto o yame saserareta.
I was forced to quit my job.

2. 息⼦は退学させられた。
musuko wa taigaku saserareta.
My son was expelled from school.

3. 彼⼥に2時間も待たされた。
kanojo ni 2 jikan mo matasareta.
She made me wait over 2 hours.

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4. その映画は考えさせられる。
sono eiga wa kangae saserareru.
That movie makes you think.

5. 毎⽇⺟に野菜を⾷べさせられる。
mainichi haha ni yasai o tabe saserareru.
Every day, my mother forces me to eat vegetables.

6. フィアンセのお⽗さんにお酒を飲ませられた。
fianse no otousan ni osake o nomaserareta.
My fiance's father made me to drink alcohol with him.

7. 親に毎⽇宿題をさせられる。
oya ni mainichi shukudai o saserareru.
I am made to do my homework everyday by my parents.

8. 週末には家族のレストランで⼿伝わせられる。
shuumatsu ni wa kazoku no resutoran de tetsuda waserareru.
On weekends, I am forced to help out with the family restaurant.

9. 彼は⽀店から⽀店へと転勤させられた。
kare wa shiten kara shiten e to tenkin sase rareta.
He was forced to transfer from one company branch to another.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 させる

Meaning How To Use

causative form; to make/let somebody do Ru-verb る -> させる

something U-verb (ない form) ない -> せる

する させる

やる やらせる

くる こさせる

Learn Japanese grammar: させる (saseru). Meaning: causative form. This can mean either:

1. to make somebody do something.

2. to let somebody do something.

Causative form conjugation samples

Ru-verbs

⾷べる -> ⾷べさせる (tabesaseru)

出る -> 出させる (desaseru)
寝る -> 寝させる (nesaseru)
起きる -> 起きさせる (okisaseru)
着る -> 着させる (kisaseru)

U-verbs

聞く -> 聞かせる (kikaseru)

待つ -> 待たせる (mataseru)
飲む -> 飲ませる (nomaseru)
買う -> 買わせる (kawaseru)
話す -> 話させる (hanaseru)
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Meaning 1) to make somebody do something

⼦どもに勉強をさせる。

kodomo ni benkyou o saseru.

To make children study.

Meaning 2) to let somebody do

⾷べさせてください。

tabe sasete kudasai

Please let me to eat.

Which meaning is correct?

You will often have to guess or assume which meaning is correct based on the context.

Example) To marry

結婚させる。

kekkon saseru
Meaning 1) to make marry
Meaning 2) to allow to marry

Example Sentences

1. ⺟は私に⾃分の部屋を⽚付けさせた。
haha wa watashi ni jibun no heya o katadzuke saseta.
My mother made me clean up my own room.

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2. この仕事は部下にやらせます。
kono shigoto wa buka ni yarasemasu.
I'll make one of my subordinates do this task.

3. 君を泣かせるつもりはなかった︕
kimi o nakaseru tsumori wa nakatta!
I didn't mean to make you cry!

4. 僕にやらせてください
boku ni yarasete kudasai.
Please allow me to do it.

5. 息⼦はアニメを⾒たがっていますが、宿題が終わっていないの
で、⾒させません。
musuko wa anime o mitagatteimasu ga, shukudai ga owatteinai node, misasemasen.
My son wants to watch anime, but he hasn't finished his homework, so I won't let him
watch it..

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 させてください

Meaning How To Use

please let me do Verb

ください
(causative て form)

Learn Japanese grammar: させてください (sasete kudasai). Meaning: please let me do.

This must be with a verb’s て version of させる (saseru) causative form.

When referring to yourself, you must use 私に (watashi ni) instead of 私は (watashi wa).

Example Sentences

1. 質問させてください。
shitsumon sasete kudasai.
Please allow me to ask you a question.

2. 私のことをあなたに話させてください。
watashi no koto o anata ni hanasasete kudasai.
Please let me tell you about myself.

3. ちょっと調⼦が悪いので、早く帰らさせてください。
chotto choushi ga warui node, hayaku kaerasete kudasai.
I'm not feeling well, so please let me head home early.

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4. 返事をする前にちょっと考えさせてください。
henji o suru mae ni chotto kangae sasete kudasai.
Please let me think a bit before I give you my answer.

5. 私に何かお⼿伝いさせてください。
watashi ni nani ka otetsudai sasete kudasai.
Please let me help with something.

6. 彼⼥は今⽇病気なのでお休みさせてください。
kanojo wa kyou byouki na no de oyasumi sasete kudasai.
She is sick today so please allow her to have the day off.

7. 私に私たちの部活動について紹介させてください。
watashi ni watashitachi no bukatsudou ni tsuite shoukai sasete kudasai.
Please allow me to introduce our club activities.

8. 英語が苦⼿なので、⽇本語で話しをさせてください。
eigo ga nigate na no de, nihongo de hanashi o sasete kudasai.
I am not very good at English, so please let me speak in Japanese.

9. この件についてもう⼀度相談させてください。
kono ken ni tsuite mou ichido soudan sasete kudasai.
Please let me consult with you once more about this matter.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 さすが

Meaning How To Use

as one would expect; as is to be expected; の + Noun

さすが
even に + Verb

Learn Japanese grammar: さすが (sasuga). Meaning: as one would expect; as is to be expected; even.

Example Sentences

1. 私はさすがにビックリした。
watashi wa sasuga ni bikkuri shita.
I was really surprised.

2. さすがにこういうところには住みたくないな。
sasuga ni kouiu tokoro ni wa sumitakunai na.
Just as I thought, I don't want to live in this kind of place.

3. さすがの彼も年には勝てなかった。
sasuga no kare mo toshi ni wa katenakatta.
Even he could not defeat old age.

4. さすがに⼤都市だけあって、いい本屋がたくさんあります。
sasuga ni daitoshi dake atte, ii honya ga takusan arimasu.
As expected of a large city, there are a lot of good bookstores.

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5. 彼がさすがにおどろきを隠せなかった。
kare ga sasuga ni odoroki o kakusenakatta.
He really couldn't hide his surprise.

6. さすがのナポレオンでもヨーロッパを⽀配することはできなかっ
た。
sasuga no naporeon demo yooroppa o shihai suru koto wa dekinakatta.
Not even the great Napoleon could rule over Europe.

7. 本当のことを⾔ったとはさすがに勇気がある。
hontou no koto o itta to wa sasuga ni yuuki ga aru.
You were courageous to tell the truth.

8. 彼は若いころから⽇本に住んでいただけのことはあって、さすが
⽇本語が上⼿だね。
kare wa wakai koro kara nihon ni sunde ita dake no koto wa atte, sasuga nihongo ga
jouzu da ne.
He's been living in Japan since he was young, so as expected his Japanese is very good.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 し

Meaning How To Use

and; and what’s more; emphasis Verb (casual)

Noun + だ
し
な-adjective + だ

い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: し (shi). Meaning: and; and what’s more.

It is mainly used to:

1. Say “and” to list multiple verbs, nouns, or adjectives.

See examples 1~5.
2. To list 2 different things to highlight the contrast.
See examples 6~7.
3. To give a reason leading to a conclusion.
See examples 8~9.
4. To emphasize your point as a sentence ending particle.
See example 10.

Example Sentences

1. このコートは⾊がきれいだし、好きなデザインだし。買いたいで
すよ。
kono kooto wa iro ga kirei dashi, sukina dezain da shi. kaitai desu yo.
This coat has a beautiful color, and I like the design, I really want to buy it..

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2. 今⽇は週末だったし、天気が良かったので、公園は⼈が多かった
です。
kyou wa shuumatsu datta shi, tenki ga yokatta node, kouen wa hito ga ookatta desu.
It's the weekend and the weather is nice so the park was packed with people

3. 彼は勉強ができるしスポーツも上⼿だし、私の好きなタイプだ。
kare wa benkyou ga dekiru shi, supo-tsu mo jouzu dashi, watashi no suki na taipu da.
He's smart and good at sports, definitely my type.

4. 彼⼥は料理は上⼿いし、性格はいいし、理想の奥さんだ。
kanojo wa ryouri wa umai shi, seikaku wa ii shi, risou no okusan da.
She cooks well and has a good personality, she's the ideal wife.

5. お腹が空いたし、のどがかわいたし、何か⾷べたいです。
onaka ga suita shi, nodo ga kawaita shi, nani ka tabetai desu.
I'm hungry and thirsty, I need to eat something now.

6. 友だちと遊びたいし、宿題はしなくてはいけないし、どうしよ
う。
tomodachi to asobitai shi, shukudai wa shinakute wa ikenai shi. dou shiyou.
I want to hang out with my friends, but I need to do my homework.. What should I do!?

7. 彼は気分がいい時もあるし、悪い時もある。
kare wa kibun ga ii toki mo aru shi, warui toki mo aru.
There are times when he feels good, but also times when he feels bad.

8. ⾬が降っているし、もう帰ります。
ame ga futteiru shi, mou kaerimasu.
It's raining, so I'm gonna just head home.

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9. お⾦はないし、休みもないし、今⽉は旅⾏は無理だ。
okane wa nai shi, yasumi mo nai shi, kongetsu wa ryokou wa muri da.
I have no money and no time, so this month going on vacation is not possible.

10. そんなこと⾔ってないし︕
sonnna koto itte nai shi!
I never said anything like that!

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 そんなに

Meaning How To Use

so much; so; like that Verb

そんなに な-adjective

い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: そんなに (sonna ni). Meaning: so, so much, like that.

It can be used both mid-sentence or to start a new sentence.

It can be used to express both both positive and negative meanings.

Example Sentences

1. 昨⽇はそんなに忙しくなかった。
kinou wa sonna ni isogashiku nakatta.
Yesterday was not so busy.

2. ⽇本語はそんなに難しくないよ。
nihongo wa sonna ni muzukashi kunai yo.
Japanese is not that difficult..

3. ⾁はそんなに好きではありません。
niku wa sonna ni suki dewa arimasen.
I don’t like meat that much.

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4. そんなにがっかりするな。もう⼀度やり直しなさい。
sonna ni gakkari suru na. mou ichido yarinaoshi nasai.
Don’t be so disappointed. Try again one more time.

5. 私のことがそんなに⼤切なの︖
watashi no koto ga sonna ni taisetsu na no.
Do I really mean that much to you?

6. ええ、そんなに暑いのですか︖エアコンを付けようか︖
ee, sonna ni atsui no desu ka? eakon o tsukeyou ka?
Is it really that hot? Shall we turn on the AC then?

7. あの腕時計はそんなに⾼くないよ。
ano ude tokei wa sonna ni takakunai yo.
That watch isn't that expensive.

8. そんなに知りたいのなら教えるよ。
sonna ni shiritai no nara oshieru yo.
If you want to know that badly I will tell you.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 それでも

Meaning How To Use

but still; and yet; even so Phrase 1 それでも Phrase 2

Learn Japanese grammar: それでも (sore demo). Meaning: but still; and yet; even so.

Example Sentences

1. それでもいいですか︖
sore demo ii desu ka?
Is that still OK with you?

2. それでもあなたのことが好き。
sore demo anata no koto ga suki.
I still love you anyway.

3. 外は⼤⾬だ。それでも出かけないといけない。
soto wa ooame da. sore demo dekakenai to ikenai.
There's heavy rain outside, but even so I still need to head out.

4. 彼はテストの準備をしていなかった。それでも合格した。
kare wa tesuto no junbi o shite inakatta. sore demo goukaku shita.
He didn't prepare for the test, but even so he still passed..

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5. あの⼤学は絶対無理だと⾔われた。それでも僕は受けるつもり
だ。
ano daigaku wa zettai muri dato iwareta. sore demo boku wa ukeru tsumori da.
Everyone says that university is impossible to get into. Even so, I plan to apply.

6. みんなに反対されている。それでも私は彼と結婚したい。
minna ni hantai sarete iru. sore demo watashi wa kare to kekkon shitai.
Everyone is against it, but even so I still want to marry him.

7. 君が⼀⽣懸命やったのはわかる。それでも僕は君のレポートを満
⾜できない。
kimi ga isshou kenmei yatta nowa wakaru. sore demo boku wa kimi no repooto o
manzoku dekinai.
I know you did your best. But even so, I am still not satisfied with your report.

8. 彼が結婚しているのは知っている。それでも彼を愛している。
kare ga kekkon shite iru nowa shitte iru. sore demo kare o aishiteru.
I know he is married.. But even so I still love him.

9. 彼は70歳を越えているが、それでも活動的だ。
kare wa 70 sai o koeteiru ga, sore demo katsudou teki da.
Although he is over 70, he is still active.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 そうだ

Meaning How To Use

I heard that; it is said that Verb (casual form)

Noun + だ そうだ
な-adjective + だ そうです

い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: そうだ (sou da). Meaning: I heard that; it is said that.

そうだ (sou da) has two separate meanings.

Meaning 1) I hear that…
Meaning 2) It looks like / appears like

This lesson will focus on meaning 1:

I heard that…
It is said that…
People say that…

Example Sentences

1. 彼は仕事をやめるそうだ。
kare wa shigoto o yameru sou da.
I heard that he will be quitting his job.

2. 彼は⾦持ちだそうだ。
kare wa kanemochi da sou da.
He is said to be rich.

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3. 先⽣によると、来週の試験はむずかしいそうだ。
sensei ni yoru to, raishuu no shiken wa muzukashii sou da.
According to our teacher, next week's test is going to be very hard.

4. 彼⼥は今、⼊院中だそうだ。
kanojo wa ima, nyuuinchuu da sou da.
I heard she's in the hospital now.

5. 彼⼥は有名だそうです。
kanojo wa yuumei da sou desu.
I heard she is famous.

6. 彼はまだ独⾝だそうだ。
kare wa mada dokushin da sou da.
I hear he's still single.

7. 息⼦さんは今留学中だそうですね。
musuko san wa ima ryuugakuchuu da sou desu ne.
I heard your son is now studying abroad?

8. 彼⼥の妹は英語が得意だそうです。
kanojo no imouto wa eigo ga tokui da sou desu.
Her younger sister is apparently really good at English.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 そうだ

Meaning How To Use

looks like; appears like Verb ます (stem form)

そう
な-adjective そうだ
そうです
い-adjective + い

Learn Japanese grammar: そうだ (sou da). Meaning: it looks like / appears like.

そうだ (sou da) has two separate meanings.

Meaning 1) I heard that / it is said that...
Meaning 2) It looks like / appears like.

This lesson will focus on meaning 2:

When used with a verb, it means that “it seems like this is about to happen”.

The だ is not necessary, and can be used without it:

そう
そうだ / そうだった
そうです / そうでした

Example Sentences

1. いまにも、⾬が降りそうだ。
imanimo, ame ga furi sou da.
It seems like it's gonna start raining any moment.

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2. その⼈は倒れそうです。
sono hito wa taore sou desu.
That person looks like they're about to fall over.

3. そろそろ⾬がやみそうなので、もう少し待ちましょう。
sorosoro ame ga yamisou nano de, mou sukoshi machimashou.
It seems like the rain is going to stop soon, so let's wait a little bit more.

4. どうしたの︖眠そうだね。
doushita no? hima sou dane.
What's wrong. You look pretty sleepy..

5. わぁ、おいしそうな料理がたくさんありますね。
waa, oishi sou na ryouri ga takusan arimasu ne.
Wow, there's a lot of really good looking food here!

6. 彼⼥が料理を作ってくれたが、⾒た⽬が悪くてまずそうだ。
kanojo ga ryouri o tukutte kureta ga, mitame ga warukute mazu sou da.
My girlfriend cooked some food for me, but the appearance was really bad and looked
very unappetizing.

7. 彼⼥と別れたとき、彼⼥がすごく泣きそうでした。
kanojo to wakareta toki, kanojo ga sugoku naki sou deshita.
When I broke up with my girlfriend, she looked like she was about to cry.

8. 彼⼥は嬉しそうな表情で教室に⼊ってきた。
kare wa ureshi sou na hyoujou de kyoushitsu ni haitte kita.
He entered the classroom with a happy looking expression.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 そうに・そうな

Meaning How To Use

seems like; looks like Verb ます (stem form)

そうに + Noun/Verb
な-adjective + だ
そうな + Noun/Verb
い-adjective + い

Learn Japanese grammar: そうに (sou ni) / そうな (sou na). Meaning: seems like; looks like.

Also see lessons for:

そうだ - I heard that / it is said that..

そうだ - It looks like / appears like

Example Sentences

1. 楽しそうに⾒える。
tanoshi sou ni mieru.
You look like you are having fun.

2. 楽しそうに⾒えた。
tanoshi sou ni mieta.
You looked like you were having fun.

3. 彼は忙しそうに⾒えます。
kare wa isogashi sou ni miemasu.
He looks busy.

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4. 彼はつまらなそうに映画を⾒ている。
kare wa tumarana sou ni eiga o miteiru.
He looks really bored watching the movie.

5. 彼⼥は楽しそうな⼈です。
kanojo wa tanoshi sou na hito desu.
She seems like a very fun person.

6. 彼はとてもやさしそうな⼈です。
kare wa totemo yasashi sou na hito desu.
He seems like a very nice person.

7. とてもおいしそうな料理ですね。
totemo oishi sou na ryouri desune.
This food looks really delicious.

8. ⾯⽩そうな建物ですね。
omoshiro sou na tatemono desune.
This building looks really interesting.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 たばかり

Meaning How To Use

just finished; something just occurred Verb (た form) ばかり

Learn Japanese grammar: たばかり (ta bakari). Meaning: just finished; something just occurred.

This is based off of the lesson: ばかり (bakari).

Example A) Just ended

ゲーム終わったばかりだよ︕

geemu owatta bakari dayo!

The game just ended!

Example B) Just occurred / started

今、始まったばかりです。

ima, hajimatta bakari desu.

It’s only just started now.

Example Sentences

1. 私は今起きたばかりです。
watashi wa ima okita bakari desu.
I've only just woken up.

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2. この仕事を始めたばかりです。
kono shigoto o hajimeta bakari desu.
I've only just recently started this job.

3. さっき昼ごはんを⾷べたばかりです。
sakki hiru gohan o tabe ta bakari desu.
I just finished eating lunch.

4. ⽥中さんは先⽉にこの会社に⼊ったばかりです。
tanaka san wa sengetsu ni kono kaisha ni haitta bakari desu.
Tanaka san just entered the company last month.

5. このパソコンを買ったばかりなのにとても遅い︕
kono pasokon o katta bakari nano ni totemo osoi!
Even though I just bought this new computer, it's really slow!

6. たった今その事故を⾒たばかりだ。
tatta ima sono jiko o mita bakari da.
I only just saw the accident now.

7. 私は今着いたばかりだ。
watashi wa ima tuita bakari da.
I just arrived now.

8. 数ヶ⽉前に⽇本語の勉強を始めたばかりだ。
suukagetsu mae ni nihongo no benkyou o hajime ta bakari da.
I just started studying Japanese a few months ago.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 たところ

Meaning How To Use

just finished doing, was just doing Verb (た form) ところ

Learn Japanese grammar: たところ (ta tokoro). Meaning: just finished doing, was just doing.

Example Sentences

1. 今起きたところです。
ima okita tokoro desu.
I just woke up.

2. 昼ごはんを⾷べたところです。
hirugohan o tabeta tokoro desu.
I was just eating lunch.

3. アメリカから⽇本に戻ったところです。
amerika kara nihon ni modotta tokoro desu.
I just returned to Japan from America.

4. 駅に着いた時、ちょうど電⾞が出たところでした。
eki ni tsuita toki, choudo densha ga deta tokoro deshita.
I arrived at the station just as the train left.

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5. あなたのことを話したところだよ。
anata no koto o hanashita tokoro da yo.
We were just talking about you.

6. 図書館にあなたを探しに⾏ったところです。
toshokan ni anata o sagashi ni itta tokoro desu.
I was just heading to the library to look for you.

7. 「レポートはもう書き終わりましたか。」
「はい。今⽇、書き終わったところです。」
「repooto wa mou kakiowarimashita ka.」
「hai. kyou, kakiowatta tokoro desu.」
“Have you finished writing your report?”
“Yeah, I just finished it today.”

8. 「もしもし、さっき送ったファックス読みましたか。」
「あ、すみません。今戻ったところで、まだ読んでいないんで
す。」
「moshi moshi, sakki okutta fakkusu yomi mashita ka?」
「a, sumimasen. ima modotta tokoro de, mada yonde inain desu.」
"Hello, have you read the fax I sent earlier?"
"Sorry, I just got back and haven't read it yet."

9. ずいぶん⻑くかかったのね。⼼配になっていたところよ。
zuibun nagaku kakatta no ne. shinpai ni natteita tokoro yo.
You were gone a long time. I was starting to worry..

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 他動詞 & ⾃動詞
たどうし & じどうし

Meaning How To Use

Transitive & Intransitive Verbs see rules below

Learn Japanese grammar: 他動詞【たどうし】(tadoushi) & ⾃動詞【じどうし】( jidoushi). Meaning:

transitive & intransitive verbs.

In this lesson, I will explain what is the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs in Japanese.

Transitive Verbs – 他動詞

Transitive verbs 他動詞 (tadoushi) are verbs indicating personal action of changing something. The focus
is on who did the action.

Pattern:
Person は/が Object を Verb

Example A) 閉める (shimeru) – to close/shut

⽥中さんはドアを閉めました。

tanaka san wa doa o shimemashita.

Tanaka-san closed the door.

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Intransitive Verbs – ⾃動詞

Intransitive verbs ⾃動詞 (jidoushi) are verbs indicating movement of something. The focus is on the
movement itself and it does not matter who did the movement.

Pattern:
Noun が/は Verb

Example B) 閉まる (shimaru) – to be closed/shut

ドアが閉まりました。

doa ga shimarimashita.
The door closed.

Examples of Transitive & Intransitive Verbs

Example 1 – ⼊れる VS ⼊る

Transitive verb: ⼊れる (ireru) – to put inside

私は⽝を部屋に⼊れました。

watashi wa inu o heya ni iremashita.

I brought the dog into the room.

Intransitive verb: ⼊る (hairu) – to enter

⽝が部屋に⼊りました。

inu ga heya ni hairimashita.

The dog entered the room.

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Example 2 – 始める VS 始まる

Transitive verb: 始める (hajimeru) – to start

先⽣は授業を始めました。

sensei wa jugyou o hajimemashita.

The teacher started the class.

Intransitive verb: はじまる (hajimaru) – to start

授業が始まりました。

jugyou ga hajimarimashita.
The class has started.

Example 3 – 出す VS 出る

Transitive verb: 出す (dasu) – to take out

私は⽝を外に出しました。

watashi wa inu o soto ni dashimashita.

I took the dog outside.

Intransitive verb: 出る (deru) – to go out

⽝が外に出ました。

inu ga soto ni demashita.

The dog went outside.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 たがる

Meaning How To Use

wants to do~ (third person) がる

がっている
Verb たい
がった
がらない

Learn Japanese grammar: たがる (tagaru). Meaning: wants to do (3rd person).

たがる (tagaru) is for third person use only. If you want to say that “you” personally want to do
something, use 〜たい (tai) instead.

たがる (tagaru) stems from がる garu), which expresses that someone “appears to be~”.

Example A) General Use

友達が留学したがる。

tomodachi ga ryuugaku shi tagaru.

My friend wants to study abroad (in general).

Example B) Current form

友達が留学したがっている。

tomodachi ga ryuugaku shi tagatteiru.

My friend is wanting to study abroad.

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Example C) Past form

友達が留学したがった。

tomodachi ga ryuugaku shi tagatta.

My friend wanted to study abroad.

Example D) Negative form

友達が留学したがらない。

tomodachi ga ryuugaku shi tagaranai.

My friend does not want to study abroad.

Example Sentences

1. その⼦が家に帰りたがっている。
sono ko ga ie ni kaeri tagatteiru.
That kid seems like he wants to go home.

2. ⽊村さんが、あなたに会いたがっていましたよ。
kimura-san ga, anata ni ai tagatte imashita yo.
Kimura-san wanted (wants) to see you.

3. 娘は新しいi-phoneを買いたがっています。
musume wa atarashii i-phone o kaitagatteimasu.
My daughter wants to buy the new i-phone.

4. 息⼦が塾に⾏きたがらない。
musuko ga juku ni iki tagaranai.
My son is reluctant to go to cram school.

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5. 息⼦はアニメを⾒たがっていますが、宿題が終わっていないの
で、⾒させません。
musuko wa anime o mitagatteimasu ga, shukudai ga owatteinai node, misasemasen.
My son wants to watch anime, but he hasn't finished his homework, so I won't let him
watch it..

6. 彼⼥は仕事を辞めたがっていますが、転職先が⾒つからず、なか
なか辞めることができません。
kanojo wa shigoto o yametagatteimasu ga, tenshoku saki ga mitsukarazu, nakanaka
yameru koto ga dekimasen.
She wants to quit her job, but is unable to find a new job so she can't quite do it yet.

7. みんな早く帰りたがっているのに、部⻑の話が⻑くてなかなか帰
れません。
minnna hayaku kaeritagatteiru no ni, buchou no hanashi ga nagakute nakanaka
kaeremasen.
Although everyone wants to head home early, the section manager talks for a long time
and nobody can leave..

8. 息⼦が全然学校に⾏きたがらないんですが、学校で何かあったの
でしょうか。
musuko ga zenzen gakkou ni ikitagaranai ndesu ga, gakkou de nani ka atta no deshou
ka.
My son doesn't want to go to school at all. I wonder if something happened there..

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 たら

Meaning How To Use

if, after, when Verb (た form)

Noun + だった
ら
な-adjective + だった

い-adjective + いかった

Learn Japanese grammar: たら (tara). Meaning: if, after, when.

This is a basic conditional, that can be combined with any noun, adjective or verb.

Example Sentences

1. お⾦があったら、旅⾏します。
okane ga attara, ryokou shimasu.
If I had money, I would go travel.

2. ⼀⼝⾷べたら、きっと好きになるよ。
hitoguchi tabetara, kitto suki ni naru yo.
Taste one bite, and you will surely like it!

3. 時間がなかったら、テレビを⾒ません。
jikan ga nakattara, terebi o mimasen.
If I had no time, I wouldn't watch any TV.

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4. 安かったら、パソコンを買いたいです。
yasukattara, pasokon o kaitai desu.
If it's cheap, I'd like to buy a computer.

5. 暇だったら、⼿伝ってください。
hima dattara, tetsudatte kudasai.
If you're free, please help me out.

6. いい天気だったら、散歩しませんか。
ii tenki dattara, sanpo shimasen ka︖
If the weather is nice, would you like to go for a walk?

7. 10時になったら、出かけましょう。
10 ji ni nattara, dekake mashou.
Once it turns 10 o'clock, let's head out.

8. お酒を飲んだら、⾞を運転しません。
osake o nondara, kuruma o unten shimasen.
I don't drive my car if I am drinking alcohol.

9. ⽢い物を⾷べたら⾍⻭になる。
amai mono o tabetara mushiba ni naru.
If you eat sweet things you will get a cavity.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 たらどう

Meaning How To Use

why don't you Verb (た form) らどう

Learn Japanese grammar: たらどう (tara dou). Meaning: why don’t you (used to give advice).

Example Sentences

1. ⼀緒に来たらどうですか︖
isshoni kitara dou desu ka?
How about coming together with us?

2. 先⽣に聞いてみたらどうですか︖
sensei ni kiite mitara dou desu ka?
Why don't you try asking the teacher?

3. 彼に電話したらどうですか。
kare ni denwa shitara dou desu ka?
Why don't you give him a call?

4. 君もやってみたらどうか︖
kimi mo yatte mitara dou ka?
Why don't you also give it a try?

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5. 友だちとそこに⾏ってみたらどう︖
tomodachi to soko ni itte mitara dou?
Why don't you try going there with your friends?

6. 他の⼈に聞いてみたらどう。
hokano hito ni kiite mitara dou.
Why don't you try asking someone else?

7. 酒を飲むのをやめたらどうだい。
sake o nomu no o yametara dou dai.
I advise you to give up drinking.

8. 医者にみてもらったらどうかね。
isha ni mite morattara dou ka ne.
I think you should see a doctor.

9. もし私が結婚したらどう思う。
moshi watashi ga kekkon shitara dou omou?
What would you think if I got married?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 たらいいですか

Meaning How To Use

what should I do?; speaker seeking Verb (た form) らいいですか

instructions from listener

Learn Japanese grammar: たらいいですか (tara ii desu ka). Meaning: what should I do?; speaker seeking
instructions from listener.

Example Sentences

1. どうしたらいいですか︖
dou shitara ii desu ka?
What should I do?

2. どこに⾏ったらいいですか。
doko ni ittara ii desu ka.
Where should I go?

3. 何を⾷べたらいいですか。
nani o tabetara ii desu ka.
What should I eat?

4. この本はいつまでに返したらいいですか。
kono hon wa itsu made ni kaeshitara ii desu ka.
When do you need me to return this book to you?

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5. 私はどの駅で降りたらいいですか︖
watashi wa dono eki de oritara ii desu ka?
Which station should I get off at?

6. ホテルの予約をキャンセルしたいんですが、どうしたらいいです
か。
hoteru no yoyaku o kyanseru shitai desu ga, dou shitara ii desu ka.
I'd like to cancel my hotel reservation, what should I do? (can you help me?)

7. 駅まで⾏きたいんですが、どう⾏ったらいいですか。
eki made ikitai ndesu ga, dou ittara ii desu ka.
How can I get to the station?

8. ⽇本語の⽂章に慣れるにはどうしたらいいですか︖
nihongo no bunshou ni nareru ni wa dou shitara ii desu ka?
What should I do to get used to reading Japanese?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 て/で

Meaning How To Use

conjunctive particle; so; because of [A], [B]... Verb (て form)

Noun +で (usually bad things)

な-adjective + で

い-adjective + いくて

Learn Japanese grammar: て / で (te / de). Meaning: conjunctive particle; so; because of [A], [B]…

This is used to connect 2 things and place blame on the first part.

[A] + て/で + [B]

Example Sentences

1. 最近は忙しくてあまり運動をしていない。
saikin wa isogashi kute amari undou o shiteinai.
Lately, I've been busy and so I haven't been working out.

2. ⾃転⾞のカギをなくして、家まで歩いて帰った。
jitensha no kagi o nakushite, ie made aruite kaetta.
I lost the key to my bicycle, so I walked home.

3. あの教室のドアは古くて開けにくいです。
ano kyoushitsu no doa wa furukute ake nikui desu.
The door in that classroom is old and hard to open.

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4. パソコンの調⼦が悪るくて、仕事ができなかった。
pasokon no choushi ga waru kute, shigoto ga deki nakatta.
My computer was acting up and I wasn't able to do any work.

5. ⽇本に来てから半年をたった。家族に会えなくて寂しい。
nihon ni kite kara hantoshi o tata. kazoku ni aenakute sabishii.
A half-year has passed since I came to Japan. Since I can't see my family, I am a little
lonely.

6. 娘は調⼦が悪くて、晩ご飯を⾷べなかった。
musume wa choushi ga warukute, bangohan o tabenakatta.
My daughter is not feeling well, so she didn't eat her dinner.

7. 昨⽇の地震で全国の100⼈くらい亡くなった。
kinou no jishin de zenkoku no 100 nin kurai nakunatta.
About 100 people across the country died in the earthquake yesterday.

8. 給料は少なくて、今の仕事を辞めたいです。
kyuuryou wa sukunakute, ima no shigoto o yametai desu.
My salary is low, so I want to quit my current job.

9. 今回の試験はむずかしくて、合格の⾃信が全然ないだ。
konkai no shiken wa muzukashikute, goukaku no jishin ga zenzen nai da.
This exam this time was very difficult, so I am not confident I will pass.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てあげる

Meaning How To Use

to do for; to do a favor あげる

あげた
Verb (て form)
あげない
あげます

Learn Japanese grammar: てあげる (te ageru) / てあげます (te agemasu). Meaning: to do for; to do a
favor.

This can be used to either:

say you are doing/did something for someone.

say someone is doing/did a favor for someone else.

The recipient of the favor should be followed with the に particle.

Example Sentences

1. ⺟にセーターを買ってあげた。
haha ni seetaa o katte ageta.
I bought my mother a sweater.

2. いいよ，僕がやってあげるよ。
iiyo, boku ga yatte ageru yo.
No problem, I'll do it for you.

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3. ⾞に君を乗せてあげる。
kuruma ni kimi o nosete ageru.
I'll give you a ride (by car).

4. 君に⾒せてあげたかったよ。
kimi ni misete agetakatta yo.
I wanted to show it to you.

5. 私はあなたにそれを教えてあげない。
watashi wa anata ni sore o oshiete agenai.
I won't tell you that.

6. あなたがそれを読んだら別の本を貸してあげます。
anata ga sore o yondara betsu no hon o kashite agemasu.
Once you finish reading that I'll lend you another book.

7. 私は君のためにできることは何でもやってあげます。
watashi wa kimi no tame ni dekiru koto wa nandemo yatte agemasu.
I will do anything I can for you.

8. 花⼦は彼に⽇本語を教えてあげました。
hanako wa kare ni nihongo o oshiete agemashita.
Hanako taught him Japanese.

9. 利⼦なしでお⾦を貸してあげるよ。
rishi nashi de okane o kashite ageru yo.
I'll lend you money without charging any interest.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てほしい

Meaning How To Use

I want you to; need you to~ Verb (て form) ほしい

Verb (ないで form) 欲しい

Learn Japanese grammar: て欲しい 【てほしい】(te hoshii). Meaning: I want you to; need you to~, used
to ask somebody to do something for you.

The hiragana version is mostly used, but you can also use the kanji version.

If you want to target your desired activity to a certain person, use に.

Example Sentences

1. ⽇本語を教えてほしいです。
nihongo o oshiete hoshii desu.
I want you to teach me Japanese.

2. 先⽣には、もっとゆっくり話してほしいです。
sensei ni wa, motto yukkuri hanashite hoshii desu.
I wish the teacher would speak more slowly

3. あなたに⾒てほしい写真を持っています。
anata ni mite hoshii shashin o motteimasu.
I have a picture I want you to see.

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4. ぜひ私といっしょに来てほしい。
zehi watashi to isshoni kite hoshii.
I'd love for you to come with me.

5. 私に何をしてほしいのですか?
watashi ni nani o shite hoshii no desu ka?
What do you want me to do?

6. あなたに家に来てほしくない。
anata ni ie ni kite hoshiku nai.
I don't want you to come to my house.

7. あなたに幸せになってほしいのです。
anata ni shiawase ni natte hoshii no desu.
I want you to be happy.

8. それを忘れないで欲しい。
sore o wasurenaide hoshii.
I don't want you to forget that.

9. すみません、昨⽇のノートを⾒せて欲しいんですが・・・
sumimasen, kinou no nooto o misete hoshii n desu ga..
Excuse me, could you please show me yesterday's notes?

10. 冬が早く来て欲しいです。
fuyu ga hayaku kite hoshii desu.
I want winter to come sooner!

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ていく

Meaning How To Use

to start; to continue; to go on いく
いきまます
Verb (て form)
いった
いきました

Learn Japanese grammar: ていく (te iku) / ていった (te itta). Meaning: to start; to continue; to go on.

Example Sentences

1. 歩いていく。
aruite iku.
to walk / to go by walking / to start walking

2. 彼は毎⽇駅まで歩いていきます。
kare wa mainichi eki made aruite ikimasu.
He walks to the station every day.

3. 船は港を出ていった。
fune wa minato o detteita.
The ship pulled out of the harbor.

4. 彼は京都へ引っ越していった。
kare wa kyouto he hikkoshite itta.
He moved to Kyoto.

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5. 今年はあっという間に過ぎていく。
kotoshi attoiuma ni sugite iku.
This year is going by really fast.

6. 何も⾔わずに部屋を出ていきました。
nanimo iwazu ni heya o dete ikimashita.
I left the room without saying anything.

7. 私は⽇本語を聞くことに慣れていきました。
watashi wa nihongo o kiku koto ni narete ikimashita.
I've started to get used to listening in Japanese.

8. ⾬が降るから傘を持っていった⽅がいいよ。
ame ga furu kara kasa o motte itta hou ga ii yo.
It's going to rain so you better bring an umbrella.

9. それは今後決定していきます。
kore wa kongo kettei shite ikimasu.
We'll decide that from now on.

10. 結婚してからも仕事を続けていくつもりです。
kekkon shite kara mo shigoto o tsudzukete iku tsumori desu.
I plan to continue to work even after getting married.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ていた

Meaning How To Use

was doing something (past continuous) いた

Verb (て form)
いました

Learn Japanese grammar: ていた (te ita) / ていました (te imashita). Meaning: was doing something
(past continuous).

In spoken form, the い is often dropped to become てた (te ta) or てました (te mashita).

Example Sentences

1. 彼⼥はオレンジを⾷べていた。
kanojo wa orenji o tabeteita.
She was eating an orange.

2. 今⽇は家でゆっくりしていました。
kyou wa ie de yukkuri shiteimashita.
I relaxed at home today.

3. 私は⼀晩中泣いていた。
watashi wa hitobanjuu naiteita.
I cried all night.

4. 彼はこのニュースを⼼配していた。
kare wa kono nyuusu o shinpai shiteita.
He was worried about this news.

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5. 今朝、⾃分の部屋を掃除していました。
kesa, jibun no heya o souji shiteimashita.
I cleaned my room this morning.

6. あなたは休⽇は何をしてたのですか。
anata wa kyuujitsu wa nani o shiteta no desu ka.
What did you do on your day off?

7. 彼⼥にラブレターを書いていたんだよ。
kanojo ni raburetaa o kaiteita n da yo.
I was writing her a love letter.

8. ⽇本の学校で英語を教えていたとき，夫に出会った。
nihon no gakkou de eigo o oshitete ita toki, otto ni deatta.
I met my husband while teaching English in Japan.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ていただけませんか

Meaning How To Use

could you please Verb (て form) いただけませんか

Learn Japanese grammar: ていただけませんか (te itadakemasen ka). Meaning: could you please.

This grammar can be used in combination with any verb to ask someone to do the action.

Example Sentences

1. 写真を取っていただけませんか。
shashin o totte itadake masen ka.
Could you take a picture please?

2. ちょっと待っていただけませんか。
chotto matte itadake masen ka?
Could you please wait a moment?

3. もう少しゆっくり話していただけませんか。
mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadake masen ka?
Could you please speak a little bit more slowly?

4. いい先⽣を紹介していただけませんか︖
ii sensei o shoukai shite itadake masen ka︖
Could you please introduce me to a good teacher?

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5. 荷物を持ってきていただけませんか︖
nimotsu o motte kite itadake masen ka︖
Could you please carry my luggage?

6. お⾦を貸していただけませんか︖
okane o kashite itadake masen ka︖
Could you please lend me some money?

7. 炊飯器の使い⽅を教えていただけませんか︖
suihanki no tsukaikata o oshiete itadake masen ka︖
Could you please teach me how to use this rice cooker?

8. 5時まで荷物を預かっていただけませんか︖
5 ji made nimotsu o azukatte itadake masen ka?
Could you please hold my luggage until 5 o'clock.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てくれる

Meaning How To Use

to do a favor; do something for someone くれる

くれます
Verb (て form) くれない
くれた
くれました

Learn Japanese grammar: てくれる (te kureru) / てくれます (te kuremasu) / てくれた (te kureta).
Meaning: to do a favor; request a favor; do something for someone.

This can be used to either:

1. ask a favor from someone.

2. express something was done for you.

The recipient of the favor (usually oneself), should be marked with に.

Meaning 1) Asking a favor

When asking for a favor, often the negative form is used.

These are all ways to say “please teach me”:

教えてくれる︖ (oshiete kureru)

教えてくれない︖ (oshiete kurenai)
教えてくれませんか︖ (oshiete kuremasen ka)

Example Sentences

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1. ⼿伝ってくれる︖
tetsudatte kureru?
Will you help me?

2. 彼ならやってくれる。
kare nara yatte kureru.
We can count on him to help us.

3. ⺟は僕に毎⽇弁当を作ってくれる。
haha wa boku ni mainichi bentou o tukutte kureru.
My mom makes my bento lunch for me every day.

4. ⼿を貸してくれますか︖
te o kashite kuremasu ka?
Will you please help me out?

5. 私に⽇本語を教えてくれますか︖
watashi ni nihongo o oshiete kuremasu ka?
Will you please teach me Japanese?

6. すみません、写真を取ってくれませんか︖
sumimasen, shashin o totte kuremasen ka?
Excuse me, could you please take a photo for me?

7. 友だちが駅まで送ってくれた。
tomodachi ga eki made okutte kureta.
My friend helped take me to the station.

8. 彼⼥は私にクッキーを作ってくれた。
kanojo wa watashi ni kukkii o tsukutte kureta.
My girlfriend made some cookies for me.

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9. 知らない⼈が、駅までの道を教えてくれた。
shiranai hito ga, eki made no michi o oshiete kureta.
A stranger helped me find my way to the station.

10. 部⻑は私に寿司をおごってくれました。
buchou wa watashi ni sushi o ogotte kuremashita.
My boss (manager) treated me to sushi.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てくる

Meaning How To Use

to do… and come back; to become; to くる

きまます
continue; to start Verb (て form)
きた
きました

Learn Japanese grammar: てくる (te kuru) / てきみます (te kimasu). Meaning: to do… and come back;
to become, to continue, to start.

This can be used to express various meanings.

To go do something… and then come back

To become~ / to start~
To continue to / (express ongoing action)

Example Sentences

1. ⾒えてくる。
miete kuru
To come into view (to start coming into view/ to continue coming into view)

2. ⾬が降ってきた。
ame ga futte kita.
It started raining.

3. 戻ってきたよ!
modotte kita!
I'm back!

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4. お腹がすいてきた。
onaka ga suite kita.
I'm hungry / I'm starting to get hungry.

5. ここまで歩いてきました。
koko made aruite kimashita.
I came here by foot.

6. 私は彼を連れてくる。
watashi wa kare o tsurete kuru.
I will bring him / pick him up.

7. 彼は来週戻ってくる。
kare wa raishuu modotte kuru.
He'll be back next week.

8. ちょっとトイレに⾏ってきます。
chotto toire ni itte kimasu.
I'm gonna head to the restroom real quick.

9. クリスさんはまだ来ていませんね。ちょっと探してきます。
kurisu san wa mada kiteimasen ne. chotto sagashite kimasu.
Chris still hasn't come.. I'm gonna go look for him (then come back)

10. ちょっと⾃動販売機で⽔を買ってきます。
chotto jidou hanbaiki de mizu o katte kimasu.
I'm gonna go to the vending machine to buy some water (then come back)

Practice writing your own sentences!

JLPTsensei.com - Page 217

 てみる

Meaning How To Use

try doing みる
Verb (て form) みます
みたい

Learn Japanese grammar: てみる (te miru) / てみます (te mimasu). Meaning: try doing ~.

This is used to express that the speaker is trying to do something (likely a new experience).

⾷べてみる -> tabete miru -> to try to eat.

⾷べてみます -> tabete mimasu -> to try to eat (formal).
⾷べてみたい -> tabete mitai -> to want to try to eat.

みる can be conjugated like a normal verb.

Example Sentences

1. やってみる︕
yatte miru!
I'll give it a shot! / Here goes nothing!

2. これを使ってみる。
kore o tsukatte miru.
I'll try using this.

3. やってみないと分からない。
yatte minai to wakaranai.
You'll never know until you try.

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4. いつか海外に⾏ってみたいな。
itsuka kaigai ni itte mitai na.
One day I'd like to try going abroad.

5. おいしいかどうかわからないので、試しに⾷べてみます。
oishii ka dou ka wakaranai node, tameshi ni tabete mimasu.
I don't know if this is tasty or not, so I'm gonna give it a try.

6. とにかく、彼⼥の予定を聞いてみます。
tonikaku, kanojo no yotei o kiite mimasu.
Anyway, I'll try asking her about her plans.

7. それは私にとっては難しいですが、やってみます。
kore wa watashi ni totte wa muzukashii desuga, yatte mimasu.
This is a little difficult for me, but I'll give it a shot.

8. 花⽕⼤会に⾏ったら、着物を着てみたいです。
hanabi taikai ni ittara, kimono o kite mitai desu.
If I ever go to a fireworks festival, I want to try wearing a kimono.

9. もしお⾦がたくさんあったら、何をしてみたいですか。
moshi okane ga takusan attara, nani o shite mitai desuka?
If you had a lot of money, what would you like to do?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てもらう

Meaning How To Use

to get somebody to do something もらう

もらいます
Verb (て form) もらいたい
もらわない
もらいません

Learn Japanese grammar: てもらう (te morau) / てもらいます (te moraimasu) / てもらいたい (te
moraitai). Meaning: to get somebody to do something; request a favor.

It is often used with に to show who you’re requesting to do the task.

You can use different conjugations:

てもらう (te morau)

てもらわない (te morawanai)
てもらいたい (te moraitai) express want/desire
てもらいます (te moraimasu) more polite

Example Sentences

1. 彼に来てもらう。
kare ni kite morau.
I will have him come.

2. 先⽣に作⽂を直してもらう。
sensei ni sakubun o naoshite morau.
I'll have my teacher check my writing/essay.

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3. あなたにぜひ⾒てもらいたいものがある。
anata ni zehi mite moraitai mono ga aru.
There's something I want you to look at.

4. 彼は病院でみてもらう必要がある。
kare wa byouin de mite morau hitsuyou ga aru.
He requires hospital care.

5. ⺟に⾞で送ってもらった。
haha ni kuruma de okutte moratta.
I had my mom drive me there.

6. あなたに⽇本語を教えてもらいたい。
anata ni nihongo o oshiete moraitai.
I want you to teach me Japanese.

7. 医者に⾒てもらったか?
isha ni mite morata ka?
Have you been looked at by the doctor yet?

8. 知らない⼈に、道を教えてもらいました。
shiranai hito ni, michi o oshiete moraimashita.
A strange helped give me directions.

9. 私は⺟に早く良くなってもらいたい。
watashi wa haha ni hayaku yoku natte moraitai.
I want my mother to get well soon.

10. 昨⽇⾞を修理してもらいました。
kinou kuruma o shuuri shite moraimashita.
I had my car repaired yesterday.

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 ておく

Meaning How To Use

to do something in advance おく
Verb (て form) おきます
おいて

Learn Japanese grammar: ておく (te oku). Meaning: to do something in advance.

Example Sentences

1. お弁当を作っておいたよ。
obentou o tsukutte oita yo.
I made your bento (lunch box) already.

2. 出かける前に何か⾷べておこう。
dekakeru mae ni nanika tabete okou.
Let's eat something before we head out.

3. 旅⾏の前に切符を買っておきます。
ryokou no mae ni kippu o katte okimasu.
I will buy the tickets before the trip.

4. お⺟さんには内緒にしておくね。
okaasan ni wa naisho ni shite oku ne.
I will keep it a secret with mom, okay?

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5. 来週の試験のため、漢字を勉強しておきました。
raishuu no shiken no tame, kanji o benkyou shite okimashita.
I studied my kanji in preparation for next week's exam.

6. 友だちが遊びに来るので、部屋をきれいにしておきます。
tomodachi ga asobi ni kuru node, heya o kirei ni shite okimasu.
I will clean my room since my friend is coming over.

7. 会議のために、資料をコピーしておきました。
kaigi no tame ni, shiryou o kopii shite okimashita.
I made some copies of the documents in preparation for the meeting.

8. 円が上がる前に両替しておいて良かった。
en ga agaru mae ni ryougae shite oite yokatta.
I'm glad I exchanged my money before the yen went up in price.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てしまう / ちゃう

Meaning How To Use

to do something by accident, to finish しまう

Verb (て form) しまいます
completely
しまった

ちゃう
じゃう
Verb ます (stem form)
ちゃった
じゃった

Learn Japanese grammar: てしまう (te shimau) & ちゃう (chau). Meaning: to do something by accident,
to finish completely.

てしまう (te shimau) is the normal version:

てしまう = to do by accident / to finish

てしまった = did by accident / finished
てしまいました = did by accident / finished (more formal)

ちゃう/じゃう (chau / jau) is the more casual version:

ちゃう = to do by accident / to finish (casual)

じゃう = to do by accident / to finish (casual)
ちゃった = did by accident / finished (casual)
じゃった = did by accident / finished (casual)

Example Sentences

1. 仕事は全部終わってしまいました。
shigoto wa zenbu owatte shimai mashita.
I've finished with all of my work.

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2. 疲れが出たので、寝ちゃった。
tsukare ga deta node, nechatta.
I was tired and so I fell asleep.

3. パスポートをなくしてしまいました。
pasupooto o nakushite shimai mashita.
I've lost my passport..

4. 漢字の宿題はもうやってしまいました。
kanji no shukudai wa mou yatte shimai mashita.
I've already finished my kanji homework.

5. 明⽇までに宿題をしちゃいます。
ashita made shukudai o shichaimasu.
I will finish my homework by tomorrow.

6. ごめん︕ジュースを全部飲んじゃった︕
gomen! juusu o zenbu nonjatta!
Sorry, I drank all the juice!

7. 昼ごはんまでにレポートを書いてしまいました。
hiru gohan made ni repooto o kaite shimai masu.
I kept writing the report until lunch.

8. 兄はケーキを⾷べてしまいました。
ani wa keeki o tabete shimai mashita.
My brother ate the cake..

9. 失敗するのを気にしたら、まちがいなく失敗してしまう。
shippai suru no o ki ni shitara, machigai naku shippai shite shimau.
If we think of failure, we will certainly fail.

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 てすみません

Meaning How To Use

I’m sorry for Verb (て form) すみません

Learn Japanese grammar: てすみません (te sumimasen). Meaning: I’m sorry for..

Example Sentences

1. 遅れてすみません。
okurete sumimasen.
I'm sorry for being late.

2. ⼼配をかけてすみません。
shinpai o kakete sumimasen.
I apologize for causing you concern.

3. 電話に出れなくてすみません。
denwa ni derenakute sumimasen.
I am sorry that I couldn't answer the phone.

4. あなたのお弁当を⾷べてすみません。
anata no obentou o tabete sumimasen.
I’m sorry for eating your lunch box.

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5. 返事が遅くなってすみませんでした。
henji ga osoku natte sumimasen deshita.
I'm sorry for replying so late.

6. 朝早くにお電話してすみません。
asa hayaku ni o denwa shite sumimasen.
I'm sorry for calling so early in the morning.

7. ご迷惑をかけてすみませんでした。
go meiwaku o kakete sumimasen deshita.
I am sorry for causing you trouble.

8. 宿題をするのを忘れてすみません。
shukudai o suru no o wasurete sumimasen.
I’m sorry for forgetting to do my homework.

9. その予定を何度も変更してすみません。
sono yotei o nando mo henkou shite sumimasen.
I am sorry for changing the plan so many times.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てやる

Meaning How To Use

to do for; to do a favor (casual) やる

Verb (て form)
やらない

Learn Japanese grammar: てやる (te yaru). Meaning: to do for; to do a favor (casual spoken).

It is the same as てあげる (te ageru), but more casual and mostly used in spoken Japanese.

Example Sentences

1. ⼿伝ってやる。
tetsudatte yaru.
I'll help you out / let me help you out.

2. いいよ，僕がやってやるよ。
iiyo, boku ga yatte yaru yo.
No problem, I'll do it for you.

3. ⾞に君を乗せてやる。
kuruma ni kimi o nosete yaru.
I'll give you a ride (by car).

4. あなたがそれを読んだら別の本を貸してやる。
anata ga sore o yondara betsu no hon o kashite yaru.
Once you finish reading that I'll lend you another book.

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5. 君のためにできることは何でもやってやる。
watashi wa kimi no tame ni dekiru koto wa nandemo yatte yaru.
I will do anything I can for you.

6. あなたにそれを教えてやらない。
anata ni sore o oshiete yaranai.
I won't tell you that.

7. もう⼆度と注意してやらないから。
mou nidoto chuui shite yaranai kara.
I'm not going to warn you again.

8. 彼に⼿を貸してやらないほうがいいと思う。
kare ni te o kashite yaranai hou ga ii to omou.
I think it's best to not help him out.

9. 利⼦なしでお⾦を貸してやるよ。
rishi nashi de okane o kashite yaru yo.
I'll lend you money without charging any interest.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てよかった

Meaning How To Use

I’m glad that.. Verb (て form) よかった

Learn Japanese grammar: てよかった (te yokatta). Meaning: I’m glad that..

Example Sentences

1. ⾏ってよかった︕
itte yokatta!
I'm glad I went!

2. これを買ってよかった。
kore o katte yokatta.
I'm glad I bought this.

3. 私はあなたと出会えてよかった。
watashi wa anata to deaete yokatta.
I am glad that I was able to meet you.

4. 財布を⾒つかってよかったですね。
saifu o mitsukatte yokatta desu ne.
It's a good thing you found your wallet, eh?

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5. 君が無事に帰ってよかった。
kimi ga buji ni kaette yokatta.
I'm glad you returned home safely.

6. 君と連絡できてよかった。2時間遅れて⼼配したよ。
kimi to renraku dekite yokatta. 2 jikan okurete shinpai shita yo.
I'm glad I was able to get in contact with you. I was really worried with the 2 hour delay.

7. あなたは元気になってよかったです。ずっと⼼配したよ。
anata wa genki ni natte yokatta desu. zutto shinpai shita yo.
I'm glad you're healthy again, I was really worried for a while.

8. この世に⽣まれてよかった。
kono yo ni umarete yokatta.
I'm glad to have been born into this world.

9. 私は今⽇⼀⽇が無事に過ごせてよかった。
watashi wa kyou ichi nichi ga buji ni sogosete yokatta.
I am glad that we went through the day today without any problems.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ているところ

Meaning How To Use

in the process of doing Verb (て form) いるところ

Learn Japanese grammar: ているところ (teiru tokoro). Meaning: in the process of doing; in the middle
of doing.

This can express either:

now in this exact moment.

now in general.

It is often followed with だ or です.

ているところだ (teiru tokoro da).

ているところです (teiru tokoro desu).

Example Sentences

1. 彼は⼊院しているところです。
kare wa nyuuin shiteiru tokoro desu.
He is being hospitalized now.

2. 今料理をしているところです。
ima ryouri o shiteiru tokoro desu.
I am cooking now.

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3. 私は今、家で⽇本語を勉強しているところです。
watashi wa ima, ie de nihongo o benkyou shite iru tokoro desu.
I'm currently studying Japanese at home.

4. 姉は電話をかけているところだ。
ane wa denwa o kakete iru tokoro da.
My older sister is in the middle of a phone call.

5. ⼦どもを産んだばかりなので、うちで休んでいるところです。
kodomo o unda bakari na node, uchi de yasunde iru tokoro desu.
I just gave birth to my child so I’m currently resting at home.

6. 彼⼥はお茶を飲みながら雑誌を読んでいるところです。
kanojo wa ocha o nominagara zasshi o yonde iru tokoro desu.
She’s currently reading a magazine while drinking tea.

7. 「何をしているの︖」
「君のことを考えているところよ。」
「nani o shite iru no?」
「kimi no koto o kangaete iru tokoro desu yo.」
"What are you doing?"
"I was just thinking about you."

8. 「故障の原因がわかりましたか。」
「いいえ、いま調べているところです。」
「Koshou no genin ga wakari mashita ka.」
「Iie, ima shirabete iru tokoro desu.」
"Do you know the cause of the accident?"
"No, we are currently in the middle of investigating.."

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ても

Meaning How To Use

even; even if; even though Verb (て form)

Noun + で
も
な-adjective + で

い-adjective + いくて

Learn Japanese grammar: ても (temo) & でも (demo). Meaning: even; even if; even though.

Be careful to not confuse this with でも (demo), which is has a separate meaning.

Example Sentences

1. たくさん⾷べても、お腹が空きます。
takusan tabetemo, onaka ga sukimasu.
Even if I eat a lot, I still feel hungry.

2. ⽇曜⽇でも、働きます。
nichiyoubi demo, hatarakimasu.
I work even on Sundays.

3. ⼦どもでもできることよ。
kodomo demo dekiru koto yo.
Even children can do this.

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4. 必要なので、⾼くても買います。
hitsuyou nano de, takaku temo kaimasu.
I need this, so I'll still buy it even if it's expensive.

5. これは多いですよ。がんばっても⾷べ切れない。
kore wa ooi desu yo. ganbattemo tabe kirei nai.
There is too much.. Even if I give it my all I can't eat everything.

6. 安くても、私はグループ旅⾏が好きじゃない。
yasukutemo, watashi wa guruupu ryokou ga suki janai.
Even if it's cheaper, I don't like traveling in a group.

7. 今でも遅くないから、早く謝りなさい。
ima demo osokunai kara, hayaku ayamarinasai.
It's not too late, hurry up and apologize.

8. いくらお⾦があっても、⾦で買えないものがあります。
ikura okane ga atte mo, kane de kaenai mono ga arimasu.
No matter how much money you have, there are still things that money cannot buy.

9. ⾬が降っても、今⽇洗濯をします。
ame ga futtemo, kyou sentaku o shimasu.
Even if it rains, I'm doing the laundry today.

10. 宝くじが当たっても、私の今の⽣活は変わらないと思もう。
takarakuji ga atattemo, watashi no ima no seikatsu wa kawaranai to omou.
Even if I were to win the lottery, I don't think my life would change much.

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11. ⽇本に来ても、ちゃんと勉強しないと⽇本語は上⼿になりません
よ。
nihon ni kitemo, chanto benkyou shinaito nihongo wa jouzu ni narimasen yo.
Even if you come to Japan, you still need to properly study or you won't get good at
Japanese.

12. 両眼があっても、光がなければ⾒ることはできない。
ryougan ga atte mo, hikari ga nakereba miru koto wa dekinai.
Even with both eyes, without light one cannot see.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 と

Meaning How To Use

whenever [A] happens, [B] also happens Verb (dictionary / ない form)

Noun + だ
と
な-adjective + だ

い-adjective + い

Learn Japanese grammar: と (to). Meaning: whenever [A] happens, [B] also happens.

Do not confuse this with the と (to) connecting particle.

Example Sentences

1. ラーメンを毎⽇⾷べると太りますよ。
raamen o mainichi taberu to futorimasu yo.
If you eat ramen everyday, you're gonna gain weight.

2. 寝る前に⽢い物を⾷べると⾍⻭になります。
neru mae ni amai mono o taberu to mushiba ni narimasu.
If you eat sweets before going to bed, you will get a cavity.

3. 私の彼⽒は酒を飲むと顔が⾚くなる。
watashi no kareshi wa sake o nomu to kao ga akaku naru.
Whenever my boyfriend drinks, his face gets red.

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4. 勉強するの場所が静かだとよく集中できます。
benkyou suru no basho ga shizuka da to yoku shuuchuu dekimasu.
When the place I study at is quiet, I am able to concentrate very well.

5. このボタンを押すと、両⽅のドアが開きますよ。
kono botan o osu to, ryouhou no doa ga akimasu yo.
If you press this button, both doors will open.

6. 最初の⾓を右に曲がると、銀⾏が⾒えます。
saisho no kado no migi ni magaru to, ginkou ga miemasu.
If you turn right at the first corner, you will be able to see the bank.

7. N2を持たないと⾼い給料の仕事が⼿に⼊らない。
N2 o motanai to takai kyuuryou no shigoto ga te ni hairanai.
If you don't have the JLPT N2, you won't be able to get a high salary job.

8. JLPT Senseiを検索すると僕のホームページが出ますよ。
JLPT Sensei o kensaku suru to boku no hoomu peeji ga demasu yo.
If you search for JLPT Sensei, my website will show up.

9. この機械にお⾦を⼊れて、⾷べたい物のボタンを押すと、⾷券が
出ます。
kono kikai ni okane o irete, tabetai mono no botan o osu to, shokken ga demasu.
Put your money in this machine and if you push the button for the food you want to eat
a meal ticket will come out.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 と⾔ってもいい
といってもいい

Meaning How To Use

you could say; one might say; I'd say と⾔ってもいい

phrase
といっても

Learn Japanese grammar: と⾔ってもいい【といってもいい】(to ittemo ii). Meaning: you could say;
one might say; I’d say.

This is a combination of the grammar lessons:

という (to iu) Meaning – It is said; called thus.

ても (temo) – even if; even though.

Both the kanji and hiragana versions are commonly used.

Example Sentences

1. それはよい買い物だったといってもいいでしょう。
sore wa yoi kaimono to ittemo ii deshou.
I'd say it was a good buy.

2. 彼はやさしいが，だまされやすいといってもいい。
kare wa yasashii ga, damasare yasui to ittemo ii.
He's a kind person, but could be said to be a bit easy to be deceived.

3. それはいい考えだ。いや，すばらしいといってもいいだろう。
sore wa ii kangae da. iya, subarashii to ittemo ii darou.
That's a good idea, even brilliant I might say..

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4. それまでの中で⼀番の旅だったと⾔ってもいいでしょう。
sore made no naka de ichiban no tabi datta to ittemo ii deshou.
I'd say that was the best trip I had ever taken.

5. 彼⼥はネイティブと⾔ってもいいくらい⽇本語が上⼿だ。
kanojo wa neitibu to ittemo ii kurai nihongo ga jouzu da.
Her Japanese is so good you could say she's like a native speaker.

6. 彼は死んだと⾔ってもいいくらいのものだ。
kare wa shinda to ittemo ii kurai no mono da.
You could say he's as good as dead.

7. それまで受けたテストの中で、もっともむずしかったと⾔っても
いいでしょう。
sore made uketa tesuto no naka de, motto mo muzukashikatta to ittemo ii deshou.
I'd say that was the most difficult test I had ever taken.

8. 彼⼥は本の⾍と⾔ってもいいような⼈だ。
kanojo wa hon no mushi to ittemo ii you na hito da.
She's what you might call a bookworm.

9. 彼の話はばかばかしいと⾔ってもいいくらいだった。
kare no hanashi wa bakabakashii to ittemo ii kurai datta.
His story was on the verge of ridiculous.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 という

Meaning How To Use

called; named; that と⾔う

Noun
という
と⾔います
Phrase
といいます

Learn Japanese grammar: と⾔う【という】(to iu). Meaning: called; named; that.

Both the kanji form と⾔う and hiragana form という are regularly used.

Many different meanings of という

This can be used to express many different meanings, including:

1. to be called, said, named, etc.

2. to define something.
3. to emphasize something.
4. they say; people say.
5. relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that).

Many other grammar points are based off of という to create even more possible meanings.

Example Sentences

1. この⽝はバディーという名前です。
kono inu wa badii to iu namae desu.
This dog is called "Buddy".

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2. 昨⽇、トムという⼈に会いました。
kinou, tomu to iu hito ni aimashita.
Yesterday, I met a person called Tom.

3. 明⽇という⽇もある。
ashita to iu hi mo aru.
There's always tomorrow.

4. あなたにとって⽇本という国はどういう国ですか︖
anata ni totte nihon to iu kuni wa dou iu kuni desu ka?
What kind of country is Japan to you?

5. 英語で「宿題」は、なんといいますか︖
eigo de 「shukudai」wa, nan to ii masu ka?
How do you say "shukudai" (homework) in English?

6. 猫みたいだという⼈もいる。
neko mitai da to iu hito mi iru.
Some people think he is like a cat.

7. 彼はかっこいいというよりかわいい。
kare wa kakkoii to iu yori kawaii.
He is more cute than cool.

8. 彼が外国に⾏くという話がある。
kare ga gaikoku ni iku to iu hanashi ga aru.
There's talk of his going abroad.

9. あなたに会いたいという⼈がいます。
anata ni aitai to iu hito ga imasu.
There's somebody who wants to meet you.

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10. ⾚などの⾊物と⽩いシャツは⼀緒に洗わないほうがいいだとい
う。
aka nado no iromono to shiroi shatsu wa isshoni arawanai hou ga ii da to iu.
It is said that it is best not to wash colored materials (like red) together with white
shirts.

11. ⾚は、⽣命の⾊で、愛や勇気を表す⾊だという。
aka wa, seimei no iro de, ai ya yuuki o arawasu iro da to iu.
Because red is the color of life, it is said to expresses love and courage.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ということ

Meaning How To Use

convert phrase into noun Verb (casual)

Noun + だ
ということ
な-adjective + だ

い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: ということ (to iu koto). Meaning: convert phrase into noun.

Example Sentences

1. あなたが私の声が好きだということがとても嬉しいです。
anata ga watashi no koe ga suki da to iu koto ga totemo ureshii desu.
I'm so glad you like my voice.

2. あなたが会社をやめるということは本当ですか。
anata ga kaisha o yameru to iu koto wa hontou desuka?
Is it true that you're quitting the company?

3. 彼は怖いということを知らない。
kare wa kowai to iu koto o shiranai.
He does not know what fear is.

4. つまり、あなたは同じ本をまた読みたいということ︖
tsumari, anata wa onaji hon o mata yomitai to iu koto?
Do you mean you want to read the same book again?

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5. 彼は友だちができるかということを⼼配している。
kare wa tomodachi ga dekiru ka to iu koto o shinpai shite iru.
I'm worried about if he will be able to make friends.

6. 私は彼が信⽤できない⼈だということが分かった。
watashi wa kare ga shinyou dekinai hito da to iu koto ga wakatta.
I realized he was an unreliable person.

7. 私はあなたが忙しいということを理解しています。
watashi wa anata ga isogashii to iu koto o rikai shite imasu.
I understand that you are busy.

8. 私は今⽇が結婚記念⽇だということを忘れていました。
watashi wa kyou ga kekkon kinenbi da to iu koto o wasurete imashita.
I'd forgotten today was my wedding anniversary.

9. この商品の第⼀の特徴は軽いということです。
kono shouhin no daiichi no tokuchou wa karui to iu koto desu.
The number one characteristic about this product is that it is light.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 と⾔われている
といわれている

Meaning How To Use

it is said that... Verb (casual, past)

Adjective (standard, past) と⾔われている

Noun + だ

Learn Japanese grammar: と⾔われている 【といわれている】(to iwarete iru). Meaning: it is said

that….

Example Sentences

1. 彼は天才だと⾔われている。
kare wa tensai da to iwareteiru.
He is said to be a genius.

2. 彼は来⽉に退職すると⾔われている。
kare wa raigetsu ni taishoku suru to iwarete iru.
It's being said that he will quit next month.

3. ⼥性は男性より⻑⽣きだと⾔われている。
josei wa dansei yori nagaiki da to iwarete iru.
It is said that women live longer than men.

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4. 彼⼥の⺟親は有名な作家だと⾔われている。
kanojo no hahaoya wa yuumei na sakka da to iwarete iru.
Her mother is said to be a famous writer.

5. 彼は若い時には体が弱かったと⾔われている。
kare wa wakai toki ni wa karada ga yowakatta to iwarete iru.
He is said to have had a weak body when he was young.

6. 彼らは今年中に結婚すると⾔われている。
karera wa kotoshijuu ni kekkon suru to iwarete iru.
It is said that they are going to get married by the end of the week.

7. 健康ほど⼤切なものはないと⾔われている。
kenkou hodo taisetsu na mono wa nai to iwarete iru.
It is said that nothing is more important than health.

8. 13⽇の⾦曜⽇は不吉な⽇だと⾔われている。
13 nichi no kinyoubi wa fukitsu na hi da to iwarete iru.
It is said that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day.

9. 彼⼥は来⽉、学⽣時代の友⼈と結婚すると⾔われている。
kanojo wa raigetsu, gakusei jidai no yuujin to kekkon suru to iwarete iru.
Apparently, she will get married to a school friend next month.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 と聞いた
ときいた

Meaning How To Use

I heard... と聞いた
Phrase
ときいた

Learn Japanese grammar: と聞いた 【ときいた】(to kiita). Meaning: I heard….

Example Sentences

1. 彼がお⽗さんになったと聞いた。
kare ga otousan ni natta to kiita.
I heard that he became a father.

2. この映画が⾯⽩いと聞いたことがあります。
kono eiga ga omoshiroi to kiita koto ga arimasu.
I heard that this movie is interesting.

3. 彼が帰ってくると聞いた。
kare ga kaette kuru to kiita.
I heard that he will be coming back.

4. あなたの⽇本語がうまくなっていると聞いた。
anata no nihongo ga umaku natteiru to kiita.
I heard your Japanese is getting better.

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5. あれはとても良い街だと聞いたことがあります。
are wa totemo yoi machi da to kiita koto ga arimasu.
I've heard that is a very nice town.

6. あなたが今⽇アメリカに帰ると聞いた。
anata ga kyou amerika ni kaeru to kiita.
I heard you will be going back to America today.

7. 私はそのイベントがとつぜん中⽌になったと聞いた。
watashi wa sono ibento ga totsuzen chuushi ni natta to kiita.
I heard that event was suddenly cancelled.

8. 私はアメリカ⼈は誰でもこの映画を知っていると聞いた。
watashi wa amerikajin wa dare demo kono eiga o shitteiru to kiita.
I heard that every American knows this movie.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 と思う
とおもう

Meaning How To Use

to think…; I think…; you think… Verb

と思う
Noun + だ と思います
な-adjective + だ と思わない
と思いません
い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: と思う 【とおもう】(to omou). Meaning: to think…; I think…; you think…

This can be used to describe your own thoughts or someone else’s thoughts.

It can also be conjugated like a regular verb

と思います (to omoimasu) more formal

と思っている (to omotteiru) I am thinking..
と思わない (to omowanai) don’t you think?
etc..

Example Sentences

1. きれいだと思わない︖
kirei da to omowanai?
Don't you think it's beautiful?

2. それはかなりむずかしいだと思います。
sore wa kanari muzukashii da to omoimasu.
I think that is extremely difficult.

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3. 今⽇は午後から⾬が降ると思います。
kyou wa gogo kara ame ga furu to omoimasu.
I think it will rain today from the afternoon.

4. この問題、テストに出ると思いますか。
kono mondai, tesuto ni deru to omoimasu ka.
Do you think this problem will be on the test?

5. ⽇本に留学しようと思っています。
nihon ni ryuugaku shiyou to omotte imasu.
I'm thinking to go study abroad in Japan.

6. 仕事を続けるのはむりだと思う。
shigoto o tsuzukeru no wa muri da to omou.
I don't think I can continue on with this job.

7. アメリカでは、何が⼀番⼈気のあるスポーツだと思う︖
amerika de wa, nani ga ichiban ninki no aru supootsu da to omou?
What do you think is the most popular sport in the USA?

8. 今度の休みに海へ⾏こうと思っています。
kondo no yasumi ni umi e ikou to omotte imasu.
I'm thinking to go to to the beach during my next holiday.

9. 彼は少し厳しい⽅だと思わないかい︖
kare wa sukoshi kibishii hou da to omowanai kai?
Don't you think he's a little on the strict side?

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 とか〜とか

Meaning How To Use

among other things; such as; like Verb (dictionary form) Verb (dictionary form)
+ とか + とか

Noun + とか Noun + とか

Learn Japanese grammar: とか〜とか (toka~toka). Meaning: among other things; such as; like.

This is usually used to list multiple examples, though it can also be used only once with one example, and
will imply that you could say more examples (see example 1).

Example Sentences

1. 趣味とかありますか︖
shumi toka arimasu ka?
Do you have any hobbies (or anything else you do)

2. 私はおすしとかラーメンとか⽇本料理が好きです。
watashi wa osushi to ka raamen to ka nihon ryouri ga daisuki desu.
I love Japanese food, like sushi, ramen, etc.

3. このイベントでは、バーベキューとかゲームとかをします。
kono ibento de wa, baabekyuu toka geemu to ka o shimasu..
At this event we will do things like barbecue and play games.

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4. 毎⽇、5分とか、10分とかでもいいので、運動をしたほうがいいで
すよ。
mainichi, 5 fun toka, 10 pun toka demo ii node, undou o shita hou ga ii desu yo.
You should work out every day, even just 5 to 10 minutes is OK.

5. 毎⽇、仕事とか、会議とかでとても忙しい。
mainichi, shigoto toka, kaigi toka de totemo isogashii.
I'm busy every day with (things like) work and meetings.

6. 彼は英語だけじゃなくて、中国語とかスペイン語とかも話せるん
だよ。
kare wa eigo dake janakute, chuugokugo toka supeingo toka mo hanaserunda yo.
He not only speaks English, but can also speak Chinese, Spanish, etc..

7. パソコンがよくわからないので、WindowsとかMacとかの違いが
わかりません。
pasokon ga yoku wakaranai no de, windows toka mac to ka no chigai ga wakarimasen.
I'm not good with computers and don't understand the differences between Windows,
Mac (etc)

8. テニスのことなら、⽥中さんとか⼭⽥さんとかが詳しいですよ。
tenisu no koto nara, tanaka san toka yamada san toka ga kuwashii desu yo.
For things related to Tennis, Tanaka-san and Yamada-san are very knowledgeable.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ところ

Meaning How To Use

just about to; on the verge of doing Verb (casual, non-past) ところ

something

Learn Japanese grammar: ところ (tokoro). Meaning: just about to; on the verge of doing something.

Example Sentences

1. 今、出かけるところです。
ima, dekakeru tokoro desu.
I am just about to leave.

2. これから料理を作るところです。
kore kara ryouri o tsukuru tokoro desu.
I am about to start cooking.

3. 今からお⾵呂に⼊るところです。
ima kara ofuro ni hairu tokoro desu.
I am about to take a bath.

4. もう少しで信じるところだった。
mou sukoshi de shinjiru tokoro datta.
I was really close to believing it.

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5. 「昼ごはんはもう⾷べましたか。」
「いいえ、これから⾷べるところです。」
「hirugohan wa mou tabe mashita ka.」
「iie, kore kara taberu tokoro desu.」
"Have you eaten luch already?"
"Nope, I'm about to eat from now."

6. 「宿題したの︖」
「ちょうど今からするところですよ。」
「shukudai shita no?」
「choudo ima kara suru tokoro desu yo.」
"Did you do your homework?"
"I'm about to start now."

7. これから⾷事に⾏くところなんですが、⼀緒に⾏きましょうか。
kore kara shokuji ni iku tokoro nan desu ga, issho ni iki mashou ka.
I am about to head out for dinner, would you like to join me?

8. 私たちはもうすぐ到着するところです。
watashitachi wa mou sugu touchaku suru tokoro desu.
We are just about to arrive.

9. 「会議はもう始まりましたか。」
「いいえ、今から始まるところです。」
「kaigi wa mou hajimari mashita ka.」
「iie, imakara hjimaru tokoro desu.」
"Has the meeting started already?"
"It is just about to start."

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 続ける
つづける

Meaning How To Use

continue to; keen on 続ける

Verb ます (stem form) 続けている
続けた

Learn Japanese grammar: 続ける 【つづける】(tsuzukeru). Meaning: continue to; keen on.

This is used to express continuous action, or to show someone is keen on doing something.

It can be freely conjugated to use in current, future, and past tense.

つづける to continue
つづけたい to want to continue
つづけた continued to (past)
つづけて continue to (current)

Similar Grammar

To instead say to begin, use 始める (hajimeru)

To instead say to end, use 終わる (owaru)

Example Sentences

1. 昨⽇から⾬が降り続けている。
kinou kara ame ga furi tsuzukete iru.
It's been raining nonstop since yesterday.

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2. ⽗からもらった⾃転⾞を今も使い続けています。
chichi kara moratta jitensha o ima mo tsukai tsuzukete imasu.
I still use the bicycle that my father gave to me even now.

3. 彼⼥は彼⽒の話をしゃべり続けた。
kanojo wa kareshi no hanashi o shaberi tsuzuketa.
She continued talking about her boyfriend.

4. それをやり続けたほうがいいのかもしれない。
sore o yari tsuzuketa hou ga ii no kamoshirenai.
It might be better for me to keep doing that.

5. どんなに⼤変だったとしても、やり続けることが⼤切です。
donnani taihen datta toshitemo, yari tsuzukeru koto ga taisetsu desu.
No matter how tough things get, it's important to stay consistent with what you're
doing.

6. ⼀週間⾬が降り続けた。
isshuukan ame ga furi tsuzuketa.
It kept raining for a full week.

7. これからも彼を応援し続けたい。
kore kara mo kare o ouen shi tsuzuke tai.
I want to keep supporting him.

8. 彼は⾼校時代からずっとサッカーをし続けている。
kare wa koukou jidai kara zutto sakkaa o shi tsuzukete iru.
He's been playing soccer since he was in high school.

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9. 物価は上がり続けるだろう。
bukka wa agari tsuzukeru darou.
Prices will likely continue to rise.

10. 君を永遠に愛し続けると約束するよ。
kimi o eien ni ai shi tsuzukeru to yakusoku suru yo.
I promise to keep loving you forever.

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 って

Meaning How To Use

named; called Noun って

Learn Japanese grammar: って (tte). Meaning: named; called.

Example Sentences

1. これはたい焼きっていう⾷べ物だよ。
kore wa taiyaki tte iu tabe mono da yo.
This is a food called "taiyaki".

2. コストコってスーパーに⾏ったことがありますか。
kosutoko tte suupaa ni itta koto ga arimasu ka?
Have you ever been to the supermarket (called) Costco?

3. みんなの⽇本語って教科書がだれでも知っているね。
minna no nihongo tte kyoukasho ga dare demo shitte iru ne.
Everyone knows the Japanese textbook "minna no nihongo", right?

4. これは⽇本語でじゃんけんっていうゲームだよ。
kore wa nihongo de janken tte iu geemu da yo.
This is a game called "janken" in Japanese.

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5. ドラゴンボールっていうマンガが⼀番好きだ。
doragon booru tte iu manga ga ichiban suki da.
Dragon Ball is my favorite manga.

6. トムさん、さっき⼭⽥さんって⼈が探してたよ。
tomu san, sakki yamada san tte hito ga sagashiteta yo.
Tom was just looking for a person called Yamada.

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 受⾝形
うけみけい

Meaning How To Use

passive form; passive voice Ru-verb る -> られる

U-verb (ない form) ない -> れる

する される

くる こられる

Learn Japanese grammar: 受⾝形【うけみけい】(ukemi kei). Meaning: Japanese passive form or

passive voice. Often displayed as られる、される、こられる (rareru, sareru, korareru).

Passive verbs are verbs that are done to the (passive) subject.

Passive form conjugation samples

Ru-verbs

⾷べる -> ⾷べられる (taberareru)

出る -> 出られる (derareru)
寝る -> 寝られる (nerareru)
起きる -> 起きられる (okirareru)
着る -> 着られる (kirareru)

U-verbs

聞く -> 聞かれる (kikareru)

待つ -> 待たれる (matareru)
飲む -> 飲まれる (nomareru)
買う -> 買われる (kawareru)
話す -> 話される (hanaseru)

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Important Notes

Be careful to not confuse this with られる (rareru) potential form, meaning the ability or inability to do
something.

Example Sentences

1. ケーキが誰かに⾷べられた︕
keeki ga dare ka ni taberareta.
The cake was eaten by somebody!

2. みんなに変だと⾔われます。
minna ni hen da to iwaremasu.
Everyone tells me that I am strange.

3. この本は多くの⼈に読まれている。
kono hon wa ooku no hito ni yomareteiru.
This book is being read by many people.

4. 私は先⽣にほめられました。
watashi wa sensei ni homerare mashita.
I was praised by the teacher.

5. こんな遅い時間に来られても困ります。
konna osoi jikan ni korare temo komarimasu.
It's a bit inconvenient for me if you come over this late.

6. 友⼈に彼⽒を取られた。
yuujin ni kareshi o torareta.
My boyfriend was stolen by my best friend.

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7. 今⽇は先輩に２回を注意されました。
kyou wa senpai ni 2 kai o chuuisare mashita.
I was warned twice today by my senior.

8. 姉に部屋の掃除を頼まれました。
ane ni heya no souji o tanomare mashita.
I was asked by my older sister to clean the room.

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 は〜が… は

Meaning How To Use

[A] but [B]; however; comparison Noun-1 + は 〜が Noun-2 + は…

Learn Japanese grammar: は〜が… は (wa~ga… wa). Meaning: [A] but [B]; however; comparison.

Example Sentences

1. ひらがなは書けますが、漢字は書けません。
hiragana wa kakemasu ga, kanji wa kakemasen.
I can write hiragana, but I cannot write kanji.

2. 私は猫が好きですが⽝はあまり好きじゃない。
watashi wa neko ga suki desu ga inu wa amari suki janai.
I like cats, but I don't really like dogs.

3. 彼⼥は美⼈だが頭は良くない。
kanojo wa bijin da ga atama wa yokunai.
She is beautiful but not very smart.

4. 彼は才能があるが、経験はほとんどない。
kare wa sainou ga aru ga, keiken wa hotondo nai.
He has talent, but almost no experience.

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5. ⽇本に来たときは寂しかったが、今は友達ができて楽しくなりま
した。
nihon ni kita toki wa sabishikatta ga, ima wa tomodachi ga dekite tanoshiku
narimashita.
I was lonely when I came to Japan, but now I have some friends and it has become fun.

6. 今の仕事は忙しいですが、給料は⾼いから頑張って続けます。
ima no shigoto wa isogashii desu ga, kyuuryou wa takai kara ganbatte tsudukemasu.
My current job is busy, but my salary is high so I will keep working hard.

7. 物価は上がっているが、給料は変わらないから⽣活は⼤変になっ
た。
bukka wa agatte iru ga, kyuuryou wa kawaranai kara seikatsu wa taihen ni natta.
Prices are going up, but my salary hasn't changed, so life is getting difficult.

8. 彼はメールで⾊んな⼈と話しているが⼈の前は緊張するからしゃ
べれない。
kare wa meeru de iron na hito to hanashite iru ga hito no mae wa kinchou suru kara
shaberenai.
He talks to many people by message, but gets nervous in front of people and cannot
speak.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 やすい

Meaning How To Use

easy to; likely to; prone to; have a tendency Verb ます (stem form) やすい

to

Learn Japanese grammar: やすい (yasui). Meaning: easy to; likely to; prone to; have a tendency to.

Meaning 1) easy to do

⾒やすい (mi yasui).

Easy to see.

Meaning 2) likely to happen

事故が起こりやすい (jiko ga okori yasui) .

Accidents are likely to happen.

Meaning 3) prone to / tendency to

キズがつきやすい = (kizu ga tsuki yasui).

Prone to getting injured.

To say the opposite, that something is “difficult to do”, use にくい (nikui).

Example Sentences

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1. ⽇本語は分かりやすいです。
nihongo wa wakari yasui desu.
Japanese is easy to understand.

2. 先⽣の声が聞きやすいです。
sensei no koe ga kiki yasui desu.
The teacher's voice is easy to hear / easy to listen to.

3. ひらがなは漢字より書きやすいです。
hiragana wa kanji yori kaki yasui desu.
Hiragana is easier to write than kanji.

4. 光に感じやすい。
hikari ni kanji yasui.
To be sensitive to light.

5. 彼⼥はカゼを引きやすいです。
kanojo wa kaze o hiki yasui desu.
She is prone to getting colds.

6. 彼は説得しやすい。
kare wa settoku shi yasui.
He is easy to persuade.

7. 今働いている会社は、お給料もいいし、働きやすいです。
ima hataraiteiru kaisha wa, okyuuryou mo iishi, hataraki yasui desu.
The company that I'm working for now has a good salary and eat's easy work.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 やっと

Meaning How To Use

at last; finally; barely; narrowly Used as an adverb in a sentence.

Learn Japanese grammar: やっと (yatto). Meaning: at last; finally; barely; narrowly.

This can be used to express two different meanings:

1. at last; finally (this meaning is most common).

2. barely; narrowly (see examples 8 & 9).

Example Sentences

1. やっとレポートを書き上げた。
yatto repooto o kaki ageta.
I finally finished writing my report.

2. 私はやっと家に帰ることが出来る。
watashi wa yatto ie ni kaeru koto ga dekiru.
I can finally return home!

3. 社⻑の⻑い話がやっと終わった。
shachou no nagai hanashi ga yatto owatta.
The company president's long story finally ended.

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4. やっと⾃転⾞に乗れるようになりました。
yatto jitensha ni noreru youni narimashita.
I finally learned how to ride a bicycle!

5. 『おはようございます。今⽇はいい天気ですね。』
『おはよう。やっと晴れたね。』
『ohayou gozaimasu. kyou wa ii tenki desu ne.』
『ohayou. yatto hareta ne.』
"Good morning! Today's weather is nice, isn't it?"
"Morning. Indeed, the sun finally came out."

6. 明⽇までの宿題がやっと終わりました。
ashita made no shukudai ga yatto owarimashita.
I finally finished my homework due tomorrow.

7. １時間も待って、注⽂した料理がやっと来ました。
ichijikan mo matte, chuumon shita ryouri ga yatto kimashita.
The food I ordered and waited over an hour for has finally come.

8. 娘はやっと１５歳です。
musume wa yatto 15 sai desu.
My daughter is barely 15.

9. 年⾦でやっと暮らせる。
nenkin de yatto kuraseru.
I can barely live off of my pension.

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 より

Meaning How To Use

than; rather than; more than [A]より[B]

OR より + adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: より (yori). Meaning: than; rather than; more than.

より (yori) is used to say rather, rather than, or more than:

[A]より、[B]。
Rather than [A], [B]…
[B] more than [A]

When used before an adjective, it translates to “more..”, and does not need a comparison [B] subject.

よりきれい
More beautiful
Also see examples 9~10

Different Meanings:

より can also mean “from” or “since” when used after a time or place, but this meaning is only needed for
JLPT N2 and above. See lesson for JLPT N2 より (yori).

Example Sentences

1. 今⽇は昨⽇より暑いです。
kyou wa kinou yori atsui desu.
Today is more hot than yesterday.

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2. 最近、円はドルより安い。
saikin, en wa doru yoru yasui.
Lately the Yen is cheaper than the dollar.

3. 今は恋愛より仕事だ。
ima wa renai yori shigoto da.
I'm more interested in work than love right now.

4. 彼⼥は、私より料理が上⼿。
kanojo wa watashi yori ryouri ga jouzu.
She's better at cooking than I am.

5. それより安くは売られません。
sore yori yasuku wa uraremasen.
I can't sell it for any less (more cheap) than that.

6. 今朝はいつもより早く学校へ来ました。
kesa wa itsumo yori hayaku gakkou he kimashita.
I came to school this morning earlier than usual.

7. 漢字はひらがなやカタカナより難しいだと思います。
kanji wa hiragana ya katakana yori muzukashii da to omoimasu.
I think kanji is more difficult than hiragana and katakana.

8. 先⽉より⽇本語が上⼿になりましたね。
sengetsu yori nihongo ga jouzu ni narimashita ne.
You're Japanese has improved compared to last month. (could also interpret as since
last month)

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9. より速い速度でやってみます。
yori hayai sokudo de yatte mimasu.
I'll try it at a faster speed. (when using より before an adjective, it translates to "more"

10. 鋭いナイフは、よりきれいに切れる。
surudoi naifu wa, yori kirei ni kireru.
A sharpened knife cuts more cleanly.

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 予定だ
よていだ

Meaning How To Use

plan to, intend to Verb (dictionary form) 予定だ

Noun + の よていだ

Learn Japanese grammar: 予定だ 【よていだ】(yoteida). Meaning: plan to, intend to.

This can be used in combination with either a Verb or Noun to express plans or intention to do
something.

You can describe your own personal plans or the plans of someone else.

Example Sentences

1. 私はデートに⾏く予定だ。
watashi wa deeto ni iku yotei da.
I'm going on a date.

2. 私は友だちと遊ぶ予定だった。
watashi wa tomodachi to asobu yotei datta.
I was planning to hang out with my friends.

3. 6時に起きる予定だった。
6 ji ni okiru yotei datta.
I planned to wake up at 6.

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4. 7⽉の終わりにドイツへ出張する予定です。
7 gatsu no owari ni doitsu e shucchou suru yotei desu.
I am planning to go on a business trip to Germany in July.

5. 旅⾏は１週間ぐらいの予定です。
ryokou wa 1 shuukan gurai no yotei desu.
I'm planning to travel for about 1 week.

6. 来週に中国に⾏く予定です。
raishuu ni chuugoku ni iku yotei desu.
I am planning to go to China next week.

7. 明⽇の午後に書類を送る予定です。
ashita no gogo ni shorui o okuru yotei desu.
I am planning to send the documents tomorrow afternoon.

8. 新しい携帯を買う予定です。
atarashii keitai o kau yotei desu.
I am planning to buy a new mobile phone.

9. 卒業式は10時から始まる予定です。
sotsugyou shiki wa 10 ji kara hajimaru yotei desu.
The graduation ceremony is scheduled to start from 10 am.

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 ようだ

Meaning How To Use

appears; seems; looks as if Verb (casual)

Noun + の
ようだ
な-adjective + な

い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: ようだ (you da). Meaning: appears; seems; looks as if.

ようだ (you da) is used to say things like:

it appears as if..
it seems as if..
it looks as if..

Example Sentences

1. ⾬のようだ。
ame no you da.
It looks like rain..

2. そのようだ。
sono you da.
It seems to be that way.

3. 今⽇は寒くなるようだ。
kyou wa samuku naru you da.
It looks like it's gonna get pretty cold today.

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4. 彼⼥はうれしくないようだ。
kanojo wa ureshikunai you da.
She doesn't seem happy.

5. だいぶ変わったようだな。
daibu kawatta you da na.
(it) seems to have changed considerably

6. 教室に来たけど誰もいない。今⽇は授業がないようだ。
kyoushitsu ni kita keredo daremo inai. kyou wa jugyou ga nai you da.
I came to the classroom, but nobody was there. It seems like there's no class today.

7. それは本当に夢のようだ。
sore wa hontouni yume no you da.
That's truly like a dream.

8. 今⽇は落ち込んでいるようですね。
kyou wa ochikondeiru you desu ne.
You seem down today.

9. 嵐はやんだようだ。
arashi wa yanda you da.
It appears as if the storm has passed

10. 私は無知だったようだ。
watashi wa muchi datta you da.
It seems that I was a bit ignorant.

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 ように / ような

Meaning How To Use

like; as; similar to Verb (casual) ように

Noun + の ような

Learn Japanese grammar: ように / ような (you ni / you na). Meaning: like; as; similar to~.

ように / ような (you ni / you na) is used to say things like:

just like
just as
similar to something else..

Example Sentences

1. ⽝のように働いている。
inu no you ni hataraiteiru.
I'm working like a dog

2. その⼆⼈は燃えるような愛がありますね。
sono futari wa moeru you na ai ga arimasune.
Those two seem to have a smoldering-like love for each other.

3. 彼は家族のためだけに⽣きていたように思える。
kare wa kazoku no tame dake ni ikiteita you ni omoeru.
He seemed to live only for his family in my opinion.

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4. ⾒えるように、このパソコンはとても古いですがまだ使われてい
る。
mieru you ni, kono pasokon wa totemo furui desu ga mada tsukawareteiru.
As you can see, this computer is very old, but it's still being used.

5. 私を⼦どものように扱わないで。
watashi o kodomo no you ni atsukawanaide.
Don't treat me as a kid.

6. ⽇本語で新聞が読めるように、漢字の勉強をしています。
nihongo de shinbun ga yomeru you ni, kanji o benkyou shiteimasu.
I'm studying kanji so that I can read the newspaper in Japanese.

7. これはお茶のような味だ。
kore wa ocha no you na aji da.
This tastes like tea.

8. 学⽣達はあの先⽣が⼭のような宿題を出すので⼤嫌いである。
gakuseitachi wa ano sensei ga yama no you na shukudai o dasu node daikirai de aru.
They hate that teacher because he gives them a mountain of homework.

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 ようになる

Meaning How To Use

to reach the point that; to come to be that; to Verb (dictionary form)

ようになる
turn into Verb (ない form)

Learn Japanese grammar: ようになる (you ni naru). Meaning: to reach the point that; to come to be
that; to turn into.

なる (naru) can be conjugated freely like a verb.

ようになります (you ni narimasu) more formal

ようになった (you ni natta) became able to…

Sometimes よう may be excluded to just be になる.

Example Sentences

1. ⼤きくなったら分かるようになるよ。
ookiku nattara wakaru you ni naru yo.
When you get older, you'll understand.

2. 毎⽇練習すれば、泳げるようになります。
mainichi renshuu sureba, oyogeru youni narimasu.
If you practice everyday, you'll eventually be able to swim.

3. やっと⾃転⾞に乗れるようになりました。
yatto jitensha ni noreru youni narimashita.
I finally learned how to ride a bicycle!

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4. たくさん勉強したので、⽇本語を話せるようになりました。
takusan benkyou shita node, nihongo o hanaseru youni narimashita.
I studied a lot and became able to speak Japanese.

5. 薬を飲んで、よく寝られるようになりました。
kusuri o nonde, yoku nerareru youni narimashita.
I was able to sleep well after taking some medicine.

6. それをいつ使えるようになるのか教えてください。
sore o itsu tsukaeru you ni naru no ka oshiete kudasai.
Please tell me when I will start being able to use that.

7. 息⼦が⼀⼈で服を着られるようになった。
musuko ga hitori de fuku o kirareru youni natta.
My son has learned to get dressed all by himself.

8. 以前はビールを飲めなかったが、このごろ飲むようになりまし
た。
izen wa biiru o nomena katta ga, kono goro nomu youni nari mashita.
Before I wasn't able to drink beer, but now I've become able to drink it.

9. 現在はともかく、将来においてはパソコンをなしでは考えられな
い世の中になるでしょう。
genzai wa tomokaku, shourai ni oite wa pasokon o nashi de wa kangae rarenai yo no
naka ni naru deshou.
The day will come, if it hasn't already, when we won't be able to do without computers.

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 ようにする

Meaning How To Use

to try to; to make sure that ようにする

Verb (dictionary form)
ようにします
ようにしている
Verb (ない form)
ようにしています

Learn Japanese grammar: ようにする (you ni suru) / ようにしている (you ni shiteiru). Meaning: to try
to; to make sure that.

ようにする (you ni suru) is used to say things like:

I’ll/let’s try to ~
I’ll/let’s make sure that ~

Different ways to use:

ようにする (you ni suru) casual

examples 1~2
ようにします (you ni shimasu) more polite
examples 3~4
ようにしている (you ni shiteiru) current state
examples 5~6
ようにしています (you ni shiteimasu) current state polite
examples 7~8

Example Sentences

1. 明⽇早く起きるようにする。
ashita hayaku okiru you ni suru.
I'll try to wake up early tomorrow.

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2. それを忘れないようにする。
sore o wasurenai you ni suru.
I'll be sure to remember that.

3. 明⽇から仕事に⾏く前に毎⽇ラニングをするようにします。
ashita kara shigoto ni iku mae ni mainichi raningu o suru you ni shimasu.
From tomorrow I'm going to try to go running before work every day.

4. 今⽇からお酒を飲まないようにします。
kyou kara osake o nomanai you ni shimasu.
I'm going to not drink alcohol anymore from today.

5. 毎⽇歩くようにしている。
mainichi aruku you ni shiteiru.
I'm trying to walk every day.

6. 夜は10時に寝るようにしている。
yoru wa juuji ni neru you ni shiteiru.
I'm trying to go to bed at 10.

7. ⾁だけじゃなくて、野菜も⾷べるようにしています。
niku dake janakute, yasai mo taberu you ni shiteimasu.
I'm trying to more vegetables instead of just meat.

8. 就職してからは、毎⽇新聞を読むようにしています。
shuushoku shite kara wa, mainichi shinbun o yomu you ni shiteimasu.
Since I started job hunting, I began reading newspapers every day.

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 ようと思う
ようとおもう

Meaning How To Use

thinking of doing; planning to と思う

Verb (volitional form) とは思わない
(よう form) と思います
と思っている

Learn Japanese grammar: ようと思う 【ようとおもう】(you to omou). Meaning: thinking of doing;

planning to.

This can be used to describe your own thoughts or someone else’s thoughts.

It must follow a verb in volitional form. If you don’t know how how to conjugate, see the lesson for 意向
形 (ikou kei) Volitional Form.

The following と思う (to omou) can also be conjugated like a regular verb.

ようと思います (you to omoimasu) more formal

ようと思っている (you to omotteiru) I am thinking to do…
ようとは思わない (you to omowanai) I would not think to…
etc..

Example Sentences

1. ⽇本に留学しようと思っています。
nihon ni ryuugaku shiyou to omotte imasu.
I'm thinking to go study abroad in Japan.

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2. ⼤学で働こうと思っています。
daigaku de hatarakou to omotte imasu.
I'm thinking to work at the University.

3. 今度の休みに海へ⾏こうと思う。
kondo no yasumi ni umi e ikou to omou.
I think I will go to to the beach during my next holiday.

4. ⼦どもができたからタバコを辞めようと思う。
kodomo ga dekita kara tabako o yameyou to omou.
Since I will be having a kid, I'm planning to quit smoking.

5. 今から書店へ⾏こうと思っています。
imakara shoten e ikou to omotte imasu.
I think I'll go to a bookstore now.

6. 彼は外国で働こうと思っています。
kare wa gaikoku de hatarakou to omotte imasu.
He is thinking of working in a foreign country.

7. 私はそこに⾏こうとは思わない。
watashi wa soko ni ikou towa omowanai.
I would never think of going there.

8. 僕は出かけようと思っているところにお客さんが来た。
boku wa dekakeyou to omotte iru tokoro ni okyakusan ga kita.
Just as I was thinking of heading out, a customer came in.

9. 私はこの話を会議で紹介しようと思っている。
watashi wa kono hanashi o kaigi de shoukai shiyou to motte iru.
I am thinking to introduce this story at the meeting.

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10. 今の給料が低いからもっと⾼い給料の仕事を探そうと思っていま
す。
ima no kyuuryou ga hikui kara motto takai kyuuryou no shigoto o sagasou to omotte
imasu.
I am thinking of looking for a job with a higher salary because my current salary is low.

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 ぜひ

Meaning How To Use

by all means; certainly; definitely Can be used either in beginning or mid-

sentence.

Learn Japanese grammar: ぜひ (zehi). Meaning: by all means; certainly; definitely.

In higher JLPT levels, the kanji form will be used 是⾮.

Example Sentences

1. 私はぜひそこで働きたい。
watashi wa zehi soko de hatarakitai.
I would really like to work there.

2. ぜひ、今度うちへ遊びに来てください。
zehi, kondo uchi e asobi ni kite kudasai.
Definitely please come by our place some time.

3. 彼⼥はぜひそこへ⾏きたいと⾔った。
kanojo wa zehi soko e ikitai to itta.
She said that she was eager to go there.

4. ⽇本に来きたら、ぜひ連絡してください。
nihon ni kitara, zehi renraku shite kudasai.
If you ever come to Japan, be sure to let me know!

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5. ベトナムに旅⾏したら、ぜひフォーを⾷べてみたいです。
betonamu ni ryokou shitara, zehi foo o tabete mitai desu.
If I ever go to Vietnam, I would like to try eating Pho noodles.

6. ぜひその映画を⾒るべきです。
zehi sono eiga o miru beki desu.
You really must go see that movie!

7. ぜひ沖縄へ⾏いきたいです。
zehi okinawa e ikitai desu.
I would love to go to Okinawa.

8. また⽇本に来ることがあれば、ぜひ家に来てください。
mata nihon ni kuru koto ga areba, zehi ie ni kite kudasai.
If you come to Japan again, please come to my house.

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 全然〜ない
ぜんぜん〜ない

Meaning How To Use

(not) at all 全然
Verb (ない form)
ぜんぜん

Learn Japanese grammar: 全然〜ない 【ぜんぜん〜ない】(zenzen~nai). Meaning: (not) at all.

Both the kanji and hiragana versions can be used.

Example Sentences

1. 私は⽇本語がぜんぜん話せない。
watashi wa nihongo ga zenzen hanasenai.
I can't speak any Japanese at all..

2. 私はぜんぜん気にしない。
watashi wa zenzen ki ni shinai.
I don't mind at all.

3. 私はお酒をぜんぜん飲みません。
watashi wa osake o zenzen nomimasen.
I don't drink any alcohol.

4. ケーキを作るなんて全然できない。
keeki o tsukuru nante zenzen dekinai.
There's no way I can make a cake.

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5. 彼は⽇本⼈ですが、漢字を全然書けない。
kare wa nihonjin desuga, kanji o zenzen kakenai.
Although he is Japanese, he can't write any kanji.

6. ⽇本の新聞は漢字が多くて、全然読めません。
nihon no shinbun wa kanji ga ookute, zenzen yomemasen.
There's a lot of kanji in Japanese newspapers and I can't read any of it..

7. 彼は⽗親に全然似ていない。
kare wa chichi oya ni zenzen niteinai.
He doesn't look like a father one bit.

8. 最近は、悩みが多くて全然寝られない。
saikin wa nayami ga ookute, zenzen nerarenai.
Lately I've been worried a lot and haven't been able to sleep at all.

9. ⾦なら彼は全然欲しがらない。
kane nara kare wa zenzen hoshi garanai.
Money is the last thing he wants.

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 づらい

Meaning How To Use

difficult to do Verb ます (stem form) づらい

Learn Japanese grammar: づらい (zurai). Meaning: difficult to do.

This is very similar in meaning to にくい (nikui).

To say the opposite, that something is “easy to do”, use やすい (yasui).

Example Sentences

1. この質問には答えづらいです。
kono shitsumon niwa kotae zurai desu.
This question is difficult to answer.

2. この本は字が⼩さくて読みづらいです。
kono hon wa ji ga chiisakute yomi zurai desu.
This books print is too small, it's difficult to read.

3. 彼⼥はつき合いづらい⼈だ。
kanojo wa tukiai zurai hito da.
She's a difficult person to get along with.

4. 彼の説明がむずかしくて分かりづらいだった。
kare no setsumei ga muzukashikute wakari zurai datta.
His explanation was complicated and difficult to understand.

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5. この漢字は覚えづらいです。
kono kanji wa oboe zurai desu.
This kanji is difficult to remember.

6. この道は狭くて、⾞も多いので、運転しづらいです。
kono michi wa semakute, kuruma mo ooi no de, unten shi zurai desu.
This road is really narrow, and there's lots of cars, so it's difficult to drive on.

7. この⾃転⾞は古くて乗りづらいです。
kono jitensha wa furukute nori zurai desu.
This bicycle is old and difficult to ride.

8. ⿂は⾻が多くて⾷べづらいだ。
sakana wa hone ga ookute tabe zurai da.
Fish have a bunch of bones and are difficult to eat.

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