#japanese
〜に基づいて — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern Noun + に基づいて (predicate position: used before a verb) Noun + に基づく + Noun (attributive: modifies the following noun) Noun + に基づいた + Noun (attributive, past-tense form; slightly more natural in running text) Noun + に基づき (formal/written abbreviation) The noun before に基づいて is the foundation, standard, evidence, or authority on which the following action or judgment rests. Formality Formal . に基づいて is the formal register word for "based on."...
〜につれて — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜につれて Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + につれて / Noun + につれて Formality: Standard to Formal Meaning: "as ~ (gradually changes), ~ also changes proportionally" Explanation 〜につれて expresses gradual proportional co-change : as one thing gradually changes or progresses, another thing correspondingly changes. Both changes are simultaneous and ongoing. This pattern is typically used for natural, ongoing processes (seasons, aging, growing skills, social trends). Key characteristics: Both the first and...
万 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 万 3 N5 一 one Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) マン/バン man/ban Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) よろず yorozu ten thousand (archaic/literary) Meanings ten thousand myriad Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 一万円 いちまんえん ichiman-en 10,000 yen N5 三万 さんまん sanman 30,000 N5 万年筆 まんねんひつ mannenhitsu fountain pen N4 百万 ひゃくまん hyakuman one million N4 万国 ばんこく bankoku all nations /...
〜に違いない — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern V-plain form + に違いない い-adj-plain + に違いない な-adj + に違いない (drop だ before に違いない) Noun + に違いない (drop だ before に違いない) The clause before に違いない is the speaker's conclusion or inference. The pattern applies to all tenses: 〜したに違いない (must have done), 〜するに違いない (must do / will certainly). Formality Neutral . に違いない is used naturally across all registers — casual conversation, formal writing, news articles, and academic texts. It is...
〜はもとより — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern Noun A + はもとより、Noun B も + [verb/predicate] Noun A + はもとより、Noun B さえ + [verb/predicate] (even more emphatic) Both A and B share the same predicate. A is the expected or obvious item; B is the additional, often more surprising or extended item. Formality Formal / Written . はもとより is most common in formal written Japanese — essays, formal speeches, business writing, and news articles. In casual speech,...
九 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 九 2 N5 乙 second/bent Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) キュウ/ク kyuu/ku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ここの-つ kokono-tsu nine (native count) Meanings nine Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 九人 くにん/きゅうにん kunin/kyuunin nine people N5 九月 くがつ kugatsu September N5 九日 ここのか kokonoka ninth (of month) N5 九時 くじ kuji 9 o'clock N5 九十 きゅうじゅう kyuujuu ninety N5 Stroke Order...
〜のもとで / 〜のもとに — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜のもとで / 〜のもとに (no moto de / no moto ni) Structure Noun + のもとで (under X, doing something) Noun + のもとに (under X, as basis/condition — slightly more formal/literary) Formality Level Formal — used in legal texts, official policy documents, academic contexts. 〜のもとに is slightly more literary. Meaning "Under X," "under the conditions/authority/supervision of X." Expresses that an action takes place within an established framework, under authority, supervision, or...
北 — JLPT N5 Kanji
北 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 5 | Radical: 匕 (spoon/change) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi ホク hoku north in compounds Kun-yomi きた kita north Meanings North Northern Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 北 きた kita north N5 北口 きたぐち kitaguchi north exit N5 北海道 ほっかいどう Hokkaidoo Hokkaido N4 北極 ほっきょく hokkyoku North Pole, Arctic N3 東北 とうほく Toohoku Tohoku (region) N4 Stroke Order Left component: stroke going...
〜うる / 〜える — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜うる / 〜える / 〜得る (uru / eru / uri-uru) Also written: 〜得る (kanji form, read うる or える) Structure Verb (masu-stem) + うる / える Common form: 起こり得る (okori-uru), 考え得る (kangae-uru), あり得る (ari-uru/ari-eru) Negative: 〜得ない / あり得ない (cannot possibly) Special case: ある → あり得る (arieri) = "can possibly exist/happen" Formality Level Formal/literary — primarily written Japanese. Common in academic papers, legal documents, policy writing, official announcements. 〜うる is...
十 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 十 2 N5 十 ten Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ジュウ/ジッ juu/jit Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) とお too ten (native count) Meanings ten Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 十人 じゅうにん juunin ten people N5 十月 じゅうがつ juugatsu October N5 十日 とおか tooka tenth (of month) N5 十時 じゅうじ juuji 10 o'clock N5 二十 にじゅう nijuu twenty N5 Stroke Order...
JLPT N2 Lesson 8: Stance and Perspective
Overview Sophisticated argument and analysis require the ability to anchor a statement to a specific standpoint and to signal when reality diverges from expectation. In Japanese formal writing and professional communication, this is achieved through a family of stance-and-perspective patterns. These patterns allow the writer to say: "from the standpoint of X," "given X, Y is surprisingly different from what one would expect," and "the outcome depends entirely on X."...
晩 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 晩 12 N5 日 sun/day Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) バン ban Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings evening night late Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 今晩 こんばん konban tonight N5 晩ご飯 ばんごはん bangohan dinner / supper N5 毎晩 まいばん maiban every evening N5 晩年 ばんねん bannen later years / old age N3 晩秋 ばんしゅう banshuu late autumn N3 Stroke Order Left:...
JLPT N5 Lesson 8: Describing with Adjectives
Overview In this lesson, we move beyond simple nouns and verbs to add color and detail to your Japanese sentences. Adjectives are the primary tools for expressing opinions, physical states, and qualities. Understanding how to use them is essential for describing your environment, expressing preferences, and engaging in basic social interactions. Japanese adjectives are divided into two distinct categories: い-adjectives (i-adjectives) and な-adjectives (na-adjectives) . Each behaves differently when modifying...
南 — JLPT N5 Kanji
南 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 9 | Radical: 十 (ten) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi ナン、ナ nan, na nan = south standard; na in some compounds Kun-yomi みなみ minami south Meanings South Southern Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 南 みなみ minami south N5 南口 みなみぐち minamiguchi south exit N5 南米 なんべい nanbei South America N4 東南アジア とうなんアジア Toonan Ajia Southeast Asia N4 南極 なんきょく nankyoku South Pole,...
JLPT N3 Lesson 8: Workplace and Formal Japanese
Overview Workplace Japanese is one of the most practically important domains at the N3 level. Even if you never plan to work in Japan, N3 reading passages frequently feature formal business communication: emails, meeting notes, reports, and phone call exchanges. More importantly, the grammar patterns of workplace Japanese—particularly polite request forms and the basics of keigo (敬語, honorific speech)—serve as a gateway to the full N2 and N1 honorific system....
先 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 先 6 N5 儿 human legs Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) セン sen Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) さき saki ahead; first; tip Meanings before ahead first previous Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 先生 せんせい sensei teacher N5 先週 せんしゅう senshuu last week N5 先月 せんげつ sengetsu last month N5 先輩 せんぱい senpai senior / upperclassman N4 先頭 せんとう sentou...
〜てたまらない — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern V-て form + たまらない い-adj (く form) + てたまらない な-adj (で form) + たまらない The verb or adjective describes a feeling, sensation, or desire that has become unbearable or overwhelming. The subject is typically the speaker. Formality Neutral to Conversational . てたまらない is more conversational and immediate than てならない. It is used in everyday speech, informal writing, and casual essays. In formal writing, てならない would be preferred for emotions,...
赤 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 赤 7 N5 赤 red Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) セキ/シャク seki/shaku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あか/あか-い aka/aka-i red Meanings red Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 赤い あかい akai red N5 赤ちゃん あかちゃん akachan baby / infant N5 赤道 せきどう sekidou equator N3 赤字 あかじ akaji deficit / red ink / loss N3 真っ赤 まっか makka bright red /...
〜てからというもの — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜てからというもの (te kara to iu mono) Structure Verb (て-form) + からというもの Always describes a sustained, ongoing state that began after the trigger event The following clause typically uses a continuous form (〜ている, 〜になった, 〜てきた) Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in both spoken and written Japanese. The literary quality makes it particularly common in essays, memoirs, biographical writing, and formal personal statements. Can appear in business contexts when...
二 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 二 2 N5 二 two Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ニ ni Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ふた-つ futa-tsu two (native count) Meanings two second Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 二人 ふたり futari two people N5 二月 にがつ nigatsu February N5 二日 ふつか futsuka second (of month) N5 二番 にばん niban number two N5 二階 にかい nikai second floor N5...
JLPT N5 Lesson 2: First Conversations — Greetings and Self-Introduction
Overview In this lesson, we move from the writing systems of Hiragana and Katakana into the functional building blocks of the Japanese language. Learning how to introduce yourself and navigate basic social interactions is the cornerstone of the JLPT N5 level. You will learn how to structure simple sentences using the copula and particles, which are essential for all future communication. By mastering these greetings and self-introduction patterns, you are...
〜からすると / 〜からすれば / 〜からみると — JLPT N2 Grammar
Patterns 〜からすると / 〜からすれば / 〜からみると / 〜からみれば (kara suru to / kara sureba / kara miru to / kara mireba) Structure Noun + からすると / からすれば / からみると / からみれば The noun is a perspective, standpoint, evidence, or person whose viewpoint is being used to make a judgment Formality Level Formal to neutral — used in analytical writing, academic papers, business analysis, editorial writing. Also appears in formal spoken...
三 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 三 3 N5 一 one Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) サン san Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) みっ-つ mit-tsu three (native count) Meanings three third Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 三人 さんにん sannin three people N5 三月 さんがつ sangatsu March N5 三日 みっか mikka third (of month) N5 三時 さんじ sanji 3 o'clock N5 三番 さんばん sanban number three N5...
学 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 学 8 N5 子 child Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ガク gaku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) まな-ぶ mana-bu to learn; to study Meanings study learning science Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 学校 がっこう gakkou school N5 大学 だいがく daigaku university N5 学生 がくせい gakusei student N5 学ぶ まなぶ manabu to learn N4 勉強 べんきょう benkyou study N5 Stroke Order...
〜ため(に) — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜ため(に) Structure: Purpose: Verb (dictionary form) + ために → "in order to ~" Cause: Verb (plain past た) + ために / Noun + の + ため(に) → "because of ~, due to ~" Formality: Formal / Standard (preferred over から/ので in formal writing) Meaning: Purpose: "in order to ~" / Cause: "because of ~, due to ~" Explanation The critical distinction is determined by verb tense before ために: Dictionary...
〜にかかわらず — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜にかかわらず (ni kakawarazu) Structure Noun + にかかわらず Verb (plain form affirmative/negative pair) + にかかわらず (whether X or not) I-adjective pair (〜か〜かに) + かかわらず Question word + かに + かかわらず (regardless of what/who/how) Formality Level Formal — primarily written Japanese. Common in legal documents, contracts, official notices, and academic writing. Meaning "Regardless of X," "irrespective of X," "whether X or not." Expresses that the following statement or condition applies universally,...
中 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 中 4 N5 囗 enclosure Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) チュウ chuu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) なか naka inside; middle; center Meanings inside middle center China Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 中 なか naka inside / middle N5 中国 ちゅうごく Chuugoku China N5 中学校 ちゅうがっこう chuugakkou middle school N5 中心 ちゅうしん chuushin center / core N4 途中 とちゅう tochuu...
JLPT N3 Lesson 9: Reading Newspaper Japanese
Overview Newspaper Japanese ( shinbun-go , 新聞語) represents one of the most distinctive written registers in the language. Its grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure differ significantly from both casual speech and standard polite written Japanese. At the N3 level, you will encounter newspaper-style texts in the Reading section, and understanding their conventions is the key to scoring well. The good news is that newspaper style follows consistent, learnable patterns—once you...
見 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 見 7 N5 見 see Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ケン ken Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) み-る/み-える/み-せる mi-ru/mi-eru/mi-seru to see; to look Meanings see look show Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 見る みる miru to see / watch N5 見える みえる mieru to be visible N5 見せる みせる miseru to show N5 意見 いけん iken opinion N4 見物 けんぶつ...
海 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 海 9 N5 水 water Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) カイ kai Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) うみ umi sea; ocean Meanings sea ocean Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 海 うみ umi sea / ocean N5 海岸 かいがん kaigan coast / seashore N4 日本海 にほんかい Nihon-kai Sea of Japan N4 海外 かいがい kaigai overseas / abroad N4 海水 かいすい kaisui...
JLPT N3 Lesson 3: Complex Conjunctions I — Location and Stance
Overview At N3, you encounter a set of noun-based conjunctive phrases that are almost entirely absent from casual conversation but ubiquitous in formal writing, news, and business contexts. These "complex particles" or "compound postpositions" consist of a noun plus a particle, and they function grammatically like single postpositions. Mastering them is essential: N3 reading passages heavily feature these patterns, and confusing 〜において with 〜で, or 〜に対して with 〜に, signals a...
〜て以来 — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜て以来 Structure: Verb (TE-form) + 以来 / Noun + 以来 Formality: Standard to Formal Meaning: "ever since ~, since ~ [state has continued to now]" Explanation 〜て以来 expresses that a state or situation has continued without interruption ever since a past turning point. It always looks from the present moment back to a specific past event that created a change, and it implies the change established then is still...
〜はおろか — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜はおろか (wa oroka) Structure Noun A + はおろか + Noun B + も/さえ/すら + [negative or extreme predicate] Noun A + はおろか + Noun B + も/さえ + [positive extreme predicate] (positive direction less common) The predicate typically applies to BOTH A and B, but the focus is that B (which should be easier or more basic) is also impossible or true. Formality Level Formal/written — literary and journalistic...
〜に加えて — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern Noun + に加えて Noun + に加え (formal/written variant) Noun + に加えた + Noun (attributive: "a Noun that was added to ~") The noun before に加えて is the base or primary thing to which something is being added. Formality Standard to Formal . に加えて is natural in both formal writing and spoken Japanese. The abbreviated form に加え is more common in written texts such as reports, news articles, and official...
JLPT N2 Lesson 9: Newspaper and Academic Reading
Overview The JLPT N2 reading section tests your ability to extract meaning from dense, formal Japanese text under time pressure. Unlike N3, where the texts are relatively straightforward, N2 passages use passive voice hedging, nominalization, formal conjunctions, and academic distancing devices extensively. A reader who tries to parse every word will run out of time; a reader who cannot identify the key structural markers will misunderstand the author's stance. This...
東 — JLPT N5 Kanji
東 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 8 | Radical: 木 (tree) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi トウ too east in compounds Kun-yomi ひがし higashi east Meanings East Eastern Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 東 ひがし higashi east N5 東京 とうきょう Tookyoo Tokyo N5 東口 ひがしぐち higashiguchi east exit N5 東洋 とうよう tooyoo the East, Orient N3 東南 とうなん toonan southeast N4 Stroke Order 1-4. 木 (tree) component: horizontal,...
明 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 明 8 N5 日 sun/day Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) メイ/ミョウ mei/myou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あか-るい/あ-かり/あ-く aka-rui/a-kari/a-ku bright; light up Meanings bright clear tomorrow dawn Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 明日 あした/あす ashita/asu tomorrow N5 明るい あかるい akarui bright / cheerful N5 説明 せつめい setsumei explanation N4 明治 めいじ Meiji Meiji (era) N4 透明 とうめい toumeii transparent N3...
高 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 高 10 N5 高 high/tall Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) コウ kou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) たか-い/たか taka-i/taka tall; high; expensive Meanings tall high expensive Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 高い たかい takai tall / high / expensive N5 高校 こうこう koukou high school N5 高速 こうそく kousoku high speed / expressway N4 最高 さいこう saikou maximum / best...
右 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 右 5 N5 口 mouth Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ウ/ユウ u/yuu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) みぎ migi right Meanings right Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 右 みぎ migi right N5 右手 みぎて migite right hand N5 右側 みぎがわ migigawa right side N5 右折 うせつ usetsu right turn N4 左右 さゆう sayuu left and right N4 Stroke Order Short...
〜をはじめとして / 〜をはじめとする — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜をはじめとして / 〜をはじめとする / 〜をはじめ (o hajimete to shite / o hajimete to suru / o hajime) Structure Noun A + をはじめとして + Noun B, Noun C (verbal use, introducing others after A) Noun A + をはじめとする + Noun (group) (attributive — modifying a collective noun) Noun A + をはじめ (shortened, more colloquial) Formality Level Formal — used in written Japanese, official speeches, academic texts, and business presentations. 〜をはじめ...
土 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 土 3 N5 土 earth/soil Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ド/ト do/to Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) つち tsuchi earth; soil; ground Meanings earth soil ground Saturday Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 土曜日 どようび doyoubi Saturday N5 土地 とち tochi land / plot of ground N4 土台 どだい dodai foundation / base N3 土木 どぼく doboku civil engineering N3 粘土...
JLPT N5 Lesson 10: Wanting and Planning
Overview In this lesson, we move beyond simple descriptions and start expressing our personal desires and future plans. Understanding how to communicate what you want to do and what you intend to do is a critical milestone for any N5 learner, as it allows you to engage in meaningful conversations about your life, travel, and daily activities. We will build upon your knowledge of verb conjugations to introduce the "want...
川 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 川 3 N5 川 river Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) セン sen Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) かわ kawa river Meanings river Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 川 かわ kawa river N5 川沿い かわぞい kawazoi along the river N4 川原 かわら kawara riverbed N4 小川 おがわ ogawa stream / brook N4 山川 やまかわ yamakawa mountains and rivers N4 Stroke Order...
気 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 気 6 N5 气 steam/air Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) キ/ケ ki/ke Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings spirit energy feeling air atmosphere Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 天気 てんき tenki weather N5 元気 げんき genki healthy / energetic N5 気持ち きもち kimochi feeling / sensation N5 電気 でんき denki electricity / light N5 病気 びょうき byouki illness / disease N5 Stroke...
左 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 左 5 N5 工 work/craft Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) サ sa Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ひだり hidari left Meanings left Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 左 ひだり hidari left N5 左手 ひだりて hidarite left hand N5 左側 ひだりがわ hidarigawa left side N5 左折 させつ sasetsu left turn N4 左右 さゆう sayuu left and right N4 Stroke Order Short...
〜に伴い / 〜に伴って — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜に伴い / 〜に伴って (ni tomonai / ni tomonatte) Structure Noun + に伴い / に伴って (followed by verb or clause) Verb (dictionary form) + に伴い / に伴って Noun + に伴う + Noun (attributive) Formality Level Formal — used in academic writing, government reports, news articles, business analysis. 〜に伴い is slightly more formal than 〜に伴って. Meaning "Along with X," "accompanying X," "as X occurs/progresses, Y simultaneously changes." Expresses a causal or...
千 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 千 3 N5 十 ten Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) セン sen Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ち chi thousand (archaic) Meanings thousand Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 千円 せんえん sen-en 1,000 yen N5 三千 さんぜん sanzen 3,000 N5 千葉 ちば Chiba Chiba (place name) N5 二千 にせん nisen 2,000 N5 千人 せんにん sennin 1,000 people N5 Stroke Order Short...
五 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 五 4 N5 二 two Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゴ go Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) いつ-つ itsu-tsu five (native count) Meanings five Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 五人 ごにん gonin five people N5 五月 ごがつ gogatsu May N5 五日 いつか itsuka fifth (of month) N5 五時 ごじ goji 5 o'clock N5 五十 ごじゅう gojuu fifty N5 Stroke Order...
〜において/〜における — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜において / 〜における Structure: Noun + において / Noun + における + Noun (attributive) Formality: Formal / Written Meaning: "in ~, at ~, in the domain/context of ~" Explanation 〜において marks the domain, field, setting, or context in which something takes place or is being discussed. It is the formal written equivalent of the casual particle 〜で when 〜で marks a context (not a physical tool). The attributive form...
校 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 校 10 N5 木 tree/wood Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) コウ kou Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings school compare proofread Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 学校 がっこう gakkou school N5 小学校 しょうがっこう shougakkou elementary school N5 高校 こうこう koukou high school N5 校長 こうちょう kouchou school principal N4 校庭 こうてい koutei schoolyard N4 Stroke Order Left: 木 (tree, 4 strokes). Right:...
〜次第 — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜次第 Structure: Meaning 1: Verb (masu-stem) + 次第 → "as soon as [action completes]" Meaning 2: Noun + 次第だ / Noun + 次第で(は) → "it depends on ~, it is up to ~" Formality: Formal (Meaning 1 especially used in business) Meaning: As soon as ~ / Depends entirely on ~ Explanation 〜次第 has two distinct meanings at N3: Meaning 1 — "As soon as" (verb masu-stem + 次第):...
〜をはじめ — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern Noun A + をはじめ、Noun B も / や / など + [verb/predicate] Noun A + をはじめとして + [broader group description] Noun A + をはじめとする + Noun (attributive: modifies the following noun) Noun A + をはじめとした + Noun (attributive, past-tense form) Noun A is the most representative or prominent example of a larger group. What follows (Noun B, or the broader description) expands on this group. Formality Standard to Formal...
〜というより — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern [Description A] + というより、[Description B] + だ/の方が正確だ Noun + というより、Noun + だ V-plain + というより、V-plain / adj-plain + [description] Description A is the initial or obvious characterization. Description B (after というより) is the more accurate, more precise, or more fitting description that the speaker prefers. Formality Neutral . というより is used naturally in both spoken and written Japanese. It is common in casual conversation, essays, literary commentary, and everyday...
地 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 地 6 N5 土 earth/soil Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) チ/ジ chi/ji Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings ground earth place Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 地図 ちず chizu map N5 地下 ちか chika underground / basement N5 地球 ちきゅう chikyuu Earth (planet) N4 土地 とち tochi land N4 地元 じもと jimoto local area / hometown N4 Stroke Order Left: 土 (earth,...
友 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 友 4 N5 又 hand/again Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ユウ yuu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) とも tomo friend Meanings friend friendship Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 友達 ともだち tomodachi friend(s) N5 友人 ゆうじん yuujin friend (formal) N5 友好 ゆうこう yuukou friendship / amity N3 親友 しんゆう shin'yuu close friend / best friend N4 友情 ゆうじょう yuujou friendship /...
JLPT N3 Lesson 4: Complex Conjunctions II — Change and Proportion
Overview Japanese has a sophisticated set of expressions for describing how one thing changes in proportion or response to another. These "change and proportion" patterns are a cornerstone of formal and analytical language in Japanese. When a news anchor says 「経済の成長に従い、雇用も増加した」(As the economy grew, employment also increased), they are using a grammatical structure that elegantly encodes a proportional relationship. These patterns are essential for writing reports, discussing trends, and interpreting...
〜ずにはいられない — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜ずにはいられない / 〜ずにはいられません (zu ni wa irarenai) Structure Verb (negative stem/ず-form) + にはいられない Formation: Take the verb ない-form, replace ない with ず → add にはいられない 泣く → 泣か(ない) → 泣かず + にはいられない → 泣かずにはいられない 笑う → 笑わ(ない) → 笑わず + にはいられない → 笑わずにはいられない Irregular: する → せ + ずにはいられない → せずにはいられない Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in both spoken and written Japanese. The literary/poetic quality makes it...
〜といっても — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern Noun + といっても、[qualification] V-plain / Adj-plain + といっても、[qualification] Na-adj + だといっても / といっても、[qualification] The element before といっても is a statement, description, or label. What follows is a qualification or correction that prevents the listener from overinterpreting it. Formality Neutral . といっても is used naturally in both casual conversation and formal writing. It is common in essays, explanations, and everyday spoken Japanese where the speaker wants to manage the listener's...
黒 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 黒 11 N5 黒 black Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) コク koku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) くろ/くろ-い kuro/kuro-i black Meanings black Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 黒い くろい kuroi black N5 黒板 こくばん kokuban blackboard / chalkboard N5 黒字 くろじ kuroji profit / in the black N3 白黒 しろくろ shirokuro black and white N4 黒猫 くろねこ kuroneko black cat...
虫 — JLPT N5 Kanji
虫 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 6 | Radical: 虫 (insect) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi チュウ chuu insect in compounds Kun-yomi むし mushi insect, bug, worm Meanings Insect, bug Worm, creepy-crawly (Broadly) any small creature Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 虫 むし mushi insect, bug N5 毛虫 けむし kemushi caterpillar N4 虫歯 むしば mushiba cavity, tooth decay N4 害虫 がいちゅう gaichuu pest, harmful insect N3 蛍 ほたる...
下 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 下 3 N5 一 one Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) カ/ゲ ka/ge Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) した/しも/もと/さ-がる/くだ-る/おろ-す shita/shimo/moto/sa-garu/kuda-ru/oro-su below; lower; to descend Meanings below lower down descend Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 下 した shita below / under N5 地下 ちか chika underground / basement N5 下手 へた heta unskilled / bad at N5 下がる さがる sagaru to go...
〜とたんに — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜とたんに / 〜とたん Structure: Verb (plain past た-form) + とたん(に) Formality: Standard (mostly spoken; also in narrative writing) Meaning: "the moment ~, just as ~, the instant ~ happened" Explanation 〜とたんに describes an instantaneous, often unexpected change that occurs the very moment a preceding action is completed. The result is typically: Sudden and involuntary Surprising or unintended Something that happens naturally/spontaneously (not a deliberate action) Critical rule: The result...
子 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 子 3 N5 子 child Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シ/ス shi/su Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) こ/ね ko/ne child; small thing Meanings child small offspring Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 子供 こども kodomo child / children N5 女の子 おんなのこ onna no ko girl N5 男の子 おとこのこ otoko no ko boy N5 子猫 こねこ koneko kitten N4 親子 おやこ oyako...
〜を通じて — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern Noun + を通じて (predicate position) Noun + を通じた + Noun (attributive: "a Noun achieved through/throughout ~") Noun + を通して (alternative form; same meaning, slightly more conversational) The noun before を通じて is either (1) the medium or channel through which something happens, or (2) a period of time throughout which something continues. Formality Standard to Formal . を通じて is used across registers — formal essays, business communication, news articles, and...
〜をめぐって / 〜をめぐる — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜をめぐって / 〜をめぐる (o megutte / o meguru) Structure Noun + をめぐって (followed by verb — verbal use) Noun + をめぐる + Noun (attributive — modifying a noun) Formality Level Formal — primarily used in news reporting, academic writing, political discourse. Common in newspaper headlines and editorial writing. Meaning "Surrounding X," "concerning X," "over X" — used for topics that are disputed, controversial, or under active debate . The...
〜とともに — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜とともに Structure: Noun + とともに / Verb (dictionary form) + とともに Formality: Formal / Standard Meaning: "together with ~, along with ~, as ~ also ~" (simultaneous co-occurrence or parallel change) Explanation 〜とともに has two uses: Meaning 1 — Accompaniment/simultaneity: Doing something together with another person or thing. 「彼女とともに働く」(work together with her). Meaning 2 — Parallel development: As one development occurs, another occurs along with it. This is the...
四 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 四 5 N5 囗 enclosure Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シ shi Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) よっ-つ/よん yot-tsu/yon four (native count) Meanings four Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 四人 よにん yonin four people N5 四月 しがつ shigatsu April N5 四日 よっか yokka fourth (of month) N5 四時 よじ yoji 4 o'clock N5 四角 しかく shikaku square / rectangle N4...
JLPT N5 Lesson 6: Daily Activities and Verbs
Overview Verbs are the engine of Japanese sentences. Unlike English verbs, Japanese verbs always come at the end of the sentence, and they conjugate in predictable patterns. The great news for learners is that Japanese has only two truly irregular verbs (する and 来る), and all other verbs follow one of two consistent patterns called u-verbs (Group 1) and ru-verbs (Group 2) . Once you identify which group a verb...
〜のみならず — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜のみならず (nomi narazu) Structure Noun + のみならず Verb (plain form) + のみならず I-adjective (plain form) + のみならず Na-adjective + である + のみならず (formal) Formality Level Highly formal — primarily written Japanese. Academic papers, official reports, government announcements, newspaper editorials. The spoken/informal equivalent is 〜だけでなく. Meaning "Not only X, but also Y." Expands the scope of a statement beyond what was initially stated, adding Y as an additional scope. The...
飲 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 飲 12 N5 食 eat/food Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) イン in Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) の-む no-mu to drink Meanings drink Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 飲む のむ nomu to drink N5 飲み物 のみもの nomimono drink / beverage N5 飲食 いんしょく inshoku food and drink N4 飲料水 いんりょうすい inryousui drinking water N4 飲み会 のみかい nomikai drinking party N4...
〜につれて — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern V-dictionary form + につれて Noun + につれて 〜につれ (formal/written abbreviation) The verb or noun before につれて describes a gradual change or progression. The main clause describes a corresponding change that occurs in parallel. Formality Standard to Formal . につれて is used in both formal writing and conversation, though it sounds slightly literary. It is commonly found in essays, journalism, and formal speech. In very casual registers, 〜にしたがって or 〜ていくと...
肉 — JLPT N5 Kanji
肉 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 6 | Radical: 肉 (flesh/meat) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi ニク niku standard reading Kun-yomi — — no common kun-yomi Meanings Meat, flesh Body (in some compounds) Pulp (of fruit) Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 肉 にく niku meat N5 牛肉 ぎゅうにく gyuuniku beef N5 豚肉 ぶたにく butaniku pork N5 鶏肉 とりにく toriniku chicken (meat) N5 肉体 にくたい nikutai the body, flesh...
〜だけでなく〜も — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜だけでなく〜も Structure: Noun / Verb (plain) / Adj + だけでなく + [additional item] + も Often: AだけでなくBも [predicate] Formality: Standard (spoken and formal writing) Meaning: "not only A but also B" Explanation 〜だけでなく〜も expands the scope beyond what was expected or assumed. A alone would already be notable, but B is added as an additional, unexpected element. The も after B marks it as "also" — emphasizing its inclusion....
国 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 国 8 N5 囗 enclosure Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) コク koku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) くに kuni country; nation; homeland Meanings country nation land Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 国 くに kuni country / nation N5 外国 がいこく gaikoku foreign country N5 国語 こくご kokugo national language / Japanese N5 全国 ぜんこく zenkoku whole country N4 外国人 がいこくじん...
一 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 一 1 N5 一 one Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) イチ/イツ ichi/itsu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ひと-つ hito-tsu one (native count) Meanings one first Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 一人 ひとり hitori one person N5 一月 いちがつ ichigatsu January N5 一日 ついたち tsuitachi the first (of the month) N5 一番 いちばん ichiban number one / best N5 一緒に いっしょに...
花 — JLPT N5 Kanji
花 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 7 | Radical: 艹 (grass/plant) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi カ ka flower in compounds Kun-yomi はな hana flower, blossom Meanings Flower, blossom Beautiful (figurative) Fireworks (花火) Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 花 はな hana flower N5 花火 はなび hanabi fireworks N5 花見 はなみ hanami cherry blossom viewing N4 花瓶 かびん kabin flower vase N4 花束 はなたば hanataba bouquet of flowers N4...
年 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 年 6 N5 干 dry/stem Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ネン nen Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) とし toshi year / age Meanings year Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 今年 ことし kotoshi this year N5 来年 らいねん rainen next year N5 去年 きょねん kyonen last year N5 年齢 ねんれい nenrei age N4 毎年 まいとし/まいねん maitoshi/mainen every year N5 Stroke Order...
JLPT N5 Lesson 3: Numbers, Time, and Dates
Overview In this lesson, we move beyond basic greetings to the essential building blocks of communication: numbers, time, and dates. Being able to express when things happen is a fundamental skill for any N5 learner, as it allows you to make appointments, understand schedules, and navigate public transportation. This lesson builds upon your knowledge of hiragana and basic sentence structures, providing the tools necessary for more complex interactions. By mastering...
〜に際して — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern Noun + に際して V-dictionary form + に際して Noun + に際し (more formal / written variant) Noun + に際しての + Noun (attributive: "~ at the time of Noun") The noun or verb before に際して refers to a significant event, occasion, or action — typically an important transition, formal procedure, or meaningful moment. Formality Formal . に際して is found in formal speeches, official announcements, written guidelines, and ceremonial language. It is...
〜うちに — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜うちに Structure: Verb (ている / dictionary) + うちに → "while [condition continues]" I-adj + うちに / Na-adj + な + うちに / Noun + の + うちに Verb (negative ない) + うちに → "before [something happens]" Formality: Standard (both spoken and written) Meaning: "while ~, during the time that ~, before it's too late / before ~ happens" Explanation 〜うちに expresses action taken within a window of time that...
上 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 上 3 N5 一 one Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ジョウ/ショウ jou/shou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) うえ/うわ/かみ/のぼ-る/あ-がる ue/uwa/kami/nobo-ru/a-garu above; upper; to go up Meanings above upper up ascend Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 上 うえ ue above / top N5 上手 じょうず jouzu skilled / good at N5 以上 いじょう ijou more than / above N4 上がる あがる agaru...
〜得る/〜得ない — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜得る / 〜得ない Structure: Verb (masu-stem) + 得る ( eru or uru ) → "can possibly ~, it is conceivable that ~" Verb (masu-stem) + 得ない ( enai ) → "cannot possibly ~, it is inconceivable that ~" Formality: Formal / Written (casual equivalent: ありえる / ありえない) Meaning: 〜得る: logical/theoretical possibility / 〜得ない: logical impossibility Explanation 〜得る (pronounced えられる in potential form or simply える/うる as a suffix) expresses...
間 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 間 12 N5 門 gate Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) カン/ケン kan/ken Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あいだ/ま aida/ma between; interval; space Meanings interval between space time Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 時間 じかん jikan time / duration N5 間 あいだ aida between / among N5 人間 にんげん ningen human being N4 週間 しゅうかん shuukan week (duration) N5 空間 くうかん...
語 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 語 14 N5 言 speech/word Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゴ go Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) かた-る kata-ru to talk; tell Meanings language word Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 日本語 にほんご nihongo Japanese language N5 英語 えいご eigo English language N5 語学 ごがく gogaku language study N4 単語 たんご tango word / vocabulary item N4 物語 ものがたり monogatari story...
青 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 青 8 N5 青 blue/green Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) セイ/ショウ sei/shou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あお/あお-い ao/ao-i blue; green; unripe Meanings blue green young unripe Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 青い あおい aoi blue / green N5 青空 あおぞら aozora blue sky N5 青年 せいねん seinen youth / young person N4 青信号 あおしんごう ao shingou green light (traffic)...
古 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 古 5 N5 口 mouth Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) コ ko Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ふる-い/ふる-す furu-i/furu-su old (things) Meanings old ancient Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 古い ふるい furui old (things) N5 古典 こてん koten classics / classical N4 古代 こだい kodai ancient times N3 中古 ちゅうこ chuuko used / secondhand N4 古着 ふるぎ furugi used clothes...
〜ものがある — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜ものがある Structure: Adjective (plain) / Verb (plain) + ものがある Formality: Standard to Formal Meaning: "there is something ~ about it, it has a quality that is ~" Explanation 〜ものがある is used to express that something has a deep, somewhat indefinable quality that the speaker senses or recognizes. It often implies that the speaker is making a personal, subjective evaluation, and that the quality in question is notable or impactful...
JLPT N3 Lesson 2: Causal Expressions Deep Dive
Overview Causation is one of the most grammatically rich domains in Japanese. At N5 and N4, you learned 〜から and 〜ので as the workhorses of expressing reason and cause. At N3, the system expands dramatically. You now need to master 〜ため(に), which carries both purpose and cause meanings depending on the tense of the preceding verb; 〜によって and 〜による, which express the means, agent, or cause of something; and 〜ことから,...
来 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 来 7 N5 木 tree/wood Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ライ rai Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) く-る/きた-る/きた-す ku-ru/kita-ru/kita-su to come Meanings come future next Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 来る くる kuru to come N5 来週 らいしゅう raishuu next week N5 来月 らいげつ raigetsu next month N5 来年 らいねん rainen next year N5 将来 しょうらい shourai future / one's...
夜 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 夜 8 N5 夕 evening Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ヤ ya Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) よる/よ yoru/yo night Meanings night evening Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 夜 よる yoru night / evening N5 今夜 こんや kon'ya tonight N5 夜中 よなか yonaka midnight / middle of the night N5 深夜 しんや shinya late night N4 夜明け よあけ yoake dawn...
図 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 図 7 N5 囗 enclosure Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ズ/ト zu/to Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) はか-る haka-ru to plan; to scheme Meanings map diagram figure plan Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 地図 ちず chizu map N5 図書館 としょかん toshokan library N5 図形 ずけい zukei figure / shape N4 図工 ずこう zukou arts and crafts (school) N4 意図 いと...
JLPT N5 Lesson 4: This and That — Demonstratives
Overview In Japanese, the demonstrative system—often called the "Ko-So-A-Do" system—is the backbone of spatial and object reference. Mastering these words is essential for N5 learners because they allow you to navigate your environment, ask for items in shops, and inquire about locations. Without these, you cannot effectively interact with your surroundings. This lesson builds upon your knowledge of basic sentence structures (AはBです) by introducing specific identifiers for things, places, and...
七 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 七 2 N5 一 one Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シチ shichi Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) なな-つ nana-tsu seven (native count) Meanings seven Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 七人 しちにん/ななにん shichinin/nananin seven people N5 七月 しちがつ shichigatsu July N5 七日 なのか nanoka seventh (of month) N5 七時 しちじ shichiji 7 o'clock N5 七十 ななじゅう nanajuu seventy N5 Stroke Order...
JLPT N5 Lesson 5: Existence and Location
Overview Two of the most fundamental verbs in Japanese are あります and います, both translating roughly as "there is" or "to exist." The key distinction is straightforward but absolutely essential: あります is used for inanimate objects, plants, and abstract things, while います is used for animate beings — people, animals, and anything capable of moving on its own. Getting this distinction right is one of the most important skills at...
時 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 時 10 N5 日 sun/day Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ジ ji Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) とき toki time; when Meanings time o'clock hour Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 何時 なんじ nanji what time N5 時間 じかん jikan time / hour (duration) N5 時々 ときどき tokidoki sometimes N5 三時 さんじ sanji 3 o'clock N5 時計 とけい tokei clock /...
〜わけがない — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜わけがない / 〜わけはない Structure: Verb / Adjective / Noun + わけがない Common: Plain form + わけがない Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "there's no way ~, it's impossible that ~, there's no reason why ~" Explanation 〜わけがない expresses the speaker's strong conviction that something is logically or fundamentally impossible . わけ means "reason/logic," so わけがない literally means "there is no logical reason for this to be the case." It...
言 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 言 7 N5 言 speech/word Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゲン/ゴン gen/gon Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) い-う/こと i-u/koto to say; word Meanings say speak word Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 言う いう iu to say N5 言葉 ことば kotoba word / language N5 言語 げんご gengo language N4 一言 ひとこと hitokoto one word / brief comment N4 言訳 いいわけ...
〜にとって — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜にとって Structure: Noun (person/group/entity) + にとって + [evaluative predicate] Formality: Standard to Formal Meaning: "for ~, from the perspective of ~, from the standpoint of ~" Explanation 〜にとって marks the evaluating perspective — who is doing the evaluating. It is always followed by a statement of value, importance, difficulty, meaning, or other evaluative quality. The noun before にとって must be a person, group, organization, or entity capable of having...
〜とは限らない — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜とは限らない / 〜とは限りません (to wa kagiranai / to wa kagirimasen) Structure Verb (plain form) + とは限らない I-adjective (plain form) + とは限らない Na-adjective + だ/である + とは限らない Noun + だ/である + とは限らない Often preceded by 必ずしも (not necessarily) for emphasis Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in both spoken and written Japanese. Common in academic argumentation, editorial writing, logical reasoning. Meaning "Is not necessarily X," "is not always X,"...
〜わけではない — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜わけではない / 〜わけではありません (wake de wa nai / wake de wa arimasen) Structure Verb (plain form) + わけではない I-adjective (plain form) + わけではない Na-adjective + な + わけではない Noun + という + わけではない Noun + な + わけではない (less common) Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in both spoken and written Japanese. The formal written version is 〜わけではない; spoken uses 〜わけじゃない. Meaning "It's not that X," "it doesn't...
聞 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 聞 14 N5 耳 ear Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ブン/モン bun/mon Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) き-く/き-こえる ki-ku/ki-koeru to hear; to listen; to ask Meanings hear listen ask Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 聞く きく kiku to listen / hear / ask N5 聞こえる きこえる kikoeru to be audible N5 新聞 しんぶん shinbun newspaper N5 聞き手 ききて kikite listener...
〜わけではない — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜わけではない / 〜わけじゃない Structure: Verb / Adjective / Noun + (という)わけではない Often preceded by: からといって (just because), 必ずしも (not necessarily) Formality: Standard (both spoken and written; じゃない is casual) Meaning: "it doesn't mean that ~, it's not that ~, not necessarily ~" Explanation 〜わけではない expresses partial negation of an assumption or inference. The speaker is saying: "don't draw that conclusion — it's not exactly as you might think." This...
JLPT N3 Lesson 10: N3 Capstone — Integration and Review
Overview You have reached the capstone of the JLPT N3 lesson series. Over the previous nine lessons, you have built a comprehensive toolkit: register awareness and formal/informal code-switching, five causal expression patterns with full comparative analysis, eight complex conjunctions for location, stance, change, and proportion, six advanced conditional and timing structures, five patterns for expressing change and tendency, six scope and contrast patterns, workplace and formal Japanese including keigo foundations,...
六 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 六 4 N5 八 eight/divide Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ロク roku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) むっ-つ mut-tsu six (native count) Meanings six Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 六人 ろくにん rokunin six people N5 六月 ろくがつ rokugatsu June N5 六日 むいか muika sixth (of month) N5 六時 ろくじ rokuji 6 o'clock N5 六十 ろくじゅう rokujuu sixty N5 Stroke Order...
英 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 英 8 N5 艸 grass/plant Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) エイ ei Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings England hero brilliant superior Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 英語 えいご eigo English language N5 英国 えいこく eikoku England / UK N4 英文 えいぶん eibun English text/sentence N4 英才 えいさい eisai genius / brilliant talent N3 英訳 えいやく eiyaku English translation N4 Stroke Order...
〜やすい/〜にくい — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜やすい / 〜にくい Structure: Verb (masu-stem) + やすい → "easy to do ~, prone to ~" (i-adjective) Verb (masu-stem) + にくい → "hard/difficult to do ~" (i-adjective) Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: 〜やすい: "easy to ~, tends to ~" / 〜にくい: "hard to ~, difficult to ~" Explanation These patterns describe an inherent quality of an object or situation — how easy or difficult it is to perform...
山 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 山 3 N5 山 mountain Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) サン san Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) やま yama mountain; hill Meanings mountain Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 山 やま yama mountain N5 富士山 ふじさん Fujisan Mount Fuji N5 山登り やまのぼり yamanobori mountain climbing N4 山川 やまかわ yamakawa mountains and rivers N4 火山 かざん kazan volcano N4 Stroke Order Left...
後 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 後 9 N5 彳 step Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゴ/コウ go/kou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あと/うし-ろ/のち ato/ushi-ro/nochi after; behind; later Meanings behind after later back Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 後で あとで ato de later / afterward N5 午後 ごご gogo PM / afternoon N5 後ろ うしろ ushiro behind / back N5 最後 さいご saigo last / final...
生 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 生 5 N5 生 life/birth Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) セイ/ショウ sei/shou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) い-きる/う-まれる/は-える/なま i-kiru/u-mareru/ha-eru/nama to live; to be born; raw Meanings life birth raw student Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 学生 がくせい gakusei student N5 先生 せんせい sensei teacher N5 生まれる うまれる umareru to be born N5 生活 せいかつ seikatsu daily life / livelihood N4...
朝 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 朝 12 N5 月 moon Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) チョウ chou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あさ asa morning Meanings morning dynasty Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 今朝 けさ kesa this morning N5 朝ご飯 あさごはん asagohan breakfast N5 毎朝 まいあさ maiasa every morning N5 朝日 あさひ asahi morning sun N5 朝早く あさはやく asa hayaku early in the morning N5...
JLPT N3 Lesson 6: Expressing Change, Tendency, and Difficulty
Overview One of the central communicative tasks at the N3 level is accurately describing how things have changed , how things tend to happen , and how easy or possible something is . These are not simple on/off descriptions—they involve nuances of gradual change over time, habitual tendencies (often with a negative connotation), the inherent ease or difficulty of an action, and logical possibility or impossibility. These concepts recur throughout...
JLPT N2 Lesson 1: Written Japanese vs Spoken
Overview Transitioning from N3 to N2 requires a fundamental shift in how you perceive Japanese style. While N3 focuses on general communication, N2 demands the ability to distinguish between kōgotai (spoken style) and buntai (written style). Understanding these differences is essential for reading newspaper editorials, academic reports, and professional correspondence, as well as for passing the JLPT reading and listening sections. In this lesson, we will explore the structural differences...
〜てならない — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern V-て form + ならない い-adj (く form) + てならない な-adj (で form) + ならない The verb or adjective before てならない describes an emotion, desire, or sensation that arises spontaneously and overwhelmingly. The subject of this emotion is typically the speaker (first person). Formality Formal / Slightly Written . てならない carries a somewhat literary or formal nuance. It is more elevated than てたまらない (which is more conversational) and てしかたがない (which...
〜だけあって / 〜だけに — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜だけあって / 〜だけに (dake atte / dake ni) Structure Noun + だけあって / だけに Verb (plain form) + だけあって / だけに I-adjective + だけあって / だけに Na-adjective + な + だけあって / だけに Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in both spoken and written Japanese. More common in formal writing and reviews. Meanings 〜だけあって: "As befitting X," "as one would expect given X." The outcome is positive and...
JLPT N2 Lesson 4: Nuanced Negation
Overview In the N2 level, effective communication moves beyond simple "yes" or "no" answers. To navigate professional and social environments in Japan, learners must master "nuanced negation"—the ability to soften a refusal, express a reluctant obligation, or clarify that a statement is not an absolute truth. This lesson focuses on the linguistic tools required to express these subtleties, which are essential for maintaining wa (harmony) in Japanese society. By mastering...
男 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 男 7 N5 田 rice field Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ダン/ナン dan/nan Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) おとこ otoko man; male Meanings man male Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 男 おとこ otoko man N5 男性 だんせい dansei male / man (formal) N5 男の子 おとこのこ otoko no ko boy N5 長男 ちょうなん chounan eldest son N4 男子 だんし danshi male...
入 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 入 2 N5 入 enter Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ニュウ/ジュ nyuu/ju Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) い-る/い-れる/はい-る i-ru/i-reru/hai-ru to enter; to put in Meanings enter put in income Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 入る はいる hairu to enter N5 入れる いれる ireru to put in / insert N5 入口 いりぐち iriguchi entrance N5 入学 にゅうがく nyuugaku school enrollment N5...
JLPT N2 Lesson 3: Formal Conjunction Mastery II
Overview In the JLPT N2 curriculum, the ability to navigate formal, written Japanese is paramount. This lesson focuses on four essential grammatical structures used frequently in news reports, business proposals, and academic writing. These patterns allow you to express complex relationships—such as cause-and-effect, inclusion, and indifference—with the precision required in professional Japanese environments. Building upon your N3 knowledge of basic conjunctions, this lesson elevates your proficiency by introducing structures that...
〜わけにはいかない — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜わけにはいかない / 〜わけにもいかない Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + わけにはいかない → "can't possibly do ~" Verb (negative ない) + わけにはいかない → "can't possibly not do ~, must do ~" Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "can't possibly ~, not in a position to ~, it wouldn't be right to ~" Explanation 〜わけにはいかない expresses that something cannot be done due to social, moral, or practical constraints — not physical inability, but...
週 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 週 11 N5 辵 walk/movement Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シュウ shuu Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings week Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 今週 こんしゅう konshuu this week N5 来週 らいしゅう raishuu next week N5 先週 せんしゅう senshuu last week N5 毎週 まいしゅう maishuu every week N5 週末 しゅうまつ shuumatsu weekend N5 Stroke Order Left: 辶 (movement radical, 3 strokes). Right:...
〜に応じて — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜に応じて / 〜に応じた Structure: Noun + に応じて / Noun + に応じた + Noun (attributive) Formality: Formal / Business Meaning: "in response to ~, according to ~, adapted to ~, depending on ~" Explanation 〜に応じて expresses an adaptive, appropriate response to conditions, needs, or demands. It carries the nuance that something is deliberately adjusted or tailored to fit varying circumstances. The response is intentional — you are responding appropriately to...
休 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 休 6 N5 人 person Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) キュウ kyuu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) やす-む/やす-まる/やす-める yasu-mu/yasu-maru/yasu-meru to rest; to be absent Meanings rest holiday absent Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 休む やすむ yasumu to rest / be absent N5 休み やすみ yasumi rest / holiday / day off N5 休日 きゅうじつ kyuujitsu holiday / day off N5...
出 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 出 5 N5 凵 container Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シュツ/スイ shutsu/sui Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) で-る/だ-す de-ru/da-su to exit; to take out Meanings exit go out come out take out Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 出る でる deru to exit / leave N5 出す だす dasu to take out / submit N5 出口 でぐち deguchi exit N5 出発...
〜にあたって / 〜に当たり — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜にあたって / 〜に当たり / 〜に当たって (ni atatte / ni atari) Structure Verb (dictionary form) + にあたって / に当たり Noun + にあたって / に当たり 〜に当たり is the more formal written variant Formality Level Highly formal — ceremonial speeches, official company announcements, prefaces to official documents, opening addresses. 〜に当たり is slightly more formal/condensed than 〜にあたって. Meaning "On the occasion of X," "in approaching X," "at this significant moment of X." Marks...
話 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 話 13 N5 言 speech/word Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ワ wa Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) はな-す/はなし hana-su/hanashi to talk; talk/story Meanings talk speak story conversation Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 話す はなす hanasu to speak / talk N5 電話 でんわ denwa telephone N5 話し合う はなしあう hanashiau to discuss N4 昔話 むかしばなし mukashibanashi old tale / folktale N4 会話...
JLPT N2 Lesson 10: N2 Capstone — Mock Exam and Review
Overview This capstone lesson consolidates the entire N2 curriculum through a full-format mock exam session. Unlike review lessons that revisit grammar explanations, this lesson is structured like the actual JLPT N2 examination: you will read an authentic-style passage, answer comprehension questions, complete grammar substitution questions in 4-option format, and identify errors in constructed sentences. The goal is to develop the integrated skill of real-time grammar judgment under exam conditions. The...
〜次第で / 〜次第だ / 〜次第 — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜次第で / 〜次第だ (conditional: depending on) 〜次第 (temporal: as soon as) Structure Meaning A — Depending on (conditionality): Noun + 次第で / 次第では / 次第だ The noun is the variable that determines the outcome Meaning B — As soon as (temporal sequence): Verb (masu-stem) + 次第 The verb describes the action whose completion triggers the next action Formality Level Formal — common in business correspondence, official notices, and formal...
雨 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 雨 8 N5 雨 rain Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ウ u Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あめ/あま ame/ama rain Meanings rain Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 雨 あめ ame rain N5 大雨 おおあめ ooame heavy rain N5 雨天 うてん uten rainy weather N4 梅雨 つゆ tsuyu rainy season N4 雨降り あめふり amefuri rainfall / rainy day N5 Stroke Order...
人 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 人 2 N5 人 person Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ジン/ニン jin/nin Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ひと hito person; people Meanings person people human being Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 人 ひと hito person N5 日本人 にほんじん nihonjin Japanese person N5 三人 さんにん sannin three people N5 外国人 がいこくじん gaikokujin foreigner N5 大人 おとな otona adult N5 Stroke Order...
JLPT N3 Lesson 1: Formal vs. Informal Register
Overview One of the defining challenges of JLPT N3 is that you can no longer rely on a single register. At N5 and N4, you learned polite desu/masu speech as your primary mode. At N3, you must actively navigate a multi-layered system: the same thought can be expressed in at least three different registers—casual ( kudaketa ), standard polite ( teineigo ), and formal/written ( kōgo ). The distance between...
安 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 安 6 N5 宀 roof Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) アン an Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) やす-い/やす-らか yasu-i/yasu-raka cheap; peaceful; safe Meanings cheap safe peaceful easy Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 安い やすい yasui cheap / inexpensive N5 安全 あんぜん anzen safety / safe N5 安心 あんしん anshin peace of mind / relief N4 安定 あんてい antei stability N4...
電 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 電 13 N5 雨 rain Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) デン den Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings electricity electric Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 電車 でんしゃ densha electric train N5 電話 でんわ denwa telephone N5 電気 でんき denki electricity / light N5 電池 でんち denchi battery N4 電子 でんし denshi electron / electronic N4 Stroke Order Top: 雨 (rain, 8 strokes)....
JLPT N2 Lesson 2: Formal Conjunction Mastery I
Overview In the JLPT N2 curriculum, shifting from casual to formal communication is essential. This lesson focuses on four critical conjunction patterns used to describe the foundation or standard upon which an action is taken. These structures— ni motodzuku , ni shitagau , ni sou , and o moto ni —are staples in business reports, legal documents, and formal presentations. By mastering these, you will move beyond basic "because" (...
〜に先立って — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern Noun + に先立って V-dictionary form + に先立って Noun + に先立ち (formal/written variant) Noun + に先立つ + Noun (attributive: "a Noun that precedes ~") The noun or verb before に先立って is the main or significant event that has not yet taken place — the action in the main clause comes before it. Formality Formal . に先立って is used in official speeches, announcements, ceremonial language, and formal written Japanese. It is...
白 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 白 5 N5 白 white Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ハク/ビャク haku/byaku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) しろ/しろ-い shiro/shiro-i white Meanings white blank clear Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 白い しろい shiroi white N5 白紙 はくし hakushi blank paper N4 白黒 しろくろ shirokuro black and white N4 面白い おもしろい omoshiroi interesting / funny N5 告白 こくはく kokuhaku confession N3 Stroke...
食 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 食 9 N5 食 eat/food Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ショク/ジキ shoku/jiki Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) た-べる/く-う ta-beru/ku-u to eat Meanings eat food Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 食べる たべる taberu to eat N5 食事 しょくじ shokuji meal / dining N5 食べ物 たべもの tabemono food N5 食堂 しょくどう shokudou cafeteria / dining hall N5 夕食 ゆうしょく yuushoku dinner (formal)...
西 — JLPT N5 Kanji
西 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 6 | Radical: 西 (west) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi セイ、サイ sei, sai sei = west standard; sai = in some words Kun-yomi にし nishi west Meanings West Western Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 西 にし nishi west N5 西口 にしぐち nishiguchi west exit N5 西洋 せいよう seiyoo the West, Occident N3 関西 かんさい Kansai Kansai (region) N4 北西 ほくせい hokusei northwest...
書 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 書 10 N5 曰 say/speak Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ショ sho Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) か-く ka-ku to write Meanings write book document Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 書く かく kaku to write N5 読書 どくしょ dokusho reading (books) N4 教科書 きょうかしょ kyoukasho textbook N5 辞書 じしょ jisho dictionary N5 書道 しょどう shodou calligraphy N4 Stroke Order Top:...
月 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 月 4 N5 月 moon Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゲツ/ガツ getsu/gatsu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) つき tsuki moon; month Meanings moon month Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 一月 いちがつ ichigatsu January N5 今月 こんげつ kongetsu this month N5 先月 せんげつ sengetsu last month N5 月曜日 げつようび getsuyoubi Monday N5 来月 らいげつ raigetsu next month N5 Stroke Order Left...
百 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 百 6 N5 白 white Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ヒャク hyaku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) もも momo hundred (archaic) Meanings hundred Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 百円 ひゃくえん hyaku-en 100 yen N5 三百 さんびゃく sanbyaku 300 N5 百貨店 ひゃっかてん hyakkaten department store N4 二百 にひゃく nihyaku 200 N5 六百 ろっぴゃく roppyaku 600 N5 Stroke Order Horizontal stroke at...
〜に従い / 〜に従って — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜に従い / 〜に従って (ni shitagai / ni shitagatte) Structure Noun + に従い / に従って (compliance meaning) Verb (dictionary form) + に従い / に従って (compliance meaning) Noun + に従い / に従って (gradual change meaning — with change verbs) Formality Level Formal — common in legal texts, manuals, official instructions, business correspondence. 〜に従い is slightly more formal than 〜に従って. Meanings Meaning A — Compliance/Following (the main use): "In accordance with X,"...
〜ようになる — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜ようになる Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + ようになる → "come to do ~" (new habit/change) Verb (potential form) + ようになる → "become able to ~" (new ability) Verb (negative ない) + ようになる → "come to not do ~" (cessation) Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "come to do ~, become able to ~, start doing ~" — result of gradual change Explanation 〜ようになる describes the result of a gradual process...
JLPT N3 Lesson 5: Advanced Conditionals and Timing
Overview At N4, you mastered the four basic conditional patterns: 〜たら (if/when, past trigger), 〜ば (if, hypothetical condition), 〜と (if, natural consequence), and 〜なら (if, given that). At N3, the conditional system expands into patterns that carry richer semantic nuances—urgency, repetition, instantaneous reaction, duration of an ongoing state, and dependency. The difference between N4 and N3 conditionals is not just grammatical complexity; it is the addition of emotional color, timing...
〜ざるを得ない — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern V-negative stem (ざる) + を得ない Formation rules: Group 1 verbs (u-verbs): replace the final u with a-row kana, then add ざるを得ない. E.g., 行く → 行か + ざるを得ない = 行かざるを得ない Group 2 verbs (ru-verbs): remove る, then add ざるを得ない. E.g., 食べる → 食べ + ざるを得ない = 食べざるを得ない Irregular verb する: becomes せざるを得ない (NOT しざるを得ない) Irregular verb くる: becomes こざるを得ない The ざる is the classical Japanese negative auxiliary (equivalent to modern...
〜に従って/〜に従い — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜に従って / 〜に従い Structure: Noun (rule/instruction/order) + に従って → compliance Verb (dictionary form) + に従って → proportional change as action progresses Formality: Formal / Standard Meaning: "in accordance with ~, following ~, as ~ progresses" Explanation 〜に従って has two related meanings: Meaning 1 — Compliance: Following or acting in accordance with a rule, order, manual, or standard. The agent actively conforms to an external authority. 「規則に従って行動する」(act according to the...
八 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 八 2 N5 八 eight/divide Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ハチ hachi Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) やっ-つ yat-tsu eight (native count) Meanings eight Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 八人 はちにん hachinin eight people N5 八月 はちがつ hachigatsu August N5 八日 ようか youka eighth (of month) N5 八時 はちじ hachiji 8 o'clock N5 八十 はちじゅう hachijuu eighty N5 Stroke Order...
〜べく / 〜べきだ / 〜べきではない — JLPT N2 Grammar
Patterns 〜べく (formal purpose: "in order to") 〜べきだ / 〜べき (should/ought to — moral/logical obligation) 〜べきではない (should not) Structure 〜べく: Verb (dictionary form) + べく Irregular: する → すべく (more formal/literary) or するべく (modern) 〜べきだ: Verb (dictionary form) + べきだ / べきである (formal) Irregular: する → すべきだ or するべきだ Formality Level 〜べく: Highly formal/literary — legal documents, old-fashioned formal writing, historical texts, official speeches. 〜べきだ: Formal — editorial writing, academic...
道 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 道 12 N5 辵 walk/movement Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ドウ/トウ dou/tou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) みち michi road; path; way Meanings road way path method doctrine Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 道 みち michi road / path N5 道路 どうろ douro road / street N4 柔道 じゅうどう juudou judo N4 茶道 さどう/ちゃどう sadou/chadou tea ceremony N4 北海道 ほっかいどう...
〜だけでなく — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern Noun + だけでなく、~ も + [verb/predicate] V-plain / Adj-plain + だけでなく、~ も + [verb/predicate] Noun + だけでなく(て) + [verb/predicate] (te-form variant) The element after だけでなく (marked with も) is the additional item beyond the first. Both items share the same predicate. Formality Neutral — usable in both casual and formal contexts . だけでなく is the most versatile of the "not only ~ but also" patterns. It appears in casual...
半 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 半 5 N5 十 ten Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ハン han Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) なか-ば naka-ba half; middle Meanings half semi- Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 半分 はんぶん hanbun half N5 三時半 さんじはん sanji han 3:30 N5 半年 はんとし hantoshi half a year N5 前半 ぜんはん zenhan first half N4 後半 こうはん kouha second half N4 Stroke...
JLPT N5 Lesson 9: Past Tense and Timeline
Overview Talking about what happened in the past is one of the most fundamental communication skills in any language, and Japanese handles it with elegant consistency. You have already seen the polite past tense 〜ました for verbs in Lesson 6. In this lesson we go deeper: you will learn the plain (dictionary-form) past tense for verbs (〜た form), master past-tense conjugation for い-adjectives (〜かった) and な-adjectives/nouns (〜でした), and handle negative...
午 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 午 4 N5 十 ten Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゴ go Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings noon horse (zodiac, 7th) Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 午前 ごぜん gozen AM / morning N5 午後 ごご gogo PM / afternoon N5 正午 しょうご shougo noon / 12:00 N5 午前中 ごぜんちゅう gozenchuu during the morning N5 午後三時 ごごさんじ gogo sanji 3 PM N5...
〜てしかたがない — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern V-て form + しかたがない / しょうがない い-adj (く form) + てしかたがない / てしょうがない な-adj (で form) + しかたがない / しょうがない The verb or adjective describes a feeling, sensation, or state that cannot be suppressed or helped. The subject is typically the speaker. Formality Neutral to Conversational . てしかたがない is the standard form; てしょうがない is the contracted, more casual form. Both are used in everyday speech and informal writing. てしかたがない...
〜として — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜として / 〜としての / 〜とした Structure: Noun + として + [predicate/action] Noun + としての + Noun (attributive) Noun + とした + Noun (attributive, often "taking ~ as a basis") Formality: Standard to Formal Meaning: "as ~, in the capacity of ~, in the role of ~, taking ~ as ~" Explanation 〜として marks the role, capacity, identity, function, or basis in which someone/something acts or is regarded. Common uses:...
〜わけにはいかない — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜わけにはいかない / 〜わけにはいきません (wake ni wa ikanai) Also: 〜ないわけにはいかない (double negative form) Structure Verb (plain form) + わけにはいかない (cannot do — social/moral prohibition) Verb (ない-form) + わけにはいかない (cannot NOT do — double negative obligation) Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in both spoken and written Japanese, though more commonly in spoken formal situations, novels, and essays. Meaning 〜わけにはいかない: "Cannot do X," "it won't do to do X," "I...
長 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 長 8 N5 長 long/chief Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) チョウ chou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) なが-い naga-i long Kun (訓) おさ osa chief; head Meanings long chief leader senior Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 長い ながい nagai long N5 校長 こうちょう kouchou school principal N4 社長 しゃちょう shachou company president N4 長所 ちょうしょ chousho strong point / merit...
小 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 小 3 N5 小 small Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ショウ shou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ちい-さい/こ/お chii-sai/ko/o small; little Meanings small little Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 小さい ちいさい chiisai small / little N5 小学校 しょうがっこう shougakkou elementary school N5 小説 しょうせつ shousetsu novel / fiction N4 小鳥 ことり kotori small bird N4 小包 こづつみ kozutsumi parcel /...
水 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 水 4 N5 水 water Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) スイ sui Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) みず mizu water Meanings water Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 水 みず mizu water N5 水曜日 すいようび suiyoubi Wednesday N5 水泳 すいえい suiei swimming N4 洪水 こうずい kouzui flood N3 水道 すいどう suidou water supply / tap N4 Stroke Order Central vertical stroke....
前 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 前 9 N5 刀 knife Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ゼン zen Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) まえ mae before; front; ago Meanings before front previous ago Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 前 まえ mae before / in front N5 午前 ごぜん gozen AM / before noon N5 名前 なまえ namae name N5 駅前 えきまえ ekimae in front of the...
〜にもかかわらず — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜にもかかわらず (ni mo kakawarazu) Structure Noun + にもかかわらず Verb (plain form) + にもかかわらず I-adjective (plain form) + にもかかわらず Na-adjective + である + にもかかわらず (formal) Na-adjective + な + にもかかわらず (slightly less formal) Formality Level Formal — written Japanese, news, academic, legal contexts. The spoken equivalent is 〜のに (more informal and emotionally charged). Meaning "Despite X," "in spite of X," "even though X." Expresses a contrastive, unexpected result — X...
天 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 天 4 N5 大 big Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) テン ten Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あめ/あま ame/ama sky; heaven Meanings heaven sky celestial nature Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 天気 てんき tenki weather N5 天国 てんごく tengoku heaven / paradise N4 天井 てんじょう tenjou ceiling N4 天才 てんさい tensai genius N4 天ぷら てんぷら tempura tempura (dish) N5 Stroke...
魚 — JLPT N5 Kanji
魚 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 11 | Radical: 魚 (fish) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi ギョ gyo fish in compounds Kun-yomi さかな、うお sakana, uo sakana = fish (common); uo = fish (in compounds/poetic) Meanings Fish (Used as a food category) Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 魚 さかな sakana fish N5 金魚 きんぎょ kingyo goldfish N5 魚市場 さかなしじょう sakana shijoo fish market N4 熱帯魚 ねったいぎょ nettaigyo tropical fish...
日 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 日 4 N5 日 sun/day Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ニチ/ジツ nichi/jitsu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ひ/か hi/ka day; sun Meanings sun day Japan Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 今日 きょう kyou today N5 日曜日 にちようび nichiyoubi Sunday N5 明日 あした ashita tomorrow N5 昨日 きのう kinou yesterday N5 日本 にほん Nihon Japan N5 Stroke Order Left vertical. 2....
昨 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 昨 9 N5 日 sun/day Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) サク saku Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings yesterday previous Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 昨日 きのう kinou yesterday N5 昨年 さくねん sakunen last year (formal) N4 昨夜 さくや sakuya last night (formal) N4 昨晩 さくばん sakuban last night N4 昨今 さっこん sakkon nowadays / recently N2 Stroke Order Left: 日 (sun,...
〜ようにする — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜ようにする Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + ようにする → "try to do ~, make a point of doing ~" Verb (negative ない) + ようにする → "try not to do ~, make sure not to ~" Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "make an effort to ~, try to ensure ~, make a point of ~" Explanation 〜ようにする expresses a sustained, deliberate effort to make something happen or to avoid something....
木 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 木 4 N5 木 tree/wood Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) モク/ボク moku/boku Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) き/こ ki/ko tree; wood Meanings tree wood Thursday Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 木曜日 もくようび mokuyoubi Thursday N5 木 き ki tree N5 木造 もくぞう mokuzou wooden construction N3 木材 もくざい mokuzai lumber / timber N3 大木 たいぼく taiboku large tree N4 Stroke...
〜に反して — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern Noun + に反して Noun + に反した + Noun (attributive form) Noun + に反し (more formal / written variant) The noun before に反して typically refers to an expectation, wish, prediction, rule, order, or agreement — something that has been violated or gone against. Formality Formal / Written . This pattern appears frequently in newspapers, formal essays, and official statements. It can be used in formal speech, but sounds stiff in...
大 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 大 3 N5 大 big Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ダイ/タイ dai/tai Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) おお-きい oo-kii big; large Meanings big large great Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 大きい おおきい ookii big / large N5 大学 だいがく daigaku university N5 大人 おとな otona adult N5 大切 たいせつ taisetsu important / precious N5 大丈夫 だいじょうぶ daijoubu all right /...
〜をもとに / 〜をもとにして — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜をもとに / 〜をもとにして (o moto ni / o moto ni shite) Structure Noun + をもとに (followed by verb) Noun + をもとにして (followed by verb — slightly more emphatic) Noun + をもとにした + Noun (attributive) Formality Level Formal to neutral — used in academic, business, creative, and analytical contexts. Common in both written and spoken formal Japanese. Meaning "Based on X," "using X as a basis," "drawing from X." Expresses...
〜ばかりでなく — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜ばかりでなく Structure: Noun / Verb (plain) / Adjective + ばかりでなく + [additional] + も Formality: Formal / Written Meaning: "not only ~, but also ~" (more emphatic than 〜だけでなく) Explanation 〜ばかりでなく has the same basic meaning as 〜だけでなく〜も — "not only A, but also B" — but it is distinctly more formal and emphatic . It appears primarily in: Written reports and academic papers Formal speeches News articles Official...
読 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 読 14 N5 言 speech/word Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ドク/トク/トウ doku/toku/tou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) よ-む yo-mu to read Meanings read Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 読む よむ yomu to read N5 読書 どくしょ dokusho reading (books) N4 読み方 よみかた yomikata way of reading / pronunciation N5 読者 どくしゃ dokusha reader (of a publication) N3 音読み おんよみ onyomi...
〜ことなしに — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜ことなしに Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + ことなしに + [result/following action] Formality: Formal / Written Meaning: "without doing ~, without ~ occurring" Explanation 〜ことなしに expresses that the result in the second clause occurs without the prerequisite action in the first clause . It emphasizes that something normally expected or necessary did NOT happen. The second clause often describes an action that logically should require the first clause. It is formal...
火 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 火 4 N5 火 fire Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) カ ka Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) ひ/ほ hi/ho fire Meanings fire Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 火曜日 かようび kayoubi Tuesday N5 火事 かじ kaji fire (disaster) N4 火山 かざん kazan volcano N4 花火 はなび hanabi fireworks N5 火力 かりょく karyoku firepower / thermal power N3 Stroke Order Central vertical...
〜どころか — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜どころか Structure: Noun / Verb (plain) / Adjective + どころか + [contrary or amplified result] Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "far from ~, let alone ~, on the contrary ~" Explanation 〜どころか expresses a strong unexpected contrast : "the reality is not just different from A — it is the opposite, or something even more extreme." Two uses: Use 1 — "Far from A, actually [the opposite/worse]": The...
金 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 金 8 N5 金 gold/metal Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) キン/コン kin/kon Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) かね/かな kane/kana gold; money; metal Meanings gold money metal Friday Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 金曜日 きんようび kin-youbi Friday N5 お金 おかね okane money N5 金色 きんいろ kin-iro golden color N4 黄金 おうごん ougon gold N3 金属 きんぞく kinzoku metal N3 Stroke Order...
〜ざるを得ない — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜ざるを得ない / 〜ざるを得ません (zaru o enai) Structure Verb (negative stem, ない-form without ない) + ざるを得ない Irregular: する → せざるを得ない (NOT しざるを得ない) ある → あらざるを得ない (rare/literary) Formation: Take the verb negative (ない) form, remove ない → add ざるを得ない 行く → 行か(ない) → 行かざるを得ない 認める → 認め(ない) → 認めざるを得ない する → せ(ざる) → せざるを得ない Formality Level Formal — primarily written Japanese, formal speech. Common in business, academic, and official contexts. The...
鳥 — JLPT N5 Kanji
鳥 JLPT Level: N5 | Strokes: 11 | Radical: 鳥 (bird) Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On-yomi チョウ choo bird in compounds Kun-yomi とり tori bird Meanings Bird Chicken (as food: 鶏肉 is often shortened to とり) Poultry Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 鳥 とり tori bird N5 小鳥 ことり kotori small bird N5 鶏肉 とりにく toriniku chicken (meat) N5 野鳥 やちょう yachoo wild bird N4 鳥居 とりい torii...
女 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 女 3 N5 女 woman Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) ジョ/ニョ/ニョウ jo/nyo/nyou Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) おんな/め onna/me woman; female Meanings woman female Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 女 おんな onna woman N5 女性 じょせい josei female / woman (formal) N5 女の子 おんなのこ onna no ko girl N5 女子 じょし joshi girl / female N4 彼女 かのじょ kanojo she...
〜さえ〜ば — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜さえ〜ば Structure: Noun + さえ + [conditional ば/なら] → "if only ~, as long as ~" Verb (masu-stem) + さえ + すれば → "if only one does ~" Verb (TE-form) + さえ + いれば → "as long as one is doing/maintaining ~" I-adj (stem) + さえ + あれば/〜ければ Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "if only ~, as long as ~" — minimal sufficient condition Explanation 〜さえ〜ば marks a...
〜にほかならない — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜にほかならない Structure: Noun / Verb (plain) / こと + にほかならない Formality: Formal / Written Meaning: "nothing other than ~, nothing but ~, precisely ~, it is exactly ~" Explanation 〜にほかならない makes an emphatic, exclusive identification : the speaker is asserting with strong conviction that something is definitively a particular thing — there is no other explanation, identity, or cause. ほかならない means "is not other" → "is nothing other than."...
〜かねる / 〜かねない — JLPT N2 Grammar
Patterns 〜かねる (kaneru) — polite inability/reluctance 〜かねない (kanenai) — risk/negative possibility Structure 〜かねる: Verb (masu-stem) + かねる / かねます 〜かねない: Verb (masu-stem) + かねない Formality Level Both: Formal — used in business correspondence, official statements, professional contexts. かねる: Standard formula for polite refusals in formal letters/email かねない: Written and spoken formal/business Japanese CRITICAL DISTINCTION These two patterns look almost identical but have opposite-direction meanings: Pattern Meaning Direction Speaker's role 〜かねる...
〜たところ — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜たところ (ta tokoro) Structure Verb (た-form/past) + ところ Typically followed by a discovery verb: 分かった, 判明した, 見つかった, あった, なかった, etc. Formality Level Neutral to formal — used in business reports, investigation summaries, academic writing, and formal correspondence. Also natural in spoken formal Japanese. Meaning "Upon doing X, [I discovered/found that] Y." Expresses that after completing an action, the speaker encountered or discovered an unexpected or noteworthy result. The key...
JLPT N2 Lesson 7: Time and Occasion Patterns
Overview In formal Japanese — official ceremonies, business announcements, academic presentations, and official correspondence — the precise timing and occasion of an action must be expressed with specific grammatical patterns. These patterns do more than indicate when something happened; they signal the formality of the occasion, the speaker's attitude toward the event, and whether the action is preparatory, consequential, or marking a significant boundary in time. Choosing the wrong pattern...
〜によって/〜による — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜によって / 〜により / 〜による Structure: Noun + によって / により (formal written) Noun + による + Noun (attributive) Formality: Formal / Written (especially 〜により) Meaning: Four uses — agent (by), means (through/by means of), cause (due to), variation (depending on) Explanation 〜によって is one of the most versatile patterns in N3. It covers four semantic roles: Agent (in passive constructions): who performed the action — 「この小説は夏目漱石によって書かれた」 Means/method :...
〜たびに — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜たびに Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + たびに Noun + の + たびに Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "every time ~, whenever ~" Explanation 〜たびに expresses a consistent, repeated pattern: every single time event/action A occurs, result/feeling B reliably follows. It emphasizes the regularity and consistency of the connection. It often carries emotional weight — a memory, a feeling, or a habitual response that always accompanies a recurring event....
駅 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 駅 14 N5 馬 horse Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) エキ eki Chinese-origin (音読み) Meanings station (train/bus) Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 駅 えき eki train station N5 駅前 えきまえ ekimae in front of the station N5 駅員 えきいん ekiin station staff N4 終着駅 しゅうちゃくえき shuuchakueki terminal station N3 駅弁 えきべん ekiben station lunchbox N4 Stroke Order Left: 馬...
〜さえ〜ば — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern Noun + さえ + V-conditional (ば/ければ) — "if only [noun], then ~" V-masu stem + さえ + すれば — "if only [you] do ~, then ~" い-adj stem + くさえあれば — "if only it is ~, then ~" The ば-form (conditional) is the standard partner for さえ. The key forms: Verb: V-masu stem + さえすれば (do even just this → then ~) Noun: Noun + さえあれば (if only [noun]...
〜に沿って / 〜に沿った — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜に沿って / 〜に沿った (ni sotte / ni sotta) Structure Noun + に沿って (followed by verb) Noun + に沿った + Noun (attributive — modifying a noun) Formality Level Formal to neutral — used in business planning, policy documents, academic discourse. Also used in everyday formal speech. Meaning "In line with X," "along X," "following the course of X." Expresses that an action proceeds consistently with a pre-defined direction, plan, policy,...
新 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 新 13 N5 斤 axe Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シン shin Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) あたら-しい/あら-た/にい atara-shii/ara-ta/nii new Meanings new Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 新しい あたらしい atarashii new N5 新聞 しんぶん shinbun newspaper N5 新幹線 しんかんせん shinkansen bullet train N5 新年 しんねん shinnen New Year N4 最新 さいしん saishin newest / latest N4 Stroke Order Left: 亲...
〜に対して/〜に対する — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜に対して / 〜に対する Structure: Noun + に対して / Noun + に対する + Noun (attributive) Formality: Standard to Formal Meaning: "toward ~, against ~, in contrast to ~, in response to ~" Explanation 〜に対して marks the target or object to which an action, attitude, or comparison is directed. Unlike the simple particle 〜に (which marks direction or indirect object), 〜に対して specifically emphasizes a response or stance directed at a target....
〜こそ / 〜だからこそ — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern 〜こそ / 〜だからこそ / 〜てこそ (koso / da kara koso / te koso) Structure Noun + こそ (emphatic focus on noun) Verb (て-form) + こそ (only by doing X can Y be achieved) 〜だからこそ (precisely because of this/that reason) 〜からこそ (precisely because — attaches to various forms) Formality Level All registers — こそ appears in casual speech, formal writing, official speeches. More emphatic uses tend toward formal/written. Meaning 〜こそ:...
JLPT N3 Lesson 7: Limits, Scope, and Contrast
Overview Japanese has a highly sophisticated system for expressing partial negation, unexpected contrast, and definitional limitation. These patterns are essential for nuanced communication: saying "it's not that I can't do it" is fundamentally different from saying "I can't do it," and getting this distinction right is crucial at N3 level. The patterns in this lesson allow you to restrict scope, deny assumptions, express unexpected contrast, and make emphatic assertions—all of...
〜がちだ — JLPT N3 Grammar
Pattern: 〜がちだ / 〜がちな Structure: Verb (masu-stem) + がちだ Noun + がちだ 〜がちな + Noun (attributive) Formality: Standard (spoken and written) Meaning: "tend to ~, be prone to ~, inclined to ~" (usually negative or undesirable) Explanation 〜がちだ expresses a tendency or proneness that is usually viewed negatively or as a problem. It does not mean simply "often" — it carries the nuance that this tendency is unfortunate, undesirable, or...
車 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 車 7 N5 車 vehicle Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) シャ sha Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) くるま kuruma car; wheel; vehicle Meanings vehicle car wheel Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 電車 でんしゃ densha electric train N5 車 くるま kuruma car / vehicle N5 自転車 じてんしゃ jitensha bicycle N5 自動車 じどうしゃ jidousha automobile N5 駐車場 ちゅうしゃじょう chuushajou parking lot N4...
分 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 分 4 N5 刀 knife Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) フン/ブン/ブ fun/bun/bu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) わか-る/わ-ける waka-ru/wa-keru to understand; to divide Meanings minute part understand divide Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 五分 ごふん gofun five minutes N5 十分 じゅっぷん juppun ten minutes / sufficient N5 分かる わかる wakaru to understand N5 半分 はんぶん hanbun half N5 自分 じぶん...
円 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 円 4 N5 囗 enclosure Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) エン en Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) まる-い maru-i round; circle Meanings yen (currency) circle round Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 円 えん en Japanese yen N5 百円 ひゃくえん hyaku-en 100 yen N5 円い まるい marui round / circular N5 円高 えんだか endaka strong yen N3 半円 はんえん han-en semicircle...
JLPT N5 Lesson 1: The Japanese Writing System
Introduction to Japanese Scripts Japanese is unique among world languages for its use of three distinct writing systems: Hiragana (ひらがな) , Katakana (カタカナ) , and Kanji (漢字) . Hiragana: The foundational script. It is used for grammatical particles, verb endings, and native Japanese words. Katakana: The angular script. It is primarily used for foreign loanwords, names of people from outside Japan, and onomatopoeia. Kanji: Chinese characters used to represent concepts...
JLPT N5 Lesson 7: Shopping and Money
Overview Shopping is one of the most practical and frequent activities you will engage in while visiting or living in Japan. Whether you are at a convenience store ( konbini ), a supermarket, or a department store, being able to inquire about prices and request items is essential for daily survival. This lesson builds upon your knowledge of basic sentence structures and introduces the vocabulary of commerce and the logic...
〜ばかりか — JLPT N2 Grammar
Pattern Noun + ばかりか、~ も / さえ / まで + [verb/predicate] V-plain / Adj-plain + ばかりか、~ も / さえ / まで + [verb/predicate] The element after ばかりか (introduced with も, さえ, or まで) is the surprising or more extreme additional item. The predicate applies to both items. Formality Neutral to Formal . ばかりか is used in both written and spoken Japanese. It is more emphatic than だけでなく and tends to...
空 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 空 8 N5 穴 hole/cave Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) クウ kuu Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) そら/から/す-く sora/kara/su-ku sky; empty; void Meanings sky empty air void Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 空 そら sora sky N5 空港 くうこう kuukou airport N5 空気 くうき kuuki air / atmosphere N5 空白 くうはく kuuhaku blank / empty space N4 青空 あおぞら aozora...
今 — JLPT N5 Kanji
Character Info Kanji Strokes JLPT Radical Radical Meaning 今 4 N5 人 person Readings Type Reading Romaji Notes On (音) コン/キン kon/kin Chinese-origin (音読み) Kun (訓) いま ima now Meanings now present Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English JLPT 今 いま ima now N5 今日 きょう kyou today N5 今週 こんしゅう konshuu this week N5 今月 こんげつ kongetsu this month N5 今年 ことし kotoshi this year N5 Stroke Order Top diagonal...