Japanese Grammar Points
755 grammar points from JLPT N5 to N1, grouped into families of near-synonyms so you can compare the ones that actually get confused.
Causality (Because / Since / Due to) 16 related points
- ～から、～ N5 〜kara、～ Expresses reason or cause; 'because', 'since', 'so'. Verb-casual + から / い-Adjective + から / な-Adjective + だから / Noun + だから
- ～からです N5 〜kara desu Express the reason or cause; 'because', 'since', 'due to'. Verb-casual + からです / い-Adjective + からです / な-Adjective + だからです / Noun + だからです
- だから、～ N5 dakara、～ Expresses a reason or cause; 'because', 'so', 'therefore'. Noun + だから / な-Adjective + だから
- ～し、～し、～ N4 〜shi, 〜shi, 〜 Express multiple reasons or characteristics; 'and', 'because', 'since'. Verb-casual + し, い-Adjective + し, な-Adjective + だし, Noun + だし
- ～ので N4 〜node Express a reason or a cause for something; 'because', 'since', 'so'. Verb-casual + ので, い-Adjective + ので, な-Adjective + なので, Noun + なので
- ～おかげで N3 〜okagede Expresses gratitude or shows a positive result due to a certain factor; 'thanks to', 'because of'. Verb-casual + おかげで, い-Adjective + おかげで, な-Adjective + だおかげで, Noun + のおかげで
- ですから～ N3 desu kara Expresses reason or cause; 'because', 'since', 'so'. Sentence A + ですから + Sentence B
- ～なぜなら N3 〜nazenara Express a reason or explanation; 'because', 'the reason is'. Sentence/Statement + なぜなら + Reason + から/だから
- ～んだもん N3 〜nda mon Used to convey a sense of justification; 'because', 'that's why', 'it's just that'. Verb-casual + んだもん, い-Adjective + んだもん, な-Adjective + なんだもん, Noun + なんだもん
- A。だって B。 N2 Datte~ Used to give a reason, express cause or bring up a topic; 'because', 'since', 'it's just that'. Verb-casual + だって、い-Adjective + だって、な-Adjective + だって、Noun + だって
- ～ことから N2 〜koto kara Indicates the reason or basis for something; 'because', 'since', 'due to'. Verb-casual + ことから / い-Adjective + ことから / な-Adjective + なことから / Noun + のことから
- ～ばかりに N2 〜bakari ni Express an undesired situation or result caused by something; 'simply because', 'due to', 'on account of'. Verb-casual + ばかりに, い-Adjective + ばかりに, な-Adjective + なばかりに, Noun + なばかりに
- ～ものだから N2 〜mono dakara Express the reason or cause for something; 'because', 'since', 'due to'. Verb-plain + ものだから, い-Adjective + ものだから, な-Adjective + なものだから, Noun + なものだから
- ～がゆえに N1 ～ga yue ni Expresses the reason or cause; 'because', 'due to', 'as a result of'. Noun / Verb / Adjective + がゆえに
- ～がゆえの Noun N1 〜ga yue no Noun Expresses the reason or cause for something; 'because of', 'due to'. Noun / Verb-dictionary form + がゆえの + Noun
- ～こととて N1 〜koto tote Used to express the reason or premise for a decision or judgment; 'since', 'because'. Verb (plain form) + こととて / Noun + の + こととて / (な-Adjective + な) + こととて
Contradiction (But / However) 13 related points
- A。けれども、～B。 N5 A. Keredomo,~ B. Used to express a contrast between two statements. It can be translated as 'but' or 'however'. Statement A + けれども、+ Statement B
- A。しかし、～B。 N5 A. Shikashi, ~B. Expresses contrast or contradiction between two clauses; 'A, but B', 'A, however B'. Sentence A + しかし + Sentence B.
- A。でも、～B。 N5 A. Demo, ~B Used to express contrast between two statements; 'A, but B', 'A, however B'. Clause A + でも + Clause B
- ～が N5 〜ga Particle indicating the subject of a sentence or expressing 'but'. Noun + が / い-Adjective + が / な-Adjective + が / Verb + が
- ～けど、～ N5 〜kedo、～ Used to connect two clauses; 'but', 'however', 'although' Verb-casual + けど / い-adjective + けど / な-adjective + だけど / Noun + だけど
- ～けれど、～ N5 〜keredo、～ Expresses a contrast or contradiction; 'but', 'however', 'even though'. Verb-casual + けれど / い-Adjective + けれど / な-Adjective + だけれど / Noun + だけれど
- だけど N3 dakedo Expresses a contrast or contradiction; 'but', 'however', 'even though'. Sentence 1 + (だ)けど + Sentence 2
- A。それでも B。 N2 ~sore demo Expresses 'even so', 'nevertheless', 'still', or 'but'; used to contrast two statements. A (situation) + 。それでも + B (action or thought)
- A。だが B。 N2 ~daga Expresses contrasting ideas or statements; 'but', 'however'. Sentence A + だが + Sentence B
- A。ただB。 N2 ~tada Express contrast between two situations; 'although', 'but', 'however'. Sentence A + ただ + Sentence B
- A。ただしB。 N2 A. Tadashi B Adding a condition or exception to a statement; 'however', 'provided that', 'but only if'. Statement A + ただし + Condition B
- A。もっとも B。 N2 Motto mo ~ Express contrasting opinions or facts; 'although', 'but', 'however'. Clause A + もっとも + Clause B
- ～ものの、～ N2 〜mono no、～ Indicates contrast or contradiction between two clauses; 'although', 'but'. Verb-casual + ものの, い-Adjective + ものの, な-Adjective + なものの, Noun + であるものの
Concession (Even Though / Although / Despite) 12 related points
- ～ても/でも N4 〜te mo/demo Expresses 'even if' or 'even though'; used to convey contradiction or contrast. Verb-て-form + も, い-Adjective (-い) + くても, な-Adjective + でも, Noun + でも
- ～くせに N3 〜kuse ni Used to express criticism or disapproval; 'even though', 'despite', 'in spite of'. Verb-casual + くせに, い-Adjective + くせに, な-Adjective + な/のくせに, Noun + のくせに
- ～といっても N3 〜to ittemo Express the meaning 'even though', 'although', 'but'. Verb-casual + といっても, い-Adjective + といっても, な-Adjective + だといっても, Noun + だといっても
- ～ところが N3 〜tokoro ga Expresses a contrast or unexpected outcome; 'however', 'but', 'even though'. Phrase 1 (expected situation) + ところが + Phrase 2 (unexpected result)
- ～わりには N3 〜wari ni wa Expresses contrast between expectation and reality; 'despite', 'considering', 'even though'. Verb-casual + わりには, い-Adjective + わりには, な-Adjective + だわりには, Noun + だわりには
- A。それなのに B。 N2 ~sorenanoni Express contrast or a contradiction between two situations or facts; 'even though', 'despite', 'but still'. A。それなのに B。
- ～にもかかわらず N2 〜ni mo kakawarazu Expresses 'despite', 'in spite of' or 'even though'. Verb (any tense/form) + にもかかわらず, い-Adjective + にもかかわらず, な-Adjective (or Noun) + であるにもかかわらず
- ～に反して N2 〜ni hanshite Contrary to, against, in spite of Noun + に反して
- Noun にして N1 Noun ni shite Expresses the idea 'even for', 'even though', or 'in spite of'. Noun + にして
- ～といえども N1 〜to iedomo Even if it is said that; Even though; Although. Noun + といえども / Verb-plain form + といえども / Adjective + といえども
- ～とはいえ N1 ～to wa ie Even though; although; but Noun + とはいえ, な-Adjective + だとはいえ, い-Adjective + とはいえ, Verb-casual + とはいえ
- ～ながらも N1 〜nagara mo Means 'even though' or 'despite'. Verb stem + ながらも, い-Adjective + ながらも, な-Adjective/Noun + ながらも
Regardless (Whether A Or B) 12 related points
- A あるいは B N2 A aruiwa B Indicates alternatives; 'A or B', 'either A or B'. Phrase A + あるいは + Phrase B
- ～にしろ～にしろ N2 〜ni shiro 〜ni shiro Expresses 'either way', 'in any case', 'be it...', used when presenting two alternatives. Verb (dictionary form or negative form) + にしろ, い-Adjective + にしろ, な-Adjective + にしろ, Noun + にしろ
- A うと B うと N1 A uto B uto Shows that the speaker is indifferent to both conditions; 'whether A or B'. い-adjective (-かろう) + と, な-adjective / Noun + であろうと
- A かれ B かれ N1 A kare B kare Expresses 'whether A or B'; both situations are included. Commonly i-adjective stems + かれ + i-adjective stems + かれ (e.g. 早かれ遅かれ). Also sometimes Noun + かれ + Noun + かれ in older usage.
- A であれ B であれ N1 A deare B deare Indicates the same statement applies to both A and B; 'whether A or B'. Noun A + であれ + Noun B + であれ
- A とも B とも N1 A tomo B tomo Expresses two possibilities; 'either A or B', 'whether A or B'. Noun + とも + Noun + とも (or sometimes Verb forms for each A, B)
- A にしろ B にしろ N1 A nishiro B nishiro Means 'whether it is A or B'; 'regardless of A or B'. Noun A + にしろ + Noun B + にしろ, or Verb-casual A + にしろ + Verb-casual B + にしろ
- A にせよ B にせよ N1 A ni seyo B ni seyo Either A or B; Regardless of whether it's A or B. Noun + にせよ + Noun + にせよ (also works with verbs in dictionary form + にせよ)
- A につけ B につけ N1 A ni tsuke B ni tsuke Expresses 'whether... or...', 'both... and...', 'in either case'. Phrase A (dictionary/adjective form) + につけ、Phrase B (dictionary/adjective form) + につけ
- Noun といい Noun といい N1 〜to ii〜to ii Used to express 'both A and B'; 'whether it's A or B'; 'not to mention A and also B'. Noun1 + といい + Noun2 + といい + Comment
- Noun といわず Noun といわず N1 A to iwazu B to iwazu Expresses 'both A and B' or 'be it A or B'; applies to both without distinction. Noun1 + といわず + Noun2 + といわず + (rest of the sentence)
- Noun なり Noun なり N1 A nari B nari Lists alternatives of the same kind; 'either A or B', 'A or B, for example'. Noun + なり + Noun + なり
Inference (It Seems / Probably) 11 related points
- ～かもしれない N4 〜kamoshirenai Express uncertainty; 'maybe', 'might', 'possibly'. Verb-casual + かもしれない, い-Adjective + かもしれない, な-Adjective + だかもしれない, Noun + だかもしれない
- ～だろう N4 〜darou Express probability, likelihood or certainty; 'probably', 'maybe', 'I think'. Verb-casual + だろう, い-Adjective (drop い) + だろう, な-Adjective + だろう, Noun + だろう
- ～でしょう N4 〜deshou A conjecture or probability; 'probably', 'I think', 'it seems'. Verb-ますstem + でしょう, い-Adjective + でしょう, な-Adjective + でしょう, Noun + でしょう
- ～ようだ N4 〜you da Expresses appearance, similarity or inference; 'it seems', 'it looks like', 'it appears'. Verb-て form + ようだ, い-Adjective (drop い) + ようだ, な-Adjective + のようだ, Noun + のようだ
- ～ということだ N3 〜to iu koto da Express a conclusion or hearsay; 'I heard', 'it means', 'it can be said'. Verb-casual + ということだ, い-Adjective + ということだ, な-Adjective + だということだ, Noun + だということだ
- もしかすると〜かもしれない N3 moshikasuru to 〜kamoshirenai Express the possibility of something; 'maybe', 'perhaps', 'might'. もしかすると + Sentence + かもしれない
- ～らしい N3 〜rashii Expresses hearsay; 'I heard', 'it seems', 'apparently'. Verb-casual + らしい, い-Adjective + らしい, な-Adjective + だらしい, Noun + だらしい
- ～んだって N3 〜n datte Conveys information heard from someone else; 'I heard', 'They said'. Verb-casual + んだって, い-Adjective + んだって, な-Adjective + なんだって, Noun + なんだって
- ～まい N2 〜mai Express a negative conjecture or determination; 'probably not' or 'I will not'. Verb-dictionary form + まい
- ～とのことだ N1 〜to no koto da Expresses something that the speaker heard; 'I've heard that', 'I was told that'. Simplified phrase + とのことだ
- ～とみえて N1 〜to miete It seems that; apparently Verb-casual + とみえて, い-Adjective + とみえて, な-Adjective + だとみえて, Noun + だとみえて
Exclusivity (Only / Nothing But) 9 related points
- Noun だけ〜 N5 〜dake Indicates 'only', 'just', or 'merely'. Noun + だけ, Verb-casual + だけ, い-Adjective + だけ, な-Adjective-な + だけ
- Noun しか～ない N4 Noun shika~nai Expresses 'only', 'nothing but', or 'no other'. Noun + しか + Negative Verb
- Noun ばかり N4 〜bakari Expresses 'only', 'nothing but', 'always', or 'just'. Noun + ばかり, Verb-casual + ばかり, い-Adjective + ばかり, な-Adjective + だ ばかり
- ～しかない N3 〜shika nai Express the idea of 'only', 'no other option but', 'nothing else but'. Verb-casual + しかない, い-Adjective + しかない, な-Adjective + しかない, Noun + しかない
- ～だけしか N3 ～dake shika Emphasizes the scarcity or insufficiency of something; 'only', 'nothing but'. Noun/Quantity + だけ + しか + Negative Verb
- ～にほかならない N2 〜ni hoka naranai Express that something is 'nothing but' or 'none other than'. Verb-plain + にほかならない, い-Adjective + にほかならない, な-Adjective + にほかならない, Noun + にほかならない
- ～に過ぎない N2 〜ni suginai Expresses that something is 'just' or 'nothing more than'; 'merely', 'only', 'simply'. Verb-casual + に過ぎない, い-Adjective + に過ぎない, な-Adjective + に過ぎない, Noun + に過ぎない
- ～に限り N2 〜ni kagiri Expresses limitation; 'only', 'limited to', 'exclusive to'. Noun + に限り
- ～ばかりだ N2 〜bakari da Express a continuing state or negative tendency; 'just', 'only', 'always'. Verb-てform + ばかりだ, い-Adjective + ばかりだ, な-Adjective + ばかりだ, Noun + ばかりだ
As Soon As (The Moment That) 8 related points
- ～たとたん N3 〜ta totan Express the moment something happens; 'as soon as', 'the moment', 'the instant'. Verb-た form + とたん
- ～か～ないかのうちに N2 〜ka〜naika no uchi ni Expresses an action that occurs immediately after another action; 'as soon as', 'no sooner than', 'the moment'. Verb-casual + か + Verb-negative form + かのうちに
- ～たかと思ったら N2 〜ta ka to omottara Express a sequence of events happening in quick succession; 'as soon as', 'no sooner than'. Verb-た form + かと思ったら
- ～次第 N2 〜shidai Expresses 'as soon as' (when used with Verb-ますstem) or 'depending on' (when used with a noun). Verb-ますstem + 次第, Noun + 次第
- Verb たが最後 N1 〜ta ga saigo Emphasizes 'once something happens, there is no going back'; 'once', 'as soon as', etc. Verb-casual, past (た form) + が最後
- Verb たら最後 N1 〜tara saigo Expresses that once a certain action happens, the situation changes irreversibly - usually in a negative way. Verb-た form + ら最後
- Verbる なり N1 Verb-ru nari Expresses 'as soon as' or 'the moment'. Verb-dictionary form + なり
- Verbる や否や N1 Verb-ru ya ina ya Expresses the idea of 'as soon as', 'the moment...'. Verb-dictionary form + や否や
Conditional (If / Assuming That) 8 related points
- もし～たなら N3 moshi ~ tanara Express a hypothetical condition, 'if' or 'in case'. もし + Verb-casual past + なら, もし + い-Adjective-casual past + なら, もし + な-Adjective + だったなら, もし + Noun + だったなら
- もしも～なら N3 moshimo ~ nara Express a hypothetical condition or situation; 'if', 'in case', 'suppose'. Verb-casual + なら, い-Adjective + なら, な-Adjective + なら, Noun + なら
- A。すると B。 N2 ~suruto Indicates that when action A is done, action or event B follows; 'then', 'when', 'if'. Verb (dictionary form) + と + Result
- ～からには N2 〜kara niwa Express a sense of responsibility or determination; 'since', 'now that', 'if'. Noun + だ + からには, な-Adjective + だ + からには, い-Adjective + からには, Verb-casual + からには
- ～上は N2 ～ue wa Expresses 'now that', 'since', or 'once'. Verb-casual + 上は, い-Adjective + 上は, な-Adjective + な上は, Noun + の上は
- Noun ともなれば N1 〜to mo nareba Expresses 'if it comes to', 'when', or 'once'. Noun + ともなれば
- ～とあれば N1 〜to areba Expresses a condition; 'if', 'when', 'since'. Verb-casual + とあれば / い-Adjective + とあれば / な-Adjective + だとあれば / Noun + だとあれば
- ～とすると N1 〜to suru to Expresses 'if', 'when', or 'assuming that' in a speculative sense. Verb-casual + とすると / い-Adjective + とすると / な-Adjective + だとすると / Noun + だとすると
Emphasis (Even) 8 related points
- ～まで N4 〜made Indicates extent, 'until', 'up to', 'as far as', 'even'. Verb + まで, い-Adjective + まで, な-Adjective + まで, Noun + まで
- ～さえ N3 ～sae Emphasizes a specific item or action; 'even', 'if only', 'as long as'. Noun + さえ, Verb-casual + さえ, い-Adjective + さえ, な-Adjective + でさえ
- ～てまで N2 〜te made Express the extent someone goes in order to achieve something; 'to the point of', 'even', 'so far as to'. Verb-て form + まで
- ～まで～て N2 〜made 〜te Express doing something until a certain time or condition; 'until', 'to'. Time/Noun + まで + Verb(て-form)
- Noun たりとも～ない N1 ~tari tomo ~nai Used to show a strong negative: 'not even ~', 'not a single ~'. Noun + たりとも + Negative Verb
- Noun ですら N1 ~desura Means 'even', 'as much as', used for emphasis in formal contexts. Noun + ですら
- Noun にすら N1 〜ni sura Expresses the concept of 'even'; 'even in', 'even as', 'even to'. Noun + にすら
- Noun にもまして N1 〜ni mo mashite This expresses 'Even more than; exceeding'. Noun + にもまして
Regardless Of (No Matter) 8 related points
- ～にかかわらず N2 〜ni kakawarazu Regardless of; irrespective of; (often used as) 'whether or not'. Verb-dictionary form + にかかわらず, い-Adjective + にかかわらず, な-Adjective + にかかわらず, Noun + にかかわらず
- ～を問わず N2 〜wo towazu Means 'regardless of' or 'irrespective of'. Noun + を問わず
- Noun によらず N1 ～ni yorazu Regardless of, irrespective of. Noun + によらず
- Noun のいかんにかかわらず N1 Noun no ikan ni kakawarazu Regardless of, irrespective of. Noun + のいかんにかかわらず
- Noun のいかんによらず N1 ~ no ikan ni yorazu Means 'regardless of', 'irrespective of', or 'no matter' Noun + のいかんによらず
- Noun + はどうであれ N1 ~ wa dou de are This phrase means 'regardless of' or 'no matter how…'. Noun + はどうであれ
- ～だろうとなかろうと N1 〜darou to nakarou to Expresses 'regardless of whether it is or isn't'. Noun / i-Adjective / na-Adjective / Verb + だろうとなかろうと
- どんなに～うが N1 donna ni ～ u ga Expresses 'no matter how much...', 'even if...'. どんなに + Verb-volitional + うが, どんなに + い-Adjective(～かろう) + が, どんなに + な-Adjective + だろうが
Sequence (After / As A Result) 8 related points
- Noun の あとで N5 Noun no atode Expresses the order of events; 'after', 'later than'. Noun + の + あとで
- Verb てから～ N5 〜te kara Express a sequence of actions or events; 'after', 'since', 'once'. Verb-て形 + から
- ～きり N3 〜kiri Expresses the idea of 'only', 'since', or 'after'. Verb-past + きり, Verb-てform + きり (less common), Noun + きり
- ～あげく N2 ~ageku Expresses the outcome of a series of actions or events; 'in the end', 'finally', 'after'. Verb-た + あげく / Noun + の + あげく
- ～たきり N2 〜takiri Express 'since then' or 'after'; used to indicate that an action occurred once and has not been repeated or that a state has continued since a certain event or time. Verb-past + きり
- ～上で N2 〜ue de Used to express that something is done after or on the basis of something else; 'after', 'upon'. Verb-ますstem + 上で, Noun + の上で
- ～以来 N2 〜irai Indicates something happening 'since', 'ever since', or 'after' a particular time. Verb-past + 以来, い-Adjective + 以来, Noun + 以来
- ～末 N2 ～sue Express the outcome after a period of time or series of actions; 'after', 'as a result of'. Noun + 末
Should (Advice / Expectation) 7 related points
- ～たらいい N4 〜tara ii Expressing a desire or suggestion for a particular outcome; 'it would be good if', 'should', 'I hope'. Verb-casual-past + たらいい
- ～たら いかがですか N4 〜tara ikaga desu ka Making polite suggestions; 'how about if', 'what if', 'it would be good if'. Verb-casual, past + たら いかがですか, い-Adjective + かったら いかがですか, な-Adjective + だったら いかがですか, Noun + だったら いかがですか
- ～といい N4 〜to ii Express a wish or hope; 'I hope', 'it would be good if'. Verb-casual + といい, い-Adjective + といい, な-Adjective + だといい, Noun + だといい
- ～ばいい N4 〜ba ii Express a suggestion or advice; 'should', 'it would be good if'. Verb-ば-form + いい, い-Adjective + ければいい, な-Adjective + であればいい, Noun + であればいい
- ～ことだ N3 〜koto da Expresses advice or recommendation; 'should', 'it is important', 'it is necessary'. Verb-ますstem + ことだ, い-Adjective + ことだ, な-Adjective + なことだ, Noun + のことだ
- ～はずだ N3 〜hazu da Expresses an expectation, 'should' or 'it is supposed to'. Verb-casual + はずだ, い-Adjective + はずだ, な-Adjective + なはずだ, Noun + のはずだ
- ～ものだ N2 〜mono da Expresses something natural or expected; 'it is normal that...', 'should', 'ought to'. Verb-dictionary form + ものだ, な-Adjective + なものだ, (Also: Verb-た form + ものだ for recollections)
Addition (Besides / Moreover) 6 related points
- 文A。そのうえ 文B。 N4 Shows additional information; 'furthermore', 'besides', 'in addition'. Sentence A + そのうえ + Sentence B + 。
- A その上 B N3 A sono ue B Used to express 'in addition to', 'besides', or 'furthermore' when adding information or making a suggestion. A [sentence/clause] + その上 + B [sentence/clause]
- A。おまけに B。 N2 ~omake ni Expresses that in addition to A, there is also B; 'moreover', 'besides', 'not only', 'but also'. Sentence A + おまけに + Sentence B
- A。しかも B。 N2 A. Shikamo B. Expressing additional information; 'moreover', 'besides', 'furthermore'. Statement A + 。しかも + Statement B。
- A。なおB。 N2 A. Nao B. Provides additional information; 'moreover', 'besides', 'in addition'. A (sentence) + なお + B (sentence)
- ～上に N2 〜ue ni Express 'in addition to', 'besides', 'not only... but also'. Verb-plain + 上に, い-Adjective + 上に, な-Adjective + な上に, Noun + の上に
Approximation (About / Approximately) 6 related points
- Noun くらい～ N5 Noun kurai～ Express the extent or degree of something; 'about', 'approximately', 'at least'. Noun + くらい
- Noun ぐらい～ N5 Noun gurai～ Express an approximate amount or degree; 'about', 'approximately'. Noun + ぐらい
- Noun ごろ～ N5 Noun + goro～ Expresses 'around' or 'about' a certain time or age. Noun + ごろ
- だいたい〜 N5 daitai〜 Expresses 'roughly', 'approximately', or 'almost'. だいたい + Number/Amount/Percentage
- ～ほど～ N3 〜hodo〜 Expresses the degree or extent; 'about', 'to the extent', 'as much as'. Verb-casual + ほど, い-Adjective + ほど, な-Adjective + ほど, Noun + ほど
- Noun といったところだ N1 Noun to itta tokoro da Expresses 'at most', 'as much as', or 'limited to'. Noun + といったところだ
Benefactive Action (Doing X As A Favor) 6 related points
- Verb てあげる N4 Verb te ageru Used to express doing something for someone; 'do something for someone'. Verb-て form + あげる
- Verb ていただく N4 〜te itadaku Used to express receiving someone's favor or help; 'to kindly do'. Verb-て form + いただく
- Verb て くださる N4 Verb-te kudasaru Expresses gratitude for receiving someone's favor; 'to kindly do'. Verb て-form + くださる
- Verb て くれる N4 Verb-te kureru Expresses that someone does something for the speaker (or another person in speaker's group); 'to do something for me/us'. Verb-te form + くれる
- Verb て + さしあげる N4 Verb TE sashiageru A polite way to express giving or doing something for someone. Verb-てform + さしあげる
- Verb て もらう N4 Verb-te morau Express receiving a favor or action from someone. Verb-て form + もらう
Can't Help But (Overwhelming Feeling) 6 related points
- ～ずにはいられない N2 〜zu ni wa irarenai Cannot help but; cannot resist doing; an irresistible urge. Verb-ない form (drop ない) + ずにはいられない
- ～ていられない N2 〜te irarenai Expresses that one cannot afford to do something; 'can't keep on', 'unable to continue'. Verb-て form + いられない
- ～でたまらない N2 〜de tamaranai Express extremely strong feelings or sensations; 'can't stand', 'unbearably'. い-Adjective (く) + てたまらない / な-Adjective + でたまらない / Verb-て form + たまらない
- ～でならない N2 〜de naranai Indicates an uncontrollable emotion or feeling; 'can’t help but', 'overwhelmingly'. な-Adjective + でならない / い-Adjective (く) + てならない / Verb-て + ならない
- Verb ずにはすまない N1 Verb zuni wa sumanai 'Cannot do without...', 'unavoidable', 'have to'. Verb-ない form (remove ない) + ずにはすまない
- Verb てやまない N1 Verb te yamanai Used with certain emotional/mental verbs to show a strong, unceasing emotion: 'can't stop', 'never cease to'. Verb-て form + やまない (common with certain verbs)
Even If (Hypothetical Concession) 6 related points
- ～たとえ～ても N3 〜tatoe〜temo Express a condition with 'even if'; 'no matter how'. たとえ + Verb-casual + ても, たとえ + い-Adjective + くても, たとえ + な-Adjective + であっても, たとえ + Noun + であっても
- どんなに～ても N3 donna ni ~ temo Expresses 'no matter how much' or 'even if'; emphasizes the degree of a situation. どんなに + Verb-てform + も, どんなに + い-Adjective-てform + も, どんなに + な-Adjective + でも
- ～にしても N3 〜ni shitemo Expresses 'even if', 'no matter', 'regardless of'. Verb-casual + にしても, い-Adjective + にしても, な-Adjective + だにしても, Noun + だにしても
- もし～ても N3 moshi ~ temo Express a hypothetical situation or assumption with the nuance of 'even if'. もし + Verb-て form + も / もし + い-Adjective(く) + ても / もし + な-Adjective/Noun + でも
- Verb ないまでも N1 Verb nai made mo 'Even if not to the extent of...', 'although not completely...'. Verb-ない form + までも
- ～としたところで N1 〜to shita tokoro de Means 'even if' or 'even assuming'; emphasizes that the outcome won’t change. Verb-casual + としたところで / い-Adjective + としたところで / な-Adjective + だとしたところで / Noun + だとしたところで
Giving (Benefactive Register) 6 related points
- ～が 私に くれます N5 〜ga watashi ni kuremasu Used to express that someone gives a gift or favor to 'me'; 'someone gives me'. Person + が + (Thing or Action) + 私に + くれます
- ～に あげます N5 〜 ni agemasu Used to express giving something to someone; 'give', 'offer'. Receiver + に + Object + を + あげます
- Noun を あげる N4 Noun wo ageru To give something to someone; 'give', 'offer', 'present'. Noun + を + あげる
- Nounをくださる N4 Used to express someone doing something as a favor or for the benefit of the speaker. Noun + を + くださる
- Noun を くれる N4 Noun wo kureru Expresses that someone gives a thing to the speaker or someone close to the speaker. Giver + が + Receiver + に + Noun + を + くれる
- Noun を さしあげる N4 Noun wo sashiageru A polite way of expressing to give something. Noun + を + さしあげる
Inevitable (Cannot Help But) 6 related points
- ～ざるを得ない N2 〜zaru wo enai Have no choice but to; cannot help but. Verb-ない form (drop ない) + ざるを得ない
- ～よりほかない N2 〜yori hoka nai Express that there is no other choice; 'have no choice but', 'cannot do anything but'. Verb-dictionary form + よりほかない
- Noun を禁じ得ない N1 〜wo kinjienai 'Cannot help but do', or 'inevitable' Noun + を禁じ得ない
- Verb ざるを得ない N1 ~ zaru wo enai 'Cannot but', 'have no choice but to', 'forced to' Verb-dictionary form + ざるを得ない (する -> せざるを得ない)
- Verb ずにはおかない N1 ~zuni wa okanai Expresses 'cannot help but...', 'will definitely...', or 'must do something'. Verb-ない form (remove ない) + ずにはおかない
- Verb ないではすまない N1 Verb nai dewa sumanai 'Cannot end without doing', 'must do' - an unavoidable moral or social necessity. Verb-ない form + ではすまない
Not Only But Also (Emphatic Addition) 6 related points
- ～はもちろん～も N3 〜wa mochiron 〜mo Used for emphasizing that not only one thing but also another thing is included. It means 'not only... but also' or 'of course... and...'. Noun1 + はもちろん + Noun2 + も
- ～のみならず～も N2 〜nomi narazu 〜mo Not only... but also; as well as. Verb-casual + のみならず + (も), い-Adjective + のみならず + (も), な-Adjective + のみならず + (も), Noun + のみならず + (も)
- ～ばかりか〜も N2 〜bakari ka 〜 mo Expresses 'not only... but also'; emphasizing the extent of something. Noun/Verb/Adjective + ばかりか + Noun/Verb/Adjective + も
- Noun にとどまらず～も N1 ~ ni todomarazu ~ mo This expresses the idea of 'not only...but also', 'not stopping at...'. Noun + にとどまらず + Noun + も
- Noun もさることながら Noun も N1 A mo saru koto nagara B mo Means 'not only... but also'; the second noun is especially emphasized. Noun1 + もさることながら + Noun2 + も
- Verbる にとどまらず～も N1 Verb-ru ni todomarazu ~ mo Expresses 'not only… but also', 'not limited to…'. Noun / Verb-dictionary form + にとどまらず + も/ほかのこと
Nowhere (Not Anywhere) 6 related points
- どこにも + Verb + ないです N5 doko ni mo + Verb + nai desu Express that an action cannot be performed anywhere or something cannot be found anywhere. どこにも + Verb in ない-form + です
- どこにも + Verb + ません N5 doko ni mo + Verb + masen Express 'not anywhere' or 'nowhere' with a negative verb. どこにも + Verb-negative
- どこへも Verb ないです N5 doko e mo + Verb + nai desu Express that an action doesn't take place anywhere; 'nowhere', 'not anywhere'. どこへも + Verb in negative form (ないです)
- どこへも Verb ません N5 doko e mo + Verb + masen Nowhere; Not to any place どこへも + Verb-negative
- どこも Verb ないです N5 dokomo + Verb + naidesu Express that something cannot be found anywhere or in any place; 'nowhere', 'in no place'. どこも + Verb-negative
- どこも Verb ません N5 dokomo + Verb + masen Express that 'nowhere' meets the verb action; 'nowhere does/can'. どこも + Verb-ます form + ません
Obligation (Must / Have to) 6 related points
- ～ないといけない N4 〜nai to ikenai Express a necessity; 'must', 'have to', 'need to'. Verb-negative + といけない
- ～なきゃいけない N4 〜nakya ikenai Express a necessity or obligation; 'must', 'have to'. Verb-casual (negative form without い) + なきゃいけない
- ～なくちゃいけない N4 〜naku cha ikenai Express the obligation to do something; 'have to', 'must', 'need to'. Verb-ない form (-ない ending is dropped) + なくちゃいけない
- ～なくてはいけない N4 〜nakute wa ikenai Expresses the necessity or obligation; 'must', 'have to'. Verb-negative form + なくてはいけない
- ～なければ ならない N4 〜nakereba naranai Express obligation or necessity; 'must', 'have to', 'need to'. Verb-ない form + なければ ならない
- ～ねばならない N2 〜neba naranai Expresses obligation or necessity; 'must', 'have to', 'need to'. Verb-ない form -> (remove い) -> ね + ばならない
Occasion (While Doing / On The Occasion Of) 6 related points
- ～にあたり N2 〜ni atari Expresses the meaning of 'at the time of', 'in', 'on', or 'upon'. Noun + にあたり
- ～に際して N2 〜ni saishite Used to express the moment or the occasion of an action; 'at the time of', 'upon', 'when'. Noun + に際して
- ～折には N2 〜ori ni wa Expresses 'when' or 'in case of' specific situations or timings. Verb-dictionary form + 折には, Verb-た form + 折には, い-Adjective + 折には, な-Adjective + な折には, Noun + の折には
- ～際に N2 〜sai ni Means 'when', 'while', or 'on the occasion of' a certain event or situation. Verb-casual + 際に, い-Adjective + 際に, な-Adjective + な際に, Noun + の際に
- Noun かたがた N1 Noun kata gata Do one thing while also doing another; 'while', 'and at the same time'. Noun + かたがた
- Noun がてら N1 Noun gatera Means 'while...at the same time', 'on the occasion of', or 'along with'. Noun + がてら
Polite Request (Could You Please) 6 related points
- Verb ていただきたい N4 te itadakitai Express a polite request or desire that someone does something for you. Verb-て form + いただきたい
- Verb て いただけませんか N4 Verb te itadakemasen ka A polite request; 'Could you please...', 'Would you mind...' Verb-て form + いただけませんか
- Verb て くださいませんか N4 Verb-te kudasaimasen ka Polite request for asking someone for a favor. Verb in て-form + くださいませんか
- Verb てくれませんか N4 〜te kuremasen ka A polite way to request someone to do something for you; 'Could you please', 'Would you please', 'Won't you'. Verb-て form + くれませんか
- Verb てもらいたい N4 ～te moraitai Express a desire to receive a favor or service from someone else. Verb-て-form + もらいたい
- Verb てもらえませんか N4 ～te moraemasen ka A polite way to ask for a favor or request someone to do something. Verb-て form + もらえませんか
Topic Shift (By The Way) 6 related points
- ～ついでに N3 〜tsuide ni Do something while or after completing another action; 'while', 'by the way'. Verb (dictionary or た-form) + ついでに, Noun + の + ついでに, or Verb-て form + いる + ついでに
- ところで N3 tokorode Used for changing the topic or bringing up a new topic; 'by the way', 'speaking of'. ところで + new topic or question
- A。さて B。 N2 A. Sate B. Indicates a sudden change or shift in the topic or situation; 'now then', 'well', 'so'. A + さて + B
- A。そういえば B。 N2 ~souieba Recalling something related to A; 'speaking of which', 'by the way', 'now that you mention it'. A + そういえば + B
- A それはそうと B。 N2 A Sore wa sou to B Changing the topic; 'by the way', 'speaking of which'. Sentence A + それはそうと + Sentence B
- A。ちなみに B。 N2 A. Chinamini B. Used to give additional information about the topic; 'by the way', 'incidentally'. A。ちなみに B。
Based On (In Accordance With) 5 related points
- ～によれば N3 〜ni yoreba Means 'according to', 'based on' or 'by'. Noun + によれば
- ～に基づいて N2 〜ni motozuite Based on, according to, depending on Noun + に基づいて
- Noun に即した Noun N1 A ni sokushita B Expresses the idea of 'in accordance with', 'based on'. Noun1 + に即した + Noun2
- Noun に即して Verb N1 〜ni soku shite ~ The grammar point Noun に即して Verb is used to mean 'to act in accordance with', 'in line with' or 'based on'. Noun + に即して + Verb
- Noun を前提として N1 Noun wo zentei toshite Used to express 'on the assumption of', 'based on'. Noun + を前提として
Intention (Plan To) 5 related points
- Verb つもり N4 〜tsumori Express the intention, plan, or determination to do something; 'I intend to', 'I plan to', 'I'm determined to'. Verb-casual + つもり
- Verb ようと思う N4 Verb-you to omou Express intention or plan to do something; 'I think I will', 'I plan to', 'I intend to'. Verb-volitional + と思う
- ～つもりでした N3 〜tsumori deshita Expressing a past intention or plan; 'was planning to', 'meant to'. Verb-casual (dictionary form) + つもりでした
- ～つもりだ N1 〜tsumori da Expresses the speaker's intention or plan. Verb-dictionary form + つもりだ
- ～つもりで N1 〜tsumori de Expresses the speaker's intention or plan; 'with the intention of', 'planning to'. Verb-dictionary form + つもりで
Perspective (From The Standpoint Of) 5 related points
- ～にとって N3 〜ni totte Express the meaning 'for', 'to', 'from the perspective of'. Noun (person or thing) + にとって + Verb/Adjective/Noun
- ～から見ると N2 〜kara miru to Express a perspective or point of view; 'from the standpoint of', 'in terms of', 'from the perspective of'. Noun + から見ると
- ～から言うと N2 〜kara iuto Express a judgment or opinion based on a specific criterion; 'speaking from', 'in terms of', 'from the viewpoint of'. Noun + から言うと (common), [Verb-casual / Adjective + から言って] (less common)
- ～にしたら N2 〜ni shitara Express a point of view; 'from the perspective of', 'if I were'. Noun + にしたら, Pronoun + にしたら
- 〜の上では N2 〜no ue de wa Indicates 'on the basis of', 'in terms of', or 'from the standpoint of'. Noun or Phrase + の上では
Prohibition (Must Not / Should Not) 5 related points
- ～てはいけない N4 〜te wa ikenai Expresses prohibition; 'must not', 'cannot'. Verb-て-form + はいけない
- ～てはならない N2 〜te wa naranai Express prohibition; 'must not', 'cannot', 'should not'. Verb-て form + はならない
- ～べきではない N2 〜beki dewa nai Express that an action should not be done; 'should not', 'ought not to'. Verb-dictionary form + べき + ではない
- ～ものではない N2 〜mono dewa nai Expresses a strong negative suggestion or prohibition: 'should not', 'must not'. Verb-dictionary form + ものではない
- Verbる べからざる Noun N1 Verb-ru bekara zaru Noun Used to express what should not be done; 'must not', 'should not'. Verb-dictionary form + べからざる + Noun
Purpose (In Order To / So That) 5 related points
- のために N4 no tame ni Used to express purpose or reason; 'for', 'for the sake of', 'in order to'. Noun + のために
- Verb ために N4 tame ni Used to describe the purpose or reason for an action; 'for the sake of', 'in order to', 'because of'. 1) Verb (dictionary form) + ために (purpose) 2) い-Adjective + ために (reason) 3) な-Adjective + な + ために (reason) 4) Noun + の + ために (reason)
- Verb ように N4 〜you ni Used to express 'like', 'as if', 'in order to', or 'so that'. Examples: Noun + のように / Verb-casual + ように / い-adjective + ように
- Verbる べく N1 Verb-ru beku Expresses the meaning of 'in order to', 'for the purpose of'. Verb-dictionary form + べく
- ～んがために N1 〜n ga tame ni Emphasizes the reason or purpose for an action; 'in order to', 'for the sake of'. Verb-negative stem + んがために, Verb-negative stem + んがため
Sequence (And Then) 5 related points
- A。じゃ、～B。 N5 A. Ja, ~B. Indicates a decision or suggestion; 'well then', 'in that case', 'so'. Sentence A. + じゃ、+ Sentence B. (A and B can be any sentence type)
- A。それでは、～B。 N5 A. Soredewa,~B. Express a change in situation; 'then', 'in that case', 'so'. A (Statement) + 。それでは、 + B (Follow-up action or statement)
- そして、～ N5 soshite、～ Used to connect two sentences; 'and then', 'and'. Sentence 1 + そして + Sentence 2
- それから、～ N5 sorekara、～ Meaning 'after that', 'and then' or 'then', indicating sequence of events. Clause 1 + それから + Clause 2
- 文A。それで 文B N4 Bun A. Sorede Bun B Used to connect two sentences; 'So', 'That's why', 'Therefore'. Sentence A。それで Sentence B。
Unlikely / Impossible 5 related points
- ～わけがない N3 〜wake ga nai Expresses that something is impossible or unreasonable; 'there's no way', 'can't be'. Verb-casual + わけがない, い-Adjective + わけがない, な-Adjective + なわけがない, Noun + のわけがない
- ～そうにない N2 〜sou ni nai Express the unlikelihood of something happening; 'not likely', 'doesn't seem'. Verb-stem + そうにない / い-Adjective (drop い) + そうにない / な-Adjective + そうにない
- ～っこない N2 〜kkonai Expresses the impossibility or very low probability of something happening; 'no way', 'impossible'. Verb-negative stem + っこない
- ～ものか N2 〜mono ka Definitely not; no way; no chance. Verb-casual + ものか, い-Adjective + ものか, な-Adjective + (な)ものか, Noun + (な)ものか
- ～ようがない N2 〜you ga nai Expresses that there is no way (method) to do something; it's impossible to do. Verb-ます stem + ようがない
Before (Prior To) 4 related points
- Verb る 前に N5 ru mae ni Used to express 'before' in a sense of an action must be done before another action or event. Verb (dictionary form) + 前に
- ～までに N4 〜made ni Express 'by' or 'before' a certain time or action. Verb-casual + までに, Noun + までに, Time expression + までに
- ～に先立ち N2 〜ni sakidachi Express an action or event that occurs before another; 'before', 'prior to', 'preceding'. Noun + に先立ち / Verb-dictionary form + に先立って
- Noun に先駆けて N1 〜ni saki gakete Meaning 'ahead of', 'before', or 'preceding in time'. Noun + に先駆けて
Invitation (Let's / Shall We) 4 related points
- Verb ましょう N5 mashou Making a suggestion or invitation; 'let's' or 'shall we'. Verb (ます-stem) + ましょう
- Verb ましょうか。 N5 〜mashou ka. Used to make a polite suggestion or offer help; 'shall we', 'should we', 'do you want me to'. Verb (ます-stem) + ましょうか
- Verb ませんか。 N5 Verb-masenka An invitation or suggestion; 'won't you', 'why don't you', 'shall we'. Verb (ます-form) + ませんか
- ～いかがですか。 N5 〜ikaga desu ka. A polite way to ask someone's thoughts, opinions, or preferences; 'how about', 'how is'. Noun + は + いかがですか / (Verb-て form + は) いかがですか
Listing (Such As / Etc.) 4 related points
- Noun や Noun など～ N5 Noun ya Noun nado Lists items or examples but not exhaustively; 'such as', 'like', 'and so on'. Noun1 + や + Noun2 + など
- ～たり、～たり します N5 〜tari, 〜tari shimasu Used to list multiple actions or states; 'do things like', 'and'. Verb-casual-past + たり + Verb-casual-past + たり + します
- A とか B とか N4 Used to express multiple examples or possibilities; 'such as', 'like', 'for example'. Noun + とか + Noun + とか
- ～など N3 〜nado Indicates a non-exhaustive list of examples; 'such as', 'things like', 'among others'. Noun + など
No Need To 4 related points
- ～ことはない N3 〜koto wa nai Expresses that something doesn't need to be done or there's no occasion to do it; 'don't have to', 'not necessary'. Verb-dictionary form + ことはない, い-Adjective + ことはない, な-Adjective + であることはない, Noun + であることはない
- Verbる にはあたらない N1 Verb-ru ni wa ataranai Used to say 'there is no need to...', 'it’s not necessary to...'. Verb-dictionary form + にはあたらない
- Verbる までもない N1 〜ru made mo nai It's not necessary to the extent of; no need to. Verb-る + までもない
- ～には及ばない N1 〜ni wa oyobanai Means 'no need to go that far' or 'not necessary'. Verb-dictionary form + には及ばない
Receiving (Benefactive Register) 4 related points
- ～から もらいます N5 〜kara moraimasu To receive something or get someone to do something. Noun + から + (Verb-て form) + もらいます
- ～に もらいます N5 〜ni moraimasu To receive something or some action from someone; 'to get', 'to receive'. Giver + に + Verb-te form + もらいます / Giver + に + Object + を + もらいます
- Nounをいただく N4 Noun wo itadaku To receive or accept something politely; 'to receive', 'to get', 'to accept'. Noun + を + いただく
- Noun もらう N4 Noun wo morau To receive or get something from someone; 'to receive', 'to get'. Noun + を + もらう
Regarding (Concerning) 4 related points
- ～について N3 〜ni tsuite Expressing 'about', 'concerning', or 'regarding'. Noun + について
- Noun につき N2 〜ni tsuki Indicates the reason, cause, or condition for something; 'due to', 'regarding', 'per'. Noun + につき
- Noun を めぐる Noun N2 Noun o meguru Noun Indicate a situation or event revolving around a particular noun; 'concerning', 'regarding', 'pertaining to'. Noun1 + を + めぐる + Noun2
- ～に関わって N2 〜ni kakawatte Indicates that something is related to or influenced by a certain matter or factor; 'concerning', 'in connection with', 'regarding'. Verb-casual + に関わって, い-Adjective + に関わって, な-Adjective + に関わって, Noun + に関わって
Resemblance (Like / As If) 4 related points
- ～みたいだ N4 〜mitai da Indicates similarity, resemblance or 'like'; 'it seems', 'appears', 'looks like'. Verb-casual + みたいだ, い-Adjective + みたいだ, な-Adjective + みたいだ, Noun + みたいだ
- まるで～よう N3 maru de ~ you Used to express a strong resemblance or similarity; 'as if', 'just like', 'as though'. まるで + phrase/sentence + よう
- ～かのようだ N2 〜ka no you da Express a similarity or comparison; 'as if', 'like', 'as though'. Verb-casual + かのようだ, い-Adjective + かのようだ, な-Adjective + であるかのようだ, Noun + であるかのようだ
- Noun のごとき Noun N1 A no gotoki B Expresses 'like' or 'as if'; something/someone resembles something else strongly. Noun1 + のごとき + Noun2
Starting With (Including) 4 related points
- Noun を はじめ N2 Noun wo hajime Meaning 'starting with', 'including', 'not only... but also'. Noun + をはじめ
- Noun を はじめとして N2 Noun wo hajime to shite Expresses 'starting with', 'beginning with', or 'including'. Noun + をはじめとして
- Noun を はじめとする Noun N2 Noun o hajime to suru Noun Indicates a representative example of a group; 'starting with', 'including', 'such as'. Noun1 を はじめとする Noun2
- Noun を皮切りに / を皮切りにして N1 Noun wo kawakiri ni / wo kawakiri ni shite Used to indicate the starting point of some series of events or actions; 'starting with', 'beginning with'. Noun + を皮切りに / を皮切りにして
Through (Via / Over A Range) 4 related points
- ～により N2 〜ni yori Indicates the reason, method, or means by which something happens; 'by', 'through', 'due to'. Noun + により, Verb + により
- ～にわたって N2 〜ni watatte Indicates a range or extent; 'over', 'throughout', 'across'. Noun + にわたって
- ～を通じて N2 〜wo tsuujite Expresses 'through', 'throughout', or 'during'. Noun + を通じて
- Noun を経て N1 〜wo hete Expresses the idea of 'through' or 'via'; going through some process or phase. Noun + を経て
Wish (If Only) 4 related points
- ～ば～のに N3 〜ba 〜noni Expresses regret or dissatisfaction; 'if only', 'wish'. Verb-ば form + ～のに, い-Adjective-ば form + ～のに, な-Adjective + であれば + ～のに, Noun + であれば + ～のに
- ～さえ～ば N2 〜sae ~ba Expresses that, as long as a certain condition is met, something else will follow; 'if only', 'provided that'. Noun + さえ + Verb-conditional / Verb-ますstem + さえすれば / etc. (varies by part of speech)
- ～ものなら N2 〜mono nara Expresses a conditional wish or unlikely possibility; 'if only', 'if it were possible'. Verb-(potential/plain) form + ものなら, etc.
- ～ば～ものを N1 ～ba～mono o Expresses regret or a missed opportunity: 'if only', 'had I but...'. Verb-ば + Verb-past + ものを, い-Adjective + ければ + ものを, な-Adjective/Noun + であれば + ものを, etc.
Almost (Nearly) 3 related points
- ほとんど〜 N5 hotondo〜 Used to express 'almost', 'nearly', or 'most'. ほとんど + Verb / ほとんど + Noun
- もうすぐ〜 N5 mou sugu~ Express an action or event happening soon: 'soon', 'in a short while', 'almost'. もうすぐ + Verb (~ます form or 〜る form)
- ～ところだった N3 〜tokoro datta Expresses a near miss or a situation that almost happened; 'was just about to', 'almost', 'nearly'. Verb (dictionary form or ている form) + ところだった
Also (In Addition, Too) 3 related points
- Noun も〜 N5 Noun mo~ Indicates that the action or state is the same for multiple items or people; 'also', 'as well'. Noun + も
- ～それと～ N3 〜sore to〜 Used to link two or more items; 'and', 'also'. Item1 + それと + Item2
- Noun も兼ねて N1 ~mo kanete Used to express 'as well as', 'also', or 'at the same time'. Noun + も兼ねて
As Long As (To That Extent) 3 related points
- ～以上 N2 〜ijou Expresses 'since' or 'as long as' in a conditional context. Verb-casual + 以上, い-Adjective + 以上, な-Adjective + な以上, Noun + の以上
- ～限り N2 〜kagiri Expresses 'as long as', 'while', or 'to the extent that' a certain condition holds true. Verb-casual + 限り, い-Adjective + 限り, な-Adjective + な限り, Noun + の限り
- Verbる / Noun(である) + 限り(は) N1 kagiri (wa) Expresses 'as long as', 'while this condition is true'. Verb-dictionary form + 限り(は) Noun(である) + 限り(は)
Considering (Judging From) 3 related points
- ～にしては N3 〜ni shite wa Express 'for' or 'considering' in the sense of being unusual or unexpected. Verb-casual + にしては, い-Adjective + にしては, な-Adjective + にしては, Noun + にしては
- ～からすると N2 〜kara suru to Expresses a judgment or evaluation based on a certain standard; 'from this perspective', 'considering', 'judging from'. Noun + からすると
- ～とみると N1 〜to miru to Expresses the concept of 'when one sees it as', 'viewed as', or 'considering'. Verb-casual + とみると, い-Adjective + とみると, な-Adjective + だとみると, Noun + だとみると
Depending On (Varies With) 3 related points
- ～に応じて N2 〜ni oujite In accordance with, depending on, in response to. Noun + に応じて
- ～次第で N2 〜shidai de Indicates 'depending on; based on' a certain factor or situation. Noun + 次第で
- ～次第です N2 〜shidai desu A polite/formal way to say 'it depends on...' or 'as soon as...', often used in concluding statements. Verb-ますstem + 次第です (or Noun + 次第です)
Explanation (The Reason Is) 3 related points
- ～のです N4 〜no desu Provides an explanation or gives background information; 'the fact is', 'the reason is', 'actually'. Verb-casual + のです, い-Adjective + のです, な-Adjective + なのです, Noun + なのです
- ～んです N4 〜n desu Provide an explanation or reason; 'it is that', 'the thing is', 'the reason is'. Verb-casual + んです, い-Adjective + んです, な-Adjective + なんです, Noun + なんです
- ～わけだ N3 〜wake da Expresses a logical conclusion or reason based on information; 'that's why', 'no wonder', 'it means'. Verb-casual + わけだ, い-Adjective + わけだ, な-Adjective + なわけだ, Noun + のわけだ
Extremity (Extremely / Utterly) 3 related points
- ～でしょうがない N2 〜deshou ga nai Expresses an intense emotional or physical state; 'extremely', 'can’t help but'. い-Adjective(く) + てしょうがない / な-Adjective + で(は)しょうがない / Verb-て form + しょうがない
- ～といったらありはしない N1 〜to ittara ari wa shinai Express extreme exclamation; 'extremely', 'unbelievable', 'unsurpassed'. Noun + といったらありはしない / な-Adjective + といったらありはしない
- ～極まりない N1 〜kiwamarinai Expresses an extreme state, often negative; 'utterly', 'extremely', 'boundlessly'. な-Adjective（語幹）+ 極まりない, い-Adjective（連用形）+ こと + 極まりない, Noun + の極まりない
Formal Location (At / In, Official Register) 3 related points
- Noun にて N2 Noun nite Expresses location or means; 'at', 'in', 'by', 'with'. Noun + にて
- Noun をもって N1 ~wo motte Used to indicate means, methods, or time; 'with', 'by means of', 'at'. Noun + をもって
- Noun を限りに N1 Noun wo kagiri ni Expresses the idea of 'as of', 'with', or 'from', indicating the end of something or a point of change. Noun + を限りに
In Progress (In The Middle Of) 3 related points
- Noun + 中 N4 Noun + ちゅう Express 'in the middle of', 'during', or 'in the process of'. Noun + 中 (ちゅう)
- Verb て いる ところ N4 Verb te iru tokoro Describes an action that is currently happening; 'in the middle of', 'in the process of'. Verb-て form + いる ところ
- ～ところ N2 〜tokoro Express a specific point in time or state; 'when', 'just about', or 'in the middle of'. Verb-casual + ところ, い-Adjective + ところ, な-Adjective + なところ, Noun + のところ
Negation Intensity (Not At All) 3 related points
- ぜんぜん～ N5 zenzen～ Used to express 'not at all' or 'completely' in negative sentences. ぜんぜん + [Negative verb/adjective]
- すこしも〜ない N3 sukoshimo~nai Express a negative state or action; 'not at all', 'none whatsoever'. すこしも + Verb-negative
- 決して～ない N3 kesshite ~ nai Express 'never', 'by no means', or 'not at all' when negating a statement. 決して + Verb (negative form)
Not Impossible (Double-Negative Hedge) 3 related points
- ～ないことはない N3 〜nai koto wa nai Express the idea that 'it's not that it's impossible' or 'it's not that it cannot be done'. Verb-ない form + ことはない
- ～ないこともない N2 〜nai koto mo nai Used to express an action or state is 'not impossible', but emphasizes reluctance or doubt. Verb-ないForm + こともない, い-adjective + こともない
- ～なくはない N1 〜naku wa nai Expresses the idea 'it's not that it's impossible' or 'it's not that I can't'. Verb-ないform + なくはない, い-Adjective－い + くはない, な-Adjective + ではなくはない, Noun + ではなくはない
Not Only Limited To (Far From) 3 related points
- ～どころか N2 〜dokoro ka Express 'far from', 'not just', 'not only', or 'to say nothing of'. Verb-casual + どころか, い-Adjective + どころか, な-Adjective + どころか, Noun + どころか
- Noun に限ったことではない N1 〜ni kagitta koto dewa nai Indicates that something is not only limited to; 'not only', 'not just'. Noun + に限ったことではない
- Noun に限ったことでもない N1 ~ni kagitta koto demo nai 'Not limited to'; 'not just', 'not exclusively'. Noun + に限ったことでもない
Proportional Change (As X, So Y) 3 related points
- ～につれて N2 〜ni tsurete Expresses the idea that as one thing changes, so does another; 'as', 'along with', 'while'. Verb (dictionary form) + につれて, Noun + につれて
- ～にともなって N2 〜ni tomonatte Expresses 'along with' or 'as a result of'; indicates that one event occurs along with another. Noun (event) + にともなって, Verb-casual + にともなって
- Noun と相まって N1 ~ to aimatte Used to express 'in combination with', 'together with', 'along with'. Noun + と相まって
Temporal When (Verb Tense Variants) 3 related points
- ～とき N5 〜toki Expresses the time when something happens, 'when', 'at the time'. Verb-casual + とき / い-Adjective + とき / な-Adjective + なとき / Noun + のとき
- Verb た ときに N4 Verb た ときに Express an action or event that occurred at a specific time in the past; 'when', 'at the time'. Verb-た + ときに
- Verb るときに N4 〜ru toki ni Describes the time when a certain action takes place; 'when', 'at the time'. Verb-る + ときに
Time Range (From ... To) 3 related points
- Noun から Noun まで N5 Noun kara Noun made Expresses a range; 'from...to', 'between...and'. Noun1 + から + Noun2 + まで
- ～から～にかけて N3 〜kara 〜ni kakete Expresses a range of something, such as time or space; 'from...to', 'between'. Noun (time, place, or measure) + から + Noun (time, place or measure) + にかけて
- ～から Noun に 至る まで N1 〜kara 〜ni itaru made Expressing range from one thing to another; 'from...to', 'ranging from...to'. Noun (start) + から + Noun (end) + に至るまで
Time Window (During / While It Lasts) 3 related points
- Noun の 間に N4 〜no aida ni Expresses 'while' or 'during' a specific period or time. Noun + の間に
- Verb ている間に N4 te iru aida ni Expresses 'while' or 'during the time' something is happening. Verb-て form + いる + 間に
- ～うちに N3 〜uchi ni Express 'while', 'before', or 'during' a certain condition or situation. Verb-てform + いる + うちに, い-Adjective + い + うちに, な-Adjective + な + うちに
Whether Or Not (To Do X) 3 related points
- ～か～まいか N2 〜ka 〜maika Used to express a dilemma or indecision between two options or actions. Verb-volitional + か + Verb-volitional + まいか, い-Adjective + であるか + い-Adjective + であるまいか, な-Adjective + であるか + な-Adjective + であるまいか, Noun + であるか + Noun + であるまいか
- Verb ようか Verbるまいか N1 Verb you ka Verb ru mai ka Expresses indecision: 'Should I do it or not?'. Verb-volitional form + か + Verb-volitional negative form (まい) + か
- Verb ようが Verb るまいが N1 Verb you ga Verb ru mai ga Expresses 'whether or not', 'no matter if something happens or not'. Verb-volitional form + が + Verb-negative volitional form + が
Ability (Can / Able To) 2 related points
- Verb る こと ができる N5 ru koto ga dekiru Expresses the potential form; 'can', 'be able to', 'is possible'. Verb (dictionary form) + ことができる
- ～が Verb られる N1 〜ga Verb rareru Expresses potential or ability to do something; 'can', 'able to'. ❶ (Group 1) Verb: 書く -> 書ける / 飲む -> 飲める, etc. ❷ (Group 2) Verb-ます stem + られる (食べる -> 食べられる、見る -> 見られる)
According To (As Instructed) 2 related points
Always (Anytime) 2 related points
Assuming (Under That Premise) 2 related points
- ～としたら N3 〜to shitara Express a hypothetical situation; 'if', 'suppose', 'assuming'. Verb-casual + としたら, い-Adjective + としたら, な-Adjective + だとしたら, Noun + だとしたら
- ～ものとして N1 ～mono to shite Indicates an assumption or supposition; 'assuming', 'under the assumption that'. Verb-casual + ものとして, い-Adjective + ものとして, な-Adjective + なものとして, Noun + のものとして
At Least (A Minimal Amount) 2 related points
- ～くらい～は～ない N3 〜kurai 〜wa 〜nai Express the least one can do; 'at least', 'the least', 'no less than'. Verb-casual (non-past) + くらい + は + Verb-casual (negative), Adjective (non-past) + くらい + は + Adjective (negative)
- Noun なりとも N1 ~nari tomo Indicates even a small amount or degree; 'at least', 'even a little'. Noun + なりとも
Capacity (As / In The Role Of) 2 related points
Contrast (Toward / In Contrast To) 2 related points
I Wonder (Musing Uncertainty) 2 related points
Instead Of (In Place Of) 2 related points
Not Necessarily (An Exception Exists) 2 related points
Or (Alternatively) 2 related points
Restatement (That Is To Say) 2 related points
Risk Of (Might Lead To) 2 related points
Simultaneous (While Doing) 2 related points
Speaking Of (When It Comes To) 2 related points
Therefore (Formal Cause-Result) 2 related points
Together With (Alongside) 2 related points
- Noun と～ N5 Noun to～ Express 'with', 'and' or 'together with' when connecting nouns. Noun1 + と + Noun2
- ～と～ともに N2 〜to 〜tomoni Expresses 'together with' or 'along with'; used to describe two events or actions happening simultaneously or in parallel. Verb-casual + とともに, い-Adjective + とともに, な-Adjective + とともに, Noun + とともに
Totality (Entirely / Nothing Beats) 2 related points
Whenever (Every Time) 2 related points
Widely Believed (Is Considered) 2 related points
- ～とされる N1 〜to sareru Indicates a general belief or widely accepted view; 'is considered', 'is seen as', 'is said to be'. Verb-casual + とされる / い-Adjective + とされる / な-Adjective + だとされる / Noun + だとされる
- ～とみられる N1 ～to mirareru It is considered that; It is thought that; It is believed that Verb-casual + とみられる, Noun + とみられる
Without X (Cannot Do Without) 2 related points
Cannot (Due To Obligation) 1 related point
Not Implying (It Doesn't Mean That) 1 related point
Not To Mention (Let Alone) 1 related point
One Thing, But Another 1 related point
Standalone points 385 with no close synonym
- A が いちばん～ N5 A ga ichiban～ Express the superlative degree; 'the most', 'the best', 'the least'. Noun + が + いちばん + Adjective/Verb
- A。それじゃ、～B。 N5 A. Soreja,~B. Connect two sentences; 'A, so/in that case, B' Sentence A + 。それじゃ、 + Sentence B
- A。 では、～B。 N5 A. Dewa, ~B Indicates a contrast or comparison between A and B; 'As for A, ~B'. Noun A + では、 + Subject + Predicate B
- Aと Bと どちら～ N5 A to B to dochira~ Used to ask which of two alternatives is preferred or to compare two things Aと Bと どちら + Verb/Adjective/Noun
- AとBと どっち〜 N5 A to B to docchi〜 Asking which one; 'which', 'A or B'. AとBと どっち + Verb, AかBか どっち + Verb
- A は B が〜 N5 A wa B ga〜 Indicates that there is something unique or different about A and describes what is special about it. A は (Topic) + B が (Characteristic/Feature) + Description/Action
- A は B より～ N5 A wa B yori～ Express a comparison between A and B; 'A is more/less than B'. A は B より + Adjective
- A より B のほうが～ N5 A yori B no hou ga ～ Used to compare two items; 'B is more ～ than A'. A + より + B + のほうが + Adjective
- い-Adjective く + Verb N5 i-Adjective + ku + Verb Used to connect an い-adjective to a verb, modifying the verb (adverbial usage). い-Adjective (remove い) + く + Verb
- い-Adjective く します N5 i-Adjective ku shimasu Use an い-adjective to express 'to make' or 'to become'. い-Adjective (remove い, add く) + します
- い-Adjective: Negative Polite Form N5 Change an い-adjective into a polite negative form with ～くないです (or ～くありません). い-Adjective (remove い, add く) + ないです / ありません
- い-Adjective て N5 i-Adjective + te~ Used to connect two or more い-adjectives to describe something. い-Adjective (remove い) + くて + い-Adjective
- な-Adjective に + Verb N5 Turn a な-adjective into an adverb by adding に. な-Adjective (remove な) + に + Verb
- な-Adjective で～ N5 na-Adjective de~ Usage of で to connect or add information with a な-adjective. な-Adjective + で
- な-Adjective に します N5 na-Adjective ni shimasu Expressing a decision or preference with a な-adjective. な-Adjective + に + します
- な-Adjective に なります N5 na-Adjective ni narimasu Express a change or transformation into a state described by the な-adjective. な-Adjective (remove な) + に + なります
- Noun が できます N5 Noun ga dekimasu Express the ability to do something. Noun + が + できます
- Noun がほしいです N5 〜ga hoshii desu Express a desire or wanting something; 'I want', 'I would like'. Noun + が + ほしいです
- Nounで～ N5 Noun de ~ Indicate a place or means for an action or situation; 'at, in, on', 'using', or 'by means of'. Noun + で
- Noun に～ N5 Noun ni～ Express a specific direction, target or purpose; 'to', 'toward', 'for'. Noun + に
- Noun に 帰ります N5 Noun ni kaerimasu Express going back or returning to a place: 'to return to', 'to go back to'. Noun + に + 帰ります
- Noun に します N5 Noun ni shimasu Express a choice or decision; 'choose', 'decide on'. Noun + に します
- Noun に なります N5 Noun ni narimasu Expresses change or becoming something; 'to become', 'to turn into', 'to be'. Noun + に + なります
- Noun に 来ます N5 Noun ni kimasu Used to express coming to a place. Noun + に + 来ます (kimasu)
- Noun に 行きます N5 Noun ni ikimasu Used to express going to a location. Noun + に + 行きます
- Noun の 前に N5 Noun no mae ni Used to describe a location or position 'in front of' a noun. Noun + の + 前に
- Noun は～ N5 Noun wa〜 Used to mark the topic of a sentence; 'as for', 'speaking of'. Noun + は
- Noun を〜 N5 Noun wo〜 Indicates the direct object of a verb. Noun + を + Verb
- Verb た あとで N5 ta ato de Indicates an action that takes place after another action. Verb-た form + あとで
- Verb たいです N5 taidesu Express desire or want to do something; 'I want to', 'I would like to'. る-Verb: Remove る and add たいです, う-Verb: Replace the final verb character with the ～い form and add たいです, Exception: する becomes したいです
- Verb て～ N5 Verb + te～ A verb conjugation that connects actions or states. Verb (Group 1) - Replace last syllable with 〜て, Verb (Group 2) - Replace 'る' with 〜て, Verb (Group 3) - する becomes して, くる becomes きて
- Verb て います N5 Verb te imasu Express ongoing action or state; 'is doing', 'is doing (continuous)', 'has been doing'. Verb て-form + います
- Verb て ください N5 Verb-te kudasai A request or command; 'please do'. Verb-て form + ください
- Verb ないで ください N5 〜naide kudasai Used to make a polite request for someone not to do something; 'please don't'. Verb-ない-form + で ください
- Noun に 戻ります N5 Noun ni modorimasu Expresses the action of returning to a previous state, place, or condition. Noun + に + 戻ります
- Verb ること～ N5 〜ru koto Express an action or event as a noun; 'the act of', 'doing'. Verb (dictionary form) + こと
- Verb る こと が できます N5 ru koto ga dekimasu Express the potential form, or the ability to do something. Verb (dictionary form) + ことができます
- Verb る の～ N5 Verb + ru + no~ Used to express the purpose or reason in casual speech, or nominalize the verb with の. Verb (dictionary form) + の (casual)
- あまり～ありません N5 amari ~ arimasen Express 'not very', 'not much', or 'not really' when describing a negative state or situation. あまり + Verb-ないform + ありません / あまり + い-Adjective-く ありません / あまり + な-Adjective・Noun じゃありません, あまり + Verb-negative, あまり + い-Adjective-negative
- あまり～ないです N5 amari ~ nai desu Express 'not really' or 'not very'; used to soften a negative statement. あまり + Verb-ないform + です / あまり + い-Adjective-くない + です / あまり + な-Adjective-じゃない + です
- ～あります N5 〜arimasu Indicate possession or existence of inanimate objects; 'there is', 'there are'. Object + が + あります
- いくつ～ N5 ikutsu~ Used to express 'how many' or ask for the number of something. いくつ + Noun (optional)
- いつか～ N5 itsuka～ Indicates an unspecified point in time; 'someday', 'one day', 'at some point'. いつか + sentence
- こちら～ N5 kochira～ Refers to a person, place or thing; 'this', 'this one', 'this way', 'here'. こちら / こちら + の + Person/Thing
- さっき～ N5 sakki～ Refers to a short time ago or just now. さっき + verb / さっき + phrase
- すぐに～ N5 sugu ni～ Immediately or right away; used to express promptness or quickness. すぐに + Verb/Adjective
- そちら～ N5 sochira～ Indicates a direction or person in moderate distance; 'that way', 'that person'. そちら [alone] / そちら + の + Noun
- たいてい～ N5 taitei～ Used for expressing 'usually', 'mostly', or 'generally'. たいてい + Verb/い-Adjective/な-Adjective/Noun
- だれ～ N5 dare～ Asking 'who' in a sentence, used to inquire about someone's identity or to clarify who is being referred to. だれ + appropriate particle (が, は or を)
- だれか〜 N5 dareka〜 Indicates 'someone' or something done or possessed by 'someone'. だれか + Verb, だれか + Adjective, だれか + Noun
- だれでも～ N5 dare demo～ Used to express 'anyone' or 'everyone'; 'no matter who'. だれでも + Verb/Adjective/Noun
- だれも～ないです N5 dare mo ~ nai desu Express 'nobody' or 'no one' in a negative sentence. だれも + Verb-negative form (ないです), だれも + い-Adjective-negative form (ないです), だれも + な-Adjective-negative form (じゃないです)
- だれも～ません N5 daremo ~masen Express 'nobody' or 'no one' in negative sentences. だれも + Verb-negative (ません)
- ～どう しますか。 N5 ～dou shimasu ka. Asking for someone's opinion or decision; 'what will you do?', 'how will you handle it?'. Situation + どうしますか
- ～どうですか。 N5 〜dou desu ka. Asking for opinions or suggestions; 'how about', 'what do you think of'. Noun + は/が + どうですか / Verb-casual + の + どうですか / い-Adjective + どうですか / な-Adjective + な + どうですか
- どうやって～ N5 douyatte～ Ask 'how' something is done or how to do something. どうやって + Verb-casual
- ～どう 言いますか。 N5 〜dou iimasu ka. Asking for the way to say something; 'how do you say'. Word/Phrase + は [language]でどう言いますか / Word/Phrase + をどう言いますか
- ときどき～ N5 tokidoki～ Used to indicate the frequency of an event; 'sometimes', 'occasionally', 'now and then'. ときどき + Verb/Adjective/Noun
- どこ～ N5 doko～ Express 'where', used with question words for asking about locations. どこ + question particle
- どこか～ N5 dokoka～ Expresses 'somewhere', used when the specific location is unknown or uncertain. どこか + (Particle, if needed) + Verb/Noun/Adjective
- どこでも～ N5 dokodemo～ Express 'anywhere' or 'everywhere' in Japanese. Simply use the word どこでも in the sentence as an adverb to indicate 'anywhere' or 'everywhere'.
- どちら～ N5 dochira～ Used to ask about two choices or options. どちら + が/を + verb, どちら + が/を + adjective, どちら + が/を + noun
- どなた～ N5 donata～ A polite way to ask 'who', used for asking about someone's identity or when seeking information about an unknown person. どなた
- どの Noun N5 dono Noun Expresses 'which'; used to ask about specific items within a group. どの + Noun
- どれでも～ N5 dore demo～ Indicates 'any' or 'whichever' when referring to multiple items. どれ + でも
- どんな Noun N5 donna Used to ask or describe 'what kind' or 'what type' of something. どんな + Noun
- なに～ N5 nani~ Asking about 'what' or 'which' in Japanese Verb + なに, い-Adjective + なに, な-Adjective + なに, Noun + なに
- なにか～ N5 nanika～ Indicates 'something' or 'some kind of'. なにか + Noun
- なにも～ないです N5 nani mo~nai desu Used to express 'not any' or 'nothing' in a negative sentence. なにも + Verb-negative
- なにも～ません N5 nanimo~masen Used to express 'not anything', 'nothing'. なにも + Verb-ます form + ません
- なん～ N5 nan~ Used to form interrogative questions and emphasize the question word for 'what', 'how'. なん + Counter / なん + Verb / なん + Adjective
- なんで～ N5 nande～ Asking the reason or cause; 'why', 'how come'. なんで + [phrase or sentence]
- なんでも～ N5 nandemo～ Means 'any', 'anything', 'anyone'. なんでも + Verb / なんでも + Adjective / なんでも + Noun
- ～なんと 言いますか。 N5 〜nan to iimasu ka. Asking how something is called or referred to; 'how do you say' Noun + は/が + なんと言いますか
- ～の N5 〜no Express possession, apposition, or description using 'of' or ''s'. Noun1 + の + Noun2, (Adjective/Clause) + の (nominalized), etc.
- ～はたいへんです N5 〜wa taihen desu Express that something is difficult or tough. Noun + はたいへんです
- まあまあ～ N5 maa maa～ Expresses something as 'so-so', 'not bad', or 'average'. まあまあ (used as an adverb or short expression - not a strict grammatical construction)
- まだ〜 N5 mada〜 Indicates something has not yet happened or is still happening; 'still', 'not yet'. まだ + Verb (non-past / negative / te-form), まだ + い-adjective, まだ + な-adjective + じゃない/ではない, まだ + Noun + じゃない/ではない
- まだ〜ないです N5 mada 〜 nai desu Expresses that something has not happened or been done yet. まだ + Verb-negative + です
- まだ～ません N5 mada ~masen Expresses that something has not happened or been done yet (polite form). まだ + Verb-ます form (negative)
- もう～ N5 mou～ Expresses 'already', 'anymore', or 'soon'. もう + Verb / もう + Adjective / もう + Noun
- もっと〜 N5 motto〜 Expresses 'more' or 'even more' when describing a quantity, frequency, or degree. もっと + Verb / い-Adjective / な-Adjective
- よく～ N5 yoku ~ Often used to express 'doing something well' or 'often'. よく + Verb-casual
- ～（場所）に～があります N5 〜basho ni 〜 ga arimasu Express the existence or presence of something in a place. Place + に + Object/Thing + が + あります
- A は B ほど～ありません N4 A wa B hodo ～ arimasen Express that A is not as much as B; 'not as... as', 'not... to the extent of'. A は B ほど Verb/adjective ありません
- A は B ほど～ない N4 A wa B hodo ~ nai Expressing that A is not as ~ as B; 'not as...as' A は B ほど + い-Adjective + くない, A は B ほど + な-Adjective + じゃない, A は B ほど + Verb-potential-negative
- い-Adjective く する/なる N4 i-Adjective kusuru/naru Express a change happening or making something change. い-Adjective (remove い) + く + する/なる
- な-adjective に する/なる N4 Used to indicate change or decision; 'to become' or 'to make' with na-adjectives. な-Adjective + に + する/なる
- Noun に する N4 Noun ni suru Used to indicate a choice or decision, 'to decide on' or 'to choose'. Noun + に + する
- Noun に なる N4 Noun ni naru To become; to change into; to turn into. Noun + に + なる
- Verb させられる N4 Verb-saserareru Express the passive causative form; 'to be made to', 'to be forced to'. Verb-causative stem + せる + られる (irregular: する -> させられる, くる -> こさせられる)
- Verb させる N4 Verb-saseru Expresses 'to make someone do something', 'to let someone do something', or 'to cause someone to do something'. Group 1 Verbs: Change the last hiragana to ～せる, Group 2 Verbs: Remove ～る and add ～させる, Group 3 Verbs: する -> させる, くる -> こさせる
- Verb た ことがある N4 Verb ta koto ga aru Expresses the experience of having done something in the past. Verb-た-form + ことがある
- Verb た ところ N4 Verb ta tokoro Expresses the situation right after an action has taken place. Verb (た form) + ところ
- Verb たほうがいい N4 〜ta hou ga ii Used to give advice or make a suggestion to someone - 'it's better if...'. Verb (past tense) + ほうがいい
- Verb て ある N4 Verb-te aru Indicates that an action has been done and its result is still in effect. Verb-て form + ある
- Verb て いく N4 Verb-te iku Expresses an action that continues on into the future or a change that progresses over time. Verb in て-form + いく
- Verb て いる N4 Verb-te iru Expresses an ongoing action or a state resulting from a past action. Verb (て-form) + いる
- Verb ておく N4 〜te oku Perform an action in preparation for a future situation; 'to do something in advance'. Verb-て form + おく
- Verb て くる N4 Verb te kuru An action that starts in the past and continues to the present or future; 'come to', 'begin to', 'become'. Verb て-form + くる
- Verb てしまう N4 〜te shimau Expresses unintentional actions or actions with regrettable outcomes; 'to end up doing', 'to accidentally do'. Verb-te form + しまう
- Verb て ほしい N4 Verb-te hoshii Express a desire for someone else to do something; 'I want (someone) to'. Verb-て form + ほしい
- Verb てみる N4 〜te miru Used to express 'try to' or 'attempt to do'. Verb-て form + みる
- Verb ない + ことにする N4 Verb nai koto ni suru To decide not to do something. Verb-ない form + ことにする
- Verb ない ことになる N4 Verb nai koto ni naru Expresses a result; 'end up not', 'it will become that', 'it would mean that'. Verb-negative (ない) + ことになる
- Verb なさい N4 〜nasai A command form used to give orders or instructions; 'Please do', 'Do this'. Verb-stem + なさい
- Verb にくい N4 〜nikui Express difficulty or complexity; 'hard to', 'difficult to', 'not easily'. Verb-stem + にくい
- Verb やすい N4 〜yasui Indicates that something is easy to do; 'easy to', 'easy for'. Verb-stem + やすい
- Verb ようにする N4 Verb ~you ni suru Make an effort to; try to; see to it that; ensure that. Verb-dictionary form + ようにする
- Verb ようになる N4 〜you ni naru Express a change in ability, situation or state; 'become able to', 'come to', 'begin to'. Verb-dictionary/potential form + ようになる
- Verb ように言う N4 Verb-you ni iu Tell someone to do something; 'tell to do', 'instruct to do'. Verb-casual + ように言う
- Verb られる N4 〜rareru Expresses passive voice or potential form for verbs. う-verb (passive): Replace the final う with われる / る-verb (passive & potential): Replace る with られる / Irregular: する -> される, くる -> こられる
- Verb る ことがある N4 〜ru koto ga aru Used to express that something happens sometimes or has happened before. Verb-dictionary form + ことがある
- Verb ることにする N4 〜ru koto ni suru Decide to do something, make a decision. Verb-る + ことにする
- Verb る ことになる N4 〜ru koto ni naru Indicates that something has been decided or arranged; 'it has been decided that', 'it turns out that'. Verb-る + ことになる
- Verb 出す N4 ~dasu Express the action of taking something out, starting an action, or emphasizing a verb. Verb stem + 出す (~dasu)
- Verb 方 N4 〜hou Indicates the way or method of doing something; often read as '～かた' ('how to', 'the way of'). Verb-stem + 方 (read as かた)
- Verb 終わる N4 〜owaru Verbal action is completed; 'to finish', 'to end'. 終わる (owaru) is a godan (u-verb)
- Verb + 続ける N4 つづける, tsuzukeru To continue doing or to keep doing an action. Verb-masu-stem + 続ける
- ～かどうか N4 〜ka dou ka Used to express 'whether' or 'if' in indirect questions or statements. Verb-casual + かどうか, い-Adjective + かどうか, な-Adjective + (だ)かどうか, Noun + (だ)かどうか
- ～させてください N4 〜sasete kudasai Express a polite request to allow or permit someone to do something. Verb-causative form + ください
- ～すぎる N4 〜sugiru Expresses that something is excessive or overdone; 'too much', 'too', 'over'. Verb-stem + すぎる, い-Adjective (remove い) + すぎる, な-Adjective + すぎる
- ～ずつ N4 〜zutsu Indicates equal distribution; 'each', 'per', 'apiece'. Noun + ずつ
- ～そうだ N4 〜sou da Express the appearance, seeming, or feeling of something; 'looks like', 'seems', 'appears'. Verb-ますstem + そうだ, い-Adjective (without い) + そうだ, な-Adjective + そうだ
- そんな (sonna) + Noun N4 Expresses 'that kind/type of'; referring to something near the listener or previously mentioned. そんな + Noun
- そんなに～ N4 sonna ni〜 Expresses 'not so much', 'not that', or 'not so ~'. そんなに + Verb-negation, そんなに + Adjective-negation
- ～たら どうですか N4 〜tara doudesuka Express a suggestion or advice; 'what if', 'how about', 'why don't you'. Verb-た form + ら どうですか
- ～たり～たり N4 〜tari 〜tari Used to list multiple actions or states; 'doing things like', 'and so on', 'etc.' Verb-ta + り + next verb-ta + り, い-Adjective + かったり + next verb-ta + り, な-Adjective + だったり + next verb-ta + り, Noun + だったり + next verb-ta + り
- ～っていう N4 〜tte iu Used to quote, define, or specify a noun. Noun/Adjective/Verb + っていう + Noun
- ～で N4 〜de Indicates the means, method, or place. Noun + ～で
- ～てもいい N4 〜temo ii To give or ask permission; 'it's okay to', 'may', 'can'. Verb-て form + もいい
- ～という (〜to iu) Noun N4 Used to define or explain a noun more specifically. Noun + という + Noun, な-Adjective + という + Noun, Adjectival Verb + という + Noun
- どういう Noun N4 dou iu Noun Asking for clarification or more information about a noun; 'what kind of', 'what sort of'. どういう + Noun
- ～と思う N4 〜to omou Express one's thoughts or opinions; 'I think', 'I believe'. Verb-casual + と思う, い-Adjective + と思う, な-Adjective + だと思う, Noun + だと思う
- ～という N4 〜to iu Used to quote, express hearsay or define something. Verb-casual + という, い-Adjective + という, な-Adjective + という, Noun + という
- ～なくてもいい N4 〜nakutemo ii Expresses that something is not necessary to do; 'it's okay if not', 'don't have to'. Verb-ない-form + てもいい
- ～に N4 〜ni Indicates direction, destination, purpose, or time. Noun + に
- ～のに N4 〜no ni Used to express contrast between expectation and reality, or to indicate a purpose for doing something Verb-casual + のに, い-Adjective + のに, な-Adjective + なのに, Noun + なのに
- ～まま N4 〜mama Express 'as it is', 'while' or 'unchanged state'. Verb-た form + まま, Adjective (い & な) + まま, Noun + のまま
- 文A。それに 文B N4 Bun A. Soreni Bun B Express 'in addition to; besides,' used to include additional information. Sentence A + それに + Sentence B
- ～うとした N3 〜uto shita Express an action someone tried to do but couldn't; 'tried to', 'attempted to'. Verb-う stem + とした
- ～かけ N3 〜kake Expresses the meaning of being in the middle of doing something or of something being partway done. Verb-ますstem + かけ
- ～ないで N3 〜naide Express 'without doing ~' or 'without ~ing'. Verb-ない-form + で
- ～こそ N3 〜koso Emphasizes the importance or uniqueness of something or someone; 'precisely', 'exactly', 'it is...', 'of all...'. Noun + こそ, (Verb-て + こそ)
- ～ことにしている N3 〜koto ni shite iru Express a personal rule or habit; 'I make it a rule to', 'I always make sure to'. Verb-casual + ことにしている
- ～ことになっている N3 〜koto ni natte iru Describes something that is decided, arranged, or expected. Verb-dictionary form + ことになっている
- ～ことは…が N3 ～koto wa... ga Indicates that while something may be true or valid, there is another contrasting point. Verb-casual + ことは + が, い-Adjective + ことは + が, な-Adjective + だ + ことは + が, Noun + だ + ことは + が
- ～さ N3 〜sa Express the degree or extent of a quality; '-ness', 'degree of'. い-Adjective (drop い) + さ, な-Adjective + さ
- ～ずに N3 〜zu ni Express 'without doing' something or 'not doing' something. Verb-ない form (Remove ない) + ずに
- ～せいで N3 〜sei de Indicates that something or someone caused an unfortunate result. Verb-casual + せいで, い-Adjective + せいで, な-Adjective + なせいで, Noun + のせいで
- ～そのために N3 〜sono tame ni For the purpose of; because of; in order to. Sentence/phrase 1 + そのために + Sentence/phrase 2
- ～その結果 N3 〜sono kekka Shows the result or consequence of a previous action or situation; 'as a result', 'in consequence'. Situation/ACTION 1 + その結果 + RESULT
- ～たて N3 ～tate Indicates an action that has just been completed; 'freshly', 'just'. Verb-stem + たて
- ～だものだ N3 〜da mono da Express the reason or cause, often used to justify something. Verb-casual + んだものだ, い-Adjective + んだものだ, な-Adjective + なんだものだ, Noun + なんだものだ (often with から as んだものだから)
- ～ちゃった N3 〜chatta Express an unintentional action or a regretful action; 'ended up doing', 'did accidentally'. Verb-て/で form -> ちゃった/じゃった (e.g. 食べてしまった -> 食べちゃった)
- ～っけ？ N3 〜kke? Used to express that one is trying to recall some information. Verb-casual + っけ?, い-Adjective + かったっけ?, な-Adjective/Noun + だっけ?
- ～っぱい N3 〜ppai Expresses fullness or completeness; 'full', 'full of', 'filled with'. Noun + で + いっぱい (Note: written as いっぱい, read as 'ippai')
- ～っぱなし N3 〜ppanashi Indicate a state where an action is left as is (unchanged or unfinished). Verb-ますstem + っぱなし
- ～てくれと N3 〜te kureto Quote someone's request (telling someone to do something). Verb-て form + くれと (言う / 頼む / 伝える, etc.)
- ～てごらん N3 〜te goran Suggest or invite someone to try doing something; 'Why don't you try...'. Verb-て form + ごらん
- ～てはじめて N3 〜te hajimete Realization or action done for the first time; 'only after', 'not until'. Verb-て form + はじめて
- ～といいなあ N3 〜to ii naa Express a wish or hope; 'it would be nice if', 'I hope that'. Verb-casual + といいなあ, い-Adjective + といいなあ, な-Adjective + だといいなあ, Noun + だといいなあ
- ～というの～ N3 〜to iu no〜 Explain or emphasize the reason for a situation or action. Verb-casual + というの, い-Adjective + というの, な-Adjective + だというの, Noun + だというの
- ～というのは N3 〜to iu no wa Used to provide an explanation or definition; 'that is to say...', 'by that, I mean...'. Phrase/sentence + というのは + explanation/definition
- ～というより N3 〜to iu yori Express a comparison with preference; 'rather than', 'more like', 'instead of'. Verb-casual + というより, い-Adjective + というより, な-Adjective + だというより, Noun + だというより
- ～とおり N3 〜toori Expresses that something is done 'as is', 'as stated', or 'as instructed'. Verb-casual + とおり, Noun + のとおり
- ～とく N3 〜toku Express doing something in advance or for future convenience (casual form of ～ておく). Verb-て form + とく (e.g., 食べておく -> 食べとく, 読んでおく -> 読んどく)
- ～どんなに～ことか N3 〜donna ni〜koto ka Expresses the extent of something or emphasizes the degree of a condition or situation. どんなに + Adjective + ことか, どんなに + Verb + ことか
- ～ないと N3 〜nai to Express a condition; 'if... not', 'unless', 'must'. Verb-negative form + ないと
- ～なんか N3 〜nanka Expresses the idea of 'things like' or 'something like', used for listing examples or downplaying something. Noun + なんか, Verb-casual + なんか, い-Adjective + なんか, な-Adjective + なんか
- ～において N3 〜ni oite Indicates the place, time, or context where an action or situation takes place. Noun (Place/Time/Context) + において
- ～によって N3 〜ni yotte Indicates the reason or cause, difference depending on a factor, or methods used. Verb-casual + によって, い-Adjective + によって, な-Adjective + によって, Noun + によって
- ～に比べて N3 〜ni kurabete Comparing to; in comparison with; as opposed to. Verb-casual + に比べて, い-Adjective + に比べて, な-Adjective + だ/である + に比べて, Noun + だ/である + に比べて
- ～に関して N3 〜ni kanshite Regarding, concerning, about, with respect to. Noun + に関して
- ～ばかりか (〜bakarika) ～も N3 mo Not only... but also; more than just; not just Verb-casual + ばかりか/も, い-Adjective + ばかりか/も, な-Adjective + だ + ばかりか/も, Noun + だ + ばかりか/も
- ～ば～ほど N3 〜ba 〜hodo Expresses 'the more ~, the more ~'; a proportional relationship between two phrases. Verb-casual + ば + Verb-casual + ほど, い-Adjective + ば + い-Adjective + ほど, な-Adjective + であれば + な-Adjective + ほど
- ～ばよかった N3 〜ba yokatta Express a sense of regret; 'I wish', 'it would have been better if'. Verb-ば-form + よかった, い-Adjective-く + ばよかった, な-Adjective + ならよかった
- ～ふりをする N3 〜furi wo suru Pretending or acting as if; 'pretend', 'act like'. Verb (dictionary form) + ふりをする, い-Adjective + ふりをする, な-Adjective + ふりをする, Noun + ふりをする
- ～べきだ N3 〜beki da Express an obligation or something that should be done (mainly with verbs). Verb-dictionary form + べきだ
- ～ますように N3 〜masu you ni Used to express a wish or hope for oneself or someone else. Verb-ます form, remove final る + ように
- まったく～ない N3 mattaku ~nai Completely not; not at all. まったく + Verb-negative, まったく + い-Adjective-negative, まったく + な-Adjective-negative
- ～めったに～ない N3 〜metta ni 〜nai Used to express that something rarely, hardly ever or seldom happens. めったに + Verb[ない-form] / めったに + い-Adjective[ない-form] / めったに + な-Adjective[じゃない/ではない-form]
- ～ようとしない N3 〜you to shinai Not showing any sign or intention to do something. Verb-volitional form + としない
- ～ように N3 〜you ni Used to express a purpose, a way, or a natural tendency. Verb-casual + ように, い-Adjective + ように, な-Adjective + だように, Noun + のように
- ～ようにしましょう N3 〜you ni shimashou A suggestion to make an effort or try to do something; 'let's try to', 'let's make sure to'. Verb-dictionary form + ようにしましょう / Verb-negative form + ようにしましょう
- ～ようになった N3 〜you ni natta Express an event or state that became possible; 'became able to', 'started to', 'now can'. Verb-casual + ようになった
- ～られた N3 〜rareta Express a passive action, 'was/were', 'has/have been'. Verb (passive form, past tense) + られた
- ～ている N3 〜te iru Expresses a continuing action or a resulting state; 'is ~ing', 'has been', 'has'. Verb-て form + いる
- ～上げる N3 〜ageru Indicates to finish doing something completely. Verb-ますstem + 上げる
- ～切れない N3 ～kirenai Expresses inability to completely finish or do something. Verb-stem + 切れない
- ～最中に N3 ～saichuu ni In the middle of / while doing something. Verb-て form + いる + 最中に, Noun + の + 最中に
- A。それがB。 N2 ~sorega Expressing 'that's exactly what A is; in other words, B'. A (Statement)。それが B (Restatement or explanation of A)。
- A。それなら B。 N2 A. Sore nara B. Express 'if that's the case, then'; used to show a logical consequence or decision based on a given situation. Situation A (sentence) + 。それなら + Situation B (sentence)
- A。ということは B。 N2 A. To iu koto wa B. Expresses the meaning 'if A, that means B' or 'A implies B'. A + ということは + B
- A。要するに B。 N2 A. Yousuru ni B. Expressing 'in short', 'in a nutshell', or 'to sum up' when restating or summarizing A as B. A。要するに B。
- Noun の ことだから N2 Noun no koto dakara Used to provide a reason or explanation based on one's knowledge about the noun; 'since', 'because', 'knowing'. Noun + のことだから
- Noun を めぐって N2 Noun wo megutte Concerning; with regard to; about Noun + を + めぐって
- Noun を もとに N2 Noun o moto ni Based on; drawing from; using as a reference. Noun + をもとに
- Noun を もとにして N2 Noun wo moto ni shite Based on; using; utilizing. Noun + をもとにして
- Verb ことなく N2 ~kotonaku Means 'without doing', 'not doing', or 'without happening'. Verb-stem + ことなく
- Verb ないことには Verb ない N2 ~nai koto ni wa ~ nai Express that something cannot be done without meeting a certain condition. Verb-ない + ことには + Verb-ない
- ～あまり N2 〜amari Expresses the result of doing something excessively or beyond a certain point. Verb-ます stem + あまり, い-Adjective + あまり, な-Adjective + のあまり, Noun + のあまり
- ～がい N2 〜gai Expresses 'worth doing' for verbs. Verb-stem + がい
- ～かいがあって N2 〜kaiga atte Used to express that an effort is worth it or has value; 'to be worth the effort' or 'to pay off'. Verb-past + かいがあって / Noun + の + かいがあって
- ～かいもなく N2 〜kai mo naku Expresses the meaning of 'without worth', 'in vain', 'fruitless'. Verb-た + かいもなく / Noun + の + かいもなく
- ～かける N2 〜kakeru Indicates a process or action is 'in progress' or 'halfway'. Verb-stem + かける
- ～がち N2 〜gachi Expresses that something tends to occur frequently or habitually. Verb-ます stem + がち / い-Adjective stem + がち / な-Adjective stem + がち
- ～かねる N2 〜kaneru Express inability or impossibility of doing an action (often as a polite refusal). Verb-ます stem + かねる
- ～からこそ N2 〜kara koso Express the emphasis on the reason; 'precisely because', 'it is precisely because'. Verb-casual + からこそ, い-Adjective + からこそ, な-Adjective + だからこそ, Noun + だからこそ
- 〜からして N2 〜kara shite Expresses that something is exceptional, unusual, or negative based on a particular aspect or point. Noun + からして
- ～からといって N2 〜kara to itte Expresses 'just because...doesn't mean' or 'even though...not necessarily'. Verb-casual + からといって, い-Adjective + からといって, な-Adjective + だからといって, Noun + だからといって
- ～ことに N2 〜koto ni Used to express feelings or emotions about a situation, action, or outcome. Verb-casual + ことに / い-Adjective + ことに / な-Adjective + なことに / Noun + のことに
- ～だけあって N2 〜dake atte Expresses that something is as expected or deserves its reputation. Verb-casual + だけあって, い-Adjective + だけあって, な-Adjective + なだけあって, Noun + だけあって
- ～だけましだ N2 〜dake mashi da Expresses that although the situation isn’t ideal, it could be worse; 'it’s not great, but at least...'. Verb-casual + だけましだ, い-Adjective + だけましだ, な-Adjective + だけましだ, Noun + だけましだ
- ～だらけ N2 〜darake Indicates that something is full of or covered with a certain (usually negative) characteristic. Noun + だらけ
- ～つつある N2 〜tsutsu aru Expresses an ongoing process or gradual change. Verb-stem + つつある
- ～っぽい N2 〜ppoi Indicates that something has the appearance, characteristics, or behavior of something else. Noun + っぽい, Verb-casual + っぽい, い-Adjective + っぽい, な-Adjective + っぽい
- ～てかなわない N2 〜te kanawanai Expresses that something cannot be endured, tolerated, or is unbearable. Adjective (〜く / 〜で) + て + かなわない / Verb phrase (reworded to an adjective/negative) + て + かなわない
- ～てからでないと N2 〜te kara denai to Indicates that something cannot be done before a certain action is completed; 'not until', 'only after'. Verb-て + からでないと
- ～てこそ N2 〜te koso Emphasizes the condition; 'only when', 'precisely because'. Verb-て form + こそ / い-Adjective + くてこそ / な-Adjective + でこそ / Noun + でこそ
- ～でばかりはいられない N2 〜de bakari wa irarenai Cannot afford to only do something; cannot always rely on it. Verb-て form + ばかりはいられない, Noun + ばかりはいられない, Noun + ばかり + Verb-て form + はいられない
- ～ではないか N2 〜de wa nai ka Used to show a strong assertion or emphasis on one’s opinion; 'isn't it?', 'aren't you?', 'right?'. Noun + ではないか / い-Adjective + ではないか / な-Adjective + ではないか / Verb-casual + ではないか
- ～て当然だ N2 〜te tōzen da Expresses that something is natural or expected. Verb-て form + 当然だ
- ～というものだ N2 〜to iu mono da Expressing a general rule or common sense. Sentence + というものだ
- どうにか～ないものか N2 dō ni ka ~ nai mono ka Express a strong desire or wish for something to be possible. どうにか + Verb-negative form + ないものか
- ～どころではない N2 〜dokoro de wa nai Not the time/place for; far from; can't possibly. Verb-casual + どころではない, い-Adjective + どころではない, な-Adjective + どころではない, Noun + どころではない
- ～としても N2 〜to shite mo Even if, despite, although Verb-casual + としても, い-Adjective + としても, な-Adjective + だとしても, Noun + だとしても
- ～にかけては N2 〜ni kakete wa Indicates a specific area or aspect in which someone or something excels. Noun + にかけては
- ～に応えて N2 〜ni kotaete Responding to; living up to; meeting. Noun + に応えて
- ～に決まっている N2 〜ni kimatte iru Express certainty; 'it is obvious', 'it must be', 'no doubt'. Verb-casual + に決まっている, い-Adjective + に決まっている, な-Adjective + だに決まっている, Noun + だに決まっている
- ～に沿って N2 〜ni sotte Along with; in accordance with; following Noun + に沿って
- ～のももっともだ N2 〜no mo mottomo da Express that something is understandable or reasonable. Verb-casual + のももっともだ, い-Adjective + のももっともだ, な-Adjective + なのももっともだ, Noun + なのももっともだ
- ～の下で N2 〜no shita de Under the context or condition of; under. Verb-casual + の下で, い-Adjective + の下で, な-Adjective + の下で, Noun + の下で
- ～ば～というものでもない N2 〜ba 〜to iu mono demo nai Not necessarily true that if A, then B. Verb-ば form + というものでもない
- ～はともかく～は N2 〜wa tomokaku 〜wa Used to compare or contrast two elements; 'as for...'. Noun1 はともかく Noun2 は
- ～はまだしも N2 〜wa mada shimo Expresses that while the first item is somewhat acceptable, the second item is not. Noun1 + はまだしも + Noun2
- ～はもとより N2 〜wa moto yori Expressing that something is obvious, and there is also something else. Noun1 + はもとより, Noun2 + も
- ～は抜きにして N2 〜wa nuki ni shite Leaving aside, excluding. Noun + は抜きにして
- ～ままに N2 〜mama ni Act according to; leave as is; unchanged. Verb-て + まま, い-Adjective + のまま, な-Adjective + なまま, Noun + のまま
- ～もかまわず N2 〜mo kamawazu Express indifference or disregard; 'without hesitating', 'without worrying about'. Verb-dictionary form + もかまわず, Noun + もかまわず
- ～ものがある N2 〜mono ga aru Express a strong impression or feeling; 'there's something about it that...' Verb-casual + ものがある, い-Adjective + ものがある, な-Adjective + なものがある
- ～も～ば～も～ N2 〜mo〜ba〜mo〜 Lists multiple attributes or actions applying to the same subject: 'both…and…', 'not only…but also…'. Noun/Verb/Adjective + も + (Verb/Adjective in ば-form) + も + (Verb/Adjective)
- ～も同然だ N2 〜mo douzen da Indicates 'as good as', 'virtually', or 'practically' the same as something. Noun + (も)同然だ, Verb-casual + (も)同然だ, etc.
- ～やら～やら N2 〜yara〜yara Expresses various items or actions, 'things like..., and so on'. Verb-casual + やら, い-Adjective + やら, な-Adjective + やら, Noun + やら
- ～をきっかけに N2 〜wo kikkake ni Indicates that something serves as a trigger or starting point for another action/event. Noun + をきっかけに
- ～を中心に N2 〜wo chuushin ni Indicates that something is centered around or focused on a main topic or area. Noun + を中心に
- ～を込めて N2 〜wo komete To express that something is done with a certain feeling, intention, or emotion. Feeling/emotion/intention Noun + を + 込めて + Verb
- ～を頼りに N2 〜wo tayori ni To rely on or depend on something or someone. Noun + を頼りに
- ～一方 N2 〜ippou Indicates that while one action or situation is happening, another action or situation is also occurring or is in contrast. Verb-casual + 一方(で), い-Adjective + 一方(で), な-Adjective + な/である一方(で), Noun + である一方(で)
- ～一方だ N2 〜ippou da Expresses that a situation or condition is continuing to increase or decrease in one direction. Verb-dictionary form + 一方だ
- ～切る N2 〜kiru To do something completely or thoroughly. Verb-stem + 切る
- ～反面 N2 〜hanmen Express contrast between two aspects; 'on the one hand', 'on the other hand'. Verb-casual + 反面, い-Adjective + 反面, な-Adjective + である反面, Noun + である反面
- ～向け N2 〜muke Indicating target or intended audience. Noun + 向け
- ～気味 N2 〜gimi Indicates a slight feeling or tendency toward a particular state. Noun + 気味 (e.g., 風邪気味, 寝不足気味, 緊張気味)
- A うが B うが N1 A uga B uga Expresses the idea of 'no matter how... or', 'even if... or'. Verb-volitional form + うが + Verb-volitional form + うが, or Adjective (-かろう) + が + Adjective (-かろう) + が
- A かたわら B N1 A katawara B Expresses 'while also', 'at the same time as'. Verb-dictionary form + かたわら, Noun + のかたわら
- A だの B だの N1 A dano B dano Used to list examples (often with a critical or complaining tone); 'things like A, B, etc.'. Noun/Verb casual + だの + Noun/Verb casual + だの
- A というか B というか N1 A to iu ka B to iu ka Means 'rather than say A, it's more like B', or 'whether to call it A or B'. Phrase A + というか + Phrase B + というか
- A のやら B のやら N1 A no yara B no yara Used when the speaker is unsure or confused between multiple possibilities. Noun1 + のやら + Noun2 + のやら (also works with adjectives and verbs + のやら)
- Noun1 が Noun1 なら、 Noun2 も Noun2 だ N1 A ga A nara, B mo B da Indicates a parallel or matching situation; 'if Noun1 is (truly) Noun1, then Noun2 is also Noun2'. Noun1 + が + (repeat Noun1) + なら、Noun2 + も + (repeat Noun2) + だ
- Noun1 も Noun1 なら、Noun2 も Noun2 だ N1 A mo A nara, B mo B da Highlights two parallel facts or characteristics; 'if it’s said that ~, then it can also be said that ~'. Noun1 + も + (repeat Noun1) + なら、Noun2 + も + (repeat Noun2) + だ
- Noun + あっての + Noun N1 A atte no B Expresses 'B cannot exist without A'; 'B only exists because of A'. Noun1 + あっての + Noun2
- Noun からある N1 〜kara aru Used with large numbers or measurements to emphasize 'at least that many' or 'no less than.' Number + Counter + からある
- Noun からする N1 Noun kara suru Used to indicate that something is judged, estimated, or considered from a certain point or aspect. Noun + からする
- Noun からの N1 ~kara no Defines the starting point or the origin; 'from'. Noun + からの
- Noun から言わせれば N1 ~kara iwasereba Express the perspective of the noun; 'from ~'s point of view.' Noun + から言わせれば
- Noun + ぐるみ N1 〜gurumi Describes 'entirely', 'all together', or 'as a whole group'. Noun + ぐるみ
- Noun こそあれ N1 ~koso are Expresses 'though there is ... (some negative or burdensome aspect), still ...'. Noun + こそあれ + (result/continuation)
- Noun こそ～が N1 ~koso~ga Emphasizes that 'it is precisely Noun that ...', then adds a contrasting or additional point. Noun + こそ + (statement) + が + (contrasting/additional statement)
- Noun こそすれ N1 ~koso sure An emphatic pattern meaning 'it may be X, but definitely not Y.' Often pairs with a negative statement. Noun + こそすれ + (negative or contrasting statement)
- Noun ごとき / Noun ごとく N1 〜gotoki/〜gotoku Means 'like a...', 'as if...', expressing a simile or metaphor. Noun + ごとき, Noun + ごとく, Verb-casual + ごとく, い-Adjective + ごとく
- Noun じゃあるまいし N1 ~ja aru mai shi Expressing that something 'is not'; 'it's not like...'. Colloquial/masculine form of ではあるまいし. Noun or Na-Adjective + じゃあるまいし
- Noun だけではすまない N1 Noun dake dewa sumanai Expresses 'it can't be settled with just...', 'cannot be resolved merely by...'. Noun + だけではすまない
- Noun たる Noun N1 ~taru~ Indicates 'being in the position/state of', used for roles or statuses. Noun1 + たる + Noun2
- Noun でなくてなんだろう N1 〜de nakute nandarou A strong rhetorical question: 'If not X, then what is it?' Noun + でなくてなんだろう
- Noun ではあるまいし N1 ~dewa aru maishi Means 'it’s not as if...', 'it’s not that...', more formal than じゃあるまいし. Noun + ではあるまいし
- Noun と Noun を兼ねて N1 Noun to Noun o kanete Used to indicate doing two things at once or fulfilling two roles/purposes. Noun + と + Noun + を兼ねて
- Noun という Noun N1 ~to iu~ Used to specify or define one noun with another; 'the noun called', 'the noun that is', or 'a certain'. Noun1 という Noun2
- Noun というところだ N1 Noun to iu tokoro da Means 'it's approximately...' or 'it's about...'. Used to show approximation or a general assessment. Noun + というところだ
- Noun + というもの N1 ~ to iu mono Used to express a generic concept: 'all ~', 'any ~ of that kind'. Noun + というもの
- Noun とは比べものにならない N1 ~to wa kurabemono ni naranai Indicates something is not comparable; 'beyond comparison'. Noun + とは比べものにならない
- Noun + ともあろう + Noun N1 ~tomoarou~ Used to criticize or question unbecoming behavior by someone of a certain status. Noun + ともあろう + Noun
- Noun ともなると N1 〜to mo naru to 'When it comes to...', emphasizes a change of situation or status. Noun + ともなると
- Noun + ならでは N1 ~nara de wa Expresses something unique or characteristic only of that noun; 'only found in', 'only possible with'. Noun + ならでは
- Noun に Noun を重ねて N1 A ni B wo kasanete This expression is used to describe repeated actions or states, 'one after another' or 'pile up'. Noun に Noun を重ねて
- Noun にあっては N1 Noun ni atte ha Indicates a specific situation or environment in which something happens or is the case. Noun + にあっては
- Noun にあるまじき Noun N1 Noun ni aru majiki Noun Expresses the idea of 'unfitting', 'unbecoming' or 'inappropriate'. Noun1 にあるまじき Noun2
- Noun にして初めて N1 Noun nishite hajimete Expresses 'only when/after... for the first time'. Noun + にして初めて
- Noun ぬいた Noun N1 A nuita B Expresses the idea of 'taking something out from something else'. Noun1 + をぬいた + Noun2
- Noun + ぬいて N1 ~nuite This is a way to express 'minus' or 'except for' some specific noun. Noun + ぬいて
- ～ぬく N1 ~nuku Expresses the concept of doing something completely or thoroughly. Verb-stem + ぬく
- Noun+のいかんだ N1 Noun no ikan da Depends on; up to Noun + のいかんだ, Noun + のいかんでは, Noun + ののいかんで
- Noun のいかんでは N1 Noun no ikan de wa It depends on the Noun Noun + のいかんでは
- Noun のいかんによっては N1 Noun no ikan ni yotte wa Depending on the matter; depending on noun Noun + のいかんによっては
- Noun の 嫌いがある N1 Noun no kirai ga aru Have a dislike for a particular Noun Noun + の嫌いがある
- Noun の手前 N1 ~no temae Expresses the idea of 'Before doing something; on the verge of'. Noun + の手前, Verb-casual + 手前
- Noun の極み N1 〜no kiwami Used to express the extreme or utmost point of something. Noun + の極み
- Noun の 至り N1 ~no itari Expresses 'the height of', 'the extreme of' something. Noun + の至り
- Noun はさておき N1 ~ wa sateoki Means 'putting aside', 'aside from', 'notwithstanding'. Noun + はさておき
- Noun まみれ N1 ~mamire Expresses a state in which something is entirely covered or filled with something else. Noun + まみれ
- Noun も相まって N1 ~mo aimatte Used to express that combined with something else, it caused a certain outcome. Noun + も相まって
- Noun を おいて他に Verb ない N1 〜wo oite hoka ni〜nai Means 'apart from ~ there's nothing else,' implying the Noun is the best or most suitable choice. Noun + をおいて他に + Verb negative form
- Noun をものともせずに N1 Noun wo mono tomo sezu ni Expresses the idea that 'despite something, action was carried out', translating to 'without being fazed by something'. Noun + をものともせずに
- Noun をよそに N1 ~wo yoso ni Despite; Notwithstanding; Regardless of Noun + をよそに
- Noun を余儀なくされる N1 Noun wo yogi naku sareru Expresses the idea of being forced into a certain situation, 'to be compelled', 'to be obliged'. Noun + を + 余儀なくされる
- Noun を前提にして N1 Noun wo zentei ni shite Assuming; presupposing; on the assumption of. Noun + を前提にして
- Noun を境にして N1 Noun wo sakai ni shite Means 'as a turning point', 'since (time)', or 'from (time) on'. Noun + を境に(して)
- Noun を機にして N1 ~wo ki ni shite To take the opportunity to; taking the occasion to; on the occasion of. Noun + を機にして
- Noun を踏まえて N1 〜wo fumaete Based on; taking into account; in light of Noun + を踏まえて
- Noun 並み N1 ~nami Indicates 'like' or 'as' something or someone; 'equivalent to', 'around'. Noun + 並み
- Noun + 前提で N1 Noun + zentei de Expresses a condition or requirement for something to be established: 'on the assumption that', 'under the condition of'. Noun + 前提で
- Verb こそすれ N1 ~koso sure Often used in the pattern 'Xこそすれ、Y〜ない', meaning 'One might do X, but definitely not Y'. Verb-ますstem + こそすれ、(絶対に)～ない
- Verb ずじまい N1 ~zu jimai Expressing regret for not having done something; not being able to; missing the chance to do it. Verb-ない form (remove ない) + ずじまい
- Verb ずとも N1 〜zu tomo Means 'Even without doing (X), (Y) can still happen'. Verb-negative stem + ずとも, Verb-ない stem + なくとも
- Verb そばから N1 〜soba kara Expresses that as soon as one action finishes, another begins immediately. Verb-ますstem + そばから
- Verb たことにしてください N1 ~ ta koto ni shite kudasai Asking someone to pretend or accept that something has already happened or taken a certain state. Verb (past, casual) + ことにしてください
- Verb たら Verb たで N1 ~ tara ~ tade Conveys that if something happens (or doesn’t happen), there is a particular consequence or situation either way. Verb-た form + ら + (same Verb-た form) + で
- Verb たら きりがない N1 Verb tara kiri ga nai Indicates an endless or unending cycle once an action is started; 'if one starts doing something, it will not stop.' Verb-た form + ら + きりがない
- Verb つ Verb つ N1 Verb tsu Verb tsu Expresses two alternating actions happening repeatedly. Verb-ますstem + つ + Verb-ますstem + つ
- Verb てからというもの N1 Verb te kara to iu mono Expresses that ever since a certain event happened, a condition has continued until now. Verb-て form + からというもの
- Verb てこそ N1 Verb te koso Emphasizes 'only by doing something, a certain result or realization can occur.' Verb-て form + こそ
- Verb ては N1 ～te wa Expresses a repeated pattern or cycle, often implying a frustrating outcome; 'whenever X happens, Y happens again.' Verb-て form + は
- Verb てまでも N1 ~ temademo Expresses 'even if it means doing...', 'no matter what it takes'. Verb-て form + までも
- Verb てみせる N1 Verb te miseru 'Show by doing', 'demonstrate', 'prove by action'. Verb-て form + みせる
- Verb ないものだろうか N1 Verb nai mono darou ka Expressing hope or wonder if something can be done: 'Isn't there a way...?', 'Can't we...?' Verb-negative (often negative potential) + ものだろうか
- Verb ないものでもない N1 Verb nai mono demo nai Expresses the idea that it's not entirely impossible or non-existent: 'It's not that I don't...', 'It's not that there aren't...' Verb-negative form (ない form) + ものでもない
- Verb の ない Noun N1 ~ no nai ~ Used to modify a noun with a negative verb form; 'a Noun without (Verb)'. Verb in negative form + の + Noun
- Verb ば きりがない N1 〜ba kiri ga nai Indicates there's no end once you start listing, doing, or saying something: 'If one starts to..., there will be no end.' Verb-conditional form (ば) + きりがない
- Verb もしないで N1 ~ mo shinai de Means 'without even doing'. Verb (masu stem) + もしないで
- Verb やしない N1 ~ yashinai Expresses a strong denial or refusal: 'I would never...', 'No way I would...'. Verb (masu stem) + やしない
- Verb よう N1 ~ you / ~ you ni Expresses 'the way/manner of doing something' or 'in order to / so that / try to'. Verb (dictionary or negative form) + ように (する / etc.)
- Verb ようにも N1 〜you ni mo Used to express 'even though one wants to do something, one can't for some reason'. Verb-volitional form + にも + (reason/potential negative, etc.)
- Verbる がままに N1 〜ga mama ni Expresses 'letting something happen as it is'; 'just as something does'. Verb-dictionary form + がままに
- Verbる が早いか N1 verb-ru ga hayai ka Expresses 'as soon as...' or 'the moment when...'. Verb-dictionary form + が早いか
- Verbる くらいなら N1 〜ru kurai nara Expresses preference to avoid something: 'rather than...', 'if it comes to doing X, I'd rather...'. Verb-dictionary form + くらいなら
- Verbる こと なし に N1 Verb-ru koto nashi ni Used to express 'without doing something'. Verb-dictionary form + ことなしに
- Verbる ことのないように N1 Verb-ru koto no nai you ni Expresses the desire or effort to prevent something: 'so as not to...', 'to avoid...'. Verb-dictionary form + ことのないように
- Verbる ときりがない N1 verb-ru to kiri ga nai Used to indicate that something can go on endlessly or without limits. Verb-casual + と + きりがない
- Verbる ともなく Verb N1 Verb-ru tomonaku Verb Used to express 'without a particular intention', 'unconsciously', or 'before one knows it'. Verb-dictionary form + ともなく + Verb
- Verbる ともなしに Verb N1 Verb-ru tomonashi ni Verb Expresses doing something unintentionally or without conscious thought. Verb-dictionary form + ともなしに + Verb
- Verbる べからず N1 〜ru bekara zu Expresses the idea of 'must not do' or 'should not do'. Verb-ru + べからず
- Verbる べくもない N1 Verb-ru beku mo nai Means 'it's impossible to...' or 'there's no way to...'. Verb-dictionary form + べくもない
- Verbる ものとする N1 〜ru mono to suru Assuming or deciding something as... Verb-dictionary form + ものとする
- Verbる 始末だ N1 〜ru shimatsu da Indicates a (often unfortunate) result or conclusion of an action. Verb-dictionary form + 始末だ
- Verbる 嫌いがある N1 ～ru kirai ga aru Tendency to do a negative action; have a bad habit of ~. Verb-dictionary form + 嫌いがある
- いつまで～のやら N1 itsumade ~ no yara Expresses uncertainty regarding duration; 'don't know when... will end'. いつまで + Verb (dictionary form) + のやら, いつ + Verb (dictionary form) + のやら
- ～かと思いきや N1 〜ka to omoikiya Expressing unexpected outcomes; 'just when I thought...', 'but...'. Sentence + かと思いきや (Verb plain form, i-/na-Adjective, or Noun + だ + かと思いきや)
- ～ごとく N1 〜gotoku To seem like; as if; as though. Verb-て + ごとく / Noun + の + ごとく
- ～ずにすんだ N1 〜zuni sunda Expresses the idea of 'was able to do without'; 'managed to avoid'. Verb-ず form + に + すんだ
- ～ではすまない N1 〜dewa sumanai Expresses that just doing something is not enough or will not suffice. Verb-dictionary form + ではすまない / い-Adjective + ではすまない / な-Adjective + ではすまない / Noun + ではすまない
- ～とあって N1 〜to atte Expresses a special situation or event due to certain circumstances. Noun + とあって / (Sometimes Verb + とあって, depending on context)
- ～といったらありゃしない N1 〜to ittara arya shinai Emphasizes that something is to the extreme; 'you have no idea how...', 'it's incredibly...'. Verb-casual + といったらありゃしない / い-Adjective + といったらありゃしない / な-Adjective + だ + といったらありゃしない / Noun + だ + といったらありゃしない
- ～といったらない N1 〜to ittara nai Expresses the extreme of something; 'nothing can be more ... than this'. い-Adjective + といったらない / な-Adjective + だといったらない / Noun + だといったらない
- ～ときている N1 〜to kite iru Highlights a situation or condition that is serious/extreme, often with a negative nuance. Verb-casual / い-Adjective / な-Adjective（＋だ） / Noun（＋だ） + ときている
- ～ところを N1 〜tokoro wo Indicates a contrasting or inconvenient timing; 'just when...', 'even though...'. Verb-ている + ところを / Noun + の + ところを / い-Adjective + ところを / な-Adjective + な + ところを
- ～とすれば N1 ～to sureba Used to express 'if it were the case that...', 'if we assume that...'. Verb-casual + とすれば / い-Adjective + とすれば / な-Adjective + だとすれば / Noun + だとすれば
- ～となったら N1 〜to nattara Used to express 'if it comes to...', 'when it becomes the case that...'. Verb-casual + となったら / Noun + となったら
- ～となると N1 〜to naru to Used to highlight a certain circumstance; 'when it comes to...', 'if it becomes...', 'in the event that...'. Verb-casual + となると / い-Adjective + となると / な-Adjective + だとなると / Noun + だとなると
- ～となれば N1 〜to nareba Expresses the idea of 'if it comes to...; when we talk about...; in the case of...'. Verb-casual + となれば, い-Adjective + となれば, な-Adjective + だとなれば, Noun + だとなれば
- ～と言わんばかりに N1 〜to iwan bakari ni Indicates an action or behavior that strongly implies a certain unspoken message or feeling. Verb-volitional + と言わんばかりに, い-Adjective + と言わんばかりに, な-Adjective + だと言わんばかりに, Noun + だと言わんばかりに
- ～と言わんばかりの Noun N1 ～to iwan bakari no Noun Expresses the concept of 'as if to say'; 'almost says'; 'suggests'. Verb-plain form + と言わんばかりの Noun
- ～ながらに N1 ～nagara ni Expresses a state or condition continuing just as it is (e.g. 'from birth', 'while crying', 'in the old way'). Common set phrases: 生まれながらに, 涙ながらに, 昔ながらに, 子供ながらに, etc.
- ～ながらの Noun N1 〜nagara no Noun Indicates one action or state happening at the same time as the noun in question (e.g. 'dinner while watching TV'). Verb-ますstem (or plain minus る) + ながら + の + Noun
- ～なら～なりに N1 Means 'if it is X, then it's X in its own way', emphasizing unique qualities. Noun/Adjective + なら + (same Noun/Adjective) + なりに
- ～に堪えない N1 ～ni taenai Indicates something is unbearable or not worth doing (e.g., 'unbearable to watch', 'unbearable to listen to'). Verb-dictionary form + に堪えない, Noun + に堪えない
- ～に堪える N1 ～ni taeru Used to say that something is 'worth doing' or 'can stand up to' something (the positive counterpart of ～に堪えない). Verb-dictionary form + に堪える, Noun + に堪える
- ～に耐える N1 ～ni taeru To endure or withstand something; 'endure', 'withstand', 'tolerate'. Noun + に耐える
- ～に至った N1 〜ni itatta Expresses the outcome or final conclusion of a process; 'reached the point', 'led to'. Verb-てform + に至った or Noun / Verb-dictionary + に至る (more general).
- ～に越したことはない N1 〜ni koshita koto wa nai Expresses that something is the best or most desirable course of action; 'nothing better than...'. Verb (dictionary form) + に越したことはない, い-Adjective + に越したことはない, な-Adjective/Noun + である + に越したことはない
- ～に難くない N1 ～ni katakunai Expresses 'not difficult to ~' in a formal/literary sense; e.g., 'not hard to imagine/understand'. Verb-dictionary form + に難くない (commonly with 想像する, 理解する, 察する, etc.)
- ～のは Noun ぐらいのものだ N1 〜no wa Noun gurai no mono da Conveys that 'only (Noun) is the case' or 'nothing but (Noun)'. Verb-casual + のは + Noun + ぐらいのものだ, い-Adjective + のは + Noun + ぐらいのものだ, etc.
- ～びた N1 ～bita A suffix meaning “looking or seeming like ~” (often appears with nouns/adjectives). [Noun/Adjective stem] + びた (forms a 連体形 modifier, e.g., 大人びた人 “an adult-like person”)
- ～びる N1 〜biru A suffix meaning “to appear/to become ~,” often used with certain adjectives or nouns. Adjective/Noun + びる (to form a verb)
- ～ぶった N1 ～butta Often appears as a past form of ～ぶる, meaning 'acted/pretended like ~' (or literally 'hit/bashed', depending on context). Noun/Adjective + ぶる -> ぶった (past tense), e.g., 偉そうぶった, 大人ぶった
- ～ぶって N1 〜butte Te-form of ～ぶる, meaning 'acting/pretending to be ~'. Noun/Adjective + ぶる -> ぶって (te-form)
- ～ぶり N1 〜buri Expresses the amount of time elapsed since doing something last. Time expression + ぶり
- ～ぶる N1 〜buru Used when someone is acting or pretending to be something they are not (often a negative connotation). Noun / (Adjective stem) + ぶる
- ～までだ N1 ～made da Expresses a limit or extent; 'it's only up to...', 'no more than...'. Verb (dictionary/ない form) + までだ, い-Adjective + までだ, Noun + までだ
- ～もなんでもない N1 〜mo nandemonai Used to dismiss or negate something’s importance; 'it’s nothing at all', 'it doesn’t matter'. Verb-dictionary form + もなんでもない, い-Adjective + もなんでもない, な-Adjective + なもなんでもない, Noun + もなんでもない
- ～んばかりに N1 〜n bakari ni Indicates 'as though about to ~' or 'as if to say ~'. Verb-negative stem + ん + ばかりに
- ～差し支えない N1 〜sashitsukaenai Indicates no problem or obstacle; 'it’s fine if...', 'there’s no issue'. Verb-て form + も差し支えない, Noun + が差し支えない
- ～極まる N1 〜kiwamaru Also expresses an extreme degree or state, typically negative. な-Adjective（語幹）+ 極まる, い-Adjective（連用形）+ こと + 極まる, etc.
- ～足りない N1 ～tarinai Expresses insufficiency or lack; 'not enough', 'insufficient'. Noun + (が) 足りない, Verb-casual + ほど/だけ + (が) 足りない
- ～足る Noun N1 〜taru Noun Indicates that something is worthy or sufficient to be called/used as ~; 'worthy of', 'enough to ~'. Noun/Verb-dictionary form + に足る + Noun
- ～限りだ N1 〜kagiri da Expresses an extreme degree of emotion or reaction; 'I feel so ~', 'as ~ as can be'. い-Adjective + 限りだ, な-Adjective + な/である + 限りだ, Noun + の + 限りだ