Japanese Grammar

JLPT N3 — Intermediate

74 grammar points · 70 articles completed

使役受身形causative-passive

意向形volitional form 命令形imperative form 禁止形prohibitive form 可能形potential form べきだshould, ought to ことにしているmake it a rule to わけにはいかないcannot afford to ざるを得ないhave no choice but っけwas it? (recalling)それにmoreover, besides その上furthermore そのためtherefore, for that reason ところがhowever (unexpected)一方でon the other hand それにしてもeven so, nevertheless ほどto the extent that くらい/ぐらいabout, approximately ばかりonly, nothing but さえeven こそemphasis (it is precisely)さえ〜ばif only, as long as おかげでthanks to せいでbecause of (blame)ようにso that, in such a way

ためにin order to, because of

がちだtend to っぽい-ish, -like 気味slight tendency 向きだsuitable for 向けだaimed at, for うちにwhile, before it changes たびにevery time, whenever 次第as soon as 最中にin the middle of ついでにwhile at it, taking the opportunity 以来since, ever since とおりにexactly as ようにlike, as if かわりにinstead of ぬきでwithout, leaving out ことになっているit's been decided/scheduled ということだit means that, I heard とは限らないnot necessarily わけがないthere's no way わけだthat's why, no wonder わけではないit doesn't mean that てたまらないunbearably, extremely てしょうがないcan't help but てほしいwant someone to ことはないno need to ようにするmake an effort to ようになるcome to, get to the point

ことにするdecide to

ことになるit has been decided においてin, at (formal)に対してtowards, against に関してregarding, concerning にとってfor, to (someone)についてabout, concerning によってby means of, depending on としてas, in the capacity of に基づいてbased on にわたってover, spanning をはじめstarting with, including に伴ってalong with, as を中心にcentered on をもとにbased on お/ご〜になるhonorific verb form お/ご〜するhumble verb form お/ご〜くださいplease (honorific)〜れる/られる (尊敬)honorific passive

articles completed (70)

ことになる

It Has Been Decided / It Turns Out That

Learn the Japanese grammar pattern ことになる (koto ni naru) meaning 'it has been decided' or 'it turns out that'. Master its usage and avoid common mistakes.

ことはない

ことはない — No Need To / There's No Need To

Learn ことはない (koto wa nai), an N3 Japanese grammar pattern meaning 'no need to' or 'there is no need to'. Comprehensive guide with examples, common mistakes, and JLPT tips.

に関して

Regarding, Concerning: に関して (ni kanshite)

Learn the Japanese N3 grammar point に関して (ni kanshite) meaning 'regarding' or 'concerning' with detailed explanations, example sentences, common mistakes, and JLPT tips.

に基づいて

N3 Grammar: に基づいて (ni motozuite) — Based On

Learn the Japanese N3 grammar point に基づいて (ni motozuite). Understand its meaning, usage, structure, and common mistakes.

N3formalbasis

において

において — In, At (Formal)

Learn the formal Japanese grammar pattern において (ni oite) for expressing location or occasion. Understand its usage, structure, and differences from で, に, and とき.

に対して

に対して — Towards, Against

Comprehensive guide to Japanese grammar point に対して (ni taishite), covering its meanings, usage, formation, examples, common mistakes, and JLPT tips for N3 students.

に伴って

N3 Grammar: に伴って (ni tomonatte) — Along With, As

Learn the N3 Japanese grammar point に伴って (ni tomonatte). Understand its meaning 'along with' or 'as' and how to use it to express correlation and consequence in formal contexts with clear examples.

にとって

にとって — For, To (Someone/Something's Perspective)

Learn the N3 Japanese grammar point にとって (ni totte), meaning 'for' or 'from the perspective of,' with detailed explanations and examples.

について

About, Concerning: Understanding について (ni tsuite)

Comprehensive guide to the Japanese grammar point について (ni tsuite), meaning 'about' or 'concerning.' Learn usage, structure, examples, and common mistakes for N3 JLPT.

にわたって

にわたって (ni watatte) — Over, Spanning, Throughout

Master N3 Japanese grammar: にわたって (ni watatte). Learn its usage for expressing 'over,' 'spanning,' or 'throughout' a duration or extent with detailed examples.

によって

によって (ni yotte) — By Means Of, Depending On, Due To

Learn the versatile Japanese grammar point によって (ni yotte) for JLPT N3. Understand its various uses for means, cause, dependence, and passive voice agents with detailed explanations and examples.

お/ご〜ください

Please (Honorific) - お/ご〜ください

Learn the Japanese grammar pattern お/ご〜ください to make polite and respectful requests. Understand its usage, formation, and common mistakes at the N3 level.

お/ご〜になる

Honorific Verb Form: お/ご〜になる

Master the N3 Japanese honorific verb form お/ご〜になる. Learn to elevate the actions of superiors with clear explanations, practical examples, and common pitfalls to avoid.

お/ご〜する

Understand the N3 Japanese humble verb form お/ご〜する. This guide covers how to express your actions humbly and respectfully to superiors, explaining its structure, usage, common pitfalls, and cultural significance.

〜れる/られる (尊敬)

Honorific Passive: Respectful Verbs with 〜れる/られる

Learn the Japanese honorific passive 〜れる/られる (sonkei). This guide covers its formation, practical usage, common pitfalls, and key distinctions from passive and potential forms at N3 level.

honorificskeigopoliteness

てほしい

Want Someone To - てほしい

Learn how to use てほしい (te hoshii) in Japanese to express your desire for someone else to perform an action. Comprehensive guide with examples, common mistakes, and JLPT tips.

てしょうがない

Te Shou ga Nai: Can't Help But / Can't Stand

Learn the Japanese grammar pattern てしょうがない (te shou ga nai), meaning 'can't help but' or 'can't stand it,' with comprehensive examples and usage tips for JLPT N3.

てたまらない

Unbearably, Extremely: Expressing Overwhelming Feelings with てたまらない

Learn to express strong, often uncontrollable feelings and sensations in Japanese with the N3 grammar pattern ～てたまらない. This guide provides clear explanations and practical examples.

として

として (toshite) — As, In The Capacity Of, For

Learn the Japanese N3 grammar point として (toshite), meaning 'as' or 'in the capacity of'. Understand its usage, formation, and common mistakes.

わけだ

Wakeda: That's Why, No Wonder, It Means That

Master the JLPT N3 grammar pattern わけだ (wakeda). This guide covers its meaning, natural usage, formation rules, and common pitfalls, all with practical examples to help you understand when and how to use it effectively.

わけではない

It Doesn't Mean That / It's Not Necessarily True That

Learn the JLPT N3 grammar わけではない (wake dewa nai). This essential pattern helps you express partial negation, correct assumptions, and qualify statements in Japanese. Includes clear examples, common mistakes, and JLPT tips.

わけがない

わけがない — There's No Way / It's Impossible

Learn the Japanese grammar わけがない (wake ga nai) to express 'there's no way' or 'it's impossible'. This guide provides clear examples and usage tips for N3 learners.

を中心に

を中心に (wo chūshin ni) — Centered On / Focusing On

Discover how to use を中心に (wo chūshin ni) to express 'centered on' or 'focusing on' in Japanese. This guide for N3 learners offers clear examples and addresses common mistakes for better understanding.

をはじめ

をはじめ — Starting With, Including

Learn the N3 Japanese grammar point をはじめ (wo hajime), meaning 'starting with' or 'including,' with detailed explanations and example sentences.

をもとに

をもとに (o moto ni) — Based On / Drawing Upon

Learn the Japanese grammar pattern をもとに (o moto ni) at JLPT N3 level. Understand its meaning of 'based on' or 'drawing upon' a foundation with examples and usage tips.

ようになる

Mastering ようになる: Come To, Get To The Point

Learn the N3 grammar point ようになる (you ni naru). Understand how to express a change in state, ability, or habit, and distinguish it from similar patterns.

ようにする

ようにする — Make An Effort To

Learn ようにする (you ni suru) at JLPT N3 level. Master making an effort or habit in Japanese with comprehensive explanations, examples, and common mistakes.

ばかり

ばかり — Only, Nothing But

Master the Japanese N3 grammar point ばかり (bakari). Learn its various meanings including 'only,' 'just,' and 'nothing but,' with detailed explanations, example sentences, and common mistakes.

べきだ

べきだ — Should, Ought To | Japanese Grammar N3

Master べきだ (should/ought to) with this complete N3 grammar guide. 15 examples with furigana, common mistakes, and JLPT exam tips.

obligationshouldmodal

がちだ

Expressing Tendencies: がちだ (gachi da)

Master がちだ (gachi da) at JLPT N3 level. This guide helps you express tendencies or being prone to something, almost always with a negative connotation. Includes natural examples and common pitfalls.

気味

Grammar Point: 気味 (gimi) — A Slight Tendency / Feeling A Bit Like

Master the N3 Japanese grammar point 気味 (gimi), which conveys a 'slight tendency,' 'a touch of,' or 'somewhat.' Explore its usage with verbs and nouns, compare it with similar patterns, and learn how to avoid common mistakes. This comprehensive guide, complete with examples and cultural insights, will help you confidently use 気味 for the JLPT and everyday communication.

suffixnuancen3

ほど

ほど — To The Extent That

Comprehensive guide to the Japanese grammar point ほど (hodo), covering its meaning, usage, formation, and common examples for JLPT N3 learners.

comparisondegreeextent

一方で

Master 一方で (Ippou de) - The Art of 'On The Other Hand'

Master the N3 grammar point 一方で (ippou de). Learn to express contrast and simultaneous actions with clear examples and formation rules.

N3conjunctionlogic

以来

以来 (irai) — Since, Ever Since

Learn how to use 以来 (irai) to mean 'since' or 'ever since' in Japanese. Understand its structure, nuance, and common uses with example sentences for JLPT N3.

可能形

Potential Form (可能形) — How to Express Ability

Learn the Japanese potential form (可能形) to say 'can do'. Full N3 guide with conjugation rules, 15 examples, common mistakes, and JLPT tips.

verbpotentialn3

かわりに

Kawarini: Instead Of, In Place Of, On Behalf Of

Learn the Japanese grammar pattern ～かわりに (kawarini) for expressing 'instead of,' 'in place of,' 'on behalf of,' and 'in return for.' Comprehensive guide with examples for N3 learners.

っけ

っけ — "Was It... Again?" (Recalling Information)

Master the Japanese particle っけ (kke). Learn how to confirm forgotten details and express recollection with N3 examples, common mistakes, and polite forms.

こそ

Koso: Adding Emphasis – It Is Precisely

Learn how to use こそ (koso) in Japanese to add strong emphasis, meaning 'precisely' or 'it is indeed'. Master its usage, structure, and common mistakes for JLPT N3.

ことになっている

It's Been Decided/Scheduled: ことになっている

Explore the N3 Japanese grammar point ことになっている (koto ni natte iru), which expresses decisions, rules, or schedules set by others. Learn its usage, formation, and common mistakes to avoid.

ことにしている

ことにしている — Make It A Rule To / I Always Make Sure To

Learn ことにしている (koto ni shite iru): how to express personal habits and self-imposed rules in Japanese. N3 grammar with examples and tips.

habitdecisionrule

くらい/ぐらい

くらい/ぐらい — About, Approximately, To the extent that

Master the Japanese grammar くらい/ぐらい (kurai/gurai). Learn to express approximation, degree, and extent with examples and common mistakes for N3 learners.

向けだ

Aimed At, For: 向けだ (muke da)

Learn how to use the Japanese grammar pattern 向けだ (muke da), which expresses 'aimed at' or 'for'. This N3 guide clarifies its structure, provides practical examples, and highlights common pitfalls.

向きだ

Suitable For: 向きだ (muki da)

Learn the N3 grammar pattern 向きだ (muki da), meaning 'suitable for' or 'fit for'. This in-depth guide provides examples, common mistakes, and JLPT tips.

noun modifiersuitabilitycomparison

ぬきで

Nuki de (ぬきで) — Without, Leaving Out

Master the N3 Japanese grammar ぬきで (nuki de), which expresses 'without' or 'leaving out' something. Understand its nuances, formation, and how to avoid common pitfalls with practical examples.

おかげで

おかげで (okage de) — Thanks To / Due To (Positive Outcome)

Learn the Japanese grammar pattern おかげで (okage de), used to express gratitude or credit a positive outcome to someone or something. JLPT N3 level.

っぽい

っぽい — -Ish, -Like

Learn to use っぽい (ppoi), an N3 Japanese grammar point that expresses 'ish' or 'like' qualities, tendencies, and characteristics. This guide covers its usage, structure, and common mistakes with clear examples.

さえ〜ば

さえ〜ば (sae~ba): If Only, As Long As

Learn the Japanese grammar pattern さえ〜ば (sae~ba), meaning 'if only' or 'as long as,' and express minimum conditions for desired outcomes.

さえ

Japanese Grammar: さえ (sae) — Even, If only, As long as

Learn the Japanese grammar point さえ (sae) at JLPT N3 level. Understand its meanings of 'even', 'if only', and 'as long as' with detailed explanations, examples, and common mistakes.

最中に

Saichū ni — In The Middle Of

Master the Japanese grammar point 最中に (saichū ni), which conveys 'in the middle of' or 'at the height of.' Explore its nuances, structure, and practical usage for JLPT N3 success.

せいで

せいで (seide) — Because Of (Blame)

Learn Japanese grammar せいで (seide) – 'because of' or 'due to' a negative cause. Master its formation, usage, and differentiate it from similar expressions.

次第

次第 (shidai) — As Soon As

Learn the Japanese grammar pattern 次第 (shidai) for N3. Understand its meaning of 'as soon as', its formal usage, and how to form sentences with clear examples and common mistakes.

そのため

Therefore, For That Reason: そのため

Master the N3 conjunction そのため (sono tame). Learn the difference between cause and purpose, see formal examples, and understand when to use it over 'dakara'.

conjunctionformalreason

その上

Furthermore / On Top of That

Learn how to use その上 (sono ue) to add information with consistent polarity. Comprehensive N3 guide with 15 examples, common mistakes, and cultural context.

conjunctionN3addition

それにしても

Even So, Nevertheless: Understanding それにしても

Master それにしても (sore ni shitemo), an N3 Japanese grammar point meaning 'even so' or 'nevertheless,' to express concession or surprise.

それに

Mastering それに: How to Add Info and Build Arguments

Learn how to use the Japanese conjunction 'sore ni' (それに) to add information, stack reasons, and sound more natural in conversation. N3 grammar guide with examples.

conjunctionadditionn3

たびに

たびに (tabi ni) — Every Time, Whenever

Learn how to use たびに (tabi ni) in Japanese, meaning 'every time' or 'whenever'. Understand its structure, common pitfalls, and practical JLPT tips.

repetitioneverytimewhenever

ということだ

ということだ - It Means That, I Heard

Master the N3 Japanese grammar ということだ (to iu koto da) to explain meanings, summarize information, and report what you've heard. Learn its structure, usage, common mistakes, and JLPT tips.

とは限らない

Not Necessarily

Learn how to use とは限らない (to wa kagiranai) to express 'not necessarily' or 'not always' in Japanese. This N3 grammar guide provides clear explanations, examples, and common pitfalls.

ところが

However (Unexpected Results)

Learn to express unexpected results and dramatic surprises with the N3 Japanese grammar point ところが (tokoroga). See natural examples and common mistakes.

conjunctioncontrastunexpected

とおりに

Exactly As: とおりに (Toori ni)

Learn the Japanese grammar pattern とおりに (toori ni), meaning 'exactly as' or 'in accordance with'. Perfect for N3 JLPT students.

ついでに

Tsui de ni: While At It, Taking The Opportunity

Learn the Japanese grammar pattern ついでに (tsuide ni), meaning 'while at it' or 'taking the opportunity'. Master its usage, formation, and common mistakes for JLPT N3.

うちに

Uchi ni: While / Before It Changes

Learn the N3 Japanese grammar point うちに (uchi ni) to express 'while' or 'before a state changes.' Master its usage, formation, and subtle nuances with comprehensive examples and common mistake explanations.

わけにはいかない

わけにはいかない — Cannot Afford To

Master わけにはいかない (N3): express social or moral constraints in Japanese. Full guide with examples, structure, and JLPT exam tips.

constraintobligationmoral

ように

Yō ni (ように) — Like, As If, So That, In Order To

Learn the versatile Japanese grammar pattern 'ように' (yō ni) at JLPT N3 level. Explore its meanings like 'as if', 'so that', and 'to make an effort to' with clear explanations, examples, and common mistakes.

ざるを得ない

ざるを得ない — Have No Choice But

Master ざるを得ない (zaru wo enai): N3 Japanese grammar meaning 'have no choice but to.' Examples, mistakes, cultural notes, and JLPT exam tips included.

grammarn3obligation

意向形

Volitional Form (意向形): Expressing Intention, Invitation, and Attempt

Master the Japanese volitional form (意向形) with conjugation rules for all verb groups, 14 example sentences, and key N3 patterns like ～と思う and ～とする.

verb-formvolitionalintention

禁止形

Prohibitive Form: How to Say 'Don't'

Learn Japanese 禁止形 (prohibitive form): how to say 'Don't!' using verb dictionary form + な, with 15 examples, nuance tips, and common mistakes for N3.

verbcommandprohibition

命令形

Imperative Form — Commanding and Ordering

Learn Japanese 命令形 (imperative form): how to give direct commands. Conjugation rules, real examples, common mistakes, and JLPT N3 tips.

imperativeverb-conjugationcommands

使役形

Mastering the Japanese Causative Form: Shiyekikei

Unlock the Japanese Causative Form. Learn how to express making, letting, or causing emotions with clear examples, particle rules, and common mistakes to avoid.

verb formcausativeshiyekikei

受身形

Japanese Passive Voice

Master the Japanese passive voice (受身形). Learn direct, indirect, and 'adversative' passive forms for JLPT N3 with natural examples and cultural context.

passiveverbsconjugation

Grammar Comparison (X vs Y)

20 comparisons · 16 articles completed

は vs がに vs では vs もから vs のでけど vs のにに vs へと vs やだけ vs しかている vs てあるば vs たら vs ならようだ vs らしい vs みたいだそうだ (様態) vs そうだ (伝聞)あげる vs もらう vs くれるために vs ようにことにする vs ことになるおかげで vs せいでわけだ vs はずだほど vs くらいについて vs に関して vs に対してうちに vs 間に

あげる vs もらう vs くれる

あげる vs もらう vs くれる — Giving and Receiving

Master the nuances of あげる, もらう, and くれる. This comprehensive guide clarifies the differences in perspective and usage for giving and receiving actions in Japanese.

ほど vs くらい

ほど vs くらい — Degree

Master the nuances of Japanese grammar with ほど (hodo) and くらい (kurai). Understand their differences in expressing degree, extent, and approximation for JLPT success.

おかげで vs せいで

おかげで vs せいで — Because of

Master the nuanced differences between おかげで and せいで in Japanese. Learn when to use each to express 'because of' with positive or negative connotations through detailed explanations and examples.

ために vs ように

ために vs ように — Purpose

Comprehensive comparison of ために and ように for expressing purpose in Japanese. Learn when to use each with detailed explanations, examples, and common mistakes.

そうだ (様態) vs そうだ (伝聞)

Master the difference between そうだ (様態) and そうだ (伝聞) in Japanese grammar. Learn to express appearances and reported information correctly with clear explanations, examples, and quizzes.

ようだ vs らしい vs みたいだ