JLPT N1 Grammar List
A comprehensive list of JLPT N1 level grammar patterns with explanations and examples.
Expresses the idea of 'no matter how... or', 'even if... or'.
朝早かろうが夜遅かろうが、いつもバスが遅れる。
No matter whether it's early morning or late at night, the bus is always late.
Shows that the speaker is indifferent to both conditions; 'whether A or B'.
雨が降ろうと晴れようと、私は毎日ジョギングをします。
Whether it's raining or sunny, I jog every day.
Expresses 'while also', 'at the same time as'.
彼は仕事をするかたわら、大学に通っている。
While working, he also attends university.
Expresses 'whether A or B'; both situations are included.
冬かれ夏かれ、毎日ジョギングする。
Whether it's winter or summer, I jog every day.
Used to list examples (often with a critical or complaining tone); 'things like A, B, etc.'.
彼はいつも遅刻だの、仕事を忘れるだので困る。
I'm troubled because he's always late, forgets work, and so on.
Indicates the same statement applies to both A and B; 'whether A or B'.
雨であれ雪であれ、試合は中止にならない。
Whether it's rain or snow, the match will not be canceled.
Means 'rather than say A, it's more like B', or 'whether to call it A or B'.
彼は無礼というか、直接的というか、とにかくはっきりしている。
He's rather rude, or maybe just direct; in any case, he is very blunt.
Expresses two possibilities; 'either A or B', 'whether A or B'.
決断とも誤りとも、結果は時間が教えてくれるでしょう。
Whether it's a wise decision or a mistake, time will show the result.
Means 'whether it is A or B'; 'regardless of A or B'.
暑いにしろ寒いにしろ、毎日運動するべきです。
Whether it's hot or cold, you should exercise every day.
Either A or B; Regardless of whether it's A or B.
雨にせよ雪にせよ、試合は中止しない。
Whether it's rain or snow, the match won't be cancelled.
Expresses 'whether... or...', 'both... and...', 'in either case'.
彼には笑うにつけ泣くにつけ、とても魅力的だ。
He is very charming whether he’s laughing or crying.
Used when the speaker is unsure or confused between multiple possibilities.
彼が怒っているのやら、悲しいのやら、私には分からない。
I don't know whether he's angry or sad.
Indicates a parallel or matching situation; 'if Noun1 is (truly) Noun1, then Noun2 is also Noun2'.
鬼が鬼なら、人間も人間だ。
If demons are indeed demons, humans are likewise humans.
Highlights two parallel facts or characteristics; 'if it’s said that ~, then it can also be said that ~'.
君も君なら、私も私だ。
If you are you, then I am also me.
Expresses 'B cannot exist without A'; 'B only exists because of A'.
家族あっての私です。
I am who I am thanks to my family.
Do one thing while also doing another; 'while', 'and at the same time'.
東京へ出張のかたがた、友人に会いに行った。
While on a business trip to Tokyo, I also went to see a friend.
Means 'while...at the same time', 'on the occasion of', or 'along with'.
散歩がてらに、近くの公園で花を摘みました。
While taking a walk, I picked some flowers in the nearby park.
Used with large numbers or measurements to emphasize 'at least that many' or 'no less than.'
彼のコレクションは500個からある。
He has at least 500 items in his collection.
Used to indicate that something is judged, estimated, or considered from a certain point or aspect.
彼の態度からすると、彼はその計画に反対しているようだ。
Judging from his attitude, he seems to be against the plan.
Defines the starting point or the origin; 'from'.
日本からの手紙を受け取りました。
I received a letter from Japan.
Express the perspective of the noun; 'from ~'s point of view.'
先生から言わせれば、毎日勉強するべきだ。
From the teacher's point of view, you should study every day.
Describes 'entirely', 'all together', or 'as a whole group'.
家族ぐるみで旅行に行きました。
We went on a trip with the whole family.
Expresses 'though there is ... (some negative or burdensome aspect), still ...'.
問題こそあれ、プロジェクトは順調に進んでいます。
Though there are problems, the project is progressing smoothly.
Emphasizes that 'it is precisely Noun that ...', then adds a contrasting or additional point.
お金こそ必要だが、それだけが人生のすべてではない。
Money is indeed necessary, but it isn't everything in life.
An emphatic pattern meaning 'it may be X, but definitely not Y.' Often pairs with a negative statement.
感謝こそすれ、非難などできません。
I might feel grateful, but I could never criticize.
Means 'like a...', 'as if...', expressing a simile or metaphor.
彼は天使のごとく純粋だ。
He is as pure as an angel.
Expressing that something 'is not'; 'it's not like...'. Colloquial/masculine form of ではあるまいし.
彼は子供じゃあるまいし、その問題をしっかりと解決するべきだ。
He’s not a child, so he should solve that problem properly.
Denotes 'entirely' or 'nothing but' the preceding noun.
彼は最近、失敗ずくめだ。
He has had nothing but failures recently.
Expresses 'it can't be settled with just...', 'cannot be resolved merely by...'.
この問題は謝罪だけではすまない。
This problem cannot be settled with just an apology.
Used to show a strong negative: 'not even ~', 'not a single ~'.
一分たりとも無駄にするな。
Don’t waste even a single minute.
Indicates 'being in the position/state of', used for roles or statuses.
リーダーたる者は、常に先を見て行動すべきだ。
A person who is a leader should always look ahead and act accordingly.
Means 'even', 'as much as', used for emphasis in formal contexts.
明日試験があるのに、彼はテキストですら読まない。
He doesn’t even read the textbook, despite having a test tomorrow.
A strong rhetorical question: 'If not X, then what is it?'
これが真実でなくてなんだろう。
If this isn’t the truth, then what is?
Means 'it’s not as if...', 'it’s not that...', more formal than じゃあるまいし.
彼女はプロの歌手ではあるまいし、完璧を求めるのは酷だ。
She’s not a professional singer, so it’s rather harsh to demand perfection.
Used to indicate doing two things at once or fulfilling two roles/purposes.
お父さんは社長と経理部長を兼ねています。
My father serves as both the company president and the head of accounting.
Used to express 'both A and B'; 'whether it's A or B'; 'not to mention A and also B'.
日本の食べ物といい観光地といい、すべてが素晴らしいです。
Both Japanese food and tourist spots are all wonderful.
Used to specify or define one noun with another; 'the noun called', 'the noun that is', or 'a certain'.
宮崎駿という人は有名なアニメーション監督です。
The person called Hayao Miyazaki is a famous animation director.
Means 'it's approximately...' or 'it's about...'. Used to show approximation or a general assessment.
今回の試験の合格者は半数というところだろう。
The passers in this exam would be approximately half.
Used to express a generic concept: 'all ~', 'any ~ of that kind'.
子供というものは、毎日たくさん遊びます。
Children, as a group, play a lot every day.
Expresses 'at most', 'as much as', or 'limited to'.
彼の英語レベルは初級といったところだ。
His English level is at most beginner level.
Expresses 'both A and B' or 'be it A or B'; applies to both without distinction.
冬といわず夏といわず、彼はいつもアイスクリームを食べます。
Be it winter or summer, he always eats ice cream.
Expresses strong feelings about a topic; 'speaking of', 'when it comes to'.
寿司ときたら、彼は何も食べられない。
When it comes to sushi, he can't eat anything.
Indicates something is not comparable; 'beyond comparison'.
新しい車の速さは古い車とは比べものにならない。
The speed of the new car is not comparable to the old one.
Used to criticize or question unbecoming behavior by someone of a certain status.
先生ともあろう者が、そんな間違いをするなんて。
For a teacher, it's shocking to make such a mistake.
'When it comes to...', emphasizes a change of situation or status.
クリスマスともなると、街中がきらきらと輝いて見えます。
When it comes to Christmas time, the whole city sparkles.
Expresses 'if it comes to', 'when', or 'once'.
試験ともなれば、大抵の人が緊張するものです。
When it comes to exams, most people get nervous.
Used to express 'in combination with', 'together with', 'along with'.
天気の良さと相まって、ピクニックは大成功でした。
In combination with the good weather, the picnic was a great success.
Expresses 'without ~, there can't be ~'; 'can't do ~ without first doing ~'.
努力なくして成功はない。
There is no success without effort.
Expresses the necessity of something; 'cannot do without', 'not possible without'.
水なしでは生きられない。
We cannot live without water.
Means 'without', 'cannot do without', 'not possible without'.
お金なしには生活ができない。
I cannot get by without money.
Expresses 'maybe X is possible, but Y is definitely not'. Often 'let alone...'.
数学ならいざ知らず、物理なんて全然わからない。
Math might be manageable, but as for physics, I'm completely clueless.
Expresses something unique or characteristic only of that noun; 'only found in', 'only possible with'.
これは日本ならではの風景ですね。
This is a landscape you can only find in Japan.
Lists alternatives of the same kind; 'either A or B', 'A or B, for example'.
映画なり、音楽なり、何か趣味はありますか。
Do you have any hobbies, such as movies or music?
Indicates even a small amount or degree; 'at least', 'even a little'.
時間が限られているので、一時間なりとも練習すべきだ。
Since time is limited, you should practice for at least an hour.
This expression is used to describe repeated actions or states, 'one after another' or 'pile up'.
彼女は失敗に失敗を重ねて、とうとう会社を辞めた。
She piled up failures upon failures and finally quit the company.
Indicates a specific situation or environment in which something happens or is the case.
戦争時にあっては、すべての人々が困難に直面していました。
In wartime, all people were facing difficulties.
Expresses the idea of 'unfitting', 'unbecoming' or 'inappropriate'.
彼は教師にあるまじき言動をとった。
He took actions that are unbecoming of a teacher.
Expresses the idea 'even for', 'even though', or 'in spite of'.
彼は医者にしてその基本的な知識がないのが信じられない。
I can't believe that even as a doctor, he doesn't have that basic knowledge.
Expresses 'only when/after... for the first time'.
大人にして初めて、親の苦労が分かった。
Only when I became an adult did I understand my parents' struggles for the first time.
Expresses the concept of 'even'; 'even in', 'even as', 'even to'.
彼にすらその問題は解けなかった。
Even he could not solve that problem.
This expresses the idea of 'not only...but also', 'not stopping at...'.
このアプリは、日本語にとどまらず、他の言語もサポートしています。
This app not only supports Japanese, but also other languages.
Represents 'in contrast to', 'as opposed to'.
彼の親切さにひきかえ、彼女は無感情だ。
In contrast to his kindness, she is emotionless.
This expresses 'Even more than; exceeding'.
私は彼にもまして、音楽を愛しています。
I love music even more than he does.
Regardless of, irrespective of.
結果は勉強時間によらず変わらないでしょう。
The result will not change regardless of the study time.
Meaning 'ahead of', 'before', or 'preceding in time'.
この映画は日本に先駆けて、アメリカで公開されました。
This film was released in America ahead of Japan.
Expresses the idea of 'in accordance with', 'based on'.
社会のニーズに即した教育改革が必要だ。
We need an educational reform that is in accordance with the needs of society.
The grammar point Noun に即して Verb is used to mean 'to act in accordance with', 'in line with' or 'based on'.
会社のポリシーに即して行動しましょう。
Let's act in accordance with the company's policy.
Expresses 'according to', 'if you ask', 'in the opinion of'.
先生に言わせれば、毎日勉強することが重要だと言う。
According to the teacher, it's important to study every day.
Indicates that something is not only limited to; 'not only', 'not just'.
この問題は日本に限ったことではない。
This issue is not only limited to Japan.
'Not limited to'; 'not just', 'not exclusively'.
この試験が難しいのは、数学に限ったことでもない。
The exam being difficult is not limited to just math.
Expresses the idea that 'nothing but', 'nothing is better than'.
こういう時には家族に話すに限る。
At times like this, there's nothing better than talking to your family.
Expresses the idea of 'taking something out from something else'.
このサラダはにんじんをぬいたサラダです。
This is a salad with the carrots removed.
This is a way to express 'minus' or 'except for' some specific noun.
私たちは、彼ぬいて全員が集まることができました。
We were able to gather everyone except for him.
Expresses the concept of doing something completely or thoroughly.
彼は一日中本を読みぬく。
He will read the book all day long.
Depends on; up to
彼が来るのいかんで決めよう。
Let's decide depending on whether he comes or not.
It depends on the Noun
試験の結果のいかんでは、大学の入学許可を得られるかどうかが決まります。
Whether you can get permission to enter university depends on the result of the exam.
Regardless of, irrespective of.
結果のいかんにかかわらず、彼は決定を後悔しなかった。
Regardless of the outcome, he didn't regret his decision.
Depending on the matter; depending on noun
天気のいかんによっては、ピクニックを延期しましょう。
Depending on the weather, we should postpone the picnic.
Means 'regardless of', 'irrespective of', or 'no matter'
試験の結果のいかんによらず、自分を信じ続けてください。
Regardless of the test results, keep believing in yourself.
Expresses 'like' or 'as if'; something/someone resembles something else strongly.
彼は神のごとき存在だ。
He is an existence like a god.
Because it is about ~, considering it's ~
彼のことだから、きっと大丈夫だと思う。
Because it's him, I think it will certainly be fine.
Have a dislike for a particular Noun
彼は魚の嫌いがあるので、寿司を食べません。
He has a dislike for fish, so he doesn't eat sushi.
Expresses the idea of 'Before doing something; on the verge of'.
試験の手前、遊びに行くのはやめた方がいい。
Just before the exam, it's better to stop going out to play.
Used to express the extreme or utmost point of something.
彼の料理の極みは、誰もマネできない。
The pinnacle of his cooking is something nobody can imitate.
Expresses 'the height of', 'the extreme of' something.
彼の冗談には驚きの至りだ。
His jokes are the height of surprise.
‘I can understand it for ~, but for …? (surprising)’
彼が遅れるのはいざ知らず、彼女まで遅刻するとは意外だ。
Well, I can understand him being late, but even her...? That's surprising.
Expresses 'not to mention ~, even ~'.
彼は走るはおろか、速く歩くことすらできない。
He can't even walk fast, let alone run.
Means 'not just A, but even B'; 'let alone A, even B'.
彼は英語はおろか、日本語までペラペラなんです。
He is not just fluent in English, but even in Japanese.
'Not only...but also', 'not to mention', 'to say nothing of'
絵を描くことはおろか、字さえ書けない。
Needless to say drawing pictures, he can’t even write letters.
Means 'putting aside', 'aside from', 'notwithstanding'.
試験の結果はさておき、この学期はとても学ぶことが多かった。
Aside from the exam results, I learned a lot this semester.
This phrase means 'regardless of' or 'no matter how…'.
天候はどうであれ、試合は行われます。
No matter what the weather is, the match will be held.
Expresses a state in which something is entirely covered or filled with something else.
彼は泥まみれになって帰ってきた。
He returned home covered in mud.
Means 'not only... but also'; the second noun is especially emphasized.
彼の歌唱力もさることながら、ダンスも素晴らしい。
Not only his singing ability but also his dancing is wonderful.
Used to express 'as well as', 'also', or 'at the same time'.
散歩も兼ねて、公園に行きました。
I went to the park, also for a walk.
Used to express that combined with something else, it caused a certain outcome.
気候も相まって、この地域は農業に適しています。
Combined with the climate, this area is suitable for agriculture.
Means 'apart from ~ there's nothing else,' implying the Noun is the best or most suitable choice.
この仕事を彼に任せる人をおいて他にいない。
Apart from him, there's no one else to entrust this job to.
Used to indicate means, methods, or time; 'with', 'by means of', 'at'.
彼は誠実さをもって人々に信頼されています。
He is trusted by people with his honesty.
Expresses the idea that 'despite something, action was carried out', translating to 'without being fazed by something'.
彼女は怖さをものともせずに、暗闇の中へ進んで行った。
Despite her fear, she went ahead into the darkness.
Despite; Notwithstanding; Regardless of
経済危機をよそに、彼は高級な車を買った。
Despite the economic crisis, he bought a luxury car.
Expresses the idea of being forced into a certain situation, 'to be compelled', 'to be obliged'.
彼は経済的困難により、退学を余儀なくされた。
Due to financial difficulties, he was forced to drop out of school.
Used to express 'on the assumption of', 'based on'.
成功を前提として、ビジネスプランを作成しました。
We made a business plan on the assumption of success.
Assuming; presupposing; on the assumption of.
好天を前提にして、明日のピクニックの計画を立てました。
We planned tomorrow's picnic assuming fine weather.
Means 'as a turning point', 'since (time)', or 'from (time) on'.
父の死を境にして、彼の性格が一変した。
His personality changed completely since his father's death.
To take the opportunity to; taking the occasion to; on the occasion of.
引っ越しを機にして、家具を新しくしました。
I took the opportunity of moving to get new furniture.
Used to indicate the starting point of some series of events or actions; 'starting with', 'beginning with'.
彼はその論文を皮切りにして複数の研究を開始した。
Starting with that thesis, he started multiple research projects.
Used to express 'Starting with', 'Beginning with'
彼はその日を皮切りにして毎日ジムに通い始めました。
Starting from that day, he began to go to the gym every day.
'Cannot help but do', or 'inevitable'
この結果には驚きを禁じ得ない。
I can't help but be surprised at this result.
Expresses the idea of 'through' or 'via'; going through some process or phase.
彼は苦労を経て成功を手に入れた。
He achieved success through hardships.
Based on; taking into account; in light of
過去の結果を踏まえて、新たな計画を立てました。
Based on previous results, we have made a new plan.
Expresses the idea of 'as of', 'with', or 'from', indicating the end of something or a point of change.
今年度を限りに、この大学での教授活動を終えるつもりです。
I intend to end my teaching activities at this university as of this academic year.
Indicates 'like' or 'as' something or someone; 'equivalent to', 'around'.
彼はプロのボクサー並みの力を持っています。
He has power equivalent to a professional boxer.
Expresses a condition or requirement for something to be established: 'on the assumption that', 'under the condition of'.
説明できる英語力がある前提で、この仕事を引き受けてください。
Please take on this job on the assumption that you have enough English skills to explain.
Expresses 'as long as', 'while this condition is true'.
私が生きている限りは、あなたを支えます。
As long as I'm alive, I will support you.
Expresses doing something while doing another; 'while', 'on the occasion of'.
散歩がてらに郵便局へ行った。
I went to the post office while taking a walk.
Often used in the pattern 'Xこそすれ、Y〜ない', meaning 'One might do X, but definitely not Y'.
彼は友達を助けこそすれ、自分を卑下することはありません。
He might help his friends, but he never belittles himself.
Expresses 'being forced to do something' or 'being made to do something'.
彼に無理やり飲ませられた。
He forced me to drink against my will.
'Cannot but', 'have no choice but to', 'forced to'
この仕事が嫌ならもう辞めざるを得ない。
If you hate this job, you have no choice but to quit.
Expressing regret for not having done something; not being able to; missing the chance to do it.
日本へ来たのに、一度も富士山を見ずじまいで帰国してしまった。
I came to Japan but ended up going home without ever getting to see Mt. Fuji.
Means 'Even without doing (X), (Y) can still happen'.
朝ごはんを食べずとも、働くことができます。
Even without eating breakfast, I can work.
Expresses 'cannot help but...', 'will definitely...', or 'must do something'.
彼が困っていると聞いたら、助けずにはおかない。
If I hear he is in trouble, I cannot help but assist him.
'Cannot do without...', 'unavoidable', 'have to'.
この問題を解決しないと、社会全体が影響を受けるので、解決せずにはすまない。
Since this issue will affect the entire society if not resolved, we cannot do without solving it.
Expresses unlikelihood or that something does not seem likely to happen.
彼はそんなに早く走れそうにない。
He doesn't seem likely to run that fast.
Expresses negative potential; 'it doesn't seem like...', 'it's not likely...'.
今日中に仕事を終えそうもない。
It doesn't seem like I'll finish my work today.
Expresses that as soon as one action finishes, another begins immediately.
掃除をするそばから子供たちが散らかす。
As soon as I clean, the kids mess it up.
Emphasizes 'once something happens, there is no going back'; 'once', 'as soon as', etc.
彼が一度怒ったが最後、誰も彼を止めることはできません。
Once he gets angry, no one can stop him.
Asking someone to pretend or accept that something has already happened or taken a certain state.
昨日のことは忘れたことにしてください。
Please act as if you have forgotten about yesterday.
Conveys that if something happens (or doesn’t happen), there is a particular consequence or situation either way.
行ったら行ったで大変だし、行かなかったら行かなかったで後悔しそうだ。
If I go, it’s a hassle; if I don’t go, I’ll regret it.
Indicates an endless or unending cycle once an action is started; 'if one starts doing something, it will not stop.'
このエンジンを修理したら、またすぐ壊れて、直したらきりがない。
If I fix this engine, it breaks again, and if I fix it again, it never ends.
Expresses that once a certain action happens, the situation changes irreversibly—usually in a negative way.
このゲームを始めたら最後、時間の経つのを忘れてしまいます。
Once you start this game, you completely lose track of time.
Expresses two alternating actions happening repeatedly.
朝から晩まで働きつ勉強しつで、疲れてしまった。
I’ve been working and studying from morning till night, and now I’m exhausted.
Expresses that ever since a certain event happened, a condition has continued until now.
彼女と別れてからというもの、一人で過ごす時間が増えました。
Ever since I broke up with her, I've spent more time alone.
Emphasizes 'only by doing something, a certain result or realization can occur.'
実際に使ってこそ、その価値を理解できる。
You can only understand its value by actually using it.
Expresses a repeated pattern or cycle, often implying a frustrating outcome; 'whenever X happens, Y happens again.'
彼女に会っては、いつも緊張してしまいます。
Whenever I meet her, I get nervous.
Expresses a repeated pattern of action; translates as 'every time', 'whenever', etc.
私が通勤しては、電子書籍を読んでいます。
Whenever I commute, I read e-books.
Expresses 'even if it means doing...', 'no matter what it takes'.
試験に合格するために、寝る時間を削ってまでも勉強します。
I will study to pass the exam, even if it means cutting down on sleep.
'Show by doing', 'demonstrate', 'prove by action'.
彼はそのパズルを解いてみせた。
He solved the puzzle to show me.
Used with certain emotional/mental verbs to show a strong, unceasing emotion: 'can't stop', 'never cease to'.
私は母を思ってやまない。
I can't stop thinking of my mother.
Means 'cannot help but do', 'will definitely do', or 'is bound to happen'.
彼女は毎回遅刻をしては、先生に怒られないではおかない。
Every time she's late, she inevitably gets scolded by the teacher.
'Cannot end without doing', 'must do'—an unavoidable moral or social necessity.
失敗をしたら、謝らないではすまない。
If you make a mistake, you have to apologize—there’s no way around it.
'Even if not to the extent of...', 'although not completely...'.
全てを理解しないまでも、基本的なことは分かってほしい。
Even if you don't understand everything, I'd like you at least to grasp the basics.
Expressing hope or wonder if something can be done: 'Isn't there a way...?', 'Can't we...?'
もっと時間があれば、ここに来られないものだろうか。
If I had more time, wouldn't it be possible to come here?
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...'
旅行に行きたいと思わないものでもない。
It's not that I never want to travel.
Used to modify a noun with a negative verb form; 'a Noun without (Verb)'.
笑いのない人生は、つまらない。
A life without laughter is boring.
Indicates there's no end once you start listing, doing, or saying something: 'If one starts to..., there will be no end.'
悪口を言い始めればきりがない。
Once I start speaking ill of someone, there's no end.
Means 'without even doing'.
調べもしないで、答えを書きました。
I wrote the answer without even investigating.
Expresses a strong denial or refusal: 'I would never...', 'No way I would...'.
こんな時に泣きやしない。
I would never cry at a time like this.
Expresses 'the way/manner of doing something' or 'in order to / so that / try to'.
この問題を解くように努力します。
I will try to solve this problem.
Expresses indecision: 'Should I do it or not?'.
彼に話そうか話すまいか、本当に迷っている。
I'm really unsure whether to talk to him or not.
Expresses 'whether or not', 'no matter if something happens or not'.
彼が来ようが来るまいが、パーティーは始まります。
Whether he comes or not, the party will start.
Expresses 'no way to do something,' 'impossible to do'.
電車が混んでいて、動きようがない。
The train is so crowded that I can't move.
This structure indicates that regardless of whether one does (verb) or not, the outcome/attitude remains unchanged.
あなたが来ようと来るまいと、パーティーは予定通りに始まります。
Whether you come or not, the party will start as scheduled.
Used to express 'even though one wants to do something, one can't for some reason'.
もう少し速く走ろうにも、足が痛くて無理だ。
I'd like to run a bit faster, but I can’t because my leg hurts.
Expresses the inability to do something even if one wants/tries.
彼を信じようにも信じられない証拠がある。
Even if I want to believe him, there's evidence that prevents me from doing so.
Expresses 'it's impossible to do something'.
この問題は解きようもない。
It's impossible to solve this problem.
Expresses 'letting something happen as it is'; 'just as something does'.
窓を開けるがままにしておいたら、風が部屋に入ってきました。
I left the window open as it was, and the wind came into the room.
Expresses 'as soon as...' or 'the moment when...'.
部屋に入るが早いか、彼はテレビをつけた。
No sooner had he entered the room than he turned on the TV.
Expresses preference to avoid something: 'rather than...', 'if it comes to doing X, I'd rather...'.
一人で行くくらいなら、家にいるほうがましです。
I'd rather stay at home than go alone.
Used to express 'without doing something'.
試験を勉強することなしに、合格しました。
I passed the exam without studying.
Expresses the desire or effort to prevent something: 'so as not to...', 'to avoid...'.
車をなくすことのないように、駐車場で必ずロックしましょう。
Lock your car in the parking lot so you don't lose it.
Used to indicate that something can go on endlessly or without limits.
彼の悪口を言うときりがない。
If we start talking about his faults, there's no end.
Used to express 'without a particular intention', 'unconsciously', or 'before one knows it'.
遠くを見るともなく窓の外を眺めた。
I found myself gazing out the window, not really looking at anything in particular.
Expresses doing something unintentionally or without conscious thought.
本を読むともなしに眠ってしまった。
I ended up falling asleep while reading the book without really meaning to.
Expresses 'as soon as' or 'the moment'.
家に帰るなり、すぐに寝た。
As soon as I got home, I went to sleep.
Expresses 'not only… but also', 'not limited to…'.
彼は仕事にとどまらず、ボランティア活動もしている。
He does not just work; he also does volunteer activities.
Used to say 'there is no need to...', 'it’s not necessary to...'.
パニックに陥るにはあたらない。
There’s no need to panic.
Indicates that doing the verb is impossible or difficult, even if one wants to.
明日雨が降ったとしても、傘を持つにも荷物が多すぎる。
Even if it rains tomorrow, I have too much luggage to bring an umbrella.
Expresses: 'Even if I try/want to do something, I cannot.'
彼を理解しようにも理解できない。
Even if I try to understand him, I can't.
Used to express what should not be done; 'must not', 'should not'.
人を裏切るべからざる行為だ。
Betraying others is an act that must not be done.
Expresses the idea of 'must not do' or 'should not do'.
嘘をつくべからず。
One must not tell lies.
Expresses the meaning of 'in order to', 'for the purpose of'.
成功するべく、日々努力しています。
In order to succeed, I am working hard every day.
Means 'it's impossible to...' or 'there's no way to...'.
その問題はとても難しく、解くべくもない。
That problem is so difficult that it's impossible to solve.
It's not necessary to the extent of; no need to.
そんなに心配するまでもない。
There's no need to worry that much.
Assuming or deciding something as...
ここでの話し合いは秘密とするものとします。
The discussions here are to be kept confidential.
Expresses the idea of 'as soon as', 'the moment...'.
彼女が家に帰るや否や、すぐにテレビをつけました。
As soon as she returned home, she turned on the TV.
Indicates a (often unfortunate) result or conclusion of an action.
忘れてしまって、パスポートを家に置いてくる始末だった。
I ended up leaving my passport at home because I forgot.
Tendency to do a negative action; have a bad habit of ~.
彼女は遅刻する嫌いがある。
She has a tendency to be late.
Expresses uncertainty regarding duration; 'don't know when... will end'.
この試験勉強はいつまで続くのやら。
I don't know when this exam study will end.
Expresses potential or ability to do something; 'can', 'able to'.
彼がこの問題を解けると思いますか？
Do you think he can solve this problem?
Expressing unexpected outcomes; 'just when I thought...', 'but...'.
明日は晴れるかと思いきや、まさかの雨が降った。
I thought it would be sunny tomorrow, but unexpectedly it rained.
Expresses the reason or cause; 'because', 'due to', 'as a result of'.
愛情がゆえに、彼は彼女を許した。
Because of love, he forgave her.
Expresses the reason or cause for something; 'because of', 'due to'.
愛がゆえの悲しみ。
Sadness due to love.
Expressing range from one thing to another; 'from...to', 'ranging from...to'.
このバンドの曲は、青年から老人に至るまで、人々に愛されています。
The songs of this band are loved by people ranging from the young to the elderly.
To seem like; as if; as though.
彼は鳥のごとく飛んでいるように見えた。
He looked as though he was flying like a bird.
Used to express the reason or premise for a decision or judgment; 'since', 'because'.
彼は裁判に勝つために全資産を使うこととて、弁護士に頼んだ。
Since he's using all his assets to win the trial, he hired a lawyer.
Expresses the idea of 'was able to do without'; 'managed to avoid'.
彼は事故を起こさずにすんだ。
He managed to avoid having an accident.
Expresses 'regardless of whether it is or isn't'.
試験が難しいだろうとなかろうと、全力で頑張ります。
Regardless of whether the exam is difficult or not, I will do my best.
Expresses the speaker's intention or plan.
明日は早く起きるつもりです。
I plan to wake up early tomorrow.
Expresses the speaker's intention or plan; 'with the intention of', 'planning to'.
私は日本に住むつもりで日本語を勉強しています。
I am studying Japanese with the intention of living in Japan.
Expresses that just doing something is not enough or will not suffice.
ただ謝るではすまない。何か行動を取らなければならない。
Just apologizing will not suffice. Some action needs to be taken.
Expresses a special situation or event due to certain circumstances.
春休みとあって、公園は子供たちでいっぱいだ。
Because it's spring break, the park is full of children.
Expresses a condition; 'if', 'when', 'since'.
無料とあれば、誰でも利用したいと思います。
If it's free, anyone would want to use it.
Even if it is said that; Even though; Although.
彼が天才といえども、ミスをすることはあります。
Even though he’s a genius, he still makes mistakes.
Express extreme exclamation; 'extremely', 'unbelievable', 'unsurpassed'.
彼の英語の上手さといったらありはしない。
His English is unbelievably good.
Emphasizes that something is to the extreme; 'you have no idea how...', 'it's incredibly...'.
その店のラーメンは美味しいといったらありゃしない。
You have no idea how delicious the ramen at that shop is.
Expresses the extreme of something; 'nothing can be more ... than this'.
今日は寒いといったらない。
It’s extremely cold today.
Highlights a situation or condition that is serious/extreme, often with a negative nuance.
仕事が忙しいときているので、なかなか休みが取れません。
Because work is so busy, I just can’t take any time off.
Indicates a contrasting or inconvenient timing; 'just when...', 'even though...'.
ちょうど映画を見ているところを、停電で真っ暗になった。
Just when I was in the middle of watching a movie, the power went out and everything went dark.
Indicates a general belief or widely accepted view; 'is considered', 'is seen as', 'is said to be'.
サッカーは世界で最も人気のあるスポーツとされています。
Soccer is considered the most popular sport in the world.
Means 'even if' or 'even assuming'; emphasizes that the outcome won’t change.
彼が来るとしたところで、何も変わらないだろう。
Even if he comes, nothing will probably change.
Expresses 'if', 'when', or 'assuming that' in a speculative sense.
彼が来るとすると、もうすぐ到着するはずです。
If he’s coming, he should arrive soon.
Used to express 'if it were the case that...', 'if we assume that...'.
彼が嘘つきだとすれば、その話は信じられない。
If he’s a liar, then his story can’t be believed.
Used to express 'if it comes to...', 'when it becomes the case that...'.
旅行に行くとなったら、荷造りをしなければいけません。
If it comes to going on a trip, we have to pack.
Used to highlight a certain circumstance; 'when it comes to...', 'if it becomes...', 'in the event that...'.
試験となると、多くの学生が緊張する。
When it comes to exams, many students get nervous.
Expresses the idea of 'if it comes to...; when we talk about...; in the case of...'.
彼がリーダーとなれば、プロジェクトは成功するでしょう。
If he becomes the leader, the project will probably succeed.
Expresses something that the speaker heard; 'I've heard that', 'I was told that'.
週末にパーティーがあるとのことだ。
I've heard that there is a party this weekend.
Even though; although; but
彼は頭が良いとはいえ、少し怠け者だ。
Although he is smart, he is a bit lazy.
It seems that; apparently
彼は運動が得意とみえて、毎日ジムに行っています。
He seems to be good at exercise, as he goes to the gym every day.
It is considered that; It is thought that; It is believed that
彼の行動は無責任とみられる。
His behavior is considered irresponsible.
Expresses the concept of 'when one sees it as', 'viewed as', or 'considering'.
この問題を数学の視点でとみると、解決策が見えてきます。
When one sees this problem from a mathematical perspective, a solution begins to emerge.
Expresses 'no matter how much...', 'even if...'.
どんなに頑張ろうが、彼の速さには追いつけない。
No matter how hard I try, I can't catch up with his speed.
Indicates an action or behavior that strongly implies a certain unspoken message or feeling.
彼女は優勝したと言わんばかりに笑った。
She laughed as if to say she won.
Expresses the concept of 'as if to say'; 'almost says'; 'suggests'.
田中さんは嬉しくて飛び上がると言わんばかりの笑顔を見せた。
Tanaka showed a smile as if to say he was so happy he could jump for joy.
Expresses a state or condition continuing just as it is (e.g. 'from birth', 'while crying', 'in the old way').
彼女は生まれながらにして優れた音感を持っている。
She has had an excellent sense of pitch from birth.
Indicates one action or state happening at the same time as the noun in question (e.g. 'dinner while watching TV').
テレビを見ながらの夕食は、子供たちにとって楽しいだろう。
Eating dinner while watching TV might be fun for the children.
Means 'even though' or 'despite'.
彼は貧しいながらも、幸せな生活を送っている。
Despite being poor, he leads a happy life.
Expresses the idea 'it's not that it's impossible' or 'it's not that I can't'.
それを終えるのは難しくなくはない。
It's not that it's impossible to finish it.
Expresses 'not impossible' or 'might as well'.
彼がもうすぐ戻るなら、待つなくもない。
If he’s coming back soon, waiting wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Means 'if it is X, then it's X in its own way', emphasizing unique qualities.
彼はまだ初心者なら初心者なりに頑張っている。
Since he’s still a beginner, he’s doing his best in his own beginner way.
Means 'no need to go that far' or 'not necessary'.
ファーストクラスに乗るには及ばない、エコノミーでも十分だ。
There’s no need to go as far as flying first class; economy is enough.
Indicates something is unbearable or not worth doing (e.g., 'unbearable to watch', 'unbearable to listen to').
彼の冗談は聞くに堪えない。
His jokes are unbearable to listen to.
Used to say that something is 'worth doing' or 'can stand up to' something (the positive counterpart of ～に堪えない).
彼の歌声は聞くに堪える。
His singing voice is worth listening to.
To endure or withstand something; 'endure', 'withstand', 'tolerate'.
彼は厳しい修行に耐えた。
He endured the harsh training.
Expresses the outcome or final conclusion of a process; 'reached the point', 'led to'.
彼は練習を重ねて、ついにプロのギタリストに至った。
After repeated practice, he finally became a professional guitarist.
Expresses that something is the best or most desirable course of action; 'nothing better than...'.
早く準備するに越したことはない。
It's best to prepare early.
Expresses 'not difficult to ~' in a formal/literary sense; e.g., 'not hard to imagine/understand'.
彼の喜びは想像に難くない。
It's not hard to imagine his delight.
Conveys that 'only (Noun) is the case' or 'nothing but (Noun)'.
この小説を読むのは暇つぶしぐらいのものだ。
Reading this novel is nothing but a way to kill time.
Expresses regret or a missed opportunity: 'if only', 'had I but...'.
早く起きれば、遅刻しなかったものを。
If only I'd woken up early, I wouldn't have been late.
A suffix meaning “looking or seeming like ~” (often appears with nouns/adjectives).
大人びた考え方をする子供
A child who thinks in a very grown-up way
A suffix meaning “to appear/to become ~,” often used with certain adjectives or nouns.
彼女は年齢より大人びている。
She seems older than her actual age.
Often appears as a past form of ～ぶる, meaning 'acted/pretended like ~' (or literally 'hit/bashed', depending on context).
彼は何でも知っているかのようにぶった態度を取る。
He takes on an attitude as though he knows everything.
Te-form of ～ぶる, meaning 'acting/pretending to be ~'.
彼は何でも知ったかぶって話をする。
He talks as if he knows everything.
Expresses the amount of time elapsed since doing something last.
三年ぶりに彼に会いました。
I met him for the first time in three years.
Used when someone is acting or pretending to be something they are not (often a negative connotation).
彼はあたかも知っているかのように学者ぶる。
He acts like a scholar, as if he knows everything.
Expresses a limit or extent; 'it's only up to...', 'no more than...'.
彼とは友達までだ。それ以上の関係ではありません。
With him, it's only friendship—nothing more.
Used to dismiss or negate something’s importance; 'it’s nothing at all', 'it doesn’t matter'.
100万円を負けるもなんでもない。
Losing a million yen is no big deal at all.
Indicates an assumption or supposition; 'assuming', 'under the assumption that'.
雨が降るものとして、傘を持って行きました。
Assuming it would rain, I took an umbrella.
Emphasizes the reason or purpose for an action; 'in order to', 'for the sake of'.
健康を保たんがために、毎日運動をしています。
I exercise daily in order to maintain my health.
Indicates 'as though about to ~' or 'as if to say ~'.
彼は何も知らんばかりに、私の質問を無視した。
He ignored my question as if he didn’t know anything.
Indicates no problem or obstacle; 'it’s fine if...', 'there’s no issue'.
多少遅くても差し支えないです。
It’s no problem if you’re a bit late.
Indicates the time or occasion when something happens; 'when', 'at the time of'.
父が病気の折に、私は留学していました。
When my father was ill, I was studying abroad.
Expresses an extreme state, often negative; 'utterly', 'extremely', 'boundlessly'.
彼の失礼な態度は極まりない。
His rude attitude is utterly beyond words.
Also expresses an extreme degree or state, typically negative.
彼の言動は失礼極まる。
His words and actions are extremely rude.
Expresses insufficiency or lack; 'not enough', 'insufficient'.
私の日本語の能力はまだまだ足りない。
My Japanese skills are still not enough.
Indicates that something is worthy or sufficient to be called/used as ~; 'worthy of', 'enough to ~'.
彼は信頼に足る人物だ。
He is a person worthy of trust.
Expresses an extreme degree of emotion or reaction; 'I feel so ~', 'as ~ as can be'.
彼女が急に辞めてしまった。驚きの限りだ。
She suddenly quit. I'm as shocked as can be.
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.