JLPT N4 — Grammar

This page covers all major grammar patterns at the N4 level. Each entry includes the structure formula, meaning, example sentences, and notes on common errors. Patterns are grouped thematically.

Section 1: Te-form Compound Patterns

The te-form (〜て/で) is the most productive form in Japanese grammar. It powers over 30 separate patterns at N4.

1.1 〜てから (after doing ~, then ~)

Structure: Verb-て + から

Meaning: After completing action A, then do action B. Emphasizes sequence — A must be fully completed before B starts.

Examples:

宿題をしてから、ゲームをします。
Shukudai o shite kara, geemu o shimasu.
After doing homework, I play games.
シャワーを浴びてから、寝ます。
Shawaa o abite kara, nemasu.
After taking a shower, I go to sleep.
日本語を勉強してから、日本に来ました。
Nihongo o benkyou shite kara, Nihon ni kimashita.
I came to Japan after studying Japanese.

Note: 〜てから focuses on the completed action as the starting point. Compare with 〜た後で (after ~), which is similar but less emphatic about completion. Do NOT confuse with 〜から (because).

1.2 〜てしまう (end up doing; finish completely; express regret)

Structure: Verb-て + しまう (→ polite: 〜てしまいます; casual: 〜ちゃう、〜じゃう)

Meaning: (1) Something was completed fully. (2) Something happened unintentionally — often regret. Context determines which.

Examples:

財布を忘れてしまいました。
Saifu o wasurete shimaimashita.
I accidentally left my wallet behind. (regret)
宿題を全部やってしまった。
Shukudai o zenbu yatte shimatta.
I finished all my homework (completely).
彼の秘密を話してしまった。
Kare no himitsu o hanashite shimatta.
I ended up telling his secret. (unintentional regret)
もうケーキを食べちゃった。
Mou keeki o tabechatta.
I already ate the cake (oops). (casual)

Note: 〜ちゃう/〜じゃう is the colloquial contraction: 〜てしまう → 〜ちゃう (after て), 〜でしまう → 〜じゃう (after で). Very common in spoken Japanese.

1.3 〜ておく (do in advance; leave as is)

Structure: Verb-て + おく (→ polite: 〜ておきます; casual: 〜とく)

Meaning: Do something in preparation for a future need, or leave something in its current state deliberately.

Examples:

パーティーの前に食べ物を買っておきます。
Paatii no mae ni tabemono o katte okimasu.
I'll buy food in advance of the party.
旅行のためにホテルを予約しておいた。
Ryokou no tame ni hoteru o yoyaku shite oita.
I reserved the hotel in advance for the trip.
ドアを開けておいてください。
Doa o akete oite kudasai.
Please leave the door open.
宿題、もうやっとく。
Shukudai, mou yattoku.
I'll get the homework done (in advance). (casual)

Note: 〜とく is the casual spoken contraction of 〜ておく.

1.4 〜てみる (try doing; do and see what happens)

Structure: Verb-て + みる

Meaning: Try doing something to see the result. Implies the action is done tentatively or experimentally.

Examples:

この料理を食べてみてください。
Kono ryouri o tabete mite kudasai.
Please try eating this dish.
日本語で話してみました。
Nihongo de hanashite mimashita.
I tried speaking in Japanese.
新しいアプリを使ってみたけど、難しかった。
Atarashii apuri o tsukatte mita kedo, muzukashikatta.
I tried using the new app, but it was difficult.

Note: 〜てみる is about the trial itself, not the result. "I tried doing X" — whether it succeeded is separate information.

1.5 〜てくる (action comes toward speaker; change begins)

Structure: Verb-て + くる

Meaning: (1) Go do something and come back. (2) Something begins to happen or a change has been occurring up to now.

Examples:

コンビニでジュースを買ってきます。
Konbini de juusu o katte kimasu.
I'll go buy juice at the convenience store and come back.
最近、日本語が上手になってきた。
Saikin, nihongo ga jouzu ni natte kita.
My Japanese has been getting better recently.
春になって、暖かくなってきましたね。
Haru ni natte, atatakaku natte kimashita ne.
Spring has come and it's been getting warmer, hasn't it.

Note: When 〜てくる expresses change, it describes a process that has been gradually happening up to the present moment.

1.6 〜ていく (action moves away; change will continue)

Structure: Verb-て + いく

Meaning: (1) Do something and go (away from speaker). (2) A change will continue into the future.

Examples:

弁当を持っていきます。
Bentou o motte ikimasu.
I'll take my lunchbox with me (and go).
これからもっと寒くなっていくでしょう。
Kore kara motto samuku natte iku deshou.
It will continue getting colder from now on.
日本語を勉強し続けていきたいです。
Nihongo o benkyou shi tsuzukete ikitai desu.
I want to continue studying Japanese going forward.

Note: 〜てくる = change toward present; 〜ていく = change extending into future.

1.7 〜てもいい (it is okay to do ~; may ~)

Structure: Verb-て + もいいです/もいいですか

Meaning: Express permission (giving or asking).

Examples:

ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか。
Koko de shashin o totte mo ii desu ka.
May I take a photo here?
このパソコンを使ってもいいよ。
Kono pasokon o tsukatte mo ii yo.
You can use this computer.
もう帰ってもいいです。
Mou kaette mo ii desu.
You may go home now.

1.8 〜てはいけない (must not do ~; forbidden)

Structure: Verb-て + はいけません (polite) / はいけない (plain)

Meaning: Prohibition — you must not do this.

Examples:

図書館で話してはいけません。
Toshokan de hanashite wa ikemasen.
You must not talk in the library.
嘘をついてはいけない。
Uso o tsuite wa ikenai.
You must not lie.
授業中にスマホを使ってはいけません。
Jugyouchuu ni sumaho o tsukatte wa ikemasen.
You must not use your smartphone during class.

Note: Casual spoken form: 〜ちゃいけない (from 〜てはいけない).

1.9 〜なければならない / 〜なければいけない (must do ~; have to ~)

Structure: Verb-negative-stem (〜なければ) + ならない / いけない

Meaning: Obligation — must do. Strong necessity.

Examples:

薬を毎日飲まなければなりません。
Kusuri o mainichi nomanakerebanarimasen.
I must take medicine every day.
宿題をしなければいけない。
Shukudai o shinakereba ikenai.
I have to do my homework.
もっと練習しなければならないと思います。
Motto renshuu shinakereba naranai to omoimasu.
I think I have to practice more.

Note: Casual contractions: 〜なければ → 〜なきゃ; 〜なければならない → 〜なきゃならない → 〜なきゃ. Very common in speech.

1.10 〜なくてもいい (don't have to ~; it's okay not to ~)

Structure: Verb-te-negative (〜なくて) + もいいです

Meaning: No obligation — you don't need to do this.

Examples:

今日は早く来なくてもいいですよ。
Kyou wa hayaku konakute mo ii desu yo.
You don't have to come early today.
全部食べなくてもいいです。
Zenbu tabenakute mo ii desu.
You don't have to eat everything.
この本は買わなくてもいい。
Kono hon wa kawanakute mo ii.
You don't have to buy this book.

Section 2: Giving and Receiving

2.1 〜てあげる (do something for someone [going away from speaker])

Structure: Verb-て + あげる

Meaning: I do something for someone (benefit going from speaker/in-group to outsider). Can sometimes sound condescending — use carefully.

Examples:

友達に日本語を教えてあげました。
Tomodachi ni nihongo o oshiete agemashita.
I taught my friend Japanese.
重い荷物を持ってあげましょうか。
Omoi nimotsu o motte agemashou ka.
Shall I carry your heavy luggage for you?
妹に本を読んであげた。
Imouto ni hon o yonde ageta.
I read a book to my younger sister (for her benefit).

2.2 〜てもらう (have someone do ~ for me; receive the action)

Structure: Person + に + Verb-て + もらう

Meaning: I receive the benefit of someone doing something for me. Expresses gratitude or request.

Examples:

先生に漢字を説明してもらいました。
Sensei ni kanji o setsumei shite moraimashita.
I had my teacher explain the kanji to me.
友達に荷物を持ってもらった。
Tomodachi ni nimotsu o motte moratta.
I had my friend carry my luggage.
医者に薬を出してもらいましょう。
Isha ni kusuri o dashite moraimashou.
Let's have the doctor prescribe medicine.

Note: 〜てもらえますか (can you do ~ for me?) is a polite request form.

2.3 〜てくれる (someone does ~ for me [coming toward speaker])

Structure: Person + が/は + Verb-て + くれる

Meaning: Someone does something for me (or my in-group). The action comes from outside toward the speaker. Expresses gratitude.

Examples:

田中さんが宿題を手伝ってくれました。
Tanaka-san ga shukudai o tetsudatte kuremashita.
Tanaka helped me with my homework (for my benefit).
母が弁当を作ってくれた。
Haha ga bentou o tsukutte kureta.
My mother made me a lunchbox.
彼が道を教えてくれなかったら、迷子になっていた。
Kare ga michi o oshiete kurenakattara, maigo ni natte ita.
If he hadn't told me the way, I would have gotten lost.

Note: The key distinction: あげる = I give benefit OUT; くれる = benefit comes IN to me; もらう = I receive the benefit.

Section 3: Expressing States

3.1 〜まま (in the state of ~; as is; without changing)

Structure: Verb-た + まま / Noun + の + まま / Adj-な + な + まま / Adj-い + まま

Meaning: Something remains in a certain state, unchanged.

Examples:

靴を履いたまま、部屋に入った。
Kutsu o haita mama, heya ni haitta.
I entered the room with my shoes still on.
テレビをつけたまま、寝てしまった。
Terebi o tsuketa mama, nete shimatta.
I fell asleep with the TV still on.
窓を開けたまま出かけないでください。
Mado o aketa mama dekakenaide kudasai.
Please don't go out with the window left open.
子どものまま、大人になりたくない。
Kodomo no mama, otona ni naritakunai.
I don't want to grow up staying as a child.

3.2 〜ようになる (come to do; reach the point where ~; change in ability/habit)

Structure: Verb-dictionary / Verb-potential + ようになる

Meaning: A change has occurred — something that wasn't the case before is now true. Often used for acquired abilities or habits.

Examples:

毎日運動するようになりました。
Mainichi undou suru you ni narimashita.
I've come to exercise every day.
日本語で夢を見るようになった。
Nihongo de yume o miru you ni natta.
I've come to dream in Japanese.
練習して、泳げるようになりました。
Renshuu shite, oyogeru you ni narimashita.
Through practice, I became able to swim.

Note: Compare with 〜ようにする (make effort to do) — になる is a change that happened; にする is an intentional ongoing effort.

3.3 〜ようにする (make an effort to do; try to ~)

Structure: Verb-dictionary / Verb-negative + ようにする

Meaning: Make a conscious effort or set a rule for oneself to do/not do something.

Examples:

毎日野菜を食べるようにしています。
Mainichi yasai o taberu you ni shite imasu.
I try to eat vegetables every day.
遅刻しないようにしてください。
Chikoku shinai you ni shite kudasai.
Please try not to be late.
寝る前にスマホを見ないようにしている。
Neru mae ni sumaho o minai you ni shite iru.
I try not to look at my phone before bed.

Section 4: Ability and Experience

4.1 〜ことができる (be able to; can ~)

Structure: Verb-dictionary + ことができる

Meaning: Ability or possibility to do something. Equivalent to the potential form but more formal/explicit.

Examples:

私は日本語を話すことができます。
Watashi wa nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu.
I am able to speak Japanese.
この図書館では本を借りることができます。
Kono toshokan dewa hon o kariru koto ga dekimasu.
You can borrow books at this library.
残念ながら、今日は行くことができません。
Zannen nagara, kyou wa iku koto ga dekimasen.
Unfortunately, I am unable to go today.

4.2 〜ことがある (sometimes do; have had the experience of ~)

Structure: Verb-dictionary + ことがある (present habit) / Verb-た + ことがある (past experience)

Meaning: (1) Dictionary form: sometimes, occasionally. (2) Past た-form: have had the experience of doing (ever).

Examples:

朝ご飯を食べないことがあります。
Asagohan o tabenai koto ga arimasu.
There are times when I don't eat breakfast. (sometimes)
富士山に登ったことがありますか。
Fujisan ni nobotta koto ga arimasu ka.
Have you ever climbed Mt. Fuji?
一人で海外旅行をしたことがある。
Hitori de kaigai ryokou o shita koto ga aru.
I have experience traveling abroad alone.

Note: 〜たことがある = past experience (ever); 〜ることがある = present occasional habit.

4.3 〜ことにする (decide to do)

Structure: Verb-dictionary / Verb-negative + ことにする

Meaning: The speaker makes a personal decision to do/not do something.

Examples:

来年、日本語の試験を受けることにしました。
Rainen, nihongo no shiken o ukeru koto ni shimashita.
I decided to take the Japanese exam next year.
タバコをやめることにした。
Tabako o yameru koto ni shita.
I decided to quit smoking.
今日は残業しないことにします。
Kyou wa zangyou shinai koto ni shimasu.
I've decided not to work overtime today.

4.4 〜ことになる (it has been decided; it turns out that ~)

Structure: Verb-dictionary / Verb-negative + ことになる

Meaning: Something has been decided (often by external forces, circumstances, or organizational decision — not the speaker's personal choice).

Examples:

来月、大阪に転勤することになりました。
Raigetsu, Oosaka ni tenkin suru koto ni narimashita.
It has been decided that I'll transfer to Osaka next month.
結婚することになったと聞きました。
Kekkon suru koto ni natta to kikimashita.
I heard it was decided that you're getting married.
会議の日程が変わることになった。
Kaigi no nittei ga kawaru koto ni natta.
It turned out that the meeting schedule changed.

Note: ことにする = speaker decides; ことになる = circumstances/others decide. This is a critical distinction.

Section 5: Inference and Probability

5.1 〜かもしれない (might ~; maybe ~; possibly ~)

Structure: Plain form (all parts of speech) + かもしれない

Meaning: Maybe; there is a possibility. Around 50% confidence — uncertain.

Examples:

明日は雨が降るかもしれません。
Ashita wa ame ga furu kamo shiremasen.
It might rain tomorrow.
彼はもう帰ったかもしれない。
Kare wa mou kaetta kamo shirenai.
He might have already gone home.
この薬は効かないかもしれません。
Kono kusuri wa kikanai kamo shiremasen.
This medicine might not work.

5.2 〜はずだ (should be ~; expected to be ~)

Structure: Plain form + はずだ / はずです

Meaning: Strong expectation based on logic or prior knowledge. "It should be the case that..."

Examples:

彼女はもう着いているはずです。
Kanojo wa mou tsuite iru hazu desu.
She should already be here (I expect her to be).
このボタンを押せば、ドアが開くはずだ。
Kono botan o oseba, doa ga hiraku hazu da.
If you press this button, the door should open.
田中さんは来ないはずはないのに。
Tanaka-san wa konai hazu wa nai no ni.
There's no way Tanaka wouldn't come (though she hasn't).

Note: はずだ expresses confident expectation. When reality contradicts expectations, use 〜はずなのに (it should be... but...).

5.3 〜らしい (seems like ~; I hear that ~; typical of ~)

Structure: Plain form + らしい (for hearsay/inference) / Noun/Adj-na + らしい (for "typical of")

Meaning: (1) Based on information from outside (hearsay, indirect evidence): "I hear that..." (2) After a noun: "typical of; befitting."

Examples:

田中さんは結婚するらしいですよ。
Tanaka-san wa kekkon suru rashii desu yo.
I hear that Tanaka is going to get married.
外はかなり寒いらしい。
Soto wa kanari samui rashii.
Apparently it's quite cold outside.
彼はいかにも日本人らしい。
Kare wa ikanimo Nihonjin rashii.
He is very typically Japanese.

Note: らしい for hearsay is based on information gathered from others; ようだ is based on the speaker's own observation.

5.4 〜そうだ (two uses: looks like ~; I heard that ~)

Meaning: Two completely different meanings depending on structure.

A: Appearance inference (looks like ~)
Structure: Adj-i stem + そうだ / Adj-na + そうだ / Verb-stem + そうだ

Examples (A):

あの料理は美味しそうですね。
Ano ryouri wa oishisou desu ne.
That dish looks delicious.
空が暗くなってきた。雨が降りそうだ。
Sora ga kuraku natte kita. Ame ga furisou da.
The sky is getting dark. It looks like it will rain.
彼女は悲しそうだった。
Kanojo wa kanashisou datta.
She looked sad.

B: Hearsay (I heard that ~)
Structure: Plain form + そうだ / そうです

Examples (B):

天気予報によると、明日は晴れそうだそうです。
Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa haresou da sou desu.
According to the weather forecast, it seems it will be clear tomorrow.
田中さんは来週来ないそうです。
Tanaka-san wa raishuu konai sou desu.
I heard that Tanaka won't come next week.

Note (CRITICAL): Structure A uses verb/adjective STEM; Structure B uses the FULL plain form. 美味しそう = "looks delicious" vs. 美味しいそう = "I heard it's delicious."

5.5 〜ようだ / 〜ようです (seems like ~; appears to ~)

Structure: Plain form + ようだ / のようだ (noun) / なようだ (na-adj)

Meaning: The speaker makes an inference based on their own direct observation or judgment. More subjective and personal than らしい.

Examples:

電気が消えている。誰もいないようだ。
Denki ga kiete iru. Dare mo inai you da.
The lights are off. It seems no one is there.
彼女は怒っているようです。
Kanojo wa okotte iru you desu.
She seems to be angry.
この問題は思ったより難しいようだ。
Kono mondai wa omotta yori muzukashii you da.
This problem seems harder than I thought.

5.6 〜でしょう (probably; I think ~ [polite])

Structure: Plain form + でしょう

Meaning: Probability or conjecture — polite. The speaker expresses their belief or prediction. Also used as a tag question (ですよね → でしょう).

Examples:

明日は晴れるでしょう。
Ashita wa hareru deshou.
It will probably be sunny tomorrow.
彼女はもう知っているでしょう。
Kanojo wa mou shitte iru deshou.
She probably already knows.
これは難しいでしょう？
Kore wa muzukashii deshou?
This is difficult, isn't it?

5.7 〜だろう (probably; I think ~ [plain form of でしょう])

Structure: Plain form + だろう

Meaning: Same as でしょう but in plain/casual form. Used in conversation, male speech, and writing.

Examples:

彼はまだ会社にいるだろう。
Kare wa mada kaisha ni iru darou.
He's probably still at the office.
そんなことは知らないだろう。
Sonna koto wa shiranai darou.
He probably doesn't know something like that.

Section 6: The Four Conditionals

Japanese has four major conditional forms. Each has distinct nuances.

6.1 〜たら (when/if — upon completion of A, do B)

Structure: Verb-ta form + ら / Adj-i → 〜かったら / Adj-na/Noun → 〜だったら

Meaning: When A happens (or happened), B follows. Can be hypothetical or temporal. Works for any condition, real or imagined.

Examples:

家に着いたら、電話してください。
Ie ni tsuitara, denwa shite kudasai.
When you get home, please call me.
もし雨だったら、ピクニックをやめましょう。
Moshi ame dattara, pikunikku o yamemashou.
If it rains, let's cancel the picnic.
宝くじが当たったら、旅行に行きたい。
Takarakuji ga atattara, ryokou ni ikitai.
If I won the lottery, I'd want to travel.
春になったら、花見をしよう。
Haru ni nattara, hanami o shiyou.
When spring comes, let's go flower viewing.

Note: たら is the most flexible conditional. The result clause can be past, present, or future. Most JLPT-tested conditional.

6.2 〜ば (if — hypothetical condition)

Structure: Verb: group 1 → え段 + ば (書く → 書けば); group 2 → verb stem + れば (食べ → 食べれば); irregular: する → すれば, くる → くれば. Adj-i: stem + ければ. Adj-na/Noun: なら.

Meaning: Hypothetical "if" — if condition A is met, then B naturally follows. Often implies "if only" or a logical relationship.

Examples:

時間があれば、手伝います。
Jikan ga areba, tetsudaimasu.
If I have time, I'll help.
もっと練習すれば、上手になれる。
Motto renshuu sureba, jouzu ni nareru.
If you practice more, you can get better.
安ければ、買います。
Yasukereba, kaimasu.
If it's cheap, I'll buy it.

Note: 〜ば is typically used when the result is good or expected. The result clause should not be imperative or request (don't say 行けば、来てください) — use たら instead.

6.3 〜なら (if [given that]; if it's the case that)

Structure: Plain form + なら / Noun + なら / Adj-na + なら

Meaning: "If [given that X is the topic/premise]" — used when the speaker takes the listener's information or context as a given premise and builds on it. Often responds to something just said.

Examples:

A: 東京に行くんですか。
B: 東京に行くなら、スカイツリーに寄ってみてください。
Toukyou ni iku nara, Sukaitsuri ni yotte mite kudasai.
If you're going to Tokyo (since you mentioned it), try stopping by the Sky Tree.
日本語が好きなら、もっと勉強したほうがいい。
Nihongo ga suki nara, motto benkyou shita hou ga ii.
If you like Japanese, you should study more.
学生なら、学割があります。
Gakusei nara, gakuwari ga arimasu.
If you're a student, there's a student discount.

Note: なら often comes in response to context — the speaker already knows or assumes the condition. It does NOT require the condition to happen first (unlike たら).

6.4 〜と (when; if [automatic result])

Structure: Verb-dictionary / i-adj plain / na-adj + だと / Noun + だと + result

Meaning: When A happens, B automatically/naturally follows. Used for universal truths, natural consequences, instructions, and habitual sequences. The result clause CANNOT be a request, command, or volitional statement.

Examples:

春になると、桜が咲きます。
Haru ni naru to, sakura ga sakimasu.
When spring comes, the cherry blossoms bloom.
このボタンを押すと、機械が動きます。
Kono botan o osu to, kikai ga ugokimasu.
When you press this button, the machine starts.
右に曲がると、駅があります。
Migi ni magaru to, eki ga arimasu.
If you turn right, there's a station.
子どもの頃、雨が降ると、家の中で遊んでいた。
Kodomo no koro, ame ga furu to, ie no naka de asonde ita.
When I was a child, when it rained, I would play inside.

Note: The result clause with と cannot express: requests (〜てください), invitations (〜ましょう), or the speaker's intention (〜たい, 〜つもり). Use たら/ば instead.

Conditional Summary

Form	Key nuance	Result clause	Example context
たら	sequence; anything goes	anything	instructions, temporal, hypothetical
ば	logical condition	not imperative/request	"if only", logical conclusions
なら	given premise	anything	responding to context
と	automatic result	not volitional/imperative	natural law, directions

Section 7: Simultaneous Actions and Timing

7.1 〜ながら (while doing ~ [simultaneously]; although ~)

Structure: Verb-stem + ながら

Meaning: (1) Two actions happening at the same time, same subject. The main clause action is the focus; the ながら clause is the secondary/background action. (2) Less common: "although/even though."

Examples:

音楽を聴きながら、勉強します。
Ongaku o kikinagara, benkyou shimasu.
I study while listening to music.
歩きながら、スマホを見てはいけません。
Arukinagara, sumaho o mite wa ikemasen.
You must not look at your phone while walking.
知りながら、教えてくれなかった。
Shiri nagara, oshiete kurenakatta.
Even though (he) knew, he didn't tell me. (concessive)

Note: Both clauses must share the same subject. ながら cannot connect two different people's actions.

7.2 〜間 (while ~; during the time that ~)

Structure: Verb-て form + いる + 間 / Noun + の + 間

Meaning: During the entire period while the action/state in the first clause is ongoing.

Examples:

日本にいる間、日本語だけを話したいです。
Nihon ni iru aida, nihongo dake o hanashitai desu.
While I'm in Japan, I want to speak only Japanese.
夏休みの間、アルバイトをします。
Natsuyasumi no aida, arubaito o shimasu.
I'll work part-time during summer vacation.
授業の間、静かにしてください。
Jugyou no aida, shizuka ni shite kudasai.
Please be quiet during class.

7.3 〜間に (while [something else happens during A]; during the time when)

Structure: Verb-dictionary/て-いる form + 間に / Noun + の + 間に

Meaning: During the span of A, something happens (usually unintentionally or incidentally). The key difference from 〜間: the result action (B) happens at a point within the span, not throughout.

Examples:

電話をしている間に、ご飯が冷めてしまった。
Denwa o shite iru aida ni, gohan ga samete shimatta.
While I was on the phone, the meal got cold.
留学している間に、友達がたくさんできた。
Ryuugaku shite iru aida ni, tomodachi ga takusan dekita.
While studying abroad, I made many friends.
子どもが寝ている間に、掃除をします。
Kodomo ga nete iru aida ni, souji o shimasu.
I'll clean while the child is sleeping.

7.4 〜前に (before doing ~)

Structure: Verb-dictionary + 前に / Noun + の + 前に

Meaning: Before doing X.

Examples:

寝る前に、歯を磨いてください。
Neru mae ni, ha o migaite kudasai.
Please brush your teeth before sleeping.
出発の前に、パスポートを確認しました。
Shuppatsu no mae ni, pasupooto o kakunin shimashita.
I checked my passport before departure.

7.5 〜後で (after doing ~)

Structure: Verb-た + 後で / Noun + の + 後で

Meaning: After doing X.

Examples:

昼ご飯を食べた後で、散歩しましょう。
Hirugohan o tabeta ato de, sanpo shimashou.
After eating lunch, let's take a walk.
会議の後で、話しましょう。
Kaigi no ato de, hanashimashou.
Let's talk after the meeting.

7.6 〜までに (by ~; no later than ~; deadline)

Structure: Noun (time) + までに / Verb-dictionary + までに

Meaning: By a certain time/deadline. Action must be completed no later than X.

Examples:

明日の朝までに、レポートを提出してください。
Ashita no asa made ni, repooto o teishutsu shite kudasai.
Please submit the report by tomorrow morning.
5時までに帰らなければなりません。
Go-ji made ni kaeranakereba narimasen.
I have to be back by 5 o'clock.
電車が来るまでに、準備してください。
Densha ga kuru made ni, junbi shite kudasai.
Please get ready before the train comes.

Note: 〜まで = "until X" (continuous); 〜までに = "by X" (deadline before that point).

Section 8: Passive, Causative, and Potential Forms

8.1 Passive Voice — 〜られる / 〜れる

Structure:

Group 1 (ichidan/v1): verb stem + られる (食べる → 食べられる)
Group 2 (godan/v5): negative stem + れる (書く → 書かれる; 飲む → 飲まれる)
Irregular: する → される; くる → こられる

Meaning: (1) Direct passive: something is done to the subject. (2) Indirect passive (suffering passive): something happens that affects the subject negatively.

Direct Passive Examples:

この小説は多くの人に読まれています。
Kono shousetsu wa ooku no hito ni yomarete imasu.
This novel is read by many people.
先生に褒められました。
Sensei ni homeraremashita.
I was praised by the teacher.

Indirect (Suffering) Passive Examples: 3. 電車の中で足を踏まれました。
Densha no naka de ashi o fumaremashita.
Someone stepped on my foot on the train. (I was affected)

雨に降られて、ずぶ濡れになった。
Ame ni furarete, zubu nure ni natta.
I got caught in the rain and was soaked. (rain "did this to me")

Note: The indirect passive implies the speaker is negatively affected. This usage has no direct equivalent in English.

8.2 Causative Voice — 〜させる / 〜せる

Structure:

Group 1 (v1): verb stem + させる (食べる → 食べさせる)
Group 2 (v5): negative stem + せる (書く → 書かせる; 飲む → 飲ませる)
Irregular: する → させる; くる → こさせる

Meaning: (1) Cause/make someone do something (forced). (2) Let/allow someone do something (permission).

Force (make do) Examples:

先生は生徒に漢字を100回書かせた。
Sensei wa seito ni kanji o hyakkai kakaseta.
The teacher made the students write kanji 100 times.
親は子どもを早く寝させます。
Oya wa kodomo o hayaku nesasemasu.
Parents put their children to bed early.

Permission (let do) Examples: 3. 子どもに好きなものを食べさせてあげた。
Kodomo ni sukina mono o tabesasete ageta.
I let my child eat what they liked.

私に説明させてください。
Watashi ni setsumei sasete kudasai.
Please let me explain.

8.3 Causative-Passive — 〜させられる (be made to do)

Structure: Causative form (〜させる/〜せる) → passive (〜られる) = 〜させられる

Meaning: Be compelled/forced to do something (against your will). Almost always implies the speaker resents being made to do it.

Examples:

子どもの頃、嫌いな野菜を食べさせられた。
Kodomo no koro, kirai na yasai o tabesaserareta.
When I was a child, I was made to eat vegetables I hated.
上司に残業させられました。
Joushi ni zangyou saseraremashita.
I was made to work overtime by my boss.
友達に荷物を持たされた。
Tomodachi ni nimotsu o motasareta.
I was made to carry luggage by my friend. (colloquial contraction)

Note: Colloquially, 〜させられる can contract to 〜される (for some verbs): 飲まされる (forced to drink) instead of 飲まさせられる. Common in speech.

8.4 Potential Form — 〜られる / 〜える (can do)

Structure:

Group 1 (v1): verb stem + られる (食べる → 食べられる)
Group 2 (v5): え-row + る (書く → 書ける; 飲む → 飲める)
Irregular: する → できる; くる → こられる

Meaning: Ability to do something; possibility.

Examples:

私は漢字が読めます。
Watashi wa kanji ga yomemasu.
I can read kanji.
子どもの頃は泳げませんでした。
Kodomo no koro wa oyogemasen deshita.
When I was a child, I couldn't swim.
この部屋では8人座れます。
Kono heya dewa hachi-nin suwaremasen.
Eight people can sit in this room.

Note: With potential verbs, the object particle changes from を to が in formal usage (though を is also common colloquially): 日本語が話せる / 日本語を話せる.

Note on r-aremasu ambiguity: Group 1 verbs have the SAME form for passive AND potential (食べられる = can eat OR is eaten). Context distinguishes them.

Section 9: Purpose and Reason

9.1 〜ために (for the purpose of; because of; for the sake of)

Structure: Verb-dictionary + ために / Noun + の + ために

Meaning: (1) Purpose: in order to do X (volitional subject). (2) Reason/cause: because of X (especially for negative outcomes).

Purpose Examples:

日本語を勉強するために、毎日練習します。
Nihongo o benkyou suru tame ni, mainichi renshuu shimasu.
I practice every day in order to study Japanese.
健康のために、野菜を食べています。
Kenkou no tame ni, yasai o tabete imasu.
I eat vegetables for my health.

Reason/Cause Examples: 3. 台風のために、飛行機が欠航になった。
Taifuu no tame ni, hikouki ga kkoukou ni natta.
Because of the typhoon, the flight was cancelled.

9.2 〜ように (so that; in order to; as ~ as possible)

Structure: Verb-dictionary / Verb-negative potential + ように

Meaning: Purpose — especially when the goal involves a state or outcome rather than an action, or when the subject changes.

Examples:

忘れないように、メモを取りました。
Wasurenai you ni, memo o torimashita.
I took notes so that I wouldn't forget.
聞こえるように、大きい声で話してください。
Kikoeru you ni, ookii koe de hanashite kudasai.
Please speak loudly so that (people) can hear.
日本語が話せるように、毎日練習しています。
Nihongo ga hanaseru you ni, mainichi renshuu shite imasu.
I practice every day so that I can speak Japanese.

Note: 〜ために uses the dictionary form of volitional verbs and implies a direct purposive action; 〜ように is used when the result is a state (potential, negative), or when subjects differ.

9.3 〜から vs 〜ので (because; since)

Structure: Plain form + から / Plain form + ので (な-adj and noun use だから / なので)

Meaning: Both mean "because." から is more casual/subjective; ので is more formal/objective and sounds more polite.

Examples:

眠いから、早く寝ます。
Nemui kara, hayaku nemasu.
Because I'm sleepy, I'll go to bed early. (casual reason)
風邪をひいたので、学校を休みました。
Kaze o hiita node, gakkou o yasumimashita.
Because I caught a cold, I took a day off from school. (formal/polite)

Note: Use ので in polite situations, with superiors, or when writing formally. Use から with friends or when expressing personal opinions/feelings as reasons.

Section 10: Comparison and Degree

10.1 〜より (more than; compared to)

Structure: Noun + より + adjective/verb

Meaning: Comparison — X is more/less than Y.

Examples:

東京は大阪より大きいです。
Toukyou wa Oosaka yori ookii desu.
Tokyo is bigger than Osaka.
バスより電車のほうが速いです。
Basu yori densha no hou ga hayai desu.
The train is faster than the bus.
思ったより難しかった。
Omotta yori muzukashikatta.
It was harder than I thought.

10.2 〜ほうが (it is better/more to ~; one option is preferable)

Structure: Noun + の + ほうが / Verb-ta + ほうが / Adj + ほうが + いい

Meaning: Expresses preference or comparison between two options.

Examples:

歩くより、電車のほうが速いです。
Aruku yori, densha no hou ga hayai desu.
The train is faster than walking.
今日は家にいたほうがいい。
Kyou wa ie ni ita hou ga ii.
You'd better stay home today.
早く寝たほうがいいですよ。
Hayaku neta hou ga ii desu yo.
You should go to bed early.

10.3 〜ほど (extent; degree; as ~ as ~; the more ~ the more ~)

Structure: Noun + ほど / Verb-dictionary + ほど

Meaning: To the extent/degree of X; as much as X; so ~ that ~.

Examples:

泣きたいほど悔しかった。
Nakitai hodo kuyashikatta.
I was so vexed I wanted to cry.
日本語は思ったほど難しくなかった。
Nihongo wa omotta hodo muzukashiku nakatta.
Japanese wasn't as difficult as I thought.
練習すればするほど、上手になる。
Renshuu sureba suru hodo, jouzu ni naru.
The more you practice, the better you become.

10.4 〜だけ / 〜しか〜ない (only; nothing but)

Structure:

だけ: Noun/Verb-dictionary + だけ (positive or negative)
しか: Noun + しか + negative verb

Meaning: Both mean "only." だけ is neutral; しか emphasizes the insufficiency or limitation (and always takes a negative predicate).

Examples (だけ):

少しだけ食べます。
Sukoshi dake tabemasu.
I'll eat just a little.
彼女だけが知っている。
Kanojo dake ga shitte iru.
Only she knows.

Examples (しか〜ない): 3. 財布に500円しかない。
Saifu ni gohyakuen shika nai.
I only have 500 yen in my wallet. (implication: that's not enough)

彼女しか知らない。
Kanojo shika shiranai.
No one but her knows.

10.5 〜ても (even if; even though)

Structure: Verb-て + も / Adj-i-くて + も / Adj-na/Noun + でも

Meaning: Even if X, Y still happens. Concessive — the result doesn't change despite the condition.

Examples:

雨が降っても、行きます。
Ame ga futte mo, ikimasu.
Even if it rains, I'll go.
どんなに疲れても、諦めない。
Donna ni tsukarete mo, akiramenai.
No matter how tired I am, I won't give up.
お金があっても、幸せとは限らない。
Okane ga atte mo, shiawase to wa kagiranai.
Even if you have money, it doesn't necessarily mean you're happy.

Section 11: Quotation and Reported Speech

11.1 〜と言う (say that; quote)

Structure: Plain form (all tenses) + と言う / と言いました / と言っている

Meaning: Report what someone said. The quoted content is in plain form, not polite form.

Examples:

彼は「明日来る」と言いました。
Kare wa "ashita kuru" to iimashita.
He said (that) he'll come tomorrow.
先生は宿題を出さなくていいと言ってくれました。
Sensei wa shukudai o dasanakute ii to itte kuremashita.
The teacher told us we don't have to submit homework.
彼女はどう言いましたか。
Kanojo wa dou iimashita ka.
What did she say?

11.2 〜と思う (think that; believe that)

Structure: Plain form + と思う / と思います

Meaning: Express the speaker's opinion or belief.

Examples:

明日は雨だと思います。
Ashita wa ame da to omoimasu.
I think it will rain tomorrow.
彼は来ないと思う。
Kare wa konai to omou.
I don't think he'll come.
この映画は面白いと思いませんか。
Kono eiga wa omoshiroi to omoimasen ka.
Don't you think this movie is interesting?

11.3 〜と聞く (hear that; have heard)

Structure: Plain form + と聞く / と聞きました / と聞いています

Meaning: Report something you heard (from someone or somewhere).

Examples:

田中さんは結婚すると聞きました。
Tanaka-san wa kekkon suru to kikimashita.
I heard that Tanaka is getting married.
この店は評判がいいと聞いています。
Kono mise wa hyouban ga ii to kiite imasu.
I've heard this restaurant has a good reputation.

11.4 〜について (about; concerning; regarding)

Structure: Noun + について + verb/adjective

Meaning: About X; concerning X; on the topic of X.

Examples:

日本文化について、もっと知りたいです。
Nihon bunka ni tsuite, motto shiri tai desu.
I want to know more about Japanese culture.
この問題について、話し合いましょう。
Kono mondai ni tsuite, hanashiaimashou.
Let's discuss this problem.
環境問題についてレポートを書きました。
Kankyou mondai ni tsuite repooto o kakimashita.
I wrote a report about environmental issues.

11.5 〜に対して (toward; against; in contrast to; in response to)

Structure: Noun + に対して / に対する + Noun

Meaning: Toward X; in response to X; in contrast to X (comparison of two things).

Examples:

先生に対して、失礼な話し方をしてはいけません。
Sensei ni taishite, shitsurei na hanashikata o shite wa ikemasen.
You must not speak rudely toward your teacher.
男性に対して、女性の方が長生きする傾向がある。
Dansei ni taishite, josei no hou ga nagaiki suru keikou ga aru.
Compared to men, women tend to live longer.

11.6 〜によって (depending on; by means of; due to)

Structure: Noun + によって / によっては

Meaning: (1) Means or method: "by means of X." (2) Cause: "due to X." (3) Agent in passive: "by X." (4) Variation: "depending on X."

Examples:

国によって、文化が違います。
Kuni ni yotte, bunka ga chigaimasu.
Culture varies depending on the country.
この橋は地元の人々によって作られました。
Kono hashi wa jimoto no hitobito ni yotte tsukuremashita.
This bridge was built by local people.
火事によって、建物が壊れました。
Kaji ni yotte, tatemono ga kowaremashita.
The building was destroyed due to a fire.

11.7 〜という (called ~; named ~; the thing/idea that is ~)

Structure: Noun + という + Noun / Clause + という + Noun

Meaning: (1) Called/named: introduces a name or title. (2) "That" — nominalizes a clause or defines something.

Examples:

「もったいない」という言葉を知っていますか。
"Mottainai" to iu kotoba o shitte imasu ka.
Do you know the word "mottainai"?
彼が来ないという知らせを聞きました。
Kare ga konai to iu shirase o kikimashita.
I heard the news that he won't come.
この映画という映画は全部見た。
Kono eiga to iu eiga wa zenbu mita.
I've seen every single movie (emphasizes "every").

Section 12: Nominalization

12.1 〜こと (nominalizer — formal; general facts and rules)

Structure: Plain form + こと

Meaning: Turns a verb or clause into a noun. Refers to facts, rules, concepts, or general activities in an abstract/formal way.

Examples:

毎日運動することは大切です。
Mainichi undou suru koto wa taisetsu desu.
Exercising every day is important.
彼女が日本語を話せることを知りませんでした。
Kanojo ga nihongo o hanaseru koto o shirimasen deshita.
I didn't know that she could speak Japanese.
嘘をつくことはよくない。
Uso o tsuku koto wa yokunai.
Lying is not good.

12.2 〜の (nominalizer — informal; personal experience; sensory perception)

Structure: Plain form + の + が/を/は

Meaning: Same function as こと, but warmer and more personal. Preferred with verbs of seeing/hearing/feeling, and in casual speech.

Examples:

彼女が歌っているのを聞きました。
Kanojo ga utatte iru no o kikimashita.
I heard her singing.
日本語を勉強するのは楽しい。
Nihongo o benkyou suru no wa tanoshii.
Studying Japanese is fun.
走っているのが見えます。
Hashitte iru no ga miemasu.
I can see (someone) running.

Note: の is often preferred with 見る (see), 聞く (hear), 感じる (feel). こと is preferred with more abstract concepts. In N4 exam questions, this distinction is often tested.

Section 13: Additional N4 Patterns

13.1 〜ときに (when; at the time of)

Structure: Verb-plain form + ときに / Noun + の + ときに

Meaning: At the time when X happens/happened.

Examples:

困ったときに、助けてください。
Komatta toki ni, tasukete kudasai.
Please help me when I'm in trouble.
子どものとき、泳ぐのが好きでした。
Kodomo no toki, oyogu no ga suki deshita.
When I was a child, I liked swimming.
出かけるとき、鍵を忘れないでください。
Dekakeru toki, kagi o wasurenaide kudasai.
When you go out, please don't forget your key.

13.2 〜たとき (at the time when X happened)

Meaning: Using 〜た form (past) in ときに means the action of the first clause is already completed when the second clause begins.

Examples:

日本に着いたとき、もう夜でした。
Nihon ni tsuita toki, mou yoru deshita.
When I arrived in Japan, it was already night.
宿題が終わったとき、すぐに教えてください。
Shukudai ga owatta toki, sugu ni oshiete kudasai.
When you finish your homework, tell me right away.

13.3 〜ながら (while; although — revisited for nuance)

Additional nuance: ながら can express "while [doing something considered wrong or contradictory]":

Examples:

知っていながら、言わなかった。
Shitte inagara, iwanakatta.
Even though (they) knew, they didn't say anything.
残念ながら、出席できません。
Zannen nagara, shusseki dekimasen.
Unfortunately (while being regretful), I cannot attend.

13.4 〜でも (even; or something; for example)

Structure: Noun + でも / Question word + でも

Meaning: (1) "Even X" — unexpected or extreme case. (2) "Something like X" — example or suggestion. (3) With question words: "any~" (whatever, whoever, etc.).

Examples:

子どもでも解ける問題です。
Kodomo demo tokeru mondai desu.
Even a child can solve this problem.
コーヒーでも飲みませんか。
Koohii demo nomimasen ka.
How about something like coffee? (casual invitation)
何でも食べられます。
Nandemo taberaremasu.
I can eat anything.
いつでも来てください。
Itsudemo kite kudasai.
Please come anytime.

13.5 〜しか〜ない (only; nothing but — reinforced)

See Section 10.4 for primary coverage. Additional note:

しか must take a NEGATIVE predicate: しか + verb-negative = "only"
This is different from だけ which can take both positive and negative predicates
三人しか来なかった (Only 3 people came) — implies you expected more
三人だけ来た (Only 3 people came) — neutral statement of fact

13.6 〜ばかり (just; only; nothing but; just finished)

Structure: Verb-た + ばかり / Noun + ばかり / Verb-dictionary + ばかり (continuous)

Meaning: (1) Just did (very recently). (2) Only/nothing but. (3) On the verge of.

Examples:

今、日本に来たばかりです。
Ima, Nihon ni kita bakari desu.
I just arrived in Japan (very recently).
彼は文句ばかり言っている。
Kare wa monku bakari itte iru.
He does nothing but complain.
このケーキは焼いたばかりです。
Kono keeki wa yaita bakari desu.
This cake was just baked.

13.7 〜ていただけますか (could you please ~; very polite request)

Structure: Verb-て + いただけますか / いただけないでしょうか

Meaning: Very polite request. One level above 〜てくださいませんか.

Examples:

ここにサインしていただけますか。
Koko ni sain shite itadakemasu ka.
Could you please sign here?
もう少しゆっくり話していただけないでしょうか。
Mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakenai deshou ka.
Could you possibly speak a little more slowly?

13.8 〜そうになる (almost happen; come close to)

Structure: Verb-stem + そうになる

Meaning: Come close to doing something; almost happen.

Examples:

転びそうになった。
Korobisou ni natta.
I almost fell.
笑いそうになったが、我慢した。
Waraisou ni natta ga, gaman shita.
I almost laughed, but I held back.

13.9 〜てほしい (want someone to do ~)

Structure: Person + に + Verb-て + ほしい/ほしいです

Meaning: The speaker wants someone else to do something for them.

Examples:

もっとゆっくり話してほしいです。
Motto yukkuri hanashite hoshii desu.
I want you to speak more slowly.
彼女に来てほしかった。
Kanojo ni kite hoshikatta.
I wanted her to come.

13.10 〜なさい (command form — polite but firm)

Structure: Verb-stem + なさい

Meaning: Gentle command — typically used by parents/teachers to children or by teachers to students.

Examples:

早く寝なさい。
Hayaku nenasai.
Go to bed now.
よく考えなさい。
Yoku kangaenasai.
Think carefully.
宿題をしなさい。
Shukudai o shinasai.
Do your homework.

Grammar Quick Reference

Pattern	Key use	Register
〜てから	after doing A, then B	neutral
〜てしまう	complete/regret	neutral/casual
〜ておく	in advance	neutral
〜てみる	try doing	neutral
〜てくる	action comes this way / change up to now	neutral
〜ていく	action goes away / change into future	neutral
〜てあげる	do for others	careful — can sound condescending
〜てもらう	receive the action	neutral
〜てくれる	someone does for me	neutral
〜ようになる	come to do (change in state)	neutral
〜ようにする	make effort to do	neutral
〜ことができる	can do	formal
〜ことがある	sometimes / have experienced	neutral
〜ことにする	decide to do (own decision)	neutral
〜ことになる	it's been decided (external)	neutral
〜かもしれない	maybe (50%)	neutral
〜はずだ	should be (expectation)	neutral
〜らしい	apparently (hearsay)	neutral
〜そうだ (A)	looks like (observation)	neutral
〜そうだ (B)	I heard (hearsay)	neutral
〜ようだ	seems like (own inference)	neutral
〜でしょう	probably (polite)	polite
〜だろう	probably (plain)	plain/casual
〜たら	when/if (flexible)	neutral
〜ば	if (logical condition)	slightly formal
〜なら	if given (premise-based)	neutral
〜と	automatic result	neutral
〜ながら	while / although	neutral
〜間	throughout the period	neutral
〜間に	during (point in time)	neutral
passive -られる	is done / suffers	neutral
causative -させる	make/let do	neutral
causative-passive -させられる	be made to do	neutral
〜ために	for purpose of	neutral
〜ように	so that (state goal)	neutral
〜より	more than	neutral
〜ほうが	it's better to	neutral
〜ほど	to the extent of	neutral
〜しか〜ない	only (insufficient)	neutral
〜ても	even if	neutral
〜について	about; regarding	neutral
〜に対して	toward; in contrast to	slightly formal
〜によって	depending on; by means of	slightly formal
〜という	called; the thing that is	neutral
〜こと	nominalizer (abstract)	neutral/formal
〜の	nominalizer (personal/sensory)	casual/neutral