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N4 Kanji: 交 (Mix, Exchange, Traffic)

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考える (かんがえる) — Japanese Vocabulary

考える — かんがえる (kangaeru) Part of speech: verb-ru (Ichidan verb) JLPT level: N4 Reading: かんがえる (kangaeru) Meaning: to think, consider Word Breakdown The word 考える is composed of the kanji 考 followed by the okurigana える . 考 (kō / kanga-eru): This kanji represents the idea of "thought," "consideration," or "examination." It depicts an old man (老) with a cane, suggesting wisdom and the act of pondering over time. All...

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N4 Kanji: 暑 (Hot (weather))

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複雑な (ふくざつな) — Japanese Vocabulary

複雑な — ふくざつな (fukuzatsu na) Part of speech: adj-na JLPT level: N4 Reading: ふくざつな (fukuzatsu na) Meaning: complicated, complex Word Breakdown 複 (fuku): To repeat, double, or compound. On-yomi: フク (fuku) Kun-yomi: かさ.なる (kasa.naru - to overlap) 雑 (zatsu): Miscellaneous, rough, or mixed. On-yomi: ザツ (zatsu), ゾウ (zou) Kun-yomi: まじ.る (maji.ru - to be mixed) Together, the kanji literally describe things that are "doubled and mixed," resulting in something intricate...

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N4 Kanji: 会 (Meet, Gather)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 会 Strokes 6 Radical 人 (person) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi カイ、エ kai, e Kun-yomi あ・う、あわせる a-u, awa-seru Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 会うあう au to meet 社会しゃかい shakai society 会話かいわ kaiwa conversation 会議かいぎ kaigi meeting, conference 機会きかい kikai opportunity, chance Stroke Order Top horizontal line (short) Left-leaning stroke (like ノ) Short vertical stroke through center Left...

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特別な (とくべつな) — Japanese Vocabulary

特別な — とくべつな (tokubetsu na) Part of speech: adj-na (adjectival noun) JLPT level: N4 Reading: とくべつな (tokubetsu na) Meaning: special; particular; extraordinary Word Breakdown 特 (とく / toku): Special; particular. (On-yomi: トク) 別 (べつ / betsu): Separate; different; exception. (On-yomi: ベツ | Kun-yomi: わか.れる) Together, 特別 (tokubetsu) refers to something that is "separated" from the ordinary, hence "special." All Readings 特: On-yomi: トク (Used in tokubetsu ) Kun-yomi: N/A 別:...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 9: Noun Modification and Nominalizers

Overview Noun modification is the ability to take a full sentence or clause and use it to describe a noun — the same way English uses relative clauses like "the book that I bought" or "the person who called." In Japanese, all modification goes before the noun it modifies, and the modifying clause must be in plain form . This pre-nominal modification system is one of the most important structural...

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〜はずだ — Japanese Grammar

〜はずだ Property Value Pattern 〜はずだ JLPT Level N4 Type expectation Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The pattern 〜はずだ (hazu da) expresses a strong expectation or logical conclusion based on a reason or evidence. It translates to "should," "ought to," or "it is expected that." It is used when the speaker is confident that something is true or will happen because of the information they possess. Structure Formula [Verb dictionary form]...

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N4 Kanji: 員 (Member, Employee)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 員 Strokes 10 Radical 口 (mouth) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi イン in Kun-yomi — (no kun-yomi) — Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 社員しゃいん shain company employee 会員かいいん kaiin member 店員てんいん ten'in shop staff 全員ぜんいん zen'in all members, everyone 委員いいん iin committee member Stroke Order 口 at top. 2-7. 貝 (shell/money) below. Mnemonic A mouth (口) on...

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〜ように — Japanese Grammar

〜ように Property Value Pattern 〜ように JLPT Level N4 Type purpose Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The pattern 〜ように is used to express a goal, purpose, or a desired state. It translates to "so that," "in order to," or "for the purpose of." It is frequently used with verbs of potential, negative verbs, or stative verbs to describe a condition one is trying to achieve or maintain. Structure...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 3: Giving and Receiving

Overview One of the most socially nuanced areas of Japanese grammar is the system of giving and receiving verbs . Unlike English, which uses a single verb "give" regardless of social direction, Japanese distinguishes three separate verbs — あげる, もらう, and くれる — based on the speaker's social position relative to giver and receiver. The crucial rule: direction toward the speaker or speaker's in-group uses くれる; direction away from the...

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N4 Kanji: 練 (Practice, Train, Knead)

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N4 Kanji: 書 (Write, Book)

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経験 (けいけん) — Japanese Vocabulary

経験 — けいけん (keiken) Part of speech: noun, suru-verb JLPT level: N4 Reading: けいけん (keiken) Meaning: experience Word Breakdown 経 (KEI): To pass through, to undergo, to manage. On-yomi: ケイ (kei), キョウ (kyō) Kun-yomi: へる (heru), たつ (tatsu) 験 (KEN): To test, to verify, effect, evidence. On-yomi: ケン (ken), ゲン (gen) Kun-yomi: ためす (tamesu), あかし (akashi) Together, 経験 literally refers to "passing through a test/event," which forms the basis of...

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N4 Kanji: 強 (Strong, Force)

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〜てくれる — Japanese Grammar

〜てくれる Property Value Pattern 〜てくれる JLPT Level N4 Type receiving Formality Neutral (Polite when conjugated as 〜てくれます) Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The pattern 〜てくれる expresses that someone does a favor for the speaker or someone in the speaker's "in-group" (family, close friends, colleagues). It highlights the speaker's gratitude or the fact that a benefit was received. Structure Formula [Verb て-form] + くれる Conjugation: Take the verb in its...

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N4 Kanji: 院 (Institution, Building)

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N4 Kanji: 寒 (Cold)

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N4 Kanji: 者 (Person (by occupation))

Character Info Property Value Kanji 者 Strokes 8 Radical 耂 (old) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シャ sha Kun-yomi もの mono Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 医者いしゃ isha doctor 記者きしゃ kisha journalist 作者さくしゃ sakusha author, creator 患者かんじゃ kanja patient (medical) 若者わかもの wakamono young person Stroke Order 1-5. Top portion 土 and 日 combined. 6-8. Bottom 日 with additional strokes. Mnemonic An old...

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N4 Kanji: 手 (Hand)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 手 Strokes 4 Radical 手 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シュ shu Kun-yomi て、た te, ta Vocabulary | 手 | て | te | hand | | 手紙 | てがみ | tegami | letter | | 手伝う | てつだう | tetsudau | to help | | 上手 | じょうず | jōzu | skilled, good at | | 握手 | あくしゅ |...

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〜ておく — Japanese Grammar

〜ておく Property Value Pattern 〜ておく JLPT Level N4 Type preparation Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The pattern 〜ておく (te-oku) is used to indicate that an action is performed in advance, as a preparation for a future event or to maintain a state for later use. It implies foresight and planning. Structure Formula [Verb te-form] + おく Conjugation: Take the te-form of any verb and attach おく (oku). Polite form: In...

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N4 Kanji: 習 (Learn, Practice)

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あまり (あまり) — Japanese Vocabulary

あまり — あまり (amari) Part of speech: adverb JLPT level: N4 Reading: あまり (amari) Meaning: not very; not much (+ negative verb) Word Breakdown The word あまり is most commonly written in hiragana. While it can be written with the kanji 余り , it is standard practice in modern Japanese to use hiragana for the adverbial usage. The kanji 余 (meaning "surplus" or "remainder") carries the on-yomi ヨ (yo) and...

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N4 Kanji: 番 (Number, Turn, Guard)

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決める (きめる) — Japanese Vocabulary

決める — きめる (kimeru) Part of speech: verb-ru (Ichidan verb) JLPT level: N4 Reading: きめる (kimeru) Meaning: to decide, to choose, to determine, to settle Word Breakdown 決 (Kanji): Meaning: Decide, fix, settle. On-yomi (音読み): ケツ (ketsu) Kun-yomi (訓読み): き.める (ki.meru), き.まる (ki.maru) The kanji 決 is composed of the water radical (氵) and the character for "fast/decisive" (夬). It originally referred to breaking a dam to let water flow,...

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N4 Kanji: 肩 (Shoulder)

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N4 Kanji: 館 (Building, Hall, Mansion)

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N4 Kanji: 図 (Diagram, Map, Plan)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 図 Strokes 7 Radical 囗 (enclosure) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ズ、ト zu, to Kun-yomi はか・る haka-ru Vocabulary | 図書館 | としょかん | toshokan | library | | 地図 | ちず | chizu | map | | 図形 | ずけい | zukei | shape, figure | | 図書 | としょ | tosho | books, library books | | 設計図 | せっけいず |...

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自然 (しぜん) — Japanese Vocabulary

自然 — しぜん (shizen) Part of speech: noun, na-adjective JLPT level: N4 Reading: しぜん (shizen) Meaning: nature; natural; spontaneous Word Breakdown 自 (ji / shi): Self. On-yomi: ジ (ji), シ (shi) Kun-yomi: みずか(ら) (mizuka-ra) 然 (zen / nen): So; that way; condition. On-yomi: ゼン (zen), ネン (nen) Kun-yomi: しか(り) (shika-ri) Etymology: The combination literally means "to be so of itself." It describes things that exist or happen without human intervention...

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N4 Kanji: 夏 (Summer)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 夏 Strokes 10 Radical 夂 (walk slowly) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi カ ka Kun-yomi なつ natsu Vocabulary | 夏 | なつ | natsu | summer | | 夏休み | なつやすみ | natsuyasumi | summer vacation | | 夏至 | げし Stroke Order geshi | summer solstice | | 初夏 | しょか | shoka | early summer | | 真夏 | まなつ...

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N4 Kanji: 局 (Bureau, Office, Situation)

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N4 Kanji: 指 (Finger, Point)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 指 Strokes 9 Radical 手/扌(hand) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シ shi Kun-yomi ゆび、さ・す yubi, sa-su Vocabulary | 指 | ゆび | yubi | finger | | 指定 | してい | shitei | designation, appointment | | 指導 | しどう | shidō | guidance, instruction | | 薬指 | くすりゆび | kusuriyubi | ring finger | | 指輪 | ゆびわ | yubiwa...

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N4 Kanji: 病 (Illness, Sick)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 病 Strokes 10 Radical 疒 (sickness radical) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ビョウ、ヘイ byō, hei Kun-yomi や・む、やまい ya-mu, yamai Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 病院びょういん byōin hospital 病気びょうき byōki illness, sickness 病人びょうにん byōnin sick person 看病かんびょう kanbyō nursing (sick person) 疾病しっぺい shippei disease (formal) Stroke Order 1-5. Outer sickness radical 疒. 6-10. Inner 丙 (third, bright). Mnemonic...

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安全な (あんぜんな) — Japanese Vocabulary

安全な — あんぜんな (anzen na) Part of speech: adj-na (adjectival noun) JLPT level: N4 Reading: あんぜんな (anzen na) Meaning: safe; secure Word Breakdown 安 (あん / an): Peace, quiet, cheap. (On-yomi: アン / Kun-yomi: やす.い) 全 (ぜん / zen): All, whole, complete. (On-yomi: ゼン / Kun-yomi: まった.く, すべ.て) Together, 安全 literally means "all is peaceful/complete," resulting in the meaning of "safe." All Readings Kanji On-yomi (音読み) Kun-yomi (訓読み) 安アン...

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しかし (しかし) — Japanese Vocabulary

しかし — しかし (shikashi) Part of speech: Conjunction (接続詞) JLPT level: N4 Reading: しかし (shikashi) Meaning: however, but Word Breakdown しかし (shikashi) is a kana-only word. It is derived from the classical Japanese verb shikaru (然る), meaning "to be so" or "to be thus," combined with the particle shi (し), which indicates a past or completed state. Etymologically, it literally translates to "that being the case" or "it having been...

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N4 Kanji: 勉 (Make Effort, Study Hard)

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N4 Kanji: 事 (Thing, Matter, Event)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 事 Strokes 8 Radical 亅 (hook) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ジ ji Kun-yomi こと koto Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 仕事しごと shigoto work, job 大事だいじ daiji important, precious 食事しょくじ shokuji meal 用事ようじ yōji errand, business 無事ぶじ buji safe, without incident Stroke Order 1-4. Top portion (like a flag on a pole). 5-8. Bottom strokes forming support....

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JLPT N4 Lesson 2: て-Form Compound Actions

Overview The て-form (te-form) of Japanese verbs is one of the most productive grammatical structures in the language. At N5 you learned its core uses: connecting sequential actions (食べて寝る), forming the 〜ている progressive, making requests with 〜てください, and expressing permission or prohibition. At N4, you unlock six powerful て-form compound patterns that each attach a grammatical auxiliary verb to the te-form, adding a layer of nuance about completion, preparation, experimentation,...

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〜らしい — Japanese Grammar

〜らしい Property Value Pattern 〜らしい JLPT Level N4 Type hearsay / conjecture Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The suffix 〜らしい is used to express hearsay—information that you have heard from someone else or read in a report. It conveys that the speaker is relaying information without taking personal responsibility for its absolute truth. Structure Formula [Verb (plain form)] + らしい [い-adjective (plain form)] + らしい [な-adjective (stem)]...

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送る (おくる) — Japanese Vocabulary

送る — おくる (okuru) Part of speech: verb-u (Godan) JLPT level: N4 Reading: おくる (okuru) Meaning: to send; to escort; to spend (time) Word Breakdown 送 (Kanji): Meaning: Escort, send, dispatch. On-yomi (音読み): ソウ (sō) Kun-yomi (訓読み): おく(る) (oku-ru) The kanji consists of the radical 辶 (movement) and the phonetic component 关 (originally representing a person carrying something). Together, they signify the act of moving something or someone from one...

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N4 Kanji: 道 (Road, Way, Path)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 道 Strokes 12 Radical 辶(walk/movement) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ドウ、トウ dō, tō Kun-yomi みち michi Vocabulary | 道 | みち | michi | road, path | | 道路 | どうろ | dōro | road, highway | | 北海道 | ほっかいどう | Hokkaidō | Hokkaido | | 武道 | ぶどう | budō | martial arts | | 道具 | どうぐ | dōgu...

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N4 Kanji: 雪 (Snow)

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N4 Kanji: 路 (Road, Route)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 路 Strokes 13 Radical 足 (foot) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ロ ro Kun-yomi じ ji Vocabulary | 道路 | どうろ | dōro | road, highway | | 路線 | ろせん | rosen | route, line | | 路地 | ろじ | roji | alley, lane | | 進路 | しんろ | shinro | course, direction | | 通路 | つうろ |...

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変える (かえる) — Japanese Vocabulary

変える — かえる (kaeru) Part of speech: verb-ru (transitive) JLPT level: N4 Reading: かえる (kaeru) Meaning: to change; to alter; to transform Word Breakdown 変 (Kanji): Meaning: Change; strange; suspicious. On-yomi (音読み): ヘン (hen) Kun-yomi (訓読み): か.える (ka.eru), か.わる (ka.waru) The kanji 変 depicts a person (大) under a roof, with hands (又) struggling to restore order to a chaotic situation, representing the act of change or transformation. All Readings...

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なかなか (なかなか) — Japanese Vocabulary

なかなか — なかなか (nakanaka) Part of speech: adverb JLPT level: N4 Reading: なかなか (nakanaka) Meaning: fairly, quite; not easily Word Breakdown The word なかなか is written entirely in hiragana. It is an adverb that evolved from the classical Japanese nakanaka ni (中々), which originally meant "on the contrary" or "rather." Over time, it developed two distinct nuances: one expressing a degree of quality (quite/fairly) and one expressing difficulty or delay...

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N4 Kanji: 仕 (Work, Serve)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 仕 Strokes 5 Radical 亻 (person) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シ、ジ shi, ji Kun-yomi つか・える tsuka-eru Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 仕事しごと shigoto work, job 仕方しかた shikata way, method 仕えるつかえる tsukaeru to serve 仕上げしあげ shiage finish, completion 仕組みしくみ shikumi structure, mechanism Stroke Order Left radical 亻(person). 2-5. Right side 士 (samurai/person). Mnemonic A person (亻) who...

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やっと (やっと) — Japanese Vocabulary

やっと — やっと (yatto) Part of speech: adverb JLPT level: N4 Reading: やっと (yatto) Meaning: finally, at last; barely; with difficulty Word Breakdown やっと is written entirely in hiragana. It is an onomatopoeic-derived adverb (gitaigo) that captures the feeling of a long-awaited result or the sensation of just barely achieving something after a struggle. It is often associated with a sense of relief or the exhaustion that follows a difficult...

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N4 Kanji: 便 (Convenient, Mail)

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JLPT N4 Lesson 6: The Four Conditionals — Deep Dive

Overview Japanese does not have a single word for "if." Instead, it uses four distinct conditional forms — 〜たら, 〜ば, 〜なら, and 〜と — each encoding a different type of conditional relationship. While all four can often be translated as "if" in English, they are not freely interchangeable in Japanese. Using the wrong conditional can produce sentences that are grammatically awkward, socially inappropriate, or logically incorrect — and the JLPT...

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N4 Kanji: 場 (Place, Field, Site)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 場 Strokes 12 Radical 土 (earth) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ジョウ jō Kun-yomi ば ba Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 工場こうじょう kōjō factory 場所ばしょ basho place, location 駐車場ちゅうしゃじょう chūshajō parking lot 会場かいじょう kaijō venue, hall 広場ひろば hiroba plaza, open space Stroke Order Left radical 土 (earth). 2-12. Right side 昜 (sun rising, light). Mnemonic Earth (土)...

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N4 Kanji: 風 (Wind)

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〜そうだ (appearance) — Japanese Grammar

〜そうだ (appearance) Property Value Pattern 〜そうだ (appearance) JLPT Level N4 Type appearance Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The pattern 〜そうだ (sō da) is used to express that something appears to be a certain way based on visual observation. It translates to "looks like," "seems like," or "appears to be." It is used when you make a judgment based on what you see at that moment. Structure Formula...

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〜と言う — Japanese Grammar

〜と言う Property Value Pattern 〜と言う JLPT Level N4 Type quotation Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The pattern 〜と言う (to iu) is used to quote someone, define a term, or report information. It literally translates to "to say [that]..." or "called [name]." It is the fundamental way to introduce indirect speech or labels in Japanese. Structure Formula [Plain form sentence] + と言う [Noun] + と言う Plain form sentence: Includes verbs, i-adjectives,...

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〜かもしれない — Japanese Grammar

〜かもしれない Property Value Pattern 〜かもしれない JLPT Level N4 Type probability Formality Neutral (can be made polite with です) Register Both spoken and written Meaning The pattern 〜かもしれない (kamoshirenai) expresses a subjective possibility or a guess. It translates to "might," "may," or "it is possible that." It indicates that the speaker is not certain about the outcome or situation but acknowledges it as a potential reality. Structure Formula [Verb / い-adjective]...

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〜と — Japanese Grammar

〜と Property Value Pattern 〜と JLPT Level N4 Type conditional Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The 〜と conditional expresses a natural, inevitable, or mechanical consequence. It is used to state that "whenever X happens, Y always follows" or "if X happens, Y will happen as a direct result." Structure Formula [Verb dictionary form] + と [い-adj (dictionary form)] + と [な-adj (stem)] + だ + と [Noun] + だ +...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 1: Plain Form Mastery

Overview Welcome to your first step in JLPT N4! In N5, you primarily learned the polite form ( teineigo ), ending sentences with 〜ます ( -masu ) and 〜です ( -desu ). While polite form is essential for speaking with strangers, teachers, and superiors, the plain form ( futsuukei / 普通形) is the true heartbeat of daily Japanese. It is the register used among close friends, family, and classmates. More...

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N4 Kanji: 橋 (Bridge)

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N4 Kanji: 医 (Medicine, Doctor)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 医 Strokes 7 Radical 匸 (hiding) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi イ i Kun-yomi — (no common kun) — Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 医者いしゃ isha doctor 医学いがく igaku medical science 医院いいん iin clinic 医療いりょう iryō medical treatment 歯医者はいしゃ haisha dentist Stroke Order Outer 匸 (box/hiding). 2-5. Inner 矢 (arrow). 6-7. 又 (hand) at bottom right. Mnemonic...

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〜てあげる — Japanese Grammar

〜てあげる Property Value Pattern 〜てあげる JLPT Level N4 Type giving Formality Neutral to Casual Register Spoken Meaning The pattern 〜てあげる (~te ageru) expresses that the speaker or a third party performs an action for the benefit of someone else. It conveys the nuance of "doing a favor for someone" or "doing something for someone's sake." Structure Formula [Verb て-form] + あげる Verb て-form: The main verb must be in the...

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N4 Kanji: 秋 (Autumn, Fall)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 秋 Strokes 9 Radical 禾 (grain) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シュウ shū Kun-yomi あき aki Vocabulary | 秋 | あき | aki | autumn, fall | | 秋分 | しゅうぶん | shūbun | autumn equinox | | 秋祭り | あきまつり | akimatsuri | autumn festival | | 春秋 | しゅんじゅう | shunjū | spring and autumn; years | | 秋空 |...

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全然 (ぜんぜん) — Japanese Vocabulary

全然 — ぜんぜん (zenzen) Part of speech: adverb JLPT level: N4 Reading: ぜんぜん (zenzen) Meaning: not at all; completely (when used with negative verbs) Word Breakdown 全 (ぜん): This kanji means "all," "whole," or "entire." It is a common component in words denoting completeness. On-yomi: ゼン (zen) Kun-yomi: まった(く) (matta-ku), すべ(て) (sube-te) The word 全然 is a reduplication of the kanji 全, emphasizing the sense of "entirely" or "wholly." In...

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〜ば — Japanese Grammar

〜ば Property Value Pattern 〜ば JLPT Level N4 Type conditional Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The 〜ば (ba) conditional expresses a "if/then" relationship where the second clause is a natural or logical result of the first. It is often used to state a requirement or a condition that must be met for something else to happen. Structure Formula Verbs Affirmative: [Verb E-stem] + ば Example: 行く (iku)...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 7: Passive and Causative

Overview At N5, all your sentences were in the active voice : the subject does the action to an object. At N4, you master two new voices that dramatically expand what you can express: the passive voice (〜られる/〜れる), where the subject receives an action done by someone else, and the causative voice (〜させる/〜せる), where the subject causes or allows someone else to do something. Combining these two gives the causative-passive...

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伝える (つたえる) — Japanese Vocabulary

伝える — つたえる (tsutaeru) Part of speech: verb-ru (transitive) JLPT level: N4 Reading: つたえる (tsutaeru) Meaning: to convey, tell, report, transmit, communicate Word Breakdown Kanji: 伝 Meaning: transmit, report, communicate, legend On-yomi (音読み): デン (den) Kun-yomi (訓読み): つた(える), つた(わる), つて (tsute) The kanji 伝 consists of the radical 人 (person) and 云 (to say). It visually represents a person passing information along to another. All Readings On-yomi (音読み): デン (den)...

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N4 Kanji: 公 (Public, Official)

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社会 (しゃかい) — Japanese Vocabulary

社会 — しゃかい (shakai) Part of speech: noun JLPT level: N4 Reading: しゃかい (shakai) Meaning: society Word Breakdown 社 (sha): Company, shrine, society. On-yomi: シャ (sha) Kun-yomi: やしろ (yashiro) 会 (kai): Meeting, assembly, association. On-yomi: カイ (kai), エ (e) Kun-yomi: あ(う) (a-u) Etymology: The term shakai was coined in the Meiji period as a translation for the Western concept of "society." It combines "group/shrine" (社) and "meeting/gathering" (会), representing a...

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集める (あつめる) — Japanese Vocabulary

集める — あつめる (atsumeru) Part of speech: verb-ru (transitive) JLPT level: N4 Reading: あつめる (atsumeru) Meaning: to collect, gather Word Breakdown 集 (Kanji): Meaning: gather, meet, assemble On-yomi: シュウ (shū) Kun-yomi: あつ(まる), あつ(める), つど(う) The kanji 集 depicts a bird (隹) perched on a tree (木), representing many birds gathering together. As a transitive verb, atsumeru implies an agent actively bringing things or people together. All Readings 集 (Kanji): On-yomi:...

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N4 Kanji: 行 (Go, Row, Bank)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 行 Strokes 6 Radical 行 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi コウ、ギョウ kō, gyō Kun-yomi い・く、おこな・う i-ku, okonau Vocabulary | 銀行 | ぎんこう | ginkō | bank | | 行く | いく | iku | to go | | 旅行 | りょこう | ryokō | travel | | 行動 | こうどう | kōdō | action, behavior | | 歩行 | ほこう |...

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N4 Kanji: 足 (Foot, Leg, Enough)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 足 Strokes 7 Radical 足 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi ソク soku Kun-yomi あし、た・りる ashi, ta-riru Vocabulary | 足 | あし | ashi | foot, leg | | 足りる | たりる | tariru | to be enough | | 満足 | まんぞく | manzoku | satisfaction | | 遠足 | えんそく | ensoku | excursion, field trip | | 不足 |...

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N4 Kanji: 体 (Body)

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〜たら — Japanese Grammar

〜たら Property Value Pattern 〜たら JLPT Level N4 Type conditional Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The 〜たら (tara) conditional expresses "if" or "when" something happens. It is used to describe a situation that must occur before the subsequent action or state can take place, or to express a discovery made after an action. Structure Formula [Verb た-form] + ら [い-adj (past form)] + ら [な-adj / Noun...

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N4 Kanji: 薬 (Medicine, Drug)

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N4 Kanji: 銀 (Silver)

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N4 Kanji: 頭 (Head)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 頭 Strokes 16 Radical 頁 (page/head) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi トウ、ズ tō, zu Kun-yomi あたま、かしら atama, kashira Vocabulary | 頭 | あたま | atama | head | | 先頭 | せんとう | sentō | lead, front | | 頭脳 | ずのう | zunō | brain, intellect | | 口頭 | こうとう | kōtō | oral, verbal | | 頭痛 | ずつう...

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N4 Kanji: 冬 (Winter)

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だから (だから) — Japanese Vocabulary

だから — だから (dakara) Part of speech: Conjunction (接続詞) JLPT level: N4 Reading: だから (dakara) Meaning: therefore, so, that is why Word Breakdown だから is a kana-only word. It is a contraction of the phrase だ (da) (the plain copula) + から (kara) (because/from). In Japanese grammar, when you want to connect two sentences where the first is the reason and the second is the result, you use the copula...

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〜なら — Japanese Grammar

〜なら Property Value Pattern 〜なら JLPT Level N4 Type conditional Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The pattern 〜なら (nara) is a conditional marker used to introduce a topic or situation and then provide advice, a request, or an opinion based on that topic. It translates roughly to "if it is the case that..." or "as for [topic], then..." Structure Formula [Noun] + なら [Na-adjective stem] + なら...

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だんだん (だんだん) — Japanese Vocabulary

だんだん — だんだん (dandan) Part of speech: adverb JLPT level: N4 Reading: だんだん (dandan) Meaning: gradually, little by little, step by step Word Breakdown だんだん is a gitaigo (onomatopoeic/mimetic word). It is written exclusively in hiragana. Etymologically, it originates from the kanji 段々 (meaning "steps" or "levels"). While you may occasionally see it written as 段々 in older texts or formal writing, it is standard practice in modern Japanese to...

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N4 Kanji: 春 (Spring (season))

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〜られる (passive) — Japanese Grammar

〜られる (passive) Property Value Pattern 〜られる (passive) JLPT Level N4 Type passive Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The passive voice in Japanese is used to describe an action where the subject is the recipient of the action rather than the performer. It is often used to express that someone was affected by an action, or to describe objective events where the performer of the action is unknown or irrelevant. Structure...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 4: Expressing Probability and Inference

Overview In natural Japanese communication, speakers rarely express certainty about everything. Instead, a rich set of grammatical patterns allows you to indicate how sure you are about information — whether you are guessing, reporting what you heard, drawing a logical conclusion, or inferring from visible evidence. At N4, you must master six such patterns: 〜かもしれない, 〜でしょう/だろう, 〜はずだ/はずがない, 〜らしい, 〜そうだ (two distinct meanings!), and 〜ようだ. The most challenging aspect of this...

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技術 (ぎじゅつ) — Japanese Vocabulary

技術 — ぎじゅつ (gijutsu) Part of speech: noun JLPT level: N4 Reading: ぎじゅつ (gijutsu) Meaning: technology, skill Word Breakdown 技 (ぎ / gi): Skill, art, technique. On-yomi: ギ (gi) Kun-yomi: わざ (waza) 術 (じゅつ / jutsu): Art, technique, means, magic. On-yomi: ジュツ (jutsu) Kun-yomi: すべ (sube) All Readings 技 (gi): On-yomi: ギ (used in gijutsu ) Kun-yomi: わざ術 (jutsu): On-yomi: ジュツ (used in gijutsu ) Kun-yomi: すべ Example Sentences...

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比べる (くらべる) — Japanese Vocabulary

比べる — くらべる (kuraberu) Part of speech: verb-ru (Ichidan verb) JLPT level: N4 Reading: くらべる (kuraberu) Meaning: to compare Word Breakdown 比 (HI / くら.べる): This kanji depicts two people standing side-by-side, representing the act of comparison or ranking. It is commonly used in words related to ratios and proportions. All Readings 比 On-yomi (音読み): ヒ (hi) Kun-yomi (訓読み): くら.べる (kuraberu) Note: In this word, the kun-yomi "kuraberu" is used....

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JLPT N4 Grammar Patterns

This section covers 20 core grammar patterns at JLPT N4 (A2) level. Each page explains the structure, meaning, example sentences, and common mistakes to avoid. Grammar Patterns Pattern Page Meaning せる・させるせる・させる Causative — make/let someone do られるられる Passive — be done by someone そうだそうだ Looks like / appears to be らしいらしい Seems like / typical of はずだはずだ Should be / expected to be かもしれないかもしれない...

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N4 Kanji: 園 (Garden, Park)

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〜てみる — Japanese Grammar

〜てみる Property Value Pattern 〜てみる JLPT Level N4 Type attempt / trial Formality Neutral Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The pattern 〜てみる (te-miru) is used to express that someone is "trying to do" an action to see what happens, or to experience the result of that action. It implies a sense of experimentation, curiosity, or testing something out to see if it is good, bad, or interesting. Structure Formula...

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〜せる/〜させる — Japanese Grammar

〜せる/〜させる Property Value Pattern 〜せる/〜させる JLPT Level N4 Type causative Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The causative form expresses that someone is making someone else do something, or allowing someone to do something. It indicates an action initiated by one person that forces or permits another person to perform the action. Structure Formula Group 1 (U-verbs): [Verb stem (u → a)] + せる Example: 書く (kaku) → 書かせる (kakaseru) Group...

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それから (それから) — Japanese Vocabulary

それから — それから (sorekara) Part of speech: conj JLPT level: N4 Reading: それから (sorekara) Meaning: and then, after that Word Breakdown それから is a compound word derived from the demonstrative pronoun それ (sore - that) and the particle から (kara - from/after). それ (sore): That (referring to something previously mentioned or distant from the speaker). から (kara): From (indicating a starting point in time or sequence). Together, the phrase literally...

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N4 Kanji: 曇 (Cloudy)

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調べる (しらべる) — Japanese Vocabulary

調べる — しらべる (shiraberu) Part of speech: verb-ru JLPT level: N4 Reading: しらべる (shiraberu) Meaning: to investigate, look up, check, examine Word Breakdown 調 (Kanji): Meaning: investigate, tune, tone, prepare On-yomi: チョウ (chō) Kun-yomi: しら(べる) (shiraberu), ととの(う) (totonou) The kanji 調 combines the radical for "speech/words" (言) with the character for "surrounding/all around" (周). It carries the nuance of putting things in order or checking the details of something to...

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N4 Kanji: 社 (Company, Society)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 社 Strokes 7 Radical 示 (show/altar) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シャ sha Kun-yomi やしろ yashiro Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 会社かいしゃ kaisha company 社会しゃかい shakai society 神社じんじゃ jinja Shinto shrine 社員しゃいん shain company employee 商社しょうしゃ shōsha trading company Stroke Order Left radical 示 (altar). 2-7. Right portion 土 (earth) and 乙. Mnemonic An altar (示) on...

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〜てもらう — Japanese Grammar

〜てもらう Property Value Pattern 〜てもらう JLPT Level N4 Type receiving Formality Neutral (Polite when conjugated to 〜てもらいます) Register Both (Spoken and Written) Meaning The pattern 〜てもらう expresses that you receive the favor of someone doing an action for you. It highlights that you are the beneficiary of the action, often implying a sense of gratitude or that the action was performed at your request. Structure Formula [Verb て-form] + もらう...

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N4 Kanji: 晴 (Sunny, Clear)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 晴 Strokes 12 Radical 日 (sun) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi セイ sei Kun-yomi は・れる ha-reru Vocabulary | 晴れる | はれる | hareru | to clear up (weather) | | 晴れ | はれ | hare | clear/fine weather | | 晴天 | せいてん | seiten | clear sky | | 晴れ間 | はれま | harema | break in the clouds | |...

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〜ために — Japanese Grammar

〜ために Property Value Pattern 〜ために JLPT Level N4 Type purpose Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The pattern 〜ために (tame ni) is used to express the purpose or goal of an action. It translates to "in order to," "for the sake of," or "for the purpose of." It indicates that the action performed in the main clause is done to achieve the goal stated before ために . Structure Formula [Verb Dictionary...

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N4 Kanji: 工 (Work, Craft, Construction)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 工 Strokes 3 Radical 工 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi コウ、ク kō, ku Kun-yomi — (no common kun) — Vocabulary Word Reading Romaji English 工場こうじょう kōjō factory 工事こうじ kōji construction work 工夫くふう kufū devise, contrivance 人工じんこう jinkō artificial 大工だいく daiku carpenter Stroke Order Top horizontal line. 2. Vertical line (center). 3. Bottom horizontal line. Mnemonic Looks...

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〜と思う — Japanese Grammar

〜と思う Property Value Pattern 〜と思う JLPT Level N4 Type thought Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The pattern 〜と思う (~to omou) is used to express one's personal opinion, thoughts, or beliefs. It translates to "I think that..." or "I feel that..." and is the most common way to state an opinion in Japanese. Structure Formula [Plain form verb / i-adj] + と思う [na-adj / noun] + だ + と思う Verbs: Use...

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終わる (おわる) — Japanese Vocabulary

終わる — おわる (owaru) Part of speech: verb-u (Godan) JLPT level: N4 Reading: おわる (owaru) Meaning: to finish, end Word Breakdown The word 終わる consists of the kanji 終 followed by the hiragana suffix わる . 終 (SHŪ / o-waru / tsu-i): This kanji represents the end, finish, or conclusion. It depicts a thread (纟) being tied off at the end, symbolizing completion. All Readings 終 On-yomi (音読み): シュウ (shū)...

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JLPT N4 Lesson 10: N4 Capstone — Integrated Review

Overview This capstone lesson brings together everything you have studied in JLPT N4. Rather than introducing new grammar points, it provides an integrated review through authentic-feeling dialogues, a reading passage, and comprehensive practice that requires you to draw on all ten N4 grammar areas simultaneously. At N4, you have moved from the building blocks of N5 into genuinely expressive Japanese: you can make guesses, report speech, give reasons, describe complex...

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ずっと (ずっと) — Japanese Vocabulary

ずっと — ずっと (zutto) Part of speech: adverb JLPT level: N4 Reading: ずっと (zutto) Meaning: all along, continuously; by far (when comparing) Word Breakdown ずっと is a kana-only word (副詞 - fukushi). It is an onomatopoeic/mimetic word ( giseigo/gitaigo ) that conveys the feeling of something extending over a long distance or a long period of time without interruption. It is often used to emphasize duration or degree. All Readings...

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N4 Kanji: 顔 (Face)

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N4 Kanji: 教 (Teach, Instruct)

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JLPT N4 Lesson 8: Purpose and Reason — Nuance Distinctions

Overview Expressing why you do something or what happens because of something is one of the most frequently needed communicative skills in any language. Japanese provides a rich set of six patterns for purpose and reason, each with a distinct nuance: 〜ために (deliberate purpose / causal because of), 〜ように (so that / in order for a state to come about), 〜から (because — direct, subjective, spoken), 〜ので (because — objective,...

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文化 (ぶんか) — Japanese Vocabulary

文化 — ぶんか (bunka) Part of speech: noun JLPT level: N4 Reading: ぶんか (bunka) Meaning: culture Word Breakdown 文 (ぶん / bun): Sentence, literature, style, art. On-yomi: ブン (bun), モン (mon) Kun-yomi: ふみ (fumi), あや (aya) 化 (か / ka): Change, influence, -ize. On-yomi: カ (ka), ケ (ke) Kun-yomi: ば（ける）(ba-keru), ば（かす）(ba-kasu) Etymology: The combination literally means "the change of literature/civilization." It refers to the refinement of human society through art,...

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N4 Kanji: 首 (Neck, Head, Chief)

Character Info Property Value Kanji 首 Strokes 9 Radical 首 (itself) JLPT Level N4 Readings Type Japanese Romaji On-yomi シュ shu Kun-yomi くび kubi Vocabulary | 首 | くび | kubi | neck | | 首都 | しゅと | shuto | capital city | | 首相 | しゅしょう | shushō | prime minister | | 手首 | てくび | tekubi | wrist | | 足首 | あしくび | ashikubi |...

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生活 (せいかつ) — Japanese Vocabulary

生活 — せいかつ (seikatsu) Part of speech: noun, suru-verb JLPT level: N4 Reading: せいかつ (seikatsu) Meaning: daily life, living, livelihood Word Breakdown 生 (せい / sei): Life, birth, raw. On-yomi: セイ (sei), ショウ (shou) Kun-yomi: い(きる) (ikiru), う(まれる) (umareru), なま (nama) 活 (かつ / katsu): Activity, lively, living. On-yomi: カツ (katsu) Kun-yomi: い(きる) (ikiru) Etymology: Together, these characters represent the "activity of life." It refers not just to the state...

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はっきり (はっきり) — Japanese Vocabulary

はっきり — はっきり (hakkiri) Part of speech: adverb (副詞) JLPT level: N4 Reading: はっきり (hakkiri) Meaning: clearly, plainly, distinctly, definitely Word Breakdown はっきり is a giseigo/gitaigo (onomatopoeic/mimetic word). It does not contain kanji. It is often used with the particle と (to) or the verb する (suru) to form the verb はっきりする (to be clear/to clarify). The word evokes the image of something coming into sharp focus, moving from a...

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続ける (つづける) — Japanese Vocabulary

続ける — つづける (tsuzukeru) Part of speech: verb-ru (ichidan verb) JLPT level: N4 Reading: つづける (tsuzukeru) Meaning: to continue, to keep up, to maintain Word Breakdown 続 (ZOKU / tsuzuku): This kanji depicts a silk thread (糸) being connected or continued. It carries the meaning of "succession," "connection," or "continuation." All Readings 続 (ZOKU): On-yomi (音読み): ゾク (zoku) Kun-yomi (訓読み): つづ・く (tsuzuku), つづ・ける (tsuzukeru) In this word: The kun-yomi つづ...

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必要な (ひつような) — Japanese Vocabulary

必要な — ひつような (hitsuyou na) Part of speech: adj-na (adjectival noun) JLPT level: N4 Reading: ひつような (hitsuyou na) Meaning: necessary, needed Word Breakdown 必 (ひつ): Certain, inevitable. On-yomi: ヒツ (hitsu) Kun-yomi: かなら(ず) (kanarazu) 要 (よう): Need, essence, pivot. On-yomi: ヨウ (you) Kun-yomi: い(る) (iru), かなめ (kaname) Together, 必要 (hitsuyou) literally means "the essence of what is certain/inevitable," which translates to "necessity." All Readings Kanji On-yomi (音読み) Kun-yomi (訓読み) Reading in...

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〜てしまう — Japanese Grammar

〜てしまう Property Value Pattern 〜てしまう JLPT Level N4 Type completion Formality Neutral Register Both Meaning The pattern 〜てしまう expresses that an action has been completed entirely or that an action occurred unexpectedly, often resulting in a feeling of regret or disappointment. It emphasizes the finality of an event. Structure Formula [Verb Te-form] + しまう Conjugation: Take the Te-form of any verb (e.g., 食べる → 食べて, 読む → 読んで) and attach...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 Lessons ›

JLPT N4 Lesson 5: Reported Speech and Quoting

Overview Reported speech is one of the core communicative skills at N4 level and beyond. In real life, you constantly need to relay what someone said, share what you think, report what you heard, or cite a source. Japanese uses the quotation particle と to link reported content to verbs like 言う, 思う, 聞く, 考える, and 感じる. The critical rule that unites all these patterns is that the content before...

Language Learning › Learn Japanese › JLPT Levels › JLPT N4 — Elementary A2 › JLPT N4 — Kanji ›

N4 Kanji: 郵 (Mail, Post)

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N4 Kanji: 交 (Mix, Exchange, Traffic)

考える (かんがえる) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 暑 (Hot (weather))

複雑な (ふくざつな) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 会 (Meet, Gather)

特別な (とくべつな) — Japanese Vocabulary

JLPT N4 Lesson 9: Noun Modification and Nominalizers

〜はずだ — Japanese Grammar

N4 Kanji: 員 (Member, Employee)

〜ように — Japanese Grammar

JLPT N4 Lesson 3: Giving and Receiving

N4 Kanji: 練 (Practice, Train, Knead)

N4 Kanji: 書 (Write, Book)

経験 (けいけん) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 強 (Strong, Force)

〜てくれる — Japanese Grammar

N4 Kanji: 院 (Institution, Building)

N4 Kanji: 寒 (Cold)

N4 Kanji: 者 (Person (by occupation))

N4 Kanji: 手 (Hand)

〜ておく — Japanese Grammar

N4 Kanji: 習 (Learn, Practice)

あまり (あまり) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 番 (Number, Turn, Guard)

決める (きめる) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 肩 (Shoulder)

N4 Kanji: 館 (Building, Hall, Mansion)

N4 Kanji: 図 (Diagram, Map, Plan)

自然 (しぜん) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 夏 (Summer)

N4 Kanji: 局 (Bureau, Office, Situation)

N4 Kanji: 指 (Finger, Point)

N4 Kanji: 病 (Illness, Sick)

安全な (あんぜんな) — Japanese Vocabulary

しかし (しかし) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 勉 (Make Effort, Study Hard)

N4 Kanji: 事 (Thing, Matter, Event)

JLPT N4 Lesson 2: て-Form Compound Actions

〜らしい — Japanese Grammar

送る (おくる) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 道 (Road, Way, Path)

N4 Kanji: 雪 (Snow)

N4 Kanji: 路 (Road, Route)

変える (かえる) — Japanese Vocabulary

なかなか (なかなか) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 仕 (Work, Serve)

やっと (やっと) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 便 (Convenient, Mail)

JLPT N4 Lesson 6: The Four Conditionals — Deep Dive

N4 Kanji: 場 (Place, Field, Site)

N4 Kanji: 風 (Wind)

〜そうだ (appearance) — Japanese Grammar

〜と言う — Japanese Grammar

〜かもしれない — Japanese Grammar

〜と — Japanese Grammar

JLPT N4 Lesson 1: Plain Form Mastery

N4 Kanji: 橋 (Bridge)

N4 Kanji: 医 (Medicine, Doctor)

〜てあげる — Japanese Grammar

N4 Kanji: 秋 (Autumn, Fall)

全然 (ぜんぜん) — Japanese Vocabulary

〜ば — Japanese Grammar

JLPT N4 Lesson 7: Passive and Causative

伝える (つたえる) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 公 (Public, Official)

社会 (しゃかい) — Japanese Vocabulary

集める (あつめる) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 行 (Go, Row, Bank)

N4 Kanji: 足 (Foot, Leg, Enough)

N4 Kanji: 体 (Body)

〜たら — Japanese Grammar

N4 Kanji: 薬 (Medicine, Drug)

N4 Kanji: 銀 (Silver)

N4 Kanji: 頭 (Head)

N4 Kanji: 冬 (Winter)

だから (だから) — Japanese Vocabulary

〜なら — Japanese Grammar

だんだん (だんだん) — Japanese Vocabulary

N4 Kanji: 春 (Spring (season))