⽇本語能⼒試験 ⽂法マスター

JLPT N5
Grammar Master

N5
文法ぶんぽう
法 文
80 GRAMMAR LESSONS YOU MUST KNOW TO PASS THE JLPT!

Complete Study Guide

By JLPTsensei.com
 JLPT N5
Grammar Master

Complete Study Guide

By: Cruise Bogedin - JLPTsensei.com

This book includes all of the grammar points that you will
need to know in order to pass the JLPT N5.

Each lesson includes the meaning, usage rules, grammar notes,

as well as numerous example sentences from beginner to advanced.

Good luck!

Copyright © 2020 JLPTsensei.com

 Table of Contents

# JLPT N5 Grammar Lessons Meaning Page

ちゃいけない・じゃい cha ikenai / ja

1 must not do (spoken Japanese) 4
けない ikenai

2 だ・です da / desu to be (am, is, are, were, used to) 7

3 だけ dake only; just; as much as 10

4 だろう darou I think; it seems; probably; right? 13

5 で de in; at; on; by; with; via 16

6 でも demo but; however 19

7 でしょう deshou I think; it seems; probably; right? 21

8 どんな donna what kind of; what sort of 24

9 どうして doushite why; for what reason; how 26

10 どうやって douyatte how; in what way; by what means 28

11 が ga subject marker; however; but 30

12 があります ga arimasu there is; is (non-living things) 33

13 がほしい ga hoshii to want something 36

14 がいます ga imasu there is; to be; is (living things) 38

15 ほうがいい hou ga ii had better; it'd be better to; should~ 41

16 い-adjectives i-adjectives i-adjectives 43

17 ⼀番 ichiban the most; the best 46

18 ⼀緒に issho ni together 48

19 いつも itsumo always; usually; habitually 50

20 じゃない・ではない janai / dewa nai to not be (am not; is not; are not) 52

21 か ka question particle 56

22 か〜か ka~ka or 58

23 から kara because; since; from 60

24 ⽅ kata the way of doing something; how to do 64

25 けど kedo but; however; although 66

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# JLPT N5 Grammar Lessons Meaning Page

26 けれども keredo mo but; however; although 68

27 まだ mada still; not yet 70

28 まだ〜ていません mada ~te imasen have not yet 72

29 まで made until ~; as far as ~; to (an extent); even ~ 74

30 前に mae ni before ~; in front of ~ 76

31 ませんか masen ka would you; do you want to; shall we~ 78

32 ましょう mashou let's ~; shall we ~ 80

33 ましょうか mashouka shall I ~; used to offer help to the listener 82

34 も mo too; also; as well 84

35 もう mou already; anymore; again; other 86

36 な-adjectives na-adjectives na-adjectives 89

sentence ending particle; confirmation;

37 なあ naa 91
admiration, etc

without doing~ ; To do [B] without doing 93

38 ないで naide
[A]

39 ないでください naide kudasai please don't do 95

40 なくてもいい naku temo ii don't have to 97

41 なくちゃ nakucha must do; need to; gotta do 99

42 なくてはいけない nakute wa ikenai must do; need to do 102

43 なくてはならない nakute wa naranai must do; need to do 104

44 なる naru to become 106

45 んです ndesu to explain something; show emphasis 109

46 ね ne isn't it? right? eh? 111

47 に ni destination particle; in; at; on; to 113

48 にいく ni iku go to do 116

49 にする ni suru to decide on 118

50 に/へ ni/e to (indicates direction / destination) 120

51 の no possessive particle 122

52 のです no desu to explain something; show emphasis 124

53 のが下⼿ no ga heta to be bad at doing something 127

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# JLPT N5 Grammar Lessons Meaning Page

54 のが上⼿ no ga jouzu to be good at 129

55 のが好き no ga suki to like doing something 131

no naka de [A] ga
56 の中で[A]が⼀番 out of this group, [A] is best 133
ichiban

57 ので node because of; given that; since 135

58 を o / wo object marker particle 137

59 をください o kudasai please give me~ 139

60 しかし shikashi but; however 141

61 すぎる sugiru too much 143

62 たことがある ta koto ga aru to have done something before 146

63 たい tai want to do something 148

64 たり〜たり tari~tari do such things as A and B 151

65 てある te aru is/has been done (resulting state) 153

66 ている te iru ongoing action or current state 156

67 てから te kara after doing~ 162

68 てください te kudasai please do 164

69 てはいけない te wa ikenai must not; may not; cannot 166

70 てもいいです temo ii desu is OK to..; is alright to..; may I..? 168

71 と to and; with; as; connecting particle 170

72 とき toki when; at this time 172

73 とても totemo very; awfully; exceedingly 174

74 つもり tsumori plan to ~; intend to ~ 176

75 は wa - topic marker topic marker 178

76 は〜より・・・です wa ~yori... desu [A] is more ~ than [B] 180

77 はどうですか wa dou desu ka how about; how is 182

78 や ya and; or; connecting particle 184

79 よ yo you know; emphasis (ending particle) 186

80 より〜ほうが yori ~hou ga [A] is more than [B] 189

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 ちゃいけない・じゃいけない

Meaning How To Use

must not do (spoken Japanese) ちゃだめ

Verb て ちゃいけない
ちゃいけません

じゃダメ
Verb で じゃいけない
じゃいけません

Learn Japanese grammar: ちゃいけない (cha ikenai) / ちゃダメ (cha dame) / じゃいけない (ja ikenai) /
じゃダメ (ja dame). Meaning: must not; may not; cannot (spoken Japanese).

This grammar is a more casual way to say we should not do / may not do something. To be more formal,
you can use てはいけない (te wa ikenai).

Which to use: ちゃ VS じゃ

Use the verb’s て form, but then remove the て

たべる -> たべて -> たべちゃ
“taberu” -> “tabete” -> “tabe cha”

If the て form is で, then ちゃ turns to じゃ

のむ -> のんで -> のんじゃ
“nomu” -> “nonde” -> “nonja”

3 Main Ending Patterns

ダメ (dame) = standard, casual

いけない (ikenai) = standard, casual
いけません (ikemasen) = same, but more formal

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 Example Sentences

1. 寝る前にスマホを⾒ちゃダメよ。
neru mae ni sumaho o micha dame yo.
You shouldn't look at your smartphone before going to bed.

2. ここはきけんなので、⼊っちゃダメだよ。
koko wa kiken nano de, haiccha dame da yo.
This area is dangerous, so you're not allowed to enter.

3. やっちゃいけないことをやっちゃった。
yaccha ikenai koto o yacchatta.
I did something I shouldn't have...

4. ⾃信をなくしちゃいけません︕
jishin o naku shicha ikemasen!
You mustn't lose confidence!

5. そんなに授業をさぼっちゃダメよ。
sonna ni jugyou o saboccha dame yo.
You shouldn't skip class so much.

6. 彼を信⽤しちゃいけない。
kare o shinyou shicha ikenai.
We cannot trust him.

7. ⾚信号をむししちゃいけません︕
aka shingou o mushi shicha ikemasen.
You must not ignore red lights!

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8. 野菜を⾷べるまでデザートを⾷べちゃいけないよ。
yasai o taberu made dezaato o tabecha ikenai yo.
No eating dessert until you finish eating your vegetables.

9. ⼦どもの前に悪いことばを⾔っちゃいけません。
kodomo no mae ni warui kotoba o iccha ikemasen.
We must not say bad words in front of children.

10. ２０歳未満の⼈はお酒を飲んじゃいけません。
hatachi miman no hito wa osake o nonja ikemasen.
People under the age of 20 cannot drink alcohol.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 だ・です

Meaning How To Use

to be (am, is, are, were, used to) present だ (casual)

affirmative です (polite)

past だった (casual)

affirmative でした (polite)

じゃない
present ではない
negative じゃありません
ではないではありません

じゃなかった
past ではなかった
negative じゃありませんでした
ではありませんでした

Learn Japanese grammar: だ (da) & です (desu). Meaning: to be (am, is, are, were, used to).

Let’s look at some of the different ways this grammar can be used.

Present affirmative form – だ・です

Example A) です

私はクリスです。

watashi wa kurisu desu.

I am Chris.

This literally translates to “I Chris am”. Remember that Japanese uses SOV (subject-object-verb), rather
than SVO like English. This may be strange at first, but it will become natural after some practice.

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Example B) だ

私はクリスだ。

watashi wa kurisu da.

I am Chris.

だ (da) and です (desu) have the exact same meaning, but です (desu) is more polite, so when in doubt
it’s best to always use です (desu).

Example C) to be: am, is, are

私の名前はクリスです。

watashi no namae wa kurisu desu.

My name is Chris.

だ (da) and です (desu) can mean am, is and are. There is no distinction like in English, so it works for
everything. This is one of the easier points of Japanese grammar.

Example D) They are

彼らは3年⽣です。

karera wa san nensei desu.

They are 3rd year students.

だった・でした (datta / deshita) – used to be (past)

When you want to say something “used to be” (was, were, used to, etc), you’ll want to use this
conjugation. Once again, there is a casual form だった (datta), and the more polite でした (deshita).

Example E) Was

昨⽇はとてもきれいな⽇だった。

kinou wa totemo kireina hi datta.

Yesterday was a very beautiful day.

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Example F) Used to

⼦どものとき、⽢いものが好きでした。

kodomo no toki, amai mono ga suki deshita.

When I was a child, I used to like sweets.

Extra Study Notes

To say the opposite, “to not be” (is/are not) instead, you can use じゃない・ではない (janai / dewa
nai), or any of the negative conjugations listed in the “how to use” chart.

Example Sentences

1. 今⽇は暑いだね。
kyou wa atsui da ne.
It's pretty hot today, right?

2. かれは私の友だちです。
kare wa watashi no tomodachi desu.
He is my friend.

3. ⽇本の⽂化が好きです。
nihon no bunka ga suki desu.
I like Japanese culture

4. 昔はサッカーが趣味だったが、今はやっていない。
mukashi wa sakka ga shumi datta ga, ima wa yatteinai.
Soccer used to be my hobby, but I don't play anymore.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 だけ

Meaning How To Use

only; just; as much as Verb (dictionary form)

Noun
だけ
な-adjective + な

い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: だけ (dake). Meaning: only; just; as much as.

Meaning 1) only; just; alone

Example 1-A)

⼀⼈だけ。

hitori dake.
only one person.

Example 1-B)

ただ⼀つだけある。

tada hitotsu dake aru.

There is only one.

Example 1-C)

ほしいものはこれだけ。

hoshii mono wa kore dake.

This is the only thing I want.

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Meaning 2 examples) as much as; at least

Example 2-A)

私はできるだけ⾦を借りないようにしている。

watashi wa dekiru dake kane o karinai youni shiteiru.

I try to borrow as little money as I possibly can.

Example 2-B)

いくら何でも15⼈だけは来るだろう。

ikura nandemo juugo nin dake wa kuru darou.

Surely 15 people will come at least.

Example Sentences

1. 私の持っているお⾦はこれだけだ。
watashi no motteiru okane wa kore dake da.
This is all the money I have..

2. ちょっと⾒ているだけです。
chotto mitteiru dake desu.
I'm just looking around.

3. 好きじゃない⾷べ物はトマトだけだ。
suki janai tabemono wa tomato dake da.
The only food I dislike are tomatoes.

4. ただ話していただけです。
tada hanashiteita dake desu.
I was just speaking.

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5. 問題はそれだけだと思うかい︖
mondai wa sore dake da to omou?
You think that's all there is to this problem?

6. 私は⼀⼈だけでできます。
watashi wa hitori dake de dekimasu.
I can do it (just) by myself.

7. 出来るだけ新しい漢字を勉強したい。
dekiru dake atarashii kanji o benkyou shitai.
I want to study as much new kanji as possible.

8. その⼥の⼦はただ泣くだけだった。
sono onna no ko wa tada naku dake datta.
That little girl did nothing but cry.

9. 彼⼥が信頼できるのは彼だけだ。
kanojo ga shinrai dekiru no wa kare dake da.
He is the only one that she can trust.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 だろう

Meaning How To Use

I think; it seems; probably; right? Verb (dictionary form)

Noun
だろう
な-adjective

い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: だろう (darou). Meaning: I think; it seems; probably; right?

Although there are many different meanings, which may seem confusing, it is usually easy to understand
from context. Let’s look at some basic examples.

BTW, sometimes this grammar is shortened to just だろ (daro), but the meaning is the same.

Example A)

嘘だろう。

uso darou.
You’re kidding (surely that’s a lie)
That’s a lie, right?

This method can express either confidence that it is likely a lie, or express that you are asking for
confirmation, though it depends on the tone of the speaker and the situation.

Example 2)

⾬が降るだろう。

ame ga furu darou.

It seems like it’s going to rain.
I think it’s going to rain.

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Like the previous example, the meaning changes depending on the speaker’s tone and the situation.
When spoken in a questioning type of tone, it is asking for confirmation from whoever the speaker is
talking to. Otherwise, it expresses what the speaker is thinking; in this case thinking that it is likely to
rain.

Used with questions

Example C) showing speculation

それは何だろう。

sore wa nan darou?

I wonder what that is..

Example Sentences

1. 彼はもうすぐ来るだろう。
kare wa mou sugu kuru darou.
He should be coming any moment now.

2. そうだろうと思ったよ。
sou darou to omotta.
I thought (figured) as much.

3. 明⽇はたぶん⾬が降るだろう。空に雲がたくさんあるから。
ashita wa tabun ame ga furu darou. sora ni kumo ga takusan aru kara.
It will likely rain tomorrow.. There's a lot of clouds in the sky now..

4. 間違いないだろう。
machigai nai darou.
Surely there's no mistake.

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5. たぶんこの⾬は１時間ぐらいでやむだろう。
tabun kono ame wa ichijikan gurai de yamu darou.
This rain will probably be over in about an hour or so.

6. あそこにいる⼈は誰だろう。
asoko ni iru hito wa dare darou.
I wonder who that person is over there.

7. この⾁は、もう⾷べないほうがいいだろう。もう悪くなってしま
った。
kono niku wa, mou tabenai hou ga ii darou. mou waruku natte shimatta.
It's probably best to not eat this meat. It's already gone bad..

8. どうして⽇本の夏はこんなに暑いんだろう。
doushite nihon no natsu wa konnani atsui n darou.
Why is Summer in Japan so hot..?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 で

Meaning How To Use

in; at; on; by; with; via Noun で

Learn Japanese grammar: で (de) has various meanings, including in; at; on; by; with; via; and even
because.

The meaning changes based on the context of the sentence. Let’s look at some basic examples.

Meaning 1) で – place of action

Indicates the place where an action occurs. In this pattern, the preceding noun must be a location.

学校で⽇本語を勉強する。
がっこうでにほんごをべんきょうする。
gakkou de nihongo wo benkyou suru.
I study Japanese at school.

Meaning 2) で – a means or method

Indicates a means or method. Similar to “by”, “with”, or “via”

⾞で⾏く。
くるまでいく。
kuruma de iku.
I will go by/via car.

Meaning 3) で – a total amount

Indicates a total amount of something (time, money, etc).

1時間で終わります。
いちじかんでおわります。
ichijikan de owarimasu.
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 I’ll finish (in total) in one hour.

Meaning 4) で – reason for action

病気で今⽇休みます。
びょうきできょうやすみます。
byouki de kyou yasumimasu.
Because I’m sick, I’m taking today off..

This meaning is very similar to the grammar ので (node)

Example Sentences

1. じてんしゃで⾏きます。
jitensha de ikimasu.
I will go by bicycle.

2. みんなで⾏こう︕
minna de ikou!
Let's go together with everyone!

3. たまに⼀⼈でカラオケに⾏きます。
tamani hitori de karaoke ni ikimasu.
I sometimes go to sing karaoke by myself.

4. なにかの理由で彼は⾍が怖いんだ。
nanika no riyuu de kare wa mushi ga kowai n da.
For some reason, he is scared of bugs.

5. そのシャツどこで買いました︖
sono shatsu doko de kaimashita?
Where did you buy that shirt?

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6. 駅で会いましょうね。
eki de aimashou ne.
Let's meet at the station.

7. ここで電話しないでください。
koko de denwa shinai de kudasai.
Please don't use your phone here.

8. どこで⽇本語を学びましたか︖
doko de nihongo wo manabimashita ka?
Where did you learn Japanese?

9. YouTubeで⽇本語を勉強します。
youtube de nihongo wo benkyou shimasu.
I study Japanese by watching YouTube.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 でも

Meaning How To Use

but; however See details below..

Learn Japanese grammar: でも (demo). Meaning: but; however.

Be careful to not confuse with ても・でも (temo / demo) , which has a different meaning.
The JLPT N5 grammar でも (demo) simply means but or however.
It is often used to start a new sentence, or to connect two contradicting ideas.
It is very similar to しかし (shikashi), which is a bit stronger.

Example Sentences

1. 私は⿂が好すきです。でも⾁も好きです。
watashi wa sakana ga suki desu. demo niku mo suki desu.
I like fish. But I also like meat too.

2. パン屋に⾏きました。でも、何も買いませんでした。
panya ni ikimashita. demo, nanimo kaimasen deshita.
I went to the bakery, but didn't buy anything.

3. 動物が好きです。でも、⽝が⼀ばん好きです。
doubutsu ga suki desu. demo, inu ga ichiban suki desu.
I like animals. But I love dogs the most.

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4. 図書館に⾏きました。でも、集中できませんでした。
toshokan ni ikimashita. demo, shuuchuu dekimasen deshita.
I went to the library. But I wasn't able to concentrate.

5. スーパーに⾏きました。でも、財布を忘れました︕
suupaa ni ikimashita. demo, saifu wo wasuremashita.
I went to the grocery store. But I forgot my wallet!

6. 今朝学校に⾏きました。でも、休みでした。
kesa gakkou ni ikimashita. demo, yasumi deshita.
I went to school this morning. but it was closed.

7. ⽇本⼈ともっと話したいです。でも、私の⽇本語はあまり上⼿で
はありません。
nihonjin to motto hanashitai desu. demo, watashi no nihongo wa amari jouzu dewa
arimasen.
I want to speak to Japanese people more. But my Japanese is not so good.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 でしょう

Meaning How To Use

I think; it seems; probably; right? Verb (dictionary form)

Noun
でしょう
な-adjective

い-adjective

Learn Japanese grammar: でしょう (deshou). Meaning: I think; it seems; probably; right?

Although there are many different meanings, which may seem confusing, it is usually easy to understand
from context.

Some important notes:

Can be shortened to just でしょ (desho), but the meaning is the same.
でしょう (deshou) is the more polite version of だろう (darou)

Example A)

明⽇は⾬が降るでしょう。

ashita wa ame ga furu deshou.

It will probably rain tomorrow.
I think it will rain tomorrow.

Example B)

先⽣はまもなく来るでしょう。

sensei wa mamonaku kuru deshou.

Sensei (the teacher) will probably come soon.

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Used with questions

Example C) showing speculation

それは何でしょう。

sore wa nan deshou?

I wonder what that is..

Example Sentences

1. あの⼈は誰でしょう︖
ano hito wa dare deshou?
I wonder who that person is..

2. いいでしょう。
ii deshou.
That sounds/seems good.

3. この問題は簡単でしょう︖
kono mondai wa kantan deshou?
This problem is easy, right?

4. 彼はもうすぐ来るでしょう。
kare wa mou sugu kuru deshou.
He should be here any second.

5. 頑張れば、いい⼤学に⾏けるでしょう。
ganbareba, ii daigaku ni ikeru deshou.
If you work hard, you should be able to get into a good university.

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6. 今⽇の試合では、Aチームが勝つでしょう。
kyou no shiai de wa, A chiimu ga katsu deshou.
In today's match, surely team A will win.

7. この問題は、明⽇したの試験に出るでしょうか。
kono mondai wa, ashita no shiken ni deru deshou ka.
Will this question be on tomorrow's test?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 どんな

Meaning How To Use

what kind of; what sort of どんな Noun

Learn Japanese grammar: どんな (donna). Meaning: what kind of; what sort of.

This sentence pattern is used to ask about the state or character of a person, thing, etc.

Example Sentences

1. ベトナムはどんな国ですか。
betonamu wa donna kuni desu ka.
What kind of country is Vietnam?

2. どんな仕事をするのですか。
donna shigoto o suru no desu ka?
What kind of work do you do?

3. どんな⾷べ物が好きですか。
donna tabemono ga suki desu ka.
What kind of food do you like?

4. どんなパソコンを持っていますか。
donna pasokon o motteimasu ka.
What kind of computer do you have?

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5. どんな⾞に乗っていますか︖
donna kuruma ni notteimasu ka?
What kind of car do you drive?

6. 今⽇はどんな天気ですか。
kyou wa donna tenki desu ka.
How is the weather today?

7. 新しい先⽣はどんな⼈ですか。
atarashii sensei wa donna hito desu ka.
What is the new teacher like?

8. 禁煙するためにどんな⽅法を使いましたか。
kin'en suru tame ni donna houhou o tsukaimashita ka.
What method did you use to give up smoking?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 どうして

Meaning How To Use

why; for what reason; how can be used mid-sentence or to start new
sentence

Learn Japanese grammar: どうして (doushite). Meaning: why; for what reason; how.

どうして (doushite) has two main meanins:

1. To ask why or for what reason
2. To ask how / method

Example A) why

どうして来なかった︖

doushite konakatta
Why did you not come?

Example B) how / method

この字はどうして書くんですか︖

kono ji wa doushite kaku n desuka?

How do you write this character?

Example Sentences

1. どうして来ないの︖
doushite konai no?
Why aren't you coming?

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2. どうしてそうなったの︖
doushite sou natta no?
How/why did that happen?

3. どうしてそれを知っている︖
doushite sore o shitteiru?
How/why do you know that?

4. どうして⽇本に来たんですか︖
doushite nihon ni kitan desu ka?
Why did you come to Japan?

5. どうして⽇本の夏はこんなに暑いんだろう。
doushite nihon no natsu wa konnani atsui n darou.
Why is Summer in Japan so hot..?

6. 君はどうしてけがをしたか。
kimi wa doushite kega o shita ka.
How did you get hurt?

7. どうしてその事故が起こったのか。
doushite so no jiko ga okotta no ka.
How did that accident come about?

8. どうして彼⼥と知り合ったのですか。
doushite kanojo to shiriatta no desu ka?
How did you get acquainted with her?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 どうやって

Meaning How To Use

how; in what way; by what means can be used at beginning or mid-sentence

Learn Japanese grammar: どうやって (douyatte). Meaning: how; in what way; by what means.

Example Sentences

1. 駅までどうやって⾏きますか。
eki made douyatte ikimasu ka.
How can I get to the station?

2. これはどうやって使いますか。
kore wa douyatte tsukaimasu ka.
How do you use this?

3. これはどうやって⾷べますか。
kore wa douyatte tabemasu ka.
How do you eat this?

4. リサさんは毎⽇どうやって学校へ来ますか。
risa san wa mainichi douyatte gakkou e kimasu ka.
Lisa, how do you come to school every day?

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5. どうやって彼⼥と出会ったのですか。
douyatte kanojo to deatta no desu ka.
How did you meet her?

6. あなたはどうやって漢字を覚えますか。
anata wa douyatte kanji o oboemasu ka.
How do you memorize kanji?

7. これはどうやって料理するのですか。
kore wa douyatte ryouri suru no desu ka.
How do you cook this?

8. 私は彼がどうやって⼀⼈でそれをやったのか知らない。
watashi wa kare ga douyatte hitori de sore o yatta no ka shiranai.
I don't know how he did that all alone.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 が

Meaning How To Use

subject marker; however; but Usage 1: subject marker

subject + が

Usage 2: however; but

Sentence 1 + が + Sentence 2

Learn Japanese grammar: が (ga). Meaning: the particle が has two main meanings, one as a subject
marker particle, and the other as however; but.

Meaning 1) が – Subject Marker

が is used to mark a subject in a sentence. It is very similar to the particle は (wa) Topic Marker.

⽝が好きです。
inu ga suki desu.
I like dogs. (subject is dogs)

See examples 1~5

Meaning 2) が – However; but

When placed in between two sentences, が can also mean “however” or “but”.

私は⽝が好きですがお⺟さんは好きじゃな。
watashi wa inu ga suki desu ga okaasan wa suki janai.
I like dogs but my mom does not.

See examples 6~9

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 Example Sentences

1. 明⽇は⾬が降る。
ashita wa ame ga furu.
It is going to rain tomorrow.

2. 仕⽅がない。
shikata ga nai.
It cannot be helped. (a common expression in Japanese)

3. コンビニが近くにあります。
konbini ga chikaku ni arimasu.
There is a convenience store nearby.

4. 彼は借⾦がある。
kare wa shakkin ga aru.
He is in debt.

5. 今⽇は、やることがたくさんある。
kyou wa, yaru koto ga takusan aru.
There are a lot of things to do today.

6. 彼は⾦はあるが、バカな男だ。
kare wa kane wa aru ga, baka na otoko da.
He has money, but he's a stupid man.

7. 私は⽇本語を話すことはできますが、読むことはできません。
watashi wa nihongo o hanasu koto wa dekimasu ga, yomu koto wa dekimasen.
I can speak Japanese, but I am not able to read it.

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8. このカメラを買いたいですがお⾦がない。
kono kamera o kaitai desu ga okane ga nai.
I want to buy this camera, but I have no money..

9. 恐れ⼊りますが、本⽇は満席です。
osore irimasu ga, honjitsu wa manseki desu.
I deeply apologize, but today we have no more seats available. (we are fully booked)

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 があります

Meaning How To Use

there is; is (non-living things) がある / があります

があった / がありました
Noun
がない / がありません

がなかった / がありませんでした

Learn Japanese grammar: があります (ga arimasu) & がある (ga aru). Meaning: used to say there is or
something is for NON-LIVING things.

This form can only be used with non-living things.

For living things, use がいます (ga imasu) instead.
The が is changed to a に/は for places.
Can also mean to have or not have.

Example A) basic があります (ga arimasu)

たくさんの宿題があります。
takusan no shukudai ga arimasu.
I have (there is) a lot of homework.

Example B) place にあります (ni arimasu)

カバンがテーブルの上にあります。
kaban ga teeburu no ue ni aru.
Your bag is on the table.

Example C) asking a question

⾔いたいことがありますか︖
iitai koto ga arimasuka?
Is there something you’d like to say?

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Example D) Negative – is not / not have がありません (ga arimasen) / がない (ga nai)

お⾦がないんだ。
okane ga nai nda.
I have no (there is no) money.

Example Sentences

1. ⼈気がある。
ninki ga aru.
to be popular.

2. 先⽉お⾦がぜんぜんなかった。
sengetsu okane ga zenzen nakatta.
Last month I had no money.

3. へやにテレビがあります。
heya ni terebi ga arimasu.
I have a TV in my room.

4. ⽇本の好きじゃないところはあります。
nihon no suki janai tokoro ha arimasu.
There are some things I don't like about Japan.

5. このマンションにはへやが三つあります。
kono manshon niwa heya ga mitsu arimasu.
There are three rooms in this apartment.

6. 彼は⾦があるから新⾞が買える。
kare wa kane ga aru kara shinsha ga kaeru.
He has money so he can buy a new car.

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7. 今夜⽤事があるから⾏けない。
konya youji ga aru kara ikenai.
I have things to do tonight so I can't go.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 がほしい

Meaning How To Use

to want something がほしい

Noun
が欲しい

Learn Japanese grammar: がほしい / が欲しい (ga hoshii). Meaning: to want something.This grammar
is used to show you want something.

Simply add がほしい after a noun.

これがほしい -> kore ga hoshii -> I want this.

There is also a kanji version が欲しい, but it is commonly used with just hiragana:

Example Sentences

1. もっとお⾦が欲しいです。
motto okane ga hoshii desu.
I want more money.

2. 彼⼥がほしい。
kanojo ga hoshii.
I want a girlfriend.

3. お⾦がたくさんほしい。
okane ga takusan hoshii.
I want a lot of money. (it's OK to split が and ほしい)

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4. 何⼈⼦どもがほしいですか︖
nan nin kodomo ga hoshii desu ka?
How many children do you want to have?

5. 新しいGoProカメラが欲しいです︕
atarashii gopuro kamera ga hoshii desu!
I want the new GoPro camera!

6. いつか⾃分の家が欲しいです。
itsuka jibun no ie ga hoshii desu.
I want to have my own house one day.

7. 私が欲しいものは⾃由です。
watashi ga hoshii mono wa jiyuu desu.
What I want is freedom.

8. ⽇本で作られた⾞が欲しい。
nihon de tsukurareta kuruma ga hoshii.
I want a car made in Japan.

9. 最近、仕事が忙しすぎてリラックスする時間が欲しい。
saikin, shigoto ga isogashi sugite rirakkusu suru jikan ga hoshii.
Work is too busy lately, I want some time to relax.

10. 彼が持っているみたいなパソコンが欲しい。
kare ga motteiru mitai na pasokon ga hoshii.
I want a computer like the one he has.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 がいます

Meaning How To Use

there is; to be; is (living things) がいる / がいます

がいた / がいました
Noun
がいない / がいません

がいなかった / がいませんでした

Learn Japanese grammar: がいます (ga imasu) & がいる (ga iru). Meaning: used to say there is or
something is for LIVING things.

The verb いる (iru) comes from 居る (iru), which is the verb for to be (for living things). However, when
used in this grammar form, the hiragana form is used instead of the kanji form.

This form can only be used with living things.

For non-living things, use があります (ga arimasu) instead.
The が is changed to a に/は for places.
Can also mean to have or not have.

Let’s look at some basic examples.

Example A) to be がいます (ga imasu)

シャワーには誰かがいます。
shawaa ni wa dareka ga imasu.
Someone is in the shower.

Example B) place にいます (ni imasu )

今どこにいますか︖
ima doko ni imasu ka?
Where are you now?

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Example C) to have がいます (ga imasu)

⼦どもがいますか︖
kodomo ga imasu ka?
Do you have any children?

Example D) negative がいません (ga imasen)

いいえ、⼦どもがいません。
iie, kodomo ga imasen.
No, I do not have any children.

Example Sentences

1. テーブルの下に猫がいる。
teeburu no shita ni neko ga iru.
There is a cat below the table.

2. あなたは彼⽒がいるの︖
anata wa kareshi ga iru no?
Do you have a boyfriend?

3. 私には兄弟がいないんだ。
watashi ni wa kyoudai ga inai nda.
I don't have any siblings.

4. 弟⼀⼈妹⼀⼈がいます。
otouto hitori imouto hitori ga imasu.
I have one younger brother and one younger sister.

5. その部屋に⽝がいる。
sono heya ni inu ga iru.
There is a dog in that room.

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6. 今学校にだれもいません。
ima gakkou ni daremo imasen.
There is no one at school right now.

7. 東京駅に観光者がいっぱいいる。
toukyou eki ni kankousha ga ippai iru.
There are a lot of tourists in Tokyo station.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ほうがいい

Meaning How To Use

had better; it'd be better to; should~ ⽅がいい

Verb
ほうがいい

Learn Japanese grammar: ⽅がいい / (ほうがいい) (hou ga ii). Meaning: had better; it’d be better to;
should~

Both the kanji and hiragana version can be used: ⽅がいい / ほうがいい .

Example A) past-casual

⾏たほうがいい。

itta hou ga ii.

You had better go.

Example B) negative

⾏かないほうがいい。

ikanai hou ga ii.

You shouldn’t go.

Example Sentences

1. 疲れたら、早く寝たほうがいい。
tsukaretara, hayaku neta hou ga ii.
If you're tired, it's best to go to bed early.

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2. 暑い⽇には、⽔をたくさん飲んだ⽅がいい。
atsui hi ni wa, mizu o takusan nonda hou ga ii.
It's best to drink a lot of water on hot days.

3. 寝る前に、スマホを使わない⽅がいい。
neru mae ni, sumaho o tsukawanai hou ga ii.
Before going to bed, it's best to not use your smartphone.

4. 毎⽇⽇本語を練習した⽅がいいですよ。
mainichi nihongo o renshuu shita hou ga ii desu yo.
You should practice Japanese every day.

5. 分からないとき、先⽣に聞いた⽅がいいですよ。
wakaranai toki, sensei ni kiita hou ga ii desu yo.
When you don't understand, you're best off asking your teacher.

6. ⾁だけじゃなくて、野菜も⾷べたほうがいいですよ。
niku dake janakute, yasai mo tabeta hou ga ii desu yo.
It's better to not just eat meat, but some vegetables as well.

7. ご飯の後で、⻭を磨いた⽅がいいですよ。
gohan no ato de, ha o migaita hou ga ii desu yo.
It's best to brush your teeth after eating.

8. 20歳になっても、お酒を飲まない⽅がいいと思います。
hatachi ni nattemo, osake o nomanai hou ga ii to omoimasu.
Even if you turn 20, I think it's best to not drink any alcohol.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 い-adjectives

Meaning How To Use

i-adjectives present い

くない
present negative
くありません

past かった

くなかった
past negative
くありませんでした

Learn Japanese grammar: い-adjectives (i-adjectives), also known as い形容詞 (i keiyoushi).

There are two kinds of adjectives in Japanese, i-adjectives (い形容詞) and na-adjectives (な形容詞).

Unlike na-adjectives, i-adjectives have unique conjugation rules that you must learn. Let’s start with a
basic example.

How to conjugate i-adjectives

い-adjective (present)

Let’s start with a basic adjective, あつい (atsui) which means hot.

今⽇はあついです。

kyou wa atsui desu.

It is hot today.

い-adjective (present negative)

今⽇はあつくないです。

kyou wa atsukunai desu.

It isn’t hot today.
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い-adjective (past)

昨⽇はあつかった。

kinou wa atsukatta.
It was hot yesterday.

い-adjective (past negative)

昨⽇はあつくなかった。

kinou wa atsukunakatta.
It was not hot yesterday.

Other common i-adjectives

Temperature

熱い (atsui) hot (thing)

暑い (atsui) hot (weather)
温かい (atatakai) warm
温い (nurui) lukewarm, not hot enough
寒い (samui) cold (weather)
涼しい (suzushii) cool
冷たい (tsumetai) cold (to the touch)

Amount

多い (ooi) many, numerous, much

少ない (sukunai) few, little, limited, scarce

Cost

⾼い (takai) expensive, tall

安い (yasui) cheap

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Size/Area

⼤きい (ookii) big

⼩さい (chiisai) small
⻑い (nagai) long
短い (mijikai) short
広い (hiroi) wide, broad, spacious
狭い (semai) narrow, small, restricted, cramped
遠い (tooi) far, distant
近い (chikai) close, near
太い (futoi) thick, broad
細い (hosoi) thin, fine, slender, narrow

See more N5 adjectives and more N4 adjectives.

Also see lesson on な-adjectives (な形容詞).

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ⼀番
いちばん

Meaning How To Use

the most; the best [A] + が/は + いちばん

いちばん + [A]

Learn Japanese grammar: ⼀番 「いちばん」 (ichiban). Meaning: the most; the best.

This grammar is used to say something is the best.

Some common usage patterns include:
がいちばん (examples 1~3)
いちばん new sentence (examples 4~6)
のなかで〜がいちばん

Example Sentences

1. 彼がいちばん働いた。
kare ga ichiban hataraita.
He worked the hardest.

2. 秋が⼀番好きな季節です。
aki ga ichiban suki na kisetsu desu.
Fall is my favorite season.

3. 私はブロッコリーが⼀番嫌いだ。
watashi wa burokkorii ga ichiban kirai da.
I hate broccoli the most.

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4. 午前中が⼀番調⼦がいい。
gozen chuu ga ichiban choushi ga ii.
I feel best in the morning.

5. ⼀番前に座っている⼈は誰ですか︖
ichiban mae ni suwatteiru hito wa dare desu ka?
Who is that sitting in the very front?

6. ⼀番早く予約できる⽇はいつですか︖
ichiban hayaku yoyaku dekiru hi wa itsu desu ka?
When is the earliest day we can make a reservation?

7. ⼀番美しい花が⼀番早くしおれる。
ichiban utsukushii hana ga ichiban hayaku shioreru.
The most beautiful flowers are the first to fade.

8. 兄弟で誰が⼀番背が⾼いですか。
kyoudai de dare ga ichiban se ga takai desu ka?
Who is the tallest among your siblings?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ⼀緒に
いっしょに

Meaning How To Use

together often preceded with と

Learn Japanese grammar: ⼀緒に「いっしょに」 (issho ni). Meaning: together.

This grammar can be used to talk about doing things together.

Example A) ⼀緒に

⼀緒に⾏きませんか︖
issho ni ikimasen ka?
Shall we go together?

Example B) with と

Often, it is preceded with と to show with whom.

彼⼥と⼀緒にレストランへ⾏きます。
kanojo to issho ni resutoran e ikimasu.
I’m going together with my girlfriend to a restaurant.

Example Sentences

1. ⼀緒に⽇本語を勉強しましょう。
isshoni nihongo o benkyou shimashou.
Let's study Japanese together.

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2. 今夜、カラオケに⼀緒に⾏こう。
konya, karaoke ni isshoni ikou.
Let's go to karaoke together tonight.

3. ずっと彼と⼀緒にいたい。
zutto kare to issho ni itai.
I want to be together with him forever.

4. 明⽇の朝、⼀緒にジムに⾏きませんか︖
ashita no asa, issho ni jimu ni ikimasen ka?
Do you want to go to the gym together tomorrow morning?

5. 今朝、友だちと⼀緒に図書館に⾏きました。
kesa, tomodachi to issho ni toshokan ni ikimashita.
I went to the library together with my friend this morning.

6. うちの⽝と⼀緒に散歩するのが好きです。
uchi no inu to issho ni sanpo suru no ga suki desu.
I like walking together with my family's dog.

7. 来週、家族と⼀緒に富⼠⼭を⾒に⾏くんだ。
raishuu, kazoku to issho ni fuji san o mi ni ikunda.
Next week I'm going together with my family to see Mt. Fuji.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 いつも

Meaning How To Use

always; usually; habitually Can be used mid-sentence and also to start a

new sentence

Learn Japanese grammar: いつも (itsumo). Meaning: always; usually; habitually.

いつも (itsumo) is used to express:

something that always happens
something that usually happens
habitual behavior

Example Sentences

1. 彼はいつも元気ですね。
kare wa itsumo genki desu ne.
He is always energetic.

2. 妹はいつも寝ている。
imouto wa itsumo neteiru.
My younger sister is always sleeping.

3. いつも夜10時に寝ます。
itsumo yoru juuji ni nemasu.
I always go to bed at 10 o'clock.

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4. 昼ご飯はいつも納⾖を⾷べます。
hirugohan wa itsumo nattou o tabemasu.
I always have natto (fermented soybeans) for lunch.

5. 仕事に⾏く前にいつもジムに⾏きます。
shigoto ni iku mae ni itsumo jimu ni ikimasu.
I always go to the gym before going to work.

6. いつも⾃転⾞で学校に来ますが今⽇は歩きました。
itsumo jitensha de gakkou ni kimasu ga kyou wa arukimashita.
I always go to school by bike, but today I walked.

7. 今⽇はいつもと同じ⼀⽇だった。
kyou wa itsumo to onaji ichinichi datta.
Today was a normal day as always.

8. 君といつも⼀緒に居たい。
kimi to itsumo issho ni itai.
I want to be together with you always.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 じゃない・ではない

Meaning How To Use

to not be (am not; is not; are not) casual

じゃない
ではない
present
negative
polite
じゃありません
ではありません

casual
じゃなかった
ではなかった
past
negative
polite
じゃありませんでした
ではありませんでした

Learn Japanese grammar: じゃない (janai) & ではない (dewa nai). Meaning: to not be (am not; is not;
are not).

Make sure you review “to be” Part 1, before starting this lesson: だ・です (da / desu).

Both じゃない and ではない are at the casual level, and can be interchanged freely.

Example A)

私はともこ先⽣ではない。

watashi wa tomoko sensei dewanai.

I am not Tomoko-sensei.

This literally translates to “I Tomoko-sensei am not”. Remember that Japanese uses SOV (subject-object-
verb), rather than SVO like English. This may be strange at first, but it will become natural after some
practice.

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Example B)

私は⽇本⼈じゃないよ。

watashi wa nihonjin janai yo.

I am not Japanese.

When speaking more politely

Using the more polite form is simple. Just drop the ない (nai) and change to ありません (arimasen):

じゃないありません (ja nai arimasen)

ではないありません (dewa nai arimasen)

How to use past tense (was/were not, etc)

Casual Past Tense:

じゃなかった (ja nakatta)

ではなかった (dewa nakatta)

Polite Past Tense:

じゃありませんでした (ja arimasen deshita)

ではありませんでした (dewa arimasen deshita)
じゃなかったです (ja nakatta desu)
ではなかったです (dewa nakatta desu)

There are many different conjugations that can be used, but within the same politeness level, they can be
interchanged freely. Let’s look at some basic examples:

Past Tense Example A)

私はそれをやるべきじゃなかった。

watashi wa sore o yaru beki ja nakatta.

I should not have done that.

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Past Tense Example B)

私は昨⽇、暇ではありませんでした。

watashi wa kinou, hima dewa arimasen deshita.

I was not free yesterday (had no free time).

Extra Study Notes

This lesson is only for the negative part of “to be”. For part 1 of this lesson, check the だ・です (da
/ desu) lesson

Example Sentences

1. あなたは⼀⼈じゃない。
anata wa hitori janai.
You are not alone.

2. 危険じゃないの︖
kiken janai no?
Isn't it dangerous?

3. そんなつもりじゃなかった。
sonna tsumori ja nakatta.
That wasn't my plan/intention.

4. ごめんなさい︕わざとではありませんでした。
gomennasai! wazato dewa arimasen deshita.
I'm so sorry! It wasn't intentional.

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5. ⾁はあまり好きじゃないです。
niku wa amari suki janai desu.
I don't really like meat.

6. 若いころはやさいが好きじゃなかった。
wakai koro wa yasai ga suki janakatta.
I didn't like vegetables when I was younger.

7. 私は⽇本語が上⼿ではない。
watashi wa nihongo ga jouzu dewa nai.
I am not good at Japanese (language).

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 か

Meaning How To Use

question particle end of sentence か

Grammar Notes:

Learn Japanese grammar: か (ka). Meaning: か is a sentence-ending particle used to turn a sentence into
a question. It’s easy to think of it like a question mark (which often is not used in Japanese).

Let’s start with a basic example sentence.

⽇本⼈です。
nihonjin desu.
I am Japanese.

Now by adding か we can turn this into a question:

⽇本⼈ですか。
nihon jin desu ka.
Are you Japanese?

か can also mean “or”, see lesson for か〜か (ka~ka).

Example Sentences

1. 何ですか︖
nan desu ka?
What?

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2. すみません、あなたも学⽣ですか。
sumimasen, anata mo gakusei desu ka.
Excuse me, are you also a student?

3. あなたの名前は何ですか。
anata no namae wa nandesu ka.
What is your name?

4. 元気ですか。
genki desu ka.
How are you?

5. 彼は何才ですか。
kare wa nansai desu ka.
How old is he?

6. ⼤丈夫ですか︖
daijoubu desu ka?
Are you alright?

7. 私とお昼ご飯を⾷べませんか︖
watashi to ohiru gohan wo tabemasen ka?
Would you like to have lunch with me?

8. どうしてこのことを知らないのか︖
doushite kono koto wo shiranai no ka?
Why don't you know about this?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 か〜か

Meaning How To Use

or Verb

い-adjective
か
な-adjective

Noun

Grammar Notes:

Learn Japanese grammar: か〜か (ka~ka). Meaning: the particle か is used to say “or”. It is used when
trying to decide between 2 or more choices.

よいか悪いかわかりません。
yoi ka warui ka wakarimasen.
I’m not sure if this is good or bad.

か can also be used as a question marker. See lesson か (ka) - Question Particle

Let’s practice with some more example sentences!

Example Sentences

1. 明⽇は⾬かどうか分からない。
ashita wa ame ka dou ka wakaranai.
I'm not sure if it will rain or not tomorrow.

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2. お茶かコーヒーが飲みたい。
ocha ka koohii ga nomitai.
I would like to drink tea or coffee.

3. 当たるかはずれるか。
ataru ka hazureru ka.
Hit or miss.

4. やるかやらないか早く決めてください。
yaru ka yaranai ka hayaku kimete kudasai.
Please hurry up and decide if you are going to do it or not.

5. 来週の⽉曜⽇か⽕曜⽇に京都に⾏きます。
raishuu no getsuyoubi ka kayoubi ni kyouto ni ikimasu.
I'm going to Kyoto next Monday or Tuesday.

6. 死ぬか⽣きるか。
shinu ka ikiru ka.
Live or die.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 から

Meaning How To Use

because; since; from meaning 1: because; since

Verb

Noun + だ
から
な-adjective + だ

い-adjective + い

meaning 2: from; since

Noun から

Learn Japanese grammar: から (kara). Meaning: because; since; from.

This grammar can be used in two different ways to express two different meanings. Both forms are very
commonly used in Japanese, so it is important to understand how to use both forms and to be able to
comprehend them correctly.

Let’s look at some specific examples below:

Meaning 1) because; since

The first meaning expresses a cause and effect type relationship. Because of [A], [B].

明⽇テストがあるから、今夜勉強つもりだ。

ashita tesuto ga aru kara, konya benkyou tsumori da.

Since I have a test tomorrow, I plan to study tonight.

Verbs can also be used in past tense form

今朝テストがあったから、今はちょっとつかれた。

kesa tesuto ga atta kara, ima wa chotto tsukareta.

I had a test this morning, so I’m a bit tired now.

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Nouns change to だから (dakara)

⼤事なしけんだから、がんばる︕

daiji na shiken dakara, ganbaru!

This is a very important test, so I will do my best!

な-adjectives also use だから (dakara)

あの⼈はいつもとてもしずかだから、⼀度も話したことがない。

ano hito wa itsumo totemo shizuka dakara, ichido mo hanashita koto ga nai.
That person is always really quiet, so I haven’t ever talked to them.

い-adjectives use the regular から (kara) form

暑いから、窓を開けてください。

atsui kara, mado o akete kudasai.

It’s pretty hot, so could you please open the window?

Meaning 2) from; since

The second meaning does not imply a cause and effect relationship like meaning 1. Instead, it focuses on
what comes before から (kara).

[A]から = From/since [A],… (note that the order is reversed compared to English)

It can be used to express something from a person

このシャツは彼⼥からもらった。

kono shatsu wa kanojo kara moratta.

I got this shirt from my girlfriend.

It can also express from/since a location/time

⽣まれた時からアメリカに住んでいる。

umareta toki kara amerika ni sundeiru.

I have been living in America since I was born.
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Another example

17時からアルバイトがある。

juu nana ji kara arubaito ga aru.

I’ve got my part time job from 5pm.

Extra Study Notes

だから can be interchanged with ですから to be a bit more polite.

Example Sentences

1. 天気がいいから、外に⾏きたい。
tenki ga ii kara, soto ni ikitai.
Since the weather is nice, I want to go outside.

2. 私はすぐ戻るから、ここでちょっと待ってください。
watashi wa sugu modoru kara, koko de chotto matte kudasai.
I'll return shortly, so please wait here just a moment.

3. これからもよろしくお願いします。
kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
From now on, let's have a good relationship (I'll be counting on you).

4. ここからあの駅まで歩いてどれぐらいかかりますか︖
koko kara ano eki made aruite dore gurai kakarimasuka?
How long does it talk to walk from here to that station?

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5. お店は何時から何時まで開いていますか︖
omise wa nanji kara nanji made aiteimasu ka?
What are the shop's opening hours?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ⽅
かた

Meaning How To Use

the way of doing something; how to do ⽅

Verb ます (stem form)
かた

Learn Japanese grammar: ⽅ [かた] (kata). Meaning: the way of doing something; how to do.

⽅ [かた] (kata) is used to express 2 similar meanings:

1. the way of doing something
⾷べ かた = (たべかた) = the way to eat
2. how to do something
⾷べ かた = (たべかた) = how to eat

It is used at the end of a verb in ます form, by removing the ます.

⾷べます ⽅ = (たべますかた）

It is often written both in the kanji version and hiragana version:

⾷べ ⽅
⾷べ かた

Example Sentences

1. パソコンの使いかたがわかりません。
pasokon no tsukai kata ga wakarimasen.
I don't know how to use a computer.

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2. ケーキの作り⽅を知っていますか︖
keeki no tsukuri kata o shitteimasu ka?
Do you know how to make a cake?

3. おはしの使い⽅が上⼿ですね。
ohashi no tsukai kata ga jouzu desu ne.
You're very good at using chopsticks (you will be told this all the time in Japan)

4. あの先⽣の教え⽅はとてもわかりやすいです。
ano sensei no oshie kata wa totemo wakari yasui desu.
That teacher's way of teaching is very easy to understand

5. 彼の⽣き⽅は、かっこいいです。
kare no iki kata wa, kakkoii desu.
His way of living is really cool.

6. この漢字の読み⽅を教えてください。
kono kanji no yomi kata o oshiete kudasai.
Please teach me how to read this kanji character.

7. ATMの使い⽅を教えていただけませんか。
ATM no tsukai kata o oshiete itadakemasen ka?
Could you please teach me how to use an ATM?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 けど

Meaning How To Use

but; however; although Use between 2 contradicting ideas

Learn Japanese grammar: けど (kedo). Meaning: but; however; although.

This grammar is used to say:

but
however
although

To be more polite, use けれども (keredo mo) instead.

Example Sentences

1. 仕事は⾟いけど楽しい。
shigoto wa tsurai kedo tanoshii.
Work is tough, but fun.

2. ⾦はないけど夢はある。
kane wa nai kedo yume wa aru.
I don't have money, but I have dreams.

3. スポーツは上⼿じゃないけど、好きです。
supootsu wa jouzu janai kedo, suki desu.
I'm not good at sports, but I like them.

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4. 悪いけど、明⽇のパーティーに⾏けません。
warui kedo, ashita no paatii ni ikemasen.
Sorry, but I can't make it to tomorrow's party.

5. 眠いけど、まだ宿題があるから寝られません。
nemui kedo, mada shukudai ga aru kara neraremasen.
I'm sleepy, but I still have homework to do so I can't go to sleep yet.

6. たくさん勉強したけど、テストの点はよくないでした。
takusan benkyou shita kedo, tesuto no ten wa yokunai deshita.
Although I studied a lot, my test score wasn't very good.

7. 泣いたけど後悔はしていません。
naita kedo koukai wa shiteimasen.
I cried, but I don't regret it.

8. 家賃は⾼いけどこのマンションが⼤好きです。
yachin wa takai kedo kono manshon ga daisuki desu.
The rent is a bit expensive, but I love this apartment.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 けれども

Meaning How To Use

but; however; although Use between 2 contradicting ideas

Learn Japanese grammar: けれども (keredo mo). Meaning: but; however; although.

This grammar is used to say:

but
however
although

The も is optional, but is more polite.

けれど (keredo)
けれども (keredo mo) more polite
The less formal version is けど (kedo)

Example Sentences

1. このカメラは⾼かったけれど、すぐ壊れてしまいました。
kono kamera wa takaaktta keredo, sugu kowarete shimaimashita.
This camera was really expensive, but it broke right away.

2. 外は暑いけれど、家の中は暖かいです。
soto wa atsui keredo, ie no naka wa atatakai desu.
It’s cold outside, but inside the house it is warm.

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3. 眠いけれど、まだ宿題があるから寝られません。
nemui keredo, mada shukudai ga aru kara neraremasen.
I'm sleepy but still have homework to do so I can't go to bed yet.

4. 雪が降っているけれども、スーパーに⾏きます。
yuki ga futteiru keredo mo, suupaa ni ikimasu.
Although it is snowing outside, I'm going to the grocery store.

5. お⾦はあまり持っていません。けれども、毎⽇幸せです。
okane wa amari motteimasen. keredo mo, mainichi shiawase desu.
I don't have much money.. But every day I am happy.

6. 先⽣はクラスでは厳しいけれど、クラスの外ではやさしいです。
sensei wa kurasu de wa kibishii keredo, kurasu no soto de wa yasashii desu.
My teacher is really strict in class, but outside of class they are very kind.

7. 彼は若いけれども経験がある。
kare wa wakai keredo mo keiken ga aru.
Although he's young, he's got experience.

8. 列⾞が遅れたけれども、なんとか間に合った。
ressha ga okureta keredo mo, nanto ka mani atta.
Although our train was late we somehow still made it in time.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 まだ

Meaning How To Use

still; not yet Verb (ている)

まだ Verb (ていない)

Noun

Learn Japanese grammar: まだ (mada). Meaning: still; not yet.

まだ (mada) is used to express “still” or “not yet”. It can be used with:

1. a verb
2. or a noun

Example A) Verb

まだ寝ているの︖

mada neteiru no?

You’re still sleeping?

Example B) Noun

まだ⾼校⽣です。

mada koukou sei desu.

I’m still a high school student.

まだまだ can also be used for extra emphasis.

Example Sentences

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1. まだですか︖
mada desu ka?
Is it ready yet? / are we there yet? / Still...?

2. まだまだ暑いだ。
mada mada atsui da.
It's still hot out. (mada can be used twice in a row for extra emphasis)

3. 先⽣はまだ来ていない。
sensei wa mada kiteinai.
Our teacher still hasn't come.

4. もう10時ですが弟がまだ寝ている。
mou juuji desu ga otou to ga mada neteiru.
It's already 10 am, but my younger brother is still sleeping.

5. まだ1時間もあるよ。
mada ichijikan mo aru yo.
We still have one hour.

6. あきらめるのはまだ早い︕
akirameru no wa mada hayai!
It's still too early to give up!

7. 私は宿題がまだ終わっていません。
watashi wa shukudai ga mada owatteimasen.
I still haven't finished with my homework.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 まだ〜ていません

Meaning How To Use

have not yet Verb (てない) *spoken

まだ Verb (ていない)
Verb (ていません)

Learn Japanese grammar: まだ〜ていません (mada ~te imasen). Meaning: have not yet.

Also see the lesson for まだ (mada).

Example Sentences

1. バスはまだ来ていません。
basu wa mada kiteimasen.
The bus still hasn't come.

2. まだ、決まっていません。
mada, kimatteimasen.
It hasn't been decided yet.

3. 私はまだ朝ごはんを⾷べていません。
watashi wa mada asagohan o tabete imasen.
I still haven't eaten breakfast yet.

4. 今週の新しい単語をまだ覚えていません。
konshuu no atarashii tango o mada oboete imasen.
I still haven't memorized this week's new vocabulary.

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5. ⽗はまだ帰ってきていない。
chichi wa mada kaette kiteinai.
My father still hasn't come home yet.

6. まだ宿題をやっていない。
mada shukudai o yatte inai.
I haven't done my homework yet.

7. まだ明⽇締め切りのレポートが終わってないので、遊びに⾏けな
い。
mada ashita shimekiri no repooto ga owattenai no de, asobi ni ikenai.
I haven't finished my report due tomorrow yet, so I can't go out today.

8. 俺はまだあきらめてないんだぞ。
ore wa mada akiramete nai n dazo.
I haven't given up yet!

9. 私の知っている限りでは、彼⼥はまだ結婚していません。
watashi no shitteiru kagiri dewa, kanojo wa mada kekkon shiteimasen.
As far as I know she's still not married.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 まで

Meaning How To Use

until ~; as far as ~; to (an extent); even ~ Noun まで

Learn Japanese grammar: まで (made). Meaning: until ~; as far as ~; to (an extent); even ~.

まで (made) can be used to express a few different meanings:

Until [X]
As far as [X]
To [X]
To the point of [X]
Even [X]

Example Sentences

1. 昨⽇までお休みでした。
kinou made o yasumi deshita.
I was on vacation until yesterday.

2. ここからそこまでは遠いですよ。
koko kara soko made wa tooi desu yo.
That's really far from here!

3. 駅まで⾏きたいんですが、どう⾏ったらいいですか。
eki made ikitai ndesu ga, dou ittara ii desu ka.
How can I get to the station?

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4. 最後までがんばってね︕
saigo made ganbatte ne!
Do your best all the way until the end!

5. 家まで⾞で送ります。
ie made kuruma de okurimasu.
I'll take you home by car.

6. 朝から夜までずっとかんじを勉強しました。
asa kara yoru made zutto kanji o benkyou shimashita.
I studied kanji all day from morning until night.

7. お店は何時から何時まで開いていますか︖
omise wa nanji kara nanji made aiteimasu ka?
What are the shop's opening hours?

8. 先⽣、何時まで学校にいらっしゃいますか。
sensei, nanji made gakkou ni irasshaimasu ka.
Teacher, until what time will you be at school?

9. 昼ごはんまでにレポートを書いてしまいました。
Hiru gohan made ni repooto o kaite shimai masu.
I kept writing my report until lunch.

10. ⾬が降っているよ。駅まで送ってあげようか︖
ame ga futte iru yo. eki made okutte ageyou ka?
It's raining.. Shall I give you a lift to the station?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 前に
まえに

Meaning How To Use

before ~; in front of ~ Verb (dictionary form) 前に

Noun + の まえに

Learn Japanese grammar: 前に 【まえに】 (mae ni). Meaning: before ~; in front of ~.

This grammar can be used mainly for 2 situations.

To say something happened before [X]. (time)
To say something happened in front of [X]. (space / position)

To say something happens after instead, use 後で (あとで) (ato de).

Example Sentences

1. ドアを開ける前にノックぐらいしてください。
doa o akeru mae ni nokku gurai shite kudasai.
Before opening the door, please at least knock first.

2. コンビニの前にじてんしゃがたくさんあります。
konbini no mae ni jitensha ga takusan arimasu.
There are many bicycles in front of the convenience store.

3. 旅⾏の前に切符を買っておきます。
ryokou no mae ni kippu o katte okimasu.
I will buy the tickets before the trip.

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4. ご飯の前に⼿を洗いましょう。
gohan no mae ni te o araimashou.
let's make sure to wash our hands before eating.

5. テストの前に⼀⽣懸命勉強しました。
tesuto no mae ni isshokenmei benkyou shimashita.
I studied like crazy before the test.

6. ⼤学を卒業する前に留学したいな。
daigaku o sotsugyou suru mae ni ryuugaku shitai na.
I really want to study abroad sometime before I graduate university.

7. 23時前に寝なければなりません。
23 ji mae ni nenakereba narimasen.
I need to go to bed before 11pm.

8. 寝る前に、⻭みがきを忘すれないでね。
neru mae ni, hamigaki o wasurenai de ne.
Don't forget to brush your teeth before you go to bed.

9. 試合の前にまだ⼀週間があるのでもっと練習しょう。
shiai no mae ni mada isshukan ga aru node motto renshuu shiyou.
We still have a week to go before the game so let's practice some more.

10. 私たちの学校の前には美しい公園があります。
watashi tachi no gakkou no mae ni wa utsukushii kouen ga arimasu.
There is a beautiful park in front of our school.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ませんか

Meaning How To Use

would you; do you want to; shall we~ Verb (polite negative) + か
ません + か

Learn Japanese grammar: ませんか (masen ka). Meaning: would you; do you want to; shall we~

This grammar is used to ask someone if they would like to do something:

would you~
do you want to~
shall we~

Example A)

⾏きませんか。

iki masen ka.

Shall we go? / do you want to go? / etc..

Example Sentences

1. 今⽇⼀緒に⾷べませんか︖
kyou isshoni tabemasen ka?
Do you want to eat together today?

2. うちで映画を⾒ませんか。
uchi de eiga o mimasen ka.
Do you want to watch a movie at my place?

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3. お茶にしませんか︖
ocha ni shimasen ka?
Would you care for some tea?

4. ⽇曜⽇にテニスをしませんか。
nichiyoubi ni tenisu o shimasen ka.
Do you want to play tennis on Sunday?

5. 明⽇⾃転⾞で学校へ⾏きませんか︖
ashita jitensha de gakkou e ikimasen ka?
Do you want to go to school tomorrow by bike?

6. もう暗くなりました。家へ帰りませんか。
mou kuraku narimashita. ie e kaerimasen ka?
It's gotten dark already.. Shall we head home?

7. 写真をとってくれませんか︖
shashin o totte kuremasen ka?
Would you mind taking a photo?

8. 私の仕事を⼿伝ってくれませんか。
watashi no shigoto o tetsu datte kuremasen ka.
Would you mind helping me with my work?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ましょう

Meaning How To Use

let's ~; shall we ~ Verb ます (stem form) ましょう

Learn Japanese grammar: ましょう (mashou). Meaning: let’s ~; shall we ~.

This is used suggest doing something with someone. Ex) “let’s eat”, “let’s go bowling”, etc..

By adding か at the end, it becomes a suggestive question. See lesson for ましょうか (mashouka).

Example Sentences

1. ⾏きましょう︕
iki mashou!
Let's go!

2. 駅で会いましょう︕
eki de ai mashou!
Let's meet at the station!

3. もうご飯の時間だよ、早く⾷べましょう︕
mou gohan no jikan dayo, hayaku tabe mashou!
It's already dinner time, let's hurry up and eat!

4. 帰る前に教室をきれいにしましょう。
kaeru mae ni kyoushitsu o kirei ni shi mashou.
Before we go home, let's clean up the classroom.

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5. ⼀緒に⽇本語を勉強しましょう︕
isshoni nihongo o benkyou shi mashou!
Let's study Japanese together!

6. もう暗くなったから、帰りましょう。
mou kurakunattakara, kaeri mashou.
It's gotten dark already, so let's head home.

7. 来週、すしを⾷べに⾏きましょうよ︕
raishuu, sushi o tabe ni iki mashou yo!
Let's go out to eat some sushi next week!

8. 10時になったら、出かけましょう。
10 ji ni nattara, dekake mashou.
Let's head out at 10 o'clock.

9. 電気をつけて、部屋を明るくしましょう。
denki o tsukete, heya o akaruku shi mashou.
Let's turn on the lights and make the room brighter.

10. 決める前にもっとデータを収集しましょう。
kimeru mae ni motto deeta o shuushuu shi mashou.
Before we decide, let's gather some more data.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ましょうか

Meaning How To Use

shall I ~; used to offer help to the listener Verb ます (stem form) ましょうか

Learn Japanese grammar: ましょうか (mashouka). Meaning: shall I ~; used to offer help to the listener.

By removing か at the end, the meaning changes to “let’s do ~”. See lesson for ましょう (mashou).

Example Sentences

1. マドを開けましょうか。
mado o ake mashouka?
Shall I open the window?

2. ⼿伝いましょうか。
tetsudai mashouka?
Do you want some help?

3. 荷物を持ちましょうか。
nimotsu o mochi mashouka?
Shall I help carry your luggage?

4. タクシーを呼びましょうか。
takushii o yobi mashouka?
Shall I call a taxi for you?

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5. 私がお⽫を洗いましょうか︖
watashi ga osara o arai mashouka?
Shall I wash the dishes?

6. 写真を取りましょうか。
shashin o tori mashouka?
Shall I take a picture for you?

7. サラダを作りましょうか︖
sarada o tsukuri mashouka?
Shall I make a salad?

8. 次回の会合は来週にしましょうか︖それとも再来週の⽅がいいで
すか︖
jikai no kaigou wa raishuu ni shimashou ka? soretomo saraishuu no hou ga ii desu ka?
For the next meeting, shall we meet next week, or 2 weeks from now?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 も

Meaning How To Use

too; also; as well Noun + も

Learn Japanese grammar: も (mo). Meaning: too; also; as well.

も (mo) is used to say:

this also
this too
as well as..

There are many grammar points which branch off from も:

ても (temo)
でも (demo) .

Example Sentences

1. 私もできる。
watashi mo dekiru.
I can do that too.

2. ⽢いものも⾟いものも好きです。
amai mono mo karai mono mo suki desu.
I like sweets as well as spicy foods.

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3. カラオケにはみんなが来ました。先⽣も来ました。
karaoke ni wa minna ga kimashita. sensei mo kimashita.
Everyone came to sing karaoke. Our teacher came too.

4. 私は⽇本語も英語もベトナム語も話せます。
watashi wa nihongo mo eigo mo betonamugo mo hanasemasu.
I can speak English, Japanese, as well as Vietnamese.

5. あなたもお腹が空いたでしょう︖
anata mo onaka ga suita deshou.
You are probably hungry too, aren't you?

6. 私も⽇本語を勉強していますよ︕
watashi mo nihongo o benkyou shiteimasu yo!
I'm studying Japanese too!

7. 私の妻も⼦どもも来ます。
watashi no tsuma mo kodomo mo kimasu.
My wife and children will come too.

8. 私も⽇本で留学したことがあります。
watashi mo nihon de ryuugaku shita koto ga arimasu.
I've also studied abroad in Japan before.

9. 仕事に⾏くとき、⾃転⾞も電⾞も使っています。
shigoto ni iku toki, jitensha mo densha mo tsukatteimasu.
When I go to work I use both my bike and the train.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 もう

Meaning How To Use

already; anymore; again; other See examples below

Learn Japanese grammar: もう (mou). Meaning: already; anymore; again; other.

もう (mou) can take on various different meanings:

1. already
2. anymore
3. other; again; more
4. express irritation

もう Meaning 1) already

Usually used with time or age.

もう9時だ。

mou ku ji da.
It’s already 9 o’clock.

もう Meaning 2) (not) anymore

Used with a negative sentence.

もう⾏かない。

mou ikanai.
I’m not going to go anymore.

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もう Meaning 3) other; again; more

This can be used for both positive and negative situations.

もう⼆度と⾏かない。

mou nidoto ikanai.

I’m never going to go again.

もう Meaning 4) express irritation

This form is usually at the beginning of a sentence to express the speaker’s irritation as they criticize
something/someone. (mostly used by women)

もうたくさんだ。

mou takusan da.

I can’t take this anymore.

Example Sentences

1. もう昼ご飯の時間だ。早く⾷べましょう︕
mou hiru gohan no jikan da. hayaku tabe mashou!
It's lunch time already, let's hurry up and eat.

2. 宿題はもう終わった︖
shukudai wa mou owatta?
Did you already finish your homework?

3. ビールもう⼀杯ください︕
biiru mou ippai kudasai!
One more beer please!

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4. 飲み物は全部飲みました。もうありません。
nomimono wa zenbu nomimashita. mou arimasen.
We drank all of the drinks. There aren't any left.

5. もう少し待ってください。
mou sukoshi matte kudasai.
Please wait a little while longer.

6. コーヒーはもう飲まないことにしました。
koohii wa mou nomanai koto ni shimashita.
I've decided to not drink coffee anymore.

7. もうこの暑さには、耐えられない。
mou kono atsusa ni wa, taerarenai.
I can't handle this heat anymore.

8. もう我慢できない。
mou gaman dekinai.
I can't take it anymore.

9. もう10時ですが、彼はまだ寝ています。
mou juuji desu ga, kare wa mada neteimasu.
It's already 10 o'clock, but he's still sleeping.

10. 彼⼥と結婚してから、もう５年になります。
kanojo to kekkon shite kara, mou 5 nen ni narimasu.
It will already be 5 years since I married her.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 な-adjectives

Meaning How To Use

na-adjectives present な/だ

じゃない
present negative
ではない

だった
past
でした

じゃなかった
past negative
ではありませんでした

Learn Japanese grammar: な-adjectives (na-adjectives), also known as な形容詞 (na keiyoushi).

There are two kinds of adjective in Japanese, i-adjectives (い形容詞) and na-adjectives (な形容詞).

The na-adjective is very simple to learn because it acts essentially like a noun and the form does not
change much. Let’s look at some basic examples.

How to conjugate na-adjectives

な-adjective (present)

Let’s start with a basic adjective, 元気 【げんき】 (genki) which means energetic.

その⼦はげんきだ。

sono ko wa genki da.

That child is energetic.

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When a na-adjective is placed before a noun, a な is added at the end of the adjective.

かれはげんきな⼦だね。

kare wa genki na ko da ne.

He is an energetic child.

な-adjective (present negative)

その⼦はげんきじゃないね。

sono ko wa genki janai ne.

That child is not very energetic.

な-adjective (past)

その⼦はとてもげんきだったね。

sono ko wa totemo genki datta ne.

That child was really energetic.

な-adjective (past negative)

かれはあまりげんきじゃなかったね。

kare wa amari genki janakatta ne.

He wasn’t very energetic.

Other common na-adjectives

上⼿ (jouzu) skill, proficiency

下⼿ (heta) unskilled
好き (suki) like
有名 (yuumei) famous
きれい (kirei) beautiful, clean, tidy

See more N5 adjectives and more N4 adjectives.

Also see lesson on い-adjectives (い形容詞).

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 なあ

Meaning How To Use

sentence ending particle; confirmation; end of sentence + な(あ)

admiration, etc

Grammar Notes:

Learn Japanese grammar: なあ (naa). Meaning: a sentence-ending particle that can used to express the
following:

ask for confirmation from listener (..right?)

express hope (it’d be nice if..)
express admiration (wow..)
express uncertainty (I wonder..)
add general emphasis to what is being said

なあ (naa) is often simply written as な (na) without the extra あ.

There are some similarities with the other sentence ending particle ね (ne).

Example Sentences

1. たくさんの⼈がいるなあ。
takusan no hito ga iru naa.
Wow, there's a lot of people here.

2. これ、美味しいなあ。
kore, oishii naa.
This is really delicious.

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3. 暑くなってきたなあ。
atsu ku natte kita naa.
It's starting to get hotter.

4. それは本当かな。
sore wa hontou kana.
I wonder if that's true..

5. 明⽇は晴れるかなあ。
ashita wa hareru kanaa.
I wonder if the weather will clear up tomorrow.

6. トイレはどこかな。
toire wa doko kana.
I wonder where the restroom is..

7. 頭が痛いな。
atama ga itai na.
I've got a headache..

8. 新し⾃転⾞が欲しいな〜。
atarashii jitensha ga hoshii naa.
I really want a new bicycle..

9. あなたは全部⼀⼈で作りましたか︖すごいなあ︕
anata wa zenbu hitori de tsukuri mashita ka? Sugoi naa!
You made all of this by yourself? That's too awesome!

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ないで

Meaning How To Use

without doing~ ; To do [B] without doing [A] Verb (ない form) + で 2nd action

Learn Japanese grammar: ないで (naide). Meaning: without doing~ ; To do [B] without doing [A]

If no action follows ないで, it turns into a request. See lesson ないでください (naide kudasai).

Example Sentences

1. コーヒーには、いつもさとうを⼊れないで飲みます。
koohii ni wa, itsumo satou o irenaide nomimasu.
I always drink coffee without putting any sugar in it.

2. 彼⼥はカサを持たないで出てしまった。
kanojo wa kasa o mota naide deteshimatta.
She left without bringing an umbrella.

3. 昨⽇は疲れていて、電気を消さないで寝てしまった。
kinou wa tsukarete ite, denki o kesanaide nete shimatta.
Yesterday I was so tired I fell asleep without turning off the lights.

4. 今朝、朝ごはんを⾷べないで仕事に来ました。
kesa, asa gohan o tabenaide shigoto ni kimashita.
I came to work today without eating any breakfast.

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5. 昨⽇、お⾵呂に⼊らないで寝てしまった。
kinou, ofuro ni haira naide neteshimatta.
I went to bed yesterday without taking a bath/shower.

6. 明⽇は試験なので、今夜は寝ないで勉強します。
ashita wa shiken nanode, konya wa ne naide benkyou shimasu.
Tomorrow is test day, so I'm gonna stay up all night and study without sleep.

7. 最近、涼しいのでエアコンをつけないで寝ます。
saikin, suzushii no de, eakon o tsuke naide nemasu.
Lately it's pretty cool, so I go to sleep without using the AC.

8. 朝ごはんを⾷べないで学校に来たから、お腹がすいた。
asagohan o tabenaide gakkou ni kita kara, onaka ga suita.
I came to school without eating breakfast, so I'm pretty hungry.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ないでください

Meaning How To Use

please don't do Verb (ない form) + で ください

Learn Japanese grammar: ないでくだあい (naide kudasai). Meaning: please don’t do.

This is used after a verb to request to the listener to not do something.

You can remove the ください (kudasai), to just say ないで (naide), which is more casual.

Be careful to not confuse this with the other ないで (naide) meaning.

Example A) Please don’t

⾏かないでください。

ika naide kudasai.

Please don’t go!

Example B)

それを⾷べないでください。

sore o tabe naide kudasai.

Please don’t eat that.

Other Notes

To say the opposite, “please do”, use てください (te kudasai)

See all related grammar.

Example Sentences

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1. 泣かないでください。
nakanaide kudasai
Please don't cry.

2. このパソコンを使わないでください。
kono pasokon o tsukawanaide kudasai.
Please don't use this computer.

3. 明⽇の予定を忘れないでください。
ashita no yotei o wasure naide kudasai.
Don't forget about our plans tomorrow!

4. 私のことを⼼配しないでください。
watashi no koto o shinpai shi naide kudasai.
Please don't worry about me.

5. 道の邪魔をしないでください。
michi no jama o shi naide kudasai
Please don't block the street.

6. 事務所で⾷べないでください。
jimusho de tabe naide kudasai.
Please don't eat in the office.

7. ⼀⼈にしたいからここに来ないでください。
hitori ni shitai kara koko ni ko naide kudasai.
I want to be alone, so please don't come over here.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 なくてもいい

Meaning How To Use

don't have to Verb (ない form) ない くてもいい

Learn Japanese grammar: なくてもいい (naku temo ii). Meaning: don’t have to; it’s OK to not do.

The も (mo) is optional and may be used as なくていい (nakute ii).

This grammar is an extension of ても (temo) and てもいいです (temo ii desu).

Example Sentences

1. 明⽇は休みだから、学校に⾏かなくてもいい。
ashita wa yasumi dakara, gakkou ni ikanaku temoii.
Tomorrow is a day off, so I don't need to go to school.

2. 空港まで来なくてもいいよ。
kuukou made konaku temo ii yo.
You don't have to come all the way to the airport.

3. 好きじゃないなら、⾷べなくてもいいですよ。
suki janai nara, tabenaku temo ii desu yo.
If you don't like it, you don't need to eat it.

4. 来なくてもいいですよ。私⼀⼈で⾏くから。
konaku temo ii desu yo. watashi hitori de iku kara.
You don't need to come. I'll go by myself.

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5. 無理しなくてもいいですよ。
muri shinaku temo ii desu yo.
You don't need to push yourself too hard.

6. 明⽇は授業がないから⼤学に⾏かなくてもいいです。
ashita wa juugyou ga nai kara daigaku ni ikanaku temo ii desu.
I have no classes tomorrow so I don't need to go to university (campus).

7. 時間がまだいっぱいあるから、そんなに急がなくていいよ。
jikan ga mada ippai aru kara, sonna ni isoganakute ii yo.
There's still a bunch of time, so you don't need to rush.

8. 外⾷しなくていいよ。家で⾷べましょう。
gaishoku shinakute ii yo. ie de tabemashou.
We don't need to eat out. Let's eat something at home.

9. その本はあげるよ，返してくれなくてもいいからね。
sono hon wa ageru yo, kaeshite kurenaku temo ii kara ne.
I'll give you that book, you don't need to return it.

10. ⼩学⽣以下はお⾦を払わなくてもいいです。
shougakusei ika wa okane o harawanaku temo ii desu.
Elementary school kids and younger do not need to pay.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 なくちゃ

Meaning How To Use

must do; need to; gotta do くちゃ

くちゃダメ
くちゃいけない
Verb (ない form) ない
くちゃいけません
くちゃならない
くちゃなりません

Learn Japanese grammar: なくちゃ (nakucha) / なくちゃダメ (nakucha dame). Meaning: must do; need
to; gotta do.

This grammar is the casual spoken way to say that one must do something.

Use the verb’s ない form, but then remove the い

⾷べない -> ⾷べなくちゃ

“tabenai” -> “tabe nakucha” = MUST EAT!

Multiple Ways To Use

You can also add だめ or いけない or ならない after the end to sound more serious.

なくちゃダメ (nakucha dame)

⾷べない -> ⾷べなくちゃダメ
“tabenai” -> “tabe nakucha dame” = MUST EAT!

なくちゃいけない (nakucha ikenai)

⾷べない -> ⾷べなくちゃいけない
“tabenai” -> “tabe nakucha ikenai” = MUST EAT!

なくちゃならない (nakucha naranai)

⾷べない -> ⾷べなくちゃならない
“tabenai” -> “tabe nakucha naranai” = MUST EAT!

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Similar Grammar

Very similar to:

なくてはいけない (nakute wa ikenai)
なくてはならない (nakute wa naranai)
べき (beki)

To say the opposite, “must not do”, you can use

てはいけない (te wa ikenai)
ちゃいけない・じゃいけない (cha ikenai / ja ikenai) (spoken Japanese)

Example Sentences

1. ⾏かなくちゃ。
ika nakucha.
I gotta go.

2. もう寝なくちゃ。
mou ne nakucha.
I have to go to bed already.

3. 新しい⾞を買わなくちゃね。
atarashii kuruma o kawa nakucha ne.
You need to buy a new car..

4. よく考えなくちゃダメだよ。
yoku kangae nakucha dame dayo.
You need to think carefully about this.

5. 君でなくちゃダメなんだ。
kimi de nakucha dame nanda.
It has to be you!

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6. 彼は返さなくちゃいけない借⾦がある
kare wa kaesa nakucha ikenai shakkin ga aru.
He has loans that need to be paid back.

7. なんで僕がやらなくちゃいけないの。
nande boku ga yara nakucha ikenai no.
Why do I have to do this?

8. すぐに警察に連絡しなくちゃいけません。
sugu ni keisatsu ni renraku shi nakucha ikemasen.
We have to contact the police right away!

9. 世話しなくちゃならない⼦供がいる。
sewa shi nakucha naranai kodomo ga iru.
I've got kids I need to take care of.

10. ごめんなさい。早く帰らなくちゃなりません。
gomennasai. hayaku kaera nakucha narimasen.
I'm sorry, I have to head home right away.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 なくてはいけない

Meaning How To Use

must do; need to do くてはいけない

Verb (ない form) ない
くてはいけません

Learn Japanese grammar: なくてはいけない (nakute wa ikenai) / なくてはいけません (nakute wa

ikemasen) . Meaning: must do; need to do.

Similar Grammar

Very similar to:

なくてはならない (nakute wa naranai)
べき (beki)
To say the opposite, “must not do”, you can use
てはいけない (te wa ikenai)
ちゃいけない・じゃいけない (cha ikenai / ja ikenai)

Example Sentences

1. 本当にすぐ⾏かなくてはいけない。
hontouni sugu ika nakute wa ikenai.
I really have to go now.

2. 急がなくてはいけない。
isoga nakute wa ikenai.
I have to hurry.

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3. もう10時だ。寝なくてはいけない。
mou juu ji da. ne nakute wa ikenai.
It's already 10 o'clock. I must go to sleep.

4. ⽇本語をもっと勉強しなくてはいけない。
nihongo o motto benkyou shi nakute wa ikenai.
I really need to study Japanese more.

5. 花の⽔やりをしなくてはいけません。
hana no mizu yari o shi nakute wa ikemasen.
You must water the flowers.

6. 明⽇、早く起きなくてはいけません。
ashita, hayaku oki nakute wa ikemasen.
I have to get up early tomorrow.

7. 野菜を⾷べなくてはいけませんよ。
yasai o tabe nakute wa ikemasen yo.
You must eat your vegetables!

8. JLPTを受けなくてはいけません。
JLPT o uke nakute wa ikemasen.
I have to take the Japanese language proficiency test.

9. もう帰らなくてはいけません。
mou kaera nakute wa ikemasen.
I must be heading back now.

10. ⽇本語⼒を上達させなくてはいけません。
nihongoryoku o joutatsu sase nakute wa ikemasen.
I have to improve my Japanese language abilities.

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 なくてはならない

Meaning How To Use

must do; need to do くてはならない

Verb (ない form) ない
くてはなりません

Learn Japanese grammar: なくてはならない (nakute wa naranai) / なくてはなりません (nakute wa

narimasen) . Meaning: must do; need to do.

Similar Grammar

Very similar to:

なくてはいけない (nakute wa ikenai)
べき (beki)
To say the opposite, “must not do”, you can use
てはいけない (te wa ikenai)
ちゃいけない・じゃいけない (cha ikenai / ja ikenai)

Example Sentences

1. 急がなくてはならない。
isoga nakute wa naranai.
I have to hurry.

2. 本当にすぐ⾏かなくてはならない。
hontouni sugu ika nakute wa naranai.
I really have to go now.

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3. もう10時だ。寝なくてはならない。
mou juu ji da. ne nakute wa naranai.
It's already 10 o'clock. I must go to sleep.

4. ⽇本語をもっと勉強しなくてはいけない。
nihongo o motto benkyou shi nakute wa naranai.
I really need to study Japanese more.

5. 花の⽔やりをしなくてはなりません。
hana no mizu yari o shi nakute wa narimasen.
You must water the flowers.

6. 明⽇、早く起きなくてはなりません。
ashita, hayaku oki nakute wa narimasen.
I have to get up early tomorrow.

7. 野菜を⾷べなくてはなりませんよ。
yasai o tabe nakute wa narimasen yo.
You must eat your vegetables!

8. ⽇本語能⼒試験を受けなくてはなりません。
nihongo nouryoku shiken o uke nakute wa narimasen.
I have to take the Japanese language proficiency test.

9. もう帰らなくてはなりません。
mou kaera nakute wa narimasen.
I must be heading back now.

10. ⽇本語⼒を上達させなくてはなりません。
nihongoryoku o joutatsu sase nakute wa narimasen.
I have to improve my Japanese language abilities.

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 なる

Meaning How To Use

to become Noun
になる
な-adjective

い-adjective + いく なる

Grammar Notes:

Learn Japanese grammar: になる・くなる (ni naru / ku naru). Meaning: to become.

This grammar is used to express “to become”.

It is usually written either as になる (ni naru) or くなる (ku naru) when followed by い-adjectives.

Various forms:

Since it is a verb, it can be conjugated in current and past tense.

なる (naru)
なります (narimasu) more polite
なっている (natteiru) “becoming”
なっています (natteimasu) “becoming”
なった (natta) “became”
なりました (narimashita) “became”
It can even be changed to express a desire to become (want to become).
なりたい (naritai)

Example Sentences

1. ⼤きくなっているね︕
ookiku natteiru ne!
You're getting bigger!

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2. 今⽇は暑くなるようだ。
kyou wa atsuku naru you da.
It looks like it will get hot today.

3. 今年、私は２０歳になります。
kotoshi, watashi wa hatachi ni narimasu.
This year I will turn 20 years old (become an adult in Japan).

4. 暗くなる前に家に帰りたい。
kuraku naru mae ni ie ni kaeritai.
I want to head home before it gets dark.

5. もっと強くなるために、毎⽇運動しています。
motto tsuyoku naru tame ni, mainichi undou shiteimasu.
I work out every day so I can get stronger.

6. ⽇本語が上⼿になっていますね。
nihongo ga jouzu ni natteimasu ne.
Your Japanese is improving.

7. 将来、何になりたいですか。
shourai, nani ni naritai desuka?
What do you want to be in the future?

8. ６⽉に⼊って、ちょっと暑くなったね。
roku gatsu ni haitte, chotto atsuku natta ne
It started to get a bit hot when since we entered June.

9. 暗くなってきましたね。そろそろ帰りましょうか。
kuraku natte kimashita ne. sorosoro kaerimashou ka.
It's starting to get dark, we should head back soon?

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10. 今⽇のイベントは中⽌になりました。
kyou no ibento wa chuushi ni narimashita.
Today's event has been cancelled.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 んです

Meaning How To Use

to explain something; show emphasis Verb (casual)

い-adjective + い
んです
な-adjective + な んだ
Noun + な
(only with questions)

Learn Japanese grammar: んです (ndesu) & んだ (nda). Meaning: to explain something; show emphasis.

んです (ndesu) has the same meaning as です (desu), but is different in that it feels a bit more personal
since it is used to explain something, give reasoning, or to emphasize something.

It is exactly the same as のです (no desu), which is a bit more polite / formal.

For example, can you tell the difference between 1, 2 and 3?

1. あついです (atsui desu)

2. あついんです (atsui ndesu)
3. あついんだ (atsui nda)

1 is simply stating a fact. That it/something is hot.

2 is also stating a fact, but carries a bit more emphasis as the speaker may be answering/asking a
question or explaining their feelings.

3 is the same as 2, but the more casual version.

Example Sentences

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1. 何を飲みたいんですか。
nani o nomitai ndesu ka.
What would you like to drink?

2. お茶を飲みたいんです。
ocha o nomitai ndesu.
I'd like to drink some tea.

3. 眠くないんですか。
nemuku nai ndesu ka.
Aren't you sleepy?

4. 気分が良くないんですよ。
kibun ga yokunai ndesu yo.
I'm not feeling well.

5. 今からバイトに⾏くんだ。
ima kara baito ni iku nda.
I'm heading to my (part time) job now.

6. 朝に弱いんだ。
asa ni yowai nda.
I'm not a morning person.

7. いつか⽇本に⾏くんだ︕
itsuka nihon ni iku nda!
One day I will go to Japan!

8. 買いたいんですがお⾦がないんだ。
kaitai ndesu ga okane ga nai nda.
I want to buy it, but I have no money.

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 ね

Meaning How To Use

isn't it? right? eh? end of sentence particle

Learn Japanese grammar: ね (ne). Meaning: the particle ね is a sentence ending particle that is used to
confirm something to someone. Similar to “right?” or “don’t you think so?” or “eh?”.

Here’s a basic example that is very commonly used in Japanese summers.

今⽇はあついですね。

kyou wa atsui desu ne.

It’s hot today (don’t you agree?)

Example Sentences

1. かわいいね。
kawaii ne.
It's cute, isn't it? / You're cute, eh.

2. そうですね。
sou desu ne.
Yeah, that's right. / Is that so?

3. 今⽇の天気はいいですね。
kyou no tenki wa ii desu ne.
Today's weather is nice, isn't it?

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4. またあとでね︕
mata ato de ne!
See you later!

5. またメールするね。
mata meeru suru ne.
I'll message you later, ok?

6. それは⼤変ですね。
sore wa taihen desu ne.
That's too bad. (emphasizing with speaker)

7. あなたはとても疲れた声をしているね。
anata wa totemo tsukareta koe o shiteiru ne.
You sound very tired, (are you ok?)

8. ⽇本語がお上⼿ですね。
nihongo ga ojouzu desu ne.
You're Japanese is really good!

9. あなたはスポーツが下⼿ですね。
anata wa supootsu ga heta desu ne.
You're not very good at sports, are you?

10. 今⽇も⼀⽇、頑張りましょうね。
kyou mo ichinichi, ganbari mashou ne.
Let's do our best again today, OK?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 に

Meaning How To Use

destination particle; in; at; on; to Noun に

Learn Japanese grammar: に (ni). Meaning: destination particle; in; at; on; to.

The meaning changes based on the context of the sentence. Let’s look at some basic examples.

Meaning 1) in

⽇本に住んでいる。
nihon ni sundeiru.
I’m living in Japan.

Meaning 2) at

7時に⾏く。
shichi ji ni iku.
I will go at 7 o’clock.

Meaning 3) on

テーブルの上にある。
teeburu no ue ni aru.
It’s on the table.

Meaning 4) to

⽇本に⾏く。
nihon ni iku.
I will go to Japan.

Meaning 4 can also be used with へ. See lesson for に/へ (ni/e).

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 Example Sentences

1. 来⽉⼤学に⼊る。
raigetsu daigaku ni hairu.
I will go to (start) university next month.

2. どうやって学校に通っていますか︖
douyatte gakkou ni kayottei masuka?
How do you go to school?

3. あなたは何時にスーパーに⾏きますか︖
anata wa nanji ni suupaa ni ikimasu ka?
What time will you go to the supermarket?

4. 彼は、⼤学に⼊るための努⼒をしている。
kare wa, daigaku ni hairu tame no doryoku o shiteiru.
He's working hard so that he can get into university.

5. ⽇本に来たことはありますか︖
nihon ni kita koto wa arimasu ka?
Have you ever been to Japan?

6. あの⽊の下に⼤きな⽝がいます。
ano ki no shita ni ookina inu ga imasu.
There's a big dog under that tree.

7. 今家の中にいますよ。
ima ie no naka ni imasu yo.
I'm inside my home right now.

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8. ここにお名前を書いてください。
koko ni onamae o kaite kudasai.
Please write your name here.

9. アメリカにはどのくらい滞在しますか︖
amerika ni wa dono kurai taizai shimasu ka?
About how long will you stay in America?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 にいく

Meaning How To Use

go to do にいく
Verb (ます stem) に⾏く
に⾏った

Learn Japanese grammar: に⾏く 【にいく】(ni iku). Meaning: to go in order to do something; to go for
the purpose of~

Let’s look at a simple example first:

⾷べにいく。

tabe ni iku.
To go to eat.

Often the kanji form is used (に⾏く), but the hiragana version can be used as well (にいく).

Example Sentences

1. 友だちの家に遊びに⾏く。
tomodachi no ie ni asobi ni iku.
I'm going to go over to my friends house to hang out.

2. ⽇本に勉強しに⾏くつもりなのです。
nihon ni benkyou shini iku tsumori nano desu.
I'm planning to go to Japan to study!

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3. 東京へなにしに⾏くの︖
toukyou e nani shi ni iku no?
What are you going to Tokyo for?

4. 私たちは公園にサッカーをしに⾏くつもりだ。
watashi tachi wa kouen ni sakkaa o shini iku tsumori da.
We're planning to go to the park to play soccer.

5. メキシコへ友だちに会いに⾏きます。
mekishiko e tomodachi ni ai ni ikimasu.
I'm going to Mexico to visit my friend.

6. ちょっと⾛りに⾏ってきます。
chotto hashiri ni ittekimasu.
I'm going to go for a little run.

7. 明⽇、友⼈と⼀緒に⽇本⾷を⾷べに⾏きます。
ashita, yuujin to isshoni nihonshoku o tabe ni ikimasu.
I'm going out with my good friend tomorrow to eat Japanese food.

8. 私は今度はベトナムへ旅⾏しに⾏きます。
watashi wa kondo wa betonamu e ryokou shi ni ikimasu.
For my next trip, I am going to go travel to Vietnam.

9. ゴミを捨てに⾏きます。
gomi o sute ni ikimasu.
I'll go take out the garbage.

10. 今夜ラーメンを⾷べに⾏きましょう︕
konya raamen o tabe ni ikimashou!
Let's go out to eat some ramen tonight!

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 にする

Meaning How To Use

to decide on にする
Noun
にします

Learn Japanese grammar: にする (ni suru) / にします (ni shimasu). Meaning: to decide on.

Different ways to use:

にする (ni suru) casual

see examples 1~4
にします (ni shimasu) more polite
see examples 5~9

To use with a verb, add ことにする. See lesson ことにする (koto ni suru).

Example Sentences

1. どれにする?
dore ni suru?
Which will you have? / Which do you want?

2. 飲み物は何にする︖
nomimono wa nani ni suru?
What will you have to drink?

3. お茶にする。
ocha ni suru.
I'll have tea.

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4. 私は明⽇と来週の⽕曜⽇を休みにする。
watashi wa ashita to raishuu no kayoubi o yasumi ni suru.
I'm taking work off tomorrow and next Tuesday.

5. これにします。
kore ni shimasu.
I want this / I've decided on this

6. 今⽇は部屋をきれいにします。
kyou wa heya o kirei ni shimasu.
I will clean my room today.

7. 君を幸せにします。
kimi o shiawase ni shimasu.
I'll make you happy.

8. 紅茶にしますかそれともコーヒーにしますか。
koucha ni shimasu ka sore tomo koohii ni shimasu ka.
Do you want black tea or coffee?

9. 今年は素晴しい年にします︕
kotoshi wa subarashii toshi ni shimasu.
I'm gonna make this year a great one!

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 に/へ

Meaning How To Use

to (indicates direction / destination) に

Noun
へ

Learn Japanese grammar: に (ni) & へ (e) . Meaning: to (indicates direction / destination).

Both are interchangeable.

Example A) に

学校に⾏く。

gakkou ni iku.
To go to school.

Example B) へ

学校へ⾏く。

gakkou e iku.
To go to school.

Other Meanings

に can also be used to say in, at, on, etc.. See full lesson for lesson for に (ni).

Example Sentences

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1. ⽇本に戻りたい。
nihon ni modoritai.
I want to go back to Japan.

2. ⽇本に来たことはありますか︖
nihon ni kita koto wa arimasu ka?
Have you ever been to Japan?

3. どうやって学校に通っていますか︖
douyatte gakkou ni kayottei masuka?
How do you go to school?

4. 今⽇は仕事に⾏きたくない。
kyou wa shigoto ni ikitakunai.
I don't want to go to work today.

5. どこへ⾏ったんですか︖
doko e ittan desu ka?
Where did you go? / Where were you?

6. 家へ向かっているところです。
ie e mukatteiru tokoro desu.
I'm heading home now.

7. そこへ⾏くには⾞で6時間かかる。
soko e iku ni wa kuruma de 6 jikan kakaru.
It takes 6 hours to drive there by car.

8. 毎年北海道へスキーに⾏く。
maitoshi hokkaidou e sukii ni iku.
Every year I go to Hokkaido to go skiing.

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 の

Meaning How To Use

possessive particle Noun の + [B]

Learn Japanese grammar: の (no). Meaning: の is a particle used to indicate possession. It is similar to
[‘s].

For example, [A]の[B] would mean [B] belong’s to [A].

私のペン。

watashi no pen.
My pen.

Example Sentences

1. あなたの名前は何ですか︖
anata no namae wa nan desu ka?
What is your name?

2. あなたの⽝ですか︖
anata no inu desu ka?
Is this your dog?

3. これはだれのカバンですか︖
kore wa dare no kaban desu ka?
Who's bag is this?

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4. 私の先⽣はとてもいい先⽣だ。
watashi no sensei wa totemo ii sensei da.
My teacher is a very good teacher.

5. 彼⽒の好きな料理はカレーです。
kareshi no suki na ryori wa karee desu.
My boyfriend's favorite food is curry.

6. 彼⼥のお⽗さんはとても怖いです。
kanojo no otousan wa totemo kowai desu.
My girlfriend's father is really scary.

7. 私の⼀番好きな季節は秋だ。
watashi no ichiban suki na kisetsu wa aki da.
My favorite season is Fall.

8. このカメラは私のではなく、友だちのです。
kono kamera wa watashi no dewa naku, tomodachi no desu.
This camera is not mine, but a friend's.

9. 夏の暑さのせいで私は寝不⾜です。
natsu no atsusa no sei de watashi wa nebusoku desu.
I'm lacking sleep lately due to the summer heat.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 のです

Meaning How To Use

to explain something; show emphasis Verb (casual)

い-adjective + い
のです
な-adjective + な のだ
Noun + な
(only with questions)

Learn Japanese grammar: のです (no desu) & のだ (noda). Meaning: to explain something; show
emphasis.

のです (no desu) has the same meaning as です (desu), but is different in that it feels a bit more personal
since it is used to explain something, give reasoning, or to emphasize something.

It is exactly the same as んです (ndesu), which is a bit more casual.

For example, can you tell the difference between 1, 2 and 3?

1. あついです (atsui desu)

2. あついのです (atsui no desu)
3. あついのだ (atsui noda)

1 is simply stating a fact. That it/something is hot.

2 is also stating a fact, but carries a bit more emphasis as the speaker may be answering/asking a
question or explaining their feelings.

3 is the same as 2, but the more casual version.

NOTE: This grammar is only used with Nouns when asking questions.

クルーズはいい先⽣なのですか︖

kuruuzu wa ii sensei nano desu ka?

Is Cruise a good teacher?
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 Example Sentences

1. どこへ⾏きたいのですか。
doko e ikitai no desu ka.
Where would you like to go?

2. どう違うのだ。
dou chigau no da.
What's the difference?

3. 何を⾔いたいのですか。
nani o iitai no desu ka.
What exactly do you want to say?

4. あなたは優しいのですね。
anata wa yasashii no desu ne.
You're a pretty nice person.

5. 昼ごはんを⾷べなかったのですね。
hiru gohan o tabenakatta no desu ne.
You didn't eat lunch, right?

6. 今⽇は学校に⾏くのですね。
kyou wa gakkou ni iku no desu ne.
You're going to school today, right?

7. あなたが悪いのだ。
anata ga warui no da.
You're the one to blame..

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8. ⾷べるために⽣きるのではない。⽣きるために⾷べるのだ。
taberu tame ni ikiru no dewa nai. ikiru tame ni taberu no da.
Eat to live, not live to eat.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 のが下⼿
のがへた

Meaning How To Use

to be bad at doing something のが下⼿

Verb (dictionary form)
のがへた

Learn Japanese grammar: のが下⼿ 【のがへた】(no ga heta). Meaning: to be bad at doing something.

Example A)

Simply add のが下⼿ (no ga heta) after a verb in its dictionary form to say you are good at that action.

スポーツをするのがへただ。

supootsu wo suru no ga heta da.

I am bad at playing sports.

This grammar is usually written with its kanji form.

To say the opposite “good at”, use のが上⼿ (no ga jouzu)

Example Sentences

1. 彼はおはしを使うのが下⼿だ。
kare wa ohashi o tsukau no ga heta da.
He is bad at using chopsticks.

2. ⺟は料理をするのが下⼿だ。
haha wa ryouri o suru no ga heta da.
My mother is bad at cooking.

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3. 私は⼈としゃべるのが下⼿だ。
watashi wa hito to shaberu no ga heta da.
I'm not good at talking with people.

4. かんじを勉強するのが下⼿です。
kanji o benkyou suru no ga heta desu.
I'm not good at studying kanji.

5. ⽇本語の字を書くのが下⼿だ。
nihongo no ji o kaku no ga heta da.
I'm not good at writing Japanese characters.

6. 姉は歌うのが下⼿だと思います。
ane wa utau no ga heta da to omoimasu.
I think my older sister is bad at singing.

7. トライアスロンをやってみたいですが泳ぐのが下⼿だ。
toraiasuron o yatte mitai desuga oyogu no ga heta da.
I want to try doing a triathlon, but I'm no good at swimming.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 のが上⼿
のがじょうず

Meaning How To Use

to be good at のが上⼿
Verb (dictionary form)
のがじょうず

Learn Japanese grammar: のが上⼿ / のがじょうずです (no ga jouzu desu). Meaning: to be good at
doing something.

Example A)

Simply add のが上⼿ (no ga jouzu) after a verb in its dictionary form to say you are good at that action.

スポーツをするのが上⼿ですね。

supootsu o suru no ga jouzu desu ne.

You are very good at sports.

This grammar is usually written with its kanji form.

To say the opposite “bad at”, use のが下⼿ (no ga heta)

Example Sentences

1. あなたは教えるのが上⼿です。
anata wa oshieru no ga jouzu desu.
You're good at teaching.

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2. 彼は歌うのが上⼿だ。
kare wa utau no ga jouzu da.
He's good at singing.

3. 彼⼥はピアノを弾くのが上⼿。
kanojo wa piano o hiku no ga jouzu.
She's good at playing piano.

4. あなたはお箸を使うのが上⼿ですね。
anata wa ohashi o tsukau no ga jouzu desu ne.
You're very good at using chopsticks.

5. 私はそんなに⽇本語を話すのが上⼿ではない。
watashi wa sonnnani nihongo o hanasu no ga jouzu dewa nai.
I'm not very good at speaking Japanese..

6. ⾼校のとき、運動をするのが上⼿だったが今は違う。
koukou no toki, undou o suru no ga jouzu datta ga ima wa chigau.
In high school, I was good at exercising, but things are different now..

7. 私は⺟ほど料理をするのが上⼿ではありません。
watashi wa haha hodo ryouri o suru no ga jouzu dewa arimasen.
I'm nowhere near as good at cooking as my mother.

8. 時間を管理するのが上⼿ではない。
jikan o kanri suru no ga jouzu dewa nai.
I'm not good at managing time..

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 のが好き
のがすき

Meaning How To Use

to like doing something のが好き

Verb (dictionary form)
のがすき

Learn Japanese grammar: のが好き 【のがすきです】(no ga suki desu). Meaning: to like doing
something.

Simply add のが好き after a verb in its dictionary form to say you like doing that action.
⾷べるのがすき -> taberu no ga suki -> I like eating.
サッカーをするのが好き -> sakkkaa o suru no ga suki -> I like playing soccer.

Both the kanji and hiragana version can be used, but the kanji version is more common.

Example Sentences

1. 私は寝るのが好きです。
watashi neru no ga suki desu.
I like to sleep / I like sleeping

2. 漫画を読むのが好きだ。
manga o yomu no ga suki da.
I like reading manga.

3. 妹は料理をするのが好きです。
imouto wa ryouri o suru no ga suki desu.
My younger sister likes to cook.

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4. 君、運動するのが好きだね。
kimi, undou suru no ga suki da ne.
You sure like working out don't you.

5. 彼⼥は野球の試合を⾒るのが好きです。
kanojo wa yakyuu no shiai o miru no ga suki desu.
She likes watching baseball games.

6. 私は何かを⾷べながら映画を観るのが好きです。
watashi wa nanika o tabe nagara eiga o miru no ga suki desu.
I love to eat something while watching a movie.

7. 電⾞とバスのどちらに乗るのが好きですか︖
densha to basu no dochira ni noru no ga suki desu ka?
Which do you like to ride more, trains or buses?

8. 私の夫は私が夜に外出するのが好きではない。
watasho no otto wa watashi ga yoru ni gaishutsu suru no ga suki dewa nai.
My husband doesn't like me going out at night.

9. 多くの⽇本⼈は多くの⼈の前で⾃分の意⾒を表現するのが好きじ
ゃない。
ooku no nihonjin wa ooku no hito no mae de jibun no iken o hyougen suru no ga suki
janai.
Most Japanese people don't like expressing their opinions in front of a lot of people.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 の中で[A]が⼀番
のなかで[A]がいちばん

Meaning How To Use

out of this group, [A] is best Noun + の中で + [A]が⼀番〜

Learn Japanese grammar: の中で[A]が⼀番 【のなかで[A]がいちばん】 (no naka de [A] ga ichiban).

Meaning: out of this group, [A] is best.

Example Sentences

1. 家族のなかで⽗がいちばん背が⾼いです。
kazoku no naka de chichi ga ichiban se ga takai desu.
In my family, my father is the tallest.

2. チームの中で⼭⽥が⼀番強い︕
chiimu no naka de yamada ga ichiban tsuyoi!
On our team, Yamada is the strongest!

3. ⽇本の⾷べ物の中でラーメンが⼀番好きだ。
nihon no tabemono no naka de raamen ga ichiban suki da.
Out of all the Japanese food, ramen is my favorite.

4. クラスの中でジェシカが⼀番頭いい。
kurasu no naka de jeshika ga ichiban atama ii.
In our class, Jessica is the smartest.

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5. 世界の中で⽇本が⼀番安全な国です。
sekai no naka de nihon ga ichiban anzen na kuni desu.
Japan is the safest country in the world.

6. 彼⼥はクラスの中で字が⼀番きれいだ。
kanojo wa kurasu no naka de ji ga ichiban kirei da.
She has the most beautiful handwriting in our class.

7. 友達の中では、クリスが⼀番先輩。
tomodachi no naka de wa, kurisu ga ichiban senpai.
Chris is the oldest (most senior) one out of my friends.

8. 読んだ本の中でハリーポッターが⼀番好きだ。
yonda hon no naka de harii pottaa ga ichiban suki.
Out of all the books I've read, Harry Potter is my favorite.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 ので

Meaning How To Use

because of; given that; since Verb

い-adjective
ので
な-adjective + な

Noun + な

Learn Japanese grammar: ので (node). Meaning: because of; given that; since (explains reason for
action).

This grammar is used explain a reason or reasoning for an action.

The reason is given before ので, with the new action after.

Example A)

あついので⽔をたくさん飲んでね。

atsui no de mizu o takusan nonde ne.

It’s hot out, so make sure to drink a lot of water.

Example B) past-tense

あつかったのでプールに⾏った。

atsukatta node puuru ni itta.

It was hot today, so I went to the pool.

Example Sentences

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1. ちょっと寒いので、窓を閉めてもいいですか。
chotto samui node, mado o shimetemo ii desu ka.
It's a bit cold, so is it OK to close the window?

2. ちょっと⽤事があるので、先に帰ります。
chotto youji ga aru node, saki ni kaerimasu.
There's something I need to take care of, so I'm heading home early.

3. 台⾵が来るので、明⽇のクラスに来なくていいです。
taifuu ga kuru node, ashita no kurasu ni konakute ii desu.
Since there's a typhoon coming, it's OK to not come to tomorrow's class.

4. おなかが痛いので、薬をください。
onaka ga itai no de, kusuri o kudasai.
I have a stomachache, so please give me some medicine.

5. 彼⼥がとてもきれいなので、すぐ好きになりました。
kanojo ga totemo kirei na node, sugu suki ni narimashita.
She's very beautiful, so I quickly fell in love.

6. 今から⾏きますので、少々お待ちください。
ima kara ikimasu node, shoushou omachi kudasai.
I'm heading over now, so please wait a moment.

7. ⾬が降っていたので、試合が中⽌になりました。
ame ga futteita node, shiai ga chuushi ni narimashita.
Because of the rain, the match was cancelled.

8. 左⼿で⾷べようとしたが、難しかったのでやめました。
hidari te de tabeyou to shita ga, muzukashikatta node yamemashita.
I tried eating with my left hand, but it was difficult so I gave up.

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 を

Meaning How To Use

object marker particle Noun を Verb

Learn Japanese grammar: を (o / wo). Meaning: object marker particle. The particle を is used to
indicate the target of a verb, and is therefore called the “object marker”.

The standard pattern for use is:

NounをVerb
⾁を⾷べる。
niku o taberu.
To eat meat

In this example, を is marking the preceding noun (meat) as the subject for the verb (to eat).

The romaji version is commonly written as just “o”, but is more of a “wo” sound.

Example Sentences

1. ⽇本語をべんきょうしています。
nihongo o benkyou shiteimasu.
I am studying Japanese.

2. ⽇本語を話します。
nihongo o hanashimasu.
I speak Japanese.

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3. 今⽇は朝ごはんを⾷べませんでした。
kyou wa asagohan o tabemasen deshita.
Today, I didn't eat breakfast.

4. もう宿題をしました。
mou shukudai o shimashita.
I already did my homework.

5. 毎⽇ランニングをします。
mainichi ranningu o shimasu.
I go running every day.

6. ⿂を⾷べたことがない。
sakana o tabeta koto ga nai.
I've never eaten fish before.

7. 毎週新しいかんじを学ぶ。
maishuu atarashii kanji o manabu.
I learn new kanji characters every week.

8. ピザを⾷べるのが⼤好きだ。
piza o taberu no ga daisuki da.
I love to eat pizza.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 をください

Meaning How To Use

please give me~ Noun をください

Learn Japanese grammar: をください (o kudasai). Meaning: please give me~ .

Example Sentences

1. すみません、お⽔をください。
sumimasen, omizu o kudasai.
Excuse me, could you please give me some water?

2. これをください。
kore o kudasai.
Please give me this (I'll have this).

3. コーヒーを⼆つください。
koohii o futatsu kudasai.
Please give me 2 cups of coffee.

4. 少し時間をください。
sukoshi jikan o kudasai.
Please give me some time.

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5. すぐに返信をください。
sugu ni henshin o kudasai.
Please give me a response as soon as you can.

6. 私たちにアドバイスをください。
watashitachi ni adobaisu o kudasai.
Please give us some advice.

7. 駅に着いたら電話をください。
eki ni tsuitara denwa o kudasai.
Please give me a call when you arrive at the station.

8. おなかが痛いので、薬をください。
onaka ga itai no de, kusuri o kudasai.
I have a stomachache, so please give me some medicine.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 しかし

Meaning How To Use

but; however しかし + phrase

Learn Japanese grammar: しかし (shikashi). Meaning: but; however.

This is often used to start a new sentence, but can be used mid sentence between 2 opposing ideas as
well.

It is very similar to でも (demo).

Example Sentences

1. しかしなぜ︖
shikashi naze?
But why? (expressing disagreement)

2. ⽇本は⼤好きです。しかし、⽇本の夏がとても暑いです。
nihon wa daisuki desu. shikashi, nihon no natsu ga totemo atsui desu.
I love Japan. However, the summer is very hot!

3. 今⽇のクラスはむずかしかったです。しかし楽しかったです。
kyou no kurasu wa muzukashikatta desu. shikashi, tanoshikatta desu!
Today's class was difficult.. But, it was a lot of fun!

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4. しかし問題があるかもしれない。
shikashi mondai ga aru kamoshirenai.
However, there might be a problem.

5. 冬は寒い、しかし私は好きだ。
fuyu wa samui, shikashi watashi wa suki da.
Winter is cold, but I like it.

6. しかし、彼は⽇本語を話すことも書くこともできません。
shikashi, kare wa nihongo o hanasu koto mo kaku koto mo dekimasen.
However, he cannot speak or read Japanese.

7. ⽇本料理はもちろんおいしいです。しかし、アメリカ料理の⽅が
好きです。
nihon ryouri wa mochiron oishii desu. shikashi, amerika ryouri no hou ga suki desu.
Japanese food is of course delicious. But I like American food more.

8. あなたはたぶん正しいでしょう。しかし、私は少し違った意⾒を
持っています。
anata wa tabun tadashii deshou. shikashi, watashi wa sukoshi chigatta iken o
motteimasu.
You are probably correct. However, I have a slightly different opinion.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 すぎる

Meaning How To Use

too much Verb ます (stem form) すぎる

すぎます
い-adjective い すぎた
すぎました
な-adjective すぎて

Learn Japanese grammar: すぎる (sugiru). Meaning: it is used to say something is too much.

Example A) verb

たべます -> たべます + すぎる

たべすぎる (tabe sugiru)
To eat too much

Example B) verb past-tense

たべます -> たべます + すぎる

たべすぎた (tabe sugita)
I ate too much

Example C) verb connection

たべます -> たべます + すぎる

たべすぎておなかが痛い (tabe sugite onaka ga itai)
I ate too much and now my stomach hurts

Extra Notes:

This grammar comes from the verb 過ぎる (sugiru), which means to pass or to exceed. However, this
grammar most often written in just hiragana.

Example Sentences

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1. このシャツは⼤きすぎる。
kono shatsu wa ooki sugiru.
This shirt is too big.

2. 今年の夏は暑すぎた。
kotoshi no natsu wa atsu sugita.
This year's summer was too hot.

3. 冬の来るのが早すぎた。
fuyu no kuru no ga haya sugita.
Winter has come too soon.

4. この問題は簡単すぎます。
kono mondai wa kantan sugimasu.
This problem is too easy.

5. 幸せすぎて死にそうだ。
shiawase sugite shini sou da.
I'm so happy I could die.

6. かんじを覚えるのが私には難しすぎる。
kanji o oboeru no ga watashi ni wa muzukashi sugiru.
Memorizing kanji is a bit too difficult for me.

7. このレストランはちょっと⾼すぎる。別のところにしましょう。
kono resutoran wa chotto taka sugiru. betsu no tokoro ni shimashou.
This restaurant is a bit too expensive. Let's try somewhere else.

8. この会社は給料が少なすぎます。
kono kaisha wa kyuuryou ga sukuna sugimasu.
This company's salary is too low.

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9. ごめんなさい、少し⾔いすぎました。
gomennasai, sukoshi ii sugimashita.
I'm sorry, I said a bit too much. (I said more than I should have)

10. 昨夜ちょっと飲みすぎました。
sakuya chotto nomi sugimashita.
I drank a little bit too much yesterday.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 たことがある

Meaning How To Use

to have done something before ことがある

ことがない
Verb (た form)
ことがあります
ことがありません

Learn Japanese grammar: たことがある (ta koto ga aru). Meaning: to have done something before.

When using a non-past verb, the grammar changes to ことがある (koto ga aru).

Example Sentences

1. これを⾒たことがある。
kore o mita koto ga aru.
I've seen this before.

2. フランスに⾏ったことある。
furansu ni itta koto ga aru.
I've been to France before.

3. それを聞いたことがある。
sore o kiita koto ga aru.
I've heard of that before.

4. ⼀度だけカラオケをやったことがあります。
ichido dake karaoke o yatta koto ga arimasu.
I've only tried karaoke once before.

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5. ⽇本に⾏ったことありますか︖
nihon ni itta koto arimasu ka?
Have you been to Japan before?

6. ⽇本は好きですが⾏ったことがない。
nihon wa suki desuga itta koto ga nai.
I love Japan, but I've never been.

7. 本当に、⾞を運転したことがないですか︖
hontouni, kuruma o unten shita koto ga nai desu ka?
You've really never driven a car before?

8. これは誰にも話したことがありません。
kore wa dare ni mo hanashita koto ga arimsen.
I've never told this to anyone.

9. 私は⼀度しかすしを⾷べたことがありません。
watashi wa ichido shika sushi o tabeta koto ga arimasen.
I've only had sushi one time..

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 たい

Meaning How To Use

want to do something たい
Verb ます (stem form) たくない
たかった

Learn Japanese grammar: たい (tai). Meaning: want to do something.

To use this grammar point, add it at the end of the verb stem
たべます -> たべたい
I eat -> I want to eat

Basic example for 〜たい (tai) – want to do~

すしを⾷べたい。

sushi o tabetai.
I want to eat sushi.

たい (tai) can be conjugated to be used in negative and past tense as well.

Negative form たくない (takunai) do not want to do~

すしを⾷べたくない。

sushi o tabetakunai
I do not want to eat sushi.

Past form たかった (takatta) – wanted to do~

すしを⾷べたかった。

sushi o tabetakatta.
I wanted to eat sushi.

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Extra Study Notes

This is mostly ONLY for first person use, but there are some situations where it’s OK to use for second
person:

Example A) when quoting others

⽥中さんがすしを⾷べたいんだって。

tanaka-san ga sushi o tabetai ndatte.

Tanaka-san said he wants to eat Sushi.

Example B) when asking a question

何を⾷べたいですか︖

nani o tabetai desuka?

What do you want to eat?

To say someone wants to do something in 3rd person without quoting them, use たがる (tagaru) instead.

Example Sentences

1. ⽇本語をもっと勉強したいです。
nihongo o motto benkyou shitai desu.
I want to study more Japanese.

2. 先⽣、聞きたいことがありますが。
sensei, kikitai koto ga arimasu ga.
Sensei, there is something I'd like to ask you..

3. 早く結婚したい。
hayaku kekkon shitai.
I want to hurry up and get married.

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4. ⾃転⾞がこわれたから、新しいのを買いたい。
jitensha ga kowareta kara, atarashii no o kaitai.
My bicycle broke, so I want to buy a new one.

5. ⼦どものころから、ずっと⽇本に⾏きたかった。
kodomo no koro kara, zutto nihon ni ikitakatta.
Ever since I was little, I always wanted to go to Japan.

6. つかれたから、もう勉強したくない。
tsukareta kara, mou benkyou shitakunai.
I'm tired and don't want to study anymore.

7. 将来は⽇本の会社で働きたいです。
shourai wa nihon no kaisha de hatarakitai desu.
In the future, I'd like to work for a Japanese company.

8. お⾦がたくさんあったら、何をしたいですか︖
okane ga takusan attara, nani o shitai desu ka?
What would you want to do if you had a lot of money?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 たり〜たり

Meaning How To Use

do such things as A and B Verb-た + り 〜 Verb-た + り + する

Noun + だったり 〜 Noun + だったり

い-adj + いかったり 〜 い-adj + いかったり

な-adj + だったり 〜 な-adj + だったり

Learn Japanese grammar: たり〜たり (tari~tari). Meaning: do such things as A and B.

You can use たり〜たり when you want to list multiple examples. ex) “do such things as [A], [B], etc..”

It is possible to only use it once and list only one example. You’re basically making a list of different
activities / traits, so it’s commonly used in situations like:

saying multiple hobbies

saying what you did over the weekend
explaining what food you like
etc..

Example Sentences

1. 休みの⽇は⽔曜⽇だったり、⽇曜⽇だったりです。
yasumi no hi wa suiyoubi dattari, nichiyoubi dattari desu.
We are closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

2. ⽇曜⽇は買い物したり、映画を⾒たりした。
nichiyoubi wa kaimono shitari, eiga o mitari shita.
On Sunday I went shopping and watched a movie.

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3. 私の店は忙しかったり暇だったりです。
watashi no mise wa isogashi kattari hima dattari desu.
My shop is sometimes busy and sometimes slow.

4. 今⽇は宿題をしたり、部屋の掃除をしたり、忙しいです。
kyou wa shukudai o shitari, heya no souji o shitari, isogashii desu.
Today I'm busy with (things like) doing my homework and cleaning my room.

5. 冬休みは漢字を勉強したり、運動したりするつもりです。
fuyu yasumi wa kanji o benkyou shitari, undou shitari suru tsumori desu.
During winter break I plan to study kanji and exercise.

6. 暇なときは映画を⾒たり、⾳楽を聞いたりする。
hima na toki wa eiga o mitari, ongaku o kiitari suru.
In my free time I (do things like) watch movies and listen to music.

7. 図書館では本や雑誌を読んだり、勉強したりする⼈が多い。
toshokan de wa hon ya zasshi o yondari, benkyou shi tari suru hito ga ooi.
In the library, there's a lot of people (doing things like) reading books/magazines and
studying.

8. 留学中に現地の料理を⾷べたり、旅⾏したりしました。
ryuugaku chuu ni genchi no ryouri o tabetari, ryokou shitari shimashita.
During my study abroad, I would (do things like) eat local foods and go traveling.

9. 誰でも間違いを犯したり、失敗したりします。
dare demo machigai o okashitari, shippai shitari shimasu.
Everyone makes mistakes and experiences failure.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てある

Meaning How To Use

is/has been done (resulting state) ある

あった
Verb (て form)
あります

ありました

Learn Japanese grammar: てある (te aru). Meaning: is/has been done (resulting state).

This is used when something is intentionally done and you can see the resulting state of that action. It is
similar to using past tense form, but different in that it places emphasis on the action being done
intentionally and the end result still being visible.

Example 1) 作った VS 作ってある

This example will focus on the difference between using past form and てある (te aru) form.

1.1) Using 作った

明⽇の弁当はもう作った。

ashita no bentou wa mou tsukutta.

I (have) already made tomorrow’s bento (lunch).

1.2) Using 作ってある

明⽇の弁当はもう作ってある。

ashita no bentou wa mou tsukutte aru.

Tomorrow’s bento (lunch) has been prepared already.

At first glance, these sentences may seem very similar in meaning, but there are some key differences you
should be aware of.

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Example 1.1 simply says that the task was done. Example 1.2 does that as well, but also expresses that the
task was done intentionally and focuses on the result of the action. In this case, that the bento lunch has
been prepared and is ready.

Some more examples

Example 2)

ドアが開けてある。

doa ga akete aru.

The door has been left open (intentionally).
In this case, it’s a bit more clear that the focus is on the end result. Not on the action of
opening the door, but that the door has been left open.

Example 3) てあった (te atta) past tense

保存してあったファイルが消えてしまった。

hozon shite atta fairu ga kiete shimatta.

The file I had saved (prepared) was deleted.
This case focuses on the preparation that was done; the file was already saved and
prepared.

Extra Study Notes

In summary, てある (te aru) is used to show a task that was completed with focus on:

The task was done intentionally (maybe for preparation)

The resulting state from having done the action (e.g. the window was left open)

This grammar can ONLY be used with transitive verbs. The form will almost always look like this:

Subject + (が / は / を) + transitive verb + てある

Example Sentences

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1. ここには私の名前が書いてあります。
koko ni wa watashi no namae ga kaite arimasu.
My name is written here.

2. ドアがわざと開けてある。
doa ga wazato akete aru.
The door has been left intentionally opened.

3. 宿題はもうやってあります。
shukudai wa mou yatte arimasu.
I have already finished my homework.

4. 夜には学校の⼊り⼝が閉めてある。
yoru ni wa gakkou no iriguchi ga shimete aru.
At night, the school entrance is closed.

5. ここに何て書いてあるの︖
koko ni nante kaite aru no?
What is written here?

6. 料理が作ってあるから、今⽇は家で⾷べる。
ryouri ga tsukutte aru kara, kyou wa ie de taberu.
I've already made some food, so today I will eat at home.

7. テニスをしよう。１０時３０分にコートを予約してあるから。
tenisu o shiyou. juuji sanjuu pun ni kooto o yoyaku shite aru kara.
Let's play tennis. I've booked a court for 10:30.

8. すでに⾔ってあるように、これもあなたの仕事のうちだ。
sudeni itte aru you ni, kore mo anata no shigoto no uchi da.
This is also part of your work, as I told you before.

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 ている

Meaning How To Use

ongoing action or current state いる

いない
Verb (て form)
います

いません

Learn Japanese grammar: ている (te iru). Meaning: the progressive tense of a verb which shows that
something is currently happening or ongoing.

There are a couple different ways it can be used, including:

1. Progressive tense – currently doing

2. Continuous – have been doing
3. Present situation – what do you do now?
4. Habitual actions – frequently happens
5. The current state / State / condition / appearance of subject

Progressive tense basic examples

Example a)

⾒る (miru) to look; to watch

⾒ている (mite iru) looking; watching; seeing

Example b)

読む (yomu) to read
読んでいる (yonde iru) reading

As you can see, each verb changes to a current/continuous state of doing.

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However, as introduced in the beginning of this lesson, there are 5 different ways this grammar can be
used. Let’s dive into each one in more detail below..

Meaning 1) Progressive tense – currently doing ている (te iru)

This is the most basic meaning, which shows that you are currently doing something at this moment.

Example 1.1)

昼ご飯を⾷べている。

hiru gohan o tabe teiru.

currently eating lunch now.

Example 1.2) Negative form

宿題をやっていない。

shukudai o yatte inai.

currently not doing homework.
ていない is the negative version of ている.

Example 1.3) Polite form

お⺟さんと電話をしています。

okaasan to denwa o shite imasu.

I am currently on the phone with my mom.
ています is the more polite version of ている.

Meaning 2) Continuous – have been doing

This meaning shows that you are currently doing something and have been doing so up until now.

Example 2.1)

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 先⽣の話を聞いているの︖

sensei no hanashi o kiite iru no?

Are you listening to what the teacher is saying?
Have you been listening to what the teacher is saying?

Example 2.2)

5年間⽇本語を勉強しています。

go nenkan nihongo o benkyou shite imasu.

I have been studying Japanese for 5 years.

Meaning 3) Present situation – what you do now

This meaning shows what you are doing now in general, not just this particular moment.

Example 3.1)

⾯⽩い本を読んでいる。

omoshiroi hon o yonde iru.

I am reading (currently or in general) an interesting book.
This example can either mean currently at this particular moment or currently as in
“lately”. It depends on the context of the conversation.

Example 3.2)

⽇本で⽇本語を勉強しています。

nihon de nihongo o benkyou shite imasu.

I am studying Japanese in Japan.
This example is more obvious that it is not just in this particular moment, but rather
describing one’s current situation.

Meaning 4) Habitual / frequent actions

This meaning shows habitual behavior or can be used when talking about something that frequently
happens.
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Example 4.1)

毎⽇、寝る前にマンガを読んでいる。

mainichi, neru mae ni manga o yonde iru.

I read manga every day before I sleep.

Example 4.2)

いつも⾃転⾞で通勤している。

itsumo jitensha de tsukin shite iru.

I always commute by bicycle.

Meaning 5) State / condition / appearance of subject

This can be used to describe the current state of something, what something looks like, or that something
was left in a certain state.

Example 5.1)

彼はお⽗さんと似ている。

kare wa otou-san to nite iru.

He looks (seems) like his father.

Example 5.2)

ドアが開いている。

doa ga aite iru.

The door has been left open.
This translates to the door is open, but the focus is also on the fact that the door has been
left open.

Example 5.3)

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 今⽇は⾷堂がとても混んでいる。

kyou wa shokudou ga totemo konde iru.

The cafeteria is very crowded today.
Note that this example (and others) may cross over multiple categories. This is the same
as the progressive tense, that it is “currently” crowded, but at the same time this is also
describing the state of something, so it applies to both meanings.

Extra Study Notes

In summary, ている (te iru) has numerous meanings, including:

1. Progressive tense – currently doing

2. Continuous – have been doing
3. Present situation – what do you do now?
4. Habitual actions – frequently happens
5. The current state / State / condition / appearance of subject

Often in conversation the い will be dropped to become てる. This is only for casual conversations.

Example Sentences

1. 昼ごはんは何を⾷べているの︖
hirugohan wa nani o tabete iru no?
What do you eat for lunch?

2. 私もその本を読んでいる︕
watashi mo sono hon o yonde iru!
I'm also reading that book!

3. いつからサッカーをやっているのですか。
itsu kara sakkaa o yatte iru no desu ka?
How long have you been playing soccer?

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4. 今⽇の⽇本は⾬が降っています。
kyou no nihon wa ame ga futteimasu.
It's raining in Japan today.

5. どれくらい⽇本に住んでいますか︖
dorekurai nihon ni sunde imasu ka?
How long have you been living in Japan?

6. そのお店は何時までやっているのですか︖
sono omise wa nanji made yatte iru no desu ka?
Until what time is that shop open?

7. ⼭⽥さんはまだ寝ていると思います。
yamada san wa mada nete iru to omoimasu.
I think Mr. Yamada is still sleeping.

8. 私もあなたを愛しています。
watashi mo anata o aishite imasu.
I love you too.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てから

Meaning How To Use

after doing~ Verb (て form) から

Learn Japanese grammar: てから (te kara). Meaning: after doing~.

Example Sentences

1. トイレを使ってから、⼿を洗わないといけません。
toire o tsukatte kara, te o arawanai to ikemasen.
We must wash our hands after using the restroom.

2. 買い物をしてから家に帰ります。
kaimono o shite kara ie ni kaerimasu.
I'll come home after I finish shopping.

3. ご飯を⾷べてから散歩しました。
gohan o tabete kara sanpo shimashita.
After eating I went for a walk.

4. 今⽇は、起きてからまだ何も⾷べていません。
kyou wa, okite kara mada nanimo tabeteimasen.
I haven't eaten anything today since waking up.

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5. アメリカに帰国してから太りました。
amerika ni kikoku shite kara futorimashita.
I gained weight since coming back to America.

6. 彼が禁煙してから2ヶ⽉がたった。
kare ga kinen shite kara 2 kagetsu ga tatta.
It's been 2 months since he quit smoking.

7. 電話をしてから来てください。
denwa o shite kara kite kudasai.
Please call me before you come.

8. 空き⽸は潰してからゴミとして出してください。
akikan wa tsubushite kara gomi toshite dashite kudasai.
Please crush your empty cans before putting them out as garbage.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てください

Meaning How To Use

please do Verb (てform) ください

Learn Japanese grammar: てください (te kudasai). Meaning: to ask someone to please do ~

It is used at the end of a verb in order to request that someone do that action.
Sometimes the last ください (kudasai) part is just dropped, and て (te) form itself is used to make
a request.

Example Sentences

1. ちょっと待ってください。
chotto matte kudasai
Please wait a moment.

2. やめてください︕
yamete kudasai!
Please stop!

3. もっとゆっくり⾔ってください。
motto yukkuri itte kudasai.
Please speak more slowly.

4. 静かにしてください。
shizukani shite kudasai
Please quiet down.

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5. やってみてください。
yatte mite kudasai.
Give it a try!

6. どうぞ座ってください。
douzo suwatte kudasai.
Please go ahead and sit down.

7. 先⽣、この問題分かりません。もう⼀回説明してください。
sensei, kono mondai wakarimasen. mou ikkai setsumei shite kudasai.
Teacher, I don't understand this question. Could you please explain one more time?

8. ⽇本語を教えてください。
nihongo o oshiete kudasai.
Please teach me Japanese.

9. 私に知らせてください。
watashi ni shirasete kudasai.
Please let me know.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てはいけない

Meaning How To Use

must not; may not; cannot はいけない

Verb (て form)
はいけません

Learn Japanese grammar: てはいけない (te wa ikenai) / てはいけません (te wa ikemasen). Meaning:
must not; may not; cannot.

In spoken Japanese, the following may be used instead:

ちゃいだめ・じゃだめ (cha dame / ja dame)

ちゃいけない・じゃいけない (cha ikenai / ja ikenai)

Example Sentences

1. 窓を開けてはいけない。
mado o akete wa ikenai.
Do not open up the window.

2. 嘘をついてはいけない。
uso o tsuite wa ikenai.
You must not tell lies.

3. ろうかを⾛ってはいけませんよ。
rouka o hashitte wa ikemasen yo.
No running in the halls.

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4. 図書館でうるさくしてはいけない。
toshokan de urusaku shite wa ikenai.
We cannot be loud in the library.

5. 今⽇試験があるから、遅刻してはいけない。
kyou shiken ga aru kara, chikoku shite wa ikenai.
There's a test today, so you can't be late.

6. 室内でタバコを吸ってはいけませんよ。
shitsunai de tabako o sutte wa ikemasen yo.
No smoking inside!

7. 笑ってはいけない冗談だった。
waratte wa ikenai joudan datta.
That was a joke that we shouldn't of laughed at.

8. 授業中に携帯電話を使ってはいけません。
jugyou chuu ni keitai denwa o tsukatte wa ikemasen.
No using cellphones during class.

9. ２０歳未満の⼈はお酒を飲んではいけません。
hatachi miman no hito wa osake o nonde wa ikemasen.
You must not drink alcohol if you are under 20 years of age. (Japan's legal age)

10. 禁煙というのはタバコを吸ってはいけないということです。
kinen toiu nowa tabako wo suttewa ikenai toiu koto desu.
The word "kinen" means no smoking is allowed.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 てもいいです

Meaning How To Use

is OK to..; is alright to..; may I..? Verb (て form)

い-adjective いくて
もいい（です）
な-adjective + で

Noun + で

Learn Japanese grammar: てもいい (temo ii) & てもいいです（か） (temo ii desu ka). Meaning: is OK
to..; is alright to..; may I..?

Example Sentences

1. トイレに⾏ってもいいですか︖
toire ni ittemo ii desu ka?
May I go to the restroom?

2. うん、⾏ってもいいですよ︕
un, ittemo ii desu yo!
Sure, go a head!

3. それを⾷べてもいいですか。
sore o tabetemo ii desu ka?
Can I eat that?

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4. 私も⼀緒に⾏っていい︖
watashi mo isshoni itte ii?
Can I go with you?

5. ここに座ってもいいですか︖
koko ni suwattemo ii desu ka?
Is it OK if I sit here?

6. ⼀つ質問を聞いていいですか︖
hitotsu shitsumon o kiite ii desu ka?
Do you mind if I ask you a question?

7. あなたと⼀緒に⾏ってもいいですよ。
anata to isshoni ittemo ii desu yo.
I don't mind going with you.

8. 今話してもいいですか。
ima hanashi temo ii desu ka?
Can you talk now?

9. わざわざ家に来なくてもいいですよ。
wazawaza ie ni konaku temo ii desu yo.
You don't need to bother coming all the way to my home.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 と

Meaning How To Use

and; with; as; connecting particle phrase と

Learn Japanese grammar: と (to). Meaning: the connecting particle と can be used to combine multiple
things. Ex) and; together with.

Example A) と – and

⽇本語と英語を話します。
nihongoto eigo o hanashimasu.
I speak Japanese and English.

Example B) と – with

友だちと⾏く。
tomodachi to iku.
I will go with a friend.

Example Sentences

1. お⺟さんと買い物に⾏った。
okaasan to kaimono ni itta.
I went shopping with my mom.

2. 彼⼥と仲がいいです。
kanojo to naka ga ii desu.
She and I get along well.

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3. あなたと話したくない。
anata to hanashi takunai.
I don't want to talk to you.

4. これとそれは違います。
kore to sore wa chigaimasu.
This and that are different.

5. 彼はベトナム⼈と結婚している。
kare wa betonamu jin to kekkon shiteiru.
He's married to a Vietnamese person.

6. ⽝と遊ぶのが⼤好きです。
inu to asobu no ga daisuki desu.
I love playing with dogs.

7. 飲み物と⾷べ物禁⽌。
nomimono to tabemono kinshi.
No food or drink.

8. 私はいつもそこでハンバーガーとフライドポテトを⾷べます。
watashi wa itsumo soko de hanbaagaa to furaido poteto o tabemasu.
I always eat a burger and fries there.

9. 明⽇同僚と⾷事に⾏く予定です。
ashita douryou to shokuji ni iku yotei desu.
Tomorrow I plan on going out to eat with my coworkers.

10. ⾼校時代にクラスメイトと連絡をとっていますか。
koukou jidai no kurasumeito to renraku o totteimasu ka?
Are you staying in touch with your high school friends?

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 とき

Meaning How To Use

when; at this time Verb (casual form)

Noun + の
とき
な-adjective + な

い-adjective + い

Learn Japanese grammar: 時 【とき】(toki). Meaning: when; at this time.

It is mainly written in hiragana, but sometimes the kanji version 時 is also used.

It can be used in both present and past tense.

⾏く とき (iku toki) when I go.

⾏った とき (itta toki) when I went.

Example Sentences

1. 分からないときは、早く先⽣に聞きましょうね。
wakaranai toki wa, hayaku sensei ni kikimashou ne.
Whenever you don't understand, hurry up and ask the teacher.

2. 道を渡るとき、⾞に気をつけてください。
michi o wataru toki, kuruma ni ki o tsukete kudasai.
When crossing the street, be careful with the cars.

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3. 時間がないときは、朝ごはんを⾷べません。
jikan ga nai toki wa, asagohan o tabemasen.
When I have no time, I don't eat breakfast.

4. 体の調⼦が悪いとき、温かいお茶を飲みます。
karada no choushi ga warui toki, atatakai ocha o nomimasu.
When I'm not feeling well, I drink warm tea.

5. 眠いとき、いつもチョコレートを⾷べます。
nemui toki, itsumo chokoreeto o tabemasu.
I always eat chocolate whenever I'm feeling sleepy.

6. 図書館で本を借りる時、カードがいります。
toshokan de hon wo kariru toki, kaado ga irimasu.
When you borrow a book from the library, you need a card.

7. 妻が病気のとき、会社を休みました。
tsuma ga byouki no toki, kaisha o yasumimashita.
I took work off when my wife was feeling sick

8. 暇なとき、ユーチューブを⾒ます。
hima na toki, yuuchuubu o mimasu.
I watch Youtube when I have free time.

9. 中学⽣のとき、初めて⽇本に来ました。
chuugakusei no toki, hajimete nihon ni kimashita.
I first came to Japan when I was a middle school student.

10. 晩ごはんを⾷べるとき、いつも⽜乳を飲みます。
bangohan o taberu toki, itsumo gyuunyuu o nomimasu.
I always drink milk when I eat dinner.

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 とても

Meaning How To Use

very; awfully; exceedingly とても + Adjective / Verb

Learn Japanese grammar: とても (totemo). Meaning: very; awfully; exceedingly.

Example Sentences

1. 今⽇はとても暑いですね。
kyou wa totemo atsui desu ne.
Today is very hot, isn't it?

2. 1⽉と２⽉はとても寒いです。
ichigatsu to nigatsu wa totemo samui desu.
ichi gatsu to nigatsu wa totemo samui desu.

3. このカレーはとても⾟いですね。
kono karee wa totemo karai desu ne.
This curry is very spicy!

4. 彼らはとても似ている。
karera wa totemo niteiru.
They look very alike.

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5. 両親のことをとても愛している。
ryoushin no koto o totemo aishiteiru.
I really love my parents.

6. 昨⽇⾒た映画はとても⾯⽩かった。
kinou mita eiga wa totemo omoshirokatta.
The movie I watched yesterday was very interesting.

7. この本、とても⾯⽩いですよ。読んだ⽅がいい。
kono hon, totemo omoshiroi desu yo. yonda hou ga ii.
This book is very interesting. You should give it a read.

8. 彼はとても疲れているように⾒える。
kare wa totemo tsukareteiru you ni mieru.
He looks very tired.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 つもり

Meaning How To Use

plan to ~; intend to ~ つもりだ

Verb (dictionary form) つもりです
Verb (ない form) つもりはない
つもりはありません

Learn Japanese grammar: つもり (tsumori). Meaning: used to express that you are planning / intending
to do something.

Let’s look at a basic example:

今夜カラオケへ⾏くつもりだ。

konya karaoke e iku tsumori da.

I’m planning to go to karaoke tonight.

Example Sentences

1. 今⽇はラーメンを⾷べるつもりだ。
kyou wa raamen o taberu tsumori da.
Today, I plan to eat ramen.

2. あなたたちも⾏くつもりですか︖
anatatachi mo iku tsumori desu ka?
Are you guys also planning to go?

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3. ⼤学に⼊って⽇本語を勉強するつもりです。
daigaku ni haitte nihongo o benkyou suru tsumori desu.
I plan on studying Japanese once I enter university

4. 何度聞かれても、あなたに教えるつもりはありません。
nando kikaretemo, anata ni oshieru tsumori wa arimasen.
No matter how many times you ask, I have no plans to tell you.

5. いつ⽇本に留学するつもりなの︖
itsu nihon ni ryuugaku suru tsumori nano?
When do you plan on studying abroad in Japan?

6. ばれたら、どうするつもり︖
baretara, dou suru tsumori?
What are you planning to do if you get caught?

7. ごめんなさい︕あなたを傷つけるつもりはなかったんです。
gomennasai! anata o kizutsukeru tsumori wa nakatta desu.
I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you.

8. もしJLPTに受かったら⽇本の会社で働くつもりだ。
moshi JLPT ni ukattara nihon no kaisha de hataraku tsumori da.
I plan to work at a Japanese company if I pass the JLPT.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 は

Meaning How To Use

topic marker See below

Learn Japanese grammar: は (wa). Meaning: the particle は follows the topic the speaker is talking about,
thus is known as the “topic marker” particle.

The most common and easy-to-use pattern is:

[A]は[B]です。
A wa B desu.
A is B.

There are many other patterns, so let’s practice with some more example sentences!

Example Sentences

1. 私はジョンです。
watashi wa jon desu.
"I" am John.

2. それは⾯⽩い。
sore wa omoshiroi.
"that" is interesting.

3. 今⽇は電⾞で来ました。
kyou wa densha de kimashita.
"today" I came by train.

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4. ⾦曜⽇は空いていますか︖
kinyoubi wa aiteimasu ka?
How about "Friday", are you free?

5. 運動をするのは嫌です。
undou o suru no wa iya desu.
I hate "exercising".

6. 好きな⾷べ物は何ですか︖
suki na tabemono wa nan desu ka?
What kind of "food" do you like?

7. 私の⼤学はその駅の近くにある。
watashi no daigaku wa sono eki no chikaku ni aru.
My university is near that station.

8. 彼を説得するのは不可能だった。
kare o settoku suru no wa fukanou datta.
We found it impossible to "persuade him".

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 は〜より・・・です

Meaning How To Use

[A] is more ~ than [B] Noun-1 + は + Noun-2 + より + Adj +です

Learn Japanese grammar: は〜より・・・です (wa ~yori… desu). Meaning: [A] is more ~ than [B].
Comparing 2 nouns. Emphasizes noun-1 [A] as being greater than noun-2 [B].

Example Sentences

1. 本は映画より⾯⽩いです。
hon wa eiga yori omoshiroi desu.
Books are more interesting than movies.

2. 今⽇は昨⽇より忙しいです。
kyou wa kinou yori isogashii desu.
Today is busier than yesterday.

3. 電⾞はバスより速いです。
densha wa basu yori hayai desu.
Trains are faster than buses.

4. アメリカ⼈は⽇本⼈より背が⾼いです。
amerika jin wa nihon jin yori se ga takai.
American's are taller than Japanese.

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5. 北海道は台湾より⼤きいです。
hokkaidou wa taiwan yori ookii desu.
Hokkaido is bigger than Taiwan.

6. エベレスト⼭は富⼠⼭より⾼いです。
eberesutosan wa fujisan yori takai desu.
Mt. Everest is taller than Mt. Fuji

7. 漢字はカタカナより難しいです。
kanji wa katakana yori muzukashii desu.
Kanji is more difficult than katakana.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 はどうですか

Meaning How To Use

how about; how is Noun はどうですか

Learn Japanese grammar: はどうですか (wa dou desu ka). Meaning: how about; how is.

This pattern is to ask about the listener’s impression or opinion about something.

Example Sentences

1. 明⽇はどうですか。
ashita wa dou desu ka?
How about tomorrow?

2. ⽇本はどうですか︖
nihon wa dou desu ka?
How do you like Japan?

3. 天気はどうですか。
tenki wa dou desu ka.
How is the weather?

4. 買い物に⾏くのはどうですか。
kaimono ni iku no wa dou desu ka.
What do you say to going shopping?

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5. ⽇本語の勉強はどうですか。
nihongo no benkyou wa dou desu ka.
How are your Japanese studies going?

6. 私の⽇本語の発⾳はどうですか︖
watashi no nihongo no hatsuon wa dou desu ka?
How is my Japanese pronunciation?

7. 新しい学校はどうですか。友だちができましたか︖
atarashii gakkou wa dou desu ka. tomodachi ga dekimashita ka.
How is the new school? Have you made any friends?

8. 最近仕事のほうはどうですか︖
saikin shigoto no hou wa dou desu ka?
How has work been going lately?

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 や

Meaning How To Use

and; or; connecting particle Noun + や + Noun

Learn Japanese grammar: や (ya). Meaning: and; or; connecting particle. The particle や is used to list
multiple things and imply there are other items that could be included in the list.

It is very similar to the grammar と (to), which also means “and”. The main difference being と only lists
the actual items listed, and や implies the listed items are not complete.

Example Sentences

1. 毎朝、パンやベーコンなどを⾷べています。
mai asa, pan ya beekon nado wo tabeteimasu.
Every morning I eat bread and bacon and so on.

2. スーパーで⾁や野菜を買いました。
suupaa de niku ya yasai wo kaimashita.
I bought some meat and vegetables (and so on) from the supermarket.

3. あなたのおすすめの⾳楽や本を私に教えてください。
anata no osusume no ongaku ya hon wo watashi ni oshiete kudasai.
Please tell me your recommended music or books.

4. 電⾞やバスでの旅は好きです。
densha ya basu de no tabi wa suki desu.
I like traveling by train and bus (and so on).

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5. 私はアメリカやイギリスのテレビドラマを⾒るのが好きです。
watashi wa amerika ya igirisu no terebi dorama wo miru no ga suki desu.
I like watching American and British dramas (among others).

6. 冬休みは家族で⻑野や北海道へ⾏きます。
fuyu yasumi wa kazoku de nagano ya hokkaidou e ikimasu.
During winter vacation my family often goes to places like Nagano or Hokkaido.

7. 私は数学や化学などが好きです。
watashi wa suugaku ya kagaku nado ga suki desu.
I like subjects like math, chemistry and so on.

8. 秋には葉が⾚や⻩⾊に変わる。
aki niwa ha ga aka ya kiiro ni kawaru.
The leaves turn red and yellow in fall.

Practice writing your own sentences!

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 よ

Meaning How To Use

you know; emphasis (ending particle) end of sentence + よ

Learn Japanese grammar: よ (yo). Meaning: The particle よ is used at the end of a sentence to emphasize
what you are saying. It is mostly used in spoken Japanese.

Example A) よ

おいしいよ。
oishii yo.
This is really tasty! (you should try it)

Example B) よね

よ (yo) can be combined with ね (ne) to ask for confirmation or agreement.

おいしいよね。
oishii yone.
This is really good, isn’t it?

Example Sentences

1. ⾏くよ。
iku yo.
Let's go!

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2. ちょっと、待ってよ︕
chotto, matte yo!
Wait a second!

3. 元気を出せよ。
genki o dase yo.
Cheer up.

4. 愛してるよ。
aishiteiru yo.
I love you!

5. 頑張るよ。
ganbaru yo.
I'll do my best!

6. 寝る時間ですよ。
neru jikan desu yo.
It's time for bed.

7. 君にいい知らせがあるよ︕
kimi ni ii shirase ga aru yo!
I have some good news for you!

8. ⾞で来る予定ですよね︖
kuruma de kuru yotei desu yone?
You plan to come by car, right?

9. 家まで⾞で送るよ。
ie made kuruma de okuru yo.
I'll drive you home.

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10. 燃えるゴミと燃えないゴミの区別もよく分からないよね。
moeru gomi to moenai gomi no kubetsu mo yoku wakaranai yone.
It's difficult to tell the difference between burnable and non-burnable garbage, isn't it?

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 より〜ほうが

Meaning How To Use

[A] is more than [B] Verb-1 より Verb-2 ほうが ~

い-adj-1 より い-adj-2 ほうが ~

な-adj-1 より な-adj-2 +なほうが ~

noun-1 より noun-2 + のほうが ~

Learn Japanese grammar: より〜ほうが (yori ~hou ga). Meaning: [A] is more than [B].

Example Sentences

1. 私は猫より、⽝のほうが好きです。
watashi wa neko yori, inu no hou ga suki desu.
I like dogs more than cats.

2. 昨⽇より今⽇の⽅が暑いです。
kinou yori kyou no hou ga atsui desu.
It's hotter today than it was yesterday.

3. 彼⼥より、君の⽅がきれいだよ。
kanojo yori kimi no hou ga kirei da yo.
You're more beautiful than she is.

4. ⽇本語を読むより、話す⽅が上⼿だ。
nihongo o yomu yori, hanasu hou ga jouzu da.
I'm better at speaking Japanese than I am at reading it.

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5. 遅く寝るより、早く寝た⽅がいいですよ。
osoku neru yori, hayaku neta hou ga ii desu yo.
It's better to go to bed early than to go to go to bed late.

6. 台湾より、北海道の⽅が⼤きいです。
taiwan yori, hokkaidou no hou ga ookii desu.
Hokkaido is bigger than Taiwan.

7. ⽇本語より英語の⽅が難しいと思う。
nihongo yori eigo no hou ga muzukashii to omou.
I think English is more difficult than Japanese.

8. ⾃転⾞の⽅が⾞より便利だと思います。
jitensha no hou ga kuruma yori benri da to omoimasu.
I think bicycles are more convenient than cars.

9. 家族より仕事の⽅が⼤切だと思う⼈と結婚したくない。
kazoku yori shigoto no hou ga taisetsu da to omou hito to kekkon shitakunai.
I don't want to marry someone who thinks work is more important than family.

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