# Romaji Japanese Grammar Meaning

conditional form; If [A] then [B]

1 ba ば

行けばわかります→It's understood if you go

only; nothing but ~
2 bakari ばかり
雨ばかりふっている→It’s always raining
... or something; how about~

3 demo でも
水でものみますか?
Would you care for some water or something to drink?
I wonder (feminine)
4 kashira かしら
ほんとうかしら→I wonder if that’s true
turns a sentence into a yes/no question
5 Kai かい
あるけるかい?→Do you want to coffee?
I wonder; should I?
6 kana かな
彼はげんきかな?→I wonder if he’s doing well
as many as; as much as; up to; nearly ~
7 mo も
2 回もころびました→I fell twice
don’t ~ (order somebody to not do something)
8 na な
危ないからくるな！→ It’s dangerous, stay away!
such as; things like ~

9 nado など
映画やアニメなどがすきです→I like things like movies, anime, and
so on
while; during; as; simultaneously
10 nagara ながら
歩きながらはなそう→Let’s talk while walking
# Romaji Japanese Grammar Meaning

if; in the case that ~

11 nara なら
それなら問題ありません→If that's the case, then there are no problems
although, in spite of, even though ~
12 nani のに
まだ夏なのにさむい→I’m cold even thought it’s summer
to (do something); in order to ~
13 noni のに
家にかえるのに 2 じかんかかります→It took 2 hours to return home
[A] is [B]; the reason for [A] is [B]
14 Nowa~da のは~だ
朝おきるのはたいへんです→Waking up in the morning is difficult.
and; and what’s more ~ (emphasis)

15 shi し
歩いたしのどもかわいたし、なにか飲みたい→I walked and my throat is
dry, I want to drink something
just finished; something just occurred
16 tabakari たばかり
始まったばかりです→It’s just started it
if; after; when ~
17 tara たら
お金があったら旅行します→If I had money, I would go travel.
conjunctive particle; so; because of [A], [B]...
18 Te/de て/で
このドアは古くてあけられないです→This door is old and can’t open
even; even if; even though ~
19 temo ても
たくさん食べてもお腹がへります→Even if I eat a lot, I still feel hungry.
whenever [A] happens, [B] also happens

20 to と
ラーメンを毎日食べると太ります→If you eat ramen everyday, you're
gonna gain weight
# Romaji Japanese Grammar Meaning

21 toiu という called; named; that ~

この犬はハチという名前です→This dog is called "hachi”

among other things; such as; like ~
22 Toka~toka とか~とか
しゅみとかりますか?→Do you have any hobbies
named; called ~
23 tte って
これはさくらっていう木だよ→This is a food called “Sakura”
 ば (ba)
Meaning : conditional form; If [A] then [B]

How to use
Special formatting rules

Standard format: [A] ば [B]

If condition [A] is met, then [B] will happen.

Ex) このボタンをおせば、ドアがひらきます。
→ If you push this button, the door will open.

Ex) あなたがいけば、わたしもいくよ.
→ If you go, then I'm going too.

Ex) いますぐしゅっぱつすれ ばまにあうでしょう

→ If you leave right away, you'll likely make it in time.

ばかり (bakari)
Meaning : only; nothing but ~

• This grammar point literally means “only” or “nothing but”, and is

often used to express surprise, shock, and even judgement (in a
negative way).
 • It is not always used in a negative way, and can simply be used to say
“only” or express surprise.
• You’ll have to interpret the intended meaning based on the context.

Ex) むすめはテレビばかりみている。
→ My daughter does nothing but watch TV

Ex) かれはおかねばかりかんがえている,
→ He only thinks about money.

Ex) あまいものばかりたべるとふとります。
→ If you just eat sweets you're gonna gain weight.

でも (demo)
Meaning : ... or something; how about~

This can be used to suggest something as a possible option or solution. In this case, it is
very similar to the phrase “would you care for…”

Ex) みずでものみますか？
→ Would you care for some water or something to drink?

Ex) さむいから、あたたかいものでものみませんか。
→ It’s a bit cold so why don’t we get something warm to drink?

Ex) ばんごはんならサラダでもつくりましょうか？
→ Shall I make a salad for dinner?
 かしら (ka shira)
Meaning : I wonder (feminine)

• This is either used to:

o ask a question
o show you are thinking about something
• It is mostly used by female speakers.
• It is similar to かな

Ex) ほんとうかしら
→ I wonder if that's true.

Ex) だれかしら
→ I wonder who that is.

Ex) あしたはあめかしら。
→ I wonder if it will rain tomorrow.

かい (kai)
Meaning : turns a sentence into a yes/no

question

This is more casual Japanese and is most often used with children or with girlfriends.

Ex) あるけるかい？
→ Can you walk?
Ex) いっしょにくるかい?
→Do you want to come along?

かな (kana)
Meaning ：I wonder; should I?

かな (kana) basically means “I wonder”, and is mostly used to:

• contemplate doing something

• wonder if something will happen

There are also many other subtle meanings which could be implied based on
context, including:

• expressing doubt and asking advice

• expressing hope
• offering an opinion
• making a suggestion
• asking a small favor
• expressing desire or intention

Ex) かのじょはげんきかな。
→ I wonder if she's doing well.

Ex) もうたべていいかな。
→I wonder if it's OK to start eating.

Ex) いっしょにえいがをみるのはどうかな？
→ What do you think about going to see a movie together?
 も (mo)
Meaning : as many as; as much as; up to; nearly ~

This can only be used with something that is measurable, like a number or
time. The respective counter must also be used between that and も.

Ex) どようびは 12 じかんもねてしまいました。

→ On Saturday I slept for nearly 12 hours.

Ex) どうしたの？にじかんもえきでまっていたよ。
→ What happened? I waited at the train station for nearly 2 hours..

Ex) あめはもうみっかもふっています
→ It's been raining for nearly 3 days now.

な (na)
Meaning : don’t ~ (order somebody to not do

something)

Ex) よるごはんのまえにデザートをたべるな! → Don't eat dessert before dinner!

Ex) ここはあぶないからくるな！
→ It's dangerous here, so stay away!

Ex) はなすな!
→ Don’t speak!
 など (nado)
Meaning : such as; things like ~

The particle "など" (nado) in Japanese is used to indicate inclusion or addition, similar to
phrases like "and so on" or "etc." in English. It implies that there are other similar items or
examples not explicitly mentioned but included in the same category. Here's an example:

・ほんやざっしなどをよむのがすきです。

(I like reading books, magazines, etc.)

・あにのへやにはラジオやテレビなどがたくさんあります

→ In my older brother's room, he has a lot of things like a radio, tv, etc..

In this sentence, "など" is used after "本や雑誌" (books and magazines) to

indicate that there are other things related to reading that the speaker likes,
though they are not specifically listed.

ながら (nagara)
Meaning ︰ while; during; as; simultaneously

• ながら (nagara) is used to show simultaneous actions.

o [A]ながら[B] (to do B while doing A)
o It can be used to express 2 things happening at the exact same
moment, or more broad.
▪ “I watch TV while I eat” (exact time)
▪ “I work full time while going to school” (more broad)
 • NOTE*
o It cannot be used with verbs related to time.

Ex) はなしをききながらメモします。

→ I took notes while listening to the story.

Ex) おんがくをききながらりょうりします。

→ I listen to music while I cook

なら (nara)
Meaning : if; in the case that ~

The particle "なら" (nara) in Japanese is used to express conditional or hypothetical situations.
It is often translated as "if" or "in the case of" in English. Here's how it works:

・Conditional Usage: It's used to express a condition or hypothesis. Example:

もし雨がふるなら、かさをもって行きます。(If it rains, I will bring an

umbrella.)

・Comparative Usage: It's used to compare different options or possibilities.

Example:

コーヒーなら飲めますが、紅茶は苦手です。(I can drink coffee, but I don't

like tea.)

・Emphasis on Contrast: It's used to emphasize a contrast or difference

between options. Example:

彼ならしんじられる。

(I can trust him, at least.)

のに (noni)
Meaning ︰although, in spite of, even though ~

The particle "のに" (noni) in Japanese has several uses, but its primary function

is to indicate a contrast between two clauses. It can be translated in various

ways depending on the context, including "although," "despite," "even though,"
or "but."

• Contrasting Expectation with Reality:

彼はべんきゅうしたのにしけんにおちた。

(He studied hard, but failed the exam.)

• Expressing Disappointment or Frustration:

やくそくの時間に遅れたのに、彼からのれんらくはない。

(He was late for our appointment, and yet there was no communication from
him.)
• Expressing Surprise or Unexpectedness:

疲れているのに、元気そうですね。

(You seem energetic even though you're tired.)

• Expressing Contradiction or Irony:

彼女は犬が好きなのに、犬アレルギーだそうです。

(She claims to like dogs, but she seems to have a dog allergy.)
In each case, "のに" highlights a contrast between the expectation or assumption
and the reality of the situation, adding depth to the sentence and conveying
nuances of emotion or circumstance.
 のは〜です (nowa~da)
Meaning ︰[A] is [B]; the reason for [A] is [B]

This can be used to express 2 different meanings:

1. The reason for [A] is [B].

2. Doing [A] is [B].

Ex) まいにち、あたらしいたんごをおぼえるのはたいへんです。

→ It is difficult to memorize new vocabulary every day

Ex) わたしたちはけっこんをきめたのはこどもができたからです。

→ We decided to get married because we were going to have a baby,

Ex) このメンバーのなかにどくしんなのはたなかさんだけです

→From these members, the only one who is single is Tanaka.

し (shi)
Meaning : and; and what’s more ~ (emphasis)

• Say “and” to list multiple verbs, nouns, or adjectives.

• To list 2 different things to highlight the contrast.
• To give a reason leading to a conclusion.
• To emphasize your point as a sentence ending particle.
Ex) このコートはいろがきれいだし、すきなデザインだし。かいたいですよ

→ This coat has a beautiful color and I like the design. I really want to buy it.

Ex) かれはべんきょうができるしスポーツもじょうずだし、わたしのすきなタイプだ

→ He's smart and good at sports, definitely my type.

Ex) あめがふっているし、もうかえります

→ It's raining, so I'm gonna just head home.

たばかり (ta bakari)

Meaning : just finished; something just occurred

The particle "たばかり" (tabakari) in Japanese is used to express that an action has just been
completed or that a certain state has just been reached. It indicates that the action or state
occurred in the recent past. Here's how it works:

Ex A) Just ended

ゲームはおわったばかりだよ。

The game just ended!

Ex B) Just occurred / started

いまはじまったばかりです。

It’s only just started now.

 たら (tara)
Meaning ︰if; after; when ~

The particle "たら" (tara) in Japanese is used to indicate a conditional relationship

between two events or actions. It typically implies a sense of "if" or "when" in English,

depending on the context. Here are the main ways "たら" is used:

・Expressing Future Conditional:

あさごはんをたべたらでかけましょう。(If/When you eat breakfast, let's go

out.)

・Habitual Actions in the Past:

おかしをかったらすぐたべた。(if I bought candy, I would eat it right away.)

・Expressions of Supposition or Hypothetical Situations:

このほんがおもしろかったらほかのほんもかおう。

(If this book is interesting, let's try reading other books too.)

In each usage, "たら" sets up a condition or situation upon which another action or
event depends. It's a versatile particle used in both spoken and written Japanese.
 て / で (te / de)
Meaning ︰ conjunctive particle; so; because of [A], [B]...

The particle "て" (te) in Japanese is one of the most versatile and commonly used

particles. It serves multiple purposes, including forming verb conjugations, connecting

phrases, indicating means or method, expressing reasons or causes, and more. Here

are some of the main functions of the particle "て":

・Connecting Verbs or Adjectives in a Series:

寝て起きたら、ずつうがなくなっていた。(nete okitara, zutsū ga

nakunatteita) - When I slept and woke up, the headache was gone.

・Indicating the Means or Method of Doing Something:

でんしゃで行きます。(densha de ikimasu) - I will go by train.

・Expressing Reasons, Causes, or Conditions:

寒くて、外に出たくないです。(samukute, soto ni detakunai desu) - It's cold,

so I don't want to go outside.

・Requesting or Giving Commands:

待ってください。(matte kudasai) - Please wait.

The "て" form is fundamental in Japanese grammar and is used extensively in various
contexts. Its usage is essential for constructing complex sentences and conveying
nuanced meanings.

ても (temo)
Meaning ︰even; even if; even though ~

The particle "ても" (temo) in Japanese is used to express concession or permission,

indicating that even if a certain condition or situation occurs, the action or state
described in the main clause still holds true. It can be translated into English as "even
if," "although," or "even though." Here are some examples of its usage:

• Expressing Concession:

雨がふっても、でかけます。

(Even if it rains, I will go out.)

• Expressing Hypothetical Situations:

彼が来ても来なくても、私たちはパーティーをします。

(Whether he comes or not, we will have a party.)

• Permission or Allowance:

遅くなってもいいですか？

(Is it okay if I'm late?)

お金がなくても、楽しめるばしょをさがします。

(Even if we don't have money, we'll look for a place to enjoy.)

• Expressing Uncertainty or Hypothetical Conditions:
In each case, "ても" emphasizes that the action or state described in the main
clause remains true or valid despite the condition stated in the subordinate

と (to)
Meaning : whenever [A] happens, [B] also happens

The particle "と" (to) in Japanese serves various functions, and its usage can depend

on the context. Here are some of the primary uses of the particle "と":

• Indicating a Standard or Condition:

このくすりをのむと、元気になります。

(If you take this medicine, you'll feel better.)

• Expressing Recurrence or Frequency:

毎日朝ご飯を食べると、けんこうに良いです。

(Eating breakfast every day is good for your health.)

• Expressing Simultaneity or Comparison:

彼女はうたうと、鳥のような声です。

(When she sings, she has a voice like a bird.)

These are some of the primary uses of the particle "と" in Japanese, but there are
more nuanced uses as well, depending on the context and the structure of the
sentence.

という (to iu)

Meaning ; called; named; that ~

Both the kanji form と言う and hiragana form という are regularly used.

Many different meanings of という

This can be used to express many different meanings, including:

1. to be called, said, named, etc.

2. to define something.
3. to emphasize something.
4. they say; people say.
5. relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that).

Ex) このいぬはバディーというなまえです

→ This dog is called "Buddy".

Ex) きのう、トムというひとにあいました。
→ Yesterday, I met a person called Tom.

Ex) あなたにとって日本という国はどういう国ですか？

→ What kind of country is Japan to you?

とか～とか (toka~toka)
Meaning : among other things; such as; like ~

How to use
Verb (dictionary form) + とか Verb (dictionary form) + とか
Noun + とか Noun + とか

This is usually used to list multiple examples, though it can also be used only once with
one example,

Ex) しゅみとかありますか？
→ Do you have any hobbies (or anything else you do)

Ex) わたしはすしとかラーメンとかのにほんりょうりがすきです。
→ I love Japanese food, like sushi, ramen, etc

Ex) まいにち、しごととか、かいぎとかでとてもいそがしい.
→ I'm busy every day with (things like) work and meetings.
 って (tte)
Meaning : named; called ~

The particle "って" (tte) in Japanese is a colloquial contraction of "という" (to iu),

which are expressions used to provide explanations, definitions, or quotations. "って"

is often used in informal speech and casual writing, and it can convey various nuances

depending on the context. Here are some common uses of "って":

• Quoting or Reporting:

あのえいが、おもしろかったって。

(I heard that movie was interesting.)

• Indicating Topic or Subject:

今日って、何があった？

(So, what happened today?)

• Conveying Informal Speech or Thought:

明日って、彼女が来るんだって。

(I heard she's coming tomorrow.)

• Indicating Specific Instances:
この店って、有名らしいよ。

(I heard this store is famous.)

• Shortening "と言って" (to itte) for "said that":

彼は行きたくないって言ってた。

(He said he didn't want to go.)

Note that "って" is often used in spoken language, casual writing, and informal

situations. It may not be suitable for formal contexts. Also, it's important to consider

the context and the speaker's intention when interpreting the meaning of "って" in a

sentence.