JLPT Grammar

JLPT GRAMMAR GUIDE

A

AGEKU、AGEKU NO （～あげく、～あげくの）Grade 2

Meaning: After much __ing... Used only for negative results, such as "After much worrying, I decided to quit my job."

Notes: Same as 'sue ni' but can only be used for actions which have negative results. 'Sue ni' , on the other hand, can be used for both positive and negative things. Ageku and ageku no are the same meaning, but differ grammatically. ageku is a conjunction, used to join two clause, whereas ageku no always comes before a noun.

Example: 両親と話し合ったあげく、学校を辞めることにした。（りょうしんとはなしあったあげく、がっこうをやめることにした。）After consulting with my parents, I quit school.

両親と話あったあげくの決定です。（両親とはなしあったあげくの決定です。）This is a decision that I reached after talking with my parents.

CF: sue ni

AREBA

(see to areba)

　

ATARANAI

(See ni ataranai)

ATTE NO （～あっての）Grade 1

Meaning: It's only possible because of...; If not for A, B would not be possible.

Notes: Comes between two nouns.

Example: 法律あっての社会。（ほうりつあってのしゃかい。）Society is only possible because of laws.

B

BAKARI NI (～ばかりに) Grade 2

Meaning: Because. Always indicates a negative outcome.

Example: 新車を買ったばかりにお金がありません。（しんしゃをかったばかりにおかねがありません。）

勉強しなかったばかりに試験に失敗した。（べんきょうしなかったばかりにしけんにしっぱいした。）I failed the test because I didn't study.

I don't have any money because I bought a new car.

　

~BA KOSO （～ばこそ）Grade 1

Meaning: If only.

Notes: Always used with a conditional form verb.

Example: お金があればこそ、旅行できる。（おかねがあればこそ、りょこうできる。）If only I had money, I could go on a trip.

CF: Koso

BEKARAZU, BEKARAZARU （~べからず、～べからざる）Grade 1

Meaning: Shouldn't; Don't.

Notes: Written only. Old fashioned word that was often used on public notices prohibiting actions. Bekarazu always comes at the end of a sentence. Bekarazaru comes before a noun. Although the meanings are completely different, they may throw in questions where both beku and gatera would be appropriate, but only one would be grammatically correct. Beku comes after a masu form verb, or a gerund. E.g. Hakamairi o suru beku, furusato ni kaetta.

Example: ここにごみを捨てるべからず。（ここにごみをすてるべからず。）Do not throw your garbage here.

許すべからざるできごとだ。（ゆるすべからざるできごとだ。）That matter is something I can never forgive.

　

BEKU （～べく） Grade 1

Meaning: For the purpose of; To ____, In order to

Notes: 'Beku' is the same as '~ngatame' but they differ grammatically. 'Beku' comes after the dictionary form of a verb, whereas '~ngatame' follows the '~tai' form of a verb. Written.

Example: エンジニアになるべく一生懸命勉強した。（エンジニアになるべく、いっしょうけんめいべんきょうした。）I studied hard in order to become an engineer.

D

DAKE, DAKE NO （～だけ、～だけの）Grade 2

Meaning: As much as; As fast as; To the extent of.

Notes: Has no negative form. Dake no is always used before a noun.

Example: お好きなだけどうぞ。（おすきなだけどうぞ。）

Have as much as you want.

できるだけのことはした。I did as much as I could.

DAKE ATTE (～だけあって)

Meaning: As might be expected.

Notes: Often used after sasuga.

Example: 両親がプロ選手だけあって、さすが子供もスポーツ万能だ。（りょうしんがプロせんしゅうたけあって、さすがこどももスポーツばんのうだ。）As might be expected from a child whose parents are professional athletes, he's an all-around athlete.

CF:

DANI （～だに）Grade 1

Meaning: Even; Just. Used for emphasizing the unlikelihood of something happening.

Notes: Often used after 想像 (そうぞう) or 聞く (きく).

Example: 想像だにしなかった。（そうぞうだにしなかった）I never even imagined it.

聞くだにに恐ろしい。（きくだにおそろしい。）Just hearing about it is dreadful.

　

DARAKE (～だらけ) Grade 2

Meaning: Covered in; Full of. Used for things that can be sensed or seen, always has a negative nuance.

Notes: 'Darake' is easily confused with 'mamire'. They are similar, but 'mamire' means totally covered and can't be used for intangible things. You can say both 'chidarake' and 'chimamire' (covered in blood), 'hokoridarake' and 'hokorimamire' or 'dorodarake' and 'doromamire' (covered in mud). You can say 'machigaidarake' (full of mistakes), 'shiwadarake' (covered in wrinkles) and 'kizudarake' (covered with cuts) but not 'machigaimamire', 'shiwamamire' and 'kizumamire'. Both 'mamire' and 'darake' have negative meanings, while 'zukume' has a positive meaning.

Example: 泥だらけ。　(どろだらけ。)　

Covered in mud.

間違えだらけ (まちがえだらけ。)

Full of mistakes.

CF: ~gimi, ~gachi, ~ppoi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~rashii, kirai ga aru

DE ARE (1)（～であれ）Grade 1

Meaning: No matter what; Even if; No matter how...

Notes: Same meaning as 'Tatoe~temo'. Written. Formal.

Example: 社長であれ規則はまもらないといけない。（しゃちょうであれきそくはまもらないといけない。）Even the company president has to obey the rules.

CF: Tatoe~demo

投票は海外に住んでいる人であれするべきだ。（とうひょうはかいがいにすんでいるひとであれするべきだ。）Voting is something that you have to do, even if you live abroad.

　

DE ARE (2) （～であれ） Grade ?

Meaning: It doesn't matter which; It doesn't matter whether.

Notes: Unlike ~u ga/~nai ga, de are can be used in both positive and negative sentences. Always follows a noun or a na adjective. In the case of an I adjective, the form changes to kare. Usually written. After verbs, use ni shiro.

Example: 週末であれ、平日であれこの店はいつも込んでいる。（しゅうまつであれ、へいじつであれ、このみせはいつもこんでいる。）It doesn't matter whether it's a weekend or a weekday, this shop is always crowded.

CF: De are (1), ~u ga, ~nai ga, ~kare, ni shiro

DE AROU TO （～であろうと）Grade 1

Meaning: No matter what; Even if; No matter how...

Notes: Same as 'de are'. Formal. Written.

Example: どんな人であろうと、この映画は楽しめます。（どんなひとであろうとこのえいがはたのしめます。）This movie can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter what kind of person they are.

CF: De are, Tatoe~demo

DE NAKUTE NAN DAROU （～でなくてなんだろう）Grade 1

Meaning: If that's not _________, then I don't know what is.

Notes: Always follows a noun. Written only.

Example: このケーキが世界いちでなくてなんだろう。（このケーキがせかいいちでなくてなんだろう。）If this isn't the world's best cake, then I don't know what is.

CF:

　

DE SAE

(See sae)

DE SHIKANAI（～でしかない）Grade 2

Meaning: Nothing but

Notes: De shikanai is easily confused with de shikanai, as they are both translated in English as 'nothing but'. However, 'shikanai' means 'nothing else', as in "He eats nothing but vegetables", whereas 'de shikanai' means 'merely', as in 'Nothing but a child'.

Example: これは普通の切手でしかない。（これはふつうのきってでしかない。）This is nothing but an ordinary stamp.

CF: shikanai

　

DE SURA

(See sura)

DE WA OKANAI

(See ~nai de ha okanai)

DE WA ARU/DE WA ARIMASU GA （～ではある）Grade 2

Meaning: But, Although.

Notes: De wa aru is only used in written Japanese. De wa arimasu ga is used in formal speech.

Example: 二月ではあるが、今日は暖かい。（にがつではあるがきょうはあたたかい。）It's February, but today is very warm.

二月ではありますが、本日はあたたかいです。（にがつはありますが、ほんじつはあたたかいです。）It's February, but today is very warm.

　

DOKORO DE WA NAI/DOKORO DE WA NAKU　（どころではない、どころではなく）Grade 2

Meaning: There's no way..., It's out of the question, There is no time to...

Notes: Dokoro dewa nai goes at the end of a sentence. Dokoro dewa naku goes in the middle.

Example: お金がなくて、買い物どころではない。（おかねがなくてかいものどころではない。）I have no money, so there's no way I can go shopping.

休暇を取るどころではなく、毎日忙しい。（きゅうかをとるどころではなく、まいにちいそがしい。 Taking a vacation is out of the question because I'm busy everyday.

G

GA

(~u ga ~maiga)

~GACHI （～がち）Grade 2

Meaning: Tend to; Likely to

Notes: Differs from 'gimi' in that 'gachi' describes a general tendency, whereas 'gimi' describes a visible indication of a tendency. For example, 'kazegimi' means a slight cold whereas 'kaze o hikigachi' means a tendency to catch cold.

Example: 遅れがち（おくれがち）

A tendency to be late

留守がち（るすがち）

Likely to be out of the house

CF: ~gimi, ~ppoi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, ~rashii, kirai ga aru

GA HAYAI KA （～がはやいか）Grade 1

Meaning: As soon as.

Notes: Basically the same as 'ya inaya' and 'nari' but 'ga hayai ka' indicates that the speaker was waiting for something to happen.

Example: 社長が会議室に入ったがはやいか、早速会議がはじまた。（しゃちょうがかいぎしつにはいったがはやいか、さっそくかいぎがはじまった） As soon as the company president entered the meeting room, the meeting started.

CF: Ya inaya, nari.

　

GA SAIGO (～が最後) Grade 1

Meaning: Once someone starts something, the person can't stop it.

Notes: Easily confused with ~kiri, but the meanings are completely different and ga saigo doesn't mean 'for the last time'. Always used with past tense verbs.

Example: 食べ出したが最後、おいしくて止められなかった。（たべだしたがさいご、おいしくてやめられなかった。）It was so delicious that once I started eating, I couldn't stop.

CF: kiri

GATAME

(see n gatame)

GATERA （～がてら）Grade 1

Meaning: While; partly.

Notes: Easily confused with tsuide ni and katagata. Differs from tsuide ni in that in gatera, both actions are of equal importance, while in tsuide ni, one action is the main one, and the other action is done "on the way" or "while doing" the more important action.

Although the meanings are completely different, they may throw in questions where both beku and gatera would be appropriate, but only one would be grammatically correct. Beku comes after a masu form verb, or a gerund. E.g. Hakamairi o suru beku, furusato ni kaetta.

Katagata?

Example: 環境がてら仕事で東京へ行った。（かんきょうがてらしごとでとうきょうへいった。）I went to Tokyo, partly for business and partly for sight-seeing.

CF: Tsuide ni, katagata, katawara.

~GIMI （~気味）Grade 2

Meaning: Tend to, A touch of _____, A little _____.

Example: 疲れ気味 (つかれぎみ)　

slightly tired;

遅れ気味 (おくれぎみ）

slightly tired

CF: ~gachi, ~ppoi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, ~rashii, kirai ga aru

GOTOKU, GOTOKI （１）（～ごとく、～ごとき）Grade 1

Meaning: As; Similarly.

Notes: Written, formal. Use 'gotoku' after nouns. 'Gotoku' and 'gotoki' are exactly the same meaning, but differ grammatically. Use 'gotoki' before a noun and 'gotoku' at the end of a phrase. 'Gotoku' is always followed by a comma.

Example: 前に述べたごとく、その計画に反対しています。（まえにのべたごとく、そのけいかくにはんたいしています。）As I said before, I am opposed to that plan.

上記のごとき日程で、明日の会議を行います。（じょうきのごときにっていで、あすのかいぎをおこないます。）As is written in the above program, the meeting will take place tomorrow.

　

GOTOKU, GOTOKI (2) （ごとく、ごとき）Grade 1

Meaning: Like, As ... as ...

Notes: Written. Formal. Use 'gotoku' after nouns. 'Gotoku' and 'gotoki' are exactly the same meaning, but differ grammatically. Use 'gotoki' before a noun and 'gotoku' at the end of a phrase. 'Gotoku' is always followed by a comma.

Example: 氷のごとく冷たい人だ。（こおりのごとくつめたいひとだ。）He is as cold as ice.

１０年は一日のごとく過ぎ去った。（１０ねんはいちにちのごとくすぎさった。）Ten years passed as if it was one day.

彼のごとき富豪でも買えないものがある。（かれのごときふごうでもかえないものがある。）There are some things that even a person as rich as him can't buy.

H

HIKIKAE

(See ni hikikae)

I

IE DOMO

(See to ie domo)

IKAN

(See Ikanda)

IKANDA, IKAN DE, IKAN NI YOTTE （～いかんだ、～いかんで、いかんによって）Grade 1

Meaning: Depending on; On the basis of. Sometimes untranslatable. Sentences like "実力テストの結果いかんで、レベルを決める。（じつりょくテストのけっかいかんで、レベルをきめる。）are easy to translate. In the aforementioned example, "Your level will be decided on the basis of your test results." means 'depending on' or 'based on'. In a sentence like, "実力テストの結果にいかんでどうなるだろう。（じつりょくてすとのけっかにいかんでどうなるだろう。）, however, the meaning is less clear. If we translate it as 'It depends on the results of the placement test, but I don't know what will happen', it means both 'depending on' and 'because of'.

Notes: Written. Formal. Ikande goes in the middle of a sentence. Ikanda goes at the end of the sentence. Ikan ni yotte is exactly the same as ikande and the two can by used interchangeably.

Example: レベルを決めるのは、実力テストの結果いかんだ。（れべるをきめるのは、じつりょくてすとのけっかいかんだ。）Your level will be decided on the basis of your ability test.

実力テストの結果いかんによって、レベルを決める。（じつりょくテストのけっかいかんによって、レベルをきめる。）Your level will be decided on the basis of your ability test.

実力テストの結果いかんで、レベルをきめる。（じつりょくテストのけっかいかんで、レベルをきめる。）Your level will be decided on the basis of your ability test.

IKAN NI YORAZU, IKAN NI KAKAWARAZU （～いかんによらず、いかんにかかわらず） Grade 1

Meaning: Whether or not; Unrelated to; It doesn't depend on; Regardless of.

Notes: Formal. Written. Ikan ni yorazu and ikan ni kakawarazu are exactly the same.

Example: 卒業した大学のいかんにかかわらず誰でも採用する。（そつぎょうしただいがくのいかんにかかわらずだれでもさいようする。）We will hire anyone, regardless of what university they graduated from.

卒業した大学のいかんによらず誰でも採用する。（そつぎょうしただいがくのいかんによらずだれでもさいようする。）We will hire anyone, regardless of what university they graduated from.

CF:

ITARU

(See ni itaru)

ITARI

(See ni itaru)

　

ITATTA

(See ni itataru)

　

ITATTE

(See ni itaru)

K

KA

(See ~u ka ~mai ka)

KAGIRI/KAGIRI NO（～限り/～限りの）Grade 2

Meaning: As long as; Within the limits of; As far as.

Notes:

Example: 生きている限り、彼を許さない。（いきているかぎり、かれをゆるさない。）I'll never forgive him as long as I live.

CF: Kagiri da.

KAGIRI DA （～かぎりだ）Grade 1

Meaning: Nothing but; The height of; Completely. This expression literally means that the speaker is at the 'limit' of whatever emotion he or she is talking about. Eg. Ureshii kagiri. (The height of happiness.)

Notes: Exactly the same meaning as no kiwami but the grammar is different. No kiwami always follows a noun, whereas 'kagiri da' follows adjective.

Easily confused with kagiri. However, they are different both grammatically and in meaning. Kagiri da is used to express the speaker's strong emotion or feeling about something, whereas kagiri simply expresses something that is limited. An easy way to distinguish between them is to remember that kagiri comes in the middle of a sentence, whereas kagiri da comes at the end.

Example: 恥ずかしい限りだ。（はずかしいかぎりだ。）I'm nothing but embarrassed.

赤ちゃんが生まれて、嬉しいかぎりだ。（あかちゃんがうまれて、うれしいかぎりだ。）I'm really, really happy because of the baby being born.

CF: No kiwami, kagiri.

KAGIRI NI （～かぎりに）Grade 1

Meaning:

Notes: Kagiri ni is easily confused with o kagiri ni. They are similar in meaning, but kagiri ni expresses that something is only happening now. O kagiri ni means that something is ending. To better understand the difference, compare these two sentences: Kyou o kagiri ni, 30% offu. (Today is the last day that we will offer a 30% discount.) Kyou kagiri ni 30% offu. (Today only! 30% off!).

Example:

CF: O kagiri ni.

KAGIRU

(see ni kagiru)

KAKAWARU

(see ni kakawaru)

~KAKERU, ~KAKENO, ~KAKE DA （～かける、かけの、かけだ）Grade 2

Meaning: Not finished; In the middle of

Notes: Kakeru is for verbs, ~kakeno is a modifier for nouns (eg. tabekake no ringo, a half-eaten apple) ~Kake da is for ??

Example: 本を読みかけて、寝てしまいました。（ほんをよみかけて、ねてしまいました）

I fell asleep with the book half read.

言いかけ　（いいかけ）

In the middle of saying something.

食べかけのりんご　（たべかけのりんご）

A half-eaten apple

KAKETE

(see ni kakete wa or kara ni kakete

KANARAZU SHI MO ~ TO WA KAGIRANAI （～かならずしも　～　とはかぎらない）Grade 1

Meaning: It doesn't necessarily mean that.

Example: 日本人だからといって、かならずしも寿司が好きだとは限らない。（にほんじんだからといって、かならずしもすしがすきだとはかぎらない。）Just because someone is Japanese, it doesn't necessarily mean that he or she likes sushi.

KANAWANAI （～かなわない）Grade 1

Meaning: No match for; Can't compare with; There is no way (it can be done).

Notes: Negative form of kanau.

Example: 物価が高くてかなわない。（ぶっかがたかくてかなわない。）Prices are so high I can't afford anything.

~KANENAI (～かねない)　Grade 2

Meaning: There is a chance that; _____ is not impossible. Only used for negative results or things you don't want to happen.

Notes: Formed by using the 'masu' form of a verb, removing the 'masu', and adding 'kanenai'.

Example: 一生懸命勉強しなかったら失敗しかねない。（いっしょうけんめいべんきょうしなかったら、しっぱいしかねない。）If you don't study hard, there's a chance you will fail.

　

KANSHITE

(see ni kanshite)

　

KARA ARU （~からある）Grade 1

Meaning: At least.Used for measurement of height, weight, length, etc.

Notes:

Example: そのビルは５００ｍからある。（そのビルは５００ｍからある。）That building is at least 500m tall.

KARA ~ NI KAKETE （～から~にかけて）Grade 2

Meaning: From about (time/place) until about (time/place). Only used for indefinite areas or time periods.

Notes: Similar to 'ni watatte', 'ni wataru', and 'o tsuujite', but is easy to distinguish because there will always be two times or places in the sentence.

Example: 九州から四国にかけて、雨が降るだろう。（きゅうしゅうからしこくにかけて、あめがふるだろう。）Rain is expected from Kyushu to Shikoku.

CF: ni watatte, ni wataru, o tsuujite

KARA NI WA, KARA WA （からには）Grade 2

Meaning: Because; Since.

Notes: Use kara wa after 'na' adjectives and nouns.

Example: 約束したからには、やらなければなりません。（やくそくしたには、やらなければなりません。）

I have to do it because I promised.

KARASHITE （～からして）Grade 2

Meaning: Starting with; Especially. Used to indicate the main or most important reason or example. Similar to o hajime, but karashite is usually only used for negative things.

Notes: Always follows a noun.

Example: かれの下品な言い方からして、すごく嫌な人です。（かれのげひんないいかたからして、すごくいやなひとです。）I really dislike him, especially because of his foul mouth.

KARA WA

(see Kara ni wa)

~KARE (～かれ) Grade 1

Meaning: It doesn't matter which; It doesn't matter whether.

Notes: Exactly the came meaning as de are (2) but differs grammatically. De are is used with nouns and na adjectives, whereas ~kare is used with i adjectives. Usually written.

Example: 遅かれ、早けれしないと行けない。（おそかれ、はやかれしないといけない。）I'll have to do it sooner or later.

CF: de are (2)

KATAGATA （かたがた）Grade 1

Meaning: While. Used to express that one action has two objectives.

Notes: 'Katagata' is very similar to 'katawara', but 'katagata' is usually used more formally, especially for business situations. In addition, 'katawara' is used for things that last a long time, or 'situations', such as being a student, visiting a friend in the hospital, etc., whereas 'katagata' is for actions that can be accomplished relatively quickly, such as taking a stroll, or eating a meal.

Example: お見舞いかたがた、友人を訪れた。（おみまいかたがた、ゆうじんをおとずれた。）While visiting someone at the hospital, I visited my friend.

報告かたがた社長へのご挨拶に伺った。（ほうこくかたがたしゃちょうへのごあいさつにうかがった。）I went ot see the president of the company for the dual purpose of paying my respects and giving my report on my business trip.

CF: Katawara

KAWAKIRI

(see o kawakiri)

KATAWARA （~かたわら）Grade 1

Meaning: While. Used to express that two unrelated actions are being performed at the same time.

Notes: 'Katawara' is very similar to 'katagata', but 'katagata' is usually used more formally, especially in business situations. In addition, 'katawara' is used for things that last a long time, or 'situations', such as being a student, visiting a friend in the hospital, etc., whereas 'katagata' is for actions that can be accomplished relatively quickly, such as taking a stroll, or eating a meal.

'Katawara' is also similar to 'nagara', but 'katawara' usually lasts longer.

Example: 学校で勉強するかたわら、アルバイトをしています。（がっこうでべんきょうするかたわら、アルバイトをしています。(While studying at school, I also work part-time.)

CF: Nagara, katagata.

　

KINJIENAI

(See o kinjienai)

　

KIRAI GA ARU （～きらいがある）Grade 1

Meaning: Has a (natural) tendency to...

Notes: Usually has a negative meaning.

Example: 大げさにするきらいがある　（おおげさにするきらいがある）

a tendency to exaggerate

CF: ~gimi, ~gachi, ~ppoi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, ~rashii

　

KIWAMARU, KIWAMARINAI, KIWAMATTE, KIWAMATTA （～極まる、～極まりない、極まって、極まった）Grade 1

Meaning: Extremely; The height of...; Knows no bounds. Always has a negative meaning.

Notes: Formal. Kiwamaru and kiwamarinai are exactly the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. Kiwamatte is also the same meaning, but is used as a conjunction and is often used with the word感 (かん, feeling).

Example: 失礼極まりない。（しつれいきわまりない。）The height of rudeness.

その映画を見て、感極まって泣いた。（そのえいがをみて、かんきわまってないた。） The film was so moving that I cried.

その映画をみて、感極まった様子だった。（そのえいがをみて、かんきわまったようすだった。）The film was so moving that it made her seem very sad.

不愉快極まる会話だった。（ふゆかいきわまるかいわだった。）It was a most uncomfortable conversation.

KIWAMI

(See no kiwami)

KIWAMI DA （～きわみだ）Grade 1

Meaning: Extremely; The height of...; Completely.

Notes: Exactly the same meaning as kagiri da, but the grammar is different. No kiwami always follows a noun, whereas 'kagiri da' follows an adjective.

Example: 恥ずかしさのきわみだ。（はずかしさのきわみだ。）This is the height of embarrassment.

CF: No kiwami

~KKONAI （～っこない）Grade 1

Meaning: Definitely won't ...

Notes: Very casual. Spoken only. Differs from wa shinai in that it is never used formally. <<check>>

Example: 勉強しないとうっかりこない。（べんきょうしないとうっかりこない。）If you don't study, you definitely won't pass.

CF: wa shinai

KOSO （～こそ）Grade 2

Meaning: Used to add emphasis. Something like the English practice of writing a word in italics to emphasize it. E.g. He always leaves his office at exactly five o'clock.

Notes: The difference between koso and to wa is that koso always follows a noun, whereas to wa follows a plain form verb. Also, to wa only emphasizes surprise, whereas koso is more general.

Example: 今年こそ、絶対に旅行したい。（ことしこそ、ぜったいりょこうしたい。）I definitely want to take a trip this year.

CF: To wa

　

KOTAETE

(see ni kotaete)

KOTO EXPRESSIONS:

(See: koto, koto da, koto ka, koto ni natte iru, to iu koto da, koto wa nai, koto ni, koto kara, koto tote, kotonaku, koto dakara, kotomo, koto de)

One trick for mastering 'koto' is remembering which expressions come in the middle of a sentence, and which are only used at the end. The following come in the middle: koto ni, koto kara, koto tote, kotonaku, koto dakara, kotomo, koto de

These 'koto' expressions always come at the end: koto, koto da, koto ka, koto ni natte iru, to iu koto da, koto wa nai.

KOTO (～こと) Grade 2

Meaning: Used to show that something is an order.

Notes: Written. Formed by combining the dictionary form of a verb, or ~nai'(negative) form of a verb with 'koto'. Be careful not to confuse koto and koto da (1). Koto is used for orders, whereas koto da is used for advice.

Example: 遅れないこと。（おくれないこと。）Don't be late.

いつも遅れる彼のことだ。３時までこないだろう。（いつもおくれるかれのことだ。３じまでこないだろう。）He's always late. He probably won't be here until three.

CF: koto da, koto ni

KOTO DA (1), KOTO DE WA NAI （～ことだ,　～ことではない）Grade 2

Meaning: It's obvious that __ should be done; Should. Warning or advice about things that should or should not be done.

Notes: Expresses the speaker's personal opinion.

Example: 旅をしたかったら、まず英語を勉強することだ。（たびをしたかったら、まずえいごをべんきょうすることだ。）If you want to travel, first of all, you should study English.

CF: Koto, koto da (2), koto da (3)

KOTO DA (2), KOTO DAKARA (～ことだ、～ことだから) Grade 2

Meaning: Knowing...Used to make a guess or an inference based on something one knows.

Notes:

Example: 彼のことだから遅れるだろう。（かれのことだからおくれるだろう。）Knowing him, he'll be late.

CF: Koto, Koto kara, koto da (1), koto da (3)

KOTO DA (3) (～ことだ) Grade 2

Meaning: Used to add emphasis and show how the speaker feels about some fact.

Notes: Often follows adjectives which express feeling such as嬉しい (ureshii), 懐かしい (nostalgically happy), etc. Exactly the same meaning as 'koto ni' but goes at the end of a sentence, instead of near the beginning.

Example: 大学を卒業しました。本当に嬉しいことだ。（だいがくをそつぎょうしました。ほんとうにうれしいことだ。I graduated from university. I'm really happy about it.

CF: Koto ni, koto da (1), koto da (2)

KOTO DA (4)

(See to iu koto da)

KOTO DAKARA （～ことだから）Grade 2

Meaning: Knowing ___; Because. Used when you believe something to be true or think that something will happen based on common sense, general knowledge, or something that has happened in the past.

Notes: Formed by adding 'no koto dakara' to a noun.

Example: 北朝鮮のことだから、次は何を言うか分からない。（きたちょうせんのことだから、つぎはなにをいうかわからない。）Because it's North Korea, you never know what they're going to say.

CF: Koto kara

KOTO DE （～ことで）Grade 2

Meaning: Because. Same as koto kara but more often used in negative sentences.

Notes:

Example: 彼が何か言ったことで、けんかになった。（かれがなにかいったことで、けんかになった。）The fight started because of something he said.

CF: koto kara, koto dakara

KOTO KA （～ことか）Grade 2

Meaning: How ___!; What a ___! Used for exclamations.

Notes: Usually follows adjectives. Sometimes follows past tense verbs.

Example: 何度注意したことか。（なんどしたちゅういしたことか。）How many times did I warn him?!

どんなに嬉しかったことか。（どんなにうれしかったことか。）How happy I was!

どんなに残念だったことか。（どんなにざんねんだったことか。）What a disappointment it was.

KOTO KARA （～ことから）Grade 2

Meaning: Because. Used for origins and causes but not ordinary sentences like寝ていないことから疲れた。（ねていないことからつかれた。）I'm tired because I didn't sleep.

Notes: Don't confuse koto kara with koto dakara. Koto kara is for facts, whereas koto da kara is used for speculation and conjecture.

Example: 明るい子供が欲しかったことから陽子と名付けた。（あかるいこどもがほしかったことからようことなづけた。）Because they wanted a bright, cheerful child, they named her Yoko (literally 'Sun Child').

CF: kara, tokorokara <<check differences>>

KOTO NASHI （～ことなし）Grade 1

Meaning: Without.

Notes: Koto nashi and nashi mean exactly the same thing. Koto nashi is used to turn a verb into a noun whereas nashi is used after regular nouns.

Example: 飲むことなし、パーティは楽しめない。（のむことなし、パーティはたのしめない。）I can't enjoy a party without drinking.

KOTO NASHI NI （～ことなしに）

See nashi ni

KOTO NI （～ことに）Grade 2

Meaning: Used to express the speaker's strong emotion about some fact.

Notes:

Example: 残念なことに、好きなレストランが倒産した。（ざんねんなことに、ざんねんなレストランがとうさんした。）Unfortunately, that restaurant that I really like went out of business.

CF: koto da (3)

KOTO NI NATTE IRU (～ことになっている) Grade 2

Meaning: Untranslatable. Used to express that something is a rule.

Notes:

Example: ここではタバコを吸ってはいけないことになっている。（ここではタバコをすってはいけないことになっている。）Smoking is not allowed here.

KOTO TOTE （～こととて）Grade 1

Meaning: Because. Often used for excuses and explanations.

Notes: Always followed by bad news. Old-fashioned. Written. Formal.

Example: 始めてのこととて、失敗してしまいました。（はじめてのこととて、しっぱいしてしまいました。）Because it was the first time (I had tried it), I failed.

田舎のこととてなにもありません。（いなかのこととてなにもありません。）This area is rural, so we don't have anything interesting. (Set phrase often used at traditional inns in the country.)

KOTO WA NAI (～ことはない)　Grade 2

Meaning: Don't have to.

Notes: Comes after a dictionary form verb.

Example: 怖がることはない。（こわがることはない。）You don't have to be afraid.

早く仕事が終わったので残業することはない。（はやくしごとがおわったのでざんぎょうすることはない。）

KUSE NI （～くせに）Grade 2

Meaning: Even though; But; Although; In spite of; And yet (always has a negative nuance)

Notes: Usually used to complain, or show contempt/scorn

Example: できるくせにやろうとしない。

Even though you're capable of doing it, you don't (even) try.

　

M

MADE MO

(See nai made mo)

MADE MO NAI, MADE MO NAKU（～までもない、～までもなく）Grade 1

Meaning: There's no need to...; It goes without saying that...

Notes: 'Made mo naku' is used as an adverb and comes in the middle of a sentence. 'Made mo nai' always comes at the end of a sentence. Both forms always follow a dictionary form verb.

Example: もうわかった。言うまでもない。（もうわかった。いうまでもない。）I understand. There's no need to say it.

彼女は言うまでもなく一番賢い生徒だ。（かのじょはいうまでもなくいちばんかしこいせいとだ。）It goes without saying that she is the most intelligent student.

~MAI （～まい）Grade 2

Meaning: It is not likely; __ is not expected to; Probably not

Notes: Written. Formal.

Example: 誰も分かるまい。（だれもわかるまい。）Nobody understands.

　

MAJIKI （～まじき）Grade 1

Meaning: Not allowed; Should not be done.

Notes: Written. Formal. Similar to 'bekarazu' but 'bekarazu' always comes at the end of a sentence.

Example:　市民に暴力を振るうとは、警官にあるまじき行為だ。（しみんにぼうりょくをふるうとは、けいかんにあるまじきこういだ。）Using violence against a citizen of the community is something that a police officer should never do.

CF: bekarazu

MAMIRE （～まみれ）Grade 1

Meaning: Covered in ____; ____stained

Notes: Usually used for things that can be sensed or seen, always has a negative nuance. 'Darake' is easily confused with 'Mamire'. They are similar, but 'mamire' means totally covered and can't be used for intangible things. You can say both 'chidarake' and 'chimamire' (covered in blood), 'hokoridarake' and 'hokorimamire' or 'dorodarake' and 'doromamire' (covered in mud). You can say 'machigaidarake' (full of mistakes), and 'shiwadarake' (covered in wrinkles) but not 'machigaimamire', 'shiwamamire' and 'kizumamire'. Both 'mamire' and 'darake' have negative meanings, while 'zukume' has a positive meaning.

Example: 血まみれ　（ちまみれ）

bloodstained

CF: ~gimi, ~gachi, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, ~rashii, ~ppoi, kirai ga aru

MASHITE

(see ni mo mashite)

MEGUTTE

(see o megutte)

MEITA

(see meku)

MEITE

(see meku)

　

MEKU, MEITA, MEITE (めく、めいた、めいて) Grade 1

Meaning: ~like (e.g. springlike).

Notes: Always follows a noun.

Example: 春めくと楽しい気持ちになる。（はるめくとたのしいきもちになる。）When it becomes springlike, people feel happy.

今月は春めいた日が多かった。（こんげつははるめいたひがおおかった。）There were a lot of springlike days this month.

だんだん春めいて来た。（だんだんはるめいてきた。）The weather has gradually become more sprinlike.

CF:

　

MO...~BA...MO/MO...NARA...MO （～も。。。～ば。。。も、～も。。。なら。。。も）Grade ?

Meaning: On top of that; in addition

Notes: Mo...~ba...mo is used with verbs and i keiyoushi. Mo...nara...mo is used with nouns and na keiyoushi.

Example: 九州の夏は温度も高ければ、湿も高くて辛い。（きゅうしゅうのなつはおんどもたかければ、しつもたかくてつらい。）On top of being very hot, the Kyushu summer is hot as well.

甘いものが嫌いなら、肉も嫌いだ。（あまいものがきらいなら、にくもきらいだ。）On top of not liking sweet things, I also dislike meat.

CF:

MONO:

(See: mono da, mono ka, mono ga aru, mono o, mono de wa nai, mono demo nai, mono no, mono tomosezu, mono nara, mono dakara)

One trick for mastering 'mono' is remembering which expressions come in the middle of a sentence, and which are only used at the end. The following come in the middle: mono no, mono tomo sezu, mono nara, monodakara. These 'mono' expressions always come at the end: mono da, mono ka, mono ga aru, mono o, mono de wa nai, mono demo nai.

MONO DA (1) （~ものだ） Grade 2

Meaning: Used to express that something is a rule, or something that everyone knows.

Notes: Always used at the end of sentences.

Example: 学生は勉強するものだ！（がくせいはべんきょうするものだ！）

You're a student so you're supposed to study!

CF: mono dewa nai, mono da (2)

MONO DA (2) （～ものだ）Grade 2

Meaning: No English equivalent. Attached to sentences in which the speaker is expressing that something is a vivid memory for him or her.

Notes: Only used for good memories.

Example: 子供のころ、この公園でよく遊んだものだ。（こどものころ、このこうえんでよくあそんだものだ。）When I was a child, I often used to play in this park.

CF: mono da (1)

MONO DAKARA, MONO DE, MONO （～ものだから、～もので、～もの）Grade 2

Meaning: Because. Usually used when making an excuse

Notes: 'Mono de' is used in the middle of sentences. 'Mono dakara' comes at the end of a sentence. <<check>>

Example: 時間がないもので、準備は整っていません。（じかんがないもので、じゅんびがととのっていません。）Because I didn't have time, I haven't finished preparing.

<<more examples>>

　

MONO DEMO NAI (～ものでもない) Grade 1

Meaning: Not impossible; Not always; Not entirely.

Notes: Used only at the end of a sentence.

Example: 頼めれば、しないものでもない。（たのめれば、しないものでもない。）If you ask for my help, it's not impossible.

MONO DEWA NAI （～ものでわない）Grade 2

Meaning: Used to express that something is a rule, or is something that everyone knows. This is the negative form of 'mono da'.

Notes: Always used at the end of sentences.

Example: 学生は夜遅くまで遊ぶものではない！(がくせいはよるおそくまであそぶものではない！) Students are not supposed to stay out late at night!

CF: mono da, mono demo nai

MONO GA ARU （～ものがある）Grade 2

Meaning: I feel that. Always expresses the speaker's feeling about something.

Notes: Always used in the present tense and never attached to verbs.

Example: この絵には感動させるものがある。（このえにはかんどうさせるものがある。）This picture has something in it that really moves me.

MONO KA（～ものか）Grade 2

Meaning: Used to emphasize that you will never do something again.

Notes: Always comes at the end of a sentence.　'Mono ka' sentences usually include the words "nante" or "nanka'.

Example: こんな店なんか二度と来るものか。（こんなおみせなんかにどとくるものか。）I'm never coming back to this shop again.

MONO NARA （～ものなら）Grade 2

Meaning: If only. Used for something that is impossible.

Notes: Used in the middle of a sentence.

Example: 鳥になれるものなら飛んでみたい。（とりになれるものならとんでみたい。）If only I could become a bird, I would like to fly.

MONO O IU （～ものをいう）

Meaning: What counts; The most important thing

Example: 経験がものをいう。（けいけんがものをいう。）Experience is what counts.

MONO NO （～ものの）Grade 2

Meaning: Although; Even though. 'Mono no' is used for unexpected things or exceptions to things that usually happen. It is similar to 'ni mo kakawarazu' but the speaker is stating a fact, rather than expressing an opinion. 'Mono no' is different from 'kuse ni' because when you use 'mono no', you are not criticizing or complaining about something.

Example: 秋になったものの３０℃もある。（あきになったものの３０℃もある。）Even though it's fall, the temperature is 30 degrees.

CF: kuse ni, ni mo kakawarazu

MO SARU KOTO NAGARA （～もさることながら）Grade 1

Meaning: A can't be ignored, but B is also important.

Notes: Formal.

Example: 失業問題もさることながら、環境問題も大切だ。（しつぎょうもんだいもさることながら、かんきょうもんだいもたいせつだ。(Although the unemployment problem can't be ignored, the environment problem is also very important.

MONO TOMO SEZU

(See o mono tomo sezu)

MUKE NI /MUKE NO/MUKE DA（向けに/むけの/むけだ）Grade 2

Meaning: For.

Notes: 'Muke ni' comes after a verb. 'Muke no' is always followed by a noun. 'Muke da' is used at the very end of a sentence (or clause).

Example: 子供向けの本 （こどもむけのほん）

A book for children.

<<Examples>>

N

　

NAGARA (1), NAGARA NI, NAGARA NO （～ながら、ながらに、ながらの）Grade 1

Meaning: Since; born with. Used to express a situation or condition that is unchanged.

Notes: Nagara and nagara ni are adverbs. <<difference?>> Nagara no is used with nouns.

Example: 生まれながらに視力が弱い。（うまれながらにしりょくがよわい。）He was born with poor eyesight.

生まれながらの障害。（うまれながらのしょうがい。）A handicap that has been with him since birth.

生まれながら、王位を継承する権利を持っている。（うまれながら、おういをけいしょうするけんりをもっている。）The Prince has had the right of succession since birth.

CF: nagara mo

NAGARA (2) （～ながら）Grade 2

Meaning: Although.

Example:　子供ながら、すごく賢いです。（こどもながら、すごくかしこいです。）Although he's a child, he's very intelligent.

残念ながら、負けました。（ざんねんながら、まけました。）Unfortunately, we lost.

CF: Nagara (1), nagara mo

NAGARA MO　（～ながらも）Grade 1

Meaning: Although. Same as nagara (2) but more formal.

Notes: Both nagara mo and to omikiya mean 'even though' in English, but omoikiya refers to a situation which came out differently from the way the speaker expected. It contains the kanji思 (think) to it is easy to remember that it means 'different than I thought it would'. This difference also goes for to wa ie, to ie domo and other words which mean 'even though'.

Watch out for trick questions involving nagara mo and to ie domo. In nagara mo, the subjects of the sentence must be the same. Therefore, both San sai nagara mo hon ga jouzu ni yomeru (Even though he's only three, he can read well) and San sai to ie domo hon ga jouzu ni yomeru (same meaning). However, we can say Kugatsu to wa ie yuki ga futta (Even though it's September, snow fell), but not Kugatsu nagara mo yuki ga futta.

　

Example:　彼は新入社員ながらも、必死に頑張っている。（かれはしんにゅうしゃいんながらも、ひっしにがんばっている。）Although he's a new employee, he works extremely hard.

CF: Nagara

~NAI DE WA IRARENAI （～ないではいられない）Grade 2

Meaning: Can't help __ing. Differs from other 'can't help __ing' expressions in that '~nai de wa irarenai' indicates the speaker's emotional or sympathetic reaction to some condition or situation. Therefore, you can say, 困った妹を助けないではいられない (I couldn't help giving a hand to my little sister because she was in so much trouble), but not泣かないではいられない (I couldn't help crying).

Notes: Same meaning as ~zu ni wa irarenai, but less formal.

Example: くさいからシャワーをあびないではいられない。（くさいからシャワーをあびないではいられない。）I stink so I really must take a shower.

CF: ~te tamaranai, ~zu ni wa irarenai.

~NAI DE WA OKANAI, ~ZU NI WA OKANAI（～ないではおかない、～ずにはすまない）Grade 1

Meaning: Definitely have to; This can't go un__ed. Very similar to ~nai de ha sumanai and ~zu ni ha sumanai, but has a stronger, more positive nuance. An easy way to remember the difference is that sumanai is used by the person who is in the wrong or has the obligation, whereas okanai is used by the person in the right or who deserves or is owed something.

Notes: Written Only. ~Nai de wa okanai and ~zu ni wa okanai mean exactly the same thing, but ~zu ni wa okanai is more formal.

Example: 罰しないではおかない。（ばっしないではおかない。）This can't go unpunished.

CF: ~nai de wa sumanai, ~zu ni ha sumanai.

~NAI DE WA SUMANAI, ~ZU NI WA SUMANAI （～ないではすまない、ずにはすまない）Grade 1

Meaning: Definitely have to do. Very similar to '~nai de ha okanai' but '~nai de ha okanai' has a stronger, more positive nuance. Also, '~nai de wa okanai' is used in sentences written in the active voice, whereas '~nai de wa sumanai' is used in the passive voice.

Notes: ~nai de wa sumanai and ~zu ni wa sumanai mean exactly the same thing, but ~zu ni wa sumanai is more formal.

Example: 彼が悪いのだから、謝らないではすまないだろう。（かれがわるいのだから、あやまらないではすまないだろう。）He's the one who's at fault, so I definitely have to must not apologize.

~NAI KAGIRI （～ないかぎり）Grade 2

Meaning: As long as; Until; If ___ doesn't happen.

Notes: Usually followed by something negative. The negative part is sometimes omitted, but it is always understood.

Example: 雨が降らない限り、ピクニックは行います。（あめがふらないかぎり、ぴくにっくはおこないます。）As long as it doesn't rain, the picnic will be held.

CF:

~NAI KOTO MO NAI/~NAI KOTO WA NAI （～ないこともない/～ないことはない）Grade 2

Meaning: It's not impossibe; I can't say it won't happen.

Notes: Always follows a conditional like 'if'.

Example: 新幹線で行けば間に合わないこともない。（しんかんせんでいけばまにあわないこともない。）If you go by bullet train, it's not impossible that you'll make it on time.

~NAI KOTO NI WA (～ないことには) Grade 2

Meaning: Have to; If you don't A, you can't B.

Notes:

Example: どんなにつまらなくても、基本を覚えないことには上達しない。（どんなにつまらなくても、きほんをおぼえないことにはじょうたつしない。）No matter how boring it is, if you don't learn the basics, you'll never progress.

CF: ~Nai koto wa nai

~NAI KOTO WA NAI

(See ~nai koto mo nai)

~NAI MADE MO （ないまでも）Grade 1

Meaning: Although it's not __, it's still __. Even if it doesn't happen; even if it's not completely. Expresses the idea that although something is not 100%, it has some redeeming qualities, is still useful, or was not a complete failure. For example, "Although he's not good enough to be a professional, he's by far the best on our team.

Notes:

Example: モデルのようにとは言わないまでも、結構美人です。（モデルのようにとはいわないまでも、けっこうびじんです。）

Although she doesn't look like a model, she's very beautiful.

NANDEMONAI （～なんでもない）Grade 2

Meaning: Easy; trifling.

Notes: An idiomatic usage of 'Nan demo nai', which means 'nothing'.

Example: なんでもない問題 （なんでもないもんだい）

An easy problem

NAN TO IU （～なんという）Grade 2

Meaning: Used for adding emphasis, as in What beautiful scenery

Notes: Not a question.

Example: なんという素晴らしい景色でしょう。（なんというすばらしいけしきでしょう）

What beautiful scenery!

NAN TO ITTE MO （～なんといっても）Grade ??

Meaning: Above all (?); After all; when all is said and done; by far the most.

Notes: Used to express that something is the most important or the best.

Example: 日本語をならうとなんといっても漢字を覚えるのが大変です。（にほんごをならうとなんといってもかんじをおぼえるのがたいへんです。）When it comes to learning Japanese, remembering kanji is by far the most difficult thing.

CF:

NAN TO KA (～なんとか) Grade 2

Meaning: Manage to do, do with difficulty, barely, somehow.

Example: 凄く疲れたけれどもなんとか最後までまでしました。（すごくつかれたけれどもなんとかさいごまでしました。）I was really tired but I somehow managed to do it through to the end.

CF:

　

~NARA DEWA （～ならでは）Grade 1

Meaning: '~nara dewa' is used to indicate that there is no other way to do something, or that only one person or thing can do something

Notes: Comes after a noun

Example: これは、彼ならではの美しい絵です。（これは、かれならではのうつくしいえです。）This painting is so beautiful that no one but him could have done it.

~NARI (1)（～なり）Grade 1

Meaning: As soon as something happened, something else unexpected happened

Notes: Similar to 'totan', but there are two differences. The first is that after 'nari' there will always be something unexpected. For example, you could say 学校から帰ったとたん、宿題をしました。（がっこうからかえったとたん、しゅくだいをしました。）As soon as he got home from school, he did his homework. This is a normal thing so we use 'totan'. If something unexpected happened, however, we would use 'nari'. For example, 家へ帰るなり、すぐに出かけた　（いえへかえるなり、すぐにでかけた）As soon as he got home, he went out again. The second difference is grammatical. 'Totan' comes after a past tense verb, while 'nari' comes after a dictionary form verb.

Example: 家へ帰るなり、すぐに出かけた　（いえへかえるなり、すぐにでかけた）As soon as he got home, he went out again.

CF: Totan, ~ka to omou to, ~ka ~nai ka no uchi ni

~NARI (2) (～なり) Grade ?

Meaning: Or. Used for advice, suggestions or requests.

Notes: Toka and nari are the same meaning and can often be used interchangeably, but toka is a little stronger and is used more often. Also, toka is used for giving regular examples, but nari is used for examples in which the there is a nuance that these are just two of many possibilities. Often used twice. Cannot be used more than twice in one sentence.　

Example: テレビを見るなり、シャワーを浴びるなり、楽にしてください。（てれびをみるなり、シャワーをあびるなり、らくにしてください。）Watch TV, take a shower - make yourself at home.

CF: toka, yara

~NARI NI, ~NARI NO （～なりに、なりの）Grade 1

Meaning: Within the limits of my ability; For a ...; Do the best one can.

Notes: Although the expression 'Watashi nari ni' is very common, it should not usually used when speaking to one's elders/superiors.

Example: 初心者なりによくできた。（しょしんしゃなりによくできた。）For a beginner, he did very well.

分からない単語がたくさんあったけど、私なりに宿題をしました。（わからないたんごがたくさんあったけど、わたしなりにしゅくだいをしました。）There were a lot of words I didn't know, but I did the best I could with my homework.

　

NASHI NI, KOTO NASHI NI (～なしに、～ことなしに) Grade 1

Meaning: Without. Often used to describe actions which are inappropriate or are contrary to common sense or accepted practice.

Notes: Written. Formal. Easily confused with 'nuki de', which is translated into English as without, but actually means, 'to set aside something which is usually there'. To understand the difference, compare these two examples:

Arukohuru nuki no paati. (A party without alcohol)

Kotowari nashi ni watashi no mono o tsukata. (He used my things without asking permission).

Koto nashi ni is used when you want to use a verb as a noun.

Example: 問題なし。（もんだいなし。）No problem.

許可なしに帰宅した。（きょかなしにきたくした。）He returned home without permission.

許可をもらうことなしに帰宅した。（きょかなしにきたくした。）He returned home without getting permission.

CF: Nuki de, koto nashi.

~N BAKARI NI, ~N BAKARI NO, ~N BAKARI DA（～んばかりに、～んばかりの、んばかりだ）Grade 1

Meaning: About to __; on the verge of __ing; Seems to be saying ...

Notes: Never used talk about oneself. ~N bakari ni is used for nouns. ~N bakari da always comes at the end of a sentence.

Example: 彼が悪いのに誤れと言わんばかりだ。（かれがわるいのにあやまれといわんばかりだ。） Although he's in the wrong, he seems to be saying that I should apologize.

泣かんばかりだ。（なかんばかりだ.）She's on the verge of tears.

その地域には溢れんばかりの資源がある。（そのちいきにはあふれんばかりのしげんがある。）That area is ("on the verge of") over=flowing with resources.

唇を震わせて、いまにも泣かんばかりだ。（くちびるをふるわせて、いまにもなかんばかりだ。）Her lips were trembling and she seemed to be on the verge of tears.

~N GATAME/~N GATAME NO （~んがため/んがための）Grade 2

Meaning: To have a goal.

Notes: '~ngatame' is the same as 'beku' but they differ grammatically. 'Beku' comes after the dictionary form of a verb, whereas '~ngatame' follows the '~tai' form of a verb. Formal. Written.

Example: 合格せんがため努力している。（ごうかくせんがためどりょくしている。）I'm making a big effort so that I can pass the test.

CF:

NI ATARANAI, NI WA ATARANAI （～にあたらない、にはあたららない, Grade 1

Meaning: Nothing to ____ about; Not worthy of ___.

Notes: Often followed by the words involving surprise, compliments, emotions, or praise.

Example: 賞賛にはあたらない。(しょうさんにはあたらない。) It's not worthy of praise.

NI HIKIKAE （にひきかえ）Grade 1

Meaning: In contrast with...

Example: 私の古いパソコンにひきかえ、かれのはとても早いです。（わたしのふるいパソコンにひきかえ、かれのはとてもはやいです。）In contrast to my old computer, his is very fast.

NI ITARU, NI ITATTA, NI ITATTE, NI ITATTE WA （(～にいたる, ～にいたった,に至って、にいたっては）Grade 1

Meaning: Only after; Things became so bad that...

Notes: Written. Formal. The difference between ni itatte and ni itatte wa is that the wa in ni itatte wa is emphasizing the following phrase. For example Kare ni itatte wa, bi-ru o nijyuppon mo nomu sou da. (He can hold his liquor so well that he can drink 20 beers.)

Example: 長い協議の末、合意にいたる結果となった。（ながいきょうぎのすえ、ごういにいたるけっかとなった。）Only after a long period of discussion was a consensus reached.

熱が４０℃に至って、病院に行った。（ねつが４０℃にいたって、びょういんにいった）Only after my temperature reached forty degrees did I go to the hospital.

死者は１００人にいたった。（ししゃは１００にんにいたった。）The number of dead reached 100.

NI ITARU MADE （～に至るまで）Grade 1

Meaning: From A to B. Starting with A and ending with B.

Notes: Easily confused with ni itatte. Ni itaru made means 'from A to B whereas ni itatte explains the process and the final result. If you see 'kara' in the sentence, you probably need to use 'ni itaru made'.

To better understand the difference, compare these two sentences: Hiragana kara kanji ni itaru made benkyou shita. (I studied everything from hiragana to kanji.) and Sensou ni itatte, heiwa no taisetsusa ni ki ga tsuita. (Only after the war happened did we understand the importance of peace.)

Example:

CF: Ni itatte.

　

NI ITATTA

(See ni itaru)

NI ITATTE

(See ni itaru）

NI ITATTE MO (～にいたっても) Grade 1

Meaning: No matter how bad/serious A was, B still happened/was done.

Notes: Always used for actions which occurred in the past; cannot be used for the present or future. In addition, it is never used for minor things like "No matter how sick he was, he was never absent.

Example: 会社が倒産しそうな状況にいたっても、悲観しなかった。（かいしゃがとうさんしそうなじょうきょうにいたっても、ひかんしなかった。）Even though his company seemed like it was about to go bankrupt, he never became pessimistic.

CF: Ni itatte.

NI ITATTE WA

(See ni itaru)

　

NI KAGIRAZU （～にかぎらず）Grade 2

Meaning: Not only; Not just.

Notes: Always comes after a noun.

Example: 子供に限らず、だれでも楽しめる。（こどもにかぎらず、だれでもたのしめる。）This movie can be enjoyed by anyone, not just children.

CF:

　

NI KAGIRI (～にかぎり) Grade 2

Meaning: Only.

Notes: Always comes in the middle of a sentence.

Example: 今日に限り３０％オフ. (きょうにかぎり３０％オフ。) Today only. 30% Off!

CF:

NI KAGIRU （~に限る）Grade 2

Meaning: The best; There is nothing better.

Notes: Used for opinions, not objective things. Easily confused with ni kagitte. An easy way to remember the difference is that ni kagiru always comes at the end of a sentence whereas ni kagitte is a conjunction and therefore comes in the middle of a sentence.

Example: お好み焼きを食べるなら、大阪に限る。（おこのみやきをたべるなら、おおさかにかぎる。）If you want to eat okonomiyaki, there's no place like Osaka.

CF: Ni kagitte.

NI KAGITTE (1) (～に限って) Grade 2

Meaning: Used to express that something always happens. Always used negatively (but doesn't have to include a negative word like 'not' or 'never'.)

Notes: Easily confused with ni kagiru because they sound alike, but the meaning is different. Ni kagiru means that something is 'the best' whereas ni kagitte means that something always happens.

In addition, it is similar in meaning to koto dakara. The difference is that ni kagitte is always negative, whereas koto dakara can be used in both positive and negative sentences.

Example: 警官は必要なときにかぎっていない。（けいかんはひつようなときにかぎっていない。）You can never find a policeman when you need one.

休みの日に限って、雨が降る。（やすみのひにかぎって、あめがふる。）It always rains on my day off.

CF: Ni kagiru, ni kagitte (2).

NI KAGITTE (2) （～にかぎって）Grade 2

Meaning: Knowing ___, he would never; Knowing ___, it wouldn't. Used to indicate that because of something the speaker knows about the person or object in question, a previous negative statement could not be true.

Notes: Easily confused with koto dakara. The difference is that ni kagitte is used to deny some negative statement or idea about a person or thing, saying that it can't be true because it is something we know they would never do or that would never happen to them. Koto dakara, on the other hand, indicateds that because of something that we know about the person or company's character, another thing must be true. Ni kagitte is always used to deny some negative thing, whereas koto dakara can be used for either positive or negative things. Another difference is that koto dakara can never be used for objects. To understand the difference, compare these sentences: Uchi no ko ni kagitte, uso o tsuku hazu ga nai. (Because he's my son, I know he can't be lying.) Uchi no koto dakara, kono omocha wa ki ni iru darou. (Because he's my son, I think he'll like this toy.

Example: トヨタ車に限って、そんな故障をするはずがないと思う。（トヨタしゃにかぎって、そんなこしょうをするはずがないとおもう。）This car is a Toyota so I don't think it would have that sort of defect.

CF: Ni kagitte (1), koto dakara.

NI KAKAWARAZU

(See ikan ni yorazu)

NI KAKAWARU （~にかかわる）Grade 1

Meaning: Be concerned in; Have to do with; Take part in.

Notes: Ni kakawaru implies that the things being described have a significant relationship, or that one thing has a strong influence on another.

Example: ??

CF:

NI KAKETE

(See kara ni kakete)

　

NI KAKETE WA （にかけては）Grade 2

Meaning: When it comes to...

Notes: Always follows a noun.

Example: 走ることにかけては、だれにも負けない。(はしることにかけては、だれにもまけない。) When it comes to running, there's no one who can beat me.

NI KANSHITE （~に関して）Grade 2

Meaning: About.

Notes: Ni tsuite and ni kanshite mean exactly the same thing, but ni kanshite is more formal.

Example: 彼は日本に関して沢山しっています　（かれはにほんにかんしてたくさんしっています）He knows a lot about Japan

CF: ni taishite, ni tsuite, o megutte, ni kakawaru

NI KOSHITA KOTO WA NAI GA （～にこしたことはないが）Grade 1

Meaning: Of course, __ is good, but...

Notes: Always follows a dictionary form verb.

Example: 美人であるにこしたことはないが一番大切なのは性格だ。（びじんであるにこしたことはないがいちばんたいせつなのはせいかくだ。）Of course beauty is good, but character is more important.

　

NI KOTAERU/NI KOTAETE (～にこたえる、~にこえて) Grade 2

Meaning: In answer to; In response to.

Example: 市民の期待にこたえて、新しいスポーツセンターを建てました。（しみんのきたいにこたえて、あたらしいスポーツセンターをたてました。）In response to the wants of its citizens, the city build a new sports center.

両親の期待にこたえた。（りょうしんのきたいにこたえた。）I lived up to my parents' expectations.

NI MO KAKAWARAZU （～にもかかわらず）Grade 2

Meaning: Although.

Notes: Ni mo kakawarazu is very similar to mono no and is also used in situations where something surprising or unexpected happens. The difference is that when one uses ni mo kakawarazu, you are expressing your opinion about the surprising things, whereas when one uses mono no, one is just stating a fact.

Example: ハンディキャップがあるにもかかわらず卒業した。（ハンディキャップがあるにもかかわらずそつぎょうした。）He graduated even though he has a handicap.

CF: Mono no, kuse ni

NI MO MASHITE （～にもまして）Grade 1

Meaning: Ni mo mashite expresses the idea that one thing is better/more important than another.

Notes: Usually follows 'mae' or 'izen'

Example: 私の問題にもまして、かれの病気を心配しています。（わたしのもんだいにもまして、かれのびょうきをしんぱいしています。）I'm more worried about his illness than I am about my own problem.

彼女は前にもまして、きれいだ。（かのじょはまえにもまして、きれいだ。）She's more beautiful than before.

　

NI SOUI NAI （～にそういない）Grade

Meaning: Surely; Certainly; Definitely; Must be.

Notes: Written. Formal.

Example: 彼は犯人に相違ない。（かれははんにんにそういない。）He is definitely the criminal.

NI SHIRO (～にしろ) Grade ?

Meaning: It doesn't matter which; It doesn't matter whether.

Notes: De are always follows a noun or a na adjective. In the case of an I adjective, the form changes to kare. Usually written. After verbs, use ni shiro.

Example: 日本にしろ、中国にしろ、アジアの国へ行くのは面白い。（にほんにしろ、ちゅうごくにしろアジアのくにへいくのはおもしろい。）It doesn't matter whether it's Japan or China, going to Asian countries is interesting.

CF: de are (1), kare

　

NI SHITATTE (～にしたって) Grade 1

Meaning: Even if, even. Sentences using ni shitatte will always have some negative thing which contradicts, affects or negates the first part.

Notes: Similar to ~ta tokoro de butdiffers both grammatically and in usage. ~Ta tokoro de is used with past tense verbs, while ni shitatte is used with plain form verbs. Also, ~ta tokoro de is much stronger and more negative. To see the difference, compare these two sentences. Donnani ganbatta tokoro de muri darou. (No matter how much you try, it's impossible). Donnani ganbaru nishitatte kantan dewanai. (No matter how much you try, it won't be easy).

Example: 先生にしたって、答えられない質問がある。（せんせいにしたって、こたえられないしつもんがある。）There are questions that even a teacher cannot answer.

NI SHITE （～にして）Grade 1

Meaning: Even; Only. Used to express the idea that something is only possible because a certain age/level/degree has been reached.

Notes: Always follows a noun.

Example: ５０歳にして、園芸の楽しさがわかった。（５０さいにして、えんげいのたのしさがわがった。）I only began to enjoy gardening when I turned fifty.

CF: Ni shite wa

NI SHITE WA （~にしては）Grade 2

Meaning: For. Shows that something is relative. Ni shite wa is only used when something is different from what would normally be expected.

Notes: Not usually used when speaking about oneself.

Example: ８０歳にしては、若く見えます。（８０さいにしては、わかくみえます。）For someone who's 80 years old, he looks very young.

CF: Ni shite.

NI SOKU SHITE (～に即して)　Grade 1

Meaning: In accordance with; In line with; Conforming to.

Notes: Same as ni sotte, but more formal. Written. Formal.

Example: マニュアルに即して訓練して下さい。（マニュアルにそくしてくんれんして下さい。）We do the training in accordance with the manual.

犯人は法律に即して処分された。（はんにんはほうりつにそくしてしょぶんされた。）The thief was dealt with in accordance with the law.)

CF: Ni sotte.

NI TAERU, NI TAENAI （～にたえる、～にたえない）Grade 1

Meaning: Can bear; Can stand; Can't bear; Can't stand.

Notes: There are often JLPT questions where both ｎi taenai and to ittaranai would be logical (although they have different meanings), but you may have to choose between them based on grammar. To ittaranai follows only 'I' adjectives and nouns, whereas ni taenai is used for dictionary form verbs and nouns. Also to ittaranai is casual and ni taenai is formal. Therefore, in the case of nouns, formal words like kansha (gratitude) are used with ni taenai, but less formal nouns like arigatasa would be used with to ittaranai. Eg. Kansha ni taenai. (I can't help feeling grateful). Arigatasa to ittaranai. (I can't express my thanks in words.) Shiai ni makete, kuyashii to ittaranai. (I can't express in words how much I regret losing that match.) Jiko gemba miru ni taenakatta. (I couldn't help looking at the site of the accident.)

Example: その映画の暴力シーンは見るにたえない。（そのえいがのぼうりょくシーンはみるにたえない。）I couldn't bear to watch the violent scene in that movie.

試合にまけて

CF: to ittaranai

NI TAENAI

(see ni taeru)

NI TAISHITE (～に対して) Grade 2

Meaning: To; Ttoward; For; Against.

Notes: Be careful not to confuse ni taishite with ni tsuite, which means 'about'.

Example: 生徒に対して優しい先生 （せいとにたいしてやさしいせんせい）

a teacher who is nice to her students.

両親に対して反抗する（りょうしんにたいしてはんこうする）

rebel against one's parents.

CF: Ni tsuite, ni kanshite

NI TSUITE （～について）Grade 2

Meaning: About; Regarding.

Notes: Ni tsuite and ni kanshite mean exactly the same thing, but ni kanshite is only used in writing. Also, ni tsuite and ni taishite sound similar but the meaning is very different. Ni tsuite means 'about' whereas ni taishite means 'towards', 'to', or 'for'.

Example: 彼は日本について沢山しっています　（かれはにほんについてたくさんしっています）He knows a lot about Japan

CF: Ni taishite, ni kanshite, o megutte, ni kakawaru

NI TSUKE (1)（～につけ）Grade 2

Meaning: Whenever.

Example: 彼を見るにつけ、私の兄を思い出す。（かれをみるにつけ、わたしのあにをおもいだす。）Whenever I see him, I'm reminded of my brother.

CF: ni tsuke (2)

NI TSUKE (2) （～につけ）Grade 1

Meaning: Whether.

Notes: Always used for sentences contrasting good situations and bad situations. The sentence always ends with an action. Therefore, a sentence like, "Umaku iku ni tsuke, ikanai ni tsuke, kare wa itsumo ureshii desu" (Whether things go well or badly, he's always happy) is wrong.

Example: うまく行くにつけ、いかないにつけ、いつも文句を言う。（うまくいくにつけ、いかないにつけ、いつももんくをいう。）Whether things go well or badly, he always complains.

CF: ni tsuke (1)

NI WA OKANAI

(See nai de wa okanai)

NI WATATTE, NI WATARU （～にわたって、～にわたる）Grade 2

Meaning: Throughout. Shows length of time or duration.

Notes: Very similar to o tsuujite (2) and o tooshite, but only used for things that have finished. O tsuujite (2) and o tooshite are used for ongoing things. Always follows a noun.

Example: 二ヶ月にわたって勉強した。（にかげつにわたってべんきょうした。）I studied for the test for two months.

NI YORAZU

(See ikan ni yorazu)

　

NI YORU

(See ni yotte)

　

NI YORU TO, NI YOREBA （～によると、～によれば）Grade 2

Meaning: According to.

Notes: Always follows a noun.

Example: 天気予報によると明日は雨です。（てんきよほうによるとあしたはあめです。）According to the weather forecast, it's going to rain tomorrow.

NI YOTTE (1), NI YORU （～によって、～による）Grade 2

Meaning: By; At (his request); In accordance with; Under (the regulations); Because of.

Notes: Always follows a noun.

Example: 話会いによって、問題を解決しました。（はなしあいによって、もんだいをかいけつしました。）By talking about it, we were able to solve the problem.

NI YOTTE (2) （～によって）Grade 2

Meaning: By.

Notes: Only used in passive sentences.

Example: この本は夏目漱石によって書かれました。（このほんはなつめそうせきによってかかれました。）This book was written by Natsume Soseki.

CF: Ni yotte (1)

NO ITARI （～のいたり）Grade 1

Meaning: The best; the greatest.

Notes: Formal. No kiwami and no itari mean exactly the same thing and are also exactly the same grammatically. The only difference is that no itari sounds more humble. For example, you might say, こんな間違いをするとは赤面のいたりだ。(こんなまちがいをするとはせきめんのいたりだ。) Making this kind of mistake leaves me completely red-faced. Compare this with子供が生まれることは幸せの極みだ。（こどもがうまれることはしあわせのきわみだ。）Having a child is the happiest thing that can ever happen to you.

Example: ノーベル賞を頂いて光栄のいたりでございます。（ノーベルしょうをいただいてこうえいのいたりでございます。）Receiving the Nobel Prize is the highest honour I could ask for. (Notice the humble language.)

NO KIWAMI （～のきわみ）Grade 1

Meaning: The best; The greatest. No kiwami is also used for praising other people and talking about how happy you feel.

Notes: Formal. No kiwami and no itari mean exactly the same thing and are also exactly the same grammatically. The only difference is that no itari sounds more humble. For example, you might say, こんな間違いをするとは赤面のいたりだ。(こんなまちがいをするとはせきめんのいたりだ。) Making this kind of mistake leaves me completely red-faced. Compare this with子供が生まれることは幸せの極みだ。（こどもがうまれることはしあわせのきわみだ。）Having a child is

Example: ノーベル賞の受賞は科学者として、光栄の極みだ。（ノーベルしょうのじゅしょうはかがくしゃとして、こうえいのきわみだ。）As a scientist, the Nobel Prize is the highest honour that I could attain.

CF:

NOMINARAZU （～のみならず）Grade 2

Meaning: Not only; Not just.

Notes: Same meaning as tada...nominarazu, but tada...nominarazu is not necessarily formal and only used in writing (nominarazu can be used in formal speech). Nominarazu and tada nominarazu are exactly the same meaning. Written. Formal.

Example: 値段のみならず、品質もかんがえなければならない。（ねだんのみならず、ひんしつもかんがえなければならない。）We can't just think about the price. We have to think about quality to.

NUKU (～ぬく) Grade 1

Meaning: Make an effort to finish

Notes: Nuki also means 'without' or 'to take off'.

Example: 頑張りぬいたが結局できなかった。（がんばりぬいたがけっきょくできなかった。）I made an effort to finish, but in the end, I couldn't finish.

CF: Nuki de.

NUKI DE （～ぬきで）Grade 1

Meaning: Without. Although it is translated in English as 'without' in order to avoid confusing it with 'nashi ni' (see the Notes), remember it as 'To put aside' or 'not use' something that is usually there.

Notes: Easily confused with 'nashi ni', which means without. To understand the difference, compare these two examples:

Arukohuru nuki no paati. (A party without alcohol)

Kotowari nashi ni watashi no mono o tsukata. (He used my things without asking permission).

Example: ケチャップぬきでハンバーグを食べるのが好きだ。（ケチャップぬきでハンバーグをたべるのがすきだ。）I like my hamburgers without ketchup.

CF: nashi ni

O

O HAJIME, O HAJIME TO SURU （～をはじめ、～をはじめとする）Grade 2

Meaning: First; Most important; First and foremost; Especially. Used to indicate that the first thing in the list is the most important one.

Notes: Written only.

Example: 田中先生をはじめ、この学校の皆さんのお世話になりました。（たなかせんせいをはじめ、このがっこうのみなさんのおせわになりました。）I Have been helped by everyone in this school, but especially by Mr. Tanaka.

　

O KAGIRI NI （～をかぎりに）Grade 1

Meaning: Only until; This is the last...

Notes: O kagiri ni is easily confused with kagiri ni. They are similar in meaning, but kagiri ni expresses that something is only happening now. O kagiri ni means that something is ending. To better understand the difference, compare these two sentences: Kyou o kagiri ni, 30% offu. (Today is the last day that we will offer a 30% discount.) Kyou kagiri ni 30% offu. (Today only! 30% off!).

Example: 声をかぎりに応援した。（こえをかぎりにおうえんした。）We cheered at the top of our lungs.

CF: Kagiri ni.

OKANAI

(See ~nai de wa okanai)

O KAWA KIRI （~をかわきり）Grade 1

Meaning: Starting with.

Notes:

Example: ツアーは東京をかわきりに（して）、日本中で公演しました。（ツアーはとうきょうをかわきりに（して）、にほんじゅうでこうえんしました。）The tour started with Tokyo and went all over Japan.

O KINJI　ENAI (～をきんじえない) Grade 1

Meaning: Can't help feeling ____. Only used for feelings.

Notes: Written only.

Example: 孤児には同情をきんじえない。（こじにはどうじょうをきんじえない。）I can't help feeling sorry for the orphans.

O MEGUTTE （~を巡って）Grade 2

Meaning: About; Concerning. Usually used for arguing or disagreeing.

Notes:

Example: 環境問題を巡って議論しました。(かんきょうもんだいをめぐってぎろんしました). They argued about the environment problem.

CF: ni taishite, ni kanshite, o megutte, ni kakawaru

OMOI KIYA

(see to omoikiya)

O MONO TOMO SEZU NI (をものともせずに) Grade 1

Meaning: Overcome; Succeed in spite of __; Make an effort in spite of __.

Notes: Not used when talking about oneself. Always comes in the middle of a sentence, never at the end.

Example: 台風をものともせずに、家を出た。（たいふうをものともせずに、いえをでた。）In spite of the typhoon, he went out of the house.

　

~O MOTTE (1) （~おもって）Grade 1

Meaning: Use; Utilize; By; Through

Notes: '~O motte' has two meanings. See the next entry for the other meaning.

Example: 努力をもって、問題を解決した。（どりょくをもって、もんだいをかいけつした。）I solved the problem by making a big effort.

郵送をもってお知らせします。（ゆうそうをもっておしらせします。）We will notify you through the mail.

　

~O MOTTE (2) （をもって）Grade 1

Meaning: At. Indicates time. Used instead of the particle 'de' in formal speech. For example, in ordinary speech, you would say, 六時で閉店します。（６じでへいてんします。）The shop closes at 6. In formal speech, however, you say, ６時をもって閉店します。

Notes: Formal

Example: 本日をもって、研修会を終了いたします。（ほんじつをもって、けんしゅうかいをしゅうりょういたします。）Today is the close of the training period.

~O OITE （~をおいて）Grade 1

Meaning: But; Except. Implies that this is the best or only person or thing.

Notes: Formal

Example: 彼をおいて、できる人はいない。（かれをおいて、できるひとはいない。）There is no one who can do it except him.

OROKA

(See wa oroka)

O TOUSHITE （～をとおして）Grade 2

Meaning: Through.

Notes: <<vs. o tsuujite>>

Example: マスコミをとおして、災害の可能性が報じられた。（マスコミをとおして、さいがいのかのうせいがほうじられた。The chance that a disaster would occur was reported in the mass media.

CF: O tsuujite

O TSUUJITE (1)（～を通じて）Grade 2

Meaning: By; by way of; through.

Notes: Is very similar to, and can usually be used interchangeably with o tooshite, ...Differs from ni watatte in the ni watatte always follows a noun which expresses the duration of the action.

Example: 友達を通じて、聞きました。（ともだちをつうじてききました。）I heard about it through a friend.

O TSUUJITE (2)

O YOGI NAKU SARETA （～を余儀なくされた）Grade 1

Meaning: Be made to; Be forced to.

Notes: Written only.

Example: 退職を余儀なくされた。（たいしょくをよぎなくされた。）He was forced to resign.

　

O YOSO NI （およそに）Grade 1

Meaning: Ignore; Neglect.

Notes: Always follows a noun.

Example: 仕事をよそに同僚と話しこんでいた。（しごとをよそにどうりょうとはなしこんでいた。）Ignoring his work, he talked to his coworkers.

P

~PPANASHI （っぱなし）Grade 1

Meaning: Do something for too long; Leave something on. Always negative.

Notes: Always follows the 'masu' form of a verb.

Example: しゃべりっぱなし。Talk for too long

寝っぱなし Sleep too long

電気が付きっぱなし。（でんきがつきっぱなし。）Leave the lights on.

~PPOI （っぽい）Grade 2

Meaning: ~like; Like a ___, ~ish

Notes: Many people confuse 'ppoi' and 'rashii'. The best way to remember the difference is the words 'otokoppoi' and 'otokorashi'. A mannish woman is 'otokoppoi' - it has a negative nuance and it is describing the woman as having some characteristics of a man, while not actually being a man. A manly man is Otokorashii. He is not being compared to a man, he is a man and has the characteristics associated with being one. '~ppoi' is usually used negatively. Also used for colours. eg. shiroppoi means whitish)

Example: 忘れっぽい　（わすれっぽい）forgetful, 子供っぽい　（こどもっぽい）childish, 安っぽい　（やすっぽい）cheap, cheesy 白っぽい　（しろっぽい）whiteish

CF: ~gimi, ~gachi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, ~rashii, kirai ga aru

　

R

~RASHII (らしい)　Grade 2

Meaning: ~like, like a ___, ~ly

Notes: Many people confuse 'ppoi' and 'rashi'. The best way to remember the difference is the words 'otokoppoi' and 'otokorashi'. A mannish woman is 'otokoppoi' - it has a negative nuance and it is describing the woman as having some characteristics of a man, while not actually being a man. A manly man is Otokorashi. He is not being compared to a man, he is a man and has the characteristics associated with being one. Also means "I heard that" (Ashita kuru rashii - I heard he's coming tomorrow)

Example: 紳士らしい　（しんしらしい）

gentlemanly

大阪らしい　（おおさからしい）

Truly Osakan

CF: ~gimi, ~gachi, ~ppoi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, ~rashii, kirai ga aru

　

S

SAE, DE SAE （～さえ、～でさえ） Grade 2

Meaning: Even, not even, even though, although.

Notes: Exactly the same as sura, but sae is more common. Sae and de sae mean the same thing, but de sae is used after words that express time, situations, and positions.

Examples: 冬でさえ15℃です。（ふゆでさえ15℃です。）Even though it's winter, the temperature is 15 degrees. (situation)

先生でさえ答えられなかった。（せんせいでさえこたえられなかった。）Even the teacher couldn't answer the question. (position)

一円さえない。（いちえんさえない。）I don't have even a single yen.

子供ですらできる。（こどもですらできる。）Even a child can do it.

子供でさえできる。（こどもでさえできる。）Even a child can do it.

忙しくて食事を作る時間すらない。（いそがしくてしょくじをつくるじかんすらない。）I'm so busy I don't even have time to cook.

CF: Sura

SURA/DE SURA （～すら、～ですら）Grade 1

Meaning: Even. Used for emphasis.

Notes: Exactly the same as sae and de sae. Sura and de sura are the same meaning but there is a tendency to use de sura and de sae with 'positions' such as 'child', 'teacher', 'professor', etc. All forms follow a noun.

Example:

CF: Sae, de sae.

~SAKARI （～さかり）Grade 1

Meaning: In full swing, at the height of one's powers, the peak season

Example: 数学者は２０代が活躍のさかりだ。（すうがくしゃは２０だいがかつやくのさかりだ。）A mathematician is at the height of his powers and does his most successful work while he's in his twenties.

　

SAKIDACHI （さきだち）Grade 1

Meaning: To come before, go ahead of, precede

Example: お金さきだちのは家族。（おかねさけだちのはかぞく。）Family comes before money.

SARU KOTO NAGARA

(See Mo saru koto nagara)

SHIKANAI （～しかない）Grade 2

Meaning: nothing but

Notes: Shikanai is easily confused with de shikanai, as they are both translated in English as 'nothing but'. However, 'shikanai' means 'nothing else', as in "He eats nothing but vegetables", whereas 'de shikanai' means 'merely', as in 'Nothing but a child'.

Example: 彼のコレクションには日本の切手しかない。（かれのコレクションには日本の切手しかない。）There is nothing but stamps in his collection.

CF: de shikanai

SHIKARU NI （~しかるに）Grade 1

Meaning: In spite of that.

Notes: Exactly the same as 'sore na no ni' but much more formal.

Example: 何回も思い出した。しかるに彼は忘れた。（なんかいもおもいだした。しかるにかれはわすれた。）I reminded him of it many times, but in spite of that, he forgot.

　

SHIMATSU DA （～しまつだ）Grade 1

Meaning: Finally, on top of that. Used to describe when something bad becomes worse.

Example: 離婚してうえに、首にまでなるしまつだ。（りこんしてうえに、くびまでなるしまつだ。）On top of getting divorced, I got fired from my job.

SHITE MO

(see to shite mo)

　

~SEZARU O ENAI　（～せざるをえない）Grade 2

Meaning: Have no choice but to...

Notes: Formal.

Example: 成績が悪くて、留年せざるをえない。（せいせきがわるくて、りゅうねんせざるをえない。）My grades are bad so I have no choice but to repeat the year.

~SOBA KARA （~そばから）Grade 1

Meaning: as soon as

Notes: '~Soba kara' is very similar to '~totan' and '~nari'. The difference is that '~soba kara' is used for things that happen over and over whereas '~totan' and '~nari' are used for things that only happened once. For example, if you want to say, "As soon as I tidy up my house, my children mess it up" you would use '~soba kara', but if you want to say, "As soon as he got home he went out again", you would use '~nari'.

Example: 部屋を片付けるそばから、子供は散らかす。（へやをかたづけるそばから、こどもはちらかす。）As soon as I get my apartment tidy, the children mess it up.

SOKU

(see ni soku shite)

　

SOUI

(See ni soi nai)

　

~SOU MO NAI （～そうもない）Grade 1

Meaning: It's probably impossible.

Notes: Formed by taking a 'masu' form verb, removing the 'masu' and adding '~sou mo nai'. Eg. 'ikisou mo nai.'

Example: 電車にまに合いそうもない。（でんしゃにまにあいそうもない。）It's probably impossible for me to make the train.

~SOU NA MONO DA （～そうなものだ）Grade 2

Meaning: Expect, should be

Notes:

Example: できそうなものだ。(It should be able to be done.)

SUE NI, SUE NO　（～すえに、すえの）Grade 2

Meaning: After a lot of... Used to describe an effort that was made, and its results.

Notes: Same meaning as 'ageku' but can be used in both positive and negative situations. 'Ageku' is always used negatively.

Example: 晩中書いた末に、エッセイを終わった。（ばんちゅうかいたすえに、えっせいをおわった。）After studying all night, I finished my essay.

CF: ageku

SURA/DE SURA （～すら、～ですら）Grade 1

Meaning: Even. Used for emphasis.

Notes: Exactly the same as sae and de sae. Sura and de sura are the same meaning but there is a tendency to use de sura and de sae with 'positions' such as 'child', 'teacher', 'professor', etc. All forms follow a noun.

Example: 子供ですらできる。（こどもですらできる。）Even a child can do it.

子供でさえできる。（こどもでさえできる。）Even a child can do it.

忙しくて食事を作る時間すらない。（いそがしくてしょくじをつくるじかんすらない。）I'm so busy I don't even have time to cook.

冬でさえ15℃です。（ふゆでさえ15℃です。）Even though it's winter, the temperature is 15 degrees. (situation)

先生でさえ答えられなかった。（せんせいでさえこたえられなかった。）Even the teacher couldn't answer the question. (position)

CF: Sae, de sae.

T

TADA...NOMI (～ただ。。。のみ) Grade 1

Meaning: The only thing. Emphasizes that something is the only thing that is important, or the only way to succeed.

Notes: Formal. Written.

Example: 不正解は、だだそれのみだ。（ふせいかいは、ただそれのみだ。）That is the only mistake.

CF: Tada...nominarazu

TADA...NOMINARAZU　(～ただ。。。のみならず) Grade 1

Meaning: Not just; not only

Notes: Same meaning as nominarazu, but not necessarily formal and only used in writing (nominarazu can be used in formal speech). Written only.

Example: これは、ただ経済的な理由のみならず環境にやさしい商品です。（これは、ただけいざいてきなりゆうのみならずかんきょうにやさしいしょうひんです。）This product isn't just economical, it's also environmentally friendly.

CF: nominarazu, tada...nomi

TAERU, TAENAI

(See ni taeru, ni taenai)

TAISHITE

(see ni taishite)

　

~TARITOMO （たりとも）Grade 1

Meaning: not even

Notes: Formal. Written.

Example: １分たりとも無駄にしてはいけない。（いっぷんたりともむだにしてはいけない。）I can't waste even one minute.

~TA TOKORO （～たところ）Grade 2

Meaning: When I, because I.

Notes: When differentiating between 'tokoro o' and '~ta tokoro', remember that 'tokoro' follows adjectives and plain form verbs, while '~ta tokoro' follows a past tense verb.

Example: 友達のお宅を訪ねたところ、友達は留守だった。（ともだちのおたくをたずねたところ、ともだちはるすだった。）When I visited my friend's house, he was out.

CF: ~ta tokoro de, tokoro

~TA TOKORO DE （～たところで）Grade 2

Meaning: Even if, now matter how...

Notes: '~Ta tokoro de' is used in situations where doing an action is futile. For example, 走って行ったところで、電車に間に合わなかった　（はしっていったところで、でんしゃにまにあわなかった）"Even though I ran, I couldn't catch the train." It is very similar to 'Tatoe demo' and both come out the same in English but the difference is that '~ta tokoro de' always indicates that the action is futile. 'Tatoe demo' may be futile, but is not necessarily so. For example, たとえお金がなくても、いい生活ができる (たとえおかねがなくても、いいせいかつができる), which means, "Even if you don't have money, you can enjoy a pleasant lifestyle".

Example: どんなに説明したところで分かってくれませんでした。(どんなにせつめいしてしたところでわかってくれませんでした。) No matter how much I explained it、he didn't understand.

CF: ~ta tokoro

~TE KARA TO IU MONO （～てからというもの）Grade 1

Meaning: Ever since.

Notes: Always follows a verb.

Example: 日本に来てからというもの、ベッドに寝たことがない。（にほんにきてからというもの、ベッドにねたことがない。）I haven't slept in a bed since I came to Japan.

~TE YAMANAI （～てやまない）Grade 1

Meaning: Unending, never ending. Used when you are offering a prayer for a person, or a strong hope that something good will happen to someone.

Notes: Formal

Example: 長い間拍手がやまなかった。（ながいあいだはくしゅがやまなかった。）The (appreciative) ovation went on for a long time.

早く元気になることを願ってやまない。（はやくげんきになることをねがってやまない。）I will never stop wishing that you will get healthy again soon.

TO AREBA （～とあれば）Grade 1

Meaning: If it's for..., if

Notes: Formal

Example: チャリティとあれば、いくらでも募金します。（チャリティとあれば、いくらでもぼきんします。）

If it's for charity, I'll donate as much as you want.

　

TO BAKARI NI (～とばかりに) Grade 1

Meaning: As if to say. Used to show something that is unsaid through one's actions.

Notes: Always used with plain form verbs or na adjectives

Example: 帰りたいとばかりに時計を見た。（かえりたいとばかりにとけいをみた。）He looked at his watch as if to say that he wanted to go home.

CF: bakari ni, ~n bakari ni, ~n bakari no, ~n bakari da

TO IE DOMO （～といえども）Grade 1

Meaning: Even, no matter how, even the most.

Notes: Formal. Written. To wa ie and to ie domo are very similar and can usually be used interchangeably. To wa ie can always be replaced with to ie domo, but not vice versa. This is because to ie domo has two meanings. The first, 'even though' or 'although' is the same as to wa ie. The second meaning, 'even' (as in 'even a child') is different and it cannot be replaced with to wa ie.

Watch out for words like tatoe, ikani, donna ni or ikura. They usually indicate that the meaning is 'even' and in sentences containing these words (which usually come at the beginning), you can only use to ie domo. Compare these examples:

子供といえども、いい加減にしてはいけない。（こどもといえども、いいかげんにしてはいけない。）Even though you're a child, you shouldn't act irresponsibly.

子供とはいえ、いい加減にしてはいけない。（こどもとはいえ、いいかげんにしてはいけない。）Even though you're a child, you shouldn't act irresponsibly.

Example: どんな悪人といえども、いいところもあるでしょう。（どんなあくにんといえども、いいところもあるでしょう。Even the most evil person has some good points.

CF: to ie domo (2), to wa ie

TO IE DOMO （～といえども）Grade 1

Meaning: But (always followed by some opposite thing).

Notes: Formal.

Example: 生徒といえどもぜんぜん勉強しません。（せいとといえどもぜんぜんべんきょうしません。）Even though he's a student, he never studies.

CF: to ie domo (1)

　

TO ITTARA NAI, TO ITTARA ARI WA SHINAI （～といったらない、～といったらありはしない）Grade 1

Meaning: To be at a loss for words, to be unable to describe in words

Notes: '~to ittara nai' can be used for both positive and negative things, but '~to ittara ari wa shinai' is usually used negatively.

Watch out for trick questions involving nagara mo and to ie domo. In nagara mo, the subjects of the sentence must be the same. Therefore, both San sai nagara mo hon ga jouzu ni yomeru (Even though he's only three, he can read well) and San sai to ie domo hon ga jouzu ni yomeru (same meaning). However, we can say Kugatsu to wa ie yuki ga futta (Even though it's September, snow fell), but not Kugatsu nagara mo yuki ga futta.

Example: 素晴らしさといったらない。（すばらしさといったらない。）I'm at a loss for words to describe its magnificence.

　

TO IU MONO DA （～というものだ）Grade 2

Meaning: No good English equivalent. In most sentences, it should be left out if you translate it to English, but it is sort like "in my opinion" or "from what I can see" or "from what I know".

Notes: Never used with past tense or negative forms. Used for things that happen many times, continuing situations, or people's characters.

Example: かれには失望された。それでは頼りにくいものだ。（かれにはしつぼうされた。それではたよりにくいものだ。）He disappointed me. For that reason, it will be hard to rely on him.

CF: To iu koto da.

TO IU KOTO DA （～ということだ）Grade 2

Meaning: I heard that, It is said that, they say.

Example: 天気予報によると、明日はいい天気になるということだ。（てんきよほうによると、あしたはいいてんきになるということだ。）I head on the weather report that the weather will be nice tomorrow.

TO IU MONO DE MO NAI, TO IU MONO DE WA NAI（～というものでもない、～というものではない）Grade 2

Meaning: Not necessarily, just __ing isn't enough, it's not just a matter of...

Notes: To iu mono de mo nai and to iu mono de wa nai mean the same thing, but to iu mono de wa nai is stronger.

Example: 食事の量を減らすと健康になるというものでもない。（しょくじりょうをへらすとけんこうになるというものでもない。）Just eating less won't make you healthy.

TO IU TOKORO DA, TO ITTA TOKORO DA （～というところだ、といったところだ）Grade 1

Meaning: At the very most

Notes: 'To iu tokoro da' and 'to itta tokoro da' are exactly the same.

Example: 月給は３０万円というところだ。（げっきゅうは３０まんえんというところだ。）My monthly salary is, at most, 300 000 yen.

TOKA （～とか）Grade 2

Meaning: I heard that. Short for 'to kikimashita'.

Notes: Less certain than 'sou da' and 'to iu koto da'.

Example:

TOKA...TOKA （～とか～とか）Grade 2

Meaning: Such as, like. Used when giving examples. Only used for subjective things like expressing one's likes and dislikes, opinion, advice, etc. Similar to 'yara' but 'yara' is used for giving examples of some sort of condition or situation. For example: コーヒーとか紅茶とかが好きです。（コーヒーとかこうちゃとかがすきです。）I like things like coffee and tea. Compare this with: コーヒーやらこうちゃやらがあります。（コーヒーやらこうちゃやらがあります。）We have things like coffee and tea.

Toka and nari are the same meaning and can often be used interchangeably, but toka is a little stronger and is used more often. Also, toka is used for giving regular examples, but nari is used for examples in which the there is a nuance that these are just two of many possibilities.

Example: タイとかベトナムとかに行きたいです。（タイとかベトナムとかにいきたいです。）I want to go somewhere like Thailand or Vietnam.

CF: yara

TOKITARA （ときたら）Grade 1

Meaning: No clear English equivalent. Used for expressing dissatisfaction with something (or someone). Often used for making negative comparisons to something else.

Notes:

Example: あの先生ときたら、教え方が下手です。（あの先生ときたら、おしえかたがへたです。）

As for that teacher, his teaching is really bad.

となりの子は優秀な生徒です。うちの子ときたら全然勉強しません。（となりのこはゆうしゅうなせいとです。うちのこときたらぜんぜんべんきょうしません。）

The child next door is an excellent student. Our child, on the other hand, doesn't study at all.

TOKORO

(see ~ta tokoro, ~ta tokoro de, tokoro data, tokoro o, to iu tokoro da)

TOKORO DATTA （ところだった）Grade 2

Meaning: Almost, something bad almost happened. Always used negatively.

Notes: Often used with 'mou sukoshi de'

Example: もう少しで死ぬところだった。（もうすこしでしぬところだった。）I almost died.

TOKORO O （～ところを）Grade 1

Meaning: When; while; even though.

Notes: Used for apologizing.

Example: お忙しいところをすみません。（おいそがしいところをすみません。）I'm sorry to disturb you when you're so busy.

TO MO NARU TO, TO MO NAREBA （～ともなると、ともなれば）Grade 1

Meaning: when one becomes ____, when ____ comes

Notes:

Example: 春ともなると、桜が咲く。（はるともなると、さくらがさく。）

When the spring comes, the cherry blossoms bloom.

社長ともなると、かなりいい給料をとるだろう。（しゃちょうともなると、かなりいいきゅうりょうをとるだろう。）If you become the president, you'll get a really good salary.

TO OMOI KIYA （～とおもいきや）Grade 1

Meaning: contrary to what I thought

Notes: Not usually used in formal writing or formal speech.

Both nagara mo and to omikiya mean 'even though' in English, but omoikiya refers to a situation which came out differently from the way the speaker expected. It contains the kanji思 (think) to it is easy to remember that it means 'different than I thought it would'. This difference also goes for to wa ie, to ie domo and other words which mean 'even though'.

Example:　彼は新入社員ながらも、必死に頑張っている。（かれはしんにゅうしゃいんながらも、ひっしにがんばっている。）Although he's a new employee, he works extremely hard.

タイガースが負けるだろうと思いきや優勝した。（タイガースがまけるだろうとおもいきやゆうしょうした。）Although I thought the Tigers were going to lose, they won the championship.

TOSHITARA, TO SUREBA, TO SURU TO （～としたら、～とすれば、～とすると）Grade 2

Meaning: Suppose, supposing, if.

Notes: 'To sureba' and 'to suru' to are often used in questions.

Example: １００万円あったとしたら、何を買いますか。（１００まんえんあったとしたら、なにをかいますか。）If you had one million yen, what would you buy? 今週は忙しいので、行くとしたら今日しかない。（こんしゅうはいそがしいので、いくとしたらきょうしかない。）I'm very busy this week, so if I'm going to go, today is the only day.

TOSHITE （として）Grade 2

Meaning: Even, even though, even if, granting that

Notes: '~Toshite' is always used in a sentence with a 疑問詞　（ぎもんし）, question word such as 'nani', paired with 'ichi' or 'hitsotsu' (eg. dare hittori). The pattern for making a sentence with 'toshite' is question word + 1 + toshite + ~nai. It is almost exactly the same in meaning as 'to ie do mo' but 'to ie do mo' doesn't use the 'gimonshi' pattern and is more formal. See also the note on ~toshite mo.

Example: 火事のあと、誰一人として生き残っていなかった。（かじのあと、だれひとりとしていきのこっていなかった。After the fire, not even one person was left alive.

　

TOSHITE MO, ~NI SHITE MO （としても、にしても）Grade 2

Meaning: Granting that, even if, no matter how __

Notes: Same meaning as 'tatoe ~temo'. Similar to '~toshite' (meaning #1), '~tari to mo', and 'to ie do mo' but when you make a sentence using 'toshite mo', you are indicating that the action was useless or ineffective. For example, '勉強するとしても、合格できません。（べんきょうするとしても、ごうかくできません。）Even if I study, I'm going to fail.

Example: 行けるとしても、八時になる。（いけるとしても、はちじになる。）Even if I go, it won't be until 8.

CF: tatoe ~te mo, ~toshite, ~tari to mo, ~to ie do mo

TO SUREBA, TO SURUTO （とすれば、とすると）Grade 2

Meaning: Supposing, if

Notes: Same as ~toshitara

Example: 値段が下がったとすれば、買いますか？（ねだんがさがったとすれば、かいますか）Would you buy it if I lowered the price?

失敗する可能性があるとすれば止めましょう。（しっぱいするかのうせいがあるとすればやめましょう。）If there is a chance we might fail, let's not do it.

TOTAN （～とたん）Grade 2

Meaning: As soon as

Notes: Similar to 'nari', but there are two differences. The first is that after 'nari' there will always be something unexpected. For example, 家へ帰るなり、すぐに出かけた　（いえへかえるなり、すぐにでかけた）As soon as he got home, he went out again. 'Totan' does not have this nuance of being used for something unexpected. You could say, 学校から帰ったとたん、宿題をしました。（がっこうからかえったとたん、しゅくだいをしました。）As soon as he got home from school, he did his homework. This is a normal thing so we use 'totan'. The second difference is grammatical. 'Totan' comes after a past tense verb, while 'nari' comes after a dictionary form verb.

Example: 学校から帰ったとったん、宿題をしました。（がっこうからかえったとたん、しゅくだいをしました。）As soon as he got home from school, he did his homework.

CF: ~nari, ~ka to omou to, ~ka ~nai ka no uchi ni

TOSHITARA （としたら）Grade 2

Meaning: Supposing, if

Notes: Same as ~to sureba and ~to suru to

Example: １００万円あったとしたら。。。（１００まんえんあったとしたら。。。）If I had 1,000,000 yen...

　

TOOSHITE

(see o tooshite)

TO WA （～とは）Grade 1

Meaning: No good literal translation exists, but it is used to add emphasis to a sentence and show surpise. In English, it might be "I can't believe that" or "I was surprised to hear that". Similar to writing something in italics to emphasize it. E.g. He always goes home at exactly five o'clock.

Notes: Always follows a plain form verb.

Example: 優勝するとは、ぜんぜん思っていいなかった。ゆうしょうするとはぜんぜんおもっていなかった。I never expected to win.

CF: Koso, to wa ie

TO WA IE （とはいえ）Grade 1

Meaning: It's called a __, but it's actually more of a __; although _______ is true in general, it's not completely true. Usually (but not always) followed by the speaker's opinion or judgment.

Notes: This is the formal version of to itte mo. The meanings are exactly the same.

To wa ie and to ie domo are very similar and can usually be used interchangeably. To wa ie can always be replaced with to ie domo, but not vice versa. This is because to ie domo has two meanings. The first, 'even though' or 'although' is the same as to wa ie. The second meaning, 'even' (as in 'even a child') is different and it cannot be replaced with to wa ie. Therefore, you can say Shinnnyuu shain to wa ie, tegiwa ga ii (For a new worker, he's very skilled) but not Shinnyuu shain to ie domo, tegiwa ga ii (Even if he's a new worker, he's very skilled).

Watch out for words like tatoe, ikani, donna ni or ikura. They usually indicate that the meaning is 'even' and in sentences containing these words (which usually come at the beginning), you can only use to ie domo. Compare these examples:

子供といえども、いい加減にしてはいけない。（こどもといえども、いいかげんにしてはいけない。）Even though you're a child, you shouldn't act irresponsibly.

子供とはいえ、いい加減にしてはいけない。（こどもとはいえ、いいかげんにしてはいけない。）Even though you're a child, you shouldn't act irresponsibly.

Example: 学生とはいえ、彼はあまり勉強しません。

Although he's a "student" he doesn't study much.

彼女は、美人とはいえモデルほど美人ではないと思う。（かのじょはびじんとはいえモデルほどびじんではないとおもう。）Although she's beautiful, she's not good-looking enough to say she could be a model.

CF: To itte mo, to wa

TSUIDE NI （～ついでに）Grade 2

Meaning: while, have the chance to, on one's way to somewhere, one did something else - 'Tsuide ni' is used to express the idea that while a person was doing one thing, he or she had a chance to do something else. For example, 'While I was on a business trip, I visited my friend's house.'

Notes: It's easy to confuse 'tsuide ni' with 'gatera'. The difference is that with 'gatera', both actions are of equal importance.

Example: 仕事へ行くついでに、郵便局で手紙を出した。（しごとへいくついでに、ゆうびんきょくでてがみをだした。(While on my way to work, I mailed a letter at the post office.)

CF: gatera

TSUITE

(see ni tsuite)

~TSU ~TSU （～つ　～つ）Grade 2

Meaning: __ing and __ing. Used for alternating opposites like 'coming and going' or 'rising and falling'.

Notes: Used with 'masu' form verbs.

Example: マラソンは抜きつ、抜かれつのレースになった。（マラソンはぬきつ、ぬかれつのレースになった。）The marathon became a race where the leader overtook and was overtaken many times.

TSUUJITE

(see o tsuujite)

U

UE DE (1)（~上で）Grade 2

Meaning: for, so that, to ___

Notes: Differs from 'you ni' in that 'you ni' expresses the speakers hope that some action or thing will be effective in achieving a goal or result whereas 'ue de' expresses that something will be useful for achieving an important goal.

Example: よく考えたうで決めた。（よくかんがえたうえできめた。）I decided after giving it much thought.

CF: You ni, Ue wa, Ue ni

~UE DE (2) （うえで）Grade 2

Meaning: '~Ue de' means after doing something, doing another thing based on the previous action.

Notes:

Example: 両親と相談したうえで、決めます。（りょうしんとそうだんしたうえで、きめます。）I will decide after consulting with my parents.

~UE WA (~上は) Grade 2

Meaning: Since, because, now that, once you have, as long as - Because of A, B must be done

Notes:

Example: 約束した上は、行かなければなりません。（やくそくしたうえはいかなければなりません）

Because I promised, I have to go.

CF: Ue wa, Ue ni

~U GA ~MAI GA （～うが　～まいが）Grade ?

Meaning: Whether or not

Notes: Very similar to ~u ka ~mai ka. Both mean 'whether' in English. The difference between them is that in ~u ka ~mai ka, the person is deciding which of the two actions to perform (eg. whether or not to buy something) whereas in ~u ga ~mai ga, it is not necessarily a decision.

Example: 彼が行こうが行くまいが、私には関係ない。（かれがいこうがいくまいが、わたしにはかんけいない。）Whether he goes or not, it doesn't make any difference to me.

CF: ~u ka ~mai ka

~U KA ~MAI KA（～うか　～まいか）Grade ?

Meaning: Whether or not

Notes: Very similar to ~u ga ~mai ga. Both mean 'whether' in English. The difference between them is that in ~u ka ~mai ka, the person is deciding which of the two actions to perform (eg. whether or not to buy something) whereas in ~u ga ~mai ga, it is not necessarily a decision.

Example: 買おうか買うまいか、悩んでいる。（かおうかかうまいか、なやんでいる。）I'm having trouble deciding whether or not to buy it.

CF: ~u ga ~mai ga

W

WAKE NI WA IKANAI （～わけにはいかない）Grade 2

Meaning: Impossible.

　

WARI NI WA （割には）Grade 2

Meaning: for, expresses relative things

Notes:

Example: 彼女は年齢の割には若く見えます。（かのじょはねんれいのわりにはわかくみえます。）She looks young for her age.

WA OROKA （はおろか）Grade 1

Meaning: not even...much less, not even... let alone　(as in "I don't even have a radio, much less a TV")

Notes: The construction of this structure in Japanese is opposite to the English. In English we put the more difficult to obtain/better one first, where as in Japanese, the lesser one comes in the beginning and the better one is at the end.

Example: 家にはビデオはおろかテレビもない。（いえにはビデオはおろかてれびもない。）

We don't even have a TV, much less a VCR.

WA SHINAI (～はしない) Grade 2??

Meaning: definitely will not do it.

Notes: Differs from ~kkonai in that...

Example: 噛みはしないから触っても大丈夫ですよ。（かみはしないからさわってもだいじょうぶですよ。）It's okay to touch him. He won't bite.

CF: ~kkonai

Y

YAMANAI

(See ~te yamanai)

YARA （～やら）Grade 2

Meaning: Used to give a negative emphasis to a sentence. For example: 何を言っているやら、さっぱりわかりません。（なにをいっているやら、さっぱりわかりません。）I have no idea what he is saying!

Example: 何を言っているやら、さっぱりわかりません。（なにをいっているやら、さっぱりわかりません。）I have no idea what he is saying!

　

...YARA...YARA （～やら～やら）Grade 2

Meaning: such as, like. Used when giving examples. Only used for objective things like giving examples of some sort of condition or situation. Similar to 'toka' but 'toka' is used for subjective things such as expressing one's likes and dislikes, opinion, advice, etc. For example: コーヒーとか紅茶とかが好きです。（コーヒーとかこうちゃとかがすきです。）I like things like coffee and tea. Compare this with: コーヒーやらこうちゃやらがあります。（コーヒーやらこうちゃやらがあります。）We have things like coffee and tea.

Example:

CF: toka

YOGINAKU SARETA

(See o yoginaku sareta)

　

YORAZU

(See ikan ni yorazu)

YOU NI （ように）Grade 2

Meaning: So that, for the purpose of, to __.

Notes: Always follows the dictionary form of a verb.

Example: 試験に合格するように、勉強しています。（しけんにごうかくするように、べんきょうしています。）I'm studying in order to pass the test.

YOSO NI

(See o yoso ni)

Z

~ZUKUME （ずくめ）Grade 1

Meaning: all in (black/white), nothing but ____, a lot of, continuing

Notes: Both 'mamire' and 'darake' have negative meanings, while 'zukume' often (but not always) has positive meaning. It is used for black and white, but not other colours.

Example: 黒ずくめ　（くろずくめ）

all in black (clothes)

いいことずくめ　

one good thing after another,

CF: ~gimi, ~gachi, ~ppoi, ~mamire, ~zukume, ~meku, ~darake, kirai ga aru

　

~ZU NI WA IRARENAI （～ずにはいられない）Grade 2

Meaning: Can't help __ing. Differs from other 'can't help __ing' expressions in that '~nai de wa irarenai' indicates the speaker's emotional or sympathetic reaction to some condition or situation. Therefore, you can say, くさくてシャワーをあびずにはいられない (I stink so I really feel like taking a shower), but not泣かないではいられない (I couldn't help crying).

Notes: Same meaning as ~nai de wa irarenai, but more formal.

Example: その本は読み始めたら、終わりまでよまずにはいられない。（そのほんはよみはじめたら、おわりまでよまずにはいられない。）Once I started reading that book, I couldn't stop until I finished it.

CF: ~te tamaranai, ~nai de wa irarenai