What is this grammar? This is a hypothetical concessive structure used to express: Structure Type Structure Verb (volitional form) + と / が + Verb (dictionary negative form without ない + まい) + と / が Whether (someone) does or doesn’t do… ✅ まい is a classical negative volitional meaning “probably won’t / let’s not […]
Japanese Grammar Guide N1: ～(よ)うと〜まいと / (よ)うが〜まいが Read Post »
???? What is ～（よ）うと（も）/ ～（よ）うが? This is a hypothetical concessive grammar pattern used to express: ???? Structure Type Structure Verb (volitional form) + と（も） No matter how… Verb (volitional form) + が No matter how… ✅ Volitional form = ???? Meaning in Context Used when: English equivalents: ???? Example Sentences Japanese English どんなに反対しようとも、私は計画を実行する。 No matter
???? Japanese Grammar Guide N1: ～（よ）うと（も）/ ～（よ）うが Read Post »
???? What is ～くらいなら? ～くらいなら is a Japanese grammar pattern used to: This grammar often appears in conversations where you want to compare two negative outcomes or express what you’d rather avoid doing. ???? Structure Form Structure Verb (dictionary form) + くらいなら If (I have to do X), I’d rather (do Y) ✅ It’s usually
～なしに（は） / ～なしでは / ～なくして（は） ???? What is ～なしに / ～なしでは / ～なくして（は）? These are Japanese grammar patterns used to express the idea of: It emphasizes the necessity of something before an outcome can occur, often implying that the following situation is impossible without it. ???? Structure Form Structure Noun + なしに（は） Without (something), (something
???? What is ～ようでは? ～ようでは is a Japanese grammar structure used to: It carries a nuance like: It’s often used to point out problems or warn about possible consequences in a slightly judgmental or cautionary tone. ???? Structure Form Structure Verb (plain form) + ようでは [Verb dictionary form / ている form] + ようでは ✅ You’ll
(Meaning, Usage, and Examples) ???? What is ～たら最後 / ～たが最後? ～たら最後 and ～たが最後 are advanced Japanese grammar patterns meaning: These patterns express a strong, inevitable consequence that follows a particular action or situation. ???? Nuance:Once a certain action occurs, it’s impossible to undo, and some serious, often negative result will certainly follow. ???? Structure Form
(Meaning, Usage, and Examples) ???? What is ～とあれば? ～とあれば is a formal and somewhat literary Japanese grammar pattern that means: It’s used to express that under a specific condition, the speaker is willing to do something unusual, difficult, or special. It emphasizes how important or serious the condition is to justify the following action. ????
(Meaning, Usage, and Examples) ???? What is ～と思いきや? ～と思いきや is a Japanese conjunction that means: It’s used when something turns out to be different from what you or people naturally expected.It adds a nuance of surprise or unexpectedness. ???? Structure Part of Speech Structure Noun / Verb / Adjective (Plain form) [Plain form] + と思いきや
The Japanese grammar pattern ～ものを (mono wo) is one of those subtle expressions that adds significant emotional nuance to sentences. It expresses regret or disappointment about a missed opportunity or an action that contradicts expectations. Basic Structure The pattern follows this structure: Core Meaning At its heart, ～ものを expresses: Examples with Explanations Nuances and Usage
Understanding the Japanese Grammar Pattern ～ものを (mono wo) Read Post »
(Meaning, Usage, and Examples ???? What is ～とはいえ? ～とはいえ is a Japanese conjunction used to mean: It’s typically used when acknowledging a fact or situation, but then expressing a contrasting idea or different perspective. ???? Structure Part of Speech Structure Noun/Verb/Adjective (plain form) [Plain form] + とはいえ ✅ It connects either: ???? Meaning in Context
Introduction The grammar pattern ～んばかりだ is an N1 level expression used to describe actions that are on the verge of happening, situations that are about to occur, or emotions/conditions that are so intense they seem about to manifest physically. This grammar pattern conveys a sense of imminence and intensity that adds dramatic effect to descriptions.
[Japanese Grammar N1] ～んばかりだ: Expressing Actions on the Verge of Happening Read Post »
Welcome to today’s N1 grammar lesson! In this post, we’ll explore the expression ～かたわら, which is commonly used in formal or written Japanese to express doing two activities in parallel — usually with one being the main activity and the other being a side pursuit. ???? Meaning ～かたわら means “while doing A, also doing B”.
[JLPT N1 Grammar] ～かたわら – While Doing A, Also Doing B Read Post »
Introduction The Japanese grammar pattern ～かたがた (katagata) is an important expression that appears in JLPT N1 level Japanese. This formal expression serves multiple purposes in written and spoken Japanese, making it a valuable addition to your advanced Japanese vocabulary. This blog post will explore the uses, nuances, and applications of ～かたがた with plenty of examples
Japanese Grammar N1: ～かたがた (katagata) – Meaning, Usage, and Examples Read Post »
Introduction For Japanese language learners preparing for the JLPT N1 exam, mastering nuanced grammar patterns is essential. One such pattern is ～がてら (gatera), which elegantly combines two actions or purposes into a single expression. This blog post will explore the meaning, usage, and practical examples of ～がてら to help advanced learners incorporate this pattern into
Japanese Grammar: ～がてら (gatera) – Meaning, Usage, and Examples Read Post »
Introduction For Japanese language learners preparing for the JLPT N1 examination, mastering nuanced grammar patterns is essential. One such pattern is ～きらいがある (kirai ga aru), which allows speakers to express tendencies or habitual behaviors with a slightly negative or critical nuance. This blog post will explore this sophisticated expression in detail, providing clear explanations, practical
Japanese Grammar N1: ～きらいがある (kirai ga aru) – Meaning, Usage, and Examples Read Post »
April 26, 2025 | Japanese Language Expert | JLPT N1 Grammar What is ～ながらに（して）? The grammar pattern ～ながらに（して） is an advanced Japanese expression typically found in formal writing, literary works, and academic contexts. This N1-level grammar carries a nuanced meaning that can be challenging for Japanese learners to master. Basic Meaning and Usage ～ながらに（して） is
Introduction The structures ～ともなく and ～ともなしに are N1 level grammar patterns used to express actions performed unconsciously, without a clear purpose or intention. These can be simply understood as “not exactly…”, “without any specific purpose”, or “unconsciously”. Usage Structure Meaning and Usage Both structures convey the meaning of performing an action without a specific purpose,
[Japanese Grammar N1] ～ともなく / ～ともなしに : Unconscious Actions Read Post »
JLPT N4 Kanji: 通 (tsuu, tooru, toosu, kayou) – To Pass Through 通 Readings: ツウ (Onyomi), とお.る, とお.す, かよ.う (Kunyomi) Meaning: To pass through, to go through, to commute, street, traffic, thoroughfare The kanji 通 is composed of 辶 (しんにょう), the “path” radical, and 甬 (よう), which signifies “passing through” or “penetration.” Together, it represents
JLPT N4 Kanji: 通 (tsuu, tooru, toosu, kayou) – To Pass Through Read Post »
JLPT N4 Kanji: 京 (きょう) – Capital & Metropolis 京 Readings: キョウ, ケイ (Onyomi), みやこ (Kunyomi) Meaning: capital, Kyoto, Tokyo Pictographic representation of a high building or tower, evolving to signify a capital or metropolis. View JLPT N4 Kanji List How to Write – Stroke Order The kanji 京 has 8 strokes. It starts with
JLPT N4 Kanji: 動 (DOU, ugoku) – Master the Kanji for “Move”! 動 Readings: ドウ (Onyomi), うご.く, うご.かす (Kunyomi) Meaning: move; motion; change The kanji 動 is a combination of 重 (heavy) and 力 (power). It depicts a heavy object being moved by force, thus representing “to move” or “motion”. View JLPT N4 Kanji List
JLPT N4 Kanji: 動 (DOU, ugoku) – Master the Kanji for “Move”! Read Post »
