Learn Japanese N2 Kanji: 総 (SOU) – Master “Whole, All, General” 総 Readings: ソウ (Onyomi), すべて (Kunyomi) Meaning: whole, all, general, total The kanji 総 combines 糸 (thread) and 悤 (meaning busy or hurried, also representing the sound of threads unwinding). Together, it signifies the act of gathering or collecting all threads, thus conveying the […]
By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage ～はともかく is a Japanese grammar pattern used when you want to temporarily set aside or ignore one thing to focus on something else that is more important or relevant. Translation: Leaving aside… / Setting aside… / Not to mention… Form: ???? Example Sentences ????
Welcome to our Japanese grammar series! Today we’re delving into the useful expression ~はともあれ (ha tomoare), which is commonly used in intermediate to advanced Japanese. This expression helps you transition between topics while acknowledging previously mentioned information. What is ~はともあれ? ~はともあれ can be translated as “whatever the case may be,” “be that as it may,”
By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage ～をおいては and ～をおいて are used to emphasize that there is no better alternative or no other option than the one mentioned. It expresses strong praise, trust, or reliance. Translation: Except for / Other than / Without (someone or something) Form: This structure is often
Welcome to our Japanese grammar series! Today we’re exploring the useful expression ~はさておき (ha sate oki), an intermediate to advanced grammar pattern that helps you organize your thoughts by temporarily setting aside one topic before addressing another. What is ~はさておき? ~はさておき can be translated as “putting aside,” “leaving aside,” “setting aside,” or “as for… let’s
By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage ～はおろか is an advanced Japanese grammar pattern used to emphasize that something is so obvious or extreme that it goes without saying, and even more surprising things are also true. It’s similar to “not only… but also…” or “let alone…” in English. Translation: Not
By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage ～にたちまち is an adverbial expression used to describe something that happens instantly or in a very short time. It emphasizes the suddenness and speed of an action or change. Translation: Instantly / Immediately / In an instant Form: Often used in descriptive or narrative
By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage The expression ～にしたところで is used to express that even if someone were in a certain position or did something, the result or situation would not change significantly. It’s often used to highlight the futility or irrelevance of something. Translation: Even if… / No matter
By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage ～にせよ and ～にしろ are formal Japanese grammar structures used to express a hypothetical or concessive condition like “even if”, “even though”, or “whether… or…”. They are often interchangeable and used in writing or polite speech. Translation: Even if / Even though / Whether… or…
The expression ～ずにはいられない conveys the meaning “can’t help but…” and indicates a strong emotional or psychological compulsion to act. Its structure involves the verb’s negative form without ない. This form is more formal than ～ないではいられない and is used in literary contexts or formal speech.
By ProDev Teach | Last updated: May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage ～にもかかわらず is a formal Japanese grammar expression that means “despite,” “even though,” or “although”. It is used to express a contrast between two ideas: something happened or is true even though the natural expectation would be otherwise. Translation: Despite / In spite of
By ProDev Teach | Last updated: May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage The grammar expression ～とは言っても is used when you acknowledge something as true, but add a contrast or a subtle objection to it. It translates to: “Even though I say that…” or “Having said that…” Translation: Even though I said…, nevertheless… / Having said
By ProDev Teach | Last updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage The grammar pattern ～ことなく is used to express the idea of “without doing something”. It is often found in formal writing and emphasizes that an action was carried out or a state occurred without another action taking place. Translation: Without doing / Without
By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage The grammar pattern ～ことなしに means “without doing something” or “without the need to do something”. It emphasizes that one action is carried out without performing another action that might normally be expected. Translation: Without doing / Without having to do Form: Used when: ????
By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage The structure ～にせよ～にせよ (also written as ～にしろ～にしろ) expresses the idea of “whether… or…” and introduces two or more contrasting options that lead to the same result or opinion. Common translations: Whether… or… / No matter if it’s A or B Form: Used when: ????
By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage The grammar structure ～にしろ～にしろ (or ～にせよ～にせよ) is used to present two or more possibilities and express that either case leads to the same conclusion or idea. Common translation: Whether… or… / No matter if it’s A or B Form: Used when: ???? Example Sentences
By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage The grammar structure ～てでも／でも is used to express a strong determination or resolve to do something “even if it means doing something extreme or undesirable.” Common translation: Even if I have to…, I’ll do it Form: Used when: ???? Example Sentences ???? Grammar Notes
The patterns ～としたら, ～とすれば, and ～とすると express assumptions or hypothetical situations, translated as “if” or “assuming that.” They are used in logical deductions, focusing on scenarios, relationships, and consequences. Often paired with もし for clarity, they differ from other conditional forms in implied speculation.
By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage The phrase ～あっての is used to express that something exists or is possible only because of something else. It emphasizes the importance of the preceding element as a necessary condition or foundation for the following one. Structure: Meaning: “Only with…,” “Thanks to…,” or “Because
By ProDev Teach | Last updated May 2025 ???? Meaning & Usage The expression ～がゆえに is a formal and literary grammar structure that means “because of” or “due to”. It is often used in written language or speeches to indicate the cause or reason for something, typically when that cause leads to an unfortunate or
