Welcome to the grammar category on blog.gokigen.jp! Here, we break down Japanese grammar points in a way that’s easy for English speakers to follow, from the fundamentals to more advanced concepts.
Japanese grammar
Japanese grammar
Japanese grammar
level2 (N4)V/adj-て + も: How to Say “Even If …” in Japanese
Master V/adj-て + も to express “even if/ even though” in Japanese. Clear formation for verbs and adjectives (positive/negative), usage notes, contrast with のに and たら, natural examples, practice, and common mistakes.
level2 (N4)(short) + のに: How to Say “Even Though” in Japanese
Master (short) + のに to express “even though / despite” in Japanese. Clear rules, なのに with nouns/na-adjectives, natural examples, nuance tips, practice prompts, and common mistakes—perfect for JLPT N4 learners.
level2 (N4)V (present short) + まで: How to Say “Until …” in Japanese
Learn the pattern V (present short) + まで to say “until …” in Japanese. Clear rules, the まで vs までに difference, natural examples, practice prompts, and common mistakes—perfect for JLPT N4 learners.
level2 (N4)V-ば: If X is the case, then Y is/will be in the case
Learn how to use the conditional V-ば in Japanese: forms (affirmative/negative), common nuances, comparison with たら・なら・と, and beginner-friendly examples and practice. Perfect for JLPT N4 learners.
level2 (N4)Causative-Passive in Japanese: V-される／させられる and “(Forcee) は (Forcer) に V-される／させられる”
Learn how to say “be made to do ~” in Japanese with the causative-passive: V-される／させられる and the sentence frame “(Forcee) は (Forcer) に V-される／させられる.” Clear formation rules (ru/u/irregular), particle basics, natural examples, practice, and common mistakes.
level2 (N4)Let Someone Do in Japanese: Causative + てあげる／てくれる／てもらう
Learn how to say “let/allow someone to do” in Japanese with the causative + てあげる／てくれる／てもらう. Clear roles (giver/receiver), step-by-step formation, natural examples, permission with 〜させてください, practice, and common mistakes.
level2 (N4)Japanese Causative: V-せる／させる & “(Causer) は (Causee) に V-せる/させる”
Learn how to say “make/let someone do” in Japanese with the causative: V-せる／させる and the sentence pattern “(Causer) は (Causee) に V-せる/させる.” Clear rules, particle tips (に vs を), natural examples, practice, and common mistakes—perfect for beginners.
level2 (N4)Imperative Form in Japanese (命令形)
Learn how to make and use the Japanese imperative form (命令形): ru/u-verb rules, irregulars (する→しろ／せよ, 来る→来い), negative imperative (dictionary + な), when it’s appropriate, and how it compares to なさい／てください—plus natural examples and practice.
level2 (N4)V-stem + なさい: How to Give Firm “Do ~” Commands in Japanese
Learn V-(stem) + なさい to give firm commands in Japanese—how to form it, when it’s appropriate (parents/authority to juniors), natural examples, exam-style uses, practice, and mistakes to avoid. Includes quick contrasts with てください and the stronger imperative (命令形).
level2 (N4)Before/After in Japanese: V (present short) + 前に / V (past short) + 後で
Master “before/after doing” in Japanese with V (present short) + 前に and V (past short) + 後で. Clear rules, natural examples, “てから” nuance, practice, and common mistakes—perfect for JLPT N4 learners.