Japanese grammar

Japanese Grammar Tips - blog.gokigen.jp Japanese grammar

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.

level2 (N4)

kenjougo (humble language, 謙譲語): Extra-Modest Expressions for Your Inner Circle in Japanese

Learn how to refer humbly to your family, colleagues, and even your boss when speaking to outsiders. Key extra-modest verbs, “de gozaimasu / orimasu” patterns, real-life examples, drills, and pitfalls—perfect for beginners.
level2 (N4)

kenjougo (humble language, 謙譲語): Extra-Modest Expressions for Talking About Yourself

Master kenjougo extra-modest verbs like mousu, mairimasu, orimasu, and itashimasu to talk humbly about yourself. Clear rules, charts, real-life examples, practice drills, and common pitfalls for beginners.
level2 (N4)

N wa V no ni tsukaimasu (N は Vのに使います): Beginner’s Guide to Saying “Use N for …-ing” in Japanese

Master the pattern “N wa V no ni tsukaimasu” to explain what something is used for in Japanese. Clear steps, real-life examples, practice drills, and common pitfalls for beginners.
level2 (N4)

no wa … desu (のは…です): Beginner Guide to Emphasizing “It Is Adj/N That …” in Japanese

Learn how to spotlight information with no wa … desu (のは…です). Clear rules, verb/adjective/noun patterns, examples, drills, and pitfalls—perfect for Japanese beginners.
level2 (N4)

o-verb-stem kudasai (お〜ください): Beginner’s Guide to Respectful “Please Do” in Japanese

Master the o/go + verb-stem + kudasai pattern to give polite advice and requests in Japanese. Simple rules, clear examples, drills, and pitfalls for beginners.
level2 (N4)

V-te irasshaimasu (て いらっしゃいます): Beginner Guide to Honorific “-ing” in Japanese

Master V-te irasshaimasu (て いらっしゃいます) to show respect for ongoing actions in Japanese. Simple rules, clear examples, common pitfalls, and practice drills for beginners.
level2 (N4)

o-verb-stem-ni naru (お〜になる): Beginner’s Guide to Honorifying Japanese Verbs

Learn how to turn almost any verb into a polite honorific with the o + verb-stem + ni naru pattern. Structure, examples, drills, and common pitfalls for Japanese beginners.
level2 (N4)

special honorific verbs (sonkeigo): quick guide for beginners

Learn special honorific verbs like irassharu, meshiagaru, nasaru, and more. Clear forms, real-life examples, practice drills, and tips for beginners.
level2 (N4)

kamoshiremasen (かもしれません): Essential Japanese “Maybe” Grammar

Master kamoshiremasen (かもしれません) to say “might” or “may” in Japanese. Clear forms, real-life examples, practice drills, and tips on when to use casual kamo vs. polite kamoshiremasen.
level2 (N4)

How to Use 〜みたいです and ようです in Japanese | It Looks Like / It Seems That

Learn how to use the Japanese expression みたいです and ようです to say “It looks like…” or “It seems that…” in conversation. Includes examples, grammar tips, and common mistakes.