JLPT N1 Grammar

A literary expression meaning "even just" or "merely." It emphasizes a minimum action or feeling, often with a negative verb. (e.g., その恐ろしい光景は、思い出すだにおぞましい。 - That dreadful scene is horrifying even just to recall.)

Used to mean "every single" or "all of," emphasizing the entirety of a group without exception. (e.g., 壁という壁にポスターが貼ってある。 - Posters are plastered on every single wall.)

Expresses the speaker's strong determination to do something, often to prove a point to someone else. "I will definitely..." (e.g., 必ず成功してみせる。 - I will show you that I can succeed without fail.)

An adverb emphasizing that something is just a possibility, an opinion, or that one will persist with an attitude. "To the very end," "strictly." (e.g., これはあくまでも私の個人的な意見です。 - This is strictly my personal opinion.)

A formal and emphatic way of saying どんな, meaning "any kind of" or "no matter what." Used with a noun. (e.g., いかなる困難があろうとも、諦めない。 - No matter what difficulties there may be, I will not give up.)

A formal expression indicating that an action is performed for two purposes simultaneously. (e.g., 散歩かたがた、買い物をしてきた。 - I went shopping while I was out for a walk.)

Indicates that someone performs a main activity while also doing another activity on the side. "While," "on the side." (e.g., 彼は教師をするかたわら、小説を書いている。 - While working as a teacher, he writes novels.)

Indicates doing a second action while taking the opportunity of the first main action. Similar to ついでに. (e.g., 駅まで散歩がてら、DVDを返しに行こう。 - Let's go return the DVD while we take a walk to the station.)

Emphasizes that a number or amount is impressively large. Used for weight, distance, size, etc. (e.g., 彼は100キロからあるバーベルを持ち上げた。 - He lifted a barbell of as much as 100 kilograms.)

A formal, literary expression meaning "because" or "since." Often used for reasons outside one's control. (e.g., 急なこととて、何もご用意できませんでした。 - Because it was so sudden, we were unable to prepare anything.)

An adverb used to express strong sympathy or conjecture about someone else's feelings. "I imagine," "you must be." (e.g., ご両親はさぞお喜びでしょう。 - Your parents must be so pleased.)

Indicates that something is completely covered in or consists entirely of something. (e.g., 今日のパーティーは、黒ずくめの服を着た人ばかりだった。 - The party today was full of people dressed completely in black.)

Expresses regret that something one intended to do was never done. "Ended up not doing." (e.g., 日本にいる間に、富士山には登らずじまいだった。 - I ended up not climbing Mt. Fuji while I was in Japan.)

A literary expression meaning "even without doing." (e.g., 言わずとも、彼の気持ちは分かっている。 - Even without him saying it, I understand his feelings.)

Emphasizes that an action is immediately followed by another, often contrary or frustrating, action. (e.g., 子供は掃除するそばから、おもちゃを散らかす。 - As soon as I clean up, the child messes up the toys.)

Indicates that even if one does something, it will be pointless or will not produce the desired result. (e.g., 今から急いだところで、もう間に合わないだろう。 - Even if we hurry now, we probably won't make it in time.)

A strong negative expression meaning "not even." Paired with a negative verb. (e.g., 彼は、私がそこにいることなど、想像だにしなかった。 - He didn't even imagine that I was there.)

A casual, emphatic particle used to express irritation or insistence when repeating something. "I said...!" (e.g., 「もう行くってば！」 - "I said I'm going!")

A formal expression meaning "even if" or "whoever/whatever it may be." (e.g., 社長であれ、会社の規則は守らなければならない。 - Even if you are the president, you must follow the company rules.)

Emphasizes a significant change that has continued since a particular event. "Ever since..." (e.g., 息子が生まれてからというもの、家の中が明るくなった。 - Ever since my son was born, our home has become brighter.)

A strong, rhetorical expression used to assert that something is indeed what it seems. "If this isn't ..., what is?" (e.g., これが愛でなくてなんだろう。 - If this isn't love, then what is?)

A formal and literary expression meaning to feel something strongly and continuously. "Never cease to," "always." (e.g., 卒業生の皆さんの成功を願ってやみません。 - I will never cease to wish for the success of all the graduates.)

Indicates a special or exceptional situation that naturally explains the result. "Since," "because of the special situation that..." (e.g., 有名な作家が来るとあって、会場は満員だった。 - Since a famous author was coming, the venue was full.)

An emphatic conditional, expressing that if a special situation arises, one will take a special action. "If it's the case that..." (e.g., 子供のためとあれば、どんなことでもします。 - If it's for my child, I'll do anything.)

A formal expression for "even" or "although," used to state that even an extreme example is not an exception. (e.g., 専門家といえども、間違うことはある。 - Even experts sometimes make mistakes.)

Used to bring up a topic for criticism or complaint. "When it comes to..." (e.g., うちの猫ときたら、一日中寝てばかりいる。 - When it comes to my cat, all he does is sleep all day.)

Used to express surprise, shock, or disbelief about a fact. "That... (is surprising)." (e.g., 彼が犯人だったとは、信じられない。 - I can't believe that he was the culprit.)

A conjunction meaning "although" or "be that as it may." Used to acknowledge a fact before presenting a contrasting point. (e.g., 4月とはいえ、まだ寒い日が続く。 - Although it's April, the cold days still continue.)

Indicates an action done without a clear intention or purpose. "Absentmindedly." Often used with 見る, 聞く, etc. (e.g., テレビを見るともなく見ていたら、友達が出てきて驚いた。 - I was watching TV absentmindedly when my friend appeared and I was surprised.)

Expresses that while one may not go to the full extent of an action, a lesser action is still performed. "May not ..., but at least..." (e.g., 優勝はできないまでも、入賞はしたい。 - I may not be able to win, but I at least want to get a prize.)

A literary expression meaning "while in a certain state." Often used in fixed expressions. (e.g., 彼女は涙ながらに、別れを告げた。 - She said goodbye while in tears.)

Emphasizes a unique quality or characteristic that can only be found in a particular person, place, or thing. "Unique to." (e.g., この味は、この店ならではですね。 - This flavor is truly unique to this restaurant, isn't it?)

Indicates that one action happens immediately after another. "As soon as." (e.g., 彼は家に帰るなり、ベッドに倒れ込んだ。 - As soon as he got home, he collapsed onto the bed.)

Indicates a minimum desired amount or action, even if it's small. "Even just a little," "at least." (e.g., 一言なりとも、謝罪の言葉が聞きたかった。 - I wanted to hear even just a single word of apology.)

Indicates that someone does something to the best of their ability, within their own limits. "In one's own way." (e.g., 彼は彼なりに、一生懸命頑張っている。 - He is trying his best, in his own way.)

A formal expression indicating a particular situation or circumstance. "In," "at," "during." (e.g., 困難な状況にあって、彼は冷静だった。 - In a difficult situation, he was calm.)

Indicates that the outcome of something is dependent on a particular factor. "It depends on..." (e.g., この計画が成功するかどうかは、君の努力にかかっている。 - Whether this plan succeeds or not depends on your effort.)

Indicates that something extends beyond a certain scope or limit. "Not only... but also..." (e.g., その影響は、国内にとどまらず、海外にも及んだ。 - Its influence was not limited to this country, but also extended overseas.)

Indicates a story or topic that is related to or associated with a particular noun. "Concerning," "related to." (e.g., これはこの地方にまつわる古い伝説です。 - This is an old legend surrounding this region.)

Expresses criticism that someone's behavior or a situation is excessive. "There's a limit to..." (e.g., 冗談にもほどがある。 - There's a limit to how much you can joke around.)

A formal expression meaning that something is worthy of or sufficient for a particular action. (e.g., 彼の行動は尊敬に足る。 - His actions are worthy of respect.)

A very casual, emphatic expression meaning "extremely" or "unbelievably." (e.g., 昨日の試験は、難しかったのなんのって。 - Yesterday's exam was unbelievably difficult.)

Used to say that something is obviously true, and then to present an even more extreme case. "Let alone," "not to mention." (e.g., 彼はひらがなはおろか、漢字も読めない。 - He can't even read kanji, let alone hiragana.)

Used to set aside one topic to focus on another. "Leaving aside..." (e.g., 冗談はさておき、本題に入りましょう。 - Putting jokes aside, let's get to the main topic.)

A suffix that means "to seem" or "to behave like," often used for appearance or behavior. (e.g., 彼は年老びて見える。 - He looks aged.)

A strong, classical prohibition, often seen on signs and in formal rules. "Must not." (e.g., ここにゴミを捨てるべからず。 - Do not throw trash here.)

A formal, written expression indicating the purpose of an action. "In order to." (e.g., 彼は試験に合格すべく、毎日勉強した。 - He studied every day in order to pass the exam.)

A formal expression meaning there is no way to know or do something. "Impossible to..." (e.g., 結果は知るべくもない。 - It is impossible to know the result.)

A strong expression of criticism, meaning that an action is unacceptable for someone in a particular position. (e.g., それは教育者にあるまじき行為だ。 - That is an act unbecoming of an educator.)

Indicates that something is so obvious or simple that there is no need to do it. (e.g., 言うまでもなく、健康が第一だ。 - Needless to say, health is the most important thing.)

A suffix used to indicate that something has the appearance or feeling of a certain season, state, etc. (e.g., 日差しが春めいてきた。 - The sunlight has started to feel like spring.)

A formal expression used to indicate an assumption on which a following action is based. "On the assumption that..." (e.g., 全員が賛成したものとして、話を進めます。 - I will proceed on the assumption that everyone agrees.)

A sentence-ending particle expressing dissatisfaction or regret that something did not happen as expected. (e.g., 早く言えばいいものを、今まで黙っていた。 - You should have said something earlier, but you kept quiet until now.)

A formal, literary conjunction meaning "therefore" or "for that reason." (e.g., 彼は病気ゆえに、会議を欠席した。 - He was absent from the meeting because of illness.)

Indicates that the outcome can change depending on the method or perspective. "Depending on how you..." (e.g., 考えようによっては、これも良い経験になるかもしれない。 - Depending on how you look at it, this might also be a good experience.)

Indicates taking advantage of a convenient situation to do something improper. (e.g., 先生がいないのをいいことに、生徒たちは騒いでいた。 - Taking advantage of the teacher's absence, the students were making noise.)

A formal particle indicating a deadline, a means, or a reason. "With," "by." (e.g., 本日をもちまして、閉店いたします。 - We will be closing our store as of today.)

Indicates that something happens without regard for or in defiance of the surrounding situation or people's feelings. (e.g., 親の心配をよそに、彼は危険な冒険に出かけた。 - Ignoring his parents' worries, he set off on a dangerous adventure.)

An expression for a simile, meaning "as if on the verge of doing." (e.g., 彼は泣き出さんばかりの顔で、私を見ていた。 - He was looking at me with a face as if he were about to cry.)

Emphasizes that A cannot exist without the essential support or presence of B. (e.g., お客様あっての商売です。 - This business exists only because of our customers.)

Indicates that a second action happens almost simultaneously with the first. "No sooner than..." (e.g., 授業が終わるが早いか、彼は教室を飛び出した。 - As soon as the class ended, he flew out of the classroom.)

A formal, written expression for "whether or not." (e.g., 参加するか否か、明日までにご連絡ください。 - Please let us know by tomorrow whether you will participate or not.)

Used to state a reason, often implying there are other reasons as well, before making a suggestion. "Since... and..." (e.g., 雨も降ってきたことだし、今日はこの辺で終わりにしましょう。 - Since it has started to rain, let's call it a day.)

A strong expression indicating that a natural force or situation will inevitably cause a certain result. "Will not fail to." (e.g., 彼の演技は、見る人すべてを感動させずにはおかない。 - His performance will definitely move everyone who sees it.)

A particle that emphasizes an extreme example, similar to さえ but more formal and literary. "Even." (e.g., 彼は自分の名前すら書けない。 - He can't even write his own name.)

A strong conditional expression indicating that if something happens, a negative and irreversible consequence will follow. (e.g., 彼はマイクを握ったら最後、誰にも渡さない。 - Once he grabs the microphone, he won't hand it over to anyone.)

A literary expression used to describe two actions, often opposing, happening repeatedly or in close succession. (e.g., 彼は、行つ戻りつしていた。 - He was pacing back and forth.)

A very formal and polite way to grant permission. "There is no objection if..." (e.g., お疲れでしたら、お先に失礼しても差し支えありません。 - If you are tired, it is okay to leave early.)

Used to express gratitude or apology when someone does something for you in a difficult situation. "At a time when..." (e.g., お忙しいところを、わざわざお越しいただきありがとうございます。 - Thank you for taking the trouble to come at a time when you are so busy.)

Indicates that when a situation reaches a certain level or stage, a corresponding change or new situation arises. (e.g., 社長ともなると、責任も重くなる。 - When you become the company president, your responsibilities also become heavy.)

Expresses that a result was different from what was expected. "Just when I thought..., surprisingly..." (e.g., これで終わりかと思いきや、まだ続きがあった。 - Just when I thought it was over, there was more.)

Indicates using something as a pretext to do something else, often with a negative nuance. (e.g., 彼は病気にかこつけて、仕事を休んだ。 - He used his illness as an excuse to take the day off work.)

Used to present a viewpoint, suggesting that even from that perspective, the situation is the same (usually negative). (e.g., 専門家にしたところで、この問題の解決は難しいだろう。 - Even for an expert, solving this problem would likely be difficult.)

Used to emphasize a strong contrast between two things. "In contrast to..." (e.g., 兄が勤勉なのにひきかえ、弟は怠け者だ。 - In stark contrast to the hardworking older brother, the younger brother is lazy.)

Emphasizes that something is of a higher degree than a previous example. (e.g., 以前にもまして、彼は日本語が上手になった。 - He has become even better at Japanese than before.)

Used to introduce one's own opinion, often one that differs from others. "From my perspective..." (e.g., 私に言わせれば、彼の計画はまだ不十分だ。 - If you ask me, his plan is still insufficient.)

Used to introduce an extreme or surprising example in a series. "And as for..." (e.g., 数学や英語はまだいい。国語に至っては、全く分からない。 - Math and English are one thing, but when it comes to Japanese, I don't understand it at all.)

Emphasizes the entire range of something, from one end to the other. (e.g., この店では、食料品から家具に至るまで、何でも揃っている。 - This store has everything, from groceries to furniture.)

A formal expression meaning that a judgment is made based on a rule, law, or standard. "In accordance with." (e.g., 法律に照らして、彼の行為は罰せられるべきだ。 - In light of the law, his actions should be punished.)

Indicates doing something ahead of others or as a pioneer. (e.g., その会社は、他社に先駆けて新製品を発売した。 - That company released a new product ahead of its competitors.)

A formal expression meaning to follow a rule, law, or custom. (e.g., 大会の規則に則って、試合が行われた。 - The match was held according to the tournament rules.)

Indicates that something is done based on or in accordance with a fact or situation. (e.g., 事実に即して、報告書を作成してください。 - Please create the report based on the facts.)

Indicates that something is not worth doing or not significant enough. (e.g., 彼の言い訳など、聞くに足りない。 - His excuses aren't even worth listening to.)

A literary expression used to say that something is the extreme or height of a certain state. "The epitome of..." (e.g., 彼の態度は、無礼の極みだった。 - His attitude was the height of rudeness.)

A formal expression used to express an extreme degree of emotion, often gratitude or honor. "The utmost..." (e.g., このような賞をいただき、光栄の至りです。 - I am extremely honored to receive such an award.)

Expresses that an outcome was inevitable or bound to happen. "As was destined to be." (e.g., 彼は勝つべくして勝った。 - He won, as was inevitable.)

A casual suffix indicating that an action is done repeatedly, excessively, or with great intensity. (e.g., 彼は試験前、一日中勉強しまくった。 - He studied like crazy all day before the exam.)

Indicates doing something freely, just as one is led by a feeling or impulse. (e.g., 足の向くままに、歩き続けた。 - I just kept walking, letting my feet carry me where they would.)

Acknowledges that one thing is true, but emphasizes that another thing is even more so. (e.g., このレストランは味もさることながら、雰囲気が素晴らしい。 - The food at this restaurant is great, of course, but the atmosphere is even more wonderful.)

A formal, legalistic expression used in contracts and regulations to state a rule or provision. (e.g., 契約は、署名をもって成立するものとする。 - The contract shall be concluded upon signature.)

A literary expression indicating that a second action happens the very instant the first one finishes. (e.g., 彼はドアを開けるや否や、大声で叫んだ。 - The moment he opened the door, he shouted loudly.)

Can express spontaneous or natural action, where one acts according to an impulse or external force. (e.g., 昔のことが思い出される。 - Memories of the old days come to mind.)

Expresses admiration for someone who overcomes a significant obstacle or difficulty. "In defiance of..." (e.g., 彼は、体の障害をものともせず、偉大な記録を打ち立てた。 - He set a great record, making nothing of his physical disability.)

Indicates that an event served as an opportunity to start something new. (e.g., 転職を機に、新しい分野の勉強を始めた。 - Taking my job change as an opportunity, I started studying a new field.)

A formal, literary expression for an uncontrollable feeling. "Can't suppress..." (e.g., 彼の不幸な話に、涙を禁じ得なかった。 - I could not hold back my tears at his sad story.)

Indicates passing through a place, a period of time, or a process. (e.g., 長い議論を経て、ようやく合意に達した。 - After a long discussion, we finally reached an agreement.)

Indicates that an action has two purposes. (e.g., 英語の勉強を兼ねて、洋画を見る。 - I watch Western movies, both for fun and to study English.)

Indicates the end point of something. "With this... as the last." (e.g., 今日を限りに、タバコをやめます。 - As of today, I quit smoking.)

Indicates that a decision or action is taken after considering a certain fact or premise. (e.g., 先行研究を踏まえて、論文を書く。 - I will write my thesis based on previous research.)

Indicates the start of a series of similar events. (e.g., 彼のコンサートは、東京を皮切りに、全国で開かれる。 - Starting with Tokyo, his concerts will be held all over the country.)

A formal expression indicating that one is forced into an undesirable situation by external circumstances. (e.g., 彼は病気のため、帰国を余儀なくされた。 - Due to illness, he was forced to return to his home country.)

Used to describe a final, negative outcome after a series of bad events. "In the end..." (e.g., 彼は、借金を重ね、ついには会社を辞める始末だった。 - He piled up debt and, in the end, wound up quitting his job.)

Expresses the frustration of not being able to do something, even with the will to do so. (e.g., 悲しくて、泣くに泣けなかった。 - I was so sad I couldn't even cry if I wanted to.)

Emphasizes that an action was simple and not a big deal. "I just..." (e.g., 特別なことをしたわけではありません。自分の義務を果たしたまでです。 - It's not that I did anything special. I was just doing my duty.)

Used to express strong determination or defiance. "I will do it (and you'll see)!" Can be aggressive. (e.g., 絶対に勝ってやる！ - I will win, just you watch!)

Used to list examples of actions, suggesting the person should choose one and act. "Or... or something." (e.g., 電話するなり、メールするなり、早く連絡してください。 - Call or email, just contact me quickly.)

A stronger version of こそ, emphasizing the one and only reason for something. (e.g., あなたの将来を思えばこそ、厳しく言うのです。 - It is precisely because I am thinking of your future that I speak harshly.)

Expresses a resolve to simply do something if another option fails. "I'll just have to..." (e.g., バスが来ないなら、歩いて帰るまでだ。 - If the bus doesn't come, I'll just walk home.)

A very strong negation emphasizing that not even a single unit is an exception. (e.g., 一日たりとも、あなたのことを忘れたことはありません。 - I have never forgotten you for even a single day.)

Expresses an extreme emotion. "The height of..." (e.g., 友人が無事だと聞いて、嬉しい限りだ。 - Hearing my friend is safe, I am extremely happy.)

Expresses a strong hope for something that seems difficult or impossible. "I wonder if it's not possible to..." (e.g., この病気を治す方法はないものだろうか。 - I wonder if there isn't some way to cure this disease.)

A colloquial expression to strongly deny having a certain feeling. "Not in the least." (e.g., 別に、悔しくもなんともない。 - I'm not frustrated or anything.)

A formal expression meaning "regardless of." (e.g., 理由のいかんによらず、暴力は許されない。 - Regardless of the reason, violence is not permitted.)

Emphasizes a high price or cost. "To cost at least..." (e.g., この腕時計は、百万円からするそうだ。 - I hear this watch costs at least a million yen.)

A literary expression used with opposite adjectives to mean "whether... or..." (e.g., 遅かれ早かれ、真実は明らかになるだろう。 - Sooner or later, the truth will come out.)

Same meaning as 「たら最後」. Expresses that if something happens, a negative and irreversible consequence will follow. (e.g., 彼はパソコンの前に座ったが最後、朝まで動かない。 - Once he sits in front of his computer, he won't move until morning.)

Indicates a negative tendency. "To be prone to." (e.g., 彼は物事を大げさに言うきらいがある。 - He has a tendency to exaggerate things.)

Expresses that one would rather do B than do A, where A is highly undesirable. (e.g., あんな人と結婚するぐらいなら、一生独身でいるほうがましだ。 - I'd rather be single for life than marry someone like that.)

Indicates that a whole group is involved in an action. "Together with." (e.g., 家族ぐるみで、彼の成功を祝った。 - The whole family celebrated his success.)

Emphasizes that an action has a certain quality, and definitely not the opposite. "It may be X, but it is certainly not Y." (e.g., 感謝こそすれ、恨んでなどいません。 - I only feel gratitude; I certainly don't resent you.)

A casual expression used to criticize someone, implying they are not a child, etc., and should know better. (e.g., 子供じゃあるまいし、そんなことで泣くな。 - You're not a child, so don't cry over something like that.)

Indicates that one cannot avoid doing something due to social norms or a sense of responsibility. "Must do." (e.g., 人の物を壊したのだから、謝らずにはすまない。 - Since I broke someone's thing, I must apologize.)

A masculine sentence-ending particle used to strongly assert something to oneself or others. (e.g., 行くぞ！ - Let's go!)

Indicates that if a certain thing happens, everything will be over or pointless. "Then it's the end of it." (e.g., いくら健康に気をつけても、事故にあったらそれまでだ。 - No matter how much you take care of your health, if you get in an accident, then that's the end of it.)

A formal expression meaning "only" or "nothing but." (e.g., 私は、ただ真実を知りたいのみだ。 - I want nothing but to know the truth.)

Indicates that a person remains in the same state after an action, often implying inaction. (e.g., 彼は、服を着たなり、ベッドで寝てしまった。 - He fell asleep on the bed still fully dressed.)

Used to list things in a casual, often complaining or disorganized way. "... and ... and so on." (e.g., 給料が安いだの、休みが少ないだの、文句ばかり言っている。 - He's always complaining about things like his low salary and few holidays.)

Indicates that even if a certain situation occurs, it brings its own set of problems. (e.g., お金はあったらあったで、心配事が増える。 - Even if you have money, that just brings more worries.)

A formal expression emphasizing the qualities befitting a certain position or role. "As a..." (e.g., 教師たる者、学生の模範となるべきだ。 - A person who is a teacher should be a model for students.)

A very casual particle used to express frustration or exasperation, similar to ってば. (e.g., あなたったら、また同じ間違いをして！ - I can't believe you, you made the same mistake again!)

An emphatic, spoken expression for "extremely" or "very." (e.g., 彼の態度は、失礼きわまりないったらない。 - His attitude is just unbelievably rude.)

A formal way to say "whether it's A or B," indicating that the statement applies in either case. (e.g., 晴天であれ雨天であれ、試合は行われます。 - The match will be held, whether it is sunny or rainy.)

Expresses that one cannot stand or endure a repeated or ongoing situation. (e.g., こんなに毎日暑くてはかなわない。 - I can't stand it when it's this hot every day.)

A strong denial, meaning "not at all" or "by no means." (e.g., 彼は、私の友達でもなんでもない。 - He is not my friend at all.)

Used to give a rough estimate or a tentative conclusion. "About," "something like." (e.g., 準備は、まあ、こんなところだろう。 - The preparations are, well, I'd say about done.)

A phrase used when trying to find the right words to describe something. "Or perhaps I should say..." (e.g., 彼は天才といおうか、努力家といおうか、とにかくすごい。 - Should I call him a genius, or a hard worker? In any case, he's amazing.)

Emphasizes that something applies to everything, by listing two examples. (e.g., 彼は、昼といわず夜といわず、働き続けている。 - He keeps working, not just during the day but at night as well.)

An adverb meaning that something was achieved with difficulty. "Just barely." (e.g., どうにか、締め切りに間に合った。 - I somehow managed to meet the deadline.)

An adverb used with a negative verb to express that something is impossible, no matter how one tries. (e.g., この問題は、どうにも解けない。 - I just can't solve this problem, no matter what.)

A formal way to report information from a source. "I've heard that..." (e.g., 社長は、来週出張なさるとのことです。 - I've heard that the president will be on a business trip next week.)

Indicates that someone's action strongly implies a certain thought or feeling, as if they were saying it out loud. (e.g., 彼は「待ってました」とばかりに、話し始めた。 - He started talking as if to say, "I've been waiting for this.")

A conjunction meaning "having said that" or "although." Similar to とはいえ. (e.g., 手術は成功したとは言うものの、まだ心配だ。 - Although they say the surgery was a success, I'm still worried.)

Emphasizes a vast difference between two things. "Can't be compared to." (e.g., 今年の暑さは、去年の暑さとは比べものにならない。 - This year's heat is nothing compared to last year's.)

Expresses surprise or criticism that someone in a high position would do something unbecoming of them. (e.g., 教師ともあろう者が、そんなことをしてはいけない。 - Of all people, a teacher should not do such a thing.)

Used to bring up a topic for high praise. "When it comes to..." (e.g., 夏のビールと来たら、最高だ。 - When it comes to beer in the summer, it's the best!)

A double negative used to express a mild or hesitant affirmation. "It's not that I don't..." (e.g., やってみないでもないが、自信はない。 - It's not that I won't try, but I'm not confident.)

Emphasizes that something is absolutely necessary for a certain result. "Without..., ...is impossible." (e.g., 皆さんの協力なくしては、この成功はなかったでしょう。 - Without everyone's cooperation, this success would not have been possible.)

Indicates that if a certain situation occurs, one will deal with it in a suitable way. (e.g., 彼が来ないなら来ないで、別の方法を考えよう。 - If he's not coming, then that's fine, let's think of another way.)

Expresses that while one situation might be understandable, the current one is not. "I don't know about A, but B..." (e.g., 子供ならいざ知らず、大人がそんなことを言うのは恥ずかしい。 - I wouldn't know about a child, but it's embarrassing for an adult to say such things.)

Used to say that A would be somewhat acceptable, but B is completely unacceptable. (e.g., 10分ぐらいの遅刻ならまだしも、1時間も待たせるなんて。 - A 10-minute delay would have been one thing, but making someone wait an hour is unacceptable.)

A formal particle indicating time, place, or a condition. "At," "in." Also used to mean "for someone of that status." (e.g., この年になって初めて、親のありがたみが分かった。- Only at this age did I finally understand my parents' kindness.)

Used to connect two nouns that describe the same person or thing, implying both roles or qualities. (e.g., 彼は、学者にして、優れた芸術家でもあった。 - He was both a scholar and an excellent artist.)

Used to present the perspective or feelings of another person. "From A's point of view." (e.g., 親にしてみれば、子供のことが心配なのだろう。 - From the parents' perspective, they are probably worried about their child.)

A polite expression meaning there is no necessity to do something. (e.g., 心配には及びません。 - There is no need to worry.)

Indicates that something is far inferior to something else. (e.g., いくら彼が速くても、プロの選手には及ばない。 - No matter how fast he is, he is no match for a professional athlete.)

Indicates that an emotion like surprise or criticism is not warranted. "Not worth..." (e.g., 彼が怒るには当たらない。 - There is no reason for him to get angry.)

Same as 〜に〜ない. Expresses the frustration of not being able to do something, even with the will to do so. (e.g., 泣くにも泣けない。 - I can't even cry if I want to.)

A formal expression for an unbearable emotion or sight. "Unbearable." (e.g., 彼のスピーチは、聞くに堪えないものだった。 - His speech was unbearable to listen to.)

Indicates that a situation is not unique to a specific case but is more general. (e.g., 遅刻が多いのは、彼に限ったことではない。 - It's not just him who is often late.)

Indicates that a situation has progressed to an extreme or final stage. (e.g., 事態がこのに至って、ようやく彼は自分の間違いを認めた。 - Only when the situation reached this point did he finally admit his mistake.)

Indicates that even when a situation has reached an extreme stage, a certain action or state persists. (e.g., 証拠を突きつけられても、彼は犯行を認めようとしなかった。- Even when confronted with the evidence, he would not admit to the crime.)

Indicates that one's actions are worthy of a certain name or reputation. "Not to be ashamed of." (e.g., 日本代表の名に恥じない戦いをしたい。 - I want to fight in a way that is befitting of the name of Japan's national team.)

A formal expression meaning it is easy to do something, usually to imagine or understand. (e.g., 彼が驚いたことは、想像に難くない。 - It is not hard to imagine that he was surprised.)

A way to state one's strong belief or assumption. "I firmly believe that..." (e.g., 彼はきっと、約束を守るものと思う。 - I firmly believe he will keep his promise.)

Expresses that one had a belief or assumption that turned out to be wrong. (e.g., 彼は当然、来るものと思っていた。 - I was under the impression that he would naturally come.)

A strong hypothetical used to warn of a negative consequence. "If you try to..., then..." (e.g., やれるものならやってみろ。 - If you think you can do it, then try!)

A strong expression meaning "whether or not," indicating that the result is the same regardless of the action. (e.g., 雨が降ろうが降るまいが、試合は行われる。 - Whether it rains or not, the game will be held.)

A colloquial way to list various things, often with a sense of being overwhelmed. (e.g., 人は多いわ、物は高いわで、大変だった。 - There were so many people and things were expensive; it was tough.)

Lists several reasons, often negative, leading to a result. (e.g., 頭は痛いわ、熱は出るわで、会社を休んだ。- I had a headache and a fever, so I took the day off work.)

A strong statement that there is no person or thing other than the one mentioned that can do something. "Nobody/nothing but..." (e.g., この仕事ができるのは、彼をおいてほかにいない。 - There is no one but him who can do this job.)

A formal, classical version of をもって. "With," "by." (e.g., 書面を以て、ご回答いたします。 - We will reply by means of a written document.)

Indicates that something is done based on a certain precondition. (e.g., 彼が協力してくれることを前提に、計画を立てよう。 - Let's make a plan on the premise that he will cooperate.)

The causative form of を余儀なくされる. To cause someone to be forced into an undesirable situation. (e.g., 嵐は、飛行機の欠航を余儀なくさせた。 - The storm forced the cancellation of the flight.)

A formal, literary expression of strong purpose. "For the sake of." (e.g., 彼は、家族を守らんがために、戦った。 - He fought in order to protect his family.)

Used to indicate that the issue at hand is more fundamental than the one previously mentioned. "Before that," "that's not even the issue." (e.g., 彼は英語が苦手だ。しかし、それは勉強以前の問題だ。 - He is bad at English. However, that's not even an issue of studying; it's more fundamental.)

An expression for "extremely," used to emphasize a negative quality. (e.g., 彼の態度は、失礼極まりない。 - His attitude is extremely rude.)

A formal way to conclude an explanation of reasons. "...and that is why." (e.g., 以上のような理由で、この計画には反対する次第です。 - For the reasons mentioned above, I am against this plan.)

A formal and polite way of saying 「ときには」. (e.g., 日本へいらっしゃる折には、ぜひご連絡ください。 - When you come to Japan, please be sure to contact me.)

Indicates that two or more factors combine to produce a greater effect. (e.g., 彼の才能と努力が相まって、素晴らしい作品が生まれた。 - His talent, combined with his effort, produced a wonderful work.)

Means to be covered in something, usually a liquid or fine particles. Similar to だらけ but with more of a sense of being smeared. (e.g., 子供たちは、泥まみれになって遊んでいた。 - The children were playing, covered in mud.)

A literary expression meaning "like" or "as if." (e.g., 矢の如く、時間が過ぎていった。 - Time passed like an arrow.)

A formal, written expression meaning "depending on." (e.g., 試験の結果いかんでは、卒業できないかもしれない。 - Depending on the test results, I might not be able to graduate.)

A suffix meaning "average" or "on the same level as." (e.g., 彼は、プロ並みの料理の腕前を持っている。 - He has professional-level cooking skills.)

Same as あくまでも. An adverb emphasizing that something is just a possibility or that one will persist. (e.g., 飽くまでも、これは私の意見です。 - This is just my opinion.)

Indicates that something has a special, often problematic, reason or backstory. "With a story behind it." (e.g., これは、ちょっと訳ありの商品で、安くなっています。 - This is a product with a bit of a story, so it's cheaper.)