英→和

N5 Grammar

で

Meaning: in; at; on; by; with; via ~

– place of action
Indicates the place where an action occurs. In this pattern, the preceding noun must be a location.
学校で日本語を勉強する。
I study Japanese at school.

– a means or method
Indicates a means or method. Similar to “by”, “with”, or “via”
車で行く。
I will go by/via car.
みんなで行こう！
Let's go together with everyone!
たまに一人でカラオケに行きます。
I sometimes go to sing karaoke by myself.

– a total amount
Indicates a total amount of something (time, money, etc).
1時間で終わります。
I’ll finish (in total) in one hour.

– reason for action
病気で今日休みます。
Because I’m sick, I’m taking today off..

に

destination particle; in; at; on; to

in
日本に住（す）んでいる。
I’m living in Japan.
at
7時（しちじ）に行く。
I will go at 7 o’clock.
on
テーブルの上にある。
It’s on the table.
to（can also be used with へ.
日本に行く。
I will go to Japan.

へ

の

possessive particle
It is similar to [‘s].
[A]の[B] would mean [B] belong’s to [A].
Nounの + [B]

を

object marker particle
NounをVerb

は

topic marker
は follows the topic the speaker is talking about
The most common and easy-to-use pattern is:
[A]は[B]です。
A is B.

は〜より・・・です

[Noun-1] is more ~ than [Noun-2]
Noun-1 + は + Noun-2 + より + Adj +です

アメリカ人は日本人より背（せ）が高いです。
Americans are taller than Japanese.

より～ほうが

[2] is more than [1]
Verb-1・Noun-1・な-adj-1・い-adj-1
より
Verb-2・Noun-2 + の・な-adj-2 +な・い-adj-2
ほうが〜

彼女より、君の方がきれいだよ。
You're more beautiful than she is.

が

Meaning: subject marker; however; but ~

How to use 
Usage 1: subject marker
subject + が
Usage 2: however; but
Sentence 1 + が + Sentence 2

– Subject Marker
が is used to mark a subject in a sentence. It is very similar to the particle は.
犬が好きです。
I like dogs. (subject is dogs)
明日は雨が降る。
It is going to rain tomorrow.
仕方がない。
It cannot be helped. (a common expression in Japanese)
彼は借金がある。
He is in debt.
コンビニが近くにあります。
There is a convenience store nearby.

 – However; but
When placed in between two sentences, が can also mean “however” or “but”.
私は犬が好きですがお母さんは好きじゃない。
I like dogs but my mom does not.

と

and; with; as; connecting particle
phraseと

と – and
日本語と英語を話します。
I speak Japanese and English.
と – with
友だちと行く。
I will go with a friend.
彼女と仲がいいです。
She and I get along well.
あなたと話したくない。
I don't want to talk to you.

や

and; or; connecting particle
Noun + や + Noun
The particle や is used to list multiple things and imply there are other items that could be included in the list.
The main difference being と only lists the actual items listed, and や implies the listed items are not complete.

私は数学や化学などが好きです。
I like subjects like math, chemistry and so on.

よ

you know; emphasis (ending particle)
end of sentence + よ
It is mostly used in spoken Japanese.

おいしいよ。
This is really tasty! (you should try it)
よ can be combined with ね to ask for confirmation or agreement.
おいしいよね。
This is really good, isn’t it?

ちゃいけない・じゃいけない（spoken Japanese）・てはいけない

Meaning: must not; may not; cannot (spoken Japanese).
To be more formal, you can use てはいけない（Verb (て form)　＋はいけない・はいけません）.

How to use: ちゃだめ/ちゃいけない/ちゃいけません

Which to use: ちゃ VS じゃ
Use the verb’s て form, but then remove the て
たべる -> たべて -> たべちゃ
If the て form is で, then ちゃ turns to じゃ
のむ -> のんで -> のんじゃ

寝る前にスマホを見ちゃダメよ。
You shouldn't look at smartphone before going to bed.
自信をなくしちゃいけません！
You mustn't lose confidence!
彼を信用しちゃいけない。
We cannot trust him.

だ / です/じゃない・ではない

Meaning: to be (am, is, are, were, used to)/to not be (am not; is not; are not)

How to use:
present affirmative: だ (casual)です (polite)
past affirmative: だった (casual)でした (polite)
present negative:じゃない/ではない/（じゃないです・ではないです・じゃありません/ではありません）
past negative:じゃなかった/ではなかった/（じゃなかったです・ではなかったです・じゃありませんでした/ではありませんでした）

私はクリスです/だ。
I am Chris.
肉はあまり好きじゃないです。
I don't really like meat.

This literally translates to “I Chris am”. Remember that Japanese uses SOV (subject-object-verb), rather than SVO like English.
だ and です have the exact same meaning, but です is more polite, so when in doubt it’s best to always use です.

When you want to say something “used to be” (was, were, used to, etc), you’ll want to use this conjugation. Once again, there is a casual form だった, and the more polite でした.

昨日はとてもきれいな日だった。
Yesterday was a very beautiful day.
子どものとき、甘いものが好きでした。
When I was a child, I used to like sweets.

私はともこ先生ではない/じゃない。
I am not Tomoko-sensei.

Both じゃない and ではない are at the casual level, and can be interchanged freely.
When speaking more politely
Using the more polite form is simple. Just drop the ない and change to ありません:

• じゃないありません

• ではないありません

だけ

Meaning: only; just; as much as ~

How to use: (Verb (dictionary form)/Noun/な-adjective + な/い-adjective) + だけ

only; just; alone
一人だけ。
only one person.
ただ一つだけある。
There is only one.
ほしいものはこれだけ。
This is the only thing I want.

as much as; at least

私はできるだけ金を借りないようにしている。
I try to borrow as little money as I possibly can.
いくら何でも15人だけは来るだろう。
Surely 15 people will come at least.

だろう/でしょう

Meaning: I think; it seems; probably; right?
(Verb (dictionary form)/Noun/な-adjective/い-adjective) + だろう/でしょう

BTW, sometimes this grammar is shortened to just だろ/でしょ, but the meaning is the same.
でしょう is the more polite version of だろう

嘘だろう。
You’re kidding (surely that’s a lie)/That’s a lie, right?

This method can express either confidence that it is likely a lie, or express that you are asking for confirmation, though it depends on the tone of the speaker and the situation.
雨が降るだろう。
It seems like it’s going to rain./I think it’s going to rain.

When spoken in a questioning type of tone, it is asking for confirmation from whoever the speaker is talking to. Otherwise, it expresses what the speaker is thinking; in this case thinking that it is likely to rain.

Used with question (showing speculation
それは何だろう/でしょう。
I wonder what that is…

でも①

Meaning: but; however; though ~

How to use: Between 2 clauses
Be careful to not confuse with ても・でも, which has a different meaning.
The JLPT N5 grammar でも simply means but or however.
It is often used to start a new sentence, or to connect two contradicting ideas.
It is very similar to しかし, which is a bit stronger.

どんな

Meaning: what kind of; what sort of
How to use: どんな + Noun

This sentence pattern is used to ask about the state or character of a person, thing, etc.

はどうですか

how about; how is
This pattern is to ask about the listener’s impression or opinion about something.
Nounはどうですか

最近仕事のほうはどうですか？
How has work been going lately?

どうして

Meaning: why; for what reason; how

どうして has two main meanings:
To ask why or for what reason
To ask how / method

why
どうして来なかった？
Why did you not come?

how / method / in what way; by what means​ = どうやって
この字はどうして書くんですか？
How do you write this character?

があります / がいます

Meaning: there is; is (non-living things) / (living things)

How to use:
Noun + (がある / があります
があった / がありました
がない / がありません
がなかった / がありませんでした)

used to say there is or something is for NON-LIVING things.
This form can only be used with non-living things.
For living things, use がいます instead.
The が is changed to a に/は for places.
Can also mean to have or not have.
The verb いる comes from 居る, which is the verb for to be (for living things). However, when used in this grammar form, the hiragana form is used instead of the kanji form.

たくさんの宿題があります。
I have (there is) a lot of homework.
人気がある。
to be popular.
カバンがテーブルの上にあります。
Your bag is on the table.
言いたいことがありますか？
Is there something you’d like to say?
お金がないんだ。
I have no (there is no) money.

to be がいます
シャワーには誰かがいます。
Someone is in the shower.
今どこにいますか？
Where are you now?
to have がいます
子どもがいますか？
Do you have any children?
いいえ、子どもがいません。
No, I do not have any children.

ほうがいい

Meaning: had better; it'd (would) be better to; should ~

How to use: Verb + 方がいい/ほうがいい

past-casual
行ったほうがいい。
You had better go / you should go.
negative
行かないほうがいい。
You shouldn’t go.

い-adjectives (い形容詞)

There are two kinds of adjectives in Japanese, i-adjectives (い形容詞) and na-adjectives (な形容詞).

How to use
presentい
present negativeくない/くありません
pastかった
past negativeくなかった/くありませんでした

な-adjectives

The na-adjective is very simple to learn because it acts essentially like a noun and the form does not change much.
When a na-adjective is placed before a noun, a な is added at the end of the adjective.

かれはげんきな子だね。
He is an energetic child.

一番 (= adv

the most; the best
[A] + が/は + いちばん
いちばん + [A]

の中で[A]が一番

out of this group, [A] is best
Noun + の中で + [A]が一番～

一緒に

together
often preceded with と
This grammar can be used to talk about doing things together.

一緒に行きませんか？
Shall we go together?
彼女と一緒にレストランへ行きます。
I’m going to a restaurant together with my girlfriend.

いつも

always; usually; habitually
Can be used mid-sentence and also to start a new sentence

か 

question particle
end of sentence

か～か

or
Verb/Noun/な-adjective/い-adjective + か
It is used when trying to decide between 2 or more choices. Sometimes, it may only be written one time.

明日は雨かどうか分からない。
I'm not sure if it will rain or not tomorrow.
よいか悪いかわかりません。
I’m not sure if this is good or bad.
お茶かコーヒーが飲みたい。
I would like to drink tea or coffee.

から

because; since; from
meaning 1: because; since
Verb・Noun + だ・な-adjective + だ・い-adjective
+ から
meaning 2: from; since
Nounから
The first meaning expresses a cause and effect type relationship. Because of [A], [B].
The second meaning focuses on what comes before から.
[A]から = From/since [A],…
It can be used to express something from a person
このシャツは彼女からもらった。
I got this shirt from my girlfriend.

It can also express from/since a location/time
生まれた時からアメリカに住んでいる。
I have been living in America since I was born.

まで

until; as far as; to (an extent/the point of); even ~
Noun + まで

昨日までお休みでした。.
I was on vacation until yesterday.
ここからそこまでは遠いですよ。
That's really far from here!
家まで車で送ります。
I'll take you home by car.

方

the way of doing sth; how to do ~
Verb ます (stem form) + 方/かた

けど・けれど（も）

but; however; although ~
Use between 2 contradicting ideas
To be more polite, use けれども instead.
Can also be used as だけど/けれど

悪いけど (Sorry)
仕事は辛いけど楽しい。
Work is tough, but fun.
金はないけど夢はある。
I don't have money, but I have dreams.

まだ

still; not yet
まだ + Verb (ている)/Verb (ていない)/Noun
まだまだ can also be used for extra emphasis.

まだ寝ているの？
You’re still sleeping?
まだ高校生です。
I’m still a high school student.
まだですか？
Is it ready yet? / are we there yet? / Still...?

まだ～ていません

have not yet ~

まだ、決まっていません。
It hasn't been decided yet.

前に

before; in front of ~
(Verb (dictionary form)/Noun + の) + 前に/まえに
This grammar can be used mainly for 2 situations:
To say something happened before [X]. (time)
To say something happened in front of [X]. (space / position)

寝る前に、歯（は）みがきを忘すれないでね。
Don't forget to brush your teeth before you go to bed.
コンビニの前にじてんしゃがたくさんあります。
There are many bicycles in front of the convenience store.

後で

after ~; later
(Verb (た form)/Noun + の) + 後で/あとで

授業が終わった後で、部活に行く。
After classes finish, I will go to my club activities.

ませんか・ましょう・ましょうか

would you; do you wanna; shall we ~
Verb (polite negative) + か
= Verb ます (stem form) + ません + か

お茶にしませんか？
Would you care for some tea?
写真をとってくれませんか？
Would you mind taking a photo?

let's ~; shall we ~
Verb ます (stem form) + ましょう
This is used suggest doing something with someone. By adding か at the end, it becomes a suggestive question.

shall I ~; used to offer help to the listener
Verb ます (stem form) + ましょうか

手伝いましょうか。
Do you want some help?

も

too; also; as well
Noun + も

私もできる。
I can do that too.
甘いものも辛（から）いものも好きです。
I like sweets as well as spicy foods.

もう

already; anymore; again; other

already
Usually used with time or age.
もう9時だ。
It’s already 9 o’clock.
もう終わった？
already finished?

(not) anymore
Used with a negative sentence.
もう行かない。
I’m not going to go anymore.

other; again; more
This can be used for both positive and negative situations.
もう二度と行かない。
I’m never going to go again.

express irritation (annoyed impatient slightly angry)

This form is usually at the beginning of a sentence to express the speaker’s irritation as they criticize something/someone. (mostly used by women)
もうたくさんだ。
もう我慢できない。
I can’t take this anymore.

なあ

sentence ending particle; confirmation; admiration, etc
ask for confirmation from listener (…right?)
express hope (it’d be nice if…)
express admiration (wow…)
express uncertainty (I wonder…)
add general emphasis to what is being saidなあ is often simply written as な without the extra あ.

end of sentence + な(あ)

これ、美味しいなあ。
This is really delicious.
新し自転車が欲しいな～。
I really want a new bicycle...
すごいなあ！
That's too awesome!
それは本当かな。
I wonder if that's true...

ね

isn't it? right? eh?
that is used to confirm something to someone.
end of sentence particle

かわいいね
そうですね
またあとでね

ないで・ないでください

without doing ~; to do [B] without doing [A]
If no action follows ないで, it turns into a request.
Verb-A (ない form) + で (Verb-B)

please don't do ~
This is used after a verb to request to the listener to not do something. ないで is more casual.
Verb (ない form) + でください

行かないでください。
Please don’t go!

てください

please do
It is used at the end of a verb in order to request that someone do that action.
Sometimes the last ください part is just dropped, and て form itself is used to make a request.
Verb (てform) + ください

ちょっと待ってください。
やめてください！
やってみてください。
Give it a try!
私に知らせてください。
Please let me know.

をください

please give me ~
Nounをください

コーヒーを二つください。
Please give me 2 cups of coffee.
少し時間をください。
Please give me some time.

ないといけない

must do; have an obligation to do ~
Verb (ない form) + と + いけない/いけません/ダメです

明日から働（はたら）かないといけない。
I have to work from tomorrow.
そろそろ寝ないといけない。
I have to sleep soon.

なくてもいい・て(も)いい(です)(か）

don't have to; it’s OK to not do. Indicates permission to not do ~.
The も (mo) is optional and may be used as なくていい
Verb (ない form) ない くてもいい

好きじゃないなら、食べなくてもいいですよ。
If you don't like it, you don't need to eat it.
来なくてもいいですよ。私一人で行くから。
You don't need to come. I'll go by myself.
無理しなくてもいいですよ。
You don't need to push yourself too hard.

is OK to ~; is alright to ~; may I ~?(indicates permission or request for permission)
= てもいい & てもいいです（か）
Verb (て form)/（です）Noun + で/な-adjective + で/い-adjective + いくて + もいい

どっちの日でもいいですよ。
Either day would be all right with me.
私も一緒に行っていい？
Can I go with you?
一つ質問を聞いていいですか？
Do you mind if I ask you a question?

なくちゃ・なくてはいけない・なくてはならない

must do; need do; gotta(= have got to/have got a) do ~
This grammar is the casual spoken way to say that one must do something.
Verb (ない form) ない 
くちゃ・くちゃダメ・くちゃいけない・くちゃいけません・くちゃならない・くちゃなりません
くてはいけない・くてはいけません
くてはならない・くてはなりません

君でなくちゃダメなんだ。（君である→君でない
It has to be you!
なんで僕がやらなくちゃいけないの。
Why do I have to do this?

なる

to be/become
Nounに・な-adjective＋になる
い-adjective + いく＋なる（なくなる・なになる
It is usually written either as になる or くなる when followed by い-adjectives.

Various forms:
Since it is a verb, it can be conjugated in current and past tense.
なる
なります more polite
なっている  “becoming”
なっています “becoming”
なった “became”
なりました “became”
It can even be changed to express a desire to become (want to become).
なりたい 

んです（a bit more casual）・のです

to explain something; show emphasis
んです has the same meaning as です, but is different in that it feels a bit more personal since it is used to explain something, give reasoning, or to emphasize something.
Verb (casual)・Noun + な(only with questions)・な-adjective + な・い-adjective＋んです・んだ・のです・のだ

何を飲みたいんですか。
What would you like to drink?
眠くないんですか。
Aren't you sleepy?
朝に弱いんだ。
I'm not a morning person.
どう違うのだ。
What's the difference?

に行く

go to do ~; to go in order to do something; to go for the purpose of ~
Verb ます (stem form)＋に行く・に行った

東京へ何しに行くの？
What are you going to Tokyo for?

にする

to decide on
Noun＋にする・にします

どれにする?
Which do you want?
お茶にする。
I'll have tea.
これにします。
I want this / I've decided on this
君を幸せにします。
I'll make you happy.

のが下手・のが上手・のが好き

to be bad/good at sth/like doing sth
Verb (dictionary form)＋のが下手・のがへた・…

私は人としゃべるのが下手だ。
I'm not good at talking with people.
時間を管理するのが上手ではない。
I'm not good at managing time.
私は何かを食べながら映画を観るのが好きです。
I love to eat something while watching a movie.
多くの日本人は多くの人の前で自分の意見を表現するのが好きじゃない。
Most Japanese people don't like expressing their opinions in front of a lot of people.

ので

because of; given that; since ~(explains reason for action).
The reason is given before ので, with the new action after.
Verb・Noun + な・な-adjective + な・い-adjective＋ので

ちょっと用事があるので、先に帰ります。
There's something I need to take care of, so I'm heading home early.
今から行きますので、少々お待ちください。
I'm heading over now, so please wait a moment.

お・ご

polite marker; honorific prefix particle
お / ご＋Noun・Adjective
For some vocabulary words (like お茶), it is standard to use this prefix and it is considered rude to not use it.
NOTE: お is mostly used with words of Japanese origin, and ご is mostly used with words of Chinese origin, though there are some exceptions.

お帰りなさい。
Welcome home.
お休みなさい。
Good night.
並んでお待ちください。
Please wait in line.
お手伝いしましょうか？
Shall I help?
ご質問がありませんか？
Are there any questions?

しかし・それから・そして

but; however ~.
This is often used to start a new sentence, but can be used mid sentence between 2 opposing ideas as well.
It is very similar to でも.

しかしなぜ？
But why? (expressing disagreement)

and; and then; after that; since then
This can be mostly interchanged with そして.

あなたはそれからどうするのですか。
What will you do after that?

and; and then; thus; and now ~
This is used to express supplemental information.

すぎる（過ぎる）

too much
This grammar comes from the verb 過ぎる, which means to pass or to exceed. However, this grammar most often written in just hiragana.
Verb ます (stem form)・な-adjective・い-adjective + い
すぎる・すぎます・すぎた・すぎました・すぎて

verb
たべすぎる
eat too much
verb past-tense
たべすぎた
(I) ate too much
verb connection
たべすぎておなかが痛い
I ate too much and now my stomach hurts

幸せすぎて死にそうだ。
I'm too happy to die.
少し言いすぎました。
I said a bit too much. (I said more than I should have)

たことがある

to have done sth. before
Verb (た form)こと＋がある・ことがない・ことがあります・ことがありません

これを見たことがある。
I've seen this before.
それを聞いたことがある。
I've heard of that before.
日本に行ったことありますか？
Have you been to Japan before?

たい

wanna do sth.
Verb ます (stem form)＋たい・たくない・たかった
*NOTE* This is mainly used to describe the actions the speaker wants to do.
To say someone wants to do something in 3rd person without quoting them, use たがる instead.

This is mostly ONLY for first person use, but there are some situations where it’s OK to use for second person:

when quoting others
田中さんがすしを食べたいんだって。
Tanaka-san said he wanted to eat Sushi.
when asking a question
何を食べたいですか？
What do you want to eat?
先生、聞きたいことがありますが。
Sensei, there is something I'd like to ask you..

がほしい

to want sth.
Noun + が＋ほしい ・欲しい

もっとお金が欲しいです。
I want more money.
彼女がほしい。
I want a girlfriend.
最近、仕事が忙しすぎてリラックスする時間が欲しい。
Work is so busy lately that I want some time to relax.

てほしい

I want/need u to
This is used to express the speaker’s desire for someone to do something (for them).
If you want to target your desired activity to a certain person, use に.
Verb (て form・ないで form)＋ほしい・欲しい

先生には、もっとゆっくり話してほしいです。
I wish the teacher would speak more slowly
あなたに幸せになってほしいのです。
I want you to be happy.
それを忘れないで欲しい。
I don't want you to forget that.

たり〜たり〜

do such things as A and B
Verb-た + り ～ Verb-た + り + する
Noun + だったり ～ Noun + だったり
な-adj + だったり ～ な-adj + だったり
い-adj + いかったり ～ い-adj + いかったり
You can use たり～たり when you want to list multiple examples. ex) “do such things as [A], [B], etc..”
It is possible to only use it once and list only one example. You’re basically making a list of different activities / traits, so it’s commonly used in situations like:
saying multiple hobbies
saying what you did over the weekend
explaining what food you like
etc..

暇なときは映画を見たり、音楽を聞いたりする。
In my free time I (do things like) watch movies and listen to music.
誰でも間違いを犯したり、失敗したりします。
Everyone makes mistakes and experiences failure.

てある

is/has been done (resulting state)
This is used when something is intentionally done and you can see the resulting state of that action. It is similar to using past tense form, but different in that it places emphasis on the action being done intentionally and the end result still being visible.
In summary, てある is used to show a task that was completed with focus on:

• The task was done intentionally (maybe for preparation)

• The resulting state from having done the action (e.g. the window was left open)

This grammar can ONLY be used with transitive verbs. The form will almost always look like this:
Subject + (が / は / を) + transitive verb + てある

Verb (て form)＋ある・あった・あります・ありました

ドアが開けてある。
The door has been left open (intentionally).
In this case, it’s a bit more clear that the focus is on the end result. Not on the action of opening the door, but that the door has been left open.
宿題はもうやってあります。
I have already finished my homework.

ている

ongoing action or current state
Often in conversation the い will be dropped to become てる. This is only for casual conversations.
Verb (て form)＋いる・いない・います・いません

There are a couple different ways it can be used, including:

Progressive tense – currently doing
昼ご飯を食べている。
currently eating lunch now.
Continuous – have been doing
先生の話を聞いているの？
Have you been listening to what the teacher is saying?
私もあなたを愛しています。
I love you too.
Present situation – what do you do now?（you are doing now in general, not just this particular moment.）
日本で日本語を勉強しています。
I am studying Japanese in Japan.
This example is more obvious that it is not just in this particular moment, but rather describing one’s current situation.
Habitual actions – frequently happens
毎日、寝る前にマンガを読んでいる。
I read manga every day before I sleep.
The current state / State / condition / appearance of subject
This can be used to describe the current state of something, what something looks like, or that something was left in a certain state.
彼はお父さんと似ている。
He looks (seems) like his father.
ドアが開いている。
The door has been left open.
This translates to the door is open, but the focus is also on the fact that the door has been left open.
今日は食堂がとても混んでいる。
The cafeteria is very crowded today.
Note that this example (and others) may cross over multiple categories. This is the same as the progressive tense, that it is “currently” crowded, but at the same time this is also describing the state of something, so it applies to both meanings.

てから

after doing ~
Verb (て form)＋から

トイレを使ってから、手を洗わないといけません。
We must wash our hands after using the restroom.
ご飯を食べてから散歩しました。
After eating I went for a walk.
電話をしてから来てください。
Please call me before you come.

とき（時）

when; at this time
It can be used in both present and past tense.
Verb (casual form)・Noun + の・な-adjective + な・い-adjective ＋とき

時間がないときは、朝ごはんを食べません。
When I have no time, I don't eat breakfast.
眠いとき、いつもチョコレートを食べます。
I always eat chocolate whenever I'm feeling sleepy.
暇なとき、ユーチューブを見ます。
I watch Youtube when I have free time.

とても

very; awfully; exceedingly​
とても + Adjective / Verb

彼らはとても似ている。
They look very alike.

つもり

plan to ~; intend to ~

Verb (dictionary form)・Verb (ない form)＋つもりだ・つもりで・つもりはない・つもりはありません

何度聞かれても、あなたに教えるつもりはありません。
No matter how many times you ask, I have no plans to tell you.
ばれたら、どうするつもり？
What are you planning to do if you get caught?
あなたを傷つけるつもりはなかったんです。
I didn't mean to hurt you.

N4 Grammar

間・間に

while; during; between ~
Verb (dictionary form)・Noun + の）＋間

while/during
This is used when you do something the whole time during a certain period of time, so it is often paired together with words like ずっと “continuously”.
Instead if you want to say something happened at one point “during” some time, use 間に.

電車に乗っている間、ずっと本を読んでいました。
I read a book the entire time I was on the train.

between
This can express the physical space between [A] and [B].
名古屋は東京と大阪の間にあります。
Nagoya is in between Tokyo and Osaka.
Or the time between [A] and [B].
9時から5時まで（の間）、仕事です。
I work from 9 to 5.

The 間 can sometimes be read as ま to express a similar meaning as あいだ . However, this reading is only used in some set phrases or to express something more figurative (usually time related).
寝る間もないほどいそがしい。
I’m too busy to sleep.

日本にいる間は私の家に泊（と）まって。
You can stay at my house while you are in Japan.
この二人の間にどのような関係が生まれますか？
What kind of relationship will develop between the two of them?

while; during~ something happened
Verb (casual, non-past)・Noun + の・な-adjective + な・い-adjective ＋間に

doing with intent while~
This is very similar to 間, but one difference is that it can also show intent. That you intentionally chose to do something during some time or take advantage of an opportunity.
待っている間に本を読んだ。
I read a book while I waited.
while/during [A] something happened
This can also express something that happened while or during a time period that is not in your control.
寝ている間に夢を見ました。
I had a dream while I was sleeping.

知らない間に寝ていた。
I fell asleep before I even realized it.
夜の間に火事が起こった。
A fire broke out during the night.
電車を待っている間にこの雑誌でも読んでください。
Please feel free to read this magazine while you are waiting on the train.

あまり〜ない

あまり＋　い-adjective + いくない・な-adjective + なじゃない・Verb (ない form)
not very, not much ~
This is used in combination with the negative form of an adjective or verb to describe something that you don’t really do. ない can be conjugated normally into the more polite negative ません or past forms as well.

この文法があまり分かりません。教えてください。
I don't understand this grammar very well, could you please explain it to me?

ば

conditional form; If [A] then [B]
Standard format: [A] ば [B]
If condition [A] is met, then [B] will happen.

今すぐ出発すれば間に合うでしょう。
If you leave right away, you'll likely make it in time.
数週間もすれば、みんな忘れるよ。
Everyone will forget this in a few weeks.

Rules for ば Conditional Form

Verbs

• Use dictionary form.

• Change the ending from “u” to an “e”.

• Add ば at the end.

Verb (Negative Form)

• Use dictionary negative form.

• Change the ending い to ければ.

い-adjective

• Change the ending い to ければ.

な-adjective・Noun

• At the end, add either of the two.

  1. ならば

  2. であれば 

な-adjective (Negative)

• At the end, add either of the two.

  1. じゃなければ (more casual)

  2. でなければ

場合（ばあい）は

in the event of; in the case that ~
Verb (casual)・Noun + の・な-adjective + な・い-adjective　＋場合は・ばあいは

火事の場合は、119をかけます。
In the event of a fire, call 119.

ばかり

only; nothing but ~
It is often used to express surprise, shock, and even judgement (in a negative way).
Noun・Verb (て form)　＋ばかり

子どもの頃は体が弱くて病気ばかりしていました。
I was weak as a child and sick all the time.

だけで

just by (doing)
Verb (casual)・Noun＋だけで

二人だけで少し話がしたい。
I want to talk together just the two of us.
彼女のことを思うだけでドキドキする。
I get worked up just thinking about her.
愛情だけでは生きてはいけない。
You cannot live by love alone.

出す

to begin/start to/burst into; …out(e.g. to jump out, to carry out)​
Verb ます (stem form)＋出す・だす

雨が急に降り出した。
It suddenly started raining.
彼はちょっと前までは笑っていたが、すぐに泣き出してしまった。He was smiling until just a moment ago when he burst out crying.

でございます

to be (honorific)
This is a more polite version of です, which is often used by work staff to customers.
です ->でございます・ではありません ->でございません

お釣（つり）でございます。
Here is your change.
私からは以上でございます。
I do not have any further statements to make.
予約で満員でございます。
We are fully booked up.

でも②

…or sth; how about ~
This can be used to suggest something as a possible option or solution. In this case, it is very similar to the phrase “would you care for…”
Nounでも

水でも飲みますか？
Would you care for some water or something to drink?
ちょっと時間があるからゲームでもしましょうか？
We have a little time, let’s play games or something？

ではないか・じゃないか

right?; isn't it?（let’s~; confirmation.
phrase　ではないか・ではありませんか

何ときれいではないか。
How pretty!
本当のことではないかと思うよ。
I suspect it to be true.
行こうじゃないか。
Let's go, shall we?
ダメじゃないか。
You should know that's no good / you can't do that.

が必要

need; necessary
Noun＋が・は必要

お互いに理解しあうことが必要だ。
You need to understand each other.

がする

to smell; hear; taste
Noun＋がする・がします・がしている

甘い味（あじ）がする。
t has a sweet taste.
ガスの匂い（におい）がする。
I smell gas.
何かが倒れる音（おと）がした。
It sounded like something fell.

がる・がっている

to show signs of; to appear; to feel, to think~
This grammar point basically turns adjectives into verbs, so the tense can change based on the verb conjugation.
な-adjective・い-adjective い
がる
がっている
がった
がらないで

– to show signs of; to feel
General Use
彼は犬を怖がる。
He is (appears to be/seems to be) generally afraid of dogs.
Current Tense
彼は犬を怖がっている（た）。
He is（was） currently showing signs of being afraid of dogs.

ほしがる – to want
ほしい + がる combine to express a strong desire or want for something. Of course, any adjective can be converted to a verb, but this form is quite common.
がる is generally used for speaking in the 3rd person, but it is also acceptable to use it for yourself in some situations.

クルーズ先生は新しい自転車を欲しがる。
Cruise sensei wants a new bicycle (very badly).

がり(adj->n)

な-adjective・い-adjective い＋がり
personality (someone tends to; has a tendency to; has a sensitivity to ~)

Describe Personality
怖がり・恥ずかしがり・寂しがり・目立ちたがり
Sensitivity Towards Something
寒がり・暑がり
私は寒がりなので、冬はあまり好きじゃない。
I'm sensitive to the cold, so I don't really like winter.
When talking about someone’s personality, Japanese people will usually add 屋 (や) at the end. Another option, which is more friendly, is to add 屋さん at the end instead.
恥ずかしがり屋さん
shy person (friendly way of saying)

たがる

wants to do ~(3rd person
Verb (たい form) たい
がる
がっている
がった
がらない

彼女は仕事を辞めたがっていますが、転職（てんしょく）先が見つからず、なかなか辞めることができません。
She wants to quit her job, but is unable to find a new job so she can't quite do it yet.

ございます

to be, to exist(the polite form of いる・ある)
あります changes to ございます
います changes to ございます

ご質問はございますか。
Are there any questions?
お時間がございますか？
Do you have some time?

始める・終わる・続ける

to start; to begin to ~
To instead say to end, use 終わる
To instead say to continue, use 続ける
Verb ます (stem form)
はじめる
はじめた
はじめている

いつそれをやり始めるの？
When will you start doing that?
この状況は変わり始めている。
This situation is starting to change.
仕事をし終わったらすぐ行く。
I'll go/come as soon as I finish work.
君を永遠に愛し続けると約束するよ。
I promise to keep loving you forever.

はずだ・はずがない（はずがありません）

it must be; it should be(expectation)
To say the opposite, “it cannot be…”, use はずがない （This is used to strongly emphasize that something cannot be or is impossible.）
Verb (dictionary form)・Noun + の・な-adjective + な・い-adjective＋はずだ

あなたなら分かるはずだ。
You should know this.
彼は英語を専門にやったのだからできるはずだ。
He ought to be a good scholar, for he has made a specialty of English.

そんなはずがない。
That can't be true.
彼はそんなことを言うはずがない。
He would never say such a thing.

必要がある

need to; it is necessary to
To be more polite, you can use 必要があります and 必要がありません instead.
Verb (dictionary form)＋必要がある・必要がない

俺にはもう必要がない。
I have no need for this anymore.
何でそんなことをする必要があるんですか？
Why is it necessary to do that?

意向形

volitional form​; let's do
This grammar turns verbs from statements into suggestions.

How to create volitional form:
A) る-verbs
Remove the final る syllable and replace it with よう.
To be more polite, add ましょう instead.
食べる → 食べよう
食べる → 食べましょう 
B) う-verbs
Change the final vowel to (o) and add a singular (u) to the end.
To be more polite, change the final vowel to (i) and add ましょう to the end.
読む → 読もう (yomu → yomou)
読む → 読みましょう
C) Irregular Verbs
する → しよう
する → しましょう
来る → 来よう (kuru → koyou)
来る → 来ましょう (kuru → kimashou)

早く寝よう。
let's hurry and go to sleep.
手伝おうか。
shall I give you a hand?
駅まで送ってあげようか？
Shall I give you a lift to the station?

いらっしゃる

to be; to come; to go (polite version)
This is the more polite version of いる, 来る, 行く, and can take on either of these meanings.
It can be conjugated to various forms like a regular verb.
formal positive: いらっしゃいます
formal negative: いらっしゃいません

いる・来る・行く→いらっしゃる
Verb (て form)+ いらっしゃる

質問のある方はいらっしゃいませんか。
Does anyone have any questions?
私たちと一緒にいらっしゃいませんか？
Wouldn't you like to come with us?
先生、何時まで学校にいらっしゃいますか。
Teacher, until what time will you remain at school?
先生はあなたを信じていらっしゃる。
Our teacher believes in you.

いたします

to do (polite form of する)
It is used to say that you yourself will do something.
する (changes to)いたす
します (changes to)いたします
お/ご + Verb ます (stem)＋いたします

失礼いたします。
Excuse me.
この仕事は私がいたします。
I will do this job.
お席にご案内いたします。
I’ll take you to your seat.

かどうか

whether or not ~
Verb (casual form)・Noun・な-adjective・い-adjective＋かどうか

弱いかどうかとはまったく関係ない。
It has nothing to do with whether they are weak or not.
この計画は成功できるかどうか心配です。
I'm worried whether we'll be able to succeed with this plan.

かしら・かな

I wonder (feminine)
This is either used to:
ask a question
show you are thinking about something
It is mostly used by female speakers.
phrase　かしら

本当かしら。
I wonder if that's true.

I wonder; should I?
Verb (casual form)・Noun・な-adjective・い-adjective＋かな
かな  basically means “I wonder”, and is mostly used to:
contemplate doing something
wonder if something will happen
There are also many other subtle meanings which could be implied based on context, including:

• expressing doubt and asking advice

• expressing hope

• offering an opinion

• making a suggestion

• asking a small favor

• expressing desire or intention

かい

turns a sentence into a yes/no question
This is more casual Japanese and is most often used with children or with girlfriends.
Sentence ＋かい

コーヒーいるかい？
Do you want a coffee?

かもしれない

might; perhaps; indicates possibility
Verb (casual form)・Noun・な-adjective・い-adjective
＋かも（more casual）・かもしれない・かもしれません（more polite）

そうかもしれない。
That may be the case.

から作る

made from; made with
Noun + から・Noun + で
作る
作られる (passive form)
作られている

ワインはブドウから作る。
Wine is made from grapes.
このつくえは木で作られています。
This desk was made from wood.

きっと

surely; undoubtedly; almost certainly; most likely
きっと　event/action

頃

around; about; when
Noun (time)＋ごろ (around; about)
Verb (casual)・Noun + の・Adjective＋ころ (when)

こと

Verb nominalizer
It allows you to use verbs as nouns.
Verb (casual, non-past)＋こと

ことがある

there are times when ~
sometimes do ~
to have things to do
It must be used with a non-past verb.
Verb (casual, non-past)
＋ことがある・こともある・ことがあります・こともあります

私は会議中でも、寝てしまうことがある。
Sometimes I fall asleep during meetings.
私の地元は6月でも寒いことがある。
In my hometown there are times when it is cold even in June.
話したいことがある。
There's something I'd like to talk to you
今週はたくさんのやることがあります。
This week there are a lot of things for me to do.

ことができる

can; able to
It is basically the same as the verb’s potential form, but simpler to use.
Verb (dictionary form)
＋ことができる・ことができない・ことができます・ことができません

たべる -> たべられる・たべることができる
たべない -> たべられない・たべることができない

何も言うことができない。
I can't say anything.
君を理解することができる
I can understand you.

ことになる

It has been decided that..; it turns out that..
ことになる is used used to express something that has been decided or determined by factors outside of one’s own resolve. Though sometimes it can be an indirect way to say something that may indeed be one’s own resolve..
NOTE, this grammar point often uses the past version of なる to express that something has already been decided:
ことになった
ことになりました

Verb (dictionary form)・Verb (ない form)ことになる

ことにする

to decide on
This is used to express what one has decided on of their own will. Add it after a verb to say that’s what you’ve decided on.
Verb (dictionary form)・Verb )ない form)＋ことにする・ことにします・ことにしている・ことにしています

くする・にする

to make something ~
い-adjective い＋くする・くします・くして・くした
な-adjective な＋にする・にします・にして・にした

あと５００円安くしてくれたら、買いますよ。
I'll buy it if you make it 500 yen cheaper.
もう少し、静かにしてください。
Please be a bit more quiet.
この写真を大切にする。
I will treasure this picture.

急に

quickly; immediately; hastily; suddenly; abruptly; unexpectedly ~
急にPhrase

急に雨が降り始めました。
今日は急に涼しくなった。
その子は急に泣き出した。
彼の病気が急に悪くなった。
It suddenly started raining.
It suddenly got a bit cooler today.
That child suddenly started crying.
His illness took a sudden turn for the worst.

までに

by; by the time; indicates time limit
Verb (dictionary form)/Noun + までに

8時までに来てください。
レポートは金曜日までに出してください。
いつまでに必要ですか。
死ぬまでに１度は海外へ海を見に行ってみたいです。
Please come by no later than 8AM.
Please have the report submitted by Friday.
When do you need this by?
Before I die I want to try going abroad to see sea.

まま

as it is; current state; without changing
This is used to express something as it is, or to express a lack of change.
Noun + の/Verb (た form)/Verb (ない form)/な-adjective + な/い-adjective
+まま

昔のまま
The way things used to be / the same as always
開けたまま
to be left open
This is often used with past tense form, but not with standard form)
しないまま
to be left undone / unfinished
きれいなまま
to remain beautiful / while beautiful
熱いまま
while it’s (still) hot
Demonstrative adjective + まま
この/その/あのままでよい。
It’s fine as it is.
昔のまま変わっていない
生のままで食べてもおいしい
どうぞ靴のまま、お入りください
鍵をかけないまま出かけてしまった
勉強したまま寝てしまった
勉強しないままそのテストを受けた
仕事は中途半端なままにしてはいけない
haven't changed at all
taste good even raw
Please enter with your shoes on
left without locking the door
fell asleep while studying
took that test without studying
can't leave your work unfinished

みたいだ・に・な

like; similar to; resembling ~
V(casual)/N・な-adj+(だった)/い-adj
+ みたい（だ）
V(casual)/N＋みたいに＋V・Adj
V(casual)/N＋みたいな＋N

夢みたいだ
何となく雨みたいだ
彼は少し疲れてるみたいだ
どうやら食べすぎたみたいだ
あの人は日本人みたいですね。日本語がペラペラでした。

It's like a dream come true
It looks like it's going to rain
He looks a little tired
I'm afraid I've eaten too much
That person seems like a Japanese. He speaks Japanese so fluently.

こんな子供みたいな喧嘩はやめよう
彼女は男みたいな歩き方をする
毎日仕事ばかりで、夢の中でも働いているみたいな気になる
Let's stop the childish fight.
She walks like a man.
For constantly working everyday, I feel like working even in my dreams.

僕は絶対に彼らみたいになりたくない
I never want to be like them
氷みたいに冷たくしないでくれ
Don't be so cold
馬鹿みたいに見えるのは分かってる
I know I must look like an idiot
君みたいに美しい人は初めてだ
I've never seen anyone as beautiful as you

も

as many as; as much as; nearly ~
This can only be used with something that is measurable, like a number or time. The respective counter must also be used between that and も.
number/time counter + も