Structure: Polite: Verb-ます / です | Plain: Dictionary form / だ
Japanese has two speech styles: polite (ていねいたい) and plain (ふつうたい). Polite uses です/ます to show respect, appropriate for strangers, seniors, or formal situations. Plain is casual, used with close friends, family, or in writing.
Usage Notes Choose polite for most initial conversations, customer service, or speaking to superiors. Use plain with close friends, children, or when quoting someone. Mixing styles sounds unnatural.
💡 Pro Tip Plain form is also used before から, けど, and と思う. You can switch to plain inside your own thoughts. Listening to casual anime or dramas helps train the ear for plain forms.
Examples すみません、トイレはどこですか？ (polite)
Sumimasen, toire wa doko desu ka?
Excuse me, where is the restroom? (polite)
ねえ、トイレどこ？ (plain)
Nē, toire doko?
Hey, where's the bathroom? (plain)
Structure: Time duration + になります
Use ～になります to express that a certain amount of time has passed since an event or starting point. It often translates to 'It has been ~ since...'
Usage Notes Attach になります after a time expression. Common patterns: [place]に来て + duration + になります, or [event]から + duration + になります.
💡 Pro Tip This is softer than ～経ちました (tachimasu) and implies a natural milestone. You'll hear it in business and daily conversation. Don't confuse it with になります meaning 'become' – context makes it clear.
Examples 日本に来て、もうすぐ３年になります。
Nihon ni kite, mō sugu san-nen ni narimasu.
It will soon be three years since I came to Japan.
この仕事を始めてから、１０年になります。
Kono shigoto o hajimete kara, jū-nen ni narimasu.
It has been ten years since I started this job.
Structure: [Time expression] に きました
Use に with specific time points to mark when the action of coming (or going) occurred. Some relative time words like きょねん (last year), せんげつ (last month), せんしゅう (last week), きのう (yesterday) do NOT take に.
Usage Notes Add に after clock times, days of week, months, years with numbers, and specific dates. Omit に for relative time words and vague expressions like 'one day'.
💡 Pro Tip The same rule applies to other motion verbs like 行きました (went), 帰りました (returned). If you're unsure, remember: specific number + counter = usually needs に; words like 'last week' or 'tomorrow' never take に.
Examples 友だちは午後３時にうちに来ました。
Tomodachi wa gogo san-ji ni uchi ni kimashita.
My friend came to my house at 3 p.m.
私は先週の土曜日に大阪へ行きました。
Watashi wa senshū no doyōbi ni Ōsaka e ikimashita.
I went to Osaka last Saturday.
Structure: Verb て-form + います
The て-form plus います expresses ongoing actions (〜ing), habitual actions, or resulting states. It’s the present progressive but also covers professions and regular routines.
Usage Notes Use for: (1) actions in progress now, (2) repeated/habitual actions, (3) states resulting from a change (e.g., 結婚しています 'is married'). In casual speech, ～ています often shortens to ～てます.
💡 Pro Tip Some verbs like 知る (to know) or 住む (to live) take ～ています for state, not action. ～ていました is the past version. To ask 'What do you do (for work)?' say '何をしていますか?' – it's understood as a routine, not a literal 'doing right now'.
Examples今、日本語を勉強しています。
Ima, nihongo o benkyō shite imasu.
I am studying Japanese right now.
妹は東京で働いています。
Imōto wa Tōkyō de hataraite imasu.
My younger sister works (is working) in Tokyo.
Structure: [Verb-dictionary form] + ことです
Turn a verb into a noun phrase meaning 'the act of ~ing' by adding こと. This is the standard way to state hobbies, interests, or general activities as a topic.
Usage Notes Use こと after the dictionary form of a verb. Then add です to complete the sentence. Common pattern: しゅみは + [verb-こと] + です.
💡 Pro Tip こと focuses on the abstract 'thing' or 'fact' of doing something. For hobbies, it's more natural than の (which is fine but less formal). You can also use こと to talk about your job: わたしのしごとはこどもをそだてることです (My job is raising children).
Examplesしゅみはえいがをみることです。
Shumi wa eiga o miru koto desu.
My hobby is watching movies.
しゅみはりょうりをつくることと、ピアノをひくことです。
Shumi wa ryōri o tsukuru koto to, piano o hiku koto desu.
My hobbies are cooking and playing the piano.
Structure: [Verb-dictionary form] + のがすきです
Use の to nominalize a verb (turn it into a noun phrase), then add がすきです to say you like doing that activity. This is the everyday casual way to express enjoyment of actions.
Usage Notes Attach の to the dictionary form of a verb. Then add がすきです (or がだいすきです for 'love'). Works for any verb activity.
💡 Pro Tip の is more conversational than こと for likes/dislikes. You can also use のがきらいです (hate), のがじょうずです (good at), のがへたです (bad at). Don't say ことがすきです in casual speech—it sounds stiff. Use のがすき for natural flow.
Examplesゲームをするのがすきです。
Gēmu o suru no ga suki desu.
I like playing games.
ともだちとはなすのがだいすきです。
Tomodachi to hanasu no ga daisuki desu.
I love talking with my friends.
Structure: [Person] + と + [Place] + で + [Activity]
Use particle と to mark the person you do an action together with. Use particle で to mark the location where an action takes place. Both go after the noun they modify.
Usage Notes Place と after the companion's noun. Place で after the location noun. The order is flexible but common pattern: Person と + Place で + verb.
💡 Pro Tip Don't confuse で (location of action) with に (destination or existence). If the verb is 'meet' (あう), you use に: ともだちに会う. For activities like play, eat, study, use で. Also, と is only for mutual action—you and the other person both participate.
Examples ともだちとたいいくかんでバドミントンをします。
Tomodachi to taiikukan de badominton o shimasu.
I play badminton with a friend at the gym.
きょうはははとスーパーでかいものをします。
Kyō wa haha to sūpā de kaimono o shimasu.
Today I will shop at the supermarket with my mom.
Structure: Verb-て form, [then] Verb
Connect two or more actions in chronological order using the て-form of each verb except the last one. It means 'do A, and then do B' with a sense of natural sequence.
Usage Notes Change each verb to its て-form (te or de ending). List them in order, then finish with the final verb in plain or polite form. The tense comes from the last verb.
💡 Pro Tip This て-sequence is very common. For contrast or 'and also' you can use ～て、～て、～ます. To emphasize 'after doing A, then B', add から: 食べてから行きます (eat, then go). Also, don't use て-sequence for two unrelated actions happening at the same time—use ながら instead.
Examples バドミントンをして、ごはんをたべます。
Badominton o shite, gohan o tabemasu.
I play badminton, and then I eat a meal.
うちにかえって、シャワーをあびて、ねます。
Uchi ni kaette, shawā o abite, nemasu.
I go home, take a shower, and then sleep.
Structure: Verb て-form + います
Use て-form + います to describe an activity that is currently in progress or a habitual/repeated action over a period of time (like studying a language, working at a company).
Usage Notes Form by changing verb to て-form, then add います (polite) or いる (plain). For ongoing learning or long-term activities, it implies 'I am engaged in that activity these days'.
💡 Pro Tip This is different from simple present: べんきょうする means 'I will study' or 'I study (as a fact)'. べんきょうしている means 'I am studying (now or these days)'. For hobbies you do regularly but not at this moment, ～ています still works: ヨガをしています (I do yoga).
Examplesいけばなをならっています。
Ikebana o naratte imasu.
I am learning flower arranging.
かいしゃでえいごをおしえています。
Kaisha de eigo o oshiete imasu.
I teach English at a company (as my current job).
Structure: [Noun] + が + できます
Use ができます to express that you can do something or have a skill. It's used for languages, sports, musical instruments, and other abilities. The thing you can do is marked by が.
Usage Notes Place the skill noun before が. できます is the potential form of する (to do). It conjugates: できました (past), できません (negative).
💡 Pro Tip For verb abilities, use the potential form (e.g., よめる for 'can read'), not ができます. But ができます is perfect for nouns like languages (にほんご), sports (テニス), or specific skills (うんてん - driving). Also, you can say よくできます (do well) or あまりできません (cannot do much).
Examplesにほんごができます。
Nihongo ga dekimasu.
I can speak Japanese.
りょうりとピアノができます。
Ryōri to piano ga dekimasu.
I can cook and play the piano.
Structure: い-adjective: [stem] + くなります | Noun / な-adjective: [word] + になります
Express a change of state: 'become ~' or 'turn ~'. For い-adjectives, drop the final い and add くなる. For nouns and な-adjectives, add になる. This is essential for talking about weather, seasons, personal changes, or trends.
Usage Notes Use present tense for general changes or future predictions. Past tense (～くなりました／になりました) for changes that already happened. Works with time words like だんだん (gradually) or すぐに (soon).
💡 Pro Tip Don't confuse with ～てくる for gradual changes from past to present (e.g., 暖かくなってきた 'it's been getting warm'). Also, for adjectives that describe feelings (うれしい, さびしい), ～くなる works, but ～になる is never used directly with い-adjectives.
Examplesあたたかくなります。
Atatakaku narimasu.
It becomes warm. / It will get warm.
もうすぐなつやすみになります。
Mō sugu natsuyasumi ni narimasu.
It will soon be summer vacation.
Structure: いちばん + [Adjective] + [Noun] が いちばん...
Use いちばん before an adjective to express 'the most' or 'the best'. It's the standard way to make superlatives in Japanese. The topic (what you're comparing) is usually marked with が when it's the subject of the adjective.
Usage Notes Place いちばん directly before the adjective. If the adjective modifies a noun, keep them together: いちばんおいしい食べ物. For preferences, use が: なつがいちばんすきです.
💡 Pro Tip You can add ～のなかで (among ~) to specify the group: クラスのなかでだれがいちばんせがたかいですか？ (Who is tallest in class?). Also, いちばん can be used alone as a noun: 'これがいちばん！' (This is the best!).
Examplesあきがいちばんすきです。
Aki ga ichiban suki desu.
I like autumn the best.
にほんでいちばんたかいやまはふじさんです。
Nihon de ichiban takai yama wa Fujisan desu.
The tallest mountain in Japan is Mount Fuji.
Structure: [い-adjective] + の + が + すきです／にがてです
Use an い-adjective followed by の to turn the adjective into a noun phrase meaning 'the (adjective) one/thing', often referring to weather or general conditions. Then express like/dislike with すきです or にがてです (bad at / dislike).
Usage Notes Take the い-adjective in plain form, add の, then が, then すき or にがて. The の stands for 'the condition' (e.g., あついの = hot weather/things).
💡 Pro Tip This works for any い-adjective: つめたいのがにがて (I dislike cold things). For な-adjectives, use なの: しずかなのがすき (I like quiet places). To say 'hate' use きらい instead of にがて (にがて is softer).
Examplesあついのがすきです。
Atsui no ga suki desu.
I like hot weather.
さむいのがにがてです。
Samui no ga nigate desu.
I don't like cold weather / I'm bad with cold.
Structure: [Sentence] + から
Add から to the end of a sentence to state a reason or cause. It can stand alone as a short answer or be attached to the sentence explaining why. This works with verbs, い-adjectives, な-adjectives+だ, and nouns+だ.
Usage Notes Place から at the end of the reason clause. The reason comes first, followed by the result. For polite speech, keep the です/ます before から. For casual, plain form + から.
💡 Pro Tip When answering 'Why?', you can just say the reason + から by itself: 'なぜなつがすきですか？' 'あついのがすきですから。' Also, から can sound a bit direct or even pushy; for softer reasons use ので. But から is fine for everyday conversation.
Examples あきがすきです。もみじのけしきがきれいですから。
Aki ga suki desu. Momiji no keshiki ga kirei desu kara.
I like autumn because the fall foliage is beautiful.
そとでおよげません。さむいですから。
Soto de oyogemasen. Samui desu kara.
I can't swim outside because it's cold.
Structure: [Reason Sentence] + から + [Result Sentence]
Connect two sentences where S1 is the reason or cause for S2. This is the standard 'because' structure. The reason always comes before から, and the result follows.
Usage Notes Form: Reason (plain or polite) + から + Result (any tense). Comma often used after から. You can reverse the order by putting result first, then reason + から at the end (as in the previous grammar point).
💡 Pro Tip When giving a reason for an invitation or suggestion, putting から after the reason makes it softer: あたたかいですから、さんぽしませんか？ (It's warm, so shall we take a walk?). Also, don't put から in the middle of a noun phrase; it always comes at the end of a clause.
Examples あついのがだいすきですから、なつがすきです。
Atsui no ga daisuki desu kara, natsu ga suki desu.
I love hot weather, so I like summer.
あめがふっていますから、うちでえいがをみましょう。
Ame ga futte imasu kara, uchi de eiga o mimashō.
It's raining, so let's watch a movie at home.
Structure: Noun1 + や + Noun2 (+ など)
Use the particle や to list nouns when giving non-exhaustive examples. It implies 'things like A and B (among others)'. Add など at the end for 'and so on'.
Usage Notes Place や between each example noun. You can list two or more nouns. The last noun can be followed by など or nothing. や is often used with general categories or typical examples.
💡 Pro Tip Compare: と lists everything (exhaustive). や gives examples. If you say 'りんごやバナナがすき' it means 'I like apples and bananas (and other fruits)'. For a single example, use とか or や alone with one noun: 'うみやで遊ぶ' (play at the sea, etc.).
Examplesうみややまであそびます。
Umi ya yama de asobimasu.
I play at places like the sea and mountains.
しゅみはえいがやおんがくをきくことです。
Shumi wa eiga ya ongaku o kiku koto desu.
My hobbies are things like watching movies and listening to music.
Structure: Noun1 + とか + Noun2 + とか
Use とか after each example noun to list representative items in casual spoken Japanese. It's more conversational than や and can be used with just one example or many.
Usage Notes Place とか after each noun. For two examples: N1とか N2とか. For one example: Nとか. You can also use it with verbs or clauses: 食べるとか飲むとか.
💡 Pro Tip とか is very common in everyday speech. It sounds friendly and less formal. You can also string several とか together. To say 'or something like that', add なんか: 'コーヒーとか、なんか' (coffee or something). Unlike や, とか doesn't require a final など.
Examples くだものがおいしいです。ぶどうとかなしとか。
Kudamono ga oishii desu. Budō toka nashi toka.
Fruits are delicious, like grapes and pears.
なつはうみとかプールとかいきたいです。
Natsu wa umi toka pūru toka ikitai desu.
In summer, I want to go to places like the beach or a pool.
Structure: [Sentence] + ね
Add ね at the end of a sentence to seek agreement, confirm shared information, or express sympathy. It's like adding '..., isn't it?' or '..., right?' in English. Essential for natural conversation, especially in small talk about weather or feelings.
Usage Notes Attach ね after the final verb, adjective, or copula (です/ます). Use rising intonation for a question, falling for a statement of shared feeling. Polite and plain forms both work with ね.
💡 Pro Tip ね is not just for agreement—it softens statements and shows you care about the listener's reaction. Overusing ね can sound pushy; use it when you genuinely expect shared experience. Compare: よ gives new information, ね confirms shared info.
Examplesきょうはいいてんきですね。
Kyō wa ii tenki desu ne.
It's nice weather today, isn't it?
さむいですね。そろそろこたつをだしましょうか。
Samui desu ne. Sorosoro kotatsu o dashimashō ka.
It's cold, isn't it? Shall we take out the kotatsu soon?
Structure: Non-past: です / ます / い-adjective (い) | Past: でした / ました / かったです
Use non-past forms to describe current or future weather, and past forms for weather that already happened. Conjugation patterns differ: nouns/な-adjectives use です→でした, verbs use ます→ました, い-adjectives change い→かったです.
Usage Notes For い-adjectives: drop い → かったです (e.g., あつい → あつかったです). For nouns: add でした (e.g., あめ → あめでした). For verbs in polite form: change ます to ました.
💡 Pro Tip Don't confuse いい (good) past form: よかったです (not いかったです). For negative past, conjugate the negative helper: あつくない → あつくなかったです. Remember: weather reports often use plain forms, but conversation uses polite forms with です/ます.
Examplesきょうはあついです。
Kyō wa atsui desu.
Today is hot.
きのうはすごいあめでした。
Kinō wa sugoi ame deshita.
Yesterday was heavy rain.
Structure: Verb て-form + います
Use て-form + います to describe a current ongoing action or a resulting state. For weather, it's used for conditions that are happening now (raining, snowing, being cloudy) or a state that continues (the sun is shining).
Usage Notes Form by changing the verb to て-form and adding います. For weather verbs: ふる (fall) → ふっています (raining/snowing), はれる (clear up) → はれています (is clear/sunny). Use まだ + ています for 'still ~ing'.
💡 Pro Tip Some weather verbs like ふる (rain/snow) describe actions, so ふっています means 'it is raining now'. For a state like そらがあおい (sky is blue) you don't use ています. Also, ～ていました is past ongoing: 'it was raining'.
Examplesあめがふっています。
Ame ga futte imasu.
It is raining.
いまもすこしふっています。
Ima mo sukoshi futte imasu.
It is still raining a little.
Structure: Verb / Adjective plain form + でしょう | Noun / な-adjective + でしょう
Use でしょう to express a prediction, probability, or guess (50-80% certainty). It's common in weather forecasts, polite speculation, or soft suggestions. Replaces です/ます with でしょう in polite speech.
Usage Notes Attach でしょう to the plain form of verbs and い-adjectives. For nouns and な-adjectives, add でしょう directly (without だ). For negative forms, use ないでしょう.
💡 Pro Tip でしょう is politer than だろう (plain). In casual speech, use だろう or just rising intonation. To soften a statement, use かもしれません (maybe) for lower certainty. Also, でしょう？ with rising intonation asks for agreement: いいでしょう？ (Good, right?)
Examplesあしたははれるでしょう。
Ashita wa hareru deshō.
It will probably be sunny tomorrow.
あめはこんばんやむでしょう。
Ame wa konban yamu deshō.
The rain will probably stop tonight.
Structure: な-adjective/Noun + で | い-adjective (remove い) + くて
Use ～で to connect な-adjectives or nouns, and ～くて to connect い-adjectives when listing multiple characteristics. The last adjective determines the tense/politeness. This is essential for describing places, people, or things with multiple traits.
Usage Notes For な-adjectives: take the stem (remove な) and add で. For nouns: add で. For い-adjectives: remove final い and add くて. Combine as many as needed, then finish with the final adjective in です/ます form.
💡 Pro Tip The ～て form of adjectives often implies a cause/reason relationship, not just 'and'. For example, '安くて美味しい' can mean 'cheap and delicious' or 'cheap, so delicious'. For pure listing without cause, use し (e.g., 安いし美味しい).
Examplesにぎやかで、べんりです。
Nigiyaka de, benri desu.
It is lively and convenient.
みどりがおおくて、しずかでいいですね。
Midori ga ōkute, shizuka de ii desu ne.
There's lots of greenery and it's quiet, which is nice.
Structure: Noun/な-adjective + だけど | い-adjective (plain) + けど | Verb (plain) + けど
Use けど or だけど to connect two contrasting statements (like 'but' or 'although'). It's softer and more conversational than しかし. Also used to lead into a topic politely without direct contrast.
Usage Notes For nouns and な-adjectives: add だけど. For い-adjectives and verbs: add けど to the plain form. Can come in the middle of a sentence (S1けどS2) or at the end to soften a statement.
💡 Pro Tip けど is extremely common in spoken Japanese. Ending a sentence with けど (without finishing the second clause) is a polite way to imply something or ask a favor: 'お話があるんですけど…' (I have something to talk about...). Also, だけど can be used to change the topic.
Examples ばしょはふべんだけど、きれいですよ。
Basho wa fuben dakedo, kirei desu yo.
The location is inconvenient, but it's beautiful.
たてものはふるいけど、やすくていいわよ。
Tatemono wa furui kedo, yasukute ii wa yo.
The building is old, but it's cheap and good.
Structure: [Verb-dictionary form] + ことができます
Use verb dictionary form followed by ことができます to express ability or possibility—'can do ~' or 'it is possible to ~'. This is used to describe what a place offers, what a person is capable of, or what is permitted.
Usage Notes Take the dictionary form of any verb (e.g., みる, たべる, およぐ). Add ことができます. The subject is marked with は or が. Negative: ことができません. Past: ことができました.
💡 Pro Tip For ability focused on skills (languages, sports), ができます with a noun is simpler (e.g., にほんごができます). Use ことができます when the activity is a verb phrase (e.g., はなをみることができます). In casual speech, ことができる is common (drop ます).
Examples こうえんでおにぎりをたべることができます。
Kōen de onigiri o taberu koto ga dekimasu.
You can eat onigiri in the park.
いちねんじゅう、いろいろなはなをみることができます。
Ichinenshū, iroiro na hana o miru koto ga dekimasu.
You can see various flowers all year round.
Structure: [Location] + は + どういったらいいですか？
Use this pattern to politely ask how to get to a specific location. Literally meaning 'How should I go to...?', it's a standard, natural way to ask for directions in Japanese. The verb いく (to go) becomes いったら (conditional form) + いい (good) + です + か.
Usage Notes Place the destination noun before は, then add どういったらいいですか. For places that use the particle に (like デパートにいく), the に is omitted in this pattern. You can also replace いく with other motion verbs like くる (come) or かえる (return).
💡 Pro Tip This is politer than just saying どこですか. For even more politeness, add すみません before the question. Also, you can ask about the best transportation method: どうやって行ったらいいですか (How should I go?).
Examples ゆうびんきょくはどういったらいいですか？
Yūbinkyoku wa dō ittara ii desu ka?
How do I get to the post office?
えきはどういったらいいですか？
Eki wa dō ittara ii desu ka?
How do I get to the station?
Structure: [Location] + に + [Verb-たい] + んですが…
Add ～んですが (or ～のですが) after expressing your desire (～たい) to soften your request for help. It sets up a situation ('I want to go to X, but...') leaving the request unstated but implied. The trailing intonation drops slightly.
Usage Notes Form: Location + に + verb-たい + んですが. The verb is usually いく (to go), but can be others like みる (to see). The ん is the casual form of の (nominalizer), and ですが softens. For polite speech, use んです but ですが keeps it formal.
💡 Pro Tip This pattern is very polite because you don't directly ask the question; you state your situation and let the other person offer help. The incomplete sentence invites assistance. You can also use it in stores: 'これを買いたいんですが…' (I'd like to buy this, but...).
Examples まるいちデパートにいきたいんですが…
Maruichi Depāto ni ikitai n desu ga…
I'd like to go to Maruichi Department Store… (but I don't know how to get there).
このちかづかいをみたいんですが…
Kono chikazukai o mitai n desu ga…
I'd like to see this neighborhood map… (could you help me?).
Structure: Verb1(て-form) + Verb2(て-form) + Verb3(て-form) + 下さい
Use the て-form of verbs to chain multiple actions in order when giving directions. The sequence ends with 下さい (please do) to make it a polite instruction. This is the standard way to give step‑by‑step directions.
Usage Notes Convert each action verb to て-form (e.g., いく→いって, まがる→まがって, わたる→わたって). List them in chronological order. Finish with 下さい. The entire sentence can be quite long, but it's natural.
💡 Pro Tip Use それから (and then) between steps for clarity, though て-form alone is fine. For distances, add approximate meters or minutes: １００メートルいって. To make it more polite, add どうぞ (please) at the start. Avoid using 下さい with every single verb—only at the end.
Examples このみちをまっすぐいって、ふたつめのしんごうをひだりにまがって下さい。
Kono michi o massugu itte, futatsume no shingō o hidari ni magatte kudasai.
Please go straight on this road, and at the second traffic light, turn left.
えきをでて、みぎにまがって、はしをわたって下さい。
Eki o dete, migi ni magatte, hashi o watatte kudasai.
Please leave the station, turn right, and cross the bridge.
Structure: N1 + じゃなくて + N2 + です
Use this pattern to correct someone's misunderstanding politely. じゃなくて is the て‑form of じゃないです (is not), meaning 'not A, but B'. It denies the first noun and presents the correct one. Very common in conversation.
Usage Notes Place the incorrect noun before じゃなくて, then state the correct noun followed by です (or any copula). For verbs or adjectives, use ～なくて instead: ちがう→ちがくなくて.
💡 Pro Tip For a softer correction, add ちょっと (a little) before 違う: 'ちょっと違うんじゃなくて…' But じゃなくて is already polite. In very casual speech, you can just say ～じゃなくて (dropping です). Also works with い-adjectives: あつくなくて、さむいです (not hot, but cold).
Examples ひとつめじゃなくて、ふたつめです。
Hitotsume janakute, futatsume desu.
It's not the first one, but the second one.
ぎんこうじゃなくて、ゆうびんきょくです。
Ginkō janakute, yūbinkyoku desu.
It's not a bank; it's a post office.
Structure: [Action sequence] + います／です
Instead of ending with 下さい, you can give directions by describing the location of the destination using a sequence of て‑form actions followed by います or あります/です. This is useful when pointing out landmarks or explaining where something is situated.
Usage Notes Chain actions with て‑form, then end with a state‑of‑being verb: います (for animate/living things), あります (for inanimate objects), or です (for general description). Often the pattern is ～たところにあります (it is in a place where you do X).
💡 Pro Tip This descriptive style is more natural than command‑style 下さい when you are explaining a location rather than telling someone what to do. For example, 'The museum is where you turn right after crossing the bridge.' Use ～て、～て、～ています for ongoing states.
Examples かがくはくぶつかんは、ここをまっすぐいって、はしをわたって、すぐみぎにまがったところにあります。
Kagaku hakubutsukan wa, koko o massugu itte, hashi o watatte, sugu migi ni magatta tokoro ni arimasu.
The Science Museum is located by going straight from here, crossing the bridge, and taking an immediate right.
こうえんは、えきをでて、ひだりにまがって、まっすぐいったところにあります。
Kōen wa, eki o dete, hidari ni magatte, massugu itta tokoro ni arimasu.
The park is located after leaving the station, turning left, and going straight.
Structure: [Noun] + は + どうですか？
Use ～はどうですか to make a suggestion or propose an option and ask for the listener's opinion. It translates to 'How about ~?' or 'What do you think about ~?' Commonly used for suggesting times, places, plans, or items.
Usage Notes Place the suggested noun before は, then add どうですか. For casual speech, say どう？ or どうだい？ The response can be いいですね (sounds good), ちょっと… (a bit...), or another suggestion.
💡 Pro Tip To be more polite, add いかがですか instead of どうですか. To suggest an action, use verb-te form + どうですか (e.g., 行ってみてどうですか？ 'How about trying to go?'). Also works for asking about someone's health: お元気ですか？ is more direct, but 調子はどうですか？ is common.
Examples6時はどうですか？
Roku-ji wa dō desu ka?
How about six o'clock?
日曜日はどうですか？
Nichiyōbi wa dō desu ka?
How about Sunday?
Structure: [Noun] + でも + いいですか？
Use ～でもいいですか to propose an alternative option and ask if it's acceptable. It translates to 'Is ~ okay?' or 'Can we do ~ instead?' This is a polite way to counter‑suggest or change a previously mentioned plan.
Usage Notes Place the alternative noun before でも, then add いいですか. For casual speech, say でもいい？ For verbs, use verb-te form + てもいいですか (e.g., 行ってもいいですか？ 'Is it okay if I go?').
💡 Pro Tip Don't confuse でも (as 'even' or 'but') with this usage. Here でも follows a noun to mean 'or something like that' as an acceptable option. To soften, add ちょっと before: ちょっと7時でもいいですか？ To reject, say すみません、ちょっと… or suggest another time.
Examples6時半でもいいですか？
Roku-ji han demo ii desu ka?
Is six thirty okay (instead)?
駅の前でもいいですか？
Eki no mae demo ii desu ka?
Is in front of the station okay?
Structure: [Noun] + で + [Result Phrase]
Use noun + で to express a cause or reason for a resulting situation. The noun represents the cause (often an accident, problem, or condition), and the result follows. This is a concise alternative to ～ので or ～から.
Usage Notes Place the cause noun directly before で, then state the result. で here is the て-form of the copula だ/です. Works for nouns only. For verbs or adjectives, use other structures (て-form or から).
💡 Pro Tip This pattern is very common in news reports and announcements: 台風で電車が止まった (Trains stopped due to the typhoon). You can also use it for positive reasons: あなたのおかげで (Thanks to you). But for intentional reasons, use で carefully—it's often for uncontrollable causes.
Examples事故で電車が止まりました。
Jiko de densha ga tomarimashita.
The trains stopped because of an accident.
大雨で試合が中止になりました。
Ōame de shiai ga chūshi ni narimashita.
The game was canceled due to heavy rain.
Structure: Verb て-form + [Result Clause]
The て-form of verbs can express a reason or cause, not just a sequence of actions. In this usage, the first clause explains why the second clause happens. It's similar to 'because A, B' but softer and more natural in conversation.
Usage Notes Form the て-form of the verb that states the reason, then continue with the result. Unlike から, the reason with て-form cannot be a standalone sentence; it must connect directly to the result. The result often expresses an involuntary outcome.
💡 Pro Tip Use て-form for reasons when the cause is personal or natural, and the result is often negative or unexpected. Compare: 遅れてすみません (Sorry I'm late – reason て-form) vs 遅れたからすみません (more direct, putting emphasis on 'because'). For strong, intentional reasons, use から or ので.
Examples道に迷って、ちょっと遅れます。
Michi ni mayotte, chotto okuremasu.
I got lost, so I'll be a little late.
ねぼうして、電車に乗り遅れました。
Nebō shite, densha ni noriokuremashita.
I overslept, so I missed the train.
Structure: もう + Verb (past polite form) + か
Use もう + verb past form + か to ask if someone has already done something. It implies that the action is expected or likely to have happened. The adverb もう (already) is essential; without it, it's just a past tense question.
Usage Notes Take the ました form of the verb (e.g., 行きました, 食べました). Place もう before it, then add か at the end. For casual speech, use plain past + の？ (e.g., もう行ったの？).
💡 Pro Tip To answer affirmatively, say はい、もう～ました. For 'not yet', use いいえ、まだです or まだ～ていません. Don't confuse with まだ～ていません (haven't done yet). Also, もう can mean 'more' in other contexts, so watch out.
Examples 新しいアウトレットモール、もう行きましたか？
Atarashii autoretto mōru, mō ikimashita ka?
Have you been to the new outlet mall yet?
宿題をもうしましたか？
Shukudai o mō shimashita ka?
Have you already done your homework?
Structure: Verb (た-form) + ことがあります
Use verb た-form + ことがあります to talk about past experiences—whether you have ever done something at any point in your life. It does not refer to a specific time or frequency, just the existence of the experience.
Usage Notes Change the verb to た-form (e.g., 見る→見た, 行く→行った). Add ことがあります. For negative experiences, use たことがありません or たことはありません. To ask 'Have you ever...?', use ～たことがありますか.
💡 Pro Tip Do not use this for recent one-time actions (use plain past: 昨日映画を見ました). For 'I have never', say 一度も～たことがありません (never even once). To add frequency, use 何度も (many times) or 数回 (several times).
Examples プロレスを見たことがありますか？
Puroresu o mita koto ga arimasu ka?
Have you ever watched professional wrestling?
日本料理を作ったことがあります。
Nihon ryōri o tsukutta koto ga arimasu.
I have cooked Japanese food before.
Structure: Verb (stem form) + に + 行きませんか？
Use verb stem + に + 行きませんか to invite someone to go do an activity together. The verb expresses the purpose of going, and 行きませんか is a polite invitation ('won't you go?').
Usage Notes Take the verb stem (masu-form去掉ます, e.g., 食べ→食べ, 見→見). Add に, then 行きませんか. For other motion verbs like 来る or 帰る, replace 行きませんか accordingly: 食べに来ませんか？ (Won't you come eat?).
💡 Pro Tip This pattern works for any verb of motion: 行く, 来る, 帰る, 入る. Also for 散歩 (noun) you can say 散歩に行きませんか (go for a walk). More casual: ～に行かない？ To accept, say いいですね, 行きましょう. To decline politely: すみません、ちょっと…
Examplesいっしょに食べに行きませんか？
Issho ni tabe ni ikimasen ka?
Would you like to go eat together?
新しいカフェにコーヒーを飲みに行きませんか？
Atarashii kafe ni kōhī o nomi ni ikimasen ka?
Would you like to go drink coffee at the new café?
Structure: Noun + の前に + [Clause] | Noun + のあとで + [Clause]
Use の前に to say 'before noun' and のあとで to say 'after noun' to clearly sequence events. The noun is an activity (e.g., 食事 'meal', 仕事 'work'). For verbs, use verb dictionary form + 前に and verb た-form + あとで.
Usage Notes Place の before 前に or あとで. The noun must be a time‑related activity. For verbs: 食べる前に (before eating), 食べたあとで (after eating). The clause after 前に is non‑past; after あとで is past. Use polite or plain forms consistently.
💡 Pro Tip Do not confuse あとで (after, as a sequence) with あとに (after, with more emphasis on point in time). Also, 前に can take a time duration: 5分前に (5 minutes ago). For 'before/after doing something', verb versions are more common in daily speech.
Examples 食事の前に、お金をおろしたいんですが…
Shokuji no mae ni, okane o oroshitain desu ga…
I'd like to withdraw money before eating.
授業のあとで、友達とカフェに行きます。
Jugyō no ato de, tomodachi to kafe ni ikimasu.
After class, I'll go to a café with my friend.
Structure: Verb (stem form) + たいんですが…
Use verb stem + たいんですが to express a desire or wish, often as a polite lead‑in to a request or question. The んですが (の＋ですが) softens the statement, implying 'I want to do X, but (could you help me?)'. The sentence is often left unfinished.
Usage Notes Form: verb stem + たい (desire helper) + ん (casual nominalizer) + ですが. For な-adjectives/nouns, use ～たいんです but here it's for verbs. The trailing が shows politeness and invites the listener to respond.
💡 Pro Tip This is extremely common in service situations: 'これを買いたいんですが…' (I'd like to buy this...). It's softer than directly saying ～たいです。 For a more direct request, add ～てもいいですか after the desire. Also, use ～たいんですけど for casual conversations.
Examples ジョギングシューズを買いたいんですが…
Jogingu shūzu o kaitai n desu ga…
I'd like to buy jogging shoes… (could you help me?)
銀行に行きたいんですが、道を教えていただけますか？
Ginkō ni ikitai n desu ga, michi o oshiete itadakemasu ka?
I'd like to go to the bank; could you tell me the way?
Structure: [Noun] + で
The particle で marks the means, method, or tool used to perform an action. It answers 'how?' or 'by what means?' This goes beyond location (where) and includes language, media, instruments, and transportation.
Usage Notes Place で directly after the noun that represents the means. The verb at the end of the sentence is the action performed using that means. Common nouns: アニメ (anime), ペン (pen), バス (bus), 日本語 (Japanese).
💡 Pro Tip Do not confuse で (means) with で (location) or に (destination/target). For languages, both で and を are possible: 日本語で話す (speak in Japanese) vs 日本語を話す (speak Japanese). で emphasizes the medium, を emphasizes the object. Also, で is used for 'by myself' (一人で).
Examplesアニメで日本語を勉強しました。
Anime de nihongo o benkyō shimashita.
I studied Japanese through anime.
このアプリで漢字を練習できます。
Kono apuri de kanji o renshū dekimasu.
You can practice kanji with this app.
Structure: [Topic N1] は [Specific Aspect N2] が [Adjective]
Use this pattern to describe a specific characteristic or attribute of a broader topic. N1 is the general topic, N2 is the particular aspect being evaluated, and the adjective describes that aspect. Common in comparing languages, people, or objects.
Usage Notes Start with the overall topic + は. Then state the specific aspect + が. Finally, add the adjective (い-adjective or な-adjective + です). The adjective agrees with N2, not N1.
💡 Pro Tip This pattern is very natural for 'troublesome' characteristics. Compare: '日本語は難しい' (Japanese is difficult – general statement) vs '日本語は漢字が難しい' (As for Japanese, the kanji are difficult – specific aspect). For multiple aspects, list them: 彼は背が高くて、足が速いです.
Examples日本語は文字が難しいです。
Nihongo wa moji ga muzukashii desu.
As for Japanese, the characters are difficult.
このレストランは値段が高いです。
Kono resutoran wa nedan ga takai desu.
This restaurant has high prices.
Structure: [Verb-dictionary form] + のが + [Adjective]
Use verb dictionary form + のが to turn a verb action into a noun phrase (nominalization) and then describe that action with an adjective. This is how you say 'doing ~ is (adjective)'. The の acts as a nominalizer, similar to 'the act of ~ing'.
Usage Notes Take the dictionary form of the verb, add のが, then add the adjective. For な-adjectives, use なの instead of の? Actually pattern: verb + のが + adjective (い or な). For な-adjectives, you need な before の when the adjective is before the noun, but here the adjective is after のが, so it's fine: ～のが好きだ, ～のが簡単だ.
💡 Pro Tip You can also use こと instead of の for more formal contexts, but の is more conversational. For adjectives like 好き, 嫌い, 上手, 下手, always use が with the adjective, and the verb is the subject. Compare: 日本語を話すのは楽しい (Speaking Japanese is fun) vs 日本語が話せる (can speak Japanese).
Examples日本語は話すのが大変です。
Nihongo wa hanasu no ga taihen desu.
Speaking Japanese is hard.
漢字を覚えるのが難しいです。
Kanji o oboeru no ga muzukashii desu.
Memorizing kanji is difficult.
Structure: Verb て-form + もらえませんか
Use this pattern to politely ask someone to do something for you. It literally means 'Could I receive the favor of you doing ~?' and is softer and more respectful than ～て下さい. The potential form もらえますか is polite, and もらえませんか is even more polite.
Usage Notes Change the verb to て-form, then add もらえませんか. For casual requests, use ～てもらえる？ or ～てくれない？. The subject (the person you ask) is often omitted or marked with に (e.g., 先生に教えてもらえませんか).
💡 Pro Tip This is a very useful phrase for making polite requests in daily life. ～ていただけませんか is even more polite (using いただく, humble form). Use ～てもらえますか for a slightly less formal but still polite request. Remember: you ask for a favor, not command.
Examples読み方を教えてもらえませんか？
Yomikata o oshiete moraemasen ka?
Could you teach me how to read it?
ちょっと待ってもらえませんか？
Chotto matte moraemasen ka?
Could you wait a moment?
Structure: Verb stem + 方
Add 方 (かた) to the stem of a verb to create a noun meaning 'the way/method of doing ~'. This is used to ask or explain how to do something. The resulting compound noun (e.g., 書き方) can take particles like が, を, or は.
Usage Notes First, make the verb stem by removing ます from the polite form (e.g., 書きます → 書き). Then attach 方 (かた). The new word means 'way of writing'. Use it in sentences: 書き方がわからない (I don't know how to write it).
💡 Pro Tip This pattern works for most verbs, but some have irregular stems: 来る → 来方 (きかた). Also, する verbs: 勉強する → 勉強の仕方 (with の), though 勉強の仕方 is common. For 'way of using', 使い方 is very useful. For 'how to say', 言い方.
Examples書き方がわかりません。
Kakikata ga wakarimasen.
I don't know how to write it.
この漢字の読み方を教えて下さい。
Kono kanji no yomikata o oshiete kudasai.
Please tell me how to read this kanji.
Structure: Verb て-form + みたいんですが…
Use て-form + みたいんですが to express that you want to try doing something new and politely lead into a request for information. The みたい means 'to try (doing)', and んですが softens the statement, inviting the listener to help or respond.
Usage Notes Change the verb to て-form, add みたい (the たい-form of みる), then add んですが. For casual speech, use てみたいんだけど. Often used when asking about class availability, trying an activity, or seeking recommendations.
💡 Pro Tip This pattern is perfect for making inquiries at a school, gym, or shop. ～てみたいです (I want to try) is fine, but ～てみたいんですが leaves the request unspoken, making it more polite. After this phrase, you can directly ask: '受講できますか？' (Can I take the class?).
Examples合気道をやってみたいんですが…
Aikidō o yatte mitai n desu ga…
I'd like to try aikido… (could you tell me about it?)
このレストランのランチを食べてみたいんですが、予約が必要ですか？
Kono resutoran no ranchi o tabete mitai n desu ga, yoyaku ga hitsuyō desu ka?
I'd like to try lunch at this restaurant; is a reservation necessary?
Structure: Time period + (に) + Number + 回
Use this pattern to express frequency—how many times something happens within a certain time period. The particle に is optional but common with fixed intervals like 週に (per week), 月に (per month), 年に (per year). 回 (かい) is the counter for number of times.
Usage Notes State the time period (e.g., 一週間, 一ヶ月, 一年), optionally add に, then the number + 回. For 'once', use 一回 (いっかい); 'twice' is 二回 (にかい); 'three times' is 三回 (さんかい). Can be used as an adverb or as a noun phrase.
💡 Pro Tip For 'every day' use 毎日 (まいにち) without 回. For 'once a day' say 一日に一回 (いちにちにいっかい). In casual speech, the に is often dropped: 週一回. Also works for longer periods: 五年に一回 (once every five years).
Examples日本語クラスは週に１回です。
Nihongo kurasu wa shū ni ikkai desu.
The Japanese class is once a week.
この薬は一日に三回飲んで下さい。
Kono kusuri wa ichinichi ni sankai nonde kudasai.
Please take this medicine three times a day.
Structure: Verb stem + ましょうか
Use verb stem + ましょうか to politely offer to do something for someone. It means 'Shall I do ~?' or 'Would you like me to do ~?' This is a helpful, service‑oriented expression often used in shops, restaurants, or when helping a friend.
Usage Notes Take the verb stem (masu-form minus ます). Add ましょうか. For example: 持ちます → 持ちましょうか (Shall I carry it?). The question expects a response like はい、お願いします (Yes, please) or いいえ、結構です (No, thank you).
💡 Pro Tip Do not confuse ～ましょうか (offer to do something) with ～ませんか (invitation to do something together). ～ましょうか puts the speaker as the doer; ～ませんか includes both speaker and listener. Also, ～ましょうか can be used to suggest a solution: 窓を開けましょうか？ (Shall I open the window? – maybe because it's hot).
Examples 教室のチラシを持って来ましょうか？
Kyōshitsu no chirashi o motte kimashō ka?
Shall I bring you a flyer for the class?
荷物が重そうですね。お持ちしましょうか？
Nimotsu ga omosō desu ne. O-mochi shimashō ka?
Your luggage looks heavy. Shall I carry it for you?
Structure: [Word/Phrase] + は、どういう意味ですか？
Use ～は、どういう意味ですか to ask the meaning of a word or phrase you don't understand. どういう is a question word meaning 'what kind of' or 'what (meaning)'. This is a direct but polite way to request a definition.
Usage Notes Put the unknown word or phrase before は, then add どういう意味ですか. For casual speech, say ～ってどういう意味？ (using って as topic marker). You can also ask about a sentence: 「～」という文はどういう意味ですか.
💡 Pro Tip For a softer approach, first say すみません、わかりません (Sorry, I don't understand), then ask. You can also use どういうことですか (What do you mean?) when the situation is unclear. To ask how to say something, use ～は日本語で何ですか (What is ~ in Japanese?).
Examples 「ぼご」は、どういう意味ですか？
'Bogo' wa, dō iu imi desu ka?
What does 'bogo' mean?
「いただきます」はどういう意味ですか？
'Itadakimasu' wa dō iu imi desu ka?
What does 'itadakimasu' mean?
Structure: [Noun] + のとき + [Clause]
Use noun + のとき to say 'at the time of noun' or 'when (during) noun'. This is used to situate an event within a specific life stage, event, or situation. For verbs, use verb dictionary form + とき or verb past form + とき depending on timing.
Usage Notes Place の after a noun that indicates a time or event (e.g., 子どものとき 'when I was a child', 高校のとき 'in high school', 休みのとき 'during vacation'). Then add とき, then the main clause. The tense of the main clause is independent.
💡 Pro Tip For verbs: 食べるとき (before eating) vs 食べたとき (after eating). For nouns like 高校 (school name), のとき is fine. For specific ages, say 18歳のとき (when I was 18). For 'every time', use ～たびに.
Examples 高校のとき、少し日本語を勉強しました。
Kōkō no toki, sukoshi nihongo o benkyō shimashita.
When I was in high school, I studied a little Japanese.
試験のとき、緊張しないで下さい。
Shiken no toki, kinchō shinaide kudasai.
During the exam, please don't be nervous.
Structure: Verb て-form + 行く / 来る
Use て-form + 行く to describe doing an action and then going somewhere, or doing an action for the purpose of going. With 来る, it means doing an action and then coming, or doing an action for the purpose of coming. Often used to say 'bring (by buying/carrying) when coming/going'.
Usage Notes Change the action verb to て-form, then add 行きます (if going) or 来ます (if coming). The nuance is that the action is completed before the motion, or the action serves as preparation for the motion. For 'bring' meaning 'buy and bring', use 買って来る/行く.
💡 Pro Tip Do not confuse with ていく/てくる which can also express gradual change or direction over time. For events, 買って行く means you will buy and then go (taking it with you). 買って来る means you will buy and then come (bringing it to the current location). Also common: 持って行く (take), 持って来る (bring).
Examples 肉と野菜は、私が買って行きますよ。
Niku to yasai wa, watashi ga katte ikimasu yo.
I'll buy the meat and vegetables and bring them (when I go).
お菓子を買って来ました。みんなで食べましょう。
Okashi o katte kimashita. Minna de tabemashō.
I bought snacks and brought them. Let's eat together.
Structure: A と B と、どっちがいいですか？ | A, B, C... どれがいいですか？
Use どっち (casual for どちら) when asking someone to choose between two options, and どれ for three or more options. The particle が marks the item being evaluated, and いいですか asks 'which is good/preferable?'.
Usage Notes List the options using と between them for two items, then add どっちがいいですか. For three or more, list them (often with commas or と between each), then add どれがいいですか. The response can be an item name + がいいです or のほうがいいです.
💡 Pro Tip In very casual speech, どっち can be used for any number, but it's best to use どれ for 3+. To ask 'which one?' when pointing, say どの〜がいいですか. Also, for 'which do you like better?', use どっちの方が好きですか. Remember: どちら is politer than どっち.
Examples チョコレートケーキとチーズケーキ、どっちがいいですか？
Chokorēto kēki to chīzu kēki, dotchi ga ii desu ka?
Which is better, chocolate cake or cheesecake?
赤と青と緑、どれが好きですか？
Aka to ao to midori, dore ga suki desu ka?
Which do you like, red, blue, or green?
Structure: [Noun] + のほうがいいです
Use noun + のほうがいいです to express a preference for one option over another when comparing two or more things. ほう means 'side' or 'direction', so it literally means 'the side of N is good'. This is a polite, clear way to state your choice.
Usage Notes Simply attach のほうがいいです after the noun you prefer. Often used in response to どっちがいいですか questions. For adjectives, use adjective + ほうがいいです (e.g., 安いほうがいいです 'the cheaper one is better').
💡 Pro Tip To explicitly compare two items, say 'AよりBのほうがいいです' (B is better than A). For verbs, use verb dictionary form + ほうがいい to give advice: '早く行ったほうがいい' (You'd better go early). In casual speech, ～のほうがいい can be shortened to ～のほうがいいよ.
Examples塩のほうがいいです。
Shio no hō ga ii desu.
I prefer the salt (version).
大きいサイズのほうがいいです。
Ōkii saizu no hō ga ii desu.
I prefer the larger size.
Structure: Question word (何・誰・どこ・いつ等) + でも + いいです
Use question word + でも to express 'any ~ is fine'. This indicates no particular preference, complete openness, or that any choice is acceptable. でも here means 'even' or 'any', not 'but'.
Usage Notes Take a question word like 何 (what), 誰 (who), どこ (where), いつ (when), どれ (which one), etc. Add でも, then いいです (or other adjectives like 楽しい, 大丈夫). For 'anytime', say いつでもいいです. For 'anywhere', どこでもいいです.
💡 Pro Tip This pattern is very common when you want to be agreeable or avoid deciding. Be careful: overusing 何でもいいです can sound disinterested or passive. To be more polite, add 私は before the phrase. Also, でも can be used with amounts: いくらでも (any amount) and with 〜て form: 見てでも (even if I look).
Examples何でもいいです。
Nan demo ii desu.
Anything is fine.
いつでもいいですよ。あなたの都合に合わせます。
Itsu demo ii desu yo. Anata no tsugō ni awasemasu.
Any time is fine. I'll adjust to your schedule.
Structure: [Ingredient] を 使っていますか？ | [Ingredient] が 入っていますか？
Use を使っていますか to ask if a dish uses a specific ingredient (the cook uses it). Use が入っていますか to ask if the ingredient is contained inside the dish. Both are common for allergy or dietary inquiries.
Usage Notes For 使っていますか: place the ingredient noun, add を使っていますか. For 入っていますか: place the ingredient noun, add が入っていますか. The verb 入る (to enter/be contained) in ています form describes a state. Use polite forms.
💡 Pro Tip For a softer, more polite inquiry, start with すみません、お聞きしたいんですが… (Sorry, I'd like to ask...). To ask about potential allergens (peanuts, eggs, dairy), know the words: ピーナッツ, 卵 (たまご), 乳製品 (にゅうせいひん). Also, 〜を使っていますか focuses on the cooking process, while 〜が入っていますか focuses on the final composition.
Examplesこの料理、卵を使っていますか？
Kono ryōri, tamago o tsukatte imasu ka?
Does this dish use eggs?
このスープに小麦粉が入っていますか？
Kono sūpu ni komugiko ga haitte imasu ka?
Does this soup contain wheat flour?
Structure: い-adjective: [stem] + そうです | な-adjective: [stem] + そうです
Use ～そうです to express an impression or judgment based on what you see (or sometimes hear/smell). It means 'looks ~' or 'seems ~'. For い-adjectives, drop the final い and add そうです. For な-adjectives, drop な and add そうです. For verbs (looks like it's about to happen), use ～そうです after the verb stem.
Usage Notes For い-adjectives: おいしい → おいしそう (looks delicious). For な-adjectives: しずか → しずかそう (looks quiet). For verbs: ふる → ふりそう (looks like it's about to rain). Negative form: なさそうです (e.g., おいしくなさそうです 'looks not tasty').
💡 Pro Tip Do not confuse ～そうです (appearance) with ～そうです (hearsay, 'I heard that'). For hearsay, you attach そうです to plain forms (e.g., あした雨が降るそうです). For appearance, the stem is used. Also, いい (good) becomes よさそう (not いそう).
Examplesそのお弁当、おいしそうですね。
Sono obentō, oishisō desu ne.
That bento looks delicious.
このスープ、辛そうですね。
Kono sūpu, karasō desu ne.
This soup looks spicy.
Structure: い-adjective stem + そうな + Noun | な-adjective stem + そうな + Noun
Use ～そうな before a noun to describe that the noun looks a certain way. This is the attributive form of ～そうです. It allows you to modify a noun with an appearance‑based impression, like 'a dish that looks spicy' or 'a person who seems kind'.
Usage Notes Take the stem of the adjective (same as for ～そうです) and add そうな, then place the noun. For い-adjectives: おいしい → おいしそうなケーキ (a cake that looks delicious). For な-adjectives: しんせつ → しんせつそうな人 (a person who seems kind).
💡 Pro Tip You can also use ～そうに before verbs to describe the manner of an action: おいしそうに食べる (eat in a way that looks delicious). Remember that irregular いい → よさそうな (looks good).
Examplesそれ、辛そうな料理ですね。
Sore, karasō na ryōri desu ne.
That looks like a spicy dish.
あの楽しそうな子供たちを見て下さい。
Ano tanoshisō na kodomotachi o mite kudasai.
Please look at those children who look happy.
Structure: い-adjective (stem + くて) + Clause
Use the くて form of い-adjectives to connect adjectives for listing multiple qualities or to express a reason/cause. The くて form works like the て-form for verbs. It can mean 'and' (listing) or 'so' (reason). Negative い-adjectives use ～なくて.
Usage Notes For affirmative い-adjectives, change the final い to くて (e.g., 甘い → 甘くて). For negative, change ない to なくて (e.g., 美味しくない → 美味しくなくて). You can connect two or more adjectives; the last one determines tense.
💡 Pro Tip When くて indicates reason, the adjective often describes a state that causes the result: 忙しくて行けませんでした (I was busy, so I couldn't go). For な-adjectives and nouns, use で instead. Don't overuse くて for listing when し might be better for emphasis.
Examples この卵焼き、甘くて、おいしいですね。
Kono tamagoyaki, amakute, oishii desu ne.
This rolled omelet is sweet and delicious.
暑くて、窓を開けてもいいですか？
Atsukute, mado o akete mo ii desu ka?
It's hot, so may I open the window?
Structure: Verb て-form + みます
Use て-form + みます to express 'try doing ~' (as an experiment or for the first time). It implies doing something to see what it's like or to test it, not 'try hard to do' (which is ～ようとする).
Usage Notes Change the verb to て-form, then add みます (polite) or みる (plain). For requests: ～てみて下さい (please try doing ~). For past: ～てみました (tried). For inviting someone to try: ～てみませんか？ (Won't you try ~?).
💡 Pro Tip Use ～てみる when you are unsure of the outcome and want to test. For 'try to do something difficult', use ～ようとする. Also, ～てみたい means 'want to try'. In casual conversation, ～てみる is very common: これ、食べてみて (Here, try eating this).
Examples よかったら、この卵焼き、食べてみて下さい。
Yokattara, kono tamagoyaki, tabete mite kudasai.
If you'd like, please try this rolled omelet.
新しいレストランに行ってみました。とてもよかったです。
Atarashii resutoran ni itte mimashita. Totemo yokatta desu.
I tried going to a new restaurant. It was very good.
Structure: 自動詞 (intransitive): [Thing] が [V-auto] | 他動詞 (transitive): [Agent] が [Thing] を [V-trans]
Intransitive verbs (自動詞, jidōshi) describe an event or state that happens without a direct agent; the subject is marked with が. Transitive verbs (他動詞, tadōshi) describe an intentional action by an agent; the object is marked with を. Choosing the right verb pair is crucial for natural Japanese.
Usage Notes Intransitive: focus on the change or state of the subject (e.g., ドアが開く 'the door opens'). Transitive: focus on the agent's action on an object (e.g., 私がドアを開ける 'I open the door'). Common pairs: 入る/入れる (enter/put in), 出る/出す (exit/take out), つく/つける (turn on/attach), 決まる/決める (be decided/decide).
💡 Pro Tip Mistakes with transitive/intransitive are common. Remember: if you see を, it's almost certainly transitive. If you see が with an inanimate subject, it's often intransitive. For mistakes, 間違える is transitive (you make a mistake), 間違う can be intransitive (a mistake happens).
Examples この料理には、鶏肉とか、エビとか、きのことかが入っています。
Kono ryōri ni wa, toriniku toka, ebi toka, kinoko toka ga haitte imasu.
This dish contains chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, and such. (intransitive)
ときどき、銀杏も入れますよ。
Tokidoki, ginnan mo iremasu yo.
Sometimes I also put in gingko nuts. (transitive)
Structure: い-adjective (stem + くないですか) | な-adjective (stem + じゃないですか) | Noun (＋じゃないですか)
Use ～くないですか？ with い-adjectives (or ～じゃないですか with nouns/な-adjectives) to express concern and check if something is okay. It's a polite, indirect way to ask 'Isn't it too ~?' or 'Is it okay that it's ~?'. Shows consideration for the other person's feelings.
Usage Notes For い-adjectives: take the adjective, change い to くないですか (e.g., うすい → うすくないですか). For nouns/な-adjectives: add じゃないですか (e.g., 大丈夫じゃないですか？). Can also be used for suggestions: 一緒に行かない？ (casual) vs 一緒に行きませんか (polite).
💡 Pro Tip This pattern is softer than saying ～すぎます (too ~). It gives the listener room to agree or disagree. Common in hospitality: 味はうすくないですか？ (Isn't the flavor too bland? – implying 'I hope it's okay for you'). For positive concern, use 大丈夫ですか？ (Is it okay?).
Examples味は、うすくないですか？
Aji wa, usukunai desu ka?
Isn't the taste too bland (for you)?
寒くないですか？暖房をつけましょうか。
Samukunai desu ka? Danbō o tsukemashō ka.
Aren't you cold? Shall I turn on the heater?
Structure: Verb (plain form) + んですが…
Use ～んですが… to explain a situation or report a problem, then politely ask for help or instructions. The ん (short for の) nominalizes the preceding clause, and ですが softens the statement, leaving the request unspoken. Very common in workplace and service situations.
Usage Notes Attach んですが to the plain form of the verb (dictionary, た, or ない form). For nouns and な-adjectives, use なんですが. The sentence is often left unfinished, implying 'could you help me?' or 'what should I do?'.
💡 Pro Tip This pattern is softer than directly saying ～て下さい or asking a blunt question. For more politeness, use ～んですけど. When reporting a problem, use the negative ない-form + んですが to state what isn't working (e.g., つかないんですが).
Examples 会議室の電気がつかないんですが…
Kaigishitsu no denki ga tsukanai n desu ga…
The light in the meeting room doesn't turn on… (could you help?)
パソコンの調子が悪いんですが、見てもらえますか？
Pasokon no chōshi ga warui n desu ga, mite moraemasu ka?
My computer is acting up; could you take a look?
Structure: Verb stem (masu-form without ます) + そうです
Use verb stem + そうです to express an expectation or prediction based on current evidence, often about timing or outcome. It means 'it looks like ~ will happen' or 'it seems ~ is about to happen'. Different from ～そうです (appearance with adjectives).
Usage Notes Take the verb stem (remove ます from the polite form). Add そうです. For negative predictions, use ～そうにない or ～なさそうです. For past predictions, use ～そうでした. Often used with time expressions like あと～で (in ~ more).
💡 Pro Tip For verbs, ～そうです implies 'likely to happen soon'. For example, 雨が降りそうだ (looks like rain). Do not confuse with ～そうだ (hearsay) which uses plain forms. Also, ～そうもない means 'no sign of happening'.
Examples あと10分ぐらいで終わりそうです。
Ato juppun gurai de owarisō desu.
It looks like it'll finish in about 10 more minutes.
このままでは、遅れそうですね。
Kono mama de wa, okuresō desu ne.
At this rate, it looks like we'll be late.
Structure: Verb たい-form + とき、どうすればいいですか？
Use verb たい-form + とき + どうすればいいですか to ask for advice on how to do something when you want to perform a specific action. This is a polite and natural way to ask for instructions or steps.
Usage Notes Form the たい-form of the verb (stem + たい). Add とき (when). Then ask どうすればいいですか (what should I do?). The たいとき clause means 'when I want to do ~'. You can also replace どうすればいいですか with other request phrases.
💡 Pro Tip For very polite requests at work, use ～たいんですが、どうすればよろしいでしょうか？ This pattern is especially useful for machine operations, software, or procedures. To ask about a specific situation, use ～場合 instead of とき.
Examples 両面コピーしたいときは、どうすればいいですか？
Ryōmen kopī shitai toki wa, dō sureba ii desu ka?
What should I do when I want to make double-sided copies?
パスワードを変更したいときは、どうすればいいですか？
Pasuwādo o henkō shitai toki wa, dō sureba ii desu ka?
What should I do when I want to change my password?
Structure: Verb dictionary form + と + [Result Clause]
Use verb dictionary form + と to express a natural, inevitable result or a cause-and-effect relationship. It translates to 'when/if you do A, (then) B happens'. This pattern is often used for instructions, machine operations, or general truths.
Usage Notes Place the dictionary form of the verb before と. The result clause cannot be a volitional expression (like ～ましょう, ～たい). It describes a natural consequence. For negatives, use ～ないと.
💡 Pro Tip ～と is more matter‑of‑fact than ～たら or ～ば. It is good for step‑by‑step instructions but cannot be used for invitations, requests, or hypotheticals. For 'if' with uncertain conditions, use ～たら or ～ば. Also, ～と can mean 'whenever' (habitual).
Examples このスタートボタンを押すと、コピーが始まります。
Kono sutāto botan o osu to, kopī ga hajimarimasu.
When you press this start button, copying begins.
このボタンを間違って押すと、データが消えます。
Kono botan o machigatte osu to, dēta ga kiemasu.
If you press this button by mistake, the data will be erased.
Structure: はい + Negative sentence (agree) | いいえ + Positive sentence (disagree)
In Japanese, answering a negative question uses はい to agree with the negative statement ('Yes, that's correct, I haven't') and いいえ to disagree ('No, that's not correct, I have'). This differs from English, where 'yes' matches positive truth, not the question's form.
Usage Notes When asked '〜ないですか？' (Isn't it that ~?), if the statement is true (you haven't done it, or it is not the case), answer はい + negative verb. If the statement is false (you have done it, or it is the case), answer いいえ + positive verb.
💡 Pro Tip To avoid confusion, you can simply repeat the verb: '行かないですか？' – '行きません' (I won't go) or '行きます' (I will go). This is clearer than はい/いいえ. Remember: はい = 'I agree with your negative statement'; いいえ = 'I disagree with your negative statement'.
Examples A: コピー機、使ったことないですか？ B: はい、ないです。
A: Kopīki, tsukatta koto nai desu ka? B: Hai, nai desu.
A: Haven't you ever used a copy machine? B: No, I haven't. (Yes, that's right – I haven't.)
A: もう宿題を終わらせなかったんですか？ B: いいえ、終わらせました。
A: Mō shukudai o owarasenakatta n desu ka? B: Iie, owarasemashita.
A: You didn't finish your homework yet? B: Yes, I did. (No, that's not right – I did finish.)
Structure: Group 1: -u → -a + ない / Group 2: -る → ない / Group 3: する→しない, くる→こない
The ない-form is the plain negative form of verbs. It is essential for making negative statements, reporting problems (～ないんですが), and forming negative requests (～ないで下さい) or conditionals (～ないと). Mastering this form unlocks many useful grammar patterns.
Usage Notes Group 1 (godan): change the final u to a, then add ない (e.g., 行く→行かない, 話す→話さない, 待つ→待たない, 死ぬ→死なない, 遊ぶ→遊ばない, 読む→読まない). Group 2 (ichidan): remove る, add ない (e.g., 食べる→食べない, 見る→見ない). Group 3: する→しない, 来る(くる)→来ない(こない).
💡 Pro Tip Remember: ある (to exist, inanimate) is special – its negative is ない, not あらない. Also, the ない-form conjugates like an い-adjective (e.g., ないです, なかった). For polite negative, use ～ません instead, but ない-form is needed for plain speech and connecting patterns.
Examples動く → 動かない
Ugoku → ugokanai
to move → does not move
食べる → 食べない / する → しない
Taberu → tabenai / suru → shinai
to eat → does not eat / to do → does not do
Structure: Nで / ナAで / イA-くて / V-て、～
Use the て-form of nouns, adjectives, and verbs to connect two clauses where the first clause gives the reason or cause for the second. This is a natural, conversational way to explain 'because A, B' without using explicit conjunctions like から.
Usage Notes For nouns and な-adjectives: add で (e.g., 雨で, 静かで). For い-adjectives: change い to くて (e.g., 暑くて). For verbs: use the て-form (e.g., 混んでいて). The cause comes first, then the result. The final verb determines tense.
💡 Pro Tip This pattern implies a direct, often natural cause-effect. It is softer than から. Use it when the reason is obvious or shared. For negative reasons, use なくて for い-adjectives (e.g., 楽しくなくて) and で for nouns (e.g., 雨で). Do not use volitional expressions (〜たい, 〜ましょう) in the result clause.
Examples 道が混んでいて、ぜんぜん動きません。
Michi ga kondeite, zenzen ugokimasen.
The road is crowded, so it's not moving at all.
電車が遅れて、会議に間に合いませんでした。
Densha ga okurete, kaigi ni maniaimasen deshita.
The train was late, so I couldn't make it to the meeting.
Structure: S1。それで、S2
Use それで at the beginning of a sentence to show that the second sentence is a natural result or consequence of the first. It means 'so', 'therefore', or 'that's why'. It connects two independent sentences, unlike the て-form which connects clauses.
Usage Notes Place それで after the first sentence (reason) and before the second sentence (result/request). It can be used in both polite and casual speech. それで can also be used to ask 'and then?' or to prompt continuation.
💡 Pro Tip Do not confuse それで (so/therefore) with そして (and then, sequence). それで focuses on cause-effect, while そして simply adds information. Also, それで？ with rising intonation means 'And then? / So what?' – a useful conversational prompt.
Examples 家に財布を忘れました。それで、少し遅れます。
Ie ni saifu o wasuremashita. Sorede, sukoshi okuremasu.
I forgot my wallet at home. So, I'll be a little late.
雨がひどく降っています。それで、試合は中止になりました。
Ame ga hidoku futte imasu. Sorede, shiai wa chūshi ni narimashita.
It's raining heavily. Therefore, the game was canceled.
Structure: Verb て-form + もいいですか？
Use verb て-form + もいいですか to politely ask for permission to do something. This is the standard way to say 'May I do ~?' in everyday situations. It is appropriate for workplaces, schools, and casual settings.
Usage Notes Change the verb to て-form, add もいいですか. For negative permission (May I not do?), use ～なくてもいいですか. To give permission, say はい、いいですよ or どうぞ. To refuse, say すみません、ちょっと… or いいえ、ちょっと難しいです.
💡 Pro Tip For more casual permission among friends, say ～てもいい？ For formal situations, use ～てもよろしいですか (politer). Also, ～てもいいです can mean 'it's okay if you do', not just asking permission. Be careful with intonation: rising for question, falling for statement.
Examples トイレに行って来てもいいですか？
Toire ni itte kite mo ii desu ka?
May I go to the restroom?
窓を開けてもいいですか？
Mado o akete mo ii desu ka?
May I open the window?
Structure: Verb て-form + もいいでしょうか？
A more polite version of asking permission, using でしょうか instead of ですか. This form is used with superiors, clients, or in very formal situations. It conveys extra humility and respect.
Usage Notes Form the て-form of the verb, add もいいでしょうか. The でしょうか is the polite question form of でしょう (probability/guess), making the request softer and less direct. The response should be equally polite.
💡 Pro Tip Use ～てもよろしいでしょうか for the highest level of politeness (よろしい is the polite form of いい). In business emails or when speaking to a boss, this pattern is very appropriate. For everyday conversations with colleagues, ～てもいいですか is fine.
Examples 明日の午後、早退してもいいでしょうか？
Ashita no gogo, sōtai shite mo ii deshō ka?
May I leave early tomorrow afternoon?
お電話をお借りしてもいいでしょうか？
O-denwa o o-kari shite mo ii deshō ka?
May I borrow your phone?
Structure: Verb ない-form (stem) + なければなりません
Use verb ない-form stem + なければなりません to express obligation or necessity: 'must do' or 'have to do'. This is the standard polite form for saying something is required. The negative ない-form is the base, then add なければなりません.
Usage Notes Take the ない-form of the verb (e.g., 行く→行かない). Remove the final い to get the stem (行かな). Add ければなりません. For Group 2 verbs: 食べる→食べない→食べなければなりません. Group 3: する→しなければなりません, 来る→来なければなりません (こなければ).
💡 Pro Tip In casual speech, ～なければならない becomes ～なきゃ (e.g., 行かなきゃ). Also, ～ないといけません is another common pattern (less formal than なければなりません but polite). To ask 'Do I have to?' say ～なければなりませんか. To say 'don't have to', use ～なくてもいいです.
Examples 役所に行かなければならないんです。
Yakusho ni ikanakereba naranai n desu.
I have to go to city hall.
毎日、報告書を書かなければなりません。
Mainichi, hōkokusho o kakanakereba narimasen.
I have to write a report every day.
Structure: Verb plain form / い-adjective plain form / な-adjective + な / Noun + な + んです
Use ～んです (or ～のです in writing) to explain a situation, give a reason, or provide background information. It adds a sense of 'the thing is...' or 'it's that...' and softens statements, making them more natural in conversation.
Usage Notes Attach んですか to the plain form of verbs and い-adjectives. For な-adjectives and nouns, add な before んですか. In polite speech, use んです (casual んだ). The question form んですか asks for an explanation. The answer often uses んです to provide the reason.
💡 Pro Tip This is one of the most important conversational patterns in Japanese. Use it when you want to explain why you are doing something, or when you sense the listener expects an explanation. Do not overuse it for simple statements. Also, の (instead of ん) is used in careful speech or writing.
Examples 東京から、国の友だちが来るんです。
Tōkyō kara, kuni no tomodachi ga kuru n desu.
The thing is, a friend from my country is coming from Tokyo.
どうして遅れたんですか？ – 道が混んでいたんです。
Dōshite okureta n desu ka? – Michi ga konde ita n desu.
Why were you late? – It's because the road was crowded.
Structure: Noun + なんです / い-adjective + んです / な-adjective + なんです / Verb (plain form) + んです
Use 〜んです (or 〜のです in writing) to explain a situation, provide background, or give a reason. It adds a sense of 'the thing is…' or 'it's that…' and softens the statement. In medical contexts, it's used to describe symptoms to a doctor naturally.
Usage Notes Attach んです to the plain form of verbs and い-adjectives. For nouns and な-adjectives, add な before んです. The question form んですか asks for an explanation. The answer often uses んです to provide the reason.
💡 Pro Tip This pattern is essential for natural conversation. Use it when you sense the listener expects an explanation. Avoid using it for simple statements of fact. In casual speech, use んだ (plain form). For polite offers, んですが is softer.
Examples 昨日から38度の熱があって、のどがすごく痛いんです。
Kinō kara sanjūhachi-do no netsu ga atte, nodo ga sugoku itai n desu.
I've had a 38-degree fever since yesterday, and my throat is very sore.
頭痛がするんです。それに、吐き気もします。
Zutsū ga suru n desu. Sore ni, hakike mo shimasu.
I have a headache. Also, I feel nauseous.
Structure: Verb ない-form + で下さい
Use 〜ないで下さい to politely ask or instruct someone NOT to do something. It is the negative counterpart of 〜て下さい. Essential for giving warnings, medical advice, or rules.
Usage Notes Form the ない-form of the verb (e.g., 行く→行かない, 食べる→食べない, する→しない). Add で下さい. For casual speech, drop 下さい and just use 〜ないで. To soften a negative request, add ちょっと or できれば.
💡 Pro Tip Do not confuse with 〜なくて下さい (incorrect). Also, for stronger prohibitions (e.g., signs, rules), use 〜てはいけません. 〜ないで下さい is polite but not as strong as 〜てはいけません. In very casual situations, 〜ないで can sound like a friendly 'don't'.
Examples 今週は仕事を休んで、できるだけ人に会わないで下さい。
Konshū wa shigoto o yasunde, dekiru dake hito ni awanaide kudasai.
Please take time off work this week and avoid meeting people as much as possible.
この薬を飲んだ後、車を運転しないで下さい。
Kono kusuri o nonda ato, kuruma o unten shinaide kudasai.
Please do not drive after taking this medicine.
Structure: Verb (plain form) + Noun
Use the plain form of a verb directly before a noun to modify it, similar to a relative clause in English. The verb describes the noun: what the noun does, what is done to it, or its purpose. This is fundamental to Japanese sentence structure.
Usage Notes Place the verb in plain form (dictionary form for non‑past, た‑form for past, ない‑form for negative) before the noun. The verb can have its own subject (marked with が) or object (marked with を). The tense of the verb affects the meaning.
💡 Pro Tip This pattern is extremely common. For example, 'the medicine that suppresses cough' → せきを抑える薬. Note that the subject of the modifying clause can be omitted if clear from context. For な‑adjectives, use な before the noun (静かな場所). For nouns, use の (学生の本).
Examplesこちらは、せきを抑える薬です。
Kochira wa, seki o osaeru kusuri desu.
This is the medicine that suppresses coughing.
昨日飲んだ薬が効きました。
Kinō nonda kusuri ga kikimashita.
The medicine I took yesterday worked.
Structure: Verb dictionary form + 前に / Verb た‑form + あと(で)
Use 前に to express 'before doing A' and あと(で) to express 'after doing A'. The verb before 前に is always in dictionary form (non‑past), while the verb before あと(で) is in た‑form (past). This clearly sequences actions.
Usage Notes For 'before': take dictionary form + 前に. For 'after': take た‑form + あとで (or あとに). The main clause can be in any tense. あとで is more common than あとに. You can also use nouns with の前に / のあとで (e.g., 食事の前に).
💡 Pro Tip Remember: before an action (not yet done) → dictionary form. After an action (already done) → た‑form. Do not use past tense before 前に. Also, あとで can be used with a short pause; あとに emphasizes a specific point in time. For 'right after', use 〜た直後に.
Examples 1日1回、寝る前に飲んで下さい。飲んだあと、運転しないで下さい。
Ichi nichi ikkai, neru mae ni nonde kudasai. Nonda ato, unten shinaide kudasai.
Please take it once daily before bedtime. Please do not drive after taking it.
食べる前に手を洗って、食べたあとで歯を磨きます。
Taberu mae ni te o aratte, tabeta ato de ha o migakimasu.
I wash my hands before eating, and brush my teeth after eating.
Structure: Noun + のとき / い-adjective + とき / な-adjective + なとき / Verb (plain form) + とき
Use 〜とき to indicate a point in time or a situation when something happens. It means 'when (at the time of) ~'. The form depends on the word type: nouns take の, な-adjectives take な, verbs and い-adjectives attach directly.
Usage Notes Attach とき to the plain form of verbs and い-adjectives. For nouns, add のとき. For な-adjectives, add なとき. You can add に after とき to specify 'at that time', but に is often optional. The tense of the verb in the とき clause depends on the temporal relationship with the main clause.
💡 Pro Tip If the action in the とき clause happens BEFORE the main clause, use past tense (た‑form). If it happens at the same time or after, use non‑past. Example: 'when I was a child' (past state) → 子どものとき. 'When I go to Japan' (future) → 日本に行くとき. This is a crucial distinction.
Examples この薬は、痛くてがまんできないときに、飲んで下さい。
Kono kusuri wa, itakute gaman dekinai toki ni, nonde kudasai.
As for this medicine, please take it when the pain becomes unbearable.
子供のとき、よくプールに行きました。
Kodomo no toki, yoku pūru ni ikimashita.
When I was a child, I often went to the pool.
Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + といいです(よ)
Use verb dictionary form + といいです(よ) to give casual, friendly advice or a suggestion. It means 'it's good to do ~' or 'you should do ~'. This is softer and less direct than ～たほうがいいです, making it suitable for informal advice among friends or gentle recommendations.
Usage Notes Take the dictionary form of the verb. Add といいです. Optionally add よ at the end for emphasis or to soften the advice. The pattern can also be used to express hope or desire when talking about oneself: いいなあ, 旅行に行けるといいなあ (I wish I could go on a trip).
💡 Pro Tip Do not confuse with ～たらいいですか (asking for advice). ～るといいです is for giving advice. For stronger advice, use ～たほうがいいです. For negative advice ('it's good not to'), use ～ないといいです (though ～ないほうがいい is more common).
Examples よく眠れないときは、ぬるいお風呂にゆっくり入るといいですよ。
Yoku nemurenai toki wa, nurui ofuro ni yukkuri hairu to ii desu yo.
If you can't sleep well, it's good to take a slow bath in lukewarm water.
疲れたときは、早く寝るといいですよ。
Tsukareta toki wa, hayaku neru to ii desu yo.
When you're tired, it's good to go to bed early.
Structure: Verb stem (masu-form without ます) + すぎます
Use verb stem + すぎます to express that an action is done excessively or to an extreme degree. It often carries a negative connotation (too much, overly). Can also be used with adjectives: い-adjective (remove い + すぎる), な-adjective (stem + すぎる).
Usage Notes Take the verb stem (remove ます from the polite form, e.g., 飲みます→飲み, 食べます→食べ). Add すぎます. Conjugate すぎます as a Group 2 verb: すぎない, すぎた, すぎて, etc. For い-adjectives: 高い→高すぎる (too expensive). For な-adjectives: 静か→静かすぎる (too quiet).
💡 Pro Tip This pattern is very common in daily conversation. For positive excess, you can use とても or すごく instead. すぎる can be used as a standalone verb (to exceed). Also, be careful: すぎる attaches to the stem, not the て-form. For negative forms, say すぎない (e.g., 食べすぎないようにする).
Examples昨日、飲みすぎました。
Kinō, nomisugimashita.
I drank too much yesterday.
このスープは塩を入れすぎました。しょっぱいです。
Kono sūpu wa shio o iresugimashita. Shoppai desu.
I put too much salt in this soup. It's salty.
Structure: Verb た-form (remove た) + り + Verb た-form (remove た) + り (する／します)
Use ～たり～たりする to list two or more representative actions or states. It implies 'doing things like A and B' and is non‑exhaustive. Often used when describing what you do in general or what happened on a particular occasion. The final する conjugates for tense and politeness.
Usage Notes Take the た-form of the verb, drop the final た, and add り. Repeat for each action (at least two). End with する (plain) or します (polite). For nouns/な-adjectives, use だったり. For い-adjectives, use かったり. The pattern can also list states: 静かだったり、にぎやかだったりします (sometimes quiet, sometimes lively).
💡 Pro Tip This is a very natural way to talk about typical activities. Do not use たり to list a sequence of events (use て-form for that). For 'and so on', add など after the list. For a single example, just one たり is possible but implies 'things like A'. Example: 週末は映画を見たりします (On weekends, I do things like watch movies).
Examples ジョギングしたり、ときどき家でヨガをしたりしてます。
Jogingu shitari, tokidoki ie de yoga o shitari shitemasu.
I do things like jogging and sometimes doing yoga at home.
休みの日は、買い物に行ったり、友達に会ったりします。
Yasumi no hi wa, kaimono ni ittari, tomodachi ni attari shimasu.
On days off, I do things like go shopping and meet friends.
Structure: Verb dictionary form + ようにしています / Verb ない-form (stem) + ないようにしています
Use ～ようにしています to express that you are making a conscious effort to do (or not do) something regularly. It implies a habitual practice or lifestyle change, not a one‑time attempt. The ように here means 'so that' or 'in order to', and しています indicates an ongoing effort.
Usage Notes For positive efforts: dictionary form + ようにしています. For negative efforts (trying not to do): ない-form + ようにしています (e.g., 食べないようにしています). The subject is usually the speaker, but can be others. Past: ようにしていました (used to make an effort).
💡 Pro Tip Distinguish from ～ようとしています (trying to do something right now but struggling). ～ようにしています is about habitual effort, not immediate struggle. Also, ～るようにして下さい means 'please try to do' (request to someone). For health goals, this pattern is very common: 毎日歩くようにしています (I make an effort to walk every day).
Examples できるだけ、野菜をたくさん食べるようにしています。
Dekiru dake, yasai o takusan taberu yō ni shiteimasu.
I try to eat as many vegetables as possible.
健康のために、食べすぎないようにしています。
Kenkō no tame ni, tabesuginai yō ni shiteimasu.
For my health, I try not to eat too much.
Structure: Verb た-form + Noun
Use the past tense (た‑form) of a verb directly before a noun to modify it, indicating that the action was completed or that the noun is associated with a past event. This is essential for describing items with a history, such as 'the book I read yesterday' or 'the gift I received'.
Usage Notes Change the verb to た‑form (e.g., 持つ→持った, 作る→作った, 来る→来た). Place it before the noun. The verb can have its own subject (marked with が) or object (marked with を). The tense of the main sentence is independent.
💡 Pro Tip This pattern is very common for telling stories or explaining where something came from. Compare: 持って来る飾り (decoration that I will bring) vs 持って来た飾り (decoration I brought). For negative past modification, use ～なかった (e.g., 食べなかった料理 'the dish I didn't eat').
Examples ネパールから持って来た飾りです。
Nepāru kara motte kita kazari desu.
This is a decoration I brought from Nepal.
昨日食べたカレーはとても辛かったです。
Kinō tabeta karē wa totemo karakatta desu.
The curry I ate yesterday was very spicy.
Structure: [Name] + といいます
Use ～といいます to state that something or someone is called by a specific name. It translates to 'it is called ~' or 'it's named ~'. This pattern is often used when introducing unfamiliar items, explaining foreign words, or stating one's own name.
Usage Notes Place the name or term before といいます. The particle と marks the quotation, and いいます means 'to say'. For polite speech, use といいます. For casual, use という. To modify a noun, use という + noun (e.g., ナンプラーという調味料 'a seasoning called nam pla').
💡 Pro Tip When introducing yourself, say ～といいます (more formal) or ～です (casual). For asking 'What is this called?', use これは何といいますか. Also, ～というものは can be used to define a concept: 'A thing called ~'. In writing, ～という is very common for giving names.
Examplesナンプラーといいます。
Nanpurā to iimasu.
It's called 'nam pla' (fish sauce).
この花は日本語で「さくら」といいます。
Kono hana wa nihongo de 'sakura' to iimasu.
This flower is called 'sakura' in Japanese.
Structure: [Giver] に (or から) + [Thing] を + もらう
Use もらう to express receiving something from someone. The giver is marked with に (or から for more formal), and the received item is marked with を. The verb focuses on the recipient's perspective. It is often used to explain where you got something.
Usage Notes Subject (receiver) is often the speaker or topic (は). Giver + に, item + を, then もらう. Conjugate as Group 1 verb (もらう→もらいます, もらった). For polite requests, use ～てもらえますか (can I receive the favor of you doing ~?).
💡 Pro Tip Compare with くれる (someone gives to me). もらう is used when you are the receiver and you want to highlight the act of receiving. Use から instead of に when the giver is an organization or source (e.g., 会社からもらった). For 'I had someone do something for me', use ～てもらった (causative/receptive).
Examples 誕生日に、友だちにもらったんです。
Tanjōbi ni, tomodachi ni moratta n desu.
I received it from a friend on my birthday.
これは先生にもらった本です。
Kore wa sensei ni moratta hon desu.
This is a book I received from my teacher.
Structure: [Giver] が + [Thing] を + くれる
Use くれる when someone gives something to the speaker (or to someone the speaker identifies with, like a family member). The giver is marked with が, and the item with を. The recipient (me) is usually omitted because it's understood from context.
Usage Notes Subject (giver) + が, item + を, then くれる. Conjugate as Group 2 verb (くれる→くれます, くれた). For requests, use ～てくれますか (polite) or ～てくれ (casual). The polite request ～ていただけますか is even more respectful.
💡 Pro Tip Never use くれる when you are the giver. For giving to someone else, use あげる. Also, くれる implies gratitude. For an outside third party giving to another third party, use あげる or もらう depending on perspective. In casual speech, くれる can be used as an auxiliary verb to show someone does something for you: 教えてくれた (taught for me).
Examplesこれは、兄がくれたお守りです。
Kore wa, ani ga kureta omamori desu.
This is an amulet my older brother gave me.
友達がケーキをくれました。
Tomodachi ga kēki o kuremashita.
My friend gave me cake.
Structure: My family: humble terms (父, 母, 兄, 姉) | Other's family: polite terms (お父さん, お母さん, お兄さん, お姉さん)
Japanese distinguishes between terms for your own family (humble, used when referring to them to outsiders) and someone else's family (polite/respectful, used when addressing or referring to their family). Using the wrong term can sound rude or overly familiar.
Usage Notes When talking about your own family member to someone outside the family, use humble terms: 父 (chichi, my father), 母 (haha, my mother), 兄 (ani, my older brother), 姉 (ane, my older sister). When referring to the listener's family or someone else's family, use respectful terms: お父さん (otōsan), お母さん (okāsan), お兄さん (onīsan), お姉さん (onēsan). For younger siblings, use 弟 (otōto) and 妹 (imōto) for both own and others', but add さん for politeness when addressing someone else's: 弟さん, 妹さん.
💡 Pro Tip When talking about your own family to close friends, you can sometimes use the polite terms, but it's safer to use humble forms. In very formal contexts, use 父 (chichi), 母 (haha) even when addressing your own parents? No, when addressing your own parents directly, use お父さん, お母さん. The rule applies for third‑person reference. For grandparents: 祖父 (sofu), 祖母 (sobo) for own; おじいさん, おばあさん for others.
Examples これは、ミャンマーの母が作ったんです。
Kore wa, Myanmā no haha ga tsukutta n desu.
This was made by my mother in Myanmar.
お母さんが作ったの？
Okāsan ga tsukutta no?
Your mother made it?
Structure: Sentence (plain form) + そうです
Use ～そうです to report information you have heard or learned from someone else, not your own observation. It means 'I heard that ~' or 'they say that ~'. The source of information is not stated, but it implies secondhand knowledge. Attach そうです to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, or nouns.
Usage Notes For verbs and い-adjectives: use plain form (e.g., 行くそうです, 楽しいそうです). For な-adjectives and nouns: add だ before そうです (e.g., 元気だそうです, 雨だそうです). The past tense is also plain form + そうです (e.g., 行ったそうです). Do not use polite ます/です before そうです.
💡 Pro Tip Do not confuse hearsay ～そうです (I heard) with appearance ～そうです (looks like). For appearance, use verb stem or adjective stem (e.g., おいしそう). For hearsay, use full plain sentence + そうです. Also, ～そうです is less formal than ～ということです. In casual speech, ～そうだ is common.
Examplesお子さんが生まれたそうですね。
Okosan ga umareta sō desu ne.
I heard you had a baby.
明日は雨だそうです。傘を持って行ったほうがいいですよ。
Ashita wa ame da sō desu. Kasa o motte itta hō ga ii desu yo.
I hear it's going to rain tomorrow. You'd better take an umbrella.
Structure: [Recipient] に + [Thing] を + あげる
Use あげる when the speaker (or someone the speaker identifies with) gives something to another person. The recipient is marked with に, and the item with を. The subject (giver) is often the speaker or topic. This verb focuses on the act of giving from the giver's perspective.
Usage Notes Subject (giver) is usually marked with は or が. Recipient + に, item + を, then あげる. Conjugate as Group 2 verb (あげます, あげた). For humble giving when the recipient is superior, use さしあげる. For casual speech, あげる is fine, but be careful not to sound like you're imposing.
💡 Pro Tip Never use あげる when the recipient is 'me' or the speaker's in-group. For receiving, use もらう or くれる. Also, あげる can sound like 'I did you a favor', so use やる for giving to lower status (plants, pets) or very casual. In business, お渡しする is politer.
Examples アナさんに何かプレゼントをあげませんか？
Ana-san ni nanika purezento o agemasen ka?
Shall we give Ana-san a present?
妹に本をあげました。
Imōto ni hon o agemashita.
I gave a book to my little sister.
Structure: Sentence (plain form) + と言っていました
Use と言っていました to report what someone said. This is the past progressive form of と言う (to say), meaning 'was saying' or 'said'. The quoted content must be in plain form, followed by と (quotation particle), then 言っていました. This is common for relaying conversations.
Usage Notes Place the quoted sentence in plain form (verbs, adjectives, nouns + だ). Add と, then 言っていました. For direct quotes, you can also use って in casual speech. For reporting what someone said about the future, use plain non‑past. For past, use plain past.
💡 Pro Tip Use と言っていました instead of と言いました when you are reporting a statement that was said over a period or as a general remark. と言いました is also fine, but と言っていました sounds more natural for 'said (and I remember)'. In conversation, ～って言ってた is casual. Don't forget to change the pronoun perspective (e.g., 'I' becomes the speaker's name).
Examples アナさん、前に、焼き鳥が大好きだと言っていました。
Ana-san, mae ni, yakitori ga daisuki da to itte imashita.
Ana said before that she loves yakitori.
田中さんは今日は休むと言っていました。
Tanaka-san wa kyō wa yasumu to itte imashita.
Tanaka-san said he would take the day off today.
Structure: Sentence (plain form) + と思います
Use ～と思います to express your own opinion, thought, or judgment. The particle と introduces the thought content, which must be in plain form. This softens the statement, making it clear that it's your subjective view, not an objective fact.
Usage Notes Place the thought in plain form (verbs, い-adjectives, nouns/な-adjectives + だ). Add と, then 思います. For negative opinions, use plain negative + と思います. The subject is usually 'I' (often omitted). For asking someone's opinion, use ～と思いますか.
💡 Pro Tip To express uncertainty, use ～のではないかと思います. In casual speech, use ～と思う. For reported thoughts (he thought), use 思っていました. Do not use ～と思います for facts or when you are certain. Also, avoid using ～と思います after だろう/でしょう (redundant).
Examples もっと、思い出に残るものがいいと思います。
Motto, omoide ni nokoru mono ga ii to omoimasu.
I think something more memorable would be better.
このレストランの料理はとても美味しいと思います。
Kono resutoran no ryōri wa totemo oishii to omoimasu.
I think the food at this restaurant is very delicious.
Structure: あげる: [Giver] は [Recipient] に [Thing] を あげる くれる: [Giver] が [Me] に [Thing] を くれる もらう: [Receiver] は [Giver] に [Thing] を もらう
Three verbs for giving and receiving, each from a different perspective. あげる (to give) when the giver is the subject. くれる (to give to me) when the giver is subject and recipient is the speaker/in‑group. もらう (to receive) when the receiver is the subject. Choosing the correct verb is essential for natural Japanese.
Usage Notes あげる: subject (giver) + は/が, recipient + に, item + を + あげる. くれる: giver + が, recipient (me/us) + に (often omitted), item + を + くれる. もらう: receiver + は/が, giver + に (or から), item + を + もらう. All conjugate as regular verbs.
💡 Pro Tip Use やる instead of あげる for giving to plants, animals, or very close inferiors. Use さしあげる for humble giving to superiors. For くれる, the polite form is くださる (irregular: 下さいます). For もらう, the polite form for 'receive the favor of' is いただく (humble). Also, these verbs can be used as auxiliary verbs: ～てあげる, ～てくれる, ～てもらう to express doing a favor.
Examples ① ミゲルさんはフエンさんにプレゼントをあげました。 ② ミゲルさんは私にプレゼントをくれました。 ③ フエンさんはミゲルさんにプレゼントをもらいました。
① Migeru-san wa Fuen-san ni purezento o agemashita. ② Migeru-san wa watashi ni purezento o kuremashita. ③ Fuen-san wa Migeru-san ni purezento o moraimashita.
① Miguel gave Huyen a present. ② Miguel gave me a present. ③ Huyen received a present from Miguel.
母がケーキを買ってくれました。
Haha ga kēki o katte kuremashita.
My mother bought me a cake.
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