Structure: Polite: N/ナA + です, V-ます / Plain: dictionary form, だ
Japanese has two speech styles: ちょうねい体 (polite style) and ふとおり体 (plain style). They are used according to the situation or relationship with the other person. The polite style is formal and uses です and ます at the end. The plain style does not use です or ます at the end.
Usage NotesUse polite style with people you are not close to, first meetings, or someone in a higher position: N/ナA + です and V-ます. Use plain style with friends, family, or someone in a lower position: dictionary form for verbs, だ for nouns and ナ-adjectives, and plain negative forms. The polite question お元気ですか？ corresponds to plain 元気？.
💡 Pro TipMixing styles in one conversation can sound rude or awkward. です/ます is safe in most public situations; plain style is for close relationships. Do not use plain style with a boss or teacher unless they use it with you first.
Examplesおきゅうしぶりです.お元気ですか？
Ohisashiburi desu. O-genki desu ka?
I haven't seen you in a while. How have you been?
明日、映画を見る.一おに行かない？
Ashita, eiga o miru. Issho ni ikanai?
I'm going to watch a movie tomorrow. Want to go together?
Structure: [Duration] + になります / V-て + [Duration] + になります
This expression indicates the passage of time. It is used with durations such as ～か月 and ～年. A V-て clause can be added in front to indicate the starting point of the duration.
Usage NotesUse [Duration] + になります, or [Action/V-て] + [Duration] + になります. The question form is どのぐらいになりますか？. The past form is ～になりました. In casual speech, ～になる is used.
💡 Pro Tipになります is more formal than です in this pattern; 日本に来て１年です is also possible. に marks the starting point in 日本に来て. Do not confuse ～年になります (time passed) with ～年になります (becoming a year).
Examples日本に来て１年になります.
Nihon ni kite ichi-nen ni narimasu.
It has been a year since I came to Japan.
日本語を勉強して半年になります.
Nihongo o benkyō shite hantoshi ni narimasu.
It has been half a year since I started studying Japanese.
Structure: [Point in Time] + （に） + 来ました
This expression indicates the point in time when an event occurred. It is used with past time expressions. The particle に is not attached for expressions such as きょ年, 先月, and 先週.
Usage NotesUse [Point in Time] + に + 来ました for specific dates and times, such as きょ年の９月に and 先週の日曜日に. Omit に with relative time words like きょ年, 先月, and 先週. The question form is いつ来ましたか？. The negative is 来ませんでした.
💡 Pro TipSpecific dates and clock times take に; relative words like 今日, 明日, きょ年, 先月, and 先週 usually do not. Do not say 先月に来ました. に can be omitted in casual speech even for specific times.
Examplesきょ年の９月に来ました.
Kyonen no kugatsu ni kimashita.
I came in September of last year.
先週、日本に来ました.
Senshū, Nihon ni kimashita.
I came to Japan last week.
Structure: V-て + います
The pattern V-て + います is used to talk about what you are doing. It can describe an action in progress or a habitual activity, such as a job or school. In speech, ～ています is often pronounced ～てます without the い.
Usage NotesUse V-て + います. The question form is 何をしていますか？. The negative is V-ていません. The past is V-ていました. For casual speech, ～てる is common.
💡 Pro TipV-ています can mean either 'is doing' or 'does habitually' depending on context. Do not use it for a one-time future action; use V-ます. The shortened ～てます is common in speech but less formal in writing.
Examplesどういています.すけごの仕事をしています.
Hataraite imasu. Kaigo no shigoto o shite imasu.
I work. I work as a caregiver for the elderly.
毎日、日本語を勉強しています.
Mainichi, Nihongo o benkyō shite imasu.
I study Japanese every day.
Structure: イA + いです / ナA + です
イA-いです or ナA-です is used to describe impressions about work and life. When describing both positive and negative impressions, でも can be used to express them in two sentences.
Usage NotesUse イA + いです for イ-adjectives and ナA + です for ナ-adjectives. The question form is どうですか？. The negative is イA + くないです or ナA + じゃないです. To contrast two impressions, use S1.でも、S2.
💡 Pro TipDo not add だ before です: say 大へんです, not 大へんだです. イ-adjectives keep い before です: ぼうしいです. でも starts a new sentence; が joins clauses inside one sentence.
Examples毎日、大へんです.でも、楽しいです.
Mainichi, taihen desu. Demo, tanoshii desu.
Every day is tough. But it's fun.
仕事はぼうしいです.でも、おもしろいです.
Shigoto wa isogashii desu. Demo, omoshiroi desu.
Work is busy. But it's interesting.
Structure: V-る + こと + です
This expression is used when talking about hobbies. ことです is added after the verb in dictionary form. It turns the verb into a noun-like phrase meaning「 doing [verb]."
Usage NotesUse V-る + ことです. The question form is 趣味は何ですか？. The negative is V-る + ことじゃないです. A related pattern is V-る + のが好きです, which focuses on likes rather than definition.
💡 Pro Tipこと nominalizes a verb into a noun-like phrase. の can often replace こと, but こと is more formal and abstract. Do not use ます before こと: say 見ることです, not 見ますことです.
Examples趣味は映画を見ることです.
Shumi wa eiga o miru koto desu.
My hobby is watching movies.
わたしの趣味は音楽を聞くことです.
Watashi no shumi wa ongaku o kiku koto desu.
My hobby is listening to music.
Structure: V-る + の + が + 好きです
This expression is used when talking about one's likes. の is added to the verb in dictionary form, followed by が好きです. It means「 I like doing [verb].」
Usage NotesUse V-る + の + が + 好きです. The negative is ～のは好きじゃないです or ～のは好きじゃありません. The question form is ～のが好きですか？. A related pattern is ～のも好きです, which adds another liked action.
💡 Pro Tipの and こと both nominalize verbs, but の is more natural with 好き. Do not use を with 好き; use が. 大好きです is stronger than 好きです.
Examplesゲームをするのが好きです.
Gēmu o suru no ga suki desu.
I like playing video games.
犬とゆうぶのが好きです.
Inu to asobu no ga suki desu.
I like playing with dogs.
Structure: V-る + の + も + V2-dict + の + も + 大好きです
This pattern uses の to nominalize verbs and も __ も to mean「 both __ and __". It expresses that you like or love multiple actions equally. The source example is テニスは、するのも見るのも大好きです.
Usage NotesUse V-る + のも + V2-dict + のも + 大好きです. The topic can be marked with は. The negative is ～のも～のも好きじゃないです. Related: ～のも好きです adds another liked action.
💡 Pro Tipも __ も means「 both," while と lists nouns. Do not omit の: するも見るも is less natural. の is more natural than こと with 大好きです.
Examplesテニスは、するのも見るのも大好きです.
Tenisu wa, suru no mo miru no mo daisuki desu.
I love both playing and watching tennis.
音楽は、聞くのも歌うのも大好きです.
Ongaku wa, kiku no mo utau no mo daisuki desu.
I love both listening to and singing music.
Structure: [Person] + と + [Place] + で + V-ます
This expression is for talking about the person with whom one does something and the place of the action. The particle と indicates the person, while で indicates the place. They can be used in any order.
Usage NotesUse [Person] + と + [Place] + で + V-ます. Add an object with を if needed: [Person] + と + [Place] + で + [Object] + を + V-ます. Questions: だれとV-ますか？ and どこでV-ますか？. The negative is V-ません.
💡 Pro Tipと marks「 with" a person, and で marks the action location. Do not use に for the place of action. The person and place phrases can swap order.
Examples休みの日は、たいてい友だちと体いく館でバドミントンをします.
Yasumi no hi wa, taitei tomodachi to taiikukan de badominton o shimasu.
On my days off, I usually play badminton with friends at a gym.
週まつは、家族と公園でサッカーをします.
Shūmatsu wa, kazoku to kōen de sakkā o shimasu.
On weekends, I play soccer with my family at the park.
Structure: V-て、V2
The verb in テ-form is used to connect two or more actions or events in sequence. バドミントンをします.そのあと、ご飯を食べます. becomes バドミントンをして、ご飯を食べます. It is used to talk about habits, past events, future plans, and hopes.
Usage NotesUse V-て、V2. The tense is determined by the final verb. Conjugation: する→して, 食べる→食べて, 見る→見て. A negative sequence can use V-ないで、V2. The question form is V-て、V2ますか？.
💡 Pro TipThe テ-form itself does not show tense; the last verb does. Do not use the テ-form for contrast; use が. In casual speech, the テ-form is common for listing actions.
Examplesさく日は、バドミントンをして、みんなでご飯を食べました.
Kinō wa, badominton o shite, minna de gohan o tabemashita.
Yesterday, we played badminton and then had dinner together.
朝、シャワーをよくびて、学校へ行きます.
Asa, shawā o abite, gakkō e ikimasu.
In the morning, I take a shower and go to school.
Structure: V-て + います
The verb in テ-form + います indicates the present situation. It is used here to talk about what a person does repeatedly for a period of time or their habits. It can also describe an action in progress depending on context.
Usage NotesUse V-て + います. Conjugation: しゅうう→しゅうっています, する→しています, 勉強する→勉強しています. The question form is 何をしていますか？. The negative is V-ていません, and the past is V-ていました. In speech, ～ています is often pronounced ～てます.
💡 Pro TipThis pattern can describe either a habit or an ongoing action; context decides. ～てます is casual. Do not use it for a single future action; use V-ます.
Examplesいけばなをしゅうっています.
Ikebana o naratte imasu.
I am learning flower arrangement.
毎朝、ジョギングをしています.
Maiasa, jogingu o shite imasu.
I jog every morning.
Structure: N + が + できます
できます indicates the ability of a person. It is used here to say that one has the ability to speak a language or do sports or music. Aside from languages, it is also used to describe sports or musical abilities.
Usage NotesUse N + が + できます. The question form is Nができますか？. The negative is Nができません, and the past is Nができました. It can be used with languages, sports, and musical abilities.
💡 Pro TipUse が with できます, not を. できます can also mean「 to be completed" or「 to be made" in other contexts. For a little ability, say しょうしできます.
Examples日本語、英語、フィリピノ語、スペイン語ができます.
Nihongo, Eigo, Firipino-go, Supein-go ga dekimasu.
I can speak Japanese, English, Filipino, and Spanish.
妹はピアノができます.
Imōto wa piano ga dekimasu.
My younger sister can play the piano.
Structure: N + に + なります / ナA + に + なります / イA(-い) + く + なります
なります (なる) indicates change. It is used to express climate changes and other changes over time. The form ～になります is used for nouns and ナ-adjectives. For イ-adjectives, change the final い to く to make ～くなります.
Usage NotesUse N + に + なります, ナA + に + なります, and イA(-い) + く + なります. The question form is ～になりますか？ The negative is ～になりません, and the past is ～になりました. Examples: 暖かい→暖かくなります, すずしい→すずしくなります, 休み→休みになります.
💡 Pro Tipなります shows a change over time, while です describes a current state. Do not say 暖かいになります; the correct form is 暖かくなります. Nouns and ナ-adjectives take に, but イ-adjectives take く.
Examples春はさくらの花がさききます.暖かくなります.
Haru wa sakura no hana ga sakimasu. Atatakaku narimasu.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and it starts to get warmer.
秋になって、すずしくなりました.
Aki ni natte, suzushiku narimashita.
It became cool in autumn.
Structure: いちばん + [Adjective]
This expression is used to say that something is of the highest degree. It is used here to show that among several seasons, autumn is the one the speaker likes best. いちばん is added in front of the adjective.
Usage NotesPlace いちばん before a ナA + です or an イA + いです. The question form is 何がいちばん～ですか？ or いつがいちばん～ですか？ The negative can be いちばん～じゃないです, though it is less common. The past is いちばん～でした or いちばん～かったです.
💡 Pro Tipいちばん is superlative, while より means「 than" in comparisons. Do not put いちばん after the adjective. 秋がいちばん好きです is natural; 秋が好きがいちばん is wrong.
Examples秋がいちばん好きです.
Aki ga ichiban suki desu.
I like fall the best.
この店のラーメンがいちばんおいしいです.
Kono mise no rāmen ga ichiban oishii desu.
The ramen at this shop is the most delicious.
Structure: イA(-い) + の + が + 好きです / く手です
This expression is for talking about what you like or dislike. It is used here to describe the kind of weather one likes or dislikes. の is added to an イ-adjective to say 暑いのが好きです or 寒いのがく手です.
Usage NotesUse イA + のが好きです or イA + のがく手です. The negative is ～のは好きじゃないです or ～のは好きじゃありません. The question form is ～のが好きですか？ or ～のがく手ですか？ In casual speech, ～のが好きだ and ～のがく手だ are used.
💡 Pro TipUse が, not を, with 好き and く手. の turns the adjective into a noun-like phrase. 好きじゃないです is softer than 嫌いです, and く手です can mean both「 dislike" and「 not good at."
Examplesわたしは暑いのが好きです.寒いのがく手です.
Watashi wa atsui no ga suki desu. Samui no ga nigate desu.
I like hot weather. I am not good with cold weather.
甘いのが好きです.辛いのがく手です.
Amai no ga suki desu. Karai no ga nigate desu.
I like sweet things. I don't like spicy things.
Structure: S1 + から、S2 / N + です + から / ナA + です + から / イA + いです + から / V-ます + から
から is added at the end of a sentence to indicate the reason. In もみじのけいいろがきれいですから, it gives the reason why the person likes autumn. から can also connect one sentence to another: S1 gives the reason for S2. The forms are nounです＋から, adjectiveです＋から, and verbます＋から.
Usage NotesUse [Reason] + から, [Result]. You can also put the reason at the end: [Result]. [Reason] + から. For polite forms, use N + です + から, ナA + です + から, イA + いです + から, and V-ます + から. The question form is どうしてですか？ The negative reason can be ～ませんから.
💡 Pro Tipから states a reason directly, while ので is softer and more polite. Do not confuse sentence-final から meaning「 because" with から meaning「 from." In casual speech, から often follows the plain form.
Examples秋が好きです.もみじのけいいろがきれいですから.
Aki ga suki desu. Momiji no keshiki ga kirei desu kara.
I like fall because the maple scenery is beautiful.
日本語を勉強していますから、毎日れんしゅうします.
Nihongo o benkyō shite imasu kara, mainichi renshū shimasu.
Because I am studying Japanese, I practice every day.
Structure: N1 + や + N2 + （など）
The particle や connects one noun to another in the same way as と. The difference is that や is used to give examples, not a complete list. In うみや山でゆうぶのも楽しいです, the person may also have fun in rivers and forests, but the seas and mountains are given as typical examples. など can be added after N2 to say N1やN2など.
Usage NotesUse N1 + や + N2. Add など after N2 for「 etc.": N1 + や + N2 + など. It is used with nouns, not clauses. The question form depends on the verb, such as 何や何がありますか？ The negative can be N1やN2はありません.
💡 Pro Tipと lists items exhaustively, while や lists examples and implies there may be more. Do not use や to connect clauses. など makes the「 and so on" meaning clearer.
Examplesうみや山でゆうぶのも楽しいです.
Umi ya yama de asobu no mo tanoshii desu.
Playing in the ocean and mountains is also fun.
休みの日は、本や映画などを楽しみます.
Yasumi no hi wa, hon ya eiga nado o tanoshimimasu.
On days off, I enjoy things like books and movies.
Structure: N1 + とか + （N2 + とか）
This expression is for giving examples. It is used here to give examples of delicious fruits in autumn. とか can be used even when giving just one example; in that case, the expression becomes N1とか. It is more colloquial than や and is often used in spoken language. It can be used in the middle or at the end of sentences.
Usage NotesUse N1 + とか, or N1 + とか + N2 + とか. It can end a sentence: ぶどうとかなしとか. It can also be used in the middle: ぶどうとかなしとかが好きです. It is common in casual speech. The question form can be どんな～が好きですか？
💡 Pro Tipとか is casual and conversational, while や is more neutral. Do not use とか in formal writing. It implies「 and such" or「 for example." Even one とか can give an example without listing everything.
Examples秋は果物がおいしいですよね.ぶどうとかなしとか.
Aki wa kudamono ga oishii desu yo ne. Budō toka nashi toka.
Fruits are delicious in fall, like grapes and pears.
好きなスポーツは、スキーとかスケートとかです.
Suki na supōtsu wa, sukī toka sukēto toka desu.
My favorite sports are things like skiing and skating.
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 NotesAttach 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 NotesFor 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 TipDon'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 NotesForm 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 TipSome 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 NotesAttach 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: N + で、～ / ナA + で、～ / イA(-い) + くて、～
This form is used to connect two sentences. It is used here to give two or more impressions about the town. The form becomes ～で for nouns and ナ-adjectives. For イ-adjectives, it becomes ～くて.
Usage NotesUse N + で、～, ナA + で、～, and イA(-い) + くて、～. Examples: にぎやか（な）→にぎやかで, せいか（な）→せいかで, 多い→多くて. The final predicate determines the tense and politeness. This connector is neutral and simply adds information; for contrast, use けど.
💡 Pro Tipで and くて connect descriptions, not contrast. Do not use くて with nouns or ナ-adjectives, and do not use で with イ-adjectives. イ-adjectives change い to くて, so 多い→多くて, not 多いで. The final verb or adjective carries the tense.
Examplesこのまちは、とてもにぎやかで、べんりです.
Kono machi wa, totemo nigiyaka de, benri desu.
This town is very lively and convenient.
この部屋はしずかで、広いです.
Kono heya wa shizuka de, hiroi desu.
This room is quiet and spacious.
Structure: N + だ + けど、～ / ナA + だ + けど、～ / イA + い + けど、～
けど is used to connect two sentences that are in contrast to each other. It is used here to give a positive and a negative comment about the town. The form becomes ～だけど for nouns and ナ-adjectives. For イ-adjectives, it becomes ～いけど.
Usage NotesUse N + だけど、～, ナA + だけど、～, and イA + いけど、～. Examples: ふ便（な）→ふ便だけど, 古い→古いけど, おもしろい→おもしろいけど, えんい→えんいけど. The final clause determines tense and politeness. For a more formal contrast, use が.
💡 Pro Tipけど is casual and often used in speech; が is more formal and written. けど contrasts, while で/くて simply adds. Do not use だけど with イ-adjectives; use いけど. In polite speech, けど can follow です/ます: ふ便ですけど.
Examplesたちばな公園は、ばしょはふべんだけど、きれいですよ.
Tachibana kōen wa, basho wa fuben da kedo, kirei desu yo.
The location of Tachibana Park is inconvenient, but it is beautiful.
この店は安いけど、あまりおいしくないです.
Kono mise wa yasui kedo, amari oishikunai desu.
This shop is cheap, but it's not very delicious.
Structure: V-る + ことができます
V-ることができます is used to express what is possible in a given situation. It is used here to describe what one can do in towns and tourist areas. ことができます is added to the verb in dictionary form.
Usage NotesUse V-る + ことができます. Examples: 見る→見ることができます, 食べる→食べることができます, 見わたりす→見わたりすことができます. The question form is V-ることができますか？. The negative is V-ることができません. The past is V-ることができました. A shorter casual alternative is the potential form V-れる/V-られる.
💡 Pro Tipことができます is more formal than the potential form. Do not use the ます-form before こと: say 見ることができます, not 見ますことができます. For ability with nouns, use Nができます. For seeing/hearing, 見える/聞こえる are different.
Examples一年中、いろいろな花を見ることができます.
Ichinenjū, iroirona hana o miru koto ga dekimasu.
Various types of flower can be viewed throughout the year.
このアプリでは、むりょうでおんがくを聞くことができます.
Kono apuri de wa, muryō de ongaku o kiku koto ga dekimasu.
With this app, you can listen to music for free.
Structure: N + に + 行きたいんですが…
This expression is often used to ask for directions. It states that you want to go to a place and trails off, inviting help. The end is spoken weakly with falling intonation.
Usage NotesUse [Place] + に + 行きたいんですが… . に marks the destination. The full form is 行きたいんですが, where んですが softens the request. Other ways to ask directions: [Place] + はどこですか？ and [Place] + は、どう行ったらいいですか？. The negative desire is 行きたくないんですが…, though less common for directions.
💡 Pro TipTrailing off with んですが… is polite and indirect; raising intonation would sound like a question, but it is usually falling. に marks destination; へ can also be used. Do not use を with 行きます. In casual speech, 行きたいんだけど… is used.
Examples駅に行きたいんですが….
Eki ni ikitai n desu ga __
I would like to go to the station __
空港に行きたいんですが、どう行ったらいいですか？
Kūkō ni ikitai n desu ga, dō ittara ii desu ka?
I want to go to the airport; how should I go?
Structure: V-て、～
This expression is for explaining the order of two or more actions. It is used to provide route information in sequence. The テ-form connects actions, and the final verb determines the sentence ending.
Usage NotesUse V1-て、V2. Conjugation: 行く→行って, きょくがる→きょくがって, わたりる→わたりって. The final verb can be 下さい for a request, or です/ます for a statement. Examples: この道をまっすぐ行って、２つ目のしん号を左にきょくがって下さい. Negative sequence: V1-ないで、V2.
💡 Pro TipThe テ-form does not show tense; the last verb does. Do not use て for contrast; use けど or が. In directions, the テ-form is very common. きょくがって下さい is polite; きょくがって alone is casual.
Examplesこの道をまっすぐ行って、２つ目のしん号を左にきょくがって下さい.
Kono michi o massugu itte, futatsume no shingō o hidari ni magatte kudasai.
Go straight on this road. When you get to the second light, turn left.
駅を出て、まっすぐ行って、はしをわたりって下さい.
Eki o dete, massugu itte, hashi o watatte kudasai.
Leave the station, go straight, and cross the bridge.
Structure: N1 + じゃなくて、N2
This expression is for correcting what the other person said. N1 is contradicted and corrected with N2. ～じゃなくて is the connecting form of ～じゃない（です）.
Usage NotesUse N1 + じゃなくて、N2. It can stand alone or be followed by です: N1じゃなくて、N2です. The formal version is ではなくて. The negative is inherent. Related correction: ～じゃないです、～です.
💡 Pro Tipじゃなくて is casual and spoken; ではなくて is more formal or written. Do not use じゃなくて for contrast without correction; it specifically negates N1 and replaces it with N2. Pronunciation: じゃなくて, not じゃないくて.
Examples１つ目じゃなくて、２つ目です.
Hitotsume ja nakute, futatsume desu.
It is the second one, not the first one.
しりつ博物館じゃなくて、か学博物館です.
Shiritsu hakubutsukan ja nakute, kagaku hakubutsukan desu.
It is not the municipal museum; it is the Science Museum.
Structure: N + は + どうですか？
This expression suggests a time or place to meet and asks if the other person is okay with it. N is a time or place word. It is a polite way to propose an option.
Usage NotesUse N + は + どうですか？. The particle は marks the suggestion as the topic. The question form is already どうですか？. A negative response can be ちょっと… or another ～はどうですか？ to suggest a different option. The more formal version is いかがですか？.
💡 Pro Tipどうですか？ can sound a little direct, but it is polite enough for making plans. Do not use を with this pattern. In casual speech, ～はどう？ is common. The particle は is pronounced wa.
Examples６時はどうですか？
Roku-ji wa dō desu ka?
How about six o'clock?
駅の前はどうですか？
Eki no mae wa dō desu ka?
How about in front of the station?
Structure: N + でも + いいですか？
This expression makes another suggestion when the first one may not work. N is a time or place word. It asks whether N is also acceptable.
Usage NotesUse N + でも + いいですか？. The particle でも here means「 even" or「 also," and いいですか asks about acceptability. A negative answer can be すみません、ちょっと… . To accept, say いいですよ. Related: ～はどうですか？ suggests, while ～でもいいですか？ asks if an alternative is okay.
💡 Pro TipDo not confuse this でも with sentence-initial でも meaning「 but." Here it attaches to a noun. ～でもいいですか？ is polite; the casual form is ～でもいい？. The で in でも is not the place particle.
Examples６時半でもいいですか？
Roku-ji han de mo ii desu ka?
Can we meet at six thirty instead?
来週の月曜日でもいいですか？
Raishū no getsuyōbi de mo ii desu ka?
Is next Monday also okay?
Structure: N + で、～ / V-て、～
This expression gives a cause or reason for the next part of the sentence. For nouns, add で after the noun. For verbs, use the テ-form. It explains why something happened.
Usage NotesUse N + で、～ for nouns: 事ゆえで電車がしまりました. Use V-て、～ for verbs: ねぼうして、ちれました. The cause comes first, then the result. The final clause determines tense and politeness. Related reason patterns are から and ので, but they attach to clauses, not nouns.
💡 Pro TipN + で for cause is different from で marking place or means. V-て for cause often expresses an unintentional reason. Do not use に for cause. In formal writing, により is used for「 due to."
Examples事ゆえで電車がしまりました.
Jiko de densha ga tomarimashita.
The trains stopped because of an accident.
ねぼうして、会議にちれました.
Nebō shite, kaigi ni okuremashita.
I overslept and was late for the meeting.
Structure: もう + V-ました
This expression states that an action has been completed. もう means already. It is used to ask or say whether someone has already done something.
Usage NotesUse もう + V-ました. The question form is もう + V-ましたか？. The affirmative answer is はい、V-ました.. The negative answer is いいえ、まだです.. In casual speech, use もう + V-た？ and まだだよ. For “not yet,” use まだV-ていません.
💡 Pro Tipもう pairs with the past form for completed actions; まだ pairs with the negative for “not yet.” Do not answer いいえ、V-ませんでした when you mean “not yet”; use まだです. Register: ～ました is polite, while ～た is casual.
Examples新しいアウトレットモール、もう行きましたか？
Atarashii autoreeto mōru, mō ikimashita ka?
Have you been to the new outlet mall yet?
もう昼ごはんを食べましたか？
Mō hirugohan o tabemashita ka?
Have you already eaten lunch?
Structure: V-た + ことがあります
This expression talks about one's experience. ～ことがあります is added after the verb in タ-form. It means “have done [verb] before.”
Usage NotesUse V-た + ことがあります. Conjugation: 行く→行ったことがあります, 見る→見たことがあります, する→したことがあります. The question form is V-たことがありますか？. Affirmative: （V-たことが）あります. Negative: （V-たことが）ないです or ありません. In conversation, が may be omitted: V-たことあります. In plain style, use V-たこと（が）ある.
💡 Pro TipThis pattern is for experience, not for a specific past event; use V-ました for that. 一どあります means “once.” Do not say 見たことがいます. Register: あります is polite, while ある is plain.
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 watched pro-wrestling?
京みやこへ行ったことがありますか？
Kyōto e itta koto ga arimasu ka?
Have you ever been to Kyoto?
Structure: V-ます stem + に + 行きませんか？
This expression invites the other person. The purpose of going is expressed by removing ます from the マス-form of the verb and adding に, such as 食べに行く and 飲みに行く. It asks “Would you like to go to do [verb]?”
Usage NotesUse V-ます stem + に + 行きませんか？. Conjugation: 飲む→飲みに行きませんか, 食べる→食べに行きませんか, 見る→みにいきませんか. In plain style, V-に行きませんか？ becomes V-に行かない？. A related positive suggestion is V-に行きましょう.
💡 Pro TipUse the マス-form stem before に, not the dictionary form: 食べに行く, not 食べるに行く. 行きませんか？ is a polite invitation; 行かない？ is casual. Do not confuse this に with the に marking a destination.
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?
今ど、映画をみにいきませんか？
Kondo, eiga o mi ni ikimasen ka?
Would you like to go see a movie next time?
Structure: N + の前に、～ / N + のあと（で）、～
These expressions clearly explain the order of actions. Nの前に、～ indicates that the action in the next part is performed before N. Nのあとで、～ indicates that the action in the next part is performed after N. N is taken up by words such as 食事, かいもの, 映画, 仕事, 勉強, and 学校.
Usage NotesUse N + の前に、～ and N + のあと（で）、～. The で in のあとで can be omitted. The final clause determines tense and politeness. The question and negative forms depend on the final clause. Related: 前に and あとで can also follow verbs, but this lesson uses nouns.
💡 Pro TipDo not use に before 前に: say 食事の前に, not 食事に前に. あとで has で; あと alone is also possible but less explicit. These patterns order actions; they do not mean physical position.
Examples映画の前に、カフェでお茶をしましょう.
Eiga no mae ni, kafe de ocha o shimashō.
Let's have some tea at a cafe before the movie.
仕事のあとで、友だちとご飯を食べます.
Shigoto no ato de, tomodachi to gohan o tabemasu.
After work, I eat dinner with friends.
Structure: V-ます stem + たいんですが…
This expression communicates one's wish and appeals to the other person for something. It is used to state what you want to do and invite a response. The sentence often trails off with んですが….
Usage NotesUse V-ます stem + たいんですが… . Conjugation: 買う→買いたいんですが, 休む→休みたいんですが, おろす→おろしたいんですが. Sometimes the sentence continues after んですが, as in 買いたいんですが、見てもいいですか？. The negative desire is V-たくないんですが…. In plain style, use V-たいんだけど….
💡 Pro TipTrailing off with んですが… is polite and indirect. The んですが adds a request nuance. Register: んですが is polite; んだけど is casual. Do not confuse たい (want to do) with ほしい (want something).
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 would like to buy jogging shoes __
しょうし休みたいんですが、いいですか？
Sukoshi yasumitai n desu ga, ii desu ka?
I'd like to take a short break; is that okay?
Structure: イA(-い) + かったです
This is used to describe the appearance or condition of things at a point in time in the past, or to give one's opinions or impressions. The い in イ-adjectives is removed and かった is added, such as 楽しかった and なんしかった.
Usage NotesUse イA(-い) + かったです. Conjugation: かわいい→かわいかったです, 楽しい→楽しかったです, なんしい→なんしかったです, おもしろい→おもしろかったです, すごい→すごかったです, すばらしい→すばらしかったです. いい is an exception: よかったです. The negative past is ～くなかったです. The question form is ～かったですか？.
💡 Pro TipDo not say かわいいかったです; remove い first. いい is irregular: よかったです, not いかったです. Register: ～かったです is polite; ～かった is plain.
Examplesパンダがかわいかったです.
Panda ga kawaikatta desu.
The panda was cute.
さく日の映画はとてもおもしろかったです.
Kinō no eiga wa totemo omoshirokatta desu.
Yesterday's movie was very interesting.
Structure: N + で + V-ます
This expression indicates the means or way. It is used to describe the means taken to study Japanese. The particle で marks the tool, method, or medium.
Usage NotesUse N + で + V-ます. If asked どこで日本語を勉強しましたか？, you can answer with the place where you studied or with your means of studying. If asking specifically about the means, use どうやって. The question form is 何で / どうやって + V-ますか？. The negative is V-ません.
💡 Pro Tipで marks means or method, while に marks destination and を marks object. Do not confuse means で with place-of-action で; context decides. 何で can also mean「 why,」so どうやって is clearer for「 how.」
Examplesアニメで日本語を勉強しました.
Anime de Nihongo o benkyō shimashita.
I studied Japanese by watching anime.
ネットで日本語を勉強しました.
Netto de Nihongo o benkyō shimashita.
I studied Japanese on the Internet.
Structure: [Duration] + V-ます
These expressions indicate duration. They are used to describe how long one has studied Japanese. ～ぐらい describes an approximate length, while ～間 describes a definite duration.
Usage NotesPlace the duration before the verb: [Duration] + V-ます. Use ～ぐらい for approximate length and ～間 for a definite period. To ask, use どのぐらい or どのくらい. The negative is V-ませんでした, and the past is V-ました.
💡 Pro Tipぐらい/くらい means「 about,」while 年間 counts a definite number of years. Do not say ２年ぐらい when you mean exactly two years; use ２年間. For months, use ～か月; for hours, ～時間.
Examples１年ぐらい日本語を勉強しました.
Ichi-nen gurai Nihongo o benkyō shimashita.
I studied Japanese for about a year.
大学で３年間中国語を勉強しました.
Daigaku de san-nenkan Chūgokugo o benkyō shimashita.
I studied Chinese for three years at university.
Structure: N1 + は + N2 + が + [ナA/イA] / N1 + は + V-る + の + が + [ナA/イA]
This expression concretely describes the characteristics of something. It is used to say, for example, that characters are difficult in Japanese. If the N2が section uses a verb, の is added to the verb in dictionary form.
Usage NotesUse N1 + は + N2 + が + ナAです / イA-いです. If N2 is a verb, use V-る + のが: 話す→話すのが, 読む→読むのが, かくえる→かくえるのが. The question form is N1は何が～ですか？. The negative is ナA + じゃないです or イA + くないです.
💡 Pro TipThe large topic is marked by は, and the specific aspect is marked by が. Do not use を with adjectives like なんしい; use が. の turns the verb into a noun-like phrase.
Examples日本語はぶんじがなんしいです.
Nihongo wa moji ga muzukashii desu.
The characters are a difficult part of Japanese.
英語ははつ音がなんしいです.
Eigo wa hatsuon ga muzukashii desu.
English pronunciation is difficult.
Structure: N1 + は、～.でも、N2 + は、～.
This expression talks about characteristics by comparing two things. Here, the person says that speaking Japanese is easy, while in comparison reading it is difficult. The second sentence often contrasts with the first.
Usage NotesUse N1 + は、～.でも、N2 + は、～.. は marks each topic and often adds contrast. でも starts the contrasting sentence. The negative and question forms depend on the predicates used. Related: は can appear twice in one clause for contrast, as in 英語はぶんほうはかんたんです.
💡 Pro Tipでも is sentence-initial; が joins clauses within one sentence. Repeating は can make the contrast stronger. Do not confuse comparison は with simple topic は.
Examples日本語は、読むのはしょうしなんしいです.でも、会話はえいです.
Nihongo wa, yomu no wa sukoshi muzukashii desu. Demo, kaiwa wa tokui desu.
Reading Japanese is a bit difficult, but I am good at speaking in Japanese.
かんじはかくえるのが大へんです.でも、ひらがなはかんたんです.
Kanji wa oboeru no ga taihen desu. Demo, hiragana wa kantan desu.
Memorizing kanji is tough. But hiragana is easy.
Structure: V-て + もらえませんか？
This expression requests something from the other person. V-てもらえませんか？ is a more polite expression than V-て下さい. ～もらえませんか？ is added after the verb in テ-form.
Usage NotesUse V-て + もらえませんか？. Conjugation: チェックする→チェックしてもらえませんか, <br>せつ明する→せつ明してもらえませんか, <br>教える→教えてもらえませんか, <br>見せる→見せてもらえませんか. <br>The form is already a polite negative question; to accept, say はい、いいですよ. A more formal version is V-ていただけませんか？. In casual speech, use V-てもらえる？.
💡 Pro Tipもらえませんか？ is politer and softer than 下さい. Do not use it with someone far above you if an even more respectful form is needed; いただけませんか is safer. The verb before もらえませんか must be in テ-form.
Examples日本語をチェックしてもらえませんか？
Nihongo o chekku shite moraemasen ka?
Will you check my Japanese?
か物をじってもらえませんか？
Nimotsu o motte moraemasen ka?
Could you carry my luggage?
Structure: [Situation] + んですが、～
んですが describes your situation and invites the listener's help, advice, or response. It often trails off with falling intonation, leaving the actual request implied. It is a soft, polite way to bring up a topic before asking a question.
Usage NotesAttach んですが to the plain form of a sentence. For nouns and ナ-adjectives, use N/ナA + なんですが. For verbs and イ-adjectives, use the plain form + んですが. The ん is a contraction of の, and the が softens the statement and leaves it open. In casual speech, use んだけど. The sentence can end there or continue: ～んですが、～ですか？.
💡 Pro TipHere が is not a contrast marker; it softens and seeks a response. Do not confuse んですが (lead-in) with が meaning but. んです asks for an explanation, while んですが introduces your own situation. Register: んですが is polite; んだけど is casual.
Examplesすみません、ちょっと聞きたいんですが….
Sumimasen, chotto kikitai n desu ga __
Excuse me, I'd like to ask you something __
パソコンを買いたいんですが、どこがいいですか？
Pasokon o kaitai n desu ga, doko ga ii desu ka?
I want to buy a computer; where would be good?
Structure: V-ます stem + ほう
～ほう indicates how to do something. 書きほう means「 how to write.」Here, the person says he does not know how to fill out the document. It connects to the マス-form of the verb with ます removed.
Usage NotesUse V-ます stem + ほう. Conjugation: 書く→書きほう, 読む→読みほう, しう→しいほう, する→しほう. To ask, use ～ほうを教えて下さい or ～ほうはどうですか？. The negative is ～ほうがわかりません.
💡 Pro Tipほう is read かた here, not ほう. For する, say しほう, not すほう. ～ほう is a noun, so it can take が, を, or は depending on the sentence.
Examplesこの書るいの書きほうがよくわかりません.
Kono shorui no kakikata ga yoku wakarimasen.
I do not know how to fill out this paperwork.
このかんじの読みほうを教えて下さい.
Kono kanji no yomikata o oshiete kudasai.
Please teach me how to read this kanji.
Structure: V-て + みたいんですが…
This expression communicates that you wish to try something new or for the first time, and asks the other person about it. It connects to the テ-form of the verb. The trailing んですが… softens the statement and invites a response.
Usage NotesUse V-て + みたいんですが… . Conjugation: やる→やってみたいんですが, さんかする→さんかしてみたいんですが. The sentence can end there or continue with a question. In casual speech, use V-てみたいんだけど…. The negative desire is V-てみたくないんですが…, though it is less common.
💡 Pro Tipみたい here means "try doing," not "look like"; do not confuse it with ～みたい (resembling). Use the テ-form before みたい, not the マス-form. Register: んですが is polite; んだけど is casual.
Examplesごう気道をやってみたいんですが….
Aikidō o yatte mitai n desu ga...
I would like to try aikido...
書道教室にさんかしてみたいんですが、どうすればいいですか？
Shodō kyōshitsu ni sanka shite mitai n desu ga, dō sureba ii desu ka?
I'd like to try a calligraphy class; what should I do?
Structure: [Duration] + に + [Number] + かい
This expression indicates frequency. An expression of duration comes before ～に, such as 週 / ～週間, 月 / ～か月, and 年 / ～年. It answers how many times something happens per period.
Usage NotesUse [Duration] + に + [Number] + かい. Examples: 週に１かい, 月に２かい, ４年に１かい, and ３か月に１かい. The particle に marks the period. To ask, use どのぐらいのひんどですか？ or ～に何かいありますか？. The negative is ～に１かいもありません.
💡 Pro TipUse かい for occurrences, not ど in this pattern (ど is for temperatures or degrees). 週に１かい means "once a week"; 週１かい is a common shortened form. Do not confuse ～か月 (duration) with ～月 (month name).
Examples日本語クラスは週に１かいです.
Nihongo kurasu wa shū ni ikkai desu.
Japanese-language classes are held once weekly.
いけ花教室は３か月に１かいあります.
Ikebana kyōshitsu wa san-kagetsu ni ikkai arimasu.
The flower-arrangement class is held once every three months.
Structure: V-ます stem + ましょうか？
This expression offers something to the other person. ます is changed to ましょうか？. It asks whether the listener would like you to do something.
Usage NotesUse V-ます stem + ましょうか？. Conjugation: もってくる→もってきましょうか, てつだう→てつだいましょうか. To accept, say おがんいします or ありがとうございます. To decline, say 大たけおっとです or いいえ、けっこうです. In casual speech, use V-ようか？.
💡 Pro TipV-ましょうか？ offers help; V-ませんか？ invites the other person to do something together. Do not use V-ましょうか？ to give a command. With a superior, V-ましょうか？ is polite enough but ～いたしましょうか is even more formal.
Examples教室のチラシをじって来ましょうか？
Kyōshitsu no chirashi o motte kimashō ka?
Would you like me to bring you a flyer for the class?
か物をじちましょうか？
Nimotsu o mochimashō ka?
Shall I carry your luggage?
Structure: [Word] + は、どういうい味ですか？
This expression asks about the meaning of what someone said. It quotes a word you do not understand and asks about its meaning. You can also repeat the word with a rising intonation to ask what was said.
Usage NotesUse [Word] + は、どういうい味ですか？. To repeat just the word, use a rising intonation: どうぎ？. A related question is ～はどういうい味ですか？. The negative answer can be すみません、わかりません. In casual speech, use ～ってどういうい味？.
💡 Pro Tipどういうい味ですか asks for meaning; どういうことですか asks for clarification of a situation. Repeating a word with rising intonation is very natural but can sound abrupt; add すみません to soften it. Register: ですか is polite; ～ってどういうい味？ is casual.
Examplesすみません.「ぼご」は、どういうい味ですか？
Sumimasen. "Bogo" wa, dō iu imi desu ka?
Excuse me. What does "bogo" mean?
「どうぎ」は、どういうい味ですか？
"Dōgi" wa, dō iu imi desu ka?
What does "dogi" mean?
Structure: N + のとき、～ / ナA + なとき、～ / イA + いとき、～
This expression indicates when the event in the next part of the sentence happened. It also connects to adjectives. For nouns, use Nのとき; for ナ-adjectives, use ナAなとき; for イ-adjectives, use イAいとき.
Usage NotesUse N + のとき、～, ナA + なとき、～, and イA + いとき、～. Examples: 高校のとき, ひまなとき, じゃくいとき. The final clause determines tense and politeness. The question form is いつ～ますか？. Related: V-とき also exists but is not covered here.
💡 Pro TipDo not forget の for nouns: say 高校のとき, not 高校とき. ナ-adjectives need な: ひまなとき, not ひまとき. イ-adjectives keep い: じゃくいとき. Register is neutral.
Examples高校のとき、しょうし日本語を勉強しました.
Kōkō no toki, sukoshi Nihongo o benkyō shimashita.
I studied a bit of Japanese when I was in high school.
ひまなとき、日本のドラマを見ます.
Hima na toki, Nihon no dorama o mimasu.
When I am bored, I watch Japanese dramas.
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 NotesChange 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 TipDo 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: じって行く (take), じって来る (bring).
Examples肉と野菜は、わたし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).
おか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 NotesList 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 TipIn 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 どっちのほうが好きですか. 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?
あかとあおとみどり、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 NotesSimply 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 TipTo 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: 'そう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・だれ・どこ・いつなど) + 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 NotesTake a question word like 何 (what), だれ (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, 大たけおっと). For 'anytime', say いつでもいいです. For 'anywhere', どこでもいいです.
💡 Pro TipThis 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 わたしは 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.あなたのみやこごうにごうわせます.
Itsu demo ii desu yo. Anata no tsugō ni awasemasu.
Any time is fine. I'll adjust to your schedule.
Structure: [Ingredient] を しっていますか？ | [Ingredient] が 入っていますか？
Use をしっていますか 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 NotesFor しっていますか: place the ingredient noun, add をしっていますか. 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 TipFor 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), ちちせいひん (にゅうせいひん). Also, 〜をしっていますか focuses on the cooking process, while 〜が入っていますか focuses on the final composition.
Examplesこの料理、卵をしっていますか？
Kono ryōri, tamago o tsukatte imasu ka?
Does this dish use eggs?
このスープに小むぎこなが入っていますか？
Kono sūpu ni komugiko ga haitte imasu ka?
Does this soup contain wheat flour?
Structure: ナA stem + そうです / イA(-い) + そうです
This expresses an intuitive judgment based on appearance. It is used to comment on the taste of food or drinks based on appearance, such as おいしそう (looks delicious) or からそう (looks spicy).
Usage NotesRemove い from イ-adjectives and な from ナ-adjectives, then add そうです. Examples: おいしい→おいしそうです, からい→からそうです, あまい→あまそうです, すっぱい→すっぱそうです. The question form is ～そうですか？. The negative is イA + くなさそうです or ナA + じゃなさそうです. In casual speech, ～そうだ is used.
💡 Pro TipThis そうです is appearance-based; ～そうです after a plain form can also mean hearsay, so context matters. かわいそうです usually means "looks cute," but it can also mean "pitiful." Do not use this pattern for direct sensory evidence like 見えます or 聞こえます.
Examplesそのおべんとう、おいしそうですね.
Sono obentō, oishisō desu ne.
Your bento looks delicious.
このカレー、辛そうですね.
Kono karē, karasō desu ne.
This curry looks spicy.
Structure: ナA stem + そうな + N / イA(-い) + そうな + N
～そうです can also modify nouns. In this case, it becomes ～そうなN. It describes an item based on its appearance.
Usage NotesUse ナA stem + そうな + N or イA(-い) + そうな + N. Examples: からそうです→からそうなりょうり, おいしそうです→おいしそうなケーキ. The question form is ～そうなNですか？. The negative is ～そうじゃないN or ～くなさそうなN. In casual speech, ～そうな is common.
💡 Pro TipDo not use そうです directly before a noun: say からそうなりょうり, not からそうですりょうり. The そうな form keeps the appearance meaning from the previous pattern. Register is neutral.
Examplesそれ、辛そうな料理ですね.
Sore, karasō na ryōri desu ne.
This looks like a spicy dish.
あの店には、おいしそうなパンがたくさんあります.
Ano mise ni wa, oishisō na pan ga takusan arimasu.
That shop has lots of delicious-looking bread.
Structure: イA(-い) + くて、～
The preceding adjective describes the reason for the sentence that follows. It is used to give あまい as the reason why たまごやきがおいしい.
Usage NotesChange the final い of an イ-adjective to くて: あまい→あまくて, すっぱい→すっぱくて. The second clause gives the result or impression. The question form depends on the final clause. For negative reasons, use ～くなくて. For nouns and ナ-adjectives, use ～で.
💡 Pro Tipくて can mean simple "and" or a reason depending on context. Do not use くて with nouns or ナ-adjectives; use で. Register is neutral.
Examplesこの卵やきき、甘くて、おいしいですね.
Kono tamagoyaki, amakute, oishii desu ne.
This tamago-yaki is sweet and tasty.
このスープは熱くて、飲めません.
Kono sūpu wa atsukute, nomemasen.
This soup is too hot to drink.
Structure: V-て + みます / V-て + みて下さい
V-てみます (V-てみる) is used when trying out something for the first time to find out what it is like. V-てみて下さい is used to recommend that someone try something.
Usage NotesUse V-て + みます. Conjugation: たべる→たべてみます, つくる→つくってみます. The question form is V-てみますか？ or casual V-てみる？. The negative is V-てみません. The request or recommendation is V-てみて下さい.
💡 Pro Tipみる in this pattern means try, not see. Do not confuse V-てみます with V-てみたいです (want to try). いただきます is a natural reply when accepting food to try.
Examplesよかったら、この卵やきき、食べてみて下さい.
Yokattara, kono tamagoyaki, tabete mite kudasai.
If you'd like, please try some of this tamago-yaki.
新しいカフェに行ってみます.
Atarashii kafe ni itte mimasu.
I will try going to a new cafe.
Structure: イA(-い) + くなくて、～
When expressing the reason for the sentence that follows with the negative form of an イ-adjective, it becomes ～なくて. It is used to give あまくない as the reason why ちゃわんむしがおいしい.
Usage NotesChange イA + くない to イA + くなくて: あまい→あまくなくて, からい→からくなくて. The second clause gives the result or impression. For nouns and ナ-adjectives, use ～じゃなくて. The question form depends on the final clause.
💡 Pro TipDo not use ～くないで for this reason pattern; use ～くなくて. ～くなくて is the negative counterpart of ～くて. Register is neutral.
Examples茶わんじょうし、甘くなくて、おいしいですよ.
Chawanmushi, amakunakute, oishii desu yo.
Chawan-mushi is delicious because it is not sweet.
このケーキは甘くなくて、食べやすいです.
Kono kēki wa amakunakute, tabeyasui desu.
This cake is not sweet, so it is easy to eat.
Structure: N + が + 入っています / N + を + 入れます
Verbs include intransitive verbs, which focus on events, and transitive verbs, which state that a person performs the action intentionally. 入る (contain) is intransitive, while 入れる (put in) is transitive. ～が入っています describes what kind of ingredients are in the dish. ～を入れます describes what kind of ingredients are used to make the dish.
Usage NotesUse N + が + 入っています for contents. Use N + を + 入れます for adding or putting in. Conjugation: 入る→入っています, 入れる→入れます. The question form is 何が入っていますか？. The negative is 入っていません or 入れません.
💡 Pro TipUse が with intransitive 入る and を with transitive 入れる. Do not say 牛肉が入れます when describing contents; say 牛肉が入っています. 入ってます is a common spoken contraction of 入っています.
Examplesにわとり肉とか、エビとか、きのことかが入ってます.
Toriniku toka, ebi toka, kinoko toka ga haittemasu.
It contains chicken, shrimp, and mushroom.
このスープには野菜が入っています.
Kono sūpu ni wa yasai ga haitte imasu.
This soup contains vegetables.
Structure: イA(-い) + くないですか？
This expression checks and asks whether something that one is worried about is okay. It is used to ask about the taste, such as whether it is too plain or too spicy.
Usage NotesChange イA + くない to イA + くないですか？: うすい→うすくないですか, からい→からくないですか. It is a negative question used for checking. To answer, say だいじょうぶです or はい、ちょっと…. In casual speech, use ～くない？.
💡 Pro TipThis is not a literal negative question; it checks the listener's condition or preference. わさび、からくないですか？ means「 Isn't the wasabi too spicy for you?」Do not confuse it with a simple ～ですか？ question.
Examples味はうすくないですか？
Aji wa usukunai desu ka?
Isn't the taste too plain for you?
このスープ、熱くないですか？
Kono sūpu, atsukunai desu ka?
Isn't this soup too hot?
Structure: [Situation] + んですが…
This expression describes one's situation and requests the other person to deal with it. It is used to report a troubling or problematic situation in order to receive instructions. ～んですが is added to the verb in dictionary-form, タ-form, and ナイ-form. The ナイ-form is a verb conjugation ending in ない that indicates negation.
Usage NotesAttach んですが to a plain-form clause. For verbs, use dictionary form, タ-form, or ナイ-form: つく→つかないんですが, うごく→うごかないんですが, する→するんですが, なくなる→なくなったんですが. The sentence often trails off with falling intonation. In casual speech, use んだけど. To respond, the listener often gives an instruction with ～て下さい or ～てくれる？. A related question form is ～んですか？, which asks for an explanation from someone else.
💡 Pro TipHere が is not a contrast marker; it softens the report and seeks a response. Use んですが for your own situation and んですか to ask for an explanation. Do not attach ます directly before んですが: say つかないんですが, not つきませんんですが.
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 does not work...
プリンターが動かないんですが、見てもらえませんか？
Purintā ga ugokanai n desu ga, mite moraemasen ka?
The printer doesn't work; could you take a look?
Structure: V-ます stem + そうです
This expression expresses a prediction. It is used to ask and answer questions about the progress of work. It connects to the マス-form of the verb with ます removed.
Usage NotesUse V-ます stem + そうです. Conjugation: かかる→かかりそうです, おわる→おわりそうです, できる→できそうです. To ask, use どのぐらいかかりそうですか？ or できそうですか？. The negative prediction can be ～そうにありません or ～そうもありません; in casual speech, ～そうじゃないです is also used. When giving a forecast of the time it will take, add で after the time, as in 10分ぐらいで.
💡 Pro TipThis そうです is prediction based on current evidence. Do not confuse it with appearance ～そうです (looks like) or hearsay ～そうです (I heard). Use the マス stem, not the dictionary form: かかりそうです, not かかるそうです.
Examplesどのぐらいかかりそうですか？
Dono gurai kakarisō desu ka?
How long will it take?
この仕事は今日中におわりわりそうです.
Kono shigoto wa kyōjū ni owarisō desu.
This work looks like it will finish by the end of today.
Structure: V-たいとき、～
～とき is an expression to indicate when. The form V-たいとき、どうすればいいですか？ tells the other person what one wants and asks for their advice. It is used to ask how to do something when you want to do a certain action.
Usage NotesUse V-ます stem + たいとき、どうすればいいですか？. Example: 両めんコピーしたいときは、どうすればいいですか？. The は after とき is optional and adds topic or contrast. The answer often uses V-て下さい or V-ると、～. The negative desire is V-たくないとき. In casual speech, use V-たいとき、どうすればいい？.
💡 Pro Tipたい conjugates like an イ-adjective: たいとき, たくないとき. Do not say たいのとき. This pattern asks for a procedure; どうしたらいいですか is a close alternative.
Examples両めん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 to make double-sided copies?
いんさつしたいときは、どうすればいいですか？
Insatsu shitai toki wa, dō sureba ii desu ka?
What should I do when I want to print?
Structure: V-る + と、～
This expression describes what happens as a result of a certain action. It is used to explain how to use a machine or tool. ～と connects to the dictionary-form of the verb.
Usage NotesUse V-る + と、～. Conjugation: おす→おすと, かざす→かざすと. The second clause states an automatic result or natural consequence. The question form is V-ると、どうなりますか？. The negative is V-ないと、～ません. In casual speech, the same form is used.
💡 Pro Tipと here marks a natural or automatic result, not a request or intention. Do not use と before 下さい: say おすと、しまります, not おすと、おうして下さい. For instructions, と is neutral; たら is more conditional.
Examplesこのスタートボタンをおうすと、コピーがしまります.
Kono sutāto botan o osu to, kopī ga hajimarimasu.
Press this start button to start copying.
このスイッチをおうすと、電気がつきます.
Kono suicchi o osu to, denki ga tsukimasu.
When you press this switch, the light turns on.
Structure: はい + negative sentence / いいえ + positive sentence
When answering a question in Japanese, use はい to agree with what the other person said. To agree with a negative question such as コピー機をしったことがないですか？, answer with はい followed by a negative sentence. If the negative question is false, answer with いいえ followed by a positive sentence.
Usage NotesFor a negative question V-ないですか？ or V-たことがないですか？, answer はい + negative to confirm, and いいえ + positive to deny. Examples: はい、ないです. はい、一どもありません. いいえ、前に一どしったことがあります. In casual speech, use うん + negative or ううん + positive.
💡 Pro TipJapanese はい and いいえ answer the truth of the question, not the English-style yes or no. This is a common learner trap. Do not answer いいえ、ないです to a negative question if you mean "No, I haven't"; say はい、ないです.
Examplesコピー機、しったことないですか？ はい、ないです.
Kopī-ki, tsukatta koto nai desu ka? Hai, nai desu.
Haven't you ever used a copy machine before? No, I have not.
この本、読んだことないですか？ いいえ、もう読みました.
Kono hon, yonda koto nai desu ka? Iie, mō yomimashita.
Haven't you read this book before? Yes, I have already read it.
Structure: N + で、～ / ナA + で、～ / イA(-い) + くて、～ / V-て、～
This indicates the cause or reason for the sentence that follows. It is used here to give the reason for being late or absent and to apologize. For nouns, it becomes Nで, such as じこで. For ナ-adjectives, it becomes ～で, such as みちがふくざつで. For イ-adjectives, it becomes ～くて, such as せきがひどくて. For verbs, the テ-form is used.
Usage NotesUse N + で、～, ナA + で、～, イA(-い) + くて、～, and V-て、～. Examples: じこ→じこで, ふくざつ（な）→ふくざつで, ひどい→ひどくて, こんでいる→こんでいて, やすむ→やすんで, ある→あって, おそくなる→おそくなって. The second clause gives the result. For a negative reason, use ～くなくて or ～じゃなくて. In formal writing, により is used for nouns.
💡 Pro Tipで for nouns can mark cause, place, or means; context decides. くて for イ-adjectives and で for nouns/ナ-adjectives are used for both "and" and reason. Do not use に for cause. Register is neutral.
Examplesみちがこんでいて、ぜんぜんうごきません.
Michi ga konde ite, zenzen ugokimasen.
The traffic is heavy and not moving at all.
ねつがあって、かいしゃをやすみました.
Netsu ga atte, kaisha o yasumimashita.
I took a day off from work because I had a fever.
Structure: S1.それで、S2
The conjunction それで indicates that S1 is the cause or reason for S2. It is used to explain one's situation first and then to say that one wishes to be late or absent.
Usage NotesUse S1.それで、S2.. それで starts the second sentence and connects the reason to the result. It is common in polite and casual speech. Related conjunctions are だから (casual) and ですから (polite), but それで often follows a full explanation of the situation.
💡 Pro Tipそれで means "because of that" or "so." It is sentence-initial, unlike から which attaches to a clause. Do not confuse それで with それでは ("well then") or それに ("moreover").
Examplesこれからびょういんにいきます.それで、すこしちこくします.
Korekara byōin ni ikimasu. Sore de, sukoshi chikoku shimasu.
I am going to the hospital, so I will be a little late.
でんしゃがとまっています.それで、きょうはいけません.
Densha ga tomatte imasu. Sore de, kyō wa ikemasen.
The train has stopped. So I cannot go today.
Structure: V-て + もいいですか？
This expression is for asking for permission. It connects to the テ-form of the verb. It asks whether it is okay to do the action.
Usage NotesUse V-て + もいいですか？. Conjugation: いってくる→いってきてもいいですか, かってくる→かってきてもいいですか, すってくる→すってきてもいいですか, きゅうけいする→きゅうけいしてもいいですか, しつもんする→しつもんしてもいいですか, いく→いってもいいですか. To grant permission, say どうぞ or いいですよ. To refuse, say すみませんが、～ or ちょっと…. The negative prohibition is V-てはいけません. In casual speech, use V-てもいい？.
💡 Pro TipDo not use を with this pattern; the verb takes て-form directly. ～てもいいですか is polite permission; ～て下さい is a request, not permission. Register: ですか is polite; でしょうか is more formal.
Examplesといれにいってきてもいいですか？
Toire ni itte kite mo ii desu ka?
May I go to the restroom?
ちょっとしつもんしてもいいですか？
Chotto shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka?
May I ask a question?
Structure: V-て + もいいでしょうか？
This expression politely asks for permission from the other person. It is the more formal version of ～てもいいですか？, with ですか changed to でしょうか.
Usage NotesUse V-て + もいいでしょうか？. Conjugation: たいたいする→たいたいしてもいいでしょうか, しつもんする→しつもんしてもいいでしょうか, とる→とってもいいでしょうか. To grant permission, say はい、いいですよ or どうぞ. To refuse, say すみませんが、ちょっと…. In casual speech, ～てもいいですか？ is used.
💡 Pro Tipでしょうか is more formal and indirect than ですか, so it is safer with superiors or in business. Do not overuse でしょうか in casual conversation; it can sound stiff. Register: formal and polite.
Examplesあしたのごご、たいたいしてもいいでしょうか？
Ashita no gogo, saitai shite mo ii deshō ka?
May I leave early tomorrow afternoon?
このしょるいをとってもいいでしょうか？
Kono shorui o totte mo ii deshō ka?
May I take this document?
Structure: V-ない stem + なければなりません
This expression indicates something that has to be done regardless of one's intention or wish. It is used to state the reason for being absent or leaving early. The ～ない of the ナイ-form is changed to ～なければなりません.
Usage NotesUse V-ない stem + なければなりません. Conjugation: いく→いかなければなりません, いる→いなければなりません. The casual form is V-なきゃ or V-ないと. The past is V-なければなりませんでした. A softer alternative is V-ないといけません. In casual speech, ～なきゃ is common.
💡 Pro TipThis form expresses obligation from circumstances, not personal choice. Do not confuse it with V-てもいいです (permission). The ナイ stem for する is しなければなりません. Register: ～なければなりません is polite and formal; ～なきゃ is casual.
Examplesちょっと、やくしょにいかなければならないんです.
Chotto, yakusho ni ikanakereba naranai n desu.
I have to go to city hall.
あしたははやくおきなければなりません.
Ashita wa hayaku okinakereba narimasen.
I have to get up early tomorrow.
Structure: Plain form + んです
This expression explains the situation to the other person. It is used to state the reason for getting permission to leave early or be absent. くる→くるんです, いかなければならない→いかなければならないんです.
Usage NotesAttach んです to the plain form. For nouns and ナ-adjectives, use なんです. For verbs and イ-adjectives, use the plain form + んです. It is often used to give a reason or explain background. The polite form is ～んです; the casual form is ～んだ. The question form is ～んですか？, which asks for an explanation.
💡 Pro Tipんです adds an explanatory tone; it is not just a polite ending. Use んですか？ to ask "what's the reason?" and んです to give the reason. Do not confuse it with んですが, which introduces a situation and seeks help. Register: んです is polite; んだ is casual.
Examplesとうきょうから、くにのともだちがくるんです.
Tōkyō kara, kuni no tomodachi ga kuru n desu.
A friend from my home country is coming here from Tokyo.
しやくしょにいかなければならないんです.
Shiyakusho ni ikanakereba naranai n desu.
I have to go to city hall.
Structure: Plain form + んです / N + なんです / ナA + なんです
This expression explains the situation to the other person. It is used to describe symptoms to the doctor at the hospital. The form becomes ～なんです when connecting to nouns and ナ-adjectives.
Usage NotesAttach んです to the plain form. Nouns and ナ-adjectives take なんです. Verbs take the dictionary-form, タ-form, or ナイ-form: はきけ が する ん です, 足 を くじいた ん です, せき が とまらない ん です. The doctor asks どう しました か？, and when concerned that someone looks different from usual, ask どう した ん です か？.
💡 Pro Tipんです adds an explanatory tone; it is not just a polite ending. Use ん です か？ to ask for a reason and ん です to give one. Register: ん です is polite; ん だ is casual.
Examplesあたま が いたくて、はきけ が する ん です.
Atama ga itakute, hakike ga suru n desu.
I have a headache and nausea.
きのう から ねつ が あって、せき が とまらない ん です.
Kinō kara netsu ga atte, seki ga tomaranai n desu.
I have had a fever since yesterday, and I cannot stop coughing.
Structure: V-ない + でください
This expression instructs or requests someone not to do something. It is used by the doctor to instruct the patient about what should not be done. It connects to the ナイ-form of the verb.
Usage NotesUse V-ない + でください. Conjugation: 会う → 会わない → 会わない で ください, 入る → 入らない → 入らない で ください, 食べる → 食べない → 食べない で ください, する → しない → しない で ください. To ask a question about permission, use V-てもいいですか？. To refuse permission, use V-ないでください. In casual speech, V-ないで is used.
💡 Pro TipThis is the negative counterpart of V-てください. Do not say 会いない で ください; use the ナイ-form 会わない で ください. Register: ～ない で ください is polite; ～ない で is casual.
Examples今週 は 仕事 を 休んで、できるだけ 人 に 会わない で ください.
Konshū wa shigoto o yasunde, dekiru dake hito ni awanai de kudasai.
Please take some time off from work this week, and do not see people if at all possible.
ここ で 写真 を とらない で ください.
Koko de shashin o toranai de kudasai.
Please do not take pictures here.
Structure: V-dict + N
This expression explains by modifying the noun. It is used to explain the efficacy of the medicine. The plain-form of the modifying verb connects to the noun, and the dictionary-form is used here.
Usage NotesUse V-dict + N. Conjugation: おさえる → おさえる くすり, さげる → さげる くすり, まもる → まもる くすり. The plain form can also be タ-form or ナイ-form depending on meaning: さげた くすり, さげない くすり. To ask, use これ は 何 の くすり です か？. In casual speech, the same pattern is used.
💡 Pro TipThe modifying clause comes directly before the noun. Do not use ます before the noun: say さげる くすり, not さげます くすり. Register is neutral.
Examplesこちら は、せき を おさえる くすり です.
Kochira wa, seki o osaeru kusuri desu.
This medicine suppresses coughing.
これ は ねつ を さげる くすり です.
Kore wa netsu o sageru kusuri desu.
This medicine is for reducing a fever.
Structure: V-dict + 前に、～ / V-た + あと、～
These expressions indicate the order of actions. 前に connects to the dictionary-form of the verb, while あと connects to the タ-form of the verb. They are used to say when to take medicine or do another action.
Usage NotesUse V-dict + 前に、～ and V-た + あと、～. Conjugation: ねる → ねる 前に, 飲む → 飲んだ あと, 食べる → 食べた あと. To ask, use いつ 飲みます か？. The negative instruction is V-ないでください. In casual speech, the same forms are used.
💡 Pro Tip前に takes the dictionary form; あと takes the タ-form. Do not say ねた 前に or 飲む あと. Register is neutral.
Examples１日 １かい、ねる 前に 飲んで ください.
Ichinichi ikkai, neru mae ni nonde kudasai.
Please take it once daily before bedtime.
ご飯 を 食べた あと、この くすり を 飲んで ください.
Gohan o tabeta ato, kono kusuri o nonde kudasai.
Please take this medicine after meals.
Structure: N + のとき、～ / ナA + なとき、～ / イA + いとき、～ / V-るとき、～ / V-たとき、～ / V-ないとき、～
～とき indicates a certain point in time or a situation. It is used to explain when the medicine should be taken for what symptoms. For verbs, it connects to the dictionary-form, タ-form, and ナイ-form. It becomes Nのとき for nouns, ナAなとき for ナ-adjectives, and イAいとき for イ-adjectives.
Usage NotesUse N + のとき、～, ナA + なとき、～, イA + いとき、～, V-るとき、～, V-たとき、～, and V-ないとき、～. To ask, use いつ 飲みます か？. The negative instruction is V-ないでください. In casual speech, ～とき is used the same way.
💡 Pro TipUse の for nouns: かぜ の とき, not かぜ とき. ナ-adjectives need な: たいへん な とき. イ-adjectives keep い: あたま が いたい とき. Register is neutral.
Examplesこの くすり は、いたくて がまん できない とき に、飲んで ください.
Kono kusuri wa, itakute gaman dekinai toki ni, nonde kudasai.
As for this medicine, please take it when the pain becomes unbearable.
高い ねつ が 出た とき、飲んで ください.
Takai netsu ga deta toki, nonde kudasai.
Please take it when you have a high fever.
Structure: V-dict + といいです（よ）
This expression is for lightly giving advice to the other person. It suggests that doing a certain action would be good. ～といいです is added to the verb in dictionary-form.
Usage NotesUse V-dict + といいです（よ）. Conjugation: 入る→入るといいです, 聞く→聞くといいです, 飲む→飲むといいです, あたためる→あたためるといいです. To ask for advice, use どうすればいいですか？. The negative form is V-ないといいです. In casual speech, use V-といいよ or V-といいね.
💡 Pro TipThis is gentle advice, not a strong command. Do not confuse it with V-たほうがいいです, which is stronger advice, or V-なければなりません, which is obligation. Register: ～といいですよ is polite and friendly; ～といいね is casual.
Examplesよくみんれないときは、ぬるいお風ろ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.
Have a nice long relaxing bath in warm water if you cannot sleep well.
わからないときは、先生に聞くといいですよ.
Wakaranai toki wa, sensei ni kiku to ii desu yo.
When you don't understand, it's good to ask the teacher.
Structure: V-ます stem + すぎます
すぎます connects to the verb and indicates that something has been done too much. It is used to say that one has done something excessively. It is often used with a negative connotation.
Usage NotesIt connects to the マス-form of the verb with ます removed. Conjugation: 飲む→飲みすぎます, 食べる→食べすぎます, 見る→見すぎます. The past is V-すぎました, and the negative is V-すぎません. In casual speech, use V-すぎる.
💡 Pro Tipすぎます implies excess and often a bad result. It can also attach to adjectives: 高すぎます (too expensive), せいかすぎます (too quiet). Do not use it to mean simply "very." Register: ～すぎます is polite; ～すぎる is casual.
Examplesさく日、飲みすぎました.
Kinō, nomisugimashita.
I had too much to drink yesterday.
食べすぎて、おなかがつういです.
Tabesugite, onaka ga itai desu.
I ate too much, and my stomach hurts.
Structure: V1-たり、V2-たり（します）
This expression is for giving examples of actions. Here, examples of things one does for health are given. り is added to the verb in タ-form.
Usage NotesUse V1-たり、V2-たり（します）. Conjugation: ジョギングする→ジョギングしたり, する→したり, 行く→行ったり, 聞く→聞いたり, 見る→見たり. The final します determines tense and politeness. The negative is V-たりしません. In casual speech, use V-たりする.
💡 Pro Tipたり lists representative examples, not a complete list or strict sequence. Do not confuse it with the テ-form, which shows sequence. たり can also express alternating actions. Register is neutral.
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 go jogging or do yoga at home sometimes.
休みは、テレビを見たり、音楽を聞いたりして、ゆっくりかごします.
Yasumi wa, terebi o mitari, ongaku o kiitari shite, yukkuri sugoshimasu.
I watch TV and listen to music to relax on my day off.
Structure: V-dict / V-ない + ようにしています
This is an expression to indicate the things that one is trying hard to do, or not to do. It is used to talk about what one is mindful of doing for one's health. It connects to the dictionary-form or ナイ-form of the verb.
Usage NotesUse V-dict + ようにしています and V-ない + ようにしています. Conjugation: ねる→ねるようにしています, 食べる→食べるようにしています, 食べすぎる→食べすぎないようにしています, 飲みすぎる→飲みすぎないようにしています, ためる→ためないようにしています. To ask, use 何か気をつけていますか？. The past is ～ようにしていました. In casual speech, use ～ようにしてる.
💡 Pro Tipようにしています shows an ongoing effort or habit, not a one-time action. Do not confuse it with ようにしてください, which is an instruction to someone else. The negative V-ないようにしています means trying not to do something. Register: ～ようにしています is polite; ～ようにしてる is casual.
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 shite imasu.
I try to eat as many vegetables as possible.
たけしやすしのために、食べすぎないようにしています.
Kenkō no tame ni, tabesuginai yō ni shite imasu.
I try not to eat too much for my health.
Structure: V-dict + N / V-た + N
This expression explains by modifying the noun. It is used to describe a gift one is handing over, or one's belonging when asked about it. The plain-form of the modifying verb connects to the noun. The タ-form and dictionary-form are used here.
Usage NotesUse V-dict + N or V-た + N. Conjugation: じって来る→じって来たしょくり, さくる→さくった料理, 買う→買ったバター, しう→しうちょう味料. The plain form can be dictionary or タ-form depending on tense. The question form is これは何ですか？. In casual speech, the same pattern is used.
💡 Pro TipThe modifying clause comes directly before the noun. Do not use ます before the noun: say さくった料理, not さくりました料理. Register is neutral.
Examplesわたしがさくった料理です.よかったら、どうぞ.
Watashi ga tsukutta ryōri desu. Yokattara, dōzo.
This is a dish I made. Please try some if you would like.
これ、きたうみ道で買ったバターです.おいしいですよ.
Kore, Hokkaidō de katta batā desu. Oishii desu yo.
This is a butter I bought in Hokkaido. It is delicious.
Structure: [Person] + に + [Thing] + を + もらいます
もらいます (もらう) means one receives something from someone. It is used to talk about a present received for a birthday or such. The sender comes before に. The receiver comes before は, such as in わたしは父にもらいます when the receiver is oneself, although it is often omitted if one can be understood without saying it.
Usage NotesUse [Person] + に + [Thing] + を + もらいます. The receiver is often わたしは. から can replace に: 友だちからもらったんです. The question form is 何かもらいましたか？. The past is もらいました, and the negative is もらいません. In casual speech, use もらう.
💡 Pro TipUse もらう when the speaker is the receiver. Do not use あげる for receiving. に and から are interchangeable for the source. Register: もらいます is polite; もらう is casual.
Examples父に時計をもらいました.
Chichi ni tokei o moraimashita.
My father gave me a watch.
このマグカップ、誕生日に、友だちにもらったんです.
Kono magukappu, tanjōbi ni, tomodachi ni moratta n desu.
This mug was given to me by a friend for my birthday.
Structure: [Person] + が + [Thing] + を + くれます
くれます (くれる) means someone gives you something. The sender comes before が, such as in 兄が and 父が. The receiver comes before に, although わたしに is often omitted because one can be understood without saying it.
Usage NotesUse [Person] + が + [Thing] + を + くれます. The giver is marked by が. The receiver is the speaker (わたし) and is often omitted. The question form is だれがくれましたか？. The past is くれました, and the negative is くれません. In casual speech, use くれる.
💡 Pro TipUse くれる when the receiver is the speaker or the speaker's in-group. Do not use あげる for this. が marks the giver. Register: くれます is polite; くれる is casual.
Examplesこれは、兄がくれたおしゅりです.
Kore wa, ani ga kureta omamori desu.
This is a personal amulet my elder brother gave me.
父が誕生日にくれました.
Chichi ga tanjōbi ni kuremashita.
My father gave it to me for my birthday.
Structure: [Person] + に + [Thing] + を + あげます
あげます (あげる) means to give something to someone. The giver is the subject, marked by は or が. The receiver is marked by に. The thing is marked by を. It is used when the receiver is not the speaker or the speaker's in-group.
Usage NotesUse [Person] + に + [Thing] + を + あげます. The giver is often わたしは. The question form is だれにあげましたか？. The past is あげました, and the negative is あげません. In casual speech, use あげる. For superiors, use さしあげます.
💡 Pro TipDo not use あげる when the receiver is the speaker or the speaker's in-group; use くれる or もらう. あげる can sound like you are doing a favor, so be careful with superiors. Register: あげます is polite; あげる is casual.
Examplesわたしは友だちにプレゼントをあげました.
Watashi wa tomodachi ni purezento o agemashita.
I gave a present to my friend.
妹に本をあげます.
Imōto ni hon o agemasu.
I will give a book to my younger sister.
Structure: V-dict + N / V-た + N
This expression explains by modifying the noun. It is used to describe a gift one is handing over, or one's belonging when asked about it. The plain-form of the modifying verb connects to the noun. The タ-form and dictionary-form are used here.
Usage NotesUse V-dict + N or V-た + N. Conjugation: もって来る→もって来たかざり, つくる→つくった料理, 買う→買ったバター, つかう→つかうちょうみりょう. The plain form can be dictionary or タ-form depending on tense. The question form is これは何ですか？. In casual speech, the same pattern is used.
💡 Pro TipThe modifying clause comes directly before the noun. Do not use ます before the noun: say つくった料理, not つくりました料理. Register is neutral.
Examplesわたしがつくった料理です.よかったら、どうぞ.
Watashi ga tsukutta ryōri desu. Yokattara, dōzo.
This is a dish I made. Please try some if you would like.
これ、ほっかいどうで買ったバターです.おいしいですよ.
Kore, Hokkaidō de katta batā desu. Oishii desu yo.
This is a butter I bought in Hokkaido. It is delicious.
Structure: [Person] + に + [Thing] + を + もらいます
もらいます (もらう) means one receives something from someone. It is used to talk about a present received for a birthday or such. The sender comes before に. The receiver comes before は, such as in わたしは父にもらいます when the receiver is oneself, although it is often omitted if one can be understood without saying it.
Usage NotesUse [Person] + に + [Thing] + を + もらいます. The receiver is often わたしは. から can replace に: 友だちからもらったんです. The question form is 何かもらいましたか？. The past is もらいました, and the negative is もらいません. In casual speech, use もらう.
💡 Pro TipUse もらう when the speaker is the receiver. Do not use あげる for receiving. に and から are interchangeable for the source. Register: もらいます is polite; もらう is casual.
Examples父に時計をもらいました.
Chichi ni tokei o moraimashita.
My father gave me a watch.
このマグカップ、誕生日に、友だちにもらったんです.
Kono magukappu, tanjōbi ni, tomodachi ni moratta n desu.
This mug was given to me by a friend for my birthday.
Structure: [Person] + が + [Thing] + を + くれます
くれます (くれる) means someone gives you something. The sender comes before が, such as in 兄が and 父が. The receiver comes before に, although わたしに is often omitted because one can be understood without saying it.
Usage NotesUse [Person] + が + [Thing] + を + くれます. The giver is marked by が. The receiver is the speaker (わたし) and is often omitted. The question form is だれがくれましたか？. The past is くれました, and the negative is くれません. In casual speech, use くれる.
💡 Pro TipUse くれる when the receiver is the speaker or the speaker's in-group. Do not use あげる for this. が marks the giver. Register: くれます is polite; くれる is casual.
Examplesこれは、兄がくれたおまもりです.
Kore wa, ani ga kureta omamori desu.
This is a personal amulet my older brother gave me.
父が誕生日にくれました.
Chichi ga tanjōbi ni kuremashita.
My father gave it to me for my birthday.
Structure: [Person] + に + [Thing] + を + あげます
あげます (あげる) means to give something to someone. The giver is the subject, marked by は or が. The receiver is marked by に. The thing is marked by を. It is used when the receiver is not the speaker or the speaker's in-group.
Usage NotesUse [Person] + に + [Thing] + を + あげます. The giver is often わたしは. The question form is だれにあげましたか？. The past is あげました, and the negative is あげません. In casual speech, use あげる. For superiors, use さしあげます.
💡 Pro TipDo not use あげる when the receiver is the speaker or the speaker's in-group; use くれる or もらう. あげる can sound like you are doing a favor, so be careful with superiors. Register: あげます is polite; あげる is casual.
Examplesわたしは友だちにプレゼントをあげました.
Watashi wa tomodachi ni purezento o agemashita.
I gave a present to my friend.
妹に本をあげます.
Imōto ni hon o agemasu.
I will give a book to my younger sister.
