JLPT Grammar Guides
Friendly, in-depth explanations of JLPT grammar from N5 to N1 — what each pattern means, how to build it, the nuances that trip people up, and a quick drill to lock it in. Pick a level to see its full grammar list, or start with the essentials below.
Choose your level
The foundations — particles, verb forms (ます・て-form), and the everyday patterns you use from day one.
See the N5 grammar list →Building blocks — giving & receiving, conditionals, casual speech, and the grammar that makes sentences flow.
See the N4 grammar list →The bridge to fluency — nuance, politeness levels, and the patterns that show up everywhere in real Japanese.
See the N3 grammar list →Advanced expression — abstract, formal, and written-style grammar for news, essays, and business.
See the N2 grammar list →Mastery — literary, formal, and subtle patterns at the very top of the test.
See the N1 grammar list →New to JLPT grammar? Start here
The core N5 patterns that everything else builds on — a good first week of study:
- 〜ます: Polite Verb Endings (ます・ました・ません)
- The て-form: How to Conjugate It (Complete Rules + Examples)
- は (wa): The Topic Marker Explained
- が (ga): The Subject Marker (and When to Use It)
- 〜たい: How to Say 'Want to' in Japanese (with 12 Examples)
- 〜ことができる: How to Say 'Can' / 'Be Able To'
- 〜ている: Progressive & State (Meaning + Examples)
- 〜がほしい: How to Say You Want Something (Meaning + Examples)
Confusing pairs
Some patterns are easy alone but tricky side by side. These comparison guides settle the most common mix-ups:
- だけ vs しか(〜ない): The Difference (with Examples)
- はず vs べき: Two Kinds of 'Should' (N3 Guide)
- ので vs から: 'Because' in Japanese (N5 Guide)
- のに vs けど: 'But / Even Though' in Japanese (N4)
- ために vs ように: Which 'In Order To' Do You Need? (N4)
- てあげる vs てくれる vs てもらう: The Difference (with Examples)
- と vs ば vs たら vs なら: Japanese Conditionals Compared
- つもり vs 予定: Intention vs Schedule (N4 Guide)
- は vs が: The Real Difference (with Plenty of Examples)
- ようだ vs らしい vs みたい: The Real Difference (with 30 Examples)
- ようになる vs ようにする: The Difference (with Examples)
Ready to practice?
Reading is step one — recall is what makes grammar stick. Drill the patterns in the practice section or take a timed N5 mock test.