JLPT N2 Grammar: all 165 patterns
N2 is the level of news, business and most written Japanese: formal connectors, nuanced emphasis and the patterns employers in Japan expect.
Every JLPT N2 grammar pattern (165)
- 上げる Finish doing A completely; bring A to completion (often a finished product or result achieved with effort)
- あるいは A or B; either A or B (presenting alternatives). At the start of a sentence with かもしれない it also means 'perhaps' or 'it m
- あまり So much A that (an extreme or unintended result follows); out of excessive A
- ばかりに Just because of A, (unfortunately) B; only because A, B (a bad result)
- だけ As expected of…; being (A), it is no wonder that…; precisely because of (A)'s status, reputation, or effort, the result
- ちなみに Incidentally; for your information; as a side note. Adds extra information or a side question related to what was just s
- 中心に Centering on N; with N as the core or focal point. Used for a place, person or thing around which something spreads, hap
- だけのことはある As expected of A; A really lives up to it. Used when a good result or ability matches someone's effort, price, reputatio
- だけましだ At least ~; ~ is better than nothing / it could have been worse. Used to find a small consolation in a bad situation.
- だらけだ Full of, covered with, or packed with A; usually an undesirable or excessive amount of A.
- だけ Because of A, (natural results) B, As much as A can be done, as much as one wants/likes A, Only A、Just A
- だが A. However, B., A. But B. (formal or written)
- どころではない Not in a situation to do A; there is no time, room or mood for A because of the circumstances. It can also mean "far bey
- どころではない It's not the time/condition/situation for A, Far from A (not A
- どころか Far from A; not A at all, but B instead. In negative sentences, this often means “B is not possible, let alone A.”, Not
- がたい Very difficult or almost impossible to do A, often because of a strong emotional or evaluative judgment
- がちです／がちになる Tends to…; is apt/prone to…; often… (describes a frequent or habitual tendency, usually an undesirable one).
- げ Looks A
- はともかく Setting A aside, B. / Never mind A; the focus is on B.
- ほどだ Over
- ほかない There is no choice but to do A; A is the only option left (usually something done reluctantly, because the situation all
- 一方 Presents two contrasting or parallel sides of a subject or situation, or of two related subjects: 'while A, on the other
- 以上 Now that / since / given that A is the case, B (a natural conclusion, duty, resolve or judgment).
- 一方だ Keeps on getting more and more …; a change continues steadily in one direction without reversing.
- ことか How (very) ...! / How many times ...! / You can't imagine how ... — an emotional exclamation about a great degree, amoun
- 次第だ It depends on A
- 次第では Depending on A, B may be different; whether B happens can depend on A.
- からして Judging from A, a typical or telling feature, B (the speaker's judgement or inference), Even A, the very first or most b
- かのようだ As if A; as though A (although it is not really the case). Used to describe something by comparing it to a situation tha
- かいがあって It was worth doing A; the effort of A paid off (and a good result followed).
- かかわらず／かかわりなく Although A; despite A, Regardless of A; independently of A
- からすると Judging from A; from the standpoint of A. A is the evidence or viewpoint on which the speaker bases an inference or eval
- から見れば From the viewpoint of A; judging from A's perspective. It introduces an opinion or evaluation that is true from that sta
- から言って Judging from A; from the standpoint of A. A is the basis or viewpoint on which the speaker makes a judgment, prediction
- かといえば If you ask whether A is true, B., As for whether A is the case, B gives a qualification, limitation, or contrasting asse
- かいもなく Despite A (an effort or action taken for some purpose), it was in vain; the hoped-for result did not come.
- かぎり／ないかぎり While A is the case/still true
- からと言って Just because A, it doesn't necessarily mean B. A is a reason that people might assume leads to B, and the speaker denies
- かねない may well (do); could very possibly (do); is liable to (do) – something undesirable
- からには Now that A, since A (has been done), so long as A
- かと思ったら／かと思うと No sooner had A happened than B; or: I thought A, but then B. It describes two events in quick succession, or a situatio
- か~ないかのうちに Just as A happened or was about to happen, C occurred; hardly had A happened when C occurred.
- かける Be partway through doing A, or leave A half-done (the action started but is not finished). It can also mean 'almost A' (
- 気味だ Slightly A; a touch of A; showing a (slight) tendency toward A
- きる To do A completely, all the way to the end, or use up the entire amount; きれる (the potential form) means to be able to do
- ことのないように So that (an undesirable thing) will not happen; in order to make sure that ... does not occur. The main clause states wh
- ことだから Based on a familiar characteristic of A, the speaker makes a prediction or conclusion: “given what A is like...” or “kno
- くらいなら "If it means doing A, I'd rather B." A is something the speaker strongly dislikes, and B, although not great either, is
- 捲る To do A over and over, intensely or non-stop (often to an extreme degree).
- っこない There's no way that A (will happen / is possible); A is out of the question. This expresses the speaker's strong convict
- において In / at / within A (a place, time, event, field or situation). A formal way of saying where or when something happens, o
- ことに Precedes the reason/cause B for the (strong) feelings/emotions A
- ことから Because of the fact that A, B. Used for the origin of a name, for reaching a conclusion from evidence ('judging from the
- の上では On paper / according to / in terms of N: as far as a calendar, document, record, figure, map, law or theory shows. It of
- ことなく Without doing A; doing B without ever doing A (formal, written style).
- もなんともない Not ~ at all; not even remotely ~ (strongly denies that something is X, or that you feel X).
- くせして Even though A (when you would expect otherwise), B. The speaker criticises or resents the contradiction between A and B.
- ままに Doing B following A or just as A directs, or being led by A (an instruction, someone's wishes, a feeling or a natural fl
- 間／間に During A, During A (before A is finished/over)
- も~ば~も／も~なら~も A is B and C is D; neither A is B nor C is D
- も同然だ Virtually the same as A; tantamount to A; as good as A
- も構わず Without caring about A; paying no attention to A; regardless of A. The speaker or subject acts in spite of something tha
- ものの Although A, (still) B. A is a fact or action that has actually happened or is the case, and B is something unexpected, i
- もっとも A. That said / Mind you / Then again, B (adds a caveat, exception or afterthought to A)
- ものだ States a general truth, common sense or natural tendency: 'it is in the nature of things that A.' The negative ものではない me
- ものがある There is something about it that really (moves, impresses, burdens) you; it has a notable quality that you can feel. Thi
- ものだから Because A; the reason is given as an explanation or excuse for what happened (casual: もんだから).
- もの (Because) ...; the reason is that ... (a subjective reason, excuse or justification stated at the end of a sentence)
- ながら(も) Although A, B
- ないことには Unless A happens (or is the case), B cannot happen or be achieved. A is presented as a necessary condition for B.
- なお Also; note that; in addition (adds supplementary information, a caveat, an exception or a reminder after the main statem
- ねばならない Must do A; have to do A; A is necessary or obligatory.
- に加えて／に加え In addition to A (not only A), B as well.
- に沿って／に沿い／に沿う／に沿った Along A (a road, river, etc.); in line with A, in accordance with A (a plan, rule, policy, expectation, advice).
- に応じて(は)／に応じ(た) According to A; depending on A; in response to A. B changes or is adjusted to suit A, which is a variable thing such as
- に基づいて／に基づき／に基づく Based on A; in accordance with A. A is the basis, standard or source for an action or thing.
- に越したことはない There's nothing better than A; it's best to A (though not strictly necessary).
- にしろ／にせよ／にもせよ Whether A or B, ... (the same thing holds in either case)., Even if A (granting A), still B.
- にかかわる To affect, have a bearing on, or be connected with A (usually something important such as life, reputation or safety); a
- にかけては When it comes to A, someone or something is especially good, skilled, or superior.
- に限った事ではない It is not limited to A; it is not only A (the same is true of others, or at other times).
- に反して／に反し／に反する／に反した Contrary to A; against A; in violation of A. B happens in the opposite direction from the expectation, prediction or hop
- にもかかわらず Although A, B; despite A, B; in spite of the fact that A, B. B is a result that contrasts with or goes against what you
- に限る "Nothing beats A" / "A is the best": the speaker's personal opinion that A is the best choice or option in a given situa
- に違いない I'm sure that A; A must be / surely A. Expresses the speaker's strong conviction based on evidence or intuition.
- につれて As A changes, B changes (together)
- にしたがって As A changes, B changes (in response to A), In accordance with A
- に伴って／に伴う As A changes or happens, B changes or occurs along with it. A is a change or an event, and B is the change or result tha
- に相違ない There is no doubt that ~; ~ must be the case; surely ~. The speaker is confident of a conclusion drawn from evidence or
- に限って／に限り Only for A; limited to A (rules, offers, announcements; mainly に限[かぎ]り)., Of all (times/days/people), A — it has to be A
- に限らず Not limited to A; B as well. The statement applies to A and also to another relevant group or category B.
- にすぎない Only A; No more than A
- にほかならない Nothing other than A; precisely A., Entirely due to A; A is the sole reason.
- に対して／に対しては (1) Toward, to, against: marks the person or thing at which an action, speech, attitude or feeling is directed. (2) Wher
- に答えて In response to A; to meet or respond to A, A is usually a request, expectation, hope, demand, or encouragement.
- につき Because of A; due to A (formal, used in notices and announcements), Per A; for each A
- において in / at / on A: indicates the place, time, situation or field in which something happens or exists (formal; a written-st
- にあたって／にあたり On the occasion of ~; when about to do (or at the start of) something important or special. The main clause typically st
- に先立って／に先立ち／に先立つ Prior to A; before A (a significant event or undertaking), B is done as a preparatory step.
- にわたって／にわたり Over / throughout / across the whole span of A. A is a long period of time, a wide area, or a number of times, and somet
- につけ During both times/situations A and B,
- にて At A, in A (location of an action or event); by A, via A (means or method). A formal written equivalent of で.
- のもと／をもと Nをもとに: based on A; using A as the source or basis (for making or deciding something)., Nのもとで: under A; under the guidanc
- たことにする To pretend or treat something as if it had happened (or had not happened, or were so), even though the facts are differe
- の末／た末 After a long or difficult process of A, finally B; B is the final outcome reached in the end.
- ぬく To do A thoroughly and persevere to the very end, despite difficulty or hardship
- ぬきにして／~ぬきで Without A; leaving A out; setting A aside. With 〜を抜[ぬ]きにしては + negative: 'cannot do/consider X without A'.
- をもとに／をもとにして Based on A, (someone) does or makes B. A is the source material, data or starting point for something newly made or deci
- を頼りに Relying on A; using A as a guide or support
- を問わず Regardless of A; no matter what A is; without distinguishing A
- をきっかけに Taking A as the trigger or turning point, B begins or changes. B is a new action or development that follows A ("trigger
- を契機 Use A as an occasion, trigger, or turning point that leads to B., A can be a positive, negative, or neutral event; it do
- おまけに On top of that, B; what's more, B (B is another fact added to A)
- を込めて With A poured into it; doing something with (feelings, effort, strength, etc.) invested in it
- とは/というのは Explains or defines a word or concept: 'A (is) B', 'A means B', 'A refers to B'.
- 恐れがある There is a chance of A
- っぱなし To leave something as it is after doing it (without putting it back or finishing up); to keep on doing something or stay
- さえ~ば As long as A (is satisfied or happens), B: A is the only condition needed for B to be true or possible.
- 際して／に(際し)／に際しての On the occasion of A; when (about to) do A. It marks the start of a special or important action, usually a one-off event
- さて Now, / Well then / Right, — used to mark a shift from what came before (a preamble, a pause, a finished task) to the nex
- しかも Moreover; what's more; on top of that. It adds a further point (B) to what was just said (A).
- したがって Therefore; consequently; as a result (B follows logically from A).
- とは Expresses surprise, shock or disbelief that something unexpected is true or has happened ("to think that…", "I never exp
- そこで So; and so; in response to that situation. B is a deliberate action or measure taken because of A.
- それが But / and yet (contrary to what you'd expect from A), B. It introduces a surprising or disappointing fact that overturns
- それはそうと By the way; that aside (used to switch to a different topic)
- ただし However; provided that; note that. B adds a condition, limit, exception or caution to the statement A.
- たあげく After a long, troublesome or repeated A, finally B, usually an unfortunate outcome.
- たいばかりに Just because (someone) so badly wants to do A / doesn't want to do A, B happens: they do something extreme, or end up wi
- たいものだ I do wish to A / I would really like to A (a heartfelt, wistful wish)
- てかなわない Can't stand A; A is so (annoying / painful / hot, etc.) that it is unbearable.
- てとうぜんだ It is only natural (no wonder, not surprising) that A. A is to be expected, or even deserved, given the circumstances.
- てしょうがない／てしかたがない Very A; Really A; Extremely A
- てたまらない So A that one can hardly stand it; unbearably A, Have an overwhelming, uncontrollable feeling or physical sensation, Wit
- てならない Can't help feeling/thinking ~; feel ~ so strongly that one can't bear it (a feeling, sensation or thought that wells up
- てまで Go so far as to do A; even do A in order to achieve B
- てからでないと Unless you do A first, B can't happen or can't be done; only after A is done does B become possible.
- て以来 Since A happened, B has continued (or has never happened) from then until now.
- ていられない Cannot continue to A
- てばかりはいられない Can't keep (just) doing A; can't afford to stay in A (because I/we need to move on to the next step)
- てこそ Only by doing A (or only when A is the case) can the result be achieved or the real value be understood; A is the indisp
- と言っても Even though one says or calls it A, (in reality) B. B is smaller, more limited, or different from what A suggests.
- というものだ Expresses the speaker's own judgment or characterisation: 'that is (just/exactly) what X is', 'it's simply X'. It is als
- というものではない It is not necessarily the case that A; A is not (always) true or sufficient. Used to reject a common assumption or an ov
- ところを／ところに／ところへ Just when / while A is happening, (something else happens or is done). A is the situation or moment that the main clause
- と共に Together with / along with (a person or group), As A changes, B changes too; at the same time as A, B happens, A is both
- よう The way or manner in which someone does an action (A). It is often used when evaluating or commenting on how something i
- つつ／つつも 1) While doing A, (the same person also does) B: two actions at the same time. 2) With つつも: Although A, B (the result is
- つつある Is (gradually) in the process of changing; is -ing. Describes a change or trend that has begun and is still progressing.
- 上で After deliberately completing or considering A, do B., A is treated as a preparation or prerequisite for B; this express
- ずにすませる To manage or get by without doing A, usually by choice (often taking a shortcut or a simpler way).
- 上に Not only A, but also B; in addition to A, B.
- うる／えない Expresses that something can happen or can be the case (it is possible in principle). 得[え]ない means it cannot happen or i
- ずにすむ To manage to avoid doing A; to not have to do A (because things turned out so that A was unnecessary).
- 上は Now that/since A has happened or has been decided, B must be done, should happen, or cannot be avoided.
- うではないか／うじゃないか Let's A! (a firm, earnest call for the group, including the speaker, to do A)
- わりに Despite A / for A / considering A, (surprisingly) B. B does not match what you would normally expect from A.
- わけだ So that's why A; no wonder A; it follows (naturally) that A. Used to state a logical conclusion or explanation drawn fro
- をはじめ／をはじめとする Including A as a representative example; A and other similar items.
- を通じて/を通して Throughout / all through a period of time (N is a span such as a year, a season or a lifetime)., Through, via, by means
- やら~やら What with A and B...; A and B and the like. It lists a few examples from a larger, messy mix of things.
- 要するに In short; to sum up; the point is (B). It introduces a brief summary or conclusion of what was said in (A).
- ようがない There is no way to do A; it is impossible to do A (because no means or method is available).
- ざるを得ない Only A is left to do/can be done
- ずにはいられない／ないではいられない Can't help but do A; can't stop oneself from doing A (because of a strong feeling or urge).