Grammar– category –
Japanese grammar for English speakers. Particles, verb conjugation, sentence patterns, conditionals, and nuanced expressions organized by JLPT level N5 to N1. Browse by level: N4/N5, N2/N3, N1/N2. By topic: Particles, Verb Conjugation, Conditionals, Sentence Patterns. Full overview at the Japanese Grammar Hub.
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Full Guide: Difference Between 警戒, 注意報 and 警報
At a Glance WordReadingLevelMeaning 警戒keikaiPersonal vigilancecaution / being on alert 注意報chuuihouLevel 1 — Advisorybe aware / weather advisory 警報keihouLevel 2 — Warningdanger / take action 特別警報tokubetsu keihouLevel 3 — Specia... -
Commonly Confused Words: 閉まる and 閉める
At a Glance VerbReadingTypeMeaning 閉まるshimaruIntransitive (自動詞)to close (by itself) 閉めるshimeruTransitive (他動詞)to close (something) 開く / 開くaku / hirakuIntransitiveto open (by itself) 開けるakeruTransitiveto open (something... -
支払う vs 5 means of 払う: What’s the difference?
At a Glance WordReadingCore Meaning 払うharauto pay / to brush away (broad) 支払うshiharauto pay money (formal, financial) 現金払いgenkin baraicash payment カード払いkaado baraicard payment 分割払いbunkatsu baraiinstallment payment At a ... -
Natives Speakers Avoid Using “shinu” Instead of “nakunaru”
Talking about death in Japanese can feel uncomfortable even for native speakers. That is why the Japanese language has a spectrum of expressions — from blunt and direct to gentle and respectful. Learning which word to use and when is not... -
“hakkiri” vs. “shikkari”：A Simple Guide To Telling The Difference
はっきり (hakkiri) and しっかり (shikkari) are two of the most commonly confused adverbs in Japanese. Both end in り, both describe how you do something — yet they paint completely different pictures. はっきり is about clarity; しっかり ... -
“sarigenaku” vs. “nanigenaku”: A Quick Guide How To Use
Both さりげなく and 何気なく can be translated as "casually" — but they carry a crucial difference in intention. Using the wrong one can completely change what you are implying about a person's actions. Yuka: What's the difference betwee... -
ケチ vs. せこい vs. せつやく: Which Is Really Better?
When someone watches every penny, are they ケチ, せこい, or 節約-minded? All three words relate to money and spending, but calling the wrong person by the wrong term can be surprisingly rude — or surprisingly flattering. Let's learn the ...
