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.
-
未来 (Mirai) vs 将来 (Shourai): Two Ways to Say Future in Japanese
未来 and 将来 both mean future in Japanese — but they work in completely different contexts. 将来 is your plannable personal future; 未来 is the distant, philosophical horizon. Learn the rule, the compounds, and the key difference. -
“shōgo vs. yūgata vs. shin’ya”：How Do Native Speakers Use These?
You already know 午前 (shinya — midnight/late night). Getting these right makes your Japanese sound much more native. 今日か。 (Shall we have lunch at noon today?) いいよ。夕方でね。 (Sure. I can be back by evening, so don't stay ou... -
午前 vs 午後 in Japanese: Gozen, Gogo, and Every Time-of-Day Word You Need
午前 means AM and 午後 means PM in Japanese — but native speakers also use 朝, 昼, 夕方, 夜, and 深夜 depending on context. This guide covers all time-of-day words, the 24-hour clock, 正午 and 真夜中, scheduling phrases, and natural conversation examples. -
Difference Between TALK, SPEAK, SAY in Japanese
When you try to describe a conversation in Japanese, you quickly run into a problem: there are three common verbs that all seem to mean "to talk" or "to say." Native speakers choose between 話す (iu) based on subtle but important differe... -
へんこう vs しゅうせい vs ていせい：You Should Know The Way to Use
When you need to say something was changed, modified, or corrected in Japanese, you have three main options: 変更する. Dictionaries often list them as synonyms, but native speakers use them in distinct situations. Getting them right will... -
What is The Difference Between “simekiri” and “kigen”?
Miss a 締 (kigen) pass and things just... expire. Both words relate to time running out, but they are used in very different situations. Once you understand the one key distinction between them, choosing the right word will always be eas... -
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...
