JLPT N2 grammar

あまり

Too A; Too much A; Overwhelming A

疲れのあまり、一歩も歩けなかった。I was so tired that I couldn't take a single step.

あまりの～に

Due to (the large amount of) A

あまりの暑さに、今日は外へ出かけられなかった。It was so hot that I couldn't go out today.

あるいは

A or B

今年あるいは来年に家を建てるつもりなんです。I intend to build a house either this year or next.

うち／ないうち

1. While A is the case, B; While A is occurring, B
2. While A is not occurring, B

スープは熱いうちに召し上がってください。Eat your soup while it is hot.

おまけに

A. In addition, B

ユリさんはとても美人だ。 おまけに優しい。Yuri is very beautiful. On top of that, Yuri is kind.

か〜ないかのうちに

Right after A, C

その一行が出発するかしないかのうちに、雨が降り出した。The party had hardly left when it began to rain.

Note 1. Immediately after A, C; just as A happens, C

がい

There's value in doing A; It's worth doing A

仕事はやりがいが大事だと思います。I think what matters in a job is that it feels worthwhile.

かける

1. Do A towards someone.
2. In the middle of A...

私は友達に話しかけた。I addressed (started talking to) my friends.

がたい

Hard to do A (almost impossible to A)

あなたの言うことは信じがたい。It is difficult to believe what you say.

がちです／がちになる

A tends to become/happen/occur.

あの子は子猫が死んでからというもの、いつも泣きがちだ。Ever since the kitten died, that child has been prone to crying.

かつて

Once A; Long ago, A

私はかつて猫を飼っていました。I once had a cat.

かと言えば

Although A is expected, B results.

彼女は親しみやすいかと言えばそうではないが、親切です。Is she easy to get along with? Not really, but she is kind.

Note 1. If you ask whether A, B is the answer (often contrary to the expectation that A).

かと思ったら／かと思うと

As soon as I noticed A, B; almost immediately after A, B

一つ通りすぎたかと思うと、すぐ次の台風が接近する。No sooner has one typhoon passed than the next one approaches.

かねない

There is a fear/chance of A (happening)

そのドアに鍵を掛けないと泥棒が入りかねない。If you don't lock that door, a burglar might get in.

かねる

Can't do A

彼の無礼には我慢しかねます。I have trouble putting up with his rude manner.

かのようだ

It's as if A

雨が止んでから空が微笑むかのように虹が現れた。After the rain stopped, a rainbow appeared, like the sky was smiling.

からして

1. Because of A, B is a natural conclusion.
2. Considering A...; Thinking about A...

あいつの話からして、 どうも彼女とうまく行ってないみたいだな。Judging from what he said, it looks like things aren't going well with his girlfriend.

からすると

Considering A...; Thinking about A...; From the perspective of A...

あの二人の態度からすると先ほど喧嘩をしたみたいだ。Judging from the attitude of those two, it seems they had a fight a little while ago.

からと言って

Just because A, (it doesn't necessarily mean) B

１００時間勉強したからといって、必ず試験に合格するわけじゃない。Even though you studied for 100 hours, there's no guarantee that you'll pass the exam.

からなる

Consists of A; Is made up of A

新たに計画されるこのマンションは10棟からなる。This newly planned condominium complex consists of 10 buildings.

からには

Now that A; since A (has been done); so long as A

来月からA会社で働くからには、今月末まで今の仕事を辞めないといけない。Because I will work at company A starting next month, I have to quit my current job by the end of this month.

から見れば

If you think from the standpoint of A

生徒から見ればこの宿題はちょっと難しいと思う。From the students' point of view, I think this homework is a little difficult.

から言って

If you think about/consider A

彼女の人気からいって、 たくさんの人が来るだろう。If you think about her popularity, a lot of people will probably come.

くせして

Even though A (used to place blame/criticism)

彼女は何もしないくせして文句を言うんだ。She complains even though she doesn't do anything.

げ

Looks A

彼は寂しげに言った。「僕と彼女は終わりかも知れない。」He spoke as if he was lonely: "My girlfriend and I might be finished."

こと

Do A (command)

きちんと授業に出席すること。Attend classes regularly.

ことから

Displays reason A for effect B

原油の供給が過剰であることから、ガソリンの価格は下落すると思われる。Due to the excess supply of crude oil, it is thought that the price of gasoline will drop.

ことだから

1. Shows a typical trait or characteristic of A
2. Because A

あの先生のことだから、 次の試験もきっと難しいだろう。Seeing that it's that teacher, the next test will surely be hard as well.

ことだし

Because of A (A is one of multiple reasons)

夜も更けたことだし、 もう寝ましょう。Since it's late at night (among other reasons), let's go to sleep already.

ことなく

Without doing A once (expressed strongly)

あんなに部活に打ち込んでいたのに、彼女は留年することなく卒業したらしい。Even though she threw herself completely into her club activities, it seems she graduated without having to repeat a year.

ことに

Precedes the reason/cause B for the (strong) feelings/emotions A

うれしいことに彼女は試験に合格した。Happily, she passed the exam.

ことになっている

Displays rule; decision; or plan A

この建物から出てはいけないことになっている。You are not to leave this building.

さえ〜ば

1. If only A/B, then C
2. If only A occurs, then B

後５００円さえあればこのゾンビのコスチュームを買えます。If I only had 500 more yen, I could buy this zombie costume.

さて

Now, (let's move on to) A

もうこんな時間だ！さて、お風呂に入ろうかな。Look at the time! Well then, I think I'll take a bath.

ざるを得ない

Only A is left to do/can be done

彼氏は人の悪口を言ってばかりです。一緒にいてとても辛いので彼氏とは別れざるを得ない。My boyfriend does nothing but badmouth people. Being with him is so painful that I have no choice but to break up with him.

しかも

Not only A, but B as well

昨日財布を落としたんです。しかも5万円も入ってたんですよ。I lost my wallet yesterday. On top of that, I had 50,000 yen in it.

したがって

Because of A, B

今夜は花火大会です。したがって道路は渋滞となるでしょう。Tonight's the fireworks display. So because of that, the roads will probably be congested.

ずにはいられない ／ ないではいられない

Can't help but A; A is unavoidable

時間がないので急がずにはいられない。I have to hurry because I have no time.

すると

A. Right after, B; A. Then B

姉妹は喧嘩をしていた。すると妹が母のところへ行き泣きだした。My sisters had a fight. Right after, my younger sister went crying to my mother.

せいで ／ せいか

1. Because of A, B.
2. Perhaps because of A, B.

彼女が私を騙したせいで、別れなければならなかった。We had to break up, because she deceived me.

Note 1. Because of A, B

そういえば

Speaking of which; come to think of it; by the way, A

そういえば田中さんはもうすぐ結婚するんだって。Come to think of it, I heard that Ms. Tanaka is getting married really soon.

そうにない

There's little chance/possibility of A

今日は仕事が終わらなくて休めそうにない。My work won't get finished today, so it doesn't look like I'll get any rest.

そこで

Considering the situation A, B

新商品のアイスが発売されます。 そこでキャンペーンを行う予定です。A new ice cream (product) will be released. Accordingly, we plan to launch a campaign.

それが

1. Although (you'd expect) A, (actually) B
2. Even though A was planned, B

「デートどうだった？」「それが最悪だった。風邪ひいてダメになった。」"How was the date?" "Well actually, it was the worst; I caught a cold and ruined it."

それで

1. Because of A, B
2. A. Well/so... B

去年の夏に病気をして、 それでバイトも辞めちゃったんです。I got sick last summer, and because of that I quit my part-time job too.

それでも

Even though A, B

東大は相当頑張らないと難しいと思うけど、それでも受ける？I think getting into the University of Tokyo will be difficult unless you work really hard. Even so, are you still going to take the entrance exam?

Note 1. A. Even so, B; A. Nevertheless, B

それなのに

Even though A, (unexpected result) B

久しぶりに会えたのに、それなのにもう帰るの？Even though we're meeting for the first time in a long time, you're already going home?

それなら

If A is the case, then (let's) B

彼女の誕生日プレゼント？それなら本がいいんじゃないかな。A present for her birthday? If that's the case, a book'd be nice, wouldn't it?

それはそうと

Used when switching from topics A to B

今日はすごい雨だったね！それはそうと風邪は治った？Today was really rainy! By the way, did your cold get better?

たいばかりに

Solely because (someone) wants to A, B

彼は遊びたいばかりに走って帰っていった。He ran home simply because he wanted to play.

たいものだ

Want to A

いつかイギリスへ行きたいものだ。I'd like to visit England some day.

だが

A. However, B

彼らのコンサートはとても人気です。だが抽選に当たったことがありません。Their concerts are very popular. However, I've never won the lottery (to get a ticket).

だけのことはある

It's not surprising that A; A is no surprise; A is no wonder

この薬は高いだけのことはあって、よく効くんだよね。This medicine lives up to its high price: it works really well.

だけましだ

Although A, at least B (which is better than the alternative)

今日は暑いけど、クーラーの効いた部屋で過ごせるだけ増しだ。Today is hot, but at least I'm able to pass the time in a room cooled by an AC.

ただし

A. However, B (restricts A, or gives an exception to A)

今日から夏休みです。ただし規則正しい生活を送るように。Summer vacation starts today. However, make sure to keep a regular daily routine.

だって

1. Because of B, A
2. A too/even
3. Not only C, but also A and/or B
4. Any-A (anywhere, anytime, anyone, etc.)

今日は会社を休んだよ。だって電車が止まってるんだもん。I took today off from work. It's because the trains stopped running.

だらけだ

Lots/tons of A (negative situation)

石鹸だらけの手で私に触らないで。Don't touch me with your soapy hands.

た挙句

After A, B was the final/end result

生徒会で三時間相談した挙句準備までしたのに、雨で運動会は中止となりました。Even though the student council discussed it for three hours and went so far as to make the preparations, the sports day was cancelled because of rain.

ちなみに

A. And/In addition/by the way, B (a little more information)

この町のワインはとても有名ですよ。 ちなみにビールもおいしいです。The wine in this town is really famous. Additionally, the beer is good, too.

っこない

A is definitely not possible.

徹夜をしてもこの本を明日まで読み切れっこない！Even if I pulled an all-nighter, I couldn't finish this book by tomorrow!

ったら

As for A (expresses exasperation, criticism, or surprise toward A)

お父さんったら、 いつもお酒ばかり飲んでるんだ。Dad, honestly — he's always just drinking.

Note 1. As for A (with emotion, such as annoyance or criticism)

つつ ／ つつも

While A, B; Although A (is being done), B

悪いと思いつつも今日も寝坊をした。Although I feel it's bad/wrong, I overslept again today.

つつある

In the middle of A; in the process of A

コンピューターの使用は急速に増加しつつある。The use of electronic computers is growing rapidly.

っぱなし

To keep A; To remain/stay A

ドアは一日中閉まりっぱなしだった。The door remained closed all day.

て 以来

After A, B (continuous action/condition)

そのチームは最初の優勝以来、 負けたことがない。Since their first victory, this team has not lost a game.

である

Is/are B (formal/written style)

東京は大都市である。Tokyo is a metropolis.

ていられない

Cannot continue to A

何で先生の話を大人しく聞いていられないの？Why can't you be quiet and continue to listen to the teacher's talk?

ていられる

Could do A many times (without getting tired/sick of it)

この映画は大好きで、 ずっと見ていられる。I love this movie, and I could watch it forever.

てかなわない

A is a problem; condition A is troubling/a nuisance

彼の話は長くてかなわないよ。His long talks are a nuisance.

てからでないと

Until A is done, B doesn't occur/can't be done.

サイトの条件に同意してからでないと、入れません。You cannot enter until you agree to the site conditions.

てこそ

Only after doing A can B happen; A is essential for B.

日本に来てこそ、日本のことをより深く知ることができる。Only by coming to Japan can you get to know the country more deeply.

てこの方（かた）

Since A

離婚してこの方、ずっと彼に会っていません。I haven't seen him at all since we got divorced.

てしょうがない／て仕方がない

Very A; Really A; Extremely A

パーティーに出席できなくて悔しくてしょうがない。It's so frustrating that I can't attend the party!

てたまらない

Very A; Extremely A; Really want to do A

将来のことが心配でたまらない。I am full of anxiety about the future.

てならない

Very A; Extremely A

私には父がまだ生きていると思えてならない。I can't help thinking Father is still alive.

Note 1. Very A; Extremely A; Can't help feeling/thinking A

てばかりはいられない

Cannot always A

落ち込んでばかりはいられない、気持ちを切り替えなくちゃ！You can't always feel sad, you have to change moods!

てはならない

Cannot A; must not A

先生が執筆している最中は、声をかけてはならないよ。You mustn't talk to the teacher while they're in the middle of writing.

てまで

To the point of A

辛い思いをしてまで彼と付き合うべきじゃない。You shouldn't date him to the point of having painful feelings.

て当然だ

A is common, natural, not surprising

君は学生なんだから、 勉強して当然だ。You're a student, so it's expected that you study.

ということは

A. In other words, B; A. Oh, so B

日が暮れてきました。ということはそろそろ父が帰って来ます。The sun has gone down. In other words, Dad will be coming home soon.

というものだ

Shows an especially strong conviction A of the speaker

一日で本を一冊読み切るのは無理というものだ。Finishing a whole book in one day is simply impossible.

というものではない

It is not necessarily the case that A; A does not automatically hold

この品物はどこにでもあるというものではない。This item isn't something you can find just anywhere.

といえば ／ というと ／ といったら

1. Speaking of A; A brings B to mind
2. With といったら: emphasizes the extreme degree of a quality or state

日本の中で、一番有名な観光地といったら、京都ですね。When I think about the most famous sightseeing place in Japan, Kyoto comes to mind.

といった

C, such as A and B

ミルクやチーズといった乳製品が好きです。I like dairy products such as milk and cheese.

とか

I heard A; it seems that A

日本の北の方ではりすがいるとか。I heard there are squirrels in the northern part of Japan.

どころか

To say nothing of A; far from A; much less A; let alone A

お金がないので映画館に行くどころかバスさえ乗れません。I don't have any money, so I can't even ride the bus, let alone go to see a movie.

ところだった

Was just about to (do) A; Was just thinking of doing A; Almost/nearly A (but didn't)

僕はあの時帰るところだった。I was just about to head home at that time.

どころではない

1. It's not the time/condition/situation for A
2. Far from A (not A)

今は卒業式だからふざけるどころじゃないよ。We're at the graduation ceremony so it's no time for screwing around!

ところを／ところに／ところへ

At time/situation A

私がちょうど家を出ようと思っているところへ、小雨が降り始めた。I was on the point of leaving home when a light rain started to fall.

としても

1. Even if A were the case
2. Even if I were to A (A is not possible or useless/not worth doing)

たとえその演技がうまくいくとしても、その計画を止めることを主張します。Even if the performance is good, I still say we drop the project.

とともに

1. At the same time A, B (occurs together)
2. Both A and B (share a common trait)
3. A and B (do something together)
4. As A changes, B changes as well
5. A is both B and C (B and C are modifiers)

その箱を開けるとともに彼女は満面の笑みになった。A huge smile appeared on her face as she opened that box.

となると

When it comes to A; if it turns out that A

彼は遊ぶこととなると本当に楽しそうだ。When it comes to playing, he looks really happy.

とは思わなかった

Couldn't possibly have thought/imagined that A

この店がこんなに人気だとは思わなかった。I couldn't have imagined that this store would be this popular.

ないことには

If you don't A; the condition B will remain the same.

食べてみないことにはおいしいかどうか分からない！I won't know if it's delicious unless I try it.

なお

Furthermore, A

昨日（さくじつ）コンビニに強盗が入りました。なお、犯人はまだ捕まっていません。Yesterday, robbers broke into (entered) the convenience store. Furthermore, the criminals have not yet been caught.

なかなか

It is hard to do A; A is not easily done/accomplished

私は正直な気持ちをなかなか話せない。It's hard for me to speak about my real feelings.

ながら (も)

Although A, B

彼は文句を言いながらもずっとあの会社に勤めている。Even though he complains, he has been working at that company all along.

にあたって ／ にあたり

At the time of A (which starts now)..; On the occasion of A

運転するにあたり運転免許は必要です。When driving, a driver's license is necessary.

にかけては

When it comes to A

英単語の暗記にかけては、彼に敵う者はいない。When it comes to learning English words by heart, nobody can beat him.

にしたら

From A's perspective; if I was A; from the standpoint of A

この大人向けの機械は子供にしたら使いにくいよ！These machines meant for adults are difficult to use for children.

にしろ／にせよ／にもせよ

1. Regardless of if it's A or B
2. Even in the case of A

歌詞が理解できるにしろできないにしろ、この曲はだれでも楽しめます。Whether you understand the lyrics or not, anyone can enjoy this song.

にすぎない

Only A; No more than A

ひらがなを読めるに過ぎない。I can only read hiragana.

につき

1. Due to reason A
2. For each/every A

台風につき、東北本線全面運行休止。Due to the typhoon, all service on the Tohoku Main Line is suspended.

につけ

1. During both times/situations A and B
2. Every time A (happens/occurs)

あの子供のことを見るにつけ聞くにつけ、 かわいそうでならない。Whenever I see or hear about that child, I can't help feeling sorry for them.

につれて

As A changes, B changes (together)

日本語を勉強するにつれて、 英語の能力が下がる。As I study Japanese, my English ability declines.

にて

At A; by A

近くの公園にて毎朝ラジオ体操が行われる。There are radio calisthenics performed every morning at the nearby park.

にとって

For A; to A; from the standpoint of A

犬は弟にとってはかわいい存在だが、僕にとっては怖い存在だ。My little brother finds dogs cute, but I find them frightening.

Note 1. As for A

にほかならない

Nothing but A; nothing other than A; precisely A

当たりくじを見つけたのは、幸運に他ならない。Finding the winning ticket was nothing but luck.

にもかかわらず

Although A; despite A; even though A; in spite of A

姉はその美しさにもかかわらず気取ったところのない人だ。Even though my older sister is beautiful, she doesn't put on any airs.

にわたって／にわたり

Over the course of A (continuous action); Throughout A

あの大学の野球チームは１０年間に渡って優勝をし続けました。That university's baseball team kept winning the championship for 10 years.

に違いない

Without a doubt; A

この急流で泳ぐのは危険に違いない。It must be dangerous to swim in this rapid stream.

に沿って

Along A; In line with A; In accordance with A

先生の説明の内容に沿ってメモを取るべきだ。You should take notes following the content of the teacher's explanation.

に応えて

In response to A

そのピアニストはアンコールに応えて２曲弾いた。The pianist played two songs in response to the encore.

に応じて(は)／に応じ(た)

1. In response/reply to A
2. In line with A; That fits with A

ソフトのよくある質問に応じる内容はこのページにあります。This page has the responses to frequently asked software questions.

に加えて／に加え

In addition to A (not only A), B as well.

これに加えて彼は、ヘブライ語を読むことができる。Above and beyond this, he can read Hebrew.

に関わる

Relating to A; concerning A

その顧問の苦情は微妙な問題に関わる物だった。The adviser's complaint concerned a delicate issue.

に基づいて／に基づき／に基づく

Based on A

説明書に基づいて自力で本棚を組み立てた。Following the instruction manual, I assembled the bookshelf on my own.

に決まっている

A is a given; A must be the case.

肉を入れ忘れたカレーなんて、 不味いに決まっている！I forgot to add meat to the curry, it's going to taste awful!

に限って／に限り

1. Only A (A is a special condition)
2. Shows unfortunate action B right at the time/situation A
3. Because of trust/confidence/belief in A, B
4. A has a tendency to B

この魚は本日に限り、一匹五十円だ。These fish are 50 yen each, but only for today.

に限らず

Not only A, but B also

この番組は、 子供に限らず、 大人にも人気がある。This TV show is popular not just with kids but with adults as well.

に限る

A is the best (action)

ハイキングは秋に限る。Autumn is the best season for going on hikes.

に際して ／ に際し ／ に際しての

On the occasion of A; when (doing) A

入場に際し靴をお脱ぎください。Upon entering, please take off your shoes.

に従って

1. As A changes, B changes (in response to A)
2. In accordance with A

彼の話を聞くにしたがって、生徒たちの目が真剣になってきた。As they listened to his talk, the students' eyes grew more and more serious.

に先立って／に先立ち／に先立つ

Before A occurs/takes place

映画が始まるに先立ち主演俳優が作品を紹介しました。Before the movie started, the lead actor introduced the film.

に相違ない

Without a doubt; A

あの事件以来、株価暴落。あの会社は上場廃止になるに相違ないね。Since that incident, the stock price has plummeted. That company will be delisted without a doubt.

に伴って／に伴う

When A changes, B changes with it.

人は年をとるに伴って物事を忘れがちになる。As people get older, they become forgetful.

に反して／に反し／に反する／に反した

In contrast to A

天気予報に反して今日は快晴だった。Contrary to the weather forecast there was fine weather today.

ねばならない

Must A

地域の発展のためには、産学が連携して当たらねばならないだろう。For the development of the region, the industries and universities will probably need to cooperate.

の もと（に／で）

1. Under A's guidance or authority; under conditions A
2. In the name of A

法の名のもとに不正は決して許されない。In the name of the law, wrongdoing must never be permitted.

Note 1. Based in/on A 2. Under the guidance/direction of A (usually a person) 3. Under A's authority / in the name of A

のみならず

Not only A, but B as well

お父さんは知識が広いのみならず心も広いです。My father is not only knowledgeable, he has a big heart.

のも尤もだ

A is natural, common, right/expected

彼は遊んでばかりで試験に落ちるのももっともだ。He's always messing around so it's only natural for him to fail the exam.

の末／た末

As a conclusion of A, B

私たちは激しく言い争った末に、妥協案で手を打つことにした。As a result of our vehement disputes, we decided to agree on a compromise plan.

ば ~ のに

If only A..

昨日の授業、あなたも来ればよかったのに。If only you too had come to class yesterday.

ばかりに

Because A, B (negative result)

彼女は赤ちゃんを誘拐したばかりに犯罪者になった。She became a criminal simply because she kidnapped a baby.

はともかく

Whether or not A, B; Putting A aside

あのプレゼントを包んだ紙はともかく中身は好きなはずだと思います。Never mind the wrapping paper, you should like the contents of the present.

ほかない

There are no other methods except for A

その機械の操作方法が分からなかったので、技師に頼むよりほかない。I didn't know how to operate that machine, so I have no choice but to ask the engineer.

ほどだ

(shows the extent/degree A of something)

Switchは大人気で発売された日に売り切れになったほどだ。The Nintendo Switch was so popular that it sold out the first day it was sold.

まい ／ まいか

1. Not A; Probably not A
2. I will definitely not A
3. Whether or not to A

５人に一人が車を持つような日も遠くあるまい。It will not be long before the day when one out of five persons has a car.

まだしも

A is acceptable; A would be better/worse

ランチに1000円ならまだしも3000円は高いでしょう。1000 yen for lunch would be OK, but 3000 yen is pricey.

ままに

Do B as A wishes or directs

一日でいいから思うままに過ごしてみたい。Even if it's just for one day, I'd like to spend it however I feel like.

Note 1. Do B as/like A

むしろ

Rather than A, B

天気はよくなるどころか、むしろ悪くなってきている。The weather is far from getting better, if anything, it has worsened.

も 〜 ば 〜 も ／ も 〜 なら 〜 も

A is B, and C is D too; with negative predicates, neither A is B nor C is D

この店は料理もおいしければ、接客も丁寧です。This restaurant has delicious food and attentive service.

もの

Because of A

「 こんなに買い物したの？ 」 「 だってセールだもの。」"You shopped this much?" "It's because of the sale."

ものか

Not A! As if A! (A is not true)

私はホラーが嫌いだから、あんな映画なんか見るもんか！I hate horror movies, so there's no way I'm going to see that kind of film.

ものがある

Shows a situation/condition A that draws strong feelings/emotions

言葉が理解できない国に住むのは辛いものがある。Living in a country where you don't understand the language is a difficult thing.

ものだ

1. Shows common/obvious knowledge A; Of course; A; it's known that A
2. Really A; truly A
3. Should A, it would be good to A
4. Should not A, must not A

六本木では流行するスタイルが多いものだ。Roppongi is, of course, full of trendy styles.

ものだから

Because of A

旅行の予定があるものだから来週の会議に出席できない。I have travel plans; therefore, I can't attend next week's meeting.

ものなら

A can't be done; but if it could; then B

彼女と会えるものなら、 ぜひ会いに行きたい。If I could, I'd really want to go see her.

ものの

Although A...

日本語能力試験を受けるつもりであるものの、まだ勉強をし始めていない。Even though I'm going to take the JLPT, I still haven't started studying.

も構わず

Without considering A

傘を忘れたのに、彼は雨にも構わず外に出ました。Even though he forgot his umbrella, he ignored the rain and went outside.

も同然だ

The same as saying A; as good as A

田中さんは歌がうまくてプロ同然だ。Ms. Tanaka's good at singing; she's as good as a pro.

V-ようではないか／V-ようじゃないか

Let's A; Why don't we A?

皆がこの曲を知っているので歌ってみようじゃないか！Because everyone knows this piece of music, why don't we try to sing it?!

V-ようとしている

Shows change/movement A is about to start/end

夜が明けようとしている。The dawn is breaking.

やら 〜 やら

A, B, ... (examples from a list)

日本語やらフランス語やら、 なんでもしゃべれる。Japanese, French, I can speak it all.

ようがない ／ ようもない

There is no method/way to do A

アイスは箸で食べようがない。There is no way to eat ice cream with chopsticks.

ようになっている

A is a natural/automatic process done by a machine or system (including organic)

このトイレは自動で電気がつくようになっている。The lights in this bathroom turn on automatically.

わけではない

Although you may think A; that is not the case.

魚は、目が開いているからといって起きているわけではない。For fish, having their eyes open doesn't necessarily mean they are awake.

を〜として／を〜とする

As a B (label), A (subject)

チョコを食事として食べたなんて、 体によくないよ。You ate chocolate as a meal? That's not good for your body.

をきっかけに

With A as a good opportunity/chance to B; Using A as a time to (start) B

太ったのをきっかけに運動し始めました。With being fat as an impetus, he started to exercise.

をもとに／をもとにして

A as a basis for B

その結論はこれらの事実をもとにして出された。The conclusion was formed on the basis of these facts.

を契機

As a good opportunity A, (do) B

この仕事を辞めるのを契機に海外へ留学することにした。I decided to take quitting this job as an opportunity to study abroad.

を込めて

With A (feelings, effort, etc.) put into something; With A expressed through an action

感謝の気持ちを込めて恩師に手紙を出しました。Filled with gratitude, I sent a letter to my former teacher.

を始め ／ を始めとする

For example, A; Starting with A

日本には漢字を始め、 数学など、 たくさんの能力試験があります。In Japan, there are a lot of proficiency exams including kanji, mathematics, etc.

を巡って

Concerning A; About A

新しいビルの必要性を巡って市議会で討論されている。The necessity of the new building is being debated in the city council.

を通じて / を通して

1. Over the course of A; during the time A
2. Through (as a means) A

この国は年間を通して気温の変化がない。This country has an even temperature (unchanging) throughout the year.

を問わず

Disregarding A; Without relation to A

年齢を問わず毎年たくさんの人々が富士山に登る。Regardless of age, a lot of people climb Mt. Fuji every year.

を頼りに

With the help of A; depending on A

記憶を頼りにお話しします。I'll talk based on what I remember (my memory).

んだから

Because of A, you should B

もう大人なんだから自分で起きなさい。Since you're already an adult, get up on your own.

以上

1. Because of A, B (is an expected/natural result); Now that A, B
2. More than (or including) A

外国に来た以上、 その国の文化を勉強した方がよい。Because you've come to a foreign country, it's best to study that country's culture.

一方

On one hand A, on the other, B; Although A, at the same time, B

その料理はおいしい一方で、作るのは結構時間がかかります。Although that food is delicious, it takes a pretty long time to make.

一方だ

Change A continues; A does not stop

心の悩みが増えるとともに、体の問題も増える一方だ。As your mental worries increase, your physical problems also keep increasing.

掛けの／掛けだ

B in the middle of A; half-A B

食べ掛けの給食をちゃんと食べなさい！Finish eating your school lunch! (which you're partway through)

間（あいだ）／間（あいだ）に

1. During A
2. During A (before A is finished/over)

私が夕飯を作る間、 弟はテレビを見ていました。My little brother was watching TV while I was cooking dinner.

関わらず／関わりなく

1. Even though A
2. Regardless of A; without relation to A

友達は約束したにもかかわらず空港へ迎えに来てくれなかった。Although my friend promised to pick me up at the airport, they didn't come.

気味だ

Somewhat A; a slight tendency toward A (often negative)

最近太り気味なので食事を少なくしている。I've been putting on a bit of weight lately, so I'm eating less.

Note 1. Slightly A; showing signs of A (happening)

却って

1. A, on the contrary, B
2. A is rather B / Conversely, A is B

ダイエットをしすぎると、却って老けてしまう人もいる。Some people who diet too much end up looking older instead.

及び

A and B, A as well as B

説明会は学校の生徒及び保護者を対象に開催されます。The information session will be held for students as well as parents/guardians.

恐れがある

There is a chance of A (A is a bad/negative result)

そういう事故は再発する恐れがある。There is a risk that such an accident may happen again.

限り ／ ない 限り

As long as A is the case/still true (ない限り: unless A)

人と話している限り、相手の表情にも目を向けることが大事です。As long as you're talking with someone, it's important to pay attention to their expression too.

向きだ

Suitable for A; fits/goes well with A

あの人はあの仕事には全く不向きな人です。He is far from suitable for that job.

向け

Made for A; intended for A

この教科書は外国人学生向けの物である。This textbook is intended for foreign students.

甲斐があって

There is/was value in doing A; Doing A has its rewards

頑張った甲斐があって、3キロも痩せたんだ。Doing one's best has its rewards: I lost as many as three kilograms.

甲斐もなく

Even though A; nothing (good) came of it/bad results happened

節約した甲斐もなく、財布を落としてしまった。Despite being careful with our money, it was all for naught: I ended up dropping my wallet.

際／ 際に ／ 際は

At the time of A

会議の休憩の際には、あちらの部屋をお使いください。For breaks in the meeting, please use that room over there.

次第

After A occurs, B will (soon) occur

あなたの用意ができ次第、出発しましょう。We'll leave as soon as you are ready.

次第だ

1. It depends on A
2. (presents the info. A at the end of an explanation)

今年の修学旅行は成績次第で行かせます。They will let us go on this year's school trip depending on our grades.

次第では

Depending on A, B may change

今日の試合の結果次第で、来週の決勝戦に進める可能性がある。Depending on today's game, we could go to the finals next week.

上（じょう）

From the standpoint of A

職務上の秘密は、たとえ家族にでも漏らしてはいけない。You must not leak work-related secrets, even to your family.

上で

1. First A (is done, often in preparation), then B (as a result)
2. Indicates an important purpose/goal A

朝食を食べて歯を磨いた上で、学校へ行く。After I eat breakfast and brush my teeth, I go to school.

上に

Not only A, but B as well; In addition to A, B

あの映画館は狭い上に、画面も小さい。Not only is the movie theatre cramped, but the screen is also small.

上は

Because of A, B can't be helped/is expected.

大学の試験を受けると決めた上は、受験勉強を頑張らなければなりません。I decided to take the university entrance exam, and so, I have to study hard for it.

真（ま）

Completely A, exactly A

彼は道路の真ん中に立っている。He is standing right in the middle of the road.

切りだ

After A, B continues unchanged

二週間前のデートで会って、それっきり彼女は一回も電話をかけてこない。Since our date 2 weeks ago, she has not called me even once.

切る

To do A completely/exhaustively/to the end

彼はバイト代をもう使い切ったようだ。It seems like he's already used up the earnings from his part-time job.

折には

When A; at the time A

またこちらへ来た折には遊びに来ますね。I'll drop by again when I come here.

中心に

With A as the center/focus

アメリカに住みたいから英語教育を中心とした学校に通いたい。Since I want to live in the US, I want to go to a school focusing on English education.

度に

Every time that A (occurs)

この写真を見る度に私の父を思い出す。Every time I see this picture, I remember my father.

得る（うる）／得ない（えない）

1. A is possible; A can be done.
2. A is not possible.

これらのガスは地球温暖化をもたらし得る。These gases can lead to global warming.

抜きにして／〜抜きで

Excluding/omitting A; Without A

アルコール抜きの飲み物がありますか。Do you have any non-alcoholic drinks?

抜く

Do A until the end/last.

どんなに緊張してもスピーチはもう始まってしまったので終わりまで頑張り抜くしかない！No matter how nervous I am, because the speech has already started, there's no choice but to do my best until it ends!

反面

A, on the other hand B

彼女は仕事中いつも元気な顔をしている反面、宴会では静かなんだ。She always looks energetic at work, but at the work parties she is quiet.

尤も

A. However, B (B qualifies A or gives an exception to it)

そういえば、しばらく優子に連絡していなかった。尤もお互い忙しいのよね。Come to think of it, I haven't been in contact with Yuko for quite some time. Then again, we're both busy.

要するに

A. In short/put simply, B

要するに、 私たちもう別れた方がいいと思うの。Put simply, I think it's better if we break up now.