JLPT N3 grammar

いくら~ても

No matter (how much) A

いくら私が寛容でも許せないこともある。No matter how open-minded I am, there are things that I cannot forgive.

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.

おかげで

Because of A, (positive result) B; Thanks to A, B

毎日運動するおかげですごく高く跳べます。Because I exercise every day, I can jump amazingly high.

がっている

1. Wants to A
2. Shows signs of state/condition A
3. Don't be A (afraid, shy, etc.)

ずっとパパの車に乗りたがってたのよね。今日は幼稚園まで車で送ってってよ。She's wanted to ride in Daddy's car for a long time. Please drive her to kindergarten today.

かもしれない

Might A; maybe A; perhaps A

それは本当かもしれない。It may be true.

から〜にかけて

From A through B

昨日の地震は北海道から宮城にかけて揺れが感じられました。The tremors from yesterday's earthquake could be felt from Hokkaido to Miyagi.

か何か

A or something

お腹が空いたね。 パンか何かあったっけ？I'm hungry. Do we have bread or something?

きり

Only A (small number of something)

私たちは二人切りで頑張ってきました。We did our best, just the two of us.

きれない

Can't finish/complete A

この部屋に５０人は入り切れない。This room is too small to contain 50 people.

くせに

Even though A, unfortunate result/state B

姉は母に掃除を頼まれたくせに、私にさせた。Even though mom asked my big sister to clean, she made me do it.

くれと

Asked to (do/don't do) A

新しいプロジェクトのリーダーになってくれと頼まれたよ。I was asked to become the new project's leader.

こそ

A (often a reason/cause) is very strongly emphasized.

だからこそ、 車で行くなといったんですよ。That's why I told you not to go by car.

ことか

How A; so A; how much A!

その部屋はなんて寒かったことか。How cold it was in the room!

ことだ

1. A is necessary/good (offering advice/suggestion)
2. How A. (states a somewhat strong feeling)

海外に住む間は両親に時々連絡することだ。You should get in contact with your parents sometimes while you're living overseas.

ことは〜が

Although A is true, C

この車はいいことはいいが燃費が悪い。This car has its good points, but its gas mileage is bad.

ことはない

A is not necessary; it's OK if A is not done.

いいえ、謝ることはないよ。No, there's no need to apologize.

さ

Emphasizes the words/sentence A that precedes it (similar to よ)

あのさ、 ちょっと話す時間ある？Hey, do you have a bit of time to talk?

さえ／にさえ／でさえ

Even A

この問題は、 子供でさえ答えられるほど易しい。This question is so easy that even a child can answer it.

させていただきたい

I want you to let me A

私に説明させていただきたい。Please allow me to explain.

させてください

Please let me A; Please allow me to A

提出前に確認させてください。Please allow me to check it over before it is submitted.

しか〜ない

1. Only A; no more than A
2. There's only A; Only A can be done; Only A (of many methods)

すみませんが、日本語の名刺しか持っていないんですけど。Sorry, I only have a Japanese (-language) business card.

じゃない / ではない

A, right?; A, isn't it?

もう私たち帰ってもいいんじゃない？It's OK if we go home already, right?

ずつ

A of B each

一人に1枚ずつプリントを配布します。I will pass out one handout to each person.

せいで／せいか

1. Because of A, (negative result) B
2. Perhaps because of A, B (せいか)

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.

その為

Because of A, B

昨日は雪が多く降りました。その為交通機関に遅れが出ています。It snowed a lot yesterday. Hence, there are delays with the transportation.

その結果

As a result of A, B

彼は一切の運動を止めてしまいました。その結果、太り始めました。He's completely quit exercising. Consequently, he's started to get fat.

Note 1. Because of A (in the past), B

その上

Not only A, but B (as well)

彼はよく考える人です。 その上行動力もあります。He's a person who thinks carefully. Furthermore, he's able to take action.

それと

A, and B

サラダ油買ってきてくれない？あ、それと牛乳も！Would you buy some salad oil for me? Ah, and some milk, too!

それとも

A? or B?

お昼、 ラーメンか、 それともおそばか、 どっちがいい？For lunch, which do you want: ramen or soba?

だけしか

Only A can B

だけど

A, however/but B

だけど急にどうしてそんなことを言うの？But, why would you say such a thing so suddenly?

たとえ 〜 ても

Even if A is the case

たとえ飢えかかっていても、彼は助けを頼みたがらなかった。He didn't like to ask for help even if he was starving.

たとたん

As soon as A (occurred), B

その物音を聞いたとたんに、私の弟は泣きだした。On hearing the noise, my brother started to cry.

たまえ

Do A (a somewhat old-fashioned command, typically from a superior to a subordinate and mainly used by men)

もう子供ではないのだから朝は自分で起きたまえ。You're no longer a child, so get up on your own in the morning.

Note 1. Do A (command from a superior; masculine)

たもの

Shows past habit or action A that was done often

昔はこの空き地でも子供たちが遊んでいたものだ。In the old days kids used to play even in this vacant land.

ついでに

While doing A (taking the opportunity), also do B

なおと君の家へ遊びに行くついでになおと君のお母さんから借りたDVDを返しなさい！Since you're going over to Naoto's house to play, return the DVD you borrowed from his mother while you're at it!

っけ

1. Marks a question (very informal)
2. Used when trying to recall/confirm information A; 'What was it again?'

今日は雨が降るんだっけ？Was it supposed to rain today?

っぽい

Seems A; A-ish

妹はいつも男の子とサッカーをしているから、何だか男の子っぽい。My little sister is always playing soccer with boys, so she seems a little boyish.

つまり

A, in other words, B

今日は雨が降りました。つまり、マラソン大会は延期となります。It rained today. In other words, the marathon will be postponed.

てご覧

Please (try and) A

ほら、 この赤い花を見てごらん。Hey, take a look at this red flower.

ですから

Because of A, B

彼女の家は会社から大分離れています。ですから彼女は毎日４０分掛けて歩いてきます。Her house is pretty far from her work. Because of that, it takes her 40 minutes to walk each day.

てすみません

Sorry for doing A; Sorry for having done A

遅刻してすみませんSorry for being late.

てばかりいる

Always doing A

父は出張で家を空けてばかりいます。Dad is always away on business trips.

てもらいたい

I'd like you to A (for me)

少し話してもらいたいのですが、 お願いできますか？I'd like to have you speak for a bit, can I ask you to do that?

ても始まらない

There is no point/use in doing A

過去の失敗を後悔しても始まらないよ。また頑張ろうよ。There is no use in regretting your past mistakes. Try again and do your best!

て初めて

Only after A does B happen

傷ついて初めて本当の恋だと分かる。Only after getting hurt do you realize it's true love.

といい

It would be nice if A; I wish A; I hope A; It's good to A (advice)

困っている人がいたら助けるといいです。If there's someone in trouble it's good to help them.

ということ

1. Changes sentence/phrase A into a noun
2. Presents information A; A is heard (and repeated in this sentence)

彼は運転が得意だということを知っています。I know that he is good at driving.

Note 1. Nominalizes clause A, as in this example. 2. Can also express reported information A, depending on the construction.

というより

Rather than A

弟は昨日の試験に落ちた。 頭がよくないと言うより全然勉強しなかったせいだ。My little brother failed the exam yesterday. Rather than saying that he is not smart, it is because he did not study at all.

といえば ／ というと ／ といったら

1. When A is thought about, B soon comes to mind
2. Although A is expected, in reality, it's B

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.

といわれている

It is said by many that A

あれは古くから神聖な山だと言われている。That mountain is said to have been sacred since ancient times.

とく

To do A in advance

洗濯しといたから、あとで干しといてね。I went ahead and did the laundry, so put it out to dry, ok?

ところが

Although A (was planned/expected), B (unexpected)

私は来年留学します。ところがパスポートをまだ準備していません。I'm going to study abroad next year. However, I haven't prepared my passport yet.

ところだった

1. Was just about to (do) A; Was just thinking of doing A
2. Almost did A; A nearly happened (but did not)

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

ところで

By the way, A

ところで、 皆さんお腹は減っていませんか？By the way, isn't everyone hungry?

としたら

If A were the case; Supposing A

その川を泳いで渡るとしたら、 どれだけ時間がかかるだろうか。How long would it take you to swim across the river?

として

1. As A; From the standpoint of A
2. Not even A B

青を基調として絵を描いた。This picture was drawn with blue as the base color.

とは限らない

A is not 100%, there are exceptions

おいしそうに見える食べ物が必ずしもおいしいとは限らない。Delicious looking food doesn't necessarily taste good.

どんなに

No matter how (much) A, B

どんなに頑張っても英語が上手になりません。No matter how hard I try I'm not getting good at English.

と言っても

Although A is the case, B

旅行といっても隣の町に行った程度です。Although I call it a trip, I only went to the neighboring town.

と言われる

(I) was told by A to do(n't) B

門限は守れと厳しく言われる。I'm sternly told to observe my curfew.

ないかな / ないかしら

I wonder if/suppose A; I fear that A

彼女に会ったのは十年ぶりじゃないかしら。I suppose that it's been ten years since I last saw her.

ないことはない

There is a (small) possibility of A. A is not impossible.

一日に 16 時間続けて仕事はできないこともないが、 全然楽じゃないでしょう？It's not that you can't work 16 hours straight in a day, but it's not easy at all, is it?

ないと , なくちゃ

Must do A

結婚するなら、山田さん、禁煙しないとだね。If you're going to get married, Mr. Yamada, you'll have to stop smoking.

なぜなら

A was done/decided because of B

私は海に行きたくないんです。 なぜなら泳げないからです。I don't want to go to the beach. That's because I can't swim.

において

At the time/place/state A

その詩人は人生における美を求めている。That poet searches for the beauty in life.

にしては

For A; even though A; considering A

８月にしてはとても過ごしやすいね。It's very pleasant for August, isn't it?

にしても

Even for A; In the case of A as well

あなたのおっしゃることは認めるにしても、 私はやはりあなたが悪いと存じます。Even given what you say, I still think you are to blame.

にとって

For A; from A's standpoint

弟は犬が好きだけど、僕にとって犬は怖い存在だ。My little brother likes dogs, but to me, they are scary.

には ~ が いる / ある

There is/are B in/at A

日本には富士山がある。Mt. Fuji is in Japan.

によって / により / による

1. By means of A; using method A; by A
2. In accordance with A; depending on A; based on A; due to A; because of A
3. For some A; certain A
4. According to A

このプラスチックは火によって損傷を受けない。This plastic is not damaged by fire.

に対して／に対しては

In response to (topic) A; in regards to A; considering A; in contrast to A

先生に対して、 そういう言い方は失礼ですよ。It's rude to speak to your teachers that way.

に比べて／に比べ

When compared to A

漢字が六千以上もある中国語に比べて日本語は学びやすいと思います。Compared to Chinese with its 6000-plus kanji, I think Japanese is easy to study.

のが

A is B

亭主が元気で留守なのが一番気楽だ。It's most relaxing when my husband is healthy and away from home.

のこと

About A

娘は最近好きなアニメのことばかり話す。Lately, my daughter speaks only about the anime she likes.

の中（なか）

Out of the group A, B is the most C

兄は成績優秀で、学年の中で一番だ。My older brother's grades are excellent: he's at the top of his school year.

ば 〜 ほど

The more A, the more C

外国語はしゃべればしゃべるほど上手になる。The more you speak a foreign language, the better you will become.

は ～ となっている

A is B, A has been decided to be B

記録によると、彼がアメリカに渡ったのは2005年となっている。According to the records, he came over to the US in 2005.

は ～ の 一つ

A is an example (but not the only one) out of the group B

ランニングは代表的なトレーニングの一つだ。Running is one of the representative types of training.

ばいい

It'd be good to A; should A

5 時に駅で待っていればいいね。We just need to wait at the station at 5:00, right?

ばかりか

Not only A, but B as well

母はスペイン語ばかりかイタリア語もしゃべれます。My mother not only can speak Spanish, she can speak Italian too.

ばかりではなく

Not only A, not just A

君は秀才であるばかりではなく、音楽の才能もあるのか。Not only are you a bright person, but you have musical talent as well?

はもちろん ／ はもとより

Although A is given/obvious, B (also)

彼は、ＣＤプレーヤーはもとよりiPodも持っていないです。He doesn't have a CD player, and he doesn't have an iPod either.

Note 1. A goes without saying, and B as well; not only A but also B

ふりをする

To pretend to (be) A; To act as if A

上司は偉そうな振りをして堂々とこちらへ歩いてきた。The boss acted all self-important and strutted over.

べきだ ／ べきではない

1. Should do A; Must do A
2. Should not do A; Must not do A

小学校の先生は親切で元気であるべきだ。Elementary school teachers should be kind and energetic.

ますように

(I) hope that A (will come true/happen)

じゅんこちゃんの手術が成功しますように。I hope that Junko's surgery will be a success.

または

A or B; either A or B (both are acceptable options)

私は徒歩または自転車で会社へ行きます。I either walk or go by bike to work.

まるで ～ よう

(It is almost) As if A

綿菓子はまるで雲のようにふわふわだ。The cotton candy is fluffy, almost as if it's a cloud.

も ~ ない

1. Doesn't/didn't A anywhere
2. Doesn't/didn't A at all
3. No one A

そんなにおいしい話はどこにもない。Such a sweet thing/deal doesn't exist anywhere.

もし 〜 たなら

If A had happened/was true, If A were to happen/be true

もしここが静かな場所だったら、 落ち着いて仕事ができたのになあ。If this was a quiet spot, I'd be able to calm down and do my work.

もし 〜 としても

Even if A... (chances of A are pretty low)

ねぇ、 もし彼がここに来たとしても私がいるって言わないでね！Even if he comes, don't say that I'm here!

もしも 〜 なら

If A..

明日もしも時間があったなら、 カフェで勉強するつもりだよ。If I have time tomorrow, I intend to study at the cafe.

V-ようとする

Be about to A; Try to A

ジェーンはまさに家から出ようとしていた。Jane was about to leave the house.

V-ようと思う

I intend to A; I am thinking of doing A

外国に行こうと思っている。I'm thinking I'll go abroad.

Note 1. I think I will A

ようとしない

A isn't being done; not trying to A

彼は意見の主張ばかりして話し合いをしようとしない。He just asserts his opinion and makes no attempts to discuss things.

ように

1. In the hopes that A; in order for A
2. Please do/don't A
3. As was written/said/etc. in A

この花瓶を割らないように注意してください。Please take care not to break this vase.

ように 言う

Tell someone to do A

医者は彼に酒の量を減らすように言った。His doctor told him to cut down on drinking.

わけがない

There's no reason for A (A should not be possible)

彼氏はそんなことを言うわけがないよ！There's no way my boyfriend would say something like that!

わけだ

As you'd expect, A; Of course, A

どうりでみち子は嫌がるわけだ。It's no surprise that Michiko doesn't like it.

わけではない

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

魚は、 目が開いているが起きているわけではない。For fish, having their eyes open doesn't necessarily mean they are awake.

わけにはいかない

1. Must not A
2. Must A

泊まりたいユースホステルは大人気なので予約なしでいくわけにはいかない！The youth hostel I'd like to stay at is very popular, so I must not go without a reservation.

を

1. Over A; across A; along A
2. A is the direct object of a transitive verb
3. Marks place of departure A
4. Shows state A
5. Shows the cause A of the subject's emotions

小川を歩いて渡った。I crossed the small stream by foot.

んだって

Used to report information A (often heard)

彼らついに結婚するんだって。I hear that they're finally getting married.

～上げる／～上がる

1. ～上げる: finish doing A (transitive).
2. ～上がる: A finishes or is completed (intransitive).

１０時にパンが焼き上がります。The bread will be done baking at 10 o'clock.

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)

割に

Considering A, B (unexpected)

お金がない割には意外と服装が派手だ。For someone with no money, your clothes are surprisingly flashy.

関して

About A; With relation to A

登校しない子供に関しては、両親と相談することです。Regarding the children that aren't attending school, that is something to be discussed with the parents.

決して〜ない

Definitely won't A; definitely isn't A

お味噌汁は決して沸かさないでよ、不味くなるから。Make sure you never let the miso soup boil, or it'll taste bad!

最中（さいちゅう）

In the middle of A

つまらない授業の最中に寝てしまいました。I fell asleep in the middle of a boring lesson.

受身（れる・られる）

A is done to the subject; the subject is affected by someone doing A (passive voice).

この車は十年前に作られました。This car was made ten years ago.

少しも〜ない

Not (even a little) A

冬は洗濯物が少しも乾かないなあ。The laundry doesn't dry at all in the winter.

全く 〜 ない

Not A (at all, even a little bit)

私、 英語は少しできますけど、 フランス語は全く話せませんよ。I can speak a bit of English, but I can't say a word of French.

代わり

1. Not A, but B; B in place of A
2. Instead of A, B; In exchange for A, B

入院したお母さんに代わって僕は夕食を作ります。In place of my mother, who is in the hospital, I'll make dinner.

通す

Continue to A, do A until the end

彼は自分の意志を貫き通した。He stuck to his intentions until the end.

通り（とおり）／通り（どおり）

In the way A; The same as A, B; As described by A, B

昨日の授業は試験があったけど、今日はいつも通り。There was a test in class yesterday, but today it's business as usual.

的

A-like, A-ish, In an A way

これはとても現実的な解決策だね。This is a very realistic solution.

度（たび）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.

滅多に ~ ない

There are hardly any A; A is very rare

父は仕事で、滅多に帰ってこない。Because of work, my father rarely comes home.

立て

Just after A (has been done)

淹れ立てのコーヒーはいかがですか？How about some freshly made coffee?