Nihongo So-Matome N3 Grammar Comprehensive Study Notes
DAY 1 TO DAY 6: VERB FORMS, HABITS, AND INTENTIONS
Day 01: Passive and Causative Permissions
* Passive (1) [Verb ~reru / ~rareru]: Used to explain facts without mentioning the specific subject or actor.
* Examples:
* Detailed explanations are not written in this book (Author did not write them).
* The entrance ceremony is held in this hall (The school holds it).
* This is said to be the largest diamond in the world.
* In the past, that idea was thought to be correct.
* Passive (2): Used when the speaker experiences difficulty, trouble, or annoyance because of an event.
* Sentence Structure: (Noun ni) Verb ~reru / ~rareru.
* Examples:
* I was cried at by the baby after I held my friend's child.
* My clothes got wet because I was caught in the rain.
* I couldn't continue university because I was left behind/suffered the death of my father.
* Causative Permission: Expressions used to ask for permission (Allow me to…/Please let me…).
* Sentence Structure: Verb (Sa)sete + kudasai / masen ka / moraemasu ka / itadakemasu ka.
* Examples:
* Please let me listen to the story of your company.
* Please allow me to wash my hands.
* Because I don't feel well, please let me go home early.Day 02: Short Forms and Preparation
* ~naito / ~nakucha / ~nakya: Shortened forms of ~nai to ikenai or ~nakereba naranai (Must/Have to).
* Examples:
* I have to sleep now because I'm leaving early tomorrow.
* There is only month left until the exam; I must study hard.
* I must reply to Tanaka-san's email.
* ~chatta / ~jatta: Spoken form of ~te shimau / ~de shimau. Indicates completion or a feeling of regret/accidental action.
* Examples:
* Wait, where is the chocolate that was here? "Oh, I accidentally ate it."
* The exam is over! Let's drink today!
* Sorry, the road was crowded, so I will be a little late.
* ~toku / ~doku: Spoken form of ~te oku / ~de oku. Doing something in advance as preparation or maintaining a state.
* Examples:
* Let's write down the parts I got wrong on the test in the notebook beforehand.
* Please wash this in advance.
* The toilet paper is almost gone; I have to buy some in advance.Day 03: Appearances and Characteristics
* ~mitai: Used for conclusions based on sight, hearing, or feeling. Spoken version of ~you da.
* Examples:
* It seems it will rain tomorrow.
* This apartment seems like no one is living in it.
* His way of speaking is like a woman.
* I like lively cities like Osaka.
* I want to become good at Japanese like Rin-san.
* ~rashii (Typical): Indicates a characteristic that truly represents a nature or quality (Truly/Likely).
* Examples:
* Today was a warm day, truly feeling like spring.
* I don't often wear clothes that are very "girly."
* Tanaka-san is truly a man's man (very masculine).
* ~rashii (Hearsay): Expresses information obtained from outside sources (I heard/It seems).
* Examples:
* I heard the hamburgers at that restaurant are very delicious.
* I heard work has been tough lately; are you okay?
* It seems Santos-san recently got a Japanese girlfriend.
* ~ppoi: Used to describe a quality, feeling, or tendency. Often carries a negative nuance.
* Examples:
* That elementary school student is adult-like (behaving like an adult).
* I dislike this food because it is too oily (feels like it has too much oil).
* Is it because of age? Recently my mother is very forgetful (easy to forget).Day 04: Efforts, Changes, and Purposes
* ~you ni suru: Indicates an effort or habit.
* Examples:
* Let's try (effort) not to leave things behind.
* I make an effort to brush my teeth after every meal.
* I will try to eat vegetables every day.
* ~you ni naru: Indicates a change in state or ability (Has become/Now able to).
* Examples:
* Recently, I have become able to eat natto.
* Since becoming a university student, I have started making my own bento.
* These lights are set up so they turn on when people pass by.
* ~you ni: Used to express a purpose or desired state (So that/In order to).
* Examples:
* I will write it in my notebook so that I don't forget.
* Please speak in a louder voice so that everyone can hear.
* ~tame ni: Used for strong goals, purposes, or benefits (For the sake of/In order to).
* Examples:
* I am saving money in order to buy a house.
* I quit school in order to work.Day 05: Social Commonality, Commands, and Prayers
* ~you ni (As…): Often used in opening sentences to refer to shared information.
* Examples:
* As everyone knows, the exam content will change.
* As written here, next Thursday's class is morning only.
* As I discussed before, tuition will increase starting next year.
* ~you ni (Command): Expresses a light command or request.
* Examples:
* Please (command) come earlier tomorrow.
* Please do not smoke here.
* In case you are late, please contact us.
* ~you ni (Prayer): Expresses a wish, hope, or prayer.
* Examples:
* I hope I can pass the exam.
* I hope my mother's illness gets better.
* I hope I don't catch the influenza.Day 06: Intentions and Refusals
* ~you to omou: Indicates the speaker's intention or plan.
* Examples:
* I am thinking of quitting the company.
* I am thinking of returning to my country next year.
* ~you to suru: Indicates an action about to happen or an attempt to do something.
* Examples:
* Oh, Pochi is about to bite your shoe.
* When I was about to board the train, the doors closed.
* When I try to leave, Pochi always barks.
* ~you to shinai: Indicates a total lack of intention or refusal to do something.
* Examples:
* What's wrong with Pochi? He won't try to eat his food.
* He won't say anything about himself.
DAY 7 TO DAY 12: LIMITATIONS, QUOTATIONS, AND SPECIFIC DESCRIPTIONS
Day 07: Emphasis and Exclusivity
* ~bakari: Indicates that something is done exclusively or repeatedly (Only/Nothing but).
* Examples:
* The customers in this shop are only women.
* My younger brother does nothing but watch TV.
* My son does nothing but play and won't work.
* ~dake shika: Provides strong emphasis on "only."
* Examples:
* Only members can enter this concert.
* Only customer came today.
* ~sae: Even/Also. Often used in negative contexts to show surprise or frustration.
* Examples:
* Since I can't even write hiragana, I certainly can't write kanji.
* I decided to quit without even consulting my parents.
* Even a child knows such a thing.
* ~koso: Used for strong emphasis (Precisely/Just/Definitely).
* Examples:
* Precisely in difficult times, there is a chance to learn important things.
* It is precisely because there is love that I scold you.
* I will definitely study tomorrow (not today, tomorrow for sure!).Day 08: Topics and Causes
* ~ni tsuite: About/Concerning.
* Examples:
* I am studying Japanese culture.
* Read the "Precautions Regarding the Exam."
* ~ni kanshite: Regarding/In relation to. More formal than ~ni tsuite.
* Examples:
* I read a thesis regarding agriculture.
* Are there any opinions regarding this problem?
* Regarding the cause of this accident, it is currently under investigation.
* ~ni yoru to / ~ni yoreba: According to (source of information).
* Examples:
* According to the weather forecast, tomorrow will be clear.
* According to the TV flash news, that earthquake was a level on the intensity scale.
* ~ni yotte: Indicates method, cause, or dependency (By way of/Because of/Depending on).
* Examples:
* He overcame his illness through effort.
* The roof was blown off because of the typhoon.
* Ways of thinking differ depending on the person.Day 09: Nominalization and Adjective Transformations
* Adjective to Noun (~sa): Changes an adjective to a noun, often representing a degree or characteristic.
* Rules: KS-i (~i to ~sa), KS-na (~da to ~sa).
* Examples: Ureshisa (Happiness), Atsusa (Heat), Amasa (Sweetness), Majimesa (Seriousness). Note: Ii becomes Yosa.
* Adjective to Noun (~mi): Changes an adjective to a noun, specifically describing a state or quality.
* Examples:
* Tanaka-san's strength (Tsuyomi) is being able to speak languages.
* Even after the war ended, the suffering (Kurushimi) of this country continues.
* ~koto: Nominalizes verbs or sentences (Thing/Fact/About).
* Examples:
* I have a question regarding next week's test.
* Do you know the fact that Tanaka-san was hospitalized?
* ~no: Used as a nominalizer, more casual than ~koto.
* Note: Cannot replace ~koto when it is part of a specific fixed grammar pattern.
* Examples:
* I completely forgot to call Tanaka-san.
* I don't really like going to crowded places on Sundays.Day 10: Definitions and Hearsay
* ~to iu: Called/Named/Meaning.
* Examples:
* There was a call from a person named Kimura-san earlier.
* This is a Japanese instrument called a "shakuhachi."
* It means that money is not needed; it is free.
* ~to iu no wa: What is meant by… (Defining terms).
* Examples:
* "Dejikame" is a shortened way of saying digital camera.
* A: "What does 'Kakutei' mean regarding trains?" B: "It refers to the train that stops at every station."
* ~to iu koto / ~to iu no: Nominalizing a whole sentence to be a subject or object.
* Examples:
* I didn't know the fact that Tanaka-san is a doctor.
* The fact that you are late this often is a problem.
* I was surprised to hear that Rin-san is returning home.Day 11: Nuances and Revisions
* ~to iu yori: More than… / Rather than… (Used to correct or clarify a description).
* Examples:
* The car in front is so slow, it looks like it's crawling rather than driving.
* Today was more cold than cool.
* It's not that that student can't do it, but rather he just has no motivation.
* ~to iu to / ~to ieba / ~to ittara: Speaking of… / If you mention…
* Examples:
* When speaking of Japanese food, I think sushi is the most famous.
* When you mention summer fruits, it has to be watermelon.
* When you say Kyoto, I imagine temples.
* ~to ittemo: Even though one says… / Although one might say…
* Examples:
* I traveled last weekend. Even though I say "traveled," I just went to a nearby hot spring.
* I'm busy this week. Although I say I'm busy, it's not as bad as last week.Day 12: Indirect Commands and Requests
* ~te goran: Try to… (Used by superiors to subordinates, parents to children).
* Examples:
* If you don't understand, try asking the teacher.
* Try doing it one more time.
* ~you ni iu: Tell someone to do (indirect command/request).
* Examples:
* Please tell Tanaka-san to come to my room.
* I was told by my wife not to smoke in the house.
* ~te kure to / ~nai de kure to + iwareru/tanomareru: Being told or asked specifically to/not to do an action.
* Examples:
* I was asked by my friend to tell him Tanaka-san's phone number.
* I was told by the landlord not to park the bicycle in front of the entrance.
* ~to iwareru (Prohibition/Imperative): To be told (to do/not to do) using imperative forms.
* Examples:
* I was told by the doctor not to drink alcohol.
* I was told by the teacher to study harder.
* I was warned by my father to go home earlier.
DAY 13 TO DAY 18: STATES OF BEING, MANNER, AND REGRET
Day 13: Concessions and Absence
* ~temo: Even if / Although.
* Examples:
* Because I need it, I will buy it even if it is expensive.
* Although I researched it, I didn't understand, so I asked the teacher.
* Because I have no money, I won't buy it even if it's half price.
* Donna ni… ~temo / Ikura… ~temo: No matter how much… / No matter what…
* Examples:
* No matter how much sake I drink, my face color doesn't change.
* No matter how hot it is, I turn off the AC when I sleep.
* No matter how much I practice the guitar I started learning, I don't get better.
* ~zu ni: Without doing. A formal/stiff version of ~nai de.
* Rules: Verb-nai (drop nai, add zu ni). Suru becomes sezu ni.
* Examples:
* Since I wrote it without using a dictionary, I have no confidence.
* Last night, I accidentally fell asleep without brushing my teeth.
* I went out without taking an umbrella.Day 14: Perspectives and Suppositions
* ~toshite: As / In the capacity of.
* Examples:
* He is famous as a singer.
* He is a foreigner, but he appears in matches as a representative of Japan.
* She is great as a woman and an actress, but how about as a wife?
* ~ni shite wa: For a… / Considering that… (Unexpected result based on a standard).
* Examples:
* For a foreigner, his Japanese is very good.
* For a first time, you did very well.
* Did you wash this? Considering you did, it's not very clean.
* ~ni shitemo: Even so / Even for… (Acknowledging a point but adding another perspective).
* Examples:
* I heard he'd be late, but even so, Tanaka-san is very late!
* Even at yen, I think this is expensive.
* ~to shitara / ~to sureba: If… / Assuming… / If it were the case that…
* Examples:
* If you go by plane, about how much does it cost?
* If that story is true, I am happy.Day 15: Expectations and Shoulds
* ~tsumori datta: I was planning to… / I intended to… (But it turned out otherwise).
* Examples:
* Yesterday I was planning to go shopping, but because my head ached, I stayed home.
* I intended not to eat the snack, but I accidentally did.
* ~hazu: Should be / Must be (Expectation/Certainty).
* Examples:
* Tanaka-san is on a trip now, so he should not be at home.
* The serious Tanaka-san would not possibly take a day off without permission (hazu ga nai).
* ~beki: Should / Ought to (General duty or advice).
* Rule: Suru beki or Subeki.
* Examples:
* Promises should be kept.
* Toys should first of all be safe.
* If the job is not interesting, I don't think you should continue.
* ~ta mono da: Used to… (Nostalgic recollection of the past).
* Examples:
* When I was a child, I used to play in the river often.
* In my student days, I used to go to the library every day.
* In the past, I used to have sibling fights with my older brother often.Day 16: Timing and Simultaneous Actions
* ~tsuide ni: While / On the occasion of… (Doing a primary action and doing a second minor action).
* Examples:
* While out for a walk, would you mind mailing this letter?
* While I went to the post office, I bought some postcards.
* ~tabi ni: Every time / Whenever.
* Examples:
* Every time I go shopping, I get a lot of bags.
* Every time I hear this song, it reminds me of my hometown.
* ~ta totan: Just as / The moment that… (Unexpected result follows immediate action).
* Examples:
* As soon as I opened the window, a strong wind blew in.
* The moment I drank the sake, my face turned red.
* Just as I left the house, it started to rain.
* ~saichuu ni: In the middle of / Right while doing…
* Examples:
* In the middle of the meal, a guest arrived.
* He often dozes off in the middle of meetings.
* Right while we were having a meeting, the cell phone rang.Day 17: States and Continuations
* ~toori / ~dori: In accordance with / Just as…
* Examples:
* It started snowing. It's just as the forecast said.
* Do exactly as I say!
* As the teacher said, the exam was difficult.
* I came according to the map my friend drew, but I got lost.
* ~mama: Remaining in a state / Left as is.
* Examples:
* Last night, I fell asleep with the TV on.
* These vegetables are delicious even eaten raw (in their raw state).
* I borrowed a book from my friend and still haven't returned it (left in a borrowed state).
* ~ppanashi: Leaving something on/as it is (Often indicates neglect or dissatisfaction).
* Examples:
* I left the house with the window open.
* Please don't leave the water running.
* I've been standing the whole time; is it okay if I don't sit?
* ~kiri: Only / Just (Used for limited quantity or frequency).
* Examples:
* I want to talk with just the two of us.
* I've only met him once.
* How a person lives their once-in-a-lifetime life is a matter of individual freedom.Day 18: Desires and Pretenses
* ~garu: Describes the feelings or desires of a third person.
* Examples:
* Tanaka-san says he wants to meet you.
* My son doesn't want to go to school at all.
* Don't be afraid (kowagaranaide).
* My son has been wanting a new toy since yesterday.
* ~te hoshii: I want (someone else) to do something.
* Examples:
* I want you to show me the textbook.
* There is something I want you to tell me.
* I have a photo I want you to see.
* ~furi wo suru: To pretend / To act as if.
* Examples:
* He pretends to know about that, but I think he actually doesn't.
* Tanaka-san pretends to be single, but he is married with children.
DAY 19 TO DAY 24: PERSPECTIVES, CAUSATION, AND DEFINITIONS
Day 19: Viewpoints and Disparities
* ~ni totte: For / To (From the perspective of).
* Examples:
* To you, what is the most important thing?
* For the people around here, a car is a necessity.
* For me, studying kanji is very fun.
* ~wari ni: Despite / For / Considering… (Discrepancy between expectation and reality).
* Examples:
* Considering his age, he looks young.
* Despite saying he has no money, he shops a lot.
* ~kuse ni: Although / Despite (Used to mock, belittle, or express annoyance).
* Examples:
* Although he knows, he won't tell me.
* Despite being healthy, he pretends to be sick.
* Sato-san is Japanese, yet his Japanese is strange.
* ~nanka / ~nante / ~nado: Typical examples, or things trivialized/belittled.
* Examples:
* You shouldn't wear makeup or anything like that.
* "Are you crying?" "I'm not crying or anything!"
* I hate things like natto.
* I can't do things like giving a speech in Japanese.Day 20: Reasons and Substitutions
* ~okage de: Thanks to / Because of (Positive result).
* Examples:
* Thanks to the teacher, I passed.
* Thanks to coming to Japan, my Japanese improved.
* Thanks to taking the medicine, I became completely healthy.
* ~sei de: Because of / Due to / Gara-gara (Negative result/Fault).
* Examples:
* Due to the bus being late, I didn't make it in time for my appointment.
* Perhaps because I am tired, my head hurts (sei ka).
* Because of him, this company is likely to go bankrupt.
* ~kawari ni: Instead of / In exchange for.
* Examples:
* Since I came by car, please give me juice instead of beer.
* In exchange for working Sunday, I took today off.
* ~ni kawatte: On behalf of / As a representative of (Specifically for people/actors).
* Examples:
* On behalf of the manager who is on a business trip, I will give the greeting.
* Soccer has become popular on behalf of (replacing) baseball.Day 21: Degrees and Comparisons
* ~kurai / ~hodo: To the extent that… / About… / So much so that…
* Examples:
* That's about the size of a grain of rice.
* This detergent removes dirt so well it's interesting.
* I ate until I was sick of it.
* I have so much homework I feel like crying.
* ~hodo (~wa nai): Comparing something to show it is the "most."
* Examples:
* Younger people (more than older) tend to oversleep.
* The older traditional items are, the more value they have.
* ~ba… ~hodo: The more… the more…
* Examples:
* The more I know him, the more I like him.
* The fewer bags/luggage, the better.
* The easier the exam is, the happier I am.
* ~kurai / ~hodo… wa nai: There is nothing as… as… (Superlative).
* Examples:
* There is no one as kind as her.
* There has never been a year with as much snow as this one.
* There is nothing as fun as playing games.Day 22: Advice and Emphasis
* ~koto wa nai: No need to… / Not necessary to…
* Examples:
* There is no need for you to apologize.
* It's not necessary to come; sending it by mail is fine.
* No need to rush. It's okay to go slowly.
* ~to iu koto da: It means that… / I heard that… (Formal hearsay or definition).
* Examples:
* There was a call from Tanaka-san; he said he'll be a little late.
* The exam result is , which means you passed.
* ~koto da: Should / Best to (Giving advice or warnings).
* Examples:
* You should keep warm and rest well.
* You should not push yourself too hard.
* If you are worried about your health, you should eat more vegetables.
* ~koto ka: How…! / What a…! (Emphasizing emotion or frequency).
* Examples:
* If I can pass, how happy I will be!
* How many times have I warned him! (I've warned him so many times).Day 23: Casual Hearsay and Choices
* ~kke: Used to confirm something the speaker forgot (Was it…? I recall…).
* Examples:
* Was it next week that you are returning to your country?
* Regarding tomorrow's party, did I talk to you about it?
* ~shika nai: No choice but to… / Only option left is…
* Examples:
* I just have to do it until I can.
* Since it can't be fixed, I have no choice but to buy a new one.
* I missed the last train, so I have to go home by taxi.
* ~ndatte: I heard… / They say… (Casual spoken hearsay).
* Examples:
* I heard Tanaka-san got married.
* They say the exam range is from the start of the textbook to page .
* ~da mon: Because… / So… (Casual explanation, often used by children or in friendly speech).
* Examples:
* "Why aren't you eating?" "Because it tastes bad!"
* I couldn't do today's exam. Because I didn't study… it's unavoidable.
* "Don't eat too many snacks." "But they're delicious!"Day 24: Logical Connections
* Tsumari: In other words / That is to say.
* Examples:
* My father's elder brother, in other words, my uncle, is a doctor.
* I was told not to come to the company from tomorrow. In other words, I'm fired.
* Sono tame: For that reason / Because of that.
* Examples:
* There was an accident at the next station. Because of that, the train is late.
* I intend to study abroad. For that reason, I am working part-time to save money.
* Sono kekka: As a result / Consequently.
* Examples:
* My father exerted many times more effort than others. As a result, he succeeded in his work.
* I continued a diet for months. As a result, I lost kilos.
* Naze nara: The reason is… / Because…
* Examples:
* I plan to return home next week. The reason is I'm attending a best friend's wedding.
* I changed schools. Why? Because there was no class at my level.
DAY 25 TO DAY 30: COMPARISONS, COMPLETION, AND CONJUNCTIONS
Day 25: Range and Contrast
* ~wa mochiron: Of course… but also… / Needless to say…
* Examples:
* He is good at studying, of course, but he is also good at sports.
* Cabbage is of course delicious stir-fried, but it's also good raw.
* ~bakari ka: Not only… but even… / Let alone…
* Examples:
* That shop not only has bad taste, but the staff's attitude is also terrible.
* Santos-san is not only fluent in Japanese but also Chinese.
* I can't write kanji, let alone hiragana.
* ~ni kurabete: Compared to…
* Examples:
* Compared to last year, the exam questions became easier.
* Compared to buying at a store, mail-order is convenient but has drawbacks.
* Compared to men, women generally have a longer lifespan.
* ~ni taishite: Toward / In contrast to.
* Examples:
* Tanaka-sensei is strict toward students.
* In contrast to the serious eldest son, the second son just plays and skips school.Day 26: Sub-Verbs for Completion
* ~ageru / ~agaru: To finish doing something completely.
* Examples:
* I finally finished writing the report.
* The cake is finished baking.
* My job is to carry the finished (cooked) food.
* ~kiru: To do something to the very end / To do completely (exhaustion).
* Examples:
* There's so much rice, I can't finish eating it.
* I finished reading a long novel in days.
* He looks completely exhausted (tsukare-kitta).
* ~kake: Unfinished / In the middle of / About to.
* Examples:
* My son left his unfinished homework and went out to play.
* This book is still half-read.
* The phone rang just as I was about to enter the bath.
* ~tate: Just finished / Freshly done (Usually positive).
* Examples:
* That supermarket sells freshly picked vegetables.
* That tempura is freshly fried, so it's delicious.
* Freshly baked bread is delicious.Day 27: Regrets and Hopes
* ~to ii naa / ~ba ii naa: I hope… / It would be nice if…
* Examples:
* It would be nice if I could speak Japanese better.
* I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow.
* ~ba yokatta: Should have… (Regret over not doing something).
* Examples:
* I was late. I should have left home earlier.
* I shouldn't have said such a thing to Tanaka-san.
* ~ba noni: If only… / You should have… (Expressing disappointment/unrealized potential).
* Examples:
* Yesterday's party was fun! You should have come too.
* If only it were a little cheaper, I would buy it.
* You should have tried harder and told her you liked her then.
* ~kanaa: I wonder (Inquiry or desire).
* Examples:
* I wonder if the bus will come soon.
* I wonder if this experiment will go well.
* I wonder if Mt. Fuji will be visible today.Day 28: Limits and Locations
* ~made: Until / Even (Including unexpected things).
* Examples:
* There are minutes until the movie starts.
* I'll wait until I hear from you.
* You can eat this fish even to the bones.
* Even you suspect me?
* ~kara ~ni kakete: From… through… (Spanning across time or space).
* Examples:
* It will rain from noon through the evening tomorrow.
* The rainy season has started from Kyushu through Honshu.
* Cherries can be seen from mid-March through the end of April.
* ~ni oite: At / In (Formal version of particle de).
* Examples:
* An international conference was held in Osaka.
* Results will be announced on the homepage.
* What do you think is the most important thing in life?Day 29: Hypotheticals and Analogies
* Tatoe… ~temo: Even if / Even assuming (Hypothetical extreme).
* Examples:
* Even if I am opposed, I will study abroad.
* Even if I am not well, I write in letters to my family that I am fine.
* Moshikasuru to / Moshikashitara: Perhaps / Maybe / It's possible that…
* Examples:
* Perhaps his story is a lie.
* Maybe I won't be able to go tomorrow.
* ~to wa kagiranai: Not necessarily… / Not always…
* Examples:
* Being rich doesn't necessarily mean being happy.
* Expensive things are not necessarily good things.
* Just because you lived abroad doesn't mean you'll become fluent in English.
* Maru de… ~you / ~mitai: Just like / As if (Analogy).
* Examples:
* I passed! It's just like a dream.
* I can't understand what you're saying at all (maru de… nai).
* His Japanese sounds just as if a Japanese person were speaking.Day 30: Transition and Conjunctions
* Dakedo: But / However (Casual).
* Examples:
* I want to go on a trip, but I don't have free time.
* I often go to karaoke, but I'm bad at singing.
* Desu kara: Therefore / So (Polite).
* Examples:
* The forecast says rain from the afternoon, so you should take an umbrella.
* I'm traveling from tomorrow, so I can't attend next week's party.
* Tokoro ga: However / But (Unexpected turn).
* Examples:
* I intended to go to the concert last night, but I couldn't go because of illness.
* I thought Tanaka-san was younger than me, but he was years older.
* Tokoro de: By the way (Changing the subject).
* Examples:
* This year is almost over! By the way, what are you doing for New Year's?
* Good luck on the exam! By the way, are you free next Monday?
DAY 31 TO DAY 36: CONDITIONALS, MODALITY, AND EMPHATIC NEGATION
Day 31: Conditionals
* Moshi… ~ta nara: If / Supposing… (Counterfactual).
* Examples:
* If I had taken the exam, I think I would have passed.
* If he weren't the president, I think the company would have collapsed.
* If I hadn't studied abroad, I'd probably be married in my country by now.
* Moshi… ~to shitemo / ~to shitatte: Even if it were the case that…
* Examples:
* Even if I could take a holiday, I wouldn't plan to travel.
* Even if I had a lot of money, I wouldn't buy such a thing.
* Even if they made it to the finals, winning would be difficult.
* Moshimo… ~nara / ~temo: If by any chance… (Emphatic if).
* Examples:
* If I were to be reborn, I'd want to be a man.
* What should I do if something (moshimo no koto) happens to the child?
* Even if an earthquake occurs, this house is strong and won't fall.Day 32: Decisions and Partial Admissions
* ~koto ni naru: It has been decided… (External decision/fate).
* Examples:
* It has been decided that a meeting about the new project will be held tomorrow.
* I have been transferred to Osaka (it has been decided).
* ~koto ni suru: I have decided to… (Internal/personal decision).
* Examples:
* I have decided to jog for minutes every morning.
* "Aren't you going shopping?" "No, I decided to go tomorrow instead."
* ~koto wa… ga: It is true that… but… (Partial admission).
* Examples:
* As for the piano, I can play it, but I'm not good.
* This bag is indeed expensive, but it's very easy to use.
* I am indeed at home tomorrow, but I have to do work.
* ~nai koto wa nai: It's not that I don't… / It's not impossible to…
* Examples:
* It's not that I don't eat chicken, but I don't like it much.
* If we run, it's not impossible to make it in time.
* It's not that I can't drive, but I hardly ever do.Day 33: Discoveries and Timings
* ~ta tokoro: When I did… (Resulting in a discovery).
* Examples:
* When I asked the teacher about the test range, I was told it's up to Lesson .
* When I went to the dentist because of tooth pain, it turned out to be a bad cavity.
* ~tokoro datta: Was just about to… / Almost…
* Examples:
* I was almost late.
* If I were seconds later, I would have missed the train.
* I was so close to passing the exam…
* ~te hajimete: Only after… did I first…
* Examples:
* Only after being warned by the teacher did I first notice the kanji mistake.
* Only after seeing Kabuki did I first take an interest in Japanese culture.
* Only after living alone did I first understand the gratitude I owe my parents.
* ~uchi ni: While / Before (While a state persists).
* Examples:
* While I haven't forgotten, I'll make a memo.
* Come home while it is still light out.
* While listening to it many times, I memorized the lyrics.Day 34: Explanations and Justifications
* ~wake da: That's why / No wonder (Logical conclusion).
* Examples:
* No wonder it's hot. The temperature is degrees.
* "I heard Tanaka-san was dumped by his girlfriend." "I see, that's why he has no energy."
* ~wake dewa nai: It doesn't mean that… / It's not the case that…
* Examples:
* It's not that I hate meat, but I don't eat it much.
* It's not that I don't watch TV, but I listen to music more.
* It's not that I was sleeping; I was thinking of something else.
* ~wake ga nai: There is no way that… / Impossible that…
* Examples:
* There is no way we can win against a strong opponent.
* "Is this bread old?" "There's no way it's old, I bought it yesterday!"
* ~wake niwa ikanai: Cannot… (Due to social/moral obligation or circumstance).
* Examples:
* Because there is an important meeting, I cannot afford to be absent.
* Because it's the president's order, I cannot fail to obey.Day 35: Strong Negations
* Kesshite… nai: Never / By no means / Certainly not.
* Examples:
* I will never give up on my dream.
* "I will certainly not tell a lie," he said.
* I will never forget what you have done for me.
* Mattaku… nai: Not at all / Completely not.
* Examples:
* I cannot swim at all.
* I have absolutely no idea why he's angry.
* I made a completely new plan, different from the previous one.
* Mettani… nai: Rarely / Seldom.
* Examples:
* A chance like this rarely comes along.
* I'm so busy I can rarely take a day off.
* She rarely gets sick, yet it seems she's hospitalized.
* Sukoshi mo… nai: Not even a little / Not in the least.
* Examples:
* I don't understand the English that person speaks even a little bit.
* I'm not worried about the style (physique) in the least.
* I can only speak a little (sukoshi shika) Japanese.Day 36: Additional Connectors
* Ato / Sore to: And / Also / In addition to that.
* Examples:
* Give me lettuce and tomatoes. And also bag of green peppers.
* I've done what I was told. What should I do next?
* "Is that everyone for today?" "Also, I think Tanaka-san is coming."
* Soretomo: Or (Used between two choices in a question).
* Examples:
* Would you like coffee? Or would you like tea?
* Shall we do it next week? Or is the week after better?
* Shall we decide by discussion? Or can I just decide?
* Sono ue: Furthermore / What's more / On top of that.
* Examples:
* The food at this shop is delicious. Furthermore, the price is cheap.
* He is smart. What's more, he's good at all sports.
* He's handsome, good at singing, and on top of that, he's smart.
* She can speak English, and furthermore, her Japanese is good.
Questions & Discussion
- Inquiry on Vocabulary Meaning (Day 10/Page 36):
* Question: "What does the word 'Kakutei' mean when referring to trains?"
* Response: It refers to the train that stops at every single station (local train). - Clarification on News (Day 23/Page 86):
* Prompt: "I heard Tanaka-san got married."
* Response: "Oh? I didn't know that." - Asking about Food Choice (Day 23/Page 87):
* Prompt: "Why aren't you eating?"
* Response: "Because it tastes bad!" - Self-Dialogue on Waiting (Day 27/Page 103):
* Prompt: "I wonder if the bus will come soon." - Conversation on Attendance (Day 34/Page 126):
* Prompt: "I heard Tanaka-san was dumped by his girlfriend."
* Response: "Ah, I see. That explains why he has no energy (that's how I know why)."