Shin Kanzen Master Grammar JLPT N3 Study Guide

Publication and Copyright Information

Shin Kanzen Master Grammar JLPT N3Authors: Tomomatsu Etsuko, Fukushima Sachi, and Nakamura Kaori Publisher: 3A Corporation Location: Trusty Kojimachi Bldg., 2F, 4, Kojimachi 3-Chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan ISBN: 978-4-88319-610-4 C0081 First Published: 2012 Copyright: ©2012 by Tomomatsu Etsuko, Fukushima Sachi, and Nakamura Kaori. All rights reserved. Price: 1,200 Yen (excluding tax)

Introduction to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test, established in 1984, measures the Japanese language skills of non-native speakers. In 2010, the test was significantly restructured to emphasize practical usage and operational ability alongside theoretical knowledge.

JLPT N3 Structure and Timing:

• Language Knowledge (Vocabulary): $30$ minutes.
• Language Knowledge (Grammar) & Reading: $70$ minutes.
• Listening Comprehension: $40$ minutes.

Grammar is tested within the second section and consists of three question types:

1. Grammar in the Sentence I: Choosing the correct grammatical form to fit a sentence.
2. Grammar in the Sentence II: Correctly composing a sentence by arranging provided phrases.
3. Grammar in Longer Text: Selecting words to ensure the internal cohesion of a passage.

Book Structure and Study Style

The learning material is divided into three primary parts designed to build skills progressively:

• Introduction to Question Types (啁題照介): Overview of question formats and solving strategies.
• Skills Development (実力養成編): Divided into three sections covering sentence-level grammar and paragraph-level grammar.
• Mock Tests (模擬試験): Comprehensive tests mirroring the actual examination format.

Suggested Study Times:

• Part 1 (Grammar in Sentence I): Two $50$-minute classes per chapter.
• Part 2 (Grammar in Sentence II): One $50$-minute class per chapter.
• Part 3 (Grammar in Longer Text): Two $50$-minute classes per chapter.

Part 1: Grammar in the Sentence I — Grammatical Forms by Semantic Function

Chapter 1: Time (~ とき)

1. ~うちに

Meaning A: To do something before a state changes.

• Conjunctive forms: $\text{Verb Dictionary Form / ている / ない Form / イ-Adj / ナ-Adj (な) / N (の)} + \text{うちに}$
• Definition: Indicates an intentional action taken while a current state persists.
• Example: Eat the ice cream before it melts ($\text{溶けないうちに}$).

Meaning B: A change happens during a continuous process.

• Definition: While a state is continuing, something else changes without the speaker's volition.
• Example: Falling asleep while listening to music ($\text{音楽を聞いているうちに}$).

2. ~間 (あいだ) and ~間に (あいだに)

• Meaning (~ 間): Indicates a continuous action or state that occurs throughout the entire duration of another state.
• Meaning (~ 間に): Indicates a momentary action or change that occurs at some point within the duration of another state.
• Conjunctive forms: $\text{N (の) / Verb Dictionary Form / ている / ない Form} + \text{間 / 間に}$

3. ~てからでないと / ~てからでなければ

• Definition: Until or unless something happens, a subsequent action or state cannot occur. Used in negative or restrictive contexts.
• Example: I cannot decide whether to buy it until I consult my family ($\text{家族と相談してからでないと}$).

4. ~ところだ / ~ところ (+ particle)

• Definition: Indicates specific stages of an action: just before (Dictionary Form), during ($\text{ている}$), or just after ($\text{た}$ Form).
• Variations: $\text{ところを}$ (when an action is interrupted), $\text{ところで}$ (at the moment), $\text{ところへ}$ (arriving/happening precisely when).

Chapter 2: Relationship and Connection (~ と関係して)

1. ~とおり / ~どおり

• Definition: Doing something in the same way or being the same as something else.
• Conjunctive forms: $\text{Verb Dictionary/た/てある/ている} + \text{とおり}$; $\text{N} + \text{どおり}$.

2. ~によって / ~によっては

• Definition: Things change or differ depending on the circumstance. $\text{によっては}$ highlights one specific case among various outcomes.
• Example: Customs differ by country ($\text{国によって}$).

3. ~たびに

• Definition: Every time something happens, something else always happens alongside it. Not used for everyday, mundane occurrences.
• Example: Every time I call ($\text{電話をかけるたびに}$), my mother asks if I'm eating well.

4. (ば)~ほど / (なら)~ほど

• Definition: The more something happens, the more something else happens.
• Conjunctive forms: $\text{Verb Dictionary Form} + \text{ほど}$; $\text{Verb ば-Form} + \text{Verb Dictionary Form} + \text{ほど}$; $\text{イ-Adj ければ} + \text{イ-Adj い} + \text{ほど}$; $\text{ナ-Adj なら} + \text{ナ-Adj な} + \text{ほど}$.

5. ~ついでに

• Definition: While doing a primary intentional action, one takes the opportunity to do a secondary action.
• Example: While cleaning the entrance ($\text{掃除をするついでに}$), let's organize the shoes.

Chapter 3: Comparison and Preferences (~ 比べれば…~がいちばん)

1. ~くらい / ~ぐらい / ~ほど

• Definition: Expressing the extent or degree of a situation by using an example or metaphor.
• Example: So thin her arm looks like it might break ($\text{折めそうなくらい}$).

2. ~くらい…はない / ~ほど…はない

• Definition: Indicates that nothing else reaches the level of the item being discussed (subjective "best" or "worst").
• Example: There is nothing as unpleasant as a test ($\text{テストほどいやなものはない}$).

3. ~くらいなら / ~ぐらいなら

• Definition: Compared to the bad situation of A, B is slightly better.
• Example: If I have to make my own lunch every morning, I'd rather have a convenience store bento ($\text{自分で弁当を作るくらいなら}$).

4. ~に限る (にかぁる)

• Definition: This is the best method or the best thing to do (subjective opinion).
• Example: Movies are best seen in a theater ($\text{映画館で見るに限る}$).

Chapter 4: Contrast (~ とは違って)

1. ~に寳して (にたいして)

• Definition: Contrasts two things or people clearly.
• Example: Yesterday it rained in Osaka, unlike Tokyo where the weather was good ($\text{大阪では大雨だったのに寳して}$).

2. ~反面 (はんめん)

• Definition: Presents two opposing sides of a single proposition.
• Example: City life is interesting but also stressful ($\u90FD会の生活は面白い…\text{反面、ストレスも多い}$).

3. ~一方 (いっぽう)

• Definition: Indicates that two things are happening simultaneously or that two sides exist. Similar to $\text{反面}$ when contrasting opposite qualities.

4. ~というより

• Definition: Indicates that one description is more appropriate than another; "rather than A, it is more like B."

5. ~かわりに

• Definition: On one hand A, but on the other hand B (balancing factors); or doing B instead of the usual A.

Chapter 5: Cause and Reason (~ だから)

1. ~ためだ / ~ため (に)

• Definition: Indicates a cause or reason leading to a result. Slightly formal; not used for the speaker's hopes or intentions.

2. ~によって / ~による

• Definition A (Cause): Formal way to state a cause resulting in a state or event.
• Definition B (Means): Indicates the method or means by which something is done.

3. ~から / ~ことから

• Definition: A result occurs or a judgment is made based on a certain fact.
• Example: I knew they were parent and child because they look alike ($\text{顔がよく似ていることから}$).

4. ~おかげだ (おかげで) and ~せいだ (せいで)

• Definition: $\text{おかげ}$ is used for positive results ("thanks to"); $\text{せい}$ is used for negative results ("because of/due to").

5. ~のだから

• Definition: States a fact known to the listener as a reason for a subsequent judgment, hope, or inducement.
• Example: You are injured, so do not push yourself ($\text{けがをしているんだから}$).

Chapter 6: Hypothesicals (~ もし)

1. ~(の)なら

• Definition: "In light of that information…" Based on what someone said or a visible situation, the speaker makes a suggestion or judgment.

2. ~ては / ~(の)では

• Definition: If a certain fact or situation exists, an unwanted or negative outcome can be expected.

3. ~さえ~ば / ~さえ~なら

• Definition: Indicates the minimum condition required for something to happen. "If only…"
• Example: If you only have money ($\text{お金さえあれば}$), you won't struggle.

4. たとえ~ても

• Definition: Even if a certain condition is met, the result remains unchanged.

5. ~ば / ~たら / ~なら (過去形 / Counterfactual)

• Definition: Used for hypothetical or unrealized propositions. "If I had… I would have…"

Chapter 7: Hearsay (— だそうだ)

1. ~ということだ / ~とのことだ

• Definition: More formal than $\text{だそうだ}$. $\text{とのことだ}$ is often used in letters or personal messages.

2. ~と言われている

• Definition: Indicates a general consensus or what people say in general.

3. ~とか

• Definition: Based on unconfirmed hearsay or rumors.

4. ~って

• Definition: Casual, colloquial form for quoting or hearsay.

5. ~という

• Definition: Formal written form for hearsay.

Chapter 8: Absolute Negation and Certainty

1. ~はずがない / ~わけがない

• Definition: Strong negation based on the speaker's secondary conviction. "Definitely not possible."

2. ~とは限らない (とはかぎらない)

• Definition: It is not always the case; there could be exceptions. Often paired with $\text{必ず (かならず)}$ or $\text{いつも}$.

3. ~わけではない / ~というわけではない / ~のではない

• Definition: Clarifies that while circumstances might suggest B, the reality is not completely B. "It's not that…, but…"

4. ~ないことはない

• Definition: Double negative used for mild affirmation. "It's not impossible to…"

5. ~ことは~が、…

• Definition: "It is true that A, but…" Used when the first fact is admitted but not considered important.

Chapter 9: Desires (— と望む)

1. ~てもらいたい / ~ていただきたい / ~てほしい

• Definition: Wishing for another's action or service.

2. ~(さ)せてもらいたい / ~(さ)せていただきたい / ~(さ)せてほしい

• Definition: Wishing to be allowed to do something.

3. ~といい / ~ばいい / ~たらいい

• Definition A: Hope for an outcome beyond the speaker's control.
• Definition B: Recommending an action to another person.

Chapter 10: Commands, Prohibitions, and Advice

1. Imperative ($しろ$) / Prohibitive ($〜な$)

• Usage: Strong commands used by men, or in emergencies, supportive cheering, and public warning signs.

2. ~こと

• Usage: Formal orders, rules, or instructions often seen on public notices.

3. ~べきだ / ~べきではない

• Definition: Doing something is the natural or moral course of action. Based on personal judgment rather than specific laws.

4. ~たらどうか

• Definition: Mild advice or suggestion. Can be used as criticism if the targeted action has been ignored.

Chapter 11: Intentions and Habits

1. ~ことにする / ~ことにしている

• Definition: Making a decision. $\text{ことにしている}$ indicates the decision has become a habit or rule.

2. ~ようにする / ~ようにしている

• Definition: Aiming or trying to do/not do something. $\text{ようにしている}$ indicates continued effort.

3. ~(よ)うとする

• Definition: Attempting to do, or being on the verge of doing something.

4. ~つもよだ

• Definition: Regardless of reality, this is the speaker's belief or feeling about their status or action.

Chapter 12: Honorific Language (敬語)

1. Respectful Language (尊敬語): Used for the actions of superiors (e.g., $\text{お弰りになる}$, $\text{召し上がる}$). 2. Humble Language 1 (謙譲語1): Speaker's actions affecting a superior (e.g., $\text{お借りする}$, $\text{拝見する}$). 3. Humble Language 2 (謙譲語2): Speaker's actions described politely to a superior (e.g., $\text{参ります}$, $\text{申します}$). 4. Polite Language (丁寧語): Neutral polite forms like $\text{でございます}$.

Part 1: Sections A – J Grammar Organization

A. Particles:

• こそ: Emphasizes a specific item in contrast to others.
• さえ: Emphasizes an extreme example; also used for minimal conditions.
• も: Emphasizes negation or indicates similarity via an extreme example.
• でも: Suggests one example among several options; also used for extreme examples.
• まで: Emphasizes an unexpected range or limit.
• くらい / ぐらい: Indicates a low degree or minimal level.
• など / なんか: Suggests one of many alternatives; can express humility or dismissal.
• だけ: Indicates limitation or the maximum level.

B. Words acting like Particles:

• ~ について: Regarding/about a topic.
• ~ に寳して: Regarding an object of action/attitude; also used for contrast.
• ~ にとって: From the perspective of.
• ~ として: In the capacity/role/status of.

C. Uses of こと and の:

• こと is used in phrases like $\text{ことだ}$ and specific grammar patterns ($\text{ことがある}$, $\text{ことはない}$).
• の is used for sensory perceptions ($\text{見る, 聞こえる}$, etc.) and in specific structures emphasizing information ($\text{…のは…だ}$).

E. Uses of もけ:

• $\text{わけだ}$: Indicates a natural conclusion from circumstances.
• $\text{わけにはいかない}$: Social or psychological resistance to doing something.
• $\text{ないわけにはいかない}$: Psychological obligation to do something.

F. Uses of ばかり:

• ~ ばかり: Doing only one thing; emphasizes excess or negative habit.
• ~ ばかりだ: Indicates a continuous trend (often negative) or that everything is ready for a final action.
• ~ たばかり: Just finished an action (subjective feel of time).

Part 2: Sentence Structure

• Quotations: Combining statements using $\text{と言う / 思う}$, $\text{ように頼む}$, or command forms ($\text{しろと言った}$).
• Noun Modification: Using relative clauses and phrases ($\text{Particle} + \text{の} + \text{N}$) to describe nouns accurately.
• ~ という / ~ といった: Used to define names, content ($\text{内容}$), or provide examples ($\text{例示}$).
• Fixed Adverb Patterns: Certain adverbs require specific endings:
  • $\text{全く / けっして / めったに} + \text{Negative Form}$
  • $\text{もしかしたら / おそらく} + \text{かもしもない / だろう}$
  • $\text{まるで} + \text{ようだ}$
  • $\text{せっかく} + \text{のに / のだから}$

Part 3: Grammar in Longer Text

• Correspondence: Ensuring the sentence end matches the beginning (e.g., $\text{…のは…からだ}$).
• Tense: Choosing between plain and $\text{ている}$ forms based on progression, habits, or ongoing states.
• Speaker Perspective:
  • Transitive/Intransitive: Selecting the verb based on whether focus is on the action or the result.
  • ~ てくる / ~ ていく: Indicating movement relative to the speaker or changes over time (past-to-present vs. present-to-future).
  • Passive/Causative/Causative-Passive: Communicating who is affected by an action or who was made/allowed to perform it.
  • Giving/Receiving: ($あげる, もらう, くもる$) Positioning the speaker or someone close to the speaker as the protagonist.
• Cohesion Tools:
  • Ko-So-A: Using "So"-words for previously mentioned topics and "Ko"-words for things close to the speaker.
  • Conjunctions: $\text{また}$ (addition), $\text{したがって}$ (result), $\text{つまり}$ (summary), $\text{だが}$ (contrast).