JLPT N4 Grammar Study Guide

Complete grammar study list for JLPT N4. Master all grammar patterns required for the N4 exam.

68 patterns
1
～し
1) Gives a reason 2) ～し～し strings together two similar/compounding factors 3) ～し～し strings together two opposing factors
2
～そうです
It seems that ～. Usually based on first-hand information.
3
～ようです
It seems that ～. Can be based on first-hand information or hearsay.
4
～らしいです
It seems that ～. Usually based on hearsay.
5
～てみる
Try to ～
6
～なら
If ～. Often used to express an opinion, desire, advice.
7
Period of TimeにFrequency
～ times a ～
8
～が欲しい
To want ～
9
～がる
Used to convey another person's feelings or desires. These feelings or desires are outwardly displayed.
10
～かもしれない
May/Might ～ Probably ～
11
～たらどうですか？
How about ～? Maybe you should ～.
12
Number/Timesも
As many/much as ～. Conveys that this is a lot.
13
～しか～ない
Only ～. Implies a that ～ is not enough.
14
～ておく
To ～ in advance
15
V-よう
Plain volitional form of a verb.
16
～てあげる
To ～ (as a favor for someone)
17
～てくれる
To ～ (as a favor for me)
18
～てもらえる
To ～ (as a favor for me)
19
～てもらう
To have someone ～
20
～て頂ける
To ～ (as a favor for me) (polite)
21
～て頂く
To have someone ～ (polite)
22
～といいです
I hope ～. It would be nice if ～. Used to express one's desire or expectation.
23
～てすみません
Sorry for ～. Sorry that I ～.
24
V-させる
Causitive verb form. To let someone ～. To make someone ～.
25
V-させられる
To be made to ～. Usually has a negative connotation.
26
V-なさい
Do ～. Gives an order/command.
27
～ば
If ～
28
～ても
Eventhough ～. Although ～.
29
～たら
If ～.
30
～なくてもいい
You do not have to ～. It is OK if you do not ～.
31
～みたい
It seems ～.
32
～てしまう
End up ～. Conveys that one did something regrettably.
33
～と
If ～. Used for habitual actions.
34
～ながら
While ～. Used when two actions occur at the same time.
35
V-れば良かった
I should have ～. I Wish I had ～.
36
～てくれてありがとう
Thank you for ～
37
～て良かった
I am glad I could ～. It was good to ～.
38
～はずです
Should be ～. Should have ～.
39
～ないで
Please do not ～. Plain form of ～ないでください。
40
～かどうか
Whether or not ～, If ～ or not
41
～という
Modifying phrase meaning "called ～", "the so called ～"
42
Vやすい
Easy to ～
43
Vにくい
Difficult to ～
44
～える
Potential form of a verb.
45
（～に）～られる
Passive form of a verb.
46
～てある
～ has been done.
47
～ている間に
While ～.
48
～てほしい
I want (Person) to ～.
49
のに
although, eventhough, but
50
～のような
As if ～. Like ～. This is a modifier for a noun.
51
～のように
As if ～. Like ～. This is an adverbial phrase.
52
～ことにする
To decide to ～
53
～ことになる
It has been decided that ～. Something was determined outside of one's own power.
54
～方
Way of ～, How to ～
55
～ことができる
Able to ～, Can ～
56
～て （～てください）
Please ～. This is a request for someone to do something. Plain form of ～てください
57
～なければなりません～なければいけません
Must (be) ～.
58
～ことがある
have (the experience of) ～, have ～ before
59
～より～
More ～ than ～
60
～か分かります
か normalized the preceeding question phrase into a noun.
61
～こと～の
こと and の normalize the preceeding phrase so that it is a noun.
62
～がする
Expresses that the speaker can perceive ～.
63
～んじゃないですか？～んではないですか？
I think ～. Isn't ～? This is used to express the speaker's opinion.
64
～と聞いた～って聞いた
I heard that ～
65
～ようになる
To become such that ～, to reach the point that ～
66
～さ
～ness, degree of ～
67
～始める
To start to ～, to begin to ～
68
～続ける
To continue to ～

Frequently Asked Questions

How many grammar points are on JLPT N4?

JLPT N4 covers approximately 150-200 grammar points. Our study list covers all patterns tested on the exam.

How long does it take to learn JLPT N4 grammar?

Most students need 3-6 months of focused study to master N4 grammar, depending on study hours per day and prior knowledge.

What is the best way to study JLPT N4 grammar?

Start by understanding each grammar pattern in context with example sentences. Practice creating your own sentences, and review regularly using spaced repetition. Taking practice tests helps identify weak areas.

Is JLPT N4 grammar difficult?

N4 grammar builds on N5 with more complex patterns like conditionals and causatives.