Tag - jlpt-n2

 
 

JLPT N2

Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Oct 27, 2020
The possibilities only 'naradewa' can offer
The structures 'naradewa' and 'ni kagiru' point out the singularity of something that's usually rather good.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Oct 20, 2020
Apart from 'bestu ni shite,' the 'tomokaku' structure is useful for making exceptions
The 'tomokaku' structure helps when you want to take one element of what you're talking about out of the conversation.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Sep 22, 2020
You ought to know how 'beki' can help your Japanese
The negative 'bekarazu' structure may be old, but you can still find it in written Japanese with a strong prohibitive nuance attached to it.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Sep 15, 2020
You'd be surprised how far 'naka-naka' can take you in Japanese
The adverb 'naka-naka' can be used to comment on a surprising result, just don't use it when discussing the results your boss gets.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Aug 25, 2020
When it comes to Japanese, 'mamire' and 'darake' have you covered
While 'darake' and 'mamire' both have different nuances, the one thing they have in common is that they always refer to something bad.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Aug 18, 2020
Take the time to study 'narubeku' and 'dekiru dake' if possible
'Narubeku' conveys the idea of 'as u2026 as possible,' while 'deikru dake' conveys the same idea with stronger intent.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jul 21, 2020
And before you know it, you'll be using 'itsu no ma ni ka'
A good way to express surprise is to use the common Japanese term, 'itsu no ma ni ka.'
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jun 16, 2020
Whether it's 'ni shite mo' or 'ni shiro,' this structure has you covered
Two structures handle the idea of 'whether this or that' in both casual and formal situations.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
May 19, 2020
It would be great if you could master 'to ii'
A grammar lesson looks at the structures 'X to ii' and X-ba yokatta no ni' as was of suggesting an outcome would be good.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Apr 28, 2020
'Nashi ni' and 'nuki de' will help you do without
The 'nashi ni' structure can sound somewhat formal, so you wouldn't necessarily use it when you want to hold the bacon on a pasta dish. That's where 'nuki de' comes in.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Mar 17, 2020
Celebrating special occasions with 'ni atatte' and 'ni saishite'
A more formal construction, 'ni atatte' is used when you are marking the occasion. 'Ni saishite' has a similar nuance, think of both as a fancy way to say 'when.'
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jan 21, 2020
At least 'semete' can help you describe the bare minimum in Japanese
The adverb 'semete' can mean 'at least' in English, but there's a nuance that goes with it that further specifies how it can be used.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Oct 30, 2017
Some Japanese to scream at the screen this Halloween
Before you binge-watch a bunch of scary films, learn a few Japanese words and phrases to practice shouting at the screen.

Longform

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji