Tag - jlpt-n5

 
 

JLPT N5

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
May 12, 2020
The adjective 'hoshii' is something you'll want to remember
Adding 'hoshii' to a verb can help you express an informal request or wish in a different way than the '~tai' form.
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
Apr 21, 2020
You can count on 'zutsu' to help with dividing up your Japanese study tasks
A grammar lesson goes over each and every aspect of the particle 'zutsu,' which is used to indicate both quantity and degree.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Apr 14, 2020
Outlook uncertain for Japanese-language exams
Japanese-language exams are in an uncertain state due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus around the world. Your Japanese study doesn't need to stop, though.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Apr 14, 2020
Expressing a sense of degree with 'kurai'
The particle 'kurai' is very helpful in trying to illustrate the degree of something happening, though translating it isn't as straightforward as you'd think.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Apr 7, 2020
What to do when a Japanese word shows signs of needing 'meku' attached to it
Attaching the verb 'meku' to certain Japanese words can emphasize the idea of showing signs of something or appearing to look like something.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Mar 31, 2020
The 'ni ataranai' structure is actually a grammar point that's worth learning
The terms 'ni(wa) ataranai' and 'made mo nai/naku' point out things that aren't worth doing, but they have slightly different nuances.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Mar 24, 2020
Pointing out the family with 'ni ataru'
Mari-chan wa Nana no obasan ni ataru. (Mari is Nana’s aunt.)
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
Mar 11, 2020
'Masaka,' it's good to know this expression in a pinch
The adverb 'masaka' can be used to express the level of an emergency or a certain level of disbelief.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Mar 3, 2020
Talking about other people in Japanese using the 'garu' structure
You can tack 'tai' on the end of a verb to express what you want to do, but if you're going to speak for someone else then it's best to get a handle on the 'garu' ending.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Feb 25, 2020
Endowed with the talent for understanding the Japanese structures using 'nagara ni'
The structures 'nagara ni' and 'nagara no' are used in very specific ways in Japanese, which makes their comprehension slightly easier.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Feb 18, 2020
People won't throw you under the bus if you're able to use 'kuse ni' correctly
Using the grammatical structure 'X kuse ni Y' has the same effect as 'despite X, Y' and can be used to convey a feeling of ill will.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Feb 11, 2020
As long as you learn 'sae ... areba,' communication in Japanese will get easier
The 'sae ... areba' pattern is used to express ideas like 'if only' and can be used in several simple situations as well as more complex ones.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Feb 4, 2020
You should know how to use 'hazu'
The particle 'hazu' basically translates as 'should' in English, but can sometimes be rendered as 'no wonder.'
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jan 28, 2020
Filled to the brim with tips on how to use 'zukume' and 'zukushi'
The suffixes 'zukume' and 'zukushi' express the idea of 'entirety' and 'variety,' and are sure to give you an edge in more formal situations.
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 / WELL SAID
Jan 14, 2020
If you study just one thing this week, make it 'bakari'
The word 'bakari' can be used in many situations in Japanese and can be seen in some of these cases as a replacement for the two different meanings of the English word 'just.'
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jan 7, 2020
Despite the fact 'noni' is difficult for some, it's still a particle you should learn early
Whether it's used to connect sentences or simply to add emphasis, 'noni' is important to convey the idea of 'even though.'

Longform

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.
Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree