JLPT N2 grammar list — every N2 pattern explained.
Advanced reading and formal Japanese.
JLPT N2 grammar is the level needed to read newspapers, formal emails, and business writing. N2 patterns are mostly written-language oriented and often have subtle differences in formality, emphasis, and stance. Passing N2 is a common requirement for university entrance and many Japanese workplaces.
Topics covered at JLPT N2:
- formal connectives (にもかかわらず, ものの, とはいえ)
- emphasis and assertion (に違いない, に決まっている, に他ならない)
- limitations (に限り, に限って, ばかりか)
- rhetorical and literary forms (ずにはいられない, わけにはいかない)
- cause/result in formal writing (に伴って, につれて, とともに)
- newspaper and business set phrases
Turn JLPT N2 grammar into short iPhone practice rounds.
Use this archive as your reading path, then practice the same kind of grammar, kanji, vocabulary, and reading recall in Hane. For the commercial-intent overview, visit the JLPT prep app page or the full Japanese learning app page.
All JLPT N2 grammar lessons
あげく: to end up; in the end; finally; after all ~
Learn how to use あげく, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning to end up, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
あるいは: or; either; maybe; perhaps; possibly ~
Learn how to use あるいは, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning or, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ばかり: about, approximately ~
Learn how to use ばかり, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning about, approximately ~, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ばかりだ: continue to (go in negative direction)
Learn how to use ばかりだ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning continue to (go in negative direction), with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ばかりか: not only... but also; as well as ~
Learn how to use ばかりか, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning not only... but also, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ばかりに: simply because; on account of~ (negative result)
Learn how to use ばかりに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning simply because, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ちなみに: by the way; in this connection; incidentally; (conjunction)
Learn how to use ちなみに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning by the way, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ちっとも～ない: (not) at all; (not) in the least ~
Learn how to use ちっとも～ない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning (not) at all, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
だけあって: being the case; precisely because; as expected from ~
Learn how to use だけあって, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning being the case, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
だけましだ: it's better than; one should feel grateful for ~
Learn how to use だけましだ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning it's better than, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
だけに: being the case; precisely because; as one would expect
Learn how to use だけに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning being the case, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
だけのことはある: no wonder; as expected of; not ... for nothing
Learn how to use だけのことはある, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning no wonder, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
だけは: to do all that one can
Learn how to use だけは, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning to do all that one can, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
だって: because; but; after all; even; too
Learn how to use だって, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning because, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
でしかない: merely; nothing but; no more than; there is only ~
Learn how to use でしかない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning merely, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
どころではない: not the time for; not the place for; far from; anything but ~
Learn how to use どころではない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning not the time for, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
どころか: far from; anything but; let alone; not to mention; much less ~
Learn how to use どころか, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning far from, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
どうやら: possibly; apparently; seems like; somehow; barely ~
Learn how to use どうやら, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning possibly, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
どうせ: anyhow; in any case; at any rate; after all; no matter what
Learn how to use どうせ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning anyhow, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
得ない（えない）: unable to; cannot; it is not possible to ~
Learn how to use 得ない（えない）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning unable to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
得る（える / うる）: can; to be able to; is possible to ~
Learn how to use 得る（える / うる）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning can, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
再び（ふたたび）: again; once more
Learn how to use 再び（ふたたび）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning again, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ふうに: this way; that way; in such a way; how
Learn how to use ふうに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning this way, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
がきっかけで / をきっかけに: with… as a start; as a result of; taking advantage of ~
Learn how to use がきっかけで / をきっかけに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning with… as a start, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
げ: looks like; seems like; appears to ~
Learn how to use げ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning looks like, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
逆に（ぎゃくに）: conversely; on the contrary ~
Learn how to use 逆に（ぎゃくに）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning conversely, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
反面（はんめん）: while, although; on the other hand ~
Learn how to use 反面（はんめん）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning while, although, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
果たして（はたして）: as was expected; sure enough; really; actually ~
Learn how to use 果たして（はたして）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning as was expected, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
一応（いちおう）: more or less; pretty much; roughly; tentatively ~
Learn how to use 一応（いちおう）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning more or less, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
以外（いがい）: with the exception of; excepting ~
Learn how to use 以外（いがい）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning with the exception of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
以上に（いじょうに）: more than; not less than; beyond ~
Learn how to use 以上に（いじょうに）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning more than, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
以上は（いじょうは）: because; since; seeing that ~
Learn how to use 以上は（いじょうは）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning because, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
いきなり: abruptly; suddenly; all of a sudden; without warning
Learn how to use いきなり, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning abruptly, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
一気に（いっきに）: in one go; without stopping; all at once; immediately; instantly; right away ~
Learn how to use 一気に（いっきに）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning in one go, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
一方で（いっぽうで）: on one hand, on the other hand; although ~
Learn how to use 一方で（いっぽうで）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning on one hand, on the other hand, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
いわゆる: what is called; as it is called; the so-called; so to speak
Learn how to use いわゆる, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning what is called, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
いよいよ: at last; finally; beyond doubt
Learn how to use いよいよ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning at last, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
上（じょう）: for the sake of; from the standpoint of; as a matter of; in terms of ~
Learn how to use 上（じょう）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning for the sake of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
か～ないかのうちに: just as; right after; as soon as ~
Learn how to use か～ないかのうちに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning just as, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
かのように: as if; just like ~
Learn how to use かのように, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning as if, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
かと思ったら（かとおもったら）: just when; no sooner than ~
Learn how to use かと思ったら（かとおもったら）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning just when, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
かえって: on the contrary; rather; all the more; surprisingly ~
Learn how to use かえって, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning on the contrary, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
限り（かぎり）: as long as; while… is the case; as far as; while ~
Learn how to use 限り（かぎり）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning as long as, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
甲斐がある（かいがある）: it's worth one's efforts to do something
Learn how to use 甲斐がある（かいがある）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning it's worth one's efforts to do something, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
かねない: (someone) might do something; something might happen
Learn how to use かねない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning (someone) might do something, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
かねる: unable to do something; can't do something
Learn how to use かねる, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning unable to do something, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
から言うと（からいうと）: in terms of; from the point of view of ~
Learn how to use から言うと（からいうと）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning in terms of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
からこそ: precisely because ~
Learn how to use からこそ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning precisely because ~, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
から見ると（からみると）: from the point of view of; by the look of; judging from ~
Learn how to use から見ると（からみると）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning from the point of view of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
からには: now that; since; so long as; because ~
Learn how to use からには, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning now that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
からして: judging from; based on; since; from; even ~
Learn how to use からして, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning judging from, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
からすると / からすれば: judging from; considering; by the look of ~
Learn how to use からすると / からすれば, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning judging from, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
からと言って（からといって）: just because; even if; even though ~
Learn how to use からと言って（からといって）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning just because, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
っこない: no chance of; … is definitely not possible
Learn how to use っこない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning no chance of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ことだ: should do~ (used for suggestions or giving advice)
Learn how to use ことだ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning should do~ (used for suggestions or giving advice), with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ことだから: because; since ~
Learn how to use ことだから, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning because, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ことか: how…!; what…!
Learn how to use ことか, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning how…!, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ことなく: without doing something even once
Learn how to use ことなく, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning without doing something even once, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ことに: emphasize speaker's feelings; to my (surprise/etc)
Learn how to use ことに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning emphasize speaker's feelings, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ことにはならない: just because… doesn't mean ~
Learn how to use ことにはならない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning just because… doesn't mean ~, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
くせして: although; despite the fact that; even though ~
Learn how to use くせして, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning although, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
まだしも: rather; better ~
Learn how to use まだしも, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning rather, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
まい: will not; will probably not; intend not to; must not ~
Learn how to use まい, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning will not, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ままに: as, to do as ~
Learn how to use ままに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning as, to do as ~, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
全く～ない（まったく～ない）: not at all ~
Learn how to use 全く～ない（まったく～ない）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning not at all ~, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
もかまわず: without caring; without worrying about ~
Learn how to use もかまわず, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning without caring, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
も当然だ（もとうぜんだ）: it's only natural; no wonder; might as well ~
Learn how to use も当然だ（もとうぜんだ）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning it's only natural, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ものだ: express nostalgic memories, general truths, or emotional reactions
Learn how to use ものだ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning express nostalgic memories, general truths, or emotional reactions, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ものだから: so; therefore; the reason for something
Learn how to use ものだから, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning so, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ものではない: shouldn't do something; it's impossible to ~
Learn how to use ものではない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning shouldn't do something, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ものがある: there is such a thing; to be the case that; feels like ~
Learn how to use ものがある, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning there is such a thing, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ものか / もんか: as if (something untrue were actually true); there's no way ~
Learn how to use ものか / もんか, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning as if (something untrue were actually true), with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
もの / もん: because; indicates reason/ excuse/ dissatisfaction
Learn how to use もの / もん, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning because, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ものなら: if I/we could; if [A] is possible, then [B] ~
Learn how to use ものなら, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning if I/we could, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ものの: but; although; even though ~
Learn how to use ものの, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning but, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
もっとも: but then; although; though ~
Learn how to use もっとも, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning but then, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
もう少しで（もうすこしで）: almost; nearly, close to ~
Learn how to use もう少しで（もうすこしで）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning almost, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ないではいられない: can't help but feel; can't help but do ~
Learn how to use ないではいられない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning can't help but feel, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ないことには～ない: unless you ~
Learn how to use ないことには～ない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning unless you ~, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
中を / 中では（なかを / なかでは）: in; on; in the midst of; when; while ~
Learn how to use 中を / 中では（なかを / なかでは）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning in, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
なくはない / なくもない: it's not that; I may
Learn how to use なくはない / なくもない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning it's not that; I may, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
なくて済む: get by without doing
Learn how to use なくて済む, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning get by without doing, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
何も～ない: nothing; not at all
Learn how to use 何も～ない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning nothing; not at all, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
なお: still; furthermore
Learn how to use なお, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning still; furthermore, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ねばならない: must; have to
Learn how to use ねばならない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning must; have to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にあたって: on the occasion of; when
Learn how to use にあたって, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning on the occasion of; when, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にほかならない: nothing other than
Learn how to use にほかならない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning nothing other than, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に限らず: not only; not limited to
Learn how to use に限らず, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning not only; not limited to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に限り: limited to or only for
Learn how to use に限り, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning limited to or only for, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に限る: nothing is better than
Learn how to use に限る, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning nothing is better than, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に限って: especially; of all times
Learn how to use に限って, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning especially; of all times, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に関わらず: regardless of
Learn how to use に関わらず, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning regardless of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に関わる: relating to; affecting
Learn how to use に関わる, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning relating to; affecting, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に決まっている: it must be; surely
Learn how to use に決まっている, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning it must be; surely, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に越したことはない: it is best to
Learn how to use に越したことはない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning it is best to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に応えて: in response to
Learn how to use に応えて, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning in response to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に加えて: in addition to
Learn how to use に加えて, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning in addition to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に基づいて: based on
Learn how to use に基づいて, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning based on, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に向かって: toward; facing
Learn how to use に向かって, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning toward; facing, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に応じて: depending on; according to
Learn how to use に応じて, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning depending on; according to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に際して: on the occasion of; at the time of
Learn how to use に際して, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning on the occasion of; at the time of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に先立ち: prior to; before
Learn how to use に先立ち, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning prior to; before, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にせよ / にしろ: even if; whether
Learn how to use にせよ / にしろ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning even if; whether, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にしろ～にしろ: whether… or…
Learn how to use にしろ～にしろ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning whether… or…, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にしたら / にすれば: from one's perspective
Learn how to use にしたら / にすれば, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning from one's perspective, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にしても～にしても: whether… or…
Learn how to use にしても～にしても, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning whether… or…, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に沿って: along with; in accordance with
Learn how to use に沿って, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning along with; in accordance with, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に相違ない: without a doubt; certainly
Learn how to use に相違ない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning without a doubt; certainly, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に過ぎない: nothing more than; merely
Learn how to use に過ぎない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning nothing more than; merely, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に伴って: as; along with
Learn how to use に伴って, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning as; along with, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
につけ: whenever; whether
Learn how to use につけ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning whenever; whether, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
につき: due to; per; each
Learn how to use につき, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning due to; per; each, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にわたって: throughout; over
Learn how to use にわたって, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning throughout; over, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にも関わらず: despite; although
Learn how to use にも関わらず, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning despite; although, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にて: in; at; by; with
Learn how to use にて, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning in; at; by; with, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
のももっともだ: no wonder; only natural
Learn how to use のももっともだ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning no wonder; only natural, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
の下で: under; with
Learn how to use の下で, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning under; with, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
の上では: from the viewpoint of; according to
Learn how to use の上では, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning from the viewpoint of; according to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
のみ: only; nothing but
Learn how to use のみ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning only; nothing but, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
のみならず: not only; as well as
Learn how to use のみならず, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning not only; as well as, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ぬ: classical negative ない
Learn how to use ぬ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning classical negative ない, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
抜きにして / 抜きで: without; leaving out
Learn how to use 抜きにして / 抜きで, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning without; leaving out, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
抜く: do through to the end; completely
Learn how to use 抜く, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning do through to the end; completely, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
を契機に: taking as an opportunity
Learn how to use を契機に, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning taking as an opportunity, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
をめぐって: concerning; over
Learn how to use をめぐって, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning concerning; over, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
をもとに: based on
Learn how to use をもとに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning based on, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
お～願う: please do; ask someone to do
Learn how to use お～願う, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning please do; ask someone to do, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
を除いて: except for; excluding
Learn how to use を除いて, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning except for; excluding, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
を問わず: regardless of
Learn how to use を問わず, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning regardless of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
おまけに: besides; on top of that
Learn how to use おまけに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning besides; on top of that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
恐らく: probably; likely
Learn how to use 恐らく, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning probably; likely, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
恐れがある: there is a risk that
Learn how to use 恐れがある, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning there is a risk that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
及び: and; as well as
Learn how to use 及び, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning and; as well as, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ろくに～ない: not properly; barely
Learn how to use ろくに～ない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning not properly; barely, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
幸いなことに: fortunately
Learn how to use 幸いなことに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning fortunately, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
せいか: perhaps because
Learn how to use せいか, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning perhaps because, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
せっかく: after going to the trouble; especially
Learn how to use せっかく, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning after going to the trouble; especially, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
せめて: at least
Learn how to use せめて, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning at least, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
次第: as soon as; depending on
Learn how to use 次第, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning as soon as; depending on, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
次第で: depending on
Learn how to use 次第で, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning depending on, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
次第に: gradually
Learn how to use 次第に, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning gradually, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
しかも: moreover; and yet
Learn how to use しかも, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning moreover; and yet, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
その上: besides; furthermore
Learn how to use その上, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning besides; furthermore, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
それなのに: and yet; despite that
Learn how to use それなのに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning and yet; despite that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
それなら: if that's the case
Learn how to use それなら, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning if that's the case, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
それにしても: even so; at any rate
Learn how to use それにしても, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning even so; at any rate, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
そう言えば: come to think of it
Learn how to use そう言えば, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning come to think of it, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
そうすると: if so; then
Learn how to use そうすると, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning if so; then, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
末に: after; finally
Learn how to use 末に, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning after; finally, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
少しも～ない: not even a little
Learn how to use 少しも～ない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning not even a little, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
少なくとも: at least
Learn how to use 少なくとも, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning at least, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
直ちに: immediately
Learn how to use 直ちに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning immediately, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
たまえ: do; command to do
Learn how to use たまえ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning do; command to do, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てばかりはいられない: can't keep doing
Learn how to use てばかりはいられない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning can't keep doing, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てでも: even if I have to
Learn how to use てでも, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning even if I have to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
て以来: since
Learn how to use て以来, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning since, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ていては: if one keeps doing
Learn how to use ていては, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning if one keeps doing, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てこそ: only after; precisely because
Learn how to use てこそ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning only after; precisely because, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てまで: even going so far as to
Learn how to use てまで, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning even going so far as to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てならない: can't help but; extremely
Learn how to use てならない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning can't help but; extremely, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てたまらない: can't help but; extremely
Learn how to use てたまらない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning can't help but; extremely, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
て当然だ: it is natural that
Learn how to use て当然だ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning it is natural that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ては / では: whenever; if; when
Learn how to use ては / では, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning whenever; if; when, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てはいられない: can't afford to
Learn how to use てはいられない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning can't afford to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てはならない: must not
Learn how to use てはならない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning must not, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ては～ては: repeatedly doing; every time
Learn how to use ては～ては, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning repeatedly doing; every time, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
と同時に: at the same time as
Learn how to use と同時に, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning at the same time as, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
といった: such as; like
Learn how to use といった, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning such as; like, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
というふうに: in such a way that
Learn how to use というふうに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning in such a way that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ということは: that means; in other words
Learn how to use ということは, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning that means; in other words, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
というものだ: that is what; something called
Learn how to use というものだ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning that is what; something called, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
というものではない: not necessarily; it is not true that
Learn how to use というものではない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning not necessarily; it is not true that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
と考えられる: it is considered that
Learn how to use と考えられる, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning it is considered that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
とか（で）: I heard that; because apparently
Learn how to use とか（で）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning I heard that; because apparently, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
とっくに: long ago; already
Learn how to use とっくに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning long ago; already, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ところだった: almost did; was about to
Learn how to use ところだった, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning almost did; was about to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ところに: just when; at the time
Learn how to use ところに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning just when; at the time, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ところを見ると: judging from
Learn how to use ところを見ると, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning judging from, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
とも: even if; no matter
Learn how to use とも, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning even if; no matter, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
として～ない: not even one; not at all
Learn how to use として～ない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning not even one; not at all, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
としても: even if; assuming
Learn how to use としても, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning even if; assuming, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
つつ: while; even though
Learn how to use つつ, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning while; even though, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
つつある: is in the process of
Learn how to use つつある, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning is in the process of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
上は: now that; since
Learn how to use 上は, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning now that; since, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
はもとより: not only; let alone
Learn how to use はもとより, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning not only; let alone, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
はともかく: leaving aside; regardless of
Learn how to use はともかく, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning leaving aside; regardless of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
わずかに: slightly; only barely
Learn how to use わずかに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning slightly; only barely, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
やがて: before long; eventually
Learn how to use やがて, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning before long; eventually, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
やら～やら: such things as; all sorts of
Learn how to use やら～やら, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning such things as; all sorts of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
よほど / よっぽど: very; quite; to a great extent
Learn how to use よほど / よっぽど, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning very; quite; to a great extent, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
より: from
Learn how to use より, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning from, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
よりほかない: have no choice but
Learn how to use よりほかない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning have no choice but, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ようでは: if; if things are like
Learn how to use ようでは, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning if; if things are like, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ようではないか: let's; why don't we
Learn how to use ようではないか, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning let's; why don't we, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ようか～まいか: whether or not to
Learn how to use ようか～まいか, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning whether or not to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
要するに: in short; to sum up
Learn how to use 要するに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning in short; to sum up, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ざるを得ない: have no choice but to
Learn how to use ざるを得ない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning have no choice but to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ずに済む: get by without doing
Learn how to use ずに済む, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning get by without doing, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
FAQ about JLPT N2 grammar
What grammar points are on the JLPT N2?
JLPT N2 covers formal connectives (にもかかわらず, ものの, とはいえ), emphasis and assertion (に違いない, に決まっている, に他ならない), limitations (に限り, に限って, ばかりか), and other patterns. Hane's N2 grammar archive currently has 198 lessons explaining each pattern with structure, meaning, example sentences, nuance, common mistakes, and comparisons to similar grammar.
How long does it take to learn JLPT N2 grammar?
Most learners spend a few months on JLPT N2 grammar with daily review. Using short practice sessions — like the games in the Hane iOS app — speeds up recall because grammar gets mixed with kanji, vocabulary, and reading practice instead of being studied in isolation.
Where should I start with JLPT N2 grammar?
Start by confirming the N3 patterns you already know, then move into the N2 list below in alphabetical order. Each lesson is short and focused, so a few patterns per day is a comfortable pace. Mix grammar reading with active practice in Hane between lessons.
Practice JLPT N2 grammar with Hane
The Hane iOS app turns kanji, kana, vocabulary, grammar, and reading into short practice rounds. Pair the lessons above with quick games to make N2 patterns stick.