JLPT N3 grammar list — every N3 pattern explained.
Bridge level — moving from basics to fluency.
JLPT N3 grammar is the connecting layer between beginner and advanced Japanese. N3 patterns let you express opinions with nuance, talk about hearsay and appearance, handle formal writing, and read most casual web articles, manga, and youth-oriented news. Mastering N3 grammar is the threshold where Japanese stops being a study project and starts being a tool you can actually use.
Topics covered at JLPT N3:
- hearsay and appearance (そうだ, ようだ, らしい, みたい)
- cause and reason (せいで, おかげで, ために)
- limits and extents (ほど, くらい, だけ, ばかり)
- formal alternatives (における, に対して, によって)
- softer expressions (わけではない, とは限らない)
- reading-oriented connectives
Turn JLPT N3 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 N3 grammar lessons
上げる（あげる）・上がる（あがる）: to finish doing ~
Learn how to use 上げる・上がる, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning to finish doing ~, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
あまり: so much… that
Learn how to use あまり, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning so much... that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
あまりにも: too much; excessively
Learn how to use あまりにも, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning too much; excessively, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
合う（あう）: do something together; mutually
Learn how to use 合う（あう）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning do something together, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ば～ほど: the more… the more ~
Learn how to use ば～ほど, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning the more... the more, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ばいい: should; can; it'd be good if ~
Learn how to use ばいい, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning should; can; it'd be good if, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ば～のに: if only; would have; could have ~
Learn how to use ば～のに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning if only; would have; could have, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ばよかった: should have; would have been better if ~
Learn how to use ばよかった, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning should have; would have been better if, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ばかりで: only; just; nothing but ~
Learn how to use ばかりで, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning only; just, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ばかりでなく: not only... but also
Learn how to use ばかりでなく, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning not only... but also, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
べきだ: should do; must do ~
Learn how to use べきだ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning should do; must do, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
べきではない: should not do; must not do ~
Learn how to use べきではない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning should not do; must not do, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
別に～ない（べつに～ない）: not really; not particularly ~
Learn how to use 別に～ない（べつに～ない）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning not really; not particularly, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ぶりに: for the first time in (period of time) ~
Learn how to use ぶりに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning for the first time in (period of time), with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
中（ちゅう / じゅう）: in the middle of; during; throughout ~
Learn how to use 中（ちゅう / じゅう）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning in the middle of; during; throughout, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
だけ: as much as ~; to the extent of ~
Learn how to use だけ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning as much as; to the extent of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
だけでなく: not only… but also ~
Learn how to use だけでなく, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning not only... but also, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
だけど: but; however; although ~
Learn how to use だけど, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning but; however; although, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
だらけ: full of; covered with (something negative) ~
Learn how to use だらけ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning full of; covered with, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
どんなに～ても: no matter how (much) ~
Learn how to use どんなに～ても, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning no matter how much, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
どうしても: no matter what; at any cost; after all ~
Learn how to use どうしても, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning no matter what; at any cost, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ふりをする: to pretend; to act as if ~
Learn how to use ふりをする, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning to pretend; to act as if, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ふと: suddenly; accidentally; unexpectedly ~
Learn how to use ふと, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning suddenly; unexpectedly, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
がち: tend to; prone to; have a tendency to ~
Learn how to use がち, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning tend to; prone to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
がたい: very difficult to; hard to ~
Learn how to use がたい, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning very difficult to; hard to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
気味（ぎみ）: slightly; -like; tending to ~
Learn how to use 気味（ぎみ）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning slightly; -like; tending to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ごとに: every time; each; at intervals of ~
Learn how to use ごとに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning every time; each; at intervals of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ほど: degree; extent; bounds; upper limit ~
Learn how to use ほど, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning degree; extent; bounds, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ほど～ない: is not as… as ~
Learn how to use ほど～ない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning is not as... as, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
一度に（いちどに）: all at once; at the same time ~
Learn how to use 一度に（いちどに）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning all at once; at the same time, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
いくら～ても: no matter how (much) ~
Learn how to use いくら～ても, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning no matter how much, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
一方だ（いっぽうだ）: more and more; keep on (one-directional) ~
Learn how to use 一方だ（いっぽうだ）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning more and more; continue to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
一体（いったい）: what on earth; what in the world; emphasis ~
Learn how to use 一体（いったい）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning what on earth; what in the world, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
じゃない: isn't it; confirmation; maybe; surprise ~
Learn how to use じゃない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning maybe; isn't it; confirmation, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
か何か（かなにか）: or something; or whatever ~
Learn how to use か何か（かなにか）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning or something, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
かける: half-; not yet finished; in the middle of ~
Learn how to use かける, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning half-; not yet finished; in the middle of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
から～にかけて: through; from [A] to [B] ~
Learn how to use から～にかけて, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning through; from [A] to [B], with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
代わりに（かわりに）: instead of; in exchange for; as a substitute ~
Learn how to use 代わりに（かわりに）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning instead of; in exchange for, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
結果（けっか）: as a result of; after ~
Learn how to use 結果（けっか）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning as a result of; after, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
結局（けっきょく）: after all; in the end; eventually ~
Learn how to use 結局（けっきょく）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning after all; in the end, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
決して～ない（けっして～ない）: never; by no means
Learn how to use 決して～ない（けっして～ない）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning never; by no means, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
切れない（きれない）: cannot finish doing; too much to complete
Learn how to use 切れない（きれない）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning cannot finish doing; too much to complete, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
きり: only; just; since
Learn how to use きり, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning only; just; since, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
切る（きる）: do completely to the end
Learn how to use 切る（きる）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning do completely to the end, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
っけ: was it?; remind me
Learn how to use っけ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning was it?; remind me, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
込む（こむ）: do deeply; put into; continue intensely
Learn how to use 込む（こむ）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning do deeply; put into; continue intensely, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
こそ: precisely; for sure; the very
Learn how to use こそ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning precisely; for sure; the very, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
こと: must do; rule to do
Learn how to use こと, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning must do; rule to do, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ことから: from the fact that; because
Learn how to use ことから, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning from the fact that; because, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ことになっている: be scheduled; be a rule or arrangement
Learn how to use ことになっている, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning be scheduled; be a rule or arrangement, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ことは～が: although it is true that
Learn how to use ことは～が, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning although it is true that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ことはない: there is no need to; never happens
Learn how to use ことはない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning there is no need to; never happens, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
くらい / ぐらい: about; to the extent of
Learn how to use くらい / ぐらい, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning about; to the extent of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
くせに: even though; despite that
Learn how to use くせに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning even though; despite that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
まるで: just like; as if
Learn how to use まるで, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning just like; as if, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
まさか: no way; surely not
Learn how to use まさか, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning no way; surely not, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
めったに～ない: rarely; hardly ever
Learn how to use めったに～ない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning rarely; hardly ever, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
も～ば～も: both; also; neither nor
Learn how to use も～ば～も, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning both; also; neither nor, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
もしかしたら: perhaps; maybe
Learn how to use もしかしたら, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning perhaps; maybe, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
もしも〜たら: if; supposing
Learn how to use もしも〜たら, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning if; supposing, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
向け（むけ）: intended for; aimed at
Learn how to use 向け（むけ）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning intended for; aimed at, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
向き（むき）: suitable for
Learn how to use 向き（むき）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning suitable for, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
むしろ: rather; instead
Learn how to use むしろ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning rather; instead, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ながらも: although; despite
Learn how to use ながらも, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning although; despite, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ないことはない: not impossible; can do somewhat
Learn how to use ないことはない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning not impossible; can do somewhat, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ないと: must; unless you do
Learn how to use ないと, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning must; unless you do, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
なかなか: quite; not easily
Learn how to use なかなか, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning quite; not easily, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
なんか / なんて / など: things like; such as; something like
Learn how to use なんか / なんて / など, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning things like; such as; something like, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
直す（なおす）: do again; redo
Learn how to use 直す（なおす）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning do again; redo, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
なるべく: as much as possible
Learn how to use なるべく, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning as much as possible, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
なぜなら: because; the reason is
Learn how to use なぜなら, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning because; the reason is, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
んだって: I hear that; apparently
Learn how to use んだって, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning I hear that; apparently, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に違いない: must be; no doubt
Learn how to use に違いない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning must be; no doubt, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に反して: contrary to; against
Learn how to use に反して, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning contrary to; against, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にかけて: over; through; concerning
Learn how to use にかけて, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning over; through; concerning, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に関する / に関して: about; regarding
Learn how to use に関する / に関して, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning about; regarding, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にかわって / にかわり: instead of; on behalf of
Learn how to use にかわって / にかわり, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning instead of; on behalf of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に比べて: compared with
Learn how to use に比べて, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning compared with, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に慣れる: get used to
Learn how to use に慣れる, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning get used to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
において / における: in; at; regarding
Learn how to use において / における, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning in; at; regarding, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にしたがって: as; in accordance with; according to
Learn how to use にしたがって, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning as; in accordance with; according to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にしても: even if; even though; regardless of
Learn how to use にしても, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning even if; even though; regardless of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にしては: for; considering
Learn how to use にしては, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning for; considering, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
に対して（にたいして）: toward; against; in contrast with
Learn how to use に対して（にたいして）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning toward; against; in contrast with, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
にとって: for; from the viewpoint of
Learn how to use にとって, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning for; from the viewpoint of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
について: about; regarding
Learn how to use について, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning about; regarding, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
につれて: as; in proportion to; with
Learn how to use につれて, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning as; in proportion to; with, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
には: in order to; for the purpose of
Learn how to use には, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning in order to; for the purpose of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
によると / よれば: according to
Learn how to use によると / よれば, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning according to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
によって / による: by; due to; depending on
Learn how to use によって / による, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning by; due to; depending on, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
のでしょうか: I wonder; could it be
Learn how to use のでしょうか, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning I wonder; could it be, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
を中心に（をちゅうしんに）: centered on; focusing on
Learn how to use を中心に（をちゅうしんに）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning centered on; focusing on, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
をはじめ: starting with; including
Learn how to use をはじめ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning starting with; including, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
を込めて（をこめて）: with; filled with
Learn how to use を込めて（をこめて）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning with; filled with, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
を通じて / を通して（をつうじて / をとおして）: through; via; throughout
Learn how to use を通じて / を通して（をつうじて / をとおして）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning through; via; throughout, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
おかげで: thanks to; because of
Learn how to use おかげで, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning thanks to; because of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
っぱなし: left on; left as is
Learn how to use っぱなし, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning left on; left as is, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
っぽい: -ish; seems; tends to
Learn how to use っぽい, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning -ish; seems; tends to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
さえ: even; not even
Learn how to use さえ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning even; not even, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
さえ～ば: if only; as long as
Learn how to use さえ～ば, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning if only; as long as, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
際に（さいに）: when; at the time of
Learn 際に（さいに）, a JLPT N3 grammar point meaning when; at the time of, with structure, nuance, examples, and comparisons.
最中に（さいちゅうに）: in the middle of; while
Learn how to use 最中に（さいちゅうに）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning in the middle of; while, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
さらに: furthermore; even more
Learn how to use さらに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning furthermore; even more, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
さて: well; now then
Learn how to use さて, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning well; now then, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
せいで: because of; due to
Learn how to use せいで, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning because of; due to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
せいぜい: at most; at best
Learn how to use せいぜい, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning at most; at best, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
しばらく: for a while; for the time being
Learn how to use しばらく, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning for a while; for the time being, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
しかない: have no choice but
Learn how to use しかない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning have no choice but, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
そのために: for that reason; therefore
Learn how to use そのために, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning for that reason; therefore, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
それとも: or; or else
Learn how to use それとも, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning or; or else, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
そうもない / そうにない: unlikely to; shows no sign of
Learn how to use そうもない / そうにない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning unlikely to; shows no sign of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
すでに: already
Learn how to use すでに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning already, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
すなわち: in other words; namely
Learn how to use すなわち, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning in other words; namely, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
数量 + は（すうりょう + は）: at least; as much as
Learn how to use 数量 + は（すうりょう + は）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning at least; as much as, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
たものだ: used to; would often
Learn how to use たものだ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning used to; would often, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
たとたん: as soon as; just when
Learn how to use たとたん, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning as soon as; just when, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
たびに: whenever; every time
Learn how to use たびに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning whenever; every time, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ために: in order to; for; because of
Learn how to use ために, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning in order to; for; because of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
確かに（たしかに）: certainly; indeed
Learn how to use 確かに（たしかに）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning certainly; indeed, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
たて: freshly; just done
Learn how to use たて, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning freshly; just done, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
たとえ～ても: even if
Learn how to use たとえ～ても, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning even if, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
例えば（たとえば）: for example; for instance
Learn how to use 例えば（たとえば）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning for example; for instance, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
たって: even if; even though
Learn how to use たって, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning even if; even though, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てばかりいる: do nothing but; keep only doing
Learn how to use てばかりいる, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning do nothing but; keep only doing, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てごらん: try doing; please look
Learn how to use てごらん, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning try doing; please look, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てはじめて: only after; not until
Learn how to use てはじめて, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning only after; not until, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てからでないと: not until after; unless first
Learn how to use てからでないと, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning not until after; unless first, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てしょうがない・てしかたがない: extremely; cannot help but
Learn how to use てしょうがない・てしかたがない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning extremely; cannot help but, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
て済む（てすむ）: be resolved by; be enough to
Learn how to use て済む（てすむ）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning be resolved by; be enough to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てはいけないから: so that; to prevent
Learn how to use てはいけないから, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning so that; to prevent, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ている場合じゃない: this is no time to be doing
Learn how to use ている場合じゃない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning this is no time to be doing, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
的（てき）: -al; -ic; -like
Learn how to use 的（てき）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning -al; -ic; -like, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ても始まらない（てもはじまらない）: there is no point in
Learn how to use ても始まらない（てもはじまらない）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning there is no point in, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ても構わない（てもかまわない）: it is okay if; it does not matter if
Learn how to use ても構わない（てもかまわない）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning it is okay if; it does not matter if, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
てもしょうがない / てもしかたがない: there is no point; cannot be helped
Learn how to use てもしょうがない / てもしかたがない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning there is no point; cannot be helped, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
と言えば（といえば）: speaking of; when it comes to
Learn how to use と言えば（といえば）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning speaking of; when it comes to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
といい / たらいい: I hope; it would be nice if
Learn how to use といい / たらいい, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning I hope; it would be nice if, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
といっても: although I say; even though called
Learn how to use といっても, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning although I say; even though called, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ということだ: I heard; it means that
Learn how to use ということだ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning I heard; it means that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
というのは: what ... means is; because
Learn how to use というのは, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning what ... means is; because, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
と言うと（というと）: speaking of; when you say
Learn how to use と言うと（というと）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning speaking of; when you say, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
というより: rather than
Learn how to use というより, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning rather than, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
とみえる / とみえて: it seems that
Learn how to use とみえる / とみえて, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning it seems that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
とすれば・としたら・とすると: if; assuming that
Learn how to use とすれば・としたら・とすると, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning if; assuming that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
と共に（とともに）: together with; at the same time as
Learn how to use と共に（とともに）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning together with; at the same time as, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
途中で / 途中に（とちゅうで / とちゅうに）: on the way; in the middle of
Learn how to use 途中で / 途中に（とちゅうで / とちゅうに）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning on the way; in the middle of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ところで: by the way
Learn how to use ところで, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning by the way, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ところが: however; even so
Learn how to use ところが, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning however; even so, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
とおりに: as; in the same way as
Learn how to use とおりに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning as; in the same way as, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
通す（とおす）: continue through to the end
Learn how to use 通す（とおす）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning continue through to the end, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
として: as; in the role of
Learn how to use として, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning as; in the role of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
とても～ない: cannot possibly; not at all able to
Learn how to use とても～ない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning cannot possibly; not at all able to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
とは限らない（とはかぎらない）: not necessarily; not always
Learn how to use とは限らない（とはかぎらない）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning not necessarily; not always, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
つい: accidentally; without meaning to
Learn how to use つい, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning accidentally; without meaning to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ついに: finally; at last
Learn how to use ついに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning finally; at last, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ついでに: while you are at it; on the way
Learn how to use ついでに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning while you are at it; on the way, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
つまり: in other words; in short
Learn how to use つまり, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning in other words; in short, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
つもりだった: intended to; thought that I had
Learn how to use つもりだった, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning intended to; thought that I had, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
つもりで: with the intention of; as if
Learn how to use つもりで, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning with the intention of; as if, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
うちに: while; before
Learn how to use うちに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning while; before, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
上で（うえで）: after; when; for the purpose of
Learn 上で（うえで）, a JLPT N3 grammar point for deliberate steps and conditions, with examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
上に（うえに）: in addition; not only but also
Learn how to use 上に（うえに）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning in addition; not only but also, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
は別として（はべつとして）: apart from; aside from
Learn how to use は別として（はべつとして）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning apart from; aside from, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
は～で有名（は～でゆうめい）: famous for
Learn how to use は～で有名（は～でゆうめい）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning famous for, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
はもちろん: not to mention; of course
Learn how to use はもちろん, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning not to mention; of course, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
わけだ: that is why; no wonder; it means
Learn how to use わけだ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning that is why; no wonder; it means, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
わけではない: it does not mean that
Learn how to use わけではない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning it does not mean that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
わけがない: there is no way
Learn how to use わけがない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning there is no way, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
わけにはいかない: cannot afford to; must not
Learn how to use わけにはいかない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning cannot afford to; must not, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
割に（わりに）: considering; for
Learn how to use 割に（わりに）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning considering; for, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
わざと: on purpose; intentionally
Learn how to use わざと, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning on purpose; intentionally, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
わざわざ: go out of one’s way
Learn how to use わざわざ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning go out of one’s way, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
よりも: than; rather than
Learn how to use よりも, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning than; rather than, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ようがない: there is no way to
Learn how to use ようがない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning there is no way to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ような気がする（ようなきがする）: I feel like; it seems to me
Learn how to use ような気がする（ようなきがする）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning I feel like; it seems to me, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ように: so that; in order to
Learn how to use ように, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning so that; in order to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ように見える（ようにみえる）: looks like; appears
Learn ように見える, a JLPT N3 grammar point meaning looks like; appears, with structure, nuance, examples, and comparisons.
ようとしない: does not try to
Learn how to use ようとしない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning does not try to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ようとする: try to; be about to
Learn how to use ようとする, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning try to; be about to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ずに: without doing
Learn how to use ずに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning without doing, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ずにはいられない: cannot help but
Learn how to use ずにはいられない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning cannot help but, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
ずつ: each; at a time
Learn how to use ずつ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning each; at a time, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.
FAQ about JLPT N3 grammar
What grammar points are on the JLPT N3?
JLPT N3 covers hearsay and appearance (そうだ, ようだ, らしい, みたい), cause and reason (せいで, おかげで, ために), limits and extents (ほど, くらい, だけ, ばかり), and other patterns. Hane's N3 grammar archive currently has 182 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 N3 grammar?
Most learners spend a few months on JLPT N3 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 N3 grammar?
Start by confirming the N4 patterns you already know, then move into the N3 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 N3 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 N3 patterns stick.