JLPT N4 6 min read Updated May 17, 2026 Grammar pattern

他動詞 & 自動詞

transitive and intransitive verb pairs

Learn how to use 他動詞 & 自動詞, a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar point meaning transitive and intransitive verb pairs, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

Meaning
transitive and intransitive verb pairs
Pattern
他動詞 & 自動詞
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JLPT grammar
JLPT
N4

他動詞 & 自動詞 means transitive and intransitive verb pairs. It is a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar pattern used to express this idea in natural Japanese.

This English meaning is written independently from the source list so it answers the learner question directly: what does 他動詞 & 自動詞 mean and when should you use it?

What does 他動詞 & 自動詞 mean?

Use 他動詞 & 自動詞 when you want to express transitive and intransitive verb pairs in a Japanese sentence.

Natural translations include:

  • transitive and intransitive verb pairs
  • to express “transitive and intransitive verb pairs” naturally
  • the closest natural English meaning in context

How to form 他動詞 & 自動詞

Object + + Transitive Verb
Subject + + Intransitive Verb

Examples of the pattern:

  • Object + を + transitive verb / subject + が + intransitive verb
  • 他動詞 & 自動詞
  • related form: 受身形

When is 他動詞 & 自動詞 used?

Use 他動詞 & 自動詞 in situations like:

  • reading or writing JLPT N4-level sentences
  • making a sentence more precise than a basic N5 pattern
  • recognizing natural grammar in conversation or short passages

Tone and register:

  • usually neutral unless the pattern itself is casual, humble, honorific, or written
  • common in JLPT N4 grammar study and everyday examples

他動詞 & 自動詞 example sentences

ドアをけました。
I opened the door.
transitive
ドアがきました。
The door opened.
intransitive
でんしました。
I turned off the light.
transitive
でんえました。
The light went off.
intransitive
ははさらりましたが、さらぜんれたようにえました。
My mother broke the plate, but it looked like the plate broke on its own.
mixed

Nuance of 他動詞 & 自動詞

The key nuance is transitive and intransitive verb pairs in context, not a word-for-word English replacement.

This matters because 他動詞 & 自動詞 often changes the relationship between actions, people, time, or evidence in the sentence. Read the whole sentence before choosing the English translation.

他動詞 & 自動詞 vs 受身形

Both patterns can appear in related sentences, but they do different jobs.

他動詞 & 自動詞
Transitive / Intransitive pair
Focuses on transitive and intransitive verb pairs.
ドアをけました。
I opened the door.
vs
受身形
Passive form
May change the tone, evidence, timing, direction, or relationship in the sentence. Compare what changes in evidence, timing, direction, or politeness.

Quick contrast examples:

  • Target pattern: ドアを開けました。 — I opened the door.
  • Related pattern with 受身形: compare what changes in evidence, timing, direction, or politeness.

Common mistakes with 他動詞 & 自動詞

Copying a dictionary gloss without checking the sentence context.
Using the wrong verb, adjective, or noun form.
Confusing 他動詞 & 自動詞 with 受身形 because the English can sound similar.

Is 他動詞 & 自動詞 on the JLPT?

N4

Yes. 他動詞 & 自動詞 is connected to JLPT N4 grammar in this blog.

That means learners should be able to:

  • recognize it in reading
  • understand its nuance in context
  • use it in simple original sentences

Practice questions for 他動詞 & 自動詞

1 Write one short sentence using the basic structure. production
2 Replace the subject, time, or object and keep the same grammar point. variation
3 Compare your sentence with the related pattern above. comparison

Learning path for 他動詞 & 自動詞

1 Make one short sentence with 他動詞 & 自動詞 using a transitive verb and を.
2 Rewrite the same idea with the intransitive partner and が to feel the nuance shift.
3 Compare your sentence with まま to see how state and continuity differ.
4 Add ながら or ことがある to explore how background action or occurrence changes the sentence.
5 Write one sentence that uses the pair in its most literal meaning, one that changes the subject or time expression, and one that contrasts it with a related pattern.
  • まま — reviews a related way to describe state, continuity, or sentence nominalization.
  • ながら — reviews a related way to describe state, continuity, or sentence nominalization.
  • ことがある — reviews a related way to describe state, continuity, or sentence nominalization.
  • に気がつく — reviews a related way to describe state, continuity, or sentence nominalization.

Learn 他動詞 & 自動詞 with Hane

If you want to review 他動詞 & 自動詞 together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:

FAQ about 他動詞 & 自動詞

What does 他動詞 & 自動詞 mean in Japanese?

他動詞 & 自動詞 means “transitive and intransitive verb pairs” in Japanese. It is an N4 grammar point, and this lesson explains its formation, nuance, example sentences, common mistakes, and similar grammar.

Is 他動詞 & 自動詞 on the JLPT?

他動詞 & 自動詞 is taught as N4 Japanese grammar in Hane's grammar lesson archive. Review it with examples, usage notes, and related N4 patterns.

How should I practice 他動詞 & 自動詞?

Read several example sentences, identify the form before and after 他動詞 & 自動詞, then make your own short sentences and compare it with nearby grammar points.

Practice this with Hane
Drill 他動詞 & 自動詞 until it’s automatic.

Short, focused iOS sessions for grammar, kanji, vocabulary, reading, and JLPT review. Use this lesson with the JLPT prep app and the Japanese learning app overview.

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