文法 · JLPT N5–N1

Japanese grammar

Japanese grammar, level by level. Each JLPT level below lists the patterns it tests and the order to learn them in — start with the level you're aiming for.

Grammar by JLPT level

JLPT N5 grammar

~~80 points

The first gate. Hiragana, katakana, and the foundation of everyday Japanese.

Per-point lessons are being written. In the meantime the N5 grammar scope lists every theme the level tests.

JLPT N4 grammar

~~150 points

Everyday conversation and basic reading — verb conjugations and casual speech.

Per-point lessons are being written. In the meantime the N4 grammar scope lists every theme the level tests.

JLPT N3 grammar

~~200 points

The bridge level. Natural conversation and longer reading passages.

Per-point lessons are being written. In the meantime the N3 grammar scope lists every theme the level tests.

JLPT N2 grammar

~~200 points

News, essays, and workplace Japanese with nuanced expression.

Per-point lessons are being written. In the meantime the N2 grammar scope lists every theme the level tests.

JLPT N1 grammar

~~250 points

Full fluency — abstract, formal, and specialised Japanese. The summit.

Per-point lessons are being written. In the meantime the N1 grammar scope lists every theme the level tests.

Japanese grammar — common questions

How many grammar points are on the JLPT?: Roughly 80 for N5, 150 for N4, and 200 or more for each of N3, N2 and N1. The JLPT publishes no official grammar list, so those counts come from analysing past papers.
What is the best way to learn Japanese grammar?: One pattern at a time, with enough example sentences that you notice when it's used rather than just what it means. Most JLPT grammar questions hinge on choosing between two patterns that translate the same way in English.
Is Japanese grammar hard?: It's different rather than hard. Word order is consistent, there are no genders or plurals, and verbs conjugate regularly. The difficulty is in particles and in the politeness levels, both of which reward exposure over memorisation.

Start studying free Vocabulary lists

鳥居Loading…

Grammar by JLPT level

JLPT N5 grammar

~~80 points

The first gate. Hiragana, katakana, and the foundation of everyday Japanese.

Per-point lessons are being written. In the meantime the N5 grammar scope lists every theme the level tests.

JLPT N4 grammar

~~150 points

Everyday conversation and basic reading — verb conjugations and casual speech.

Per-point lessons are being written. In the meantime the N4 grammar scope lists every theme the level tests.

JLPT N3 grammar

~~200 points

The bridge level. Natural conversation and longer reading passages.

Per-point lessons are being written. In the meantime the N3 grammar scope lists every theme the level tests.

JLPT N2 grammar

~~200 points

News, essays, and workplace Japanese with nuanced expression.

Per-point lessons are being written. In the meantime the N2 grammar scope lists every theme the level tests.

JLPT N1 grammar

~~250 points

Full fluency — abstract, formal, and specialised Japanese. The summit.

Per-point lessons are being written. In the meantime the N1 grammar scope lists every theme the level tests.

Japanese grammar — common questions

How many grammar points are on the JLPT?

Roughly 80 for N5, 150 for N4, and 200 or more for each of N3, N2 and N1. The JLPT publishes no official grammar list, so those counts come from analysing past papers.

What is the best way to learn Japanese grammar?

One pattern at a time, with enough example sentences that you notice when it's used rather than just what it means. Most JLPT grammar questions hinge on choosing between two patterns that translate the same way in English.

Is Japanese grammar hard?

It's different rather than hard. Word order is consistent, there are no genders or plurals, and verbs conjugate regularly. The difficulty is in particles and in the politeness levels, both of which reward exposure over memorisation.