JLPT N4 Grammar Points Explained With Examples

JLPT N4 grammar builds on N5 with patterns for abilities, experiences, obligations, conditions, giving and receiving, and the passive and causative. Study lists for N4 are longer than for N5 and differ by source, so this guide covers the common core with one example for each. Learn each pattern with a sentence, not as a rule alone. If you have finished N5, N4 grammar is the next step. The patterns below are grouped by what they let you say, which makes them easier to remember than a long alphabetical list. What is new in N4 grammar? At N5, you learn to describe, ask and request in the polite form. N4 adds the ability to talk about what you can do, what you have done, what you must do, what might happen and what you think. It also adds the plain form in more patterns, along with the passive and causative. The JLPT publishes no official grammar list, so counts differ between sources. Expect the full N4 set to be much longer than N5's, and use this guide as a starting core. Ability, experience and actions Pattern Meaning Example English ～ことができる can do にほんごをはなすことができます。 I can speak Japanese. ～たことがある have done before ふじさんにのぼったことがあります。 I have climbed Mt. Fuji. ～たり～たりする do things like A and B にちようびはほんをよんだり、えいがをみたりします。 On Sundays I read books and watch movies. ～ながら while doing おんがくをききながらべんきょうします。 I study while listening to music. ～てみる try doing このりょうりをたべてみます。 I will try eating this dish. ～てしまう finish / regret しゅくだいをやってしまいました。 I finished my homework. Advice, obligation and permission Pattern Meaning Example English ～たほうがいい had better くすりをのんだほうがいいです。 You had better take medicine. ～ないほうがいい had better not ここでたべないほうがいいです。 You had better not eat here. ～なければならない must do あしたまでにレポートをださなければなりません。 I must hand in the report by tomorrow. ～なくてもいい do not have to あしたはこなくてもいいです。 You do not have to come tomorrow. Opinions, guesses and quotations Pattern Meaning Example English ～と 思 う I think that にほんごはおもしろいとおもいます。 I think Japanese is interesting. ～と 言 う say that せんせいは「あしたしけんがあります」といいました。 The teacher said there is an exam tomorrow. ～でしょう probably あしたはあめでしょう。 It will probably rain tomorrow. ～かもしれない might かれはこないかもしれません。 He might not come. ～そうだ looks like このケーキはおいしそうです。 This cake looks delicious. Conditions and results Pattern Meaning Example English ～たら if / when あめがふったら、いきません。 If it rains, I will not go. ～ば if (condition) やすければ、かいます。 If it is cheap, I will buy it. ～と whenever / natural result このボタンをおすと、ドアがあきます。 When you press this button, the door opens. ～とき when ひまなとき、えいがをみます。 When I am free, I watch movies. ～ために in order to にほんへいくために、おかねをためています。 I am saving money in order to go to Japan. Giving, receiving and changes Pattern Meaning Example English ～てあげる do for someone ともだちにほんをかしてあげました。 I lent my friend a book. ～てもらう have someone do for me せんせいにおしえてもらいました。 The teacher taught me (I received the teaching). ～ようになる come to be able to にほんごがはなせるようになりました。 I have become able to speak Japanese. ～ようにする try to make a habit まいにちうんどうするようにしています。 I make a point of exercising every day. ～すぎる too much たべすぎました。 I ate too much. ～やすい / ～にくい easy / hard to do このペンはかきやすいです。 This pen is easy to write with. Passive and causative Pattern Meaning Example English passive ～られる be done to せんせいにほめられました。 I was praised by the teacher. causative ～させる make or let someone do はははわたしにやさいをたべさせました。 My mother made me eat vegetables. These two patterns need a firm grasp of verb groups, so review the verb groups from N5 before you start. How should I study N4 grammar? A few habits help: Group by function. The tables above group patterns by purpose, so you recall them by what you want to say. Write your own sentence for each pattern. One original sentence beats five textbook examples for memory. Review the N5 base first. N4 patterns depend on the te-form, plain form and verb groups. If these feel shaky, revisit our JLPT N5 grammar list . Use timed practice. Grammar questions are multiple choice, so timed JLPT mock tests show which patterns you recognize quickly. For an overall plan, read From N5…