An auxiliary verb which indicates a polite request.
Examples
Show examples (4)
この言葉の意味を教えて下さい。
Please tell me the meaning of this word.
夜遅く電話しないで下さい。
Please don't call me late at night.
日本語で書いて下さい。
Please write in Japanese.
英語を使わないで下さい。
Please don't use English.
Your notes
N4 grammar
君・くん
Pages 211 · 3 examples
Explanation
A suffix attached to the first or last name of a male equal or to the first or last name of a person whose status or rank is lower than the speaker’s.
Examples
Show examples (3)
もし、もし、一郎君いますか。
Hello, is Ichiro in?
田口一郎君、 昇進おめでとう。
Mr. Ichiro Taguchi, congratulations on your promotion.
田口君が来年結婚するそうだ。
I heard that Mr. Taguchi will get married next year.
Source notes
昇進 - しょうしん - promotion, advancement, rising in rank
Your notes
N4 grammar
呉れる・くれる - Give
Pages 213 · 3 examples
Explanation
Someone whose status is not higher than the speaker’s gives something to the first person or to someone with whom the speaker empathises.
Examples
Show examples (3)
ビルは(君に)何を呉れましたか。
What did Bill give to you?
大川さんは(私に)本を呉れた・呉れました。
Mr. Okawa gave me a book.
川村さんは私の娘にレコードを呉れた。
Mr. Kawamura gave my daughter a record.
Your notes
N4 grammar
呉れる・くれる - Do something (for me or someone); do me or someone a favour by doing something
Pages 216 · 5 examples
Explanation
Someone does something as a favour to the first person or to someone with whom the speaker empathises.
Examples
Show examples (5)
ウォーカーさんは私の息子に英語を教えて呉れている。
Ms. Walker is kindly teaching my son English.
子供達は(あなたに)何をして呉れましたか。
What did your children do for you?
母は(私に)ケーキを焼いて呉れた。
My mother baked a cake for me.
父は私にカメラを買って呉れた・呉れました。
My father bought a camera for me.
道男は私を慰めて呉れた・呉れました。
Michio consoled me.
Source notes
慰む - なぐさむ - to be diverted, to forget one's worries, to comfort
Your notes
N4 grammar
来る・くる - Come; visit; show up
Pages 219 · 6 examples
Explanation
Someone or something moves in a direction towards the speaker or the speaker’s viewpoint or area of empathy.
Examples
Show examples (6)
もし、もし、家内が来たら直ぐ帰るように言って下さい。
Hello, please tell my wife to come home right away if she (literally: comes to see you) drops by
ナンシーは昨日パーティーに来ましたか。
Did Nancy come to the party yesterday?
今日はまだ新聞が来ない。
Today's newspaper hasn't come yet.
僕の研究室に明日来て下さい。
Please come to my office tomorrow.
来週木口さんが名古屋に来るそうだ。
I was told that Mr. Kiguchi is coming to Nagoya next week.
田中さんが明日うちへ・に来る・来ます。
Mr. Tanaka will come to my house tomorrow.
Your notes
N4 grammar
来る・くる - Come about; grow; come to; begin to
Pages 221 · 8 examples
Explanation
An auxiliary verb which indicates the beginning of some process or continuation of some action up to a current point of time.
Examples
Show examples (8)
あの子はこの頃随分奇麗になって来たね。
That girl has become very pretty lately, hasn't she?
テニスをしていたら急に雨が降って来た。
Suddenly, while we were playing tennis, it began to rain.
今までたくさん本を読んで来ましたが、これからも読んで行くつもりです。
Up to now I have read quite a few books and I intend to read from now on, too.
今まで遊んで来ましたが、これからは一生懸命勉強するつもりです。
Up to now I haven’t been working hard (literally: have been playing), but from now on I intend to work very hard.
午後から頭が痛くなって来ました。
My head began to ache in the afternoon. / My headache started in the afternoon.
私はこの頃太って来ました。
I've started to gain weight these days.
私はコンピューターが少し分かって来た・来ました。
Now I have begun to understand computers.
私は色々日本の 歴史書を読んで来た・来ました。
I've come to read various Japanese histories.
Source notes
歴史書 - history book
Your notes
N4 grammar
までに
Pages 228 · 5 examples
Explanation
By; by the time (when) | A particle that indicates a time limit on/for an action.
Examples
Show examples (5)
A:何時までに空港に行けばいいでしょうか。 B:出発の一時間前までに来て下さい。
A: By what time should I go to the airport? B: Please come one hour before departure.
ジェット機がパリに着くまでに本を三冊読んでしまいました。
By the time the jet got to Paris, I had finished reading three books.
僕はこのレポートを一月 二十日までに書き上げなければならないんだ。
I have to finish writing this paper by January 20.
学校が始まるまでにこの本を読んでおいて下さい。
Please read this book (in advance) by the time school starts.
私は十時までに帰る・帰ります。
I'll come home by 10 o'clock.
Source notes
書き上げる - to finish writing
Your notes
N4 grammar
まま
Pages 236 · 14 examples
Explanation
As it is; unchanged; undisturbed; leave as is; remain | An already given situation or condition remains unaltered.
Examples
Show examples (14)
あの人はあれからずっと寝たままだ。
He's been in bed (literally: all along) since then.
ここはこのままにしておく・おきます。
I'll leave this place as it is.
この部屋は昨日のままだ・です。
This room is as it was yesterday.
テレビがついたままになっている・います。
The TV was turned on and is still on.
ビールを買ったまま飲まなかった。
I bought beer, but didn't drink it.
今のままにしておいてください。
Please leave it as it is now.
帽子を 被ったままの学生が教室にいた・いました。
A student who kept his hat on was in the classroom.
弟はテレビをつけたままだ・です
My younger brother has left the TV on.
弟はテレビをつけたままにしておいた・おきました。
My younger brother left the TV on.
弟はテレビをつけたまま寝てしまった・しまいました。
My younger brother went to sleep leaving the TV on.
聞いたままを友達に話しました。
I told my friend exactly how I heard (it).
車のエンジンをかけたままにしておいた。
I left the car engine on (in advance).
電気をつけたまま寝てしまいました。
I fell asleep leaving the light on.
高山さんはアメリカへ行ったまま帰らなかった。
Mr. Takayama went to America never to return.
Your notes
N4 grammar
に当たって/当たり
Pages 237 · 6 examples
Explanation
On the occasion of; at; in; before; prior to | A compound particle that indicates occasion of doing something or of having done something in formal Japanese.
Examples
Show examples (6)
和也は大学を卒業するに{当たって/当たり}、指導教官に今後の進路について相談した。
On the occasion of graduating from college, Kazuya consulted with his academic adviser on his future direction.
小説家は時代小説を書くに当たり、その時代の歴史を詳しく調べた。
Before writing a historical novel, the novelist did an in-depth survey of the history of the period he dealt with.
新入社員の入社に{当たって/当たり}社長はホテルでパーティーを開いた。
On the occasion of new employees' entering the company, the president threw a party at a hotel.
日本の経済を研究するに当たって、国会図書館で資料集めをした。
Before I did research on the Japanese economy, I collected materials at the National Diet Library.
私の留学に当たり、父は自分の経験を話してくれた。
On the occasion of my study abroad, my father told me about his own experience.
総理はサミット出席に当たり、閣僚と会議をした。
The Prime minister had a conference with cabinet members before attending the summit.
Your notes
N4 grammar
もらう - Get; receive; be given
Pages 261 · 3 examples
Explanation
The first person or someone the speaker empathises with receives something from someone whose status is not as high as the receiver’s.
Examples
Show examples (3)
山川さんは橋本さんにウイスキーをもらった。
Mr. Yamakawa got whiskey from Mr. Hashimoto.
(あなたは)モリスさんに何をもらったの?
What did you get from Mr. Morris?
(私は)山本さんに本をもらった・もらいました。
山本さんに本をもらった。
I got a book from Mr. Yamamoto.
Your notes
N4 grammar
もらう - Receive benefit from an action by someone; have something done by someone; have someone do something.
Pages 263 · 5 examples
Explanation
The first person or someone the speaker empathizes with receives some benefit from an action by someone whose status is not as high as the receiver’s.
Examples
Show examples (5)
ジョンソンさんは鈴木さんに日本語を教えてもらっている。
Mr. Johnson has Mr. Suzuki teaching him Japanese.
木村さんは大野さんに車を貸してもらった。
Mr. Kimura had Mr. Ono lend him his car.
(君は)ベックさんに何をしてもらいましたか。
What did you have Mr. Beck do for you? / What did Mr. Beck do for you?
(私は)友達に来てもらった・もらいました。
I had my friend come (for my benefit).
(私は)父にカメラを買ってもらった・もらいました。
My father bought a camera for me.
Your notes
N4 grammar
な
Pages 266 · 5 examples
Explanation
Don't do ~ | A negative imperative marker used by a male speaker in very informal speech
Examples
Show examples (5)
あんな男とは結婚するな!
Don't marry that kind of man!
そんな所にもう行くな!
Don't go to such a place any more!
もう帰って来るな!
Don't come home any more!
煙草を吸うな!
Don't smoke!
酒をあまり飲むな!
Don't drink too much sake!
Your notes
N4 grammar
など
Pages 267 · 6 examples
Explanation
And so on; and the like; for example; things like ~ | A marker that indicates exemplification.
Examples
Show examples (6)
A:この翻訳をして下さいませんか。 B:こんな難しいもの、私などには出来ません。
A:この翻訳をして下さいませんか。 B:こんな難しいもの、私などには出来ません。
A: Could you kindly translate this for me? B: A person like me cannot translate such a difficult thing.
A:冬休みはどこに行きましょうか。 B:ハワイなどどうですか。
A: Where shall we go during the winter vacation? B: How about Hawaii, for example?
A:経済学を専攻するつもりですか。 B:いいえ、経済学など専攻するつもりはありません。
A:経済学を専攻するつもりですか。B:いいえ、経済学など専攻するつもりはありません。
A: Are you going to major in economics?B: No, I have no intention of majoring in things like economics.
この大学には中国や韓国などから学生が大勢来ます。
A lot of students from China, Korea and so on come to this college.
大学ではフランス語やドイツ語などを勉強した。
In college I studied French and German and the like.
日本の食べ物の中では寿司や天ぷらなどが好きだ・好きです。
Among Japanese foods I like things like sushi and tempura.
Your notes
N4 grammar
ながら
Pages 269 · 6 examples
Explanation
While; over; with | A conjunction which indicates that the action expressed by the preceding verb takes place concurrently or simultaneously with the action expressed in the main clause.
Examples
Show examples (6)
ものを食べながら話してはいけません。
Don’t talk with food in your mouth. / You must not talk while eating things.
山口さんは笑いながら私の話の聞いていた。
山口さんは笑いながら私の話を聞いていた。
Mr. Yamaguchi was listening to me with a smile. / While smiling, Mr. Yamaguchi was listening to my story.
木村君は会社で働きながら学校に行っている。
Mr. Kimura works for a company while going to school.
歩きながら本を読むのは危ないですよ。
It is dangerous to read while walking.
田口さんはいつも新聞を読みながら朝ご飯を食べる・食べます。
Mr. Taguchi always reads a newspaper while eating his breakfast.
私は寝ながら小説を読むのが好きだ。
I like to read novels in bed. / While in bed, I like to read novels.
Your notes
N4 grammar
なければならない
Pages 274 · 8 examples
Explanation
Have to; must; need | It won’t do if someone does not take some action or if someone or something is not in some state.
Examples
Show examples (8)
A:今日は働かなくてもいいんですか。 B:いいえ、働かなければなりません。
A:今日は働かなくてもいいんですか。B:いいえ、働かなければなりません。
A: Don't you have work today? B: Yes, I have work.
あの部屋はもう少し広くなければなりません。
That room has to be a bit larger.
このゴルフ場を使う為にはメンバーでなければならない。
To use this golf course, you have to be a member.
この仕事は学生でなければならない・なりません。
Lit. Speaking of this job, it has to be students. (= Only students can apply for this job.)
この仕事をする為には英語が上手でなければならない。
To do this job, your English has to be good.
バスケットバールの選手は大きくなければならない・なりません。
Basketball players have to be big.
図書館は静かでなければならない・なりません。
Libraries have to be quiet.
私は明日朝五時に起きなければなりません。
I have to get up at five tomorrow morning.
Your notes
N4 grammar
なくなる
Pages 277 · 6 examples
Explanation
Not ~ any more | It has reached the point where some state or action does not take place anymore.
Examples
Show examples (6)
この 郊外も地下鉄が来て不便ではなくなった。
This suburban area is no longer inconvenient because there is a subway now (literally: the subway has reached here).
やっと大学を出て学生ではなくなりました。
I finally graduated from college and am not a student any longer.
前は酒をよく飲んでいたが、この頃は飲まなくなりました。
I used to drink sake a lot, but now I don't drink any more.
彼は前よく電話をかけて来ましたが、もうかけて来なくなりました。
He used to call me frequently, but he doesn't call me any more.
日本語はもう難しくなくなりました。
Japanese isn't difficult for me any more.
易しい漢字も書けなくなった・なりました。
I cannot even write easy kanji any more.
Source notes
郊外 - suburb, outskirts
Your notes
N4 grammar
なくて
Pages 279 · 6 examples
Explanation
Do not do something and ~; is not ~ and ~; because ~ do not do something | A て form of the negative ない, which indicates a cause/reason for a state or action.
Examples
Show examples (6)
先生の説明が分からなくて困りました。
I didn't understand the teacher's explanation and had a difficult time.
厳しい先生じゃなくてよかった。
He wasn't a strict teacher and it was good.
字が上手じゃなくて恥ずかしいんです。
My handwriting is so poor that I feel ashamed.
日本では日本語が話せなくて残念でした。
It's regrettable that I couldn't speak Japanese in Japan.
朝七時に起きられなくて会社に遅れた・遅れました。
I couldn't get up at seven and was late for work (at my company).
試験は難しくなくてよかったですね。
The exam wasn't difficult and it was good, wasn't it?
Your notes
N4 grammar
なら
Pages 281 · 6 examples
Explanation
If it is true that; if it is the case that; if; would; could | A conjunction which indicates that the preceding sentence is the speaker’s supposition about the truth of a present or past fact or the actualisation of something in the future.
Examples
Show examples (6)
そんなに高いのなら買えません。
If it is that expensive, I can't buy it.
シカゴへ行くのならバスで行きなさい。
If you go to Chicago, go by bus.
山田先生が好きなら手紙を書いたらどうですか。
If you like Mr. Yamada, why don't you write a letter to him?
杉田が来たのなら僕は帰る。
If Sugita has come, I'll go home.
松田が来る(の)なら僕は行かない・行きません。
If it is true that Matsuda will come, I won't go.
高橋先生ならそのことを知っているでしょう。
If it is Professor Takahashi, he probably knows about it.
Your notes
N4 grammar
なさい
Pages 284 · 4 examples
Explanation
Do something | A polite imperative used by superiors such as parents or teachers to their inferiors (=people of younger age and lower rank)
Examples
Show examples (4)
もう遅いから歯を 磨いて寝なさい。
It's late now, so brush your teeth and go to bed.
もっと沢山食べなさい。
Eat more.
早くうちに帰って来なさいよ。
Come home early, OK?
遊ばないで勉強しなさい。
Don't play. Study.
Your notes
N4 grammar
難い・にくい
Pages 307 · 5 examples
Explanation
Hard to ~; difficult to ~; don’t do something easily; not readily; not prone to ~ | Something or someone is hard to ~.
Examples
Show examples (5)
あの人の名前は覚えにくい。
His name is hard to remember.
あの先生は話しにくいです。
That teacher is hard to talk to.
このドアは開きにくいですね。
This door doesn't open easily, does it?
この本は大変読みにくい・にくいです。
This book is very hard to read.
この靴は走りにくいです。
These shoes are hard to run in.
Your notes
N4 grammar
のに - Even though; despite the fact that ~; although; but; in spite of the fact that ~
Pages 331 · 7 examples
Explanation
Contrary to everybody’s expectation based on the sentence preceding [x], the proposition in the sentence following [x] is the case.
Examples
Show examples (7)
あの人はピアノが上手なのにめったに弾きません。
He is good at piano, but seldom plays.
このステーキは高いのに美味しくない・美味しくありません。
In spite of the fact that this steak is expensive, it isn't delicious.
ホールさんはアメリカ人なのに肉が嫌いだ・嫌いです。
In spite of the fact that Mr. Hall is an American, he doesn't like meat.
中学と高校で六年間も英語を勉強したのにまだ英語が話せません。
I studied English for as many as six years at junior high and senior high, but I still cannot speak it.
毎日漢字を勉強しているのによく覚えられない・覚えられません。
Although I'm studying kanji every day, I cannot memorize them well.
清水さんはゴルフが下手なのに大好きだ・大好きです。
Although Mr. Shimizu is not good at golf, he loves it.
父は九十歳なのにまだ働いています。
My father is still working in spite of the fact that he is ninety years old.
Your notes
N4 grammar
のに - In the process of doing ~; (in order) to do ~; for the purpose of ~
Pages 335 · 4 examples
Explanation
In the process or for the purpose of doing something expressed in the の nominalised clause.
Examples
Show examples (4)
このレポートを書くのに一ヶ月かかりました。
It took me a month to write this paper.
すき焼きを作るのには何が要りますか。
What do you need to make sukiyaki?
会社に行くのにバスと電車を使っている。
I am using the bus and the train to get to my company.
私は日本語の新聞を読むのに辞書を使う・使います。
I used a dictionary to read Japanese newspapers.
Your notes
N4 grammar
のは~だ
Pages 337 · 8 examples
Explanation
It is ~ that ~; the one who ~ is ~; the place where ~ is ~; the reason why ~ is ~; the time when ~ is ~; what ~ is ~ | A structure that indicates new, important information by placing it between [x] and the copula [x] ([x] is an indefinite pronoun ([x]2) that replaces ‘time’,’person’, ‘thing’, ‘place’ or ‘reason’.)
Examples
Show examples (8)
ここで一番奇麗なのは山だ・です。
ここで一番奇麗なのは山です。
The most beautiful things here are mountains.
このクラスで一番頭がいいのは 吉田さんだ・です。
The brightest one in this class is Mr. Yoshida.
モーツアルトが大好きになったのは大学一年の時です。
It was during my freshman year that I become very fond of Mozart.
一昨日遊びに来たのは秋子さんです。
It was Akiko who came to see me the day before yesterday.
山田さん、あなたがシカゴに行ったのはいつですか。
Mr. Yamada, when was it that you went to Chicago?
日本で美味しいのは果物だ。
What is delicious in Japan is fruit.
父が嫌いなのはテレビだ。
It is television that my father hates.
私が中国に行ったのは三年前だ・です。
It was three years ago that I went to China. / The time when I went to China was three years ago.
Your notes
N4 grammar
お
Pages 343 · 10 examples
Explanation
A prefix that expresses politeness.
Examples
Show examples (10)
お昼ご飯はもう食べましたか。
Have you had your lunch yet?
お飲み物は何が宜しいですか。
As for drinks, what would be good?
上田先生はテニスがお上手です。
Professor Ueda is good at tennis.
今村さんはゴルフがお好きだ・好きです。
Mr. Imamura likes golf.
宮本さんの奥様はとてもお奇麗だ。
Mr. Miyamoto's wife is very pretty.
毎日お暑いですね。
It's hot day after day, isn't it?
田村先生は今とてもお忙しい。
Professor Tamura is very busy now.
石田先生は英語でお話しになった・なりました。
Professor Ishida talked in English.
私は昨日 山崎先生にお会いした・しました。
I met Professor Yamazaki yesterday.
野村さんからお電話がありました。
There was a phone call from Mr. Nomura.
Your notes
N4 grammar
多い・おおい
Pages 354 · 4 examples
Explanation
Many; a lot of; much | (of quantity or number) a lot
Examples
Show examples (4)
ロスさんの作文(に)は間違いが多いです。
There are many mistakes in Mr. Ross's compositions.
一月(に)は雪が多い。
There is a lot of snow in January.
京都(に)はお寺が多いです。
There are many temples in Kyoto.
日本(に)は大学が多い・多いです。
In Japan universities are many.
Your notes
N4 grammar
おく
Pages 357 · 3 examples
Explanation
Do something in advance; go ahead and do something; let someone/something remain as he/it is | Do something in advance for future convenience.
Examples
Show examples (3)
今日は昼に客が来るので昼ご飯を早目に食べておいた。
Since I'm having a guest at noon today, I had my lunch earlier.
明日パーティーをするのでビールを買っておいた・おきました。
Since we are having a party tomorrow, I bought some beer for it.
来年日本へ行くから少し日本語を勉強しておきます。
Since I'm going to Japan next year, I will study a little Japanese ahead of time.
Source notes
早めに - はやめに - earlier than usual, ahead of time
Your notes
N4 grammar
お~になる
Pages 358 · 3 examples
Explanation
A phrase which expresses the speaker’s respect for someone when describing that person’s action or state
Examples
Show examples (3)
この本をもうお読みになりましたか。
Have you read this book yet?
グッドマン先生は私の名前をお忘れになった。
Professor Goodman has forgotten my name.
田中先生はもうお帰りになった・なりました。
Professor Tanaka already went home.
Your notes
N4 grammar
さ
Pages 358, 381 · 17 examples
Explanation
-ness; -ly | A suffix that makes a noun out of an adjective by attaching it to the stem of an Adj (い) or much less frequently to the stem of an Adj (な)
You know; sure; I tell you | A sentence final particle used in highly informal speech by male speakers to express different degrees of assertion ranging from a light touch comment up to opposition or imposition.
Examples
Show examples (17)
A: お前は車を買う金なんかないよな。B: いや、あるさ。
A: You don't have money to buy a car with, do you? B: Sure I do.
A: このスーツケース、持てるかな。B: 持てるさ。
A: I wonder if I can carry this suitcase. B: I'm sure you can.
A: この問題、君には 解けないと思うよ。B: こんなもの、易しいさ。
A: I bet you can't solve this math problem. B: This is a cinch, you know.
A: 今日の日本語のテストは難しいかな。B: いや、難しくないさ。
A: I wonder if today's Japanese test is difficult. B: No, it's not difficult, I tell you.
A:ニューヨークの一人歩きは危ないだろう。B: いや、大丈夫さ。
A: Walking alone in New York City must be unsafe! B: No, it's safe, you know.
A:僕は大学に行くのを諦めたよ。B: 何を言っているのさ。
A: I've given up the idea of going to college, you know. B: What are you talking about?
このうちの広さはちょうどいい・いいです。
This size of this house is just right.
どうしてこんな簡単なことが分からないのさ。
How come you don't understand such a simple thing?
どうして酒を飲んじゃいけないのさ。
How come I can't drink sake?
アメリカのよさはパイオニア・スピリットでしょう。
One of America's good qualities is perhaps its pioneering spirit.
人生とはこんなものさ。
Such is life, you know.
人生は長い旅のようなものさ。
Life is something like a long journey.
仕事に失敗はつきものさ。
Work and failure go together, you know.
富士山の高さはどのぐらいですか。
What is the approximate height of Mt. Fuji?
日本語の難しさがよく分かりました。
I'm now well aware of the difficulty of Japanese.
A:君は日本語、読めないよね。B:いや、読めるさ。
A: You cannot read Japanese, right? B: Yeah, sure I can.
A:就職出来るかな。B:出来るさ。
A: I wonder if I can get a job.
B: Sure you can.
Your notes
N4 grammar
お~する
Pages 360 · 3 examples
Explanation
A phrase which humbly expresses the speaker’s politeness to someone when describing the speaker’s action or state that involves or affects that person.
Examples
Show examples (3)
そのことは私がお話ししましょう。
I will tell you about that matter.
山村君は先生に本をお借りした。
Mr. Yamamura borrowed a book from his teacher.
私は先生のスーツケースをお持ちした・しました。
I carried my teacher's suitcase.
Your notes
N4 grammar
終わる・おわる
Pages 362 · 3 examples
Explanation
Finish; end | Finish doing ~
Examples
Show examples (3)
ちょうどご飯を食べ終わったところです。
I've just finished eating my meal.
やっと論文を書き終わった。
I finally finished writing a paper.
源氏物語をやっと読み終わった・終わりました。
I finally finished reading The Tale of Genji.
Your notes
N4 grammar
られる
Pages 364 · 9 examples
Explanation
Be –ed; get –ed | A state or an action cannot be controlled by someone or something.
Examples
Show examples (9)
このビルは二年前に建てられた。
This building was built two years ago.
この本は1965年にアメリカで 出版された。
This book was published in America in 1965.
ジェーンはフレッドに夜遅くアパートに来られた・来られました。
Fred came to Jane's apartment late at night (and Jane was unhappy).
一郎は花子に騙された・騙されました。
Ichiro was deceived by Hanako.
原田さんは奥さんに高いコートを買われた。
Mr. Harada's wife bought an expensive coat (and he is unhappy).
林先生は日本の大学のことを話された。
Professor Hayashi talked about Japanese universities (honorific).
田中先生は日本へ帰られた・帰られました。
Professor Tanaka went back to Japan (honorific).
私は二年前妻に死なれた。
My wife died two years ago (and gave me sorrow).
私は弟にケーキを食べられた・食べられました。
I got my cake eaten by my younger brother. / My younger brother ate my cake (and I was unhappy).
Your notes
N4 grammar
際(に)
Pages 369 · 12 examples
Explanation
When; on the occasion of; at the time of | On the special occasion of/when.
Examples
Show examples (12)
この際、私が直接社長に話してみます。
Since this is an important occasion (literally: on this occasion), I will talk directly to the president (and see what happens).
これは大学卒業の際に父が買ってくれたワープロです。
This is a word processor which my father bought me on the occasion of my college graduation.
これは帰国の際ホストファミリーのお父さんがくれた 腕時計です。
This is a wrist watch which my host family father gave me when I left for home.
出発の際には、わざわざ見送りに来ていただき、ありがとうございました。
Thank you very much for taking the time to see me off at the time of my departure.
大阪に転勤する際に、妻子は東京に残した。
When I transferred to Osaka I left my wife and children behind in Tokyo.
旅行の際には必ずカメラを持って行きます。
When I go on a trip I always take my camera with me.
日本の近代化の研究に際して日本の国立国会図書館を利用した。
At the time of my research on Japanese modernization I used the National Diet Library of Japan.
激しい運動をする際には準備運動が必要だ。
When you engage in strenuous exercise, you need to do stretch exercises.
私達の結婚に際して過分のお祝い物を頂き恐縮しております。
I feel much obliged to have received such an unmerited gift on the occasion of our wedding.
詳しいことは八月に上京する際に、お話し致します。
I will tell you the details when I come down to Tokyo in August.
近くにおいでの際には、ぜひお立ち寄り下さい。
Please call on us when you happen to be in our neighbourhood.
首相はサミット会談に出席した際に国際 収支に関する日本側の立場を説明した。
When the premier attended the summit meeting, he explained Japanese views on balance of international payments.
Your notes
N4 grammar
られる - Be able to do something; can do something; be –able; ~ can be done
Pages 370 · 5 examples
Explanation
An auxiliary verb which indicates potential.
Examples
Show examples (5)
この字は読めない。
This letter is not readable.
この水は飲めない・飲めません。
This water is not drinkable.
ブラウンさんは刺身が食べられる。
Mr. Brown can eat sashimi.
寺田さんはテニスが出来る。
Mr. Terada can play tennis.
私は日本語が読める・読めます。
I can read Japanese.
Your notes
N4 grammar
らしい
Pages 373 · 6 examples
Explanation
Seem; look like; apparently; I heard | An auxiliary adjective which indicates that the preceding sentence is the speaker’s conjecture based on what he has heard, read or seen.
Examples
Show examples (6)
あの学校の入学試験は難しいらしい。
That school's entrance exam seems difficult.
ここは学校らしい。
This place seems to be a school.
この辺りはとても静からしいです。
This neighbourhood seems very quiet.
その話は本当らしい。
That story seems true.
杉本さんはもう帰ったらしいです。
Mr. Sugimoto seems to have gone home already.
松田さんはアメリカへ行くらしい・らしいです。
It seems that Mr. Matsuda is going to America.
Source notes
辺り - あたり - (in the) neighbourhood, neighborhood, vicinity, nearby
Your notes
N4 grammar
さすが
Pages 374 · 15 examples
Explanation
As might be expected; after all; it is only natural that ~; naturally; truly; really; indeed; impressive | An adverb that expresses the speaker's/writer's strong feeling that something has turned out as s/he expected.
Examples
Show examples (15)
いつも、CDで音楽を聞いているんですが、生のコンサートはさすがにいいですね。
I'm always listening to music on CDs, but concerts are good, after all.
さすが、パリで十年暮らしただけ{あって/に}、彼は大変フランス通だ。
It is only natural that he is well versed in things French, because he lived in Paris for 10 years.
さすが、若い頃山に登っていただけに、今でも足が強い。
As may be expected of a person who used to climb mountains in his young days, he still has strong legs.
さすがの先生にも、解答が分からなかった。
The great teacher that he was, even he couldn't figure out the solution.
さすがの父も、今度の入院は 応えたようだ。
Even on my father the recent hospitalization seemed to have been hard.
さすが元ボートの選手だけ{あって/に}、体格がいい。
After all, he is a former boating man. He has a fine physique.
さすが(は)広島のかきだ。実に美味しい。
さすが(は)広島の牡蠣だ。実に美味しい。
After all, they are Hiroshima oysters. They are really good.
さすが(は) 本場のイタリア料理だ。日本のイタリア料理とは味が違う。
After all, it is authentic Italian cuisine in Italy. It tastes different from the Italian cuisine in Japan.
さすが(は)科学者だ。観察が鋭い。
After all, he is a scientist. He makes sharp observations.
ジョンはさすがだね。ビールを十本も飲んでしまったよ。
As might be expected of John, he drank 10 bottles of beer.
ネルソンさんは日本に三年留学していたので、さすがに日本語が上手です。
Because Mr. Nelson has studied in Japan for three years, naturally he speaks Japanese well.
彼は肉が大好物のようで、大きなステーキを 二枚も平らげたのはさすがだった。
He seems to like meat a lot and it was impressive that he ate two large steaks.
昨日は十時間も運転をしたので、さすがに疲れました。
Yesterday I drove a car for 10 hours, so I got tired, as might be expected.
運動を何もしないで、食べてばかりいたから、さすがに太ってしまった。
It is only natural that I gained weight, because I was just eating without doing any exercise.
難しい質問に、さすがの大先生も、困ってしまった。
The great teacher that he was, even he had a hard time answering the difficult question.
Source notes
Meaning: even... (e.g. "even a genius...") Usually written using kana alone, as さすがの〜も
Your notes
N4 grammar
様・さま
Pages 384 · 4 examples
Explanation
Mr; Miss; Ms; Mrs | A suffix (originally meaning 'appearance') that indicates the speaker's/writer's politeness towards someone.
*Old children's book title
Mr; Miss; Ms; Mrs | A suffix (originally meaning 'appearance') that indicates the speaker's/writer's politeness towards someone.
Examples
Show examples (4)
お母様、どこにいらっしゃるの?
Mother, where are you going?
王様の耳は 驢馬の耳だ。
The King's ears are donkey ears.
神様を信じますか。
Do you believe in God?
花子ちゃん、今夜はお月様もお星様も奇麗ねえ。
Hanako, aren't the moon and the stars beautiful tonight!
Source notes
驢馬 - donkey
Your notes
N4 grammar
させる
Pages 387 · 8 examples
Explanation
Make someone/something do something; cause someone/something to do something; let someone/something do something; allow someone/something to do something; have someone/something do something; get someone/something to do something. | Cause someone/something to do something or cause something to change its state.
Examples
Show examples (8)
このゲームはジムに勝たせようと思う。
I think I'll let Jim win this game.
それは私にさせてください。
As for that, let me do it.
アンダーソンさんは子供達に好きなだけアイスクリームを食べさせた。
Mr. Anderson let his children eat as much ice cream as they liked.
久子は私を困らせた。
Hisako made me have trouble. / Hisako caused me trouble.
友達は私にチップを 払わせた。
My friend made me leave (lit pay) a tip.
父は妹にピアノを習わせた・習わせました。
My father made (or let) my younger sister learn to play the piano.
私は 冷蔵庫でミルクを 凍らせた。
I made milk freeze (I froze milk) in the refrigerator.
鈴木さんは娘を・に大学へ行かせた・行かせました。
Mr. Suzuki made/let his daughter go to college.
Source notes
チップ - tip
好きなだけ - all you want, as much as one wants
Your notes
N4 grammar
し
Pages 395 · 8 examples
Explanation
And what’s more; not only ~ but also ~; so | A conjunction to indicate ‘and’ in an emphatic way.
Examples
Show examples (8)
あの人は美人だし、頭もいい。
She's beautiful and what's more she's bright.
ここは夏は暑いし、冬は寒い・寒いです。
Here it's hot in the summer, and what's more, it's cold in the winter.
このアパートは奇麗だし、安い・安いです。
This apartment is clean, and what's more, it's inexpensive.
今日はテニスもしたし、映画も見た・見ました。
I not only played tennis but also saw a movie today.
今日は天気もいいし、どこへ行きましょうか。
It's a nice day, so shall we go out somewhere?
仕事もあったし、結婚も出来たし、とても嬉しいです。
Not only did I find a job, but I was also able to get married, so I'm very happy.
切符は買ってあるし、是非見に行きましょう。
I've bought a ticket for you, so let's go see it, by all means.
遊びたいんです・だが明日は試験だし遊べない・遊べません。
I would like to play, but there is an exam tomorrow, and I can't fool around.
Your notes
N4 grammar
しか
Pages 398 · 11 examples
Explanation
Nothing/nobody/no ~ but; only | A particle which marks an element X when nothing but X makes the expressed proposition true.
Examples
Show examples (11)
この学校は学生が百人しかない。
This school has only a hundred students.
この本はこの図書館(に)しかありません。
Only this library has this book.
そこは車でしか行けない。
You can go there only by car. / The only way you can go there is by car.
それは 江口さんにしか話していない・いません
I haven't told it to anybody but Mr. Eguchi.
パーティーには学生しか来なかった。
Only students came to the party.
戸田さんしか煙草を吸わない・吸いません。
No one but Mr. Toda smokes.
田村さんはサラダしか食べなかった。
Mr. Tamura ate only salad.
私はご飯を一杯しか食べなかった・食べませんでした。
I had only one bowl of rice.
私は山田さんとしか話をしない。
I talk only with Mr. Yamada.
私は日曜日(に)しか来られません。
I can come only on Sunday.
私は日本語しか知らない・知りません。
I know nothing but Japanese.
Your notes
N4 grammar
しまう
Pages 403 · 6 examples
Explanation
Have dome something; finish doing something; finish something up | An auxiliary verb which indicates the completion of an action.
Examples
Show examples (6)
もう宿題をしてしまいましたか。
Have you done your homework yet?
シチューを作り過ぎてしまいました。
I made too much stew (to my regret).
早くご飯を食べてしまいなさい。
Finish (eating) your meal quickly.
池田君は三日でその本を読んでしまった・しまいました。
Mr. Ikeda finished reading the book in three days.
私はルームメートのミルクを飲んでしまった・しまいました。
I (mistakenly) drank my roommate's milk.
私は 今日中にそのレポートを書いてしまおうと思っている。
I think that I will finish (writing) the report today.
Your notes
N4 grammar
に向けて・に向けた
Pages 404 · 14 examples
Explanation
Toward; to; at; aiming at; targeting; for; for the purpose of; in order to | A compound particle that indicates the destination/direction of movement, the target/direction of an action, or the goal/purpose of an action.
Examples
Show examples (14)
H社は新しく開発された電池の事業化に向けて新会社を設立した。
H Company has established a new company for the commercialization of their newly-developed battery.
K社は1月から九州で生産した高級車を中国に向けて輸出する。
Starting in January, K Company is going to export luxury cars to China which were manufactured in Kyushu.
M氏の提言は、新たな世紀に向けた日本外交の指針を考えていくにあたり、非常に示唆に富むものであった。
Mr. M's proposal was full of suggestions when we began considering the guiding principles of Japan's diplomacy for the new century.
このテレビコマーシャルは20、30代の独身女性に向けて発信されている。
This TV commercial is being marketed to single women in their twenties and thirties.
In this project, animators from around the globe create works for the world's children, and then the works are translated into various countries' languages.
バレーボール協会は次のオリンピックに向けて選手の強化を急いでいる。
The volleyball association is hurrying to strengthen its players for the next Olympic Games.
今、来年の入学試験に向けて頑張っています。
I'm studying hard now for the next year's entrance exam.
地球温暖化防止に{向けての/向けた}動きが活発化している。
Efforts to prevent (literally: Movement for the purpose of preventing) global warming are gaining vigour.
報道班は次の目的地に向けて出発した。
The team of reporters left for the next destination.
Our company is implementing a new communication system for more efficient internal communication.
救援物資を積んだヘリコプターが被災地に向けて飛び立った。
A helicopter loaded with relief supplies left for (literally: took off toward) the site of the damage.
新しいエネルギーの開発に向けて研究が進んでいる。
Research is progressing toward (the goal of) developing new energy.
機動隊はデモ隊に向けて催涙弾を発射した。
The riot police shot tear gas bombs at the ranks of demonstrators.
異なる特許制度の世界的統一に向けて交渉が開始された。
Negotiations toward the global integration of incompatible (literally: different) patent systems began.
Your notes
N4 grammar
知る・しる
Pages 406 · 5 examples
Explanation
Get to know | Someone gets information from some outside source.
Examples
Show examples (5)
A:中国語を知っていますか。 B:いいえ、知りません。
A: Do you know Chinese? B: No, I don't.
A:日本のことを知っていますか。 B:はい、知っています。/いいえ、知りません。
A:日本のことを知っていますか。B:はい、知っています。/いいえ、知りません。
A: Do you know about Japan?B: Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
山口さんの電話番号を知っていますか。
Do you know Mr. Yamaguchi's telephone number?
木下さんを知っていますか。
Do you know Mr. Kinoshita?
私は上田さんがアメリカへ行ったことを知らなかった。
I didn't know that Mr. Ueda had gone to America.
Your notes
N4 grammar
そうだ - I hear that ~; I heard that ~; people say that ~
Pages 407 · 5 examples
Explanation
An auxiliary which indicates that the information expressed by the preceding sentence is what the speaker heard.
Examples
Show examples (5)
キングさんは英語の先生だそうだ。
I heard that Mr. King is a teacher of English.
利子さんは英語がとても上手だそうです。
I heard that Toshiko speaks very good English.
山川さんがフランス語を勉強しているそうです。
I heard that Mr. Yamakawa is studying French.
日本の肉はとても高いそうだ。
I heard that meat in Japan is very expensive.
清水さんはお酒を飲まないそうです。
I heard that Mr. Shimizu doesn't drink any alcohol.
Your notes
N4 grammar
~に~ない
Pages 408 · 7 examples
Explanation
Cannot manage to; just cannot; cannot ~ even though ~ want to; cannot ~ despite the fact that ~ want to | A sentence structure meaning “someone cannot manage to do something”
Examples
Show examples (7)
みんなの前で大見えを切ってできると言ってしまったので引くに引けない。
みんなの前で大見得を切ってできると言ってしまったので引くに引けない。
Because I boasted to everyone that I could do it, I cannot pull out now even though I want to.
When you go to school reunions or other events, often you cannot say no to an old friend who has joined a group (and asks you to join) or is selling some product (and asks you to buy it).
大事なお客さんからの電話がいつまで待ってもかかってこないので、帰るに帰れない。
I've been waiting a long time for a call from an important customer, but it hasn't come, so I cannot leave the office.
後任者が決まらないので、辞めるに辞められない。
Because my successor hasn't been chosen yet, I haven't been able to resign (my current position).
Unexpectedly, I got work that I have to finish today. It's my child's birthday, and I promised to come home early, but my colleagues (around me) are desperately trying to finish their own work, so I cannot (manage to) ask them to do mine for me.
Tales of blunders by interpreters are mostly laughable incidents when heard as anecdotes, but some of them are too serious to be considered laughing matters.
録画予約をして帰ってみたら、停電で全然録画されておらず泣くに泣けなかったという経験はありませんか。
Have you ever had the experience of setting a programmed recording, only to come home and find that the power went out and you didn't record a thing? It makes you want to cry.
Your notes
N4 grammar
そうだ - Look; look like; appear; seem; feel like
Pages 410 · 5 examples
Explanation
An auxiliary adjective which indicates that what is expressed by the preceding sentence is the speaker’s conjecture concerning an event in the future or the present state of someone or something, based on what the speaker sees or feels.
Examples
Show examples (5)
あのステーキは美味しそうだった。
That steak looked delicious.
あの車が高そうだ・そうです。
That car looks expensive.
この家は強い風が吹いたら倒れそうだ。
It looks like this house will fall down when a strong wind blows.
この 辺りは静かそうだ。
This neighbourhood looks quiet.
雨が降りそうだ・そうです。
It looks like it will rain.
Your notes
N4 grammar
に(も)なく
Pages 411 · 5 examples
Explanation
Unusually; more ~ than usual | A phrase that means something unusual happens or someone does something unusual.
This year has been unusually hot, a real scorcher. I usually try hard to save energy, but I find myself turning on the cooler.
宏は「ただいまー」といつになく明るい声で帰ってきた。
Hiroshi came home and said "I'm home!" in an unusually cheerful voice.
彼女は今日はいつに(も)なく陽気だった。
She was unusually cheerful today.
普段はたいていビールや日本酒だが、たまに柄にもなくバーにカクテルを飲みに行ったりする。
Usually I drink beer or sake, but occasionally I may go out for cocktails at a bar, which is unlike me.
気になっていた彼女が隣に座ったので、僕の心は我にもなく弾んだ。
The woman I've got a crush on sat next to me, so my heart started pounding with excitement involuntarily.
Your notes
N4 grammar
それでも
Pages 418 · 6 examples
Explanation
Nevertheless; yet; but in spite of that; even so | In spite of the circumstance expressed in the preceding sentence.
Examples
Show examples (6)
A: そのオーバー、高いねえ。 B: それでも買うつもり?
A: This overcoat is expensive, isn't it? B: But do you intend to buy it?
この本はとても高いのに、それでもいい本だから、よく売れている。
This book is very expensive, yet it is selling well, because it is a good book.
両親は二人の結婚に反対している。それでも二人は結婚するつもりらしい。
The parents are opposed to the couple's marriage. Nevertheless, they seem intent to marrying.
彼はとても忙しいのに、それでもジョギングを一日も欠かさない。
He is very busy, yet he does not miss jogging even a day.
暑いので扇風機をつけたが、それでもまだ暑かった。
It was so hot that we turned on an electric fan, but it was still hot.
父はひどい風邪を引いていた。しかしそれでも旅行に出かけた。
My father was suffering from a bad cold. Nevertheless, he went on a trip.
Your notes
N4 grammar
それどころか
Pages 420 · 9 examples
Explanation
On the contrary; far from that; as a matter of fact | A conjunction that is used to indicate that the level/degree of a fact or a situation expressed in the second sentence is far above or below the level/degree of a fact or a situation expressed in the first sentence.
Examples
Show examples (9)
A: 風邪を引いたんだって?B:それどころか、肺炎になって、入院していたんだ。
A: Did you have a cold? (literally: I heard that you had a cold, but is it true?) B: On the contrary, I had pneumonia and got hospitalized.
A:和子、手伝ってくれる?B:それどころじゃないのよ、今宿題で忙しくて。
A: Kazuko, can you help me? B: No way, I'm busy doing my homework, you know.
A:映画を見に行こうか?B:それどころじゃないよ。今晩が徹夜しなければならないほど忙しいんだ。
A: Shall we go see a movie? B; Are you kidding? (literally: Far from it) Tonight I'm so busy that I have to stay up all night.
あの人は若くはありませんよ。それどころか、お孫さんが三人もいるんですよ。
She is not young. On the contrary, she has as many as three grandchildren.
お金は一銭もありません。それどころか、借金で苦しんでいるんです。
I don't have a penny. As a matter of fact, I'm suffering from debts.
クラークさんは刺身が食べられる。それどころか納豆まで食べられる。
Clark can eat sashimi. As a matter of fact, he eats even nattou.
ジムは日本語の会話が出来ない。それどころか、簡単な挨拶も日本語で出来ない。
Jim cannot speak Japanese. In fact, he cannot even make simple greetings in Japanese.
スミスさんは漢字が書けない。それどころか、平仮名も満足に書けない。
Mr. Smith cannot write kanji. As a matter of fact, he cannot write even hiragana satisfactorily.
A:今晩パーティーに行かない? B:それどころ{か、/じゃないよ。}親父が入院したんだ。
A: Shall we go to the party tonight? B: No way (literally: Far from it). Dad got hospitalized.
Your notes
N4 grammar
そして
Pages 422 · 4 examples
Explanation
And; and then | A coordinate conjunction that connects two sentences.
Examples
Show examples (4)
この映画はつまらない。そして長過ぎる。
This movie is uninteresting. And it's too long.
この花は奇麗です。そして安いです。
This flower is pretty. And it is inexpensive.
今日は東京に行った・行きました。そして友達に会った・会いました。
I went to Tokyo today. And I met my friend there.
昨日は朝ゴルフをしました。そして午後はテニスをしました。
Yesterday I played golf in the morning. And I played tennis in the afternoon.
Your notes
N4 grammar
それが
Pages 423 · 4 examples
Explanation
Well (contrary to your expectation; I'm afraid to say this, but) | An interjection which signals that the speaker is going to provide an unexpected response to a question.
Examples
Show examples (4)
A: 来年は日本で働くんですね。B: いや、それが行けなくなってしまったんです。
A: You're going to work in Japan next year, aren't you? B: Well, no, it's turned out that I can't go.
A: 試験、どうだった?B:それが、駄目だったんだ。
A: How was the exam? B: Well, (I'm sorry to say this, but) it was no good.