Essential JLPT N1 Grammar Guide: Developed Advanced Japanese

Welcome to the complete guide to JLPT N1 grammar. This level represents the pinnacle of Japanese language proficiency, requiring you to understand nuanced, formal, and abstract grammar patterns used in academic, professional, and literary contexts. N1 grammar is not just about passing a test; it's about gaining the ability to express complex thoughts and understand native-level discourse with precision.

This guide organizes all essential N1 grammar points into logical sections to help you build connections and see patterns. From subtle timing expressions to formal judgments and emotional emphasis, each point is presented with clear examples to build your confidence.

Interactive Features

Use the sticky search box above to instantly find any grammar point by its expression (e.g., "べく") or meaning (e.g., "in order to"). You can also filter by section and click any card to reveal detailed examples.

How to Use This Guide Effectively

For Comprehensive Study

Go through this guide section by section. The logical grouping helps you compare similar grammar points. For example, in Section 1, you'll find multiple ways to say "as soon as." Focus on the nuance that differentiates 〜が早いか, 〜や否や, and 〜なり. This comparative approach is crucial for N1.

For JLPT N1 Preparation

Use the search bar as your primary tool. When you encounter a grammar point you don't know in a mock exam or reader, search for it here. Click the card to see its meaning and two distinct example sentences. This provides quick, focused reinforcement.

Study Tips

Active Recall: Read the Japanese example (『...』) and try to explain the grammar's function before reading the English translation.
Look for Patterns: Notice how many N1 points are formal, written-language equivalents of grammar you already learned (e.g., 〜故に vs. 〜から/〜ので).
Context is Everything: Pay attention to the "meaning" field. Does it say "formal," "literary," "negative," or "complaint"? This context is the most tested part of N1.

Key Takeaways for N1

Focus on Nuance: Many N1 points are subtle variations of concepts you already know. Pay close attention to the specific context (e.g., formal, literary, negative) in which each pattern is used.
Literary & Formal Language: You will encounter many "hard" or "written" expressions (硬い表現) that are common in newspapers, academic papers, and formal speeches but rare in casual conversation.
Grouping is Key: Don't just memorize points individually. Learn them in groups, such as "all the ways to say 'as soon as'" (が早いか, や否や, なり), to understand the subtle differences in nuance and usage.

1. Time, Timing, and Transition

These points express immediate succession, a change over time, or a specific moment, often with a nuanced or formal tone.

2. Opportunity, Trigger, and Starting Point

Grammar used to indicate the beginning of a new phase, a turning point, or an event that acts as a catalyst.

3. Condition and Dependency

Advanced ways to say "if," "depending on," or "without," often with a formal or emphatic meaning.

4. Concession and Contrast (Part 1)

Expressions for "even though" or "although," ranging from formal statements to expressions of regret or surprise.

5. Concession and Contrast (Part 2)

Continuing with contrast, these points focus on strong juxtapositions, "not to mention," or ignoring external factors.

6. Reason, Cause, and Basis

Formal or emphatic ways to state a reason, including "precisely because of" or "taking advantage of."

7. Basis, Accordance, and Relation

Formal expressions used to indicate that an action is based on a standard, rule, fact, or another event.

8. Purpose, Concurrence, and Side Activities

Expressing strong purpose ("in order to") or the idea of doing two things at once (e.g., "while also...").

9. Scope, Extent, and Limitation

Patterns that define the limits or scope of something, such as "not just..." or "only..."

10. Listing and Examples

Ways to list items, often with a specific nuance like complaint, chaos, or judgment.

11. Emphasis: Extremes and Superlatives

A wide range of expressions used to say "extremely," "unbearably," or "the best," each with a different level of formality.

12. Emphasis: Focus and Limitation ('Even')

Various ways to say "even" or "not even a single," used to place strong emphasis on a minimal or extreme example.

13. Judgment, Role, and Definition

Grammar used to make judgments, define roles ("as a..."), or express what is worthy or unworthy of an action.

14. Appearance, Manner, and Atmosphere

Expressions that describe how something looks, feels, or seems, or how someone is acting ("-ish," "-like").

15. Feelings, Emotions, and Empathy

Patterns for expressing strong personal feelings ("I feel extremely..."), empathy, or things that are unbearable.

16. Strong Assertion and Determination

Grammar for showing strong will, determination, or acting "in defiance of" obstacles.

17. Weak Assertion, Possibility, and Tendency

Nuanced expressions for saying "it's not impossible that..." or describing a (usually negative) tendency.

18. Inference and Conjecture

Formal patterns used in reporting or news to state what is "thought to be" or "appears to be."

19. Completion and Incompletion

Expressions that describe doing something thoroughly, failing to do something, or neglecting one's duty.

20. Necessity and Compulsion

Strong expressions for "must do" or "cannot avoid" an action, often with a sense of inevitability.

21. Hypothetical and Conditional Situations

Patterns for describing hypothetical ("if... would have...") or complex conditional situations ("if... then...").

22. Degree and Manner (Part 2)

Describing actions done "in one's own way," in an alternating manner, or to an excessive degree.

23. Timing and State Changes

Points that emphasize the moment a state changes or the fact that a situation is "already" or "no longer" true.

24. Worth and Value

Expressing what is "worth doing" or "deserves" praise, as well as what is "unbearable" to see or hear.

25. Focus and Topics

A formal pattern used to introduce the topic of a discussion, debate, or conflict.

26. Emphasis with Colloquial Patterns

Colloquial expressions used to show frustration or emphasis, like "I'm telling you...!"

27. Strong Purpose and Determination (Literary)

Literary and emphatic expressions for "in order to" or "as if about to," often showing strong will.

28. Scope, Extent, and Limitation (Continued)

Further points for defining scope, such as "nothing more than," "up to," or "regardless of."

29. Resultative and Consequential Expressions

Patterns that describe a result "after" a long process, often with a positive or negative connotation.

30. Attribution and Source

Common expressions for citing sources, such as "according to..." or "based on..."

31. Contrast and Unexpectedness

Fundamental conjunctions for expressing "however" or "despite," highlighting unexpected outcomes.

Tools to Accelerate Your Journey

From complete beginner to advanced fluency, these tools support every stage.

あ

Master the Basics

Kana Challenge

Perfect for beginners learning hiragana and katakana with engaging, gamified practice.

Start Learning

Practice Reading

YoMoo

Daily immersive reading practice with fresh articles to apply your grammar knowledge in context.

Explore Now

Achieve Fluency

Fluency Tool

Comprehensive Japanese mastery with AI voice recognition, JLPT-focused content, and grammar activities.