Essential JLPT N2 Grammar Guide: Intermediate to Advanced Japanese

Building on your N3 foundation, the JLPT N2 level introduces highly formal, abstract, and nuanced grammar patterns essential for reading authentic materials and engaging in professional communication. This comprehensive guide covers all N2 grammar points, arranged in a logical learning sequence.

At N2, you will master advanced concessive forms, formal reasoning, patterns for capability, and precise grammar for timing and specific occasions. Each section builds systematically, with authentic examples to show each grammar point in context.

Interactive Features

Search for specific patterns, filter by section, and click any card to reveal detailed examples. The search and filter tools work on all screen sizes for convenient mobile learning.

How to Use This Guide Effectively

For N3 Graduates

Start from Section 1. N2 introduces many formal and written patterns that are rare in conversation. Pay close attention to the subtle differences between similar-looking formal points (e.g., the many "timing" patterns in Section 27 or "reason" patterns in Section 3).

For JLPT N2 Preparation

Use the search and filter functions to target your weak areas. Focus on "sets" of grammar: concessives (Section 1), formal reasoning (Section 3), capability/impossibility (Section 20), and formal timing (Section 27) are common exam topics. Practice creating your own sentences for each pattern to solidify your understanding.

Study Tips

Focus on 5-7 grammar points per study session.
Group similar formal patterns (e.g., all "basis" patterns, all "timing" patterns) and write sentences comparing them.
Master capability/impossibility (~かねる, ~がたい, ~うる) as these are key N2 distinctions.
Pay attention to formality. N2 is heavily focused on written and formal language.
Review N3 foundations, as N2 patterns often build on them.

Key Takeaways

Master formal concessive patterns (~ものの, ~にもかかわらず)
Distinguish formal/written expressions for reasons (~につき, ~ことから)
Understand strong assertions and negatives (~にほかならない, ~わけがない)
Learn formal patterns for capability/impossibility (~うる/えない, ~かねる, ~がたい)
Use precise timing/occasion grammar (~に際して, ~にあたって, ~次第)

1. Contrast and Concession

Master formal ways to say "although" or "despite," moving beyond N3's (~のに) to more written forms like (~ものの) and (~にもかかわらず).

2. Appearance and Conjecture

Describe how things appear or seem with more nuance, using (~かのようだ) for vivid similes and (~げ) for observing someone's apparent feelings.

3. Reasons and Causes

Express reasons with greater formality and specificity, from formal announcements (~につき) to personal excuses (~ものだから) and strong logical conclusions (~からには).

4. Emphasis and Reasoning

Emphasize the natural connection between a cause and effect, such as "as expected" (~だけあって) or "only by doing" (~てこそ).

5. Hypothetical and Conditional

Explore more complex conditionals, from "if I could" (~ものなら) to "unless" (~ないことには) and "if one were to..." (~ようものなら).

6. Basis and Foundation

Formally state what something is based on (~に基づいて), created "under" someone's guidance (~のもとで), or done "in accordance with" rules (~に沿って).

7. Contrast and Comparison

Make sharp contrasts, such as "far from..." (~どころか), "on the other hand" (~一方で), and "contrary to..." (~に反して).

8. Preference and Choice

Express strong preferences or lack of choice, from "I'd rather... than..." (~くらいなら) to "have no choice but to" (~ざるをえない) and "can't help but" (~ないではいられない).

9. Assertion and Emphasis

Make strong, definitive statements, such as "it is nothing but..." (~にほかならない), "it is merely..." (~にすぎない), and "there is a risk that..." (~おそれがある).

10. Hearsay and Reporting

Report information with different levels of certainty, from casual hearsay (~とか) to listing examples (~やら~やら) and summarizing (~といった).

11. Exclusion and Inclusion

Clearly define what is included or excluded, such as doing something "without" (~ことなく), "excluding" (~抜きで), or "filled with" emotion (~をこめて).

12. Limitation and Restriction

Define the limits of something, from "only for" (~に限り) and "as long as" (~限りは) to "as far as I know" (~限りでは).

13. Strong Negative

Express strong denial or impossibility, like "there's no way..." (~わけがない), "it's not the time for..." (~どころではない), and "I'll never..." (~ものか).

14. Addition and Scope

Add information formally, with "not only... but also..." (~のみならず), "on top of..." (~うえに), and define scope with "regardless of..." (~を問わず).

15. Setting Aside

Acknowledge a point before changing the topic, using "setting... aside" (~はともかく) or "putting... to one side" (~はさておき).

16. Concerning and Related

Introduce topics formally, such as "concerning..." (~をめぐって), "in response to..." (~に応えて), and "starting with..." (~をはじめ).

17. Extent and Range

Describe the full extent of a time, space, or action, such as "over a period of..." (~にわたって) or "as far as..." (~限り).

18. Advice and Norms

State general truths, advice, or what one "should" or "should not" do (~ものだ, ~ものではない, ~ことだ).

19. Two-sided Nature

Discuss two sides of a coin, using "on the other hand" (~反面) or showing a positive result is "no wonder" (~だけのことはある).

20. Possibility and Capability

A key N2 topic: express capability (or lack thereof) with "can" (~うる), "hard to" (~がたい), "no way to" (~ようがない), and formal refusal (~かねる).

21. Completion and Result

Describe the results of a long process, such as "in the end" (often negative) (~あげく), "at the end of" (~末に), or "without ever" (~ずじまい).

22. Continuation and Progression

Describe ongoing changes, such as "in proportion to" (~につれて), "in the process of" (~つつある), or a continuous trend (~一方だ).

23. Response and Accordance

Express actions taken "according to" or "depending on" a situation (~に応じて) or "whenever" something happens (~につけ).

24. Triggers and Opportunities

Explain the starting point of a change, such as "triggered by" (~を契機に) or "as a result of" (~をきっかけに).

25. Volitional and Determination

Show strong will, such as "let's..." (~ようではないか), "even if it means..." (~てでも), and "only when..." (~てこそ).

26. Specification and Identification

Specify a viewpoint, such as "from the perspective of..." (~にしてみたら) or "judging from..." (~からすると), or state "not even one" (~として~ない).

27. Timing and Occasion

Use precise, formal language for timing, like "on the occasion of" (~にあたって, ~に際して), "as soon as" (~次第), and "ever since" (~て以来).

28. Superiority and Excellence

Emphasize that someone is "unbeatable when it comes to..." a specific skill (~にかけては).

29. Meaning and Definition

Define terms using "...means" (~とは) or draw conclusions using "that means..." (~ということは).

30. Intention and Will

Express strong negative intention "will not..." (~まい), indecision "whether to... or not..." (~ようか~まいか), or a mistaken belief (~つもり).

31. Feelings and Emotions

Emphasize strong feelings, such as "one feels..." (~ものがある), "to my..." (~ことに), or "how...!" (~ことか).

32. Wishes and Desires

Express strong wishes, such as "I really want to..." (~たいものだ) or "if only..." (~ないものか).

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