JLPT N1 key terms

A pattern showing that a process or chain of events finally reaches a particular state or result. It often marks a serious or extreme outcome and attaches to nouns or dictionary-form verbs.

A passive pattern meaning someone is forced into an unwelcome situation because circumstances leave no choice. It attaches to nouns, as in 計画の変更を余儀なくされた.

An emphatic pattern meaning something will inevitably produce a certain reaction, or a person will definitely act. It attaches to the negative stem (the ない form without ない) and denies that the result can be avoided.

A written pattern showing that the second action happened the instant the first was completed. Both clauses describe real past events, and the second verb normally appears in past tense.

A pattern describing something being undone almost as soon as it is done, or a repeated action by someone else right afterwards. It usually carries irritation about wasted effort or lack of progress.

A suffix attached to nouns meaning covered or smeared with something unpleasant, such as mud, sweat, dust or blood. It is used mainly for physical substances rather than abstract ideas.

A pattern meaning to do one thing while also accomplishing another, typically a walk or outing combined with a purpose. It attaches to nouns or verb stems and sounds slightly formal.

A formal pattern meaning although, admitting one fact while doing or feeling something different. It attaches to verb stems and appears mostly in written language for contrast and concession.

A pattern stating that a result came about as a natural and inevitable consequence of earlier causes. It frequently appears in the fixed shape 起こるべくして起こった.

A pattern meaning so strongly that it almost looks as if something will happen. It attaches to the negative stem, often followed by と or に, and describes an impression rather than a real event.

A colloquial pattern that raises a topic together with complaint, criticism or exasperation, roughly meaning 'when it comes to'. The clause that follows is usually negative.

A pattern that sets two things in sharp contrast, meaning 'in contrast to'. The paired items are normally opposite in quality, and the second clause carries the speaker's evaluation.

A formal pattern that names two contrasting items and states that the same judgement applies to both, meaning 'whether it is A or B'. It sounds emphatic and is common in speeches and editorials.

A pattern meaning that one event is only the start and similar events follow one after another. It attaches to nouns and appears often in reports about tours, campaigns or series of performances.

A formal pattern meaning in close accordance with facts, reality or a given standard. It attaches to nouns such as 現実 or 状況 and belongs mainly to written and official style.

A pattern meaning to take something into account as the basis for a next step or decision. It attaches to nouns like 結果 or 意見 and is frequent in business and news writing.

A formal pattern attaching to nouns or dictionary-form verbs, meaning not worth doing or too painful to bear, as in 見るに堪えない. It appears mostly in written criticism and comment.

A suffix meaning entirely or nothing but, attached to nouns such as 黒 or いいこと. It describes an unusual state in which everything is uniform, often with surprise or irony.

A pattern meaning that not only the first item but even a more basic second item is out of the question. The whole sentence is negative and the later item is the more extreme one.

A formal pattern meaning 'with' or 'by means of', used for methods, time limits or grounds. It also appears in fixed announcements such as 本日をもって終了いたします.

A literary pattern meaning 'in order to', attached to the negative stem. It appears in formal or dramatic writing and combines most often with する and ある.

A pattern meaning that despite effort, hope or expectation, the wished-for result did not happen. It attaches to nouns with の or to verbs and expresses the speaker's disappointment.

A pattern meaning there is no need to do something because the point is already obvious or settled. It is used in explanations and arguments to present a conclusion as self-evident.

A noun pattern meaning just at the moment when someone was about to do something, usually when an unexpected and unwelcome event interferes with the plan.

An emphatic formal pattern meaning precisely because. The following clause gives a strong result or a firm denial, giving the sentence a reasoned, assertive tone.

A formal pattern meaning even though or even in the case of, often used with いかなる or どんな. It stresses that an exception or rule still applies to the item named.

A formal pattern meaning that one action also serves a second purpose, such as greeting someone and thanking them at once. It attaches to nouns and is typical of letters and greetings.

A pattern meaning something ended without ever being done, often with a tone of regret. It attaches to the negative stem and is used only for situations already finished in the past.

A pattern meaning concerning or surrounding a topic, used when people argue, discuss or investigate something. It attaches to nouns such as 計画, 問題 or 事件.

A na-adjective describing something vague or unclear, either because it was deliberately left undecided or because it is not stated precisely. It applies to attitudes, wording and boundaries.

A na-adjective meaning clearly noticeable, used for changes, differences or tendencies that stand out plainly and cannot be overlooked in data or observation.

A noun meaning a mismatch or discrepancy between two things that ought to agree, such as plans, statements or figures. It is formal and common in business and administrative reports.

A noun and verb meaning to break through a deadlock or a difficult situation and find a way forward, as in 事態を打開する. It is used for negotiations, conflicts and stalled conditions.

A noun and verb meaning to follow an existing method, policy or tradition without altering it. It is common in descriptions of company practice and government policy.

A polite fixed phrase used to apologise lightly or to introduce a request indirectly. It appears constantly in business phone calls, shop conversations and service situations in the listening section.

A polite phrase meaning 'if it is no problem for you', placed before asking a favour or a personal question. It softens the request and signals that the other person may refuse.

A noun and adverb meaning a return call or an immediate reply. The phrase 折り返しお電話します signals that the speaker will call back, a frequent cue in phone-task listening questions.

A polite pattern attached to verb stems meaning 'cannot do', used to decline requests or state inability indirectly. It is softer than a blunt refusal and common in formal listening dialogues.