JLPT N4 Grammar: Intermediate Grammar Points

The JLPT N4 represents an intermediate milestone, building on N5 foundations to include more complex grammatical structures. This level requires understanding of te-form, various conjunctions, and more nuanced expression patterns. Success at N4 demonstrates ability to handle routine social situations and comprehend straightforward written materials. This comprehensive guide covers essential N4 grammar patterns.

Te-Form Grammar

The te-form (て形) serves as a fundamental building block for more complex Japanese sentences. Beyond connecting actions, the te-form combines with various endings to create nuanced expressions. The formation differs between verb groups: Godan verbs change their final -u sound to -tte, while Ichidan verbs simply replace -ru with -te.

The te-form plus いる (iru) creates progressive or continuous aspect: 食べている (tabete iru, is eating). This pattern also expresses ongoing states. The te-form plus もいいですか (mo ii desu ka) asks permission: 使ってもいいですか (tsukatte mo ii desu ka, May I use it?).

The te-form plus みる (miru) tries an action: 使してみる (tsukatte miru, try using it). This pattern appears frequently in N4 grammar questions, testing your ability to combine verb forms with various endings.

Conditional Forms

The ba-form (ば形) creates "if" conditions: 食べるならば (taberunara, if eat). Formation involves changing verb endings to their -eba forms: 食べれば (tabereba, if eat). This form appears in both formal writing and speech.

The -tara form provides another conditional option: 食べたければ (tabetakereba, if want to eat). This form expresses conditional desires and hypothetical situations, frequently appearing in N4 reading comprehension.

なら (nara) offers topic-based conditions: 日本に行くなら (Nihon ni ikunara, if going to Japan). This form assumes the condition is already established and draws conclusions based on it.

Expressing Ability and Permission

The potential form expresses ability: 食べられる (taberareru, can eat). Formation differs between verb groups, requiring memorization of each pattern. This form appears frequently in N4 test questions about capability.

みごと (migi) expresses cannot or must not: 食べてはだめです (tabete wa dame desu, must not eat). This prohibition pattern appears in various contexts including instructions and warnings.

Making Comparisons

N4 introduces comparative structures: より (yori) than, 一番 (ichiban) most. These patterns enable sophisticated comparison: 日本りは中国より小さいです (Nihon wa Chūgoku yori chiisai desu, Japan is smaller than China).