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May 20, 2025

Using 〜ば〜ほど in Japanese

Have you ever wanted to express ideas like “the more you study, the better you get” or “the colder it gets, the more I want hot ramen” in Japanese? If so, you’re in the perfect place! One of the most natural and powerful grammar patterns in Japanese is 〜ば〜ほど. This versatile structure helps you show gradual change, comparisons, and cause-effect relationships—all in a smooth and native-like way.

Whether you’re a beginner curious about Japanese sentence patterns or an intermediate learner polishing your skills, understanding ば〜ほど grammar, how to use it in real-life conversations, and how to avoid common mistakes will level up your Japanese quickly and naturally.

In this friendly and clear guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about 〜ば〜ほど, including:

What ば〜ほど means and how it works
When and why native speakers use it
10 everyday sentences with English and romaji translations
Easy rules for conjugation and usage
Common errors and how to fix them
Exercises with answers to test your knowledge
And much more!

Let’s get started and unlock the power of one of Japanese’s most useful grammar forms—〜ば〜ほど!

What Is 〜ば〜ほど? Explanation and Overview

The Japanese grammar pattern 〜ば〜ほど is used to express the idea of “the more… the more…” or “the more something happens, the more another thing happens.” It’s a powerful and flexible structure that helps you compare levels of change, describe patterns, and show cause-effect relationships between two actions or conditions.

Think of it like this:

The more you do X, the more Y happens.
The more A increases, the more B increases.

In Japanese, this is done by repeating a condition and a result using ば-form of a verb or adjective + ほど.
Here’s a simple structure to remember:

[Verb/Adjective in ば-form] + ほど + [Result/Outcome]

Let’s look at a few natural English examples and how they match up in Japanese:

🗣️ The more you speak Japanese, the better you become.
　→ 日本語を話せば話すほど、上手になります。
　(Nihongo o hanaseba hanasu hodo, jōzu ni narimasu.)
🗣️ The more I eat, the hungrier I feel.
　→ 食べれば食べるほど、お腹がすきます。
　(Tabereba taberu hodo, onaka ga sukimasu.)
🗣️ The cheaper the product, the more popular it is.
　→ 値段が安ければ安いほど、人気があります。
　(Nedan ga yasukereba yasui hodo, ninki ga arimasu.)

This pattern can be used with:

Verbs (ex: 食べる → 食べれば食べるほど)
い-adjectives (ex: 早い → 早ければ早いほど)
な-adjectives (ex: 静か → 静かであれば静かであるほど)
Nouns (less common, but possible in special structures)

Why is this grammar important?

Because it allows you to express complex relationships in a very natural and efficient way—something native speakers do all the time in casual and formal Japanese. Whether you’re speaking about habits, preferences, weather, studies, feelings, or trends, 〜ば〜ほど is one of those grammar points that can elevate your fluency and expressiveness.

Now that you understand what it means, let’s see it in action with real-life examples you can start using today!

Everyday Sentences Using 〜ば〜ほど: 10 Common Examples

Now that you know what 〜ば〜ほど means, let’s see how it works in everyday Japanese. Below are 10 useful, natural-sounding sentences that native speakers use often. Each one includes the Japanese sentence, romaji (pronunciation), and English translation so you can practice speaking, listening, and understanding with confidence.

日本語を勉強すれば勉強するほど、楽しくなります。
Nihongo o benkyou sureba benkyou suru hodo, tanoshiku narimasu.
The more you study Japanese, the more fun it becomes.
聞けば聞くほど、よく分かります。
Kikeba kiku hodo, yoku wakarimasu.
The more you listen, the better you understand.
走れば走るほど、疲れます。
Hashireba hashiru hodo, tsukaremasu.
The more you run, the more tired you get.
友達と話せば話すほど、ストレスが減ります。
Tomodachi to hanaseba hanasu hodo, sutoresu ga herimasu.
The more you talk with friends, the less stress you feel.
値段が安ければ安いほど、人気があります。
Nedan ga yasukereba yasui hodo, ninki ga arimasu.
The cheaper it is, the more popular it becomes.
練習すればするほど、上手になります。
Renshuu sureba suru hodo, jouzu ni narimasu.
The more you practice, the better you get.
食べれば食べるほど、太ります。
Tabereba taberu hodo, futorimasu.
The more you eat, the more weight you gain.
本を読めば読むほど、語彙が増えます。
Hon o yomeba yomu hodo, goi ga fuemasu.
The more you read books, the more vocabulary you gain.
説明が長ければ長いほど、分かりにくいです。
Setsumei ga nagakereba nagai hodo, wakarinikui desu.
The longer the explanation, the harder it is to understand.
経験すればするほど、自信がつきます。
Keiken sureba suru hodo, jishin ga tsukimasu.
The more experience you get, the more confident you become.

When to Use 〜ば〜ほど: All the Key Situations

You now understand what 〜ば〜ほど means and how it appears in daily conversations. But when exactly should you use it? Here are all the key situations where this grammar form is most useful. These are common in both spoken and written Japanese, so mastering them will help you sound more natural and fluent.

1. To Show Cause and Effect or Progression
Use 〜ば〜ほど when one action or condition causes another to happen more strongly or more frequently.
Example: 勉強すればするほど、成績が上がります。
(The more you study, the better your grades get.)

2. To Compare Two Levels of Change
Use it to show that two things increase or decrease together.
Example: 気温が下がれば下がるほど、雪が多くなります。
(The lower the temperature, the more snow we get.)

3. To Emphasize Feelings or Reactions
Use it when emotions grow stronger with a certain action or situation.
Example: 会えば会うほど、好きになります。
(The more I see you, the more I like you.)

4. To Highlight Repetition or Habits
Great for talking about things that happen regularly and intensify over time.
Example: 練習すればするほど、自然に話せるようになります。
(The more you practice, the more naturally you can speak.)

5. To Make Recommendations or Advice
Perfect for giving friendly suggestions, especially in response to questions.
Example: 聞けば聞くほど、上達しますよ。
(The more you listen, the better you’ll improve!)

6. To Add Emphasis in Descriptions
Use this grammar to give extra weight to your point or observation.
Example: 安ければ安いほど、ありがたいです。
(The cheaper it is, the more thankful I am.)

By using 〜ば〜ほど in these key situations, you’ll be able to express a wide range of ideas smoothly and sound much more like a native speaker. Next, let’s break down how to form this grammar pattern correctly for different kinds of words.

How to Conjugate Verbs in 〜ば〜ほど: Conjugation Rules

Let’s learn how to form sentences with 〜ば〜ほど like a pro! This grammar structure may seem tricky at first, but once you understand how to conjugate the verbs and adjectives correctly, it becomes easy to use in everyday Japanese.

At its core, 〜ば〜ほど follows this simple pattern:

[Verb or Adjective in conditional 〜ば form] + the same verb/adjective + ほど

Let’s break it down based on different word types:

🔹 Group 1 (う-verbs)

For these verbs, change the final う sound to the え-sound and add ば.

買う (kau) → 買えば (kaeba) → 買えば買うほど
(The more you buy…)
書く (kaku) → 書けば (kakeba) → 書けば書くほど
(The more you write…)
飲む (nomu) → 飲めば (nomeba) → 飲めば飲むほど
(The more you drink…)

🔹 Group 2 (る-verbs)

Just remove る and add れば.

食べる (taberu) → 食べれば (tabereba) → 食べれば食べるほど
(The more you eat…)
見る (miru) → 見れば (mireba) → 見れば見るほど
(The more you watch…)

🔹 Irregular Verbs

These have special conjugations.

する → すれば → すればするほど
(The more you do…)
来る (kuru) → くれば → くれば来るほど
(The more someone comes…)

🔹 い-Adjectives

Drop the final い and add ければ, then repeat the full adjective + ほど.

高い (takai) → 高ければ高いほど (takakereba takai hodo)
(The more expensive…)
寒い (samui) → 寒ければ寒いほど (samukereba samui hodo)
(The colder it is…)

🔹 な-Adjectives

Use であれば + full adjective + ほど.

静か (shizuka) → 静かであれば静かなほど (shizuka de areba shizuka na hodo)
(The more quiet…)
便利 (benri) → 便利であれば便利なほど (benri de areba benri na hodo)
(The more convenient…)

🔹 Nouns

Same as な-adjectives: use であれば + noun + の + ほど or sometimes just なほど in casual speech.

学生 (gakusei) → 学生であればあるほど (gakusei de areba aru hodo)
(The more of a student you are…)

That’s it! Just remember the base pattern and how to form the 〜ば conditional, and you’re ready to create sentences with 〜ば〜ほど on your own.

〜ば〜ほど Grammar Rules You Need to Know

To use 〜ば〜ほど correctly and naturally, it’s important to understand the key grammar rules behind this structure. These rules will help you create meaningful, accurate sentences whether you’re writing or speaking in Japanese.

✅ Basic Sentence Structure

The structure of 〜ば〜ほど always involves repetition — you use the same verb, adjective, or noun form twice.

[Condition: Verb/Adj/Noun in 〜ば form] + [Repeated Word] + ほど

Examples:

食べれば食べるほど (the more you eat…)
勉強すればするほど (the more you study…)
高ければ高いほど (the more expensive it is…)

✅ Rule 1: The Repeated Word Should Match the Base Form

The second part of the phrase should match the original base word. For example, if the first part uses the verb 食べる, the second part should also be 食べる, not a different form.

✔️ 食べれば食べるほど (correct)
❌ 食べれば食べたほど (incorrect)

✅ Rule 2: Use Conditional Form for the First Part

The 〜ば form is a conditional form in Japanese. It expresses “if” or “when.” For 〜ば〜ほど, this conditional meaning shows increase or progression. It means something happens more and more as another thing increases.

Examples:

見れば見るほど → The more you watch, the more…
練習すればするほど → The more you practice, the more…

✅ Rule 3: It Can Be Used with Verbs, Adjectives, and Nouns

With Verbs: 勉強すればするほど
With い-Adjectives: 早ければ早いほど
With な-Adjectives: 元気であれば元気なほど
With Nouns: 学生であればあるほど

✅ Rule 4: Can Be Used in Both Positive and Negative Contexts

You can describe both good and bad outcomes:

使えば使うほど便利です。(The more you use it, the more convenient it becomes.)
食べれば食べるほど太ります。(The more you eat, the more weight you gain.)

✅ Rule 5: Often Used in Comparison or Emphasis

〜ば〜ほど is often used to show comparison, growth, cause-and-effect, or even irony. It’s a favorite structure in both casual and formal conversations.

Examples:

経験すればするほど、難しさが分かります。
(The more you experience it, the more you realize how hard it is.)

These grammar rules may seem detailed, but they are easy to apply once you start using this structure regularly in your Japanese conversations or writing.

Important Tips for Using 〜ば〜ほど Correctly

Using 〜ば〜ほど in Japanese can make your speech and writing sound more natural, fluent, and expressive. But to really master it, you’ll want to keep these helpful tips in mind. These tips are great for beginners and also serve as handy reminders for intermediate learners.

💡 Tip 1: Match the Word Forms Precisely

One of the most common mistakes learners make is using mismatched forms before and after 〜ば. Always make sure the second word matches the base form of the verb, adjective, or noun.

✔️ 行けば行くほど (The more you go…)
❌ 行けば行ったほど (Incorrect)

💡 Tip 2: Know When to Use the 〜ば Conditional

Don’t confuse 〜ば with other conditionals like 〜たら or 〜と. Only 〜ば works with this pattern. It expresses increasing intensity or correlation — like “the more, the more.”

勉強すればするほど → (The more you study, the more…)
話せば話すほど → (The more you speak, the more…)

💡 Tip 3: Use It to Show Positive or Negative Outcomes

This structure is flexible! You can use 〜ば〜ほど to talk about good, bad, or surprising results.

使えば使うほど上手になります。
(The more you use it, the better you get.)
食べれば食べるほど太ります。
(The more you eat, the more you gain weight.)

💡 Tip 4: It’s Perfect for Expressing Patterns or Habits

You can use it to talk about things that increase or change over time:

練習すればするほど簡単になります。
(The more you practice, the easier it gets.)
走れば走るほど疲れます。
(The more you run, the more tired you get.)

💡 Tip 5: It Can Add Emphasis or Emotion

Use this structure to make your speech stronger or more emotional:

見れば見るほど美しいです！
(The more I look at it, the more beautiful it is!)
考えれば考えるほど不思議です。
(The more I think about it, the stranger it seems.)

💡 Tip 6: Keep Sentences Clear and Not Too Long

Try not to pack too many ideas into one sentence. Keep your 〜ば〜ほど phrases simple, especially when you’re just starting out.

✔️ 読めば読むほど楽しくなります。
❌ 読めば読むほど日本語が面白くなってきて、もっともっと勉強しようと思うようになってきます。 (Too long and confusing!)

Mastering this pattern means not just using the grammar correctly but using it naturally. Once you get a feel for the rhythm and meaning, 〜ば〜ほど will become one of your favorite Japanese tools!

Common Mistakes with 〜ば〜ほど and How to Fix Them

While 〜ば〜ほど is a versatile and useful structure, it’s easy to make a few mistakes when you first start using it. Here are some of the most common mistakes learners make, along with tips on how to avoid them. Knowing these pitfalls will help you sound more natural and fluent in Japanese.

❌ Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Conditional Form

The first mistake many learners make is using an incorrect conditional form before 〜ば〜ほど. Remember, only the 〜ば form works with this structure. Don’t mix it up with other conditionals like 〜たら or 〜と.

Wrong:

食べたら食べるほど (Incorrect — using たら instead of 〜ば)
勉強したらするほど (Incorrect)

Correct:

食べれば食べるほど (The more you eat…)
勉強すればするほど (The more you study…)

Fix: Always double-check your verb form. For verbs in Group 1 (う-verbs), change the final う to え (e.g., 食べる → 食べれば). For Group 2 (る-verbs), drop the る and add れば (e.g., 食べる → 食べれば). Irregular verbs like する and 来る have their own unique forms (e.g., すれば and くれば).

❌ Mistake 2: Overloading the Sentence with Too Many Clauses

Another common mistake is making the sentence too long and complicated, which can make it hard to understand. When you use 〜ば〜ほど, it’s best to keep your sentence simple and to the point.

Wrong:

勉強すればするほど、日本語が上手になって、もっと話せるようになって、試験にも合格できるようになります。
(Too long and hard to follow)

Correct:

勉強すればするほど、日本語が上手になります。
(The more you study, the better your Japanese gets.)

Fix: Break your sentences down into shorter parts to keep them clear and focused. It’s tempting to add multiple clauses, but try to maintain the structure: 〜ば〜ほど + [Verb/Adjective].

❌ Mistake 3: Forgetting to Repeat the Same Word

A common mistake when using 〜ば〜ほど is forgetting to repeat the verb, adjective, or noun after ほど. Always remember to mirror the first part of the sentence.

Wrong:

見れば見るほど、面白くなります。 (Missing the second “見る”)

Correct:

見れば見るほど、面白くなります。 (The more you watch, the more interesting it gets.)

Fix: The word after 〜ば〜ほど must match the first part exactly, whether it’s a verb, adjective, or noun.

❌ Mistake 4: Using 〜ば〜ほど with Nouns Incorrectly

When using nouns, learners sometimes forget to add の after the noun before ほど. This is an essential part of the structure when using nouns.

Wrong:

学生で学生ほど。
(Incorrect noun form)

Correct:

学生であればあるほど。
(The more of a student you are…)

Fix: When you use 〜ば〜ほど with nouns, always add であれば before の and repeat the noun after ほど.

❌ Mistake 5: Misunderstanding Negative Results

Sometimes learners use 〜ば〜ほど to describe negative outcomes but don’t convey the correct meaning. For negative outcomes, you need to make sure the sentence clearly shows that one thing worsens as another increases.

Wrong:

食べれば食べるほど、痩せます。 (The more you eat, the more you lose weight — Incorrect context*)

Correct:

食べれば食べるほど、太ります。
(The more you eat, the more weight you gain.)

Fix: Make sure the context matches the structure. If you’re describing something that worsens, use the appropriate verb that indicates negative growth (e.g., 太る for gaining weight or 悪化する for worsening).

20 〜ば〜ほど Example Sentences for Better Understanding

The best way to master any grammar point is through practice, and 〜ば〜ほど is no exception. Below, you’ll find 20 example sentences that illustrate different uses of this structure. Each sentence includes romaji and English translation to help you understand how this structure works in context.

1. 食べれば食べるほど、健康に悪いです。

Romaji: Tabereba taberu hodo, kenkou ni warui desu.
English: The more you eat, the worse it is for your health.

2. 勉強すればするほど、理解が深まります。

Romaji: Benkyou sureba suru hodo, rikai ga fukamarimasu.
English: The more you study, the deeper your understanding becomes.

3. 見れば見るほど、この映画は面白くなります。

Romaji: Mireba miru hodo, kono eiga wa omoshiroku narimasu.
English: The more you watch, the more interesting this movie becomes.

4. 走れば走るほど、体力がつきます。

Romaji: Hashireba hashiru hodo, tairyoku ga tsukimasu.
English: The more you run, the stronger your stamina becomes.

5. 使えば使うほど、使いやすくなります。

Romaji: Tsukaeba tsukau hodo, tsukaiyasuku narimasu.
English: The more you use it, the easier it becomes to use.

6. 彼がいればいるほど、私は安心します。

Romaji: Kare ga ireba iru hodo, watashi wa anshin shimasu.
English: The more he is here, the more relieved I feel.

7. 読めば読むほど、物語が面白くなります。

Romaji: Yomereba yomu hodo, monogatari ga omoshiroku narimasu.
English: The more you read, the more interesting the story gets.

8. 話せば話すほど、会話が弾みます。

Romaji: Hanaseba hanasu hodo, kaiwa ga hazumimasu.
English: The more you talk, the more the conversation flows.

9. 彼女がいればいるほど、私は幸せです。

Romaji: Kanojo ga ireba iru hodo, watashi wa shiawase desu.
English: The more she is here, the happier I am.

10. 上手になればなるほど、練習が大切です。

Romaji: Jouzu ni nareba naru hodo, renshuu ga taisetsu desu.
English: The better you become, the more important practice is.

11. 高ければ高いほど、たくさんの人が興味を持ちます。

Romaji: Takakereba takai hodo, takusan no hito ga kyoumi o mochimasu.
English: The more expensive it is, the more people are interested.

12. 難しければ難しいほど、やりがいを感じます。

Romaji: Muzukashikereba muzukashii hodo, yarigai o kanjimasu.
English: The more difficult it is, the more rewarding it feels.

13. 早ければ早いほど、いい結果が得られます。

Romaji: Hayakereba hayai hodo, ii kekka ga eraremasu.
English: The earlier you do it, the better the results will be.

14. 旅行すればするほど、世界の美しさがわかります。

Romaji: Ryokou sureba suru hodo, sekai no utsukushisa ga wakarimasu.
English: The more you travel, the more you understand the beauty of the world.

15. 勉強すればするほど、試験が簡単になります。

Romaji: Benkyou sureba suru hodo, shiken ga kantan ni narimasu.
English: The more you study, the easier the exam becomes.

16. 出れば出るほど、疲れていきます。

Romaji: Dereba deru hodo, tsukarete ikimasu.
English: The more I go out, the more tired I get.

17. 説明すればするほど、理解できなくなります。

Romaji: Setsumei sureba suru hodo, rikai dekinakunari masu.
English: The more you explain, the less I understand.

18. 購入すればするほど、割引が大きくなります。

Romaji: Kounyuu sureba suru hodo, waribiki ga ookiku narimasu.
English: The more you buy, the bigger the discount becomes.

19. 笑えば笑うほど、気分が良くなります。

Romaji: Waraeba warau hodo, kibun ga yokunari masu.
English: The more you laugh, the better you feel.

20. 旅行すればするほど、新しい友達ができます。

Romaji: Ryokou sureba suru hodo, atarashii tomodachi ga dekimasu.
English: The more you travel, the more new friends you make.

〜ば〜ほど Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

Now it’s time to put your knowledge of 〜ば〜ほど to the test! Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb or adjective, and practice using 〜ば〜ほど in sentences.

この本を（読む）____、もっと面白くなります。
Romaji: Kono hon o (yomu) ____, motto omoshiroku narimasu.
早く（行く）____、時間に間に合います。
Romaji: Hayaku (iku) ____, jikan ni maniaimasu.
勉強を（する）____、試験は簡単になります。
Romaji: Benkyou o (suru) ____, shiken wa kantan ni narimasu.
値段が（高い）____、品質が良いです。
Romaji: Nedan ga (takai) ____, hinshitsu ga ii desu.
毎日（走る）____、健康に良いです。
Romaji: Mainichi (hashiru) ____, kenkou ni ii desu.
この映画を（見る）____、もっと面白くなります。
Romaji: Kono eiga o (miru) ____, motto omoshiroku narimasu.
十分に（寝る）____、疲れが取れます。
Romaji: Juubun ni (neru) ____, tsukare ga toremasu.
一生懸命に（働く）____、お金がたくさんもらえます。
Romaji: Isshoukenmei ni (hataraku) ____, okane ga takusan moraemasu.
毎日日本語を（話す）____、上手になります。
Romaji: Mainichi nihongo o (hanasu) ____, jouzu ni narimasu.
その道具を（使う）____、便利になります。
Romaji: Sono dougu o (tsukau) ____, benri ni narimasu.
街を（歩く）____、もっと楽しめます。
Romaji: Machi o (aruku) ____, motto tanoshimemasu.
よく（寝る）____、翌朝は元気に起きられます。
Romaji: Yoku (neru) ____, yokusou wa genki ni okiraremasu.
このソフトを（使う）____、慣れてきます。
Romaji: Kono sofuto o (tsukau) ____, narete kimasu.
外に（出る）____、人が増えてきます。
Romaji: Soto ni (deru) ____, hito ga fuetekimasu.
栄養ドリンクを（飲む）____、元気になります。
Romaji: Eiyou dorinku o (nomu) ____, genki ni narimasu.
早く（する）____、いい結果が得られます。
Romaji: Hayaku (suru) ____, ii kekka ga eraremasu.
そのテーマについて（知る）____、興味がわきます。
Romaji: Sono teema ni tsuite (shiru) ____, kyoumi ga wakimasu.
多く（経験する）____、自信がつきます。
Romaji: Ooku (keiken suru) ____, jishin ga tsukimasu.
夜に十分（寝る）____、健康が良くなります。
Romaji: Yoru ni juubun (neru) ____, kenkou ga yokunarimasu.
英語を（勉強する）____、知識が増えます。
Romaji: Eigo o (benkyou suru) ____, chishiki ga fuemasu.

✅ Check Your Answers: 〜ば〜ほど Exercise

この本を読めば読むほど、もっと面白くなります。
Romaji: Kono hon o yomeba yomu hodo, motto omoshiroku narimasu.
Translation: The more you read this book, the more interesting it becomes.
早く行けば行くほど、時間に間に合います。
Romaji: Hayaku ikeba iku hodo, jikan ni maniaimasu.
Translation: The earlier you go, the more likely you’ll be on time.
勉強をすればするほど、試験は簡単になります。
Romaji: Benkyou o sureba suru hodo, shiken wa kantan ni narimasu.
Translation: The more you study, the easier the exam becomes.
値段が高ければ高いほど、品質が良いです。
Romaji: Nedan ga takakereba takai hodo, hinshitsu ga ii desu.
Translation: The higher the price, the better the quality.
毎日走れば走るほど、健康に良いです。
Romaji: Mainichi hashireba hashiru hodo, kenkou ni ii desu.
Translation: The more you run daily, the better it is for your health.
この映画を見れば見るほど、もっと面白くなります。
Romaji: Kono eiga o mireba miru hodo, motto omoshiroku narimasu.
Translation: The more you watch this movie, the more interesting it becomes.
十分に寝れば寝るほど、疲れが取れます。
Romaji: Juubun ni nereba neru hodo, tsukare ga toremasu.
Translation: The more you sleep, the more your fatigue goes away.
一生懸命に働けば働くほど、お金がたくさんもらえます。
Romaji: Isshoukenmei ni hatarakeba hataraku hodo, okane ga takusan moraemasu.
Translation: The harder you work, the more money you earn.
毎日日本語を話せば話すほど、上手になります。
Romaji: Mainichi nihongo o hanaseba hanasu hodo, jouzu ni narimasu.
Translation: The more you speak Japanese daily, the better you get at it.
その道具を使えば使うほど、便利になります。
Romaji: Sono dougu o tsukaeba tsukau hodo, benri ni narimasu.
Translation: The more you use that tool, the more convenient it becomes.
街を歩けば歩くほど、もっと楽しめます。
Romaji: Machi o arukeba aruku hodo, motto tanoshimemasu.
Translation: The more you walk around the city, the more fun you’ll have.
よく寝れば寝るほど、翌朝は元気に起きられます。
Romaji: Yoku nereba neru hodo, yokusou wa genki ni okiraremasu.
Translation: The more you sleep, the more energetic you feel the next morning.
このソフトを使えば使うほど、慣れてきます。
Romaji: Kono sofuto o tsukaeba tsukau hodo, narete kimasu.
Translation: The more you use this software, the more familiar it becomes.
外に出れば出るほど、人が増えてきます。
Romaji: Soto ni dereba deru hodo, hito ga fuetekimasu.
Translation: The more you go outside, the more people appear.
栄養ドリンクを飲めば飲むほど、元気になります。
Romaji: Eiyou dorinku o nomeba nomu hodo, genki ni narimasu.
Translation: The more energy drinks you drink, the more energized you feel.
早くすればするほど、いい結果が得られます。
Romaji: Hayaku sureba suru hodo, ii kekka ga eraremasu.
Translation: The faster you do it, the better the results.
そのテーマについて知れば知るほど、興味がわきます。
Romaji: Sono teema ni tsuite shireba shiru hodo, kyoumi ga wakimasu.
Translation: The more you learn about that topic, the more interested you become.
多く経験すればするほど、自信がつきます。
Romaji: Ooku keiken sureba suru hodo, jishin ga tsukimasu.
Translation: The more experiences you have, the more confidence you gain.
夜に十分寝れば寝るほど、健康が良くなります。
Romaji: Yoru ni juubun nereba neru hodo, kenkou ga yokunarimasu.
Translation: The more you sleep at night, the healthier you become.
英語を勉強すればするほど、知識が増えます。
Romaji: Eigo o benkyou sureba suru hodo, chishiki ga fuemasu.
Translation: The more you study English, the more your knowledge increases.

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 〜ば〜ほど in Japanese

1. What does 〜ば〜ほど mean in Japanese?
It means “the more…, the more…” and is used to show that as one thing increases, another thing also increases. It expresses proportional relationships or cause-effect patterns.

2. Is 〜ば〜ほど only used with verbs?
No. It can be used with verbs, adjectives (both い- and な-), and sometimes with nouns in modified phrases.

3. How do I form 〜ば〜ほど with adjectives?

For い-adjectives: Drop the い and add ければ → 高ければ高いほど
For な-adjectives: Add なら before 〜ほど → 便利なら便利なほど

4. Can I use 〜ば〜ほど in formal writing?
Yes! It’s perfectly natural in both casual and formal Japanese. In writing, it often appears in essays, articles, and speeches to show logical relationships.

5. What’s the difference between 〜ば〜ほど and 〜たら〜ほど?
They are similar, but 〜ば〜ほど is slightly more natural and grammatically preferred in many formal situations. 〜たら〜ほど is more casual and less common.

6. Is it okay to repeat the same phrase twice in 〜ば〜ほど sentences?
Yes. That’s how the structure works. For example: 見れば見るほど = “the more you see, the more…”

7. Can I use negative verbs with 〜ば〜ほど?
Yes, but they’re less common. Example: 話さなければ話さないほど (The less you talk, the less you communicate). It’s grammatically fine but often sounds a bit unnatural.

8. What JLPT level is 〜ば〜ほど?
It typically appears around JLPT N3 level, but it’s essential knowledge for N2 learners as well.

9. How is 〜ば〜ほど different from 〜につれて?
Both express a relationship of change, but 〜につれて shows simultaneous progression (“as A changes, B also changes”) while 〜ば〜ほど is more comparative and emphasizes proportionality.

10. Can I leave out the second part of 〜ば〜ほど in a sentence?
Sometimes, yes—if the context is clear. For example:
安ければ安いほど… (The cheaper it is… [the better, implied]).

📌 Key Takeaways: 〜ば〜ほど Summary and Important Points

Here’s a quick and clear summary of everything you need to remember about 〜ば〜ほど in Japanese:

Meaning: “The more… the more…” — used to show increasing levels or a proportional relationship between two actions or qualities.
Structure:
- Verb: 食べれば食べるほど
- い-adjective: 早ければ早いほど
- な-adjective: 元気なら元気なほど
Use: Very common in daily conversations, written texts, and JLPT from level N3 and above.
Situations to use:
- Comparing two things
- Emphasizing growth or decrease
- Giving advice or opinions
- Making cause-effect statements
Conjugation tip: Use the conditional 〜ば form in the first clause, and repeat the base or dictionary form in the second.
Common Mistakes:
- Forgetting to use the correct conditional form (like using 〜たら instead of 〜ば)
- Confusing い- and な-adjective conjugations
- Using unnatural pairings of phrases (keep both parts logically connected)
Helpful Example:
見れば見るほどおもしろい。
The more you watch, the more interesting it gets.
Fun Fact: This grammar is not just useful, it’s also a great way to make your Japanese sound smoother and more advanced!

🎯 Conclusion: Mastering 〜ば〜ほど to Boost Your Japanese Fluency

The Japanese grammar pattern 〜ば〜ほど is one of those powerful tools that can instantly make your sentences more fluent, natural, and expressive. Whether you’re saying “the more you study, the better your grades” or “the spicier the food, the more I love it,” this pattern helps you create smooth, logical, and impactful thoughts in Japanese.

You’ve now learned:

What 〜ば〜ほど means
When and how to use it
How to conjugate it correctly
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Tons of practical examples and exercises to help you practice

Remember, the key is practice. Try using 〜ば〜ほど in your own sentences, think about everyday comparisons or habits, and use it while speaking, writing, or even thinking in Japanese.

Ready to level up even more? Here’s what you can do next:

👉 Visit our blog for more in-depth Japanese grammar lessons and practice:
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Let’s continue learning and growing together! 頑張りましょう (Ganbarimashou) — Let’s do our best! 💪

📚 Continue Learning Japanese

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May 10, 2025

Using 〜によると in Japanese

〜によると in Japanese

Have you ever come across the phrase 〜によると in Japanese and wondered what it really means or how to use it naturally in conversation? Whether you’re watching a Japanese news report, reading a weather forecast, or chatting with native speakers, 〜によると is one of those powerful, everyday grammar expressions that pops up again and again. And if you’re aiming to sound more natural and fluent in Japanese, learning how to use 〜によると the right way is a must!

In this ultimate beginner-to-advanced guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about

〜によると. You’ll learn how to use it correctly, where it fits in real-life situations, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to make your Japanese sound more native-like.

An infographic with example sentences demonstrating the use of the Japanese grammar pattern 〜によると (meaning 'according to'). It includes four Japanese sentences with hiragana, romaji, and English translations. Sources used in the examples include the news, newspaper, teacher, and friend, showing how 〜によると introduces information from a third party.

By the end of this guide, you’ll confidently know:

When and where to use 〜によると
How to use it with verbs, nouns, and adjectives
The grammar rules and exceptions that come with it
Real-world examples and practice exercises to boost your learning

Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for the JLPT, this guide is for you. Let’s get started on mastering 〜によると — your new favorite grammar tool in Japanese!

👉 Don’t forget to check out more useful Japanese grammar lessons on our blog at My Language Classes and follow us on Instagram and YouTube for daily learning tips!

Common Expressions: 10 Sentences Using 〜によると in Real Life

The phrase 〜によると is a powerful and useful structure in Japanese, and it helps convey information from sources or reports. It’s frequently used in news, casual conversations, and storytelling. Here are 10 real-life examples of how you can use 〜によると naturally in sentences:

天気予報によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga furu sou desu.
According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
新聞によると、今年の夏は非常に暑くなると言われています。
Shinbun ni yoru to, kotoshi no natsu wa hijou ni atsuku naru to iwareteimasu.
According to the newspaper, this summer is expected to be extremely hot.
友達によると、あのレストランはとても美味しいそうです。
Tomodachi ni yoru to, ano resutoran wa totemo oishii sou desu.
According to my friend, that restaurant is very delicious.
先生によると、このテストは簡単だそうです。
Sensei ni yoru to, kono tesuto wa kantan da sou desu.
According to the teacher, this test is easy.
ウェブサイトによると、今週末はイベントがあるらしいです。
Webusaito ni yoru to, konshuumatsu wa ibento ga aru rashii desu.
According to the website, there will be an event this weekend.
テレビのニュースによると、交通渋滞がひどいそうです。
Terebi no nyuusu ni yoru to, koutsuu juutai ga hidoi sou desu.
According to the TV news, the traffic congestion is terrible.
友達の話によると、彼は最近引っ越しました。
Tomodachi no hanashi ni yoru to, kare wa saikin hikkoshimashita.
According to my friend’s story, he recently moved.
専門家によると、この方法は効果的だと言われています。
Senmonka ni yoru to, kono houhou wa kouka teki da to iwareteimasu.
According to the experts, this method is said to be effective.
警察によると、この地域では最近犯罪が増加しているそうです。
Keisatsu ni yoru to, kono chiiki de wa saikin hanzai ga zouka shiteiru sou desu.
According to the police, crime has been increasing in this area recently.
インターネットによると、この映画は大ヒットしているそうです。
Inta-netto ni yoru to, kono eiga wa dai hitto shiteiru sou desu.
According to the internet, this movie is a big hit.

These examples cover a range of situations from news reports to casual conversations. You’ll see that 〜によると is a fantastic way to express “according to” or “based on” a source.

Usage: When to Use 〜によると in Japanese

The expression 〜によると is a versatile and commonly used phrase in Japanese. It indicates the source of information or the basis for a statement. Here are the main situations in which 〜によると is typically used:

To Mention Sources of Information (News, Reports, or Studies)
- Example:
  ニュースによると、来週大きな台風が来るそうです。
  Nyūsu ni yoru to, raishuu ookina taifuu ga kuru sou desu.
  According to the news, a big typhoon is coming next week.
- Usage: When you are referring to news reports, studies, or anything that provides factual information or statistics.
To Share Information from a Reliable Source
- Example:
  先生によると、この本はとても役に立つそうです。
  Sensei ni yoru to, kono hon wa totemo yaku ni tatsu sou desu.
  According to the teacher, this book is very useful.
- Usage: When you want to relay information from a knowledgeable person like a teacher, expert, or professional.
To Refer to Opinion or Knowledge from a Friend or Acquaintance
- Example:
  友達によると、このレストランは人気があるそうです。
  Tomodachi ni yoru to, kono resutoran wa ninki ga aru sou desu.
  According to my friend, this restaurant is popular.
- Usage: When you are sharing what your friends or acquaintances have told you.
To Quote Official Reports or Studies
- Example:
  専門家によると、この病気の予防には運動が効果的だそうです。
  Senmonka ni yoru to, kono byouki no yobou ni wa undou ga kouka teki da sou desu.
  According to the experts, exercise is effective in preventing this disease.
- Usage: When quoting findings from scientific studies, research, or expert advice.
To Refer to Something Heard on TV or Radio
- Example:
  ラジオによると、今夜は雪が降るそうです。
  Rajio ni yoru to, konya wa yuki ga furu sou desu.
  According to the radio, it will snow tonight.
- Usage: When you are mentioning information that was broadcast on TV or radio.
To Reference Information from Written Texts (Books, Articles, Blogs, etc.)
- Example:
  インターネットによると、この映画は面白いらしいです。
  Intānetto ni yoru to, kono eiga wa omoshiroi rashii desu.
  According to the internet, this movie is interesting.
- Usage: When the information comes from written sources like books, websites, or articles.
To Mention the Source of a Rumor or Gossip
- Example:
  うわさによると、彼は来週引っ越すそうです。
  Uwasa ni yoru to, kare wa raishuu hikkosu sou desu.
  According to the rumor, he is moving next week.
- Usage: When you are quoting hearsay or gossip, 〜によると works well to express that this is not confirmed information.
To Relay Information from a Document or Written Announcement
- Example:
  会社の通知によると、来月から新しい規則が適用されるそうです。
  Kaisha no tsuuchi ni yoru to, raigetsu kara atarashii kisoku ga tekiyou sareru sou desu.
  According to the company’s notice, new regulations will be applied next month.
- Usage: When the information is found in formal documents, official notices, or announcements.
To Share Information from a Specific Event or Occasion
- Example:
  会議によると、新しいプロジェクトは来月始まるそうです。
  Kaigi ni yoru to, atarashii purojekuto wa raigetsu hajimaru sou desu.
  According to the meeting, the new project will start next month.
- Usage: When you are referring to information from a specific meeting or event.
To Express What Someone Else Has Seen, Heard, or Experienced
- Example:
  目撃者によると、事故は午後3時頃に起こったそうです。
  Mokugekisha ni yoru to, jiko wa gogo san-ji goro ni okotta sou desu.
  According to the eyewitness, the accident occurred around 3 PM.
- Usage: When you are reporting firsthand information from someone who has witnessed or experienced an event.

In these various situations, 〜によると is a useful and flexible tool for presenting the source of information. Whether it’s a casual conversation or a formal report, knowing when to use this expression will help you sound more natural and fluent in Japanese.

Conjugation: How to Use 〜によると with Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives

The expression 〜によると is very flexible, and knowing how to use it with different parts of speech—verbs, nouns, and adjectives—will make your Japanese sound more natural. Let’s dive into each case with visual clarity.

1. Using 〜によると with Verbs

When using 〜によると with verbs, simply take the plain form (dictionary form) of the verb and add “によると” after it.

Verb (plain form) + によると

Example Sentences:

先生によると、来週テストがあるそうです。
(Sensei ni yoru to, raishuu tesuto ga aru sou desu.)
According to the teacher, there will be a test next week.
専門家によると、この薬は効果があると言われています。
(Senmonka ni yoru to, kono kusuri wa kouka ga aru to iwareteimasu.)
According to the experts, this medicine is said to be effective.

Explanation:

In these examples, the verb (ある, いわれている) is in its plain form (dictionary form), followed by 〜によると.
There’s no special conjugation needed for the verb when using this structure.

2. Using 〜によると with Nouns

With nouns, the source word is followed by “による” and then “と” is added to complete the phrase.

Noun + によると

Example Sentences:

新聞によると、来月新しい法律が施行されるそうです。
(Shinbun ni yoru to, raigetsu atarashii houritsu ga shikou sareru sou desu.)
According to the newspaper, a new law will be enforced next month.
インターネットによると、この商品は人気があるそうです。
(Intānetto ni yoru to, kono shouhin wa ninki ga aru sou desu.)
According to the internet, this product is popular.

Explanation:

The noun (新聞, インターネット) acts as the source of the information.
By adding “によると” after the noun, we indicate where the information is coming from.

3. Using 〜によると with Adjectives

With adjectives, no change is needed in the adjective itself. Simply use the plain form of the adjective, then add “によると” to indicate the source.

Adjective (plain form) + によると

Example Sentences:

天気予報によると、明日は暖かいそうです。
(Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa atatakai sou desu.)
According to the weather forecast, tomorrow will be warm.
ラジオによると、今日は暑いと言われています。
(Rajio ni yoru to, kyou wa atsui to iwareteimasu.)
According to the radio, today is said to be hot.

Explanation:

The adjective (暖かい, 暑い) remains in its plain form.
〜によると is added at the end to show where the information is coming from.

Summary of Conjugation Rules:

Verbs:
Use the plain form of the verb (dictionary form) + 〜によると.
(No special conjugation required.)
Nouns:
Noun + “による” + “と”.
Adjectives:
Use the plain form of the adjective + 〜によると.
(No special conjugation needed for adjectives either.)

This simple visual breakdown will help you understand how to apply 〜によると with different parts of speech in various contexts. Now you’re ready to use it naturally in your Japanese conversations!

Grammar Rules for Using 〜によると

In this section, we will cover all the essential grammar rules and guidelines for using 〜によると This phrase is commonly used in Japanese to convey information from a source, and it’s important to understand the correct way to use it in different contexts. Let’s explore the grammar rules in detail.

1. Basic Structure of 〜によると

The structure for 〜によると is simple and straightforward, but there are a few key things to keep in mind:

Source + によると
- The source can be anything—like a person, a book, a website, a report, etc.
- After the source, add によると to indicate that the information is coming from that particular source.

Example Sentences:

テレビによると、今夜は雨が降るそうです。
(Terebi ni yoru to, konya wa ame ga furu sou desu.)
According to the TV, it is going to rain tonight.
友達によると、あのレストランはおいしいそうです。
(Tomodachi ni yoru to, ano resutoran wa oishii sou desu.)
According to my friend, that restaurant is delicious.

Explanation:

テレビ (TV) and 友達 (friend) are the sources of information. 〜によると shows that the information is coming from them.

2. How to Use 〜によると with Different Types of Information

〜によると can be used to convey different types of information, such as facts, rumors, or opinions. It’s versatile and works in various situations.

Fact: When you’re quoting a factual piece of information.
- Example:
  新聞によると、会社が新しい製品を発表するそうです。
  (Shinbun ni yoru to, kaisha ga atarashii seihin wo happyou suru sou desu.)
  According to the newspaper, the company will announce a new product.
Rumor or Speculation: When you’re talking about something that is rumored or not confirmed.
- Example:
  彼によると、彼女はもうすぐ結婚するそうです。
  (Kare ni yoru to, kanojo wa mousugu kekkon suru sou desu.)
  According to him, she is getting married soon.
Opinion: When you are expressing someone’s opinion or belief.
- Example:
  先生によると、この本は非常に役立つと言われています。
  (Sensei ni yoru to, kono hon wa hijou ni yakudatsu to iwareteimasu.)
  According to the teacher, this book is said to be very helpful.

Explanation:

Whether it’s a fact, a rumor, or an opinion, 〜によると works in each of these situations to indicate where the information is coming from.

3. The Use of 〜によると with Different Tenses

While 〜によると itself doesn’t change based on tense, the verb or adjective after it will be conjugated according to the tense you want to use.

Present Tense:
- Example:
  彼女によると、今週の天気は良いそうです。
  (Kanojo ni yoru to, konshuu no tenki wa ii sou desu.)
  According to her, the weather this week is good.
Past Tense:
- Example:
  先生によると、彼は試験に合格したそうです。
  (Sensei ni yoru to, kare wa shiken ni goukaku shita sou desu.)
  According to the teacher, he passed the exam.
Future Tense:
- Example:
  天気予報によると、明日は雪が降るそうです。
  (Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa yuki ga furu sou desu.)
  According to the weather forecast, it is going to snow tomorrow.

Explanation:

The tense of the verb (良い, 合格した, 降る) changes based on the timing of the event or action being reported. The phrase 〜によると itself does not change.

4. The Use of 〜によると with the Word “そうです”

The phrase “そうです” is often used with 〜によると to show that the information is hearsay or reported speech. It’s commonly used to indicate that the information comes from someone else, and not directly from the speaker’s experience.

Example:
ニュースによると、来月新しい映画が公開されるそうです。
(Nyūsu ni yoru to, raigetsu atarashii eiga ga koukai sareru sou desu.)
According to the news, a new movie will be released next month.

Explanation:

“そうです” after the verb or adjective helps clarify that the speaker is reporting what they’ve heard, rather than stating it as a direct fact.

Summary of Grammar Rules:

Formal Usage: This expression is used in formal or neutral situations, so use alternatives for informal conversations.
Basic Structure: Source + によると
Tenses: The verb or adjective after 〜によると conjugates based on tense, but the phrase itself doesn’t change.
Use with “そうです” to indicate reported speech or hearsay.

Things to Keep in Mind while using 〜によると: Tricky Points and Exceptions

When learning and using 〜によると, there are a few important things to keep in mind to avoid mistakes. Let’s go through some of these tricky points, exceptions, and nuances to ensure that you use this phrase correctly in different situations.

1. 〜によると vs. “〜から” and “〜で”

A common point of confusion for learners of Japanese is how to distinguish 〜によると from other expressions like “〜から” and “〜で”, both of which also indicate a source of information. While these expressions can seem similar, they are used in different contexts and convey different meanings.

“〜から” is typically used to show where something originates from in a general sense (for example, “from a person” or “from a place”). It is used in the same way as saying “because of” or “from the perspective of.”
- Example with “〜から”:
  彼から聞いた話では、彼は日本に行く予定だ。
  (Kare kara kiita hanashi de wa, kare wa Nihon ni iku yotei da.)
  According to what I heard from him, he plans to go to Japan.
“〜で” is often used to indicate a location or medium, and it can also show the means by which something happens (e.g., through something, via something). It’s more focused on the action happening in a specific place or method.
- Example with “〜で”:
  インターネットで調べた情報によると、東京の天気は晴れだ。
  (Intānetto de shirabeta jōhō ni yoru to, Tōkyō no tenki wa hare da.)
  According to the information I researched on the internet, the weather in Tokyo is sunny.
Difference with 〜によると:
〜によると is specifically used to report information from an external source or authority. It is most commonly used in formal contexts, especially when quoting something reported by someone else, like a book, news, or a formal statement.
- Example with 〜によると:
  新聞によると、明日の試合は延期になったそうです。
  (Shinbun ni yoru to, ashita no shiai wa enki ni natta sou desu.)
  According to the newspaper, tomorrow’s match has been postponed.

Tip:
Always keep in mind that 〜によると is about reporting what others have said, whereas “〜から” and “〜で” focus on sources or mediums in a more general sense.

2. Avoiding Overuse of 〜によると

While 〜によると is a very useful structure for quoting sources, overusing it can make your language sound repetitive. In both spoken and written Japanese, it’s important to vary your expressions to maintain natural flow.

For example, if you’re writing a longer piece or engaging in a conversation, instead of always saying 〜によると, you can use different ways to introduce the source of information.

Instead of 〜によると, try:
- 〜と言われています (to iwareteimasu): “It is said that…”
- 〜だそうです (da sou desu): “I heard that…”
- 〜から聞きました (kara kikimashita): “I heard from…”

Example:

新聞によると → 新聞で言われているのは (According to what is said in the newspaper)
友達によると → 友達が言うには (According to what my friend says)

These variations help make your Japanese sound more fluid and natural.

3. Be Careful with the Tense of the Reported Information

One of the tricky parts of 〜によると is that it doesn’t change for tense. However, the verb or adjective after 〜によると should match the correct tense (past, present, or future) based on the context.

Incorrect Use:
テレビによると、明日は雨が降ったそうです。
(Terebi ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga futta sou desu.)
According to the TV, it rained tomorrow.
- Why it’s incorrect: This sentence incorrectly uses the past tense “降った” (rained) when talking about the future. Since “明日” (tomorrow) is in the future, the verb should be in the future tense: “降る” (will rain).
Correct Use:
テレビによると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
(Terebi ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga furu sou desu.)
According to the TV, it is going to rain tomorrow.

Always pay attention to the tense of the information you’re reporting, and make sure the verb or adjective matches the context.

4. 〜によると for Reporting Rumors or Uncertain Information

When using 〜によると, it’s important to remember that it can be used for reporting not just certain facts, but also rumors or speculations. Be mindful that you are sharing something that someone else said, so use caution when reporting rumors or unverified information.

Example (Rumor):
友達によると、彼女はもうすぐ引っ越すそうです。
(Tomodachi ni yoru to, kanojo wa mousugu hikkosu sou desu.)
According to my friend, she is about to move soon.

Since you are not sure if this information is true, it is important to indicate that it is a rumor or unverified, which is done with “そうです” at the end of the sentence.

Tip:
To avoid any misunderstandings, try to avoid using 〜によると for things that are highly speculative or could be easily misunderstood as a fact. If you do use it in these cases, it’s important to make it clear that it’s just a rumor or unconfirmed information by using expressions like “と言われています” or “そうです”.

5. Formal vs. Informal Usage

〜によると is typically used in formal situations, such as news reports, presentations, and written forms of communication. In informal conversations, it’s more natural to use expressions like:

〜から聞いた (I heard from…)
〜で言われた (It was said at…)

However, you can still use 〜によると in informal settings when you want to be polite or emphasize that the information is coming from an external, reliable source.

Summary of Things to Keep in Mind:

Distinguish 〜によると from “〜から” and “〜で”: They all refer to sources but have different uses and contexts.
Avoid overusing 〜によると: Vary your expressions to make your speech or writing sound more natural.
Be mindful of tense: The verb or adjective after 〜によると should match the context.
Consider rumors or uncertainty: If you’re reporting a rumor or unverified information, make sure to express that it’s not confirmed.
Formal vs. informal usage: While 〜によると is more formal, it can still be used informally if needed.

🛑 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Using 〜によると

Even though 〜によると seems simple at first glance, learners often make a few common mistakes while using it. Let’s take a look at these errors and learn how to avoid them, so you can sound more natural and confident in Japanese.

✅ 1. ❌ Using 〜によると Without a Follow-Up Reporting Phrase

Mistake:
Using 〜によると as a complete sentence.

Incorrect:
先生によると。
(Sensei ni yoru to.)
According to the teacher. ← This is incomplete!

Why it’s wrong:
〜によると introduces the source of information, but it must be followed by what that source said using a reporting phrase like “そうです”, “と言っていました”, or “と書いてあります”.

Correct:
先生によると、明日はテストがあるそうです。
(Sensei ni yoru to, ashita wa tesuto ga aru sou desu.)
According to the teacher, there will be a test tomorrow.

✅ 2. ❌ Forgetting to Use “そうです” or Another Reporting Expression

Mistake:
Ending the sentence right after the factual statement without using “そうです” or “と言っています”.

Incorrect:
ニュースによると、台風が来ます。
(Nyūsu ni yoru to, taifū ga kimasu.)
According to the news, the typhoon is coming. ← Sounds like you’re stating it as your own fact.

Why it’s wrong:
The phrase 〜によると implies someone else’s opinion or report, so you should distance yourself from the statement using phrases like:

そうです (it is said that…)
と言っています (they said that…)
と書いてあります (it is written that…)

Correct:
ニュースによると、台風が来るそうです。
(Nyūsu ni yoru to, taifū ga kuru sou desu.)
According to the news, a typhoon is coming.

✅ 3. ❌ Using the Wrong Tense After 〜によると

Mistake:
Mismatch between the verb tense and the reported time.

Incorrect:
新聞によると、昨日のコンサートは楽しいです。
(Shinbun ni yoru to, kinō no konsāto wa tanoshii desu.)
According to the newspaper, yesterday’s concert is fun. ← Tense mismatch!

Correct:
新聞によると、昨日のコンサートは楽しかったそうです。
(Shinbun ni yoru to, kinō no konsāto wa tanoshikatta sou desu.)
According to the newspaper, yesterday’s concert was fun.

📝 Tip: Match the verb tense to the actual timing of the event, not the time you are reporting it.

✅ 4. ❌ Using 〜によると for Personal Opinions

Mistake:
Using 〜によると to share your own thoughts or guesses.

Incorrect:
私によると、彼は悪くないです。
(Watashi ni yoru to, kare wa warukunai desu.)
According to me, he’s not wrong. ← Not natural in Japanese.

Correct:
私の意見では、彼は悪くないと思います。
(Watashi no iken de wa, kare wa warukunai to omoimasu.)
In my opinion, I think he’s not wrong.

📌 Note: 〜によると is used to refer to outside sources, not your own thoughts. Use expressions like:

〜と思います (I think…)
〜の意見では (In my opinion…)

✅ 5. ❌ Mixing Up 〜によると with 〜によって

This is a big one!

〜によると → “According to…” (Used to cite information)
〜によって → “By means of / depending on / caused by” (Completely different meaning!)
Incorrect:
彼によって、明日は雨だそうです。
(Kare ni yotte, ashita wa ame da sou desu.)
Correct:
彼によると、明日は雨だそうです。
(Kare ni yoru to, ashita wa ame da sou desu.)
According to him, it’s going to rain tomorrow.

🛑 Be careful! Even though both phrases look similar, they are not interchangeable.

✅ 6. ❌ Repeating 〜によると Too Often in One Paragraph

Mistake:
Using 〜によると in every sentence makes the writing or conversation sound repetitive.

Tip: Mix it up! Try using other natural expressions like:

〜の話では… (According to what [someone] said…)
〜によれば… (Alternative to “によると” but more formal)
〜と聞きました (I heard that…)

Example:
Instead of writing:
先生によると〜。先生によると〜。先生によると〜。

Try this instead:
先生によると〜。また、先生の話では〜。さらに、先生が言っていたことによれば〜。

🔁 Quick Recap: Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Common Mistake	✅ Correct Usage
Using “によると” alone	Always follow with a reporting phrase like “そうです”
Forgetting tense	Match past/present/future tense properly
Using it for personal opinion	Use “と思います” or “私の意見では” instead
Mixing with “によって”	Use “によると” only to report external info
Repeating too much	Vary your expressions for natural speech

✨ 20 Example Sentences Using 〜によると

These real-life example sentences will help you understand how 〜によると is used in different contexts. Practice reading them aloud and notice the sentence structure and placement of the reporting phrase. Let’s dive in!

🗞️ News & Media Context

ニュースによると、今日は雪が降るそうです。
Nyūsu ni yoru to, kyō wa yuki ga furu sou desu.
According to the news, it’s going to snow today.
新聞によると、新しい動物園が来月オープンするそうです。
Shinbun ni yoru to, atarashii dōbutsuen ga raigetsu ōpun suru sou desu.
According to the newspaper, a new zoo will open next month.
天気予報によると、週末は晴れるそうです。
Tenki yohō ni yoru to, shūmatsu wa hareru sou desu.
According to the weather forecast, it will be sunny on the weekend.
雑誌によると、そのレストランはとても人気があるそうです。
Zasshi ni yoru to, sono resutoran wa totemo ninki ga aru sou desu.
According to the magazine, that restaurant is very popular.
インターネットによると、この映画は世界中でヒットしています。
Intānetto ni yoru to, kono eiga wa sekaijū de hitto shiteimasu.
According to the internet, this movie is a hit all over the world.

🧑‍🏫 Academic & Personal Sources

先生によると、この本は試験に出るそうです。
Sensei ni yoru to, kono hon wa shiken ni deru sou desu.
According to the teacher, this book will be on the exam.
友達によると、そのお店は安くて美味しいそうです。
Tomodachi ni yoru to, sono omise wa yasukute oishii sou desu.
According to my friend, that shop is cheap and delicious.
ガイドによると、このお寺は500年前に建てられたそうです。
Gaido ni yoru to, kono otera wa gohyaku nen mae ni taterareta sou desu.
According to the guide, this temple was built 500 years ago.
先生によると、漢字を毎日練習すると上達するそうです。
Sensei ni yoru to, kanji o mainichi renshū suru to jōtatsu suru sou desu.
According to the teacher, practicing kanji daily helps improve your skills.
兄によると、そのゲームはとても難しいそうです。
Ani ni yoru to, sono gēmu wa totemo muzukashii sou desu.
According to my older brother, that game is very difficult.

🏙️ Events, Nature, and Travel

駅員によると、次の電車は10分遅れるそうです。
Ekiin ni yoru to, tsugi no densha wa jūpun okureru sou desu.
According to the station staff, the next train will be 10 minutes late.
観光案内所によると、この町は春が一番きれいだそうです。
Kankō annaijo ni yoru to, kono machi wa haru ga ichiban kirei da sou desu.
According to the tourist information center, this town is most beautiful in spring.
地図によると、公園は駅の近くにあるそうです。
Chizu ni yoru to, kōen wa eki no chikaku ni aru sou desu.
According to the map, the park is near the station.
旅行会社によると、夏の北海道はおすすめだそうです。
Ryokō gaisha ni yoru to, natsu no Hokkaidō wa osusume da sou desu.
According to the travel agency, Hokkaido is recommended in summer.
ガイドブックによると、このレストランは予約が必要だそうです。
Gaidobukku ni yoru to, kono resutoran wa yoyaku ga hitsuyō da sou desu.
According to the guidebook, this restaurant requires a reservation.

🎓 Facts & Fun

科学者によると、宇宙にはまだ知られていない星がたくさんあるそうです。
Kagakusha ni yoru to, uchū ni wa mada shirarete inai hoshi ga takusan aru sou desu.
According to scientists, there are still many unknown stars in space.
本によると、猫は一日中寝ているそうです。
Hon ni yoru to, neko wa ichinichijū nete iru sou desu.
According to the book, cats sleep all day.
占いによると、今日はラッキーデーだそうです。
Uranai ni yoru to, kyō wa rakkī dē da sou desu.
According to the horoscope, today is a lucky day.
統計によると、日本では長寿の人が多いそうです。
Tōkei ni yoru to, Nihon de wa chōju no hito ga ōi sou desu.
According to statistics, Japan has many long-living people.
研究によると、朝ごはんを食べる人は集中力が高いそうです。
Kenkyū ni yoru to, asagohan o taberu hito wa shūchūryoku ga takai sou desu.
According to research, people who eat breakfast have better focus.

These examples give you a wide range of real-life situations where you can use 〜によると.

✅ Exercise – 20 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions Using “〜によると”

This exercise will help reinforce your understanding of how to use “〜によると” in real-life sentences. Try to fill in the blanks before checking the answers in the next section.

✏️ Fill in the blanks:

_____________ によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
(According to _____________, it will rain tomorrow.)

天気予報 _____________、今日はとても暑くなるそうです。
(According to the weather forecast, it will be very hot today.)
_____________ によると、そのお店は新しくオープンしたばかりです。
(According to _____________, that store just opened.)
先生 _____________、来週テストがあります。
(According to the teacher, there is a test next week.)
_____________ によると、この犬は賢いそうです。
(According to _____________, this dog is smart.)
ガイド _____________、この建物は古いお寺です。
(According to the guide, this building is an old temple.)
_____________ によると、電車は30分遅れています。
(According to _____________, the train is 30 minutes late.)
インターネット _____________、このスマホは人気があります。
(According to the internet, this smartphone is popular.)
_____________ によると、宿題は金曜日までです。
(According to _____________, the homework is due by Friday.)
父 _____________、この道は近道だそうです。
(According to my dad, this road is a shortcut.)
_____________ によると、日本の夏はとても暑いです。
(According to _____________, Japan’s summer is very hot.)
雑誌 _____________、この映画は話題になっています。
(According to the magazine, this movie is trending.)
_____________ によると、あのレストランは高いです。
(According to _____________, that restaurant is expensive.)
医者 _____________、たくさん寝ることは大切です。
(According to the doctor, sleeping a lot is important.)
_____________ によると、この服は今セール中です。
(According to _____________, these clothes are on sale now.)
地図 _____________、公園はこの道をまっすぐ行ったところにあります。
(According to the map, the park is straight down this road.)
_____________ によると、この魚は健康にいいです。
(According to _____________, this fish is good for health.)
統計 _____________、日本では多くの人が朝ごはんを食べます。
(According to statistics, many people in Japan eat breakfast.)
_____________ によると、今日はイベントがあります。
(According to _____________, there’s an event today.)
科学者 _____________、宇宙はとても広いです。
(According to scientists, the universe is very vast.)

✅ Answers – 20 Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences Using “〜によると”

(Each sentence includes bolded answers, romaji, and English translations.)

天気予報 によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
Tenki yohō ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga furu sō desu.
According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
天気予報 によると、今日はとても暑くなるそうです。
Tenki yohō ni yoru to, kyō wa totemo atsuku naru sō desu.
According to the weather forecast, it will be very hot today.
友だち によると、そのお店は新しくオープンしたばかりです。
Tomodachi ni yoru to, sono omise wa atarashiku ōpun shita bakari desu.
According to my friend, that store just opened.
先生によると、来週テストがあります。
Sensei ni yoru to, raishū tesuto ga arimasu.
According to the teacher, there is a test next week.
飼い主 によると、この犬は賢いそうです。
Kainushi ni yoru to, kono inu wa kashikoi sō desu.
According to the owner, this dog is smart.
ガイド によると、この建物は古いお寺です。
Gaido ni yoru to, kono tatemono wa furui otera desu.
According to the guide, this building is an old temple.
駅員によると、電車は30分遅れています。
Ekiin ni yoru to, densha wa sanjūpun okurete imasu.
According to the station staff, the train is 30 minutes late.
インターネット によると、このスマホは人気があります。
Intānetto ni yoru to, kono sumaho wa ninki ga arimasu.
According to the internet, this smartphone is popular.
先生によると、宿題は金曜日までです。
Sensei ni yoru to, shukudai wa kin’yōbi made desu.
According to the teacher, the homework is due by Friday.
父によると、この道は近道だそうです。
Chichi ni yoru to, kono michi wa chikamichi da sō desu.
According to my dad, this road is a shortcut.
ニュース によると、日本の夏はとても暑いです。
Nyūsu ni yoru to, Nihon no natsu wa totemo atsui desu.
According to the news, Japan’s summer is very hot.
雑誌によると、この映画は話題になっています。
Zasshi ni yoru to, kono eiga wa wadai ni natte imasu.
According to the magazine, this movie is trending.
レビュー によると、あのレストランは高いです。
Rebyū ni yoru to, ano resutoran wa takai desu.
According to the reviews, that restaurant is expensive.
医者によると、たくさん寝ることは大切です。
Isha ni yoru to, takusan neru koto wa taisetsu desu.
According to the doctor, sleeping a lot is important.
店員によると、この服は今セール中です。
Ten’in ni yoru to, kono fuku wa ima sēru-chū desu.
According to the store clerk, these clothes are on sale now.
地図によると、公園はこの道をまっすぐ行ったところにあります。
Chizu ni yoru to, kōen wa kono michi o massugu itta tokoro ni arimasu.
According to the map, the park is straight down this road.
料理本 によると、この魚は健康にいいです。
Ryōri-bon ni yoru to, kono sakana wa kenkō ni ii desu.
According to the cookbook, this fish is good for health.
統計によると、日本では多くの人が朝ごはんを食べます。
Tōkei ni yoru to, Nihon de wa ōku no hito ga asagohan o tabemasu.
According to statistics, many people in Japan eat breakfast.
カレンダー によると、今日はイベントがあります。
Karendā ni yoru to, kyō wa ibento ga arimasu.
According to the calendar, there’s an event today.
科学者 によると、宇宙はとても広いです。
Kagakusha ni yoru to, uchū wa totemo hiroi desu.
According to scientists, the universe is very vast.

✅ Summary – Key Takeaways on 〜によると

Meaning:
- “〜によると” means “according to…”.
- Used to report information from a source.
When to Use:
- Reporting news, advice, or opinions.
- Common in weather forecasts, news, books, guides, etc.
Structure:
- [Source] + によると、[statement].
- Example: 天気予報によると、明日は雨が降るそうです.
  (According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.)
Conjugation:
- Only used with nouns (no verb/adjective conjugation).
Common Sources:
- News, weather forecasts, official statements, guides, opinions from others.

❗ Things to Remember:

Use for reliable sources only.
Follow with indirect speech forms like そうです or らしいです.
Don’t use for personal opinions.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid:

Incorrect: Using for personal thoughts or opinions.
Incorrect: Forgetting the noun as the source.

📝 Examples:

天気予報によると、明日は雪が降るそうです.
(According to the weather forecast, it will snow tomorrow.)
医者によると、もっと運動した方がいいそうです.
(According to the doctor, I should exercise more.)

You’re all set! Review this summary whenever you need a quick refresher.

✅ Conclusion

Mastering 〜によると is essential for improving your Japanese communication, especially when discussing information from external sources. Whether you’re reporting weather updates, news, or quoting others, this grammar point allows you to share details smoothly and accurately.

Key Points to Remember:

〜によると is used to indicate “according to…” a source.
It follows a noun and is often used with indirect speech markers like そうです or らしいです.
Avoid using it for personal opinions; instead, stick to reliable sources.

Now that you’ve learned how to use 〜によると, it’s time to practice!

Happy learning! 😊

📚 Continue Learning Japanese

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〜み: The Nominalizer for Adjectives/Verbs | My Language Classes

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April 18, 2025

Mastering 〜によって in Japanese

How to Use 〜によって in Japanese

Are you wondering what the phrase 「〜によって」 really means in Japanese? Have you come across it in books, anime, or conversations and felt unsure about how to use it? It is a must-know grammar pattern for JLPT N3–N2 learners and worth knowing even at N4 level. Don’t worry—you’re in the right place!

In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into one of the most versatile grammar points in Japanese: 〜によって. This powerful expression can help you talk about causes, methods, agents of actions, and even how things can differ depending on the situation.

Understanding how and when to use 〜によって can greatly improve your Japanese fluency, especially in written and formal contexts. Whether you’re a beginner trying to build strong grammar foundations or an advanced learner polishing your skills, this guide is built for you.

Educational graphic explaining the Japanese grammar point 〜によって. It includes three example sentences showing passive usage: (1) The accident was caused by the driver. (2) The song was composed by a famous composer. (3) This building was built during the Edo period. Each example includes the sentence in Japanese, romaji, and English translation. The title reads 'Usage of 〜によって' and the image is branded with 'My Language Classes' at the bottom.

By the end of this post, you’ll be able to confidently:

Use 〜によって in real-life sentences.
Avoid common mistakes.
Understand all the grammar rules and exceptions around this phrase.
Practice what you’ve learned with fun and clear exercises.

Let’s get started!

📚 Common Expressions with 〜によって

The grammar structure 〜によって is one of those multi-purpose tools in Japanese that pops up in many useful expressions. It often appears in formal speech, writing, news reports, and business contexts, but you’ll also find it in everyday Japanese, depending on the situation.

Here are some of the most common and useful expressions with 〜によって:

🔹 Basic Patterns and Expressions

Expression	Meaning	Example
〜によって	depending on / due to / by means of	状況によって対応が変わる。 Joukyou ni yotte taiou ga kawaru. → The response changes depending on the situation.
〜によっては	in some cases / depending on	人によっては考え方が違う。 Hito ni yotte wa kangaekata ga chigau. → Some people think differently.
〜による + noun	caused by / due to / related to	台風による被害が大きい。 Taifuu ni yoru higai ga ookii. → The damage caused by the typhoon is severe.
〜によって決まる	decided by / determined by	成功は努力によって決まる。 Seikou wa doryoku ni yotte kimaru. → Success is determined by effort.
〜によって異なる	differ depending on	国によって文化が異なる。 Kuni ni yotte bunka ga kotonaru. → Cultures differ depending on the country.
〜によっては〜こともある	there are cases where…	日によっては開いていないこともある。 Hi ni yotte wa aiteinai koto mo aru. → There are days when it’s not open.

🔸 Real-Life Scenarios

Here are a few real-life contexts where these expressions show up:

News headlines: 地震による被害 (Damage caused by the earthquake)
Formal reports: 研究によって証明された (Proven through research)
Daily conversation: 人によってはそれを好まない (Some people don’t like that)

Using these expressions will help you sound more natural and advanced in Japanese, especially when talking about cause and effect, change, or variation.

🧭 Usage: When to Use 〜によって in Japanese Sentences

The phrase 〜によって might look simple at first glance, but it plays many important roles in Japanese. It’s mainly used to express the agent, cause, means, method, basis, or dependence. Below are the main situations where you should use 〜によって, each explained with clear examples and meanings.

1. ✅ To Show the Agent of an Action (Usually in passive voice)

Used when someone does something, especially in passive sentences.

🟩 Example:
この本は有名な作家によって書かれました。
Kono hon wa yuumei na sakka ni yotte kakaremashita.
→ This book was written by a famous author.

2. ✅ To Indicate the Cause or Reason

Used to say something happened due to or because of something.

🟩 Example:
地震によって建物が壊れた。
Jishin ni yotte tatemono ga kowareta.
→ The building was destroyed due to the earthquake.

3. ✅ To Show the Means or Method

Used when something is done by using a method, tool, or system.

🟩 Example:
インターネットによって情報を得る。
Intānetto ni yotte jouhou o eru.
→ Get information through the internet.

4. ✅ To Express Dependence or Variation

Used to say something depends on something else or varies based on the situation.

🟩 Example:
人によって意見が違う。
Hito ni yotte iken ga chigau.
→ Opinions differ depending on the person.

5. ✅ To Introduce a Basis for Judgment or Evaluation

Used to express what something is judged or decided by.

🟩 Example:
成績によってクラスが決まる。
Seiseki ni yotte kurasu ga kimaru.
→ The class is decided based on grades.

6. ✅ To Emphasize Change Depending on Situation

Used with expressions like によっては to show that something may or may not happen depending on the case.

🟩 Example:
場合によっては中止することもあります。
Baai ni yotte wa chuushi suru koto mo arimasu.
→ We may cancel it depending on the case.

📝 Quick Recap — You can use 〜によって to:

Show who did something (agent)
Explain why something happened (cause)
Describe how something was done (method)
Show differences or variations
Talk about rules and decisions based on something
Express cases where outcomes may change

🔄 Conjugation of 〜によって with Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives

The structure 〜によって is quite straightforward to use in terms of conjugation. Since によって attaches to nouns, your focus should be on how to turn verbs and adjectives into noun-like forms so that they can be used with this grammar.

Here’s a clear breakdown of how to use 〜によって with different parts of speech:

🟢 1. Verbs (All types)

Verbs need to be converted into their noun (plain) form, also known as the dictionary form, or the -masu stem, depending on the meaning.

a) Passive form + によって (To show the agent)

This is the most common pattern when you want to show who did an action.

🔹 Example (Group 1 Verb – 書く / kaku):
この詩は先生によって書かれました。
Kono shi wa sensei ni yotte kakaremashita.
→ This poem was written by the teacher.

🔹 Example (Group 2 Verb – 食べる / taberu):
料理は母によって作られた。
Ryouri wa haha ni yotte tsukurareta.
→ The food was made by my mother.

🔹 Example (Irregular Verb – する / suru):
計画は会社によって実行された。
Keikaku wa kaisha ni yotte jikkou sareta.
→ The plan was carried out by the company.

🔵 2. Nouns + によって

This is the default and easiest usage. Just add によって directly after a noun.

🔹 Example:
法律によって決まっています。
Houritsu ni yotte kimatte imasu.
→ It is decided by law.

🟣 3. い-Adjectives

い-adjectives are rarely used directly with によって. Instead, use a noun-based sentence or restructure to fit the expression.

🔹 Example (rephrased as noun):
その人の優しさ****によって助けられた。
Sono hito no yasashisa ni yotte tasukerareta.
→ I was saved because of that person’s kindness.

🟠 4. な-Adjectives

Just like い-adjectives, you should nominalize the adjective by adding 〜さ or use a related noun.

🔹 Example:
彼の真面目さ****によって信頼された。
Kare no majimesa ni yotte shinrai sareta.
→ He was trusted because of his seriousness.

✨ Bonus Tip: よって vs. によって

によって is more standard and formal.
よって is a more literary or written form, often used in official documents.

🔹 Example:
この規則は校長の命令によって変更された。
Kono kisoku wa kouchou no meirei ni yotte henkou sareta.
→ This rule was changed by the principal’s order.

📏 Grammar Rules for Using 〜によって in Japanese

Understanding the grammar rules behind 〜によって will help you use it with accuracy and confidence. While the phrase may seem simple, there are important nuances that determine when and how it’s used.

Here are the most important grammar rules to keep in mind:

✅ Rule 1: によって Must Attach to a Noun

The phrase によって always connects directly to a noun. If you’re using a verb or adjective, you need to nominalize it first (turn it into a noun form).

🔹 Example:
努力によって成功した。
Doryoku ni yotte seikou shita.
→ Succeeded through effort.

✅ Rule 2: Often Paired with Passive Sentences (〜られる form)

When expressing the agent (doer) of an action, 〜によって is used with passive voice.

🔹 Example:
この映画は有名な監督によって作られた。
Kono eiga wa yuumei na kantoku ni yotte tsukurareta.
→ This movie was made by a famous director.

✅ Rule 3: によって Has Multiple Meanings Based on Context

The exact meaning of 〜によって changes depending on the context:

Cause or reason → “because of”
Method or means → “by means of”
Agent → “by (someone)”
Basis → “based on”
Variation or dependency → “depending on”

Always read the full sentence to decide how to translate and interpret it.

🔹 Example:
天気によって服を変える。
Tenki ni yotte fuku o kaeru.
→ I change clothes depending on the weather.

✅ Rule 4: によって is a Formal Expression

This structure is more common in formal, written, or academic settings. In casual conversation, Japanese speakers may use simpler expressions like:

〜で (by/with)
〜から (from)
〜に (to/for)

But for clear, formal writing or polite conversation, によって is preferred.

🔹 Casual: 電話で連絡する。
🔹 Formal: 電話によって連絡する。

✅ Rule 5: によっては (によって + は)

The phrase によっては introduces specific examples or exceptions and is often followed by 〜こともある, showing possible variations or special cases.

🔹 Example:
人によっては納豆が好きじゃない。
Hito ni yotte wa nattou ga suki janai.
→ Some people don’t like natto.

✅ Rule 6: による + Noun (Attributive Use)

When modifying a noun, change によって to による. It works like an adjective or descriptor.

🔹 Example:
地震による遅れ
Jishin ni yoru okure
→ Delay due to the earthquake

✨ Helpful Grammar Pattern Summary:

Pattern	Meaning	Example
Noun + によって	By / Due to / Depending on	雨によって試合が中止された。
Noun + によっては	In some cases / Depending on	店によっては安く買える。
Noun + による + Noun	(Attributive)	台風による停電があった。

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind When Using 〜によって

While 〜によって is a highly useful and flexible grammar structure in Japanese, it’s also easy to misunderstand or use incorrectly—especially for learners. Here are some common pitfalls, nuances, and exceptions you should remember to keep your Japanese natural and accurate.

🔍 1. Don’t Confuse によって with に or で

These particles can sometimes look similar in meaning, but they’re not always interchangeable.

Expression	Meaning	Example
によって	By means of / depending on / caused by	インターネットによって調べた。 → I researched through the internet.
に	Indicates direction or goal	インターネットにつながる。 → Connect to the internet.
で	Indicates the place or tool of action	インターネットで調べた。 → I searched on the internet.

✅ Tip:

Use によって when you’re talking about how or why something happens.
Use で when you mean where or with what something is done.
Use に when you talk about destination or targets.

🚫 2. によって is Rare in Casual Daily Conversation

While correct, using によって in everyday speech might sound overly formal or unnatural in casual talk.

✅ Use in:

Essays
Reports
News
Presentations

❌ Avoid in:

Text messages
Friendly chats
Daily life talks (unless you’re going for a formal tone)

🤔 3. “による” Sounds Fancy—Use It with Nouns

When you use による + noun, you’re linking the cause or method as a descriptor.

🟩 Example:
事故による遅延
Jiko ni yoru chien
→ Delay caused by an accident

Be careful not to confuse this with a simple sentence using によって. The difference is:

によって = acts as a phrase in the sentence.
による = modifies a noun (like an adjective).

🔁 4. によっては Implies Variation or Exceptions

If you’re talking about things that differ or vary depending on the situation, use によっては.

🟩 Example:
天気によってはキャンセルになるかもしれない。
Tenki ni yotte wa kyanseru ni naru kamo shirenai.
→ Depending on the weather, it might be canceled.

⚠️ Don’t use によって alone in these cases—you need the は to highlight the specific situation.

❗ 5. によって Can Have Multiple Meanings in the Same Sentence

This is rare but important. Sometimes, one sentence can suggest more than one meaning, so read carefully or provide enough context.

🟩 Example:
彼は努力によって先生によって選ばれた。
Kare wa doryoku ni yotte sensei ni yotte erabareta.
→ He was chosen because of his effort and by the teacher.

✍️ 6. Nominalization is Key with Verbs and Adjectives

To use によって correctly, verbs and adjectives must be turned into noun forms.

助ける → 助け（help）
優しい → 優しさ（kindness）

🟩 Example:
彼の優しさによって、私は救われた。
Kare no yasashisa ni yotte, watashi wa sukuwareta.
→ I was saved by his kindness.

🚫 Common Mistakes with 〜によって and How to Avoid Them

Many learners misuse 〜によって because of its formal tone and multiple meanings. Let’s clear up the confusion with real examples, and teach you how to stay on track.

❌ Mistake 1: Using によって in Casual Speech

Why it’s wrong:
〜によって is too formal for most casual conversations. Using it in everyday speech can sound robotic or unnatural.

Wrong:
昨日、彼によって来たよ。
Kinou, kare ni yotte kita yo.
(Too stiff and unnatural)

✅ Correct Casual Version:
昨日、彼が来たよ。
Kinou, kare ga kita yo.
→ He came yesterday.

How to avoid it:
Use によって for writing, presentations, or formal settings. Use が, で, or から in speech.

❌ Mistake 2: Forgetting Passive Form in Agent Sentences

Why it’s wrong:
When you use 〜によって to show who did something, the verb must be in passive form.

Wrong:
この本は先生によって書く。
Kono hon wa sensei ni yotte kaku.
(Grammatically incorrect)

✅ Correct:
この本は先生によって書かれた。
Kono hon wa sensei ni yotte kakareta.
→ This book was written by the teacher.

How to avoid it:
Check if your verb should be in the passive (〜られる) form when using によって to show “by someone.”

❌ Mistake 3: Mixing Up によって and で or に

Why it’s wrong:
While they might seem similar, these particles have different roles in a sentence.

Wrong:
私は電車によって行った。
Watashi wa densha ni yotte itta.
(Awkward and unnatural)

✅ Correct:
私は電車で行った。
Watashi wa densha de itta.
→ I went by train.

How to avoid it:
Use で when you’re talking about transportation or tools in daily speech. Use によって in more formal writing.

❌ Mistake 4: Using によって Without Context

Why it’s wrong:
Sometimes learners add によって without clearly showing what it refers to, making the sentence confusing.

Wrong:
結果が変わったによって。
Kekka ga kawatta ni yotte.
(Sentence structure is broken)

✅ Correct:
天気によって結果が変わった。
Tenki ni yotte kekka ga kawatta.
→ The result changed depending on the weather.

How to avoid it:
Always make sure that によって is connected to a clear noun that gives context.

❌ Mistake 5: Forgetting to Use よる When Modifying a Noun

Why it’s wrong:
When using によって directly before a noun, you should change it to による.

Wrong:
地震によって被害
Jishin ni yotte higai
(Sounds like a sentence, not a phrase)

✅ Correct:
地震による被害
Jishin ni yoru higai
→ Damage caused by the earthquake

How to avoid it:
Use による + noun when you want to say “___-related” or “caused by ___”.

❌ Mistake 6: Using によっては Without ～こともある or Similar Ending

Why it’s wrong:
によっては is used to show variation or exceptions, but you need to follow it with a phrase that shows possibility.

Wrong:
人によっては。
Hito ni yotte wa.
(Feels incomplete)

✅ Correct:
人によっては考え方が違うこともある。
Hito ni yotte wa kangaekata ga chigau koto mo aru.
→ Depending on the person, ways of thinking can differ.

How to avoid it:
When using によっては, follow up with something like:

～こともある
～場合もある
～可能性がある

📚 Example Sentences Using 〜によって

この建物は有名な建築家によって設計されました。
(Kono tatemono wa yuumei na kenchikuka ni yotte sekkei saremashita.)
→ This building was designed by a famous architect.
努力によって夢を叶えることができる。
(Doryoku ni yotte yume o kanaeru koto ga dekiru.)
→ You can achieve your dreams through effort.
この薬は年齢によって効果が変わります。
(Kono kusuri wa nenrei ni yotte kouka ga kawarimasu.)
→ The effect of this medicine changes depending on age.
先生によって授業の進め方が違う。
(Sensei ni yotte jugyou no susumekata ga chigau.)
→ The way classes are taught differs depending on the teacher.
台風によって試合が中止された。
(Taifuu ni yotte shiai ga chuushi sareta.)
→ The match was canceled due to the typhoon.
新しい技術によって生産性が上がった。
(Atarashii gijutsu ni yotte seisansei ga agatta.)
→ Productivity improved thanks to new technology.
この詩は学生によって書かれた。
(Kono shi wa gakusei ni yotte kakareta.)
→ This poem was written by a student.
文化によって考え方は大きく異なる。
(Bunka ni yotte kangaekata wa ookiku kotonaru.)
→ Ways of thinking vary greatly depending on culture.
人によって好みが違います。
(Hito ni yotte konomi ga chigaimasu.)
→ Preferences differ from person to person.
この仕事はAIによって代替される可能性がある。
(Kono shigoto wa AI ni yotte daitai sareru kanousei ga aru.)
→ This job may be replaced by AI.
結果は練習によって変わる。
(Kekka wa renshuu ni yotte kawaru.)
→ Results change based on practice.
都市によって生活費が異なる。
(Toshi ni yotte seikatsuhi ga kotonaru.)
→ Living costs vary depending on the city.
事故によって電車が遅れた。
(Jiko ni yotte densha ga okureta.)
→ The train was delayed due to the accident.
使用方法によって効果が変わります。
(Shiyou houhou ni yotte kouka ga kawarimasu.)
→ The effect changes based on how it’s used.
彼はその発言によって問題を起こした。
(Kare wa sono hatsugen ni yotte mondai o okoshita.)
→ He caused trouble because of that statement.
対応はケースによって異なります。
(Taiou wa keesu ni yotte kotonarimasu.)
→ The response differs depending on the case.
天気によっては出かけないこともある。
(Tenki ni yotte wa dekakenai koto mo aru.)
→ I sometimes don’t go out depending on the weather.
表現によって意味が変わることがある。
(Hyougen ni yotte imi ga kawaru koto ga aru.)
→ The meaning can change based on the expression.
地域によって方言が違う。
(Chiiki ni yotte hougen ga chigau.)
→ Dialects differ by region.
手段によって結果が大きく変わる。
(Shudan ni yotte kekka ga ookiku kawaru.)
→ The result can change greatly depending on the method.

🔁 Translation Exercise: Mastering 〜によって

A translation exercise is a great way to boost both comprehension and active use of the grammar point 〜によって.

✍️ Part 1: Translate the following English sentences into Japanese (using 〜によって)

This painting was created by a child.
The meeting was canceled due to the typhoon.
The result changed depending on the method.
These rules may vary depending on the country.
Many jobs may be replaced by robots.
The city was destroyed by a large earthquake.
His opinion changed due to personal experience.
The taste of the dish changes based on the ingredients.
The book was written by a famous professor.
The mood of the room shifted because of her words.

✍️ Part 2: Translate the following Japanese sentences into English

この絵は学生によって描かれました。
(Kono e wa gakusei ni yotte kakaremashita.)
天候によってイベントが中止されました。
(Tenkou ni yotte ibento ga chuushi saremashita.)
地域によって言葉が異なります。
(Chiiki ni yotte kotoba ga kotonarimasu.)
事故によって道路が混んでいます。
(Jiko ni yotte douro ga kondeimasu.)
その物語は実話によって書かれました。
(Sono monogatari wa jitsuwa ni yotte kakaremashita.)
人によって考え方が違います。
(Hito ni yotte kangaekata ga chigaimasu.)
この映画は実際の事件によって作られました。
(Kono eiga wa jissai no jiken ni yotte tsukuraremashita.)
練習によって技術が上達します。
(Renshuu ni yotte gijutsu ga joutatsu shimasu.)
時間によって混雑の程度が変わります。
(Jikan ni yotte konzatsu no teido ga kawarimasu.)
このレポートは調査結果によってまとめられました。
(Kono repooto wa chousa kekka ni yotte matomeraremashita.)

✅ Answer Key: Translation Exercise for 〜によって

Here’s the full Answer Key to the translation exercise, with clear and accurate translations for all 20 questions — including romaji and natural English expressions.

🗣️ Part 1: English ➡️ Japanese

This painting was created by a child.
この絵は子供によって作られました。
(Kono e wa kodomo ni yotte tsukuraremashita.)
The meeting was canceled due to the typhoon.
台風によって会議は中止されました。
(Taifuu ni yotte kaigi wa chuushi saremashita.)
The result changed depending on the method.
方法によって結果が変わりました。
(Houhou ni yotte kekka ga kawarimashita.)
These rules may vary depending on the country.
これらのルールは国によって異なる場合があります。
(Korera no ruuru wa kuni ni yotte kotonaru baai ga arimasu.)
Many jobs may be replaced by robots.
多くの仕事はロボットによって代替されるかもしれません。
(Ooku no shigoto wa robotto ni yotte daitai sareru kamoshiremasen.)
The city was destroyed by a large earthquake.
その都市は大きな地震によって壊滅しました。
(Sono toshi wa ookina jishin ni yotte kaimetsu shimashita.)
His opinion changed due to personal experience.
個人的な経験によって彼の意見が変わりました。
(Kojinteki na keiken ni yotte kare noiken ga kawarimashita.)
The taste of the dish changes based on the ingredients.
料理の味は材料によって変わります。
(Ryouri no aji wa zairyou ni yotte kawarimasu.)
The book was written by a famous professor.
その本は有名な教授によって書かれました。
(Sono hon wa yuumei na kyouju ni yotte kakaremashita.)
The mood of the room shifted because of her words.
彼女の言葉によって部屋の雰囲気が変わりました。
(Kanojo no kotoba ni yotte heya no fun’iki ga kawarimashita.)

🗣️ Part 2: Japanese ➡️ English

この絵は学生によって描かれました。
(Kono e wa gakusei ni yotte kakaremashita.)
→ This painting was drawn by a student.
天候によってイベントが中止されました。
(Tenkou ni yotte ibento ga chuushi saremashita.)
→ The event was canceled due to the weather.
地域によって言葉が異なります。
(Chiiki ni yotte kotoba ga kotonarimasu.)
→ Language differs depending on the region.
事故によって道路が混んでいます。
(Jiko ni yotte douro ga kondeimasu.)
→ The road is crowded due to an accident.
その物語は実話によって書かれました。
(Sono monogatari wa jitsuwa ni yotte kakaremashita.)
→ The story was written based on a true story.
人によって考え方が違います。
(Hito ni yotte kangaekata ga chigaimasu.)
→ Ways of thinking differ from person to person.
この映画は実際の事件によって作られました。
(Kono eiga wa jissai no jiken ni yotte tsukuraremashita.)
→ This movie was made based on a real incident.
練習によって技術が上達します。
(Renshuu ni yotte gijutsu ga joutatsu shimasu.)
→ Skills improve through practice.
時間によって混雑の程度が変わります。
(Jikan ni yotte konzatsu no teido ga kawarimasu.)
→ The level of crowding changes depending on the time.
このレポートは調査結果によってまとめられました。
(Kono repooto wa chousa kekka ni yotte matomeraremashita.)
→ This report was compiled based on the research results.

✅ Summary: Key Takeaways about 〜によって

〜によって is used to express:
- Agent of an action (usually in passive sentences): “by someone”
- Cause or reason: “due to / because of”
- Means or method: “through / by means of”
- Dependence or variation: “depending on / according to”
Follows nouns (no conjugation needed).
Can be used with:
- People or organizations (for passive agents)
- Events, tools, methods (for cause/method)
- Abstract factors (like opinions, personalities, time, weather, etc.)
Common patterns:
- ～によって＋passive verb
- ～によっては (in some cases)
- ～は～によって違う / 変わる (differs/changes depending on)
Tricky points:
- Often interchangeable with で or から, but more formal and specific
- Not used with personal actions in casual speech
- Often seen in written or formal contexts
Avoid these mistakes:
- Using によって with active voice when passive is needed
- Using it to describe one’s own actions directly
- Overusing it when simpler alternatives (like で) are more natural

🏁 Conclusion: Master 〜によって and Boost Your Japanese Fluency!

Understanding how to use 〜によって can seriously level up your Japanese skills — especially when reading news, listening to formal speech, or expressing cause and effect in writing. This grammar point connects ideas clearly and adds depth to your communication. Whether you’re talking about changes, reasons, or passive actions, mastering 〜によって will help you speak with clarity and confidence.

Keep reviewing, practicing translations, and building your own example sentences. And remember — language learning is a journey, not a race. You’re doing great!

Happy learning! 😊

📚 Continue Learning Japanese

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Understanding 〜おかげで in Japanese | My Language Classes

Understanding 〜ことがある in Japanese | My Language Classes

Understanding 〜さ: The Nominalizer for Adjectives | My Language Classes

〜み: The Nominalizer for Adjectives/Verbs | My Language Classes

Understanding 〜ことになる in Japanese | My Language Classes

Understanding 〜たところ in Japanese | My Language Classes

Mastering 〜にくい and 〜やすい in Japanese | My Language Classes

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April 9, 2025

Mastering 〜にくい and 〜やすい in Japanese

Using 〜にくい & 〜やすい in Japanese

Have you ever struggled to say that something is easy or difficult to do in Japanese? Whether you want to describe how simple a task is or express frustration over something challenging, 〜にくい (nikui) and 〜やすい (yasui) are essential grammar patterns that make your Japanese sound more natural. These forms allow you to effortlessly describe ease and difficulty, making your sentences more fluid and expressive.

In Japanese, we often use these structures to talk about actions and experiences:

このペンは書きやすいです。
Kono pen wa kaki yasui desu.
→ This pen is easy to write with.
この漢字は覚えにくいです。
Kono kanji wa oboe nikui desu.
→ This kanji is difficult to remember.

By mastering 〜にくい and 〜やすい, you’ll improve your Japanese fluency and express yourself more accurately in conversations. In this guide, we’ll break down meanings, usage, conjugation rules, grammar tips, and common mistakes, ensuring you learn these patterns with confidence.

Common Expressions Using 〜にくい and 〜やすい

Now that we understand the basics, let’s look at some commonly used expressions with 〜にくい and 〜やすい. These phrases frequently appear in daily conversations and written Japanese, so mastering them will help you sound more natural.

Common Expressions with 〜やすい (Easy to Do)

覚えやすい名前 (Oboe yasui namae) – An easy-to-remember name
壊れやすいガラス (Koware yasui garasu) – Fragile (easy-to-break) glass
話しやすい先生 (Hanashi yasui sensei) – A teacher who is easy to talk to
間違えやすい単語 (Machigae yasui tango) – A word that is easy to mispronounce
使いやすいアプリ (Tsukai yasui apuri) – A user-friendly (easy-to-use) app

Common Expressions with 〜にくい (Difficult to Do)

覚えにくい単語 (Oboe nikui tango) – A difficult-to-remember word
聞きにくい質問 (Kiki nikui shitsumon) – A difficult (awkward) question to ask
理解しにくい説明 (Rikai nikui setsumei) – A hard-to-understand explanation
歩きにくい靴 (Aruki nikui kutsu) – Uncomfortable (difficult-to-walk-in) shoes
見にくい画面 (Mi nikui gamen) – A screen that is hard to see

These phrases demonstrate how 〜やすい makes things sound easy, while 〜にくい conveys difficulty. In the next section, we’ll explore when to use these grammar patterns in different situations.

Usage: When to Use 〜にくい and 〜やすい in Sentences

Now that we’ve seen some common expressions, let’s dive into when and how to use 〜にくい and 〜やすい in different situations. These grammar patterns help describe the ease or difficulty of performing an action, and they are frequently used in everyday Japanese.

1. Describing How Easy or Difficult an Action Is

One of the most common uses of 〜にくい and 〜やすい is to describe how easy or difficult it is to perform an action. This structure is often used with verbs.

✅ やすい Example:

この本は読（よ）みやすいです。
Kono hon wa yomi yasui desu.
→ This book is easy to read.

❌ にくい Example:

この漢字は書（か）きにくいです。
Kono kanji wa kaki nikui desu.
→ This kanji is difficult to write.

2. Talking About Physical Ease or Difficulty

These patterns can also be used to describe how physically easy or hard something is to handle or use.

✅ やすい Example:

このパソコンは持（も）ちやすいです。
Kono pasokon wa mochi yasui desu.
→ This laptop is easy to carry.

❌ にくい Example:

このドアは開（あ）けにくいです。
Kono doa wa ake nikui desu.
→ This door is hard to open.

3. Expressing Emotional or Psychological Difficulty

Sometimes, 〜にくい is used for things that are emotionally difficult to do, such as asking a sensitive question or speaking in an unfamiliar language. 〜やすい, on the other hand, can describe situations that feel comfortable or natural.

✅ やすい Example:

彼（かれ）は話（はな）しやすい人（ひと）です。
Kare wa hanashi yasui hito desu.
→ He is an easy person to talk to.

❌ にくい Example:

この話題（わだい）は言（い）いにくいです。
Kono wadai wa ii nikui desu.
→ This topic is hard to talk about.

4. Referring to Visibility or Legibility

Both 〜にくい and 〜やすい can describe how easy or hard something is to see, read, or understand.

✅ やすい Example:

このフォントは読（よ）みやすいです。
Kono fonto wa yomi yasui desu.
→ This font is easy to read.

❌ にくい Example:

この地図（ちず）は見（み）にくいです。
Kono chizu wa mi nikui desu.
→ This map is hard to see.

These are some of the most common situations where 〜にくい and 〜やすい are used in Japanese. In the next section, we’ll break down the conjugation rules so you can start forming your own sentences correctly.

Conjugation: How to Attach 〜にくい and 〜やすい to Different Words

Now that we’ve covered the usage, let’s learn how to correctly attach 〜にくい and 〜やすい to different types of words. These patterns are typically used with verbs, but they can also modify nouns and adjectives in some cases.

1. Verbs: How to Attach 〜にくい and 〜やすい

〜にくい and 〜やすい attach to the ます-stem (also known as the verb stem).

How to find the verb stem:

Take the dictionary form of a verb (e.g., 食べる, 飲む, 書く).
Remove the ます from the polite ます-form (e.g., 食べます → 食べ, 飲みます → 飲み).
Attach 〜にくい or 〜やすい to the remaining stem.

Conjugation Examples for Different Verb Types:

Verb Type	Dictionary Form	ます-Form	Stem	+ にくい (Hard to…)	+ やすい (Easy to…)
Ichidan (る-verbs)	食べる (taberu)	食べます (tabemasu)	食べ (tabe)	食べにくい (tabe nikui) → Hard to eat	食べやすい (tabe yasui) → Easy to eat
Godan (う-verbs)	飲む (nomu)	飲みます (nomimasu)	飲み (nomi)	飲みにくい (nomi nikui) → Hard to drink	飲みやすい (nomi yasui) → Easy to drink
Godan (う-verbs)	書く (kaku)	書きます (kakimasu)	書き (kaki)	書きにくい (kaki nikui) → Hard to write	書きやすい (kaki yasui) → Easy to write
Irregular Verbs	する (suru)	します (shimasu)	し (shi)	しにくい (shi nikui) → Hard to do	しやすい (shi yasui) → Easy to do
Irregular Verbs	来る (kuru)	来ます (kimasu)	来 (ki)	来にくい (ki nikui) → Hard to come	来やすい (ki yasui) → Easy to come

2. Can 〜にくい and 〜やすい Be Used with Adjectives?

No, 〜にくい and 〜やすい cannot attach to adjectives directly. However, to describe the ease or difficulty of an adjective, you can use 〜そう (sou) or 〜すぎる (sugiru) instead.

✅ Alternative Example with Adjective:

暑（あつ）すぎて眠（ねむ）りにくいです。
Atsu sugite nemuri nikui desu.
→ It’s too hot, so it’s hard to sleep.

If you want to say something looks easy or difficult, use 〜そう (sou) instead.

✅ Example:

この問題（もんだい）は難（むずか）しそうです。
Kono mondai wa muzukashi sou desu.
→ This question looks difficult.

3. Can 〜にくい and 〜やすい Be Used with Nouns?

Technically, 〜にくい and 〜やすい do not attach directly to nouns. However, you can use them indirectly by turning the noun into a verb using する (suru).

✅ Example:

このサイトは利用（りよう）しやすいです。
Kono saito wa riyou shi yasui desu.
→ This website is easy to use.

4. Can 〜にくい and 〜やすい Be Used in Negative Sentences?

Yes, they can! Simply conjugate the 〜にくい and 〜やすい as い-adjectives:

Tense	Example with 〜やすい (Easy to Do)	Example with 〜にくい (Hard to Do)
Present Positive	食べやすい (tabe yasui) → Easy to eat	食べにくい (tabe nikui) → Hard to eat
Present Negative	食べやすくない (tabe yasuku nai) → Not easy to eat	食べにくくない (tabe nikuku nai) → Not hard to eat
Past Positive	食べやすかった (tabe yasukatta) → Was easy to eat	食べにくかった (tabe nikukatta) → Was hard to eat
Past Negative	食べやすくなかった (tabe yasuku nakatta) → Was not easy to eat	食べにくくなかった (tabe nikuku nakatta) → Was not hard to eat

By following these conjugation rules, you can confidently use 〜にくい and 〜やすい in various sentence structures.

In the next section, we’ll explore the grammar rules in more detail to ensure you fully grasp these concepts.

Grammar Rules: Understanding 〜にくい and 〜やすい

Now that we’ve covered usage and conjugation, let’s take a deeper look at the grammar rules behind 〜にくい and 〜やすい. Understanding these rules will help you form correct and natural sentences in Japanese.

1. 〜にくい and 〜やすい Always Modify Verbs

As mentioned earlier, 〜にくい and 〜やすい attach to the verb stem. They cannot be directly attached to adjectives or nouns.

✅ Correct Usage (with Verbs):

漢字（かんじ）は書（か）きにくいです。
Kanji wa kaki nikui desu.
→ Kanji is hard to write.

❌ Incorrect Usage (with Adjectives/Nouns):

この部屋（へや）は寒（さむ）にくいです。 (Incorrect!)
この仕事（しごと）はやすいです。 (Incorrect!)

✅ Correct Alternative:

この部屋（へや）は寒（さむ）すぎて、寝（ね）にくいです。
Kono heya wa samu sugite, ne nikui desu.
→ This room is too cold, so it’s hard to sleep.
この仕事（しごと）は簡単（かんたん）でやりやすいです。
Kono shigoto wa kantan de yari yasui desu.
→ This job is simple, so it’s easy to do.

2. 〜にくい and 〜やすい Are Treated as い-Adjectives

Both 〜にくい and 〜やすい act like regular い-adjectives. This means they can be conjugated just like adjectives.

✅ Example Conjugation with 〜やすい (Easy to Do)

Tense	Sentence Example	Translation
Present Positive	この靴（くつ）は履（は）きやすいです。	These shoes are easy to wear.
Present Negative	この靴（くつ）は履（は）きやすくないです。	These shoes are not easy to wear.
Past Positive	この靴（くつ）は履（は）きやすかったです。	These shoes were easy to wear.
Past Negative	この靴（くつ）は履（は）きやすくなかったです。	These shoes were not easy to wear.

✅ Example Conjugation with 〜にくい (Hard to Do)

Tense	Sentence Example	Translation
Present Positive	このペンは書（か）きにくいです。	This pen is hard to write with.
Present Negative	このペンは書（か）きにくくないです。	This pen is not hard to write with.
Past Positive	このペンは書（か）きにくかったです。	This pen was hard to write with.
Past Negative	このペンは書（か）きにくくなかったです。	This pen was not hard to write with.

3. 〜にくい Does NOT Mean “Impossible”

〜にくい does not mean something is completely impossible to do; it just means that it’s difficult or inconvenient. If you want to express something that is completely impossible, use 〜できない (dekinai) instead.

✅ Example:

この字（じ）は読（よ）みにくいです。
Kono ji wa yomi nikui desu.
→ This character is hard to read. (But still possible!)

❌ Incorrect Usage:

この字（じ）は読（よ）めにくいです。 (Wrong! “Yomeru” means “can read”, so “yome nikui” is incorrect!)

✅ Alternative for “Impossible”:

この字（じ）は読（よ）めません。
Kono ji wa yomemasen.
→ I cannot read this character. (Completely impossible!)

4. 〜にくい vs. 〜づらい: What’s the Difference?

Another similar structure in Japanese is 〜づらい (zurai), which also means “hard to do.” While 〜にくい is more about physical difficulty, 〜づらい is used more for psychological or emotional difficulty.

✅ Example Using 〜にくい (Physical Difficulty):

この薬（くすり）は飲（の）みにくいです。
Kono kusuri wa nomi nikui desu.
→ This medicine is hard to swallow. (Because of taste, texture, etc.)

✅ Example Using 〜づらい (Emotional Difficulty):

彼（かれ）に本当（ほんとう）のことを言（い）いづらいです。
Kare ni hontou no koto o ii zurai desu.
→ It’s hard to tell him the truth. (Because of emotions or sensitivity)

💡 Rule of Thumb:

〜にくい = Physically difficult, inconvenient
〜づらい = Emotionally difficult, uncomfortable

5. 〜やすい Is NOT the Same as 〜がち or 〜やすい (Cheap/Easy)

Be careful not to confuse やすい (yasui = easy to do) with other やすい words in Japanese.

✅ Example Using 〜やすい (Easy to Do):

このボールペンは書（か）きやすいです。
Kono boorupen wa kaki yasui desu.
→ This ballpoint pen is easy to write with.

❌ Confusing Similar Word:

このシャツは安（やす）いです。
Kono shatsu wa yasui desu.
→ This shirt is cheap. (Completely different meaning!)

6. Can 〜にくい and 〜やすい Be Used in Formal Writing?

Yes! Both forms can be used in formal writing, but they are more common in spoken Japanese or casual writing. In business or academic writing, you might see more neutral alternatives like 難（むずか）しい (muzukashii, difficult) or 簡単（かんたん） (kantan, easy).

✅ Example in a Formal Setting:

この手順（てじゅん）は理解（りかい）しやすいです。
Kono tejun wa rikai shi yasui desu.
→ This procedure is easy to understand.

These grammar rules will help you use 〜にくい and 〜やすい correctly in different contexts.

In the next section, we’ll discuss tricky points and exceptions that you need to keep in mind when using these patterns.

Things to Keep in Mind: Tricky Points, Exceptions, and Important Details

Now that you understand the grammar rules for 〜にくい and 〜やすい, let’s look at some tricky points, exceptions, and details that often confuse learners. Paying attention to these will help you use these patterns correctly and sound more natural in Japanese.

1. Some Verbs Change Meaning with 〜にくい and 〜やすい

In some cases, attaching 〜にくい or 〜やすい slightly changes the meaning of the original verb. Instead of simply indicating difficulty or ease, the phrase might imply something unexpected.

✅ Example: 聞（き）く (to listen / to ask)

聞（き）きにくい → Hard to ask (someone something)
- 先生（せんせい）に質問（しつもん）を聞（き）きにくいです。
  Sensei ni shitsumon o kiki nikui desu.
  → It’s hard to ask the teacher a question. (Because of nervousness, shyness, etc.)
聞（き）きやすい → Easy to listen to / easy to hear
- この先生（せんせい）は話（はな）し方（かた）が聞（き）きやすいです。
  Kono sensei wa hanashikata ga kiki yasui desu.
  → This teacher’s way of speaking is easy to listen to.

💡 Notice the difference?

聞きにくい relates to asking questions (psychological difficulty).
聞きやすい relates to listening (ease of hearing).

2. Some Verbs Use 〜づらい Instead of 〜にくい

As mentioned earlier, 〜づらい is often used instead of 〜にくい for psychological or emotional difficulty. While 〜にくい is grammatically correct in most cases, native speakers often prefer 〜づらい for things related to feelings or social interactions.

✅ More Natural Sentences Using 〜づらい:

上司（じょうし）に意見（いけん）を言（い）いづらいです。
Joushi ni iken o ii zurai desu.
→ It’s hard to express my opinion to my boss. (Social/emotional difficulty)
この話（はなし）はしづらいです。
Kono hanashi wa shi zurai desu.
→ This topic is hard to talk about. (Sensitive topic)

💡 When to Use Which?

〜にくい → Physical difficulty (writing, reading, eating, etc.)
〜づらい → Emotional/social difficulty (talking, asking, expressing emotions, etc.)

3. 〜やすい Does Not Mean “Cheap”

One common mistake learners make is confusing 〜やすい (easy to do) with 安（やす）い (cheap). Though they sound the same, their meanings are completely different.

❌ Incorrect:

このレストランは食（た）べやすいです。 (This restaurant is easy to eat?)

✅ Correct:

このレストランの料理（りょうり）は食（た）べやすいです。
Kono resutoran no ryouri wa tabe yasui desu.
→ The food at this restaurant is easy to eat.

If you want to say something is cheap, use 安（やす）い (yasui) instead.

このレストランは安（やす）いです。 (This restaurant is cheap.)

4. Some Expressions Don’t Work Well with 〜にくい or 〜やすい

While 〜にくい and 〜やすい work for most action verbs, they don’t always sound natural for certain abstract or stative verbs.

❌ Unnatural Sentences:

愛（あい）しにくい (Hard to love?)
怒（おこ）りやすい (Easy to get angry?)

✅ Natural Alternatives:

この人（ひと）は理解（りかい）しにくいです。
Kono hito wa rikai shi nikui desu.
→ This person is hard to understand. (Instead of “hard to love”)
彼（かれ）はすぐ怒（おこ）ります。
Kare wa sugu okorimasu.
→ He gets angry easily. (Instead of “easy to get angry”)

5. 〜にくい and 〜やすい Can Be Used with Potential Verbs, But It’s Rare

Although 〜にくい and 〜やすい are usually attached to the stem of a verb, they can be used with potential form verbs, but it’s uncommon.

✅ Rare, But Possible:

この問題（もんだい）は解（と）けやすいです。
Kono mondai wa toke yasui desu.
→ This problem is easy to solve.
彼（かれ）の話（はなし）は信（しん）じにくいです。
Kare no hanashi wa shinji nikui desu.
→ His story is hard to believe.

💡 However, it’s more common to just use the verb in its normal form!

6. When to Use Katakana vs. Hiragana for 〜にくい and 〜やすい

Both 〜にくい and 〜やすい are typically written in hiragana, but you may occasionally see them in katakana (ニクイ / ヤスイ) for emphasis. This is common in advertisements, signs, or marketing materials to make the words stand out.

✅ Example in Advertising:

スープがノミニクイ？ (Is the soup hard to drink?)
切（き）りヤスイ包丁（ほうちょう）！ (An easy-to-cut-with knife!)

However, in normal writing, it’s best to stick with hiragana (にくい / やすい).

These are some of the key tricky points and exceptions to keep in mind when using 〜にくい and 〜やすい. Mastering these details will help you avoid common mistakes and sound more natural in Japanese.

In the next section, we’ll go over common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even though 〜にくい and 〜やすい are straightforward to use, learners often make common mistakes when forming sentences. Let’s look at these errors and learn how to avoid them!

1. Using 〜にくい Instead of 〜づらい for Emotional or Social Difficulty

❌ Incorrect:

先生（せんせい）に「いいえ」と言（い）いにくいです。
Sensei ni “iie” to ii nikui desu.
→ It’s hard to say “no” to my teacher. (Technically correct but sounds unnatural.)

✅ Correct:

先生（せんせい）に「いいえ」と言（い）いづらいです。
Sensei ni “iie” to ii zurai desu.
→ It’s hard to say “no” to my teacher. (More natural because it expresses social/emotional difficulty.)

💡 Tip: Use 〜づらい instead of 〜にくい when talking about psychological or emotional difficulty.

2. Confusing 〜やすい with 安（やす）い (cheap)

❌ Incorrect:

この服（ふく）は着（き）やすいですから、買（か）いました。
Kono fuku wa ki yasui desu kara, kaimashita.
→ (This clothing is easy to wear, so I bought it.) (Sounds okay, but could be misunderstood as “cheap.”)

✅ Correct:

この服（ふく）は着（き）やすいので、買（か）いました。
Kono fuku wa ki yasui node, kaimashita.
→ I bought this clothing because it’s easy to wear. (Using “ので” makes it sound smoother.)

💡 Tip: If you mean cheap, use 安（やす）い, not 〜やすい!

3. Using 〜にくい and 〜やすい with the Wrong Type of Verbs

Since 〜にくい and 〜やすい describe actions, they cannot be used with adjectives or non-action verbs.

❌ Incorrect:

この部屋（へや）は広（ひろ）やすいです。
(Kono heya wa hiro yasui desu.) → (This room is easy to be spacious?)
彼（かれ）は悲（かな）しにくいです。
(Kare wa kanashi nikui desu.) → (He is hard to be sad?)

✅ Correct:

この部屋（へや）は広（ひろ）くて使（つか）いやすいです。
Kono heya wa hirokute tsukai yasui desu.
→ This room is spacious and easy to use.
彼（かれ）は悲（かな）しみを表（あらわ）しにくいです。
Kare wa kanashimi o arawashi nikui desu.
→ He finds it difficult to express sadness.

💡 Tip: Use 〜にくい and 〜やすい with action verbs only!

4. Forgetting to Change Group 1 Verbs to the い-Stem

Since Group 1 verbs (Godan verbs) change their ending vowel before attaching 〜にくい or 〜やすい, forgetting this rule leads to incorrect conjugation.

❌ Incorrect:

この本（ほん）は読（よ）むやすいです。
(Kono hon wa yomu yasui desu.) → (This book is easy to read?)

✅ Correct:

この本（ほん）は読（よ）みやすいです。
Kono hon wa yomi yasui desu.
→ This book is easy to read.

💡 Tip: For Group 1 verbs, change the final う sound to い before attaching 〜にくい or 〜やすい!

5. Forgetting That 〜にくい Does Not Mean “Impossible”

Some learners misunderstand 〜にくい as meaning “impossible”, but it only means “difficult”.

❌ Incorrect:

漢字（かんじ）は読（よ）みにくいから、全然（ぜんぜん）読（よ）めません。
(Kanji wa yomi nikui kara, zenzen yomemasen.)
→ (Kanji is hard to read, so I can’t read it at all.)

✅ Correct:

漢字（かんじ）は読（よ）みにくいけど、練習（れんしゅう）すれば読（よ）めます。
Kanji wa yomi nikui kedo, renshuu sureba yomemasu.
→ Kanji is hard to read, but I can read it if I practice.

💡 Tip: 〜にくい means “difficult,” not “impossible”—don’t overuse it!

6. Using 〜やすい for Something That is “Convenient” Instead of “Easy”

Learners sometimes use 〜やすい to mean “convenient”, but that’s not always correct.

❌ Incorrect:

このコンビニは行（い）きやすいです。
(Kono konbini wa iki yasui desu.) → (This convenience store is easy to go?)

✅ Correct:

このコンビニは近（ちか）くて便利（べんり）です。
Kono konbini wa chikakute benri desu.
→ This convenience store is close and convenient.

💡 Tip: 〜やすい means “easy to do”, not “convenient”—use 便利（べんり） (benri) instead!

7. Using 〜にくい and 〜やすい in Formal Writing

While 〜にくい and 〜やすい are commonly used in spoken and casual written Japanese, they may sound too informal for academic or business writing.

✅ More Formal Alternatives:

〜しにくい → 難（むずか）しい (muzukashii) / 困難（こんなん）な (konnan na)
〜しやすい → 簡単（かんたん）な (kantan na) / 容易（ようい）な (youi na)

💡 Tip: If writing a business email or essay, consider using 難しい / 簡単な instead!

These are some of the most common mistakes learners make with 〜にくい and 〜やすい. By avoiding these errors, you’ll sound more natural and confident in Japanese.

Next, we’ll practice with example sentences to reinforce what you’ve learned!

Example Sentences with 〜にくい and 〜やすい

Now, let’s see some example sentences using 〜にくい and 〜やすい in different contexts. Each sentence includes Romaji and English translation to help you understand how these grammar points work in real-life conversations.

1. Daily Life Sentences

この靴（くつ）は歩（ある）きやすいです。
Kono kutsu wa aruki yasui desu.
→ These shoes are easy to walk in.
このドアは開（あ）けにくいですね。
Kono doa wa ake nikui desu ne.
→ This door is hard to open, isn’t it?
日本語（にほんご）は聞（き）きにくいけど、練習（れんしゅう）すれば上手（じょうず）になります。
Nihongo wa kiki nikui kedo, renshuu sureba jouzu ni narimasu.
→ Japanese is hard to understand when listening, but if you practice, you’ll improve.
このカバンは使（つか）いやすいです。
Kono kaban wa tsukai yasui desu.
→ This bag is easy to use.
このコップは割（わ）れにくいです。
Kono koppu wa ware nikui desu.
→ This cup is hard to break.

2. Food & Eating Sentences

このスープは飲（の）みやすいです。
Kono suupu wa nomi yasui desu.
→ This soup is easy to drink.
辛（から）すぎて食（た）べにくいです。
Karasugite tabe nikui desu.
→ It’s too spicy, so it’s hard to eat.
この果物（くだもの）は皮（かわ）がむきやすいです。
Kono kudamono wa kawa ga muki yasui desu.
→ This fruit’s skin is easy to peel.
このステーキは硬（かた）くて切（き）りにくいです。
Kono suteeki wa katakute kiri nikui desu.
→ This steak is tough and hard to cut.
このお茶（ちゃ）は甘（あま）くて飲（の）みやすいです。
Kono ocha wa amakute nomi yasui desu.
→ This tea is sweet and easy to drink.

3. Work & Study Sentences

このレポートは読（よ）みやすいです。
Kono repooto wa yomi yasui desu.
→ This report is easy to read.
この漢字（かんじ）は書（か）きにくいです。
Kono kanji wa kaki nikui desu.
→ This kanji is hard to write.
この説明（せつめい）は分（わ）かりにくいです。
Kono setsumei wa wakari nikui desu.
→ This explanation is hard to understand.
このノートは線（せん）が入（はい）っていて書（か）きやすいです。
Kono nooto wa sen ga haitte ite kaki yasui desu.
→ This notebook has lines, so it’s easy to write in.
彼（かれ）の話（はなし）は速（はや）すぎて聞（き）きにくいです。
Kare no hanashi wa hayasugite kiki nikui desu.
→ His speech is too fast and hard to understand.

4. Social & Emotional Sentences

上司（じょうし）には頼（たの）み事（ごと）がしにくいです。
Joushi ni wa tanomi goto ga shi nikui desu.
→ It’s hard to ask my boss for favors.
このニュースは信（しん）じにくいです。
Kono nyuusu wa shinji nikui desu.
→ This news is hard to believe.
彼女（かのじょ）は話（はな）しやすい人（ひと）です。
Kanojo wa hanashi yasui hito desu.
→ She is an easy person to talk to.
この問題（もんだい）は解（と）きやすいです。
Kono mondai wa toki yasui desu.
→ This problem is easy to solve.
怒（おこ）っている人（ひと）とは話（はな）しにくいです。
Okotte iru hito to wa hanashi nikui desu.
→ It’s hard to talk to someone who is angry.

These example sentences cover various situations, helping you understand how to naturally use 〜にくい and 〜やすい in daily conversation.

Now, let’s test your understanding with a fill-in-the-blanks exercise!

Exercise: Fill in the Blanks with 〜にくい or 〜やすい

Now, let’s test your understanding! Fill in the blanks with 〜にくい or 〜やすい using the given word in plain form (in parentheses) as a reference.

1. Daily Life Situations

このペンは_____です。（書く）
Kono pen wa _____ desu.
→ This pen is _____ to write with.
このコップはガラスでできているので、_____です。（割れる）
Kono koppu wa garasu de dekite iru node, _____ desu.
→ This cup is made of glass, so it’s _____ to break.
彼の字（じ）は小さすぎて_____です。（読む）
Kare no ji wa chiisasugite _____ desu.
→ His handwriting is too small and _____ to read.
新しい靴（くつ）はとても_____です。（歩く）
Atarashii kutsu wa totemo _____ desu.
→ New shoes are very _____ to walk in.
このボタンは小さくて_____です。（押す）
Kono botan wa chiisakute _____ desu.
→ This button is small and _____ to press.

2. Food & Eating Situations

スープが熱（あつ）すぎて_____です。（飲む）
Suupu ga atsusugite _____ desu.
→ The soup is too hot and _____ to drink.
この魚（さかな）は骨（ほね）が多くて_____です。（食べる）
Kono sakana wa hone ga ookute _____ desu.
→ This fish has too many bones and is _____ to eat.
このケーキはふわふわで_____です。（切る）
Kono keeki wa fuwafuwa de _____ desu.
→ This cake is fluffy and _____ to cut.
このりんごは皮（かわ）が薄（うす）くて_____です。（むく）
Kono ringo wa kawa ga usukute _____ desu.
→ This apple has thin skin and is _____ to peel.
このジュースは甘（あま）くて_____です。（飲む）
Kono juusu wa amakute _____ desu.
→ This juice is sweet and _____ to drink.

3. Work & Study Situations

この漢字（かんじ）は複雑（ふくざつ）で_____です。（書く）
Kono kanji wa fukuzatsu de _____ desu.
→ This kanji is complicated and _____ to write.
先生（せんせい）の説明（せつめい）は分かりやすくて_____です。（勉強する）
Sensei no setsumei wa wakari yasukute _____ desu.
→ The teacher’s explanation is clear and _____ to study.
この資料（しりょう）は文字（もじ）が小さくて_____です。（読む）
Kono shiryou wa moji ga chiisakute _____ desu.
→ This document has small text and is _____ to read.
この本（ほん）は子供（こども）でも_____です。（理解する）
Kono hon wa kodomo demo _____ desu.
→ This book is simple, so even kids can _____ it easily.
彼の声（こえ）ははっきりしていて_____です。（聞く）
Kare no koe wa hakkiri shite ite _____ desu.
→ His voice is clear and _____ to hear.

4. Social & Emotional Situations

彼は優（やさ）しくて_____人（ひと）です。（話す）
Kare wa yasashikute _____ hito desu.
→ He is kind and _____ to talk to.
初対面（しょたいめん）の人（ひと）とは_____です。（話す）
Shotaimen no hito to wa _____ desu.
→ It is _____ to talk to people you meet for the first time.
この映画（えいが）は感動的（かんどうてき）で_____です。（忘れる）
Kono eiga wa kandouteki de _____ desu.
→ This movie is touching and _____ to forget.
この問題（もんだい）はとても_____です。（解く）
Kono mondai wa totemo _____ desu.
→ This problem is very _____ to solve.
彼の話（はなし）は嘘（うそ）っぽくて_____です。（信じる）
Kare no hanashi wa usoppokute _____ desu.
→ His story sounds like a lie and is _____ to believe.

Try filling in the blanks before checking the answers in the next section! 😊

Answers:

Now, let’s check the correct answers! The correct part is bold, and each sentence includes Romaji and English translation for better understanding.

1. Daily Life Situations

このペンは書きやすいです。
Kono pen wa kakiyasui desu.
→ This pen is easy to write with.
このコップはガラスでできているので、割れやすいです。
Kono koppu wa garasu de dekite iru node, wareyasui desu.
→ This cup is made of glass, so it’s easy to break.
彼の字（じ）は小さすぎて読みにくいです。
Kare no ji wa chiisasugite yominikui desu.
→ His handwriting is too small and hard to read.
新しい靴（くつ）はとても歩きやすいです。
Atarashii kutsu wa totemo arukiyasui desu.
→ New shoes are very easy to walk in.
このボタンは小さくて押しにくいです。
Kono botan wa chiisakute oshinikui desu.
→ This button is small and hard to press.

2. Food & Eating Situations

スープが熱（あつ）すぎて飲みにくいです。
Suupu ga atsusugite nominikui desu.
→ The soup is too hot and hard to drink.
この魚（さかな）は骨（ほね）が多くて食べにくいです。
Kono sakana wa hone ga ookute tabenikui desu.
→ This fish has too many bones and is hard to eat.
このケーキはふわふわで切りにくいです。
Kono keeki wa fuwafuwa de kirinikui desu.
→ This cake is fluffy and hard to cut.
このりんごは皮（かわ）が薄（うす）くてむきやすいです。
Kono ringo wa kawa ga usukute mukiyasui desu.
→ This apple has thin skin and is easy to peel.
このジュースは甘（あま）くて飲みやすいです。
Kono juusu wa amakute nomiyasui desu.
→ This juice is sweet and easy to drink.

3. Work & Study Situations

この漢字（かんじ）は複雑（ふくざつ）で書きにくいです。
Kono kanji wa fukuzatsu de kakinikui desu.
→ This kanji is complicated and hard to write.
先生（せんせい）の説明（せつめい）は分かりやすくて勉強しやすいです。
Sensei no setsumei wa wakariyasukute benkyou shiyasui desu.
→ The teacher’s explanation is clear and easy to study.
この資料（しりょう）は文字（もじ）が小さくて読みにくいです。
Kono shiryou wa moji ga chiisakute yominikui desu.
→ This document has small text and is hard to read.
この本（ほん）は子供（こども）でも理解しやすいです。
Kono hon wa kodomo demo rikai shiyasui desu.
→ This book is simple, so even kids can understand it easily.
彼の声（こえ）ははっきりしていて聞きやすいです。
Kare no koe wa hakkiri shite ite kikiyasui desu.
→ His voice is clear and easy to hear.

4. Social & Emotional Situations

彼は優（やさ）しくて話しやすい人（ひと）です。
Kare wa yasashikute hanashiyasui hito desu.
→ He is kind and easy to talk to.
初対面（しょたいめん）の人（ひと）とは話しにくいです。
Shotaimen no hito to wa hanashinikui desu.
→ It is hard to talk to people you meet for the first time.
この映画（えいが）は感動的（かんどうてき）で忘れにくいです。
Kono eiga wa kandouteki de wasurenikui desu.
→ This movie is touching and hard to forget.
この問題（もんだい）はとても解きにくいです。
Kono mondai wa totemo tokinikui desu.
→ This problem is very hard to solve.
彼の話（はなし）は嘘（うそ）っぽくて信じにくいです。
Kare no hanashi wa usoppokute shinjinikui desu.
→ His story sounds like a lie and is hard to believe.

Summary: Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick recap of everything you learned about 〜にくい and 〜やすい:

✅ Meaning & Function:

〜にくい: Indicates something is difficult or hard to do.
〜やすい: Indicates something is easy or likely to happen.

✅ Usage Situations:

〜にくい is used when an action is physically, mentally, or emotionally difficult.
〜やすい is used when an action is effortless, convenient, or happens often.

✅ Conjugation Rules:

Attach to the stem of a verb:
- 食べにくい (hard to eat), 食べやすい (easy to eat).
Works with all three verb groups in Japanese.

✅ Grammar Rules & Exceptions:

Does NOT describe a person’s ability (use 〜づらい instead).
Can be used for emotions, like 忘れにくい (hard to forget).
Sometimes interchangeable with 〜づらい, but 〜づらい has a stronger nuance of emotional difficulty.

✅ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Using 〜にくい for likelihood (use 〜やすい instead).
❌ Using 〜やすい for subjective difficulty (use 〜づらい if it’s emotional).
❌ Forgetting that these forms do NOT conjugate like regular adjectives.

Conclusion: Mastering 〜にくい and 〜やすい in Japanese

Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve now got a solid understanding of 〜にくい and 〜やすい, two essential grammar points that can help you express difficulty and ease in Japanese. By practicing these structures, you’ll be able to describe actions more naturally and accurately in everyday conversations.

The best way to truly master them is through consistent practice! Try using these forms in your daily sentences, notice how they appear in Japanese books, anime, and conversations, and most importantly—keep practicing with exercises like the ones we covered.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! 😊

Did you find this guide helpful?
Do you have any questions about 〜にくい and 〜やすい?
Want me to cover any other tricky Japanese grammar points?

Happy learning! 😊

📚 Continue Learning Japanese

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March 29, 2025

Using 〜ないと in Japanese

〜ないと in Japanese Grammar

When learning Japanese, you’ll often come across expressions that indicate necessity, obligation, or an urgent action. One such essential phrase is 〜ないと (nai to). This structure is commonly used in daily conversation and is a shortcut for expressing “I must…” or “If I don’t…”.

Understanding 〜ないと is crucial because it helps you sound more natural and fluent in Japanese. Native speakers frequently use it instead of longer, more formal expressions. Mastering this structure will improve your ability to express obligations and requirements effortlessly in both casual and semi-formal settings.

In this guide, we’ll break down 〜ないと step by step, including its meaning, usage, conjugation, grammar rules, and exceptions. You’ll also find plenty of example sentences and practice exercises to reinforce your learning.

Let’s dive in!

Common Expressions with 〜ないと

早く寝ないと、明日遅刻するよ！
Hayaku nenai to, ashita chikoku suru yo!
→ If you don’t sleep early, you’ll be late tomorrow!
勉強しないと、テストに落ちちゃうよ。
Benkyou shinai to, tesuto ni ochichau yo.
→ If you don’t study, you’ll fail the test.
急がないと、電車に間に合わないよ！
Isoganai to, densha ni maniawanai yo!
→ If we don’t hurry, we won’t make it to the train!
薬を飲まないと、風邪が悪化するよ。
Kusuri o nomanai to, kaze ga akka suru yo.
→ If you don’t take the medicine, your cold will get worse.
ご飯を食べないと、お腹が空くよ。
Gohan o tabenai to, onaka ga suku yo.
→ If you don’t eat, you’ll get hungry.
ドアを閉めないと、寒いよ！
Doa o shimenai to, samui yo!
→ If you don’t close the door, it’ll be cold!
運動しないと、健康によくないよ。
Undou shinai to, kenkou ni yokunai yo.
→ If you don’t exercise, it’s not good for your health.
部屋を片付けないと、お母さんに怒られるよ。
Heya o katadzukenai to, okaasan ni okorareru yo.
→ If you don’t clean your room, your mom will get mad.
頑張らないと、夢は叶わないよ。
Ganbaranai to, yume wa kanawanai yo.
→ If you don’t work hard, your dreams won’t come true.
財布を持っていかないと、お金が払えないよ。
Saifu o motte ikanai to, okane ga haraenai yo.
→ If you don’t bring your wallet, you won’t be able to pay.

These are some of the most common and useful expressions with 〜ないと, helping you understand how it’s used in daily life.

Usage of 〜ないと in Japanese

The 〜ないと structure is used in three main situations:

1. Expressing Obligation (“I must…”)

In spoken Japanese, 〜ないと is often used as a shortened way of saying 〜ないといけない or 〜ないとだめ, both of which mean “must” or “have to.” This is a casual way of expressing necessity.

✅ Example:

宿題をしないと！
Shukudai o shinai to!
→ I have to do my homework!
もう寝ないと！
Mou nenai to!
→ I must go to bed now!

2. Expressing Consequences (“If I don’t…, then…”)

Another common use of 〜ないと is to indicate a negative consequence if the action is not performed.

✅ Example:

急がないと、間に合わないよ！
Isoganai to, maniawanai yo!
→ If we don’t hurry, we won’t make it!
薬を飲まないと、もっと悪くなるよ。
Kusuri o nomanai to, motto waruku naru yo.
→ If you don’t take the medicine, you’ll get worse.

3. Giving a Reminder or Warning

〜ないと is often used to remind someone or warn them about something important.

✅ Example:

忘れないとね！
Wasurenai to ne!
→ Don’t forget!
ちゃんと片付けないと、お母さんに怒られるよ。
Chanto katadzukenai to, okaasan ni okorareru yo.
→ If you don’t clean up properly, Mom will get mad!

Summary of Usage

Usage	Meaning	Example Sentence
Expressing Obligation	“I must…”	宿題をしないと！ (Shukudai o shinai to!) → I have to do my homework!
Expressing Consequence	“If I don’t…, then…”	急がないと、間に合わない！ (Isoganai to, maniawanai!) → If we don’t hurry, we won’t make it!
Reminder or Warning	“Don’t forget / Be careful”	忘れないとね！ (Wasurenai to ne!) → Don’t forget!

Conjugation of 〜ないと

To use 〜ないと, we first need to conjugate the verb, adjective, or noun into its negative form (〜ない form) before adding 〜と. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Conjugation with Verbs

Japanese verbs are divided into three types:

Group 1 (Ichidan / る-verbs)
Group 2 (Godan / う-verbs)
Irregular Verbs

Group 1 (Ichidan / る-verbs)

For Ichidan verbs, replace る with ない.

✅ Examples:

食べる → 食べないと (Taberu → Tabenai to) → I must eat.
見る → 見ないと (Miru → Minai to) → I have to look/watch.

Group 2 (Godan / う-verbs)

For Godan verbs, change the final う sound to あ-row + ない.

✅ Examples:

行く → 行かないと (Iku → Ikanai to) → I have to go.
話す → 話さないと (Hanasu → Hanasanai to) → I must talk.
書く → 書かないと (Kaku → Kakanai to) → I have to write.

Irregular Verbs

There are only two irregular verbs:

✅ Examples:

する → しないと (Suru → Shinai to) → I have to do.
来る → 来ないと (Kuru → Konai to) → I must come.

2. Conjugation with Nouns

To use 〜ないと with nouns, we use the verb ないといけない (must/have to). However, in casual speech, 〜ないと is usually only used with verbs.

✅ Example (Using a Noun Indirectly with a Verb):

パスポートがないと、旅行に行けないよ。
Pasupōto ga nai to, ryokō ni ikenai yo.
→ If you don’t have a passport, you can’t travel.

(Since nouns do not directly take 〜ないと, we use ない form of ある (to exist), which is ない, to indicate the absence of something.)

3. Conjugation with Adjectives

There are two types of adjectives in Japanese:

い-Adjectives
な-Adjectives

い-Adjectives:

For い-adjectives, replace the い with くない.

✅ Examples:

高い → 高くないと (Takai → Takakunai to) → If it’s not expensive…
寒い → 寒くないと (Samui → Samukunai to) → If it’s not cold…

な-Adjectives:

For な-adjectives, simply add じゃないと.

✅ Examples:

静か → 静かじゃないと (Shizuka → Shizuka janai to) → If it’s not quiet…
便利 → 便利じゃないと (Benri → Benri janai to) → If it’s not convenient…

Conjugation Summary

Type	Base Form	Negative Form (〜ない)	〜ないと Form
Ichidan Verb	食べる (taberu)	食べない (tabenai)	食べないと (tabenai to)
Godan Verb	書く (kaku)	書かない (kakanai)	書かないと (kakanai to)
Irregular Verb	する (suru)	しない (shinai)	しないと (shinai to)
Irregular Verb	来る (kuru)	来ない (konai)	来ないと (konai to)
い-Adjective	高い (takai)	高くない (takakunai)	高くないと (takakunai to)
な-Adjective	静か (shizuka)	静かじゃない (shizuka janai)	静かじゃないと (shizuka janai to)
Noun (indirect use)	パスポート (pasupōto)	ない (nai)	ないと (nai to)

Grammar Rules of 〜ないと

To use 〜ないと correctly, keep the following grammar rules in mind:

1. 〜ないと is a Casual Form of 〜ないといけない / 〜ないとだめ

The full forms 〜ないといけない and 〜ないとだめ are used in both spoken and written Japanese.
〜ないと is simply a shortened, more casual way of expressing obligation.
This form is not used in formal writing.

✅ Example:

もっと勉強しないといけない。 (Standard)
Motto benkyou shinai to ikenai.
→ I must study more.
もっと勉強しないと。 (Casual)
Motto benkyou shinai to.
→ I have to study more.

2. 〜ないと is Often Used to Imply a Negative Consequence

Unlike 〜なければならない (which also means “must”), 〜ないと often implies that something bad will happen if the action is not completed.

✅ Example:

早く行かないと、映画が始まっちゃうよ！
Hayaku ikanai to, eiga ga hajimacchau yo!
→ If we don’t go quickly, the movie will start!

Here, not going quickly (早く行かない) will result in missing the start of the movie.

3. 〜ないと Can Stand Alone in a Sentence

Since 〜ないと already conveys necessity, it can end a sentence on its own in informal conversation. The listener will understand the meaning based on context.

✅ Example:

もう寝ないと。
Mou nenai to.
→ I have to go to bed now.
準備しないと。
Junbi shinai to.
→ I have to get ready.

Even though the second part of the sentence is missing, the meaning is understood.

4. 〜ないと is Not Used in Polite or Formal Situations

Because 〜ないと is informal, avoid using it in business, professional settings, or official documents. Instead, use:

〜なければなりません (More polite)
〜ないといけません (Standard polite)

✅ Example (Polite Speech):

報告書を提出しなければなりません。 (Correct)
Houkokusho o teishutsu shinakereba narimasen.
→ I must submit the report.

❌ 報告書を提出しないと。 (Too casual for formal settings)

5. 〜ないと vs. 〜なきゃ vs. 〜なくちゃ

In casual speech, there are other ways to express “I must” besides 〜ないと.

Expression	Meaning	Formality Level
〜ないと	I must / If I don’t…	Casual
〜なきゃ	I gotta…	Very Casual
〜なくちゃ	I have to…	Casual

✅ Examples:

宿題しないと！ (Shukudai shinai to!) → I have to do my homework!
宿題しなきゃ！ (Shukudai shinakya!) → Gotta do my homework!
宿題しなくちゃ！ (Shukudai shinakucha!) → I have to do my homework!

All three forms are interchangeable in casual speech, but 〜ないと is slightly more neutral than the others.

Grammar Rules Summary

✔ 〜ないと is a shortened, casual form of 〜ないといけない / 〜ないとだめ.
✔ It implies a negative consequence if the action isn’t completed.
✔ It can stand alone in informal conversation.
✔ It is not appropriate for formal speech or writing.
✔ It has similar casual alternatives like 〜なきゃ and 〜なくちゃ.

Things to Keep in Mind When Using 〜ないと

When using 〜ないと, there are a few tricky points that learners should pay attention to. Misusing this structure can lead to unnatural or even incorrect sentences. Here are the key things to keep in mind:

1. 〜ないと Always Implies a Consequence

Unlike 〜なければならない, which simply expresses obligation, 〜ないと suggests that something bad will happen if the action is not done.

✅ Correct:

早く行かないと、電車が出ちゃうよ！
Hayaku ikanai to, densha ga dechau yo!
→ If we don’t hurry, the train will leave!

❌ 早く行かないとです。 (Hayaku ikanai to desu.) → ❌ Incorrect!

〜ないと should never be followed by です or ます since it is already an informal structure.

2. 〜ないと is an Incomplete Thought

Since 〜ないと means “If I don’t…”, it often leaves out the implied consequence. However, in writing or formal speech, it’s better to use 〜ないといけない to complete the sentence.

✅ Correct (Casual):

宿題しないと！
Shukudai shinai to!
→ (I have to do my homework!)

✅ Correct (Formal):

宿題をしないといけません。
Shukudai o shinai to ikemasen.
→ I must do my homework.

❌ 宿題しないとです。 (Shukudai shinai to desu.) → ❌ Incorrect!

3. Avoid Using 〜ないと in Formal Situations

Since 〜ないと is informal, it should not be used in business emails, official speeches, or professional settings. Instead, use:

✔ 〜なければなりません (Polite/Formal)
✔ 〜ないといけません (Polite but slightly casual)

✅ Example:

報告書を提出しなければなりません。 (Formal)
Houkokusho o teishutsu shinakereba narimasen.
→ I must submit the report.

❌ 報告書を提出しないと。 (Too casual for work settings!)

4. 〜ないと Can Sound Like a Threat in Certain Contexts

Since 〜ないと often implies a negative consequence, it can sound like a warning or even a threat if used with a strong tone. Be mindful of the situation!

✅ Soft & Natural:

忘れないと、後で困るよ。
Wasurenai to, ato de komaru yo.
→ If you forget, you’ll have trouble later.

❌ Too Strong (Sounds Like a Threat!):

勉強しないと、殴るよ！
Benkyou shinai to, naguru yo!
→ If you don’t study, I’ll hit you! (This sounds aggressive!)

To soften the tone, adding ね or よね makes it sound more friendly.

5. Be Careful with Negative Verbs + と in Other Grammar Structures

〜ないと can be confused with other Japanese grammar patterns that also use negative verbs + と but have different meanings.

Structure	Meaning	Example
〜ないと	I must / If I don’t…	早く行かないと！ (I have to go quickly!)
〜ないと… (conditional)	If not…	雨が降らないと、畑が乾く。 (If it doesn’t rain, the field will dry up.)
〜ないといい (希望 / Wish)	I hope [something bad] doesn’t happen	テストが難しくないといいな。 (I hope the test isn’t difficult.)

Things to Keep in Mind – Summary

✔ 〜ないと always implies a consequence, unlike 〜なければならない.
✔ It is an incomplete thought and usually informal.
✔ Do not use it in business or professional settings—use 〜なければなりません instead.
✔ Be careful—it can sound like a threat in some situations!
✔ Don’t confuse it with similar negative verb structures.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even though 〜ないと is a simple and useful phrase, many learners make mistakes when using it. Below are some common errors and tips on how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Using 〜ないと in Formal Situations

❌ 間違い (Incorrect):

会議に行かないとです。
Kaigi ni ikanai to desu.
→ ❌ Incorrect! (Mixing casual and formal speech)

✅ 正しい表現 (Correct Expression):

会議に行かなければなりません。
Kaigi ni ikanakereba narimasen.
→ I must go to the meeting. (Polite)

✔ How to Avoid This Mistake:

Use 〜なければならない or 〜ないといけません in formal settings.
〜ないと is best for casual speech only.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Implied Consequence

❌ 間違い (Incorrect):

宿題をしないと。
Shukudai o shinai to.
→ ❌ (Sounds incomplete or confusing)

✅ 正しい表現 (Correct Expression):

宿題をしないと、先生に怒られる！
Shukudai o shinai to, sensei ni okorareru!
→ If I don’t do my homework, the teacher will get mad!

✔ How to Avoid This Mistake:

In writing or formal speech, always include the consequence for clarity.
In spoken Japanese, the listener usually understands the meaning from context.

Mistake 3: Confusing 〜ないと with 〜なきゃ and 〜なくちゃ

All three mean “I have to…”, but they are not always interchangeable.

Expression	Formality Level	Example
〜ないと	Casual	もう寝ないと！ (I have to sleep now!)
〜なきゃ	Very casual	もう寝なきゃ！ (Gotta sleep now!)
〜なくちゃ	Casual	もう寝なくちゃ！ (I have to sleep now!)

✔ How to Avoid This Mistake:

〜ないと is slightly more neutral than 〜なきゃ and 〜なくちゃ.
Avoid using 〜なきゃ / 〜なくちゃ in semi-formal settings.

Mistake 4: Trying to Use 〜ないと in a Polite Sentence

❌ 間違い (Incorrect):

パスポートを持っていかないとですか？
Pasupōto o motte ikanai to desu ka?
→ ❌ (Mixing polite です with casual 〜ないと)

✅ 正しい表現 (Correct Expression):

パスポートを持っていかなければなりませんか？
Pasupōto o motte ikanakereba narimasen ka?
→ Do I have to bring my passport? (Polite)

✔ How to Avoid This Mistake:

Never add です or ます to 〜ないと.
Use 〜なければなりません for polite speech.

Mistake 5: Using 〜ないと Instead of 〜ないといけない / 〜ないとだめ in Written Japanese

❌ 間違い (Incorrect):

仕事をしないと。 (Shigoto o shinai to.) → ❌ Sounds too casual for written Japanese.

✅ 正しい表現 (Correct Expression):

仕事をしないといけない。
Shigoto o shinai to ikenai.
→ I must work. (Better for writing)

✔ How to Avoid This Mistake:

Use 〜ないといけない or 〜ないとだめ in writing to avoid sounding too informal.
〜ないと alone is best for spoken Japanese.

Mistake 6: Using 〜ないと in Negative Wishes (〜ないといい)

❌ 間違い (Incorrect):

雨が降らないと！
Ame ga furanai to!
→ ❌ (Sounds unnatural. The listener may think something bad will happen if it doesn’t rain.)

✅ 正しい表現 (Correct Expression):

雨が降らないといいな。
Ame ga furanai to ii na.
→ I hope it doesn’t rain.

✔ How to Avoid This Mistake:

If you mean “I hope something doesn’t happen,” use 〜ないといい instead of 〜ないと.

Common Mistakes Summary

✔ Do not use 〜ないと in formal situations. Use 〜なければなりません instead.
✔ Always consider the implied consequence. If unclear, complete the sentence.
✔ Do not mix 〜ないと with です or ます.
✔ Use 〜ないといけない in writing instead of just 〜ないと.
✔ Don’t confuse 〜ないと with negative wishes (〜ないといい).

Example Sentences with 〜ないと

Here are 20 example sentences using 〜ないと. Each sentence includes romaji and an English translation for better understanding.

Basic Daily Conversations

1️⃣ 早く寝ないと、明日眠くなるよ。
Hayaku nenai to, ashita nemuku naru yo.
→ If you don’t sleep early, you’ll be sleepy tomorrow.

2️⃣ 宿題をしないと、先生に怒られる！
Shukudai o shinai to, sensei ni okorareru!
→ If I don’t do my homework, the teacher will get mad!

3️⃣ ゴミを出さないと、部屋が臭くなるよ。
Gomi o dasanai to, heya ga kusaku naru yo.
→ If I don’t take out the trash, my room will start to smell.

4️⃣ 薬を飲まないと、風邪が悪くなるよ。
Kusuri o nomanai to, kaze ga waruku naru yo.
→ If you don’t take medicine, your cold will get worse.

5️⃣ 財布を持っていかないと、お金が払えないよ。
Saifu o motte ikanai to, okane ga haraenai yo.
→ If I don’t bring my wallet, I won’t be able to pay.

Work and Study Situations

6️⃣ 会議の資料を準備しないと、大変なことになるよ。
Kaigi no shiryou o junbi shinai to, taihen na koto ni naru yo.
→ If I don’t prepare the meeting materials, it’ll be a disaster.

7️⃣ 日本語を勉強しないと、JLPTに合格できないよ。
Nihongo o benkyou shinai to, JLPT ni goukaku dekinai yo.
→ If I don’t study Japanese, I won’t be able to pass the JLPT.

8️⃣ 締め切りまでにレポートを書かないと、単位を落とすかもしれない。
Shimekiri made ni repōto o kakanai to, tan’i o otosu kamoshirenai.
→ If I don’t write the report by the deadline, I might fail the course.

9️⃣ 目覚ましをセットしないと、朝寝坊しちゃうよ！
Mezamashi o setto shinai to, asa nebou shichau yo!
→ If I don’t set my alarm, I’ll oversleep!

🔟 パソコンを充電しないと、すぐに電源が切れるよ。
Pasokon o juuden shinai to, sugu ni dengen ga kireru yo.
→ If I don’t charge my laptop, it’ll turn off soon.

Casual & Fun Situations

1️⃣1️⃣ ゲームをやりすぎないと、目が疲れないよ。
Gēmu o yarisuginai to, me ga tsukarenai yo.
→ If I don’t play games too much, my eyes won’t get tired.

1️⃣2️⃣ 旅行の計画を立てないと、どこにも行けないよ。
Ryokou no keikaku o tatenai to, doko ni mo ikenai yo.
→ If we don’t make travel plans, we won’t be able to go anywhere.

1️⃣3️⃣ ダイエットをしないと、このズボンが履けなくなるかも！
Daietto o shinai to, kono zubon ga hakenaku naru kamo!
→ If I don’t diet, I might not be able to fit into these pants!

1️⃣4️⃣ スマホを持っていかないと、連絡できなくなるよ。
Sumaho o motte ikanai to, renraku dekinaku naru yo.
→ If I don’t bring my phone, I won’t be able to contact anyone.

1️⃣5️⃣ 早く行かないと、映画が始まっちゃうよ！
Hayaku ikanai to, eiga ga hajimacchau yo!
→ If we don’t hurry, the movie will start!

Serious Situations

1️⃣6️⃣ 運転中に携帯を見ないと、安全に運転できるよ。
Untenchuu ni keitai o minai to, anzen ni unten dekiru yo.
→ If I don’t look at my phone while driving, I can drive safely.

1️⃣7️⃣ ドアを閉めないと、泥棒が入るかもしれない。
Doa o shimenai to, dorobou ga hairu kamoshirenai.
→ If I don’t lock the door, a thief might break in.

1️⃣8️⃣ 電気を消さないと、電気代が高くなるよ。
Denki o kesanai to, denkidai ga takaku naru yo.
→ If I don’t turn off the lights, the electricity bill will go up.

1️⃣9️⃣ 健康に気をつけないと、病気になるよ。
Kenkou ni ki o tsukenai to, byouki ni naru yo.
→ If I don’t take care of my health, I’ll get sick.

2️⃣0️⃣ 手を洗わないと、風邪をひくかもしれないよ。
Te o arawanai to, kaze o hiku kamoshirenai yo.
→ If I don’t wash my hands, I might catch a cold.

Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with the correct 〜ないと form of the given verbs. This will help reinforce your understanding of how to use this grammar structure naturally.

Fill in the Blanks Questions

1️⃣ 朝早く（　　　）と、学校に遅れるよ。 (okiru – wake up)
2️⃣ お母さんに（　　　）と、心配されるよ。 (denwa suru – call)
3️⃣ 晩ご飯の前に手を（　　　）と、バイ菌がつくよ。 (arau – wash)
4️⃣ 図書館の本を（　　　）と、罰金を払わなければならない。 (kaesu – return)
5️⃣ 夜遅くまで（　　　）と、次の日大変だよ。 (okiru – stay awake)
6️⃣ 運動し（　　　）と、健康によくないよ。 (suru – do)
7️⃣ 日本語の単語を（　　　）と、会話が難しくなるよ。 (oboeru – memorize)
8️⃣ 部屋を（　　　）と、お客さんが来たときに困るよ。 (souji suru – clean)
9️⃣ 約束の時間に（　　　）と、相手に失礼だよ。 (tsuku – arrive)
🔟 雨が降る前に洗濯物を（　　　）と、全部濡れちゃうよ。 (ireru – bring in)

Challenge Questions for Advanced Learners

1️⃣1️⃣ 新しいことに（　　　）と、成長できないよ。 (chousen suru – challenge oneself)
1️⃣2️⃣ 寝る前に歯を（　　　）と、虫歯になるよ。 (migaku – brush)
1️⃣3️⃣ 毎日少しずつ（　　　）と、上達できないよ。 (renshuu suru – practice)
1️⃣4️⃣ エアコンを（　　　）と、寒くなりすぎるよ。 (kesu – turn off)
1️⃣5️⃣ 時間を（　　　）と、映画が始まっちゃうよ！ (kakaru – take/spend time)
1️⃣6️⃣ 期限までに書類を（　　　）と、申し込みができないよ。 (dasu – submit)
1️⃣7️⃣ 仕事の準備をし（　　　）と、プレゼンがうまくいかないよ。 (suru – do)
1️⃣8️⃣ 子供を（　　　）と、夜泣きしちゃうよ。 (neru – put to sleep)
1️⃣9️⃣ 試験の前にしっかり（　　　）と、不安になるよ。 (benkyou suru – study)
2️⃣0️⃣ ちゃんと食事を（　　　）と、体が弱くなるよ。 (toru – take/have a meal)

Answer Key

Below are the correct answers for the fill-in-the-blank exercises. The answer part is in bold, and each sentence includes romaji and an English translation for better understanding.

Answers for Fill in the Blanks Questions

1️⃣ 朝早く（起きないと）学校に遅れるよ。
Asa hayaku (okinai to) gakkou ni okureru yo.
→ If I don’t wake up early, I’ll be late for school.

2️⃣ お母さんに（電話しないと）心配されるよ。
Okaasan ni (denwa shinai to) shinpai sareru yo.
→ If I don’t call my mom, she will worry.

3️⃣ 晩ご飯の前に手を（洗わないと）バイ菌がつくよ。
Bangohan no mae ni te o (arawanai to) baikin ga tsuku yo.
→ If I don’t wash my hands before dinner, I’ll get germs.

4️⃣ 図書館の本を（返さないと）罰金を払わなければならない。
Toshokan no hon o (kaesanai to) bakkin o harawanakereba naranai.
→ If I don’t return the library book, I’ll have to pay a fine.

5️⃣ 夜遅くまで（起きていないと）次の日大変だよ。
Yoru osoku made (okite inai to) tsugi no hi taihen da yo.
→ If I don’t stay up late, the next day will be easier.

6️⃣ 運動し（ないと）、健康によくないよ。
Undou shi (nai to), kenkou ni yokunai yo.
→ If I don’t exercise, it’s bad for my health.

7️⃣ 日本語の単語を（覚えないと）、会話が難しくなるよ。
Nihongo no tango o (oboenai to), kaiwa ga muzukashiku naru yo.
→ If I don’t memorize Japanese words, conversations will be difficult.

8️⃣ 部屋を（掃除しないと）、お客さんが来たときに困るよ。
Heya o (souji shinai to), okyaku-san ga kita toki ni komaru yo.
→ If I don’t clean my room, I’ll be in trouble when guests come.

9️⃣ 約束の時間に（着かないと）、相手に失礼だよ。
Yakusoku no jikan ni (tsukanai to), aite ni shitsurei da yo.
→ If I don’t arrive on time, it’s rude to the other person.

🔟 雨が降る前に洗濯物を（入れないと）、全部濡れちゃうよ。
Ame ga furu mae ni sentakumono o (irenai to), zenbu nurechau yo.
→ If I don’t bring in the laundry before it rains, it’ll all get wet.

Answers for Challenge Questions

1️⃣1️⃣ 新しいことに（挑戦しないと）、成長できないよ。
Atarashii koto ni (chousen shinai to), seichou dekinai yo.
→ If I don’t challenge myself, I won’t be able to grow.

1️⃣2️⃣ 寝る前に歯を（磨かないと）、虫歯になるよ。
Neru mae ni ha o (migakanai to), mushiba ni naru yo.
→ If I don’t brush my teeth before sleeping, I’ll get cavities.

1️⃣3️⃣ 毎日少しずつ（練習しないと）、上達できないよ。
Mainichi sukoshi zutsu (renshuu shinai to), joutatsu dekinai yo.
→ If I don’t practice a little every day, I won’t improve.

1️⃣4️⃣ エアコンを（消さないと）、寒くなりすぎるよ。
Eakon o (kesanai to), samuku nari sugiru yo.
→ If I don’t turn off the air conditioner, it’ll get too cold.

1️⃣5️⃣ 時間を（かけないと）、映画が始まっちゃうよ！
Jikan o (kakenai to), eiga ga hajimacchau yo!
→ If I don’t hurry, the movie will start!

1️⃣6️⃣ 期限までに書類を（出さないと）、申し込みができないよ。
Kigen made ni shorui o (dasanai to), moushikomi ga dekinai yo.
→ If I don’t submit the documents by the deadline, I won’t be able to apply.

1️⃣7️⃣ 仕事の準備をし（ないと）、プレゼンがうまくいかないよ。
Shigoto no junbi o shi (nai to), purezen ga umaku ikanai yo.
→ If I don’t prepare for work, my presentation won’t go well.

1️⃣8️⃣ 子供を（寝かせないと）、夜泣きしちゃうよ。
Kodomo o (nekasenai to), yonaki shichau yo.
→ If I don’t put the child to sleep, they’ll cry at night.

1️⃣9️⃣ 試験の前にしっかり（勉強しないと）、不安になるよ。
Shiken no mae ni shikkari (benkyou shinai to), fuan ni naru yo.
→ If I don’t study properly before the exam, I’ll feel anxious.

2️⃣0️⃣ ちゃんと食事を（取らないと）、体が弱くなるよ。
Chanto shokuji o (toranai to), karada ga yowaku naru yo.
→ If I don’t eat properly, my body will become weak.

Summary of 〜ないと in Japanese

Here are the key points covered in this blog:

✔ Meaning & Usage:

〜ないと expresses a necessary action to avoid a negative consequence.
It is a casual and spoken form of saying “if I don’t do X, Y will happen.”

✔ Common Situations:

Giving warnings or advice (e.g., “If you don’t study, you won’t pass.”)
Expressing obligations (e.g., “I have to return the book, or I’ll get a fine.”)
Talking about daily routines (e.g., “If I don’t wake up early, I’ll be late.”)

✔ Conjugation Rules:

Verb (Negative Form) + ないと
Works only with verbs, not adjectives or nouns.

✔ Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them:

❌ Using it with adjectives or nouns (Incorrect: たのしくないと)
❌ Using the polite ません instead of ない (Incorrect: 食べませんと)
✔ Always use plain negative verb form + ないと (Correct: 食べないと)

Conclusion

Mastering 〜ないと is essential for natural and fluent Japanese conversation. It helps you express obligations, warnings, and necessary actions effortlessly. Whether you’re reminding yourself to complete a task or warning a friend about possible consequences, this grammar point is a must-know for all Japanese learners.

Now that you’ve learned how to use 〜ないと, it’s time to practice! Try making your own sentences in the comments below. Have questions? Ask away—I’d love to help!

Happy learning! 😊

📚 Continue Learning Japanese

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March 24, 2025

Using 〜ところだ in Japanese

How to Use「〜ところだ」in Japanese

In Japanese, the grammar structure 〜ところだ is an essential expression used to indicate different stages of an action. Whether you’re about to do something, in the middle of doing it, or have just finished it, 〜ところだ helps express these nuances naturally and fluently.

This grammar is widely used in daily conversations, formal writing, and even in anime and manga, making it an important concept to learn. By mastering 〜ところだ, you will improve your ability to describe actions with precision and sound more like a native speaker.

In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about 〜ところだ, including its common expressions, usage, conjugation, grammar rules, tricky points, example sentences, exercises, and more!

Let’s get started!

Common Expressions with 〜ところだ

Here are some commonly used daily life expressions with 〜ところだ. These sentences will help you understand how this grammar is used in real-life situations.

These sentences illustrate the three major uses of 〜ところだ:

Before an action happens (～るところだ)
During an action (～ているところだ)
After an action is completed (～たところだ)

今からご飯を食べるところだ。
Ima kara gohan o taberu tokoro da.
I’m about to eat now.
ちょうど映画が始まるところだ。
Chōdo eiga ga hajimaru tokoro da.
The movie is just about to start.
試験を受けているところだ。
Shiken o ukete iru tokoro da.
I am in the middle of taking the exam.
ちょうど家に帰ったところだ。
Chōdo ie ni kaetta tokoro da.
I just got home.
今、お風呂に入るところだ。
Ima, ofuro ni hairu tokoro da.
I’m about to take a bath now.
友達に電話しているところだ。
Tomodachi ni denwa shite iru tokoro da.
I’m in the middle of calling my friend.
宿題を終えたところだ。
Shukudai o oeta tokoro da.
I just finished my homework.
彼は今、出発するところだ。
Kare wa ima, shuppatsu suru tokoro da.
He is about to leave now.
会議が終わったところだ。
Kaigi ga owatta tokoro da.
The meeting just ended.
私はちょうど昼ごはんを食べたところだ。
Watashi wa chōdo hirugohan o tabeta tokoro da.
I just finished eating lunch.

Usage of 〜ところだ

The 〜ところだ grammar structure is used to indicate different stages of an action. There are three main situations where this expression is used:

1. When an action is about to happen (～るところだ)

This form is used to express that something is just about to happen. It is often used with words like 今から (imakara – from now), ちょうど (chōdo – just), これから (korekara – from now on) to emphasize the timing.

Common Words Used with ～るところだ

Word/Phrase	Meaning	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
今から (imakara)	From now	今から勉強するところだ。	Ima kara benkyō suru tokoro da.	I’m about to start studying.
ちょうど (chōdo)	Just	ちょうど授業が始まるところだ。	Chōdo jugyō ga hajimaru tokoro da.	The class is just about to start.
これから (korekara)	From now on	これから会議が始まるところだ。	Korekara kaigi ga hajimaru tokoro da.	The meeting is about to begin.

2. When an action is in progress (～ているところだ)

This form indicates that an action is currently happening at the moment of speaking. It gives the feeling of being in the middle of something.

Common Words Used with ～ているところだ

Word/Phrase	Meaning	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
今 (ima)	Now	今、先生と話しているところだ。	Ima, sensei to hanashite iru tokoro da.	I’m in the middle of talking to the teacher.
ちょうど (chōdo)	Just	ちょうど宿題をやっているところだ。	Chōdo shukudai o yatte iru tokoro da.	I’m just doing my homework.
まさに (masani)	Exactly	まさに試合が終わるところだ。	Masani shiai ga owaru tokoro da.	The game is exactly about to end.

3. When an action has just been completed (～たところだ)

This form is used to show that an action has just finished. It is often used with words like たった今 (tatta ima – just now), ちょうど (chōdo – just), さっき (sakki – a little while ago) to emphasize the recent completion.

Common Words Used with ～たところだ

Word/Phrase	Meaning	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
たった今 (tatta ima)	Just now	たった今、昼ごはんを食べたところだ。	Tatta ima, hirugohan o tabeta tokoro da.	I just finished eating lunch.
ちょうど (chōdo)	Just	ちょうどメールを送ったところだ。	Chōdo mēru o okutta tokoro da.	I just sent the email.
さっき (sakki)	A little while ago	さっき駅に着いたところだ。	Sakki eki ni tsuita tokoro da.	I just arrived at the station.

Conjugation of 〜ところだ

To correctly use 〜ところだ, you need to know how to conjugate it with different types of words. This grammar structure can be used with:

Verbs (Group 1, Group 2, Irregular Verbs)
Nouns
Adjectives (i-adjectives & na-adjectives)

Let’s go through each one in detail.

1. Verbs and 〜ところだ

Verbs change based on whether the action is about to happen, in progress, or has just been completed.

Verb Conjugation Rules

Action Stage	Verb Form to Use	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
Before an action	Dictionary Form (〜るところだ)	電車が出発するところだ。	Densha ga shuppatsu suru tokoro da.	The train is about to leave.
During an action	て-form + いる (〜ているところだ)	今、ご飯を食べているところだ。	Ima, gohan o tabete iru tokoro da.	I’m in the middle of eating.
After an action	た-form (〜たところだ)	ちょうど宿題を終えたところだ。	Chōdo shukudai o oeta tokoro da.	I just finished my homework.

2. Nouns and 〜ところだ

In most cases, 〜ところだ is not directly used with nouns. However, when describing a state or moment related to a noun, you can use it with の.

✅ Example:

試験のところだ。
Shiken no tokoro da.
It’s the time for the test.

This is less common than using verbs but can appear in spoken Japanese when referring to a moment or specific place in time.

3. Adjectives and 〜ところだ

Adjectives do not directly attach to 〜ところだ, but they can be used in sentences where the situation is being described.

i-Adjectives

i-adjectives can be used to describe the situation before, during, or after an action.

✅ Example:

寒いところだ。 (Samui tokoro da.) → It’s a cold place (situation).

However, in most cases, i-adjectives are not combined with ところ directly when describing an action.

na-Adjectives

Na-adjectives require な before ところだ when describing a state or situation.

✅ Example:

静かなところだ。 (Shizuka na tokoro da.) → It’s a quiet place (situation).

Summary of Conjugation

Word Type	Conjugation Rule	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
Group 1 Verbs	Dictionary Form → 〜るところだ	学校に行くところだ。	Gakkō ni iku tokoro da.	I’m about to go to school.
Group 2 Verbs	Dictionary Form → 〜るところだ	昼ご飯を食べるところだ。	Hirugohan o taberu tokoro da.	I’m about to eat lunch.
Irregular Verbs	Dictionary Form → 〜るところだ	勉強するところだ。	Benkyō suru tokoro da.	I’m about to study.
Nouns	Use の before ところだ	試験のところだ。	Shiken no tokoro da.	It’s the time for the test.
i-Adjectives	Not commonly used with 〜ところだ	寒いところだ	Samui tokoro da.	It’s a cold place (situation).
na-Adjectives	Add な before ところだ	静かなところだ。	Shizuka na tokoro da.	It’s a quiet place (situation).

Grammar Rules for 〜ところだ

To use 〜ところだ correctly in sentences, it is important to follow certain grammar rules. Below are the key points to remember when using this structure in different situations.

1. 〜るところだ (Before an Action) – Rule Summary

Used when an action is just about to happen.
The verb should always be in its dictionary form (る-form).
Common time expressions include 今から, ちょうど, これから to indicate “just about to happen.”

✅ Example Sentences:

ちょうど映画が始まるところだ。
Chōdo eiga ga hajimaru tokoro da.
(The movie is just about to start.)
これから会議が始まるところだ。
Korekara kaigi ga hajimaru tokoro da.
(The meeting is about to begin.)

2. 〜ているところだ (During an Action) – Rule Summary

Used when an action is currently happening.
The verb must be in its て-form + いる.
Common time expressions include 今, ちょうど, まさに to indicate “right now.”

✅ Example Sentences:

今、昼ごはんを食べているところだ。
Ima, hirugohan o tabete iru tokoro da.
(I’m in the middle of eating lunch.)
ちょうど先生と話しているところだ。
Chōdo sensei to hanashite iru tokoro da.
(I’m just talking with the teacher now.)

3. 〜たところだ (After an Action) – Rule Summary

Used when an action has just been completed.
The verb must be in its た-form.
Common time expressions include たった今, ちょうど, さっき to emphasize “just finished.”

✅ Example Sentences:

たった今、仕事が終わったところだ。
Tatta ima, shigoto ga owatta tokoro da.
(I just finished work.)
ちょうど宿題を終えたところだ。
Chōdo shukudai o oeta tokoro da.
(I just finished my homework.)

4. Negative Forms of 〜ところだ

In negative sentences, 〜ところだ follows standard verb negation rules:

Action Stage	Negative Form Rule	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
Before an action	Use ない-form	宿題をしないところだ。	Shukudai o shinai tokoro da.	I’m about to not do my homework.
During an action	Use 〜ていない	宿題をしていないところだ。	Shukudai o shite inai tokoro da.	I’m not in the middle of doing my homework.
After an action	Use 〜たところではない	宿題を終えたところではない。	Shukudai o oeta tokoro de wa nai.	I haven’t just finished my homework.

5. Using 〜ところだ with Particles

Sometimes, 〜ところだ is used with particles like に and を to give more details about the situation.

Particle	Usage	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
で	Describes the location where the action is happening	今、学校で勉強しているところだ。	Ima, gakkō de benkyō shite iru tokoro da.	I’m in the middle of studying at school.
に	Emphasizes the point in time	ちょうどバスに乗るところだ。	Chōdo basu ni noru tokoro da.	I’m just about to get on the bus.
を	Used when the action just finished	映画を見たところだ。	Eiga o mita tokoro da.	I just watched a movie.

Things to Keep in Mind When Using 〜ところだ

While 〜ところだ is a useful grammar point in Japanese, there are certain tricky points, exceptions, and important details to be aware of. Below are key things to keep in mind when using 〜ところだ correctly.

1. 〜ところだ Does Not Indicate Future Plans

Although 〜るところだ is used for actions that are about to happen, it does not express future intentions or plans.

❌ Incorrect:

明日は仕事をするところだ。
Ashita wa shigoto o suru tokoro da.
(I will work tomorrow.) → WRONG!

✅ Correct:

ちょうど今から仕事をするところだ。
Chōdo ima kara shigoto o suru tokoro da.
(I am just about to start working now.) → RIGHT!

If you want to express a planned action, use 予定 (yotei) or つもり (tsumori) instead.

✅ 仕事をする予定だ。 (I plan to work.)
✅ 仕事をするつもりだ。 (I intend to work.)

2. 〜ているところだ Cannot Be Used for Habitual Actions

The 〜ているところだ form only refers to actions that are happening right now. It cannot be used for habitual actions or ongoing states.

❌ Incorrect:

毎日新聞を読んでいるところだ。
Mainichi shinbun o yonde iru tokoro da.
(I read the newspaper every day.) → WRONG!

✅ Correct:

今、新聞を読んでいるところだ。
Ima, shinbun o yonde iru tokoro da.
(I am in the middle of reading the newspaper right now.) → RIGHT!

If you want to talk about a habit, use 〜ている alone without ところだ.

✅ 毎日新聞を読んでいる。 (I read the newspaper every day.)

3. 〜たところだ Emphasizes “Just Finished” (Not Any Past Action)

The 〜たところだ form is used only for actions that have just been completed, not actions that happened long ago.

❌ Incorrect:

昨日、レポートを書いたところだ。
Kinō, repōto o kaita tokoro da.
(I just finished writing the report yesterday.) → WRONG!

✅ Correct:

たった今、レポートを書いたところだ。
Tatta ima, repōto o kaita tokoro da.
(I just finished writing the report right now.) → RIGHT!

If you want to talk about a past event without the nuance of “just finished,” simply use the past tense 〜た without ところだ.

✅ 昨日、レポートを書いた。 (I wrote the report yesterday.)

4. Using Time Expressions with 〜ところだ

Some time expressions pair well with 〜ところだ, while others do not.

✅ Good Time Expressions for 〜ところだ:

Before an action: ちょうど, これから, 今から
During an action: 今, まさに, ちょうど
After an action: たった今, ちょうど, さっき

❌ Avoid using time expressions that refer to distant past or future:

昨日 (yesterday), 明日 (tomorrow), 来年 (next year)

5. Difference Between 〜たばかり and 〜たところ

Both 〜たばかり and 〜たところ mean “just finished,” but they have different nuances.

Grammar	Timeframe	Example Sentence	Romaji	Meaning
〜たところ	Just finished a moment ago	たった今、家に帰ったところだ。	Tatta ima, ie ni kaetta tokoro da.	I just got home (right now).
〜たばかり	Recently finished (unspecified timeframe)	家に帰ったばかりだ。	Ie ni kaetta bakari da.	I just got home (could be minutes or hours ago).

If you want to emphasize that something just happened, 〜たところ is better. If the action happened recently but the exact time is not important, use 〜たばかり.

6. 〜ところだ vs. 〜最中だ (さいちゅうだ)

Both 〜ところだ and 〜最中だ can describe an action that is happening right now, but there is a difference in usage.

Grammar	Usage	Example Sentence	Romaji	Meaning
〜ているところだ	Action is physically happening	ちょうど昼ごはんを食べているところだ。	Chōdo hirugohan o tabete iru tokoro da.	I’m in the middle of eating lunch.
〜最中だ	Action is happening, but focus is on interruption	昼ごはんを食べている最中に電話が鳴った。	Hirugohan o tabete iru saichū ni denwa ga natta.	The phone rang while I was eating lunch.

Use 〜最中だ when you want to emphasize that something happened in the middle of an action (often an interruption).

7. Watch Out for Politeness Levels

When using 〜ところだ, consider the politeness level depending on the situation:

Politeness Level	Example Sentence	Romaji	Meaning
Casual	今出かけるところだ。	Ima dekakeru tokoro da.	I’m about to leave.
Polite	今から出かけるところです。	Ima kara dekakeru tokoro desu.	I’m about to leave. (Polite)
Very Polite	ただいま出かけるところでございます。	Tadaima dekakeru tokoro de gozaimasu.	I am just about to leave. (Very Polite)

Use です/ます form in formal situations, and avoid 〜ところだ in very official or written contexts.

8. 〜ところだ Is Not Used with Adjectives

The 〜ところだ structure is only used with verbs. It cannot be used with adjectives.

❌ Incorrect:

暑いところだ。 (Atsui tokoro da. → WRONG!)
楽しいところだ。 (Tanoshii tokoro da. → WRONG!)

✅ Correct Alternative:
If you want to emphasize an ongoing state, use 〜ている or other grammar structures instead.

✅ 今、暑くなっている。 (Ima, atsuku natte iru. → It’s getting hot now.)

Key Takeaways

〜ところだ does not indicate future plans (use つもり or 予定 instead).
〜ているところだ cannot be used for habitual actions (use 〜ている instead).
〜たところだ is only for actions that just finished (not general past events).
〜たばかり and 〜たところ differ in timeframe emphasis.
〜ところだ does not work with adjectives.
Use polite forms in formal situations.

Example Sentences Using 〜ところだ

Here are 20 example sentences demonstrating the usage of 〜ところだ in different contexts. Each example includes romaji and an English translation for clarity.

1. 〜るところだ (Before an Action)

Used when an action is just about to happen.

ちょうど宿題を始めるところだ。
Chōdo shukudai o hajimeru tokoro da.
(I’m just about to start my homework.)
これから会議が始まるところだ。
Korekara kaigi ga hajimaru tokoro da.
(The meeting is about to start.)
映画が始まるところだから、静かにして。
Eiga ga hajimaru tokoro dakara, shizuka ni shite.
(The movie is about to start, so be quiet.)
今から友達に電話するところだ。
Ima kara tomodachi ni denwa suru tokoro da.
(I’m about to call my friend now.)
ちょうどバスに乗るところだった。
Chōdo basu ni noru tokoro datta.
(I was just about to get on the bus.)

2. 〜ているところだ (During an Action)

Used when an action is happening right now.

今、お母さんが晩ご飯を作っているところだ。
Ima, okaasan ga bangohan o tsukutte iru tokoro da.
(Mom is in the middle of making dinner.)
ちょうどレポートを書いているところだ。
Chōdo repōto o kaite iru tokoro da.
(I’m just writing my report right now.)
まさに電車に乗っているところだ。
Masani densha ni notte iru tokoro da.
(I am just riding the train right now.)
今、友達と話しているところだから、後で電話するね。
Ima, tomodachi to hanashite iru tokoro dakara, ato de denwa suru ne.
(I’m in the middle of talking to my friend, so I’ll call you later.)
ちょうどランチを食べているところだ。
Chōdo ranchi o tabete iru tokoro da.
(I’m just eating lunch now.)

3. 〜たところだ (After an Action)

Used when an action has just been completed.

たった今、仕事が終わったところだ。
Tatta ima, shigoto ga owatta tokoro da.
(I just finished work right now.)
ちょうど宿題を終えたところだ。
Chōdo shukudai o oeta tokoro da.
(I just finished my homework.)
彼はたった今、家に帰ったところだ。
Kare wa tatta ima, ie ni kaetta tokoro da.
(He just came home now.)
先生が教室を出たところだ。
Sensei ga kyōshitsu o deta tokoro da.
(The teacher just left the classroom.)
ご飯を食べたところだから、お腹いっぱいだ。
Gohan o tabeta tokoro dakara, onaka ippai da.
(I just ate, so I’m full.)

4. Negative Sentences with 〜ところだ

Using negative forms with 〜ところだ.

まだ宿題をしていないところだ。
Mada shukudai o shite inai tokoro da.
(I haven’t started my homework yet.)
仕事が終わったところではない。
Shigoto ga owatta tokoro de wa nai.
(I haven’t just finished work.)
ちょうど家を出るところだったが、雨が降り始めた。
Chōdo ie o deru tokoro datta ga, ame ga furi hajimeta.
(I was just about to leave home, but it started raining.)
彼女はまだ話しているところだ。
Kanojo wa mada hanashite iru tokoro da.
(She is still in the middle of talking.)
会議は終わったところではない、あと10分かかる。
Kaigi wa owatta tokoro de wa nai, ato jippun kakaru.
(The meeting hasn’t just finished; it will take another 10 minutes.)

Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of 〜ところだ (るところ, ているところ, たところ) to complete the sentences.

映画が________だから、早く座ってください。（始まる）
(Eiga ga ________ dakara, hayaku suwatte kudasai.)
(The movie is about to start, so please sit quickly.)
ちょうどご飯を________ところだ。（食べる）
(Chōdo gohan o ________ tokoro da.)
(I am just eating right now.)
彼はたった今、会社から________だ。（帰る）
(Kare wa tatta ima, kaisha kara ________ da.)
(He just came home from work now.)
ちょうど今から________だから、静かにしてね。（寝る）
(Chōdo ima kara ________ dakara, shizuka ni shite ne.)
(I am just about to sleep, so please be quiet.)
今、先生と________ところです。（話す）
(Ima, sensei to ________ tokoro desu.)
(I am talking to my teacher right now.)
授業が________だから、帰りましょう。（終わる）
(Jugyō ga ________ dakara, kaerimashō.)
(The class just ended, so let’s go home.)
ちょうど駅に________だ。（着く）
(Chōdo eki ni ________ da.)
(I just arrived at the station.)
これからレポートを________ところだ。（書く）
(Korekara repōto o ________ tokoro da.)
(I am about to start writing the report.)
まさに電車に________ところだった。（乗る）
(Masani densha ni ________ tokoro datta.)
(I was just about to get on the train.)
今、ゲームを________だから、後で話そう。（する）
(Ima, gēmu o ________ dakara, ato de hanasō.)
(I am playing a game right now, so let’s talk later.)
今から料理を________ところだ。（作る）
(Ima kara ryōri o ________ tokoro da.)
(I am just about to cook now.)
たった今、メールを________だから、すぐに確認してね。（送る）
(Tatta ima, mēru o ________ dakara, sugu ni kakunin shite ne.)
(I just sent an email, so check it right away.)
彼女は今、お風呂に________ところです。（入る）
(Kanojo wa ima, ofuro ni ________ tokoro desu.)
(She is in the middle of taking a bath now.)
ちょうど新しいプロジェクトを________ところだった。（始める）
Chōdo atarashii purojekuto o ________ tokoro datta.
(I was just about to start a new project.)
友達とカフェでお茶を________ところだ。（飲む）
Tomodachi to kafe de ________ tokoro da.
(I am in the middle of drinking tea with my friend at a café.)
仕事が________だから、一緒に帰ろう。（終わる）
Shigoto ga ________ dakara, issho ni kaerou.
(Work just finished, so let’s go home together.)
先生が________だから、静かにして。（話す）
Sensei ga ________ dakara, shizuka ni shite.
(The teacher is talking right now, so be quiet.)
まさに________ところだ。（出発する）
Masani ________ tokoro da.
(I am just about to depart.)
今、ケーキを________だから、待ってね。（焼く）
Ima, kēki o ________ dakara, matte ne.
(I am in the middle of baking a cake now, so wait a moment.)
彼はたった今、電話を________だ。（かける）
Kare wa tatta ima, denwa o ________ da.
(He just made a phone call now.)

Answers

Here are the correct answers with 〜ところだ properly conjugated:

映画が始まるところだから、早く座ってください。
(Eiga ga hajimaru tokoro dakara, hayaku suwatte kudasai.)
(The movie is about to start, so please sit quickly.)
ちょうどご飯を食べているところだ。
(Chōdo gohan o tabete iru tokoro da.)
(I am just eating right now.)
彼はたった今、会社から帰ったところだ。
(Kare wa tatta ima, kaisha kara kaetta tokoro da.)
(He just came home from work now.)
ちょうど今から寝るところだから、静かにしてね。
(Chōdo ima kara neru tokoro dakara, shizuka ni shite ne.)
(I am just about to sleep, so please be quiet.)
今、先生と話しているところです。
(Ima, sensei to hanashite iru tokoro desu.)
(I am talking to my teacher right now.)
授業が終わったところだから、帰りましょう。
(Jugyō ga owatta tokoro dakara, kaerimashō.)
(The class just ended, so let’s go home.)
ちょうど駅に着いたところだ。
(Chōdo eki ni tsuita tokoro da.)
(I just arrived at the station.)
これからレポートを書くところだ。
(Korekara repōto o kaku tokoro da.)
(I am about to start writing the report.)
まさに電車に乗るところだった。
(Masani densha ni noru tokoro datta.)
(I was just about to get on the train.)
今、ゲームをしているところだから、後で話そう。
(Ima, gēmu o shite iru tokoro dakara, ato de hanasō.)
(I am playing a game right now, so let’s talk later.)
今から料理を作るところだ。
(Ima kara ryōri o tsukuru tokoro da.)
(I am just about to cook now.)
たった今、メールを送ったところだから、すぐに確認してね。
(Tatta ima, mēru o okutta tokoro dakara, sugu ni kakunin shite ne.)
(I just sent an email, so check it right away.)
彼女は今、お風呂に入っているところです。
(Kanojo wa ima, ofuro ni haitte iru tokoro desu.)
(She is in the middle of taking a bath now.)
ちょうど新しいプロジェクトを始めるところだった。
Chōdo atarashii purojekuto o hajimeru tokoro datta.
(I was just about to start a new project.)
友達とカフェでお茶を飲んでいるところだ。
Tomodachi to kafe de nonde iru tokoro da.
(I am in the middle of drinking tea with my friend at a café.)
仕事が終わったところだから、一緒に帰ろう。
Shigoto ga owatta tokoro dakara, issho ni kaerou.
(Work just finished, so let’s go home together.)
先生が話しているところだから、静かにして。
Sensei ga hanashite iru tokoro dakara, shizuka ni shite.
(The teacher is talking right now, so be quiet.)
まさに出発するところだ。
Masani shuppatsu suru tokoro da.
(I am just about to depart.)
今、ケーキを焼いているところだから、待ってね。
Ima, kēki o yaite iru tokoro dakara, matte ne.
(I am in the middle of baking a cake now, so wait a moment.)
彼はたった今、電話をかけたところだ。
Kare wa tatta ima, denwa o kaketa tokoro da.
(He just made a phone call now.)

Summary

Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

「〜ところだ」 expresses different stages of an action:
- るところ (Before an action) → Used when something is about to happen.
- ているところ (During an action) → Used when something is happening right now.
- たところ (After an action) → Used when something just happened.
Usage of「〜ところだ」:
- Before an action: Describes an action that is about to start.
- During an action: Describes an action currently in progress.
- After an action: Describes an action that has just finished.
Conjugation with different word types:
- Verbs:
  - Group 1 (五段動詞): 読む → 読むところ, 読んでいるところ, 読んだところ
  - Group 2 (一段動詞): 食べる → 食べるところ, 食べているところ, 食べたところ
  - Group 3 (Irregular verbs): する → するところ, しているところ, したところ
- Nouns: Not used directly with nouns. A verb must accompany the noun.
- Adjectives: Not typically used with adjectives.
Key points to remember:
- るところ is often used with phrases like 「今から」 (just about to) or 「まさに」 (precisely about to).
- ているところ emphasizes that an action is in progress and is often used with 「今」 (right now).
- たところ is commonly used with 「たった今」 (just now) to emphasize a recently completed action.
- Negative forms are rarely used with「〜ところだ」. Instead, other grammatical structures are preferred.
- Past tense (〜ところだった) expresses an action that was about to happen but didn’t.

Conclusion

Understanding 「〜ところだ」 is essential for mastering Japanese grammar, as it helps express the precise timing of an action—whether it’s about to happen, currently happening, or just finished. By using るところ, ているところ, and たところ, you can make your Japanese conversations more natural and accurate.

Since this grammar is frequently used in daily conversations, work settings, and storytelling, practicing it through real-life examples, listening to native speakers, and trying to use it in your own sentences will help reinforce your understanding.

Now that you have a solid grasp of 「〜ところだ」, try using it in your own sentences and pay attention to how native speakers use it in real-life situations. With consistent practice, you’ll be able to use this grammar point fluently!

Your Turn! 🎯

Now that you’ve mastered 「〜ところだ」, it’s time to put it into practice! Try making your own sentences using るところ, ているところ, and たところ, and drop them in the comments below! 💬

Still have questions? 🤔 Feel free to ask, and I’ll be happy to help!

Happy learning! 😊

📚 Continue Learning Japanese

Understanding 〜だけでなく〜も in Japanese | My Language Classes