My Language Classes

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

April 18, 2025

Mastering 〜によって in Japanese | My Language Classes

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! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

April 9, 2025

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

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! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

March 29, 2025

Using 〜ないと in Japanese | My Language Classes

〜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! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

March 24, 2025

Using 〜ところだ in Japanese | My Language Classes

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! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

March 19, 2025

Using 〜とおり in Japanese | My Language Classes

Understanding「〜とおり」 in Japanese

If you’re learning Japanese, you’ve probably come across the phrase 「〜とおり」 at some point. This grammar pattern is incredibly useful for expressing actions, instructions, and events happening “as expected,” “just as,” or “in the same way” as something else. Whether you’re following a recipe, describing an event, or giving precise instructions, 「〜とおり」 helps you communicate with accuracy and clarity.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
✅ The true meaning of 「〜とおり」 and why it’s so powerful
✅ How to use 「〜とおり」 correctly in everyday conversations
✅ Common mistakes learners make (and how to avoid them!)
✅ Real-life example sentences with Romaji, and English translations

By the end of this lesson, you’ll not only understand 「〜とおり」 perfectly, but you’ll also be able to use it naturally, just like a native speaker.

Let’s dive in!

Common Expressions Using 「〜とおり」

Now that you understand the basics of 「〜とおり」, let’s explore 10 useful expressions where this grammar pattern naturally appears. These phrases are commonly used in daily conversations, instructions, and even formal speech.

1. 思ったとおり (Omotta tōri) – Just as I thought

📌 Example:
🔹 思ったとおり、テストは難しかった。
🔹 Omotta tōri, tesuto wa muzukashikatta.
🔹 (Just as I thought, the test was difficult.)

2. 予想どおり (Yosō dōri) – As expected

📌 Example:
🔹 予想どおり、雨が降り始めた。
🔹 Yosō dōri, ame ga furi hajimeta.
🔹 (As expected, it started to rain.)

3. 指示どおり (Shiji dōri) – According to instructions

📌 Example:
🔹 先生の指示どおりに、宿題をしました。
🔹 Sensei no shiji dōri ni, shukudai o shimashita.
🔹 (I did my homework according to the teacher’s instructions.)

4. 予定どおり (Yotei dōri) – As planned

📌 Example:
🔹 旅行は予定どおりに進んでいます。
🔹 Ryokō wa yotei dōri ni susundeimasu.
🔹 (The trip is going as planned.)

5. ルールどおり (Rūru dōri) – According to the rules

📌 Example:
🔹 試合はルールどおりに行われました。
🔹 Shiai wa rūru dōri ni okonawaremashita.
🔹 (The match was conducted according to the rules.)

6. 予報どおり (Yohō dōri) – Just like the forecast said

📌 Example:
🔹 天気は予報どおりに晴れた。
🔹 Tenki wa yohō dōri ni hareta.
🔹 (The weather cleared up just like the forecast said.)

7. 計画どおり (Keikaku dōri) – As per the plan

📌 Example:
🔹 プロジェクトは計画どおりに進んでいます。
🔹 Purojekuto wa keikaku dōri ni susundeimasu.
🔹 (The project is progressing as per the plan.)

8. 約束どおり (Yakusoku dōri) – As promised

📌 Example:
🔹 約束どおり、明日会いましょう。
🔹 Yakusoku dōri, ashita aimashō.
🔹 (Let’s meet tomorrow as promised.)

9. 本のとおり (Hon no tōri) – Just like the book says

📌 Example:
🔹 この料理は本のとおりに作りました。
🔹 Kono ryōri wa hon no tōri ni tsukurimashita.
🔹 (I made this dish just like the book says.)

10. マニュアルのとおり (Manyuaru no tōri) – Following the manual

📌 Example:
🔹 マニュアルのとおりに設定してください。
🔹 Manyuaru no tōri ni settei shite kudasai.
🔹 (Please set it up according to the manual.)

These 10 practical expressions will help you use 「〜とおり」 in real-life situations with confidence. Try practicing them in conversations and writing to make them feel natural!

Usage of 「〜とおり」

The grammar point 「〜とおり」 is highly versatile and used in various real-life situations. Below are the key scenarios where this expression is commonly applied:

1. Expressing “Just as Expected”

You can use 「〜とおり」 to show that something happened exactly as you predicted or expected.

✅ Example:
🔹 思ったとおり、試験は難しかった。
🔹 Omotta tōri, shiken wa muzukashikatta.
🔹 (Just as I thought, the exam was difficult.)

2. Following Instructions or Orders

When you need to indicate that something was done according to given instructions, rules, or commands, 「〜とおり」 is the perfect phrase to use.

✅ Example:
🔹 先生の指示どおりに宿題をやりました。
🔹 Sensei no shiji dōri ni shukudai o yarimashita.
🔹 (I did my homework according to the teacher’s instructions.)

3. Describing Plans and Predictions

If something happens as planned or as forecasted, 「〜とおり」 helps to express that the outcome matched the expectation.

✅ Example:
🔹 旅行は予定どおりに進んでいます。
🔹 Ryokō wa yotei dōri ni susundeimasu.
🔹 (The trip is going as planned.)

✅ Example:
🔹 天気は予報どおりに晴れた。
🔹 Tenki wa yohō dōri ni hareta.
🔹 (The weather cleared up just like the forecast said.)

4. Performing Actions in the Same Manner

You can use 「〜とおり」 when instructing someone to follow a manual, book, or any set of instructions exactly as given.

✅ Example:
🔹 マニュアルのとおりに設定してください。
🔹 Manyuaru no tōri ni settei shite kudasai.
🔹 (Please set it up according to the manual.)

✅ Example:
🔹 本のとおりに料理を作りました。
🔹 Hon no tōri ni ryōri o tsukurimashita.
🔹 (I made the dish exactly as written in the book.)

5. Describing Rules and Regulations

When something follows a set of rules, laws, or official guidelines, 「〜とおり」 can be used to describe adherence to them.

✅ Example:
🔹 試合はルールどおりに行われました。
🔹 Shiai wa rūru dōri ni okonawaremashita.
🔹 (The match was conducted according to the rules.)

6. Keeping Promises

When you want to emphasize that something was done as promised, you can use 「〜とおり」 to confirm that the commitment was fulfilled.

✅ Example:
🔹 約束どおりにお金を返しました。
🔹 Yakusoku dōri ni okane o kaeshimashita.
🔹 (I returned the money as promised.)

7. Explaining Results Matching Expectations

When an outcome perfectly matches an expectation or prediction, 「〜とおり」 expresses that sense of alignment.

✅ Example:
🔹 予想どおり、彼が試合に勝った。
🔹 Yosō dōri, kare ga shiai ni katta.
🔹 (As expected, he won the match.)

8. Giving Step-by-Step Instructions

If you need to explain how to do something in a step-by-step manner, you can use 「〜とおり」 to ensure that actions are followed precisely.

✅ Example:
🔹 私の言うとおりにしてください。
🔹 Watashi no iu tōri ni shite kudasai.
🔹 (Please do exactly as I say.)

These are the most common situations where 「〜とおり」 is used in Japanese. This grammar point is essential for daily communication, making instructions clear, and expressing expectations accurately.

Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with Verb

The grammar point 「〜とおり」 can be used with verbs in different forms. Below is a complete breakdown of how to use it with:

Dictionary Form (Plain Form) → (Verb as is)
Past Form (Ta-form) → (Verb in た-form)
Stem Form (Masu-stem for ます verbs) → (Verb without ます)

1. Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with Different Verb Groups

Verb Group	Dictionary Form (Plain Form) + とおり	Past Form (Ta-form) + とおり	Stem Form (Masu-stem) + とおり
Group 1 (う-Verbs)	読むとおり (Yomu tōri) → (As one reads…)	読んだとおり (Yonda tōri) → (As one read…)	読みとおり (Yomi tōri) → (As one is reading…)
Group 2 (る-Verbs)	見るとおり (Miru tōri) → (As one sees…)	見たとおり (Mita tōri) → (As one saw…)	見とおり (Mi tōri) → (As one is seeing…)
Group 3 (Irregular Verbs)	する通り (Suru tōri) → (As one does…) 来るとおり (Kuru tōri) → (As one comes…)	したとおり (Shita tōri) → (As one did…) 来たとおり (Kita tōri) → (As one came…)	しとおり (Shi tōri) → (As one is doing…) 来とおり (Ki tōri) → (As one is coming…)

2. Example Sentences for Each Verb Group in Different Forms

📌 Group 1 (う-Verbs) Example: 「書く」 (kaku – to write)

✅ Dictionary Form:
🔹 先生が書くとおりにメモしてください。
🔹 Sensei ga kaku tōri ni memo shite kudasai.
🔹 (Please take notes exactly as the teacher writes.)

✅ Past Form (Ta-form):
🔹 先生が書いたとおりに答えを書いてください。
🔹 Sensei ga kaita tōri ni kotae o kaite kudasai.
🔹 (Please write the answer exactly as the teacher wrote.)

✅ Stem Form (Masu-stem):
🔹 先生の書きとおりに書けば大丈夫です。
🔹 Sensei no kaki tōri ni kakeba daijōbu desu.
🔹 (If you write as the teacher is writing, you’ll be fine.)

📌 Group 2 (る-Verbs) Example: 「食べる」 (taberu – to eat)

✅ Dictionary Form:
🔹 レシピに書いてあるとおりに食べると美味しいです。
🔹 Reshipi ni kaite aru tōri ni taberu to oishii desu.
🔹 (It’s delicious if you eat it as written in the recipe.)

✅ Past Form (Ta-form):
🔹 レシピのとおりに食べたら、美味しかった。
🔹 Reshipi no tōri ni tabetara, oishikatta.
🔹 (It was delicious when I ate it as per the recipe.)

✅ Stem Form (Masu-stem):
🔹 レシピの食べとおりに作れば大丈夫です。
🔹 Reshipi no tabe tōri ni tsukureba daijōbu desu.
🔹 (If you cook it as you are eating, it will be fine.)

📌 Group 3 (Irregular Verbs) Example: 「する」 (suru – to do) & 「来る」 (kuru – to come)

✅ Dictionary Form:
🔹 彼がする通りにやってください。
🔹 Kare ga suru tōri ni yatte kudasai.
🔹 (Please do it just as he does.)

✅ Past Form (Ta-form):
🔹 彼がしたとおりにやれば成功します。
🔹 Kare ga shita tōri ni yareba seikō shimasu.
🔹 (If you do it as he did, you will succeed.)

✅ Stem Form (Masu-stem):
🔹 彼のしとおりに練習すれば上手になります。
🔹 Kare no shi tōri ni renshū sureba jōzu ni narimasu.
🔹 (If you practice as he is doing, you will improve.)

📌 Example with 「来る」 (Kuru – to come)

✅ Dictionary Form:
🔹 先生が来るとおりに準備してください。
🔹 Sensei ga kuru tōri ni junbi shite kudasai.
🔹 (Prepare as the teacher comes.)

✅ Past Form (Ta-form):
🔹 先生が来たとおりに、試験が始まります。
🔹 Sensei ga kita tōri ni, shiken ga hajimarimasu.
🔹 (As the teacher arrived, the exam started.)

✅ Stem Form (Masu-stem):
🔹 先生の来とおりに行動してください。
🔹 Sensei no ki tōri ni kōdō shite kudasai.
🔹 (Act as the teacher is coming.)

By mastering the different verb conjugations with 「〜とおり」, you can express actions that are done exactly as expected, predicted, or instructed. Whether you are following a manual, repeating someone’s actions, or verifying if something happened as anticipated, this grammar pattern is essential for clear and natural Japanese communication!

Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with Nouns and Adjectives

In addition to verbs, 「〜とおり」 can also be used with nouns and adjectives to express “as expected,” “just like,” or “exactly as.” Below is a detailed breakdown of how to use 「〜とおり」 with:

Nouns
い-Adjectives
な-Adjectives

1. Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with Nouns

📌 Rule for Nouns:

For nouns, 「の」 is added before 「とおり」 to link the two words.
🔹 Noun + の + とおり → (As per [Noun], Just like [Noun])

Noun	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
予想 (yosou) – Expectation	予想のとおり、試験は難しかった。	Yosou no tōri, shiken wa muzukashikatta.	As expected, the exam was difficult.
説明 (setsumei) – Explanation	先生の説明のとおりにやってください。	Sensei no setsumei no tōri ni yatte kudasai.	Please do it exactly as explained by the teacher.
計画 (keikaku) – Plan	計画のとおりに進めます。	Keikaku no tōri ni susumemasu.	We will proceed according to the plan.
指示 (shiji) – Instructions	指示のとおりに行動してください。	Shiji no tōri ni kōdō shite kudasai.	Please act as per the instructions.
地図 (chizu) – Map	地図のとおりに行けば、迷いません。	Chizu no tōri ni ikeba, mayoimasen.	If you follow the map, you won’t get lost.

2. Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with い-Adjectives

📌 Rule for い-Adjectives:

Since い-adjectives cannot directly attach to 「とおり」, they are converted into their noun form by adding 「こと」 before 「とおり」.
🔹 い-Adjective + こと + とおり → (As [Adjective] as expected)

い-Adjective	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
簡単 (kantan) – Simple	思ったこととおり、問題は簡単だった。	Omotta koto tōri, mondai wa kantan datta.	As I thought, the problem was simple.
難しい (muzukashii) – Difficult	聞いたこととおり、その試験は難しい。	Kiita koto tōri, sono shiken wa muzukashii.	As I heard, that exam is difficult.
楽しい (tanoshii) – Fun	予想したこととおり、旅行はとても楽しかった。	Yosou shita koto tōri, ryokō wa totemo tanoshikatta.	As I expected, the trip was really fun.
正しい (tadashii) – Correct	あなたの言ったこととおり、それは正しかった。	Anata no itta koto tōri, sore wa tadashikatta.	As you said, that was correct.
高い (takai) – Expensive	店員が言ったこととおり、その時計は高かった。	Ten’in ga itta koto tōri, sono tokei wa takakatta.	As the clerk said, that watch was expensive.

3. Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with な-Adjectives

📌 Rule for な-Adjectives:

Since な-adjectives function like nouns, they follow the same rule as nouns and use 「の」 before 「とおり」.
🔹 な-Adjective + な + の + とおり → (As [Adjective] as expected)

な-Adjective	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
静か (shizuka) – Quiet	彼の部屋は聞いたのとおり、静かだった。	Kare no heya wa kiita no tōri, shizuka datta.	As I heard, his room was quiet.
有名 (yuumei) – Famous	彼女は写真のとおり、有名な人です。	Kanojo wa shashin no tōri, yūmei na hito desu.	As in the photo, she is a famous person.
便利 (benri) – Convenient	このアプリは説明のとおり、便利ですね。	Kono apuri wa setsumei no tōri, benri desu ne.	As described, this app is convenient.
元気 (genki) – Energetic	あなたの言ったのとおり、彼は元気だった。	Anata no itta no tōri, kare wa genki datta.	As you said, he was energetic.
親切 (shinsetsu) – Kind	その人は紹介のとおり、とても親切だった。	Sono hito wa shōkai no tōri, totemo shinsetsu datta.	As introduced, that person was very kind.

By learning how to use 「〜とおり」 with nouns, い-adjectives, and な-adjectives, you can express confirmation, expectations, and precise descriptions in various situations.

Got it! Here’s the Grammar Rules section with the “How to Use 「〜とおり」 with Different Word Types” part removed.

Grammar Rules of 「〜とおり」

The 「〜とおり」 grammar structure is used to express that something happens exactly as expected, planned, instructed, or perceived. Below are all the essential grammar rules related to 「〜とおり」, along with clear explanations and examples.

1️⃣ Basic Sentence Structure

「〜とおり」 is commonly used in the following pattern:

🔹 [Action/Noun] + とおり (に) + [Main Clause]
(Do something exactly as [Action/Noun] describes.)

Examples:

✅ 予想のとおり、試験は難しかった。
(Yosou no tōri, shiken wa muzukashikatta.)
➡️ As expected, the exam was difficult.

✅ 先生が言ったとおりに、宿題をしました。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni, shukudai o shimashita.)
➡️ I did my homework exactly as the teacher said.

2️⃣ 「〜とおり」 vs. 「〜のとおり」

The choice between 「〜とおり」 and 「〜のとおり」 depends on the word before it.

Word Before 「とおり」	Grammar Rule
Verbs	Use dictionary form (plain form) or past form (た-form) before 「とおり」.
Nouns	Attach 「の」 before 「とおり」.

Examples:

✅ 計画のとおりに進めます。
(Keikaku no tōri ni susumemasu.)
➡️ We will proceed according to the plan. (Noun + のとおり)

✅ 聞いたとおりにやってください。
(Kiita tōri ni yatte kudasai.)
➡️ Please do it as you heard. (Verb in past form + とおり)

3️⃣ Optional Use of 「に」 after 「とおり」

Sometimes, 「に」 is added after 「とおり」, depending on the sentence structure.

Form	Example Sentence	Romaji	Translation
Without に	予想のとおり、彼は合格した。	Yosou no tōri, kare wa goukaku shita.	As expected, he passed.
With に	先生が言ったとおりにやりました。	Sensei ga itta tōri ni yarimashita.	I did it exactly as the teacher said.

✅ 「に」 is optional if the meaning is still clear without it.
✅ 「に」 is required when followed by a verb, such as やる (do), 行く (go), 書く (write), 話す (speak).

4️⃣ 「〜とおり」 vs. Similar Expressions

Grammar Point	Meaning	Example Sentence	Translation
〜とおり	“As expected / As instructed”	先生が言ったとおりにやってください。	Do it as the teacher said.
〜ように	“So that / In order to”	風邪を引かないように、マスクをしてください。	Wear a mask so that you don’t catch a cold.
〜まま	“As is / Leave as is”	電気をつけたまま寝てしまった。	I fell asleep with the lights on.

✅ 「〜とおり」 focuses on following instructions, plans, or expectations.
✅ 「〜ように」 focuses on purpose or results.
✅ 「〜まま」 describes unchanged states.

Things to Keep in Mind When Using 「〜とおり」

Understanding 「〜とおり」 is straightforward, but there are a few tricky points and exceptions to be aware of. Below are some important rules, nuances, and mistakes to avoid when using this grammar structure.

1️⃣ Be Careful with 「に」 After 「とおり」

The particle 「に」 is sometimes added after 「とおり」, but not always.
「に」 is required when a verb follows 「とおり」.
「に」 is optional when there is no verb immediately after 「とおり」.

Examples:

✅ 先生が言ったとおりにやってください。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni yatte kudasai.)
➡️ Do it exactly as the teacher said. (Verb follows → に is necessary)

✅ 予想のとおり、彼は合格した。
(Yosou no tōri, kare wa goukaku shita.)
➡️ As expected, he passed. (No verb immediately after → に is not used)

2️⃣ 「〜とおり」 Changes to 「〜どおり」 in Some Cases

When attached to certain nouns, 「とおり」 becomes 「どおり」 instead.
This happens mainly with common set expressions.

Examples:

✅ 予定どおりに試験が終わった。
(Yotei dōri ni shiken ga owatta.)
➡️ The exam ended as scheduled. (Instead of 予定のとおり, we use 予定どおり.)

✅ 指示どおりに動いてください。
(Shiji dōri ni ugoite kudasai.)
➡️ Move according to the instructions.

🔹 Common nouns that use 「どおり」 instead of 「とおり」:

予定どおり (As scheduled)
指示どおり (As instructed)
思ったどおり (As I thought)
希望どおり (As hoped)

💡 Tip: If a noun directly follows 「とおり」, check if it has a common どおり form!

3️⃣ Difference Between 「〜とおり」 and 「〜まま」

🔹 「〜とおり」 → Focuses on following instructions or expectations.
🔹 「〜まま」 → Focuses on keeping something unchanged.

Examples:

✅ 先生が言ったとおりにやりました。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni yarimashita.)
➡️ I did it exactly as the teacher said. (Followed the instructions)

✅ 電気をつけたまま寝てしまった。
(Denki o tsuketa mama nete shimatta.)
➡️ I fell asleep with the lights on. (State remained unchanged)

💡 Tip: If you’re following a plan or instructions, use 「とおり」.
If you’re keeping a condition unchanged, use 「まま」 instead.

4️⃣ Be Careful with Negative Forms

When using 「〜とおり」 in negative sentences, be careful with meaning.
If the first clause is negative, the second clause also follows the negative meaning.

Examples:

✅ 思ったとおり、彼は来なかった。
(Omotta tōri, kare wa konakatta.)
➡️ Just as I thought, he didn’t come.

✅ 聞いたとおりにしなかったので、失敗しました。
(Kiita tōri ni shinakatta node, shippai shimashita.)
➡️ I failed because I didn’t do it as I was told.

💡 Tip: If using 「〜とおり」 in a negative sentence, make sure the meaning is logical!

5️⃣ Difference Between 「〜ように」 and 「〜とおり」

Grammar	Meaning	Example	Translation
〜とおり	As expected / instructed	先生が言ったとおりに書いてください。	Write as the teacher said.
〜ように	So that / In order to	風邪を引かないようにマスクをしてください。	Wear a mask so that you don’t catch a cold.

💡 Tip: If you’re talking about following instructions → Use 「〜とおり」.
If you’re talking about purpose or goals → Use 「〜ように」 instead.

6️⃣ Watch Out for Particle Changes When Using 「〜のとおり」

When a noun comes before 「〜とおり」, use 「の」.
When a verb comes before 「〜とおり」, do not use 「の」.

Examples:

✅ 先生の指示のとおりにやってください。
(Sensei no shiji no tōri ni yatte kudasai.)
➡️ Do it according to the teacher’s instructions. (Noun → Use の)

✅ 先生が言ったとおりにやってください。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni yatte kudasai.)
➡️ Do it exactly as the teacher said. (Verb → No の)

💡 Tip: If the phrase before 「とおり」 is a noun, always use 「の」!

7️⃣ 「〜とおりにする」 vs. 「〜とおりになる」

「〜とおりにする」 → You actively do something as planned.
「〜とおりになる」 → Something naturally happens as expected.

Examples:

✅ 先生が言ったとおりにしました。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni shimashita.)
➡️ I did exactly as the teacher said. (You actively followed instructions)

✅ 予想のとおりになった。
(Yosou no tōri ni natta.)
➡️ It turned out just as expected. (Happened naturally)

💡 Tip: If you’re taking action, use 「する」.
If something happens naturally, use 「なる」.

Example Sentences

Here are some example sentences using 「〜とおり」to help you understand its real-life usage.

Following Instructions or Expectations

先生が言ったとおりに宿題をしました。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni shukudai o shimashita.)
➡️ I did my homework exactly as the teacher said.
レシピのとおりに料理を作りました。
(Reshipi no tōri ni ryōri o tsukurimashita.)
➡️ I cooked according to the recipe.
説明書のとおりにパソコンを設定しました。
(Setsumeisho no tōri ni pasokon o settei shimashita.)
➡️ I set up the computer according to the manual.
先生の指示のとおりに動いてください。
(Sensei no shiji no tōri ni ugoite kudasai.)
➡️ Please move according to the teacher’s instructions.
私が言ったとおりにやれば、大丈夫です。
(Watashi ga itta tōri ni yareba, daijōbu desu.)
➡️ If you do it as I said, it will be fine.

Describing Things That Happened as Expected

予想のとおり、試験は難しかった。
(Yosou no tōri, shiken wa muzukashikatta.)
➡️ As expected, the exam was difficult.
思ったとおりの結果でした。
(Omotta tōri no kekka deshita.)
➡️ The result was just as I thought.
天気予報のとおりに雨が降りました。
(Tenki yohō no tōri ni ame ga furimashita.)
➡️ It rained just as the weather forecast predicted.
彼は私が考えたとおりの人でした。
(Kare wa watashi ga kangaeta tōri no hito deshita.)
➡️ He was exactly the kind of person I thought he would be.
噂のとおり、そのレストランの料理は美味しかった。
(Uwasa no tōri, sono resutoran no ryōri wa oishikatta.)
➡️ As the rumors said, the food at that restaurant was delicious.

Following Movements, Plans, or Changes

地図のとおりに進んでください。
(Chizu no tōri ni susunde kudasai.)
➡️ Please follow the map to proceed.
スケジュールのとおりに会議を進めます。
(Sukejūru no tōri ni kaigi o susumemasu.)
➡️ We will proceed with the meeting according to the schedule.
計画どおりに仕事が進んでいます。
(Keikaku dōri ni shigoto ga susunde imasu.)
➡️ The work is progressing as planned.
マニュアルのとおりにソフトをインストールしてください。
(Manyuaru no tōri ni sofuto o insutōru shite kudasai.)
➡️ Please install the software according to the manual.
道のとおりに歩けば、駅に着きます。
(Michi no tōri ni arukeba, eki ni tsukimasu.)
➡️ If you walk along the road, you will reach the station.

Expressing Personal Thoughts and Opinions

あなたが言ったとおり、日本の夏はとても暑いですね。
(Anata ga itta tōri, Nihon no natsu wa totemo atsui desu ne.)
➡️ As you said, summers in Japan are very hot.
映画は期待したとおりに面白かったです。
(Eiga wa kitai shita tōri ni omoshirokatta desu.)
➡️ The movie was as interesting as I expected.
彼の話は聞いたとおりに正しかった。
(Kare no hanashi wa kiita tōri ni tadashikatta.)
➡️ His story was correct just as I had heard.
彼女の料理は評判のとおりに美味しかった。
(Kanojo no ryōri wa hyōban no tōri ni oishikatta.)
➡️ Her cooking was as delicious as the reviews said.
私が想像したとおりの素晴らしい景色でした。
(Watashi ga sōzō shita tōri no subarashii keshiki deshita.)
➡️ It was a magnificent view, just as I had imagined.

These example sentences cover different contexts where 「〜とおり」 is used. Let me know in comment if you want more examples! 😊

Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences using 「〜とおり」 appropriately. The verb, noun, or adjective that needs to be conjugated is given in parentheses (bold).

先生が ______ に答えてください。（言う）
______ に料理を作りました。（レシピ）
______ にパソコンを設定しました。（説明書）
試験は ______ 、難しかった。（予想する）
雨が ______ に降りました。（天気予報）
______ に進んでください。（地図）
先生の指示の ______ に動いてください。（とおり）
彼女の料理は ______ に美味しかった。（評判）
彼は私が ______ の人でした。（考える）
あなたが ______ 、彼は本当に親切な人ですね。（言う）
______ に仕事が進んでいます。（計画）
______ に歩けば、駅に着きます。（道）
私が ______ の結果でした。（思う）
私が ______ の素晴らしい景色でした。（想像する）
彼の話は ______ に正しかった。（聞く）
______ にソフトをインストールしてください。（マニュアル）
______ に会議を進めます。（スケジュール）
先生が ______ にやれば、大丈夫です。（言う）
映画は ______ に面白かったです。（期待する）
______ 、そのレストランの料理は美味しかった。（噂）

Answers

Here are the correct answers along with Romaji and English translations.

先生が 言ったとおり に答えてください。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni kotaete kudasai.)
➡️ Please answer as the teacher said.
レシピのとおり に料理を作りました。
(Reshipi no tōri ni ryōri o tsukurimashita.)
➡️ I cooked according to the recipe.
説明書のとおり にパソコンを設定しました。
(Setsumeisho no tōri ni pasokon o settei shimashita.)
➡️ I set up the computer according to the manual.
試験は 予想したとおり 、難しかった。
(Shiken wa yosou shita tōri, muzukashikatta.)
➡️ The exam was as difficult as predicted.
雨が 天気予報のとおり に降りました。
(Ame ga tenki yohō no tōri ni furimashita.)
➡️ It rained just as the weather forecast predicted.
地図のとおり に進んでください。
(Chizu no tōri ni susunde kudasai.)
➡️ Please follow the map to proceed.
先生の指示の とおり に動いてください。
(Sensei no shiji no tōri ni ugoite kudasai.)
➡️ Please move according to the teacher’s instructions.
彼女の料理は 評判のとおり に美味しかった。
(Kanojo no ryōri wa hyōban no tōri ni oishikatta.)
➡️ Her cooking was as delicious as the reviews said.
彼は私が 考えたとおり の人でした。
(Kare wa watashi ga kangaeta tōri no hito deshita.)
➡️ He was exactly the kind of person I thought he would be.
あなたが 言ったとおり 、彼は本当に親切な人ですね。
(Anata ga itta tōri, kare wa hontō ni shinsetsu na hito desu ne.)
➡️ As you said, he is really a kind person.
計画どおり に仕事が進んでいます。
(Keikaku dōri ni shigoto ga susunde imasu.)
➡️ The work is progressing as planned.
道のとおり に歩けば、駅に着きます。
(Michi no tōri ni arukeba, eki ni tsukimasu.)
➡️ If you walk along the road, you will reach the station.
私が 思ったとおり の結果でした。
(Watashi ga omotta tōri no kekka deshita.)
➡️ The result was just as I thought.
私が 想像したとおり の素晴らしい景色でした。
(Watashi ga sōzō shita tōri no subarashii keshiki deshita.)
➡️ It was a magnificent view, just as I had imagined.
彼の話は 聞いたとおり に正しかった。
(Kare no hanashi wa kiita tōri ni tadashikatta.)
➡️ His story was correct just as I had heard.
マニュアルのとおり にソフトをインストールしてください。
(Manyuaru no tōri ni sofuto o insutōru shite kudasai.)
➡️ Please install the software according to the manual.
スケジュールのとおり に会議を進めます。
(Sukejūru no tōri ni kaigi o susumemasu.)
➡️ We will proceed with the meeting according to the schedule.
先生が 言ったとおり にやれば、大丈夫です。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni yareba, daijōbu desu.)
➡️ If you do it as the teacher said, it will be fine.
映画は 期待したとおり に面白かったです。
(Eiga wa kitai shita tōri ni omoshirokatta desu.)
➡️ The movie was as interesting as I expected.
噂どおり 、そのレストランの料理は美味しかった。
(Uwasa dōri, sono resutoran no ryōri wa oishikatta.)
➡️ As the rumors said, the food at that restaurant was delicious.

This exercise helps reinforce 「〜とおり」 usage with different types of words.

Summary of 「〜とおり」

Here’s a quick recap of the key points covered in this blog:

Meaning & Usage:
- 「〜とおり」 is used to express “as, just as, according to” in Japanese.
- It conveys that something happens exactly as expected, planned, or instructed.
Common Sentence Structures:
- Verb (Dictionary/Past form) + とおり → As (someone) does/did
- Noun + のとおり → According to (noun)
- Noun + どおり → As (noun) states/shows
- Adjective (な/い) + とおり → Just as (adjective) describes
Situations Where 「〜とおり」 is Used:
- Following instructions (マニュアルのとおりに設定する – Set it up as per the manual.)
- Predictions coming true (予想したとおり、試験は難しかった – As expected, the test was difficult.)
- Following someone’s words (先生が言ったとおりにする – Do as the teacher said.)
- Describing something as imagined (想像したとおりの景色 – A view just as imagined.)
Key Considerations:
- 「〜とおり」 can be used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives, but the structure changes slightly.
- Noun + のとおり and Noun + どおり are interchangeable in many cases, but どおり is more commonly used with set phrases.
- Verb + とおり requires proper conjugation, especially for past and dictionary forms.
- Be mindful of the context – it should indicate similarity, accuracy, or following a reference.
- By mastering 「〜とおり」, you can express instructions, expectations, and confirmations naturally in Japanese. Keep practicing, and soon, using this grammar pattern will feel effortless!

Mastering 「〜とおり」 is essential for expressing actions, expectations, and results accurately in Japanese. Whether you’re following instructions, describing events as predicted, or comparing reality with expectations, this grammar structure allows you to communicate with clarity and precision.

By understanding its different forms—when used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives—you can naturally incorporate it into daily conversations and written Japanese. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to use 「〜とおり」 effortlessly, just like native speakers do.

So, keep practicing with real-life examples, listen to how native speakers use it, and don’t hesitate to try it in your own sentences. With time and effort, you’ll be able to use 「〜とおり」 just as fluently as you imagined! 🚀🔥

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

March 16, 2025

Using 〜てよかった in Japanese | My Language Classes

Mastering 〜てよかった: Expressing Relief and Satisfaction in Japanese Grammar

For Japanese learners, mastering the art of expressing emotions like relief or gratitude is essential for effective communication. One indispensable grammar structure for this is 〜てよかった (~te yokatta), a phrase that conveys satisfaction or relief over past actions. Whether you’re celebrating a wise decision or sighing relief after a near-miss, this guide will help you wield 〜てよかった with confidence and precision.

In this comprehensive blog post, you’ll discover:

The grammatical structure and formation of 〜てよかった
Key situations to use this phrase naturally
Advanced nuances and comparisons to related grammar patterns
10 example sentences with romaji and translations
Practice exercises to test your knowledge
Cultural insights for authentic usage

Understanding 〜てよかった: The Grammar of Relief

What Does 〜てよかった Mean?

The phrase 〜てよかった combines the て-form of a verb with よかった (the past tense of よい, meaning “good”). It translates to “I’m glad that…” or “It was good that…”, expressing relief or happiness about a completed action.

Example:

勉強してよかった。
Benkyō shite yokatta.
I’m glad I studied.

Structure and Formation: Positive and Negative Forms

1. Positive Form: Verb (て-form) + よかった

To create this structure:

Convert the verb to its て-form.
Add よかった.

Verb Type	Example Verb	て-form	〜てよかった
Group 1 (う-verbs)	行く (iku, “to go”)	行って (itte)	行ってよかった
Group 2 (る-verbs)	食べる (taberu, “to eat”)	食べて (tabete)	食べてよかった
Group 3 (Irregular)	する (suru, “to do”)	して (shite)	してよかった

Example:

彼に会えてよかった。
Kare ni aete yokatta.
I’m glad I met him.

2. Negative Form: 〜ないでよかった

To express relief about not doing something, use:
Verb (ない-form) + でよかった

Example:

雨が降らないでよかった。
Ame ga furanai de yokatta.
I’m glad it didn’t rain.

Advanced Nuances and Related Structures

1. Using 〜てよかった with Adjectives and Nouns

Extend the structure to adjectives/nouns by using で instead of て:

Adjective: 元気でよかった。
Genki de yokatta.
I’m glad you’re healthy.
Noun: 学生でよかった。
Gakusei de yokatta.
I’m glad I’m a student.

2. Combining with 〜のか for Questions

Add のか to express doubt or reflection:

勉強してよかったのか？
Benkyō shite yokatta no ka?
Was it good that I studied?

3. Comparison with 〜ばよかった (Expressing Regret)

While 〜てよかった expresses relief, 〜ばよかった conveys regret for actions not taken:

もっと勉強すればよかった。
Motto benkyō sureba yokatta.
I should have studied more.

4. Formality Levels

Adjust politeness by adding です or casual particles like よ:

Formal: 来てよかったです。
Kite yokatta desu.
Casual: 来てよかったよ！
Kite yokatta yo!

When to Use 〜てよかった: Situations and Contexts

1. Personal Achievements

Express satisfaction over efforts that paid off:

がんばってよかった！
Ganbatte yokatta!
I’m glad I tried my best!

2. Avoiding Negative Outcomes

Highlight relief after dodging a problem:

あの車を買わないでよかった。
Ano kuruma o kawanai de yokatta.
I’m glad I didn’t buy that car.

3. Gratitude Toward Others

Acknowledge someone’s help politely:

手伝ってくれてよかったです。
Tetsudatte kurete yokatta desu.
I’m glad you helped me.

Emotional Tone and Emphasis

Amplify Relief with Adverbs

Use adverbs like 本当に (hontō ni, “really”) or すごく (sugoku, “extremely”):

本当に来てよかった！
Hontō ni kite yokatta!
I’m really glad I came!

Expressing Relief for Others

Third-Person Usage

Apply 〜てよかった to others’ actions using 〜てくれて:

ゆうこさんが来てくれてよかった。
Yūko-san ga kite kurete yokatta.
I’m glad Yuko came.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Incorrect て-Form Conjugation

Using the wrong て-form (e.g., 行く → 行きて) instead of 行って.

Incorrect: 勉強しきてよかった。
Correct: 勉強してよかった。

Mistake 2: Using 〜てよかった for Future Actions

This structure only applies to past actions. For future relief, use 〜たらいい:

明日晴れたらいいね。
Ashita hare tara ii ne.
I hope it’s sunny tomorrow.

Real-World Exceptions: When to Avoid 〜てよかった

1. Overly Formal Writing

In formal reports or speeches, opt for neutral phrases like 〜て良かったと考えています (~te yokatta to kangaete imasu, “I consider it good that…”).

2. Cultural Sensitivity

Avoid 〜てよかった if it might imply someone else’s mistake (e.g., あなたが来てよかった could sound accusatory).

Example Sentences: 10 Real-Life Uses of 〜てよかった

医者に行ってよかった。
Isha ni itte yokatta.
I’m glad I went to the doctor.
傘を持ってきてよかった。
Kasa o motte kite yokatta.
I’m glad I brought an umbrella.
友達に相談してよかった。
Tomodachi ni sōdan shite yokatta.
I’m glad I consulted my friend.
早起きしてよかった。
Hayaoki shite yokatta.
I’m glad I woke up early.
予約しておいてよかった。
Yoyaku shite oite yokatta.
I’m glad I made a reservation.
あの映画を見ないでよかった。
Ano eiga o minai de yokatta.
I’m glad I didn’t watch that movie.
電話をかけてよかった。
Denwa o kakete yokatta.
I’m glad I called.
薬を飲まないでよかった。
Kusuri o nomanai de yokatta.
I’m glad I didn’t take the medicine.
大学を選んでよかった。
Daigaku o erande yokatta.
I’m glad I chose this university.
旅行の計画を立ててよかった。
Ryokō no keikaku o tatete yokatta.
I’m glad I made travel plans.

Practice Exercises: Test Your Knowledge

Fill in the Blanks

Test your understanding with these 10 questions. Answers provided below!

彼と話して＿＿＿。
Kare to hanashite __.
(I’m glad I talked to him.)
宿題を＿＿＿よかった。
Shukudai o __ yokatta.
(I’m glad I finished my homework.)
あのケーキを＿＿＿よかった。
Ano kēki o __ yokatta.
(I’m glad I didn’t eat that cake.)
先生に＿＿＿よかったです。
Sensei ni __ yokatta desu.
(I’m glad I asked the teacher.)
電車に＿＿＿よかった。
Densha ni __ yokatta.
(I’m glad I didn’t miss the train.)
この本を＿＿＿よかった。
Kono hon o __ yokatta.
(I’m glad I read this book.)
パーティーに＿＿＿よかった。
Pātī ni __ yokatta.
(I’m glad I went to the party.)
あの道を＿＿＿でよかった。
Ano michi o __ de yokatta.
(I’m glad I didn’t take that road.)
母に＿＿＿よかった。
Haha ni __ yokatta.
(I’m glad I listened to my mom.)
歯を＿＿＿よかった。
Ha o __ yokatta.
(I’m glad I brushed my teeth.)

Answers:

よかった
終わって
食べないで
聞いて
乗り遅れないで
読んで
行って
選ばない
従って
磨いて

Cultural Insights: Nuances of Expressing Relief in Japanese

Japanese culture values modesty and indirect communication. Pair 〜てよかった with humble phrases like おかげさまで (okagesama de, “thanks to you”) in formal settings:

おかげさまで、準備してよかったです。
Okagesama de, junbi shite yokatta desu.
Thanks to you, I’m glad I prepared.

Summary

〜てよかった is a key Japanese grammar structure used to express relief or satisfaction about past actions.
The positive form follows the pattern: Verb (て-form) + よかった, while the negative form is Verb (ない-form) + でよかった.
It can also be applied to adjectives and nouns using でよかった.
Related structures include 〜ばよかった, which expresses regret rather than relief.
The phrase can be adjusted for different levels of politeness, making it useful in both casual and formal settings.
Common mistakes include incorrect て-form conjugation and misusing it for future actions instead of past events.
Cultural awareness is important, as 〜てよかった can sometimes imply unintended meanings depending on the context.
With proper practice, learners can confidently integrate 〜てよかった into their daily conversations for more natural Japanese communication.

Final Thoughts

Mastering 〜てよかった empowers you to express relief naturally and authentically. Use this guide to practice, avoid pitfalls, and integrate this phrase into daily conversations. Pair it with immersion and advanced resources like Tobira for complete mastery. By internalizing these lessons, you’ll enhance both your linguistic skills and cultural fluency.

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

March 8, 2025

Using 〜てみる in Japanese | My Language Classes

Mastering 〜てみる in Japanese

If you’re learning Japanese, you’ve likely come across the phrase 〜てみる (te miru). This little-known but essential grammar point is a game-changer for expressing curiosity, experimentation, or trying something new.

In this extensive guide, we’ll reveal everything you need to know about 〜てみる, including its meaning, usage, and mind-blowing examples that will take your Japanese to the next level. Don’t miss out on this must-know Japanese grammar point—here’s why it’s so important!

What is 〜てみる in Japanese?

〜てみる is a Japanese grammar structure that combines the te-form of a verb with the auxiliary verb みる (miru), which means “to see” or “to try.” Together, 〜てみる translates to “try to do something” or “give something a try.” It’s used when you want to express the idea of experimenting with an action or attempting something for the first time.

For example:

食べてみる (tabete miru) – Try to eat / Give eating a try.
読んでみる (yonde miru) – Try to read / Give reading a try.

This structure is incredibly versatile and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. Whether you’re trying new food, testing a new skill, or experimenting with a hobby, 〜てみる is your go-to expression.

How to Use 〜てみる: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Conjugate the Verb into its Te-Form

To use 〜てみる, you first need to conjugate the verb into its te-form. Here’s a quick refresher on how to do that:

Group 1 (U-verbs): Change the final -u sound to -te or -de (e.g., 書く → 書いて, 飲む → 飲んで).
Group 2 (Ru-verbs): Replace る with て (e.g., 食べる → 食べて).
Irregular Verbs: する → して, 来る → 来て (きて).

Step 2: Add みる

Once you have the te-form, simply add みる to the end of the verb. For example:

見る (miru) → 見てみる (mite miru) – Try to watch.
作る (tsukuru) → 作ってみる (tsukutte miru) – Try to make.

Step 3: Adjust for Politeness

In casual conversations, 〜てみる is perfectly fine. However, in formal situations, you can use 〜てみます (te mimasu) to sound more polite. For example:

食べてみます (tabete mimasu) – I will try to eat.

When to Use 〜てみる

1. Trying Something New

〜てみる is often used when you’re trying something for the first time. It conveys a sense of curiosity or experimentation.

Example: この料理を食べてみたいです。
Romaji: Kono ryouri o tabete mitai desu.
Translation: I want to try this dish.

2. Testing an Idea or Hypothesis

You can also use 〜てみる to test an idea or see how something works.

Example: この方法を試してみましょう。
Romaji: Kono houhou o tameshite mimashou.
Translation: Let’s try this method.

3. Encouraging Someone to Try Something

〜てみる is great for encouraging others to give something a try.

Example: このゲームをやってみて！
Romaji: Kono geemu o yatte mite!
Translation: Try playing this game!

Nuances of 〜てみる vs. Other “Try” Expressions

〜てみる vs. 〜ようとする

While 〜てみる means “to try something to see how it is,” 〜ようとする means “to attempt to do something.”

Example:
食べてみる (tabete miru) – Try eating (to see how it tastes).
食べようとする (tabeyou to suru) – Attempt to eat (but might not succeed).

〜てみる vs. 〜てみせる

〜てみせる means “to try something to show someone else.”

Example:
やってみる (yatte miru) – Try doing something.
やってみせる (yatte miseru) – Try doing something to show someone.

Negative and Past Tense Forms of 〜てみる

Negative Form: 〜てみない

Use 〜てみない to say “not try” or 〜てみなかった to say “didn’t try.”

Example:
食べてみない (tabete minai) – I won’t try eating.
食べてみなかった (tabete minakatta) – I didn’t try eating.

Past Tense: 〜てみた

Use 〜てみた to say “tried.”

Example:
食べてみた (tabete mita) – I tried eating.

Casual vs. Polite Forms

Casual: 〜てみる

Example: やってみる (yatte miru) – I’ll try doing it.

Polite: 〜てみます

Example: やってみます (yatte mimasu) – I will try doing it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Confusing 〜てみる with 〜ておく

Incorrect: 食べておく (tabete oku) – Eat in advance.
Correct: 食べてみる (tabete miru) – Try eating.

Mistake 2: Using 〜てみる for Future Intentions

Incorrect: 明日、食べてみる (ashita, tabete miru) – Tomorrow, I’ll try eating.
Correct: 明日、食べてみたい (ashita, tabete mitai) – Tomorrow, I want to try eating.

Advanced Usage in Compound Sentences

With Conditionals (〜たら)

Example: 食べてみたら、美味しかった (tabete mitara, oishikatta) – When I tried eating it, it was delicious.

With Conjunctions (〜ので、〜けど)

Example: やってみたけど、難しかった (yatte mita kedo, muzukashikatta) – I tried doing it, but it was hard.

Cultural Context

In Japanese culture, 〜てみる is often used when trying new foods, activities, or experiences.

Example: 日本の温泉に入ってみたい (Nihon no onsen ni haitte mitai) – I want to try entering a Japanese hot spring.

Example Sentences: 〜てみる in Action

Here are ten jaw-dropping example sentences that showcase the versatility of 〜てみる. Each sentence includes romaji and English translation to help you master this grammar point.

この本を読んでみました。
Romaji: Kono hon o yonde mimashita.
Translation: I tried reading this book.
新しいレストランに行ってみたい。
Romaji: Atarashii resutoran ni itte mitai.
Translation: I want to try going to the new restaurant.
このシャツを着てみてもいいですか？
Romaji: Kono shatsu o kite mite mo ii desu ka?
Translation: Can I try on this shirt?
日本語で話してみてください。
Romaji: Nihongo de hanashite mite kudasai.
Translation: Please try speaking in Japanese.
この薬を飲んでみたら、元気になりました。
Romaji: Kono kusuri o nonde mitara, genki ni narimashita.
Translation: After trying this medicine, I felt better.
彼のアドバイスを聞いてみました。
Romaji: Kare no adobaisu o kiite mimashita.
Translation: I tried listening to his advice.
このアプリを使ってみたら、便利でした。
Romaji: Kono apuri o tsukatte mitara, benri deshita.
Translation: When I tried using this app, it was convenient.
この映画を見てみたいと思っています。
Romaji: Kono eiga o mite mitai to omotte imasu.
Translation: I’m thinking of trying to watch this movie.
この方法を試してみたら、成功しました。
Romaji: Kono houhou o tameshite mitara, seikou shimashita.
Translation: When I tried this method, it worked.
このゲームをやってみたら、面白かったです。
Romaji: Kono geemu o yatte mitara, omoshirokatta desu.
Translation: When I tried playing this game, it was fun.

Fill in the Blanks: Test Your Knowledge

Now that you’ve learned about 〜てみる, it’s time to test your skills! Fill in the blanks with the correct form of 〜てみる.

このケーキを__。 (食べる)
あの映画を__。 (見る)
新しいカフェに__。 (行く)
このシャツを__。 (着る)
日本語で__。 (話す)
この方法を__。 (試す)
彼のアドバイスを__。 (聞く)
このアプリを__。 (使う)
この本を__。 (読む)
このゲームを__。 (やる)

Answers to Fill in the Blanks

食べてみる
見てみる
行ってみる
着てみる
話してみる
試してみる
聞いてみる
使ってみる
読んでみる
やってみる

Why 〜てみる is a Must-Know Grammar Point

Mastering 〜てみる is essential for anyone looking to achieve fluency in Japanese. It’s a versatile and practical grammar point that allows you to express curiosity, experimentation, and encouragement. By incorporating 〜てみる into your daily conversations, you’ll sound more natural and confident in Japanese.

Final Thoughts

The 〜てみる structure is a proven way to elevate your Japanese skills. Whether you’re trying new foods, testing out hobbies, or encouraging others, this grammar point is a must-know for every Japanese learner. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking it—start using 〜てみる today and watch your Japanese reach legendary levels!

Before it’s too late, practice the examples and fill-in-the-blank exercises in this guide. Guaranteed, you’ll see a breakthrough in your language mastery.

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

March 7, 2025

Using 〜てばかりいるin Japanese | My Language Classes

Understanding 〜てばかりいる in Japanese

Japanese is a language rich with nuance and subtle grammatical expressions. One such structure is 〜てばかりいる, a phrase used to indicate that someone is repeatedly or exclusively engaging in a specific action. In this post, we will explore the formation, meaning, nuances, and advanced usage of this structure. Additionally, we include example sentences, interactive exercises, and practice questions to help solidify your understanding. Whether you’re an advanced learner or new to Japanese grammar, this guide is designed to help you master 〜てばかりいる.

Introduction to 〜てばかりいる
Structure and Formation
Meaning and Nuances
Usage in Daily Conversation
Advanced Usage and Comparisons
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Example Sentences
Fill in the Blanks Exercise
Cultural Context and Practical Tips
Conclusion

Introduction to 〜てばかりいる

Japanese learners often encounter the structure 〜てばかりいる when discussing habitual or exclusive behavior. This construction suggests that the subject is overly fixated on one action, usually implying a negative or unbalanced approach to life. For example, saying “彼はゲームをしてばかりいる” (He is always playing video games) criticizes someone for neglecting other responsibilities. In this post, we’ll break down its formation, explore how context can change its nuance, and offer practical examples to improve your fluency.

Structure and Formation

The structure 〜てばかりいる is relatively straightforward once you understand the building blocks of Japanese verbs. It involves the て-form of a verb, which is then followed by ばかりいる.

Formation Steps:

Convert the Verb to て-form:
Start with the basic form of the verb and change it to the て-form.
- For example: 食べる (taberu) becomes 食べて (tabete).
Add ばかりいる:
Simply attach ばかりいる to the て-form of the verb to indicate continuous or exclusive repetition.
- 食べて + ばかりいる = 食べてばかりいる (tabete bakari iru), which translates to “always eating” or “doing nothing but eating.”

Quick Example:

Verb: 読む (yomu, to read)
Transformation: 読んで (yonde)
Full Expression: 読んでばかりいる (yonde bakari iru)
Meaning: “Always reading” or “doing nothing but reading.”

This formation clearly indicates that the subject is repetitively engaging in the action to the exclusion of other activities.

Meaning and Nuances

While the basic meaning of 〜てばかりいる is “to do something all the time,” the context in which it is used can add different shades of meaning. Let’s look at the main nuances:

1. Negative or Critical Connotation

In many cases, 〜てばかりいる is used to criticize someone for engaging in an activity excessively. This suggests that the behavior is imbalanced or neglectful of other responsibilities.

Example:

Japanese: 彼は仕事をせずに遊んでばかりいる。
Romaji: Kare wa shigoto o sezu ni asonde bakari iru.
English: “He is always playing instead of working.”

This sentence clearly criticizes the subject’s lack of productivity.

2. Neutral or Descriptive Usage

Occasionally, the expression might be used simply to describe a frequent behavior without an overt negative judgment. Context and tone determine whether the statement is a mere observation or a subtle critique.

Example:

Japanese: 彼女は旅行してばかりいる。
Romaji: Kanojo wa ryokou shite bakari iru.
English: “She is always traveling.”

Depending on the speaker’s tone, this could be interpreted as a positive reflection on her lifestyle or a subtle lament about her lack of stability.

3. Emphasis on Monotony

Using 〜てばかりいる can also imply that the subject’s life is monotonous or lacking variety. This usage hints at a lifestyle where one activity overshadows all others, possibly leading to stagnation.

Usage in Daily Conversation

In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers frequently use 〜てばかりいる to comment on habitual behavior. Whether in casual talk among friends or in more formal critiques, this structure is versatile. Here are a few contextual scenarios:

Family and Friends

Example: 兄は昼寝してばかりいる。
Romaji: Ani wa hirune shite bakari iru.
English: “My older brother is always taking naps.”
This might be used in a playful or critical tone among family members.

Workplace Critiques

Example: 部長は会議で話してばかりいる。
Romaji: Buchou wa kaigi de hanashite bakari iru.
English: “The manager is always just talking in meetings.”
This comment could be made to express frustration about a lack of decisive action.

Social Media and Informal Writing

Many blog posts, social media updates, and informal reviews incorporate this structure to convey a sense of ongoing or one-dimensional behavior, making it a popular choice for digital communication.

Advanced Usage and Comparisons

While 〜てばかりいる is effective for indicating repetitive action, advanced learners might also encounter similar structures or alternative expressions that can convey subtle differences. Here are some comparisons:

1. 〜てばかりじゃなくて

This structure is used to indicate that not only is the subject engaged in one action, but they should also consider other activities.

Example:

Japanese: 彼は勉強してばかりじゃなくて、運動もしなさい。
Romaji: Kare wa benkyou shite bakari janakute, undou mo shinasai.
English: “Not only do you study all the time, but also exercise.”

This form is often used to provide balanced advice.

2. 〜ているだけ

Although similar to 〜てばかりいる, this expression often lacks the critical nuance and focuses on the state or condition of doing something continuously.

Example:

Japanese: 彼は仕事をしているだけだ。
Romaji: Kare wa shigoto o shite iru dake da.
English: “He is just working.”
Here, the speaker might be emphasizing that the subject is only working, without a judgment on the behavior.

3. Emphasis with 〜ばかりか

A related but different construction is 〜ばかりか, used to indicate “not only… but also.” While this is not directly interchangeable, understanding it can help clarify when to use 〜てばかりいる versus other patterns.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learning any new structure can lead to common errors. Here are some mistakes learners often make with 〜てばかりいる and tips on how to avoid them:

1. Incorrect て-form Usage

Ensure that you correctly convert the main verb into its て-form before attaching ばかりいる. For example, forgetting to change the verb 食べる to 食べて is a common error.

2. Overuse in Positive Contexts

Because 〜てばかりいる carries a negative nuance by default, using it in a purely positive context can lead to misunderstandings. Instead, consider alternative expressions if your intention is to describe a positive habit.

3. Mixing up Similar Structures

Avoid confusing 〜てばかりいる with similar expressions like 〜ているだけ. Each structure has a distinct nuance, so practice using them in context to understand the differences.

4. Neglecting Contextual Cues

The tone of your conversation plays a vital role in how 〜てばかりいる is interpreted. Make sure your context (verbal cues, facial expressions, etc.) aligns with the intended meaning, especially when speaking with native speakers.

Example Sentences

Below are ten example sentences using 〜てばかりいる, each complete with romaji and English translations. These examples range from casual conversation to more formal critiques.

Japanese: 彼は仕事をせずに遊んでばかりいる。
Romaji: Kare wa shigoto o sezu ni asonde bakari iru.
English: “He is always playing instead of working.”
Japanese: 子供たちはテレビを見てばかりいる。
Romaji: Kodomo-tachi wa terebi o mite bakari iru.
English: “The children are always watching TV.”
Japanese: 私は最近、食べてばかりいるので太った。
Romaji: Watashi wa saikin, tabete bakari iru node futotta.
English: “Recently, I’ve been eating all the time, so I gained weight.”
Japanese: 彼女はスマホをいじってばかりいる。
Romaji: Kanojo wa sumaho o ijitte bakari iru.
English: “She is always playing with her smartphone.”
Japanese: 彼は遅刻してばかりいるので、先生に怒られた。
Romaji: Kare wa chikoku shite bakari iru node, sensei ni okorareta.
English: “He is always late, so the teacher got angry.”
Japanese: 彼は漫画を読んでばかりいる。
Romaji: Kare wa manga o yonde bakari iru.
English: “He is always reading manga.”
Japanese: 最近、雨が降ってばかりいる。
Romaji: Saikin, ame ga futte bakari iru.
English: “Recently, it has been raining all the time.”
Japanese: 彼は文句を言ってばかりいる。
Romaji: Kare wa monku o itte bakari iru.
English: “He is always complaining.”
Japanese: 私は疲れているので寝てばかりいる。
Romaji: Watashi wa tsukarete iru node nete bakari iru.
English: “I am tired, so I am just sleeping all the time.”
Japanese: 彼女はお金を使ってばかりいる。
Romaji: Kanojo wa okane o tsukatte bakari iru.
English: “She is always spending money.”

Fill in the Blanks Exercise

Practice your understanding of 〜てばかりいる with these fill-in-the-blank questions. Choose the correct て-form of the verb to complete each sentence.

彼はスマホを ______ ばかりいる。
子供たちはお菓子を ______ ばかりいる。
私は最近、YouTubeを ______ ばかりいる。
彼は寝て ______ ばかりいる。
彼女は服を ______ ばかりいる。
私は映画を ______ ばかりいる。
彼はゲームを ______ ばかりいる。
彼女はSNSを ______ ばかりいる。
最近、彼は遅刻して ______ ばかりいる。
彼らは文句を ______ ばかりいる。

Answers:

いじって
食べて
見て
寝て (Note: For consistency, make sure you are using the proper て-form for 寝る: 寝て)
買って
見て
して
使って
して
言って

Cultural Context and Practical Tips

Understanding 〜てばかりいる isn’t just about grammar—it’s also about grasping the cultural nuances of Japanese communication. Here are some practical insights:

Balancing Criticism and Politeness

Japanese culture values harmony and indirect expression. When you use 〜てばかりいる to criticize someone, be mindful of your tone. It’s often softened with context or additional comments to avoid coming off as too harsh. For example, you might say, “もっと休むことも大事だけど、勉強してばかりいるのは良くないね” (“It’s important to rest sometimes, but always just studying isn’t good either.”).

Using the Structure in Different Settings

In the Workplace: Japanese work culture emphasizes diligence. Using 〜てばかりいる to comment on someone’s behavior in a work setting might be perceived as a critique on their productivity. Adjust your language accordingly.
Among Friends: When chatting with friends, this structure can be used playfully. For instance, teasing a friend for constantly being on their phone can be lighthearted if the tone is right.

Enhancing Your Speaking Skills

Incorporate 〜てばかりいる into your daily conversations by describing not only your habits but also those of fictional characters or public figures. This practice will help you become more comfortable with the structure and its contextual implications.

Conclusion

The 〜てばかりいる structure is a powerful tool in the Japanese language. It allows speakers to comment on behavior with nuance, whether critiquing excessive habits or simply describing frequent actions. By understanding its formation, exploring its nuances, and practicing with a variety of exercises, you can gain both a technical and cultural mastery of this grammatical pattern.

Remember that language learning is a gradual process. Continue to practice with example sentences, engage in interactive exercises, and immerse yourself in native content to improve your fluency. As you grow more confident, try creating your own sentences and scenarios using 〜てばかりいる.

For those interested in more advanced topics, explore similar structures like 〜てばかりじゃなくて and 〜ているだけ, which can further refine your ability to express balanced thoughts in Japanese.

We hope this comprehensive guide has deepened your understanding of 〜てばかりいる. Stay tuned for more in-depth Japanese language lessons, tips, and cultural insights. If you found this post useful, please share it with fellow learners and subscribe for updates on new content!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese