N2 grammar
N2-level grammar points, each linking to an existing explanation on Tae Kim's guide, Imabi, or Tofugu. The explanations live on those sites; this page only indexes what each point is and where to read about it. See docs/sources for why these sources and not others.
Progress tracking isn't available in this browser, so the checkboxes below are disabled. Expresses that something happens despite a stated condition, a more formal "even though". Denies that a stated reason is sufficient grounds for a conclusion, "just because X doesn't mean Y". A formal concessive, "although X, still Y", similar in function to のに but more literary. Marks a means, channel, or period of time through which something happens. Expresses that something changes or is determined in accordance with a varying factor. Marks an action taken as a necessary step before, or in the course of, doing something else. A set of formal expressions for comparing two things or emphasizing a contrast. Expresses that something cannot be done due to social, moral, or practical circumstances. A formal expression for being forced into an action with no real alternative. The politeness level beyond plain and polite speech: elevating others (honorific) or lowering oneself (humble). Extended uses of the volitional form: negative volitional まい, and formal likelihood expressions. Expressions for one event happening the instant, or immediately after, another one does. Three expressions for being covered in or full of something, physical or abstract. Three more nuanced expressions: an unexpected result, doing something while doing something else, and a bad outcome after effort.Concession and reasoning
Manner, means, and degree
Obligation and inevitability
Register and nuanced expressions