🗺️ JLPT N4 Core Grammar Rules

The 3 core pillars of N4 Syntax. Click a module below to jump directly to the rules.

1. Conditionals (と/ば/たら/なら) 2. Conjecture (そう/よう/らしい) 3. Verb Form Patterns Hub

🧭 1. The 4 Conditionals (如果與只要)

They all mean "if/when", but the second half of the sentence has strict rules.

Dictionary Form + と
と (Natural Consequence)

100% inevitable. Used for nature, machines, and directions.

春になると、桜が咲きます。
(When spring comes, cherry blossoms naturally bloom.)
Verb ~えば
ば (Logical Condition)

"As long as X happens, Y will happen." Focus on the condition.

薬を飲めば、治りますよ。
(If you take the medicine, you will get better.)
Ta-form + ら
たら (After / Discovery)

Chronological. "If/When X is completed, do Y." The most flexible one!

駅に着いたら、電話してください。
(When/After you arrive at the station, please call me.)
Noun/Verb + なら
なら (Contextual / Advice)

Reacting to what someone just said. "If that's the case..."

温泉に行くなら、箱根がいいですよ。
(If you're going to a hot spring, Hakone is good.)
Rule Check
と
ば
たら
なら
Request/Command
(~てください)
❌
❌
(Unless state verb)
✅
✅
Will/Intention
(~つもり / ~たい)
❌
❌
✅
✅
Chronological Order
(A must finish before B)
-
-
✅
❌
(Can be B before A)

👀 2. Conjecture & Hearsay (推測與傳聞)

Is it based on what you see, what you deduce, or what you heard?

👀 Intuition (Looks like)
そうだ (Conjecture)

Based on visual impression before actually trying it.

  • Verb stem (降る ➜ 降り)
  • Adj drops い/な (おいしい ➜ おいし)
このケーキは、おいしそうです。
(This cake looks delicious.)
🧠 Reasoning (Seems like)
ようだ / みたいだ

Based on evidence, logic, or all senses (smell, touch).

  • Noun + のようだ
  • Noun + みたいだ (Casual)
道が濡れている。夜中に雨が降ったようだ。
(The road is wet. It seems it rained.)
👂 Hearsay (I heard)
らしい / そうだ (Hearsay)

Relaying information you heard from someone or the news.

  • Plain Form + そうだ
  • Noun + らしい
天気予報によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
(According to the forecast, it will rain.)

🧩 3. Verb Form Patterns Hub

Many N4 grammars are just fixed patterns attached to specific verb forms.

Te-Form (て形) Base
The "Action Flow"
  • ～てみる: Try doing something (to see what it's like).
  • ～ておく: Do something in advance / preparation.
  • ～てしまう: Finish completely / express regret.
  • ～てあげる/もらう: Giving & Receiving favors.
Ta-Form (た形) Base
The "Experience"
  • ～たことがある: Have the experience of doing...
  • ～たほうがいい: You should do... (strong advice).
  • ～たり、～たりする: Doing things like A and B (listing actions).
  • ～たばかりだ: Have just finished doing...
Dictionary / Nai Form
The "Future & Will"
  • ～つもりだ: Plan / intend to do.
  • ～ことになる: It has been decided that... (by others).
  • ～ようにする: Make an effort to do / not do...
  • ～ないでください: Please do not...

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