Katari Neko

N5 Grammar Reference

Complete reference for essential Japanese grammar patterns at the N5 level. Use the search and filters below to find exactly what you need.

Showing 14 of 55 grammar patterns

ます-form (Polite Present/Future)

Pattern:
[Verb Stem]ます
beginner

Polite form for present habitual actions or future intentions.

毎日勉強します。
I study every day.
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb polite present +2

ました (Polite Past)

Pattern:
[Verb Stem]ました
beginner

Polite past tense form indicating completed actions.

昨日勉強しました。
I studied yesterday.
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb polite past +2

ません (Polite Negative)

Pattern:
[Verb Stem]ません
beginner

Polite negative form for present/future.

コーヒーを飲みません。
I don't drink coffee.
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb polite negative +2

ませんでした (Polite Past Negative)

Pattern:
[Verb Stem]ませんでした
beginner

Polite negative past tense.

昨日行きませんでした。
I didn't go yesterday.
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb polite past +2

て-form Basics

Pattern:
Complex - varies by verb type
intermediate

Connective form used in many grammar patterns, requests, and continuous states.

食べて
eat and...
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb te-form connective +2

てください (Please Do)

Pattern:
[て-form]ください
beginner

Polite request form meaning "please do..."

聞いてください。
Please listen.
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb request polite +2

ている (Continuous/State)

Pattern:
[て-form]いる/います
intermediate

Indicates ongoing action or resulting state.

本を読んでいます。
I am reading a book.
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb continuous progressive +2

たい (Want to Do)

Pattern:
[Verb Stem]たい
beginner

Expresses desire to do something (first person or questions).

日本に行きたいです。
I want to go to Japan.
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb desire want +1

ましょう (Let's/Shall We)

Pattern:
[Verb Stem]ましょう
beginner

Suggests doing something together or offers help.

行きましょう。
Let's go.
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb suggestion let's +2

ませんか (Won't You/Why Don't You)

Pattern:
[Verb Stem]ませんか
beginner

Polite invitation or suggestion.

コーヒーを飲みませんか。
Won't you have some coffee?
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb invitation suggestion +2

てもいい (May/Can)

Pattern:
[て-form]もいいです
intermediate

Asks for or grants permission.

入ってもいいですか。
May I come in?
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb permission may +2

てはいけません (Must Not)

Pattern:
[て-form]はいけません
intermediate

Prohibition - indicates something is not allowed.

ここで写真を撮ってはいけません。
You must not take photos here.
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb prohibition must-not +2

たことがある (Have Done/Experienced)

Pattern:
[Past Plain Form]ことがある
intermediate

Indicates past experience.

日本に行ったことがあります。
I have been to Japan.
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb experience past +2

ことができる (Can Do/Be Able To)

Pattern:
[Dictionary Form]ことができる
intermediate

Ability or possibility to do something.

日本語を話すことができます。
I can speak Japanese.
Verb Forms and Conjugations
verb ability can +2

About this Grammar Reference

This reference covers essential N5 level Japanese grammar patterns with clear explanations, usage examples, and common mistakes to avoid. Each pattern includes formation rules and practical examples to help you understand and use Japanese grammar effectively.

55 Grammar Patterns 10 Categories JLPT N5 Level