~ています is often used to describe and action in progress. However ~ています like ~てあります can be used to describe a state. Read the explanation.
~てしまう
~てしまう/しまいます is used to describe something you have done something fully but you didn’t mean to do so and implies the feeling of regret or surprise.
causative-passive
~させられる is a combination of causative and passive and it means “to be made to do …,” so it is used to when you had to do something against your will.
Potential (form) verbs Adding the meaning of “can”
This post explains how to add the meaning of “can” or “able” to a Japanese sentence. You can read it and watch my video.
~く/に する
(…を) ~く/に する means to “make … ~(adjective)” or “set … ~(adjective)”. ~く is the adverb ending of an いadjective…
~という…
~という has a few different meanings but if ~という is followed by a noun, it usually means “[the noun] called ~.” Check how it’s used here.
~ような/ように…
よう is used for a metaphor, “like ~,” but it is usually used either ~ような or ~ように. This post explains when to use ~ような and when to use ~ように.
[a number + counter] + も
This post is about the particle も that emphasizes the number being big. Check examples and compare with も that is used for “also.”
~なさい
Your son has a big exam tomorrow but he is playing a game. Which of the following are you likely…
~かどうか
Do you know if this is delicious?おいしい____ しっていますか。a. かどうか b. こと c. とき d. もし The answer is a. かどうか.This…
くる、いく、かえる
わたしの むすめは いま がいこくに います。らいしゅう うちに ____。 a. いきますb. かえってきますc. かえりますd. きます I have explained the difference among きます、いきます and…
じょうず/へた
じょうず(上手) and へた(下手) are both なadjectives and they are used to describe people’s strong points and weak points. [person] は…
~ないで
かいものに いったけど、なにも ( ) かえってきた。a. かわないから b. かわないで c. かわなくて d. かわない The intended meaning is: I went shopping but…
to bring
Today, I will explain the grammar point using a video. Please watch: If the video is not showing, please click…
はず
あの店はまだ開いている__です。a. つもりb. はずc. べきd. よてい What I want to say is “the shop ought to be still open.” All choices…
[てform]よかった
I’m glad I bought this.これを( )よかった。a. かう b. かえば c. かった d. かって The correct answer is d. かって. [てform]…
[てform]くれて ありがとう
Thank you for watching my video.わたしの ビデオを _____ ありがとう。What would you put in the blank? The correct answer is みて…
to have
The English verb “to have” has many meanings one of which is to show an ownership. When you own these…
[ばform]よかった
トイレットペーパーを かえば よかった。 a. I’m glad I bought toilet rolls.b. I should have bought toilet rolls.c. It was good that…
~なきゃ and ~なくちゃ
~なきゃ or ~なくちゃ is a very casual alternative for ~なければならない. They are usually only used in a conversation. Check examples here