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Expressing judgments, opinions, obligations, and evaluations
What each pattern means, when to use it, and the mistakes that cost marks in the exam.
Indicates a strong moral duty or a very obvious course of action. It's more objective and stronger than 'koto da' or 'mono da'.
Common mistakes
Used to give strong advice or suggestions, essentially saying 'the best thing to do is...'. Usually directed at a specific person.
Common mistakes
Expresses general social expectations, common sense, or a feeling of 'that's how things are.' It can also express nostalgic memories with past tense.
Common mistakes
A very strong, often emotional denial used in informal speech. 'Monka' is the more casual, spoken version.
Common mistakes
Used to emphasize that there is only one reason or explanation for something. A formal, assertive expression.
Common mistakes
Used to downplay the importance or extent of something, indicating that it is 'only' what is stated and nothing more.
Common mistakes
Expresses a general truth or the speaker's strong judgment about the nature of something. It often identifies the essence of a situation.
Common mistakes
Used to state that a simple or common assumption is not always true or sufficient. It points out that there are exceptions.
Common mistakes
Used to partially deny a statement or to clarify that a logical conclusion isn't necessarily true. It softens a negative statement.
Common mistakes
Expresses a strong subjective denial or certainty that something is impossible. Used when there is a clear reason to believe something cannot be true.
Common mistakes
Indicates that the speaker wants to do (or not do) something but is prevented by social expectations, common sense, or a sense of duty.
Common mistakes
A formal and enthusiastic way to call for action or propose doing something together. Often used in speeches or by leaders.
Common mistakes
Indicates that the speaker is forced to do something against their will because of certain circumstances. Highly formal.
Common mistakes
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on these 13 grammar patterns and track which ones you need to review most.