← Back to N4

N4 Reading Patterns

24 N4 reading patterns covering sequence, reasons, comparisons and conditions, with examples and quizzes.

Reading pattern collection

Showing 24 of 24 patterns

Patterns and examples are independently authored study material, not official JLPT transcripts.

#001 · Sequence and time

〜てから

After doing A

Example 1

宿題を終えてから、テレビを見ます。

→ I watch TV after finishing my homework.

Reading tip

Track event order, timing, and habits.

#002 · Sequence and time

〜た後で

After having done

Example 1

映画を見た後で、感想を話しました。

→ After the movie, we discussed our impressions.

Reading tip

Track event order, timing, and habits.

#003 · Sequence and time

〜間に

While / during

Example 1

母が料理している間に、部屋を片づけました。

→ I tidied the room while my mother cooked.

Reading tip

Track event order, timing, and habits.

#004 · Sequence and time

〜ときに

When

Example 1

困ったときに、友達が助けてくれました。

→ My friend helped me when I was in trouble.

Reading tip

Track event order, timing, and habits.

#005 · Sequence and time

〜ながら

While doing

Example 1

音楽を聞きながら、勉強します。

→ I study while listening to music.

Reading tip

Track event order, timing, and habits.

#006 · Sequence and time

〜ようになりました

Have come to / become able to

Example 1

毎日練習して、漢字が読めるようになりました。

→ With daily practice, I became able to read kanji.

Reading tip

Track event order, timing, and habits.

#007 · Cause and purpose

〜ために

For the purpose of

Example 1

留学するために、お金をためています。

→ I'm saving money to study abroad.

Reading tip

Distinguish causes from intended goals.

#008 · Cause and purpose

〜ように

So that

Example 1

忘れないように、メモを取ります。

→ I take notes so I won't forget.

Reading tip

Distinguish causes from intended goals.

#009 · Cause and purpose

〜ので

Because / since

Example 1

電車が遅れたので、会議に遅刻しました。

→ I was late for the meeting because the train was delayed.

Reading tip

Distinguish causes from intended goals.

#010 · Cause and purpose

そのため

For that reason

Example 1

雨が続きました。そのため、試合は中止です。

→ It kept raining, so the game was canceled.

Reading tip

Distinguish causes from intended goals.

#011 · Cause and purpose

〜おかげで

Thanks to

Example 1

先生のおかげで、合格できました。

→ Thanks to my teacher, I passed.

Reading tip

Distinguish causes from intended goals.

#012 · Cause and purpose

〜せいで

Because of (negative)

Example 1

寝不足のせいで、集中できません。

→ I can't concentrate because of lack of sleep.

Reading tip

Distinguish causes from intended goals.

#013 · Contrast and comparison

〜のに

Although / even though

Example 1

早く出たのに、遅刻しました。

→ Although I left early, I was late.

Reading tip

Pay attention to the clause after a contrast.

#014 · Contrast and comparison

それなのに

And yet

Example 1

約束しました。それなのに、来ませんでした。

→ He promised, and yet he didn't come.

Reading tip

Pay attention to the clause after a contrast.

#015 · Contrast and comparison

一方で

On the other hand

Example 1

この店は安いです。一方で、駅から遠いです。

→ The shop is cheap, but it's far from the station.

Reading tip

Pay attention to the clause after a contrast.

#016 · Contrast and comparison

〜より〜のほうが

B is more ... than A

Example 1

車より電車のほうが便利です。

→ Trains are more convenient than cars.

Reading tip

Pay attention to the clause after a contrast.

#017 · Contrast and comparison

〜ほど〜ない

Not as ... as

Example 1

今日は昨日ほど寒くありません。

→ It's not as cold today as yesterday.

Reading tip

Pay attention to the clause after a contrast.

#018 · Contrast and comparison

〜だけでなく

Not only ... but also

Example 1

この公園は広いだけでなく、静かです。

→ This park is not only large but also quiet.

Reading tip

Pay attention to the clause after a contrast.

#019 · Conditions and assumptions

〜たら

If / when

Example 1

雨がやんだら、出かけましょう。

→ Let's go out when the rain stops.

Reading tip

Identify the exact condition for an action.

#020 · Conditions and assumptions

〜ば

If

Example 1

時間があれば、手伝います。

→ If I have time, I'll help.

Reading tip

Identify the exact condition for an action.

#021 · Conditions and assumptions

〜なら

If that's the case

Example 1

日本へ行くなら、春がいいですよ。

→ If you're going to Japan, spring is nice.

Reading tip

Identify the exact condition for an action.

#022 · Conditions and assumptions

〜ても

Even if

Example 1

高くても、必要なら買います。

→ Even if it's expensive, I'll buy it if necessary.

Reading tip

Identify the exact condition for an action.

#023 · Conditions and assumptions

〜場合は

In the event that

Example 1

遅れる場合は、電話してください。

→ If you will be late, please call.

Reading tip

Identify the exact condition for an action.

#024 · Conditions and assumptions

〜ことにします

Decide to

Example 1

来月から運動することにします。

→ I've decided to exercise starting next month.

Reading tip

Identify the exact condition for an action.