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JLPT N1 Grammar List

30 advanced patterns · meanings · examples · usage notes

N1 grammar features many classical-derived forms, formal written expressions, and patterns with fine-grained nuance distinctions. Below are 30 patterns that frequently appear in JLPT N1 tests. For deeper lookup with grounded explanations, use the N1 Grammar RAG search.

Search All 253 N1 Grammar Points
01〜にほかならないnothing but, is exactly, is none other than

この成功は、チームの努力にほかならない。

Strong assertion: X is precisely Y. Formal written style.

02〜ならではunique to, only possible with, characteristic of

これは日本ならではの文化だ。

Highlights something that only exists in the specified context.

03〜をものともせずundaunted by, in spite of, regardless of

困難をものともせず、前に進んだ。

Admires someone who faces hardship without being deterred.

04〜とあればif it means, if that is the case, given that

彼のためとあれば、何でもする。

Willingness to do something because of a special circumstance or person.

05〜を皮切りにstarting with, beginning with (first of a series)

東京を皮切りに、全国ツアーが始まった。

The named event is the first of a chain. Positive nuance.

06〜かたわらwhile doing (concurrently), alongside, on the side

仕事のかたわら、小説を書いている。

Two activities happening in parallel over a sustained period.

07〜ともなるとwhen it comes to, being as ~ is (a natural consequence)

社長ともなると、責任は重い。

States what is natural or expected at a certain level or position.

08〜にたえるworthy of, can withstand, bearable

批判にたえる作品を作りたい。

〜にたえない = unbearable / deeply moving. Context determines which.

09〜とはいえthat said, even though, granted that

簡単とはいえ、注意が必要だ。

Acknowledges something but then qualifies or contradicts it.

10〜にあってbeing in the situation of, in the context of

戦時にあって、人々は助け合った。

Formal. Describes actions/states within a particular situation.

11〜をよそにignoring, regardless of, oblivious to

親の心配をよそに、子供は遊んでいた。

Implies the subject is indifferent to others' concerns or expectations.

12〜たところでeven if ~ it won't help, even if ~ at most

今さら謝ったところで、遅すぎる。

Implies that the action is futile or insufficient.

13〜もさることながらnot to mention, let alone, while ~ is also true

内容もさることながら、デザインも重要だ。

Acknowledges one point while emphasizing that another is also important.

14〜ずにはすまないcannot avoid doing, will inevitably have to

謝罪せずにはすまない状況だ。

Social or situational pressure that makes the action unavoidable.

15〜んがためin order to, for the purpose of (literary)

勝たんがため、練習を重ねた。

Classical volitional. Highly formal, literary or political speech.

16〜まじきshould not, unworthy of, unbecoming (literary)

教師にあるまじき行為だ。

Expresses strong moral disapproval. Classical negative form of 〜べき.

17〜べからずmust not, do not (classical prohibition)

立ち入るべからず。

Classical imperative negative. Seen on signs, rules, literary texts.

18〜ないまでもeven if not ~ at least, short of ~ at minimum

完璧ではないまでも、努力は認められる。

States that even a lesser version of the ideal is acceptable or true.

19〜というものthroughout the period of, for the entire duration

一年というもの、休まず働いた。

Emphasizes the entire span of a time period.

20〜に即してin accordance with, in line with, based on

現実に即した政策が必要だ。

More formal than 〜に従って / 〜に合わせて.

21〜が最後once ~ happens, that's the end of it; as soon as

借りたが最後、返ってこない。

Once the action occurs, an irreversible (usually negative) result follows.

22〜ないではおかないcannot help but, inevitably will

この映画は見る人を感動させないではおかない。

Strong assertion that the result is inevitable.

23〜と相まってcombined with, together with (creating a synergy)

努力と才能と相まって、成功した。

Two factors combine to produce a stronger result.

24〜ことあってgiven the situation that, because of the circumstance

転勤のこととあって、引越しの準備をした。

Formal. Explains the circumstance behind an action.

25〜に先んじてahead of, before others, anticipating

他社に先んじて、新技術を導入した。

Being first or proactive before something else happens.

26〜をおいてexcept for, there is no one/nothing other than

この仕事ができるのは、彼をおいていない。

Exclusive assertion: only X fits the criterion.

27〜てやまないsincerely ~ / endlessly ~ (deep and lasting feeling)

彼の成功を願ってやまない。

Expresses strong, heartfelt, ongoing emotion. Often with 願う, 愛する, 敬う.

28〜をかわきりに / を皮切りとしてtriggered by, beginning with (the first event)

この事件を皮切りとして、改革が始まった。

Variant of 〜を皮切りに. The event is a catalyst for a sequence.

29〜ては〜まいif ~ then we cannot (contradiction)

急いではまるまい — 落ち着いて行動しよう。

Classical. Formal prohibition or reasoning. Found in literary contexts.

30〜とばかりにas if to say, seemingly, with the attitude of

来い、とばかりに手を振った。

Describes an action that implies a meaning without explicitly saying it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many grammar points are on JLPT N1?

JLPT N1 tests approximately 170–200 grammar patterns, many of which are rare in everyday conversation but common in formal writing.

What makes N1 grammar harder than N2?

N1 includes classical-derived forms (〜べからず, 〜まじき, 〜んがため), literary expressions, and patterns requiring fine-grained contextual judgment.

How can I practice N1 grammar effectively?

Read native Japanese materials (news editorials, literary essays) and identify N1 patterns in context. Use JLPTCraft's N1 grammar RAG search for grounded explanations from a verified 253-item database.

→ Also see: JLPT N2 Grammar List