Best JLPT Grammar Books - Complete Guide
Master Japanese grammar with expert-recommended books for all levels
What are the best JLPT grammar books?
- N5-N4: Genki I & II for comprehensive learning with dialogue-based contexts, Minna no Nihongo for intensive practice with detailed workbooks
- N3-N2: Tobira for integrated learning with cultural topics, Shin Kanzen Master for exam-focused prep with strategy sections
- N1: Shin Kanzen Master N1 Grammar for advanced patterns, literary expressions, and formal/written language nuances
- Quick Review: Nihongo So-Matome Grammar series (6-8 week study plans) ideal for pre-exam refreshers
- Practice Focus: Dictionary of Japanese Grammar series (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) for deep understanding and reference
- All books include practice exercises with detailed explanations and real JLPT-style questions
- Combine grammar books with vocabulary books and kanji books for comprehensive preparation
Why Matters for JLPT
Grammar is the foundation of JLPT success, accounting for a significant portion of the exam across both the Language Knowledge section and Reading section. The right grammar book helps you understand sentence patterns, particles, verb conjugations, auxiliary verbs, and level-specific expressions. Effective grammar study integrates closely with vocabulary and kanji learning, as understanding grammar structures requires recognizing word functions and kanji meanings. Our curated selection includes comprehensive textbooks for systematic learning, focused practice books with hundreds of exercises, exam-specific prep books with test strategies, and quick-reference guides for efficient review.
Quick Comparison: Best JLPT Grammar Books by Level
| Level | Comprehensive Study | Exam-Focused Prep | Quick Review | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N5-N4 | Genki I & II, Minna no Nihongo | Shin Kanzen Master N5/N4 | Nihongo So-Matome N5/N4 | Beginners building foundation |
| N3 | Tobira, An Integrated Approach | Shin Kanzen Master N3 | Nihongo So-Matome N3 | Intermediate learners |
| N2 | Tobira, Quartet | Shin Kanzen Master N2 | Nihongo So-Matome N2 | Upper-intermediate to advanced |
| N1 | Advanced grammar dictionaries | Shin Kanzen Master N1 | Nihongo So-Matome N1 | Advanced learners targeting mastery |
Recommended Books ()
Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese I
By Eri Banno, Yoko Ikeda, Yutaka Ohno
The most widely-used beginner Japanese textbook in universities worldwide. Covers grammar, vocabulary, reading, and conversation in 12 well-structured lessons. Includes dialogues, grammar explanations with English, and abundant practice exercises.
Nihongo So-Matome JLPT N5
By Nihongo So-Matome Series
All-in-one 6-week program covering vocabulary, grammar, kanji, reading, and listening tailored for JLPT N5.
Japanese From Zero! 1
By George Trombley, Yukari Takenaka
Progressive grammar and vocabulary lessons with integrated hiragana and katakana learning. Great for absolute beginners.
Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese II
By Eri Banno, Yoko Ikeda, Yutaka Ohno
The second volume continues building essential Japanese skills with more advanced grammar points and vocabulary needed for the N4 level.
Minna no Nihongo II
By Three A Network
Continuation of the popular Minna no Nihongo series, covering intermediate grammar and vocabulary for N4.
Nihongo So-Matome N4: Grammar Reading Listening
By Hitoko Sasaki, Noriko Matsumoto
All-in-one N4 preparation book with 8-week study plan covering all test sections.
Japanese From Zero! 2
By George Trombley, Yukari Takenaka
Second volume progressing to N4 level grammar with practical exercises and cultural notes.
Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese
By Mayumi Oka, Michio Tsutsui
This textbook bridges the gap between intermediate and advanced Japanese, making it ideal for N3 preparation with authentic readings and comprehensive grammar explanations.
Shin Kanzen Master N3: Grammar
By Tomomatsu Etsuko
Comprehensive N3 grammar preparation with systematic explanations and abundant practice exercises.
Nihongo So-Matome N3: Grammar
By Hitoko Sasaki
8-week focused study plan for N3 grammar with daily lessons and practice.
Shin Kanzen Master N2: Grammar
By Tomomatsu Etsuko, Miyamoto Yoko
Specifically designed for JLPT N2 preparation, this book offers thorough explanations of grammar points likely to appear on the test with plenty of practice exercises.
Nihongo So-Matome N2: Grammar
By Hitoko Sasaki
Efficient 8-week N2 grammar review with organized lessons and practice.
Shin Kanzen Master N1: Grammar
By Tomomatsu Etsuko, Miyamoto Yoko
The definitive resource for JLPT N1 grammar preparation, covering all the complex grammatical structures needed for the highest level of Japanese language proficiency.
Nihongo So-Matome N1: Grammar
By Sasaki Hitoko
Efficient 8-week review of N1 grammar with systematic organization.
A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
By Seiichi Makino, Michio Tsutsui
The gold standard grammar reference that belongs on every Japanese learner's shelf. Not a textbook—this is an encyclopedic dictionary of 200+ grammar patterns with detailed explanations, nuanced usage notes, and authentic example sentences. Look up any grammar point you encounter and finally understand the "why" behind Japanese.
A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar
By Seiichi Makino, Michio Tsutsui
The essential sequel covering 200+ intermediate grammar patterns you'll encounter from N3 onward. Same meticulous format as the Basic volume: detailed explanations, usage constraints, and example sentences that show real Japanese in action. When your textbook says "this is similar to X," this dictionary explains exactly how they differ.
A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar
By Seiichi Makino, Michio Tsutsui
The final volume completing the definitive grammar trilogy. Covers 230+ advanced patterns found in news, literature, and formal writing. If you're reading novels, watching dramas without subtitles, or preparing for N1, this is where you'll find explanations for the patterns that even native speakers can't easily articulate.
Japanese the Manga Way
By Wayne P. Lammers
Learn Japanese through authentic manga examples. Fun and engaging approach to grammar and vocabulary.
Japanese Sentence Patterns for Effective Communication
By Taeko Kamiya
Essential sentence patterns organized by function. Perfect for building natural Japanese expressions.
Nihongo So-Matome N5
By Hitoko Sasaki, Noriko Matsumoto
Comprehensive JLPT N5 preparation covering grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, and listening in one convenient book.
Basic Japanese: A Grammar and Workbook
By Shoko Hamano, Takae Tsujioka
Clear grammar explanations with lots of exercises. Great for self-study or as a classroom supplement.
Genki II: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese
By Eri Banno, Yoko Ikeda, Yutaka Ohno
Continuation of the best-selling Genki I. Covers remaining N5 and N4 grammar with comprehensive exercises.
Nihongo So-Matome N4 Grammar
By Hitoko Sasaki, Noriko Matsumoto
Six-week grammar course for N4. Clear explanations with abundant practice questions and review tests.
Japanese From Zero! 3
By George Trombley, Yukari Takenaka
Third installment covering intermediate grammar. Introduces more complex sentence structures and expressions.
Nihongo Challenge N4 Grammar
By Tetsuo Kadoyama
Comprehensive grammar guide with manga illustrations making complex patterns easy to understand.
New Kanzen Master N3 Grammar
By Tomoko Kanezawa
Thorough N3 grammar coverage with detailed explanations. Popular choice among serious JLPT test-takers.
Japanese From Zero! 4
By George Trombley, Yukari Takenaka
Intermediate level continuing the popular series. Covers complex grammar patterns and longer readings.
Try! N3 Grammar
By ABK
Grammar-focused preparation for JLPT N3. Clear explanations with ample practice questions.
Intermediate Japanese: A Grammar and Workbook
By Takae Tsujioka
Grammar explanations and exercises for intermediate learners. Great supplement to any textbook.
New Kanzen Master N2 Grammar
By Tomoko Kanezawa
Comprehensive N2 grammar guide with detailed explanations. Industry standard for serious learners.
Try! N2 Grammar
By ABK
Grammar-focused N2 preparation with clear patterns and extensive practice. Includes audio.
Shin Nihongo 500 Mon N2
By ASK Publishing
500 practice questions covering all N2 grammar patterns. Perfect for final test preparation.
Japanese for Busy People III
By AJALT
Final volume covering upper-intermediate grammar. Business and daily conversation focus.
New Kanzen Master N1 Grammar
By Tomoko Kanezawa
The definitive N1 grammar resource. Covers all advanced patterns with nuanced explanations.
Try! N1 Grammar
By ABK
Structured N1 grammar preparation with practice tests. Clear pattern presentations.
Shin Nihongo 500 Mon N1
By ASK Publishing
500 practice questions for N1 grammar mastery. Quick review format for busy learners.
Making Sense of Japanese Grammar
By Zeljko Cipris, Shoko Hamano
Clear explanations of tricky grammar points that confuse English speakers. Great reference.
Japanese Verbs and Essentials of Grammar
By Rita L. Lampkin
Quick reference for verb conjugations and grammar essentials. Pocket-sized convenience.