Conquer 2 JLPT Levels: 10 Japanese Grammar Nuances That Will Blow Your Mind!
Hey there, fellow Japanese language learner! 👋 Have you ever felt like you're on the cusp of true fluency, but there's just something missing?
That frustrating feeling where you can understand a sentence, but you can't quite grasp the subtle emotional weight or the social context behind it?
Yeah, I've been there. I remember sweating through my JLPT N2 and N1 exams, feeling like I was playing a high-stakes game of "spot the difference" with grammar points that looked almost identical.
I mean, what's the real difference between 〜ものだ (mono da) and 〜ことだ (koto da)?
Or why do native speakers choose 〜らしい (rashii) over 〜ようだ (you da) in one situation but not another?
It's enough to make you want to throw your textbook across the room, isn't it?
But don't worry, you're not alone, and you've come to the right place.
This isn't your average, dry grammar lesson.
This is a deep dive into the very soul of advanced Japanese, a journey into the nuances that separate the good from the great.
We're going to tackle some of the most common and confusing grammar pairs that are absolutely essential for crushing the JLPT N2 and N1.
So, grab a coffee (or a strong cup of green tea!), get comfortable, and let's unlock the secrets of these subtle distinctions together.
It’s time to move beyond the textbook definitions and start thinking like a native speaker. Are you ready?
Let's do this.
Table of Contents
- 1. 〜ものだ vs. 〜ことだ: The Rulebook vs. The Heart
- 2. 〜て以来 vs. 〜てから: The Long-Lasting Impact vs. The Simple Starting Point
- 3. 〜らしい vs. 〜ようだ: The Rumor Mill vs. The Logical Deduction
- 4. 〜にわたって vs. 〜を通じて: The Broad Scope vs. The Continuous Duration
- 5. 〜ばかりに vs. 〜せいで: The Unfortunate Cause vs. The Blame Game
- 6. 〜わけがない vs. 〜はずがない: The Impossibility vs. The Strong Doubt
- 7. 〜につれて vs. 〜に従って: The Natural Progression vs. The Deliberate Action
- 8. 〜かと思うと vs. 〜た途端: The Sudden Surprise vs. The Immediate Consequence
- 9. 〜からこそ vs. 〜だけあって: The Root Cause vs. The Justified Result
- 10. 〜に違いない vs. 〜はずだ: The Certainty vs. The Expectation
1. 〜ものだ vs. 〜ことだ: The Rulebook vs. The Heart
This is a classic N2/N1 grammar pairing that trips up so many people.
On the surface, they both seem to express "it is a certain thing to do," but their underlying tones couldn't be more different.
Think of 〜ものだ (mono da) as the "rule of thumb" or the "social norm."
It's used to talk about things that are generally true, natural, or a matter of common sense.
It can also be used to express a sense of nostalgia or a deeply felt emotion.
For example, you might say, "子供のころはよくいたずらをしたものだ。" (Kodomo no koro wa yoku itazura o shita mono da.)
This means, "I used to play a lot of pranks when I was a child."
This isn't a rule; it's a reflection on a past habit, a nostalgic memory.
Another example: "人として、嘘をついてはいけないものだ。" (Hito to shite, uso o tsuite wa ikenai mono da.)
This translates to, "As a human being, one shouldn't tell lies."
This isn't a strict command; it's a statement about a general moral principle.
It’s a gentle reminder of what’s right, almost like something your grandma would say.
Now, let's look at 〜ことだ (koto da).
This one is much more direct and prescriptive.
Think of it as a piece of advice or a strong recommendation.
It’s often used in formal or instructional contexts to tell someone what they should do.
For instance, your doctor might say, "健康を保つためには、バランスの取れた食事をすることが大切だ。" (Kenkou o tamotsu tame ni wa, baransu no toreta shokuji o suru koto ga taisetsu da.)
This means, "In order to maintain your health, eating a balanced diet is important."
This is a clear, actionable piece of advice.
You can also see it in things like signs or instructions: "火災報知機が鳴ったら、まず落ち着くことだ。" (Kasai houchiki ga nattara, mazu ochitsuku koto da.)
This is a firm instruction: "When the fire alarm rings, the first thing to do is calm down."
The key takeaway? 〜ものだ is about general truths, nostalgia, and gentle observations.
〜ことだ is about specific advice, rules, and commands.
It's the difference between saying "People tend to get nervous" and "You must not get nervous."
So, the next time you're faced with these two, ask yourself: Am I reflecting on a general truth or giving a specific instruction?
2. 〜て以来 vs. 〜てから: The Long-Lasting Impact vs. The Simple Starting Point
Ah, another classic time-related pair that causes headaches!
Both 〜て以来 (te irai) and 〜てから (te kara) can be translated as "since..." or "after...," but they carry vastly different implications.
〜てから is the more straightforward of the two.
It simply marks a point in time after which an action or state occurred.
It's the grammatical equivalent of "first I did X, then I did Y."
Example: "ご飯を食べてから、映画を見に行った。" (Gohan o tabete kara, eiga o mi ni itta.)
This means, "After I ate, I went to see a movie."
It's a simple, chronological sequence of events.
The period of time between eating and watching the movie could be ten minutes or ten hours.
It doesn't imply a continuous state or a profound change.
Now, let's talk about 〜て以来.
This one is much more dramatic and impactful.
It denotes an event that happened in the past and has had a continuous, lasting effect or influence up to the present moment.
It implies a significant turning point.
Example: "あの事故に遭って以来、車に乗るのが怖くなった。" (Ano jiko ni atte irai, kuruma ni noru no ga kowaku natta.)
This means, "Since I was in that accident, I've become afraid of riding in cars."
The fear isn't just a one-time thing; it's a state that has persisted from the moment of the accident until now.
Another example: "日本に来て以来、毎日日本語の勉強をしている。" (Nihon ni kite irai, mainichi Nihongo no benkyou o shite iru.)
This means, "Since I came to Japan, I've been studying Japanese every day."
The act of studying is an ongoing state that started with the event of arriving in Japan.
So, to sum it up: use 〜てから for simple, chronological sequences.
Use 〜て以来 when an event has had a lasting and continuous impact on the present.
It's the difference between "after the party, I went home" and "since the party, I haven't seen them."
One is just a sequence, the other is a life-changing event! 😉
3. 〜らしい vs. 〜ようだ: The Rumor Mill vs. The Logical Deduction
This pair is a classic for N2 and N1 grammar, and it’s all about the source of your information.
Both are used to express that something "seems" or "appears" to be true, but the reasoning behind that conclusion is what sets them apart.
Let's start with 〜らしい (rashii).
The key word here is "hearsay."
You use 〜らしい when your conclusion is based on external information you've heard from others, read in the news, or simply observed without direct proof.
You’re not making a deduction yourself; you’re relaying information.
Example: "鈴木さん、結婚したらしいよ。" (Suzuki-san, kekkon shita rashii yo.)
This means, "I hear that Suzuki-san got married."
You've probably heard this from a friend or a coworker, but you haven't seen a wedding invitation or spoken to Suzuki-san directly.
It's a rumor, or at least unconfirmed information.
Another example: "明日は雨が降るらしい。" (Ashita wa ame ga furu rashii.)
This means, "It looks like it's going to rain tomorrow."
You're probably basing this on a weather report you saw on TV or your phone, not on your own observation of the sky right now.
So, 〜らしい is a bit like being a journalist who hasn’t verified their source yet—you’re reporting what you've heard.
Now, what about 〜ようだ (you da)?
This one is much more personal and analytical.
You use 〜ようだ when you're making a logical deduction or a conjecture based on your own direct observation or experience.
You're not repeating a rumor; you're forming an opinion based on the evidence right in front of you.
Example: Imagine you see a friend walking with their arm in a sling.
You might say, "怪我をしたようだね。" (Kega o shita you da ne.)
This means, "It seems like you got hurt."
You're not repeating a rumor; you're observing the sling and making a logical conclusion.
Another example: You walk outside and the ground is wet and there's a puddle.
You might say, "さっき雨が降ったようだ。" (Sakki ame ga futta you da.)
This means, "It seems like it rained a little while ago."
You're not checking a weather app; you're looking at the evidence on the ground and deducing what happened.
So, the key difference is: 〜らしい is for information you’ve received indirectly.
〜ようだ is for conclusions you've drawn directly from your own senses.
One is a rumor, the other is an educated guess based on evidence.
It's like the difference between saying "I heard the sky is blue" (rashii) and "The sky looks blue to me" (you da).
It's all about who did the thinking! 🤔
4. 〜にわたって vs. 〜を通じて: The Broad Scope vs. The Continuous Duration
These two expressions can both be translated as "throughout" or "over the course of," but they have slightly different focuses.
This is one of those distinctions that really separates N2 from N1, because it’s about the precision of your language.
Let's tackle 〜にわたって (ni watatte) first.
This expression emphasizes a wide range or a broad scope, whether it's in terms of time, space, or a group of people.
It’s like a panoramic view—it covers a large area without necessarily focusing on the continuous, unbroken passage of time.
Example: "3日間にわたって、祭りが開催された。" (Mikkakan ni watatte, matsuri ga kaisai sareta.)
This means, "The festival was held over a period of three days."
The key here is the duration (three days), but the focus is on the scale of the event—it wasn't just a one-day thing.
Another example: "この問題は、日本全国にわたって大きな話題になっている。" (Kono mondai wa, Nihon zenkoku ni watatte ookina wadai ni natte iru.)
This means, "This issue has become a big topic throughout all of Japan."
Here, the scope is spatial—it’s not just a local problem, but one that covers the entire country.
So, think of 〜にわたって as emphasizing the expanse or scale of something.
Now, let’s look at 〜を通じて (o tsuujite).
This one emphasizes a continuous, unbroken duration or a medium through which something happens.
It’s like a thread that runs through something from beginning to end.
Example: "一年を通じて、この地域では様々なイベントが開催される。" (Ichinen o tsuujite, kono chiiki de wa samazama na ibento ga kaisai sareru.)
This means, "Throughout the year, various events are held in this region."
The nuance here is that the events happen continuously or regularly from the beginning of the year to the end.
It's not just a three-day festival; it's a constant, year-long pattern.
Another example: "インターネットを通じて、世界中の人々とコミュニケーションを取ることができる。" (Intaanetto o tsuujite, sekaijuu no hitobito to komyunikeeshon o toru koto ga dekiru.)
This means, "You can communicate with people all over the world through the internet."
In this case, "the internet" is the medium or channel through which the action happens.
The distinction is subtle but important: 〜にわたって is about a wide range or scope.
〜を通じて is about a continuous duration or a medium.
It's the difference between "a fire spread across the entire forest" (ni watatte) and "the smoke filled the air all day long" (o tsuujite).
One is about space, the other is about time!
5. 〜ばかりに vs. 〜せいで: The Unfortunate Cause vs. The Blame Game
This is a fun one because it’s all about expressing cause and effect, but with very different emotional undertones.
Both can be translated as "because of..." or "due to..." but one is neutral and unlucky, while the other is full of blame and frustration.
Let's start with 〜せいで (sei de).
This is the classic "blame game" grammar point.
You use 〜せいで when you want to explicitly state that something bad happened because of someone or something else.
It carries a strong negative connotation and implies a feeling of resentment or frustration.
Example: "君が遅刻したせいで、会議に間に合わなかったじゃないか！" (Kimi ga chikoku shita sei de, kaigi ni ma ni awanakatta janai ka!)
This means, "It's because you were late that we didn't make it to the meeting!"
The speaker is clearly placing the blame on the other person's tardiness.
Another example: "大雨のせいで、電車が止まってしまった。" (Ooame no sei de, densha ga tomatte shimatta.)
This means, "Due to the heavy rain, the train stopped."
While you can't blame the rain itself, the use of 〜せいで frames the heavy rain as the negative cause of an undesirable outcome.
Now, let's look at 〜ばかりに (bakari ni).
This one is much more tragic and less accusatory.
You use 〜ばかりに when a small, often simple action or state leads to a disproportionately large and unfortunate consequence.
It's less about blaming and more about expressing a sense of regret or bad luck.
Example: "たった一度のミスをしたばかりに、長年の努力が水の泡になった。" (Tatta ichido no misu o shita bakari ni, naganen no doryoku ga mizu no awa ni natta.)
This means, "Just because I made one single mistake, years of effort went down the drain."
The phrase emphasizes the unfairness of the situation—one small mistake led to a huge loss.
Another example: "時間に間に合わないと焦ったばかりに、忘れ物をしてしまった。" (Jikan ni ma ni awanai to asetta bakari ni, wasuremono o shite shimatta.)
This means, "Just because I was in a hurry to be on time, I forgot something."
The focus here is on the regrettable consequence of the speaker's own action (rushing).
So, the simple breakdown is: use 〜せいで when you want to blame someone or something for a negative outcome.
Use 〜ばかりに when you're expressing regret or the unfortunate consequence of a simple action.
One is a finger-pointing phrase, and the other is a sigh of resignation.
It’s the difference between "It’s your fault we’re late!" (sei de) and "I can't believe I forgot my keys just because I was in a hurry..." (bakari ni).
6. 〜わけがない vs. 〜はずがない: The Impossibility vs. The Strong Doubt
This pair is all about certainty and logical deduction.
Both are used to say "it's impossible" or "it can't be," but their level of conviction and the basis for that conviction are what's different.
Let's look at 〜わけがない (wake ga nai) first.
This expression is an extremely strong denial or a statement of absolute impossibility.
It's used when something is fundamentally illogical or goes against a known fact or principle.
There's zero chance of it being true.
Example: "こんなに簡単に合格するわけがない。" (Konna ni kantan ni goukaku suru wake ga nai.)
This means, "There's no way I can pass this easily."
The speaker is asserting that passing easily is fundamentally impossible given the known difficulty of the exam.
Another example: "人間が空を飛べるわけがない。" (Ningen ga sora o toberu wake ga nai.)
This means, "There's no way a human can fly."
This is a statement based on a fundamental law of nature. It's a logical impossibility.
Now, let's talk about 〜はずがない (hazu ga nai).
This expression is also a strong denial, but it's based on an expectation or a strong logical deduction, rather than an absolute impossibility.
It’s like saying, "Based on everything I know, it's highly unlikely."
There’s a small, theoretical chance it could be wrong, but you’re 99.9% sure.
Example: You're waiting for a friend who is never late.
You might say, "彼が遅刻するはずがない。" (Kare ga chikoku suru hazu ga nai.)
This means, "He shouldn't be late." or "He's not supposed to be late."
Your conclusion is based on your knowledge of your friend's character and punctuality, not a fundamental law of the universe.
Another example: You see a beautiful, sunny sky in the morning, but you hear a rumble of thunder in the distance.
You might say, "こんなに晴れているのに、雨が降るはずがない。" (Konna ni harete iru no ni, ame ga furu hazu ga nai.)
This means, "It shouldn't rain when it's this sunny."
Your deduction is based on your expectation of sunny weather, even though you might be wrong about the impending storm.
The difference is this: 〜わけがない is an absolute, undeniable impossibility.
〜はずがない is a strong, logical doubt based on a reasonable expectation.
It's the difference between "That can't be a square circle" (wake ga nai) and "My car can't have a flat tire; I just checked it this morning!" (hazu ga nai).
One is a matter of fact, the other is a matter of high confidence!
7. 〜につれて vs. 〜に従って: The Natural Progression vs. The Deliberate Action
This is another fascinating pair that deals with how things change over time.
Both can be translated as "as..." or "in accordance with..." but their nuances are tied to the nature of the change—is it a natural progression or a conscious choice?
Let's start with 〜につれて (ni tsurete).
This expression is used to describe a change that happens naturally and gradually over time, where one thing changes along with another.
It often implies a cause-and-effect relationship that is a natural consequence of the passage of time or a process.
Example: "年を取るにつれて、体が弱くなる。" (Toshi o toru ni tsurete, karada ga yowaku naru.)
This means, "As you get older, your body becomes weaker."
This is a natural, unavoidable progression. No one chooses for their body to get weaker; it's a natural result of aging.
Another example: "山に登るにつれて、空気が薄くなる。" (Yama ni noboru ni tsurete, kuuki ga usuku naru.)
This means, "As you climb the mountain, the air gets thinner."
Again, this is a natural, scientific phenomenon. The change in altitude naturally causes the change in air density.
Now, let's look at 〜に従って (ni shitagatte).
This expression is also about change, but it’s often used when that change happens in accordance with a rule, an instruction, or a plan.
It implies a conscious, deliberate action or a following of a set pattern.
Example: "先生の指示に従って、作業を進めてください。" (Sensei no shiji ni shitagatte, sagyou o susumete kudasai.)
This means, "Please proceed with the work according to the teacher's instructions."
The action (proceeding) is a direct consequence of following the instructions. It’s a deliberate choice.
Another example: "計画に従って、プロジェクトを進めた。" (Keikaku ni shitagatte, purojekuto o susumeta.)
This means, "We proceeded with the project according to the plan."
The action was not a natural progression but a conscious effort to follow a pre-determined plan.
So, the simple distinction is: 〜につれて is for natural, gradual changes.
〜に従って is for changes that happen in accordance with a rule, a plan, or an instruction.
It's the difference between "as the sun sets, it gets darker" (ni tsurete) and "as the recipe says, add the sugar" (ni shitagatte).
One is a natural force, the other is a human action!
8. 〜かと思うと vs. 〜た途端: The Sudden Surprise vs. The Immediate Consequence
This pairing is all about things happening quickly and unexpectedly.
Both describe one event happening immediately after another, but they have a distinct difference in tone and focus.
Let's dive into 〜かと思うと (ka to omou to) first.
This expression is used to describe a sequence of events that happen so quickly and unexpectedly that it feels like a sudden surprise or a dramatic change of scene.
It's often used when the two events are somewhat contradictory or create a surprising contrast.
Example: "彼は部屋に入ったかと思うと、すぐにまた出て行った。" (Kare wa heya ni haitta ka to omou to, sugu ni mata dete itta.)
This means, "Just when I thought he had entered the room, he immediately left again."
The focus here is on the sudden, almost unbelievable nature of the second action. It’s a narrative device to create a sense of surprise.
Another example: "空が晴れたかと思うと、急に大雨が降り出した。" (Sora ga hareta ka to omou to, kyuu ni ooame ga furidashita.)
This means, "Just when I thought the sky had cleared up, it suddenly started to pour."
The two events—clear sky and sudden downpour—are a surprising and dramatic contrast.
Now, let's talk about 〜た途端 (ta totan).
This one is more straightforward and less dramatic. It simply means "the moment that..." or "as soon as..."
It emphasizes the immediate, direct consequence of one action on another. It's a more neutral, cause-and-effect relationship.
Example: "ドアを開けた途端、犬が飛び出してきた。" (Doa o aketa totan, inu ga tobikonde kita.)
This means, "The moment I opened the door, the dog jumped out."
The action of the dog jumping out is a direct, immediate result of the door being opened. There's no surprise or contradiction here; it's a simple, rapid sequence.
Another example: "彼女は私の顔を見た途端、泣き出した。" (Kanojo wa watashi no kao o mita totan, nakidashita.)
This means, "The moment she saw my face, she started crying."
The crying is an immediate reaction to seeing the speaker's face. It's a direct, almost reflexive consequence.
So, here’s the key: 〜かと思うと is used for surprising, almost contradictory, rapid sequences.
〜た途端 is used for simple, direct, and immediate cause-and-effect sequences.
One is a dramatic narrative choice, the other is a simple statement of fact.
It’s the difference between "he laughed, and then all of a sudden, he started crying" (ka to omou to) and "as soon as he saw the clown, he started crying" (ta totan).
9. 〜からこそ vs. 〜だけあって: The Root Cause vs. The Justified Result
This is a pair that really separates a good speaker from a great one.
Both are used to express cause and effect, but one emphasizes the fundamental reason for something, while the other emphasizes a result that is justified by a certain characteristic or effort.
Let's start with 〜からこそ (kara koso).
This expression means "precisely because..." or "it is for this very reason that..."
It's used to put a strong emphasis on the cause, highlighting it as the absolute, fundamental reason for something else.
It's often used when you're explaining a deeper, more profound reason for a situation.
Example: "辛い経験をしたからこそ、人の痛みがわかる。" (Tsurai keiken o shita kara koso, hito no itami ga wakaru.)
This means, "It is precisely because I had a painful experience that I can understand the pain of others."
The phrase emphasizes that the difficult experience is the only reason the speaker has this unique ability to empathize.
Another example: "一生懸命勉強したからこそ、合格できたんだ。" (Isshoukenmei benkyou shita kara koso, goukaku dekita n da.)
This means, "It's precisely because I studied so hard that I was able to pass."
This is a way of saying, "My hard work was the fundamental, undeniable reason for my success."
Now, let's look at 〜だけあって (dake atte).
This expression means "as one would expect from..." or "just as expected because..."
It's used when a result or outcome is entirely justified or predictable based on a preceding characteristic, effort, or reputation.
It's a way of saying, "The outcome is a fitting testament to the quality of the person or thing."
Example: "彼はプロのサッカー選手だけあって、足がとても速い。" (Kare wa puro no sakkaa senshu dake atte, ashi ga totemo hayai.)
This means, "As you would expect from a professional soccer player, his legs are very fast."
The speed is a natural, justified result of his status as a professional athlete.
Another example: "有名なレストランだけあって、料理がとても美味しい。" (Yuumei na resutoran dake atte, ryouri ga totemo oishii.)
This means, "As you'd expect from a famous restaurant, the food is very delicious."
The deliciousness of the food is a result that lives up to the restaurant's reputation.
So, the key distinction is: 〜からこそ is for highlighting the fundamental, indispensable reason for an outcome.
〜だけあって is for expressing an outcome that is a natural and justified consequence of a known quality or reputation.
It's the difference between "I succeeded because I worked hard" (kara koso) and "He's an expert, so of course he did it well" (dake atte).
10. 〜に違いない vs. 〜はずだ: The Certainty vs. The Expectation
This is another classic N1 pair, and it's all about the level of certainty and the source of your confidence.
Both are used to express that something "must be true" or "is definitely the case," but they come from different places—one from objective facts, the other from your own logical reasoning.
Let's start with 〜に違いない (ni chigainai).
This expression is used when you are absolutely certain of something, often because you have a strong piece of evidence or a logical fact that makes the conclusion unavoidable.
It's an expression of near-perfect certainty.
Example: "彼の声が聞こえた。あの声は田中さんに違いない。" (Kare no koe ga kikoeta. Ano koe wa Tanaka-san ni chigainai.)
This means, "I heard his voice. That voice must be Tanaka-san's."
The speaker is so familiar with Tanaka-san's voice that hearing it is enough to make them 100% certain of the identity.
Another example: "こんなに大きな足跡がある。熊に違いない。" (Konna ni ookina ashiato ga aru. Kuma ni chigainai.)
This means, "There are such big footprints. It must be a bear."
The large footprints are a strong, objective piece of evidence that leads to an almost undeniable conclusion.
Now, let's talk about 〜はずだ (hazu da).
This one is a little softer and more subjective.
You use 〜はずだ when you're making a conclusion based on your own knowledge, your experience, or a prior plan or expectation.
You're highly confident, but there's a small margin for error, and your confidence is based on your own logical framework.
Example: "電車はもう出発するはずだ。" (Densha wa mou shuppatsu suru hazu da.)
This means, "The train should be departing now."
Your conclusion is based on the train schedule, which you've likely seen or memorized. It's a strong expectation, but the train could still be delayed for an unexpected reason.
Another example: "彼はいつも真面目だから、ちゃんと仕事をしているはずだ。" (Kare wa itsumo majime da kara, chanto shigoto o shite iru hazu da.)
This means, "He's always serious, so he must be doing his work properly."
Your confidence is based on your personal knowledge of his character. It's a strong deduction, but you can’t see him to be 100% certain.
So, the simple distinction is: 〜に違いない is for undeniable, objective certainty, often based on a very strong piece of evidence.
〜はずだ is for a strong expectation or logical deduction based on your personal knowledge or a plan.
It's the difference between "That's a lion, I can see its mane!" (ni chigainai) and "That should be a lion; I heard them say it was in this part of the zoo!" (hazu da).
One is a fact, the other is a high-probability guess!
And there you have it!
Ten of the most challenging grammar pairings for the JLPT N2 and N1, broken down with real-world examples and a friendly, non-textbook approach.
My hope is that this guide helps you not just pass the exam, but truly understand the spirit of the Japanese language.
The beauty of these nuances is that they allow you to communicate with incredible precision and emotional depth.
Don't just memorize them; internalize them.
Practice using them in your own sentences, and listen for them when you're watching movies, reading articles, or talking with native speakers.
It’s a tough journey, but it’s an incredibly rewarding one.
Remember, every little nuance you master brings you one step closer to true fluency.
Keep up the amazing work!
Ready for More? Check Out These Amazing Resources!
If you're serious about mastering these advanced nuances, you need to be using authentic, high-quality resources.
Here are a few of my favorites that I personally used on my own JLPT journey:
Japanese Grammar, JLPT N2, JLPT N1, Advanced Japanese, Japanese Nuances
