Book

A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar

📖 Overview

A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar serves as a comprehensive reference guide for Japanese language learners who have progressed beyond basic grammatical concepts. The book contains detailed explanations of intermediate-level grammar points, organized alphabetically for ease of use. Each grammar entry includes the meaning, formation rules, and example sentences in both Japanese and English. The examples demonstrate proper usage in multiple contexts and highlight important nuances between similar grammatical structures. The volume functions as part of a three-book series alongside the basic and advanced grammar dictionaries. Clear indexes and cross-references enable students to locate related grammar points and build connections between different linguistic concepts. This systematic approach to Japanese grammar instruction reflects the complex relationship between language structure and cultural communication patterns. The dictionary format allows learners to understand grammar not just as isolated rules, but as an interconnected system that shapes how ideas are expressed in Japanese.

👀 Reviews

Most readers use this book as a reference guide rather than reading it cover-to-cover. Students appreciate the detailed explanations, example sentences, and nuanced distinctions between similar grammar patterns. Likes: - Clear structure with related grammar points grouped together - Multiple example sentences show different contexts - Explanations include cultural/social factors affecting usage - Cross-references help connect related concepts Dislikes: - Dense academic writing style can be hard to parse - Index could be more comprehensive - Some explanations too theoretical for self-study - Print size is small - Price point ($50+) is high for many students Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (156 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (89 ratings) Several reviewers note it's most useful for JLPT N2/N1 preparation. One Amazon reviewer called it "indispensable but intimidating." Multiple readers mentioned needing to supplement with simpler resources for initial learning before being able to fully utilize this book.

📚 Similar books

A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar by Seiichi Makino, Michio Tsutsui Serves as the foundational companion volume to the Intermediate dictionary with the same systematic approach to grammatical concepts.

All About Particles by Naoko Chino Details the usage patterns of Japanese particles through clear categorizations and authentic examples.

Making Sense of Japanese Grammar by Zeljko Cipris and Shoko Hamano Presents grammatical concepts through a linguistic framework that connects patterns and structures to their underlying logic.

A Handbook of Japanese Grammar Patterns for Teachers and Learners by Group Jamashii Catalogs over 3000 grammar patterns with detailed explanations of their usage and nuances in different contexts.

Essential Japanese Grammar by Masahiro Tanimori, Eriko Sato Breaks down complex grammatical concepts into discrete units with example sentences that demonstrate practical usage.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔷 A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar is part of a three-book series, with companion volumes for basic and advanced grammar, forming one of the most comprehensive Japanese grammar resources available in English. 🔷 Author Seiichi Makino is Professor Emeritus at Princeton University and has dedicated over 40 years to teaching Japanese language and linguistics in American universities. 🔷 The dictionary contains over 200 grammar points, each explained through multiple example sentences with detailed English translations and notes on nuance and context. 🔷 Unlike traditional grammar books, it uses real-life examples from contemporary Japanese media, literature, and everyday conversations rather than artificially constructed sentences. 🔷 The series has become a standard reference in Japanese language programs worldwide and is particularly noted for its clear explanations of subtle differences between similar grammatical patterns.