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A Dictionary of Japanese Grammar (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced)

The Best Reference Books for Japanese Grammar


If there's one set of reference books you need on your Japanese language learning journey, it's the Dictionaries of Japanese Grammar. In a series of three volumes — Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced — these grammar dictionaries will confidently meet your Japanese grammar needs, whether you're studying for the JLPT or just trying to make sense of your favorite anime or manga.

Each book lays out grammar points alphabetically in English, making it incredibly easy to look up and learn from. Every entry includes:

  • Clear English explanations

  • Grammar formulas and patterns

  • Multiple example sentences

  • Notes on similar or related expressions

  • Register and nuance (formal/casual, spoken/written, etc.)

One of the best features is how contextual the examples are. Instead of giving just one sentence, each grammar point is demonstrated across several different contexts, with concise notes explaining the subtle shifts in nuance. This is a goldmine for learners trying to sound more natural in conversation — or pass those pesky JLPT reading sections.

What Makes This Series Stand Out?

✅ Learner-friendly design: Whether you're a beginner (N5–N4), an intermediate learner (N3–N2), or tackling advanced materials (N1), there's a volume that matches your level.

✅ Thorough yet concise: The explanations are deep enough to answer your questions, but never overwhelming.

✅ Ideal for self-study or as a classroom companion: Great for reviewing grammar you've encountered in textbooks like Genki, Minna no Nihongo, or Tobira.

✅ Perfect for exam prep: Many JLPT candidates use these dictionaries as their go-to resource when preparing for grammar sections.

Inside the Book: What You’ll See

Here are some images from A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar, showcasing the layout and clarity of the entries. You’ll notice:

  • Grammar title and structure

  • Detailed usage notes

  • Authentic example sentences

  • Cross-references to related grammar

Who Should Buy These?

These books are ideal for:

  • Learners who are self-studying Japanese and need a reliable reference

  • Students preparing for the JLPT N5 through N1

  • People living in Japan or planning to move who want to communicate more naturally

  • Fans of Japanese media who want to understand native-level grammar and nuance

  • Teachers looking for reliable explanations to support learners

Final Thoughts

While there are many grammar books out there, few manage to combine depth, clarity, and usability like this series. The Dictionaries of Japanese Grammar have been a core part of my Japanese learning toolkit for years — and I still refer back to them. If you're serious about progressing in Japanese, I can't recommend them enough.

📚 Grab Your Copies Here (Amazon Affiliate Links)

Here are direct links to each book in the series. Buying through these helps support the blog at no extra cost to you — thank you!

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