JLPT N3 Grammar: Points Bangladeshi Students Get Wrong Most Often

Are you preparing for JLPT N3? Many Bangladeshi students tell me, “I can handle the vocabulary and kanji, but N3 grammar goes over my head.” I struggled with the same thing. Actually, N3 is not as hard as N2 or N1, but certain grammar points are naturally confusing for Bangla speakers. Let's break them down.

1. 〜そうだ vs 〜ようだ vs 〜らしい — Which one when?

This is the biggest headache. Remember:

• 〜そうだ (looks like): based on visual info. E.g., 雨が降りそうだ (It looks like rain) — you see the clouds.
• 〜ようだ (seems like): based on other senses or situation. E.g., 誰か来たようだ (Someone seems to have come) — you hear a door.
• 〜らしい (I hear that): based on hearsay or general knowledge. E.g., 彼は学生らしい (I heard he's a student) — not sure, but heard.

Bangladeshi students often use “〜そうだ” where “〜らしい” is correct. Practice by making three sentences daily.

2. 〜てある vs 〜ておく — Preparation vs Result

These two are frequently mixed up.

• 〜てある: something was done intentionally and the result remains. E.g., 窓が開けてある (The window has been left open).
• 〜ておく: do something in advance for the future. E.g., 窓を開けておく (I'll open the window in advance).

Tip: “〜てある” implies “someone did it and it's still that way,” while “〜ておく” implies “I'll do it for later.” Compare: 宿題をしてある (homework is done) vs 宿題をしておく (I'll do homework ahead).

3. 〜ながら vs 〜つつ — Doing two things

Both mean “while doing,” but differ in nuance.

• 〜ながら: common, everyday. E.g., 音楽を聞きながら勉強する (study while listening to music).
• 〜つつ: more formal or literary, often implies contrast. E.g., 悪いと知りつつも、嘘をついた (I lied, knowing it was wrong).

In N3, “〜つつ” is rare but appears in tests. Usually, just use “〜ながら,” but if you see “〜つつ,” think formal or contradictory.

4. 〜ばかり vs 〜ところ — “Just” done

Both mean “just did something,” but with nuance.

• 〜たばかり: emphasizes short time since action. E.g., 食べたばかりです (I just ate — still full).
• 〜たところ: emphasizes completion, often followed by another event. E.g., 食べたところです (I have just finished eating — now free).

The difference is subtle. “〜たばかり” stresses recency; “〜たところ” stresses completion. In tests, “〜たところ” often pairs with “今” or “さっき”.

5. 〜させる (causative) vs 〜させられる (causative-passive)

Causative means “make someone do,” causative-passive means “be made to do (unwillingly).”

• 〜させる: 先生は生徒に宿題をさせた (The teacher made the student do homework).
• 〜させられる: 私は先生に宿題をさせられた (I was made to do homework by the teacher — I didn't want to).

Bangladeshi students avoid “〜させられる,” but it's common in N3. Use it when the subject is unwilling.

How to practice?

Spend 15 minutes daily:

• Find 2-3 sentences using these grammar points from Shinkansen Master or NHK Web Easy.
• Make 5 original sentences for each point from your daily life.
• Keep a notebook of your mistakes — see patterns.

Mistakes are normal. With awareness and regular practice, N3 grammar won't hold you back. Remember, learning Japanese is a journey — advance little by little every day.

For more info, check: JLPT exam dates and deadlines and visa requirements.