JLPT Cracking the Code: Master Japanese Transitive and Intransitive Verbs for N4/N5 Success 🎯

Mastering transitive and intransitive verbs is essential for passing the JLPT N4/N5 and leveling up your Japanese. These tricky verbs can confuse even dedicated learners, but fear not—today, we’ll break it down step by step, add speaking practice, and get you ready to ace your JLPT exam!

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Understanding を (wo) and が (ga): The Key to Success 🗝️

Before diving into transitive and intransitive verbs, you must understand the difference between を and が, two critical particles in Japanese grammar:

• を: Marks the direct object of a transitive verb (something that receives the action).
  • Example: 本を読む。(Hon wo yomu – “I read a book.”)
• が: Often marks the subject of an intransitive verb (something or someone performing an action on their own).
  • Example: ドアが開く。(Doa ga aku – “The door opens.”)

In short:

• If the action happens to something → Use を.
• If something happens by itself → Use が.

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What Are Transitive and Intransitive Verbs? 🤔

• Transitive Verbs (他動詞, tadoushi): These verbs act on an object. They require a direct object marked by を.
  • Example: 電気をつける (Denki wo tsukeru – “I turn on the light.”)
• Intransitive Verbs (自動詞, jidoushi): These verbs describe actions happening by themselves. The subject is often marked by が.
  • Example: 電気がつく (Denki ga tsuku – “The light turns on.”)

The key is understanding who or what controls the action!

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Let’s Practice: Speaking Sections 🎧

Listen to the following short dialogues and decide: Is the verb transitive or intransitive? After each script, the answer will be provided. Pay attention to the use of を and が!

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1. Listening Practice: Opening the Door 🚪

A: ドアが開いたね。

Translation:
A: “The door opened, huh?”

Did you catch it? 🤔
ドアが開いた (Doa ga aita): Intransitive (The door opens by itself).

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B: うん。誰が開けたのかな？

B: “Yeah. I wonder who opened it?”

Did you catch it? 🤔

• 開けた (Aketa): Transitive (Someone opened it).

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2. Listening Practice: Turning On the Lights 💡

A: 電気をつけてくれる？

Translation:
A: “Can you turn on the light?”

Did you catch it? 🤔
電気をつける (Denki wo tsukeru): Transitive (Someone turns on the light).

B: 電気がついてるよ！

Translation:B:
“The light turned on by itself!”

Did you catch it? 🤔

電気がつく (Denki ga tsuku): Intransitive (The light turns on by itself).

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3. Listening Practice: Breaking a Cup ☕

A: カップが割れた！

Translation:
A: “The cup broke!”

Did you catch it? 🤔

カップが割れた (Kappu ga wareta): Intransitive (The cup broke on its own).

B: え、誰かカップを割ったの？

Translation:
B: “Wait, did someone break the cup?”

Did you catch it? 🤔

• カップを割る (Kappu wo waru): Transitive (Someone broke the cup).

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4. Listening Practice: Starting a Movie 🎥

A: 映画を始めよう！

Translation:
A: “Let’s start the movie!”

Did you catch it? 🤔

映画を始める (Eiga wo hajimeru): Transitive (Someone starts the movie).

B: もう始まってるよ！

Translation:
B: “It’s already started!”

Did you catch it? 🤔

• 始まる (Hajimaru): Intransitive (The movie starts by itself).

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5. Listening Practice: Dropping the Phone 📱

A: 携帯を落としたの？

Translation:
A: “Did you drop your phone?”

Did you catch it? 🤔

携帯を落とす (Keitai wo otosu): Transitive (Someone drops the phone).

B: いや、勝手に落ちたんだよ！

Translation:
B: “No, it fell on its own!”

Did you catch it? 🤔

• 携帯が落ちる (Keitai ga ochiru): Intransitive (The phone falls by itself).

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Key Takeaways 📝

• Transitive verbs require an object (marked by を).
• Intransitive verbs happen by themselves (subject marked by が).
• Practice listening for clues like を and が to determine the verb type!

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Ready to Level Up? 🚀

Now that you’ve cracked the basics of transitive and intransitive verbs, practice these dialogues repeatedly to train your ear. Mastery of this grammar point will give you confidence for the JLPT N4/N5 and help you sound more natural in conversations.

Stay hungry for knowledge with PekoPeko—your guide to fun, effective Japanese learning. 📚✨

日本語の勉強、頑張ってね！ 🎌