JLPT N3 patterns for time, sequence, and contrast — connecting events and ideas. · JLPT N3

• 〜とき(に) (when / at the time of)日本に住んでいたとき、よく地震を経験しました。When I was living in Japan, I often experienced earthquakes.
• 〜ところに/ところへ (just when / right at the moment)出かけようとしたところに、電話がかかってきた。Just as I was about to go out, the phone rang.
• 〜うえに (on top of / in addition to)彼は頭がいいうえに、性格もやさしい。On top of being smart, he also has a kind personality.
• 〜一方で (on one hand / meanwhile)兄は活発な一方で、弟はとても静かだ。While my older brother is energetic, my younger brother is very quiet.
• 〜反面 (on the other hand / the flip side)この仕事は給料がいい反面、ストレスも多い。This job pays well, but on the other hand it's also very stressful.
• 〜くせに (even though / despite — with reproach)彼は何も知らないくせに、いつも文句ばかり言う。Even though he doesn't know anything, he's always just complaining.
• 〜にしては (considering / for — contrary to expectation)彼は初めてにしては、料理がとても上手だ。Considering it's his first time, he cooks very well.
• 〜ながらも (even though / although)貧しいながらも、彼らは幸せに暮らしている。Even though they are poor, they live happily.
• 〜つつ (while / although — formal)体に悪いと知りつつ、つい甘い物を食べてしまう。Even though I know it's bad for my health, I end up eating sweets.
• 〜かわりに (instead of / in exchange for)今日は忙しいので、私のかわりに彼が会議に出ます。Since I'm busy today, he will attend the meeting instead of me.
• 〜あいだに (during / while — within a period)母が出かけているあいだに、部屋を掃除した。While my mother was out, I cleaned the room.
• 〜あいだ (throughout / the whole time)夏休みのあいだ、ずっと田舎に滞在していた。Throughout the summer vacation, I stayed in the countryside.
• 〜とともに (along with / at the same time as)年をとるとともに、記憶力が弱くなってきた。As I get older, my memory has been getting weaker.
• 〜次第 (as soon as — formal)会議が終わり次第、ご連絡いたします。I will contact you as soon as the meeting is over.
• 〜かと思うと (no sooner than / just when)赤ちゃんは泣いたかと思うと、すぐに笑い出した。No sooner had the baby started crying than it began to laugh.
• 〜ついでに (while at it / on the same occasion)買い物に行くついでに、手紙を出してきます。While I'm out shopping, I'll mail the letter too.