JLPT N4 grammar
Combining helper verbs — Meaning & Examples
These patterns (みる, おく, ばかり) layer onto any verb, dramatically increasing your expressive range without learning new verbs.
Practise Combining helper verbs in the free app
This point is part of the “Trying, Doing for Practice, and Just Did” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N4 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N4 grammar points
From the same lesson: Trying, Doing for Practice, and Just Did
Frequently asked questions
What does Combining helper verbs mean?
These patterns (みる, おく, ばかり) layer onto any verb, dramatically increasing your expressive range without learning new verbs.
Is Combining helper verbs on the JLPT N4 test?
Combining helper verbs is taught in the JLPT N4 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “Trying, Doing for Practice, and Just Did”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise Combining helper verbs?
Open the “Trying, Doing for Practice, and Just Did” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N4 mock exams, with no ads.