JLPT N1 Grammar Examples: 〜にとどまらず, 〜をふまえて, 〜なくしては
Learn how JLPT N1 grammar is used to talk about technology, society, and the future in Japanese. This guide introduces three useful N1 grammar patterns: 〜にとどまらず, 〜をふまえて, and 〜なくしては.
- Learn advanced JLPT N1 grammar meanings
- Practice expressing opinions about society and technology in Japanese

〜にとどまらず: Meaning and Examples
One useful N1 pattern is 〜にとどまらず (ni todomarazu). It means “not limited to...” or “not only...”. This expression is used when an influence, change, or situation goes beyond one area and spreads further.
Simple Way to Say It
AIやロボットの活用は、工場だけでなく、医療や教育の分野にも広がり始めています。
The use of AI and robots is beginning to spread not only to factories, but also to fields such as medicine and education.
N1 Way to Explain It
AIやロボットの活用は、工場にとどまらず、医療や教育の分野にも広がり始めています。
The use of AI and robots is not limited to factories; it is beginning to spread to fields such as medicine and education.
Notice: “だけでなく” simply adds another example. 〜にとどまらず adds a more formal and analytical tone. It is useful when the speaker wants to show that the influence or effect is wider than expected.
Conversation Example 1
A: 最近、ロボットやAIのニュースをよく見ますね。
B: そうですね。今は工場での利用にとどまらず、介護や医療、教育などにも広がりつつあります。
A: たしかに、生活に近いところでも使われるようになってきましたね。
A: Recently, I often see news about robots and AI.
B: Yes. Their use is no longer limited to factories; it is gradually spreading to fields such as caregiving, medicine, and education.
A: That is true. They are beginning to be used in areas closer to our daily lives.
Conversation Example 2
A: 自動運転がさらに広がったら、私たちの社会はどのように変わると思いますか。
B: 移動手段の変化にとどまらず、物流や地方の暮らしにも大きな影響があると思います。特に地方では、車を運転できない人の生活を支える手段になるかもしれません。
A: If self-driving technology spreads further, how do you think our society will change?
B: I think the impact will not be limited to changes in everyday transportation. It will also greatly affect logistics, life in rural areas. Especially in rural areas, it may become a way to support people who cannot drive.
〜をふまえて: Meaning and Examples
Another useful N1 pattern is 〜をふまえて (o fumaete). It means “based on...” or “taking ... into account.” This expression is often used when you make a decision, give an opinion, or explain an idea based on facts, background, experience, or social conditions.
Simple Way to Say It
人手不足を考えると、今後はロボットの活用を検討する必要があります。
When we think about labor shortages, we need to consider using robots in the future.
N1 Way to Explain It
人手不足をふまえて、今後はロボットの活用を検討する必要があります。
Taking labor shortages into account, we need to consider using robots in the future.
Notice: “〜を考えると” is a simple way to say “when we think about...” 〜をふまえて sounds more formal and shows that the speaker is using facts, background, or current conditions as the basis for an opinion or decision.
Conversation Example 1
A: 介護の現場では、ロボットの導入が進んでいるそうですね。
B: はい。深刻な人手不足をふまえて、ロボットの導入は今後さらに必要になると思います。ただ、人との関わりをどう残すかも大切だと思います。
A: たしかに、便利さと人間らしさのバランスが大切ですね。
A: I hear that robots are being introduced in caregiving settings.
B: Yes. Taking the serious labor shortage into account, I think the introduction of robots will become even more necessary. However, I also think it is important to consider how to preserve human connection.
A: That is true. The balance between convenience and human warmth is important.
Conversation Example 2
A: 日本で自動運転が注目されているのは、なぜだと思いますか。
B: 高齢化が進む状況をふまえて、高齢者が安心して移動できる手段として期待されているのだと思います。
A: Why do you think self-driving technology is attracting attention in Japan?
B: Taking into account the situation of an aging society, I think it is expected to become a way for older adults to travel safely and independently.
〜なくしては: Meaning and Examples
Another useful N1 pattern is 〜なくしては (nakushite wa). It means “without...” or “without ... it is impossible to...”. This expression is used to say that something is absolutely necessary for another thing to happen.
Simple Way to Say It
人間の判断がなければ、AIやロボットを安全に活用することはできません。
Without human judgment, we cannot use AI and robots safely.
N1 Way to Explain It
人間の判断なくしては、AIやロボットを安全に活用することはできません。
Without human judgment, AI and robots cannot be used safely.
Notice: “〜がなければ” is a simple way to say “without...” 〜なくしては sounds stronger and more formal. It emphasizes that something is essential and that the result cannot happen without it.
Conversation Example 1
A: AIがもっと発展したら、人間の判断はあまり必要なくなるのでしょうか。
B: そうとは言えないと思います。どれほど技術が進んでも、人間の判断なくしては、安全で信頼できる社会は作れません。
A: たしかに、最後に責任を持つのは人間ですよね。
A: If AI develops further, will human judgment become less necessary?
B: I do not think we can say that. No matter how advanced technology becomes, without human judgment, we cannot create a safe and trustworthy society.
A: That is true. In the end, humans are the ones who bear responsibility.
Conversation Example 2
A: 自動運転は、もうすぐ普及するのでしょうか。
B: しっかりした安全基準や法律なくしては、広く普及することは難しいと思います。
A: Do you think self-driving technology will become common soon?
B: Without clear safety standards and laws, I think it will be difficult for it to become widely adopted.
JLPT N1 Grammar Meaning Summary
Here is a quick review of the meaning of the three JLPT N1 grammar patterns introduced in this guide.
〜にとどまらず (ni todomarazu) means “not limited to...” or “not only...”. It is used when an influence, change, or situation goes beyond one area.
〜をふまえて (o fumaete) means “based on...” or “taking ... into account.” It is used when you explain an opinion or decision based on facts, background, or experience.
〜なくしては (nakushite wa) means “without...” or “without ... it is impossible to...”. It is used when something is essential for another thing to happen.
Practice N1 Grammar with Japonin Teachers
At Japonin, advanced learners study JLPT N1 grammar step by step with professional Japanese teachers. N1 grammar is often used in essays, news, opinion writing, workplace communication, and discussions about society.
In lessons, a teacher can help you understand not only the meaning of each grammar pattern, but also the nuance, formality, and situation where it sounds natural.
If you would like to study N1 grammar in a structured way, Japonin’s JLPT N1 grammar lessons can help you review advanced grammar and practice using it in natural contexts.
Meet Our Japanese Teachers
Japonin teachers are experienced Japanese-language professionals who help advanced learners understand N1 grammar patterns and practice using them naturally in real communication.
YAMAMOTO Hiroshi
- 10+ years of total teaching experience
- Passed the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test
YOKOZUKA Noriko
- 21+ years of total teaching experience
- Completed Japanese teacher training while in graduate school
HAYASHI Ayumi
- 13+ years of total teaching experience
- Registered Japanese Language Teacher
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