Introduction
Pre-Intermediate (B1) is the top of the conversational course, where situations become longer and more formal. These 8 can-do lessons (CEFR B1) cover telling episodes, giving opinions, business keigo, describing problems, comparing cultures, decisions, formal procedures and short speeches — each card pairs the can-do conversation with its grammar.
What you will learn
- Telling a story: 〜たら, 〜たところ, 〜てくる
- Giving opinions: 〜のではないでしょうか, 〜し, たしかに〜が
- Business keigo: 尊敬語, 謙譲語, 〜させていただきます
- Describing problems with the passive (受身) and 〜のに
- Comparing cultures: 〜によって, 〜のに対して, 〜という
- Decisions and the future: 〜ことにする, 〜ことになる
- Procedures and speeches: 〜場合は, 〜おかげで, 〜ようになる
Who this level is for
Best for learners who have finished the A2 stage and want B1 Japanese for work, opinions and formal situations — the bridge into JLPT N3.
A weekly routine for Pre-Intermediate
- Read the can-do goal — telling an episode, giving an opinion, business keigo.
- Study the supporting grammar (passive, 〜のではないでしょうか, 尊敬語・謙譲語).
- Speak a longer turn from the model — aim for two or three connected sentences.
- Rebuild it with your own content, keeping the polite register consistent.
- Reflect weekly on what you can now do that you couldn't a month ago.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Slipping out of keigo mid-conversation in business situations.
- Confusing 尊敬語 (raise the other) with 謙譲語 (lower yourself).
- Using の対して for contrast where による (depending on) is meant.
- Forgetting the suffering passive (足を踏まれた) for inconveniences.
Related study materials
Build a joined-up study cycle by combining this page with the matching Pre-Intermediate (B1) grammar guide, the Pre-Intermediate (B1) Japanese word list
Frequently asked questions
What level is Pre-Intermediate (B1)?
CEFR B1 — it overlaps the JLPT N4–N3 range and focuses on opinions, workplace keigo and formal procedures.
Why add a Pre-Intermediate section to the site?
To complete the A1–B1 ladder (Starter → Elementary 1 → Elementary 2 → Pre-Intermediate) so daily-life Japanese runs all the way to B1.
Do I need business keigo for this level?
Yes — Lesson 3 covers 尊敬語, 謙譲語 and 〜させていただきます for real business situations.
Can I study this with JLPT N3?
Yes — Pre-Intermediate gives the spoken and situational side of the grammar the N3 guide tests.
What comes after the conversational track?
Move fully into the JLPT track — the N3 then N2 grammar guides on this site.