JLPT N2 - Upper-Intermediate Japanese Grammar, Idioms & Kanji

Reading: じゅうにんといろ (juunin toiro)
Meaning: To each their own; different strokes for different folks; many men, many minds.

Reading: じがじさん (jiga jisan)
Meaning: Self-praise; blowing one's own horn.

Reading: ききいっぱつ (kiki ippatsu)
Meaning: Hair's breadth escape; critical moment; narrow escape.

Definition: Honorific language used to show respect to the listener or the person being talked about. It elevates the action of the superior.
Example: 社長がいらっしゃる。(Shachou ga irassharu. - The president is coming/going/being.)

Meaning: Along; in accordance with; following. Used to express acting or progressing according to a rule, plan, or road.
Example: 計画に沿って作業を進める。(Keikaku ni sotte sagyou wo susumeru. - Proceed with the work according to the plan.)

Meaning: Cannot (for moral, social, or logical reasons); it's not possible to. Expresses that one cannot do something due to external circumstances or personal conviction.
Example: 約束を破るわけにはいかない。(Yakusoku wo yaburu wake ni wa ikanai. - I cannot break my promise.)

Meaning: Cannot help but; have no choice but to. Expresses that one is forced to do something against their will or preference.
Example: 会社の命令なので、従わざるを得ない。(Kaisha no meirei nanode, shitagawazaru wo enai. - Since it's a company order, I have no choice but to obey.)

Meaning: Instead of; in return for; as a substitute for. Can also mean 'while' or 'on the other hand' when comparing two things.
Example 1: 私が料理を作るかわりに、彼が皿を洗う。(Watashi ga ryouri wo tsukuru kawari ni, kare ga sara wo arau. - I'll cook, and he'll wash the dishes in return.)
Example 2: このパソコンは安いかわりに、性能が低い。(Kono pasokon wa yasui kawari ni, seinou ga hikui. - This PC is cheap, but its performance is low.)