[JLPT N2 Grammar Masterclass] 〜にかけては: Expressing Unmatched Excellence & Comparative Breakdown

Welcome, dedicated JLPT N2 candidates! Mastering subtle grammar nuances is the single most effective way to secure high marks on test day. Among the high-frequency grammar patterns on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, 「〜にかけては」 stands out as an essential target. Because JLPT examiners love testing your understanding of contextual limitations, specific sentence endings, and subtle particle swaps, failing to recognize its rigid constraints can easily cost you simple points.

Core Lesson Theme: The grammar pattern 「〜にかけては」 is used exclusively to express top-tier skill, confidence, or unmatched superiority in a specific field, knowledge area, or technique.

While primarily categorized as a core JLPT N2 pattern, learners should note that some prep materials list it alongside N3 structures because it builds directly upon the N3 spatial and temporal foundation pattern 「〜から…にかけて」.

Exam Strategy Insight: In the JLPT grammar section, test-writers intentionally place grammatically similar distractors—such as the solemn pledge pattern 「〜にかけても」 or the neutral domain marker 「〜において」—in the option choices. They do this to verify whether you can distinguish between a speaker subjectively boasting of unmatched excellence, swearing a grave oath, or stating a neutral fact.

Let’s begin by examining the core mechanics, structural formula, and connection rules of this pattern.

Section 2: Core Meaning & Connection Rules (Formation)

The grammar point 「〜にかけては」 translates naturally to “When it comes to [a specific skill/field], (subject) is second to none / the absolute best / extremely confident.” It marks a specific domain of expertise in Clause A and asserts top-tier capability or unrivaled standing in Clause B.

Register & Formality Note: 「〜にかけては」 is primarily a formal or written expression (** 書(か)き 言葉(ことば)** / ** 硬(かた)い 表現(ひょうげん)**). While native speakers frequently use it in formal speeches, presentations, and prose, they generally default to the standard conversational pattern 「〜については」 in casual, everyday spoken Japanese.

To attach this pattern correctly in a sentence, refer to the connection formulas outlined in the table below:

Grammar Category	Connection Rule	Example Formula with Furigana
** 名詞(めいし) (Noun)**	名詞(めいし) ＋ にかけては	足(あし)の 速(はや)さにかけては
** 動詞辞書形(どうしじしょけい) (Verb Dictionary Form)**	動詞辞書形(どうしじしょけい) ＋ ことにかけては	料理(りょうり)を 作(つく)ることにかけては
** 形容詞(けいようし) (Nominalized -さ Adjective)**	形容詞語幹(けいようしごかん) ＋ さ ＋ にかけては	安(やす)さにかけては
** 名詞修飾形(めいししゅうしょくけい) (Noun-Modifying Form)**	名詞(めいし) ＋ にかけての ＋ 名詞(めいし)	技術(ぎじゅつ)にかけての 専門家(せんもんか)

Note: When modifying a following noun directly, change the particle from 「は」 to 「の」 to form 「〜にかけての ＋ Noun」.

Now that you understand its visual structure, let’s explore the strict contextual constraints that govern how this pattern functions in authentic Japanese sentences.

Section 3: Strict Constraints & Must-Know Collocations

Understanding the three rigid rules governing both clauses of a 「〜にかけては」 sentence is crucial for passing the N2 exam:

1. Clause A Constraints (Acquired Specialty): Clause A must represent an acquired skill, talent, technical field, knowledge base, or developed feature (e.g., cooking, running speed, anime knowledge, product performance). It cannot be applied to unearned physical traits or non-skill personal attributes like height or age.
2. Clause B Constraints (Supreme Praise): Clause B must convey top-tier praise, high evaluation, absolute confidence, or top-level superiority. It is strictly limited to positive, celebratory, or proud evaluations.
3. Subjective Pride vs. Objective Fact Rule: 「〜にかけては」 cannot be used to state a simple objective geographical, physical, or encyclopedic fact unless the speaker is subjectively boasting or taking pride in it (e.g., 「△ 北海道(ほっかいどう)は 雪(ゆき)の 多(おお)さにかけては 日本一(にほんいち)だ」 is natural only if the speaker is taking personal or regional pride in that fact, not as a neutral statistical statement).

Because Clause B requires expressions of top-tier excellence, JLPT questions frequently feature specific set phrases. You should memorize these high-frequency collocations:

• 「 誰(だれ)にも 負(ま)けない」 (Second to none / Will not lose to anyone)
• 「 一番(いちばん)だ」 (The very best / Number one)
• 「 自信(じしん)がある」 (Full of confidence)
• 「 右(みぎ)に 出(で)る 者(もの)はいない」 (Unrivaled / Nobody can top them)
• 「 優(すぐ)れている」 (Outstanding / Superior)
• 「 プロ 並(な)みだ / スペシャリストだ / 天才的(てんさいてき)だ」 (Pro-level / A specialist / Genius-level)

To see these structural rules and collocations in action, let’s examine realistic conversational and written scenarios.

Section 4: Practical Scenarios & Authentic Examples

Here are three authentic scenarios demonstrating how 「〜にかけては」 is applied in natural Japanese:

Scenario 1: Boasting / Stating One’s Strongest Skill

Used when expressing personal pride or unmatched confidence in a personal specialty.

• アニメの 知識(ちしき)にかけては、 誰(だれ)にも 負(ま)けません。 (When it comes to knowledge of anime, I will not lose to anyone.) Pedagogical Note: Clause A highlights an acquired knowledge domain (アニメの知識), directly satisfying Clause A rules, while Clause B uses the classic collocation 「誰にも負けない」.

Scenario 2: Praising Someone’s Exceptional Expertise

Used to compliment another person’s top-tier ability or unrivaled talent.

• ピアノの 演奏(えんそう)にかけては、 彼(かれ)の 右(みぎ)に 出(で)る 者(もの)はいない。 (When it comes to playing the piano, nobody can top him.) Pedagogical Note: Clause A marks a developed artistic skill (ピアノの演奏), and Clause B uses the formal N2 idiomatic phrase 「右に出る者はいない」 (unrivaled).

Scenario 3: Highlighting a Product’s or Shop’s Distinct Advantage

Used when evaluating items, companies, or commercial features rather than people.

• この 店(みせ)は、 商品(しょうひん)の 安(やす)さにかけては 地域(ちいき)で 一番(いちばん)だ。 (When it comes to the cheapness of products, this shop is number one in the region.) Pedagogical Note: Clause A uses 「安さ」 (an adjective stem nominalized with -さ), which is grammatically valid because product affordability represents a competitive commercial strength being proudly highlighted.

Now that you are familiar with its practical applications, let’s analyze how 「〜にかけては」 differs from similar grammar patterns that frequently appear on the JLPT.

Section 5: Deep-Dive Grammar Comparison for JLPT

On exam day, distractors often attempt to confuse 「〜にかけては」 with other N2/N3 structural patterns. Review the comparative table below to solidify your understanding:

Grammar Point	Core Function	Tone/Nuance	Key Usage Difference / Exam Trap Insight
「〜にかけては」	Highlights unrivaled excellence or confidence in a specific skill/domain.	Expresses praise, boasting, or top-tier evaluation.	Clause B must contain supreme positive evaluation (e.g., number one, unmatched).
「〜にかけても」	Expresses a solemn vow, oath, or pledge on one’s pride, honor, or life.	Resolute, grave, highly emotional pledge.	Swaps 「は」 for 「も」. Used with terms like 「 プライド(ぷらいど)」, 「 警察(けいさつ)の 威信(いしん)」, or 「 命(いのち)」 followed by an unwavering commitment (e.g., 「 負(ま)けられない」, 「 必ず(かならず) 捕(つか)まえる」).
「〜において（は）」	Marks a location, era, setting, or domain neutrally (“in / at”).	Formal, objective, neutral.	States an action or situation within a domain neutrally without requiring a boastful or top-tier evaluation.
「〜に関して（は）」	Neutrally introduces a topic of discussion (“regarding / concerning”).	Neutral, informative.	Introduces a topic objectively; does not require an evaluation of superiority or unrivaled skill.
「〜から…にかけて（は）」	Indicates a vague temporal or spatial range (“from… through…”).	Objective description of range.	Expresses physical/temporal span between two points; completely unrelated to skill or boasting.

Analytical Takeaways & Exam Traps:

• Trap 1 (〜にかけては vs. 〜にかけても): If the noun represents personal honor or life (e.g., プライド, 警察の威信, 命) and the sentence expresses a sworn commitment (“I will catch the suspect at all costs”), select 「〜にかけても」. If the noun is a skill and the sentence states “I am number one,” select 「〜にかけては」.
• Trap 2 (〜にかけては vs. 〜において): If a sentence merely states where an event occurs or evaluates a domain without boasting (e.g., “Labor shortages in the tech industry”), use 「〜において（は）」.
• Trap 3 (〜にかけては vs. 〜に関して): If a sentence introduces a topic neutrally (e.g., “We are investigating the cause”), use 「〜に関して（は）」.

To ensure you don’t fall for tricky exam traps, let’s examine the most common mistakes learners make with this grammar point.

Section 6: Common Pitfalls & Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these major errors commonly made by international students:

Pitfall 1: Using Negative or Inferior Evaluations

The pattern 「〜にかけては」 cannot be followed by a negative outcome, poor evaluation, or statement of weakness.

• × Incorrect: 数学(すうがく)にかけては、 一番(いちばん) 下手(へた)だ。
• ◯ Correct: 数学(すうがく)にかけては、 誰(だれ)にも 負(ま)けない。
• Explanation: Because 「〜にかけては」 inherently conveys praise or high capability, ending the sentence with 「一番下手だ」 (the worst) creates a grammatical contradiction.

Pitfall 2: Applying to Uncontrollable Physical Traits

You cannot use 「〜にかけては」 with uncontrollable physical traits or non-skill qualities like height or age.

• × Incorrect: 彼(かれ)は 背(せ)の 高(たか)さにかけては 家族(かぞく)で 一番(いちばん)だ。
• ◯ Correct: 彼(かれ)は 話(はなし)の 面白(おしいろ)さにかけては 家族(かぞく)で 一番(いちばん)だ。
• Explanation: Height (背の高さ) and age (年齢) are fixed physical attributes, not developed skills, knowledge areas, or talents.

Pitfall 3: Stating Objective Facts Without Pride

You cannot use 「〜にかけては」 to state a completely neutral statistical fact.

• × Incorrect: 北海道(ほっかいどう)は 雪(ゆき)の 多(おお)さにかけては 日本一(にほんいち)だ。（※ As an encyclopedic fact）
• ◯ Correct: 北海道(ほっかいどう)は 雪(ゆき)の 多(おお)さにかけては 日本一(にほんいち)だと 自慢(じまん)できる。
• Explanation: Without a nuance of pride or self-praise, simple facts require neutral expressions like 「〜において」 or 「〜では」.

Now, let’s test your knowledge with a quick practice quiz modeled after official JLPT questions.

Section 7: JLPT Practice Quiz (Quick Check)

Try answering these two standard JLPT N2 grammar questions:

Section 8: Conclusion & Study Summary

Mastering 「〜にかけては」 is straightforward once you memorize its key rules:

• Grammar Formula: 名詞(めいし) / 動詞辞書形(どうしじしょけい) ＋ こと ＋ にかけては
• Core Meaning: “When it comes to [Skill A], (Subject) is the best / top-tier.”
• Mandatory Rule: Clause A must be an acquired skill, technique, or knowledge area. Clause B must express top praise (e.g., 一番だ, 誰にも負けない, 右に出る者はいない, プロ並みだ).
• Distractor Checklist: Don’t confuse with 「〜にかけても」 (pledging on honor/life) or 「〜において（は）」 (neutral domain setting).

Keep these rules in mind, continue practicing, and you will easily score full points when this pattern appears on your JLPT exam. Good luck with your Japanese studies!