N5 Grammar

Master essential Japanese grammar patterns with comprehensive explanations and practical examples

Complete N5 Grammar Guide

Grammar Points

Categories

150

Examples

100%

N5 Coverage

From basic particles to verb conjugations, master all essential grammar patterns needed for JLPT N5 and everyday Japanese communication.

は (wa) - Topic Particle

Marks the topic of a sentence. What the sentence is about.

Particles

Structure:

[Topic] は [Comment]

Examples:

私は学生です。

Watashi wa gakusei desu.

I am a student.

Breakdown: 私 (watashi) = I, は (wa) = topic particle, 学生 (gakusei) = student, です (desu) = polite copula

今日は暑いです。

Kyou wa atsui desu.

Today is hot.

Breakdown: 今日 (kyou) = today, は (wa) = topic particle, 暑い (atsui) = hot, です (desu) = polite ending

💡 Note:

は is written as 'ha' but pronounced 'wa' when used as a particle.

が (ga) - Subject Particle

Marks the grammatical subject of a sentence. Often used for new information.

Particles

Structure:

[Subject] が [Predicate]

Examples:

雨が降っています。

Ame ga futte imasu.

It is raining.

Breakdown: 雨 (ame) = rain, が (ga) = subject particle, 降って (futte) = falling, います (imasu) = continuous form

誰が来ましたか？

Dare ga kimashita ka?

Who came?

Breakdown: 誰 (dare) = who, が (ga) = subject particle, 来ました (kimashita) = came, か (ka) = question particle

💡 Note:

が emphasizes the subject and is often used in questions or when introducing new information.

を (wo/o) - Object Particle

Marks the direct object of a transitive verb.

Particles

Structure:

[Object] を [Verb]

Examples:

本を読みます。

Hon wo yomimasu.

I read a book.

Breakdown: 本 (hon) = book, を (wo) = object particle, 読みます (yomimasu) = read

コーヒーを飲みました。

Koohii wo nomimashita.

I drank coffee.

Breakdown: コーヒー (koohii) = coffee, を (wo) = object particle, 飲みました (nomimashita) = drank

💡 Note:

を is written as 'wo' but pronounced 'o' when used as a particle.

に (ni) - Direction/Time Particle

Indicates direction, destination, time, or indirect object.

Particles

Structure:

[Time/Place] に [Verb]

Examples:

学校に行きます。

Gakkou ni ikimasu.

I go to school.

Breakdown: 学校 (gakkou) = school, に (ni) = to/direction, 行きます (ikimasu) = go

7時に起きます。

Shichiji ni okimasu.

I wake up at 7 o'clock.

Breakdown: 7時 (shichiji) = 7 o'clock, に (ni) = at/time, 起きます (okimasu) = wake up

💡 Note:

に has many uses: destination (to), time (at), indirect object (to someone), existence location.

で (de) - Location/Method Particle

Indicates the location of an action or the method/means of doing something.

Particles

Structure:

[Location/Method] で [Verb]

Examples:

図書館で勉強します。

Toshokan de benkyou shimasu.

I study at the library.

Breakdown: 図書館 (toshokan) = library, で (de) = at/location, 勉強します (benkyou shimasu) = study

電車で行きます。

Densha de ikimasu.

I go by train.

Breakdown: 電車 (densha) = train, で (de) = by/method, 行きます (ikimasu) = go

💡 Note:

で indicates where an action takes place or how something is done.

と (to) - And/With Particle

Connects nouns (and), indicates accompaniment (with), or marks quotations.

Particles

Structure:

[Noun] と [Noun] / [Person] と [Verb]

Examples:

友達と映画を見ました。

Tomodachi to eiga wo mimashita.

I watched a movie with my friend.

Breakdown: 友達 (tomodachi) = friend, と (to) = with, 映画 (eiga) = movie, を (wo) = object particle, 見ました (mimashita) = watched

パンとミルクを買いました。

Pan to miruku wo kaimashita.

I bought bread and milk.

Breakdown: パン (pan) = bread, と (to) = and, ミルク (miruku) = milk, を (wo) = object particle, 買いました (kaimashita) = bought

💡 Note:

と is used for complete lists (A and B, not A, B, and others).

か (ka) - Question Particle

Turns statements into questions.

Particles

Structure:

[Statement] + か

Examples:

これは本ですか？

Kore wa hon desu ka?

Is this a book?

Breakdown: これ (kore) = this, は (wa) = topic particle, 本 (hon) = book, です (desu) = is, か (ka) = question particle

日本語が分かりますか？

Nihongo ga wakarimasu ka?

Do you understand Japanese?

Breakdown: 日本語 (nihongo) = Japanese, が (ga) = subject particle, 分かります (wakarimasu) = understand, か (ka) = question particle

💡 Note:

か is placed at the end of sentences to form questions.

の (no) - Possessive/Modifier Particle

Shows possession or modifies nouns.

Particles

Structure:

[Modifier] の [Noun]

Examples:

私の本です。

Watashi no hon desu.

It's my book.

Breakdown: 私 (watashi) = I, の (no) = possessive particle, 本 (hon) = book, です (desu) = is

日本の文化

Nihon no bunka

Japanese culture

Breakdown: 日本 (Nihon) = Japan, の (no) = modifier particle, 文化 (bunka) = culture

💡 Note:

の connects nouns to show relationships like possession, origin, or description.

や (ya) - Partial List Particle

Lists examples, implying there are other items not mentioned.

Particles

Structure:

[Item] や [Item] など

Examples:

りんごやバナナを買いました。

Ringo ya banana wo kaimashita.

I bought apples, bananas, and other things.

Breakdown: りんご (ringo) = apple, や (ya) = and (among others), バナナ (banana) = banana, を (wo) = object particle, 買いました (kaimashita) = bought

💡 Note:

や suggests an incomplete list, unlike と which is for complete lists.

から (kara) - From/Because Particle

Indicates starting point (from) or reason (because).

Particles

Structure:

[Place/Time] から / [Reason] から

Examples:

9時から働きます。

Kuji kara hatarakimasu.

I work from 9 o'clock.

Breakdown: 9時 (kuji) = 9 o'clock, から (kara) = from, 働きます (hatarakimasu) = work

忙しいから行けません。

Isogashii kara ikemasen.

I can't go because I'm busy.

Breakdown: 忙しい (isogashii) = busy, から (kara) = because, 行けません (ikemasen) = can't go

💡 Note:

から can indicate both physical/temporal starting points and causal relationships.

まで (made) - Until/To Particle

Indicates endpoint in time or space.

Particles

Structure:

[Time/Place] まで

Examples:

5時まで働きます。

Goji made hatarakimasu.

I work until 5 o'clock.

Breakdown: 5時 (goji) = 5 o'clock, まで (made) = until, 働きます (hatarakimasu) = work

駅まで歩きます。

Eki made arukimasu.

I walk to the station.

Breakdown: 駅 (eki) = station, まで (made) = to/until, 歩きます (arukimasu) = walk

💡 Note:

まで indicates the endpoint or limit of an action or state.

へ (he/e) - Direction Particle

Indicates direction or destination, similar to に but more formal.

Particles

Structure:

[Destination] へ [Verb]

Examples:

学校へ行きます。

Gakkou e ikimasu.

I go to school.

Breakdown: 学校 (gakkou) = school, へ (e) = to/direction, 行きます (ikimasu) = go

東京へ出張します。

Toukyou e shutchou shimasu.

I go on a business trip to Tokyo.

Breakdown: 東京 (Toukyou) = Tokyo, へ (e) = to/direction, 出張します (shutchou shimasu) = go on business trip

💡 Note:

へ is written as 'he' but pronounced 'e' when used as a particle. Often interchangeable with に for direction.

も (mo) - Also/Too Particle

Indicates 'also' or 'too', replacing は, が, or を.

Particles

Structure:

[Noun] も [Predicate]

Examples:

私も学生です。

Watashi mo gakusei desu.

I am also a student.

Breakdown: 私 (watashi) = I, も (mo) = also, 学生 (gakusei) = student, です (desu) = am

りんごも好きです。

Ringo mo suki desu.

I like apples too.

Breakdown: りんご (ringo) = apple, も (mo) = too, 好き (suki) = like, です (desu) = polite ending

💡 Note:

も replaces は, が, or を. It cannot be used together with these particles.

でも (demo) - But/Even Particle

Can mean 'but' at the beginning of sentences, or 'even' with question words.

Particles

Structure:

でも [sentence] / [Question word] でも

Examples:

でも、時間がありません。

Demo, jikan ga arimasen.

But I don't have time.

Breakdown: でも (demo) = but, 時間 (jikan) = time, が (ga) = subject particle, ありません (arimasen) = don't have

何でも食べます。

Nani demo tabemasu.

I eat anything.

Breakdown: 何 (nani) = what, でも (demo) = even, 食べます (tabemasu) = eat

💡 Note:

でも at the start means 'but'. With question words, でも means 'any-' or 'every-'.

だけ (dake) - Only/Just Particle

Indicates limitation, meaning 'only' or 'just'.

Particles

Structure:

[Noun/Amount] だけ

Examples:

水だけ飲みます。

Mizu dake nomimasu.

I drink only water.

Breakdown: 水 (mizu) = water, だけ (dake) = only, 飲みます (nomimasu) = drink

少しだけください。

Sukoshi dake kudasai.

Please give me just a little.

Breakdown: 少し (sukoshi) = a little, だけ (dake) = just, ください (kudasai) = please give

💡 Note:

だけ emphasizes that something is limited to what is mentioned.

しか (shika) - Only (with negative)

Used with negative verbs to mean 'only' or 'nothing but'.

Particles

Structure:

[Noun] しか [Negative verb]

Examples:

日本語しか話せません。

Nihongo shika hanasemasen.

I can only speak Japanese.

Breakdown: 日本語 (nihongo) = Japanese, しか (shika) = only, 話せません (hanasemasen) = can't speak

千円しかありません。

Sen'en shika arimasen.

I only have 1000 yen.

Breakdown: 千円 (sen'en) = 1000 yen, しか (shika) = only, ありません (arimasen) = don't have

💡 Note:

しか must always be used with a negative verb form.

など (nado) - And so on/Such as

Indicates examples, meaning 'and so on', 'such as', or 'etc.'

Particles

Structure:

[Examples] など

Examples:

りんごやバナナなどを買いました。

Ringo ya banana nado o kaimashita.

I bought apples, bananas, and so on.

Breakdown: りんご (ringo) = apple, や (ya) = and, バナナ (banana) = banana, など (nado) = etc., を (o) = object particle, 買いました (kaimashita) = bought

本などを読みます。

Hon nado o yomimasu.

I read books and such.

Breakdown: 本 (hon) = book, など (nado) = and such, を (o) = object particle, 読みます (yomimasu) = read

💡 Note:

など suggests there are other similar items not mentioned.

ます (masu) Form - Polite Present/Future

Polite form used for present and future actions.

Verb Forms

Structure:

[Verb stem] + ます

Examples:

毎日日本語を勉強します。

Mainichi nihongo wo benkyou shimasu.

I study Japanese every day.

Breakdown: 毎日 (mainichi) = every day, 日本語 (nihongo) = Japanese, を (wo) = object particle, 勉強します (benkyou shimasu) = study

明日友達に会います。

Ashita tomodachi ni aimasu.

I will meet my friend tomorrow.

Breakdown: 明日 (ashita) = tomorrow, 友達 (tomodachi) = friend, に (ni) = particle, 会います (aimasu) = meet

💡 Note:

ます form is the polite way to express present habits and future actions.

ました (mashita) Form - Polite Past

Polite past tense form.

Verb Forms

Structure:

[Verb stem] + ました

Examples:

昨日映画を見ました。

Kinou eiga wo mimashita.

I watched a movie yesterday.

Breakdown: 昨日 (kinou) = yesterday, 映画 (eiga) = movie, を (wo) = object particle, 見ました (mimashita) = watched

朝ごはんを食べました。

Asa gohan wo tabemashita.

I ate breakfast.

Breakdown: 朝ごはん (asa gohan) = breakfast, を (wo) = object particle, 食べました (tabemashita) = ate

💡 Note:

ました indicates completed actions in the past.

ません (masen) Form - Polite Negative

Polite negative form for present and future.

Verb Forms

Structure:

[Verb stem] + ません

Examples:

お酒を飲みません。

Osake wo nomimasen.

I don't drink alcohol.

Breakdown: お酒 (osake) = alcohol, を (wo) = object particle, 飲みません (nomimasen) = don't drink

今日は働きません。

Kyou wa hatarakimasen.

I don't work today.

Breakdown: 今日 (kyou) = today, は (wa) = topic particle, 働きません (hatarakimasen) = don't work

💡 Note:

ません is used to negate actions in present and future.

ませんでした (masen deshita) - Polite Past Negative

Polite negative past tense form.

Verb Forms

Structure:

[Verb stem] + ませんでした

Examples:

昨日は勉強しませんでした。

Kinou wa benkyou shimasen deshita.

I didn't study yesterday.

Breakdown: 昨日 (kinou) = yesterday, は (wa) = topic particle, 勉強しませんでした (benkyou shimasen deshita) = didn't study

朝ごはんを食べませんでした。

Asa gohan wo tabemasen deshita.

I didn't eat breakfast.

Breakdown: 朝ごはん (asa gohan) = breakfast, を (wo) = object particle, 食べませんでした (tabemasen deshita) = didn't eat

💡 Note:

ませんでした negates past actions.

て-form (te-form) Introduction

The て-form is used to connect verbs and for various grammatical constructions.

Verb Forms

Structure:

[Verb te-form] + [various endings]

Examples:

食べて、寝ました。

Tabete, nemashita.

I ate and then slept.

Breakdown: 食べて (tabete) = eat (te-form), 寝ました (nemashita) = slept

本を読んでいます。

Hon wo yonde imasu.

I am reading a book.

Breakdown: 本 (hon) = book, を (wo) = object particle, 読んで (yonde) = read (te-form), います (imasu) = continuous

💡 Note:

て-form conjugation varies by verb type. It's essential for many grammar patterns.

ています (te imasu) - Continuous/State

Expresses ongoing actions or states.

Verb Forms

Structure:

[Verb te-form] + います

Examples:

今、勉強しています。

Ima, benkyou shite imasu.

I am studying now.

Breakdown: 今 (ima) = now, 勉強して (benkyou shite) = study (te-form), います (imasu) = continuous

結婚しています。

Kekkon shite imasu.

I am married.

Breakdown: 結婚して (kekkon shite) = marry (te-form), います (imasu) = state

💡 Note:

ています can indicate ongoing actions or resulting states.

てください (te kudasai) - Please do

Polite request form.

Verb Forms

Structure:

[Verb te-form] + ください

Examples:

ちょっと待ってください。

Chotto matte kudasai.

Please wait a moment.

Breakdown: ちょっと (chotto) = a little, 待って (matte) = wait (te-form), ください (kudasai) = please

もう一度言ってください。

Mou ichido itte kudasai.

Please say it once more.

Breakdown: もう一度 (mou ichido) = once more, 言って (itte) = say (te-form), ください (kudasai) = please

💡 Note:

てください is the standard polite way to make requests.

ない (nai) Form - Casual Negative

Casual negative form of verbs.

Verb Forms

Structure:

[Verb stem] + ない

Examples:

分からない。

Wakaranai.

I don't understand.

Breakdown: 分からない (wakaranai) = don't understand (casual negative)

行かない。

Ikanai.

I won't go.

Breakdown: 行かない (ikanai) = won't go (casual negative)

💡 Note:

ない form is the casual way to negate verbs.

た (ta) Form - Casual Past

Casual past tense form.

Verb Forms

Structure:

[Verb ta-form]

Examples:

昨日映画を見た。

Kinou eiga wo mita.

I watched a movie yesterday.

Breakdown: 昨日 (kinou) = yesterday, 映画 (eiga) = movie, を (wo) = object particle, 見た (mita) = watched (casual past)

もう食べた。

Mou tabeta.

I already ate.

Breakdown: もう (mou) = already, 食べた (tabeta) = ate (casual past)

💡 Note:

た form is the casual way to express past actions.

なかった (nakatta) Form - Casual Past Negative

Casual negative past tense form.

Verb Forms

Structure:

[Verb stem] + なかった

Examples:

昨日は勉強しなかった。

Kinou wa benkyou shinakatta.

I didn't study yesterday.

Breakdown: 昨日 (kinou) = yesterday, は (wa) = topic particle, 勉強しなかった (benkyou shinakatta) = didn't study (casual past negative)

💡 Note:

なかった is the casual way to negate past actions.

い-Adjectives (i-adjectives)

Adjectives ending in い that conjugate by changing the い ending.

Adjectives

Structure:

[い-adjective] + です

Examples:

この本は面白いです。

Kono hon wa omoshiroi desu.

This book is interesting.

Breakdown: この (kono) = this, 本 (hon) = book, は (wa) = topic particle, 面白い (omoshiroi) = interesting, です (desu) = polite ending

今日は寒いです。

Kyou wa samui desu.

Today is cold.

Breakdown: 今日 (kyou) = today, は (wa) = topic particle, 寒い (samui) = cold, です (desu) = polite ending

💡 Note:

い-adjectives can stand alone or be followed by です for politeness.

い-Adjective Negative Form

Negative form of い-adjectives: change い to くない.

Adjectives

Structure:

[い-adjective stem] + くないです

Examples:

この映画は面白くないです。

Kono eiga wa omoshirokunai desu.

This movie is not interesting.

Breakdown: この (kono) = this, 映画 (eiga) = movie, は (wa) = topic particle, 面白くない (omoshirokunai) = not interesting, です (desu) = polite ending

今日は暑くないです。

Kyou wa atsukunai desu.

Today is not hot.

Breakdown: 今日 (kyou) = today, は (wa) = topic particle, 暑くない (atsukunai) = not hot, です (desu) = polite ending

💡 Note:

Remove い and add くないです for polite negative form.

い-Adjective Past Form

Past form of い-adjectives: change い to かった.

Adjectives

Structure:

[い-adjective stem] + かったです

Examples:

昨日は暑かったです。

Kinou wa atsukatta desu.

Yesterday was hot.

Breakdown: 昨日 (kinou) = yesterday, は (wa) = topic particle, 暑かった (atsukatta) = was hot, です (desu) = polite ending

💡 Note:

Remove い and add かったです for polite past form.

い-Adjective Past Negative Form

Past negative form of い-adjectives: change い to くなかった.

Adjectives

Structure:

[い-adjective stem] + くなかったです

Examples:

昨日は暑くなかったです。

Kinou wa atsukunakatta desu.

Yesterday was not hot.

Breakdown: 昨日 (kinou) = yesterday, は (wa) = topic particle, 暑くなかった (atsukunakatta) = was not hot, です (desu) = polite ending

💡 Note:

Remove い and add くなかったです for polite past negative form.

な-Adjectives (na-adjectives)

Adjectives that require な when modifying nouns directly.

Adjectives

Structure:

[な-adjective] + です / [な-adjective] + な + [noun]

Examples:

この部屋は静かです。

Kono heya wa shizuka desu.

This room is quiet.

Breakdown: この (kono) = this, 部屋 (heya) = room, は (wa) = topic particle, 静か (shizuka) = quiet, です (desu) = polite ending

静かな部屋が好きです。

Shizuka na heya ga suki desu.

I like quiet rooms.

Breakdown: 静か (shizuka) = quiet, な (na) = adjective connector, 部屋 (heya) = room, が (ga) = subject particle, 好き (suki) = like, です (desu) = polite ending

💡 Note:

な-adjectives need な when directly modifying nouns.

な-Adjective Negative Form

Negative form of な-adjectives using じゃありません.

Adjectives

Structure:

[な-adjective] + じゃありません

Examples:

この部屋は静かじゃありません。

Kono heya wa shizuka ja arimasen.

This room is not quiet.

Breakdown: この (kono) = this, 部屋 (heya) = room, は (wa) = topic particle, 静か (shizuka) = quiet, じゃありません (ja arimasen) = is not

💡 Note:

な-adjectives use じゃありません for negation.

な-Adjective Past Form

Past form of な-adjectives using でした.

Adjectives

Structure:

[な-adjective] + でした

Examples:

昨日は元気でした。

Kinou wa genki deshita.

I was fine yesterday.

Breakdown: 昨日 (kinou) = yesterday, は (wa) = topic particle, 元気 (genki) = fine/healthy, でした (deshita) = was

💡 Note:

な-adjectives use でした for past tense.

な-Adjective Past Negative Form

Past negative form of な-adjectives using じゃありませんでした.

Adjectives

Structure:

[な-adjective] + じゃありませんでした

Examples:

昨日は元気じゃありませんでした。

Kinou wa genki ja arimasen deshita.

I was not fine yesterday.

Breakdown: 昨日 (kinou) = yesterday, は (wa) = topic particle, 元気 (genki) = fine/healthy, じゃありませんでした (ja arimasen deshita) = was not

💡 Note:

な-adjectives use じゃありませんでした for past negative.

あります (arimasu) - Existence (Inanimate)

Used for the existence of inanimate objects and abstract things.

Existence

Structure:

[Place] に [Thing] があります

Examples:

机の上に本があります。

Tsukue no ue ni hon ga arimasu.

There is a book on the desk.

Breakdown: 机 (tsukue) = desk, の (no) = possessive, 上 (ue) = top, に (ni) = location particle, 本 (hon) = book, が (ga) = subject particle, あります (arimasu) = exists

時間がありません。

Jikan ga arimasen.

I don't have time.

Breakdown: 時間 (jikan) = time, が (ga) = subject particle, ありません (arimasen) = doesn't exist

💡 Note:

あります is used for things that don't move by themselves.

います (imasu) - Existence (Animate)

Used for the existence of people, animals, and living things.

Existence

Structure:

[Place] に [Person/Animal] がいます

Examples:

部屋に猫がいます。

Heya ni neko ga imasu.

There is a cat in the room.

Breakdown: 部屋 (heya) = room, に (ni) = location particle, 猫 (neko) = cat, が (ga) = subject particle, います (imasu) = exists

家族は日本にいます。

Kazoku wa Nihon ni imasu.

My family is in Japan.

Breakdown: 家族 (kazoku) = family, は (wa) = topic particle, 日本 (Nihon) = Japan, に (ni) = location particle, います (imasu) = exists

💡 Note:

います is used for living things that can move by themselves.

Question Words (疑問詞)

Basic question words used to ask for specific information.

Questions

Structure:

[Question word] + [rest of sentence] + か

Examples:

何を食べますか？

Nani wo tabemasu ka?

What do you eat?

Breakdown: 何 (nani) = what, を (wo) = object particle, 食べます (tabemasu) = eat, か (ka) = question particle

どこに住んでいますか？

Doko ni sunde imasu ka?

Where do you live?

Breakdown: どこ (doko) = where, に (ni) = location particle, 住んでいます (sunde imasu) = live, か (ka) = question particle

いつ日本に行きますか？

Itsu Nihon ni ikimasu ka?

When will you go to Japan?

Breakdown: いつ (itsu) = when, 日本 (Nihon) = Japan, に (ni) = direction particle, 行きます (ikimasu) = go, か (ka) = question particle

💡 Note:

Common question words: 何(nani/what), どこ(doko/where), いつ(itsu/when), 誰(dare/who), なぜ(naze/why), どう(dou/how)

何 (nani/nan) - What

Question word for 'what'. Pronunciation changes based on following sound.

Questions

Structure:

何 + [particle/word]

Examples:

何時ですか？

Nanji desu ka?

What time is it?

Breakdown: 何時 (nanji) = what time, です (desu) = is, か (ka) = question particle

何人ですか？

Nannin desu ka?

How many people?

Breakdown: 何人 (nannin) = how many people, です (desu) = is, か (ka) = question particle

💡 Note:

何 is pronounced 'nani' before particles, 'nan' before certain counters.

どれ/どの (dore/dono) - Which

Question words for 'which'. どれ stands alone, どの modifies nouns.

Questions

Structure:

どれ / どの + [noun]

Examples:

どれが好きですか？

Dore ga suki desu ka?

Which one do you like?

Breakdown: どれ (dore) = which one, が (ga) = subject particle, 好き (suki) = like, です (desu) = polite ending, か (ka) = question particle

どの本ですか？

Dono hon desu ka?

Which book is it?

Breakdown: どの (dono) = which, 本 (hon) = book, です (desu) = is, か (ka) = question particle

💡 Note:

どれ is used alone, どの modifies the following noun.

いくつ (ikutsu) - How many/How old

Question word for quantity or age.

Questions

Structure:

いくつ + [particle]

Examples:

りんごをいくつ買いますか？

Ringo wo ikutsu kaimasu ka?

How many apples will you buy?

Breakdown: りんご (ringo) = apple, を (wo) = object particle, いくつ (ikutsu) = how many, 買います (kaimasu) = buy, か (ka) = question particle

いくつですか？

Ikutsu desu ka?

How old are you?

Breakdown: いくつ (ikutsu) = how old, です (desu) = is, か (ka) = question particle

💡 Note:

いくつ can ask about quantity or age, depending on context.

Time Expressions

Basic time expressions and their usage.

Time

Structure:

[Time] に [Verb] / [Frequency] [Verb]

Examples:

毎日7時に起きます。

Mainichi shichiji ni okimasu.

I wake up at 7 o'clock every day.

Breakdown: 毎日 (mainichi) = every day, 7時 (shichiji) = 7 o'clock, に (ni) = time particle, 起きます (okimasu) = wake up

時々映画を見ます。

Tokidoki eiga wo mimasu.

I sometimes watch movies.

Breakdown: 時々 (tokidoki) = sometimes, 映画 (eiga) = movie, を (wo) = object particle, 見ます (mimasu) = watch

来年日本に行きます。

Rainen Nihon ni ikimasu.

I will go to Japan next year.

Breakdown: 来年 (rainen) = next year, 日本 (Nihon) = Japan, に (ni) = direction particle, 行きます (ikimasu) = go

💡 Note:

Time words: 今日(kyou/today), 昨日(kinou/yesterday), 明日(ashita/tomorrow), 毎日(mainichi/every day)

前/後 (mae/ato) - Before/After

Expressions for before and after in time.

Time

Structure:

[Time/Event] の前/後

Examples:

食事の前に手を洗います。

Shokuji no mae ni te wo araimasu.

I wash my hands before meals.

Breakdown: 食事 (shokuji) = meal, の (no) = possessive, 前 (mae) = before, に (ni) = time particle, 手 (te) = hands, を (wo) = object particle, 洗います (araimasu) = wash

仕事の後で買い物をします。

Shigoto no ato de kaimono wo shimasu.

I go shopping after work.

Breakdown: 仕事 (shigoto) = work, の (no) = possessive, 後 (ato) = after, で (de) = particle, 買い物 (kaimono) = shopping, を (wo) = object particle, します (shimasu) = do

💡 Note:

前 (mae) = before, 後 (ato) = after. Often used with の to connect to nouns.

頃/ぐらい (goro/gurai) - Around/About

Expressions for approximate time or quantity.

Time

Structure:

[Time] 頃 / [Number] ぐらい

Examples:

7時頃に起きます。

Shichiji goro ni okimasu.

I wake up around 7 o'clock.

Breakdown: 7時 (shichiji) = 7 o'clock, 頃 (goro) = around, に (ni) = time particle, 起きます (okimasu) = wake up

3時間ぐらい勉強しました。

Sanjikan gurai benkyou shimashita.

I studied for about 3 hours.

Breakdown: 3時間 (sanjikan) = 3 hours, ぐらい (gurai) = about, 勉強しました (benkyou shimashita) = studied

💡 Note:

頃 (goro) is used with time, ぐらい (gurai) with quantities and time durations.

まだ/もう (mada/mou) - Still/Already

Expressions for 'still' and 'already'.

Time

Structure:

まだ + [negative] / もう + [positive]

Examples:

まだ食べていません。

Mada tabete imasen.

I haven't eaten yet.

Breakdown: まだ (mada) = still/yet, 食べていません (tabete imasen) = haven't eaten

もう帰りました。

Mou kaerimashita.

I already went home.

Breakdown: もう (mou) = already, 帰りました (kaerimashita) = went home

💡 Note:

まだ is often used with negatives, もう with positives.

です/だ (desu/da) - Copula

The Japanese equivalent of 'is/am/are'. です is polite, だ is casual.

Copula

Structure:

[Noun/Adjective] + です

Examples:

私は学生です。

Watashi wa gakusei desu.

I am a student.

Breakdown: 私 (watashi) = I, は (wa) = topic particle, 学生 (gakusei) = student, です (desu) = polite copula

今日は金曜日です。

Kyou wa kinyoubi desu.

Today is Friday.

Breakdown: 今日 (kyou) = today, は (wa) = topic particle, 金曜日 (kinyoubi) = Friday, です (desu) = polite copula

元気だ。

Genki da.

I'm fine. (casual)

Breakdown: 元気 (genki) = fine/healthy, だ (da) = casual copula

💡 Note:

です is used in polite speech, だ in casual speech. Both mean 'is/am/are'.

じゃない (ja nai) - Casual Negative Copula

Casual way to say 'is not'.

Copula

Structure:

[Noun] + じゃない

Examples:

学生じゃない。

Gakusei ja nai.

I'm not a student.

Breakdown: 学生 (gakusei) = student, じゃない (ja nai) = is not (casual)

💡 Note:

じゃない is the casual negative form of the copula.

だった (datta) - Casual Past Copula

Casual past form of the copula.

Copula

Structure:

[Noun] + だった

Examples:

昨日は暑かった。

Kinou wa atsukatta.

Yesterday was hot.

Breakdown: 昨日 (kinou) = yesterday, は (wa) = topic particle, 暑かった (atsukatta) = was hot

💡 Note:

だった is the casual past form meaning 'was/were'.

Basic Counters

Basic counting systems for different types of objects.

Numbers

Structure:

[Number] + [Counter]

Examples:

りんごを3つ買いました。

Ringo wo mittsu kaimashita.

I bought three apples.

Breakdown: りんご (ringo) = apple, を (wo) = object particle, 3つ (mittsu) = three (general counter), 買いました (kaimashita) = bought

友達が2人来ました。

Tomodachi ga futari kimashita.

Two friends came.

Breakdown: 友達 (tomodachi) = friend, が (ga) = subject particle, 2人 (futari) = two people, 来ました (kimashita) = came

本を5冊読みました。

Hon wo gosatsu yomimashita.

I read five books.

Breakdown: 本 (hon) = book, を (wo) = object particle, 5冊 (gosatsu) = five books, 読みました (yomimashita) = read

💡 Note:

Common counters: つ(general), 人(people), 冊(books), 枚(flat things), 本(long things)

Time Counters

Counters for time expressions.

Numbers

Structure:

[Number] + [Time Counter]

Examples:

2時間勉強しました。

Nijikan benkyou shimashita.

I studied for 2 hours.

Breakdown: 2時間 (nijikan) = 2 hours, 勉強しました (benkyou shimashita) = studied

3日間休みました。

Mikka kan yasumimashita.

I rested for 3 days.

Breakdown: 3日間 (mikka kan) = 3 days, 休みました (yasumimashita) = rested

💡 Note:

Time counters: 時間(jikan/hours), 日間(nichi kan/days), 週間(shuukan/weeks), 月間(getsu kan/months)

Age Counters

Expressing age in Japanese.

Numbers

Structure:

[Number] + 歳/才

Examples:

20歳です。

Hatachi desu.

I am 20 years old.

Breakdown: 20歳 (hatachi) = 20 years old, です (desu) = is

何歳ですか？

Nansai desu ka?

How old are you?

Breakdown: 何歳 (nansai) = how old, です (desu) = is, か (ka) = question particle

💡 Note:

歳 (sai) is used for age. 20歳 has a special reading: はたち (hatachi).

好き/嫌い (suki/kirai) - Likes and Dislikes

Expressing likes and dislikes using 好き and 嫌い.

Preferences

Structure:

[Thing] が好き/嫌いです

Examples:

日本語が好きです。

Nihongo ga suki desu.

I like Japanese.

Breakdown: 日本語 (nihongo) = Japanese language, が (ga) = subject particle, 好き (suki) = like, です (desu) = polite ending

野菜が嫌いです。

Yasai ga kirai desu.

I dislike vegetables.

Breakdown: 野菜 (yasai) = vegetables, が (ga) = subject particle, 嫌い (kirai) = dislike, です (desu) = polite ending

コーヒーがあまり好きじゃありません。

Koohii ga amari suki ja arimasen.

I don't really like coffee.

Breakdown: コーヒー (koohii) = coffee, が (ga) = subject particle, あまり (amari) = not very, 好きじゃありません (suki ja arimasen) = don't like

💡 Note:

好き and 嫌い are な-adjectives. Use が to mark what you like/dislike.

欲しい (hoshii) - Want (things)

Expressing desire for things using 欲しい.

Preferences

Structure:

[Thing] が欲しいです

Examples:

新しい車が欲しいです。

Atarashii kuruma ga hoshii desu.

I want a new car.

Breakdown: 新しい (atarashii) = new, 車 (kuruma) = car, が (ga) = subject particle, 欲しい (hoshii) = want, です (desu) = polite ending

何も欲しくありません。

Nani mo hoshiku arimasen.

I don't want anything.

Breakdown: 何も (nani mo) = nothing, 欲しくありません (hoshiku arimasen) = don't want

💡 Note:

欲しい is an い-adjective used for wanting things (not actions).

たい (tai) Form - Want to do

Expressing desire to do actions using たい form.

Preferences

Structure:

[Verb stem] + たいです

Examples:

日本に行きたいです。

Nihon ni ikitai desu.

I want to go to Japan.

Breakdown: 日本 (Nihon) = Japan, に (ni) = direction particle, 行きたい (ikitai) = want to go, です (desu) = polite ending

映画を見たくありません。

Eiga wo mitaku arimasen.

I don't want to watch a movie.

Breakdown: 映画 (eiga) = movie, を (wo) = object particle, 見たくありません (mitaku arimasen) = don't want to watch

💡 Note:

たい form expresses personal desires for actions. It conjugates like い-adjectives.

できます (dekimasu) - Ability

Expressing ability or possibility using できます.

Ability

Structure:

[Thing] ができます

Examples:

日本語ができます。

Nihongo ga dekimasu.

I can speak Japanese.

Breakdown: 日本語 (nihongo) = Japanese language, が (ga) = subject particle, できます (dekimasu) = can do

料理ができません。

Ryouri ga dekimasen.

I can't cook.

Breakdown: 料理 (ryouri) = cooking, が (ga) = subject particle, できません (dekimasen) = can't do

ピアノが少しできます。

Piano ga sukoshi dekimasu.

I can play piano a little.

Breakdown: ピアノ (piano) = piano, が (ga) = subject particle, 少し (sukoshi) = a little, できます (dekimasu) = can do

💡 Note:

できます expresses general ability. Use が to mark the skill or activity.

Potential Form - Can do

Potential form of verbs to express ability.

Ability

Structure:

[Verb potential form]

Examples:

漢字が読めます。

Kanji ga yomemasu.

I can read kanji.

Breakdown: 漢字 (kanji) = kanji, が (ga) = subject particle, 読めます (yomemasu) = can read

泳げません。

Oyogemasen.

I can't swim.

Breakdown: 泳げません (oyogemasen) = can't swim

💡 Note:

Potential form conjugation varies by verb type. Often used with が particle.

もっと/一番 (motto/ichiban) - More/Most

Expressing comparative and superlative degrees.

Comparison

Structure:

もっと + [adjective] / 一番 + [adjective]

Examples:

もっと大きいのが欲しいです。

Motto ookii no ga hoshii desu.

I want a bigger one.

Breakdown: もっと (motto) = more, 大きい (ookii) = big, の (no) = nominalizer, が (ga) = subject particle, 欲しい (hoshii) = want, です (desu) = polite ending

これが一番安いです。

Kore ga ichiban yasui desu.

This is the cheapest.

Breakdown: これ (kore) = this, が (ga) = subject particle, 一番 (ichiban) = most, 安い (yasui) = cheap, です (desu) = polite ending

💡 Note:

もっと = more (comparative), 一番 = most (superlative).

より (yori) - Than

Making comparisons using より.

Comparison

Structure:

[A] は [B] より [adjective]

Examples:

東京は大阪より大きいです。

Toukyou wa Oosaka yori ookii desu.

Tokyo is bigger than Osaka.

Breakdown: 東京 (Toukyou) = Tokyo, は (wa) = topic particle, 大阪 (Oosaka) = Osaka, より (yori) = than, 大きい (ookii) = big, です (desu) = polite ending

💡 Note:

より is used to make direct comparisons between two things.

同じ (onaji) - Same

Expressing similarity using 同じ.

Comparison

Structure:

[A] と同じ

Examples:

私と同じです。

Watashi to onaji desu.

It's the same as me.

Breakdown: 私 (watashi) = I, と (to) = with/and, 同じ (onaji) = same, です (desu) = polite ending

💡 Note:

同じ is used to express that things are the same or similar.

あげます/もらいます (agemasu/moraimasu) - Give/Receive

Basic verbs for giving and receiving.

Giving and Receiving

Structure:

[Giver] が [Receiver] に [Thing] をあげます / [Receiver] が [Giver] に/から [Thing] をもらいます

Examples:

友達にプレゼントをあげました。

Tomodachi ni purezento wo agemashita.

I gave a present to my friend.

Breakdown: 友達 (tomodachi) = friend, に (ni) = to, プレゼント (purezento) = present, を (wo) = object particle, あげました (agemashita) = gave

母からお金をもらいました。

Haha kara okane wo moraimashita.

I received money from my mother.

Breakdown: 母 (haha) = mother, から (kara) = from, お金 (okane) = money, を (wo) = object particle, もらいました (moraimashita) = received

💡 Note:

あげます = give (from speaker's perspective), もらいます = receive.

くれます (kuremasu) - Give (to me/us)

Verb for when someone gives something to the speaker or speaker's group.

Giving and Receiving

Structure:

[Giver] が [Thing] をくれます

Examples:

友達が本をくれました。

Tomodachi ga hon wo kuremashita.

My friend gave me a book.

Breakdown: 友達 (tomodachi) = friend, が (ga) = subject particle, 本 (hon) = book, を (wo) = object particle, くれました (kuremashita) = gave (to me)

💡 Note:

くれます is used when someone gives something to the speaker or speaker's in-group.

ここ/そこ/あそこ (koko/soko/asoko) - Here/There

Demonstrative words for location.

Location

Structure:

ここ/そこ/あそこ + [particle]

Examples:

ここは図書館です。

Koko wa toshokan desu.

This place is a library.

Breakdown: ここ (koko) = here, は (wa) = topic particle, 図書館 (toshokan) = library, です (desu) = is

そこに座ってください。

Soko ni suwatte kudasai.

Please sit there.

Breakdown: そこ (soko) = there, に (ni) = location particle, 座って (suwatte) = sit (te-form), ください (kudasai) = please

💡 Note:

ここ = here (near speaker), そこ = there (near listener), あそこ = over there (far from both)

上/下/前/後ろ (ue/shita/mae/ushiro) - Directions

Basic directional words.

Location

Structure:

[Object] の上/下/前/後ろ

Examples:

机の上に本があります。

Tsukue no ue ni hon ga arimasu.

There is a book on the desk.

Breakdown: 机 (tsukue) = desk, の (no) = possessive, 上 (ue) = top/on, に (ni) = location particle, 本 (hon) = book, が (ga) = subject particle, あります (arimasu) = exists

椅子の下に猫がいます。

Isu no shita ni neko ga imasu.

There is a cat under the chair.

Breakdown: 椅子 (isu) = chair, の (no) = possessive, 下 (shita) = under, に (ni) = location particle, 猫 (neko) = cat, が (ga) = subject particle, います (imasu) = exists

💡 Note:

上 = above/on, 下 = below/under, 前 = in front, 後ろ = behind

右/左 (migi/hidari) - Right/Left

Expressing right and left directions.

Location

Structure:

[Object] の右/左

Examples:

銀行は郵便局の右にあります。

Ginkou wa yuubinkyoku no migi ni arimasu.

The bank is to the right of the post office.

Breakdown: 銀行 (ginkou) = bank, は (wa) = topic particle, 郵便局 (yuubinkyoku) = post office, の (no) = possessive, 右 (migi) = right, に (ni) = location particle, あります (arimasu) = exists

💡 Note:

右 = right, 左 = left. Often used with の to show relative position.

天気 (tenki) - Weather

Basic weather expressions.

Weather

Structure:

今日は [weather] です

Examples:

今日はいい天気です。

Kyou wa ii tenki desu.

Today is nice weather.

Breakdown: 今日 (kyou) = today, は (wa) = topic particle, いい (ii) = good, 天気 (tenki) = weather, です (desu) = is

雨が降っています。

Ame ga futte imasu.

It is raining.

Breakdown: 雨 (ame) = rain, が (ga) = subject particle, 降って (futte) = falling, います (imasu) = continuous

💡 Note:

Common weather words: 晴れ (hare/sunny), 雨 (ame/rain), 雪 (yuki/snow), 曇り (kumori/cloudy)

季節 (kisetsu) - Seasons

The four seasons in Japanese.

Weather

Structure:

[Season] + です/に

Examples:

春が好きです。

Haru ga suki desu.

I like spring.

Breakdown: 春 (haru) = spring, が (ga) = subject particle, 好き (suki) = like, です (desu) = polite ending

夏は暑いです。

Natsu wa atsui desu.

Summer is hot.

Breakdown: 夏 (natsu) = summer, は (wa) = topic particle, 暑い (atsui) = hot, です (desu) = polite ending

💡 Note:

四季: 春 (haru/spring), 夏 (natsu/summer), 秋 (aki/autumn), 冬 (fuyu/winter)

乗り物 (norimono) - Transportation

Basic transportation vocabulary and usage.

Transportation

Structure:

[Transportation] で行きます

Examples:

電車で学校に行きます。

Densha de gakkou ni ikimasu.

I go to school by train.

Breakdown: 電車 (densha) = train, で (de) = by/method, 学校 (gakkou) = school, に (ni) = to, 行きます (ikimasu) = go

バスに乗ります。

Basu ni norimasu.

I ride the bus.

Breakdown: バス (basu) = bus, に (ni) = particle, 乗ります (norimasu) = ride/get on

💡 Note:

Common transportation: 電車 (densha/train), バス (basu/bus), 車 (kuruma/car), 自転車 (jitensha/bicycle)

乗る/降りる (noru/oriru) - Get on/Get off

Verbs for getting on and off transportation.

Transportation

Structure:

[Transportation] に乗ります / [Transportation] を降ります

Examples:

次の駅で降ります。

Tsugi no eki de orimasu.

I get off at the next station.

Breakdown: 次 (tsugi) = next, の (no) = possessive, 駅 (eki) = station, で (de) = at, 降ります (orimasu) = get off

💡 Note:

乗る = get on/ride, 降りる = get off. Use に with 乗る, を or で with 降りる.

家族 (kazoku) - Family

Basic family member terms.

Family

Structure:

[Family member] + です/がいます

Examples:

父は会社員です。

Chichi wa kaishain desu.

My father is a company employee.

Breakdown: 父 (chichi) = father (humble), は (wa) = topic particle, 会社員 (kaishain) = company employee, です (desu) = is

兄弟が3人います。

Kyoudai ga sannin imasu.

I have 3 siblings.

Breakdown: 兄弟 (kyoudai) = siblings, が (ga) = subject particle, 3人 (sannin) = 3 people, います (imasu) = exist

💡 Note:

Family terms have humble (own family) and respectful (others' family) forms.

色 (iro) - Colors

Basic color vocabulary.

Colors

Structure:

[Color] + い/な + [noun]

Examples:

赤い車が好きです。

Akai kuruma ga suki desu.

I like red cars.

Breakdown: 赤い (akai) = red, 車 (kuruma) = car, が (ga) = subject particle, 好き (suki) = like, です (desu) = polite ending

青いペンを使います。

Aoi pen wo tsukaimasu.

I use a blue pen.

Breakdown: 青い (aoi) = blue, ペン (pen) = pen, を (wo) = object particle, 使います (tsukaimasu) = use

💡 Note:

Some colors are い-adjectives (赤い, 青い), others are な-adjectives (きれいな).

食べ物 (tabemono) - Food

Basic food vocabulary and eating expressions.

Food

Structure:

[Food] を食べます/飲みます

Examples:

朝ごはんにパンを食べます。

Asa gohan ni pan wo tabemasu.

I eat bread for breakfast.

Breakdown: 朝ごはん (asa gohan) = breakfast, に (ni) = for/at, パン (pan) = bread, を (wo) = object particle, 食べます (tabemasu) = eat

お茶を飲みませんか？

Ocha wo nomimasen ka?

Won't you drink some tea?

Breakdown: お茶 (ocha) = tea, を (wo) = object particle, 飲みませんか (nomimasen ka) = won't you drink

💡 Note:

食べる = eat (solid food), 飲む = drink (liquids). Use を particle with both.

美味しい/まずい (oishii/mazui) - Delicious/Bad taste

Expressing taste opinions.

Food

Structure:

[Food] は美味しい/まずいです

Examples:

この料理は美味しいです。

Kono ryouri wa oishii desu.

This dish is delicious.

Breakdown: この (kono) = this, 料理 (ryouri) = dish/cooking, は (wa) = topic particle, 美味しい (oishii) = delicious, です (desu) = polite ending

💡 Note:

美味しい = delicious/tasty, まずい = bad tasting. Both are い-adjectives.

服 (fuku) - Clothes

Basic clothing vocabulary.

Clothing

Structure:

[Clothing] を着ます/履きます

Examples:

新しいシャツを着ています。

Atarashii shatsu wo kite imasu.

I am wearing a new shirt.

Breakdown: 新しい (atarashii) = new, シャツ (shatsu) = shirt, を (wo) = object particle, 着ています (kite imasu) = wearing

靴を履きます。

Kutsu wo hakimasu.

I put on shoes.

Breakdown: 靴 (kutsu) = shoes, を (wo) = object particle, 履きます (hakimasu) = put on (lower body/feet)

💡 Note:

着る = wear (upper body), 履く = wear (lower body/feet), はく = wear (glasses/hat)

体 (karada) - Body

Basic body part vocabulary.

Body

Structure:

[Body part] が痛いです

Examples:

頭が痛いです。

Atama ga itai desu.

I have a headache.

Breakdown: 頭 (atama) = head, が (ga) = subject particle, 痛い (itai) = painful, です (desu) = polite ending

手を洗います。

Te wo araimasu.

I wash my hands.

Breakdown: 手 (te) = hands, を (wo) = object particle, 洗います (araimasu) = wash

💡 Note:

Common body parts: 頭 (atama/head), 手 (te/hand), 足 (ashi/foot/leg), 目 (me/eye)

元気/病気 (genki/byouki) - Healthy/Sick

Basic health expressions.

Health

Structure:

[Person] は元気/病気です

Examples:

今日は元気です。

Kyou wa genki desu.

I am fine today.

Breakdown: 今日 (kyou) = today, は (wa) = topic particle, 元気 (genki) = fine/healthy, です (desu) = is

風邪を引きました。

Kaze wo hikimashita.

I caught a cold.

Breakdown: 風邪 (kaze) = cold, を (wo) = object particle, 引きました (hikimashita) = caught

💡 Note:

元気 = healthy/fine, 病気 = sick/illness. 風邪を引く = catch a cold.

Frequency Adverbs

Adverbs expressing frequency of actions.

Adverbs

Structure:

[Frequency adverb] + [verb]

Examples:

いつも早く起きます。

Itsumo hayaku okimasu.

I always wake up early.

Breakdown: いつも (itsumo) = always, 早く (hayaku) = early, 起きます (okimasu) = wake up

全然分かりません。

Zenzen wakarimasen.

I don't understand at all.

Breakdown: 全然 (zenzen) = not at all, 分かりません (wakarimasen) = don't understand

💡 Note:

Frequency: いつも (always), よく (often), 時々 (sometimes), あまり (not much), 全然 (not at all)

Degree Adverbs

Adverbs expressing degree or intensity.

Adverbs

Structure:

[Degree adverb] + [adjective/verb]

Examples:

とても美味しいです。

Totemo oishii desu.

It's very delicious.

Breakdown: とても (totemo) = very, 美味しい (oishii) = delicious, です (desu) = polite ending

ちょっと疲れました。

Chotto tsukaremashita.

I got a little tired.

Breakdown: ちょっと (chotto) = a little, 疲れました (tsukaremashita) = got tired

💡 Note:

Degree: とても (very), ちょっと (a little), 少し (a little), 大変 (very/extremely)

Polite Expressions

Basic polite expressions for daily conversation.

Politeness

Structure:

[Polite expression]

Examples:

すみません、ちょっと質問があります。

Sumimasen, chotto shitsumon ga arimasu.

Excuse me, I have a small question.

Breakdown: すみません (sumimasen) = excuse me/sorry, ちょっと (chotto) = a little, 質問 (shitsumon) = question, が (ga) = subject particle, あります (arimasu) = have

ありがとうございました。

Arigatou gozaimashita.

Thank you very much (past).

Breakdown: ありがとうございました (arigatou gozaimashita) = thank you very much (polite past)

💡 Note:

Essential polite expressions: すみません (excuse me), ありがとうございます (thank you), お疲れ様 (good work)

もし (moshi) - If

Basic conditional expression using もし.

Conditional

Structure:

もし + [condition] + [result]

Examples:

もし雨が降ったら、家にいます。

Moshi ame ga futtara, ie ni imasu.

If it rains, I will stay home.

Breakdown: もし (moshi) = if, 雨 (ame) = rain, が (ga) = subject particle, 降ったら (futtara) = if it falls, 家 (ie) = home, に (ni) = at, います (imasu) = stay

💡 Note:

もし is often used to emphasize conditional statements, though it can be omitted.

よ/ね (yo/ne) - Sentence Ending Particles

Particles that add nuance to sentence endings.

Particles

Structure:

[Sentence] + よ/ね

Examples:

明日は雨ですよ。

Ashita wa ame desu yo.

It will rain tomorrow, you know.

Breakdown: 明日 (ashita) = tomorrow, は (wa) = topic particle, 雨 (ame) = rain, です (desu) = is, よ (yo) = emphasis particle

いい天気ですね。

Ii tenki desu ne.

Nice weather, isn't it?

Breakdown: いい (ii) = good, 天気 (tenki) = weather, です (desu) = is, ね (ne) = confirmation particle

💡 Note:

よ = emphasis/assertion, ね = seeking agreement/confirmation

Grammar Learning Strategies

Study Approach

Start with particles - they're the foundation
Practice with real sentences, not isolated grammar
Focus on understanding meaning, not just memorizing
Review regularly with spaced repetition

Practice Tips

Create your own example sentences
Pay attention to particle usage in context
Practice verb conjugations daily
Use grammar in conversation as soon as possible