Japanese

日本語
CONTENTS (Mokuji)
Table of Contents

KEY QUESTIONS 5
Greetings & introductions, farewells & other key expressions (7) 6
Asking the way / Celebrating being lost 12
Thanking someone for a meal, saying goodbye, saying thank you 12
Apologising, asking permission 13
Making & refusing requests 13
Calling on neighbours, going on holiday 14
Casual conversation 15
Personal pronouns 18
Connecting sentences & improving the flow 19
Basic conjunctions (sentence joiners) 19
More conjunctions – connecting words and phrases 21
Grammar & particles – grammatical relations between words or phrases 36
VERBS - form types, descriptions, conversion rules 46
VERB CONJUGATION TABLES (MS Excel) 62
Notes about verbs 70
Adjectives (list), opposites, notes about adjectives (74) 71
ADVERB LISTS (sorted by English & Japanese) 77

KEYS WORDS, OBJECTS, FOOD

At the airport, at passport control 80
Countries, languages, nationalities 80
Japan place names 81
Seasons and weather, nature – key words (83), climbing mountains (84) 81
Plants and trees, at the beach, snowy days, harbor 84
Animals (85), parts of animals, religion (86) 85
Dinosaurs, etc., night sky, space, planets 86
Telling the time, weeks years, expressing time 87
Days of the week (91), dates of the month (91), months of year (92) 91
Japanese public holidays 94
Occupations, interests and hobbies (96) 95
Music 97
Construction materials & jobs 97
GARDENING WORDS AND PHRASES 97
Insects/bugs, on the farm, garden 98
Counting people & objects 99
Weights, measurements & shapes 105
Eating, food (106), food descriptions (107) 105
COOKING, seasoning, parts of animals & fish 107

Page - 1 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Having friends to dinner 108

ENTERTAINMENT
Key words 109
In a theatre/movies, charges and cancellations 109
At the movies 109
At a restaurant/café, Japanese food definitions 110
Teas, onigiri, alcohols, wines 110-111
Ordering, serving sizes (113), general restaurant words 111
Sushi restaurant, ramen restaurant 114
Paying 114
Fast food joints, going out for a drink 114
Karaoke, Internet cafes, etc. 115
Sports and outdoor activities 115
Japanese festivals 115

SHOPPING, AROUND THE HOUSE

Shopping & general words 116
Department store departments 117
Food shopping, special diets and food allergies (119) 118
Clothes and accessories, what’s it made of (materials) (120) 119
Trying on clothes, shopping for shoes, discount terms 120
Internet shopping 121
Shop names 122
Places, objects, clothes, location, colours 123
Location, colours, how much is it? 124
At the post office 125
At the chemist, medicines 126
At the bank 126
At the bike shop, at the hair dresser 127
At the library 128
Souvenir shopping 128
Delivery services – sending bags, suitcases, boxes, etc. 128
Houses and buildings, around the house: parts of houses 129
Types of buildings, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom 129
House action verbs 129
In the house, describing breakdowns (130) 130
Tools 131

TRAVEL AND GETTING AROUND

Key words 132
Planning a trip – Internet web page booking 132
Confirming a room reservation 133
Travelling by car, parts of a car 133
TRANSPORT, travelling by train (135), taxis (136) 133
Travelling, buying express train tickets, missing a train 137
Hotels, accommodation, checking in 138
Hotel words and expressions, problems 139
Hot springs, onsen, Japanese inns (140) 139
Inside a room in a Japanese inn 140
Using the in-room telephone, checking out & paying the bill 140
Asking & giving directions, orientation points, giving directions 143
Exact (relative) location

Page - 2 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

FAMILIES, CHILDREN & THE BODY
Families, people and kids 145-146
Baby/childcare 147
Types of nursury 147
Baby & childbirth-related terms 147
CHILD ACCIDENTS & SEEING THE DOCTOR 148
CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES and MEDICAL TERMS 148
Children's play – names of toys, play equipment, etc. 148
Admiring a baby 149
Asking about a kindergarten 149
Introducing yourself at kindergarten or school 150
Phoning the kindergarten/school 150
Writing an absence note 150
Meeting your child's teacher 150
In school, schools, school rooms (151), subjects (151) 150
Pre-school , grade school, junior high/high school 151

Parts of the body, body action verbs, moving/movements, feelings 153-154

Personal condition, expressing emotions 155
Personal characteristics 155

BUSINESS
In the office, ranks, jobs (general) & office objects 155
Seniority in a company 157
Introductions, introducing yourself: exchanging business cards 157
Introducing people, meeting someone for the first time 158
Starting a conversation, other words and expressions 159
Gratitude and apology, farewell 159
Asking someone for something, expressions of declining 160
Refusing a request, making a proposal 160
ANSWERING THE PHONE (range of expressions) 161
Answering an outside call for someone else 161
When your boss is not at his/her desk 162
If the person can't get to the phone 162
When the call is for someone else 163
Leaving a message, using your cell phone 163
Apologizing/being late to an appointment 164
Asking for directions, calling in sick, asking permission 164
Making an appointment, asking for someone, starting a conversation 164
Interupting someone at work, general phrases (166) 165
Business Japanese 166
Other words and expressions 166
Taking clients out to dinner, leaving somewhere 167
Computer terminology 167
More office vocabulary, types of company, departments (169) 168
Internal and external e-mail messages 169
Business Japanese vocabulary

MISCELLANEOUS
Let’s do stuff! 171
Gift giving 172
Expressions and verbs for giving and receiving 173
Sentence structures 176
Describing past activities 178
PLAIN (conversational) FORM 180

Page - 3 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Deletions 183
Keigo: sonkeigo, kenjougo & teineigo, polite family terms 185
Polite family terms 188
Additional notes 189

SENTENCE STRUCTURES
Amari (189) Arimasu (189) Baai wa (193) Bakari (194) -ba yokatta (194)
Chikaku (194) Chinami ni (195) Demo (195) Deshou (196)
Kamo shiremasen/kamoshirenai (196)
Dochira (197) Yori (198) Dono gurai (199) Dono kata (199) Donna (199)
Donno koto (200) Dou (200) Dore (200) Doshite (200) Dou iu, donna (201)
Dou yatte (201) Hajimeru (201) Hazu (201) Hodo (202) Hoshii (202)
Hou ga ii (203) Hotondo (203) Ichiban (204) to iimasu (205) Ikenai (205)
imasu iru (205) Irimasu/iru (205) Iro iro (205) Issho (206) Itademasen ka? (206)
-to itte imashita (206) Itsu (206) Jibun (206) Ka dou ka (207) Kana (207)
Kanarazu (207) Kitto (207) te kudasaimasen ka? (207) te kure (208) Koto (208)
Kota ga arimasu (208) Koto ni shimasu (209) Kuru/kimasu (210) Kute (210)
Mada...masen(211) Mada (211) Mama (211) Mieru/miemasu (212) Mimasu (212)
to misemasu(212) Mo (213) mo ii desu (213) Mono (213) Moshi (214
Motte (214) Mou (215) ....n desu (215 Na (217) Nai (217)
Nakanaka (217) Nakereba narimasen (217)Nakute (218) Nani (218) Nara (218)
Narimasu (219) COMBINING SENTENCES (219) ni suru/shimasu (221) Okimasu (222)
Omoimasu (222) to omote imasu (223) Tsumori desu (223)
Uchi ni (224) Yotei desu (224) Owaru (225) Rashii (225) no o shitte imasu(225)
Shi (226) Shika (226) Shimaimashita (227) Shimasu (2278 Sou desu/sou da (227)
Sugimasu/sugiru (229) Sukoshi (229) Suru/shimasu (229) Tabun (230) Verb-tai (230)
Tame ni (231) Tara (232) -tara ii desu ka? (234) -tatte (234) -te kimasu (234)
- to iu imi (235) Tokidoki (235) Tokoro (235) Touri ni (237) Wake desu (238)
Wasuremashita (238) - nikui desu (239) no yameru (239) You desu (239) You ni (240)
You ni narimashita (240) You ni shite kudasai (241) Zannen (241) Zehi (208) Zenzen (241)
Zuibun (241)

CHARACTERS AND WRITING TIPS

Hiragana & katakana characters and stroke order 243
Tips for writing kanji 244
Kanji word list 185-192

MISCELLANEOUS WORDS AND PHRASES 244

Politics, officialdom & economics terms 254
Official words and expressions 254
At the immigration office 254
Forgetting to renew your visa 254
Losing your foreigners registration card 255
Tax and insurance 255
Economic terminology, miscellaneous words 255
Notes (space) 256

EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS, HOSPITALS / DOCTORS

Reporting a robbery at the koban, general words 257
HOSPITALS / DOCTORS, illnesses (list), types of pain (260) 259
When do you feel pain?, expressions of general problems 260
AT THE DOCTOR, AT THE DENTIST, visting the pediatrician (263) 261
Medical departments and wards, other signs and notices 263
MEDICAL DICTIONARY TERMS 264

In the event of an earthquake 267

Fire! 267
MISCELLANEOUS VOCABULARY LIST 267
Page - 4 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Disclaimer: The author has tried to make the information in this book as accurate as possible,
but it is provided 'as is' and he accepts no responsibility for any loss, damages or inconvenience
sustained by anyone resulting from this information.

KEY QUESTIONS

Table of Contents

Who Dare or Donata (more polite)

Who is this? Kochira wa donata desu ka?
Who is the Manager? Manager wa donata desu ka?

Why Naze (nah-zeh)

Why did she buy a book at the bookshop? Kanojo wa naze honya de hon o kaimashita ka?
When Itsu (itsu)
When are you going to the Department store? Itsu departo e ikimasu ka?
When did you graduate from college? Itsu daigaku o sotsugyou shimashita ka?
How Dou (dou) / Ikaga
How do I get to Ikebukuro? Ikebukuro e dou ikimasu ka?
How is [ ]? [ ] (ikaga/dou) desuka?

Did you go out somewhere yesterday? Kinou doko ka e ikimashita ka?

Which one? Dono (adj) / Dore (of several)

Which person is A-San? A-san wa dono hito desu ka?
Which is Paul’s bag? Paul-san no kaban wa dore desu ka?

Which way /place / What place? / Which one (of 2) Dochira

Which way to [PLACE]? [PLACE] wa dochira desu ka?

How many? Ikutsu

How many mikan did you buy? Mikan o ikutsu kaimashita ka?
How many / How much / How often / How long Dono / Dore kurai

Doko & Dochira

What is the name of your company? Anata no kaisha wa {dochira} desu ka?
Where is your company? Anata no kaisha wa {doko } desu ka?

Can I ask for an interpreter? Tsuuyaku onegai shimasu?

May I? Ii desu ka?
Please point out. Yubi sashite kudasai.

Give it to me please. Watashi ni kudasai.

She gave it to me. Watashi ni kudasaimashita.
She gave it to us. Watashitachi ni kudasaimashita.
He lives in a house with a red roof. Yane no akai ie ni sunde imasu.

Do you have my address and telephone number? Watakushi no juusho to denwa bangou wa omochi
deshou ka?
No, I don’t. Iie, motte orimasen.
Let me have it. Itadakemasu ka?
Can you give me your office address, too? Jimusho no banchi mo itadakemasu ka?

Page - 5 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Have you two met?
Do you know my friend [this person]? Kono kata o gozonji desu ka?
No, I don’t think so. Iie, kyou hajimete ome ni kakarimasu.
No, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting [this person]. Iie, ome ni kakatta koto wa arimasen.
I believe you already know one another? Mae kara gozonji desu ne?
Yes, we have already met. Hai, mae kara zonjiagete orimasu.
No, I don’t believe we have met before. Iie, zonjiagete orimasen.
What kind of personality does Michael have? Michael wa donna seikaku desu ka?  check with H

Allow me to introduce Mr. Smith. Sumisu-san o goshoukai itashimasu.

Glad to have met you. Omen i kakarete yokatta desu.  check with H
Same here. Douzo yoroshiku.
We haven’t seen each other since New Year’s. Oshougatsu irai ate imasen, ne?

The other day: a few days ago Senjitsu

ie: Thank you for (your help) the other day. Senjitsu wa arigatou gozaimashita.
Good to see you again. Senjitsu wa doumo.

Please don’t forget. Wasurenai de kudasai.

I’ll certainly do so. Kashikomarimashita.

It’s true, isn’t it? Hontou, desu ne?

You are coming, aren’t you? Kimasu ne?

When it comes to food…. Tabemono no konami wa  check with H

Could you ____ for me? ____ shite itadakemasu ka?

I want to ____ . ____ o shitai no desu ga.
May I ____ ? ____ shite mo yoroshii desu ka?
I have to ____ . Watashi wa ___ shinakute wa narimasen.

EXAMPLES
Who is that person? Ano hito wa dare desu ka?
Whose bag is this? Kore wa dare no kaban desu ka?
Which do you like better, meat or fish? Niku to sakana to dochira ga suki desu ka?
Where did you meet Mr Yamanote? Doko de Yamanote-san ni aimashita ka?
How do you read this kanji? Kono kanji wa dou yomimasu ka?
What are you reading? Nani o yonde imasu ka?

GREETINGS and INTRODUCTIONS

Table of Contents

How do you do? Hajimemashite. (Only use when meeting people

for the first time.)
Pleased to meet you. Douzo yoroshiku.
Please come in. O-hairi kudasai.
How have you been doing? Dou shiteta?  check with H
I’m glad to meet you. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
How’s it going? Genki datta?
What’s up? Nanka kawatta koto atta?
What’s up? Dou shita no?  ask H which I should use
What’s up? Dou ka, shimashita ka?
Page - 6 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
What’s new? Kawatta koto wa arimasenka?
What’s happening? Nanka atta no?
Nothing much. Iya, betsu ni/Betsu ni arimasen.
How are you? O-genki desu ka? (more formal)
Fine, thanks / Doing fine thank you. Okagesama de.
Very well thanks. Okagesama de genki desu.
Not bad. Dou ni ka yatte orimasu.  check with H
No special change. Betsu ni kawari arimasen. (more formal)
And you? Anata wa?

I’m fine, thank you. Genki desu.

Long time no see. Hisashi buri (casual).
You look good. (great) O-genki sou desu ne.
You look worried. Shinpai sou desu ne.
So so… Maamaa.
I have lots of house work to do. Kaji o takusan yatte imasu.

What shall I do? Dou shitara ii desu ka? / Dou shiyou?

What will you do? Dou suru no?
What’s the matter? Dou shitan desu ka?

Responding to praise
Your Japanese is good! Nihongo, jouzu desu ne!
No, I still have a long way to go. Iie, mada mada desu.
Oh no, not at all / that’s ridiculous. Iie, tondemonai ( ridiculous ) desu.

This is Michael. Kochira wa Michael-san desu.

You’re kidding. Jyoudan deshou.

I am interested in [subject]. [Subject] ni kyoumi ga arimasu.  check with H

I am interested in wine. Wine ni kyoumi ga arimasu.
I am not interested in wine. Wine ni kyoumi ga nai/arimasen.

FAREWELLS
Table of Contents

See you! (casual) Ja mate ne! / Mata atode!

See you later. Ja mata atode!
See you again. Mata aimashou.
See you soon. Dewa mata.
See you on Monday. Getsuyoubi ni ome ni kakarimasu.
See you on Friday evening. Kinyoubi no yoru ni ome ni kakarimasu.
See you in a week. Isshukan shitara ni ome ni kakarimasu.
Please come again. Mata douzo.
See you tomorrow. Mata ashita / Mata ne!
See you tomorrow. Soredewa mata ashita.
See you later. Soredewa nochi hodo.  check with H
I must be going. Shitsuree shimasu.
Let’s meet again. Mata aimashou.
(Please) take care – (a farewell expression) Kio tsukete (kudasai) or
(Please) take care – (said to people who are ill) Odaiji ni.
Please call me any time. Itsu demo denwa shite kudasai.
Please come again tomorrow. Ashita mata kite kudasai.

Page - 7 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

I have something to do so I’ll be late. Chotto youji ga aru node, okuremasu.
Please say that again. Mou ikkai itte kudasai.
Next time Jikai
OTHER KEY EXPRESSIONS
Table of Contents

What? (expressing surprise) E? / Are?

What? Nan desu ka? (polite)
What? Nani? (casual)
Let me see…. Ee to….
What do you think? Donna you ni omoimasu ka? (polite)

Thank you for your goodness. Osewa ni narimashita.

Thank you for the other day. Konaida wa doumo.
Thank you very much for the other day. (more polite) Senjitsu wa doumo arigatou gozaimashita.

The last occasion Zenkai

When was the last time you came? Zenkai wa itsu okoshi ni narimashita ka?

Can I take a photo? Shashin o totte, ii desu ka?

Please take a photo (of/for me). Shashin o totte kudasai.
Dou omoimasu ka? (more casual)
May I come in? Haitte ii desu ka?
Please come in. Douzo o hairi kudasai.
Please come this way. Douzo kochira e.
After you. Douzo o-saki ni.
Go ahead / there you are / Help yourself. Hai, douzo.
Please go first / After you. Saki ni douzo.

(Yes) That’s right / It is. (Hai,) Sou desu.

Yes, isn’t it? / Isn’t it so? so it is (expression of agreement) Sou desu ne?
Is that so? Sou desu ka? (Rising intonation - use in place of
‘Really?’) & Honto?
I understand. Sou desu ka? (No rising intonation).
I understand. Sou da ne (As above but more casual).
I see. Sou desu ka... (spoken with falling intonation)
Really? (casual) Ne?
Really? (polite) Honto desu ka?
No kidding. Masaka. ( means ‘surely’)
No way! Dame desu!
I think so. Sou omoimasu.
I don’t think so. Sou wa omoimasen.
Probably so. Tabun sou deshou.
That must be interesting. Sore wa omoishiroi desu ne.
You’re right. Honto da.
Yes, it is. Hai, sou desu.
No, it isn’t. Iie, chigaimasu.
That’s too bad. Sore wa zannen desu.
Please. Onegai shimasu.
Good. Ii desu.

Page - 8 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

May I help you? Nan deshou ka?
Can I help? Nani ga tetsudaii mashou ka?
Let me help you. O-tetsudai shimashou.
Let me show you the way. Go-annai shimashou.
That’s all right / no problem. Daijobu desu.
Is it all right? / Are you all right? Daijobu desu ka?
Are you OK? Daijobu? (casual)
Excuse me. Where is the Bank of Tokyo? Chotto sumimasen ga, Tokyo ginkou wa doko ni
arimasu ka?
You’re welcome. Doitashimashite (is used to respond to ‘Arigatou’)
My pleasure, likewise. Kochira koso / Yorokonde.
With pleasure. Yorokonde.

Have a nice weekend. Tanoshii shuumatsu o.  check with H

How was your weekend? Shuumatsu wa dou deshita ka?
How was your flight? Hikouki wa dou deshita ka?
I made a mistake. Machigaemashita.
Sorry to disturb you. O-jama shimasu.
Sorry to have disturbed you. O-jama shimashita.
Indeed! Naruhodo!
Maybe. Tabun.

That is fine. Kekko desu.

I agree. Sansei desu.
I don’t agree. Hantai desu.
I don’t know. Shiremasen.
I don’t mind. Kamaimasen.
Never mind. Kaimasen.
It cannot be helped. Shikata ga arimasen / Shoganai.
I am in trouble. Komarimashita.
What is the matter with you? Dou shimashita ka?
Will you please wait a while. Shibaraku o-machi kudasai.
Sorry I made you wait/ Sorry to have kept you waiting. Omatase shimashita.
Originally, naturally Honrai

I can’t remember. Omoidasemasen.

I remember. Omoidashimasu.
That’s too bad. Zannen desu (ne).
Do you have a minute? Chotto yoroshi desu ka?
Do you have time? O-jikan arimasu ka?
You decide (I’ll leave it to you). O-makase shimasu.
Please leave it to me (you can count on me). Makasete kudasai.

Zutto means the whole time/for a long time/[something is] long

For a whole hour ichi-jikan zutto
For a whole day ichi-nichijuu zutto
For a whole year ichi-nen zutto
For my whole life isshou zutto

A scene, a sight Koukei (regular/any view)

Scenery, a scene Keshiki (scenic/beauty)
I have an appointment at 7.45pm. Shichi-ji yonjuugo-fun ni yoyaku ga aru.
I have an appointment with a friend tonight. Konban, tomodachi to yakusoku ga arimasu.

Because I fast was asleep last night. Yuube wa gussuri nete ita tame.
How do you feel? Kibun wa ikaga desu ka?

Page - 9 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

How are you doing? Go-kigen ikaga desu ka?
I am not feeling well. Kibun ga warui desu.
Don’t mention it. Iie, iin desu.

Take out (ie: of a pocket), mail, submit Dasu

About Tsuite
Eg: I read a book about Japanese culture. Nihon no bunka ni tsuite hon o yonda.
I saw a TV program about animals. Doubutsu ni tsuite TV bangumi o mita.
I watched a DVD about WWII last week. Senshuu WWII ni tsuite no DVD o mita.

In, inside, among, while, during Uchi

Eg: In my company, there are 5 foreigners. Watashi no kaisha ni gaikokujin ga 5-nin.
Among them, 3 speak good Japanese. Sono uchi, 3-nin wa Nihongo ga totemo jouzu da.
Read this book and write a report about its content within 3 days. Kono hon o yonde, sono naiyou (content) o mikka
inai (within) ni repooto ni kakimasu.

Oh, yes (when remembering something). Sou sou.

Thank goodness! Yokatta!
Are you sure it’s alright? (confirming permission) Ii’n desu ka?
Oops! (used when you have made a mistake) Ikenai.
Lucky you! Ii naa!
Well done! (when things went successfully) Umaku ikimashita ne!
Thank you (expressing gratitude for help received). Okagesama de.

Is [this] all right? (asking whether something is appropriate or not) [Kore] de ii desu ka?
Sounds good. Sou ne.
[sentence….] ne ‘ne’ is put at the end of a sentence to add
feeling or to seek agreement from the listener.

Help yourself. Douzo meshiagatte kudasai.

What’s it for? Nan no tame ni mono desu ka?

Sorry to be late. Osokunate sumimasen.

Good luck. Koo’un.

Hello. Do you speak English? Konnichiwa. Eigo o hanasemasu ka?
I only speak a little Japanese. Watashi wa nihongo ga sukoshi shika hanasemasen
[ I Jap language a little, only, nothing but cannot speak]
Or Nihongo ga sukoshi hanasemasu.
I can read and write hiragana and katakana. Hiragana to Katakana no yomikaki ga dekimasu.
Excuse me, may I ask you something? (polite) Chotto kagai masuga?
Can I ask you a question? Shitsumon o shite mo ii desu ka?
Pardon me for interrupting. Shitsurei shimasu.
What is --- in Japanese? --- wa Nihongo de nan desu ka?
What is --- in English? --- wa Eigo de nan desu ka?
For instance / For example… Tatoeba….
How do I/you say [WORD]? [WORD] wa dou iimasu (say) ka?
How do I/you say [Kanji character]? Kono [Kanji character] wa dou iimasu (say) ka?
Please may I practice my Japanese with you? Watashi wa anata to Nihongo o renshu shitai no
desuga?
Please can you write it down? Kaite kudasai.
How do you spell that? Spellu wa nan desu ka?
Do you know what [WORD] means in Japanese? Nihongo de [WORD] wa dou iu imi desu ka?
What does [WORD] mean? [WORD] wa dou iu imi desu ka? Check this w. H
Please correct my Nihongo and tell me where the Watashi no Nihongo no machigai wo
corrections need to be made. Please! naoshite kudasai. Onegai shimasu!
Page - 10 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I don’t know. Shirimasen.
Please teach me. Oshiete kudasai!
That is correct / That’s right. Tadashii desu.
I think so. Sou da to omoimasu.
I don’t think so. Sou omoimasen.
Please say it more slowly? Yukkuri itte kudasai.
Please say it again? Mou ichido itte kudasai.
No, thank you. Iie, kekko desu.
I’ll look forward to it (indicates pleasurable anticipation) Tanoshimi ni shite imasu.
Of course. Mochiron.

I am going out. (short trip) Itte kimasu.

I am going out now. Ima kara dekakeru desu.
I’m home! Tadaima.
Welcome back. Okaerinasai. (o-kai ri nasai)

It’s not bad. Waruku arimasen.

It’s not that. Sore (janai/ja arimasen).
It’s not here. Koko ni (janai/ja arimasen).
Not too much. Amari takusan de naku.
Not too fast. Amari hayaku naku.
Not yet. Mada desu.

Isn’t it? Aren’t you? Etc.

Enough / plenty Juubunn じゅうぶん

I have enough money Okane o juubun motte imasu.
Does he have enough money? Okane o juubun motte imasu ka?

I have put sugar on it already. Satou wa mou irete imasu.

Application Moushikomi

First of all Mazu

Window / counter Madoguchi
Should Beki desu
All, every Subete
ie: All rights should be gender-equal. Subete no kenri wa danjo byoudou de aru beki desu.

I’m looking for [object]. [Object] o sagashite imasu.

Found Mitsukashimasu / Mitsukatta!  Check with H

YO!

Page - 11 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Sure. Ii desu yo (when passing on
information/(particle used for emphasis and is
similar to the English ‘!’).
Japanese is very interesting, I tell you. Nihongo wa totemo omoshiroi, desu yo.
This book is interesting, right? Kono hon wa omoshiroi, desu yo ne?
It takes at least 10 hours to get to America, right? Amerika made juu-jikan wa kakarimasu yo ne?
I’ll talk, you know. Hanasu yo. (men)
I talked, you know. Hanashita yo. (men)
It’s expensive, you know. Takai yo. (men)
It was expensive, you know. Takakatta yo. (men)
It’s quiet, you know. Shizuka da yo. (men)
It was quiet, you know. Shizuka datta yo. (men)
He’s a teacher, you know. Sensei da yo. (men)
He was a teacher, you know. Sensei datta yo. (men)

Asking the way / Celebrating being lost

I am lost. Michi ni mayoimashita.
Excuse me. Which way to Ginza? Sumimasen. Ginza wa dochira desu ka?
How do I get to Ginza? Ginza wa dono you ni ikimasu ka?
Excuse me. I'm looking for the Awesome Hotel. Sumimasen. Awesome Hoteru o sagashite imasu.

Do you have any brothers or sisters? Go-kyoudai ga irasshaimasuka?

Do you have any brothers or sisters? Anata wa kyoudai (shimai) ga imasu ka?

That’s very hard, isn’t it. Sore wa taihen desu ne.

That restaurant is always crowded, isn’t it? Ano resutoran wa itsumo konde imasu ne?
Let’s see a movie? Eiga o mimashou.
YES: OK, When and where shall we meet? Ii desu yo. Itsu, doko de machiawasemasu ka?
NO: Sorry, I can’t. Sumimasen ga, ikemasen.

Thanking someone for a meal

If you went to a person's house and they gave you a meal, say:
Thank you for the meal/drinks the other day. Konaida wa doumo gochisou-sama deshita.

The standard reply to the above phrases is:

On the contrary, let me thank you. Kochira koso, arigatou gozaimashita.

If you haven't seen the person for a while, say:

It's been a long time. Shibaraku. Or more politely….
It's been a long time. O-hisashiburi desu / Shibaraku-buri desu ne.

A common response would be:

Sorry not to have been in touch. Go-busata shite imasu.

If you meet someone important to you, ie: your child's teacher or a client, your follow up words would be:
I am continually in your favour. Itsumo o-sewa ni natte imasu.

Or you could follow up the greeting with an enquiry into their health or business:
Are you well? / No change? (in your health) Genki (O-genki desu ka?) / O-kawari nai desu ka?

Are you busy? How's business? O-isogashii desu ka? / Keiki wa dou desu ka?
Page - 12 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Saying goodbye

Goodbye. Shitsurei shumasu.

Goodbye. I'm off. Itte kimasu.
See you! / Bye! (among friends) Mata ne / Ja ne!
Take care of your health. O-daiji ni.

Saying thank you

Thank you. Sumimasen.
I'm obliged to you. O-sewa ni narimashita.
You've been a great help. Tasukarimashita.
Thank you for your help. Gokurou sama.
Thank you for your help/work. O-tsukare sama.
I am very grateful. Kyoushuku desu / Osoreiremasu.

Apologising

I'm sorry. Shitsurei shimasu.

Oh, I'm sorry. I'll come back later. A, shitsurei shimashita. Mata kimasu.
I'm obliged to you. O-sewa ni narimashita.
Sorry to have kept you waiting. O-matese shimashita.
Oh, pardon. I'm sorry. Are you alright? Gomen-nasai. Sumimasen deshita. Daijoubu desu ka?

Asking permission

Could I please have tomorrow off? Ashita yasumasete moraemasu ka?

Could you possibly let me have tomorrow off? Ashita yasumasete itadakitai no desu ga? [More polite]

Making requests
Please. (lit. I request) Yoroshiku o-negai shimasu / itashimasu.
Would you mind waiting a moment? Chotto matte itadakemasu ka?
Excuse me. Would you mind moving this? Sumimasen. Kore o dokete moraemasen ka?
Ask H for casual equivalent

Leading to a request

About tomorrow's meeting. Ashita no kaigi no koto nan desu ga,

I phoned because there was something I wanted Jitsu wa, o-negai ga ate, o-denwa shita wake nan desu ga,
to ask you.
I'm sorry to disturb you when you are busy. O-isogashii tokoro, sumimasen.

Page - 13 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Refusing requests

At the first hint of something undesirable:

Well….. Sou desu ne….

When the request comes, it is often enough to say:

Well, it's just that….. Saa, chotto….
When spoken hesitantly, with pauses before and after the chotto, either of the phrases below should
convey your desire not to partake:
I'm rather busy at work these days. Konogoro, chotto, shigoto ga isogashikute.
I've really not been feeling well recently. Saikin, chotto, taichou ( physical condition) o
kuzushimashite.

If you cannot think of a specific reason, you could play for time:

I'll discuss it (with someone) and call you back. Chotto soudan shite, mata o-denwa shimasu.
Please let me think it over. Because it is important. Chotto kangaesasate kudasai. Daiji na koto desu kara.

Specific excuses make convincing refusals

I'm sorry, but something urgent has come up. Sumimasen ga, kyuuyou ga dekimashita no de.
I'm afraid I'm not free until the 20th. Zannen desu ga, hatsuka wa tsugou ga warui (
inconvenient?) no desu ga.
Or more vaguely….

I'm sorry but I can't help you this time. Moushiwake arimasen ga, konkai wa o-yaku ni tatemasen
no de.
I'm sorry but I'll forego this one. Zannen desu ga, kondo wa enryo sasete itadakimasu.

Calling on the neighbours – as a new arrival

Hello, my name is Jon. And I've just moved in next door. Gomen kudasai. Tonari ni hikkoshimashita Jon desu.
Pleased to meet you. Douzo yoroshiku.
The pleasure's mine. Thank you. Kochira koso. Wazawaza arigatou gozaimasu.

Admiring a neighbour's garden

Ii tenki desu ne. Niwa-shigoto desu ka?
Beautiful day, isn't it? I see you're doing some gardening.
Those are really splendid flowers! May I take a look? Maa, migoto ( impressive) na hana desu ne!
Chotto mite ii ka shira?
Please do. Come inside and have a look. Douzo, douzo. Naka ni haitte mite kudasai.

Going on holiday
Actually, I want to ask you a favour. We're leaving Jitsu wa, o-negai ga ate mairimashita. Ashita kara,
for New Zealand tomorrow and the house will be NZ e kaeru no de, ikkagetsu rusu ni suru koto ni
vacant for a month. I've written down the phone narimashita. Tsuma no kaisha no denwa bangou ga
number of my wife's office. Would you get in touch koko ni kaite okimashita no de, nanika arimashita,
(with the office) if anything happens? go-renraku itadakemasen ka?
Yes, I certainly will. And I hope you have a nice, Hai, wakarimashita. Ii desu ne. Yukkuri tanoshinde kite
Page - 14 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
relaxing time. Kudasai

Noticeboard passed around the neighbourhood. Kairanban

One's own home ie/uchi
Your home or house o-taku
House, dwelling Juukyo / juutaku
Residential area Juutaku-chi
Caretaker Kanri-nin

CASUAL CONVERSATION / Meeting someone for the first time

Table of Contents

What is your name? O-namae wa? (casual)

0r: O-namae wa nan desu ka? (polite)
My name is Jon. Watashi no namae wa Jon desu.
Where do you live? Anata wa doko ni sunde imasu ka?
I live in Akatsuka. Akatsuka ni sunde imasu.
Where did you come (commute) from today? Kyou wa doko kara kimashita ka?
I came from Akatsuka. Akatsuka kara kimashita.

Which country are you from? O-kuni wa dochira desu ka? (=V. polite)
Or: Doko no kuni kara kimashitaka (casual)
Are you Japanese? Anata wa Nihon-jin desu ka?
Are you from Japan? Anata wa Nihon kara desu ka?
Where are you from? Anata wa doko kara kimashita ka?
Which part of [PLACE] do you come from? [PLACE] no doko kara kimashita ka?
I have come to Japan from New Zealand. Watashi wa NZ kara Nihon e kimashita.
Have you been to [PLACE]? [PLACE] e itta koto ga arimasu ka?
I have been there. Itta koto ga arimasu.
Have you been there? Itta koto ga arimasu ka?
Have you been to this park before? Kono kouen ni kita koto ga arimasu ka?
Have you been to this cafe before? Kono kissaten ni kita koto ga arimasu ka?
Have you been to this movie before? Kono eiga ni kita koto ga arimasu ka?
Have you been to Tokyo before? Tokyo ni kita koto ga arimasu ka?
How many times have you been to Japan? Nihon ni nan-kai itta koto ga arimasu ka?
I have been to Japan 5 times. Nihon ni go-kai itta koto ga arimasu.

Q: When did you come to [PLACE]? Itsu [PLACE] e kimashita ka?

A: I came in March this year. Kotoshi no sangatsu ni kimashita.
When will you return to your country? Itsu kuni e kaerimasu ka?
I will return to my country in October next year. Rainen no jugatsu ni kuni e kaerimasu.

What month did you visit [PLACE]? Nangatsu ni [PLACE] e ikimashita ka?
I visited [PLACE] in [MONTH] Watashi wa [MONTH] ni [PLACE] e ikimashita.
ie: I visited Japan in March Watashi wa sangatsu ni Nihon e ikimashita.
Which country did you like the most? Anata wa dono kuni ga ichiban suki desu ka?
Did you like it? Kini irimashita ka?
What did you do there? Soko de nani o shimashita ka?
Page - 15 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
About how many years have you lived in Japan? Nan-nen gurai Nihon ni sunde imashita ka?

How old are you/he/she? Oikutsu desu ka? (Nansai desu ka?) / Toshi wa
ikutsu? (casual)
Your English is good. Eigo umai-ne (casual)
Are you a student? Gakusei? (casual)
What is your occupation? O-shigoto wa nan desu ka? (polite)
Which company do you work for? Dochira no kaisha desu ka?
I work for a publishing company. Shuppan no kaisha de hataraite imasu.
What time does your job start? Shigoto wa nan-ji kara desu ka?
What are your hobbies? Shumi wa nan desu ka?
When is your birthday? Tanjoubi wa itsu desu ka?
What have you studied today? Kyou anata wa nani o benkyo shimashita ka?
What will you do this evening? Konban wa nani o shimasu ka?
What do you do in the evenings? Yoru nani o shimasu ka?
Are you busy next Sunday? Raishuu no Nichiyoubi wa isogashii desu ka?
Are you free tomorrow? Ashita hima desu ka?
Or: Are you free? Hima desu ka?
Where should we meet? Doko ni suru? (casual)
Shall we meet at [PLACE]? [PLACE] de aimashou ka?
What time is best for you? Nanji ga ii desu ka?
What time should we meet? Nanji ni suru?
What do you say we go to [PLACE]? [PLACE] ni ikanai.
Are you home tonight? Anata wa ie ni imaska? (casual)
Where is your house close to? Anata no uchi wa doko no chikaku desu ka?
My house is close to [PLACE] Watashi no uchi wa [PLACE] no chikaku desu
Let's go to [place name] [place name] e ikimashou.
ie: Let's go to Shinjuku park. Shinjuku gyouen e ikimashou.
Would you like to come to my house? Uchi ni kimasen ka?
Shall we go out? Dekakemashou ka?
Shall we go out to [place name]? [place name] e dekakemashou ka?
What is his name? Kare no namae wa nan desu ka?
What is her name? Kanojo no namae wa nan desu ka?
I am happy. Watashi wa shiawase desu.
Basho/ mono / hito basho/mono/hito
What is your favourite [place/object/person]? Suki na [ ] (doko/nan/dare) desu ka?
ie: What is your favourite food? Suki na tabemono wa nan desu ka?
Where is your favourite place? Suki na tokoro wa doko desu ka?
Who is your favourite singer? Suki na kashu (singer) wa dare desu ka?

How about….? ….dou desu ka?

ie: How about coffee? Kohii wa dou desu ka?
That sounds nice. Ii desu ne.
I’d love to. Yorokonde.
It’s a shame/pity. Zannen desu.
When are you going to [PLACE] tomorrow? Ashita no itsu (nanji) [PLACE] e (ni) iki masu
ka? *nanji means what time?
May I call you? Denwa shite mo ii?
I will call you. Denwa shimasu.
Please call me. Denwa o kudasai.
Can I have your address? Juusho o oshiete kudasai.
Can I have your phone number? Denwa bangou o oishiete kudasai.
Can I have your e-mail address? Meeru adoresu o oshiete kudasai.
Please write your [Name/Address/Phone Number] Kono kami ni [name/address/tel #] o
on this piece of paper. kaite kudasai.
Please write your name & address on this piece of paper. Kono kami ni juusho to namae o kaite kudasai.
Page - 16 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Shall I call you later? Atode denwa shimashou ka?
I’ll e-mail you. Meeru shimasu .
Please e-mail me. Meeru shite kudasai.
This is my address & telephone number. Watashi no renraku-saki desu.
Please come and see me. Asobi ni kite kudasai.
Could you do this please? Kore onegaishimasu.
It’s getting late. Go on home now. Osoi node mou kaerinasai.

Let’s have dinner (or something) tonight. Konban, shokuji demo?

Sure, that would be great. Hai, zehi.

See you later (when leaving) Itte kimasu

Take care (said to a person leaving) Itte rasshai
Say hello to X-san for me. X-san ni yoroshiku.
Long time no see. How’s it going? Hisashiburi. Choushi wa dou?
See you around. Chikai uchi ni.
What’s wrong? Douka shimashita ka?
I’m lost Michi ni mayoimashita.
Excuse me….. Anou…
Let me see…. Eeetou….
No thanks. Kekkou desu.
I see Naruhodo
No kidding! Ussou!
That’s too bad. Zannen desu
Sorry to hear that. Okinodoku ni
Contact information Renraku saki
E-mail address Meeru adores
Is this your first time in Japan? Nihon wa hajimate desu ka?
How long will you be here? Dono kurai taizai shimasu ka?
I’m staying for X days. X nichi-kan taizai shimasu.

It’s very hot today, isn’t it? Kyou wa totemo atsui, desu ne?

Do you know [NAME]? [NAME]-san o shitte imasu ka?

Do you know Chris? Chris-san o shitte imasu ka?
YES: Yes, I do know [NAME]. Hai, shitei imasu.
NO: No, I don’t know [NAME]. Iie, shirimasen.
Do you know [PLACE]? [PLACE] o shitte imasu ka?
Do you know Kyoto? Kyoto o shitte imasu ka?

Do you know where [PLACE] is? [PLACE] ga dokoka shitte imasu ka?

Do you want to come here again? Mata koko e kitai desu ka?
Do you want to eat this again? Mata kore o tabetai desu ka?
Do you want to drink this again? Mata kore o nomitai desu ka?
Do you want to see this movie again? Mata kono eiga o mitai desu ka?

The last occasion Zenkai

When was the last time you came? Zenkai wa itsu okoshi ni narimashita ka?
I’ve met that person before. Sono hito to wa mae ni atta koto ga aru.

What do you want to do (now)? (Ima) nani o shitai desu ka?

What will you do? Dou suru no?
What shall I do? Dou shiyou ka na?
I don’t fully understand Yoku wakarimasen

Page - 17 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Why? Nande?
Look! Mite! (=te form of mimasu)
Look at that! Are o mite!
Shall we go? Iku? (Note: Dictionary form) (or Ikimashou?)
Let’s go Ikou
Take care! Ki o tsukete ne!
I love you Aishite imasu / Aishiteru
Q: What time do you wake up every morning? Maiasa nanji ni okimasu ka?
A: I wake up at 8 o’clock Hachi-ji ni okimasu.
Were you able to sleep well? Yoku nemuremashita ka?
How are you feeling this morning? Kesa wa ikaga desu ka?

Cool Kakko ii
Uncool Kakko warui
Awesome / great Sugoi!
Great / Fine Suteki
Cute Kawaii

Like Suki
Eg: Tom likes fish Tomu-san wa sakana ga suki desu.
Q: Which do you like, sushi or tenpura? Sushi to tenpura to dochira ga suki desu ka?
A: I like both. Dochira mo suki desu.
I like sushi more. Sushi ga motto suki desu.
Dislike Kirai
ie: He seems to dislike me. Kare wa watashi o kiratte iru mitai desu.

PERSONAL PRONOUNS
Table of Contents

Person Hito
We Watashi tachi
We like New Zealand. Watashi tachi wa New Zealand ga suki desu.
You (plural) Anata tachi
What will you (both) do? Anata tachi wa dou surun desu ka?
More than one person (plural) Tachi ie: A-san tachi
You and I Anata to watashi
They arrived at 7.30. Ano hitotachi wa shichi-ji han ni tsukimashita
(arrived).
They (male) Karetachi
They (female) Kanojotachi

Man Otoko no hito

Woman Onna no hito
He Kare
She Kanojo
They Karera
Someone Dareka
Someone called me tonight. Konban dareka ga denwa o shimashita.
Did someone called me tonight? Konban dareka (ga) denwa o shimashita ka?
Boku I (an Informal equivalent of ‘watashi’ used by
men)
My Boku no
ie: My bag Boku no kaban
Me Boku ni/o
Page - 18 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
ie: I’m going too. Boku mo iku.
You (an informal equivalent of ‘anata’ used by men) Kimi

Which person is A-san? A-san wa dono hito desu ka?

Connecting sentences and improving the flow

Table of Contents

IMPROVING FLOW OF CONVERSATION

What's going to happen? Dou narimasuka?

Let’s wait and see. Youso o mimashou.
I hope so/I hope it’s true. Sou da to ii desu (ne).
I hope not / I hope it’s not true. Sou ja nai to ii desu (ne).
Yes, so I heard. Sou rashii desu.
Could you repeat it one more time? Mo ichido onegaishimasu.
What’s wrong? / What’s the matter? Dou shimashita ka?
What shall I/we do? Sumimasen, dou shitara ii desu ka?
I think so. Sou omoimasu.
I see. Sou desu ka.
Is that so? Sou desu ka?
You see to be pretty busy at work. Shigoto isogashii sou desu ne.
How is everybody in your family? Kazoku no minas an, genki desu ka?
I’ll have time in the afternoon. Gogo nara jikan ga arimasu.

Basic conjunctions (sentence joiners)

Table of Contents

Then….and Sorekara
ie: Yesterday I saw a movie and after that I went shopping. Kinou eiga o mite sorekara kaimono o shimashita.

Besides, in addition to Sore ni

ie: This flower has good colour. Kono hana wa iro ga kirei desu.
In addition it smells nice. Sore ni nioi mo ii desu.

and Soshite is used to connect sentences, ie:

Ms Kimura is a beautiful person. Kimura-san wa kireina hito desu.
And she is very kind. Soshite totemo shinsetsu desu.

And / and so / therefore. (ie: because of S1, result S2 is Sorede

produced or action S2 is taken). It has a similar meaning to
Page - 19 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
desukara or dakara (so).

So, and so, therefore, that’s why dakara….

ie: Since I am not good at singing, I don’t like karaoke. Uta ga heta dakara, karaoke wa suki janai.

Also mo
‘Mo’ is used as follows:
Person A: (I am a student) Watashi wa gakusei desu.
Person B: (I am also a student) Watashi mo gakusei desu.

Change of topic (‘By the way/incidentally…’) Tokorode

In that case (used when making a decision after hearing facts) Sore ja  or: ‘sore dewa’ (formal)
Then, in that case Dewa / Ja
More or less, generally Daitai
In recent years Kinnen
Recently, lately, these days Saikin
ie: Just recently I have become able to read Japanese newspapers. Saikin nihongo no shinbun ga yomeru you ni
narimashita.
Seen any interesting movies lately? Saikin, omoshiroi eiga mita?
A little time ago Sakki
Nowadays, these days, recently Konogoro

Sometimes Tokidoki
Ahead of/beforehand saki ni
Occasionally Tamani
ie: I meet him only occasionally. Kare to wa tamani shika aimasen.
Only, few, a little -- Sukoshi shika (+ negative)
I only speak a little Japanese. Watashi wa nihongo ga sukoshi shika hanasemasen.
I only have 100 yen. Hyaku-en shika arimasen.

Suddenly Totsuzen / Kyuu ni

Close, right, immediately, at once Sugu
Yet Mada (+ negative)
Eg: Can you write Hiragana? Hiragana ga kakemasu ka?
No, I cannot write it yet. Iie, mada kakemasen.
About (approximate) Gurai
But demo
But Desu kedo
ie: This juice is delicious but expensive. Kono juisu wa oishii desu kedo takai desu.
But/however Shikashi (formal)
To tell the truth (talking frankly) Jitsu wa
Over, more than Ijou
This car seats no more than six. Kono kuruma wa rokunin ijou wa norenai.
Except for, besides Igai  ask H for 2 eg sentences

Stuff/things Koto/mono
Lie Uso
Difference/distinction /wrong / differ Chigaimasu / Chigau

Examples:
Q: Is that person Japanese? Ano hito wa Nihon-jin desu ka?
A: No, he isn’t. Iie, chigaimasu.
This room is different from that room in size. Kono heya to ano heya wa ookisa ga chigaimasu.
I have different tastes than my friend. Watashi wa tomodachi to konomi ga chigau.
You have the wrong telephone number. Denwa bangou ga chigaimasu yo.

Page - 20 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Similar Niteru
ie: ‘This’ and ‘that’ are similar. Kore to (this) kore wa (that) nete imasu.
Example Rei
Well.. Saa..

All the way/time, the whole time/for a long time/[something is] long Zutto
Zutto means
For a whole hour ichi-jikan zutto
For a whole day ichi-nichijuu zutto
For a whole year ichi-nen zutto
For my whole life isshou zutto
At last, finally Yatto
Eg: At last Spring has come. Yatto haru ni natta.
Always, surely, certainly, without fail Kanarazu
Probably, perhaps, maybe Tabun
ie: Maybe she won’t come. Tabun kanojo wa konai deshou.
Probably, maybe, quite, some Nakanaka
ie: His English is pretty good. Kare no Eigo wa nakanaka umai.
Not easily (used with a negative) Nakanaka
This lid will not come off easily. Kono futa wa nakanaka torenai.

Beginning Hajime ni

End Owari ni
Clearly Hakkiri  ask H for 2 eg sentences
Considerably, very much, really, a lot Zuibun  ask H for 2 eg sentences
(compared with what was expected)
The past; one’s past Kako

How many do you need? Ikutsu hitsuyou desu ka?

How long will it take? Dona gurai kakarimasu ka?
Time required Shoyou jikan

I’m studying XX. Watashi wa XX o manande imasu.  check with H

Law Houritsu Literature Bungaku
Economics Keizai Art Bijutsu

I work for a XX company. Watashi wa XX kankei no kaisha ni tsutomete imasu.

Financial Kin-yuu IT Aitii
Media Masukomi Healthcare Iryou
Manufacturing Seizougyou Construction Kenchiku
Food products Shokuhin Translator Honyakusha
Editor Henshuusha Proofreader Kouseisha

More conjunctions – connecting words and phrases

Table of Contents

Therefore Dakara, desu kara

Accordingly Shitagatte
In that case Sorenara
Moreover Shikamo, Sonoue
On the other hand Ippou
However Keredomo
Page - 21 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
On the contrary Soredokoroka
But Shikashi
Othewise Samomaito
In other words Iikaereba
Anyway Tonikaku
In short Tsumari, yousoruni
After all Kekkyoku
Or Soretomo
Well Sate
By the way Tokorode
Namely Sunawachi
Or example Tatoeba
Because Nazenara
To tell the truth Jitsu wa

Examples
Would you like coffee? Kohii o nomi ni narimasu ka?....
Or would you rather have tea? Soretomo koucha ni nasaimasu ka?
It’s nice weather , isn’t it? Ii tenki desu ne……
Well, where whall we go today? Sate, kyou wa doko e ikimashou ka?
Don’t you know him? Ano hito o shiranai desu ka?
To tell you the truth, I don’t either Jitsuwa watashi mo desu.
She is very beautiful and charming. Kanojo wa bijin de miryokuteki desu.
Moreover, her father is a millionaire. Shikamo kanojo no otousan wa okuman chuoja desu.

To connect nouns
to – ‘and’ comes between nouns
Examples:
I like tennis and skiing. Watashi wa tenisu to sukii ga suki desu.

ya – ‘and’ ALSO comes between nouns

Examples:
When I’m free, I read things such as newspapers Hima na toki wa shinbun ya zasshi o yomimasu.
& magazines.

ka – ‘or’ ALSO comes between nouns

Examples:
I want to drink coffee or green tea. Kohii ka ocha o nomitai.
You can go to school by either bus or subway. Gakkou e wa basu ka chikatetsu de ikemasu.
I drink either juice or milk every morning. Maiasa juusu ka miruku o nomu.
Either write a letter or make a call please. Tegami o kaku ka denwa o kakeru ka dochira ka shite
kudasai.
Coffee or tea Kohii ka kocha
You or I Anata ka watashi
A dog or a cat Inu ka neko

mo – ‘and (also)’ comes after each noun

Examples:
She speaks Japanese and also Chinese. Kanojo wa Nihongo mo Chuugoku-go mo hanashimasu.
Page - 22 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
In order to tame ni ha ため に は
Necessary hitsuyou ひつよう
Therefore sorede それで

To connect sentences: - Common conjunctive words

Aida / Aida (ni) Between / During the time when…./While…..

Note the clause after ‘while’ in the English sentence always comes 1st in the Japanese sentence.

EXAMPLES:
Noun + no aida / aida ni
I couldn’t eat anything while I was sick. Byouki no aida nani mo taberaremasen deshita.
I will go to Boston during vacation. Yasumi no aida ni Boston e itte kimasu.
I intend to travel a lot while I am a student. Gakusei no aida ni takusan ryoukou o suru tsumori (da/desu).
During the summer vacation I worked part Natsu yasumi no aida restauran de arubaito o shimashita.
time at a restaurant.

i-adjective + no aida / aida ni

Let’s make sushi while the fish is fresh. Sakana ga atarashii aida ni sushi o tsukurimashou.
I can’t do anything while I am busy with work. Shigoto de isogashii aida wa nani mo dekinai.
My father lived in Auckland while he was young. Chichi wa wakai aida wa Auckland ni sunde (ita/imashita).

Na-adjective + no aida / aida ni

I cannot watch TV while I am busy at work. Shigoto ga taihen na aida wa, terebi o miraremasen.
I will write a letter to my teacher while I am free. Hima na aida ni sensei ni tegami o kakimasu.

Verb + aida / aida ni- when the VERB in the sentence indicates an ACTION, it is always stated
in the form of ‘ – te iru’.
I was home while it was raining. Ame ga futte iru aida wa zutto uchi ni (ita/imashita).
The room is quiet while my child is sleeping. Kodomo ga nete iru aida wa heya ga shizuka desu.
I bought a newspaper while waiting for the bus. Basu o matte iru aida ni shinbun o kaimashita.
I always make dinner when my roommate Itsumo roommate ga inai aida ni bangohan o tsukuru.
is not around.
I was reading a book while Tony was watching TV.Tony ga terebi o mite iru aida watashi wa hon o yonde imashita.
Carl learned golf while he was in America. Carl-san wa Amerika ni iru aida ni gorufu o oboemashita.

TEST SECTION
Connect the 2 sentences using either ‘aida’ or ‘aida ni’ -
Eg: Jogging o shite ita / ii tenki datta  Jogging o shite iru aida ii tenki deshita.

Hikouki ni notte ita / eiga o futatsu ni mita  Hikouki ni notte iru aida ni eiga o futatsu mimashita.
Sale ga aru / mise ga konde iru  Sale ga aru aida mise ga konde imasu. .
Nihon ni iru / Fuji-san ga mitai  Nihon ni iru aida ni Fuji-san ga mitai desu. .
Gakkou ga yasumi da / Gym wa shimatte iru  Gakkou ga yasumi no aida gym wa shimatte imasu.

Translate the following sentences into Japanese -

I want to buy a coat while there is a sale.  Sale ga aru aida ni kooto (coat) ga kaitai desu.
This beach is quiet during the winter.  Fuyu no aida kono kaigan wa shizuka desu.
Page - 23 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
My father left home while I was sleeping.  Chichi wa watashi ga nete iru aida ni uchi o demashita.

Atode After
means that the event C1 happens first and then the event C2 occurs.
STRUCTURE: (C1) ta form] + atode (C2)
Noun + no ]
NOTE: The ‘de’ of ‘atode’ may be omitted in informal speech leaving just ‘ato’

EXAMPLES:
Verb (plain past) + ato(de)
I will go home right after I stop by the bookstore. Honya ni yotta ato sugu (right away) uchi e kaerimasu.
I got a stomach-ache after I ate fish. Sakana o tabeta atode onaka ga itaku narimashita.
After work is over, I am going out to eat Shigoto ga owatta atode, kaisha no hito to shokuji
with my workmates. ni ikimasu.
After I came to Japan, I study Japanese. Nihon e kita atode Nihongo benkyo o shimasu.
After I jogged, I took a shower. Jogging o shita atode shower o abimashita.
Let’s see a movie after doing the shopping. Kaimono o shita atode, eiga o miyou.
It has become a little cold after it rained. Ame ga futta ato sukoshi samuku narimashita.
Stuart fell asleep after he drank beer. Stuart-san wa biiru o nonda atode nete shimatta.
Mason became ill after he came to Japan. Mason-san wa Nihon e itta atode, byouki ni natta.
I studied right after I had eaten my meal. Ryouri o tabeta atode, sugu benkyou shimashita.

Noun + no atode
After the party, I will return home. Party (noun) no atode, uchi e kaerimasu.
Let’s have some tea after work. Shigoto no atode, ocha o nomou.
I intend to go to a library after the class. Kurasu no atode, toshokan ni iku tsumori desu.
(note : ‘owatta’ is not used)
I took a walk after the meal. Shokuji no atode, sanpo shimashita.
I drink coffee after meals. Shokuji no atode kohii o nomimasu.
After class I went to the library. Kurasu no atode, toshokan ni (itta/ikimashita)
I went to Hakone after school. Gakkou no atode, Hakone ni ikimashita.

STRUCTURE: (te-form) kara

Expresses a similar meaning to ‘atode’.
-te kara is used when C1 & C2 are continuous . ie: following on from the event described in C1,
the event described in C2 happens.

EXAMPLES:
Please use this medicine after reading Kono kusuri wa setsumeisho o yoku yonde kara,
the instructions carefully. tsukatte kudasai.
Please take this medicine after meals. Kono kusuri wa shokuji o shita atode, nonde kudasai.
Shall I call you later? Atode denwa shimashou ka?

TEST SECTION
Connect the 2 sentences using either ‘mae’ or ‘ato’ -
Eg: Ame ga furu / Uchi e kaeru  Ame ga furu mae ni uchi e kaerimasu.

Tegami o kaku / Yuubinkyouku e iku  Tegami o kaita atode yuubinkyouku e ikimasu.

Page - 24 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Nihon e iku / Tokyo no hoteru ni yoyaku (booking) Nihon e ita mae ni Tokyo no hoteru ni
shite oku  yoyaku shite okimasu.
Jogging o suru / Shower o abiru  Jogging o shita atode shower o abimasu.
Shokuji o suru / Dessert o taberu  Shokuji o shita atode dessert o tabemasu.

Translate the following sentences into Japanese -

I practiced kanji before the examinaton.  Shiken no mae ni kanji o renshuu shimasu.
I will go out after I do my homework.  Shukudai o shita atode dekakemasu.
I called my friend before I went to China.  Chuugoku e iku mae ni tomodachi ni denwa shimashita.
I am going to bed after I take a bath.  O-furo ni haitta atode nemasu.

Dakara and so, therefore, that’s why

EXAMPLES: (da = plain form of Desu)
Since I am not good at singing, I don’t like karaoke. Uta ga heta dakara, karaoke wa suki janai.
Since I do not like shopping, I won’t go out. Kaimono ga heta dakara, ikinai.
Since I have just arrived in Japan, I don’t Nihon e tsuita bakari dakara, nani mo wakarimasen.
understand anything.

de And
‘de’ links a sentence X wa Y da/desu with another sentence. It is equivalent to ‘and’ in Engish.

EXAMPLES:
Mr Kimura is a teacher, and his wife is a doctor. Kimura-san wa sensei de, okusan wa isha desu.
This is a Japanese camera, and that is a German (one). Kore wa Nihon no kamera de, are wa Doitsu no desu.
The wedding is at 3 o’clock, and the reception is at 5 o’clock. Kekkon-shiki wa san-ji de, reception wa go-ji desu.
Mr Smith is English and came from London last year. Sumisu-san wa Igirisu-jin de, kyonen Rondon kara kimashita.
Tomoko plays tennis very well and has become Tomoko-san wa tenisu ga totemo jouzu de, pro ni
a professional. narimashita.
Tony is French and a student of Auckland university. Tony-san wa Furansujin de Auckland daigaku no
ryuugakusei desu.
Nara is a quiet and beautiful city. Nara wa shizuka de kireina machi desu.

Dewa Then, well, so, if so (informal form is ‘ja’)

EXAMPLES:
Well, I must be leaving now. Dewa kore de shitsurei shimasu.
Then, why did you do it? Dewa naze sou shitan desu ka?
If so, I give up. Dewa mou akiramemasu.
Well then, we will now start the meeting. Dewa kore kara, kaigi o hajimemasu.
So long, see you again tomorrow. Dewa mata ashita.

Ga – ….. ‘but’…..Contrary reasoning, and – connects two contrasting sentences

Ga is used as a conjunction to connect a sentence with another sentence when what is to be stated in the latter
is contrary to what is expected from the former.

EXAMPLES:
Japanese food is delicious but expensive. Nihon no tabemono wa oishii desu ga, takai desu.
Although it’s cold, I went out. Samui desu ga, dekakemashita.
I’m sick, but I’m going to work. Byouki desu ga, shigoto ni ikimasu.
I have free time, but I don’t have money. Hima wa arimasu ga, okane wa arimasen.
Today the weather is bad, but it’s not so cold. Kyou no tenki wa warui desu ga, amari samuku arimasen.
Page - 25 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I took the medicine, but I haven’t got better yet. Kusuri o nomimashita ga, mada yoku narimasen.
The meal was delicious, but I could not eat much. Ryouri wa oshiikatta desu ga, amari taeraremasen datta.
I am able to speak German, but cannot write it. Watashi wa Doitsu-go o hanasu koto ga dekimasu ga,
kaku koto wa dekimasen.
I drink alcohol but don’t smoke cigarettes. O-sake wa nomimasu ga tabako wa suimasen.
I want to travel but I don’t have any money. Ryokou o shitai ga okane ga nai.

gyaku ni Contrary to one' s expectation, conversely

Gyaku ni is an adverb used to introduce an event which takes place contrary to one's expectation/intention,
or something stated in the preceding sentence or clause.

I didn't study for some time; then contrary to expectations, my grades got better.
Shibaraku benkyō shinakattara gyaku ni gakkō no seiseki ga yoku natta.
I really like her, but (contrary to my expectations) she hates me.
Kanojo no koto ga suki na no ni gyaku ni kirawarete shimatta.

Here, ‘ga’ means ‘and’ (= neutral connector)

EXAMPLES:
I went to Hawaii and it was wonderful. Hawaii ni ikimashita ga, subarashikatta desu.
I read that book and it was interesting. Sono hon o yomimashita ga, omoshiroikatta desu.
I saw that movie and went to see it again. Ano eiga o mimashita ga mata mitai desu.
I drank medicine and became well. Kusuri o nonda ga yoku ni narimashita.
I studied Japanese and now have many Japanese friends. Nihongo benkyou shita ga takusan Nihonjin no
tomodachi ga imasu.

itashimasu – to do (humble version)

I will show you to your room. O-heya ni go-an'nai itashimasu.
We will open at 3 o'clock. Tōten wa, 3-ji ni kaiten itashimasu.
We will deliver it to your house. Go-jitaku ni haitatsu o itashimasu.

- ka – Joins sentences.
STRUCTURE:
Verb]+Plain Form ]
Adj]+ Plain Form ] + ka
Na ] Plain Form ]
Noun ]

EXAMPLES:
At what time will the meeting end? + I don’t know.
= Kaigi wa nanji ni owarimasu ka? + Wakarimasen.

 Kaigi wa nanji ni owaru ka , wakarimasen.

What should you do? + Please think.
= Dou shitara ii desu ka? + Kangaete kudasai.

 Dou shitara ii ka, kangaete kudasai. (‘desu’ disappears)

Page - 26 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
 What kind of town is Kobe? + I don’t know.
= Kobe wa donna machi desu ka? + Shirimasen.

 Kobe wa donna machi ka , shirimasen. (‘desu’ disappears)

Kara - Reason – Result Joining 2 sentences ‘Because’

Kara is attached at the end of a sentence or phrase to state a reason(s).

STRUCTURE: Reason kara Result The part in front of ‘kara’ states the reason
EXAMPLES:
Kono sweater wa takai. Sorede kaimasen. Combine both sentences to get -
Because this sweater is expensive, I won’t buy it Kono sweater wa takai kara kaimasen.
Because tomorrow is Sunday I won’t go to school. Ashita wa Nichiyoubi da kara gakkou e ikimasen.
Because the room is dirty, I will clean it. Heya ga kitenai kara souji o shimasu.
Because the bottle is broken….. Kono bin wa warete imasu kara ….
As I have a stomach ache, I won’t eat anything. Onaka ga itai desu kara, nani mo tabemasen.
Because I’m busy, I can’t go. Isogashii kara ikemasen.
Since it’s raining, I’ll stay home. Ame da kara uchi ni imasu.
My mother is home because my younger brother is sick. Otooto ga byouki da kara, haha wa uchi ni imasu.
I went to see a movie because I was free yesterday. Kinou wa hima datta kara eiga o mi ni ikimashita.
My little sister often listens to CDs because she Imooto wa ongaku ga suki da kara yoku CD o
likes music. kikimasu.
I went out on the weekend because the weather was fine. Shuumatsu wa ii tenki datta kara dekakemashita.
Let’s turn on the air con because it is hot. Atsui kara air con o tsukemashou.
I could not talk with my friend because I was busy. Isogashikatta kara tomodachi to hanasemasen deshita.
This restaurant is popular because it serves delicious food. Kono restaurant wa ryouri ga oishii kara ninki ga arimasu.
I will study at home because there is a test tomorrow.Ashita shiken ga aru kara uchi de benkyou shimasu.
I cannot buy a computer because I have no money. Okane ga nai kara, konpyuutaa wa kaemasen.
I walked home because the bus didn’t come. Basu ga konakatta kara aruite kaerimashita.
I will not take a walk because it is raining. Ame ga futte iru kara sanpo wa shimasen.
Because I don’t have time, I don’t read the newspaper. Jikan ga arimasen kara shinbun o yomimasen.
Because Haruko is 17, she can’t drink sake yet. Haruko wa juunana-sai da kara mada o-sake o nomenai.
As it’s a bit cold, shall I put on the heater? Sukoshi samui kara sutoobu (heater) o tsukemashou ka?

KARA NODE
Reasons/causes から 。ので ・で Result/conclusion
When you want to eplain the reason for something, you can choose kara or node (or sometimes de) – small but
important words that convery different impressions to listeners.
Kara is used more often in casual situations, and node in formal situations such as business meetings and in
writing.

KEY: Use kara with friends, node at work.

Kara is used for emotional expressions, ie: it can be used in friendly conversatins to explain a personal reason
or cause..
Node and de are used for giving logical reasons (de is used with nouns). These expressions are used in public
situations and in polite speech.

Examples:
I cancelled because I was busy. Ishogashikatta node cancel o shimashita.
Page - 27 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I cancelled because of my work. Shigoto de cancel o shimashita.
I cancelled because of the typhoon. Taifu de cancel o shimashita.
Could I go home because I have a headache? Atama ga itai node kaette mo ii desu ka?
I’m taking a day of tomorrow because a friend Furansu kara tomodachi ga kuru kara, ashita kaisha is
coming over from France. o yasumu. .
I couldn’t buy it because I didn’t have any money. Okane ga nakatta node kaemasen deshita.
The building collapsed because of the earthquake. Jishin de tatemono wa mecha-kucha desu.
I stayed home all day because it was raining. Kinou wa ame data kara zutto uchi ni imashita.
The movie I wanted to see was crowded, so I went Mitai eiga ga konde ita kara hoka no eiga o mita.
to a different one.
But I do really want to see that one after all, so I’m Demo, yappari sono eiga ga mitai kara ashita ikou
going to go tomorrow. to omou.

Reason -node -kara

Because Mr. Tanaka speaks English well… Tanaka-san wa Eigo ga jouzu dakara
you don’t need an interpreter. tsuuyaku wa hitsuyounai deshou.
Please sit down over there… Shashin o toru kara, soko ni suwatte kudasai.
as I want to take your photograph.

But I do really want to see that one after all, so I’m Demo, yappari sono eiga ga mitai kara ashita ikou
going to go tomorrow. to omou.

TEST SECTION
Connect the 2 sentences using ‘kara’
Eg: Shiranai kotoba ga arimashita / Jisho de shirabemashita
 Shiranai kotoba ga atta kara jisho de shirabemashita.

Heya ga kitanai desu / souji o shite kudasai  Heya ga kitanai kara souji o shite kudasai.
Jikan ga arimasen/ isoide kudasai  Jikan ga nai kara isoide kudasai.
Minna ga benkyou shite imasu/shizuka ni hanashimashou  Minna ga benkyou shite iru kara shizuka ni
hanashimashou.
Shiken ga owarimashita / asobi ni ikitai desu  Shiken ga owatta kara asobi ni ikitai desu.

Translate the following sentences into Japanese -

I cannot go out because my parents are coming. Ryoushin ga kuru kara dekakeraremasen.
Let’s have a party because it’s your birthday. Anata no tanjoubi da kara party o shimashou!
I always take a subway because it’s cheap and fast. Yasukute hayai kara itsumo chikatetsu ni norimasu.
I have no money because I bought a new computer. Atarashii konpyuutaa o katta kara okane ga arimasen.

‘Kara’ is also used to describe sequential action – it means ‘after’, ‘since’, ‘ever since’

V1 te-form kara V2 This sentence pattern indicates that upon completion of the action V1,
the action V2 is to be conducted.
EXAMPLES:
After eating I’ll do some work. Tabete kara shigoto o shimasu.
Ever since he got married, he has been happy. Kekkonshite kara shiawase desu.
I will work for my father’s company after going Kuni e kaette kara chichi no kaisha de hatarakimasu.
back to my country.
Page - 28 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
We ate at a restaurant after the concert was over. Konsaato ga owatte kara resutoran de
shokuji-shimashita.

‘Kara’ also means ‘from, out of, at, through, since, after, because’

EXAMPLES:
School begins at 8.30. Gakkou wa hachi-ji han kara hajimarimasu.
The summer vacation is from July 20th. Natsu yasumi wa shichigatsu hatsuka kara desu.
I’ve had a cold since yesterday. Kinou kara kaze o hitte imasu.
I came from Tokyo to Kyoto by shinkansen. Tokyo kara Kyoto made shinkansen de kimashita.
I’ll study after watching TV. Terebi o mite kara benkyou shimasu.
I’ll go home after taking a rest here. Koko de yasunde kara kaerimasu.
It is 6 months since I came to Japan. Nihon ni kite kara rokkagetsu ni narimasu.
How long does it take to go there on foot from Soko wa eki kara aruite, dono gurai kakerimasu ka?
the station?

Keredemo/Keredo/desu kedo - ‘and’, ‘although’, ‘but’, ‘however’

(Neutral connector). The first ‘mo’ is often dropped in more informal speech.
EXAMPLES:
I repeatedly asked him to come. But he didn’t. Kare ni kuru you ni nando mo tanonda. (<-- request)
Keredemo konakatta.
I often talk with Taro, and I think he is a Taro-san to wa yoku hanasu keredemo totemo ii
very nice person. hito desu.
Although I want to go on a trip, I have no time. Ryouko ni ikitai keredemo hima ga (arimasen/nai).
I went to the store but it was closed. Sono mise ni itta keredemo shimatte imashita.
He is earnest but not interesting. Kare wa majime da keredemo omoshiroku arimasen.
Although I didn’t tell him, Tom knew (about it). Watashi wa iwanakatta keredemo Tom-san wa shitte
imashita.
Although this book is expensive, it is a good book. Kono hon wa takai keredemo ii hon desu yo.
Although I don’t like German very much, Boku wa Doitsu-go ga amari sukijanai keredemo
I have to study it. benkyou shinakereba naranai.
Although Mr Smith is 90, he is very healthy. Sumisu-san wa 90-sai da keredemo totemo genki da.
I went to the department store and it was crowded. Depaato ni itta keredo, konde (crowded) imashita.
I took a taxi and it was expensive. Takushi ni notta (got) keredo, takakatta desu.
Although I can’t write kanji, I can read them. Kanji wa kakenai keredo, yomu koto wa dekimasu.

Here, ‘keredo’ means ‘but’, ‘although’, ‘however’ Nb: This is a shorter version of 'deskedo':
EXAMPLES:
I read it but I didn’t understand it. Yonda keredo, wakarimasen deshita.
Although the movie was interesting, I fell asleep. Eiga wa omoshirokatta keredo, nete shimaimashita (=fell
asleep).
I’m a little too busy now (so I can’t help you). Ima chotto isogashiin desu keredo….
He doesn’t study hard but he gets good marks. Kare wa amari benkyou shinai keredo seiseki ga ii.

Made Until, by the time when…

– a phrase or a sentence followed by ‘made ni’ is equivalent to ‘by the time when’.
The ‘by the time when’ part comes first.

Noun + made/made ni
I intend to finish writing this report by this Saturday. Konshuu no doyoubi made ni repooto o kaite
Page - 29 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
 shimau tsumori desu.
Please come by 2 o’clock. Niji made ni kite kudasai.
The meeting will be over by 5. Kaigi wa go-ji made ni owarimasu.
I must return the book by Saturday. Douyoubi made ni hon o kaesanakereba narimasen.
I heard that it will rain from today until next Monday. Kyou kara raishuu no getsuyoubi made ame ga furu sou desu.
I will be working in the office until 6 o’clock today. Kyou wa roku-ji made kaisha de shigoto o shite imasu.
I will be traveling from Tuesday until Saturday. Kayoubi kara doyoubi made ryoukou ni ikimasu.
The office is closed until next Wednesday. Jimusho wa raishuu no suiyoubi made shimatte imasu.
Give me 2 tickets for Kyoto please. Kyoto made no kippu o ni-mai kudasai.
This car can hold up to 5 people. Kono kuruma wa go-nin made noremasu.

Verb + made/made ni
I want to finish cleaning by the time the guest comes. Kyaku ga kuru made ni souji o zenbu shite okitai desu.
Mr Stallone was working in Japan until he came to Stallone-san wa Amerika ni kuru made Nihonthe USA.
de hataraite imashita.
I am going to continue studying Japanese until Jouzu ni naru made Nihongo no benkyou o
I become good at it. tsuzukeru tsumori desu.

Mae Ni Before…
– refers to time before a given action, and is attached to the Dictionary form of a verb.

STRUCTURE:
Dict. form]
Numeral ]+ mae ni
Noun no ]

Verb + mae ni (the verb before ‘mae ni’ is always in the present plain form )
The ‘before’ clause comes first.
EXAMPLES:
I studied Japanese before I came to Japan. Nihon e kuru mae ni, Nihongo o benkyou o shimashita.
I will study Japanese before I have practical training. Jisshuu-suru mae ni, Nihongo o benkyou o shimasu.
I have something to do before I go. Iku mae ni, suru koto ga arimasu.
I always read a book before I go to bed. Itsumo neru mae ni, hon o yomimasu.
I finished the homework before the class began. Kurasu ga hajimaru mae ni, shukudai o shite shimatta.
I will clean the room before my friend comes. Tomodachi ga kuru mae ni, heya o souji shite okimasu.
It is better not to eat anything before we go to bed. Neru mae ni wa nani mo tabenai hou ga ii desu.
I always eat food before I drink beer. Biiru o nomu mae ni itsumo tabemono o taberu.
I always read maps before I go travelling. Ryoukou e iku mae ni itsumo chizu o yomimasu.

Noun + no mae ni
I take a walk before breakfast. Asagohan no mae ni, sanpo o shimasu.
I practiced kanji many times before the exam. Shiken no mae ni nando mo kanji o renshuu shita.
I always read a newspaper before work. Shigoto no mae ni itsumo shinbun o yomimasu.
I want to wash my hands before the meal. Shokuji no mae ni te ga araitai desu.
Before the trip I caught a cold. Ryoukou no mae ni kaze o hikimashita.
Before the exam I went to see a movie. Shikken no mae ni eiga o mi ni ikimashita.

Nagara – doing 2 things simultaneously As, while…

Page - 30 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

STRUCTURE: V-1 nagara V2-te
The main action comes last. The tense is indicated by V2. V1 is formed by dropping the ‘masu’ from the
‘masu’ form.

EXAMPLES:
Smoking and talking on the phone. Tobako o suinagara denwa o kakete imasu.
Playing the guitar and singing. Guitar o hikinagara uta o utate imasu.
Listening to the radio and studying. Radio o kikinagara benkyo o shite imasu.
Listening to music and drinking coffee. Ongaku o kikinagara kohii o nonde imasu.
I drink coffee as I listen to music Ongaku o kikinagara kohii o nomimasu.
I read a magazine as I eat dinner. Zasshi o yominagara bangohan o tabemasu.
I drink sake as I talk to a friend. Osake o nominagara tomodachi to hanashimasu.
I drink sake as I am talking to a friend. Osake o nominagara tomodachi to hanashite imasu.
My father is drinking beer while watching TV. Chichi wa biiru o nominagara, terebi o mite iru.
Mr Yamada worked while going to an English school.Yamada-san wa hatarakinagara, eigo gakkou ni
kayoimashita (commute).
My friend & I often talk about school when we are eating. Yoku tomodachi to gakkou no hanashi o shinagara,
shokuji o suru.
Let’s talk over a coffee in a coffee shop. Kissaten de kohii o nominagara hanashimashou.
While in bed, I like to read books. Nenagara hon o yomu no ga suki desu.

Node As, because (of), since…..

Indicates causes or reasons. It objectively presents a cause-and-effect relationship as a
natural course of events. The ‘cause’ clause comes first.

STRUCTURE:
Verb]+Plain Form]
Adj]+Plain Form ] + node
Na ] + da -> na ]
Noun ]

EXAMPLES:
Noun/Na-adjective + node
I’ll see a movie today since it is rainy. Kyou wa ame na node eiga o mimasu.
She is unable to come because she is sick. Kanojo wa byouki na node koraremasen.
We stopped playing golf because it was raining. Ame ga futte ita node gorufu wa yamemashita.
The park is full of people because of Ii tenki na node kouen wa hito ga ooi desu.
the nice weather.
I like singing, so I often go to a karaoke bar. Uta ga suki na node yoku karaoke bar ni ikimasu.
I bought some flowers because they were pretty. Hana ga kirei datta node sukoshi kaimashita.
I do not ride a bus because it’s not so convenient Basu wa amari benri janai node, norimasen.
Since it’s cloudy, I’m not going to the beach. Kumotte (cloudy) iru node, kaigan ni ikimasen.

i-adjective + node
As I feel ill, may I go home early? Kibun (mood) ga warui node, saki ni kaette mo ii desu ka?
I recommend this book to you because it is interesting. Kono hon wa omoshiroi node susumemasu.
I didn’t buy that camera because it was expensive. Ano kamera wa takakatta node kaimasen deshita.
I cannot buy a big bed because my room is small. Heya ga semai node, ookii beddo wa kaemasen.
I’m looking for a part time job because I want money. Okane ga hoshii node, arubaito o sagashite imasu.

Verb + node
Since I have an engagement, I’ll be leaving now. Youji ga aru node mou shitsurei shimasu.
Page - 31 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
My mother gave me money so I bought suits. Haha ga okane o kureta node, suutsu o kaimashita.

Noni Although, in spite of…..

Noni is used when what is stated in the second clause runs contrary to what is expected from the first clause.
Expression of Paradox.

STRUCTURE:
Verb]+Plain Form]
Adj]+Plain Form ] + noni
Na ] + da -> na ]
Noun] plain form ]

EXAMPLES:
Noun/Na-adjective + noni
He is making a lot of money though he is still a student.Kare wa mada gakusei na noni takusan okane o kaseide
imasu.
My father went to work although he is sick. Chichi wa byouki na noni, shigoto ni ikimashita.
The bank is open although it is Sunday, you know. Nichiyoubi na noni, ginkou ga aite imasu yo.
My older brother didn’t help me even though he was free. Ani wa hima datta noni, tetsudatte kuremasen deshita.

i-adjective + noni
Even though the weather was good, I didn’t go anywhere.Tenki ga yokatta noni doko ni mo ikimasen deshita.
Japanese food is delicious but expensive. Nihon no tabemono wa oishii noni takai desu.
Even though I didn’t want to eat, I ate it. Tabetakunai noni, tabemashita.
That restaurant is expensive although the food is not tasty. Ano restaurant no ryouri wa oishikunai noni,
takai desu.
This car often breaks down even though it is still new. Kono kuruma wa mada atarashii noni, yoku koshoo
shimasu. (same as 'kowaremashita/kowareta')

Verb + noni
In spite of drinking the medicine, my temperature Kusuri o nonda noni, mada netsu ga sagarimasen.
has not gone down.
Are you going out even though it is raining? Ame ga futte iru noni, dekakerun desu ka?
Although the others are taking a rest, he is working hard. Minna yasunde iru noni kare wa isshoukenmei hataraite
imasu.
My little brother is playing outside although Ame ga futte iru noni, otooto wa soto de asonde imasu.
it is still raining.
My girlfriend bought an expensive dress although Kanojo wa okane ga nai noni, takai doresu o kaimashita.
she as no money.

Shikashi But (formal)

Sorekara And, and then, after that, since then

EXAMPLES:
Yesterday I saw a movie and after that I went shopping. Kinou eiga o mite sorekara kaimono o shimashita.
Please give me that camera, film and batteries. Ano kamera to film to sorekara denchi (battery) o kudasai.
Kono kissaten de yasunde sorekara kaeru.
Let’s take a rest at this coffee shop and then go home.
Kinou Jim-san to aimashita. Sorekara issho ni tenisu o
I met Jim yesterday. And then we played tennis together.
shimashita.
Yesterday I drank with my friend for about 2 hours Kinou wa ni-jikan gurai tomodachi to nonde
Page - 32 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
and then went home. sorekara uchi ni kaette.
I did my homework until 10 o’clock. Ju-ji made shukudai o shimashita.
Then I went to the movie. Sorekara eiga ni ikimashita.
Yesterday morning I went to Ginza, Kinou no asa Ginza ni itte,
and then went to see a movie. sorekara eiga o mi ni ikimashita.
At the restaurant I ate steak, salad and cheesecake. Restaurant de wa suteki to sarada to sorekara chizukeeki
o tabemashita.
The colour of the lake was blue in the beginning Mizuumi no iro wa hajime wa aoku,
and then turned green. sorekara midori ni narimashita.

Soreni Moreover, besides, what is more, and also

‘Soreni’ used when another factor or circumstance is added to the one previously
mentioned.
EXAMPLES:
This flower has beautiful colour. Kono hana wa iro ga kirei desu.
In addition it smells nice. Soreni nioi mo ii desu.
I eat bread. And I drink coffee. Pan o tabemasu. Soreni kohii o nomimasu.
She is kind and, what is more she is pretty. Kanojo wa yasashikute sore ni kirei desu.
He is big and, moreover, he is handsome. Kare wa ookikute soreni handsome desu.
I took a trip to Samoa, Tonga, and also to Fiji. Samoa to Tonga to soreni Fiji ni ryoukou shimashita.
This is too expensive. Kore wa takasugiru.
Besides , I don’t like the design very much. Soreni dezain ga amari suki janai.

Sorede And, because of that, that is why, therefore

Sorede – Has a meaning similar to desukara or dakara (so) and is used in acknowledging that the preceding
sentence is the reason for what is to be stated in the next sentence.

EXAMPLES:
This restaurant serves good food and the prices Kono restauran wa ryouri mo oshii shi,
are low as well. nedan mo yasui desu.
So, there are many people, aren’t there? Sorede hito ga ooin desu ne.
I had a business engagement in Osaka. Chotto Osaka de youji ga arimashita.
That’s why I wasn’t here yesterday. Sorede kinou inakattan desu.
I had a cold yesterday. Kinou wa kaze o hikimashita.
That’s why I took a day off school. Sorede gakkou o yasundan desu.

Sore de wa If so, then, well then, if that is the case

‘Sore de wa’ is often shortened to ‘sore ja’, ‘dewa’ or ‘ja’ in informal speech.

EXAMPLES:
This orange is not sweet. Kono orenji wa amakunai desu.
How about this one then? Sore de wa kore wa dou desu ka?
I dislike both fish and meat. Boku wa sakana mo niku mo kirai desu.
Then, what do you eat? Sore de wa nani o taberun desu ka?
Well then, let’s take a break for 20 minutes. Sore de wa ni-juppun yasumimashou.
Well then, I’ll come again next Friday. Sore de wa mata raishuu no kinyoubi ni kimasu.

Soshite And, and then, and after that

Page - 33 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Soshite (= and) is used to connect sentences.

EXAMPLES:
Ms Kimura is a beautiful person. Kimura-san wa kireina hito desu.
And she is very kind. Soshite totemo shinsetsu desu.
I will go to the bookshop, and then I will go Kore kara honya ni itte, soshite depaato ni
to the Department store. ikimasu.
I went to Tokyo today. And I met my friend there. Kyou wa Tokyo ni itta. Soshite tomodachi ni
aimashita.
Yesterday I played golf in the morning. Kinou no asa gorufu o shimashita.
And I played tennis in the afternoon. Soshite gogo wa tenisu o shimashita.
This movie is not interesting (boring). Kono eiga wa tsumaranai.
And it is too long. Soshite nagasugiru.
This flower is beautiful. And it is inexpensive. Kono hana wa kirei desu. Soshite yasui desu.

Toki When, as, while, whenever, at the time when

STRUCTURE:
Verb Plain Form ]
Adj] + i ] + toki
Na] + na ]
Noun + no ]

EXAMPLES:
When you go to a foreign country, you need a passport. Gaikoku e iku toki, passport ga irimasu.
When I don’t have any money, I borrow some from a friend. Okane ga nai toki, tomodachi ni karimasu.
When I went to Tokyo last week, I took this picture. Senshuu Tokyo e itta toki, kono shashin o
torimashita.
When I am busy, I work until around 10 o’clock. Isogashii toki, 10-ji goro made hatarakimasu.
When I am free, I watch TV and read books, Hima na toki, terebi o mitari, hon o yondari
among other things. shimasu.
When it is hot, beer is tasty. Atsui toki, biiru ga umai.
When you borrow books from the library, you need a card. Toshokan de hon o kariru toki, kado ga irimasu.
When you don’t know how to use it, ask me. Tsukai-kata ga wakaranai toki watashi ni kitte
kudasai.

Noun + no toki
When he is not working, my father usually goes golfing. Yasumi no toki, chichi wa taitei gorufu ni ikimasu.
When I was a child, I often played with my brother in the park. Kodomo no toki, yoku (often) ani to kouen de
asobimashita.
When I was a child, I often used to swim in the river. Kodomo no toki, yoku (often) kawa de
oyogimashita.
When I was a student, I studied French. Gakusei no toki, Furansu-go o benkyou
shimashita.
When I was a student, I often went skiing. Gakusei no toki, yoku sukii ni ikimashita.
When my wife is sick, I take a day off work. Tsuma ga byouki no toki, kaisha o yasumimasu.
When I was young, I didn’t study much. Wakai toki, amari benkyou shimasen deshita.
When I was a student, my sister was only 3. Gakusei no toki, imooto wa mada 3-sai datta.

i-adjective + toki
Please take this medicine when you have a headache. Atama ga itai toki wa kono kusuri o nonde
kudasai.
We can’t sleep well when it is hot, can we? Atsui toki wa yoku nemuremasen ne.
Page - 34 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
My little brother often got sick when he was young. Otooto wa wakai toki wa yoku byouki ni
narimashita.
When I’m not in good shape, I drink ‘Genki-cha’. Karada no chooshi ga warui toki ‘Genki-cha’ o
nomimasu.
James bought a lot of juice when it was cheap. James-san wa juusu ga yasui toki ni takusan katte
oita.

Na-adjective + toki
What do you do when you are free? Hima na toki wa nani o shimasu ka?
Won’t you come to my place when you are free? Hima na toki, uchi e asobi ni kimasen ka?
When I am feeling good, I go for a walk. Genki na toki wa sanpo shimasu.
I only read when it’s quiet. Watashi wa shizuka na toki shika hon o yomanai.

Verb + toki
Yesterday I met Brad when I rode a bus. Kinou basu ni noru toki Brad-san ni aimasihta.
I always drink juice when I get home. Uchi ni kaetta toki itsumo juisu o nomimasu.
I watch TV when I get home. Uchi ni kaetta toki terebi o mimasu.
I talk to people when I go to the park. Kouen ni iku toki hito ni hanashimasu.
We give tips when we eat at a restaurant. Resutoran de shokuji o shita toki wa tip o
agemasu.
I listen to music while reading books. Dokusho o suru toki wa ongaku o kikimasu.
Let’s take a camera with us next time we go there. Kondo soko e iku toki ni wa kamera o motte
ikimashou.
When I have no money, I could buy neither a book nor sake. Okane ga nai toki wa hon mo sake kaenakatta.
When I couldn’t do my homework, my father often helped me. Shukudai ga dekinai toki yoku chichi ga tetsudatte
kureta.
I drink herb tea when I cannot sleep. Nemurenai toki wa haabu-cha o nomimasu.
I learned tea ceremony when I was in Japan. Nihon ni itta toki ocha o naraimashita.
Carl always watches TV when he eats breakfast. Carl-san wa asagohan o taberu toki itsumo
terebi o mimasu.

TEST SECTION
Connect the 2 sentences using ‘toki’ -
Eg: Kodomo datta / Yoku ani to asonda  Kodomo no toki yoku ani to asobimashita.

Hon o karita / ID o miseta  Hon o kariru toki ID o misemashita.

Kuruma ni noru / Sake o nomanai  Kuruma ni noru toki wa sake o nomimasen.
Sensei ni au / Shitsumon suru  Sensei ni atta toki shitsumon shimasu.
Nihon e iku / Kabuki ga mitai  Nihon e itta toki kabuki ga mitai desu.

Translate the following sentences into Japanese -

I will borrow a book when I go to the library  Toshokan e itta toki hon o karimasu.
I cannot come home early when I am busy.  Isogashii toki wa hayaku uchi ni kaeremasen.
I will call you when I leave home.  Uchi o deru toki denwa shimasu.
I used my credit card when I bought a bag & shoes.  Kaban to kutsu o katta toki credit card o
tsukaimashita.

Page - 35 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

GRAMMAR and PARTICLES
Table of Contents

Particles – grammatical relations between words or phrases.

Follow words, rather than precede them. They are post-positions, always coming after nouns.

ie:. I am Jon. Watashi wa Jon desu.

wa (は)-
Follows the first noun and marks the ‘topic’ of a sentence.
ha - (pronounced ‘wa’) is used for questions.
Watashi-wa I –
is hardly ever used, especially in conversational Japanese. ‘Anata’ (=you) is similarly avoided, especially
when addressing superiors, in which case the person’s surname, title or occupation is used when necessary.

Watashi means ‘I’

Watashi wa = I
Watashi wa = I am ....
Watashi no = My ....
Watashi ga/o/ne = Me.

dake （だけ）– limitation – Only, just, no more

The particle dake indicates that the preceding noun or sentence shows restriction or
limitation. Dake follows a noun and comes before the verb or ‘desu’.

EXAMPLES:
Is that all? Sore dake desu ka?
I memorized just easy kanji. Yasashii kanji dake oboemashita.
I only watched TV yesterday. Kinou wa terebi o mita dake desu.
On TV I only watch the News. Terebi wa news dake mimasu.
I just came here to see this. Kore o mi ni kita dake desu.
Only a little. Sukoshi dake.
I am the only person who knows that. Sore o shitte iru no wa watashi dake desu.
Only Mr Smith came. Sumisu-san dake (ga) (kita/kimashita)
I went to Japan only once. Nihon e ichido dake itta.
I just dated Yukiko, that’s all. Yukiko-san wa deeto shita dake desu.
I met that professor only once. Ano sensei ni wa ichido dake aimashita.
In the morning I just drink 1 cup of coffee, that’s all. Asa wa kohii o ippai nomu dake desu.
Page - 36 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I only have Sunday’s off. Yasumi wa nichiyoubi dake desu.

de （で）–
means ‘at’ or ‘in’ a place.
Indicates the Place Of Action (or the place where an action occurs).
de follows the MEANS that you 1) go to PLACE (ie: on a bicycle)
2) do something (ie: with a pen) – see examples below
EXAMPLES:
Yesterday I had dinner at a restaurant in Ginza. Kinou Ginza no resutoran de bangohan o tabemashita.
I will buy a shirt at the department store. Depaato de shatsu o kaimasu.
I bought it at the bakery. Panya de kaimashita.
Yuki is working at a department store. Yuki-san wa depaato de hataraite imasu.
In Australia it is summer in December. Australia de wa juni-gatsu wa natsu desu.

Kyoto e kuruma de ikimasu (means that you go to a place) by car

How long does it take to go to school by bus? Koko kara gakkou made basu de dono gurai kakarimasu ka?
I will go to Tokyo by train. Densha de Tokyo e ikimasu.
I went by taxi. Takushi de ikimashita.
I came from Tokyo to Kyoto by shinkansen. Tokyo kara Kyoto made shinkansen de kimashita.
He goes to work by train. Kare wa densha de kaisha ni ikimasu.
I’ll go by train. Densha de ikimasu.
I came by taxi. Takushi de kimashita.

The particle ‘de’ also indicates a method or a means used for an action.
Kono kami ni pen de namae ni kaite kudasai (means that you do something) with a pen
I eat with chopsticks. Hashi de tabemasu.
I write a report in Japanese. Nihongo de repooto o kakimasu.

Dore (どれ)-
is used when the object being sought is among 3 or more objects before the speaker.
Which one is your baggage? Dore ga anata no nimotsu desu ka?

Doko e mo (どこへも)-
is a negative statement, never a question.

e （へ）- means to – ie : I am going there but not there yet..)

Indicates a direction or goal and is placed after a destination (name of the place you are
going to) towards which one is moving or at which one has arrived.
‘e’ always comes with kimasu, ikimasu and kaerimasu and is used for directions.

EXAMPLES:
When are you going to Kyoto? Itsu Kyoto e ikimasu ka?
Jon is going to school. Jon-san wa gakkou e (= ‘to’) ikimasu.
Are you going to Canada? Canada e ikimasu ka?

ga （が）–
is used in more specific statements, when you highlight the subject.
ex. Watashi ga Jack desu. (When someone was looking for Jack and he replies).
It is used when you are looking for someone or something among many people or things.
Page - 37 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
EXAMPLES:
Is my ballpoint pen over there? Asoko ni watashi no boorupen ga arimasu ka?
There’s a post office over there. Asoko ni yuubinkyoku ga arimasu.

To express preference or a wish:

I like apples. Ringo ga suki desu.
I want a camera. Kamera ga hoshii desu.

To express possession or denote one’s ability:

I have 2 children. Kodomo ga futari imasu.
I can understand Japanese. Nihongo ga wakarimasu.

When a scene or the existance of someone or something is being described with

‘arimasu’ or ‘imasu’, the subject is marked with ‘ga’:
There is a man over there. Asoko ni otoko no hito ga imasu.
There is a bank over there. Asoko ni ginkou ga arimasu.

‘Ga’ often comes with ‘arimasu’.

hodo （ほど）– ‘not as…. as – ’ – extent or degree

The particle ‘- hodo + negative expression’ indicates that the preceding noun or verb shows
the ‘standard’ of negative comparison. Put the ‘not as’ object 1st.
Hodo follows a noun

EXAMPLES:
Nara is not as famous as Kyoto. Nara wa Kyoto hodo yuumei ja arimasen.
This winter is not as cold as the last one. Kotoshi no fuyu wa kyonen hodo samuku arimasen.
Swimming is not as easy as I thought. Oyogu no wa kangaete ita hodo yasashiku nai.
I’m not as busy as you are. Watashi wa anata hodo isogashiku arimasen.
There’s nothing as delicious as this. Kore hodo oishii mono wa arimasen.
This summer is not as hot as last years. Kotoshi no natsu wa kyounen hodo atsukunai.

With things that can be counted, hodo means about or appoximately.

It’s about 1,000 yen. Sen-en hodo desu.
It can be done in about 1 week. Isshukan hodo de dekimasu.
The sooner, the better. Hayakereba hayai hodo ii desu.
The higher we climbed, the colder it became. Takaku noboreba noboru hodo samukunatte kimashita.
The more I study Japanese, … Nihongo o benkyou sureba suru hodo
the more interesting I find it. omoshiroku natte kimashita.

kara （から）– ‘from’ - indicates a starting point.

EXAMPLES:
I came from New York by car yesterday Kinou New York kara kuruma de kimashita.
This train came from Kyoto. Kono densha wa Kyoto kara kimashita.
This bus came from Tokyo. Kono basu wa Tokyo kara (kimashita/kita).

The lecture starts (is from) 1 o’clock. Lecture wa ichi-ji kara desu.
The game begins at 2 o’clock. Geemu wa ni-ji kara hajimarimasu.

Page - 38 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

‘Kara’ also means from in the sense of ORIGIN
I heard it from Mrs Tanaka. Tanaka-san kara kikimashita.
I borrowed this book from the library. Kono hon wa toshokan kara karimashita. (borrowed)

You can see Mt Fuji from here. Koko kara Fuji-san ga mieru yo.
Who did you borrow the typewriter from? Sono typewriter wa dare kara karitan desu ka?
Sake is made from rice. Sake wa kome (rice) kara tsukuru.

‘Kara’ also means after, having done, since (time)

After eating her dinner, Yuko went to a movie. Yuko-san wa bangohan o tabete kara eiga ni itta.
I left home after making a call to a friend. Watashi wa tomodachi ni denwa shite kara uchi o deta.
Michelle always goes to bed after taking a shower Michelle-san wa itsumo shawaa o abite kara nemasu.

made （まで）-
corresponds to up to, to, until or as far as
EXAMPLES:
I walk to my office from home. Uchi kara kaisha made aruite ikimasu.
I am free from Monday to Friday next week. Raishuu wa Getsuyoubi kara Kinyoubi made hima desu.
Recently I have been working until around 9pm every day. Konogoro (Nowadays, these days) mainichi ku-ji goro
made shigoto o shite imasu.
Let’s stay here until Mr Okada comes. Okada-san ga kuru made koko ni imashou.
I studied until evening. Yuugata made benkyou-shimashita.
Let’s walk as far as the next corner. Tsugi no kado made arukimashou.

Made ni （まで に）-

Means ‘by (the time given)’ or ‘not later than’.
EXAMPLES:
Can you do it by 5 o’clock? Go-ji made ni dekimasu ka?
I need it by Tuesday. Kayoubi made ni hitsuyou desu (need).
I’ll come home by 10 o’clock. Watashi wa ju-ji made ni kaeru.
Please read this book (in advance) by the time school starts.Gakkou ga hajimaru made ni kono hon o yonde
oite kudasai.
By what time should I go to the airport? Nanji made ni kuukou ni ikeba ii deshou ka?
Please come one hour before departure. Shuppatsu no ichi-jikan mae made ni kite kudasai.

mo （も）-
indicates that 2 words are equal in weight: also, too
EXAMPLES:
This is a cherry tree. Kore wa sakura desu.
This is a cherry tree also. Kore mo sakura desu.
Paul is studying Japanese. Paul-san wa Nihongo o benkyo o shite imasu.
Jan is studying Japanese also. Jan-san mo Nihongo o benkyo o shite imasu.
Jim’s father and mother are both teachers. Jim-san no otoosan mo okaasan mo sensei desu.
I met both Harumi and Keiko in Tokyo. Tokyo de Harumi-san ni mo Keiko-san ni mo aimashita.
Jason eats neither meat nor fish. Jason-san wa niku mo sakana mo tabemasen.
I also like rice. Gohan mo suki desu.
I want to go too. Watashi mo ikitai desu.
I don’t like hamburgers. Hamburgers wa suki dewa arimasen.
Neither do I. Watashi mo desu.
I can’t read kanji either. Watashi mo kanji wa yomemasen.
I learned both Hiragana and Katakana. Hiragana mo Katakana mo oboemashita.

Page - 39 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

nado （など）-
Indicates that a series of nouns is non-exhaustive and is often used with ya .
EXAMPLES:
There are restaurants, department stores, Sono hen ni wa resutoran ya depaato ya eigakan movie
theatres & so forth in that area. nado ga arimasu.
Among Japanese foods I like things like sushi & tenpura. Nihon no tabemono no naka de wa sushi ya tenpura nado
ga suki desu.

nani （なに）-
is used to ask what the listener did when the speaker does not know the nature of the action
taken by the listener.
Note: Nani ka & doko ka are YES/NO questions.

ne （ね）-
Is a final sentence particle indicating that the speaker seeks an agreement or confirmation from
the listener about the statement. It is a colloquial particle used for requesting agreement or
confirmation from the listener, or for softening the tone of a statement.

EXAMPLES:
This department store is large, isn’t it? Kono depaato wa ookii, desu ne?
Mayumi sings well, doesn’t she? Mayumi-san wa uta ga jouzu, desu ne?
The weather is very nice today, isn’t it? Kyou wa tenki ga totemo ii desu ne?
Yes, it is. Sou desu ne.
By all means please come to our party, OK? Zehi party ni kite kudasai ne.
That’s why, you know, I want you to study harder. Dakara ne, motto ne ganbatte hoshii desu yo.

ni （に）- indicates LOCATION & is placed after a noun denoting a PLACE.

It indicates the place of (anything’s) CURRENT EXISTANCE.
Indicates where a person or thing is to / on / in or at and comes after the place you are
going to.
Ni is used with the time of action and comes after days/times, etc, ie: Nichiyoobi ni
Ni comes AFTER the REASON you are going to PLACE

EXAMPLES:
Jim is in the café. Jim-san wa kissaten ni imasu.
Mr Tanaka is in the office. Tanaka-san wa jimusho ni imasu.
I gave my friend a book. Tomodachi ni hon o agemashita.
I am going to go skiing . Sukii ni ikimasu.
Mrs Vader goes to Tokyo every day. Vader-san wa mainichi Toyko ni ikimasu.
I will be at home tomorrow. Ashita wa watashi wa uchi ni imasu.

Notion of ‘per’
Ni is used with expressons such as per hour, per day, per person, etc.
The ‘per – ‘ is stated first.
Three dollars per hour. Ichi-jikan ni san-doru.
I work 48 hours per week. Isshukan ni yonjuhachi (48) jikan hatarakimasu.
I’ll make 2 sandwiches per person. Sandoitchi o hitori ni futatsu tsukurimasu.
Page - 40 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I go to the movies twice a month. Ikkagetsu ni ni-kai eiga o mimasu.
He smokes 2 packs of cigarettes a day. Kare wa ichi-nichi ni tobako o futa-hako suimasu.
I go to school every day. Watashi wa mainichi gakkou ni ikimasu.

no （の）–
means ‘of’ & indicates possession or ownership (my/your) and comes after the noun it
modifies.
Ex:. my sushi. = Watashi no sushi desu
my watch = Watashi no tokei your watch = Anata no tokei

NOTE: ‘No’ inserted between 2 words is like ‘s’ in English

Jon’s coat = Jon-san no koto.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Tokyo wa Nihon no shuto desu.

These are Yuki’s bag and umbrella. Kore wa Yuki-san no kaban to kasa desu.
Anata wa means ‘you’.
Anata no means ‘your’.
A Toyota car Toyota no kuruma
A police car Keisatsu no kuruma
Carl’s Japanese car Carl-san no Nihon no kuruma
My friend’s car Tomodachi no kuruma
A new Japanese camera Atarashii Nihon no kamera
Her letter Kanojo no tegami

o （を）– indicates the OBJECT of an Action.

EXAMPLES:
I saw a movie yesterday evening. Yuube wa eiga o mita.
Kumiko is writing a letter. Kumiko-san wa tegami o kaite (imasu/iru.)
I eat a meal. Gohan o tabemasu.
I leave the room. Heya o demasu.
I take a walk in the park. Kouen o sanpo shimasu.

Shidai-
Means depending on; as soon as
Shidai is a noun meaning order, prerequisite or (historical) circumstances.
It is often used to form a conjunction in one of the two following ways:

1) Shidai may suffix nouns, creating a conjunction that expresses conditionality based on the
condition/inclination of the root noun. This pattern is often used in the form A wa B shidai da or A wa B shidai
de ~~.
2) Shidai may suffix the -masu stem of a verb, or to a noun capable of acting as a suru verb, creating a
compound meaning as soon as this action takes place.

Whether you pass the exam or not depends on your effort and your luck.
Shiken ni ukaru ka dō ka wa anata no dotryoku to un shidai desuyo.
As soon as I get home, I will call you.
Ie ni modori shidai sugu ni odenwa o sashiage masu.

Page - 41 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

to （と）-
follows nouns and means ‘and’ or ‘with’.
‘to’ is used only to connect nouns. It cannot be used to connect verbs.
To comes after the person you do something with.
If ‘to’ follows a person’s name it means ‘together with -’ or ‘accompanied by –‘

EXAMPLES: complete listing of things

Allan and Paul are French. Allan-san to Paul-san wa Furansu-jin desu.
Allan and Paul are going to the movies together. Allan-san wa Paul-san to issho ni eiga o mimasu.
I went to Canada and Fiji during the summer. Natsu ni Kanada to Fiji e ikimashita.
Jim and Dave will come to my house next week. Raishuu uchi ni Jim-san to Dave-san ga kimasu.
John and Mary came. John-san to Mary-san ga kimashita.

EXAMPLES: reciprocal relationship

The particle ‘to’ marks the person(s) with whom one does things. It is equivalent to ‘with’.

I live in an apartment with a friend. Watashi wa tomodachi to apaato ni sunde imasu.

My older brother went to Canada last month with Naomi. Sengetsu ani wa Naomi-san to Kanada e ikimashita.
My father takes a walk with my mother every morning. Maiasa chichi wa haha to sanpo shimasu.
I went to a bookstore with Tom. Tom-san to honya e ikimashita.
I wrote a book with Atsushi. Atsushi-san to issho ni hon o kakimashita.

EXAMPLES: Similarity and Difference

The particle ‘to’ indicates that the preceding noun is same as – or different from – .

Tomoko’s suits are the same as mine. Tomoko-san no suutsu wa watashi no to onaji desu.
Do you have another one just like this? Kore to onaji mono ga mou hitotsu arimasu ka?
James is completely different from his older brother. James-san wa oniisan to zenzen chigaimasu.

EXAMPLES: - ‘to’ follows both direct and indirect QUOTATIONS

I’ll do it said Tom. Tom-san wa Watashi ga shimasu. to iimashita (said). Tom said
that he will do it. Tom-san wa kare (he) ga suru to iimashita (said).

ya （や）-
Joins nouns to indicate a non-exhaustive list of items.

EXAMPLES:
Toast and eggs and juice. Tosuto ya tamago ya juusu.
In my room there is a computer, stereo, and such. Watashi no heya ni wa PC ya sutereo ga oite arimasu
Reiko, Takeshi and others came to the party. Reiko-san ya Takeshi-san mo party ni kimashita.
I want to go to the mountain, the sea, and so forth Yasumi ni wa yama ya umi ni ikitai desu ne.
during the holidays.
I bought a pencil, notebook and a ruler. Enpitsu ya nooto ya jougi (ruler) o kaimashita.
There are letters, photos, and so on in the box. Hako no naka ni tegami ya shashin ga arimasu.

Page - 42 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

toka (とか) (similar to ‘ya’)
And, some kind of (things/persons/action/states), like, mainly.
– ‘toka’ is more colloquial than ‘ya’. Verbs before ‘toka’ are in Jisho form.
Unlike ‘ya’, toka comes after the last noun to be enumerated.

EXAMPLES:
On Saturday and Sunday I often go to see movies. Doyoubi toka nichiyoubi toka wa yoku eiga o mi
ni ikimasu.
I usually listen to (music like) rock and jazz. Watashi wa rock toka jazz o yoku kikimasu.
When I am alone I watch TV or eat sushi. Hitori no toki wa terebi o miru toka sushi o taberu
toka shimasu.
She said something like she would quit her job. Kanojo wa shigoto o yameru toka itte imashita.
I saw ‘Star Wars’, ‘Jaws’ and ‘ET’. ‘Star Wars’ toka ‘Jaws’ toka ‘ET’ o mimashita.
I do things like listening to music and reading books. Ongaku o kiku toka hon o yomu toka shite imasu.

I sent my resume to Toyota, Dentsu, and Lotte, among others (companies).

Watashi wa Toyota toka Dentsū toka Lotte toka ni rirekisho o dashimashita.
How about tomorrow or the day after?
Ashita toka asatte wa dō desuka

yo （よ）-
Is a sentence final particle of emphasis showing the speaker’s emphasis.

EXAMPLES OF USAGE –
This store is expensive, you know. Kono mise wa takai, desu yo.
An electronic dictionary is convenient, you know. Denshi-jisho wa benri, desu yo.

PARTICLE REVIEW
Table of Contents

Heya o kirei ni shite kudasai

Shinjuku へ ikimasu Go to Shinjuku
Basu で ikimasu (means you go to a place by bus)
Tomodachi と ikimasu
Kaimono に ikimasu Go shopping.
Hikouki で Nihon へ kimashita (Hikouki = plane) I came to Japan by plane
Enpitsu で kakimasu Write with a pencil.
Noto に kakimasu Write a note.
Kanji を kakimasu Write kanji.
Ongaku を kikimasu Listen to music.
Eiga を mimasu Watch a movie.

Page - 43 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

GRAMMAR To Ask
Table of Contents

Ko words So words a words do words

Thing Kore Sore Are Dore (desu ka?)
- This That That over there Which?
demonstrat Kore desu ka? = Sore desu ka? = Are desu ka? = That one
ive
pronoun
This one? That one? over there?
Thing Kono Sono Ano Dono (desu ka?)
- This + N That + N That over there + N Which + N?
demonstrat ie: kono hon ie: sono kasa ie: ano pasokon
ive
adjective
Place Koko Soko Asoko Doko (desu ka?)
Here (this place) There (that place) Over there (that place over Where?
there)
Direction Kochira Sochira Achira Dochira (desu ka?)
/ people This way, direction, That way, direction, That way over there, Where, which
place place direction, place direction?
This person That person That person over there Donata, dare
Who?

Konna – This kind of –

Sonna – That kind of –
Anna – That kind of –
Donna – What kind of - ?

It’s over there Asoko desu

Here / this place, there / that place and over there / that place over there use a similar pattern to kono,
sono & ano. The words are: koko, soko and asoko

The postcards are over there. Hagaki wa asoko desu.

This Kono This one Kore
That Sono That one Sore
That over there Ano That one over there Are
Which one Dore
Which Dono
Please may I see that [Name of Object]? Sono [Name of Object] o misete kudasai?
I’ll have that (one) over there. Are kudasai.
I’ll have that [Name of Object] over there. Ano [Name of Object] kudasai.
ie: I’ll have that book over there. Ano book o kudasai.
I’ll take this. Kore o kudasai.

Whose flower Dare no hana

What flower Nan no hana
Which flower (of two) Dotchi no hana
Which flower (of three or more) Do no hana
Whose photograph is this? Kore wa dare no shashin desu ka?
What book is this? Kore wa nan no hon desu ka?
Which (of two) is yours? Anata no wa dotchi desu ka?

Looking around the room, using Kore, Sore, Are (= this one, that one, that one over there)
Page - 44 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
What is this in Japanese? Kore wa Nihongo de nan desuka?
Ex. This is an English book Kore wa Eigo no hon desu.

What is that in Japanese? Sore wa Nihongo de nan desuka?

Ex. That is a pencil. Sore wa empitsu desu.

What is that over there in Japanese? Are wa Nihongo de nan desuka?

Ex. That over there is a watch. Are wa tokei desu

Page - 45 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

VERBS
Table of Contents

Form types, descriptions and conversion rules.

JISHO FORM (otherwise known as ‘Plain’ form or ‘Dictionary’ Form)

DESCRIPTION: are more commonly used forms of Verbs, usually used between close friends, family…

CONVERSION RULES:
GROUP 1: – RULE: Replace the ‘i’ sound with the neighbouring sound in the ‘u’ column

GROUP 2: - RULE: Replace ‘masu’ with ‘ru’.

GROUP 3:

Te (て) form
 USE OF Te-form 1) To connect sentences (sequence of actions)

Listing Multiple Actions - te (て)

- this expression is used to list several
STRUCTURE: V-1 te V2 te V3 masu
actions IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY OCCURRED.
The actions are linked by the –te form.
The tense of the final verb indicates the tense of the entire expression.
COMPARE this to ‘tari-form’ where activities are listed without regard to order.
This form is also used for ‘ordering’ (Kaite! = Write!)

EXAMPLES:
Q: What did you do yesterday? Kinou nani o shimashita ka?
A: V1 mashita soshite V2 mashita soshite V3 mashita.
V1 て V2 て V3 mashita.
I watched TV, had a bath then went to bed. Terebi o mite soshite o-furoba ni haite soshite
nemashita.
I went to Ginza, did some shopping and returned home. Ginza e itte kaimono o shite, uchi e kaerimashita.

Likewise:
Q: What will you do today? Kyou nani o shimasu ka?
A: I will watch TV, read the paper, eat dinner then go to bed. Terebi o mite shinbun o yonde bangohan o tabete
nemasu.
I got up at 7 o’clock this morning and ate breakfast. Kesa shich-ji ni okite asogohan o tabemashita.
I met my friend and we saw a movie together. Tomodachi ni atte issho ni eiga o mimashita.
I went to the supermarket, bought some meat and returned home. Suupaa ni itte, niku o katte, uchi ni kaerimashita.
I will eat breakfast, go to work then return home. Asogohan o tabete, kaisha ni itte, uchi e kaerimasu.

I went to Kyoto, ate ice-cream and drank coffee. Kyoto e itte, ice-cream o tabete, kohii o
nomimashita.
In the morning, I jog, take a shower & go to the office. Asa jogingu o shite, shawaa o abite, kaisha e
ikimasu.

Page - 46 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

I went to Kobe, saw a movie and drank tea. Kobe e itte, eiga o mite, ocha o nomimashita.

Jim went to Japan and studied there. Jim-san wa Nihon e itte, benkyou shita.

I’ve drunk too much wine and have a headache. Wain o nomisugite atama ga itai desu

Other Te-form notes: describing actions being done NOW

Q: What are you doing now? Ima nani o shite imasu ka?

What are you drinking? Nani o nonde imasu ka?

What are you eating? Nani o tabete imasu ka?
What are you thinking? Nani o kangaette imasu ka?
What do you know? Nani o shite imasu ka?
My younger brother is taking a bath now. Otooto wa ima ofuro ni haitte imasu.
It has been raining since yesterday, you know. Kinou kara ame ga futte imasu yo.
I am making dinner now. Ima bangohan o tsukutte imasu.
I walk in the park every morning. Maiasa kouen o aruite imasu.
I ride a bicycle to go to the station every day. Mainichi jitensha ni notte eki made ikimasu.
I am eating dinner now. Ima bangohan o tabete imasu.
I am studying English. Eigo o benkou shite imasu.
I am writing a letter. Tegami o kaite imasu.
Bob is making a phonecall now. Bob-san wa ima denwa o kakete imasu.
Excuse me, please pass me the salt. Sumimasen ga, shio o totte kudasai.

 USE OF Te-form 2) is used to encourage the listener to do something

STRUCTURE: V-te kudasai Please do …. for me

Polite instructions.
Please write. Kaite kudasai.
Please wait a moment. Chotto matte kudasai.
Please lend me the dictionary. Jisho o kashite kudasai.
Please speak slowly. Yukkuri hanashite kudasai.
Please come here at 9 o’clock tomorrow. Ashita ku-ji ni kite kudasai.
Please write your name and address here. Koko ni namae to juusho o kaite kudasai.
Please practice by listening to the tapes carefully. Yoku teepu o kite renshuu shite kudasai.

USE OF Te-form 3) V-te imasu This form is used to describe a certain state or habit.

I am married. Watashi wa kekkon shite imasu.

Mrs Suzuki is already married. Suzuki-san wa mou kekkon shite imasu.
I work for an automobile company. Watashi wa jidoosha no kaisha de hataraite imasu.
I always walk to school. Itsumo aruite gakkou e ikimasu.
I memorise kanji by writing them many times. Nando mo kaite kanji o oboemasu.
The window is open. Mado ga aite imasu.
In case the store is closed. Mise ga shimatte imasu.
I live in Akatsuka. Akatsuka ni sunde imasu.
Microsoft makes computer software. Microsoft wa konpyutaa-sofuto o tsukutte imasu.
My friend is studying at university. Tomodachi wa daigaku de benkyou-shite imasu.

Page - 47 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

CONVERSION RULES:
They are converted from Jisho form

GROUP 1
1) かう Katte (かって)
2) まつ って (=te) Matte (まって)
3) かえる Kaette (かえって)

4) はなす して (=shite) Hanashite (はなして)

5) かく いて (=ite) Kaite (かいて)
6) およぐ いで (=ide) Oyoide (およいで)

7) のむ Nonde (のんで)
8) あそぶ んで (=nde) Asonde (あそんで)
9) しぬ (Die) Shinde (しんで)

GROUP 2
る  て
たべる (eat)  Tabete (たべて)
みる (watch/see)  Mite (みて)
かける (call)  Kakete (かけて) (used only for Denwa o kakeru)
きこえる (hear)  Kikoete (きこえて)
みえる (see)  Miete (みえて)

GROUP 3
くる (come)  Kite (きて)
する (do)  Shite (して)

Tari (たり) form (compare to te-form above)

DESCRIPTION: Lists activities that are worthy of note out of a longer list of choices
without regard to the order in which they occurred.
With regard to the final verb, TARI is followed by shimasu/shimashita.

STRUCTURE: V たり V たり V たり (Shimasu/shimashita/shite kudasai)

MEANING: (I) do …. and.., among other things.

CONVERSION RULES:
They are converted from て form
The て of the て form is replaced with ‘tari’.

Page - 48 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

EXAMPLES:
I danced, ate food and played a game. Dansu o shitari tabemono o tabetari game o shitari
shimashita.
On Sundays I go shopping and go to see Nichiyoubi ni kaimono o shitari, eiga o mitari shimasu.
movies and other things.
Yesterday I went shopping and went to see Kinou kaimono o shitari, konsaato o mitari shimashita.
a concert and other things.
I had a good time eating food & going shopping. Tabemono o tabetari kaimono o shitari de tanoshikatta.
Today I intend to read a book, watch TV, Kyou wa uchi de hon o yondari, terebi o mitari
and so on, at home. suru tsumori desu.
Yesterday I went to the bank, did some shopping, Kinou wa ginkou ni ittari, kaimono o shitari
and so on. shimashita.
I am studying Japanese by reading the textbook, Tekisuto o yondari, teepu o kittari shite Nihongo
listening to the tape, and so on. o benkyou shite imasu.
I had a good time seeing a movie and playing golf. Eiga o mitari, gorufu o shitari de tanoshikatta.

INTRANSITIVE VERBS - Require no subject/object

ie: the verb ‘walk’ in the sentence ‘I walk’ is an intransitive verb

It rained yesterday. Kinou ame ga furimashita.

The class will end soon. Kurasu wa sugu owarimasu.
I did not sleep well last night. Yuube wa amari nemasen deshita.
I will work. Watashi wa hatarakmasu.
The dog runs. Inu wa hashirimasu.
The bird sings. Tori wa utaimasu.
We will get married. Watashi-tachi wa kekkon shimasu.

TRANSITIVE VERBS - Have a subject/object

ie: the verb ‘strike’ in the sentence ‘The hammer strikes the bell’ is a transitive verb, and ‘bell’ is the object
Subject + Object + Transitive Action Verb
Do you listen to CD’s frequently? Yoku CD o kikimasu ka?
Did you do your homework last night? Yuube shukudai o shimashita ka?
I do not know this kanji. Kono kanji wa shiremasen.
I will open the window. Watasi wa mado o akemasu.
He plays the piano. Kare wa piano o hikimasu.

MOTION VERBS
Subject + Direction + Motion Verb
I am going to go to Europe this year. Kotoshi wa Europpa e ikimasu.
My friend did not come here. Tomodachi wa koko ni kimasen deshita.
I went to a coffee shop with my friend. Tomodachi to kissaten ni ikimashita.

POTENTIAL FORM - The ‘ability’ or ‘potential’ to do an act

Conversion rules:
GROUP 1: The final ‘u’ of the dictionary form is replaced by ‘eru’.
ie: yomu -> yomeru kaku -> kakeru

Page - 49 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

GROUP 2: The final ‘ru’ of the dictionary form is replaced by ‘rareru’.
ie: taberu -> taberareru miru -> mirareru

GROUP 3: Suru -> Dekiru

Kuru -> Korareru

GROUP Masu Form Potential Form

I Ikimasu Ikemasu
Nomimasu Nomemasu
Yobimasu Yobemasu
Torimasu Toremasu
Mochimasu Motemasu
Suimasu Suemasu
Kaerimasu Kaeremasu
Omoimasu Omoemasu
II Tabemasu Taberaremasu
Karimasu Kariraremasu
Agemasu Ageraremasu
Nemasu Neraremasu
Demasu Deraremasu
Mimasu Miraremasu
III Shimasu Dekimasu
Kimasu Koraremasu

EXAMPLES:
Can you eat delicious sushi in New York? New York de oishii sushi ga taberaremasu ka?
I cannot go home early today. Kyou wa hayaku uchi ni kaeremasen.
I could not call my friend yesterday. Kinou tomodachi ni denwa ga kakeraremasen deshita.
Mr Sato can play tennis, you know. Sato-san wa tenisu ga dekimasu yo.

DEKIMASU (Potential) I can do….

DESCRIPTION: This form indicates whether N has the ability to do something or whether it is possible
for N to do something.

STRUCTURE 1: N + ga dekimasu
Q: NAME-san wa N ga dekimasu ka?
A: Hai, N ga dekimasu. or
A: Iie, N wa dekimasen.

EXAMPLES:

Q: Karen, can you dance? Karen-san wa dansu ga dekimasu ka?

A: Yes, I can dance. Hai, dansu ga dekimasu. Or
A: No, I cannot dance. Iie, dansu wa dekimasen.
Q: Steve, can you read Spanish? Steve-san wa Espanol ga dekimasu ka?
A: Yes, I can read Spanish. Hai, Espanol ga dekimasu.
I can drive a car. Kuruma no unten ga dekimasu.
I can speak Japanese. Nihongo ga dekimasu..
I cannot cook. Ryouri ga dekimasen.
It snowed a lot so we can ski this year. Yuki ga takusan furimashita kara kotoshi wa sukii
ga dekimasu.

Page - 50 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

STRUCTURE 2: [POSITIVE] Dictionary form + koto ga dekimasu
[NEGATIVE] Dictionary form + koto wa dekimasen

Q: NAME-san wa V(Dictionary form) koto ga dekimasu ka? koto = thing/act/matter

Can Steve write kanji? Steve-san wa kanji o kaku koto ga dekimasu ka?
I cannot write many kanji. Amari kanji o kaku koto ga dekimasen.
Mr Lee is able to read Kanji Lee-san wa kanji o yomu koto ga dekimasu.
I cannot eat nattou. Nattou o taberu koto ga dekimasen.
Craig can speak Russian. Craig-san wa Roshia-go o hanasu koto ga dekimasu.
Can Peter drink sake? Peter-san wa o-sake o nomu koto ga dekimasu ka?
Yes, Peter can drink sake. A: Hai, o-sake o nomu koto ga dekimasu. Or
No, Peter cannot drink sake. A: Iie, o-sake o nomu koto wa dekimasen.
I can swim. Watashi wa oyogu koto ga dekimasu.
Are you able to come by 3 o’clock? San-ji made ni kuru koto ga dekimasu ka?
I did not have much money last summer, Kyonen no natsu amari okane ga nakatta node,
so I was not able to go on a trip. ryoukou ni iku koto ga dekinakatta.
I am able to speak French, but cannot write it. Watashi wa Furansu-go o hanasu koto ga dekimasu
ga, kaku koto wa dekimasen.
Since there was no water, I was not able to cook yesterday. Kinou wa mizu ga denakatta node, ryouri suru koto
wa dekimasen deshita.
I have a lot of things to do today. Kyou wa suru koto ga takusan arimasu.
If you take a bullet train, you can get to Osaka in 3 hours. Shinkansen ni noreba Osaka made sanjikan de iku koto
ga dekiru.
Mr Johnson can write letters in Japanese. Johnson-san wa Nihongo de tegami o kaku koto
ga dekiru.

DEKIMASU has 2 meanings

- Ability
Mr Lee is able to read kanji. Lee-san wa kanji o yomu koto ga dekimasu.
I can drive. Unten ga dekimasu.
Can you drive? Unten ga dekimasu ka?

- Possibility
You can call a taxi at the information desk. Uketsuke e takushii o yobu (call) koto ga dekimasu.

Sentences with a potential VERB:

A potential verb does not describe an act, but the ability to do an act, ie:
Potential Verb – has 2 different functions, 1) to describe a person’s ability, 2) to describe the possibility of
doing an act under certain circumstances.

I speak Japanese. Watashi wa Nihongo o hanashimasu.

I can speak Japanese. Watashi wa Nihongo o hanasemasu.
I can swim. Watashi wa oyogemasu.
Jim can read kanji. Jim-san wa kanji ga yomemasu.
I can ride a bicycle. Jitensha ni noremasu.
Can you write kanji? Kanji ga kakemasu ka?
Can you eat natto? Natto ga taberaremasu ka?

Page - 51 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

DEKIMASU Is possible, something is generated, completed, finished or made.
The subject is indicated by ‘ga’.

EXAMPLES:
A big supermarket has been completed near the staton. Eki no chikaku ni ookii suupaa ga dekimashita.
The camera repairs have been completed. Kamera no shuuri ga dekimashita.
The work is finished. Shigoto ga dekimashita.

PASSIVE FORM

Conversion rules:
GROUP 1: The final ‘u’ of the dictionary form is replaced by ‘areru’.
ie: tsukau -> tsukawareru yomu -> yomareru

GROUP 2: The final ‘ru’ of the dictionary form is replaced by ‘rareru’.

ie: miru -> mirareru taberu -> taberareru

GROUP 3: Suru -> Sareru

Kuru -> Korareru

GROUP Masu Form PASSIVE Form

I Ikimasu Ikareru
Kakimasu Kakareru
Hanashimasu Hanasareru
Kaerimasu Kaerareru
Nomimasu Nomareru
Yobimasu Yobareru
Torimasu (take, reach) Torareru
Mochimasu (hold, have) Motsareru
II Tabemasu Taberareru
Mimasu Mirareru
Kakemasu Kakerareru
Karimasu
III Shimasu Sareru
Kimasu Korareru

Japanese passive sentences are divided mainly into 2 groups – direct and indirect

DIRECT PASSIVE Examples:

I was wakened by mother early this morning. Kesa hayaku haha ni okosaremashita.
I forgot the homework and was scolded by the teacher. Shukudai o wasurete sensei ni shikararemashita.

INDIRECT PASSIVE Examples:

Mr Yamada had his money stolen by someone. Yamada-san wa dareka ni okane o nusumaremashita.
It rained in the park yesterday & I was troubled by it. Kinou kouen de ame ni furarete komarimashita.
EXAMPLES:
My car was stolen. Kuruma ga nusumaremashita.
Karate is well known in the United States. Karate wa Amerika de yoku (well) shirarete imasu.
The book was written last year. Sono hon wa kyounen kakaremashita.
Page - 52 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Nai FORM - Please do not…., without doing
DESCRIPTION: Instructs someone NOT to do something, ie: do NOT smoke.
STRUCTURE: V-nai de kudasai
Is the negative form of V-te kudasai (please..)

Conversion rules:
They are converted from Jisho form

GROUP 1: Take the last sound of the Jisho form back to the 1st sound in the column,
ie: ku -> ka, su -> sa, ne -> na THEN ADD ‘NAI’ ie: hanasu -> hanasanai
ikimasu -> ikanai
GROUP 2: Just change the ‘ru’ to ‘nai’

GROUP 3: Suru -> Shinai

Kuru -> Konai

NOTE - Nai is used for VERBS

Kunai is used for ADJECTIVES

EXAMPLES:
Please do not talk on the phone. Denwa o kakenai de kudasai.
Please do not read the newspaper. Shinbun o yomanai de kudasai.
I am fine so please do not worry about me. Watashi wa genki desu kara shinpai shinai de kudasai.
Please do not talk. Hanasanai de kudasai.
Do not touch. Sawaranai!
Please do not touch. Sawaranai de kudasai.
Please do not take photos. Shashin o toranai de kudasai.
Please do not take photos here. Koko de shashin o toranai de kudasai.
Please don’t use English. Eigo o tsukawanai de kudasai.
You must not enter this room. Kono heya ni haitte wa (ikenai/ikemasen)
Hanako (must/can) not drink alcohol yet. Hanako-san wa mada sake o nonde wa ikenai.
Don’t eat chocolate. Chokoreeto o tabenai de kudasai.
Don’t eat too much chocolate. Chokoreeto o tabesuginai de kudasai.
Don’t drink too much wine. Wine o nomisuginai de kudasai.
Don’t watch too much TV. Terebi o misuginai de kudasai.
Don’t work too much. Hatarakisuginai de kudasai.

I heard that one must not smoke here. Koko de tabako o sutte wa ikanai sou desu.
You must not be late for class, you know. Kurasu ni okurete wa ikemasen yo.

Nancy went to school yesterday without eating Nancy-san wa kinou asagohan o tabenai de gakkou
her breakfast. e ikimashita.
Mr Scott didn’t go to Kyoto; he went to Tokyo. Scott-san wa Kyoto ni ikanai de Tokyo ni itta.
Please read it without using the dictionary. Jisho o tsukawanai de yonde kudasai.
Please don’t go home yet. Mada kaeranai de kudasai.

た (ta) form – for VERBS

Do this conversion:
Jisho -> Te -> Ta form
Kaku -> Kaite -> Kaita
The ‘te’ in the te-form simply changes to a ‘ta’
Page - 53 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
STRUCTURE: V-ta koto ga arimasu (I) have (done) ….
This sentence refers to something one has done in the past.

EXAMPLES:
I have had Japanese food. Nihon ryoori o tabeta koto ga arimasu.
Have you been to this park before? Kono kouen ni kita koto ga arimasu ka?
Have you been to this beach before? Kono kaigan ni kita koto ga arimasu ka?
Have you been to this shop before? Kono mise ni kita koto ga arimasu ka?
I have done the cleaning. Souji o shita koto ga arimasu.
I have watched TV. Terebi o mita koto ga arimasu.
I have been drinking. O-sake o nonda koto ga arimasu.
I have ridden a horse. Uma ni notta koto ga arimasu.

CAUSATIVE VERBS - make or causes someone to do something.

2 meanings:
1) Compulsion – (‘MAKE’ causative) used for commands, demands & making other people do certain acts
regardless of their will.
– there are 2 types of causative sentences: those which indicate the subject of an action with o, and those
which indicate it with ni.
2) Permission – (‘LET’ causative) used to allow or let the other person do a certain act.

Conversion rules:
Group 1: Change the final ‘u’ of the dictionary form to a ‘aseru’.
ie: Nomu  Nomasu & kaku  kakaseru yomu  yomaseru

Group 2: Change the final ‘ru’ of the dictionary form to a ‘saseru’.

ie: Taberu  Tabesaseru Miru  Misasaseru

Group 3: Kuru  Kosaseru

Suru  Saseru

GROUP Masu Form CAUSATIVE Form

I Nomimasu Nomasemasu
Kaku Kakaseru
Yomu Yomaseru
Iku Ikasemasu

II Taberu Tabesaseru

III Suru Saseru

Kuru Kosaseru

Compulsion – (‘MAKE’ causative) - Examples:

The general manager made Mr Kato go Buchou wa Kato-san o Osaka e shutchou-sasemashita.
to Osaka on business.
I’m having my daughter learn the piano. Watashi wa musume ni piano o narawasemasu.
I was made to buy a textbook. Kyoukasho (textbook) o kawaseraremashita.
The teacher made the child go home early. Sensei wa kodomo o hayaku uchi ni kakasemasu.

Page - 54 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

My mother made my little sister tidy the room. Haha wa imooto ni heya o souji sasemashita.
I made Jim go to the store. Jim-san o mise ni ikasemashita.
The mother made the child go to bed. Okaasan wa kodomo o nekasemashita.
I made my younger brother study. Otooto ni benkyou sasemashita.

Permission – (‘LET’ causative) - Examples:

The general manager let Lee go home early. Buchou wa Lee-san o hayaku kaerasemashita.
Please let me wait here. Koko de matasete kudasai.
I let my friend use my computer. Tomodachi ni konpyuutaa o tsukawasete ageta.
I asked my roommate to let me read his Ruumumeeto ni shinbun o yomasete moraimashita.
newspaper.

IMPERATIVE form – Used to command a person to do something

Conversion rules:
Group 1: Change the ‘u’ sound to corresponding ‘e’ sound.
ie: Kaku  Kake
Group 2: Change the ‘u’ sound in the dictionary form to the corresponding ‘o’ sound.
ie: Taberu  Tabero
Group 3: FINISH OFF HERE AND CHECK THE RULES THEN FILL IN THE TABLE

Add Conversion rules and examples – FILL these in

GROUP Plain Form IMPERATIVE Form

I Iku (go) Ike
Kiku (listen) Kike
Kaku Kake
Yomu Yome
Hanasu Hanase
Hataraku Hatarake

II Taberu (eat) Tabero

Miru (look) Miro
Kakeru (call) Kakero
Ageru (give) Agero
Okiru (wake up) Okiro
III Kuru
Suru

Command verb form

A slightly less harsh form is made by adding – nasai to the verb.
This is not used with negatives.

Speak slowly. Yukkuri hanashinasai.

Come here. Koko ni kinasai.
Go! Iki-nasai!
Come here! Koko e ki-nasai!
Page - 55 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Get up! Oki-nasai!
Walk quickly! Hayaku aruku-nasai!
Sit down! Suwari-nasai!
Be quiet! Shizuka ni shi-nasai!

The form of the imperative commonly used for polite requests or commands is the
-te form followed by ‘kudasai’.

EXAMPLES:
Please tell us about your trip. Ryokou ni tsuite (about) hanashite kudasai.
Please mail the letter. Tegami o dashite kudasai.
Please call a taxi. Takushi o yonde kudasai.

PROHIBITIVE form – Used to command a person not to do something

Conversion rules: Just add ‘na’ to all Dict. forms

ie: Suru  Suru na
ie: Sawaru  Sawaru na
Group 1:
Group 2:
Group 3:

VOLITIONAL ‘Probable’ form – Used to indicate the speakers will or plan,

making suggestions or when agreeing with them. I will, let’s
= the plain form of mashou

Conversion rules:
Group 1: Change the ‘u’ sound of the Dictionary form to ‘ou’ sound.
ie: Kaku  Kakou Yomu  Yomou
Nomu  Nomou Tanomu  Tanomou

Group 2: Change the ‘ru’ sound in the Dictionary form to ‘you’ sound.
ie: Taberu  Tabeyou neru  neyou

Group 3: Kuru  Koyou

Suru  Shiyou

Page - 56 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

 Group I: Group II: Group III:
Iku Ikou Taberu Tabeyou Suru Shiyou
Nomu Nomou Miru Miyou Kuru Koyou
Owaru Owarou Neru Neyou
Hanasu Hanasou Ageru Ageyou
Matsu Matou Kakeru Kakeyou
Au Aou
Kaku Kakou

EXAMPLES:
That’s a good idea, let’s do so. Ii ne, sou shiyou.
Let’s take a little rest. Sukoshi yasumou.
Let’s go and see a movie. Eiga o mi ni ikou.
Let’s do our shopping here. Koko e kaimono o shiyou.
I think I will take some medicine and go to bed early tonight. Konban wa kusuri o nonde hayaku neyou to
omoimasu.
I am thinking of having my friend help me. Tomodachi ni tetsudatte moraou to omotte imasu.
My big sister is thinking of looking for a part-time job. Ane wa arubaito o sagasou to omotte imasu.
Carl suggested (said) we drink coffee. Carl-san wa kohii o nomou to itta.
Chris suggested (said) we go to Paris. Chris-san wa Paris e ikou to itta.
I think I will go to Japan next year. Watashi wa rainen Nihon e ikou to omoimasu.

CONDITIONAL form – ‘BA’ = ‘if….’

Conversion rules:
VERB: Change the ‘u’ sound of the Dictionary form to ‘eba’.
ie: Iku  Ikeba Taberu  Tabereba

i-Adjectives: Change the final ‘i’ sound in the Dictionary form to ‘kereba’.
ie: Atsui  Atsukereba Oishii  Oishikereba

Na-Adjectives: Change the final ‘da’ sound in the Dictionary form to ‘nara(ba)’.
Heta da  Heta nara(ba)

Nouns: Noun + ‘nara(ba)’.

Sensei  Sensei nara(ba)

This form is used in the following instances:

1) When describing the requirements needed for a certain event to manifest itself:

If you study hard, you will learn Japanese. Isshoukenmei benkyou sureba, Nihongo o oboemasu.
If you take this medicine, you will get well. Kono kusuri o nomeba, yoku narimasu.
If you read this manual, you will understand how to use it. Kono setsumeisho o yomeba, tsukai-kata ga wakarimasu.
If I meet him, I’ll be happy. Ano hito ni aereba, shiwase desu.
If the price is low, I will buy it. Nedan ga yasukereba kaimasu.
If you are free tomorrow, Ashita hima nara, issho ni Osakajou e ikemasen ka?
shall we go to Osaka Castle together?
If it is interesting, I will read it. Omoshirokereba, yomimasu.
If the car is beautiful. I will buy it. Kuruma ga kirei naraba, kaimasu.
If the sushi is delicious, I will eat it. Sushi o oishikereba, tabemasu.
If London is interesting, I will go there. London ga omoshirokereba, ikimasu.

Page - 57 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Condition:
General condition --ba ---nara(ba)

Examples:
[Group 1] If it is cheap I will buy it. Yasukereba kaimasu.
If the light is off, he is not back yet. Moshi denki ga kiete ireba, kare wa mada kaette inain desu.
If he is not here, I will leave a message. Moshi kare ga inakereba messeeji o oite kimasu.
[Group 2] If you are hot, take off your coat. Atsuin nara, kooto o nuginasai.
If you are going, I am going too. Kimi ga iku-n nara, boku mo ikimasu.
If you know, please tell me. Shitte iru-n nara oshite kudasai.
If you lost it, lok for it yourself. Nakushita-n nara, jibun de sagashinasai.

You’ll understand it if you ask Prof. Bob. Kore wa Bob-sensei ni kikeba, wakarimasu.
You can get to that town in 30 minutes, if you go by car. Sono machi wa kuruma de ikeba, san-juppun de ikeru.
I’ll buy it if it is cheap. Yasukereba, kaimasu.
If I have time, I want to go to Kyoto too. Jikan ga areba, Kyoto e mo ikitai.

2) When the speaker is suggesting a course of action in response to what the other person has said:

IF you turn to the right, you will see a bank. Migi e magareba, ginkou ga arimasu.
IF you don’t understand, please read this manual. Wakaranakeraba, kono setsumeisho o yonde kudasai.
IF you do not take this medicine, you will not get Kono kusuri o nomanakereba, yoku narimasen yo.
well, you know.
IF it is hot, please turn on the air conditioner. Atsukereba, airkon o tsukete kudasai.
IF you like computers, this job will probably Konpyuutaa ga suki nara(ba), kono shigoto wa
be interesting. omoshiroi deshou.
When it comes to movies, Mr Yamada kows everything. Yamada-san wa eiga no koto nara(ba), nan demo shitte
imasu.

Dict. form Conditional

Kaku Kakeba
Oyogu Oyogeba
Yomu Yomeba
Yobu Yobeba
Toru Toreba
Kau Kaeba
Motsu Moteba
Hanasu Hanaseba
Taberu Tabereba
Suru Sureba
Kuru Kureba

i-adjective na-adjective
ii Good Yokereba Byouki Sick Byouki nara
Yasui Cheap Yasukereba Kantan Easy Kantan nara
Takai Expensive Takakereba Suteki Great Suteki nara
Oishii Delicious Oishikereba Shizuka Quiet Shizuka nara
Warui Bad Warukereba Benri Convenient Benri nara

Page - 58 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

The negative form is made as follows: Just replace the ‘i’ with ‘kereba’
Nai- form Conditional form
I Kakanai Kakanakereba
II Tabenai Tabenakereba
Minai Minakereba
III Konai Konakereba
Shinai Shinakereba
-adjective na-adjective
Yasukunai Yasukunakereba Kantan janai Kantan ja nakereba
Yokunai Yokunakereba Byouki janai Byouki ja nakereba
Takakunai Takakunakereba Kirei janai Kirei ja nakereba
Kitanakunai Kitanakunakereba Genki janai Genki ja nakereba
Yasahikunai Yasahikunakereba Suteki janai Suteki ja nakereba
Semakunai Semakunakereba Shinsetsu janai Shinsetsu ja nakereba
Atsukunai Atsukunakereba Benri janai Benri ja nakereba
Wakakunai Wakakunakereba Hima janai Hima ja nakereba
Omoshirokunai Omoshirokunakereba

Also see  tara

Another CONDITIONAL CLAUSE is

- to Whenever - / when - / If

STRUCTURE: (Dict. form form) + to

Whenever spring comes, it gets warm and flowers Haru ni naru to atatakaku natte hana ga
start to bloom. saki-hajimeru.
If you go straight along this street, Kono michi o massugu iku to eki ni tsukimasu yo.
you will get to the station.
It is convenient to commute when the school Gakkou ga eki ni chikai to kayou noni benri da.
is near the station.
When the room is quiet, we can sleep well. Heya ga shizuka da to yoku nereru.
Whenever I drink sake, I become sleepy. Sake o nomu to nemuku narimasu.
When/if the weather is good, I go to the park. Tenki ga ii to kouen ni ikimasu.

Page - 59 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Dict. Form Te- form Conditional Volitional Passive CausativePotential Imperative
Kaku Kaite Kakeba Kakou Kakareru Kakaseru Kakeru Kake
Oyoigu Oyoide Oyogeba Oyogou Oyagareru OyagaseruOyogeru Oyoge
Yomu Yonde Yomeba Yomou Yomareru Yomaseru Yomeru Yome
Yobu Yonde Yobeba Yobou Yobareru Yobaseru Yoberu Yobe
Toru Totte Toreba Torou Toreru Tore
Kau Katte Kaeba Kaou Kowareru Kawaseru Kaeru Kae
Motte Motte Moteba Motou Moteru Mote
Hanasu Hanashite Hanaseba Hanasou Hanasareru Hanasaseru Hanaseru Hanase
Taberu Tabete Tabereba Tabeyou Taberareru Tabero
Suru Shite Sureba Shiyou Sareru Saseru Dekiru Shiro
Kite Kureba Koyou Korareru Koi

Examples of Verb forms

Shimasu is a useful word meaning do, make or play. Here are some examples of its use:
I play tennis. Tenisu o shimasu.
I play football. Sakkaa o shimasu.
I do the shopping. Kaimono o shimasu.
What do (you) do on Sunday’s? Nichiyobi ni nani o shimasu ka?
I play golf on Monday’s. Getsuyobi ni gorufu o shimasu.
Study Benkyo o (shimasu/suru)

Wash face Kao o araimasu

Clean teeth Hau o migakimasu
Drink coffee Kohi o nomimasu
Go jogging Jogging o shimasu
Take a shower Shower o abimasu
Take a bath O-furoba ni haerimasu
Eat rice Gohan o tabemasu
Read the newspaper Shinbun o yomimasu
Leave home Uchi o demasu
Go to the office Kaisha e ikimasu
Attend a meeting Kaigi ni demasu
Make a call on the telephone Denwa o kakemasu
Talk to the Buchou Buchou to hanashimasu
Strike a keyboard Waapuro o uchimasu
Use a PC Pasukon o tsukaimasu
Return home Uchi e kaerimasu
Watch TV Terebi o mimasu
Watch a movie Eiga o mimasu
Write a letter Tegami o kakimasu
Listen to a CD Shiidii o kikimasu
Dance Dansu o shimasu
Sing a song Utau o utaimasu
Play (=hiku) the piano Piano o hikimasu
Play a game Gamu o shimasu
Smoke tobacco Tabako o suimasu
Clean a room Heya o kirei ni shite imasu
Take a bus Basu o norimasu
Come to Japan by plane Hikouki (plane) de Nihon e kimashita
Listen to music Ongaku o kikimasu
I walk to my office from home. Uchi kara kaisha made aruite ikimasu.

Page - 60 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Go into the house. Uchi ni hairu
Go out of the house. Uchi o deru

He was born in April. Ano hito wa shigatsu ni umaremashita (was born).

NOTE: You can replace ni with goro (=about) if you want to give an approximate time, eg:
I get up at about 8 o’clock. Hachi-ji goro okimasu.

You do not need to use the words you/I/he, etc, unless it is not clear who is being spoken about.

EXAMPLES OF THE OTHER VERBS:

What do you eat for dinner? Bangohan ni nani o tabemasu ka?
I eat rice. Gohan o tabemasu.
I drink black tea. Kocha o nomimasu.
I want to watch TV. Terebi o mitai desu.
I watch TV on Sunday’s . Nichiyobi ni terebi o mimasu.

If you want to include what you drink, use one of the and words (sore ni, soshite, sorekara).
ie: I eat eggs. And I drink coffee. Tamago o tabemasu. Sore ni kohii o nomimasu.

Note the order which you say these sentences:

a) say the person who does the action, followed by wa.
b) say the item (or person) which has the action done to it, followed by o.
c) say the action (masu) word.

Eg: Jon watches TV from 8 o’clock. Jon-san wa hachi-ji kara terebi o mimasu.

To ask when somebody does something use nanji ni (= at what time):

(At) what time do you get up? Nanji ni okimasu ka?
What time do you eat breakfast? Nanji ni asagohan o tabemasu ka?
What time did you eat dinner? (Anata wa) Nanji ni bangohan o tabemashita ka?

Or: nanyoubi ni (= what day):

(On) what day(s) do you play golf? Nanyoubi ni gorufu o shimasu ka?

Or: nannichi ni (= on what date / days of the month):

(On) what date are you going to play football? Nannichi ni sakkaa o shimasu ka?

Or the more general question: itsu (when)

When do you do the shopping? Itsu kaimono o shimasu ka?
When do you play golf? Itsu gorufu o shimasu ka?

QUESTIONS
Nan means What
Nansai means What age?
Nansai desu ka? Means How old are you/he/she?
Nangatsu means What month is it?
Nannin desu ka? means How many people?
Nanji desu ka? means What time is it?
Nanyoobi desu ka? means What day is it?
Page - 61 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Verb Page 1

Page - 62 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Verb Page 2

Page - 63 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Verb Page 3

Page - 64 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Verb Page 4

Page - 65 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Verb Page 5

Page - 66 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Verb Page 6

Page - 67 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Verb Page 7

Page - 68 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Verb Page 8

Page - 69 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Verb Examples: i-desu
It is long Sore wa nagai desu
It is not long Sore wa nagakunai desu
It was long Sore wa nagakatta desu
It was not long Sore wa nagakunakatta desu

NOTES ABOUT VERBS

PAST PROGRESSIVE is used for past continuous action or state of being.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Was walking Wasn’t walking
Aruite imashita Aruite imasen deshita
Was listening Wasn’t listening
kiite imashita kiite imasen deshita
Was eating Wasn’t eating
tabete imashita Tabete imasen deshita
Was speaking Wasn’t speaking
hanashite imashita Hanashite imasen deshita
Was reading Wasn’t reading
yonde imashita Yonde imasen deshita
Was drinking Wasn’t drinking
nonde imashita Nonde imasen deshita

EXAMPLES of Past Continuous Action: -

Mother was preparing dinner. Haha wa bangohan o tsukutte imashita.
Father wasn’t working. Chichi wa hataraite imasen deshita.
Last year I was studying Japanese. Kyonen Nihongo o benkyou shite imashita.
The cat was sleeping on top of the chair. Neko ga isu no ue de nete imashita.

EXAMPLES of Past States of Being: -

The light was on. Denki ga tsuite imashita.
The door was open. Doa ga aite imashita.

Page - 70 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

 ADJECTIVES
Table of Contents

There are 2 types of Japanese adjectives, i-adjectives and na-adjectives.

Japanese adjectives have tense, while English ones do not.

PRESENT Present Past Past negative

form negative KATTA KUNAKATTA
Jisho KUNAI
(It is - ) (It is not - ) (It was -) (It wasn’t - )
Big, large, loud, Ookii Ookikunai Ookikatta Ookikunakatta
tall
Small Chisai Chiisakunai Chiisakatta Chiisakunakatta
Hot Atsui Atsukunai Atsukatta Atsukunakatta
Warm Atatakai Atatakakunai Atatakakatta Atatakakunakatta
Cool Suzushi Suzushikunai Suzushikatta Suzushikunakatta
Cold Tsumetai/Samui Samukunai Samukatta Samukunakatta
Pleasant Tanoshii Tanoshikunai Tanoshikatta Tanoshikunakatta
Expensive Takai Takakunai Takakatta Takakunakatta
Cheap Yasui Yasukunai Yasukatta Yasukunakatta
Delicious Oishii Oishikunai Oishikatta Oishikunakatta
Not tasty/ Mazui Mazukunai Mazukatta Mazukunakatta
not delicious
Sweet Amai Amakunai Amakatta Amakunakatta
Tasty, good at Umai Umakunai Umakatta Umakunakatta
Vigour, spirit, Genki Genki (ja/dewa) Genki datta Genki janakatta
vitality nai
Wonderful, lovely, Suteki Suteki (ja/dewa) Suteki datta Suteki janakatta
fine nai
Wonderful, Subarashii Subarashii Subarashii datta Subarashii janakatta
excellent, (ja/dewa) nai
Marvelous, splendid
Splendid, Rippa
magnificent
Good, nice Ii Yokunai Yokatta Yokunakatta
Good, skillful, Jouzu Jouzu (ja/dewa) Jouzu datta Jouzu janakatta
clever nai
Good, all right, Yoroshii Yoroshikunai Yoroshikatta Yoroshikunakatta
allowable
Bad (something you Heta Heta (ja/dewa) nai Heta datta Heta janakatta
do)
Bad (situation) Warui Warukunai Warukatta Warukunakatta
Cute, pretty Kawaii Kawaikunai Kawaikatta Kawaiikunakatta
Early, quick, fast Hayai Hayakunai Hayakatta Hayakunakatta
Slow, late Osoi Osokunai Osokatta Osokunakatta
Late Okureta
Young Wakai Wakakunai Wakakatta Wakakunakatta
Old (not 4 humans) Furui Furukunai Furukatta Furukunakatta
Old (humans) Toshii Toshikunai Toshikatta Toshikunakatta
New, up-to-date Atarashii Atarashikunai Atarashikatta Atarashikunakatta
Heaps/lots Takusan, oozei
(refers to people)
Extremely Sugoku Sugokunai Sugokatta Sugokunakatta
Very Totemo
Page - 71 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Various/several Iroiro
Interesting/funny Omoshiroi Omoshirokunai Omoshirokatta Omoshirokunakatta
Trifling/ Tsumaranai Tsumaranakunai Tsumaranakatta Tsumaranakunakatta
Worthless
Thick, fat, bold Futoi / Atsui Futokunai Futokatta Futokunakatta
Thin Hosoi / Usui Hosokunai Hosokatta Hosokunakatta
Tall Takai Takakunai Takakatta Takakunakatta
Short/low (height) Hikui Hikukunai Hikukatta Hikukunakatta
Long Nagai Nagakunai Nagakatta Nagakunakatta
Short (length, Mijikai Mijikakunai Mijikakatta Mijikakunakatta
distance)
Crowded/Busy/ Nigiyaka Nigiyakakunai Nigiyakakatta Nigiyakakunakatta
Lively
Noisy Urusai Urusakunai Urusakatta Urusakunakatta
Quiet, peaceful, Shizuka Shizuka (ja/dewa) Shizuka datta Shizuka janakatta
still nai
Narrow/small Semai Semakunai Semakatta Semakunakatta
Wide/spacious Hiroi Hirokunai Hirokatta Hirokunakatta
Leisure/spare Hima Hima (ja/dewa) Hima datta Hima janakatta
time nai
Busy/occupied Isogashii Isogashikunai Isogashikatta Isogashikunakatta
Dark Kurai Kurakunai Kurakatta Kurakunakatta
Light Akarui Akarukunai Akarukatta Akarukunakatta
Bright, cheerful Akarui Akarukunai Akarukatta Akarukunakatta
Kindness, Shinsetsu Shinsetsu Shinsetsu datta Shinsetsu janakatta
gladness (ja/dewa) nai
Good head Atama ga ii Atama ga yokunai Atama ga Atama ga
intelligent yokatta yokunakatta
Easy, kind Yasashii Yasashikunai Yasashikatta Yasashikunakatta
hearted
Difficult Muzukashii Muzukashikunai Muzukashikatta Muzukashikunakatta
Far, distant Tooi Tookunai Tookatta Tookunakatta
Near, close Chikai Chikakunai Chikakatta Chikakunakatta
Strong Tsuyoi Tsuyokunai Tsuyokatta Tsuyokunakatta
Weak/feeble Yowai Yowakunai Yowakatta Yowakunakatta
Convenient Benri Benri (ja/dewa) Benri datta Benri janakatta
nai
Hard, solid Katai Katakunai Katakatta Katakunakatta
Soft, tender Yawarakai Yawarakakunai Yawarakakatta Yawarakakunakatta
Dirty Kitanai Kitanakunai Kitanakatta Kitanakunakatta
Clean, beautiful, Kirei Kirei (ja/dewa) nai Kirei datta Kirei janakatta
pretty
Very beautiful Totemo kirei
Famous Yuumei Yuumei (ja/dewa) Yuumei datta Yuumei janakatta
nai
Heavy Omoi Omokunai Omokatta Omokunakatta
Light Add 
Convenient to one’s Tsugou ga ii
schedule
Not convenient to Tsugou ga warui
one’s schedule
Strange (people & Okashii Okashikunai Okashikatta Okashikunakatta
objects), funny,
crazy
Dangerous Abunai Abunakunai Abunakatta Abunakunakatta
Embarrassing, Hazukashii Hazukashikunai Hazukashikatta Hazukashikunakatta
Page - 72 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
shy, bashful
Frightening Kowai Kowakunai Kowakatta Kowakunakatta
Pleasant, Kimochi ga ii Kimochi ga Kimochi ga Kimochi ga
agreeable yokunai yokatta yokunakatta
Unpleasant, Kimochi ga warui Kimochi ga Kimochi ga Kimochi ga
disgusting warukunai warukatta warukunakatta
Happy, glad Ureshii Ureshikunai Ureshikatta Ureshikunakatta
Sad, sorrowful Kanashii Kanashikunai Kanashikatta Kanashikunakatta
Short, brief Mijikai Mijikakunai Mijikakatta Mijikakunakatta
There is not, Nai
does not exist
Sleepy, drowsy Nemui Nemukunai Nemukatta Nemukunakatta
Correct, accurate, Tadashii Tadashikunai Tadashikatta Tadashikunakatta
right
Honest Shoujiki
Polite Teinei
Salty Shiokarai
NA- adjetives
Important Daiji na No good Dame na
Inconvenient Fuben na Unkind Fushinsetsu na
Rude Shitsurei na Polite Teinei na

SOME EXAMPLES

Complicated Fukuzatsu  add to adjectives?

This problem is complicated. Kono mondai wa fukuzatsu desu.
Easy/comfortable Raku  add to adjectives?
Easy job Raku no shigoto

Note: Oozei = hito ga takusan (lots of people)

OPPOSITES
Empty Kara Full Iipai
Round Maru Square Shikakui
Dirty Kitanai Clean Kirei
Wet Mereteiru Dry Kawaiteiru
Neat Kichintoshiteiru Messy Chirakatteiru
Sweet Amai Sour Suppai
Dark Kurai Light Akarui
High Takai Low Hikui
Heavy Omoi Light Karui
Wide Hiroi Narrow Semai
Many Ooi Few Sukunai
Thick Futoi/Atsui Thin Usui
Fast Hayai Slow Osoi
Near Chikai Far Tooi

Page - 73 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

 NOTES ABOUT ADJECTIVES

I-ADJECTIVE
Present Present Negative Past Past Negative
Is big Is not big Was big Was not big
Plain Ookii Ookikunai Ookikatta Ookikunakatta
Polite Ookii desu Ookiku arimasen Ookikatta desu Ookiku arimasen deshita

Present Present Negative Past Past Negative

Is hot Is not hot Was hot Was not hot
Plain Atsui Atsukunai Atsukatta Atsukunakatta
Polite Atsui desu Atsuku arimasen Atsukatta desu Atsuku arimasen deshita

Present Present Negative Past Past Negative

Is Heavy Is not Heavy Was Heavy Was not Heavy
Plain Omoi Omokunai Omokatta Omokunakatta
Polite Omoi desu Omoku arimasen Omokatta desu Omoku arimasen deshita

Examples:
This book is interesting and enjoyable. Kono hon wa omoshirokute tanoshii desu.
Spring is late this year. Kotoshi wa haru ga osoi desu.
These shoes are small. Kono kutsu wa chisaii desu.
That book was cheap. Ano hon wa yasukatta desu.
Lunch was delicious. Hirogohan wa oishikatta desu.
The exam was easy. Shiken wa yasashikatta desu.
This car isn’t new. Kono kuruma wa atarashikunai desu.
He is good at driving. Kare wa unten ga umai.
Is it cold in Beijing? Beijing wa samui desu ka?
Beijing is very cold. Beijing wa totemo samui desu.
This is a very famous movie. Kore wa totemo yumei na eiga desu.

NA-ADJECTIVE
Present Present Negative Past Past Negative
Plain Shizuka da Shizuka ja/dewa Shizuka datta Shizuka ja/dewa nakatta
nai
Polite Shizuka desu Shizuka ja Shizuka deshita Shizuka ja arimasen deshita
arimasen

Examples:
I want a quiet room. Shizuka na heya ga hoshii desu.
This room is quiet. Kono heya wa shizuka desu.
Sushi is my favourite food. Sushi wa watashi no suki na tabemono desu.
That’s an inconvenient time. Sore wa fuben na (inconvenient) jikan (time) desu.
I have been to various countries. Iroiro na kuni ni ikimashita.
It’s not quiet there. Asoko wa shizuka (dewa arimasen/janai)
The park wasn’t pretty. Kouen wa kirei dewa arimasen deshita.
My father is healthy. Chichi wa genki desu.
She isn’t good at sports. Ano hito wa supootsu ga heta desu.
That baseball player is famous. Ano yakyuu no senshu wa yumei desu.
Page - 74 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
She walks quietly. Kanojo wa shizuka ni arimasu.
The patient became healthy. Kanja (patient) wa genki ni narimashita.
Joe became good at English. Joe-san wa Eigo ga jouzu ni narimashita.
Mr Aoki speaks English well. Aoki-san wa Eigo o jouzu ni hanashimasu.

くない (kunai) form – Present Negative

Examples I-adjectives:
Plain Polite
Big Not big Not big
Ookii Ookikunai Ookiku arimasen
Good Not good Not good
(Irregular): ii Yokunai Yoku arimasen

It is not cold today. Kyou wa samukunai.

Q: Is Carl’s car red? Carl-san no kuruma wa akai desu ka?
A: No, it is not red. (polite) Iie, akaku arimasen.

This room is not very spacious, it it? Kono heya wa amari hiroku arimasen ne.
My father is not young any more. Chichi wa mou wakakunai.

Examples NA-adjectives:
Plain Polite
Heta desu (bad) Heta ja/dewa nai Heta ja/dewa arimasen

That restaurant is not famous. (polite) Ano restaurant wa yuumei ja arimasen.

Mr Smith is not kind. (plain) Sumisu-san shinsetsu dewa nai.
This town is not clean, is it? (polite) Kono machi wa kirei dewa arimasen, ne?
Since I am not good at singing, I don’t like karaoke. Uta ga heta da kara, karaoke wa suki janai.

なかった (nakatta) form – NEGATIVE PAST form

Convert from NAI form. Easy, just replace the い in the NAI form with KATTA.

ie:
NAI FORM NAKATTA FORM
あわない あわなかった
よまない よまなかった
のらない のらなかった

Examples I-adjectives:
Plain Polite
Ookikunai (not big) Ookikunakatta Ookiku arimasen deshita

The coffee I drank this morning was not good. Kesa nonda koohii wa oishikunakatta.
It was not hot yesterday, was it? Kinou wa atsuku arimasen deshita ne?
Q: Was last week’s concert good? Senshuu no konsaato wa yokatta desu ka?
A: No, it wasn’t very good. Iie, amari yoku arimasen deshita.
The match was not exciting (not interesting). Sono shiai wa tsumaranakatta.

Examples NA-adjectives:
Plain Polite
Heta janai (not bad) Heta janakatta Heta ja arimasen deshita

Page - 75 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Q: How was Mr Brown’s apartment? Brown-san no apaato wa dou deshita ka?
A: It was not quiet. Shizuka ja arimasen deshita.
This neighbourhood was not convenient a long time ago. Mukashi kono hen wa benri ja arimasen deshita.
In my childhood, I didn’t like vegetables. Kodomo no koro watashi wa yasui ga suki
janakatta.

ADJECTIVE USAGE
When an i-adjective or na-adjective modifies a noun, it always precedes the noun.

Examples NA-adjectives:
When a NA-adjective modifies a noun, the final ‘da’ of its dict. form form is replaced by ‘na’.
ie: heta da  heta na

Please write neatly. (Lit. ‘with neat letters’) Kirei na ji de kaite kudasai.
This is a valuable book. Kore wa daiji na hon desu.
Let’s go to a quiet place. Shizuka na tokoro e ikimashou.

ADVERBIAL USAGE
I-adjectives and NA-adjectives can modify verbs. (as opposed to modifying nouns above)

Examples I-adjectives:
When an I-adjective modifies a VERB, the final ‘i ’ of its dict. form is replaced by ‘ku ’.
ie: Ookii  ookiku Takai  takaku
ie: Yasui  Yasuku Chiisai  Chiisaku
ie: Samui  Samuku Atsui  Atsuku

Please come to school early tomorrow. Ashita gakkou ni hayaku kite kudasai.
Shall I write it bigger? Motto ookiku kakimashou ka?
It has become cool since yesterday, hasn’t it? Kinou kara suzushiku narimashita ne?

Examples NA-adjectives
When an NA-adjective modifies a VERB, the final ‘da ’ of its dict. form is replaced by ‘ni ’.
ie: heta da  heta ni

A child is sleeping, so please speak quietly. Kodomo ga nete iru kara, shizuka ni hanashite kudasai.
I will draw a simple map (Lit. ‘I will draw a map simply) Chizu o kantan ni kakimashou.
I think I will play golf when I have time. Hima ni nattara, gorufu o shiyou to omoimasu.

Page - 76 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

 ADVERBS and other words
Table of Contents

Adverbs are words that modify or describe verbs, adjectives or other adverbs

Sorted by English
(not) at all; absolutely not Maybe, perhaps, probably Tabun
Zenzen
(with negative verbs) Middle Mannaka
A little (short) while ago. Saki Most, just about Taitei
A little, few Sukoshi Never Kesshite, zettai nai
A little, for a moment Chotto No matter how you slice it,
A lot Takusan Ikanimo
indeed, quite
Accurate, exact Seikaku na Not a bit Chitto mo, sukoshi mo
After all Yahari, kekkyoku Not much, not often Amari
Again Mata Occasionally Tamani
All the way, much, far Zutto Often (see Yoku) Tabitabi
All, every Minna On the contrary, rather,
Kaette
Almost Daitai, hotondo surprisingly
Almost, all but, hardly Hotondo Only Bakkari
Already, anymore Mou Only; just; simply; that's all Tada
Always Itsumo Ought, should Hazu (shimasu)
And (then) Soreni Preparation Jyunbi
And, and so Sorede Properly Chanto
Anyhow Tonikaku Quite Mattaku, nakanaka
Anyway, at any rate, might as Quite, as if, practically Maru de
Douse Quite, rather, completely, at
well Nakanaka
As expected Yappari all
As might be expected; after Rapidly Dondon, sumiyaka ni
Sasuga Rather Mushiro, kaette
all; naturally
At (long) last, finally Yatto Rather, quite Zuibun
At once; soon; right away; Slowly, gradually, soon Sorosoro
Sugu
immediately Slowly, without hurry Yukkuri
At the very least Semete Somehow Nantoka
Beginning Hajime ni Sometimes Tokidoki
By all means Zehi Soon, before long Mou sugu
Clearly, vividly Hakkiri Sound, noise Oto
Connection, contact Renraku Special Tokubetsu
Considerably Daibu, kanari Suddenly Kyuu ni, totsuzen
Contrary to one's
Gyaku ni Surely Kitto, kanarazu
expectation, conversely
Convenience Tsukou Take part, attend Sankashimasu
Decide Kimemasu Tentatively Ichiou, toriaezu
That is to say; namely; in
Especially, in particular Tokuni Tsumari
other words; what I mean is
Every time Maido Truly Hontou ni
Exactly Choudo, pittari Unexpectedly Angai
Fairly, rather Kanari Usually, generally Futsuu, taitei
Firmly Shikkari to Utterly Marude
First, first time Hajimete Very much, greatly, extremely Taihen
Full, many, a lot Ippai Very much, greatly, extremely Totemo
Goods, articles Shinamono Well, often, much Yoku
Gradually, increasingly Dandan Well, right, nicely,
Help Tetsudatte Umaku
successfully
I don't know why but; I tried With effort, take the trouble
Doumo Sekkaku
but; for some reason to do
Page - 77 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
In the end, never Toutou Without doing Koto nashi ni
Mainly Omoni, shutoshite

The same list as above sorted by Japanese

Amari Not much, not often Nantoka Somehow

Angai Unexpectedly Omoni, shutoshite Mainly
Bakkari Only Oto Sound, noise
Chanto Properly Renraku Connection, contact
Chitto mo, sukoshi mo Not a bit Saki A little (short) while ago.
Chotto A little, for a moment Sankashimasu Take part, attend
Choudo, pittari Exactly As might be expected; after all;
Sasuga
Daibu, kanari Considerably naturally
Daitai, hotondo Almost Seikaku na Accurate, exact
Dandan Gradually, increasingly Sekkaku With effort, take the trouble to do
Dondon, sumiyaka ni Rapidly Semete At the very least
I don't know why but; I tried Shikkari to Firmly
Doumo Shinamono Goods, articles
but; for some reason
Anyway, at any rate, might as Sorede And, and so
Douse
well Soreni And (then)
Futsuu, taitei Usually, generally Sorosoro Slowly, gradually, soon
Contrary to one's At once; soon; right away;
Gyaku ni Sugu
expectation, conversely immediately
Hajime ni Beginning Sukoshi A little, few
Hajimete First, first time Tabitabi Often (see Yoku)
Hakkiri Clearly, vividly Tabun Maybe, perhaps, probably
Hazu (shimasu) Ought, should Tada Only; just; simply; that's all
Hontou ni Truly Taihen Very much, greatly, extremely
Hotondo Almost, all but, hardly Taitei Most, just about
Ichiou, toriaezu Tentatively Takusan A lot
No matter how you slice it,
Ikanimo Tamani Occasionally
indeed, quite
Ippai Full, many, a lot Tetsudatte Help
Itsumo Always Tokidoki Sometimes
Jyunbi Preparation Tokubetsu Special
On the contrary, rather, Tokuni Especially, in particular
Kaette Tonikaku Anyhow
surprisingly
Kanari Fairly, rather Totemo Very much, greatly, extremely
Kesshite, zettai nai Never Toutou In the end, never
Kimemasu Decide Tsukou Convenience
Kitto, kanarazu Surely That is to say; namely; in other
Tsumari
Koto nashi ni Without doing words; what I mean is
Kyuu ni, totsuzen Suddenly Umaku Well, right, nicely, successfully
Maido Every time Yahari, kekkyoku After all
Mannaka Middle Yappari As expected
Maru de Quite, as if, practically Yatto At (long) last, finally
Marude Utterly Yoku Well, often, much
Mata Again Yukkuri Slowly, without hurry
Mattaku, nakanaka Quite Zehi By all means
(not) at all; absolutely not (with
Minna All, every Zenzen
negative verbs)
Mou Already, anymore Zuibun Rather, quite
Mou sugu Soon, before long Zutto All the way, much, far
Mushiro, kaette Rather
Quite, rather, completely, at
Nakanaka
all
Page - 78 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
A frequent occurrence Tahatsu
More or less Tashou
Knowing very well, detailed Kuwashii
Preferably, as possible Narubeku

Examples
I don’t like bread much. Pan wa amari suki dewa arimasen.
George is always working. George-san wa itsumo hataraite imasu.
I want to go to London again. Mata London e ikitai desu.
I want to go to Shinjuku again. Mata Shinjuku e ikitai desu.
Let’s walk some more. Motto arukimashou.
It was very interesting. Taihen omoshirokatta desu.
He talks a lot. Ano hito wa takusan hanashimasu.
It often rains in June. Rokkugatsu wa ame ga yoku furimasu.
I sometimes go to Tokyo. Tokidoki Tokyo ni ikimasu.
Most children like chocolate. Taitee no kodomo wa chokoeeto ga suki desu.
Most men do not like shopping. Taitee no kare wa kaimono ga sukijanai desu.
I understand English well. Eigo ga yoku wakarimasu.
I understand English a little. Eigo ga sukoshi wakarimasu.
I don’t understand English (so well/much). Eigo ga amari wakarimasen.
I have a lot of money. Okane ga takusan arimasu.
I don’t have any money (at all). Okane ga zenzen arimasen.
It’s a little cold here. Koko wa sukoshi samui desu.
He is much younger than I am. Kare wa watashi yori zutto wakai.
The work is almost finished. Shigoto wa hotondo owarimashita.
I am very tired. Watashi wa taihen tsukaremashita.
She will surely keep her promise. Kanojo wa kitto yakusoku o mamorimasu.
He suddenly stood up. Kare wa totsuzen tachiagarimashita
Never (with a negative predicate) Kesshite
She never comes. Kesshite kimasen.
Each time; always Maido
Every time Maikai
This program is always interesting. Kono bangumi wa maikai omoshiroi, ne.
After every meal Maishokugo
Please take this medication after every meal. Kono kusuri wa maishokugo ni nonde kudasai.

Page - 79 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

KEYS WORDS, OBJECTS, FOOD
At the airport
Table of Contents

Airport Kuukou Bureau de Change Ryougaejo

Airport shuttle (Limo) Rimujin basu Airline company Koukuugaisha

At passport control
What is the purpose of your visit? Houmon no mokuteki wan an desu ka?
Passport control Nyuukoku shinsa Customs Zeikan
Flight number Binmei
Quarantine Ken 'eki Embarkation Shukkoku
Embarkation card Shukkoku kaado
Disembarkcation card Nyuukoku kaado

(Non-smoking/smoking) please. (Kinenseki/kitsuenseki) onegaishimasu.

Do you have an (aisle/window) seat? (Tsuurogawa/Madogawa) no seki wa arimasu ka?
What is the boarding time? Toujou kaisha wa nanji desu ka?
How long will it be delayed? Dore gurai okuremasu ka?

COUNTRIES LANGUAGES - go NATIONALITIES – jin

Table of Contents

China Chugoku Chinese Chugoku-jin

Korea Kankoku Korean Kankoku-jin
South East Toonan
The Middle East Chuuto
I lived in the Middle East for a long time. Chuuto ni nagaku sunde imashita.
The Orient, the East Touyou
North-east Hokutou

Brazil Burajiru Thailand Tai

Page - 80 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

JAPAN PLACE NAMES
Table of Contents

Name Kanji Name Kanji

Aichi 愛知 Kyoto 京都
Aomori 青森 Nagano 長野
Akita 秋田 Nagasaki 長崎
Chiba 千葉 Nagoya 名古屋
Chugoku 中国 Nara 奈良
Fukuoka 福岡 Niigata 新潟
Fukushima 福島 Nikko 日光
Gunma 群馬 Okinawa 沖縄
Kanagawa 神奈川 Osaka 大阪
Kanto (island) 関東 Saitama 埼玉/さいたま
Kyuushuu 九州 箱根 Sapporo 札幌
Hakone 箱根 Shikoku (island) 四国
Hiroshima 広島 Shizuoka 静岡
Hokkaido (island) 北海道 Tochigi 栃木
Honshuu (island) 本州 Tohoku 東北
Ibaraki 茨城 Tokyo 東京
Iwate 岩手 Toyama 富山
Izu 伊豆 Yamagata 山形
Kamakura 鎌倉 Yokohama 横浜
Kansai 関西
Kobe 神戸

Mt Fuji 富士山
Narita 成田 Haneda 羽田

Pacific Ocean (Taiheiyo) 太平洋 Sea of Japan (Nihonkai) 日本海

SEASONS and WEATHER

Table of Contents

Season Kisetsu

Spring Haru Spring break Haru yasumi

Summer Natsu Summer break Natsu yasumi
Autumn Aki Autumn break Aki yasumi
Winter Fuyu Winter break Fuyu yasumi

It’s not fine weather Ii tenki (ja arimasen/janai)

Weather forecast Tenki yo hou
Hot Atsui Nice/mild Sugoshi-yasui
Cool Suzushii Warm (nice) Atatakai
Cold Samui Sunny/fine/good weather Hare
Cloudy, mist Kumori
Rainy season Tsuyu Windy Kaze
Page - 81 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Rain, rainy Furu, ame Snow Yuki
Not Rain Furunai Humid Mushi atsui
Clear, disperse Hareru Light rain, drizzle Kosame

Describing the weather

いま [TYPE OF WEATHER] が ふって います
Ima [TYPE OF WEATHER] ga fute imasu (furu = Jisho form)

ie: Ima ame ga fute imasu (rain is falling now)

Ima, kaze ga fuite imasu (slightly different to the above) – It is windy now.

Q: How was the weather in PLACE? [PLACE] no tenki wa dou datta?

A: The weather in PLACE was [ ] [PLACE] no tenki wa [DESCRIPTION] datta.
Commenting on the weather
It's started to rain, hasn't it? Futte kimashita ne.
It's cleared up, hasn't it? Haremashita ne.
It's dreary weather, isn't it? Uttoushii tenki desu ne.
It's really warming up, isn't it? Atatakaku narimashita, ne?
It's awefully hot, isn't it? Atsukute, taihen desu ne.
Heavy rain Ooame
Light rain; drizzle Kosame
I don’t need an umbrella if it’s just drizzling. Kosame nara kasa wa iranai.
It’s muggy during the rainy season. Tsuyu no koro wa mushiatsui.

Ie: How was the weather in Osaka? Osaka no tenki wa dou datta?
The weather in Osaka was cloudy. Osaka no tenki wa kimori datta. (cloudy)
It is getting colder. Samuku natte kimashita.
It is getting hotter. Atsuku natte kimashita.
It is very cold. Totemo samui desu.
It is snowing. Yuki ga futte imasu.
Rainy weather Uten
It is warm. Atatakai desu.
It is hot and humid. Mushi atsui desu.
It is foggy. Kiri desu.
It is cloudy today. Kyou wa kumotte imasu/iru.

Shall we got to Mt Fuji tomorrow? Ashita issho ni Fuji-san e ikimasen ka?

That sounds good. But how is the weather? Ii desu ne. Demo (but, however) tenki wa dou deshou ka?
Probably good. ??? (check with H) Tabun ii tenki deshou. Zutto (all the way, clear) ii tenki
desu kara.

Page - 82 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

NATURE – Key words
Table of Contents

Nature Shizen
Desert Sabaku Peninsula Hantou
Mountain range Sanmyaku Lake Mizuumi
Sunshine Niikou Clouds Kumo
Wind Kaze Downriver Kawashimo
Upriver Kawakami Plains Heiya
Glacier Hyouga Gulf Wan
Lightning Inazuma Thunderstorm Kaminari arashi
Ocean Umi Pacific ocean Taiheiyou
Atlantic ocean Taiseiyou Waterfall Taki
Nature; natural Tennen 天然
Earth; soil Tsuchi 土

Forest Mori, shinrin, hayashi Tree Ki, ueki

Plant Shokubutsu Flower Hana
Jungle Kusamura Ocean Taikai, kaiyo
River Kawa, taiga Pond Ike
Lake Mizu'mi, kosui Hill Oka, koyama
Mountain Yama, sangaku Waterfall Taki, bakufu
Rainbow Niji Sky Sora, ten
Cloud Kumo, moya Rain Ame, shikke
Snow Yuki, rikka

North Pole Hokkyoku

Antarctic / South Pole Nankyoku
Northen Hemisphere Kita-hankyuu
Southern Hemisphere Minami-hankyuu
A north wind Kitakaze
Facing north Kitamuki
Facing south Minami muki
I’m looking for an apartment facing south. Minami muki no heya o sagashite imasu.
Southwest Nansei
Southeast Tounan
North and south Nanboku
South Pacific Minimi taiheiyou
Southern Cross Minimi juujisei
Global warming Ondanka no eikyou  check
Self-sufficiency Jikyuu jisoku
A full moon Mangetsu
ie: There is a full moon tonight. Konya wa mangetsu desu.
A starry sky Hoshizora
Timber; wood Mokuzai
They import lots of timber. Takusan no mokuzai o yunyuu o shite iru.
(Made of) wood Mokuzou
Garden/potted plant Ueki
Don’t forget to water the plants! Ueki ni mizu o yaru no o wasurenai de!
Leaves of a tree Konoha

Land; property Tochi

ie: I’d like to buy some land in Tokyo some day. Sono uchi, Tokyo ni tochi o kaitai.

Page - 83 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

CLIMBING MOUNTAINS
Mountain trail Tozandou Walking stick Kongouzue
Crest/summit Sanchou Crater Ohachi

PLANTS & TREES

Flower petals Hanabira (Tree) trunk Miki
Branches Eda A lawn Shibafu

I wonder what the temperature is. Kion wa nandokurai desu ka?

Sparrow Suzume Ladybug Tentoumushi
Cicada Semi (Sea)shell Kaigara
Seagull Kamome Clouds Kumo
Crow (bird) Karasu Ginko (tree) Ichou
Colourful fall leaves Kouyou Maple Momoji
Dragonfly Tombo Harvest Shuukaku
Field Tanbo Rice Ine
Icicle Tsurara

AT THE BEACH
Coast/beach Kaigan Stones Ishi
Rocks Iwa ('ga takusan aru, ne?') Shell, seashell Kaigara
Crabs Kani Seaweed Kaisou
Coral reef Sangoshou Sand Suna
Wave Nami (tsunami) Sunburn Hiyake
Sunblock Hiyakedome Kite Tako
Dive Tobikomu, moguru Float Ukabu
Spiral shell, conch Makigai Shell mound, midden Kaizuka

SNOWY DAYS
Snowflakes Yukinokeshou Snowman Yukidaruma
Snowball Yukinotama Icicles Tsurara
Scarf Mafura Sleeping bag Nebukuro

HARBOUR
Sunrise Hinode Sunset Higure
Dock Sanbashi Warehouse Souko

Page - 84 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

ANIMALS
Table of Contents

Animal Doubutsu Gorilla Gorira

Baboon Hihi Hippopotamus Kaba
Bear Kuma Horse Uma
Bird Tori Insect Mushi
Camel Rakuda Jellyfish Kurage
Cat Neko Leopard Hyou
Chicken Niwatori Lion Shishi (raion)
Chicken/Rooster Niwatori / ondori Monkey Saru
Chimpanzee Chinpanjii Mouse Nezumi
Cow Ushi Opossum Fukuronezumi
Crocodile Wani Parrot Oumu
Deer Shika Peacock Kujyaku
Dog Inu Pig Buta
Dolphin Iruka Rhinoceros Sai
Duck Ahiru Shark Same
Eagle Washi Sheep Hitsuji
Elephant Zou Skunk Itachi
Fish Sakana Snake Hebi
Fox Kitsune Sparrow Suzume
Giraffe Kirin Squirrel Risu
Goat Koushakuno Tiger Tora
Goldfish Kingyou Whale Kujira
Goose/geese Gachou Zebra Shimauma

PARTS OF ANIMALS
Feathers Hane Tail Shipo
Trunk (elephant) Hana (nose) Scales Uroko
Fur Kegawa Jaws Ago
Spots Hanten Stripes Shima
Horn Tsuno Beak Kuchibashi
Fangs Kiba Claws Kagitsume
Wings Tsubasu

Page - 85 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

RELIGION
Table of Contents

Religion Shu'kyo Angel Tenshi

Baptism Senrei Bible Seisho, baiburu
Bishop Shukyo Buddhism Bukkyo, butsudo
Cathedral Taiseido Christianity Bateren, kirisutokyo
Church Kyoukai, seido Faith Shinko, shinnen
God Kami, joutei Heaven Tengoku, ama-no-hara
Hell Jigoku Monastery Shu'do'in, so'in
Pope Kyo'o, po'pu Prophet Yogensha, uranaishi
Protestant Purotesutanto Sermon Sekkyo
Temple tera, jinja, jiin, seido Worship Su'haisuru, agameru
Goddess Megami

I visited a Shinto shrine. Jinja ni omairi ni itta.

DINOSAURS, etc.
Fossil Kaseki Scientist Kagakusha (<--
add to jobs list)
Dinosaurs Kyouryuu Triceratops Torikeratopusus
Stegosaurus Sutegosaurusu Tyrannosaurus Rex Teeranosaurusu
rekusu

NIGHT SKY, SPACE, PLANETS

The Sun Taiyou Solar system Taiyoukei
Moon Tsuki Full moon Mangetsu
Half moon Hangetsu Cresent moon Mikazuki
New moon Shingetsu Stars Hoshi
Constellation Seiza Meteor Inseki
Comet Suisei Planets Wakusei
Mercury Suisei Venus Kinsei
Earth Chikyuu Mars Kasei
Jupiter Mokusei Saturn Dosei
Uranus Tennousei Neptune Kaiousei
Pluto Meiousei Astronomer Tenmongakusha
Telescope Bouenkyou Astronaut Uchuuhikoushi
Spaceship Uchuusen Milky Way Amanogawa
Asteroid Shouwakusei Volcano Kazan
Lava Yougan

Page - 86 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

TELLING THE TIME
Table of Contents

What time is it? (ima) Nanji desu ka?

To answer this question, replace ‘nan’ with a number, eg: go-ji desu (5 o’clock).
Long time. Chou jikan.
For 4 o’clock you say ‘yoji’ (not yon or shi)
Use ‘shichi’ not ‘nana’
For 9 o’clock use ‘ku’ (not ‘kyuu')

It’s a quarter to ten. Ju-ji jugofun mae desu. (= 15 minutes before 10)
Now Ima
Before long Mou sugu
Soon, immediately Sugu
At any moment Imanimo (for describing a situation that is just about to change)
Occasionally/once in a while Tamani
O’clock ji
about (used when telling the time) Goro
Just right, exactly Choodo
ie: It is exactly 2 o’clock. Choodo niji desu.
It is exactly 3 o’clock. Choodo saniji desu.
It took me exactly 3 weeks to Kono ronbun o kaku noni choodo san-shuukan kakarimashita.
write this paper.

Early, soon, at once Hayaku (はやく) / Hayai

Late Osoku (おそく)

Time, hour Toki

Public holiday Saijitsu
Weekday Heijitsu
Saying half-past is straightforward – just add han (half past) after ji

Examples:
The Japanese exam is 3 hours long, you know. Nihongo no shiken wa san-jikan desu yo.
How long does it take to go to school by bus? Koko kara gakkou made basu de dono gurai kakarimasu
ka?

MINUTES = pun = fun

1 Ippun = 1 minute 11 juu-ippun
2 Ni-fun = 2 minutes 12 juu-ni-fun
3 San-pun 13 juu-san-pun
4 Yon-pun 14 juu-yon-fun
5 Go-fun 15 juu-go-fun
6 Roppun 16 juu-roppun
7 Shichi-fun (or nana-fun) 17 juu-shichi-fun (or juu-nana-fun)
8 Hachi-fun (or happun) 18 juu-hachi-fun (or juu-happun)
9 Kyuu-fun 19 juu-kyuu-fun
10 Juppun 20 ni juppun
30 Sanju pun
40 yonju pun
50 goju pun

Page - 87 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

INTERROGATIVE WORD: nan-pun

It takes Kakarimasu Hour Jikan

Minutes Pun, fun 5 minutes Gofun
10 minutes Juppun Second Byou
About Gurai
Travel Ryokoo shimasu How long? Dono gurai
How many minutes? Nanpun desu ka?
At what time Nanji-ni
On what day Nanyoubi-ni
Morning Asa  Breakfast Asagohan
Midday Hiru  Lunch Hirugohan
Afternoon Gogo
Morning: Asa / gozen Afternoon Gogo
Evening Yuugata Morning and evening Asayuu あさゆう
Noon Shougo Midnight Mayonaka
Day Hiru / hiruma Night Yoru
Last night usually means Yuube
Evening/night Ban¥ Yoru ¥ Yuube (Yuugata) 
Dinner Yorugohan/Bangohan
Late Afternoon Yuugata
Monday evening Getsuyobi no yoru
Weekend Shuumatsu
How many hours (time) difference is there between Auckland to Tokyo no jisa wa nanjikan desu ka?
Auckland and Tokyo?

Every morning Maiasa Morning before last Ototoi no asa

Every night Maiban Morning after next Asatte no asa
Every day / Daily Mainichi Night before last Ototoi no ban
Every week / Weekly Maishuu Night after next Asatte no ban
Every month / Monthly Maitsuki
Maitsuki Every year / Yearly Maitoshi, mainen

In one week Ishuukan de Week before last Ni-shuukan mae

In two weeks Nishuukan de Week after next Saraishuu

By Tuesday Kayoubi made ni

By Friday Kinyoubi made ni

Five days ago Itsuka mae

Immediately before Chokuzen

Yesterday Kinou
Today Kyou
Tomorrow Ashita
Day after tomorrow Asatte Day before yesterday Ototoi
This month Kongetsu This morning Kesa
Next month Raigetsu Afternoon Gogo
Last month Sengetsu Noon Shoogo

This evening Konban Last night Kono no ban

Month before last Nikagetsu mae
Month after next Saraigetsu

Last year Kyonen Year before last Ototoshi

Page - 88 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

This year Kotoshi Year after next Sarainen
Next year Rainen

Year tsuki, gekkan

Decade ichijun
Century seiki

Once a week shu ni i-kai

ie: Once a week I play golf Shu ni i-kai gorufu o shimasu.
Twice a week shu ni ni-kai
ie: Twice a week I go to Tokyo. Shu ni ni-kai Tokyo ni ikimasu.

Once a month tsuki ni i-kai

3 times a month tsuki ni san-kai

x - years ago [x]-nen mae (mae – past/before/ago)

5 years ago Go-nen mae
2 years ago Ni-nen mae
I came to Japan 2 years ago. Ni-nen mae ni Nihon e kimashita.
How many hours do you study Maiban nan-jikan Nihongo o benkyou-shimasu ka?
Japanese every night?
This coming [Sunday] Kondo no [Nichiyoubi]
This coming weekend. Kondo no shuumatsu.

QUESTIONS
Year Nen Nannen desu ka? - How many years ?
Month Kagetsu Nankagetsu desu ka? - How many months ?
Week Shu Nanshuukan desu ka? - How many weeks ?
Day Nichi Nannichi desu ka? - How many days ?
Hour Jikan Nanjikan desu ka? - How many hours ?
Minute Pun, fun Nanpun desu ka? - How many minutes ?

What day of the month is today? Kyou wa nan nichi desu ka?

Did you go to [PLACE] yesterday? Kinou [PLACE] e ikimashita ka?

Did you go to Harajuku yesterday? Kinou Harajuku e ikimashita ka?

Yes, I did. Hai, ikimashita.

What time did you go? Nanji ni ikimashita ka?

Where did you go yesterday? Kinou doko e ikimashita ka?

I went to Shinjuku-gyoen. Shinjuku-gyoen e ikimashita.
Q: What time did you go? Nanji ni ikimashita ka?
A: I went at 2pm. Niji ni ikimashita.
Q: What time did you return? Nanji ni uchi e kaerimashita ka?
A: I returned at 8pm. Hachiji ni uchi e kaerimashita.

From and to/until Kara means ‘from’ Made means ‘until / to’
NOTE: Kara and made are placed after the time.
Eg:
The Japanese class is from 2 o’clock until 5 o’clock. Nihongo no kurasu wa niji kara goji made desu.
Page - 89 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
The department store opens at 9 & closes at 6. Depaarto wa kuji kara rokuji made desu.
2 hours (= jikan) Ni jikan
5 hours. Go jikan

Last and next Kono mae no means ‘Last’ Kondo no means ‘Next’
Eg:
Last Sunday Kono mae no nichiyoubi ni
Next Sunday Kondo (kono tsugi)-no nichiyoubi ni

AM / PM Gozen (am) / gogo (pm)

These are spoken before the time, ie:
It’s now 8am. Ima gozen hachiji desu.
My work finishes at 5.30pm. Shigoto wa gogo goji-han made desu.
6 pm Gogo rokku-ji choddo desu. (choddo = just)
4.30 am Gozen yo-ji han desu.
7.30am Gozen shichi-ji han desu.

Opening and closing times

What times does [PLACE NAME] open & close? [PLACE NAME] nanji kara nanji made desu ka?
What times does supermarket open & close? Supaa nanji kara nanji made desu ka?
What times does bank open & close? Ginko nanji kara nanji made desu ka?
We close on Wednesdays. Teikyuubi wa Suiyoubi de gozaimasu.
Bank, 9-3pm Ginko wa ku-ji kara san-ji made desu.
School, 9-6pm Gakkou wa ku-ji kara rokku-ji made desu.
Office, 9.30-8pm Kaisha wa ku-ji han kara hachi-ji made desu.
Park, 10-4.30pm Kouen wa ju-ji kara yon-ji han made desu.
Department store, 8-6pm Depaato wa hachi-ji kara rokku-ji made desu.

Closing a shop; shutting up shop Heiten

The store closes at 7pm. Heiten wa shichiji desu.
The main store. Honten
What time is this store open until? Kono mise wa nanji made aite imasu ka?

Expressing relative time…

A long time ago Mukashi Sometime before Katsute
This time last year Kyonen no ima goro Already Mou, Tokkuni,
The other day Kono aida, kono mae, senjitsu
A little while ago Sakki, chotto mae ni, sakihodo
After a long while Hisashiburi ni These days Kono goro, chika goro
Now Ima, genzai Until now Ima made ni
Still/Not yet Mada Soon Sugu, mou sugu, jikini, chikaku, mamonaku
Later Atode Continuously Hikitsuzuki
No longer Mou, mohaya
As [ ] as possible Narabeku (ie: narabeku hayaku = as soon as possible.
First of all Mazu
The recent; next time; sometime Kondo
About now; nowadays Imagoro

Page - 90 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Expressing frequency….
Always Itsumo, tsune ni Usually Futsuu, Fudan, Taitei
Often Yoku, tabitabi Many times Nandomo
Every other day Ichinichi oki ni Sometimes Tokidoki
Three times a month Tsuki ni san do Once in a while Tamani
Again Mata, futatabi Once more Mou ichido
For the first time Hajimete Suddenly Kyuu-ni, totsuen
Seldom Mettani Never Zenzen, ichidomo, kesshite
Last Kono mae no (suiyoubi) Next Kondo no (suiyoubi)
Month Tsuki (dono tsuki = which month) A little while/Quite a while Shibarauku

DAYS OF THE WEEK

Table of Contents

INTERROGATIVE WORD: nan-youbi What day?

Daily: every day Nichijou

All day (long) Ichinichi-juu
During the morning Gozenchuu
Noon Shougou
This evening; tonight Konya
The weekend; Saturday(s) and Sunday(s) Donichi

I have an examination next Monday. Raishuu no getsuyoubi ni shiken ga arimasu.

There is no Japanese class on Tuesday or Thursday. Kaiyoubi to mokuyoubi wa Nihongo no kurasu ga
arimasen.

DATES OF THE MONTH - nichi

Table of Contents

1st – Tsuitachi 16th - Juuirokunichi

2nd – Futsuka 17th - Juuishichinichi
3rd – Mikka 18th - Juuihachinichi
4th – Yoka 19th - Juuikunichi
5th – Itsuka 20th – Hattsuka (note the different form)
6th – Muika 21st - Nijuuichinichi
7th – Nanoka 22nd - Nijuuininichi
8th – Youka 23rd - Nijuuisannichi
9th – Kokonoka 24th – Nijuuiyoka (note the different form)
10th – Tooka 25th -Nijuuigonichi
11th – Juuichinichi 26th - Nijuuirokunichi
12th – Juuininichi 27th - Nijuuishichinichi
13th – Juuisannichi 28th - Nijuuihachinichi
14th – Juuiyonka 29th - Nijuuikunichi
15th – Juuigonichi 30th – Sanjuichi (note the different form)
31st – Sanjuichinichi

INTERROGATIVE WORD: nan-nichi What day?

There are seven days in a week. Isshuukan wa nanoka desu.

Tips to remember these

Dates 2 -> 10 all end in ‘ka’

Page - 91 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

3 & 6 are very similar.
4 & 8 are very similar.

DAYS – nichi (kan)

(for) 1 day ichi-nichi
(for) 2 days futsuka (kan)
(for) 3 days mikka (kan)
(for) 4 days yokka (kan)
(for) 5 days itsuka (kan)
(for) 6 days muika (kan)
(for) 7 days nanoka (kan)
(for) 8 days youka (kan)
(for) 9 days kokonoka (kan)
(for) 10 days tooka (kan)
(for) 11 days juuichi-nichi (kan)
(for) 12 days juuni-nichi (kan)

MONTHS – kagetsu (kan)

(for) 1 month ikkagetsu (kan)
(for) 2 months ni-kagetsu (kan)
(for) 3 months san-kagetsu (kan)
(for) 4 months yon-kagetsu (kan)
(for) 5 months go-kagetsu (kan)
(for) 6 months rokkagetsu (kan)
(for) 7 months nana-kagetsu (kan)
(for) 8 months hakkagetsu (kan)
(for) 9 months kyuu-kagetsu (kan)
(for) 10 months jukkagetsu (kan)
(for) 11 months juuikkagetsu (kan)
(for) 12 months juuni-kagetsu (kan)

YEARS – nen (kan)

(for) 1 year ichi-nen (kan)
(for) 2 years ni-nen (kan)
(for) 3 years san-nen (kan)
(for) 4 years yo-nen (kan)
(for) 5 years go-nen (kan)
(for) 6 years roku-nen (kan)
(for) 7 years nana (or shichi)-nen (kan)
(for) 8 years hachi-nen (kan)
(for) 9 years kyuu-nen (kan)
(for) 10 years juu-nen (kan)
(for) 11 years juuichi-nen (kan)
(for) 12 years juuni-nen (kan)

MONTHS OF THE YEAR: [Month Number]-gatsu

Table of Contents

January Ichi-gatsu
February Ni-gatsu
March San-gatsu
April Shi-gatsu
May Go-gatsu
June Roku-gatsu

Page - 92 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

July Shichi-gatsu
August Hachi-gatsu
September Ku-gatsu
October Ju-gatsu
November Ju-ichi-gatsu
December Juni-gatsu

INTERROGATIVE WORD: nan-gatsu? What month?

Kagetsu = month 9 months kyuu kagetsu
2 months ni kagetsu
6 months roku kagetsu
2-3 months ago Ni san kagetsu mae
To say dates, STRUCTURE: Year  Month  Day, where nen = year and nichi = day.
Eg: 2 November 1979 sen kyuuhyaku nana-ju kyu nen ju-ichigatsu futsuka
=(1979, November, 2)

February 14th 2002. Ni-sen ni-nen (2002) ni-gatsu jyu-yokka

My birthday is April 9th Watashi no tanjoubi wa shigatsu kokonoka desu.
School starts on September 3rd. Ku-gatsu mikka kara gakkou ga hajiarimasu.

When you say a date in Japanese, always put the month before the day.

Dates 10 -> 20 are: じゅう。。。。。。

February 1st Ni-gatsu tsuitachi
March 10th San-gatsu tooka.
September 9th Ku-gatsu kokonoka.
October 15th Ju-gatsu juuigonichi.
July 8th Shichi-gatsu youka.
December 5th Juni-gatsu itsuka.
March 3th San-gatsu mikka.
Feb 12th Ni-gatsu juuininichi.
November 23rd Ju-ichi-gatsu nijuuisannichi.

Week = shuu
3 weeks = san shuu

INTERROGATIVE WORD: nan-shuukan How many weeks?

I want to travel for about 2 weeks. Ni-shuukan gurai ryoukoo ga shitai desu.
It took me exactly 3 weeks to write this paper. Kono ronbun o kaku noni choodo san-shuukan
kakarimashita.

YEARS = nen
2000 = Nisen nen 1900 = Sen kyuuhyaku nen
2 years = Ni nen For 2 years = ni nen kan

INTERROGATIVE WORD: nan-nen

I was born in Auckland in April 1980. Sen kyuuhyaku hachijuu nen no shi-gatsu ni Auckland
de umaremashita.
How many years have you lived in Japan? Nan-nen gurai Nihon ni sunde imashita ka?

Page - 93 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

For 3 years. I was in Japan from 1995 to 1998. San-nen desu. Kyuujuu-go-nen (95) kara kyuujyuu-
hachi-nen (98) made Nihon ni imashita.

I played golf with Mr Tanaka five days ago. Itsuka mae ni Tanaka-san to issho ni gorufu o shimashita.
The summer vacation of Uni is about 3 months. Daigaku no natsu yasumi wa san-kagetsu gurai desu.

JAPANESE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Table of Contents

Public holiday Saijitsu

January
1st - New Year's (o-shogatsu)
2nd Monday - Coming of Age day (siejin no hi) - for 20 year olds

February
11th - National Foundation Day (kenkoku kenenbi) - celebrates first crowning of the first emperor.
14th - Valentine's Day - but women give chocolate to men.

March
3rd - Doll's Festival (hina matsuri) - day to celebrate daughters.
14th - White Day - the Valentine's day where men give chocolate to women.
21st - Spring Equinox (shunbun no hi) - Memorial day.

April
29th - Showa Day (showa no hi) - birthday of former Emperor Showa.

May
3rd - Constitution Day (kenpo kinenbi)
4th - Greenery Day (midori no hi) -celebrates love for plants and nature.
5th - Children's Day (kodomo no hi)

July
3rd Monday - Ocean Day (umi no hi) - new holiday celebrating the ocean.

September
3rd Monday - Respect for the Aged Day (keiro no hi)
23rd - Autumn Equinox (shubun no hi) - another Memorial day.

October
2nd Monday - Health and Sports Day (taiiku no hi)

November
3rd - Culture Day (bunka no hi) - celebrate culture, freedom, peace.
15th - Shichigosan (Seven-Five-Three) - festival for children
23rd - Labour Thanksgiving Day (kinro kansha no hi).

December
23rd - Emperor's Birthday (tenno no tanjobi)
25th - Christmas (not a national holiday, but it is celebrated)
31st - New Year's Eve (omisoka)
Page - 94 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
OCCUPATIONS
Table of Contents

Work Hataraku (verb)

Work Shigoto (noun)
What is your occupation? O-shigoto wa nan desu ka?
Which company do you work for? Dochira no kaisha desu ka?
I work for a publishing company. Shuppan no kaisha de hataraite imasu.
Actor

Actor Haiyuu/ Danyuu  Junior high student Chuugakusei

check with H
Advertising Kookoku Musician Ongakuka
Author Sakka Nurse Kangofu
Bank Clerk Ginkouin Photographer Shashinka / kamaraman
Company Kaisha-in Politician Seijika
worker/employee
Cook Chourishi Publishing Shuupan
Dentist Haisha Salesman Seerusu-man
Doctor (/physician) Isha Secretary Hisho
Doctor Ishi
(/medical/physician)
Driver Untenshu Singer Kashu
Engineer Enjinia Station Clerk Ekiin
Finance Kin’yuu Student Gakusei
High school student Koukousei Teacher, professor Sensei
Housewife Shufu Technical college Senmon gakkou
Information Technology Ai tii kankee University student Daigakusei
Journalist Jaanaristo Writer Raitaa
University worker Daigaku shokuin
Non-working/unemployed Mushoku Retired Taisholusha

I attend a private junior high school. Shiritsu no chuugakkou ni kayotte iru.

Senior high school Koutou gakkou
Prep school Yobikou
I attended a prep school for one year. Ichinenkan yobikou ni kayotta.

Page - 95 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

INTERESTS and HOBBIES
Table of Contents

Hobby Shumi
What are your hobbies? Shumi wa nan desu ka?
Animated film Anime Jogging Joggingu
Baseball Yakyuu Karaoke Karaoke
Basketball Basukettobooru Latin music Raten
Bowling Booringu Music Ongaku
Camping Kyanpu Opera Opera
Classical music Kurashiku Photography Shashin
Concert Konsaato Pop Poppusu
Cooking Ryoori Reading Dokusho
Cycling Saikuringu Rock Rokku
Dancing Dansu Rugby Ragubii
Documentary Dokyumentarii Skating Sukeeto
Driving Doraibu
Eating out Tabe aruki Skiing Sukii
Fishing Sakana-tsuri Sports Supotsu
Flower Arranging Ikebana Sumo Sumoo
Football Sakka Swimming Suiei
Game Shiai Table tennis Pin pon
Gardening Engei Tea Ceremony Ocha
Golf Gorufu Volleyball Bareebooru
Jazz Jazu Writer Raitaa
Soccer Game Soccer no shiai Calligraphy Shuuji

What do you do in your free time? Anata no shumi wan an desu ka?
I like watching tennis. Watashi wa tennis o miru no ga suki desu.

Listening to music Ongaku kanshou

Watching movies Eiga kanshou
Reading Dokusho

Eg: (His/her) hobby is dancing Shumi wa dansu desu

My hobby is photography Watashi no shumi wa shashin desu
My hobby is not gardening Watashi no shumi wa engei dewa arimasen

To say: My hobbies are x, y and z, you say: (Watashi no) shumi wa x to y to z desu.
We don't usually say watashi no when it is apparent that you are talking about yourself.

Writing = Bunshoo o kaku koto Traveling = Ryokou o suru koto

Kaku is the verb for Write, suru is the verb for Do.

So, to say: My hobbies are writing, travelling and photography, you say:

(Watashi no) shumi wa bunshoo o kaku koto to, ryokoo o suru koto to, shashin o toru koto desu.
You can say, Watashi no shumi wa ryokoo desu. instead of Watashi no shumi wa ryokoo o suru koto desu,

Page - 96 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

MUSIC
Blow Fuku Clap (te o) tataku
Sing Utau

CONSTRUCTION materials & jobs

Cement truck Konkuriito mikusa Crane Kuren
Bulldozer Burudoozaa Forklift Fookulifuto
Carpenter Daikusan Plumber Haikankou
Electrician Denkikou Pipe Paipu
Wire Densen Railroad Tetsudou
Highway Kousokudouro Smokestack Entotsu
Garbage truck Seisousha Skyscrapers Kousoubiru

Gardening words and phrases

Table of Contents

Gardening tool names + vocab

Seeds Tane 種
Soil Tsuchi 土
Seedling soil Tane maki
Root Ne ね
Bud Tsubomi
Sprout Me め
Seedling (what I usually buy) Nae 苗
Stem Kuki
Pot Hachi 鉢
Compost Komposto / Taihi 堆肥
Fertiliser Hiryou 肥料
Vermiculite Baamikyuraito バーミキュライト
Wave-like mounds for planting Une
Rotton leaves (used for soil prep.) Fuyoudo
Wood chips Baaku chiipu バークチップ
Pot bottom net
Pour water on Mizu o kakemasu
Pour water in Mizu o irimasu
Seed sowing period Maki doki
Harvesting period Shuukaku jiki
When (is best time) to plant these seedsTane o maku no wa itsu ga ii desu ka?
Bud/sprout sowing time Ue doki
Temperature that buds come out Hatsuga ondo
When to plant these buds/sprouts Nae (<-- little plant/seedling) o ueru no wa itsu ga ii desu ka?
Put fertilizer on soil before Motohi
Lime (calcium carbonate) Sekkai 石灰
Grass Kusa 草
Page - 97 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Spring Haru 春
Summer Natsu 秋
Autumn Aki 夏
Winter Fuyu 冬
Vegetable Yasai 野菜
want to grow' –[Name] を そだてたい? (sodatetai)

TOOLS
Spade Shaberu
Hoe Kuwa 鍬
Trowel Sukopu
Pitchfork Suki
Rake Kumade
Hand fork <-- get name! Kumode?
Bucket Baketto バケット
Hose Hoosu ホース
Hanging basket Hangingu potto
Watering container Jouro
Insect net Bouchuu

IN THE GARDEN
Would you like some help? Tetsudai mashouka? / Tasuke ga hitsuyou desu ka?
Dig up Hori okusu
Dug up Hori okushita
Dig up ground (surface) Jimin o hori okosu
What are you growing? Nani o sodatete imasu ka?
What are you planting? Nani o uete imasu ka?
How many did you plant? Nae o ikutsu uemashita?
When will these flowers bloom? <-- ask H
Kono shokubutsu wa hiatari ga ii tokoro (<- sunny place) ni ueta (<-
Do these grow best in the sun or shade?
plant) hou ga ii desu ka?
Hikage (<- shady place) ga ii desu ka?
Which plants grow in the shade? Hikage de sodatsu (grow) shokubutsu wa dore desu ka?/ga hoshii desu.
Which plants grow in the sun? Hiatari de sodatsu (grow) shokubutsu wa dore desu ka?/ga hoshii desu.
I picked this lettuce this morning. Kono lettuce wa kyou no asa torimashita.
What seeds are you sowing? Nan no tane o maite imasu ka?

Hana no saku no wa itsu kara itsu made desu ka? / Hana no jiki (<--
How long does this flower last?
time+term) wa itsu desu ka?
Dono gurai nagaku saki masuka? ('saku' = bloom)
Chemical Kagakutekina
Chemical fertilizers Kase hiryou

Page - 98 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

INSECTS / BUGS
Ant Ari Spider Kumo
Spider's web Kumonosu Caterpillar Kemushi/Imomushi
Butterfly Chou Bee Hachi
Firefly Houtaru Mosquito Ka
Bug spray Mushiyake supuree Magnifying glass Mushimegane

ON THE FARM
Farmer Noufu Barn Kachikugoya
Cow Meushi Hill Oka
Hen Mendori Pick (crops) Tsumitoru
Corn Toumorokoshi

GARDEN
Leaf Ha Leaves Konoha
Pile (of leaves, etc.) Tsumikasane, yama Bamboo Take

COUNTING PEOPLE and OBJECTS

Table of Contents

How many people are there? Nan-nin desu ka?

There are four people Yo-nin desu
One person/alone Hitori
Two people Futari
Three people San-nin
Four people Yo-nin (shortened from yon (=4))

NUMBERS = bangou:
1 Ichi 7 Shichi (Nana) 20 Ni-juu 70 Nana-juu
2 Ni 8 Hachi 25 Ni-juu-go 80 Hachi-juu
3 San 9 Ku 30 San-juu 90 Kyuu-juu
4 Shi (yon) 10 Ju 40 Yon-juu
5 Go 11 Ju-ichi 50 Go-juu
6 Rokku 12 Ju-ni…. 60 Rokku-juu

What number? Nan ban?

The multiples of 100 -

100 Hyaku 600 Rop-Pyaku
200 Ni-Hyaku 700 Nana-Hyaku
300 Sam-Byaku 800 Hap-Pyaku
400 Yon-hyaku 900 Kyuu-hyaku
500 Go-hyaku 1000 Sen

2000 Ni-sen 6000 Roku-sen 10,000 Ichiman

Page - 99 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
3000 San-Zen 7000 Nana-sen 20,000 Niman….
4000 Yon-sen 8000 Has-sen 100,000 Juuman
5000 Go-sen 9000 Kyuu-sen 1,000,000 Hyakuman

Add 1 billion (ichi-oku?)

INTERROGATIVE WORDS: nan-juu, nan-byaku, nan-zen, nan-man

NUMBERS (mainly big ones)

Ten thousand Man

Hundred thousand Juu-man
Million Hyaku-man
Hundred million Oku
0.1 one-tenth Rei ten ichi
One fourth Yombun no ichi
0.5, 1/2 or half Rei ten go, nibun no ichi or hanbun
Six times Roku-bai
Divided into 7 equal parts Nanatoubun
Divided into 3 equal parts Santoubun

ORDINAL NUMBERS
First Ichibanme Sixth Rokubanme
Second Nibanme Seventh Nanabanme
Third Sanbanme Eighth Hachibanme
Fourth Yonbanme Ninth Kyuubanme
Fifth Gobanme Tenth Juubanme

Last, Final Sango  Saigo? Check

There are 2 different ways of counting from 1 to 10:

SYSTEM A:
When you talk about numbers of items you need to attach a special word – called a Counter – after the
number.
These (below) are two of the many counters used.
Mai is a counter for flat objects – stamps, tickets, paper, cards, etc
1 Ichi-mai 6 Roku-mai
2 Ni-mai 7 Nana/shichi-mai
3 San-mai 8 Hachi-mai
4 Yon-mai 9 Kyuu-mai
5 Go-mai 10 Juu-mai

Hon (pon, bon) is a counter for long or cylindrical objects – bottles, pens, etc
1 Ippon 6 Roppon
2 Nihon 7 Nana/shichi hon
3 Sanbon 8 Happon
4 Yonhon 9 Kyuuhon
5 Gohon 10 Juupon

Page - 100 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

SYSTEM B:
The second set of numbers 1 to 10 is used for the many items which don’t have a special counter.
You could use this system for counting any object, in which case you don’t need to add a special
counter.
1 Hitotsu ひとつ 6 Muttsu むーつ
2 Futatsu ふたつ 7 Nanatsu ななつ
3 Mittsu みーつ 8 Yattsu やーつ
4 Yottsu よーつ 9 Kokonotsu ここのつ
5 Itsutsu いつつ 10 Too (toooo) とお

Question word: Ikutsu

Tips to remember these:

1 – 9 end in tsu
Counting 1 person (hitori) and 2 people (futari) are similar to hitotsu and futatsu above, except that tsu is
substituted for ri at the end.
The word for 4 (yottsu) begins with yo (similar to yon) and 7 (nanatsu) is nana plus tsu.

Page - 101 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

 INSERT COUNTERS PAGE
Get from pile of masters from previous version!

Page - 102 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

 Subject Counter Example
頭
Animals (large) ittô, nitô, santô, yontô, gotô,
~Tô

ippiki, nihiki, sambiki, yonhiki, gohiki,

.........(small/medium) 匹~Hiki roppiki, nanahiki, happiki, kyûhiki, juppiki

羽
.......(birds & rabbits) ichiwa, niwa, samba
~Wa

冊 issatsu, nisatsu, sansatsu, yonsatsu,

Books & bound objects
gosatsu,
~Satsu

部
Copies ichibu, nibu, sambu, yombu, gobu,
~Bu

杯 ippai, nihai, sambai, yonhai, gohai, roppai,

Cupfuls/glassfuls
nanahai, happai, kyûhai, juppai
~Hai

階 ikkai, nikai, sangai, yonkai, gokai, rokkai,

Floors of houses or buildings
nanakai, hachikai, kyûkai, jukkai
~Kai

班 ippan, nihan, sanpan, yonhan, gohan,

Groups
roppan, nanahan, happan, kyûhan, juppan
~Han

本
Long objects (cylindrical) ippon, nihon, sambon
~Hon

人 hitori, futari, sannin, yonin, gonin,

People rokunin, shichinin, hachinin, kyûnin
~Nin (kunin), jûnin

足
Shoes, socks issoku, nisoku, sanzoku,
~Soku

個 ikko, niko, sanko, yonko, goko, rokko,

Small things
nanako, hakko, kyuuko, jukko
~Ko

匙
Spoonful hitosaji, futasaji, misaji, yosaji,
~Saji

Time (seconds) 秒 ichibyō, nibyō, sambyō,

Page - 103 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

 ~Byō

分 ippun, nifun, sampun, yompun, gofun,

..........(minutes)
roppun, nanafun, happun, kyûfun, juppun
~Fun

時間
..........(hours) ichijikan, nijikan, sanjikan, yojikan, gojikan,
~Jikan

Examples: SENTENCE STRUCTURE: OBJECT  HOW MANY +COUNTER  PLEASE

- Mai – Used to count: flat objects, like paper & CDs

I bought 2 floppy disks. Furoppii disuku o ni-mai kaimashita.
Please give me 4 sheets of paper. Sono kami o yon-mai kudasai.
May I have 5 stamps please? Kitte o go-mai kudasai
Two x 1000 yen tickets Sen-en o kippu o ni-mai kudasai
There are 2 pens and 5 sheets of paper here. Koko ni pen ga ni-hon to kami ga go-mai arimasu.
How many postcards do you have? Hagaki o nan-mai motte imasu ka?

- Hon (Pon/Bon) – Used to count: long, cylindrical objects such as pencils, bottles, trees
I drank 3 bottles of beer yesterday. Kinou biiru o san-bon nomimashita.
I need 2 pencils. Empitsu ga ni-hon irimasu.
May I have a (bottle of) beer please? Biiru o ip-pon kudasai
Six pens please Pen o rop-pon kudasai.

- Hai (Pai/Bai) – Used to count: Cups, glasses & bowls of drinks or food
Please bring 2 glasses of water. Mizu o ni-hai motte kite kudasai.
I drink about 3 cups of coffee every day. Mainichi kohii o san-bai gurai nomimasu.
How many cups of sake can you drink? Sake wa nan-bai gurai nomemasu ka?
Please give me another bowl of rice. Gohan o mou ip-pai kudasai.
I drank 2 cups of coffee. Kohii o ni-hai nomimashita.

- Nin – Used to count: human beings

3 of my friends came to my house. Tomodachi ga san-nin uchi ni kimashita.
Q: How many brothers and sisters have you got? Kyoudai wa nan-nin imasu ka?
A: I have 2 older sisters. Watashi wa ane ga futari imasu.
I have 3 brothers. Kyoudai ga 3-nin imasu.

- Satsu – Used to count: bound books, magazines, etc

About how many books do you read in a week? Isshuukan ni hon o nan-satsu gurai yomimasu ka?
I read 3 books last week. Senshuu hon o san-satsu yomimashita.
I want 1 Japanese dictionary. Nihongo no jisho ga iisatsu hoshii desu.

- Hiki (Piki/Biki) – Used to count: animals (not birds)

There are 2 cats and 1 dog in my house. Uchi ni wa neko ga ni-hiki to inu ga iipiki imasu.

- Tsu – Used to count: many objects that do not belong to the above categories.
Page - 104 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
INTERROGATIVE WORD: ikutsu

I have a question. Shitsumon ga hitotsu arimasu.

Q: How many kanji did you study today? Kyou kanji o ikutsu benkyou shimashita ka?
A: I studied 4 kanji. Yottsu benkyou shimashita.
May I have two coffees please? Kohii o futatsu kudasai
May I have a (glass of) beer please? Biiru o hitotsu kudasai.
I ate one apple. Ringo o hitotsu tabemashita.

- Miscellaneous
Two cars are parked in front of the house. Ie no mae ni kuruma ga ni-dai tomatte imasu.
It takes 20 minutes to the station by taxi. Eki made takushii de ni-juppun kakaremasu.

WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS

Table of Contents

Feet Fiito Gallon Garon

Gram Guramu Inch Inchi
Kilometre Kiromeetoru Mile Mairu
Metre Meetoru Pound Pondo
Litre Riitoru Yard Yaado

SHAPES
Table of Contents

Circle Maru Square Shikaku (shi = 4)/ Seihoukei

Triangle Sankaku Rectangle Nagashikaku
Oval, ellipse Daenkei / Tamagogata Diamond Hishigata
Heart Haato (gata) Star Hoshi (gata)
Hexagonal Rokkakukei

EATING
Table of Contents

In Japan, you start eating after saying Itadakimasu (I will receive) and finish with Gochiso sama deshita
(Thank you for the feast).

I’m hungry. Onaka ga suite imasu.

Are you hungry? Onaka suita? (or: Anata wa onaka ga suite imasu ka?)
Do you want to eat? Anata wa tabetai desu ka?
I like it (very much)! (Totemo) suki desu!
It is delicious! Oishii desu.
It was delicious! Oishii katta desu!
Delicious, isn’t it? Oishii desu ne?
That was delicious, thank you. Gochisosama deshita.
I had a delicious dinner! Watashi no bangohan wa oishi katta desu!
I’d like some fruit for dessert. Dezaato ni kudamono o kudasai.
I’m fine, I’ve had enough thank you. Mou kekko desu.
Q: What is that food? Nani o tabemasu ka?
Page - 105 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
 A: [Food] o tabemasu. ie: Ringo (apple) o tabemasu.
Q: What is that drink? Nani o nomimasu ka?
A: [Drink] o nomimasu. ie: Whiskey o tabemasu.

I really enjoyed myself. Honto ni tanoshikatta.

Thank you very much for your hospitality. Shinsetsu-na o motenashi o arigatou gozaimashita.
Q: What will you eat for lunch? Hirugohan wa nani o tabemasu ka?
A: I will have pizza, rice and toast for lunch. Hirugohan wa piza to gohan to tosuto o tabemasu.
Was your dinner delicious? Bangohan wa oishii katta desu ka?
What did you have for dinner? Bangohan wa nan deshita ka?
What did you have for lunch? Hirugohan wa nan deshita ka?
Ramen noodles and gyoza. Raamen (=noodles) to Gyoza deshita.
I had pasta, salad and tuna. Watashi wa pasta to sarada to tuna o tabemashita.

..and so forth. Nado

Use to if you have to state everything you ate.

If you had a lot of food, and don't want to or can't state all the food you had, use ya between the different food
items.

SENTENCE STRUCTURE: Food1 ya Food2 ya Food3…nado o VERB

Eg: Watashi wa pasta ya sarada ya tuna ya gohan nado tabemashita.
(You had pasta, salad, tuna and even though you don't mention about them, you can tell there were some
more foods.)

FOOD
Table of Contents

Food Tabemono A drink Nomimono

Alfalfa Aru farufa Lettuce Retasu

Apple Ringo Loaf of Bread Shoku-pan
Avacado Abokado Meat Niku
Banana Banana Mikan Mikan
Beef Gyuu niku Milk Miruku/Gyuunyuu
Black tea Kocha Onion Tamanegi
Bread Pan Peach Momo
Butter Bataa Pear Nashi
Cabbage Kyabetsu Peas, beans Mame
Carrot Ninjin Pizza Piza
Cheese Chiizu Pork Buta niku
Chicken Tori niku Potato Jagaimo
Cod Tara Rice Gohan
Crab Kani Salad Sarada
Cucumber Kyuuri Salmon Sake
Curry on rice Karee raisu Salt Shio
Dessert Dezaato Sardine Iwashi
Eggs Tamago Sausage Souseeji
Fruits Kudamono Strawberry Ichigo
Grape Budoo Sugar Satoo
Green tea Ocha Toast Tosuto
Ham Hamu Tuna Maguro
Health food Kenkoo shokuhin Vegetables Yasai
Page - 106 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Jam Jamu Water Mizu
Juice Juusu Watermelon Suika
Margarine Maagarin Red wine Akai wine
White wine Shiroi wine
Ginger Shouga Garlic Ninniku

Is that organic? Sore wa organiku (or: munouyaku) desu ka?

Do you have any organic food? Organiku shoku hin wa arimasu ka?

FOOD DESCRIPTIONS
Table of Contents

Best / fantastic! Saikoo Tasty / Delicious Oishii / Umai

Not bad Naka-naka Different Mezurashii
Sweet Amai Hot, spicy Karai
Bitter Nigai Salty Shiokarai
Sour Suppai Strong, thick Koi
Weak, thin Usui
Ryouri Cooking/dish Ryouri nin Cook
Meal Shokuji Smell Nioi
Taste Aji Shape Katachi
Colour Iro
Design Dezain

COOKING
Table of Contents

SEASONING & COOKING

Sweet Amai Spicy Karai
Sour Suppai Salty Shiokarai
Bitter Nigai

COOKING
Stew Niru Cut Kiru Mash Suritsubusu
Tenderise Tataku Stir-fry Itameru Bake/grill Yaku
Steam Musu Boil/cook Taku Fry Ageru
Pots Nabe Pour Sosogu Flour (cooking) Komugiko
NOTE: 'sosogu' - always liquid. 'ireru' - can be liquid or solid.
Stir Kakimawasu Chop Kizamu

Vinegar Su Cooking oil Shokuyou abura

Cooking alcohol Ryouri shu

FISH
Salmon Sake Shellfish Kai Scallop Hotate
Sea bream (snapper?) Tai Sea bass Suzuki Tuna Maguro

BEEF / PARTS OF A COW

Sirloin Saaroin Rump Rampu Tail Teeru
Tongue Shita Liver Rebaa Brisket Katabara

Page - 107 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Tenderloin Hire Liver Rebaa

PORK/ PARTS OF A PIG

Loin Rousu Ham Momo Belly Bara
Tenderloin Hire

PARTS OF A CHICKEN
Wing Teba Leg Momo Breast Mune niku
White meat Sasami

Having friends to dinner

Dinner's ready. Please (come to the table). O-shokuji no youi ( provided) ga dekimashita node, douzo.
Please go ahead and start. Douzo o-meshiagari kudasai.
Please help yourself. O-tori kudasai.
Home-made dish Teryouri

Page - 108 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

ENTERTAINMENT

Key words
Table of Contents

When does it open? Itsu akimasu ka?

Do we need tickets? (Chiketto/Nyuujouken) wa hitsuyou ( necessary) desu ka?
There's no entrance fee. Nyuujou muryou desu.
Two tickets for today, please. Kyou no chiketto o ni-mai kudasai.
It's valid for (today only/the date specified.) (Honjitsu/Toujitsu) nomi yuukou desu.
Sorry, it's sold out. Sumimasen, urikire ( sold out) desu.
Is this seat available? Kono seki wa aite imasu ka?
What is there to do in Okinawa? Okinawa dewa donna koto ga dekimasu ka?

In a Theatre / Movies
Table of Contents

Information desk Annaijo

Row Retsu
Seat Seki/Zaseki
Shop Baiten

Charges and cancellations

Table of Contents

Admission fee (general) Nyuujouryou

Free admission Nyuujou (admission) muryou
Cancellation Kyanseru / torikeshi
Charged Yuuryou
Postponement Enki
Sold out Urikire
Surcharge Tsuika ryoukin

At the movies
Table of Contents

How much is admission? Nyuujouryou wa ikura desu ka?

Two tickets for adults, please. Otona ni-mai o kudasai.
Opening time Kaikan jikan.
Actor/actress Haiyuu
Director Kantoku
Historical drama Jidaigeki

Page - 109 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

AT A RESTAURANT / CAFÉ
Table of Contents

BAD MANNERS WITH CHOPSTICKS

Do not lick the tips of chopsticks.
Do not spear food with chopsticks.

Q: Where shall we eat? Doko de tabemashou ka?

A: Any place is fine. Doko demo ii desu.
Good atmosphere. Funiki no ii.
What are you eating? Nani o tabete imasu ka?
I made a reservation for eight people. Hachimei de yoyaku shimashita.
We have a reservation for three. San-nin de yoyaku ga arimasu.
So you would like to make a reservation? Could you Yoyaku desu ne, namae to juusho to denwa bangou
please give me your name, address and telephone no? onegaishimasu.
Do I need a reservation? Yoyaku suru hitsuyou wa arimasu ka?
Will you take us without a reservation? Yoyaku nashi de ii desu ka?
I’d like to sit at the counter. Counter onegaishimasu.
I do not smoke. Tobako o suinai.

Bob, what are you going to eat? Bob-san wa nani o tabemasu ka?
Have you decided what you would like to eat? Go chuumon wa?

Japanese food definitions

Table of Contents

Udon White wheat noodles Soba Buckwheat noodles

Soumen Thin noodles Tempura soba Buckwheat noodles with tempura
Sanuki udon Wheat noodles from Sanuki area. Yakiudon Stir-friend udon
Yakisoba Stir-friend noodles Sukiyaki Beef stew in tabletop pot
Nabe Stew Oden Winter dish of oden
Shabu shabu Boiled beef with dipping sauce Tempura Deep-fried fish and vegetables
Unajuu Eel on rice Nikujaga Meat and potato stew
Yakitori Skewered grilled chicken Ochazuke Rice and toppings in green tea
Gyuudon Beef rice bowl Kaisendon Sashimi rice bowl
Katsudon Pork cutlet rice bowl Zarudon The white noodles on the mat thing

TEAS
Nihoncha Japanese tea Koucha Black tea
Ryokucha Green tea Matcca Powdered green tea
Roasted Roasted green tea Mugicha Barley tea
Genmaicha Brown rice tea Tonyuu Soy milk

ONIGIRI
Grilled rice balls yakionigiri Pickled plum Umeboshi
Bonito flakes Okura Salmon Sake
Spicy cod roe Mentaiko Salmon roe Ikura

Page - 110 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Cold sake Reishu
Hospitality Motenashi
Invitation, to invite Shoutau (suru)
Enkai Party, usually in a tatami room
Zashiki Big tatami room, used for parties
Buffet / help yourself Baikingu
Bill in sushi bars and Japanese restaurants O-aisou
Bill in other restaurants O-kanjou
Set contribution to a party Kaihi
To treat someone to a meal Shokuji o ogoru
Person who comes home after midnight Gozen-sama
Vegetarian Saishoku
Could I have two bowls of ramen delivered please? Ramen o nininmae demae shite kudasai.

ALCOHOLS
Domestic beer Kokusan biiru Imported beer Yunyuu biiru
Nihonshu Sake, Japanese rice wine Shouchuu Rice, barley or potato spirit
Reishu Chilled
Well warmed sake Atsukan Slightly warmed sake Atsukan
Unheated sake Reishu/hiyazake Brandy Burandee
Champagne Shanpen Whiskey Uisukii
Whiskey and water Mizuwari Wooden sake cup Sakazuki

WINES
Dry Karakuchi Sweet Amakuchi
Bottle Furu botoru Half bottle Haafu botoru
Glass Gurasu
Imported wine Yunyuu wain Domestic wine Kokusan wain

ORDERING
What would you recommend? O-susume wa nan desu ka?
What's the local speciality? Kono tochi no meibutsu wa nan desu
For now, we’ll have some beers. Toriaezu, beer onegaishimasu.
A menu, please Menyu o kudasai
A beer, please Biru o kudasai
For now, we’ll have some beers. Toriaezu, beer onegaishimasu.

Please may I see the menu? Menyu o misete kudasai?

[STAFF] May I take your order? Go-chuumon wa?
Are you ready to order? O-kimari deshou ka?
Today we have….. Honjitsu wa……..de gozaimasu.
Meal Shokuji
I'll have….. (Watashi wa) …….ni shimasu.
I'll have…..as the starter. (Zensai/Sutaataa) wa…….ni shimasu.
This one Kore
Set course meal Teishoku
Eat as much as one likes Tabehoudai
For now, we’ll have some beers. Toriaezu, beer onegaishimasu.
May I have it right away, please? Sugu ni onegai shimasu.
Page - 111 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
May I have everything together, please? Zenbu issho ni onegai shimasu.
That's all, thank you. Sore de onegai shimasu.
How do we eat this? Kore wa douyatte taberun desu ka?
This isn't what I ordered. Kore wa watashi ga chuumon shita mono dewa arimasen.
My order hasn't come yet. Watashi no o-ryouri ga mada kite imasen.

Another bottle of….. …..o mou ippon o kudasai.

[STAFF] Enjoy your meal. Go yukkuri douzo.

I’ve decided on …I’ll have…. …..ni shimasu.

I’ve decided on pasta. Pasta ni shimasu.
It’s my treat. Watashi no ogori desu.
Help yourself. Douzo meshiagatte kudasai.
It looks delicious! Oishisou! (or ‘Oishi sou desu!)
It was delicious! Oishikatta!
It was very delicious. Totemo oishikatta desu.
I’m fine, I’ve had enough thank you Mou kekko desu.
Please give me something cold to drink. Nani ka tsumetai mono o kudasai.
Set menu Teishoku
I’ll have the XY set menu please. XY teishoku o kudasai.
Miso soup Miso shiru
Japaneses-style pickles Tsukemono
Rolled omelette (egg) Tamagoyaki
Pickled plum Umeboshi
Grilled fish Yakizakana
Shall we order this dish? Kono ryouri o chuumon shimashou ka?
What do you like/ dislike? Nanika suki-kirai arimasu ka?
Hmmm…I especially like sashimi. Sou desu ne….sashimi ga tokuni suki desu.

Have you ordered already? Mou chuumon nasaimashita?

Ice Kaori

Do you mind if I start before you? Osaki ni itadakimasu ka?

Please start/don't wait for me. Osaki ni, douzo!

Where is the washroom? Ote-arai wa doko desu ka?

Where is the toilet? Toire wa doko desu ka?

Knife Naifu Fork Fooku

Spoon Supuun Plate Osara
Chopsticks Hashi Waitress Waitoresu

Salad Sarada Pizza Piza

Curry on rice Karee raisu Dessert Dezaato

All, entire, whole Zenbu Containing Iri

Seasoned boiled egg Ajitamago A cube shaped boiled meat Kakuniku
A kind of salted cod roe Mentaiko Toppings, ingredients Gu
Addition, supplement Tsuika

Page - 112 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

SERVING SIZES
Single item Tanpin Medium size helping Namimori
A large serving Ōmori

Free, no charge Muryō Charge, fee Yūryō

A second helping Okawari

Sample conversation
Waiter: Welcome! Irasshaimase!
You: (Ask to see the menu) Menyu o misete kudasai.
Friend: Coffee and sandwich please. Kohii to sandoitchi o kudasai.
You: (Order beer and pizza from the menu) Biiru to piza o kudasai (put ‘to’ between each item).

If you are ordering things from a restaurant menu, like pizza, beer, etc - When you connect more than 2 nouns,
you use to between nouns. ie: Biiru to Piza to sandoitchi o kudasai.

Q: What is that food? Nani o tabemasu ka?

A: [Food] o tabemasu. Gohan o tabemasu. (it is rice)
Q: What is that drink? Nani o nomimasu ka?
A: [Drink] o nomimasu. Biru o nomimasu. (it is beer)

What is that drink? Kono/sono nomimono wa nan desu ka?

Asking to see the bill (in a restaurant) Kaikei ie: Kaikei o misete kudasai?
Please give me the receipt Ryoshuusha o kudasai.
The bill please. O-kanjou onegaishimasu.

OR O-kaikei onegaishimasu.
Is a table for two available? Ni-mei desu. Seki wa arimasu ka?

Restaurant delivery service Demae

Home delivery (from a restaurant) Demae

[If Yes]:
I’m Jon with a reservation for two at X o’clock. X ji kara nimei de yoyaku shita, Jon desu.
What are the house specialties? Osusume no ryouri wan an desu ka?
We’re still waiting for the XYZ to be served. XYZ ga mada kite imasen.

[If No]:
Okay, I’ll come another time. Mata kimasu.

Smoking section Kitsuen seki

Non-smoking section Kin-en seki
Private room Koshitsu
Do you have a private room? Koushitsu ga arimasuka?
Counter seat Kauntaa seki
Table (not a booth or a room) Isu seki
Sunken kotatsu seat (where you kind of sit in a hole) Horigotatsu
Tatami room Zashiki

Page - 113 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

SUSHI RESTAURANT
Pickled ginger Gari Tea Agari (ocha)
Two pieces please. Ni-kan kudasai. Chef Itamae
Bonito Katsuo Whitebait Shirauo
Scallop Hotate Abalone Awabi
Regular sushi Nami nigiri Deluxe sushi Jou nigiri
Egg sushi Gyouku (tamago)

RAMEN RESTAURANT
Noodles Men
Thin noodles Hosomen Hard Katame
Thick noodles Futomen Medium Fuutsu
Curly noodles Chijiremen Soft Yawakame
Roasted pork Chaashuu
Soup Suupu
Pickled bamboo shoots Memma

Paying

Restaurant bill Okaike

The bill, please. O-kanjou o onegai shimasu.
Is tax included? Zeikomi desu ka?

FAST FOOD JOINTS

Table of Contents

1 cheeseburger please. Cheeseburger o hitotsu kudasai.

I’m going to eat here. Koko de tabemasu. (or Koko de taberu )
I’m going to drink here. Koko de (nomimasu/nomu) (koko=this place)
I’m going to take away. Motte kaerimasu.
A (Small/Medium/Large) ------ ----- no (esu / emu / eru) o onegaishimasu.
ie: Large fries please. Fries no eru o onegaishimasu.
ie: Medium fries please. Fries no emu o onegaishimasu.

GOING OUT FOR A DRINK

Table of Contents

Two bottles of Kirin beer, please. Kirin biru o ni-hon kudasai.

Let’s get drunk! Konya wa nomou!
It’s your turn. Anata no ban desu.
You go first. Osaki ni yatte.
It’s my treat. Watashi no ogori desu.
What do you drink? Anata wa nani o nomimasu ka?
What are you drinking? Nani o nonde imasu ka?
Do you want some beer? Biiru o nomitai desu ne?
How about another? (offering another drink) Mou ippai dou desu ka?
No, I’m fine thank you. Mou kekko desu (declining the offer)
Page - 114 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I’m a little drunk. Sukoshi yotte imas(u) (Sukoshi – little)
Are you drunk? Yotteru?
Let’s go to some other bar. Hokano ba ni ikimashou.
Are you a heavy drinker? Anata wa heavy drinker desu ka?
Bottle Bin
Hangover Futsukayoi

KARAOKE, INTERNET CAFES, ETC.

Table of Contents

Private room Koshitsu

For one person Hitoriyou
For two people Futariyou

Sports and outdoor activities

Table of Contents

I'd like to hire a [object]. [Object] o karitain desu ga.

SPORTING PLACES
Baseball ground Yakyuujou
Golf range Gorufi renshuujou

JAPANESE FESTIVALS
Table of Contents

Can I join in the XY festival? XY matsuri ni sanka dekimasu ka?.

Paper fan Uchiwa Portable shrine Mikoshi

Pole used to carry mikoshi Bou Split-toes shoes Jikatabi
Twisted headband Nejiri hachimaki
Booth selling goods or food Yomise

Page - 115 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

SHOPPING, AROUND THE HOUSE
Table of Contents

TWO USEFUL AND EASY SHOPPING PHRASES (& for other situations):
….o kudasai / …..o misete kudasai = Please may I have / Please may I see
Please may I have [OBJECT] [OBJECT] o kudasai, ie: biru o kudasai
Please may I see (or, please show me) [OBJECT] [OBJECT] o misete kudasai.
ie: Please may I see the menu? Menu o misete kudasai

Do you/they have [OBJECT]? [OBJECT] ga arimasu ka?

Where is [OBJECT]? [OBJECT] wa doko ni arimasu ka?
ie: Where is the department store? Depaato wa doko ni arimasu ka?
Where can I buy [OBJECT]? [OBJECT] wa doko de kaemasu ka?
ie: Where can I buy a car? Kuruma doko de kaemasu ka?
Have you seen [OBJECT]? [OBJECT] o mita koto ga arimasu ka?
ie: Have you seen the pen? Pen o mita koto ga arimasu ka?

I’m looking for [object]. [Object] o sagashite imasu.

Found Mitsukashimasu / Mitsukatta!  Check with H

Q: I want to buy[Object]. [Object] ga kaitain desu ga…

..where is good place? Doko ga ii desu ka?
A: [Place] is a good place to buy [Object]. [Object] nara [Place] ga ii desu yo.
It is OK as it is. (especially if you do not want it wrapped) Sono mama de ii desu.
How much did you pay for [PLACE]? Anata wa [PLACE] de ikura haraimashita ka?
Do you have a cheaper [PRODUCT]? Motto yasui [PRODUCT]-wa arimasu ka?
Do you have another one just like this? Kore to onaji mono ga mou hitotsu arimasu ka?
Can you make it cheaper? Yasuku narimasen ka?
How much does it come to altogether? Zenbu de ikura ni narimasu ka?
Which [Product name] is the cheapest? Dono [Product name] ga ichiban yasui desu ka?
Can you do a discount? Waribiki ga dekimasu ka?
Do you have another one just like this? Kore to onaji mono ga mou hitostsu arimasu ka?
These envelopes are Y80 for 5. Kono fuutoo wa 5-mai de 80 yen desu (llly for time)-
You can get to the station in 5-6 minutes. Eki made 5, 6 pun de ikemasu.

What time do you close? Nanji ni shimarimasu ka?

Where is the exit? Deguchi wa doko desu ka?
Where is the east exit? Higashi deguchi wa doko desu ka?
How long will it take? Dono kurai jikan ga kakerimasu ka?
Can I ask you to deliver it? Haitatsu o onegai-dekimasu ka?
No, thank you. Iie, kekko desu.
Sold out Urikire
We’re sold out. Urikire desu.
Overdue, expired Kigen-gire

Cash Genkin
Price Nedan
Goods Shinamono
Shopping Kaimono
Shops Mise
Elevator Erebeetaa
Escalator Esukareeta
Stairs Kaidan

Page - 116 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Buying something using installments:
How much would I have to pay every month? Maitsuki, ikura haraeba ii desu ka?

Describing floors in a building - Floor = kai – 7th floor = Nana kai

All floors in a building:

Ikkai, nikai, sangai, yonkai, gokai, rokkai, nanakai, hachikai, kyûkai, jukkai

Which floor? Nankai desu ka?

What floor is [OBJECT] located on? [OBJECT] wa nankai ni arimasu ka?
ie: Which floor are shoes located on? Kutsu wa nankai ni arimasu ka?
Sales counter, Department Uriba
Menswear Shinshiyouhin
Floor B1 Chika ikkai
1st Floor Iikai
2nd Floor Ni-kai
3rd Floor San-gai

A tax Zeikin
I’ll pay in cash Genkin de haraimasu.
Offering for sale Hatsubai
This magazine goes on sale every Wednesday. Kono zasshi wa maishuu suiyoubi hatsubai desu.
Sales; selling Hanbai
Trade, business Shoubai
Advance sale Maeuri
Things for sale Urimono
Sold out Urikire

Department store departments

Bedding Shingu
Furniture Kagu
Men's wear Shinshifuku
Ladies' wear Fujinfuku
I’m looking for [Item] [Item] o sagashite imasu.
What are you looking for? Nani o sagashi desu ka?
How long will it stay fresh? Donokurai mochimasu ka?
Canned foods Kanzume Fresh food Seisen shokuhin
Dairy products Nyuuseihin Frozen foods Reitou shokuhin
Seasonings Choumiryou

Change (money) Otsuri Power transformer (inter country power) hen-atsuku

Please bag this for me. Fukuro ni irete kudasai
Can you gift wrap this please? Kore o purezento you ni tsutsunde kudasai.
Paper bag Kamibukuro Plastic bag Binirubukuro
Featured (sale) item Honjitsu no tokubai
Lip balm Rippu kurimu Hand lotion Hand kurimu
Suntan lotion Hiyakedome Sanitary products Seiri youhin

Page - 117 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

FOOD SHOPPING
Table of Contents

What’s the local speciality? Koko no meibutsu wa nana desu ka?

I’ll take….. …..ni shimasu.
How much is it altogether? Zenbu de ikura desu ka?
How much is it for one bag? Hito-fukuro ikura desu ka?
A bag of these [objects] please. Kono [objects] o hito-fukuro kudasai.
A little more, please. Mou sukoshi onegai shimasu.
That's fine. Sore de kekkou desu.

A bottle/jar of….. …..Ippon/hitobin

A box of….. …..hitohako
A slice of….. …..ichimai
A tin of….. …..hitokan

[Shop staff] Anything else? Hoka ni nani ka?

That’s [10,000 yen] in total. Goukei de ichiman-en de gozaimasu.
We’re sold out. Urikire de gozaimasu.

[STAFF] Anything else? Hoka ni nani ka?

Is this everything? Kochira de yoroshii deshou ka?
Altogether, that comes to ¥XYZ. Gokei de ¥XYZ de gozaimasu.

IF YOU WANT TO INQUIRE WHETHER A SHOP OR PERSON HAS THE THING YOU
ARE LOOKING FOR, use the phrase: [OBJECT] ga arimasu ka?
Eg: Do you have any English newspapers? Eigo no shimbun ga arimasu ka?
Do you have any magazines? Zasshi ga arimasu ka?
Do you have any English books? Eigo no hon ga arimasu ka?
Is there a telephone here? Denwa wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any coffee? Kohii ga arimasu ka?
Do you have any stamps? Kitte ga arimasu ka?

If you want to say that you have or possess something, use the phrase….ga arimasu.
eg:
I own a house. Ie/Uchi ga arimasu.
I’ve got a newspaper. Shimbun ga arimasu.

Big Ookii Small Chiisai

Bigger (more big) Motto ookii no
Smaller (more small) Motto chiisai no

I’ll take it Kore ni shimasu No thanks Yamemasu

Bigger Motto ookii no Smaller Motto chiisai no.

Just right Choodo ii A little, a bit Chotto

More Motto Smaller Motto chiisai (= more small)
Near Chikai Little, few, a bit Sukoshi

Right! (when you have made up your mind) Dewa!

Page - 118 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Dewa – then, in that case
Is that all? Kore de yoroshii desu ka?
Please heat it Atatamate kudasai

Enlarge Kakudai suru

Reduce Herasu

Special diets
Vegetarian Bejitarian
Vegan Bigan
Organic Ooganiku
Genetically modified Idenshi kumikae
Soybean Daizu

Food allergies
Egg Tamago Dairy products Nyuuseihin
Wheat Komugi Shrimp Ebi
Peanut Rakkasei

MSG Gurutaminsan

CLOTHES and ACCESSORIES

Table of Contents

There are several ways to wear and put things on –

To wear on upper body kiru

To wear on lower body haku
To wear on one’s head kaburu
To wear jewellery, accessories tsukeru
To wear glasses, sunglasses kakeru

Can you please exchange this? Kore o torikaemasuka?

You have that t-shirt on back to front, don’t you? Sono T-shatsu ushiromae ja nai?
Can I try it on? Shichaku shite ii desu ka?
Stationery Bunboogu Light bulb Denki yuu
Cosmetics Keshouhin Tableware Shokki
Detergent Senzai Razor Kamisori
Refund Henkin

I’ll shop at the vege shop on the way home today. Kyou kaeri ni yaoya de kaimono o shiyou.
Price (including tax?)  check Zeikomi
High quality, first class, superior Jouto  add to adjectives
Sale Uriage
Why don’t you put on the jacket? Jaketo o kitara dou desu ka?

Page - 119 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

WHAT'S IT MADE OF?
Table of Contents

Pattern Gara Material Sozai

Silk Kinu Cotton Men
Wool Uuru Synthetic leather Gousei hikaku
Leather Gyuugawa Synthetic fibre Gousei sen-i

Secondhand/old clothes Furugi

I’d like to give my old clothes to someone. Furugi o dare ka ni agetai.

TRYING ON CLOTHES
Can I see something in another XY? Hoka no XY o misete kudasai.
Ladies Fujin you Mens Shinshi you
For children Kodomo you Sleeveless Nou suribu
Light / dark Akarui / kurai Another colour Hoka no iro
Another pattern Hoka no garu I am just looking, thanks. Mite iru dake desu, douzo.
What size is this? Saizu wa ikutsu desu ka?
Do you have (the bigger size?) Ookii saizu arimasu ka?
Do you have anything (bigger/smaller/cheaper?) Mou sukoshi (ookii saizu/chiisai saizu/yasui) no wa
arimasu ka?
May I try it on? Shichaku ii desu ka? Or: Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?
This is fine. Choodo ii desu. I like (it/them). Sore ga ii desu.
I'll think about it. Chotto kangaete imasu.
I’ll be back. Mata kimasu

Raincoat Reiin cooto Cap/hat Boushi

Zipper Faasunaa Necklace Nekuresu
Bracelet Buresureeto Ring Yubiwa
Key chain Kii horudaa Headband Hea bando
Hankerchief Hankachi

Shopping for shoes

Table of Contents

Those shoes over there. Do you have them in size 27? Ano kutsu, niju-nana senchi , arimsuka?
Here we are you. Please try them on. Douzo, o-haki ni natte kudasai.
They're tight and don't feel good. Kitsukute hakinikui desu ne.
Do you have the next size up? Ue no zaizu, arimasen ka?
They only go up to size 27…… Ni-ju nana senchi made nan desu yo.
How about these? Kore wa ikaga desu ka?
These are comfortable. I'll take these. Kore wa hakiyasui desu. Kore ni shimasu.

Discount terms
Ten percent off. Juppaasento biki / ichiwari biki
Thirty percent off. Sanjuppaasento biki / sanwari biki
It's a bargain! O-kaidoku desu yo.
It's reduced. Yasuku natte orimasu.
It's half price. Hangaku desu.

Page - 120 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Internet shopping
Table of Contents

Basic buttons
Search Kensaku 検索 Product Shouuhin 商品洋裁
details yousai
Back Modoru 戻る Kakaku Prixe 戻る
(zeikomi) (tax
included)
Continue Zokku 続行 Quantity Suuryou 数量
Delete Sakujo 削除 Put in Kago ni かごに入れる
shopping cart ireru
Next Tsugi e 次へ
Cancel Kyanseru キャンセル
If it's a bigger site and you're a new customer, you may need to register.
The word for registration is touroku (登録), so look for phrases like:

This button is for those who are not registered (first time visitors).
ID touroku shite inai kata wa kochira (hajimete no kata).
ID 登録 していない 方はこちら （はじめて の 方）

You will be asked to agree to the terms and conditions

I do not consent doui shinai 同意しない

I do consent doui suru 同意する

Then you'll be able to browse.

On the confirmation screen, you can check the contents of your cart and change if necessary:

Back Modoru 戻る
Proceed to Seisan 精算
checkout
Item Hinmei 品名
Price per item Zeikomi 税込み
(tax included) tanka
単価
Quantity Suuryou 数量
Change (qty) Henkou 変更
Sub-total Shoukei 小計
Delete Sakujo 削除

Customer information screen. You must be very careful how you enter the details.

Full size hiragana or kanji Zensaku 全角

(for your name)
Full size katakana or kanji Zensaku katakana 全角カタカナ
(for your name)
Page - 121 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Half size numbers Hankaku suuji 半角数字
(for phone numbers, etc.)
Half size numbers and alphabet Hankaku eisuuji 半角英数字
(for e-mail address and passwords.)

Cash on delivery Daikin hikikae 代金引換

Requested delivery date Haitatsu kiboubi
Delivery time frame Haitatsu jikantai

SHOP NAMES
Table of Contents

Ya in Japanese means shop/store and you add this to the end of words to make shop names.
Eg: Hana (flower) + ya = hanaya (florist)

ITEM: SHOP NAME:

Sakana (fish) Sakanaya
Pan (bread) Panya
Niku (meat) Nikuya

Exceptions:
Yasai (vegetables) becomes yaoya (greengrocer’s)
Sake (alcohol) becomes sakaya (wine shop / off-licence)
Kusuri (medicine) becomes yakkyoku

Bakery Panya Hair salon (women) Biyoo in

Bank Ginkou Hair dresser (men) Sanpatsu
Barber shop Toko ya Hospital/clinic Byooin
Book shop Honya Information Office Jimushitsu
Butcher Nikuyasan
CD shop Shii dii shoppu Liquor shop Sakaya / Saketen
Clothing shop Yoohin-ten Meat shop Niku ya
Coffee shop Kissaten Police box Koban
Convenience Store Konbeni Post Office Yuubinkyoku
Photo studio Shashinkan
Department store Depaarto Restaurant Restauran
Drug
Store/Pharmacy Yakkyoku Shoe shop Kutsuya
Electrical shop Denkiya Shopping mall Shooten-gai
Foreign book store Yoosho-ten Supermarket Suupaa
Furniture store Kaguten Sushi shop o sushi ya
Fruit shop Kudamono-ya Toy shop Omochayasan
Fruit market Seikaten Vegetable market Yaoyasan
Grocery shop Shokuryohin Y100 yen shop Hyaku-en shoppu
Used bookstore Furuhon-ya

Page - 122 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Add PLACES/Objects/Clothes Excel page in here

Page - 123 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

LOCATION
Street Toori Yard Niwa
Sports store Suportsu youhinten Toy shop Omochaya
Dolls Ningyou Hardware store Kanamonoya
Gas station Gasorinsutando Clothing store Youfukuya
Gym Taikukan/Fitto-nesu sentaa

COLOURS
Table of Contents

B&W Shiroi kuro Orange Orenji

Black Kuroi Peach Momo
Blue Aoi Pink Pinku
Brown Chairo Purple Murusaki
Yellow Kiiro Red Akai
Gold Kin Silver Gin
Gray Haiiro White Shiroi
Green Midori Purple Murusaki

Small size (S) Esu

Medium size (M) Emu
Large size (L) Eru

White pencil Shiroi impitusu Blue shirt Aoi shatsu, etc

Dark Koi
Dark red Koi akai

HOW MUCH IS IT? Ikura desu ka?

Table of Contents

How much for all? Zembu de ikura desu ka?

A tax Zeikin
I’ll pay in cash Genkin de haraimasu.

NOUN wa [Counter] ikura desu ka?

How much are 3 CD’s? CD wa sanmai ikura desu ka?

Expensive Takai
More Motto
Cheap, reasonable Yasui

Page - 124 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

AT THE POST OFFICE
Table of Contents

Postcard Hagaki Stamp(s) Kitte

Letter Tegami Parcel Kozutsumi
By airmail Koukuubin de Envelope Fuutou
By seamail Funabin de Special delivery Sokutatsu
Express mail Sokutatsu Registered mail Kakitome
Delivery certified mail Kokutei kiroku yuubin

Mai is a counter for flat objects – stamps, tickets, paper, cards, etc
Hon (pon, bon) is a counter for long or cylindrical objects – bottles, pens, etc
10 Flat objects: stamps, tickets, etc ju-mai
2 Cylindrical objects: bottles, pens ni-hon

Express mail/First class Sokutatsu

I'd like to send this to [country]. Kore o [country] ni okuritain desu ga.
How much is it by (air/sea)? (Koukuubin/Funabin) de ikura desu ka?
I'd like to send this parcel 'express'? Kono kozutsumi o 'sokutatsu' de okuritain desu ga.

How much is a stamp? Kitte wa ikura desu ka?

How much is this letter to England? Kono tegami wa Igirisu made ikura desu ka?
How much is this postcard to France? Kono hagaki wa Furansu made ikura desu ka?
10 x Y75 stamps please. Nanaju-go-en no kitte o ju-mai kudasai.
Do you have a postcard? Hagaki ga arimasu ka?

How much is a ticket? Kippu wa ikura desu ka?

How much is a ticket to Kyoto? Kippu wa Kyoto made ikura desu ka?
How much is a ticket to Auckland? Kippu wa Auckland made ikura desu ka?

Sample dialogue: Anne has gone to the P.O to post some letters

Anne: Sumimasen, kono tegami wa Igirisu made ikura desu ka? (excuse me, how much is this letter to
England?)
Teller: Nihyaku ju-en desu (200+10 yen = Y210)
Anne: Ano…hagaki wa Igirisu made ikura desu ka? (how much is this postcard to England?)
Teller: Nanaju go-en desu (70+5 yen = Y75)
Anne: Ja, nanaju-go-en no kitte o ju-mai kudasai (10 x Y75 stamps please)
Teller: Hai douzo. Kore de yoroshii desu ka? (Yes. Is that all?)
Anne: E to (=pause), hagaki ga arimasu ka? (Do you have a postcard?)
Teller: Ee, asoko desu….ichi-mai hyaku-en desu (Over there . (Postcards are 100 yen each)
Anne: Hai, kono hagaki o ju-mai kudasai (Yes, I’d like to have 10 of this postcard please)
Teller: Arigatou gozaimasu. Zembu de (he works it out on his calculator) sen kyu-hyaku roku-ju-en desu
(Thank you. Altogether..1960 yen)

Pre-stamped postcard Kansei hagaki

New Year postcard Nengajou
Parcel, small package Kozutsumi
Small package Sumouru paketto / kogata housoubutsu
Change of address Tenkyo todoke

Page - 125 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

AT THE CHEMIST
Table of Contents

Do you have something for a (cold/cough/a burn (Kaze/Seki/Yakedo/Hiyake/Mushisasare) no kusuri

sunburn/a sting)? wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any (plasters/aspirin)? (Bansoku/Asupurin) wa arimasu ka?
How should I take this medicine? Kono kusuri wa douyatte nomimasu ka?

Take one tablet after each meal please. Kono jouzai o ichijou maishokugo fuyuyou shite kudasai.
(Once/twice/3 times) a day. Ichinichi (ikkai/nikai/sankai)
(Before/after) meals. Shokuzen/shokugo
With water. O-mizu to issho ni.

Medicines
Antihistamine Kou-hisutamin zai
Aspirin Asupurin
Cough (medicine/drops) Sekidome/doroppu
Cream /salve Nankou
Eye wash/drops Megusuri
Insulin Inshurin
Laxative Gezai
Pain killer Chintsuuzai
Sleeping pill Suimin yaku

AT THE BANK
Table of Contents

Money Okane
Cash Genkin
Please show me Oshiete kudasai
Bank account Kouza
Open a bank account Kouza o hiraku
I'd like to open a bank account. Kouza o hirakitain desu ga.
Please show me how to open a bank account. Kouza no hirakikatta oshiete kudasai.
I want to withdraw some money. Okane o oroshitai
I just withdrew 10,000 yen yesterday. Kinou, ichi-man en oroshita bakari desu.
Deposit / to make a deposit Yokin / yokin suru
I want to deposit some money. Okane o yokin ( deposit) shitai
Withdrawal Hikidashi
Please tell me the balance of my account. Kouza no zandaka o oshiete kudasai.
Take cash out of the bank Genkin o orusu
Current account Futsu kouza
Bank book Yokin tsuchou
Bank transfer Furikome
Direct debit Jidou furikomi
Loan Yuushi / roun
Interest Rishi

Check the balance Zandaka shoukai

Page - 126 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Make payment Furikomu
Signature Sain
Please sign here Koko ni sain shite kudasai
Cashpoint, cash machine Kasshu mashiin
Commission / handling fee Komisshon / Tesuuryou
Exchange rate Kawase reeto
Currency Tsuuka
Credit card Kurejitto kaado
Travellers cheques Taraberaazu chekku
Foreign exchange Gaikoku kawase
I want to change …. ……o kaetai desu
I want to change …. into … …o…ni kaetai desu
To convert into yen en ni Kansan suru
May I have it in ….Yen notes please? ….en satsu de kudasai
Bankbook Tsuuchou
Could not find bankbook Tsuuchou o mitsukaranakatta

I'd like to change some NZ dollars into J yen…. NZ doru o Nihon en ni kaitain desu ga.
What's today's rate? Kyou no reeto wa ikura desu ka?
Could you show me how to use the ATM? ATM no tsukai-kata o oshite kudasai.
I'd like the telephone bill deducted automatically Denwa-dai o jidou furikae ni shitai desu.
I want to print the transactions (in my bankbook). Kichou shitai desu.
from my account.
I have lost my bankbook. Can I have a new one? Tsuchou o nakushimashita. Atarashii tsuchou o tsukuritai desu.

Foreign Currency
Dollars Doru Pounds Pondo
Franc Furan Marks Maruku

At the bike shop

Table of Contents

Chain is dislocated. Chain o hazureta.

Please pour some oil where necessary. Abura (oil) o sashite kudasai.
Looks like I have a puncture. Punku shita mitai desu.

AT THE HAIR DRESSER

Table of Contents

Hair salon (women) Biyou in

Hair dresser (men) Sanpatsuya, Tokoi ya
I’d like to have a haircut. Sanpatsu o shita moraitai no desu ga.
How long is the wait? Dono kurai, machimasu ka?
Do I need a reservation? Yoyaku wa hitsuyou ( need) desu ka?
I want it cut this much Kono kurai katto shite
I want the hairstyle in this photo Kono shashin no youni onegai
I would like my hair thinned Zentai teki ni suite kudasai
Please thin my hair Kami o suite kudasai
Please tidy the neck Kubisuji wa sotte kudasai
Please cut the sideburns straight Momi age (sideburns) wa massugu ni kitte kudasai
Please do not cut the front Maegami wa kiranai de kudasai

Page - 127 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Please do not cut too short Amari kirannai de kudasai

Red hair Akai kami Brown hair Chairo no kami

Black haie Kuroi kami Blond hair Kin no kami / kinpatsu
Grey hair Shiraga Curly hair Kaarii he-a / makige
Straight hair Maasuguna kami

Haircut Katto/Kamigata Perm Paama

Shampoo Shampuu Shave Kao sori
Short Shooto Medium Midi’amu
Long Rongu Wavy Weebu
Straight Sutoreto Curled Kaaru

AT THE LIBRARY
Check out Karidasu Return Kaesu
Due date Hon o kaesuhi Library card Tosho kaado

SOUVENIR SHOPPING
Table of Contents

Where was it made? Sanchi wa doko desu ka?

For a man Dansei muke For a woman Josei muke
Ceramics Toujiki Lacquerware Shikki
Japanese doll Nihonningyou Wooden doll Kokeshi
Japanese folding fans Sensu

DELIVERY SERVICES – sending bags, suitcases, boxes, etc.

Table of Contents

YOU: I'd like to send this luggage to my home in Tokyo. Kono nimotsu o Tokyo no jitaku e okuritai desu.
Can I have this delivered? Kore o tokoke suru koto ga dekimasu ka? 
check with H
I'd like this [object] sent to my home Kono [object] wa jitaku e okuitai desu.
DELIVERY GUY:
Fine. For Tokyo, it's ¥1,000 per bag. Hai. Tokyo wa nimotsu hitotsu ni tsuki sen-en
ni narimasu.
The (protective) bags are ¥150 each. Soshite fukuro ga hyaku gojuu-en desu ga.
It will be delivered tomorrow. Ashita todokimasu.
What time of day do you want it delivered? Shitei jukan wa nanji goro shimasu ka?

Desired delivery date Haitatsu kiboubi

Desired delivery time Haitatsu kibou jikantai
Morning Gozenchuu 午前中
Afternoon Gogo 午後
Evening Yuugata 夕方
Night Yakan 夜間
No preference Kibou nashi 希望なし
Item Hinmei 品名

Warrantee Hoshou
Page - 128 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Houses and buildings, around the house
Table of Contents

PARTS OF HOUSES
Roof tile Kawara Chest (of drawers) Tansu
Short curtain (hangs down) Noren
Sliding doors Fusuma Sliding paper doors Shouji
Flat floor cushion Zabuton Small raised alcove Tokonoma

TYPES OF BUILDINGS
Single-family dwelling Ikkodate Apartment building Shuugou juutaku
Apartment, condo Manshon Housing complex Danchi

Steps Dan Stairs Kaidan

Porch Pouchi Mailbox Posuto
Front yard Maeniwa Back yard Ie no ura
Garage Gare-ji Driveway Doraibuwaee
Parking space Chuusha spesu Sidewalk / footpath Hodou
Balcony Barukonii Doorbell Doa beru

KITCHEN
Sink Nagashi Stove Rengii
Oven Ooben Cupboard Todana
Pot Nabe Pan (frying) Furai pan
Bowl Chawan Kettle Tenki kettoruan  check with H

BEDROOM
Dresser Doresaa Mirror Kagami
Fan Senpuuki

BATHROOM
Wash/face cloth Taoru Plaster Bansoukou
Bath mat Basu maato Tap(s) Jyaguchi
Weighing scales Taijuukei

HOUSE ACTION VERBS

Turn on the light Tenki o tsukeru Turn off the light Tenki o kesu
Clean up Souji suru Sweep the floor Yuka o haku
Mop the floor Yuka ni moopu o kakeru Vaccum the carpet Soujiki o kakeru
Dust the furniture Kagu no hokori o harau Change the bed sheets Shiitsu o kaeru
Do the laundry Sentaku suru Fold the laundry Sentakumono o tatamu
Put the groceries away Shokuriyouhin o katazukeru Take out the trash Gomi o suteru
Set the table Teeburu o totonoeru Clear the table Teeburu o katazukeru
Wash the dishes Sara o arau Dry the dishes Sara o fuku
Feed the cat Neko ni esa o yaru

Page - 129 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

IN THE HOUSE
Table of Contents

The house ie (ee-eh) / uchi Your house Otaku

Bathroom O-furoba Japanese style room Washitsu

Bathtub Yokuso, yubune Kitchen Daidokoro
Bedroom Shinshitsu Living room Ima
Bookcase Honbako Lobby Robii
Calendar Karendaa Oven/stove o'bun, tenpi
Ceiling Tenjou Poster Posutaa
Chair Isu Room Heya
Closet Oshiire Rubbish bin Gomibako
Cleaning, sweeping Souji Shelf Tana
Curtain Kaaten Sink Nagashi, tame
Desk Tsukue Stairs Kaidan, hashigo
Dining room Dainingu, Shokudoo Stand, rack Dai
Drawer Hikidashi Supper, dinner Yuushoku
Entrance Genkan/Iriguchi Table Teeburu
Floor Yuka Toilet Otearai / Toire
Freezer Reitoko Verandah Beranda
Fridge Reizoko Wall Kabe
Wardrobe, chest of
Garbage, rubbish Gomi / haihin drawers Tansu
Garden/yard Niwa Washing machine Sentakuki
Gas Gasu Window Mado
Hallway Rooka, genkan Fan Fan
Hanger
Heater

Household Katei Housework Kaji

Please make yourself at home. Douzo o-raku ( comfort) ni.

Please come early tomorrow morning. Ashita no asa hayaku kite kudasai.
I’d like to, but I’m afraid I can’t. Hai, demo….chotto muzukashii desu.

I don’t have to have it. Motte inakute mo ii desu.

DESCRIBING BREAKDOWNS
Table of Contents

PLUMBING
The toilet is clogged. Toire ga tsumatte imasu.
The sink won't drain. Nagashi no mizu ga nagaremasen.
The bath smells bad. Ofuro ga kusai.

TV
Screen Gamen

Page - 130 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

It switches on, but there's no picture or sound. Dengen wa hairimasu ga, gamen mo oto mo demasen.
The picture jumps and the sound buzzes. Gamen ga chira-chira shite, zatsuon ga shimasu.

APPLIANCES
It switches on but dones't heat/cool/go. Suitchi wa hairimasu ga, atatamaranai/hienai/mawaranai/
no desu.
CARS
The engine won't start. Enjin ga kakarimasen.

COMPUTER
The hard disk clinked and clattered. Haado deisuku ga kakkon kakkon, kacha kacha to iu oto
o shimashita.

POWER
Electric power Denryoku
Electricity bill Denkidai
A power outage/failure/blackout Teiden
There was a blackout in this area due to the typhoon. Kono aria wa taifuu no eikyou ( impact, effect,
influence) de teiden shita.

TOOLS
Rake Kumade Broom Houki
Clippers Uekibasami Hammer Kanazuchi
Saw Nokogiri Pliers <-- Google
translate
Nails pinchi Chisel <-- Google
translate

Page - 131 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

TRAVEL AND GETTING AROUND
Key words
Table of Contents

Tourism Kanko Travel Ryoko

Half day / one day tour Hannichi / ichinichi kousu
Dinner included Shokuji tsuki
Interpreter Tsuuyaku
Where does the (coach tour) start from? (Basu tsuaa) wa doko kara demasu ka?
What time does it (start/finish)? Nanji ni (sutaato shimasu/owarimasu) ka?
What is there to do in Okinawa? Okinawa dewa donna koto ga dekimasu ka?

Planning a trip – on an Internet web page

Table of Contents

When booking a trip on the Web, you may need to fill in this information –

Number of nights stay Haku 泊

Rooms Heya 部屋
Adults Otona 大人
Children Kodomo 子供
Number (ie: of people) Mei 名

SEARCH (button) Kensaku 検索

Type of room Heya taipu 部屋タイプ
Meal plan Shokuji taipu 食事タイプ
Price Ryoukin 料金
Single Shinguru シングル
Twin Tsuin ツイン
Double Daburu ダブル
No preference Shitei nashi 指定なし

No meals Shokujinashi 食事なし

Breakfast only Asa nomi 朝のみ
Dinner only Yuu nomi 夕のみ
Breakfast and dinner Asa/yuu ari 朝/夕あり

Japanese Washitsu 和室
Japanese/Western Wayoshitsu 和 [Can't type the rest]

Page - 132 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Confirming a room reservation
As your trip approaches, you may wany to confirm that your Internet booking has gone through.

I made a reservation on the Internet for 1 night Anou, intaanetto de, nijuroku-nichi ippaku o yoyaku
on the 26th. Could you confirm it please? shimashita ga, kakunin shite moratte ii desu ka.
[Receptionist] That's fine. Two people. About what Hai, ni-mei sama desu ne. Go-touchaku wa nanji goro
time are you likely to arrive? narisou desu ka?

Sightseeing Kenbutsu
An excursion Ensoku

Travelling by car
Table of Contents

Expressway Kousoku douro

Toll gate Ryoukinjo
Rush hour Ressha
Congestion, traffic jam Juutai
Rest area Saabisu eria
Rest area with limited facilities Paakingu eria
Road map Douro chizu
Car rental Rentakaa
Speed per hour Jiisoku
Tourist information Kankou annai
Why are you visiting? Tabi no mokuteki wan an desu ka?
Tourist attractions Kankouchi
Tokyo Metropolitan Building Toukyou Tochou
The traffic signal will change to red. Shingou wa aka ni kawarimasu.

Parts of a car
Accelerator Akuseru Radiator Rajieetaa
Brakes Bureeki Steering wheel Handoru
Clutch Kuratchi Wheels Hoiiru
Tires Taiya Window Mado
Windscreen wiper Waipa

TRANSPORT
Table of Contents

TRANSPORTATION Koutsuu
Distance Kyori
One’s destination Mokutekichi
Destination Iki saki
Day trip Higaeri
Firstly, let’s buy tickets to our destination. Mazu, mokutekichi made no kippu o kaimashou.
Please sit in the third seat from the right. Migi kara sanbanme no seki ni suwatte kudasai.
Fee Ryoukin
Change (money) Otsuri
On foot/walking Aruite Car Kuruma
Page - 133 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Underground/subway Chikatetsu Bicycle Jitensha
Bus Basu Bullet train Shinkansen
Bus stop Basu noriba Train Densha
Plane Hikouki Commute Kayou
Seat Seki Timetable Jikokuhyou
Taxi Takushi Taxi stand Takushi noriba
Platform Hoomu Ship Fune
Scooter Baiku Rush hour Russhu
Parking/carpark Chuusha jou Highway Kousoku
Ticket gate Kaisatsuguchi Ticket office Kippu uriba
Rack Amidana Molester, groper Chikan
A national road/highway Kokudou
A road, a street, a highway Douro

Parking Chuusha
No parking here Koko wa chuusha kinshi desu.
Shall I get the car out of the garage for you? Shako kara kuruma o dashite agemashou ka?
Railroad car; a coach Sharyou

Traffic, transportation Kotsu こうつう

Getting off a train or bus Gesha

Ticket Kippu One way Katamichi

Season ticket Teiki Round trip Oofuku
First class Gurinsha
Get on, ride Norimasu
Get off Orimasu
Change Norikaemasu
Last train of the day Shuuden

Is a subway station nearby? Chikatetsu no eki wa chikai desu ka?

How do I get to Kyoto? Kyoto ni douyatte ikimasu ka?
Does this train go to [PLACE]? Kono densha wa [PLACE] e ikimasu ka?
Does this train go to Shinjuku? Kono densha wa Shinjuku e ikimasu ka?
Does the shinkansen stop at Odawara? Shinkansen wa Odawara ni tomarimasu ka?
Which train goes to [PLACE]? [PLACE] wa dore desu ka?
Which platform? Nambon sen desu ka?
Which line? Nani sen desu ka?
What number is the platform? Nanban sen desu ka?
How far is it? Dono kurai desu ka?
Will I have to transfer? Norikae arimasu ka?
How many stops from here? Koko kara ikutsume?
Please tell me when we get to the station. Eki ni tsuitara, oshiete kudasai.
Please point out. Yubi sashite kudasai.
Where is the terminus? Shuuten wa doko desu ka?
Please draw a map. Chizu kaite kudasai.
How many stops from here? Koko kara ikutsu me desu ka?
Please get off at the seventh station. Nanatsume no eki de orite kudasai.
How long does it take? Jikan wa dono kurai desu ka?
Please take the train bound for Tokyo. Tokyo-yuki no densha ni notte kudasai.
Do I have to change trains? Norikae wa
Excuse me, where can I buy a ticket? Sumimasen, kippu wa doko de kaemasu ka?
[Excuse me, ticket where can (I) buy?]
Give me 2 tickets for Kyoto please. Kyoto made no kippu o ni-mai kudasai.
Where are the ticket machines for [Train line]? [Train line]-sen no kippu uriba wa doko desu ka?

Where can I board the train for [ xxx ]? [ xxx] eki no densha wa doko de norimasu ka?
Page - 134 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
 [ bound for, train where get on, ride, catch]
Have you got a cheaper one? Motto yasui no wa arimasu ka?
What is the cheapest [OBJECT]? (ie: ticket) Ichiban yasui kippu wa nan (dore) desu ka?
*dore means which one?
What is the cheapest ticket to [PLACE]? [Place] made ichiban yasui kippu wa nan (dore)
desu ka?
How much is a ticket to [PLACE]? [PLACE] yuki no kippu wa ikura desu ka?
How much is a ticket to Shinjuku? Shinjuku yuki no kippu wa ikura desu ka?

Exit Deguchi Entrance Iriguchi

North entrance Kita guchi South entrance Minami guchi
East entrance Higashi guchi West entrance Nishi guchi
Ticket barrier Kaisatsuguchi
Where is the ticket (counter/barrier)? (Kippu uriba/Kaisatsuguchi) wa doko desu ka?
Which platform does the train to Tokyo leave from? Tokyo yuki wa nanbansen kara desu ka?
Is this a (non-smoking/first class) carriage? Kore wa (kinensha/gurinsha) desu ka?
Are these reserved seats? Kore wa shiteseki desu ka?
Which carriages have (non-reserved) seats? (Jiyuuseki) wa dono sharyou desu ka?
Is this seat free? Kono seki wa aitemasu ka?

At which station do we change trains? Doko no eki de norikae imasu ka?

A terminal station; the last stop Shuushakueki

I'm getting off at the next station. Tsugi no eki de orimasu.

[the train] that has just left Ima no [densha]

A local train (all stations) Kakueki teisha

Local train Futsuu densha
Semi-express Juukyuu
Rapid/express train Kyuukou
Super express/special/limited express train Tokkyuu

Travelling by train
Table of Contents

Train, often refers to a scheduled train Ressha

Unreserved seat Jiyuuseki
Reserved seat Shiteiseki
Non-smoking car Kinensha
Non-smoking seat Kinenseki
Fare adjustment machine Seisanki
Timetable Jikokuyou
Station box lunch Ekiben

Train carriages
Table of Contents

The –th carriage -ryoume

Second carriage Ni ryoume
Third carriage San ryoume
Fourth carriage Yon ryoume

Page - 135 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

両面（ryoumen) = both sides
車両（sharyou) = train carriage

め is used to tell the order. Here are examples.

入院して 7 日目に Nyuuin shite nanoka me ni. On the seventh day after one's admission to a hospital
入会者は彼で 10 人目だ Nyuukaisha wa kare de jyu-nin me da. He was the tenth member to join.
彼女はうちから 3 軒目の家に住んでいる Kanojyo wa uchi kara san-ken me no ie ni sunde iru.
She lives three doors from my house.
薬局は銀行から 3 軒目だ Yakkyoku wa ginko kara san-ken me da.
The pharmacy is the third shop from the bank.
彼が生まれてから 3 年目に母親が死んだ Kare ga umarete kara san-nen me ni hahaoya ga shinda.
His mother died three years after he was born.
ケネディは何代目の大統領ですか Kennedy wa nandai me no daitouryou desu ka?
How many presidents were there before Kennedy?
上野は何番目の駅ですか (Ueno wa nanban me no eki desu ka?
How many stations are there between here and Ueno?

What time is the bus? Nanji no basu?

What time is the train? Nanji no densha?
How long does it take? Dono kurai kakarimasu ka?

TAXIS
Table of Contents

Please take me to [PLACE]. [PLACE] made onegai shimasu.

ie: Please take me to Harajuku. Harajuku made onegai shimasu.
I would like to go to [PLACE]. [PLACE] made ikitai no desu ga.
ie: I would like to go to Omote-sando. Omote-sando made ikitai no desu ga.
How much would it cost to go to [PLACE]? [PLACE] made ikura kakarimasu ka?
ie: How much would it cost to go to Shinjuku? Shinjuku made ikura kakarimasu ka?

Please take me to [this place]. [Showing map] Koko onegaishimasu.

Please go to Mita first, then Ebisu. Mazu Mita, sorekara Ebisu.
I will show you the way. Watashi ga oshiemasu.
I will show you the way when we get closer. Chikaku ni tsuitara oshiemasu.
Please go fast. Hayaku onegai shimasu.
A shortcut Chikamichi
By short cut. Chikimachi de.
Please stop here. Koko de tomete kudasai.
Here is fine. Koko de kekkou desu.
Please tell me a shortcut to the station. Eki e no chikamichi o oshiete kudasai
I will bring money. Okane o motte kimasu.
I will be back soon. Sugu modorimasu.
How much is the fare? Ryoukin wa ikura desu ka?
Could I have a receipt please? Ryoushuusho o onegaishimasu.

ie: How much would it cost to go to Shinjuku? Shinjuku made ikura kakarimasu ka?
ie: How much would it cost to go to Shinjuku? Shinjuku made ikura kakarimasu ka?

Page - 136 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Travelling
Table of Contents

Excuse me. From what platform can I get the train Sumimasen. Shinjuku-yuki wa nanban-sen desu ka?
headed for Shinjuku?
Does this train stop at Ginza? Ginza de tomarimasu ka?
One’s destination Ikisaki
What can you do in Guam? Guam de nani ga dekimasuka?

Using buses and taxis

Does this train go to XY? Kono densha wa XY made ikimasu ka?
Signboard (on train platforms) Keijiban
Timetable Jikokuhyou Train platform Densha no houmu
Train track Senro Ticket gate Kaisatsu
Entrance/exit area Norioriguchi All day pass Ichinichiken
Through… tsuuka Traffic jam Koutsuu juutai
Destination Mokutekichi Delay Chien

Where is the busstop for XY? XY yuki basutei wa doko desu ka?
Kiosk/shop/newsstand Baiten Smart (IC) card Aishii kaado
Seat for senior citizens Yuusen seki Public restrooms Koushuu toire
Police office Keisatsucho Traffic lights Shingooki
Zebra crossing Oudan hodou Pedestrian overpass Oudan hodoukyou
Sidewalk, walkway hodou Road Shadou
Railway crossing Fumikiri (Straight) across Mukai
Diagonally across Hasu mukai Can you go with me? Tsurete itte kudasai?

Buying express train tickets

One ticket to Kyoto on the next Hikari shink, please. Tsugi no hikari de Kyoto made ichimai kudasai.
The train is full. But there are seats on the train Man'in desu ne. Niju-roppun nara seki ga arimasu ga
leaving at 26 minutes past.
OK, I'll take that. Ja, onegai shimasu.
I don't know what time I'll be returning, so make it Kaeri no jikan ga mada wakarani no de, jiyyseki ni shite
unreserved. kudasai.
Can I get a refund? Harai-modoshi ( refund) ga dekimasu ka?

Missing a train
If you missed the train, ask a station official if you can ride the next train.
I missed the train. Ressha ni noriokurute shimatta.
Can I go on the next train with these tickets? Kono kippu nara tsugi ni noremasu ka?

On the train
Is this seat free?. Aite masu ka?.

Page - 137 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

HOTELS, ACCOMMODATION
Table of Contents

Do you have a (single/double..) room? (Shinguru/Dabaru…) wa arimasu ka?

I would like …… Watashi wa …. o onegaishimasu
A single room Shinguru no heya
A double room Daburu no heya
Twin Tsuin
Western style room You shitsu
Japanese style room Wa shitsu
With a bath Yokushitsu tsuki no
With a shower Shawaa tsuki no
For one night Ippaku
For 2 nights Nihaku
For one night, two days Ippaku futsuka
For two nights, three days Nihaku mikka
For two adults and one child. Otono futari, kodomo hitori onegaishimasu.
May I see the room? Heya o mite mo ii desu ka?
How much is it per night? Ippaku ikura desu ka?
Do you have anything (larger/cheaper)? Motto (ookii/yasui) no wa arimasu ka?
That’s fine. Kekkou desu.
I’ll take it. Sore de onegai shimasu.

[STAFF] How many nights? Nanpaku desu ka?

I’m sorry, we are full. Moushiwake gozaiamsen.
It’s half price for children. Okosama wa hangaku de gozaimasu.
Shower Shawaa
Bath Furo Toilet Toire
Pillow Makura Sheets Shitsu
Soap Sekken Towel Ta’oru
Toothbrush Haburashi Swimsuit Mizugi
Long sleeve Nagasode Short sleeve Han-sode

Checking in
I have a reservation in the name of Walsh. Yoyaku o shita (Walsh) desu.
Could you bring the luggage in? Nimotsu o hakonde kudasai.
[STAFF] Please fill in this form. Kono youshi ni go-kinyuu kudasai.
What time is breakfast? Chuushoku wa nanji desu ka?
I would like to leave my valuables at the front desk. Furonto ni kichouhin o azuketain desu ga.
Could you recommend a restaurant? Restauran o suisen shite kudasai.
Would you order me a taxi, please? Takushii o yonde kudasai.
What is the check out time? Chekku outo wa nanji desu ka?

Hotel words and expressions

Table of Contents

Accommodation Shukuhaku
Western-style hotel Hoteru
Japanese inn Ryokan
Family-run guesthouse Minshuku
Business/no-frills hotel Bijinesu hoteru

Page - 138 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Temple offering accommodation Shukubou
Campsite Kyanpu-jou
Japanese-style room (with futon) Washitsu
Western-style hotel (with bed) Youshitsu
Breakfast Choushoku
Lunch Ohiru/chuushoku
Dinner Yuushoku
Is (breakfast/dinner) included? (Choushoku/Yuushoku) tsuki desu ka?
Does it come with a (bathroom/shower)? (O-furo/Shawaa) tsuki desu ka?
A room with a view. Nagame no ii heya.
Public telephone Koushou denwa

Japanese style toilet Washiki toire

Western style toilet Youshiki toire
Ceiling Tenjou
Screen door with grids Shouji
Alcove Tokonoma
Pillow Makura
Sheets Shiitsu
Cleaning Souji
Laundry Sentaku
Heating Danbou
Tap Jaguchi
Blinds Buraindo
Light bulb Denkyuu
Emergency exit Hijouguchi

Please exchange it. Koukan onegai shimasu.

Please fix it. Shuuri onegai shimasu.
Make a reservation. Yoyaku o shimasu.

PROBLEMS
Someone has locked the door. Doa no kagi ga kakete imasu.
The (door/key) doesn’t work. (Doa/Kagi) ga kowarete imasu.
There is a problem with the (air con/phone). (Eakon/denwa) ga okashii desu.
There is no [object, ie: soap]. [Object] ga arimasen.
I don’t know how to operate the [object]. [Object] no tsukaikata ga wakarimasen.
How do you use the [object]? [Object] wa dou tsukaimasu ka?

Hot springs, onsen, Japanese inns

Table of Contents

HOT SPRINGS, ONSEN

Outdoor hot springs Rotenburo Steam Yuge

Towel Tenugui Hot water Yu
Bath chair Furoisu (water) Tub Oke
Mens bath Otokoyu Womens bath On-nayu
Mixed bath Kon-yoku Large communal bath Dai yokujou

Page - 139 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

JAPANESE INNS
I’m Jon. I have a reservation Yoyaku shita Jon desu.
Do you have a room with an outdoor hot spring? Rotenburotsuki heya wa arimasu ka?
Do I eat dinner in my room? Yuushoku wa heya de taberaremasu ka

Japanese style room Washitsu Japanese Western room Wayoushitsu

Bathrobe Yukata
Family bath Kazoku buro Heated table Kotatsu
Large bath Daiyokujou Sashimi boat Funamori
Key Kagi

INSIDE A ROOM IN A JAPANESE INN

Safe Kinko Flat floor cushion Zabuton
Floor chair Zaisu Tatami mat Tatami
Low dining table Zataku Sweet served with green tea Chagashi
Japanese-style closet Oshire Paper doors Shouji
Emergency exit Hijouguchi Party hall Enkaijou
Proprietoress Okami Maid Nakaisan
Please put the futon mattress away. Futon o agete kudasai.
Breakfast Choushoku Slipper Surippa

Using the in-room telephone

Front desk. Furonto
Outside line Gaisen
Room service Roomu saabisu

If you need something, phone either the front desk or room service:
Hello? This is room 303. Can you bring a beer? Moshi moshi. Sanbyakusan gooshitsu desu ga. Biiru o
motte kite kudasai.
For tomorrow morning, can we have western-style Ashita no asa wa youshoku, onegai dekimasuka?
breakfasts?
A term, a period of time Kikan
I want to exend the duration of my stay. Taizai ( stay (noun)) kikan o enchou shitai.

Campsite Kyanpujou

Checking out & paying the bill & paying a bill

I’d like to (check out/pay the bill) please. (Chekku auto/shiharai) o onegai shimasu.
How much is it in total? Zenbu de ikura desu ka?
I think there is a mistake. Machigai ga arimasu.
What is this charge for? Kono ryoukin wan an desu ka?
I haven’t used the [object]. [Object] wa tsukatte imasen.

Tariff Ryoukinhyou
Service charge Saabisuryou
Tax Zeikin
Discount rate Waribiki ryoukin
Excess charge/surcharge Chouka/warimashi ryoukin
Telephone charge Denwa ryoukin

Page - 140 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

ASKING AND GIVING DIRECTIONS
Table of Contents

 Which way to [PLACE]? [PLACE] wa dochira desu ka?

ie: Which way to the bank? Ginko wa dochira desu ka?
ie: Which way to the train station? Eki wa dochira desu ka?
ie: Which way to the school? Gakkou wa dochira desu ka?

 I want to go to [PLACE]. [PLACE] ni ikitai desu.

ie: I want to go to Tokyo. Tokyo ni ikitai desu.

Excuse me. Where is [PLACE]? Chotto sumimasen ga, [PLACE] wa doko ni arimasu
ka?
ie: Excuse me. Where is the Bank of Tokyo? Chotto sumimasen ga, Tokyo ginkou wa doko ni
arimasu ka?
It is by the station. (Tokyo ginkou wa) eki no soba ni arimasu yo.

Have you seen [OBJECT]? Anata wa [OBJECT] o mimashita ka?

Can I ask you a question? Shitsumon o shite mo ii desu ka?

Can you please tell me how to get to [PLACE]? [PLACE] e no iki kata o oshiete kudasai?
Please show, tell

ORIENTATION POINTS
Table of Contents

City Toshi / Shi District Ku

Urban city Tokai City Block Chome
Town Machi Neighbourhood Hen
Path Michi Road Michi/shadou
Street Dori/michi/touri Place/spot Tokoro
Main street Oodoori Sky Sora Moon Tsuki
Countryside Inaka Prefecture Ken Star Hoshi
Bridge Hashi Village Sato
Traffic lights Shingou Corner Kado
Crossroads Kosaten Pedestrian bridge Oodan-hodou, hodoukyou
Sidewalk/pavement Hodou Railroad crossing Fumikiri
Footpath Hodou
Motorway, expressway Kousoku-douru North Kita
Map Chizu South Minami
East Higashi
West Nishi
This way Kocchi That way Socchi
The next… …tsugi no
The next traffic lights… …tsugi no shingou
First Ichi banme
Second Ni banme
Third Sam banme
The second… …nibanme no
The second crossroads… …nibanme no kosaten
Please go to the next town Tsugi no machi ni itte kudasai
Bend, wind, turn Magaru

Page - 141 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Example sentences:
That area Ano hen
This area Kono hen
In this area Kono hen ni
In this area there are lots of café’s. Kono hen ni takusan kissaten ga arimasu.
In this area there is a museum. Kono hen ni bijutsukan ga arimasu.
In this area there is a large bathhouse. Kono hen ni ookii sento ga arimasu.

GIVING DIRECTIONS
Table of Contents

To go straight on
NOTE: Think of ‘o’ in this case as acting like ‘at’

(Please) go….. ….itte kudasai

Straight on Massugu
A little way Chotto
Please go straight on. Massugu itte kudasai.
Please go a little way. Chotto itte kudasai.
Please come a little way. Chotto kite kudasai.
Please go straight on at the crossroads. Kosaten o massugu itte kudasai.
Please go straight on at the next crossroads. Tsugi no kosaten o massugu itte kudasai.
Go straight at the traffic lights. Shingou o massugu itte kudasai.

To turn
(Please) turn ….. ….magatte kudasai
Right Migi
Left Hidari
Please turn (to the) right. Migi ni magatte kudasai. [‘ni’ means ‘to’]
Please turn (to the) left. Hidari ni magatte kudasai.
Don’t turn Magaranai
Cross Wataru
Please turn left at the traffic lights. Shingou o hidari ni magette kudasai.
Turn right at the crossroads. Kosaten o migi ni magatte kudasai.
Turn left at the next corner. Tsugi no kado o hidari ni magatte kudasai.
Please turn left at the second set of traffic lights. Nibanme no shingou o hidari ni magatte kudasai.

You can link two directions simply by leaving out the first ‘kudasai’.
Thus, massugu itte kudasai + shingo o migi ni magette kudasai becomes:
Massugu itte, shingo o migi ni magette kudasai.

Please turn right at the third corner. Sanbanme no kado o migi ni magatte kudasai.
Please go straight at the second big department store. Nibanme no ookii departo o massugu itte kudasai.

Page - 142 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

EXACT (RELATIVE) LOCATION
Table of Contents

Inside Naka
Above/surface/topside Ue
Behind, at the back Ushiro
In front of Mae
Beside/in neighbourhood/by Soba
Rooftop Okujou
Underground Chika
Below Shita
Outside Soto
Near here Kono chikaku ni
Opposite (side) Mukaigawa
Far Tooi
Over there / beyond (pointing) Mukou
Middle Mannaka
Around Mawari
Between Aida
Across from X X No mukou
Not far Tokunai

Go left Hidari e itte

Go right Migi e itte
In no naka ni Out of no soto e/ni
To the left of no hidari ni/de To the right of no migi ni/de
In front of no mae ni/de Behind no ushiro ni/de
By no soba/tonari Across from no mukougawa ni
Between no aida ni Next to no tonari ni
Going up o agaru Going down o sagaru

Near to Chikaku
Next to Tonari/Yoka
Next to the … ….no tonari
Next to the bank. Ginko no tonari.
The post office is next to the bank. Yuubinkyoku wa ginko no tonari desu.
The nearest Ichiban chikai
Where is the nearest [PLACE]? Ichiban chikai [PLACE] wa doko desu ka?
Where is the nearest police box? Ichiban chikai koban wa doko desu ka?
Excuse me, where is the nearest bakery? Sumimasen, ichiban chikai panya wa doko desu ka?

Left hand side Hidarigawa

Right hand side Migigawa
The department store is opposite the bank. Depaato wa ginko no mukaigawa desu.
The supermarket is next to the station. Suupa wa eki no tonari desu.

Other examples:
There are lots of stores around the station Eki no mawari ni mise ga takusan arimasu.
The parking lot is behind the building. Chuushajou wa tatemono no ushiro ni arimasu.
There is a park beside my house. Ie no soba ni kouen ga arimasu.
The cafe is by the station, you know. Cafe wa eki no soba ni arimasu yo.
The toilet is beside the exit. Toire wa deguchi (exit) no soba ni arimasu.
The PO is between the bank and the police box. Yuubinkyouku wa ginkou to koban no aida ni arimasu.
There is a dog under the table. Teberu no shita ni inu ga imasu.
The book is on top of the table. Hon wa teberu no ue ni arimasu.

Page - 143 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

John is inside the house. John-san wa uchi no naka ni imasu.
The PO is near the station. Yuubinkyouku wa eki no chikaku ni arimasu.
The cat is under the table. Neko wa teberu no shita ni imasu.
The bank is in front of the station. Ginkou wa eki no mae ni arimasu.

In front of the station. Eki no mae ni

Behind the station. Eki no ushiro ni
Next to the station. Eki no tonari ni
To the right of the station. Eki no migi ni
To the left of the station. Eki no hidari ni
Inside the station. Eki no naka ni
Outside the station. Eki no soto ni
Near the station. Eki no soba (chikaku) ni
On the way to the station. Eki no tochuu ni

Page - 144 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

FAMILIES, PEOPLE and KIDS
Table of Contents

Own family Someone else’s family

Family Kazoku Go-kazoku
Husband Shujin Go-shujin
Wife Kanai/Tsuma Okusan
Father Chichi Otousan
Mother Haha Okaasan
Parents/Parent Ryoshin/Oya Go-ryoshin
Father / Mother Fubo
Father & son or
Mother & daughter Oyako
Male and female Danjo
Eldest daughter Choujo
Daughter Musume Musume-san
Son Musuko Musuko-san
Baby Akachan
Child Kodomo
Eldest child Ichiban ue
2nd child Nibanme
3rd child Sanbanme
Sibling, sister, brother Kyoudai * There is no direct Japanese equivalent for ‘brother’.
Sister Shimai
Older brother Ani Oniisan
Older sister Ane Oneesan
Younger sister Imooto Imooto-san
Younger brother Otooto Otooto-san
Uncle Oji Ojisan, ie: John Ojisan
Aunt Oba Obasan, ie: Heather Obasan
Grandfather Sofu Ojiisan = or elderly man,
Grandmother Sobo Obaasan = or elderly woman.
Grandparents Sofubo
Grandchildren Mago
Grandson Magomusuko
Granddaughter Magomusume
Niece Mei, meigosan
Nephew Oi, oigosan
Cousin Itoko
Grandparents So kubo
Great grandparents So So kubo
Married couple Fuufu
Second cousin Hatoko

Relatives Shinseki, enja

Twins Futago
Triplets Mitsugo
Girl, woman, lady Joshi
Boy, man, son Danshi -

Friend Tomodachi/Muujin/Shinyuu Friendship Yuukou

Neighbour Tonari no hito
Girlfriend Kanojo Boyfriend Kareshi
Man/male Dansee Woman/female Josee
Father-in-law Giri no chichi Lover Koibito

Page - 145 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Mother-in-law Giri no haha
Brother-in-law Gikei
He Kare A boy Otoko noko
She Kanojo A girl Onna noko

Oneself, self Jibun

FAMILY, PEOPLE AND KIDS

Table of Contents

Parent Oya
Adult Otona
Pregnant Ninshin chu
Girl/boyfriend Koibito
Acquaintance Shiriai
Neighbour Kinjo no hito
Married Kekkon shite imasu
Single Dokushin
Marriage Keekon
Wedding Kekkon shiki
Unmarried / single Dokushin, hitoe
Divorce, separation Rikon
Divorced Batsuichi
Single men Dokushin dansei

Kindergarten Yochien
Young person Wakai
Old person Nenpai

My older brother’s name is Chris. Watashi no ani no namae wa Chris desu.

My mother’s name is Eileen. Watashi no haha no namae wa Eileen desu.
I have 2 younger sisters. Watashi ni wa futari no imooto ga imasu.

How many people are in your family? Go-kazoku wa nannin desu ka?
There are [x] people in my family. Kazoku wa [x]-nin desu.
ie: There are five people in my family. Kazoku wa go-nin desu.
Q: How many brothers and sisters have you got? Kyoudai wa nan-nin imasu ka?
A: I have 2 older sisters. Watashi wa ane ga futari imasu.
This person is my mother. Kono hito wa haha desu.
My mother is a doctor. Haha wa isha desu.
(Her) hobby is reading. Shumi wa dokusho desu.

Age Sai

How old are you/he/she? Oikutsu desu ka? (polite)

Nansai desu ka? (more casual)
50 years old. Go-ju sai. (Rule : simply attach ‘sai’ to the age number)
Happy Birthday! Tanjoubi omedetou!
Date of birth Seinengappi -
Congratulations (Birthdays, Weddings, New Years, etc) Omedeteou gozaimasu!
My birthday is July 8th Watashi no tanjoubi wa shichi-gatsu hachi-nichi.
[ My birthday July 8th ]
th
I was born on May 5 , 1965. Watashi wa senkyuu hyaku roku juu go nen no go gatstu
itsuka ni umaremashita.

Page - 146 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

One’s birthplace Inaka

Baby/Childcare
Table of Contents

Thank you for taking care of [Serena]. Serena o mite itadaki arigatou gozaimshita.
セリナをみていただき、ありがとうございます。

Can you take care of [Serena] ? Serena o mite itadakemasuka?

セリナをみていただけますか？

Types of nursury (hoikuen)

Accredited Ninshou, Nintei
Unlicensed Ninkagai
Ninshou hoikuen Private facilities provided by Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Ichiji hoiku Flexible part-time care
Ninka hoikuen Nursuries adhering to nationwide standards with fully qualified staff
Kindergarten Youchien
Kindergarten kid Youchienji

Junior High School Chuugakkou

Senior High School Koutougakkou
University Daigaku

In Japan, school begins in April. Nihon de wa gakkou wa shigatsu ni hajimarimasu.

A classmate Doukyuusei

BABY & CHILDBIRTH-RELATED TERMS

(to be) pregnant Ninshin suru
(to) implant Ishoku suru
Artificial insemination Jinkou jusei
Birth canel Sandou
Birth control Hi-nin/Sanji seigen
Birth control pill Hi-nin yaku
Breast feeding Bonyuu eiyou
Contraction Shuu shuku
Date of birth Seinen gappi
Delivery (childbirth) Shussan / Bunben
Delivery room Bunben shitsu
Egg (ovum) Ranshi
Expecting date Yoteibi
Fertility Jusei ritsu
Incubator Hoiku ki
Infertility Fu-nin shou
Insemination Jusei ritsu
Labour pain Jintsuu
Last stage Makki
Page - 147 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Natural childbirth Shizen bunben
Pregancy test Ninshin tesuto
Premature baby Mijuku ji
Premature birth Souzan
Reproductive system tests Sei-shokki kikan kensa
Sperm Seishi
Low birth rate Shoushika
To return to work Shigoto ni fukki suru
Maternity leave Sankyuu
Parenting leave (mothers and fathers) Ikuji kyuuka

BIRTH
Are you expecting? Omedeta desu ka?
To be pregnant Ninshin suru
Mother's pocketbook (medical records) Boshi techou
Obstetrics and gynecology Sanfujinka
Birth, delivery o-san
Delivery room Bunben shitsu
To be present at the birth o-san ni tachiau

BABIES
Breast feeding Bonyuu
Formula, milk preparation Miruku
Feeding bottle Honyuubin
To breastfeed a baby Oppai o yaru
To drink from the breast Oppai o nomu
Weaning, solid food Rinyuushoku
Baby car Bagii
Car seat Chairudo shiito

CHILD ACCIDENTS & SEEING THE DOCTOR

Fall/en down stairs Kaidan kara ochi(ru/ta)
Fell over Korobimashita
Take care of, look after Azukarimasu
I’ll come and pick you up. Mukae ni ikimasu.
Please come and pick me up. Mukae ni kite kudasai.
An [object] is stuck in my throat. [Object] ga nodo ni sasarimashita.
Something seems to be wrong with my child. Kodomo no yousu ga okashii-n desu.
S/he doesn’t drink as much milk as s/he should. Miruku o omou you ni nonde kuremasen.
Thermometer Taion kei

CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES and MEDICAL TERMS

Tonsillitus Hentou sen Influenza Infurenza
Bronchitus Kikanshien Pneunomia Haien
Measles Hashika Chicken pox Mizubousou
Mumps Otafuku-kaze Infantile asthma Shouni zensoku
Atopic dermatitis Atopii Whooping cough Hyakunichi-zeki
Tetanus Hashoufu Fracture Kossetsu
Medical check up Kenkou shindan Vaccination Yobou sesshu

Page - 148 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

DTP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) Sanshukongou wakuchin
MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) Shin-sanshukongou wakuchin
Vaccination Yobou sesshu

CHILDREN'S PLAY
The rough and tumble of children's play knows no language barrier. Here's some basic words:

Swing Buranko Slide Zuberidai

Climbing frame Untei Seesaw Shisou
Climb Noboru (nobotte) Throw Nageru (nagete)
Catch Uketoru (uketotte) Bounce Hazumaseru
(hazumasete)
Fall Ochiru (ochita / ochitae) <-- check w. H Run Hashiru /
Hashite
Kick Keru (kette)

FOR KIDS:
Can I join in? Irete / mazete?
Can I borrow this? Kashite?
Take turns! Junban dai yo
Not fair Zurio / ijiwaru
Appetite Shokuyoku  add to health section?
Parents group Fubo-kai
Hurry up and get ready! Isoide youi shinasai!  check with H

KIDS, TOY STUFF

Picture e (an image, not a photo Marker pens Majiku
Balloon Fuusen Crayon Kureyon
Glue Nori / bondo Blocks Tsumiki
(to) build Tateru Cut Kiru
Candles Rousoku Toy O-mocha
Plastic bib Purashitiku sty

FOR PARENTS
That's a good boy/girl O-rikou-san

ADMIRING A BABY
Isn't she cute? Hasn't she grown. Kawaii desu ne. Ookiku narimashita ne.
Doesn't she look like her father! Otousan ni nite imasu ne.
Yes, everyone says so. Ee, minna ni iwareun' desu.
Are you going back to work? Shigoto ni fukki shimasu ka?
Yes, at last I found a place in a nursery…. Hai, youyaku hoikuen o mitsukete,
…and plan to go back to work next month. Raigetsu kara kaisha ni modoru yotei na no.

ASKING ABOUT A KINDERGARTEN

Which kindergarten does Megumi go to? Megumi-chan wa doko no yochien e kayotte irun desu ka?
Why don't you ask? Kitte mitara dou desu ka?

Page - 149 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

INTRODUCING YOURSELF
You may be asked to introduce yourself at kindergarten or school.

I am Serena's father. Seri-chan no papa desu.

I came from NZ 10 years ago. Juu-nen mae, NZ kara mairimashita.

PHONING THE KINDERGARTEN/SCHOOL

Kindergarten teacher Hobo(san)

This is Serena's father. Serena is in Sumere class. Sumere gumi no Serena-chan no papa desu
Serena has a temperature so I'd like to keep her Kodomo ga netsu o dashimashita node, kyou wa yasumasetai
out of kindergarten/school today. to omoimasu.
[Staff]: I see. I hope he feels better. Wakarimashita. O-daiji ni.
Thank you. Goodbye. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu. Shitsurei shimasu.

WRITING AN ABSENCE NOTE

Because the family is going out of town, Ashita (kinyoubi) kazoku de dekakeru no de,
..please excuse Serena from school tomorrow. Serena o yasumasete kudasai.

MEETING YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER

Excuse me, I'd like to see Mr. Yamada. Gomen kudasai. Yamada sensei, onegai shimasu.
We're much obliged to you. Could I have a word Itsumo o-sewa ni natte orimasu. Chotto go-soudan shitai
with you? koto ga arimashite.....
OK. Let's go to the classroom. Hai. Kyoushitsu e ikimashou.
Well, what would youl like to discuss? Dewa, douzo o-hanashi kudasai.
John is depressed these days…….. John ga konogoro shizunde ite…..
...he's not the same as usual, so I've been worried. …yousu ga itsumo to chigau mono desu kara, ki ni natte

IN SCHOOL
Table of Contents

SCHOOLS
Elementary school students Shougakusei
Middle and high school students Chuugakusei, Koukousei
Field (sports) day Undoukai
I was absent from school yesterday because of a cold. Kinou, kaze de gakkou o yasunda.
Principal Kouchou sensei Cafeteria Shoku dou
Gym Taiikukan Blackboard Kokuban
Chalk Chouku

SCHOOL ROOMS
Gym Taiikukan Girl’s toilet Jyoshi toire
Boy’s toilet Danshi toire Lunch room Shokudou
Music room Ongakushitsu Office Jimusho
Classroom Kyoushitsu Flag Hata

Page - 150 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Desk Tsukue Board (ie: black) Kokuban
Bulletin board Keijiban

SUBJECTS
Accounting => Kaikeigaku Algebra Daisu'gaku
Art Geijutsu Biology Seibutsugaku
Business Sho'bai Calculus Kesseki
Chemistry Kagaku Computer Science Jo'ho'ko'gaku
Dance Hitosashi Economics Keizaigaku
Foreign Languages Gaikokugo Geography Chirigaku
Geometry Kikagaku History Rekishi
Maths Suugaku Music Ongaku
Physical Education Taiiku Physics Butsurigaku
Political Science Seijigaku Science Kagaku

To study Benkyo suru

To learn Naraimanabu
To teach Oshieru

That child attends a nearby elementary school Ano ko wa chikaku no shougakkou ni kayotte iru.

Sixth grader Rokunensai

Sixth grader in elementary school Shougaku rokunensei

ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS – "Jan ken"

Jan, ken, pon! Rock (gu) Scissors (choki) Paper (pa)

PRE-SCHOOL
Nursury Hoikujo/hoikuen
Kindergarten Yochien
School outing Ensoku

GRADE SCHOOL
Entrance ceremony Nyuugaku-shiki
Knapsack, satchel Randoseru
To go to school Toukou suru
Class Kumi
Class one of third grade San-nen ichi kumi
Sports day Undokai
Lesson Jugyou
Day when parents watch a class Sankanbi
School lunch Kyuushoku
Report card Seisekihyou / tsuushinbo
After-school hours Houkago
Lessons (in piano, judo, etc.) o-keiko / nariagoto

JUNIOR HIGH / HIGH SCHOOL

Club activities Bukatsu
Taking entrance exams Juken
School entrance exams Nyuugaku shiken
Back up choice of school Suberidome
Refusing to go to school Toukou kyohi

Page - 151 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Bullying Ijime
School violence Kounai bouryoku
Graduation ceremony Sotsugyoushiki

Page - 152 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

PARTS OF THE BODY
Table of Contents

Arm Ude Heart Shinzo

Abdomen Hara Head Atama
Ankle Ashikubi/Ku Heel(s) Kakato
Back Senaka Hip(s) Koshi
Backside Oshiri Legs/feet Ashi
Beard Agohige Lower back Koshi
Brain brain => no'zui, zuno Lips Kuchibiru
Blood Chi Mouth Kuchi
Body Karada Muscle Kinniku
Breast Mune Mustache Kuchihige
Calf Fukurahagi Wrist Tekubi
Chest Mune Neck Kubi
Chin Ago Nose Hana
Ears Mimi Gaiji
External ear Chuuji
Middle ear Naiji
Inner ear

Elbow Hiji Oesophagus/gullet Shokudou

Skin Hada Shin Muko'zune
Eye Me Shoulder Kata
Eyelashes Matsuge Spine/backbone Sebone
Eyebrows Mayuge Stomach Onaka
Face Kao Teeth Ha
Finger Yubi Thigh Futomomo
Forehead Hitai Throat Nodo
Hand Te Toe Ashi-no-yubi
Hair Kami no ke Tongue Shita/bero
Waist Yo'bu

HANDS
Left hand Hidarite Right hand Migite
'Lifeline' Seimeisen Finger/toe nail Tsume
Thumb Oyayubi Index finger Hitosashiyubi
Middle finger Nakayubi Ring finger Kusuriyubi
Little finger Koyubi Finger nail Tsume

INTERNAL ORGANS

Appendix Chuusui
Brain Nou Liver Kanzou
Heart Shinzou Stomach I
Lungs Hai Kidney Jinzou
Intestine Chou Small intestine Shou-chou
Spleen Hizou Colon Kecchou
Pancreas Suizou Rectum Choku-chou
Page - 153 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I’ve put on a little weight recently. Saikin, sukoshi futotta.

BODY ACTION VERBS

Wash my face Kao o arau Take a bath ofuro ni hairu
Brush my teeth Ha o migaku Comb my hair kami o tokasu
Sneeze Kushami (o) suru Blow my nose Hana o kamu
Chew Kamu Yawn Akubi (o) suru
Scratch my back Senaka kaku Stretch my arms Ude o nobasu
Clap my hands Te o tataku Bend my knees Hiza o mageru
Wink Wiinku suru

MOVING, MOVEMENTS
Around mawari o…(aruite) Between aida o…(aruite)
Over ue o… (nobote) Under shita o…
Through toori mekete Crawl hau
Jump tobu (<-- 'te' form? Ask H)

Describing a person –
NAME-wa n ga A1 desu (where n is the body part)

ie: Dave has a big mouth. Dave-san wa kuchi ga ookii desu.

Yamada has a long hair. Yamada-san wa kami ga nagai desu.
About this size (also useful for describing objects). Kono kurai

FEELINGS – adjectives that describe feelings - shimasu

Table of Contents

Glad Ureshii Sad Kanashii

Delightful Tanoshii Hateful Nikui
Ashamed/embarassed Hazukashii Enviable Urayamashii
Pained/Trying Tsurai Regrettable Oshii
Fearful Kowai Terrible Osoroshii
Likable Sukina Dislikable Kiraina
Disappointing Zannenna Anxious Shinpaina
Incredible Fushigina Skillful Jouzuna
Excited Koufun suru Bored Taikutsu
Dizzy Kurakura / Furafura suru Surprised Odoraku

Examples:
I envy you. Anata ga urayamashii desu.
I feel pained (trying) at parting. Wakare ga tsurai desu.
I fear a ghost. Obake ga kowai desu.
I am surprised as I saw a snake Hebi o mite bikuri shimasu.
Disappointment – I failed the exam. Shiken ni ochi de gakkari shimasu.
Enchanted – I was enchanted by the fireworks. Hanabi (fireworks) o mitte uttori shimasu.
Irritated, nervous, impatient - I am irritated. Iraira shimasu.
Uneasy - I am uneasy. Harahara shimasu.
Excited – I am excited. Dokidoki shimasu.

Page - 154 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Over-excited – I am over-excited/looking forward to. Wakuwaku shimasu.

N ga suru / shimasu
This form is used to express that one feels something. N is something that stimulates one of the 5 senses.

I smell something strange. Hen na nioi ga shimasu.

Don’t you hear a baby crying? Akachan no naite iru koe ga shimasen ka?

PERSONAL CONDITION
Table of Contents

I’m thirsty. Nodo ga kawaite imasu.

I’m hungry. Onaka ga suite imasu.
I’m full. Onaka ga ippai desu.
I’m tired. Tsukarete imasu.
I’m sleepy. Nemui desu.
I’m sick. Byouki desu.
I’m fine. Genki desu.
I’m all right. Daijoubu desu.

Expressing emotions
I feel XX. Watashi wa XX to kanjimasu.

Disappointed Gakkari shita Happy Shiawase

Tired Tsukareta Sad Kanashii
Glad / satisfied Ureshii / manzoku shita Comfortable Kaiteki
Lonely Sabishii What should I do? Dou shiyou
Good luck! Kouun o! I can’t believe it! Shinjirarenai
Darn!/Damn! Shimaatta! Nice! Yatta!
Felt frustrated Kuyashikatta  ask H for ‘masu’ form

Yawn Okubi o suru Cry / Don't cry Naku / Nakunai

Angry Okotta Laugh Warau/Waratte
Scared Kowai Frown Kao o shikameru

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Table of Contents

Timid Okubyou na Brave Yuukan na

Positive, active Sekkyokuteki na Negative Shoukyokuteki na
Gloomy Kurai Cheerful Akarui
Thoughtful Yasashii Generous Kimae ga ii
Kind Shinsetsu na Strict Kibishii
Clever, wise Kashikoi Charming Miryokuteki na

Page - 155 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

BUSINESS

IN THE OFFICE
Table of Contents

Company Kaisha Meeting Room Ousetsushitsu

Office Jimusho/Ofuuso Head Office Honshanka
Branch Office Shiten Reception Uketsukei
President’s office Shachoushitsu Meeting/conference Kaigi
Section Ka Conference room Kaigishitsu
Office Dining Room Shainshokudou Business trip Shuchou
Small office/company Shitenchou Pay Kyuuryou
Interview Mensetsu Pay day Kyuuryoubi
Lunchtime Hiruyasumi Report Repooto

RANKS
Chairman Kaichou President Shachou
Vice President Fukushachou Director Torishimariyaku
General Manager Buchou Managing Director Joumo
Section Manager Kachou Secretary Hisho
Member, employee, staff Shain (ie: IBM no shain) Workmates Kaisha no hito
Company employee Kaishain

JOBS
Actor (m/f) Haiyu Accountant Kaikeishi
Architect Kenchikuka Attorney/lawyer Dairinin / bengoshi
Banker Ginko'in Business person Jigyo'sha
Carpenter Daiku Computer programmer Purogurama
Dentist Shikaishi Doctor Isha
Electrician Denkiko Engineer Gishi / enjineer
Factory worker Ko'in Hair dresser Headoressa
Intern Inta'n Judge Saibankan
University employee Daigaku shokuin Researcher Kenkyuusha
Overtime work Zangyou shimasu Boss Joushi
Co-worker Douryou Salary Kyuuryou
Contract Keiyaku Nurse Kangoshi
Architect Kenchikushi Accountant Kaikeishi
Accounting Keiri Sales Eigyou
Human resources Jinji Administration Soumu
Finance Kinyu Service industry Saabisugyou
Publishing Shuppan IT firm IT kigyou
Civil servant Koumuin Manufacturing Seizougyou
Advertising Koukoku Education Kyouiku
Kindergarten Youchien Mining Engineer Kouzan no gishi
Class reunion Kurasu-kai End of year Party! Bounenkai

I’m a XX… Watashi wa XX desu.

Teacher Kyoushi Lawyer Bengoshi
Page - 156 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Hair stylist Biyoushi Accountant Kaikeshi
Chef Chourishi Interpreter Tsuuyaku
Secretary Hisho Driver Untenshu
Fisherman Nyoushi Farmer Nouka
Designer Dezainaa Athlete Supootsu senshu
Salesperson Hambaiin Government worker Koumin

MISCELLANEOUS
Air conditioner Reibou/Airkon Message Dengon
Document Shorui News Nyuusu
Eraser Keshigomu Paper Kami
Exam, test Shiken Part time job Arubeito
Factory Koujyou PC Pasukon
Fax machine, message Fakkusu Programme Bangumi
Instruction manual Setsumeisho Punch Panchi
Internet Intaaneto Rule, regulation Kisoku
Laptop Laputopu Scotch tape Scotch
Manual Manyuaru Software Softo
Material/data/stuff Shiryou Stapler Hotchikisu
Memo, notes Memo Talk, conference Soudan
Transfer Tenkin shimasu

Seniority in a company
Chairman Kaichou CEO, president Shachou
Executive vice president Fuku-shachou Senior managing director Senmu
Managing director Joumu Director Buchou
Senior manager Jichou Manager Kachou
Supervisor Shunin Supervisor Kakarichou

INTRODUCTIONS
My name is ---- (very polite) Watakushi no namae wa ------- desu.
I’m glad to meet you. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
Here’s my card (hand over your business card) Meishii o douzo.
May I have your card? Meishi o choudai dekimasu ka?

Who is that? (polite) Ano kata wa donata desu ka?

Do you know who that is? (very polite) Ano kata wa donata ka gozonji desu ka?
I would like to meet him/her. Ano kata ni ome ni kakaritai no desu ga.
Would you introduce me to him/her? Ano kata ni shoukai shite itadakemasen ka?
Pardon me, may I introduce myself? Totsuzen shitsurei desu ga, jiko shoukai shite mo
yoroshii desu ka?

Introducing yourself
Exchanging business cards
A: Bob of NTT Shoji
B: Sebastian of OK Insatsu
Good morning. A. Ohayogozaimasu.

Page - 157 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

How do you do? I am Bob of NTT Shoji. Hajimemashite. Watakushi, NTT Shoji no Bob to
moushimasu.
I'm glad to make your acquaintance. Dozo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
I accept it with thanks. You are Bob, aren't you? Cyodai (?) itashimasu. Bob san desune.
I am Sebastian of OK Insatsu. Watakushi OK Insatsu no Sebastian to
moushimasu.
I'm glad to make your acquaintance. Dozo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.

Introducing people
My name is Jon and I'm from Business Grow. Business Grow no Jon de gozaimasu.
How do you do? My name is Rob. Hajimemashite. Rob de gozaimasu.
I'm very pleased to meed you. Let me introduce you. Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Go-shoukai shimasu.
This is Sato, from Sales. Eigyou no Sato de gozaimasu.
Well, I've come to tell you about our new product. Jitsu wa, atarashii seihin no go-shoukai ni agarimashita.

Meeting someone for the first time

Table of Contents

How do you do / how are you? Haijimamashite, o-genki desu ka?

My name is James Bond. Watashi no namae wa James Bond desu.
I am from Auckland, New Zealand. Watashi wa New Zealand no Auckland kara desu.
Who is the manager? Manager wa donata desu ka? (Donata is the polite word to ask
who)
May I speak to Mr/Miss/Ms Yamada? Yamada-san o onegaishimas(u).
Can I please speak to Mr/Mrs X? X-san wa irasshaimasu ka? * It is asking if Mr/Mrs X is in.
Instead of asking to speak to, we ask if Mr/Mrs X is in.
Is there someone who can speak in English? Donata ka eigo ga hanaseru kata wa irasshaimasu ka?
Where: Donata is a polite way of asking who
Hanaseru = can speak
kata = polite way of saying person
irasshaimasu = polite way of saying are there...?
Can I speak to somebody who can speak English? Dareka eigo o hanaseru hito wa imasen ka?
Did you get my (fax/e-mail)? Watashi no (fakks/denshi meiru) o uketorimashita ka?
Did you receive my [OBJECT, ie: CV]? Watashi no [OBJECT, ie: CV = rirekisho] wa todoite
imasu ka?
Thank you for calling me a short while ago Sakki hodo wa o-denwa o arigato gozaimasu.

I called you on February 8th. (Watashi wa) Nigatsu Yyoka ni odenwa shimashita.
I called you last week. (Watashi wa) Senshuu odenwa shimashita.
I called you last month. (Watashi wa) Sengetsu odenwa shimashita.
I e-mailed you on February 8th (Watashi wa) Nigatsu yooka ni e-mail o ookuri shimashita.
I e-mailed you last week. (Watashi wa) Senshuu e-mail o ookuri shimashita.
I e-mailed you last month. (Watashi wa) Sengetsu e-mail o ookuri shimashita.

What is [person's name] e-mail address [Person's name]-san no e-mail to denwa bango o
and telephone number? oshiete kudasai?
I’ll call back later. Mata atode kakemasu.

Page - 158 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Starting a conversation
That's an unusual surname. Where are you from? Mazurashii myouji desu ne. Dochira no
go-shuushin desu ka?
How's business? Bijinesu wa ikaga desu ka?
What's the situation like in your industry? Gyoukai no keiki ( economy) wa ikaga desu ka?

Term Ordinary form Polite form

Your company (anata no) kaisha Onsha
Our company (uchi no) kaisha Heisha

Other words and expressions

Joining a company Nyuusha
I joined the firm in April of last year. Kyounen no shigatsu ni nyuusha shimashita.
A trading company Shousha
An agency, an agent Dairiten
I work for an advertising agency. Watashi wa koukoku daititen ni tsutomete imasu.
I was transferred to the head office this spring. Haru kara honsha e tenkin ni narimashita.
Press conference Kisha kaiken
A model or sample Mihon
Evidence, testimony Shougen
Business, transactions, dealing Torihiki
Clients Torihikisaki ( general term, not used when
talking to them)
Reception room Ousetsushitsu
Management Keiei
Courtesy call Aisatsu
Year-end courtesy call Nenmatsu no go-aisatsu
New Year courtesy call Nenshi no go-aisatsu
Long-standing relationship Nagai tsukiai
Negotiations (to negotiate) Koushou (suru)
Quality Hinshitsu
Investment Toushi
Formation, conclusion Seiritsu
Holiday, day off. Kyuujitsu
Break, intermission Kyuukei
Lunch break Hiru yasumi
A guess or estimate Kentou
A speech or proposal Hatsugen
An opinion or idea Iken

Gratitude and apology

Expressions of gratitude
Thank you for your effort. Otesu (Gomendo)o okake shimashita.
Thank you very much for your kindness. Goshinsetsuni, arigato gozaimashita.
I am awfully grateful for your consideration. Okokorozukai, osoreirimasu.
Thank you. Sumimasen.

Page - 159 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Farewell and goodbye

When you leave the office after work

I'm afraid I must say good-bye now. Osakini shitsurei shimasu.
Thank you very much for your toil. Otsukaresamadeshita.

When you greet your boss who is going to be transferred for a higher position
Congratulations. Omedeto gozaimasu.
I wish you success in your endeavors. Masumasu no gokatsuyaku o oinori shiteorimasu.

When you ask somebody for something

I'm sorry to give you trouble. Osoreirimasu.
Allow me to make you a request. Onegaishimasu.
Would you please do --? -- o onegai dekimasennka.

Application:
Excuse me, but would you please sign your name. Osoreirimasu, sain o onegaishimasu.
Would you please make a copy. Kopi o onegai dekimasenka.

Expressions of declining
I'm very sorry but ... Moushiwake arimasen ga
Some other time, please. Matanokikaini onegaishimasu.
I refuse to do it. Okotowari itashimasu.

Application:
I'm sorry but I would like to consider the new product some other time.
Moushiwake arimasenga, sono shinseihin ni kanshimashite wa mata nokikaini onegaishimasu.

From a close friend…

Thanks. I'm sorry but I've got something on that day. Arigatou. Warui kedo, sono hi ni yotei ( plan)
ga arun da yo.
More polite way to say the same thing…
Thank you. Unfortunately I have something to do that day. Arigatou gozaimashita. Zannen desu ga, sono hi ni
chotto yotei ( plan) ga arimashita.
I'm sorry. Moushiwake gozaimsen.

How to refuse an invitation you've already accepted.…

It's about our appointment tomorrow. Ashita no yakusoku no koto desu kedo.
Something urgent has cropped up and I won't be able to come. Kyuuyou ga dekite, shusseki ( attendance) dekinaku
nattan desu yo.
I'm very sorry. Hontou ni zannen desu ga.

Expressions of refusing a request

I'm sorry I don't know. (Polite way to say, Wakarimasen.- I don't know.) Wakarikanemasu.
I'm sorry I can't do it. (Polite way to say, Dekimasen.- I can't do it.) Itashikanemasu.

Expressions of making a proposal

Page - 160 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

What do you think? Dou omoimasuka.
Do you have any opinion? Nanika iken wa arimasenka.
I How about that? Ikagadeshouka.

Application:
I would like to propose to install one PC per each Hitori 1(ichi) daino pasokon donyu o teian itashimasu.
person. How about that? Do you have any opinion? Ikaga deshoka? Nanika iken wa arimasenka?

NOTE – all the following end in ‘mashita’

Tanomu - Tanomimashita -> REQUEST/ASK
Kotaeru - Kotaemashita -> ANSWER
Sasou - Sasoumashita -> INVITE/ASK
Kotowaru - Kotowarimashita -> DECLINE
Oreii o - Oreii o ii mashita -> THANK/GRATITUDE
- Kikimashita -> QUESTION/ASK

Kunai = Negative form of A(1)-i

Katta = past tense
Kunakatta = past negative tense

ANSWERING THE PHONE

Table of Contents

Hello. Moshi moshi.

Company no [your name]
ie: This is Jon from Business Grow. Business Grow no Jon desu.
Tanabe’s telephone number is 3341 8989. Tanabe-san no denwa bangou wa 3341 no 8989 desu ne.
I’ll call back later. Mata atode kakemasu.

Who would you like to speak to? Dare to o hanashi shitai desuka?
May I have your name please? Dochira sama deshoka?
Would you repeat your name please? Mo ichido o namae onegaishimasu?
Hold on a second please! Sho sho machi kudasai!
Thank you for waiting… Omatase shimashita…
I am afraid (Gary) is in a meeting. Ainiku (gary) wa kaigi chu desu.
I will tell him that you called. Kare ga modorimashitara anata no
denwa o tsutae masu.
A: Bob of NTT Shoji picks up the phone.
B: Sebastian of OK Insatsu who made the phone call.
C: Manager Yamada of NTT Shoji

When you answer an outside call for somebody else

This is NTT Shoji, Eigyobu. NTT Shoji, eigyobu (sales/marketing dept.) de gozaimasu.

Is Manager Yamada in? Yamada bucho wa irasshaimasuka?

May I ask whom I am talking to? Shitsureidesuga, dochirasama deshouka?
I'm sorry. This is Sebastian of OK Insatsu. Shitsurei itashimashita. Watakushi, OK Insatsu no
Sebastian to moushimasu.
You are Sebastian of OK Insatsu, aren't you? OK Insatsu no Sebastian sama de irasshaimasune.
You want to speak to Mr. Yamada, don't you. Bucho no Yamada desune.
Page - 161 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Please hold on. Shosho o-machi kudasai.

I am sorry to have kept you waiting. This is Yamada. Omatase itashimashita Yamada desu.
Thank you very much for your generous patronage. Itsumo osewa ni natte orimasu.

Oh, we also thank you for your generous patronage. Kochirakoso osewa ni natte orimasu.

When your boss is not at his or her desk

A. Moshiwake gozaimasen. Bucho no Yamada wa, tadaima seki o hazushite orimasu. Ikagaita shimashouka?
I'm sorry. Manager Yamada is not at his desk right now. May I help you?
B. Wakarimashita. Sorede wa, nochihodo mata odenwa sasete itadakimasu.
OK. Then, I will call him back later.

If the person can't get to the phone, say one of the following
I'm sorry but she's not here / she's gone out. Sumimasen ga, rusu desu ( is absent)/ dekakete orimasu.
She's not at her desk right now. Ima seki o hazushite imasu.
She's on another line – Denwa chuu desu.
She's in a meeting – Kaigi-chu desu.
She's got a visitor - Raikyaku ( visitor)-chu desu.

Could you please call again later? Ato de mo ichido denwa shite kudasai?
(Gary is) talking on the phone (/on another line) (Gary-san wa) tadaima hoka no denwa
at the moment. ni dete orimasu / Denwa chuu desu.
…..in a meeting. Kaigi chuu desu.
… away from his desk for lunch. Hirugohan ni dekakemashita.
…out of the office. ... Gaishutsuchu dekakemasu.
He has just stepped out. Seki o hazushite imasu.
… will not be back today. Kyou wa modorimasen.
I'm sorry but she's not here / she's gone out. Sumimasen ga, rusu desu ( is absent)/ dekakete orimasu.
He is out of the office. Gaishutsu shite imasu.
She's not at her desk right now. Ima seki o hazushite imasu.
She's got a visitor - Raikyaku ( visitor)-chu desu.
He is out of town. Shutchou shite imasu.
Is there any message? Dengon wa arimasu ka?
I will call back. Mata denwa shimasu.
You have the wrong number. Bangou chigai desu.

Thank you very much for calling! Denwa arigatou gozaimashita!

Phone numbers are said using the individual digits, ichi, ni, san, etc.
A dash between groups of numbers is usually spoken using ‘no’.

Phone card Tereka.

I’ll call back later. Mata atode kakemasu.
Can I speak to Manami-san, please? Manami-san o onegaishimasu?
Is this Yamada-san? Yamada-san desu ka?
Can we talk now? Ima heeki?
I’d like to leave a message. Dengon o onegaishimasu.
He is on the phone at the moment. Tadaima, denwachuu desu.
I will call you later. Nochihodo o-denwa itashimasu.
I’ll call you back later. Atode mata kakenaoshimasu.

Please hold on a minute. Shoushou o-machi kudasai.

Page - 162 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Hello? Sorry to have made you wait. Moshi moshi, o-matase itashimashita.
I’m afraid she is away from her desk right now. Tadaima seki o hazushite orimasu.
(seat/desk be away from)
I see, so she isn’t there? Sou desu ka, irrashaimasen ka.
Do you know when she will be back? Itsu goro modoraremasu ka?
She is in the office, so she should be back soon. Shanai ni orimasu node sugu modorimasu.
Shall she call you when she gets back? Modorimashitara kochira kara o-denwa itashimashou ka?
(when she gets back from this side call you)
No, I’ll be going out soon so.. Iie, sugu demasu node….
(soon, will leave, so…)
I will call her back later. Dewa, mata watahsi kara denwa shimasu.
(again, from me, will call)
I see. Thank you very much (that will be good). Hai, dewa yoroshiku o-negai itashimasu.
Okay, goodbye! Hai, shitsure shimasu.
That sounds difficult (that must be tough). Taihen desu (ne).
That looks interesting. Omoshiroi sou desu (ne).
Sorry for being late. Osoku natte sumimasen.
(has become late, sorry)
Sorry to keep you waiting. O-matase shite sumimasen.
(make you wait, sorry)
I'm sorry, please say that again. Sumimasen. Mou ichido o-negai shimasu.

When the call is for someone else, you can say

Please wait a moment. Ms Sato, there's a call for you. Hai, chotto matte kudasai. Sato-san, denwa haitte imasu.
Excuse me, but may I ask who is calling? Shisurei desu ga, dochira sama deshou ka?

Leaving a message
Table of Contents

Tell him I called. I'll call back later. Denwa ga atta koto o o-tsutae kudasai. Mata o-denwa
shimasu.
Can I leave a message? Dengon, o-negai dekimasu ka?
Please ask her to call as soon as she is free. O-tesuki no toki ni, orikaeshi o-denwa kudasai.
When he's through, ask him to telephone me. Owarimashita, watashi ni denwa o suru you ni o-tsutae
kudasai.

Using your cell phone

Here are some phrases you can use if using your mobile phone….
Excuse me. Do you mind if I take this call? Shitsurei shimasu. Chotto denwa ni demasu no de.
I'm very sorry. Sumimasen.
I'm sorry. A call has just come through that Sumimasen. Doushitemo denai to ikenai denwa ga ima
I have to answer. I'll call you right back. hairimashita. Sugu kakenaoshimasu.
I can't talk long! My batteries are low (about to die). Amari nagaku hanashi wa dekinai! Denchi ga kiresou.
You're breaking up. I can't hear you very well. Denwa ga togirete, yoku kikoenain da kedo.

Page - 163 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Apologizing / Being late to an appointment
Table of Contents

I have a 2pm appointment with [PERSON]. Niji ni [PERSON]-san to yakusoku o shite imasu.
I have come to meet [PERSON] [PERSON]-san ni ai ni kimashita.
Sorry to be late. Osoku narimashita.
I was too busy to make it. Tsugoo ga waruku narimashita.
I’m sorry I’m late. Okurete sumimasen.
I got lost. Mayoi mashita.
I lost the phone number. Denwa bango o nakushimashita.
I lost the map. Chiizu o nakushimashita.
I can’t find the place. Basho ga wakaranai.
I can’t find your office. Anata no jimusho ga wakaranai.
Where are you now? Ima, doko?

Asking for directions

This is Jon. Sorry to be late but I can't find the way. Jon desu. Okurete gomenasai. Michi ga wakaranakute.
I lost the phone number. Denwa bango o nakushimashita.
I lost the map. Chiizu o nakushimashita.
I can’t find the place. Basho ga wakaranai.
I can’t find your office. Anata no jimusho ga wakaranai.
Where are you now? Ima, doko?

Calling in sick
I've got a terrible headache and I'd like to take the Jitsu wa, atama ga itakute, kyou ichi-nichi yasumasete
day off. itadakitain desu ga.
[After boss agrees…]
I'm really sorry. Goodbye. Moushiwake arimasen. Shitsurei shimasu.
Could I please have tomorrow off? Ashita yasumasete moraemasu ka?
Could you possibly let me have tomorrow off? Ashita yasumasete itadakitai no desu ga? [More polite]

Asking permission
Could I please have tomorrow off? Ashita yasumasete moraemasu ka?
Could you possibly let me have tomorrow off? Ashita yasumasete itadakitai no desu ga? [More polite]

Making an appointment
Hello, is that Mr. Yamada? (Division Manager) Moshi moshi. Yamada buchou de irasshaimasu ka?
Yes, speaking. Hai, sou desu.
This is Jon Walsh of Business Grow. Good morning. Business Grow no Jon Walsh de gozaimasu. Ohayou goz..
Good morning. We're very much obliged to you. Ohayou gozaimasu. Itsumo o-sewa ni natte orimasu.
I'm calling because I'd like to come and see you and Jitsu wa, buchou no go-tsugou o kikimashite, aite iru
I wonder when would be convenient. jikan ni demo o-ukagai dekitara to omoimashite.
I see. What's it about? A sou desu. Go-youken wa nan desu ka?
[Give answer…]
[Yamada] All right. When would be convenient? Kekkou desu yo. Itsugoro ga yoroshii desu ka?
Let me see. I would prefer tomorrow or the Sou desu ne. Dochira ka to iu to, ashita ka
day after.
Let's see. I'll be here tomorrow afternoon. E to, sou shimasu to, ashita no gogo nara orimasu.
Then may I come around 2pm tomorrow? Sore de wa, ashita ni-ji goro ukagatte mo yoroshii deshou ka?
Page - 164 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
That's fine. I'll be waiting for you at 2pm tomorrow. Kekko desu. Ashita no gogo, ni-ji, o-machi shite orimasu.
Thank you. Well then, I'll visit you. I look forward Arigatou gozaimasu. Sore de wa, o-ukagai itashimasu.
to seeing you. Goodbye. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu. Shitsurei shimasu.

Asking for someone

Table of Contents

Hello, this is Jon. Can I speak to Yamada? Moshi moshi, Jon desu. Yamada-san, o-negai shimasu.

When calling another organization, you could say

My name is Jon and I'm from Business Grow. Business Grow no Jon desu.
Professor Yamada please. Yamada-kyouju, o-negai shimasu.

Or, more stunningly -

My name is Jon and I'm from Business Grow. Business Grow no Jon to moushimasu ga. Yamada-san.
Professor Yamada please. Yamada-kyouju irasshaimasu ka?

Starting a conversation
I have an inquiry. Chotto o-kiki shitain desu ga.
Sorry to keep phoning you. Tabi tabi sumimasen.
I had a message saying you had called. O-denwa itadaita sou desu ga.
Thank you for just now. (Used when phoning people Saki hodo wa doumo.
Back with the answer, for example, to an inquiry).

Excuse me for calling this late at night. Yabun moushiwake arimasen.

Interrupting someone at work

Table of Contents

Are you busy? O-isogashii desu ka?

Do you have a minute? Chotto yoroshi desu ka?
I have a small favour to ask. Chotto onegai ga arun desu.
I have a question. Shitsumon ga hitotsu arimasu.
Kantan no shitsumon ga arimasu.
Chotto shitsumon ga arimasu.
Excuse me, may I ask you something? (polite) Chotto kagai masuga?
Can I ask you a question? Shitsumon o shite mo ii desu ka?
I have 3 questions. Miitsu shitsumon ga arimasu

Can I check…. Cheku shimashou ka?

Is [this] all right? (asking whether something is appropriate or not) [Kore] de ii desu ka?

Page - 165 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

General phrases
Table of Contents

The work is almost finished. Shigoto wa hotondo owarimashita.

Thank you for your hard work! Gokurousama deshita!
Thank you (expressing gratitude for help received) Okagesama de.
Can I print from your computer? Anata no konpyuuta kara insatsu ga dekimasu ka?
Please bring the report here. Report o motte kitte kudasai.
Please bring the file here. Firu o motte kitte kudasai.
Please bring the coffee here. Kohii o motte kitte kudasai.

Can you do it by 5 o’clock? Go-ji made ni dekimasu ka?

I need it by Tuesday. Kayoubi made ni hitsuyou (need) desu.

Business Japanese
Table of Contents

Head office Honshanka Branch office Shiten

Interview Mansetsu Lunchtime Hiruyasumi
Reception Uketsuki Pay Kyuuryou
Pay day Kyuuryou-bi Material, data, stuff Shiryou
Instruction manual Setsumeishou Rule, regulation Kisoku
Talk, conference Soudan

Written application Moushikomi-shou

Persentation, submission Teishutsu
Attendance, presence Shusseki
I will attend a conference on Monday. Getsuyoubi ni kaigi ni shusseki shimasu.
Publication Shuupan

By the way, how is the new person in your office? Tokorode, atarashii staffu wa dou desu ka?
Shaking hands Akushuu
A means, a way, a step Shuudan
ie: We should think of a different method. Betsu no shuudan o kangaeru beki desu.
Business; an engagement; work Youji

He/She is my…..
Boss Joushi Senior Sempai
Subordinate Buka Junior Kouhai

Just before a meeting starts

May I have your attention. It’s time to start. Hai, soredewa hajimemasu.

Visiting a client's office

I've been expecting you. I'm Jon. O-machi shite orimashita. Jon desu.
Thank you for making time to see me today. Kyou wa o-isogashii tokoro, arigatou gozaimasu.
Not at all. Come this way. Tondemo nai desu. Kochira e douzo.

Page - 166 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Taking clients out to dinner
To start with shall we have some beer? Mazu, biiruni shimashou ka?
It's dreadfully hot. Atsukute tamaranai desu yo.
On the other hand, it's pleasant in winter. Sono ippou

Leaving somewhere
When it's time to go, look at your watch and say the magic words – Mou soro soro ('It's about time to go.'

Thank you for having us over. Thank you for the meal. Doumo, o-jama shimashita. Taihen gochisousama.
Can't you stay longer? Mada iin' ja nain' desu ka?
I have to get up early tomorrow morning. Ashita hayai mon' desu kara.
Then please come again. Sore dewa, zehi mata o-dekake kudasai.
Come and visit us next time. Kondo wa uchi ni oide kudasai.
Excuse me but I've got to go. [Said to other guests.] O-saki ni shitsurei shimasu.

About [Subject] [Subject]…. ni tsuite

Place of birth shushinchi
Or mata wa または
Purpose mokuteki もくてき
Impression inshou いんしょう
Self introduction jikoshoukai じこしょうかい
Trainee kenshuusei けんしゅうせい
Commonplace, ordinary arifureta ありふれた
Do you know - ? gozonji ごぞんじ
Export section/department yushuutsubu ゆしゅつぶ
This occasion kono tabi このたび
Head office honsha ほんしゃ
It’s been decided that… kono ni naru ことになる
In one’s university days daigaku jidai 大学じだい

Computer terminology
Computer コンピュ–タ
Client PC クライエント PC
Install インスト–ル
Device デバイス
User ユ–ザ
Portal ポ–タル
Data デ–タ
Maintenance メンテナンス
Center センタ–

Page - 167 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

More office vocabulary
Basic Business Japanese page ref:
Lunch Shokuji
Office, firm Jimusho 13
Law Hooritsu 13
Law firm Hooritsu jimusho 13
Construction Kensetsu 13
Superior, boss Jooshi 15

Orimasu Imasu (humble) 15

Department manager Buchou 21
Sales Eigyou 21
Department bu 21
Sales/marketing department Eigyou-bu 21
Real estate Fudousan 21
Accounting department Keiri-bu 21
Public relations Kouhou 21
Life (insurance) Seimei (hoken) 21
Oil, petroleum Sekiyu 21
Confirmation go-kakunin
Disposal, dealing go-shori
Let’s do itashimashou
Solution kaiketsu
Let’s consider kangaemashou
Again, one more time mou ichido
Plan Saku
Both sides Souhou
After Ue
Or: After Ikou
Suitable Yoi
Someone Donata ka
Morning gozen
In, during chuu
In the morning Gozen chuu
Secretary Hisho
Was told iwaremashita
Have motsu
For the most part, mainly omo ni
Was done (passive form of suru) saremashita
Do (te form of sareru [polite suru] sarete
Deal with atsukatte imasu
Tell (te form of hanasu) hanashite
Law hou
Corporate law Kaisha-hou
Client, customer o-kyakusan

Types of company
Trading company Shousha Real Estate Fudosan
Subsidiary Kogaisha Trading company Shousha
Real Estate Fudosan Head office Honshanaka
Branch office Shiten

Page - 168 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Departments
Department bu Accounting department Keiri-bu
Sales/marketing dept. Eigyou-bu Public Relations Kouhou bu

INTERNAL E-MAIL MESSAGES

Thank you for your help. Otsukare-sama desu.
I'm attaching the data. Deeta o tenpu shimasu.
If you have any questions, please reply to me today. Shitsumon nado arimashitara, kyou-ju ni go-henshin o
o-negai shimasu.
I appreciate your cooperation. Yoroshiku o-negai shimasu.

Thank you for your help. Otsukare-sama desu.

I have finished the market survey and am sending it. Shijou chousa ga dekimashita no de, soufu shimasu.
Please check the contents and give your approval. Naiyou o kakunin no ue, go-shounin negaimasu.

EXTERNAL E-MAIL MESSAGES

Thank you very much for making time to see us… Honjitsu wa o-isigashii naka, wazawaza o-jikan o itadaki
today when you are so busy. makoto ni arigatou gozaimashita.
Regarding the points that you raised… Konkai, go-shiteki itadakimashita ten wa….

If there is anything else, please contact me at any time. Mata, nanika gozaimashitara, itsudemo go-renraku kudasai.
We look forward to your continued association. Kongotomo, yoroshiku o-negai itashimasu.

MORE E-MAIL LANGUAGE

To everyone / to all members Minasama / Kai-in no minasama.
I am sending this message from Tokyo. Toukyou kara meeru o okutte imasu.

Then add one of these follow-up phrases.

We are very much obliged to you. Itsumo o-sewa ni natte orimasu.
いつもお世話になっております。
Thank you for your message/mail. Meeru arigatou gozaimashita.
メール お ありがとうございました。

Then state the reason for your message, and any other points you want to make:

This is the first time I am contacting you. Hajimete meeru sasete itadakimasu.
初めて メール させて いただきます。
This is to report on the meeting the other day. Senjitsu no kaigi ni tsuite, go-houkoku shimasu.
先日 の 会議 に ついて、ご報告します。
This is to let you know how things are progressing. Shinchoku joukyou nit suite, o-shirase shimasu.
進捗 状況 に ついて、お知らせします。
Sorry to trouble you, but please reply by return. O-tesuu desu ga, orikaeshi go-henshin o o-negaishimasu.
お手数 ですが、 折り返し ご返信
お お願いします。
No need to reply. Henshin fuyou desu.
返信 不要 です。

Page - 169 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Closing phrases:

Please give this your kind consideration. Yoroshiku o-negaishimasu.

よろしく お願いします。
I ask for your consideration/cooperation. Go-kentou/go-kyouryoku yoroshiku o-negaishimasu.
ご検討 / ご協力 よろしく お願いします。

Page - 170 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

LET’S DO STUFF!
Table of Contents

To suggest doing something, change the masu ending of the doing word to mashou (= let’s).

MASHOU form – is used to ask for a listener’s opinion with respect to an activity to be undertaken together,
or to suggest that the listener and speaker do something together.

Examples:
Let’s drink some coffee. Kohii o nimimashou.
Let’s take a little break. Sukoshi yasumimashou.
Let’s go to the coffee shop over there & drink something. Ano kissaten e itte nani ka nomimashou.
Shall I call you tomorrow morning? Ashita no asa denwa shimashou ka?
Where shall we eat tonight? Konban doko de tabemashou ka?
Let’s cook! Gohan o tsukuri mashou! Or Ryoori o shimashou!
Let’s eat! (Gohan o) tabemashou! / tabeyou!
Shall we eat? Bangohan o tabemashou ka?
I will go. Watashi ga ikou/ikimasu.
Shall I go there? Watashi ga ikimashou ka?
Shall we go by car? Kuruma de ikimashou ka?
I will do it. Watashi ga shimashou.
Let’s go to Ginza. Ginza e ikimashou.
Let’s return home. Uchi ni kaerimashou.

Other examples:
Let’s have a party! Paatii o shimashou!
Let’s go to the cinema on Saturday. Doyoubi ni eigakan ni ikimashou. (ni means ‘to’)
Let’s go shopping tomorrow. Ashita kaimono ni ikimashou.
Shall we go to the cinema on Saturday? Doyobi ni eigakan ni ikimashou ka ?
Shall we go for a drive next (week) Sunday? Raishuu no nichiyobi ni doraibu ni ikimashou ka ?
Shall I come tomorrow? Ashita mo kimashou ka?
Shall I lend you my umbrella? Kasa o kashimashou ka?

GIFT GIVING
Table of Contents

Souvenir. Omiyage.
This gift is for you. Kono omiyage wa anata ni desu.
Please accept this gift. Douzo, kono omiyage o osamate kudasai.
This is also from New Zealand. Kore mo New Zealand kara desu.

At the front door

This is a small present for you. Ano, kore douzo.
It’s only a small gift. Tsumaranai mono desu ga.
What a nice gift! Keekoo mono o.

Page - 171 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

OFFERING A GIFT
This is a trifling thing. Tsumaranai mono desu ga.
It is only a small amount. Honno wazuka desu ga.
It's only a small token. Kokoro-bakari no mono desu ga.

New Year postcard Nengajou

Stock phrases:
Happy New Year Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu.
Looking forward to continuing our acquaintance Honnen mo yoroshiku o-negai moushiagemasu.
this year.
With sincere wishes for a very happy new year. Honnen mo shiawase ouki toshi de arimasu you.

Page - 172 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Expressions and verbs for giving and receiving
Table of Contents

[From p115 of Systematic Japanese book]

Speaker or Listener,
speaker’s party Listener’s party,
or third party

To a subordinate yaru
GIVE

To an equal ageru

To a superior sashi-ageru

From a subordinate or equal morau kureru

RECEIVE

GIVE
From a superior itadaku kudasaru

Agemasu and Kuremasu mean to give.

- AGEMASU is used when ‘someone gives something to someone else’ (not to you)
Shall I give you this book? Kono hon o agemashou ka?
Carl often gives a movie ticket to Ken. Carl-san wa Ken-san ni yoku eiga no kippu o agemasu.
I gave Mr Lee a shirt. Watashi wa Lee-san ni shatsu o agemashita.
I gave my mother a sweater. (Watashi wa) Haha ni seetaa o agemashita.
I gave my father some tea. (Watashi wa) Chichi ni ocha o agemashita.
Mary gave John a map. Mary-san wa John-san ni chizu o agemashita.
Mr Yamada gave flowers to Ms. Kimura. Yamada-san wa Kimura-san ni hana o agemashita.
I gave chocolates to Ms. Sato. Watashi wa Sato-san ni chocolate o agemashita.
I gave Mr Taylor some sake. Watashi wa Taylor-san ni sake o ageta.
I gave a present to my son. Musuko ni purezento o yarimashita.
I gave a present to my friend. Tomodachi ni purezento o agemashita.
I gave a present to my teacher. Sensei ni purezento o sashi-agemashita.
My friend gave me a present. Tomodachi wa watashi ni purezento o kuremashita.
I received a present from my friend. Tomodachi (ni/kara) wa watashi ni purezento o
moraimashita.
My teacher gave me a present. Sensei wa watashi ni purezento o kudasai-mashita.
I received a present from my teacher. Sensei (ni/kara) wa watashi ni purezento o itadaki-
mashita.
I gave the dog some meat. Inu ni niku o yarimashita.
I will give you (a child) a cake. Okashi o agemasu.
My daughter gave some flowers to the guest. Musume wa okyaku-sama ni hana o sashiagemashita.
Please give me 5 apples. Ringo o itsutsu kudasai.
Page - 173 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Please give me three bottles of beer. Biiru o san-bon kudasai.

- KUREMASU is used when ‘someone gives something to me or my family member’

ie: WHEN SOMEONE ELSE GIVES TO US, use kuremasu:

STRUCTURE: Noun o kuremasu To give

My mother gave me this bag on my birthday. Tanjoubi ni haha ga kono kaban o kuremashita.
Mrs Smith gave a beautiful shirt to my younger sister. Sumisu-san wa imooto ni kirei na shatsu o kuremashita.
Mr Smith gave me a shirt. Sumisu-san wa watashi ni shatsu o kuremashita.
My mother gave it to me. (Watashi wa) Haha ga watashi ni kuremashita.
This is the book my friend gave me. Kore wa tomodachi ga kureta (gave) hon desu.
Ms. Sato gave me a Christmas card. Sato-san wa watashi ni Kurisumasu-kaado o kureta.
Ms. Sato gave candies to my younger sister. Sato-san wa imooto ni o-kashi o kuremashita.
Who gave you chocolate? Dare ga anata ni chocolate o kuremashita ka?
A friend of mine gave my younger sister chocolate. Tomodachi wa imooto ni chocolate o kuremashita.
Mr Okawa gave me a book. Okawa-san wa hon o kuremashita.
What did Bill give to you? Bill-san wa nani o kuremashita ka?
David gave my daughter a record. David-san wa watashi no musume ni record o kureta.

GIVING:
Buchou: ‘Agemasu’
Watashi wa Friend: ‘Agemasu’
Kodomo: ‘Yarimasu’

RECEIVING:
Buchou ni: ‘Itadakimasu’
Watashi wa Tomodachi ni: ‘Moraimasu’
Kodomo ni: ‘Moraimasu’

Moraimasu means ‘to receive, get, be given’ (Dictionary form is ‘morau’)

I received this gift from my older sister. Kore wa ane kara moraimashita.
I received Japanese sweets from Yoshiko. Yoshiko-san (ni/kara) Nihon no okashi o moraimashita.
I received a letter from my friend in America. Amerika ni iru tomodachi kara tegami o moraimashita.
Could I get this catalog? Kono katarogu o moraimasu ka?
I was lent some money by a friend. Tomodachi kara okane o kashite moraimashita.
I received a watch from my friend. Watashi no tomodachi kara tokei o moraimashita.
Jon received a record from his friend. Jon-san wa tomodachi ni record o moraimashita.
Father received a bonus from the company. Chichi wa kaisha kara bonasu o moraimashita.
Carl received flowers from Emi. Carl-san wa Emi-san ni hana o moraimashita.
Carl received beer from Tony. Carl-san wa Tony-san ni biiru o moraimashita.
What did you receive from Karen? Karen-san ni nani o moratta no?

Compare the above to:

Yoshiko gave me Japanese sweets. Yoshiko-san ga Nihon no okashi o kuremashita.

It is a beautiful card, isn’t it? Kirei na kaado desu ne.

Page - 174 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Did you get it from somebody?. Dareka ni morattan desu ka?

N-1 wa N-2 ni N-3 o yarimasu/yaru

N-1 gives N-3 to N-2. (person, animal or plant)
This form is generally used only when the speaker talks about his/her family to others.
I gave a dictionary to my younger sister. Watashi wa imooto ni jisho o yarimashita.
Mrs Sugahara gives water to the flowers every morning. Sugahara-san wa maiasa hana ni mizu o yarimasu.
I gave chocolates to my wife. Watashi wa tsuma ni chocolates o yarimasu.

LENDING:
Ken lent some money to Tom. Ken-san wa Tom-san ni okane o kashite agemashita.
I lent Ms. Kimura a book. Watashi wa Kimura-san ni hon o kashite agemashita.
Tom had Ken lend him some money. Tom-san wa Ken-san ni okane o kashite moraimashita.

HONORIFIC and HUMBLE TERMS

Table of Contents

Sashiageru is the humble form of ageru and is used when someone gives something to his/her superior.
Kudasaru is the honorific form of kureru and is used in the context of ‘someone who is my superior gives
something to me or a member of my family.
Itadaku is the humble form of morau and is used when someone receives something from his/her superior.

STRUCTURE:
Noun o itadakimasu
kudasaimasu
yarimasu

Examples: (all of these are past tense)

(I) received a present from my friend. (Watashi wa) tomodachi ni present o moraimashita.
(I) received a present from the general manager. (Watashi wa) buchou ni present o itadakimashita.
My friend gave me a present. Tomodachi wa watashi ni present o kuremashita.
The general manager gave me a present. Buchou wa watashi ni present o kudasaimashita.
I gave a present to my friend. Watashi wa tomodachi ni present o agemashita.
I gave a present to a child. Watashi wa kodomo ni present o yarimashita.

STRUCTURE:
Te-form + itadakimasu
kudasaimasu
yarimasu

I borrowed a book from my friend. Tomodachi ni hon o kashite moraimashita.

I had the meal prepared by the manager’s wife. Kachou no okusan ni ryouri o tsukutte itadakimashita.
The manager’s wife prepared a meal (for me). Kachou no okusan wa (watashi ni) ryouri o tsukutte
kudasaimashita.
My friend lent me a book. Tomodachi wa (watashi ni) hon o kashite kuremashita.
I showed photos to my friend. Watashi wa tomodachi ni shashin o misete agemashita.
I showed photos to my son. Watashi wa musuko ni shashin o misete yarimashita.

Page - 175 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

GIVING and RECEIVING - Honorific and humble terms
Table of Contents

Sashiageru is the humble form of ageru and is used when someone gives something to his/her superior.
Kudasaru is the honorific form of kureru and is used in the context of ‘someone who is my superior gives
something to me or a member of my family.
Itadaku is the humble form of morau and is used when someone receives something from his/her superior.

Examples:
We gave our teacher a birthday present. Watashi-tachi wa sensei ni o-tanjoubi no purezento o
sashiagemashita.
What did the teacher give you? Sensei wa anata ni nani o kudasaimashita?
My teacher gave me a Japanese dictionary. Sensei ga watashi ni nihongo no jisho o kudasaimashita.
The section chief gave a book to my child. Kachou wa watashi no kodomo ni hon o
kudasaimashita.

I received a kabuki ticket from Hanako’s parents. Hanako-san no go-ryoushin ni kabuki no kippu o
itadakimashita.
Carl received a watermelon from the section chief. Carl-san wa kachou ni suica o itadakimashita.

SENTENCE STRUCTURES
[NAME wa]  WHEN  WHERE or WHAT  ACTION WORD (Verb)

WORD ORDER
In general, standard word order for Japanese when using an action verb is as shown below.
SUBJECTs are put in brackets to stress that they are very often deleted.

[SUBJECT]+TIME+PLACE/IMPLEMENT+INDIRECT OBJECT+OBJECT+ACTION VERB

[Watashi wa] ashita gakkou de sensei ni purezento wo agemasu.

([I'm] going to give a present to [my] teacher at school tomorrow.)

For an existence verb it is:

[SUBJECT]+TIME+LOCATION+EXISTENCE VERB

Takahashi wa ima honsha ni iru. (Takahasi is in the main office right now.)

For a motion verb it is:

[SUBJECT]+TIME+ORIGIN+ROUTE+DESTINATION+MOTION VERB

[Watakushi wa] ashita paatii ni iku. ([I'm] going to a party tomorrow.)

IMPORTANT: Word order before the verb and the particles that nouns take depend on the verb type:
action, existence or motion.

The particle before the ACTION WORD will be different depending on WHEN, WHERE and WHAT.

Page - 176 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Also, in Japanese, the subject is often not spoken when it is apparent.
For example, the sentence in English, I'll have a beer will be, Biiru o nomimasu.
You don't have to say Watashi wa as it is so apparent.

Ikimasu = go Kimasu = come Kaerimasu = return

These are used in the following examples:

Ni means to and comes after the place you are going to.
ie: Furansu ni = to France resutoran ni = to a restaurant.

David is going to a restaurant. David san wa resutoran ni ikimasu.

Yuko is coming to my house. Yuko-san wa watashi no uchi ni kimasu.

Where are you going tomorrow? Ashita doko ni ikimasu ka?

You answer by replacing doko with the place, keeping the same sentence order, ie:
I’m going back to France tomorrow. Ashita Furansu ni kaerimasu.
I’m going to a Japanese class tomorrow. Ashita Nihongo kurasu ni ikimasu.

I’m going to Tokyo tomorrow. Ashita Tookyo ni ikimasu.

Where does Mr Yamaguchi go everyday? Yamaguchi-san wa mainichi doko ni ikimasu ka?
Mr Yamaguchi goes to work everyday. Yamaguchi-san wa mainichi shigoto ni ikimasu.

Or more simply:
He goes to work. Shigoto ni ikimasu. (work, goes)
To express I don’t…. (the negative) in Japanese you change masu to masen. Eg:

I don’t drink coffee. Kohii o nomimasen.

I don’t eat breakfast. Asogohan o tabemasen.
I’m not going to work tomorrow. Ashita shigoto ni ikimasen.

You can politely invite someone to do something by adding ka to the negative form, eg:

Would you like to (lit. won’t you) drink some coffee? Kohii o nomimasen ka?
Would you like to eat some pizza? Pizza o tabemasenka?

Would you like to come to my house? Watashi no uchi ni kimasen ka?

= [to my house, won’t you come?] = same sentence structure as above: WHERE  VERB
This phrase literally means Won’t you come to my house?

When suggesting dates or times to do an activity, you can use the phrase … wa dou desu ka?
(how about..?) eg:
How about this (week) Saturday? Konshuu no doyoubi wa dou desu ka?

How about Tuesday? Kaiyoubi wa dou desu ka?

How about 6 o’clock? Roku-ji wa dou desu ka?
How about tomorrow? Ashita wa dou desu ka?

To say yes , use …wa ii desu (it’s fine). Eg:

Tuesday is fine. Kayoubi wa ii desu.
6 o’clock is fine. Roku-ji wa ii desu.

To refuse politely, use …wa chotto (it’s a bit….).

Eg: Tomorrow’s a bit…… Ashita wa chotto….
Next week is a bit…… Raishuu wa chotto….
Wednesday? Wednesday’s a bit… Suiyobi desu ka? Suiyobi wa chotto…
Page - 177 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
When you trail off your sentence like this, your listener will know that it’s inconvenient to you.

I’m going with a friend to a restaurant Tomodachi (=friend) to resutoran ni ikimasu

To means and when you link 2 objects, ie:
May I have coffee and milk please? Kohii to miruku o kudasai?
May I have pizza and beer please? Pizza to biiru o kudasai?

To can also have the meaning with , eg:

With my friend tomodachi to
With Dave Dave-san to
With my giraffe Watashi no giraffe to

NOTE: to comes after the person you do something with, eg:

I study with Yuko. Yuko-san to benkyou shimasu.
Bruce is going to watch a movie with Yuko. Bruce-san wa Yuko-san to eiga o mimasu.
I am going shopping with Carl. Carl-san to kaimono o shimasu.
I am going to Egypt with my giraffe. Watashi no giraffe to Egypt ni ikimasu.

SAMPLE CONVERSATION
You: Hello! Konnichiwa!
Friend: Hello! Konnichiwa!
You: Would you like to come to my house next week? Raishuu no uchi ni kimasen ka?
Friend: That sounds nice. I’d love to go. Ii desu ne! Yorokonde ikimasu.
You: How about Wednesday? Suyoubi wa dou desu ka?
Friend: Wednesday? Wednesday’s a bit… Suyoubi desu ka? Suyoubi wa chotto…
You: How about Thursday then? Mokuyoubi wa dou desu ka?

TEST: Change these sentences into suggestions or invitations according to the information
in the brackets:
Ashita resutoran ni ikimasu (shall we?)  Shall we go to a restaurant tomorrow?  Ashita resutoran ni
ikimashou ka?

Raishu watashi no uchi ni kimasu (would you like to?)  Would you like to come to my house next week?
 Raishu watashi no uchi ni kimasen ka?
Konban eiga o mimasu (let’s)  Let’s go to the movies this evening  Konban eiga o mimashou ka?

DESCRIBING PAST ACTIVITIES

Last week I went to Kyoto Senshuu Kyoto ni ikimashita

REMEMBER THE SENTENCE STRUCTURE:

[NAME wa]  WHEN  WHERE or WHAT  ACTION WORD (Verb)

SAMPLE CONVERSATION:
Takeshi: I went to Kyoto last week.  Senshu Kyoto ni ikimashita.
Anne: That sounds nice! How did you get there?  Ii desu ne! Nan de ikimashita ka?
Page - 178 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Takeshi: I went by shinkansen from Tokyo station.  Tokyo eki kara shinkansen de ikimashita.
It takes about 5 hours. Kyoto made go-jikan gurai kakarimashita.
Anne: What did you do in Kyoto?  Kyoto de nani o shimashita ka?
Takeshi: Ate pizza and drank beer. Pizza o tabete biiru o nomimashita.

Other examples:
Yesterday Anne studied Japanese. Ann-san wa kinou Nihongo o benkyoo shimashita.
Scott came to Japan last year. Scott-san wa kyonen Nihon ni (= to) kimashita.

What did you do in Kyoto? Kyoto de nani o shimashita ka?

NOTE: To say where an activity happens or happened (place of action) you use de, meaning in or at.
You say de after the place.
Eg: In Kyoto Kyoto de At home Uchi de
At a restaurant resutoran de At the movies Eigakan de

Mr Sugahara read a newspaper at home. Sugahara-san wa uchi de shimbun o yomimashita.

Note again the sentence structure: [NAME wa]  WHEN  WHERE or WHAT  ni ACTION
WORD (Verb)
Chris ate breakfast in the park. Chris-san wa kouen de asogohan o tabemashita.
Carl drank beer in the pub. Carl-san wa pub de biiru o nomimashita.
Karen wrote letters in the café. Karen-san wa kissaten de tegami o kakimashita.

NEGATIVE TENSE
To say is not, am not, are not, etc in Japanese, you use ‘ja arimasen’, or the more polite version:
‘dewa arimasen’

No, he is not Tony. Iie, Tony-san ja arimasen.

It is not a watch. Tokei ja arimasen.
It is not January. It is February. Ichigatsu ja arimasen. Nigatsu desu.
It is not 6pm. It is 5pm. Rokku-ji ja arimasen. Go-ji desu.

PAST TENSE
To say was or were in Japanese, change desu to deshita, eg:
My father was a Dentist. Chichi wa haisha deshita.
My teacher was French. Sensei wa Furansu-jin deshita.
I was a Writer. Writer deshita.

To talk about past events and activities: change the masu ending to mashita, eg:
I went to Kyoto. Kyoto ni ikimashita (remember ‘ni’ means ‘to’)
I drank some coffee. Kohii o nomimashita.
I watched TV. Terebi o mimashita.
I did the shopping. Kaimono o shimashita.
Did you go shopping? Anata wa kaimono o shimashita ka?
Page - 179 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
NEGATIVE PAST TENSE
To say wasn’t or weren’t in Japanese, use ja arimasen deshita, (or dewa arimasen deshita).

Here is a list of expressions to refer to:

PRESENT PAST NEGATIVE NEGATIVE PAST
Am/is/are was/were am not/is not/are not was not/were not
Desu deshita ja/dewa arimasen ja/dewa arimasen deshita
I am in Tokyo. Watashi wa Tokyo ni imasu.
I was in Tokyo. Watashi wa Tokyo ni imashita.
I am not in Tokyo. Watashi wa Tokyo ni imasen.
I was not in Tokyo. Watashi wa Tokyo ni imasen deshita.

PLAIN (Conversational) FORM

PRESENT Form Negative Form KATTA NAKATTA
Jisho NAI Past Form Past Negative
(ie: it Was..) Form
VERB Jisho - ie: for Plain ―ない (nai) ―た (ta) ― な か っ た
Form, convert verbs to Change て to ‘ta’ (nakatta)
Jisho form ie: tabemasen -> tabenai
A1 ―い (i) ―くない (kunai) ―かった(katta) ―くなかった
If an A1 adjective ends in (kunakatta)
い, ie: hosoi (desu), then ie: Furui -> Furukunai ie: Furui -> ie: Furui ->
the plain form is just the Furukatta Furukunakatta
adjective, ie: hosoi.
A2 ―だ (da) ― で は な い ―だった (datta) ―ではなかった
ie: Suteki da (dewanai)/ (dewanakatta) /
Genki da じゃない (janai) ie: Genki datta じゃなかった
Benri da (janakatta)
ie: yasumijanai ie: Himajanakatta
NOUN ―だ (da) ― で は な い ―だった (datta) ―ではなかった
(dewanai)/ (dewanakatta) /
ie: Yasumi da じゃない (janai) じゃなかった
ie: Yasumi janai (janakatta)

ENGLISH Masu (Polite) Form Plain (Casual) Form

Yes Hai/ee うん (un)
No Iie ううん (uun) or
いや (iya - men)

PRESENT
A2 Desu Da
ie: Shinsetsu desu ie: Shinsetsu da
Desu yo Da yo (or just yo)
Desu ne Da ne (or just ne)
Desu ka? Seems to just disappear
Sou desu ka? Sou? (rising intonation)
Dewa Ja
Ikimasu Iku (Jisho form)

Page - 180 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

 Kimasu Kuru (Jisho form)
Kaerimasu Kaeru (Jisho form)
Shimasu Suru (Jisho form)
Demasu Deru (Jisho form)
Yomimasu Yomu (Jisho form)
Arimasu Aru (Jisho form)
Imasu Iru (Jisho form)
A1 Takai desu Takai (because it is A1 ending in ‘i’)
A2 Jouzo desu Jouzo da (because it is A2)
Where is [PLACE]? [PLACE] wa doko desu ka? [PLACE] wa doko?
What will you have to drink? Nani o nomimasu ka? Nani o nomu?
What will you eat for dinner? Bangohan wa nani o tabemasu ka? Bangohan wa nani o taberu?
What will you do? Nani o shimasu ka? Nani o suru?
What did you do? Nani o shimashita ka? Nani o shita?
Will you read this book? Hon o yomimasu ka? Hon o yomu?
I want to drink Nomitai desu Nomitai
Please write Kaite kudasai Kaite
Are you free tonight? Konban hima?
Yes, I am Un, hima (da yo)
No, I am not free Uun, hima dewa nai
Are you free now? Ima hima?
What are you doing now? Ima nani shiteru
This apple is tasty, isn’t it? Kono ringo wa oishii ne?
Is there a pair of scissors there? Soko ni hasami (ga) aru?
Do you have a dictionary? Jisho motte iru?
Yes I do Un, motte iru
No I don’t Uun, motte nai
Is that curry & rice tasty? Sono karee-raisu (wa) oishii?
Yes, it’s hot but tasty. Un, karai kedo, oishii

NEGATIVE Dewa arimasen Dewanai / Janai

ie: suteki dewa arimasen ie: suteki janai (or: suteki dewa nai
Won’t you go? Ikimasen ka? Ikanai? (rising intonation)
Won’t you eat? Tabemasen ka? Tabenai? (rising intonation)
Won’t you drinko? Nomimasen ka? Nomanai? (rising intonation)
Won’t you read? Yomimasen ka? Yomanai? (rising intonation)
A1 Issho ni V masenka? Issho ni V nai ?
ie: Issho ni Tabemasenka? Issho ni tabenai?
A1 (good) ii Yokunai

PAST – for most of these Deshita Datta (だった)

(all the verbs), change the end ie: Joubu deshita Joubu datta
of the て form to ‘ta’
Deshita ka? Datta? (rising intonation)
VERB Ikimashita I-ta (いった)
VERB Ikimashita ka? I-ta? (rising intonation)
VERB Mimashita Mita
VERB Mimashita ka? Mita? (rising intonation)
VERB Demashita De_ta

Page - 181 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

VERB Shite imasu ka? Shite i_ta?
VERB Arimashita A_ta
VERB Shimashita Shita
VERB Shimashita ka? Shita? (rising intonation)
VERB Kaimashita Katta
VERB Kaimashita ka? Katta? (rising intonation)
VERB Nomimashita Nonda
VERB Nomimashita ka? Nonda? (rising intonation)
VERB Tabemashita Tabeta
VERB Tabemashita ka? Tabeta? (rising intonation)
A1 N wa dou deshita ka? N wa dou datta? (rising
intonation)
A1 (good) ii Yokatta

Did you eat? Gohan o tabemashita ka? Gohan tabeta?

After I ate dinner, I watched Bangohan o tabeta ato, terebi o
TV mita.

PAST Dewa arimasen deshita Dewanakatta / Janakatta

(ではなかった)・（じゃなかった）
NEGATIVE ie: Joubu dewa arimasen deshita Joubu ja nakatta
(or Joubu dewa nakatta)

VERB / Have eaten Tabemasen deshita Tabenakatta

VERB / have been Ikimasen deshita Ikanakatta
NOUN / I am French Furansu-jin desu Furansu-jin da
A1 / How is your job? Shigoto wa dou desu ka? Shigoto wa dou? (rising intonation)
(‘Desu ka?’ disappears)
Demasu Denaka_ta
I came Kimasen deshita Konaka_ta

Thank you Arigatou gozaimasu Arigatou

A1 / Good ii Yokunakatta

As I have a stomach ache Onaka ga itai desu kara, byouin e Onaka ga itai kara, byouin e iku.
I will go to the hospital. ikimasu.
Japanese food is Nihon no tabemono wa oishii Nihon no tabemono wa oishii,
delicious but expensive. desu ga, takai desu. takai.

Page - 182 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Example plain form questions
Q: Biru o nonda? Have you drunk a beer?
A: ee, nonda Yes, I have drunk.

Q: Shinbun o yonda? Did you read the newspaper?

Q: Tenisu o shita? Did you play tennis?

Q: Denwa o kakeru? Are you talking on the phone?

A: Denwa kakenai No.

Q: Kinou nani o shita? (rising intonation) What did you do yesterday?

A: Nihongo no benkyo o shite, terebi o mita. I studied Japanese and watched TV.

I bought a mikan. (Masu form) Mikan o kaimashita.

I bought a mikan. (Plain form) Mikan o kata.
Have you bought a mikan? (Plain form) Mikan o kata? (rising intonation)

Did you drink a coffee? (Masu form) Kohii o nomimashita ka?

Did you drink a coffee? (Plain form) Kohii o nonda?

DELETIONS
Table of Contents

How to shorten sentences and sound more colloquial

Usually, you don't have to worry about whether to use wa or ga, because most subjects can usually be deleted.
You can't get something wrong, if you leave it out in the first place.
So we'll work on the parts of sentences that you can delete, starting with subjects.

If you turn to a Japanese and suddenly make a statement:

Ashita paatii ni iku. ([I'm] going to the party tomorrow.)

The listener will *naturally* assume the subject is you. So don't bother supplying any subject.
To do so, in fact, is not natural; a Japanese wouldn't normally do it.

If you turn to a Japanese and suddenly ask a question:

Ashita paatii ni iku? ([Are you] going to the party tomorrow?)

The listener will assume the subject is himself or herself. Easy! Most one-on-one conversations where you or the
listener is the subject *don't need an explicit subject*. No chance of screwing up wa/ga here.

If you suddenly turn to a Japanese and want to make a statement or ask a question about some other person
altogether, use wa after that person's name or title the first time you mention that person:

Page - 183 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Shachoo wa, ashita paatii ni iku? (Is the shachoo going to the party tomorrow?)

Let's just say the wa introduces a change in subject. This time it signals a change from the default you the listener
to the shachoo. After you establish that you're talking about the president you can
go back to dropping subjects again:

Sono ato wa, kaeru ka na?

(Is he going home after that?—again, there is some vagueness added with ka na (I wonder).

Don't be too forward making assumptions about other people. This trick also stops the listener from thinking
the question is back to being about themself. There's a strong tendency for questions to erase understood info
and you have to signal that things are unchanged. Usually you play with the verb a little bit to get this across.
Note that the change in time being talked about was also signaled with a wa.)

Note that this tendency to delete in Japanese parallels the point where an English native speaker would use plain
pronouns like, I, you, he, she, they. When you start a comment about yourself, you use I
(Japanese people delete). When you ask about the listener, you use you (Japanese people delete).
When you've first established someone and then keep going with that person, you use he or she (Japanese
people delete). See? Simple. So don't go around using watakushi, anata, kare and kanojo all the time. Use
them the first time only and then get rid of them.

Deleting other established information

Just like with subjects, any info that's been established can be deleted, and any changes in established info
can be signalled using wa:

Ashita paatii ni iku? ([Are you] going to the party tomorrow?)

Un, anata wa?

(Yeah, how about you?-- info about paatii ni and iku unchanged, therefore deleted.
Subject changed to original questioner, so the change is signaled with wa.)

Un-n, ikanai
(No, I'm not going.--info about paatii ni still deleted, iku comes back as ikanai because it has changed form.)

Sono ato no eiga wa?

(How about the movie afterwards?--the established info paatii changed to eiga so we use wa to establish the
change in understood information. Understood info that *hasn't* changed is still left out, like the subject boku
and the action iku.)

Un-n, ikanai.

This is pretty much how deletions work whether it be subjects or something else. In general, always go for
deletions if possible. This section also serves the purpose of giving you a feel for wa.

Page - 184 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Keigo - Honorific expressions
Table of Contents

See more examples in Systematic Japanese book from P118

Sonkeigo
– Deferential expressions – used to describe the listener, things connected with him & his actions (or the
person being referred to) in a way that shows the respect of the speaker for the listener.

Conversion rules
Group 1: Change the ‘i’ sound to a ‘a’ sound and add ‘re’ directly afterwards.
ie: Ikimasu  Ikaremasu
Group 2: Just add ‘rare’
ie: Okimasu  Okiraremasu
Group 3: Kimasu  Koraremasu
Shimasu  Saremasu

Kenjougo
– Humble expressions – expressions in which the speaker humbles himself and belittles his own
actions to show his respect to the listener (or the person being referred to).

Teineigo
– Polite expressions – expressions in which the speaker conveys politeness directly to the listener.
The endings ‘desu’ & ‘masu’ are classed as teineigo.

Masu Form Sonkeigo Kenjougo

Ikimasu (to go) ] ] Irrashaimasu ] mairimasu
Kimasu (to come) ] ] * oide ni narimasu ]
Imasu (to be (exist)) ] ] * miemasu orimasu
(V te imasu) (V te irrashaimasu ) (V te orimasu )
Tabemasu (to eat) Meshiagarimasu itadakimasu
Nomimasu (to drink)
Shimasu (to do) Nasaimasu Itashimasu
(setsumei) shimasu Go (setsumei) nasaimasu Go (setsumei) itashimasu
Iimasu (to say) Osshaimasu moushimasu
Shitte imasu (to know) Go-zonji desu Zonjite orimasu
-to omoimasu (to think) -to zonjimasu
Nemasu (to sleep) Oyasumi ni narimasu
Kikimasu (to hear, ask) ukagaimasu
Houmon shimasu (call, visit)
Na adj / Noun desu Na/N de irrashaimasu
Kimasu * omeshi ni narimasu
Mimasu (to see) goran ni narimasu Haiken shimasu
(V te) kuremasu (to give) (V te) kudasaimasu
(V te) agemasu (to give) * (V te) sashiagemasu
Moraimasu (get, receive) Itadakimasu
* choudai shimasu
V te moraimasu V te itadakimasu

Page - 185 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Misemasu * ome ni kagemasu
Aimasu (to meet) * ome ni kakarimasu
Kariru (to borrow) Haishaku suru

Sonkeigo
Table of Contents

Examples:
Is the company manager going on a company trip? Buchou wa shain-ryoukou ni irasshaimasu ka?
Professor Bob, are you coming to school tomorrow? Bob-sensei, ashita gakkou ni irrashaimasu ka?
I met Darth Vader’s mother in Tokyo. Darth Vader-san no okaasan ni Tokyo de
ome ni kakarimashita.
I will be at home tomorrow. Ashita wa uchi ni orimasu.
What did you do in Japan? Nihon de nani o nasaimashita ka?
Please have something to eat or drink. Doozo meshiagatte kudasai.
Is that person Dr Bob? Ano katta ga Bob-sensei de irrashaimasu ka?
How do you do? I am Yoda. Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Yoda to moushimasu.
Did you see George Lucas’s ‘Star Wars’? George Lucas no ‘Star Wars’ o goran ni narimasu ka?
I had my teacher lend me this textbook. Sensei ni kyookasho o kashite itadakimashita.
Are you reading a Japanese newspaper every day? Nihongo no shinbun o mainichi yonde irassshaimasu
ka?
I got a letter from my teacher at school. Gakkou no sensei kara tegami o itadakimashita.
I’d like you to hold this for a while. Chotto kore o motte itadakitai no desu ga.
The company president is calling you. Shachou ga o-yobi desu.
Have you read this book? Hon o o-yomi ni narimashita?.
I’ll call Mr Tanaka. Wataskushi ga Tanaka-san o o-yobi shimasu.
I’ll bring it immediately. Sugu (immediately) omochi itashimasu.
Shall I lend you an umbrella? Kasa o o-kashi itashimashou ka?
I’d like you to hold this for a while. Chotto kore o motte itadakitai no desu ga.

TEST SECTION
Give the honorific equivalent of the underlined words, maintaining their original forms
(eg: plain, polite)
Eg: Gakkou e itta  Gakkou e irrashatta Cover the right hand column

Biiru o nomimasu Biiru o meshiagarimasu

Shashin o miru Shashin o goran ni naru
Sanpo o shimasu Sanpo o nasaimasu
Uchi ni kita Uchi ni irrashatta
Kaisha ni iru Kaisha ni irrasharu
Purezento o kuremashita Purezento o kudasaimashita
Kyoto ni iku to itta Kyoto ni iku to osshatta
Europe o yoku shitte imasu Europe o yoku go-zonji desu

Kenjougo
Examples:
I will carry your bag. Watashi ga kaban o o-mochi shimasu.

Teineigo
Page - 186 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Table of Contents

Examples:
The bag department is on the 5th floor. Kaban-uriba wa 5-kai de gozaimasu.

Sonkeigo for Verbs - OTHER HONORIFIC & HUMBLE FORMS:

Table of Contents

VERBS Honorific forms Humble forms

‘ru’ and ‘u’ verbs o + V-stem + ni naru o + V-stem + suru

ni narimashita More polite.

– cannot be used with Group 3 verbs or verbs in which the masu-form consists of one syllable,
such as imasu, nemasu, mimasu, etc

STRUCTURE: o + masu-form + ni narimashita

Examples:
Has the manager left already? Kachou wa mou o-kaeri ni narimashita ka?
Would you like to read this newspaper? Kono shinbun o o-yomi ni narimashita ka?
The painting was done by the president. Kono e wa shachou ga o-kaki ni narimashita.
Are you going to buy this? Kore o o-kai ni narimasu ka?
I read the book Professor Solo wrote. Solo-sensei ga o-kaki ni natta hon o yomimashita.
I will be waiting for you here. Koko de o-machi shite orimasu.

The sonkeigo above can be turned into requests as follows ->

Examples:
Please drink some more. Motto o nomi (ni natte) kudasai.
Please have some more. Motto meshiagatte kudasai.
Will you please wait in the lobby? Robii de o-machi kudasai.
Will you please come in? Douzo o-hairi kudasai.

STRUCTURE: N (A2) de gozaimasu / dewa gozaimasen

Examples:
This is my book. Kore wa watashi no hon desu. (becomes)
Kore wa watashi no hon de gozaimasu..
The autumn leaves were very beautiful. Kouyou ga totemo kirei deshita. (becomes)
Kouyou ga totemo kirei de gozaimasu.

When the subject of a sentence is the listener or a person associated with the listener,
- de irasshimasu is used.
Examples:
Are you Mr Smith? Anata wa Sumisu-san desu ka? (becomes)
Anata wa Sumisu-san de irasshimasu ka?

Page - 187 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Is your mother doing well? Okaasan wa o-genki desu ka? (becomes)
Okaasan wa o-genki de irasshimasu ka?

STRUCTURE: N ga gozaimasu / N wa gozaimasen

This is the polite form of N ga arimasu / N wa arimasen.

Examples:
There will be a meeting tomorrow. Ashita kaigi ga gozaimasu.

.
TEST SECTION
Give the honorific or humble equivalent of the underlined words, maintaining their
original forms (eg: plain, polite)
Eg: Sensei ga hanashimasu  Sensei ga o-hanashi ni narimasu
Cover the right hand column
Sensei ga hon o yomimasu Sensei ga hon o o-yomi ni narimasu
Shachou no kaban o mochimasu Shachou no kaban o o-mochi shimasu
Tomodachi no otoosan ga kau Tomodachi no otoosan ga o-kai ni naru
Tanaka-san wa asa nyuusu o kikimasu Tanaka-san wa asa nyuusu o o-kiki ni narimasu
Sensei ni bideo o okutta Sensei ni bideo o o-okurishita

POLITE FAMILY TERMS

Table of Contents

Honorific terms are used when referring to the members of other families.

Own family Someone else’s family

Father Chichi Otousan
Mother Haha Okaasan
Older Brother Ani Oniisan
Older Sister Ane Oneesan
Younger brother Ototo Ototo-san
Younger Sister Imooto Imoto-san
Husband Shujin Go-shujin
Wife Kanai/Tsuma Okusan
Child Kodomo Okosan
Parents Ryoshin Go-ryoshin
Siblings Kyoudai Go-kyoudai
Couple Fuufu Go- fuufu
Grandfather Sofu Ojiisan
Grandmother Sobo Obaasan
Uncle Oji Ojisan
Aunt Oba Obasan
Cousin Itoko O-itokosan

Examples:
Are your family well? Go-kazoku wa o-genki de irrashaimasu ka?

Page - 188 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

I received a letter from my friend’s parents. Tomodachi no go-ryoshin kara o-tegami o
itadakimashita.
I saw your husband’s picture in a newspaper. Shinbun de go-shujin no o-shashin o haiken shimashita.
How many brothers and sisters do you have? Go-kyoudai wa nan-nin irrashaimasu ka?
Mother, it is a call from father. Okaasan, otoosan kara denwa desu yo.

i-adjectives and Na-adjectives

To change these adjectives into honorific/polite form, just insert ‘o’ in front of them -

Honorific/polite form
Wakai (young) O-wakai Isogashii (difficult) O- isogashii
Yasashii (gentle) O- yasashii Kirei da (pretty, clean) O- kirei da
Shinsetsu da (kind) go-shinsetsu da Jouzu da (skillful) O- jouzu

Examples:
Luke’s uncle is good at playing golf, isn’t he? Luke-san no ojisan wa gorufu ga o-jouzu desu ne.
If you have time, won’t you come to the park with us? O-hima na toki, issho ni kouen ni irrashaimasen ka?
I heard that Dr Bob is busy these days. Bob-sensei wa kono goro o-isogashii sou desu.

Additional notes
Mondai Question Kansei Complete/finish
Shitsumon Question Tekitou Suitable/appropriate
Kotae Answer/reply Fukushuu Review
Kotaete Answer in reply to Yooni Like
Joshi Particle Doushi Verb
Bun Sentence Meishi Noun
Kotoba/tango A word/term/phrase Katachi Form (shape)
Iikata Phrase/term Naka Inside
Tsukutte Make Tsugi Next
Kaiwa Conversaton/dialogue Tango, kashi Word
Bunpoo Grammar -kei (foomu) Form
E o mite te ni kotaba Look at the picture and
oreite kudasai fill in the words and
phrases
Kotae no bun kaite Write a sentence to
kudasai reply to sentence A

Page - 189 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

 SENTENCE STRUCTURES
Table of Contents

SENTENCE STRUCTURES
[NAME wa]  WHEN  WHERE or WHAT  ACTION WORD (Verb)

AMARI – ‘Not Very’, Not Much, Not Many, Not Enough, Not Well.
Amari always needs a negative word & is used to moderate the degree of negativity.
STRUCTURE: Amari A1 Negative
A2 Negative
RULE: if you see AMARI, make the word after the following adjective negative and past
tense depending on the tense of the sentence.

Examples:
Q: Is Peter handsome? Peter-san wa handsome desu ka?
A: No, he is not very handsome Iie, amari handsome dewa arimasen.
I don’t eat much. Watashi wa amari tabemasen.
I don’t drink very much. Watashi wa amari nomimasen.
I don’t read very much. Watashi wa amari yomimasen.
This food is not very nice. Kono tabemono wa amari oishii dewa arimasen.
This food is not very good. Kono hon wa amari (yokunai/dewa arimasen).
I don’t have much money, so I cannot take a trip. Okane ga amari nai kara ryokou wa dekimasen.
It is not so hot in Thailand now. Thai wa ima amari atsukunai desu.
Japan is not very quiet. Nihon wa amari shizuka dewa arimasen.
I don’t drink alcohol so much. O-sake o amari nomimasen.
This dictionary is not so good, is it? Kono jisho wa amari yoku arimasen ne.
Recently I have not been playing tennis often. Saikin (recently) amari tenisu wa shite imasen.
I didn’t enjoy yesterday’s party very much. Kinou no paatii wa amari tanoshikunakatta desu.
I cannot run very fast. Watashi wa amari hayaku hashiremasen.
Shanghai is not very cold. Shanghai wa amari samukunai desu.

SAYING WHERE THINGS ARE – ARIMASU / ARU = Existance

ie: the pen is on the table.

Arimasu is a verb used together with the particle ‘ni’ to indicate the existance of an
inanimate thing in a particular place – it means: be, there be, exist, have.

Any sentence ending in ‘ARIMASU’ – translate as THERE IS or THERE ARE.

Any sentence ending in ‘ARIMASU ka’ – translate as ARE THERE? or IS THERE?

STRUCTURE: PLACE ni NOUN ga arimasu

Examples:
There is a pen on top of the table. Tsukue no ue ni pen ga arimasu.
There is a car in front of the house. Uchi no mae ni kuruma ga arimasu.
There is a chair beside the table. Taberu no soba ni chair ga arimasu.
There is a television in the living room. Ima ni terebi ga arimasu.

Page - 190 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

There is a television. Terebi ga arimasu.
There is a stereo in this car. Kono kuruma ni sutereo ga arimasu.

Also describing WHERE things are.

N1 wa N2 ni arimasu/imasu.
The book is on the desk. Hon wa tsukue no ue ni arimasu.
Mr Rau is in the room. Rao-san wa heya ni imasu.

The bank is on the other side of the station. Ginkou wa eki no mukou (over there) ni arimasu.
Where is the station? Eki wa doko ni arimasu ka?
There was a park here. Koko ni kouen ga arimashita.
Where is your house? Anata no otaku wa doko ni arimasu ka?
Where is Waseda University? Waseda daigaku wa doko ni arimasu ka?
Waseda University is in Tokyo. Waseda daigaku wa Tokyo ni arimasu.
Today’s newspaper is here. Kyou no shinbun wa koko ni arimasu.
Excuse me, where is the Bank of Tokyo? Chotto sumimasen ga, Tokyo ginkou wa doko ni
arimasu ka?
Dave is over there. Dave-san wa asoko ni imasu.

Arimasu (also) ‘have’ (refers to possession)

is used for anything EXCEPT living things.

Examples:
Do you have a dictionary? Jisho ga arimasu ka?
Do you have a pen? Pen ga arimasu ka?
I have 3 children. Watashi wa kodomo ga san-nin arimasu.

DESCRIBING What [Event] occurs/is done in Place

Sentence Structure: Place de [EVENT] ga arimasu

Q: What is happening? Nani ga arimasu ka?
A: [EVENT] ga arimasu. ie: Motor show ga arimasu.
Q: Where is the event? Doko de [EVENT] ga arimasu ka?
A: The event is at/in PLACE. [PLACE] de [EVENT] ga arimasu.

I went to see the Motor Show in Odaiba. Odaiba de Motor Show o mi ni ikimashita.
There is a party at Sam’s today. Kyou Samu no uchi de Party ga arimasu.

WHAT IS IN [PLACE]?
Change the format of the above sentence structure to:
STRUCTURE: PLACE ni nani ga arimasu ka?
(the NOUN changes to ‘nani’ & ‘ka’ is used)

Examples:
Q: What is inside the meeting room? Kaigishitsu ni nani ga arimasu ka?
A: A TV is inside the meeting room. Kaigishitsu ni TV ga arimasu.

Page - 191 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Is there an English newspaper in this library? Kono toshokan ni Eigo no shinbun ga arimasu ka?
There are many foreign restaurants in New York. New York ni wa gaikoku no resutoran ga takusan arimasu.
Does the room have a shower? Heya ni wa shower ga arimasu ka?
Is there a supermarket in Ginza? Ginza ni supaa ga arimasu ka?
In this town there are three univerisities. Kono machi (ni) wa daigaku ga mittsu arimasu.
The Eiffel Tower is in Paris. Eiffel Tower wa Paris ni arimasu.
There are 2 TV’s in my apartment. Watashi no apaato (ni) wa terebi ga nidai arimasu.
Detroit is in (the state of) Michigan. Detroit wa Michigan-shu ni arimasu.
There is no TV at Mr Smith’s house. Sumisu-san no uchi (ni) wa terebi ga nai.

Arimasu is a verb that indicates Existance

N1 ni N2 ga V-te arimasu

ie: A TV has been placed in the lobby. Robii ni TV ga oite arimasu.

A name is written on the notebook. Nooto ni namae ga kaite arimasu.

If N2 becomes the subject, the sentence structure becomes:

N2 wa N1 ni V-te arimasu
The TV has been placed in the lobby. TV wa robii ni oite arimasu.
Where is that restaurant? Sono restaurant wa doko ni arimasu ka?

Verbs which indicate placement of a thing:

Meaning MASU Form Te-Form
Place Okimasu Oite
Hang Kakemasu Kakete
Place on or load Nosemasu Nosete
Put away Shimaimasu Shimatte

V-te okimasu has 3 meanings:

1) PREPARATION:
Before I go on the trip, I will buy and & keep Ryokou ni iku mae ni, kippu o katte okimasu.
the tickets with me.
Make the room beautiful. Heya o kirei ni shite okimasu.
I have bought a ticket in advance. Kippu o katte okimashita.
I have reserved a table in the restaurant. Restoran no teberu o yoyaku shite okimashita.

2) A MEASURE:
When you use the scissors, please place Hasami o tsukattara, moto no tokoro ni
them back where they were. shimatte oite kudasai.

3) TO SUSTAIN THE RESULTANT STATE:

As it is cold, please keep the window closed. Samui desu kara, mado o shimete oite kudasai

WHO IS IN [PLACE]?
STRUCTURE: PLACE ni dare ka imasu ka? (Is there anyone in PLACE?)
NOTE: We use ‘imasu’ here since we are talking about PEOPLE not objects
Examples: Q: Daidokoro ni dare ka imasu ka? (Is there anyone in the kitchen?)

Page - 192 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

 A: Hai, imasu. (YES)
Or A: Iie, [PLACE] ni wa dare mo imasen (No, there is no one in the kitchen)
IF YES, Q: Dare ga imasu ka? (Who is there?)
A: [PERSON] ga imasu.
A: Zack is there. Zack-san ga imasu.

Examples:
Mr Tanaka is in the office. Jimusho ni Tanaka-san ga imasu.
Carl is in the library. Toshokan ni Carl-san ga imasu.
Mike is in the living room. Ima ni Mike-san ga imasu.

WHAT [IS/WAS] [Person] doing?

STRUCTURE:
Q: [TIME] [NAME] nani o shite imasu ka?
A: [TIME] [NAME] wa V-て imasu.

Examples of ‘is doing’:

Q: What is Brad doing today? Kyou Brad-san wa nani o shite imasu ka?
Q: What is Simon doing tomorrow? Ashita Simon-san wa nani o shite imasu ka?

Example of ‘was doing’:

Q: What did Tanaka do yesterday evening? Kinou no yoru Tanaka-san wa nani o shite imashita ka?

Answer examples:
At 5 o’clock yesterday, Tanaka was smoking. Kinou no goji Tanaka-san wa tobako o suite imashita
At 8 o’clock yesterday, Tanaka was reading the paper. Kinou no hachiji Tanaka -san wa shinbun o yonde
imashita
At 9 o’clock yesterday, Tanaka was shopping Kinou no kuji Tanaka-san wa kaimono o shite
imashita
Mr Suzuki is eating dinner now. Ima Suzuki-san wa bangohan o tabete imasu
Hanako is reading a book now. Ima Hanako-san wa hon o yonde imasu.

BAAI WA In case…..
Clause 1 hypothesises the occurance of an undesireable event, and Clause 2 indicates how to cope with it.

STRUCTURE:
Verb + ta or nai form + [
Adj –i [ + baai wa
Na – na [
Noun – no [

Examples:
In case a fire breaks out, what shall I do? Kaji ga okita baai wa, dou shitara ii desu ka?
In case of rain, it will be postponed to next week. Ame no baai wa, raishuu ni shimasu.

Add more examples!  ask Harumi to check the below

If the shop is closed, please call. Mise ga shimatte iru baai wa, denwa o shite kudasai.
In case the library is open, please wait for me inside. Toshokan ga aite baai wa, naka de matte itte kudasai.
Page - 193 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
BAKARI – about/or so/only/just/have just (done)/always
This expression indicates that only a little time has passed after an act was completed.
STRUCTURE: V-ta bakari desu

Examples:
Karen has just eaten breakfast. Karen-san wa asogohan o tabeta bakari desu
Steve has just finished reading the Japan Times. Steve-san wa Japan Times o yonda bakari desu.
I have just finished taking a walk in the park. Kouen de sanpo o shita bakari desu.
I have just seen a movie. Watashi wa eiga o mita bakari desu .
I have just finished my homework. Shukudai o oeta bakari desu .
Since I have just finished work, I have not Shigoto o oeta bakari dakara mada bangohan
eaten dinner yet. o tabete imasen.
I have just finished drinking a coffee. Kohii o nonda bakari desu.
Since I have just come to Japan, I don’t Nihon e kita bakari da kara, nani mo
understand anything. wakarimasen.
(da = plain form of Desu)

The only thing Tomoko is doing is playing. Tomoko-san wa bakari asonde (iru/imasu).
Dennis is drinking only beer. Dennis-san wa biiru bakari nonde (iru/imasu).

- BA YOKATTA I wish….had done

This expression expresses the speaker’s regret.
Examples:
I wish I had asked my teacher. Sensei ni kikeba yokatta desu.
I wish I had read that book. Ano hon o yomeba yokatta desu.
I wish Mr Wells had gone to Japan, don’t you? Wells-san wa Nihon e ikeba yokatta ne.
I wish I had studied English harder. Motto eigo o benkyou shite okeba yokatta desu.
I wish I had met Tony . Tony-san to aeba yokatta desu.
I wish I had written a letter. Tegami o kakeba yokatta desu.
I wish I had eaten breakfast. Asagohan o tabereba yokatta desu.
I wish I had returned home earlier. Motto hayai uchi ni kaereba yokatta desu.

CHIKAKU Close to
Examples:
Q: Is Tobu store close to Yoyogi kouen? Tobu store wa Yoyogi kouen no chikaku ni arimasu ka?
A: Yes, it is. Hai, arimasu.
Is the bank close to the supermarket? Ginkou wa supaa no chikaku ni arimasu ka?
Q: Where is the post office? Yuubinkyouku wa doko desu ka?
A: Close to Meguro station. Meguro-eki no chikaku desu.
The PO is near the station. Yuubinkyouku wa eki no chikaku ni arimasu.
Yesterday I went to a bookshop close to the station. Kinou eki no chikaku no honya e ikimashita.
Is there a cheap hotel near the station? Eki no chikaku ni yasui hoteru wa arimasu ka?
Is there a bookshop near the bank? Ginkou no chikaku ni honya wa arimasu ka?
I met a friend near the park. Kouen no chikaku de tomodachi ni aimashita.

Page - 194 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

chinami ni incidentally, by the way

chinami ni (ちなみに) is a conjunction which is used to add supplementary information which is not necessarily
on the topic but still related to what is being discussed. chinami ni (ちなみに) is also used to ask for
supplementary information. It is roughly equivalent to incidentally, by the way or for your information in
English.

きょう しゅくだいをわすれたせいとが１０にんもいました。ちなみにぜんいんだんしです。
There were as many as 10 students who forgot their homework today. Incidentally, all of them are boys.

こんなこうきゅうしゃはかえないからきょうみけど、ちなみに、いくらですか。
I can’t afford to buy a luxurious car like this. But just out of curiosity, how much is it?

DEMO
[Dare, Doko, itsu, nan, dore, etc] + Demo - No limitations
Anything, anywhere, anytime, anything – total affirmation
This form indicates there are NO LIMITATIONS or conditions.

STRUCTURE:
Q: QW (Question Word) V-mashou ka?
A: QW demo ii desu.
Examples:
Q: Where shall we go? Doko de ikemashou ka?
A: Anywhere is good. Doko demo ii desu.

Q: What kind of restaurant shall we eat at? Donna restaurant de tabemashou ka?
A: Any restaurant is good. Donna restaurant demo ii desu.

Please call me any time. Itsu demo denwa shite kudasai.

Any time is OK/Any time will do. (Nanji/itsu) demo ii desu.

Anything is OK/Anything will do. Nan demo ii desu.
Anywhere will do. Doko demo ii desu.

No matter who it is / anyone Dare demo ii desu.

No matter what it is / anything Nan demo ii desu.
No matter when it is / any time Itsu demo ii desu.
No matter where it is / anywhere Doko demo ii desu.
No matter which it is / anything Dore demo ii desu.

Anyone can enter that library. Ano toshokan wa dare demo hairemasu.
I can go anywhere by myself. Hitori de doko demo ikemasu.
I can sleep in any place. Watashi wa doko demo nemuremasu.
I can eat any Japanese food. Nihon ryouri wa nan demo taberaremasu.
I can drink any Japanese drink. Nihon no nomimono wa nan demo nomemasu.

Hamburger shops are everywhere. Hamburger no mise wa doko ni demo arimasu.

Prof. Kato is kind to everybody. Kato-sensei wa dare ni demo shinsetsu desu.

Page - 195 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

- DESHOU (Dictionary form: Darou) - Will be, shall be, probably
- KAMO SHIREMASEN - expression of conjecture may, might, possibly.

STRUCTURE:
Verb]+ Dict. Form ] + [deshou
Adj ]+ Dict. Form ] [
Na] + Dict. Form + [ kamo
Noun] [shiremasen

Examples: DESHOU – is used when the speaker’s judgement contains uncertainty

and he does not want to appear too assertive.
It will probably rain tomorrow. Ashita wa ame ga furu deshou.
I guess he will not come to the party. Kare wa tabun paatii ni konai deshou.
I guess the weather will be fine tomorrow. Ashita wa tabun ii tenki deshou.
Food is expensive in Japan, isn’t it? Nihon wa tabemono ga takai deshou?
That man is probably Mike. Ano hito ga Mike-san deshou.
She is very beautiful, isn’t she? Kanojo wa totemo kirei deshou?
Mr Smith’s apartment was probably expensive, wasn’t it? Smith-san no apaato wa takakatta deshou ne?
I think that Japanese is probably difficult. Nihongo wa muzukashii darou to omoimasu.
Brad was in Japan for 5 years, so he is probably Brad-san wa Nihon ni go-nen ita kara, Nihongo ga
fluent in Japanese. jouzu deshou.
My friend is probably in Japan now. Watashi no tomadachi wa ima Nihon ni iru deshou.
My friend will probably come. Watashi no tomadachi wa kuru deshou.
My friend will probably not come. Watashi no tomadachi wa konai deshou.
Tony will probably go. Tony-san wa iku deshou.
Tony will probably didn’t go. Tony-san wa ikanakatta deshou.
He will probably go to Japan. Ano hito wa Nihon ni iku deshou.
Tonight it will probably snow. Konban yuki ga furu deshou.
I wonder if Mary spoke Japanese in Japan. Mary-san wa Nihon de Nihongo o hanashita deshou ka?
I suppose Janine got tired. Janine-san wa tsukareta deshou.
I guess the mail will come at 10. Tegami wa ju-ji ni kuru deshou.
You are going to a party tomorrow, aren’t you? Ashita partii ni iku deshou?
It was cold in Gunma wasn’t it? Gunma de samukatta deshou?
Roger is probably good at skiing. Roger-san wa ski ga jouzu darou.
That man is probably Chinese. Ano hito wa Chugoku-jin darou.
John will probably come. John-san ga tabun kuru deshou.

KAMOSHIRENAI/ kamo shiremasen - indicates conjecture and corresponds to

‘may, might‘

Indicates that the speaker is making a judgement about what may possibly happen, although he cannot
be absolutely certain.

STRUCTURE:
1) Verb (Plain Form) + kamoshirenai ie: iku  iku kamoshirenai
2) i-Adj (Plain Form)+ kamoshirenai ie: atsui  atsui kamoshirenai
3) Na-Adj (Plain Form minus ‘da’) + kamoshirenai ie: benri da  benri kamoshirenai
4) Noun + kamoshirenai ie: sensei  sensei kamoshirenai

Page - 196 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Examples:
As the road ahead is congested, we may not be able Michi ga konde iru kara, yakusoku
to make it in time to the appointment. no jikan ni maniawanai kamo shiremasen.
It may snow in the afternoon. Gogo yuki ga furu kamo shiremasen.
Tanaka-san may speak French well. Tanaka san wa Furansu-go ga jouzu kamo shiremasen.
She may have already gone home. Kanojo wa mou kaetta no kamo shiremasen.
I might go tomorrow. Watashi wa ashita iku kamo shiremasen.
He might have eaten already. Kare wa mou tabeta kamo shiremasen.
She may be home. Kanojo wa ie ni iru kamoshirmasen.
This machine may sell wel. Kono kikai wa yoku ureu kamoshirmasen.

Examples:
It may rain tomorrow. Ashita ame ga furu kamoshirenai.
Miss Uchida may have graduated from Uchida-san wa mou daigaku o sotsugyou shita
college already. kamoshiremasen.
That restaurant may not be good, you know. Ano resutoran wa yokunai kamoshiremasen yo.
If you live around here, it may be convenient. Kono hen ni sundara, benri kamoshiremasen ne.
That teacher’s class may be boring. Ano sensei no kurasu wa tsumaranai kamoshirenai.
The cherry blossums in Kyoto might still be beautiful. Kyoto no sakura wa mada kirei kamoshirenai.
It might be very cold this winter. Kotoshi no fuyu wa taihen samuku naru kamoshirenai.
This movie might be boring for you. Kono eiga wa anata ni wa tsumaranai kamoshirenai.

DOCHIRA Which?’
This expression is used to ask which is more satisfactory with regard to the adjective, A or B,
which can both be things or people.

STRUCTURE: Q: A to B to dochira ga [Adjective] desu ka?

Eg: Which do you like most – dogs or cats? Inu to neko to dochira ga suki desu ka?

ANSWERS:
 IF A & B are SIMILAR, use:
A: (A mo B mo) dochira ga [adjective]-negative desu
- used when you think that both A & B are the same – neither is better than the other.

Examples:
Q: Which is more busy/lively - Shibuya or Shinjuku? Shibuya to Shinjuku to dochira ga nigiyaka desu ka?
A: BOTH Shibuya & Shinjuku are busy/lively. Shibuya mo Shinjuku mo dochira ga nigiyaka desu.

 IF A & B are DIFFERENT, use:

A: B no hou ga [A yori] [adjective] desu
- used when you think that B is more satisfactory than A with respect to the adjective.
Eg:
Q: Which do you like better - beer or wine? Biiru to wine to dochira ga suki desu ka?
A: I like beer more than wine. Biiru no hou ga [wine yori] suki desu.

Q: Which do you like more - Chicago or Tokyo? Chicago to Tokyo to dochira ga suki desu ka?
A: I like Tokyo more than Chicago. Tokyo no hou ga [Chicago yori] suki desu.
Q: Which do you like more – spring or autumn? Haru to aki to dochira ga suki desu ka?
Q: I like spring more than autumn. Haru no hou ga [aki yori] suki desu.
A: Which is bigger – Mt Fuji or Tokyo Tower? Fuji-san to Tokyo Tower to dochira ga ookii desu ka?
Page - 197 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
A: Mt Fuji is bigger than Tokyo Tower. Fuji-san no hou ga [Tokyo Tower yori] ookii desu.

Tokyo is bigger than Kyoto. Tokyo no hou ga Kyoto yori ookii desu.
Kyoto is smaller than Tokyo. Kyoto no hou ga Tokyo yori chisaii desu.
Grapes are cheaper than melons. Budoo (grapes) no hou ga melon yori yasui desu.
Oranges are cheaper than apples. Orenji no hou ga ringo yori yasui desu.
This car is bigger than that car. Kono kuruma no hou ga ano kuruma yori ookii desu.

Q: Yoda, which do you prefer - wine or women? Yoda-san, wine to kanojo to dochira ga suki desu ka?
A: I like wine more than women. Wine no hou ga [kanojo yori] suki desu.
Q: Which is more interesting, baseball or soccer? Baseball to sakkaa to dochira ga omoshiroi desu ka?
A: I like soccer more than baseball. Sakkaa no hou ga [baseball yori] omoshiroi desu.
Q: Which is cooler, Auckland or Wellington? Auckland to Wellington to dochira ga suzushi desu ka?
A: Wellington is cooler than Auckland. Wellington no hou ga [Auckland yori] suzushi
desu.
The subway is more convenient than the bus. Chikatetsu no hou ga basu yori benri desu.

Both Darth and Yoda can play the piano, but Darth-san mo Yoda-san mo piano ga hikemasu ga
Yoda is better than Darth. Yoda-san no hou ga [Darth-san yori] jouzu desu.

I saw a big watch and a small one at the Dept. Store. Depaato de ookii tokei to chiisai tokei o mimashita.
My older sister says that a larger one is better, but Ane wa ookii hou ga ii to iimasu ga,
I want a smaller one. watashi wa chiisai hou ga hoshii desu.

A lively town is better than a quiet one. Machi wa nigiyaka no hou ga shizuka na yori ii.
Q: Which is more interesting – Paris or London? Paris to London to dochira ga omoshiroi desu ka?
A: Paris is more interesting than London. Paris no hou ga [London yori] omoshiroi desu.

Q: Which came earlier – Mr Hayashi or Mr Yamada? Hiyashi-san to Yamada-san to dochira ga hayaku

kimashita ka?

NOTE: Both Dochira mo

yori ‘than – ’
Indicates that the preceding noun or verb shows the measure for comparison.

Examples of usage –
Mr Hayashi is taller than me. Hayashi-san wa watashi yori se ga takai desu.
Going by subway is faster than going by bus. Chikatetsu de iku hou ga, yori hayai desu.
Please give me that rather than this. Kore yori sore o kudasai.
I like rice more than bread. Gohan no hou ga pan yori suki desu.
Kyoto is colder than Tokyo. Kyoto wa Tokyo yori samui desu.
America is larger than Japan. Amerika wa Nihon yori ookii desu.
Carl is younger than I am. Carl-san no hou ga watashi yori wakai desu.
I eat more than Tony. Watashi no hou ga Tony-san yori yoku tabemasu.
Going by bus is cheaper than going by car. Basu de iku hou ga kuruma de iku yori yasui desu.

 See ICHIBAN
 See DORE

Page - 198 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

DONO GURAI - How long/How many/How much/How far/How often?

Is widely used to ask the amount of money, length, distance, quantity or number.
The meaning varies depending on the predicate which follows it.
Examples:
How long does it take to go from Tokyo to Kyoto? Tokyo kara Kyoto made dono gurai kakarimasu ka?
How long does it take from here to the station? Koko kara eki made dono gurai kakarimasu ka?
How much does a car cost?/How long does it take by car? Kuruma wa dono gurai kakarimasu ka?
How many hours does it take to go from Tokyo Tokyo kara Kyoto made dono gurai
to Kyoto? kakarimasu ka?
Q: How long did you study Japanese? Dono gurai Nihongo o benkyou-shimashita ka?
A: I studied it for 3 years. San-nen benkyou-shimashita.

DONO KATA
An expression asking which is the person among 3 or more whose name or job is identified by
N. ie: you know their name but you don’t know where they are.

STRUCTURE: N wa dono kata desu ka?

Examples:
Which one is Carl? Carl-san wa dono kata desu ka?
Which one is the photographer Kameraman wa dono kata desu ka?
Which one is Mr Scott? Scott-san wa dono kata desu ka?
That tall man with black hair is. Ano se ga takakute, kami ga kuroi hito desu.

DONNA What kind of….

This form is used to ask the nature, type, characteristics, etc of a thing(s) or a person(s) N.
A noun always comes after ‘donna’.

STRUCTURE: N-1 wa donna N-2 desu ka?

Examples:
Q: What kind of person is Miss Kimura? Kimura-san wa donna hito desu ka?
A: She is beautiful Kirina hito desu.

Q: What kind of sports do you like? Donna supootsu ga suki desu ka?
A: I like tennis Tennis ga suki desu.

Q: What kind of music do you like? Donna ongaku ga suki desu ka?
Q: What kind of shirts do you like? Donna shatsu ga suki desu ka?
Q: What kind of town is Nara? Nara wa donna machi desu ka?

Page - 199 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

DONNA KOTO
DESCRIPTION: This form asks generally what kinds of things are done at P.
STRUCTURE: (Verb or Place) de donna koto o shimashita ka?
Add examples – ask H to check

DOU - How/How is it?/How do you like?/How about?

Dou is used to ask the listener the condition (good, bad, etc.) of N or to ask his/her impression if N.
STRUCTURE: N wa dou desu ka?
Examples: Q: How is Japanese food? Nihon no tabemono wa dou desu ka?
Q: How are Japanese cars? Nihon no kuruma wa dou desu ka?

How shall I do it? Sore wa dou surun desu ka?

How can I go to the station? Eki made dou ikun desu ka?
How are you feeling today? Kyou wa kibun wa dou desu ka?
How did you like your trip to Kyoto? Kyoto ryokou wa dou deshita ka?
What do you think of this movie? Kono eiga wa dou omoimasu ka?
How do you read this kanji? Kono kanji wa dou yomimasu ka?
How do you write this letter? Kono tegami wa dou kakimasu ka?
How’s your new apartment? Atarashii apaato wa dou desu ka?
How’s your coffee? Kohii wa dou desu ka?
How do you read this word? Kono kotoba wa dou yomimasu ka?
How do eat this food? Kono tabemono wa dou tabemasu ka?

DORE Which….
The polite form is ‘Dochira’ which also means ‘who’ or ‘where’
Dore becomes dono before a noun it modifies. It becomes doko when expressing ‘where’.
Examples:
Which is the cheapest of them? Kono uchi dore ga ichiban yasui desu ka?
Which do you like the best? Dore ga ichiban suki desu ka?
Which book is interesting? Dono hon ga omoshiroi desu ka?
Which is Karen’s umbrella? Karen-san no kasa wa dore desu ka?
Which is Tony’s car? Tony-san no kuruma wa dore desu ka?
Which is Tony’your seat? Anata no isu wa dore desu ka?
Which is Sam’s box? Sam-san no hako wa dore desu ka?

DOSHITE – ‘Why’, ‘In what way’, ‘how’

This is an interrogative for asking a question.
STRUCTURE: Doshite (plain form)-n desu ka?

Examples:
A: I took a day off from the company yesterday. Kinou kaisha o yasumimashita.
B: Why did you take a day off? Doshite yasumimashita ka?
A: Because I had a fever Netsu ga arimashita kara (= because)

Page - 200 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

How do you write this character? Kono ji wa doshite kakun desu ka?

Q: Why do you go to that restaurant? Doshite ano restaurant e ikun desu ka?
A: Because it is quiet. Shizuka nan desu.
Why did you want to go to France? Doshite Furansu e ikitain desu ka?
Why don’t you read a newspaper in the morning? Doshite asa shinbun o yomimasen ka?
Why are you studying Japanese? Doshite Nihongo o benkyou-shite imasu ka?

Note: kara (because) is attached to the end of a sentence or a phrase when stating a reason(s).
ie: As I have a stomach ache, I won’t eat anything. Onaka ga itai (desu/da) kara, nani o tabemasen.

DOU IU and DONNA

Dou iu is used in almost the same way as ‘donna’
– used when asking for a more detailed description of something.
Example:
May 5th is a holiday, but what kind of holiday is it? Gogatsu itsuka wa yasumi desu ga, dou iu hi desu ka?

DOU YATTE
Dou yatte is used to ask the way or method of doing something.
Examples:
How do you go to your University? Daigaku made dou yatte ikimasu ka?
I take a No. 16 bus from Kyoto station and Kyoto-eki kara 16-ban no basu ni notte,
get off at Daigaku-mae. Daigaku-mae eki de orimasu.

HAJIMERU – ….. ‘begin or start such and such’…..

Examples:
When did you start to study Japanese? Itsu kara Nihongo o narai-hajimemashita ka?
I heard that Mr Vader will begin to work. Vader-san wa raigetsu kara resutoran de hataraki-
at a restaurant next month. hajimeru sou desu.
My computer broke down when I began to write a report. Repooto o kaki-hajimetara, konpyuutaa ga koshou
shite shimaimashita.
It has become hot since yesterday, hasn’t it? Kinou kara atsuku nari-hajimemashita ne?
The movie begins at 1 o’clock. Eiga wa ichi-ji kara hajimarimasu.
School begins at 8.30. Gakkou wa hachi-ji han kara hajimarimasu.
I began to read the book in August. Hachi-gatsu kara hon o yomihajimemashita.
When did you start to collect cars? Itsu kara kuruma o atsumehajimetan desu ka?

Page - 201 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

HAZU – ‘I expect that, it is expected that, is expected to, I am fairly certain that…..’
The noun ‘hazu’ INDICATES THE SPEAKERS’S EXPECTATION concerning
something or somebody, but not the speaker him/herself.

STRUCTURE:
Verb]+ Dict. Form ]
i-Adj ]+ Dict. Form ] + hazu
Na] + Da  Na ]
Noun + no ]

Examples:
I expect that Mr Clark will go to the party. Clark-san wa partii ni iku hazu desu.
I expect that Jon knows Carl. Jon-san wa Carl-san o shitte iru hazu desu.
I expect that book was expensive. Ano hon wa takakatta hazu desu.
S/he is expected to be 45 years old now. Ano hito wa ima yonjuugo-sai no hazu desu.
Kim is expected not to come, since she is sick. Kim-san wa byouki da kara, konai hazu desu yo.
This computer should be simple. Kono konpyutaa wa kantan na hazu desu.
I expect that apartment is clean. Sono apaato wa kirei na hazu desu.
She is supposed to come. Kanojo wa kuru hazu desu.
He should be home today. Kare wa kyou ie ni iru hazu desu.
We should be arriving in NY around 9 o'clock. Ku-ji goro ni wa New York ni tsuku hazu desu.
The meeting is supposed to be over before 4pm. Kaigi wa yo-ji mae ni owaru hazu desu.
The department store is supposed to be open at 10. Depaato wa ju-ji ni aku hazu desu.
He was supposed to be back by noon. Kare wa hiru made ni modoru hazu desu.

HODO – ’about, or so, (not) as…as…to the extent of…’

Examples:
Kyoto station is about 1 kilometre from here. Kyoto eki wa koko kara ichi kiro hodo desu.
Please wait here 10 minutes or so. Juu-pun hodo koko de matte kudasai.
I’ll take about 1 kilogram of that coffee. Sono kohii o ichi kiro hodo kudasai.
English is not as difficult as Japanese. Eigo wa Nihongo hodo muzukashiku arimasen.
I can’t walk as fast as you can. Boku wa kimi hodo hayaku arukemasen.
There is no student who studies as hard as Carl. Carl hodo yoku benkyou suru gakusei wa inai.
Q: Is Carl as good at skiing as Tony? Carl-san wa Tony-san to onaji gurai sukii ga jouzu desu
ka?
A: Yes, Carl is as good at skiing as Tony. Hai, (Carl-san wa) Tony-san to onaji gurai jouzu desu.
A: No, Carl is not as good at skiing as Tony. Iie, (Carl-san wa) Tony-san hodo wa jouzu dewa arimasen.

HOSHII – …..want…..
STRUCTURE: (Watashi wa) N ga hoshii desu (I) want N
Q: What do you want? (Anata wa) nani ga hoshii desu ka?
A: I want N. (Watashi wa) N ga hoshii desu.

Q2: Do you also want N2? (Anata wa) N2 mo hoshii desu ka?
A: No, I do not want N2. Iie, N2 wa hoshikunai .

Examples:
I want a camera. (Watashi wa) kamera ga hoshii desu.
Page - 202 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I don’t want a camera . (Watashi wa) kamera ga hoshikunai desu.
I want a car. Kuruma ga hoshii desu.
I want a house. Uchi ga hoshii desu.
Do you want anything from the convenience store? Konbeni de nani ka hoshii desu ka?
Q: Do you want a child? Kodomo ga hoshii desu ka?
A: No, I don’t. Iie, hoshikunai desu.

Note: ‘wants’ = hoshigatte

I want a Japanese friend. Nihonjin no tomodachi ga hoshii desu.
My little brother wants my bike. Otooto wa boku no jitensha o hoshigatte imasu.
Helen wants a stereo. Helen-san wa stereo o hoshigatte desu.

HOU GA II DESU - Expression of advice. Had better do

Had better not do
This sentence pattern is used when the speaker gives the listener advice concerning a specific
problem or situation

STRUCTURE:
Ta-form ] had better do
Nai-form ] + hou ga ii desu had better not do
Examples:
A: I have had a fever since the day before yesterday. Otoitoi kara zutto netsu ga arun desu.
B: Then you had better go to the hospital. Ja, byouin e itta hou ga ii desu yo.
You had better not drink too much alcohol. Amari o-sake o nomanai hou ga ii desu.
You had better take an umbrella today. Kyou wa kasa o motte itta hou ga ii desu.
It really would be better for you not to go there. Soko e wa ikanai hou ga ii desu yo.
If it is a cold, you had better go to bed early, you know. Kaze dattara, hayaku neta hou ga ii desu yo.
It looks like it is going to rain, Ame ga furi sou da kara,
so you had better take an umbrella. kasa o motte itta hou ga ii desu.
It is better to brush your teeth after you eat. Tabeta atode ha o migaita hou ga ii desu.
You had better read Japanese books. Nihon no hon o yonda hou ga ii desu.
You had better eat vegetables too. Yasai mo tabeta hou ga ii desu.
Had I better go home now? Mou kaetta hou ga ii desu ka?
Yuko had better study English more. Yuko-san wa motto Eigo o benkyou-shita hou ga ii desu.
It is better not to work too much. Hataraki-suginai hou ga ii desu.
You had better not make your parents worry too much. Ryoushin o amari shinpai sasenai hou ga ii desu.
It is better not to eat anything before we go to bed. Neru mae ni wa nani mo tabenai hou ga ii desu.
You had better study a lot. Takusan benkyou shita hou ga ii desu.
You had better not read manga. Manga o yomanai hou ga ii desu.
You had better not smoke. Tobako o suinai hou ga ii desu.

HOTONDO – ’Almost, all but, hardly, scarcely, little, few’

Examples:
The work is almost finished. Shigoto wa hotondo owarimashita.
I have hardly studied Japanese this week. Konshuu wa hotondo Nihongo o benkyou shimasen
deshita.

Page - 203 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

ICHIBAN Most satisfactory…
This expression indicates that among 3 or more things in a certain range N1, N2 is the most
satisfactory with respect to the adjective.

STRUCTURE:
Q: N1 (no naka) de N2 ga ichiban Adjective desu ka?
A: N1 (no naka) de [ANSWER] ga ichiban Adjective desu.

Q: A と B と C no naka de dare ga ichiban ADJ desu ka? The question word can change to Nani, Itsu, Dare,
Doko
A: A と B と C no naka de [ANSWER] ga ichiban ADJ desu.

Examples:
Q: Who is the youngest? A-san と B-san と C-san [no naka] de dore ga ichiban wakai desu ka?
A: A-san is the youngest. A-san と B-san と C-san [no naka] de A-san ga ichiban wakai desu.

Q: What Japanese food is most delicious? Nihon tabemono [no naka] de dore ga ichiban oishii desu ka?
A: Sushi is most delicious. Nihon tabemono [no naka] de sushi ga ichiban oishii desu.

Q: What fruit is most delicious? Kudamono [no naka] de dore ga ichiban oishii desu ka?
A: Watermelon is most delicious. Kudamono [no naka] de watermelon ga ichiban oishii desu.

Q: What country in the world has the Sekai no kuni [no naka] de doko ga ichiban jinkoo desu ka?
biggest population?

A: India has the biggest population. Sekai no kuni no naka de Indo ga ichiban jinkoo desu.

Q: Which drink do you like the most? Beer と wine と sake [no naka] de dore ga ichiban suki desu ka?
A: I like beer the most. Beer と wine と sake [no naka] de beer ga ichiban suki desu ka?

Among Japanese dishes, which do you like the most? Nihon-ryouri [no naka] de nani ga ichiban oishii desu ka?
Tempura is my favourite. Tempura ga ichiban oishii desu.

Q: Who is the tallest in your family? Kazoku de dare ga ichiban se ga takai desu ka?
A: My younger brother is tallest. Otooto ga ichiban se ga takai desu.

Tony is the brightest among my friends. Watashi no tomodachi [no naka] de Tony-san ga ichiban
atama ga ii desu.
I heard that Mrs Vader likes Beatles songs the most. Vader-san wa Beatles no uta ga ichiban suki da sou desu.
Among Tony, Carl & Todd, who plays golf the best? Tony-san to Carl-san to Todd-san [no naka] de dare ga
ichiban gorufu ga jouzu desu ka?
I want to go to Rome the most. Watashi wa Rome ni ichiban ikitai desu.
Yoda was the first one to come to class this morning. Kesa wa Yoda-san ga ichiban hayaku kurasu ni kimashita.
I think the bus is the most convenient way to go Bijutsukan e iku no wa basu ga ichiban benri da
to the museum. omoimasu yo.
Mt Everest is the highest mountain in the world. Everest wa sekai de ichiban takai yama desu.
Which camera is the cheapest? Dono kamera ga ichiban yasui desu ka?
I like beer best. Watashi wa biiru ga ichiban suki desu.
I want to go to England most now. Watashi wa ima ichiban Igirisu e ikitai.
Which month is the coldest in Japan? Nihon de wa dono tsuki (month) ga ichiban samui desu
ka?

Page - 204 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

- to IIMASU Say

Examples:
We say ‘Good night’ before going to bed. Neru mae ni ‘Oyasumi!’ to iimasu.
Mr Miller said ‘I will go to Tokyo on a business Miller-san wa ‘Raishuu Tokyo e shutchou-shimasu’
trip next week.’ to iimasu.
IKENAI ’Must not, have to, ought to, in case…

Examples:
You must not smoke here. Koko de tabako o suttee wa ikemasen.
You must drink wine. Wine o nonde wa ikemasen.
You mustn’t drink too much. Amari o-sake o nonde wa ikenai.
What’s wrong with it? Sore no doko ga ikenai no desu ka?

IMASU/IRU Have, be, there be, exist, stay.

Is used to express is or exists for location. Imasu is used for living things – people and
animals.

Examples:
Is Mr Tanaka here? Tanaka-san ga imasu ka?
There is Mr Tanaka. Tanaka-san ga imasu.
Where is Mr Tanaka now? Tanaka-san wa ima doko ni imasu ka?
He is in the library. Toshokan ni imasu yo.
Were you in Tokyo yesterday? Kinou Tokyo ni imashita ka?
Where is the cat? Neko wa doko ni imasu ka?
There was a cute child in the park. Kouen ni kawaii kodomo ga imashita yo.
My older sister is now staying (or living) in Osaka. Ane wa ima Osaka ni imasu.
I have 3 brothers. Watashi wa kyoudai ga san-nin imasu.
Your car window is open. Kuruma no mado ga aite imasu.
I am reading a Japanese newspaper. Nihingo shinbun o yonde imasu.
That store is closed already. Sono mise wa mou shimatte imasu.

IRIMASU/IRU Need
Examples:
You need an English-Japanese dictionary. Kimitachi wa eiwa-jiten ga irimasu.
I need money now. Watashi wa ima okane ga irimasu.
Do you need some juice? Juuisu ga irimasu ka?
This car needs a lot of gas. Kono kuruma wa gasoline ga takusan irimasu.

IRO IRO Various

Examples:
This shop has various beers. Kono mise wa iro iro na biiru ga arimasu.
(Various) a lot of things happened yesterday. Kinou wa iro iro na koto ga arimashita.
I went to various places. Iro iro na tokoro e ikimashita.
I went to various places in Enoshima. Enoshima de iro iro na tokoro e ikimashita.
There are many companies inside that building. Ano tatemono ni wa iro iro na kaisha ga imasu/iru.

Page - 205 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

ISSHO – DESCRIBING 2 people doing something TOGETHER
Is also used to invite the listener to do something with the speaker.

STRUCTURE: A-san wa B-san to issho ni Verb

Examples:
Carl & Tony are watching TV together. Carl-san wa Tony-san to issho ni terebi o mimasu.
Carl & Tony are going to a restaurant together. Carl-san wa Tony-san to issho ni restaurant e ikimasu.
Shall we have dinner together now? Ima kara issho ni shokuji o shimasen ka?
Who did you go there with? Dare to issho ni soko e itta no desu ka?
With a friend. Tomodachi to desu.

……ITADAKEMASEN KA? Would you do?

STRUCTURE: (Te-form of causative Verb) + itadakemasen ka?
As I have a cold, may I have a day off today? Kaze o hiita node, kyou ichinichi yasumete
itadakemasen ka?

…… to ITTE IMASHITA Said that….

rd
Used when conveying the words of a 3 person to the listener.
When communicating an instruction or request from the 3rd person to the listener a simple plain
form such as –te kure is used.

STRUCTURE: (te-form) kure]+to itte imashita

Dict. form ]

Examples:
Mr A asked you to tell him the time of the meeting. A-san wa kaigi no jikan o shirasete kure to itte imashita.
Mr Johnson said he was going to Osaka Johnson-san wa kayoubi Osaka e shuchou-suru to
on Tuesday on business. itte imashita.
Mr Brown said he was coming here tomorrow. Brown-san wa ashita koko e kuru to itte imashita.
Mr Millar said that he would go to Tokyo on a Millar-san wa raishuu Tokyo e shutchou-suru
business trip next week. to itte imashita.
Carl suggested we drink coffee. Carl-san wa kohii o nomou to itta.

ITSU – ‘When, what time’

Examples:
When did you come here? Itsu koko e kitan desu ka?
Since when has she been sick? Kanojo wa itsu kara byouki-na no desu ka?
Until when (how long) are you in Japan? Itsu made Nihon ni irun desu ka?
When will be convenient for you? Itsu ga yoroshii desu ka?

Page - 206 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

JIBUN – One’s self, own
Is a pronoun used to refer to myself, yourself, himself, yourselves.

Examples:
I’m going myself. Jibun de ikimasu.
Do it yourself. Jibun de shinasai.
Do your own work by yourself. Jibun no koto wa jibun de shinasai.
Mary is studying by herself. Mary-san wa jibun de benkyou shite imasu.
Mary does everything by herself. Mary-san wa jibun de nan demo shimasu.
Mike is always studying in his own dormroom. Mike-san wa itsumo jibun no ryoo (dorm) no heya de
benkyou shite imasu.
Bob is reading a newspaper by himself. Bob-san wa jibun de shinbun o yonde imasu.
There is only one foreign employee in Power Electric. Power Electric ni gaikoku-jin no shain ga hitori dake desu.

……KA DOU KA Whether – or not

– is used when an interrogative phrase without an interrogative word is put in a sentence.

STRUCTURE:
Verb]+Plain Form ]
Adj]+ Plain Form ]+ka dou ka
Na ] Plain Form ]
Noun ]

Examples:
I don’t know whether or not Mr Lee will come. Lee-san wa kuru ka dou ka, wakarimasen.
I don’t know whether or not Yuki will write a letter. Yuki-san wa tegami o kaku ka dou ka, wakarimasen.
I don’t know whether or not Carl went to Nelson. Carl-san wa Nelson e itta ka dou ka, wakarimasen.
I don’t know whether or not Chris ate dinner. Chris-san wa bangohan o tabeta ka dou ka, wakarimasen.
Do you know whether or not Tony is married? Tony-san ga kekkon shite iru ka dou ka, shitte imasu ka?
I don’t know whether or not Carl’s books are interesting. Carl-san no hon ga omoshiroi ka dou ka, shiranai.
I don’t know whether or not Kaz is healthy. Kaz-san ga o-genki ka dou ka, wakarimasen.
I don’t know whether or not Chris is home. Chris-san wa uchi ni iru ka dou ka, wakarimasen.

Verb ni iki (-ki, -kaeri) masu –

My wife will come to the airport to meet me. Kanai ga kuukou ni mukae ni kimasu.
An old friend came to see me from Kyoto. Mukashi no tomodachi ga Kyoto kara ai ni kimashita.
I went back for the umbrella. Kasa o tori ni kaerimashita.
My son comes to have lunch every day. Musuko wa mainichi hirugohan o tabe ni kaerimasu.

KANA – ‘I wonder if …….’

Examples:
I wonder if I will be in time for the train. Densha ni ma ni au kana.  check with H
I wonder if she will come too? Kanojo mo kuru kana.
I wonder if this is alright. Kore de ii kana.
I wonder whose bag this is. Kore wa dare no kaban kana.

Page - 207 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

KANARAZU Indicates that a certain event will or should happen without fail.

I will submit the report tomorrow without fail. Repooto wa ashita kanarazu dashimasu.
When you enter the factory, please put Koujou ni hairu toki wa, kanarazu helmet o
on a helmet without fail. kabutte kudasai.

KATA
How to use Tsukai-kata How to make Tsukuri-kata
How to swim Oyogi-kata How to open Ake-kata
How to speak Hanashi-kata How to think Kangae-kata
Pronunciation of a character Yomikata

KITTO Indicates that the speaker believes something is almost certain to happen.
The weather will certainly be fine tomorrow. Ashita wa kitto ii tenki deshou.
Add more examples

ZEHI Indicates a strong desire for something to happen or be done.

I want to go to Kyoto at any cost Zehi Kyoto e ikitai desu.
I want to go to Bali very much. Zehi Bali e ikitai desu.
I want to eat dinner at any cost Zehi bangohan o tabetai desu.
I want to eat natto at any cost Zehi natto o tabetai desu.
I want to study kanji at any cost Zehi kanji o renshuu shitai desu.
I want to go to read this book at any cost Zehi kono hon o yomitai desu.

Kimochi ga ii and Kibun ga ii

Kimochi ga ii: used when speaker feels good because of outside stimulus.
Kibun ga ii: used when speaker feels good because of inside stimulus.

Examples:
It is such a sunny day today, that I feel great! Kyou wa tenki ga yokute, kimochi ga ii desu.
As I took medicine & my temperature went down, Kusuri o nonde, netsu ga sagatta node, kibun ga ii
I feel good! desu!

…… te KUDASAI MASEN KA? Will you please do - ?

Used for making requests
Will you please give me a call at 8 o’clock? Hachi-ji ni denwa o kudasai masen ka?
Will you please drink this drink? Kono nomimono o nonde kudasai masen ka?
Will you please carry this bag? Kono kaban o hakonde kudasai masen ka?
Will you please call Bob? Bob-san ni denwa o shite kudasai masen ka?
Will you please go to Siberia? Siberia e itte o kudasai masen ka?

Page - 208 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

…… te KURE Do
-te kure is the dictionary form of –te kudasai and is used for making requests.

STRUCTURE: (te-form) kure

Examples:
Help me for a second. Chotto tetsudatte kure.
As this baggage is in the way, put it away. Kono nimotsu wa jama da kara, katazukute kure.

KOTO ‘Thing’, ‘what’

Examples:
I’ll tell you a good thing. Ii koto o oshiete agemashou.
Please tell me what you wrote in your thesis. Thesis ni kaita koto o hanashite kudasai.
Do you remember what shachou said? Shachou ga itta koto o oboete imasu ka?

KOTO ga arimasu - ‘There are occasions when, have (done), had an experience that’
Examples:
Q: Have you ever been to Hokkaido? Hokkaido e itta koto ga arimasu ka?
A: No, I haven’t. Iie, arimasen.
There was a time when carrots were very expensive. Ninjin ga totemo takakatta koto ga arimasu.
There are times when I take a bath in the morning. Watashi wa asa ofuro ni hairu koto ga arimasu.
There are times when Jon goes to school. Jon wa asagohan o tabenai de gakkou e iku koto ga arimasu.
without eating breakfast.
Sometimes Serena sleeps all day. Tokidoki Serena wa zutto nete imashita.
Nothing much Iya, betsu ni
What’s happening? Nanka atta no?
Tomorrow I can go to Hakone. Ashita wa Hakone e iku koto ga dekimasu.
I can eat Japanese food. Nihon ryouri o taberu koto ga dekimasu.
I got to see kabuki in New York. Nyuu Yooku de kabuki o miru koto ga dekimasu.

KOTO ni shimasu/suru Decide to

A volitional decision to do something.
NB: the dictionary form of verbs precede the ‘koto ga/ni suru’

Examples:
I decided to quit my company. Kaisha o yameru koto ni (shita/shimashita).
I make it a rule to exercise for about 30 mins Mainichi sanjuppun gurai undoo o suru koto ni
every morning. shite imasu.
I’ve decided to make a trip to Hokkaido this summer. Kotoshi no natsu wa Hokkaido o ryokou suru
koto ni shimashita.
I’ve decided to memorize 10 kanji every day. Mainichi kanji o tou oboeru koto ni shimashita.
I’ve decided not to eat very much meat. Niku o amari tabenai koto ni shimashita.
What are you going to have? (lit. decide on) Nani ni shimasu ka?

I’ll have (lit. decide on) a hamburger. Hamburger ni shimasu.

I’ve decided to meet more people. Motto oozei hito au ni koto ni shimashita.
I’ve decided to write a book. Hon o kaku koto ni shimashita.
I’ve decided to buy a car. Kuruma o kau koto ni shimashita.
I’ve decided to go to Hakone tomorrow. Ashita wa Hakone e iku koto ni shimashita.
I’ve decided to go to Taiwan next year. Rainen Taiwan e iku koto ni shimashita.

Page - 209 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

I’ve decided to eat Japanese food. Nihon ryouri o taberu koto ni shimashita.
I’ve decided to quit smoking. Tabako o yameru koto ni shimashita.
I’ve decided to buy a new car. Shinsha o kau koto ni shimashita.
I’ve decided to take a vacation for a week. Isshukan kyuuka o toru koto ni shimashita.

KURU / KIMASU Come, visit, show up

Examples:
Did Nancy come to the party yesterday? Nancy-san wa kinou party ni kimashita ka?
Mr Tanaka will come to my house tomorrow. Tanaka-san ga ashita uchi e/ni kuru/kimasu.
Today’s newspaper hasn’t come yet Kyou wa mada shinbun ga konai.
Please come to my office tomorrow. Boku no jimusho ni ashita kite kudasai.

DESCRIBING MULTIPLE CHARACTERISTICS

KUTE – is used to state 2 attributes of N
When the 1st adjective in a linked pair is in the A1 group, it’s ending, i, is changed to kute.
ie: ookii  ookikute

i-adjective examples:
Sapporo is a cool and nice place. Sapporo wa suzushikute ii tokoro desu.
Miki’s cat is small and cute, you know. Miki-san no neko wa chiisakute kawaii desu yo.
I have heard that restaurant is inexpensive and good. Ano resutoran wa yasukute ii sou desu.
A Rolls Royce is very expensive and I cannot buy it. Rolls Royce wa totemo takakute kaemasen.
The book I read the other day was difficult Kono aida yonda hon wa muzukashikute
and I did not understand it. wakarimasen deshita.
This dictionary is cheap and convenient. Kono jisho wa yasukute benri desu.

NA-adjective examples:
When the 1st adjective in a linked pair is in the A2 group, it is followed by de .
ie: heta da  heta de
Mark is a very kind and nice person. Mark-san wa totemo shinsetsu de ii hito desu.
An electronic dictionary is simple and convenient. Denshi jisho wa kantan de benri (desu/da).
Marie is good at singing and sang at the Albert Hall. Marie-san wa uta ga jouzu de Albert Hall de utaimashita.

STRUCTURE: A1 kute A2 desu <- this is A1 joined to A2

ie: Yasukute shizuka (note the ‘i’ of Yasui is dropped)
Examples: Andrew is good at tennis and has small eyes.
Andrew-san wa tennisu ga jouzo de , me ga chiisai desu.

- Describing a woman who is kind (shinsetsu), stylish and beautiful (kirei). (all are A2 adjectives)
Mayumi-san wa shinsetsu de stylish de kirei ga ii hito desu.

- Describing a house that is shizuka, kirei and atarashi. (shizuka and kirei are A2’s, atarashii is A1.)
Watashi no uchi wa shizuka de kirei de atarashi kute desu.

Page - 210 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

MADA….masen Not yet–
Examples:
Can you write Hiragana? Hiragana ga kakemasu ka?
No, I cannot write it yet. Iie, mada kakemasen.
Have you already eaten lunch? Mou, hirugohan o tabemashita ka?
No, not yet. Iie, mada tabemasen.
She has not come here yet. Kanojo wa mada koko ni kite imasen.
Have you finished yet? Mou dekimashita ka?
No, not yet. Mada dekimasen.
Can you speak Japanese? Nihongo wa hanasemasu ka?
I cannot speak (Japanese) yet. Mada hanasemasen.
I took the medicine, but I haven’t got better yet. Kusori o nomimashita ga, mada yoku narimasen.

MADA: Negative Form: V-te imasen Have not done yet

Examples:
Q: Have you eaten sushi yet? Mou sushi o tabemashita ka?
A: Yes, I have eaten. Hai, mou tabemashita. or
A: No, not yet. Iie, mada desu or
A: No, not yet. Iie, mada tabete imasen .

Have you had lunch yet? Hirugohan wa mou tabemashita ka?

No, I haven’t yet. Iie, mada tabete imasen.

MADA + Affirmative form Still, yet

Examples:
It is still raining. Mada ame ga futte imasu.
Because I am still using them, please leave them there. Mada tsukatte iru kara, sono mama ni shite
oite kudasai.
My older brother is still a student. Ani wa mada gakusei desu.
Jill is 80 years old but she still skiis. Jill-san wa hachi-ju sai desu ga mada sukii o shimasu.
Q: Has your father already returned from the USA? Otosan wa mou Amerika kara kaette kimashita ka?
A: No, he has not returned yet. Iie, mada kaette kimasen.
Do you still have this kind of chocolate? Kono chokoreeto mada arimasu ka?
Do you still have sake? Sake wa mada arimasu ka?
He is still sleeping. Kare wa mada nemutte imasu.
Do you still remember what I said? Watashi no itta koto o mada oboete imasu ka?
Is your father still young? Otoosan wa mada o-wakai desu ka?
Mr Smith is still eating his lunch. Sumisu-san wa mada hirugohan o tabete iru/imasu.
I have not been to Japan yet. Mada Nihon e itta koto ga nai.

Mama Maintain the resultant state

An already given situation or condition remains unaltered – as is, unchanged, undisturbed,

leave as is, remain, as it is, at that, as it stands

Examples:
Page - 211 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
My father went to sleep leaving the TV on. Chichi wa terebi o tsuketa mama nete shimaimashita.
This room is as it was yesterday Kono heya wa kinou no mama desu.
I’ll leave this room as it is. Koko wa kono mama ni shite okimasu.
The TV was turned on and is still on. Terebi ga tsuita mama ni natte imasu.
I fell asleep leaving the light on. Denki o tsuketa mama nete shimaimashita.
I left the car engine on. Kuruma no engine o kaketa mama ni shite oita.
As I will do it, please leave it as it is. Watashi ga yarimasu kara, sono mama ni shite
oite kudasai (oite=leave as is)
Please put the report on that desk. Sono tsukue no ue ni repooto o oite kudasai.

MIERU/Miemasu Be visible, (can) see, look(s)

Examples:
From the window the ocean is visible. Mado kara (wa) umi ga (mieru/miemasu).
Today the mountains look near. Kyou wa yama ga chikaku (mieru/miemasu).
I could see small birds on the tree. Watashi ni wa ki no ue no chisa na tori ga mieta.
Women look beautiful at night. Onna no hito wa yoru kirei ni mieru.
Tony looks like a student. Tony-san wa gakusei ni mieru.

MIMASU / -te mimasu / -te mitai Try – ing / I will try to do something
– This expression is used when a certain action is tried to see what it is like or to see what
will happen as a consequence.

STRUCTURE: (te form) mimasu

Examples:
I will try Japanese sake. Nihon no o-sake o nonde mimasu.
I will try to read this book. Kono hon wa yonde mimasu.
I will try sushi. Sushi o tabete mimasu.
I will try to write an essay. Essay wa kaite mimasu.
I will try to go to school. Gakkou ni itte mimasu.
I will try this new coat on. Atarashii kooto o kite mimasu.
May I try the shoes on? Kutsu o haite mite ii desu ka?
I will think it over. Yoku kangaete mimasu.
Let’s try to call him by phone. Kare ni denwa shite mimashou.
I would like to try some sushi. Sushi o tabete mitai desu.
I would like to ride on the shinkansen. Shinkansen ni notte mitai desu.

-te MISEMASU To show / to display

I will show you a trick. Tejina o shite misemashou.
I showed them how to write my name in katakana. Watashi no namae o katakana de kaite misemashita.
I showed them how to fold origami. Origami o otte misemashita.

(Interrogative) + mo (in negative sentence)

This phrase corresponds to ‘no – ‘ or ‘not any – ‘
Nobody knows Carl’s address. Dare mo Carl-san no juusho o shirimasen.
It is dark and I cannot see anything. Kurakute nani mo miemasen.
Page - 212 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I did not meet anyone yesterday. Kinou wa dare ni mo aimasen deshita.

MO Even if…
– This expression is used to present a reverse condition. It is used when an action that is expected to be taken
or an event that is expected to happen natuarally under the given circumstances does not materialize, or a thing
turns out in a way opposite to a socially expected idea.

STRUCTURE:
Verb]+te Form ]
i-Adj]+  kute ] + mo
Na ]  de ]
Noun de ]

Examples:
Even if it rains, I’ll do the laundry. Ame ga futte mo, sentaku shimasu.
Even if group tours are inexpensive, Yasukute mo, watashi wa guruupu ryoukou
I don’t like them. ga kirai desu.
Even if a PC is convenient, I won’t use it. Benri de mo, pasukon o tuskaimasen.
Even if it is Sunday, I will work. Nichiyoubi de mo, hatarakimasu.

MO II DESU (You) may (do something)

- this expression refers to permission.

STRUCTURE: V-te mo ii desu

Examples:
Q: May I smoke here? Koko de tabako o sutte mo ii desu ka?
A: You may smoke. Tobako o sutte mo ii desu.
May I eat here? Koko de tabemono o tabete mo ii desu ka?
May I read a book here? Koko de hon o yonde mo ii desu ka?
May I walk there? Asoko de aruite mo ii desu ka?
Q: May I take your photo? Anata no shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?
A: You may take photos. Shashin o totte mo ii desu..
May I ask you a question? Shitsumon o shite mo ii desu ka?
It is alright for you to go home early today. Kyou wa hayaku uchi ni kaette mo ii desu.
May I call you? Denwa shite mo ii desu ka?
May I use this computer? Kono pasokon o tsukatte mo ii desu ka?

MONO Thing

Japanese Literal meaning English equivalent

Thing to eat Tabe-mono Food
Thing to buy Kai-mono Shopping, good buy
Thing to ride Nori-mono Vehicle
Thing to see Mi-mono Highlight
Thing to read Yomi-mono Literature
Living thing Iki-mono Creature

Page - 213 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

MOSHI If, in case, when
Examples:
In case of rain, it will be called off. Moshi ame nara chuushi desu.
If I had more money, I would buy it. Moshi motto okane ga areba, sore o kau no ni.
If I had a million yen, I would like to travel to Moshi 1-oku-en attara, iro iro na kuni o ryouko-
various countries. shitai desu.

MOTTE – I am in possession of N
An expression indicating that the speaker is in possession of N. Motte is the te-form of motsu (=have)

STRUCTURE: N o motte imasu (N を もって います)

Examples:
Q: Have you got a pen? Pen o motte imasu ka?
A: Yes, I do have a pen Hai, pen o motte imasu.
John has a good car. John-san wa ii kurumu o motte (imasu/iru).
John has a younger sister. John-san wa imooto o motte (imasu/iru).
This university has a good library Kono daigaku wa ii toshokan o motte (imasu/iru).
Have you got a watch? Tokei o motte imasu ka?
Do I have to have it? Motte inakute mo ii desu?
You have to have a passport. Pasupooto o motte inakereba narimasen.
You don’t have to have a passport. Pasupooto o motte inakute mo ii desu.
You have to have a ticket. Kippu o motte inakereba narimasen.
You don’t have to have a ticket. Kippu o motte inakute mo ii desu.

You have to have a letter of introduction. Shookaijou o motte inakereba narimasen.

Do you have to have a letter of introduction? Shookaijou o motte inakereba narimasen ka?
Don’t I have to have a passport? Pasupooto o motte inakute mo ii desu ka?

I may have (it)

I may not have it. Motte inai ka mo shiremasen.

He may have (some) money. Okane o motte iru ka mo shiremasen.
He may have the ticket. Kippu o motte iru ka mo shiremasen.
He may not have any money. Okane o motte inai ka mo shiremasen.

Not at all Sukoshi mo…..masen

I don’t have any time. Sukoshi mo jikan ga arimasen.
I don’t know how to do it. Dou suru ka shirimasen.
I don’t know when. Itsu ka shirimasen.
I don’t know where. Doko ka shirimasen.
I don’t know anything. Nani mo shirimasen.
He didn’t say anything. Nani mo iimasen deshita.
I don’t have anything. Nani mo motte imasen.

Place-1 kara Place-2 e o motte iku/motte kuru/motte kaeru

This expression indicates that a person carries thing N from Place-1 to another Place-2
I bring something back Motte kaerimasu/kaette
Page - 214 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I take something somewhere Motte ikimasu/itte
You ask someone to bring something to you Motte kimasu/kite/kimashita
Examples:
I will get a beer from the kitchen Daidokoro kara biru o motte kimasu (get) –
Please get some cheese from the kitchen Daidokoro kara chiizu o motte kite kudasai (get)
Please bring 2 glasses of water. Mizu o ni-hai motte kite kudasai.
Please bring a beer. Biiru o motte kite kudasai.
I got some cheese from the kitchen Daidokoro kara chiizu o motte kimashita

MOU means ALREADY in an affirmative sentence.

and means ‘(not) any more’ in a negative sentence.

Have you done/seen… [ACTION]?

Is an expression use to indicate that the action represented by V has already been
completed when the speaker mentions it.

Mada is used to indicate that the V-action has not yet been completed when the speaker mentions it.
MADA means YET
STRUCTURE: A-san wa MOU [ACTION] V mashita?

The verb is mashita to reflect it is asking a past tense question.

ie: Have you been married? Have you read the newspaper?

Example: Q: Have you seen Titanic? Mou ‘Titanic’ o mimashita ka?

A: Yes, I have already. Hai, mou mimashita. or
A: No, not yet. Iie, mada mimasen.

Q: Have you eaten dinner? Mou bangohan o tabemashita ka?

A: Yes, I have eaten dinner. Hai, mou tabemashita.
Or: No, not yet. Iie, mada tabemasen
Q: Have you been to Shinjuku? Mou Shinjuku e ikimashita ka?
A: No, not yet. Iie, mada ikimasen.

Is Mr Brown’s child already three years old? Brown-san no okosan wa mou san-sai desu ka?
That reastaurant is not good, so I do not want to go any more. Ano resutoran wa yoku nai kara mou arimasen.

I have already finished the work. Mou shigoto o owaremashita.

Jon has probably already arrived at the station by now. Jon-san wa mou eki ni tsuite iru deshou.
It has already been 3 years since I came to Japan. Nihon ni kite mou san-nen ni narimasu.
My father will be back in another 2 or 3 days. Chichi wa mou ni san nichi de kaerimasu.
I want to go and see it again. Mou ichido mi ni ikitai desu ne.

- n desu Explanatory

1) Used when the speaker explains to the listener the reason for his own words or actions &/or deeds
or adds reasons to his answer.
2) Used when explaining a current situation, ie: what is happening.
3) Used when emphasizing the meaning of a sentence.

Page - 215 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

By using n-desu, you can add a nuance of explaining the reason or the circumstances. This form is often used
in a colloquial environment, particularly if the speaker is asking for an explanation from the listener.

STRUCTURE: Verb ]+Plain Form ]

Adj ]+Plain Form ] + n desu
Na ] + da -> na ]
Noun]+Plain Form ]
Warui - > warukattan

Examples:
I took a day off from the company yesterday Watashi wa kinou kaisha o yasumimashita.
I had a fever. Netsu ga attan desu.
I am going out now. Ima kara dekakerun desu.
Believe me, this apple is really good. Kono ringo wa hontou ni oishiin desu yo.
Q: What happened to you? Dou shitan desu ka?
A: I am late for class. Jugyoo ni okure soo nan desu.
Q: It is a nice watch, isn’t it? Ii tokei desu ne.
A: Do you think so? I bought it in Europe. Sou desu ka? Europe de kattan desu.
Q: Won’t you go to see a movie with me tomorrow? Ashita issho ni eiga o mi ni ikimasen ka?
A: Well, tomorrow is not good for me, Ee to, ashita wa chotto tsugou ga waruin desu
But how about the day after tomorrow? kedo. Asatte wa dou desu ka?
It is hot. Can I close the window? Atsuin desu ga. Mado o akete kudasai masenka?
I cannot write kanji. Kanji no kakikata ga wakaranain desu ga.
Can you teach me? Oshiete kudasai masenka?
Why are you reading that book? Nande ano hon o yonde imasu ka?
This book is interesting (and that’s why) Kono hon wa omoshiroin desu.
The bus is slow (and that’s why) Basu wa osoin desu.
His lecture is boring. (and that’s why) Kare no koogi wa tsumaranain desu.
Q: I want to buy [Object]. [Object] ga kaitain desu ga…
..where is good place? Doko ga ii desu ka?
A: [Place] is a good place to buy [Object]. [Object] nara [Place] ga ii desu yo.
I had too much to eat. Tabemono o tabesugitan desu.
I won’t drink coffee now; I am going to bed soon. Ima wa kohii o nomimasen. Mou sugu nerun desu.
I borrowed some money from the bank; I’m going to Ginko de okane o karimashita. Kuruma o kaun desu.
buy a car.
When is the rainy season over? Tsuyu wa itsu owarun desu ka?

- n desu ka?
Interrogative sentence used when the speaker is asking for an explanation of what he
has seen or heard.
Examples:
You’re not eating much today. What’s the matter? Kyou wa amari tabemasen, ne. Dou shitan desu ka?
I have a stomach ache. Onaka ga itain desu.

- n desu ga
Serves to draw the listener into the topic the speaker is talking about.
Examples:
The washing machine isn’t working; will you Sentakuki ga ugokanain desu ga, chotto mite
please take a look at it? kudasaimasenka?

Page - 216 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

NA Don’t do
A negative imperative marker used by a male speaker in very informal speech.

Examples:
Don’t smoke! Tabako o suu na!
Don’t talk! Hanasu na! (shaberu na!)
Don’t eat! Taberu na!
Don’t drink too much sake! Sake o amari nomu na!
Don’t go to such a place any more! Sonna tokoro ni mou iku na!
Don’t go home! Uchi ni kaeru na!
Don’t read that book! Ano hon o yomu na!
Don’t play golf! Gorufu o suru na!

NAI
Examples:
The bag I left sitting here is missing. Koko ni oite atta kaban ga nai.
This is not a Japanese-made car. Kore wa Nihonsei no kuruma dewa nai.
I don’t have my passport now. Ima pasupooto o motte inai.
There is no library at this school. Kono gakkou ni wa toshokan ga nai.

NAKANAKA….masen = ‘not easily’, ‘not…as expected’ –

Nakanaka is followed by a negative expression. Slot it in front of the Verb.
Examples:
I cannot learn words easily. Kotoba ga nakanaka oboeraremasen.
The taxi is not coming as soon as I expected. Takushii ga nakanaka kimasen.
I ordered tempura, but it takes time for them to bring it. Tenpura o chuumon-shita noni, nakanaka motte
kimasen.
In Japan we can rarely see horses. Nihon de wa nakanaka uma o miru koto ga dekimasen.

In an affirmative sentence, NAKANAKA means ‘quite so & so’.

Examples:
It was quite a good movie, wasn’t it? Nakanaka ii eiga deshita ne?
James speaks Japanese quite well, doesn’t he? James-san wa nakanaka jouzu ni Nihongo o hanashimasu
ne?
Dinner was quite tasty, wasn’t it? Bangohan wa nakanaka oishikatta desu ne?

NAKEREBA [NARIMASEN/NARANAI] = ‘have to,’ ‘must,’ ‘need’

Expressing obligation/necessity of the speaker. ie: something must be done.
Examples:
I have to go to the company by 9 o’clock. Ku-ji made ni kaisha ni ikanakereba narimasen.
I have to learn more words. Motto tango o oboenakereba narimasen.
The apartment needs to be much closer to the station. Apaato wa eki ni motto chikaku nakereba narimasen.
I must take medicine. Kusuri o nomanakereba narimasen.
Page - 217 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I must return the book by Saturday. Doyoubi made ni hon o kaesanakereba narimasen.
I have to work today. Kyou wa hatarakanakereba narimasen.
Libraries have to be quiet. Toshokan wa shizuka de nakereba narimasen.
I have to get up at 5 tomorrow morning. Ashita no asa go-ji ni okinakereba narimasen.
That room has to be a bit larger. Ano heya wa mou sukoshi hirokunakereba narimasen.
To do this job, your English has to be good. Kono shigoto o suru tame ni wa Eigo ga jouzu de
nakereba narimasen.
I have to go to the park tomorrow. Ashita kouen e ikanakereba narimasen.
As the meeting will be held tomorrow, Ashita kaigi ga arimasu kara, kyou junbi shinakereba
I have to prepare for it today. narimasen.
I have to have it. Motte inakereba narimasen.
Do I have to have (it)? Motte inakereba narimasen ka?
I don’t have to have (it)? Motte inakute mo ii desu?
You have to have a passport. Passpooto o motte inakereba narimasen.
Do I have to have a passport? Passpooto o motte inakereba narimasen ka?
You don’t have to have a passport. Passpooto o motte inakute mo ii desu.
You have to have a ticket. Kippu o motte inakereba narimasen.
You have to have a letter of introduction. Shoukaijou o motte inakereba narimasen.
You must hurry. Anata wa isoganakereba narimasen.
Children must go to bed early. Kodomo tach wa hayaku ne-nakereba narimasen.
You have to study hard. Anata wa isshokenmei benkyou shinakereba narimasen.
I must return the book to the library. Toshokan ni hon o kaesa-nakereba narimasen.
You have to take care of your health. Anata wa kenkou ni chuui shinakereba narimasen.

NAKUTE Used to indicate causes or reasons

– The first part of the sentence presents a cause and the second part presents the
consequence produced by the cause.
STRUCTURE:
V te-form ]
V nai-form]
Adj ] +nakute
Na – de ]

Examples:
As it is dangerous, please don’t touch the machine. Abunai desu kara, kikai ni sawaranai de kudasai.
I have to call my mother tonight. Konban haha ni denwa o kakenakute wa ikenai.
I have to write a paper, so I cannot go out today. Repooto o kakanakute wa ikenai node, kyou wa
dekakeraremasen.

NANI ‘What’
Examples:
What is in this bag? Kono kaban ni wa nani ga haitte imasu ka?
What are you going to buy in the department store? Depaato de nani o kaun desu ka?
What do you want most now? Ima nani ga ichiban hoshii desu ka?
What are you talking about? Nani o hanashite irun desu ka?

NARA If…..then
Page - 218 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
– This is the conditional form of a noun sentence, and is used when the speaker addresses
the topic introduced by the other person as the main theme and gives information.

STRUCTURE: Noun nara

Examples:
IF you are free tomorrow, shall we go to Osaka together? Ashita hima nara, issho ni Osaka e ikimasen ka?
I want to buy a cheap video player. Yasui video o kaitai desu.
IF you want a cheap video player, then Akihabara Yasui video nara, Akihabara ga ii desu.
is a good place.
IF it’s English (you need), I can speak it. Eigo nara hanasemasu.
IF you like France, shall we go there together? Furansu ga suki nara, issho ni ikimasen ka?
IF you want to read books, let’s go to the library together. Hon o yomu nara, toshokan e ikimashou.

NARIMASU/NATTA means ‘to become,’ ‘turn,’ ‘come (grow) to,’ ‘learn to’
Indicates change in a state or conditions.
STRUCTURE: Noun, Na-adj ] ni narimasu eg: Sensei da  Sensei ni naru
i-adj ] ku naru eg: Atsui  Atsu-ku naru

Examples:
25 years old 25-sai
become 25 years old 25-sai ni narimasu
well genki
become well genki ni narimasu
cold samui
become cold samuku narimasu

My big brother became a teacher. Ani wa sensei ni narimashita.

I want to become a designer. Watashi wa dezainaa ni naritai desu.
It has already grown dark outside. Soto wa mou kuraku narimashita.
She saw it and turned pale. Kanojo wa sore o mite aoku natta.
The colour of the lake was blue in the beginning Mizuumi no iro wa hajime wa aoku,
and then turned green. sorekara midori ni narimashita.
I will become 18 years old next month. Raigetsu watashi wa 18-sai ni narimasu.
My father was sick but he became well. Chichi wa byouki deshita ga, mou genki ni narimashita.
The vacation started and school became quiet. Yasumi ga hajimatte, gakkou wa shizuka ni narimashita.
Japanese has become difficult, but it is fun. Nihongo wa muzukashiiku narimashita ga, tanoshii desu.
The weather become bad. Tenki ga waruku narimashita.
The rent became expensive. Yachin ga takaku narimashita.
He became a doctor. Kare wa isha ni natta.
At last Spring has come. Yatto haru ni natta.
I have come to like him. Watashi wa kare ga suki ni natta.
Having lost my wallet, I turned pale. Saifu o nakushite, aoku natta.

Page - 219 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

‘ni’ – COMBINING SENTENCES:
To combine 2 sentences, ie: –
1) P へ ikimasu (ie: Depaato e ikimasu ) &
2) N を kaimasu (ie: shatsu o kaimasu )

1)+2) = P へ N を kai ni ikimasu The ‘masu’ is replaced with ‘ni’

ie: Depaato e shatsu o kai ni ikimasu
Examples:
Q: Depaato へ nani o kai ni ikimasu ka? What will you buy when you go to the department store?
A: Depaato へ shatsu o kai ni ikimasu. I will go to the department store to buy a shirt.

Continuing this pattern -

WHAT WILL YOU DO IN PLACE?

Pへ Verb (without ‘masu’) ni ikimasu
Pへ Noun ni ikimasu

Examples: Go to a restaurant for a meal. Restaurant e shukuji ni ikimasu.

Go to school to study. Gakkou e benkyo ni ikimasu.
Go to a department store to shop. Depaato e kaimono ni ikimasu.

Do copying = copy o shimasu

Go = ikimasu Combining these 2 produces:
I am going to the next room to do some copying. Tonari no heya e copy o shi ni ikimasu.

The Question:
A-san, what did you do in PLACE? A-san wa PLACE e nani o shi ni ikimashita ka?
A-san, what did you do in the library? A-san wa toshokan e nani o shi ni ikimashita ka?

Replace the shi ni with the appropriate VERB, to get -

A: I read a book in the library (NB: yo was yomimasu) Toshokan e hon o yomi ni ikimashita.

Q: A-san, what did you do in Yoyogi? A-san wa Yoyogi e nani o shi ni ikimashita ka?
A: I went to Yoyogi to play tennis. Yoyogi e tennisu o shi ni ikimashita.

Q: What will you do when you go to the restaurant? Restaurant e nani o shi ni ikimasu ka?
A: I will eat sushi when I go to the restaurant. Restaurant e sushi o tabe ni ikimasu.

Where do you want to go for Hanami? Hanami o shi ni doko e ikitai desu ka?

I (will) go to the department store = Depaato e ikimasu

I (will) buy some shoes = Kutsu o kaimasu Combining these 2 produces:

->Depaato e kutsu o kai ni ikimasu I will buy some shoes when I go to the department store.

What did you drink when you went to the bar in Roppongi? Roppongi no bar e nani o nomi ni ikimashita ka?

Q: What will you do in Kyoto? Kyoto e nani o shi ni ikimasu ka?

A: I will see lots of temples in Kyoto. Kyoto e takusan tera (temples) o mi ni ikimasu.

Page - 220 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Q: What will you do when you go to London? London e nani o shi ni ikimasu ka?
A: I will shop in London. London e kaimono o shi ni ikimasu.

Q: What will you see when you go to Bali? Bali e nani o mi ni ikimasu ka?
A: I will see lots of beaches in Bali. Bali e takusan kaigan o mi ni ikimasu.

Q: What will you buy when you go to Auckland? Auckland e nani o kai ni ikimasu ka?
A: I will buy lots of beer in Auckland. Auckland e takusan biiru o kai ni ikimasu.

Q: What did you eat when you went to Paris? Paris e nani o tabe ni ikimashita ka?
A: I ate lots of snails in Paris. Paris e takusan snails o tabe ni ikimashita.

Q: What do you talk about when you meet Bob? Bob to nani o hanashite ni aimasu ka?
A: I talk about cars when I meet Bob. Bob to au toki wa kuruma o hanashi o shimasu.

Q: What do you do when you go to the park? Kouen e nani o shi ni ikimasu ka?
A: I play tennis when I go to the park. Kouen ni tennisu o shi ni ikimasu.

Q: What do you do when you go to the gym? Gym e nani o shi ni ikimasu ka?
A: I play soccer when I go to the gym. Gym de soccer o shi ni shimasu.

I will go to see a movie with friends next Sunday. Kondo (=next) no Nichiyoubi ni tomodachi
to eiga o mi ni ikimasu.

Yesterday morning I went to Ginza. Kinou no asa Ginza ni itte,

and then went to see a movie. sorekara eiga o mi ni ikimashita.
I went to see a movie because I was free yesterday. Kinou wa hima datta kara eiga o mi ni itta.

I went to a department store to buy a present. Depaato e purezento o kai ni ikimashita.

Carl went home to eat his lunch. Carl-san wa hirugohan o tabe ni uchi e kaetta.

ni (SURU/SHIMASU) Decide on -; make it

– Someone has decided on something.

Examples:
I’ve decided on this apartment. Kono apaato ni (suru/shimasu)
What have you decided on? Anata wa nan ni shimasu ka?
I’ve decided on steak. Suteki ni (suru/shimasu)
Mr Smith has decided on an American car. Sumisu-san wa Amerika no kuruma
ni shimashita.

no The pronoun ‘no’ corresponds to ‘one’

Examples:
This dictionary is the same as the one I have. Kono jisho wa watashi ga motte iru no onaji desu.
The red bag is Y5,000 and Akai kaban wa Y5,000 desu ga,
the black one is Y7,500 yen. kuroi no wa Y7,500 desu yo.
This camera is big. Do you have a smaller one? Kono kamera wa ookii desu ne. Motto chiisai no ga
arimasu ka?

Page - 221 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Verb (dict. form) + no wa means ‘to do/doing [such and such] is --’,
or ‘It is – to do [such and such]’
Examples:
To speak in Japanese is not so difficult. Nihongo de hanasu no wa amari muzukashi kunai.
Smoking is not good for the body. Tabako o sui no wa karada ni yokunai.
Watching the US Open is interesting, isn’t it? US Open o miru no wa omoshiroi desu ne?
Driving for many hours is hard. Nan-jikan mo unten suru no wa taihen desu.
Reading this book is easy. Kono hon o yomu no wa kantan desu.
Going to Shinjuku is difficult. Shinjuku e iku no wa muzukashii desu.
Using this PC is difficult. Kono PC o tsukau no wa muzukashii desu.

OKIMASU
STRUCTURE: (te-form) okimasu

1) Preparation - to complete a necessary action by a given time.

Before I go on the trip, I will buy and keep the tickets with me. Ryouko ni iku mae ni, kippu o katte okimasu.
Ryouri o tsukutte (make) okimasu. Souji o shite okimasu.

2) A measure - to complete a necessary action in readiness for the next use.

When you use the scissors, please put them back where they were. Hasami o tsukattara, moto no tokoro ni shimatte oite
kudasai.
3) To sustain the resultant state - leave as it is.
As it is cold, please keep the window closed. Samui desu kara, mado o shimete oite kudasai
Please keep the light on in the room. Heya no denki o tsukete (turn on) oite kudasai.
I will keep the window open. Mado o akete (open) okimasu.

OMOIMASU I think that…/ to think -

– is an expression used when the speaker conjectures that some person N
will do the V-action

STRUCTURE: N wa V (plain form) ＋ to omoimasu

NOTE: ‘to’ (と) usually comes before ‘omoimasu’

Examples:
Q: What do you think of Japan? Nihon o dou omoimasu ka?
A: I think Japan is an interesting country. Omoshiroi kuni da to omoimasu.
I think it will rain tonight. Konban ame ga furu to omoimasu.
I think Teresa has already gone to bed. Teresa-san wa mou neta to omoimasu.
Q: What will you do in Golden Week? Golden Week ni nani o shimasu ka?
A: I think I will see a movie. Eiga o miru to omoimasu.
Q: Does Jason know this news? Jason-san wa kono nyuusu o shitte imasu ka?
A: No, I don’t think he does. Iie, tabun shiranai to omoimasu.
I think Japan has a convenient Nihon wa kotsu ga benri da to omoimasu.
transportation system.
I think I will play golf when I have time. Hima ni nattara, gorufu o shiyou to omoimasu.
Page - 222 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I think that learning Japanese is very interesting. Nihongo o narou no wa totemo omoshiroi to omoimasu.
I think that shirt is cheap. Ano shatsu wa yasui to omoimasu.
I think this room is lovely. Kono heya wa kirei to omoimasu.
I think that car is loud. Ano kuruma wa urusai to omoimasu.
I think that singer sings well. Ano kashuu wa uta ga jouzu to omoimasu.

The espression - ni tsuite dou omoimasu ka? is used to ask someone’s opinion
What do you think of the new airport? Atarashii kuukou ni tsuite dou omoimasu ka?
What do you think of this new book? Atarashii hon ni tsuite dou omoimasu ka?

- to OMOTTE IMASU Be thinking of doing

‘omotte’ is the te-form of ‘omoimasu’.

This expression conveys that the speaker has made up his mind before speaking and continues
to have the same intention as he speaks.

STRUCTURE: Volitional Form + to omotte imasu (or ‘to omoimasu’)

Examples:
I am thinking I will go out shopping now. Ima kara kaimono ni ikou to omotte imasu.
I am thinking of going to see a movie with Kondo (=next) no Nichiyoubi ni tomodachi to
friends next Sunday. eiga o mi ni ikou to omotte imasu.

- TSUMORI DESU Intend to do, be convinced that, believe,

feel sure that, be going to
Used to convey the speakers intention.

STRUCTURE: Dict. form + tsumori desu

Examples:
I intend to get married next year. Rainen kekkon suru tsumori desu.
I intend to give this photograph to her. Kono shashin wa kanojo ni ageru tsumori desu.
I intend to give this book to Mike. Kono hon wa Mike-san ni ageru tsumori desu.
I intend to learn the technology very Isshokenmei gijutsu (=technology) o narau tsumori
thoroughly. desu.
What kind of job do you intend to look Nihon de wa donna shigoto o sagasu
for in Japan? tsumori desu ka?
I plan to work hard and save a lot of money. Isshokenmei hataraite okane o takusan tameru tsumori desu.
I have no intention of going anywhere this summer. Kotoshi no natsu wa doko ni mo ikanai tsumori desu.
I intend to go to work around 10 o’clock tomorrow. Ashita wa kaisha ni juu-ji goro iku tsumori desu.
I intend not to smoke. Tabako wa suwanai tsumori desu.
I have no intention to marry Mike. Watashi wa Mike-san to kekkon suru tsumori wa
arimasen.
What do you intend to do during the holiday? Yasumi ni wa nani o suru tsumori desu ka?
This work is intended to be a pastime. Kono shigoto wa asobi no tsumori desu.
I thought I talked to you, but I didn’t, did I? Hanashita tsumori deshita ga, hanasanakattan desu ne.
I am convinced that I am still healthy. Watashi wa mada genki na tsumori desu.
My father is convinced that he is still young. Chichi wa mada wakai tsumori desu.
When do you plan to mail the letter? Itsu tegami o dasu tsumori desu ka?
I intend to buy a car. Kuruma o kau tsumori desu?

Page - 223 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

I intend to get up early tomorrow morning. Ashita no asa wa hayaku okiru tsumori desu.
I intend to live in Japan for 1 year. Nihon ni ichinen sumu tsumori desu.
I intend to consult with my friend later. Atode tomodachi ni soudan suru tsumori desu.
I intended to come back earlier. Motto hayaku kaeru tsumori deshita.
What do you intend to do today? Kyou wa nani o suru tsumori desu ka?

UCHI ni While, before, during

During a period when a certain situation remains in effect.
Examples:
Tony’s Japanese improved while he was in Japan. Tony-san wa Nihon ni iru uchi ni Nihongo ga jouzu ni
narimashita.
My stomach started to ache while I was running. Hashitte iru uchi ni onaka ga itaku narimashita.
Read many books while you are young. Wakai uchi ni hon o takusan yominasai.
While thinking about it, I got lost. Kangaete iru uchi ni wakaeanaku narimashita.
Please drink it while it is warm. Atatakai uchi ni nonde kudasai.
I’ll sleep a lot during the holiday. Yasumi no uchi ni yoku nete okimasu.
While the weather is good, I am going to the park. Tenki ga ii uchi ni kouen e iku.

 aida, mae ni

YOTEI DESU Be planning to do

An event scheduled in advance.
STRUCTURE:
Dict. Form ] + yotei desu
Noun + no ]

Examples:
The business trip is scheduled to be about Shutchou wa iishukan gurai no yotei desu.
a week long.
Do you have any plans for Sunday? Nichiyoubi wa nanika yotei ga arimasu ka?
I am planning to play tennis. Tenisu o suru yotei desu.
I am planning to make a phone call. Denwa o kakeru yotei desu.
I am planning to go to a party. Party e iku yotei desu.
I am planning to see a movie. Eiga o miru yotei desu.
I am planning to go to a rock concert. Rock concert e iku yotei desu.
I am planning to go to France. Furansu e iku yotei desu.
I am planning to go back to Fiji at the end of August. Hachigatsu no owari ni Fiji e kaeru yotei desu.
The flight is due to arrive at 6 o’clock in the evening. Hikouki wa yuugata rokku-ji tsuku yotei desu.
Q: When is the next meeting? Tsugi no kaigi wa itsu desu ka?
A: The meeting is scheduled for Monday. Getsuyoubi ni yotei desu.
Q: When will you meet Mike? Itsu Mike-san ni aimasu ka?
A: I am scheduled to meet Mike on Thursday. Mokuyoubi ni Mike-san to au yotei desu.
I’m planning to trave lto India this autumn. Kotoshi no aki ni, Indo e ryokou ni iku yotei desu.
About how many people are you expecting? Nannin gurai kuru yotei desu ka?

Page - 224 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

OWARU – ….. ‘finish doing such and such’…..
Examples:
When you finish reading the book, please lend it to me. Sono hon o yomi-owattara, kashite kudasai.
Since everyone has finished eating, let’s start to clean up. Minna ga gohan o tabe-owattara,
katazuke-hajimemashou.
Although I have finished writing this report, Kono repooto o kaki-owatta keredo
(although), I have to write another one. mou hitotsu hoka no o kakanakereba ikemasen.

RASHII – ….. ‘seems, looks like, likely, apparently, I heard’

Examples:
It seems Tony is going to America. Tony-san wa Amerika e iku rashii desu.
Carl seems to have gone home already. Carl-san wa mou kaetta rashii desu.
That school’s exam seems difficult. Ano gakkou no shiken wa muzukashi rashii desu.
This neighbourhood seems very quiet. Kono atari wa totemo shizuka rashii desu.
This place seems to be a school. Kono tokoro wa gakkou rashii desu.
It seems like Dave likes oranges. Dave-san wa orenji suki rashii desu.
It looks cold in New York. New York wa samui rashii desu.
He seems to be ill. Kare wa byouki rashii desu.

SA
Adjective -> abstract noun.
Change the final –i of an i-adjective into –sa & you can transform the adjective into an
abstract noun describing the character or condition represented by the adjective.
Examples:
Mt Fuji is high. Fuji-san wa takai desu.
The height of Mt Fuji is 3,776 metres. Fuji-san no takasa wa 3,776 metres desu wa takai desu.
Weight Taijuu

no o SHITTE IMASU Know that….

STRUCTURE:
Verb ]
Adj]+Plain Form ]+no o shitte imasu
Na] + da -> na ]
Noun ]

Examples:
Do you know the telephone number of the centre? Centre no denwa-bangou o shitte imasu ka?
Do you know that there was a fire near the centre? Centre no chikaku de kaji ga atta no o shitte imasu ka?

Page - 225 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

SHI – Indicating 2 or more reasons or causes, ‘and what’s more, not only, but
also – ’

-kara is use for indicating a cause or reason.

When there are 2 or more reasons or causes, -shi is often used to indicate them.
STRUCTURE: Plain form + shi

Examples:
First Reason: I have a lot of luggage Nimotsu ga ooi desu.
Second Reason: It is raining. Ame ga futte imasu.
The combined sentence, using – shi is:
As I have a lot of luggage and it is raining, Nimotsu ga ooi shi, ame ga futte iru shi,
I will go home by taxi. takushi de kaerimasu.

First Sentence: Tanaka speaks English well. Tanaka-san wa eigo ga jouzo desu.
Second Sentence: Hayashi speaks English well too. Hayashi-san mo eigo ga jouzo desu.
The combined sentence, using – shi is:
Tanaka speaks English well and, Tanaka-san mo eigo ga jouzo dashi,
Hayashi speaks English well too. Hayashi-san mo eigo ga jouzo desu.

It’s Sunday today and the weather is fine, so.. Kyou wa Nichiyoubi da shi, tenki mo ii shi…..
As it is cold today, I am not going anywhere. Kyou wa samui shi, doko mo dekakemasen.
This restaurant serves good food and the prices are Kono restaurant wa ryouri mo oishii shi, nedan mo
low as well. yasui desu.
I went shopping, washed my car and studied Japanese.Kaimono o shita shi, kuruma o aratta shi, Nihongo mo
benkyou shimashita.
My car was stolen, I lost my wallet and what’s Kuruma o nusumareta (stolen) shi, saifu o
more, I was bitten by a dog. nakushita (lost) shi, inu ni kamaremashita. (bitten)

I not only played tennis but also saw a movie today. Kyou wa tenisu mo shita shi, eiga mo mimashita.
Here it’s hot in summer, and what’s more, Koko wa natsu wa atsui shi,
it’s cold in winter. fuyu wa samui desu.
This apartment is clean, and what’s more, it’s cheap.Kono apaato wa kirei da shi, yasui desu.
Not only did I find a job, but I was also able to get Shigoto mo atta shi, kekkon mo dekita shi,.
married, so I’m very happy. totemo ureshii desu.
It’s a nice day, so shall we go out somewhere? Kyou wa tenki mo ii shi, dokaka e ikimashou ka?
She’s beautiful and what’s more, she’s intelligent. Kanojo wa kirei da shi, atama mo ii desu.

Shika + negative expression Only, nothing but, just

SHIKA….MASEN Cannot do anything other than
– Is used to convey the impression that there is nothing one can do but what is mentioned
in the phrase - put it before the negative verb
Examples:
I cannot write anything other than Romanji. Romanji shika kakemasen.
Mike eats nothing but vegetables. Mike wa yasai shika tabemasen.
I cannot do anything but play soccer. Soccer shika shimasen.
Only Bob and Jim came. Bob-san to Jim-san shika kimasen deshita.
I have no more than 3 Japanese friends. Watashi wa san-nin shika Nihon no tomodachi
ga imasen.
Page - 226 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I only have 2 thousand yen now. Ima ni-sen en shika okane o motte imasen.
Today I can meet you at no other time except 6. Kyou wa roku-ji ni shika aemasen.
You an only get there by taxi. Asoko e wa takushii de shika ikemasen.
I only know English. Eigo shika shirimasen.
I only read Japanese newspapers. Nihongo shinbun shika yomimasen.
No one but Mr Tanaka smokes. Tanaka-san shika tobako o (suwanai/suimasen)
I know nothing but Japanese. Watashi wa Nihongo shika (shiranai/shirimasen).
I had only one bowl of rice Watashi wa gohan o ippai shika tabenakatta.

SHIMAIMASHITA
Have done, finish doing, completion – Indicates completion.

(owatte = be finished, be over)

Have you completed the homework yet? Mou shukudai o shite shimaimashita ka?
(I have) completed the homework. Shukudai o shite shimaimashita.
I intend to finish reading this entire book today. Kyou kono hon o zenbu yonde shimau tsumori desu.
Mr Smith finished reading the book in 3 days. Sumisu-san wa mikka de sono hon o yonde
shimaimashita.

Also has a more common meaning – to convey a sense of having done something
irreparable or a sense of loss.

STRUCTURE:
(te-form) shimaimashita
I have lost my passport Passupoorto o nakushite shimaimashita.
The car has broken down. Kuruma ga koshou-shite shimaimashita.
I forgot the phone number & I cannot contact him/her. Denwa bangou o wasurete shimatte renraku dekimasen.

SHIMASU Turn - into

Shimasu indicates that somebody ‘turns’ something into a certain state.

STRUCTURE:
Adj-ku ]+shimasu
Na, N-ni ]

Examples:
I turn the sound up. Oto o ookiku shimasu.
I clean the room. Heya o kirei ni shimasu.

SOU DESU/SOU DA Looks like - Expression of Appearance

When used with a verb: it is used when the speaker sees some phenomenon about to take place
at any moment and refers to it. The verb imanimo is used when emphasizing imminence.
When used with an i-adjective or a na-adjective: it means that although something has not been
confirmed for a fact, it looks so judging from the appearance.

Page - 227 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

STRUCTURE:
V masu-form ]
Adj ] +sou desu / sou da
Na ]

Examples:
Your baggage is almost falling from the shelf. Tana (shelf) kara nimotsu ga ochisou desu yo.
It doesn’t look like I’ll pass the exam. Shiken ni pasu shisou mo arimasen.
That person looks very gentle. Ano hito wa totemo yasashisou desu.
You looked bored. Taikutsu sou deshita ne.
This meal doesn’t look very good. Kono ryouri wa amari oishiku nasasou desu.
You look good (great). O-genki sou desu ne.
You look worried. Shinpai sou desu ne.
It looks like rain. Ame ga furi sou desu.
It looks like it will rain, doesn’t it? Ame ga furi (sou desu/sou da) ne.
That car looks expensive. Ano kuruma wa takai (sou desu/sou da) ne.
That steak looked delicious. Ano suteki wa oishisou datta.
This neighbourhood looks quiet. Kono hen wa shizuka sou desu
It looks like an interesting book. Omoshiroku nasasou na hon desu.
This camera looks good, you know. Kono kamera wa yosa sou desu yo.
They say she is coming. Kanojo wa kuru sou desu.
I understand the he speaks Japanese. Kare wa Nihongo o hanasu sou desu.
People say that Kate is going to get married. Keito wa kekkon suru sou desu.
They say the PM is going to visit NZ next month. Shuushou wa raigetsu NZ o houmon suru sou desu.
They say a typhoon is coming. Taifu ga kuru sou desu.
It looks like even I can do it. Watashi ni mo deki sou desu.

With adjectives
It looks/seems high. Takai sou desu.
He looks/seems healthy. Kare wa genki sou desu.
There looks/seems to be no problem. Mondai wa nasa sou desu.
She looks/seems to be very delighted. Kanojo watotemo ureshii sou desu.

NOTE: ‘Looks not? Ask H  ‘-nasa sou da’ and ‘looks good’  ‘yosa sou da’

SOU DESU I hear that….

Expression of hearsay, used for conveying information one has obtained from another source
without including one’s own opinion. When the source of information is given, it is indicated
by – ni yoru to (= according to) and placed at the beginning of the sentence.

STRUCTURE: Plain form] +sou desu

Examples:
I hear that Mami is going to get married soon. Mami-san wa mou sugu kekkon suru sou desu.
According to the news, there was a big News ni yoru to, Amerika de ookina jishin ga atta
earthquake in America. sou desu.
They say it will rain. Ame ga furu sou desu.
They say this movie is interesting. Kono eiga wa omoshiroi sou desu.
I hear Mr Tanaka is fine. Tanaka-san wa genki da sou desu.
I have heard that the restaurant is inexpensive and good. Ano resutoran wa yasukute ii sou desu.

Page - 228 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

I heard that it will rain from today through to Kyou kara raishuu no getsuyoubi made ame ga furu sou
next Monday. (da/desu).

I understand that hotels in Boston are expensive. Boston no hoteru wa takai sou desu.
I have heard that the cherry blossoms in Washington Washington no sakura wa totemo kirei da sou desu.
are very beautiful.
I heard that Mr Suzuki was a saleman. Suzuki-san wa salesman datta sou desu.
I hear it will be sunny tomorrow. Asu wa hareru sou desu.
It is said that this building is the tallest in Japan. Kono biiru ga Nihon de ichiban takai sou desu.
I heard that Carl doesn’t drink any alcohol. Carl-san wa o-sake o nomanai sou desu.
I hear that meat in Japan is very expensive. Nihon no niku wa totemo takai sou desu.
I heard that Toshiko speaks very good English. Toshiko-san wa eigo ga totemo jouzu da sou desu.
I heard that Mr King is an English teacher. King-san wa Eigo no sensei da sou desu.

SUGIMASU/SUGIRU Too much

– Sugimasu indicates that the degree of an action or a state is excessive.
Usually refers to undesirable states.
Examples:
I drank too much alcohol yesterday. Kinou o-sake o nomi-sugimashita.
I ate too much sushi this morning. Kyou no asa sushi o tabe-sugimashita.
This bag is too big. Kono kaban wa ooki-sugimasu.
If you watch TV too much, it will ruin your eyes. Terebi o mi-sugiru to, me ga waruku narimasu.
Please try not to play sports too much. Sports o yari-suginai you ni shite kudasai.
This bag is too big for me to carry. Kono kaban wa ooki-sugite, motemasen.
I drank too much yesterday and I have a headache today. Kinou nomi-sugite kyou wa atama ga itai.
This Indian dish is delicious, but too spicy for children. Kono Indo ryouri wa oishii keredo, kodomo ni wa
karu-sugiru.
I bought too many apples. Takusan ringo o kaisugimashita.
You are working too hard. Anata wa hatarakisugi desu.
These clothes are too big for me. Kono fuku wa watashi ni wa ookisugimasu.
This car is so expensive that I can’t buy it. Kono kuruma wa takasugite kaemasen.

SUKOSHI A few, some, a little, a bit, a moment

Examples:
I bought a few books. Watashi wa hon o sukoshi kaimashita.
You can speak a little Japanese, can’t you? Sukoshi Nihongo ga hanasemasu ne?

SURU/SHIMASU Feel, smell, hear (the senses)

Examples:
I heard children’s voices. Kodomo tachi no koe ga (shita/shimashita).
This fish tastes funny, doesn’t it? Kono sakana wa hen na aji ga shimasu ne.
This cloth feels rough. Kono kire wa zarazara shite imasu.
This flower smells good. Kono hana wa ii nioi ga suru.

Page - 229 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

This paper feels good. Kono kami wa ii shite imasu.
That tree smelt good. Ano ki wa ii nioi ga shita.

TABUN – ‘Probably’, ‘maybe’ - used with ‘deshou’ at the end

This expression is used to express a guess about other people or what will happen in the future.

STRUCTURE: TABUN V (Jisho form) deshou

Or: TABUN A1-い deshou
Examples:
Q: Karen-san wa sashimi o tabemashita?
A: Tabun taberu deshou (She will probably eat) (NOTE: Taberu is Jisho form)

S/he will probably eat.. Tabun taberu deshou.

It’s probably red. Tabun akai deshou.
S/he is probably a student. Tabun gakusei deshou.
He will probably go to Kyoto. Kare wa tabun Kyoto e iku deshou.
He will probably play soccer. Kare wa tabun soccer o suru deshou.
Carl will probably drink beer. Carl-san wa tabun biiru o nomu deshou.
James will probably not go. James-san wa tabun ikanai deshou.
I think it will snow today. Kyou wa yuki ga furu deshou.
I am afraid your mother will be worried. Okaasan ga shinpai suru deshou.
I think my father will be surprised with the news. Chichi wa sono shirase ni odoroku deshou.

V-Tai – (I) want to (infinitive) – expressing DESIRE

Plain Polite
Present ikitai Ikitai desu
Present Negative ikitakunai Ikitaku arimasen
Past ikitakatta Ikitakatta desu
Past Negative ikitakunakatta Ikitaku arimasen deshita

STRUCTURE 1:
Q: Nani ga V-tai desu ka? What do you want to (do/eat/drink/go…)
A: (Watashi wa) N o V-tai desu (I) want to (infinitive)
Examples:
Q: What do you want to drink? Nani ga nomitai desu ka?
A: I want to drink beer. Biiru o nomitai desu.
Do you want to eat this meal? Anata wa kono ryouri o tabetai desu ka?

Q: What do you want to eat? Nani ga tabetai desu ka?

Q: Do you want to eat sushi? Sushi ga tabetai desu ka?
A: I want to eat sushi. Sushi o tabetai desu. (or sushi ga tabetai desu)
I don’t want to eat fish. Sakana wa tabetaku arimasen.
I did not want to eat eggplant. Nasu wa tabetaku nakatta.
I did not want to go to Nara. Nara e ikitaku nakatta.
I did not want to drink beer. Biiru o nomitaku nakatta.
I did not want to go shopping. Kaimono e ikitaku nakatta.
Page - 230 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
A: Where do you want to go? Doko e ikitai desu ka?
A: I want to go to Kyoto Kyoto e ikitai desu.
I want to go to France. Furansu e ikitai desu.
I want to buy a watch. Tokei o kaitai desu.
I want to buy a pair of shoes. Kutsu o kaitai desu.
I don’t want to eat anything because I am full now. Ima onaka ga ippai dakara, nani mo tabetaku arimasen.

STRUCTURE 2:
Q: QW (Question Word) ka V-tai mono ga arimasu ka?
Nani/Doko/Dare/Itsu thing/object

Examples:
Q: Dave, is there anything you want to buy? Dave-san, nani ka kaitai mono ga arimasu ka?
A: Yes, I want to buy a [OBJECT]. Or Hai, arimasu. [OBJECT] ga kaitai desu.
A: No, there isn’t anything I want to buy. Iie, kaitai mono wa nani mo arimasen .

Q: Is there any place that you want to go? Doko ka ikitai tokoro ga arimasu ka?
A: Yes, I want to go to [PLACE]. Or Hai, arimasu. [PLACE] e ikitai desu.
A: No, there is no place that I want to go. Iie, ikitai tokoro wa arimasen .

Q: Are there any places that you want to go this weekend?Shumutsu ni doko ka ikitai tokoro ga arimasu ka?
Are there any things that you want to see? (Anata wa) nani ka mitai mono ga arimasu ka?
Is there anything you want to eat? (Anata wa) nani ka tabetai mono ga arimasu ka?
I’d like to rest for a while. Sukoshi yasumitai desu.
I hope to talk with you again. Mata isshoni o-hanashi o shiitai desu ne.

Q: Is there any one that you want to meet? Dare ka aitai hito ga imasu ka?
A: Yes, I want to meet [PERSON]. Or Hai, imasu. [PERSON] ni aitai desu.
A: No, there is no one that I want to meet. Iie, aitai hito wa imasen .

TAME NI
For the purpose of, because of, on account of, owing to, as a result of, in order to,
so as to -

STRUCTURE: Objective/Goal tame ni what’s going to happen next

Noun + no]+tame ni
Dict. form]

Examples:
I am saving money to buy a house. Uchi o kau tame ni, okane o tamete imasu.
I am preparing materials for the meeting. Kaigi no tame ni, shiryou o junbi-shite imasu.
The air service is being cancelled because of a typhoon. Hikouki wa taifuu no tame ni kekkou shite imasu.
I have to save money for travel abroad. Gaikoku ryoukou no tame ni chokin o shinakereba.
For the sake of my future, I want to study more. Shourai no tame ni motto benkyou shitai desu.
I am working hard in order to save money. Okane o tameru tame ni isshokenmei hataraite imasu.
To do this job, your English has to be good. Kono shigoto o suru tame ni wa Eigo ga jouzu de
nakereba narimasen.
I am going to the airport to meet a customer. Okyakusama o demukaeru tame ni, kuukou ni ikimasu.

Cause -ta-tame
Page - 231 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Examples:
Because I fast was asleep last night… Yuube wa gussuri nete ita tame
I did not feel the earthquake. jishin ni kigatsukimasen deshita.

TARA
If it is, if, when, after (doing), if only, why don’t you (do), if it had been
(depending on the context)…
This is a conditional expression. When ‘tara’ is attached to the past tense plain form of
verbs, adjectives, etc. it changes the preceding clause into a conditional expression.
This pattern is used when a speaker wants to state their opinion or hypothesis, situation, request, etc. about
something or somebody in the past, present or future, in the conditional.

The -tara conjunction is used to indicate that an action or state expressed in the subordinate clause occurs or
may occur (conditional) before the one(s) expressed in the main clause. The way to differentiate between the
meaning can only be derived from the context of sentence.
It is comparable to the English If [S1], then S2.

STRUCTURE:
Verb]+Plain past form ]
Adj]+ Plain past form ] + ra
Na ] Plain past form ]
Noun] Plain past form ]

Formation of ‘- tara’
Plain Past Tara form (just add ‘ra’)
Copula Ame da Ame datta Ame data-ra
Ame ja/dewa Ame ja/dewa nakatta Ame ja/dewa nakatta-ra
nai
i-adjective Ookii Ookikatta Ookikatta-ra
Negative Ookiku nai Ookiku nakatta Ookiku nakatta-ra
Na-adjective Hima da Hima datta Hima datta-ra
Negative Hima ja/dewa Hima ja/dewa Hima ja/dewa nakatta-ra
nai nakatta
U-verb (Gp 1) Yomu Yonda Yonda-ra
Negative Yomanai Yomanakatta Yomanakatta-ra
Ru-verb (Gp 2) Miru Mita Mita-ra
Negative Minai Minakatta Minakatta-ra
Irregular Verb (Gp 3) Suru Shita Shita-ra
Shinai Shinakatta Shinakatta-ra
Kuru Kita Kita-ra
Konai Konakatta Konakatta-ra

If I were to read a dictionary. Jisho o yondara.

If I were not to read a dictionary. Jisho o yomanakattara.
If it were delicious. Oishikattara
If it were not delicious. Oishikunakattara.
If it were quiet. Shizuka dattara
If it were not quiet. Shizuka de nakattara
If I were a laywer. Bengoshi dattara
If I were not a laywer. Bengoshi de nakattara

Page - 232 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Examples:
If it is English, I can understand it. Eigo dattara, wakarimasu.
If I were you, I would not do such a thing. Watashi ga anata dattara, sono koto wa shimasen.
If it is not raining tomorrow, won’t you play tennis? Ashita ame ja nakattara, tenisu o shimasen ka?
If it is fine, won’t you take a walk with me? Ii tenki dattara, sanpo shimasen ka?
If it rains, I will not go to the picnic. Ame ga futtara, picnic ni ikimasen.
If it rains, I will stay home. Ame ga futtara, uchi ni imasu.
If I don’t have time, I will not go to the party. Jikan ga nakattara, party ni ikimasen.
If I don’t have time, I will not watch TV. Jikan ga nakattara, terebi o mimasen.
If the weather is good tomorrow, would you like Ashita ii tenki dattara, soccer o shimasen ka?
to play soccer?
If I had money, I would travel. Okane ga attara, ryokou shimasu.
I think I’ll understand if it’s English. Eigo dattara wakaru to omoimasu.

If you happen to be free tomorrow, let's go Ashita hima dattara, shoppingu ni ikō!
shopping!

If it rains, I'll pick you up by car. Ame ga futtara, kuruma de mukae ni ikimasu.
If you're cold, you may turn on the heater. Samukattara danbō o tsukete mo ii desu yo.
If I were you, I wouldn't go. Watashi ga anata dattara, ikanai desu.
If I had money, I would go to Japan. Okane ga attara Nihon e ikimasu.
If you are tired, it's okay to sleep. Nemukattara, nete mo ii desu.
If he/she is happy, I won't (don't) say anything. Shiawase dattara, watashi wa nanimo iimasen.
If you're a student, there is no entrance fee. Gakusei dattara nyūjōryō wa muryō desu.

Examples – I-Adjective
If it is inexpensive, I will buy a video recorder. Yasukattara, bideo o kaimasu.
If it is expensive, I won’t buy it. Takakattara, kaimasen.
If it is hot, please turn on the air conditioner. Atsukattara, aircon o tsukete kudasai.
If the new video camera is not good, I will not buy it. Atarashii bideo kamera ga yoku nakattara, kaimasen.
If it is inexpensive (cheap) I want to buy a PC. Yasukattara, pasukon o kaitai desu.
If my work is busy, I will not watch the movie. Shigoto ga isogashikatara, eiga o mimasen.
If you don’t like it, please leave it. Kirai dattara, nokoshite kudasai.

Examples – Na-Adjective
If I am free, I will go to Tokyo Tower. Hima dattara, Tokyo Tower e ikimasu.
If you do not like it, you do not have to eat it, you know. Suki ja nakattara, tabenakute mo ii desu yo.
If that temple were famous, I would have gone to see it. Sono o-tera ga yuumei dattara, mi ni itta no desu ga.
If it were quiet there, I would go. Soko (there) ga shizuka dattara, ikimasu.
If you are free, please give me a hand. Hima dattara, tetsudatte kudasai.

Examples – Verb
When I go home, I will rest well. Uchi e kaettara yoku yasumimasu.
Please call me if you have time tomorrow. Ashita jikan ga attara denwa shite kudasai.
After shopping, I’ll go home. Kaimono o shitara kaerimasu.
If I had studied, I would have understood. Benkyou shitara, wakatta deshou.
When I drink coffee, I can’t sleep. Kohii o nondara, neraremasen.
If it were a good book, I would buy it. Ii hon dattara, kaimasu.
When I asked my teacher, I understood right away. Sensei ni kitara, sugu wakatta.

Page - 233 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

– tara ii desu ka? What/when/where/which/how should one do?
Is used to ask for advice or instruction from the listener about what the speaker had better do.

STRUCTURE: Interrogative (+ particle)+tara ii desu ka?

Examples:
Where do you suggest I buy a watch? Doko de tokei o katara ii desu ka?
What shall I do? Dou shitara ii desu ka?

– tatte Even if….

Examples:
Even if I tell him, he won’t understand it. Ano hito ni wa hanashitatte wakarimasen.
I will buy this ticket even if it is expensive. Boku wa sono kippu o takakutatte kaimasu.
Even if I had money, I wouldn’t want to buy a car. Okane ga attatte kuruma wa kaitakunai.
Even if I buy books, I’m too busy to read them. Hon o kattatte, isogashikute yomenai.
I don’t care even if it is dirty. Kitanakutte mo kamaiimasen. (don’t care)

– te kimasu Will go (somewhere) and then come back

- te kimasu conveys the meaning that one ‘goes somewhere, does something
and then comes back.’
I am going to the bank. Chotto ginkou ni itte kimasu.
I will come back (return) by the evening. Yuugata made ni kaette kimasu..

N ga (te-form) imasu
The state resulting out of a certain action, ie: what exists or is happening NOW
This expression is used to

1) Indicate a continuing action:

Mr Lee is watching TV now. Lee-san wa ima terebi o mite imasu.

The light is on. Denki ga tsuite imasu. (tsuite is te-form of tsukimasu)
The window is open. Mado ga aite imasu. (aite is te-form of akimasu (open))
The chair is broken. Isu ga kowarete imasu.
I am waiting for a friend now. Ima tomodachi o matte imasu.
My father is already home. Chici wa mou uchi ni kaette imasu yo.
Mr Yamada has gone to Boston and is there now. Yamada-san wa ima Boston ni itte imasu.
Is the post office still open? Yuubinkyouku wa mada aite imasu ka?
This TV is broken, isn’t it? Kono terebi wa kowarete imasu ne?

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?

(Ima) N o V-te imasu - this expression indicates that an action is in progress now

Q: What are you doing now? Ima nani o shite imasu ka?
A: (I am) reading a newspaper now. Ima shinbun o yonde imasu. or
A: (I am) drinking beer now. Ima biiru o nonde imasu. or

Page - 234 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

A: (I am) eating sushi now. Ima sushi o tabete imasu. or
A: (I am) smoking tobacco now. Tobako o suite imasu.

VERY IMPORTANT!
Before dinner Tabemasu Before drinking Nomimasu
While eating dinner Tabete imasu While drinking Nonde imasu
After finishing dinner Tabemashita After finishing drinking Nomimashita

Jon will eat dinner (before) Jon-san wa bangohan o tabemasu.

Jon is eating dinner (present) Jon-san wa bangohan o tabete imasu.
Jon has eaten dinner (past) Jon-san wa bangohan o tabemashita.

2) Indicate a state that is the result of a certain action that has already occurred or been done:
Ms. Suzuki is already married. Suzuki-san wa mou kekkon shite imasu.

3) Indicate an action that is repeated over an extended period of time, eg: one’s occupation:
I work for a publishing company. Watashi wa shuppan no kaisha de hataraite imasu.
I work for a book company. Watashi wa hon no kaisha de hataraite imasu.

– te mo Even if, although

Examples:

I’ll go there even if it rains. Ame ga futte mo ikimasu.

I’ll go there even if it is cold. Samukute mo dekakemasu.
Jon doesn’t read books even if he buys them Jon-san wa hon o katte mo yomimasen.
No matter what I eat, it tastes good. Nani o tabete mo oishii desu.
No matter what I drink, I feel good. Nani o nomite mo, kimochii ga ii desu.
I’ll go there even if it is raining. Ame ga futte mo dekakemasu.

– to Then (inevitably)
When expressing the situation where, as a result of a certain action, another action or
matter invariably happens, to is used to connect the sentences.
STRUCTURE: V (Dict) to
Examples:
Press this button and the change will come out. Kono botan o osu to, otsuri ga demasu.
Turn this and the volume will go up. Kore o mawasu to, oto ga ookiku narimasu.
Turn to the right, and you will find a post office. Migi e magaru to, yuubinkyouku ga arimasu.

– to iu imi Defines the meaning of a word positioned at ‘X’

STRUCTURE: ‘X’ wa ‘Y’ to iu imi desu.

Examples:
‘Arigatou’ means ‘Thank you’. ‘Arigatou’ wa ‘thank you’ to iu imi desu.
‘Moon’ means ‘tsuki’. ‘Moon’ wa ‘tsuki’ to iu imi desu.
What does that kanji mean? Ano kanji wa dou iu imi desu ka?
It means ‘Do not use’. Tsukau na to iu imi desu.
I ate at a restaurant called ‘Sakura’ yesterday. Kinou ‘Sakura’ to iu restauant de tabemashita.
Page - 235 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Yesterday I met a friend called ‘Atsushi’. Kinou ‘Atsushi’ to iu tomodachi ni aimashita.
The (machine called a) word processor is a Waapuro to iu kikai wa benri na kikai desu ne.
convenient machine, isn’t it?
Do you know the program called ‘Star Trek’? ‘Star Trek’ to iu bangumi o shitte imasu ka?
That means ‘Take it to drycleaning’. Dry-cleaning ni shiro to iu imi desu.
That means ‘Don’t take photos’. Shashin o toru na to iu imi desu.
That means ‘Stop’. Tomare to iu imi desu.
That means ‘Walk’. Aruke (walk) to iu imi desu.

TOKIDOKI ‘Sometimes’ or ‘Now and then’

Always used in an affirmative sentence.
James is a good student but he sometimes misses class. James-san wa ii gakusei desu ga, tokidoki kurasu o
yasumimasu.
Let’s eat together now and then. Tokidoki issho ni shokuji o shimashou.
Let’s go to the movies sometimes. Tokidoki issho ni eigakan e ikimashou.
Let’s play golf sometimes. Tokidoki gorufu o shimashou.

TOKORO - A place, a point in time

Used to indicate a temporal position. Used when the speaker wants to convey
which stage he is at in the course of a certain action.

STRUCTURE:
1) Dict. form ] = Be going to do
2) Te-form + iru] + tokoro desu = Be doing
3) Ta form ] = Have just done

1) Dict. form ] + tokoro desu = Be going to do

This sentence pattern indicates that somebody is about to start doing something or something is about to
start.
A: Have you already had lunch? Hirugohan wa mou tabemashita ka?
B: No, I am just going to eat now. Iie, korekara (just) taberu tokoro desu.

I am just going to have some tea. Choudo (just) ima kara ocha o nomu tokoro desu.
I am about to return. Kaeru tokoro desu.
I am about to have my breakfast. Asagohan o taberu tokoro desu.
I am leaving for school. Gakkou ni iku tokoro desu.
I was about to call you on the phone. Anata ni denwa suru tokoro desu.

2) Te-form + iru] + tokoro desu = Be doing

This sentence pattern indicates that one is doing a certain action or a certain action is now being done.
I am copying them now. Ima kopii-shite iru tokoro desu.

3) Ta form ] = Have just done

This sentence pattern indicates that one has just finished a certain action or a certain action has just been
completed.

A: Has Mr Takahashi left already? Takahashi-san wa mou kaerimashita ka?

Page - 236 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
B: Yes, he has just left now. Hai, tatta ima kaetta tokoro desu.

Dinner preparations have just been completed. Choudo shokuji no junbi ga dekita tokoro desu.
I met her just as I left the bank. Ginkou o deta tokoro de kanojo ni aimashita.

Carl is just about to eat his dinner. Carl-san wa bangohan o taberu tokoro desu.
Carl is eating his dinner. Carl-san wa bangohan o tabete iru tokoro desu.
Carl has just finished eating his dinner. Carl-san wa bangohan o tabeta tokoro desu.

Karen is just about to write a letter. Karen-san wa tegami o kaku tokoro desu.
Karen is writing a letter. Karen-san wa tegami o kaite iru tokoro desu.
Karen has just finished writing a letter. Karen-san wa tegami o kaita tokoro desu.

I’m just about to go out now. Watashi wa ima dekakeru tokoro desu.

TOKORO ga But, however, and

Examples:
I came to do my shopping but the store was closed. Kaimono o shi ni kita tokoro ga mise ga shimatte
imashita.
I tried it and it worked well. Yatte mita tokoro ga umaku ikimashita.
Tokyo’s a good town. But it’s too hot. Tokyo wa ii machi desu. Tokoro ga atsusugimasu.

TOORI NI As/like
– This indicates that an action demonstrated by someone as an example is to be done
by another in exactly the same way.

STRUCTURE:
ta form ] + toori ni
Noun+ no ]

Examples:
Please speak exactly as I do. Watashi ga hanashita toori ni hanashite kudasai.
Please assemble the box exactly Kono zu (drawing) no toori ni, hako o kumitatete
following the drawing. kudasai.

WA – for expressing CONTRAST.

Examples: (note ‘ga’ = ‘but’)
I am not going today, but I will go tomorrow. Kyou wa ikimasen ga, ashita wa ikimasu.
Tanaka-san is going, but I am not going. Tanaka-san wa ikimasu ga, watashi wa ikimasen.
I drink alcohol, but I don’t smoke. O-sake wa nomimasu ga, tobako wa suimasen.
I can write Hiragana, but I cannot write Katakana. Hiragana wa kakemasu ga, katakana wa kakemasen.

Page - 237 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

WAKE desu - No wonder, so it means that, that’s why, should - ,
I take it that, naturally…
The speaker’s conclusion obtained through deductive, logical judgement or calculation
on the basis of what s/he had heard or read.

Examples:
Are you studying Japanese for 3 hours every day? Mainichi san-jikan mo Nihongo o benkyou-shite irun
desu ka?
No wonder your Japanese is good. Yoku dekiru wake desu ne.
Do you have an exam tomorrow? Ashita shiken desu ka?
Then you must be busy tonight. Konban isogashii wake desu ne.
Carl played golf for 10 years, Carl-san wa juunen-kan mo gorufu o shita
so he should be good at it. no da kara jouzu na wake desu..
Are you swimming in the pool everyday? Mainichi puuru de oyoide irun desu ka?
No wonder you’re healthy. Joubu (healthy) na wake desu.

WASUREMASHITA Have forgotten to do.

STRUCTURE: Dict. form] + no o wasuremashita

Examples:
I have forgotten the telephone number. Denwa bangou o wasuremashita.
I have forgotten to write my name on the report. Report ni namae o kaku no o wasuremashita.

(verb) masu form + YASUI desu Easy to do

YASUI Plain Polite

Present iki + yasui iki + yasui desu
Eg: hanashiyasui hanashiyasui desu
Past iki + yasukatta iki + yasukatta desu
Eg: hanashiyasukatta hanashiyasukatta desu
Present Negative iki + yasukunai iki + yasuku arimasen
Eg: hanashiyasukunai hanashiyasuku arimasen
Past Negative iki + yasukunakatta iki + yasuku arimasen deshita
Eg: hanashiyasukunakatta hanashiyasuku arimasen deshita

Examples – YASUI:
The print in this dictionary is large & easy to read. Kono jisho wa ji ga ookikute, miyasui desu.
White shirts get soiled easily. Shiroi shatsu wa yogoreyasui desu.
This pen is easy to write with. Kono pen wa kakiyasui desu.
Tony is easy to talk with. Tony-san wa hanashiyasui desu.
Sushi is easy to eat. Sushi wa tabiasui desu.
Beer is easy to drink. Biiru wa nomiyasui desu.

Page - 238 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

+ NIKUI desu Difficult to do

NIKUI Plain Polite

Present iki + nikui iki + nikui desu
Past iki + nikukatta iki + nikukatta deshita
Present Negative iki + nikukunai iki + nikuku arimasen
Past Negative iki + nikukunakatta iki + nikuku arimasen deshita

Examples – NIKUI:
This medicine is bitter & difficult to drink. Kono kusuri wa nigakute, nominikui desu.
This glass does not break easily. Kono garasu wa warenikui desu.
The old typewriter in our office is difficult to use, Ofisu no furui typewriter wa tsukai-nikukute
so nobody uses it. dare mo tsukaimasen.
Mrs Smith is a little difficult (Lit. difficult person) Sumisu-san wa chotto hanashi-nikui hito desu.
to talk to.
Chopsticks are hard to use, aren’t they? Hashi wa tsukainikui desu ne.
She is difficult to talk with. Kanojo to wa hanashinikui desu.
His name is difficult to remember. Ano hito no namae wa oboenikui desu.

V no o YAMERU / N o yameru Discontinue a particular activity

This expression indicates that one will discontinue a particular activity, such as the
performance of an action , a job or a habitual or customary action.

YOU DESU It seems that…., looks like, appears that

Expression of conjecture, which the speaker has formed upon obtaining information from the
outside world through his senses.

STRUCTURE:
Verb]+Plain Form]
Adj ]+Plain Form]+ you desu/da
Na ] Plain Form ]
Noun (da  no )

Examples:
Mr Lee in Osaka seems to be fine. Osaka ni iru Lee-san wa genki na you desu.
He looks like he will travel abroad. Kare wa gaikoku e ryokou ni iku you desu.
The exam seems easy. Sono shiken wa yasashii you desu.
His work today seems to have been hard. Kare no kyou no shigoto wa kibishikatta you desu.
It appears that Yoshiko is going to Japan during Okaasan ga Kyoto ni iru kara, yasumi ni Yoshiko-san
the holidays, since her mother is in Kyoto. wa Nihon e iku you desu.
It seems that the restaurant is good. Ano resutoran wa oishii you desu.
There are always many people there. Itsumo takusan hito ga imasu.
It seems that an electronic dictionary is convenient Denshi-jisho wa benri na you desu.
It appears that Todd is going to Osaka. Todd-san wa Osaka e iku you desu.
That person looks like Todd. Ano hito wa Todd-san no you desu.
It seems that Carl drank sake yesterday. Carl-san wa kinou osake o nonda you desu.
This sake is like water. Kono sake wa mizu no you desu.
He seems to study hard. Kare wa yoku benkyou suru you desu.
She seems to go to the movies often. Kanojo wa yoku eiga ni iku you desu.
Page - 239 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
They seem to quarrel sometimes. Karera wa tokidoki kenka suru you desu.
There seems to be someone in the house. Ie no naka ni dare ka iru you desu.

Conjecture Summary Sou desu

[hear, read] ---------------- ----------------------------
[see ] --------------- - - Sou desu
Information [hear, read] --------------- Conjecture - - Rashii
[reasoning, judgement]--， REPORT
[??] ------------------------- - - Deshou

YOU NI So that, in order to….

An act for a certain purpose is expressed.

STRUCTURE:
[purpose/goal] you ni [volitional action to get closer to the purpose/goal]

Examples:
I study hard so that my Japanese will Nihongo ga jouzu ni naru (become) you ni,
improve. isshoukenmei benkyou o shimasu.
Please take notes so that you will not forget. Wasurenai you ni, memo o totte kudasai.
Please speak Japanese more slowly Wakaru you ni yukkuri Nihongo o hanashite kudasai.
so that I can understand you.
Please write neatly so that I can read it. Yomeru you ni ji o kirei ni kaite kudasai.
Mr Smith spoke Japanese slowly so that I could Boku ga wakaru you ni Sumisu-san wa yukkuri
understand him. Nihongo o hanashite kureta.
I went there by taxi so that I wouldn’t be late. Okurenai you ni takushi de ikimashita.
I took medicine so that I would recover from illness. Byouki ga naoru you ni kusuri o nomimashita.

YOU NI NARIMASHITA Has become…..

– ‘Narimashita’ means that a certain state has been transformed into another state.

STRUCTURE: Dict. form + you ni narimashita - is used when VERBS are involved.
Examples:
I have become capable of speaking Japanese. Nihongo ga hanaseru (dict. form of potential V)
you ni narimashita.
I want to become capable of reading Nihongo no shinbun ga yomeru (dict. form of Japanese
newspapers. potential V) you ni naritai desu.
Carl has reached the point where he does not Carl-san wa biiru o nomanai you ni narimashita.
drink beer any more.
I am finally able to read difficult Japanese. Muzukashii Nihongo ga yomeru you ni narimashita.
drink beer any more.
I have reached the point where I cannot Kanji ga oboerarenai you ni narimashita.
memorise kanji anymore.
Page - 240 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
I haven’t reached the point where I can Kanji ga oboerareru you ni naranakatta.
memorise kanji
I have come to understand the Japanese language. Watashi wa Nihongo ga wakaru you ni narimashita.
I’ve come to drink a lot lately. Saikin yoku sake o nomu you ni natta.
I have come to understand French. Furansu-go ga wakaru you ni narimashita.

YOU NI SHITE KUDASAI Please do –

Please do not -
– Used when asking someone to do/not do something habitually and repeatedly.
Therefore it should not be used for an action that only takes place once and then is finished.

STRUCTURE: Nai form]+you ni shite kudasai

Dict. form]
Examples:
Before you go to bed, please be sure to Neru mae ni, kanarazu mado o shimeru
make a habit of closing the window. you ni shite kudasai.
Please do not touch this machine at all. Zettai ni kono kikai ni sawanai you ni shite kudasai.

ZANNEN –
That’s/It’s a pity, isn’t it? / I’m sorry (to hear that) Zannen desu ne.
That’s too bad… Sore wa zannen desu.

ZENZEN – Indicates that one has absolutely no ability to do a certain thing / not at all.

STRUCTURE: zenzen (negative) Always used in a negative sentence.

Examples:
Q: Can you speak English? Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?
A: No, I cannot speak any English. Iie, eigo wa zenzen hanasemasen.

I don’t understand kanji at all. Kanji ga zenzen wakarimasen.

I cannot write in Japanese at all. Nihongo wa zenzen kakemasen.
I could not sleep at all last night. Yuube wa zenzen neraremasen deshita.
I understand Chinese but I do not understand Chuugokugo wa wakarimasu ga kankokugo wa
Korean at all. zenzen wakarimasen.
That movie was not interesting at all. Ano eiga wa zenzen omoshiroku dewa arimasen.
James is completely different from his older brother. James-san wa oniisan to zenzen chigaimasu.

Page - 241 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

ZUIBUN – is a qualifier and has 2 meanings: 1) Extremely and 2) A lot of.
Zuibun meaning ‘extremely’ may be substituted by taihen or totemo.

1) Extremely
There are many people here, aren’t there? Koko wa zuibun hito ga ooi desu ne.
1) A lot of
You had a lot of beer, didn’t you? Zuibun biiru o nomimashita ne.

MISCELLENEOUS sentence structures:

(C1) te form ] + (C2) With –
(C1) nai form + de] + (C2) Without –

I will go out with an umbrella. Kasa o motte dekakemasu.

I will go out without an umbrella. Kasa o motanai dekakemasu.

(C1) nai form + de (C2) Instead

On Sunday I do not go anywhere, instead Nichiyoubi wa doko mo ikanai de,

I stay home and relax. uchi de yukkuri yasumimasu.
Will you have a holiday tomorrow? Ashita wa kaisha o yasumimasu ka?
No, I will not have a holiday, instead I will work. Iie, yasumanai de, hatarakimasu.

Noun de The particle de sometimes indicates a cause.

The accident caused the train to stop. Jiko de densha ga tomarimashita.
Snow caused the shinkansen to be delayed. Yuki de shinkansen ga okurimashita.

A1 Adjectives
The Dict. form of a verb + ‘no’ is used in the same way as a noun.

STRUCTURE: Dict. form]+ no wa + adjective

Examples:
Playing soccer is fun. Soccer o suru no wa omoshiroi desu
Watching soccer is fun. Soccer o miru no wa omoshiroi desu

A2 Adjectives
The Dict. form of a verb + ‘no’ is used in the same way as a noun.
STRUCTURE: Dict. form]+ no ga + adjective
Examples:
I like listening to music. Watashi wa ongaku o kiku no ga suki desu.
He is fast at typing. Ano hito wa taipu o utsu no ga hayai desu.

Page - 242 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

CHARACTERS AND WRITING TIPS

PUT JJ9 KANA.xls PAGE HERE

Page - 243 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Tips for writing kanji
 Write from left to right
 Top to bottom
 Horizontal strokes are usually written before vertical strokes
 Write the centre stroke first, followed by the left and write strokes.
 Write the outside strokes, except for the bottom one, before the centre portion.
 Write a left-hand sweeping stroke before a right-hand one.
 A vertical stroke that pieces the centre is written last.
 A horizontal that pieces the centre is written last.
 Write a short left sweeping stroke before a horizontal stroke.
 Write a long left sweeping stroke after a horizontal stroke.

 Print the kanji writing guide pages noted at top of file xxx
Kanji word list  Insert excel file of same name: allow 8 pages

MISCELLANEOUS WORDS AND PHRASES

Table of Contents

Try to loosely group the below

Douboku Engineering (public) works
I’d like to give my old clothes to someone. Furigi o dare ka ni agetai.
Clear, obvious meihaku

Drop of water Mizutama

Well-worn, much used Ofuru
The four seasons Shiki
Crossroads Yotsukado
A Caucasian Hakujin
Chinese cabbage Hakusai
Grey hair Shiraga
First half, period Zenhan 前半
I missed the first half of the program. Bangumi no zenhan o minakatta.
Latter half Kouhan 後半
I cut the cake in half. Keeki o hanbun ni kitta.
One’s mother tongue Bokokugo
Defeat, setback Haiboku
In Japan, cars drive on the left. Nihon de wa, kuruma wa hidarigawa o hashiru.
Left handed Hidari-kiki
Right handed Migi-kiki
Are you left handed? Hidari-kiki desu ka?
Left and right Migi-hidari / Sayuu
Make sure you look both ways. Sayuu no kakunin o shinasai.
An outward appearance. Gaiken
To go out Gaishutsu
Abroad/overseas Kaigai
Unexpected/surprising Igai
Water bill Suidoudai
I wonder what (present) I should get my father Chichi no Hi no purezento wa nani ga ii ka na…?
for Father’s Day?
Please put out burnable rubbish on Moeru gomi wa ges-sui ni dashite kudasai.
Mondays and Wednesdays.

Page - 244 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Genius Tensai
Nature; natural Tennen 天然
First week Saisho no shuu
My total income has increased. Shuunyuu ga fueta.
I take a bath every evening. Watashi wa maiban furo ni hairu.
Home made Tezukuri
A cat was asleep under the table. Teburu no shita de neko ga nemutte ita.
Hearing something for first time. Hatsumimi
That’s news to me! Sore wa hatsumimi day yo!
The West; Europe Seiyou
I’m interested in Western culture. Seiyou no bunka ni kyoumi ga arimasu.
Northwest Hokusei
Western part Seibu
The Christian era; AD Seireki
A priority; preference Yuusen
Captain Kanchou
Versatile; multi-talented Tasai
Various; diverse Tashu tayou
Recent years Kinnen
Older; senior Toshiue
Thank you very much for inviting me today/for everything. Kyou wa arigatou gozaimasu.
One year has passed since I came to Japan. Nihon ni kite kara ichinen tachimashita.
Encyclopedia Hyakka jiten
Taste, preference Konomi
My wife’s taste is very particular. Tsuma no konomi wa muzukashii desu.
Good reputation, acclaim Kouhyou
That new product gas a good reputation, doesn’t it? Ano shinseehin wa kouhyou desu ne.
Ideal, best Zekkou
I’ll come and pick you up. Mukae ni ikimasu.
Please come and pick me up Mukae ni kite kudasai.
Chinese; Mandarin Chuugokugo
A foreign language Gaikokugo
I've started learning Chinese. Chuugokugo o naraihajimeta.
A loan word; a borrowing Gairaigo
Many foreign loanwords are used in Japanese. Nihongo ni wa gairaigo ga takusan tsukawarete ( in use) imasu.
Reading Dokusho
Fewer and fewer people enjoy reading these days. Dokusho o suru hito ga hette kite imasu. ( getting less)
Reading comprehension Dokkairyoku
Reading aloud Ondoku
Reading material/matter Yomimono
An on (Chinese) reading on-yomi
A kun (native Japanese) reading kun-yomi
Please write both on and kun readings of the character. Onyomi to kunyomi, ryouhou kaite kudasai.
A punctuation mark Kutouten
Information; knowledge Kenbun
Scandalous Hitogiki ga warui
Horsepower, energy Bariki
This engine develops 150 horsepower. Kono enfin wa hyaku gojuu bariki aru.
Power; authority Kenryoku
Effort; labour Doryoku
Competence; ability Jitsuryoku
Physical strength Tairyouku
I am condfident of my physical strength. Tairyouku ni wa jishin ( confidence, self confidence) ga arimasu.
Manual labour Chikara-shigoto
The distance covered; mileage Sokou kyori
I ram the 100 metres in 11 seconds. Hyaku-metoru o ju-ichi-byou de hashitta.
Weekly pay Shuukyuu
Page - 245 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Weekly magazine Shuukanshi
Do you have any plans for the weekend? Shuumatsu ni wa nani o suru tsumori ( plan) desu ka?
We're going to be a little busy next week, aren't we? Raishuu wa chotto isogashii desu ne.
An internal medicine Nomigusuri
Drinking water Nomimizu
Is this water good for drinking? Kono mizu wa, nomemasu ka?
Drinking water Nomimizu
He was arrested for drunk driving. Ano hito wa inshu unten de taiho sareta. ( arrested)

Reason, common sense Dori

The martial arts Budou
An implement, a tool Dougu
Lightning Denkou
I attended English conversation classes for a year. Eikaiwa gakkou ni ichinenkan kayotta. ( attended)
A myth, mythology Shinwa
A legend, a folk tale Mukashi-banashi
A topic, subject Wadai
A consultation, an agreement, a discussion Hanashiai
To purchase, to buy up (out) Baishuu
Company A bought out Company B. A-sha ga B-sha o baishuu shita.
Buying and selling; trading Baibai
I'm just going to do a bit of shopping. Chotto kaimono ni itte kimasu.
I'm just going to do a bit of gardening. Chotto gardening ni itte kimasu.
Performance Jisseki
The department chief is impressed with his performance. Buchou wa kare no jisseki o katte imasu.
Going out to buy Kaidashi
A buyer Kaite
A good bargain Okaidokuhin
The New Year; a new year Shinnen
Renewal, replacement, update Koushin
It's time to renew my visa. Bisa o koushin suru ( update) jiki ni natta.
Time to renew/update Koushin suru jiki
Fresh Shinsen
A new problem has come up. Arata ( new) na mondai ga okita. ( occurred)
A stationmaster Ekichou
I asked the stationmaster what time the last train left. Ekichou ni saishuu densha no shuppatsu jikoku ( time) o kiita.

Minimum, worst, lowest Saitei

A fall, a decline, a drop Teika
Particular; special Tokubetsu na
I think that is quite a different matter. Sore wa betsu na mondai to omou.
Seperately, respectively Betsubetsu ni
Wisdom, intelligence Eichi
Construction work Kouji
Industry Kougyou
I visited an automobile factory. Jidousha koujou o kengaku shita.
Note: 'Kengaku' = field trip, inspection, study by observation.

You can't get through because they are fixing the road. Sono michi wa koujichuu ( under construction) de
torenai.
I'm interested in traditional handicrafts. Dentou kougeihin ni kyoumi ( interest) ga arimasu.
Renovate, rebuild Kaichiku
Artificial Jinkou
Those are artificial pearls. Sore wa jinkou shinju desu.
Ability Sainou
This child has a talent for drawing. Kono ko wa e no sainou ga arimasu.

Page - 246 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Genius Tensai
Mozart was a genius. Mozart wa tensai datta.
Business ability Shousai
Talent, genius Eisai
Town mayor Chouchou
The election for town mayor took place the other day. Senjitsu, chouchou senkyou ( election) ga atta.
Country town Inaka machi
Farming village, rural community Nouson
The population of that rural community has Ano nouson no jinko ga daubu hetta.
dropped considerably,
Fishing village. Gyoson
I was raised in a small fishing village. Boku wa chiisa na gyoson de sodatta. ( grew up)
A fish market Uo-ichiba  add to places
I bought some tuna at the local fish shop. Kinjo no sakanaya de maguro o katta.  check with H
A villager Murabito
(personal) experience Taiken
Generally, on het whole Daitai
Physical condition Taichou
One's build, one's figure Karadatsuki
After playing tennis all day, I ached all over. Ichinichijuu tenisu o shitara, karadajuu ga itaku natta,
One's weight Taijuu
I haven't weighted myself recently. Chikagoro, taijuu o hakatte inai.
Street corner Machikado
Apprentice Totei
A pupil, disciple Deshi
That teacher has 30 pupils. Ano sensei ni wa sanjuunin ni deshi ga iru.
Supper, dinner Yuushoku
Dinner will be at 6.oopm. Yuushoku wa roku-ji ni hajimarimasu.
Evening, dusk Yuugata
Retirement Intai
A drawer (of a desk), a withdrawal Hikidashi
Business, a transaction Torihiki
A discount Nebiki
Since we have some beef, let's eat sukiyaki tonight. Gyuuniku ga aru node, konya wa sukiyaki ni shiyou.

OTHER EXAMPLES OF 'ARU NODE'

Since it is Monday, let's go to the park. Getsuyoubi ga aru node, kouen ni ikimasu.
Add more
A difference, a distinction Kubetsu
Summer gift-giving Ochuugen
I forgot to turn off the gas main. Gasu no motosen o shimewasureta.
The former prime minister came to Japan. Moto-shushou ga rainichi shimashita.
A public employee Koumuin
My father was a government official. Chichi wa koumuin deshita.
Environmental pollution Kougai
Pollution has worsened since the 1970s. Nanajuu-nendai kara kougai ga hidoku ( badly, severely,
seriously, etc.) natte kita.
A main character Shujinkou
Case, incident . Iiken
The case was made public. Iiken ga ouyake ( public) ni natta.
Prohibition, a ban Kinshi
This is a no-parking area/zone Koko wa chuusha ( parking) kinshi kuiki ( zone) desu.
A suspension, a stoppage Chuushi
The match was called off because of rain. Ame de shiai ga chuushi ni natta.
A pause, a suspension Kyuushi
A dead end, an impasse Ikidomari

Page - 247 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

That road is a dead end. Sono machi wa ikidomari desu.
Road closed Tsuukou-dome
My watch had stopped and so I was late. Tokei ga tomatte ite node chikoku shita. ( being late,
lateness)
The centre Chuushin
Enthusiasm Nesshin
Determination Kesshin
Psychology Shinrigaku
I studied psychology at university. Daigaku de shinrigaku o benkyou shimashita.
The day, daytime Hiruma
To be in time, to be useful Maniau
Did you make it in time? Ma ni aimashita ka?
The company is located between Kanda and Ginza. Kaisha wa Kanda to Ginza no aida ni arimasu.
Collection, receovery Kaishuu
They've started collecting plastic containers for Purasuchikku youki o kaishuu shihajimeta.
recycling
This time; lately Konkai
Next time Jikai
Clockwise Tokei-mawari
A long way around, long-winded Tomawari
Detour; a circuit ukai
Construction work is going on, so please Koujichuu na node, ukai shite kudasai.
take the detour.
Use, application Shiyou
The conference rom is presently in use. Ima, kaigishitsu wa shiyochuu desu.
Expense(s), costs Hiyou

I learned ballroom dancing for a short time. Shakou dansu o chotto naraimashita.
A favourite (food); a passion Koubutsu
Kindness; goodwill Koui
Excellent shape, top form Zekkouchou
My grandmother prefers tea to coffee. Sobo wa kohii yori koucha o konomu. (konomimasu)
Archeology Koukogaku
I'm interested in archeology. Watashi wa koukogaku ni kyoumi ga arimasu.
A way of thinking; an opinion Kangaekata
I cannot follow his way of thinking. Kare no kangaekata ni wa tsuite ikenai.
Sightseeing, tourism Kankou
I went to England on a sightseeing trip. Igirisu e wa kankou ryokou de ikimashita.
A scene, a sight Koukei (regular/any view)
Scenery, a scene Keshiki (scenic/beauty)
I was captivated by the beautiful landscape. Utsukushii koukei ni me o ubawareta.
Gathering, meeting Shuugou
Please be there tomorrow morning at 8.00am. Ashita was asa hachiji ni shuugou shite kudasai.
How much did it come to in total? Awasete ikura ni narimashita?
Dead person; the deceased Shisha
Death Death
Suicide Jisatsu
A classmate of mine died in a traffic accident. Doukyuusei ga kotsu jiko de shibo shita.
Cause of someone's death. Shiin
The primary cause of death is cancer. Shiin no dai-ichii wa gan desu.
Please write your surname first. Myouji o saki ni kaite kudasai.
Self confidence Jishin
Freedom, liberty Jiyuu
Independence, self reliance Jiritsu
He's a very independent person. Ano hito wa jiritsu shita hito desu yo.
Self sufficiency Jikyuu jisoku
Nature Shizen
Page - 248 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
A characteristic Tokushoku
To each his own Juunin toiro
I think you'd better speak to her yourself. Jibun kara kanojo ni hanashita hou ga ii to omou.
You should try various experiences when you are young. Wakai uchi wa iroiro na keiken o shita hou ga ii.
Early morning soucho
Every day, I've been taking early morning jogs. Mainichi, soucho jogingu o shite iru.
Sassoku Immediately
A parcel has arrived, so let's open it right away. Nimotsu gatodoita node, sassoku akete miyou. ( ?)
Let's get up early tomorrow! Ashita, haya-oki shiyou!
Could you move up the meeting time by 30 minutes?Machiawase no jikan o sanjuppun hayamete kudasai.
An AA size battery Tansan-denchi
You'd better change the batteries soon. Soro soro (Slowly, gradually, soon) denchi o torikaeta
hou ga ii.
I think I'll go shopping in Ikebukuro this weekend. Shuumatsu ni Ikebukuro e kaimono ni ikou to omou.
The Earth; the globe Chikyuu
Let's create environmentally-friendly products. Chikyuu ni yasashii seihin o tsukurou.
Region tochi
ie: I’d like to buy some land in Tokyo some day. Sono uchi, Tokyo ni tochi o kaitai.
Pulp; fruit flesh Kaniku
This fruit juice contains pulp. Kono juusu no naka ni wa kaniku ga haitte imasu.
Once a year Nen ni ikkai
Research; study Kenkyuu
Work; operations Sagyou
I haven't made much progress with the editing. Henshuu sagyou ga nakanaka susumanai.
Handmade; self produced Tezukuri
I'll make curry this evening. Konban, karee o tsukurou.
A resident Kyojuusha
Permanent resident Eijuu-ken
Permanent residence Eijuu
I applied for the right to permanent residence. Eijuu-ken o shinsei shita.
Migration; immigration Ijuu
Chart; diagram Zuhyou
Diagram; figure Zukei
Plan; blueprint Sekkeizuu
Weather map Tenkizuu
An intention; a purpose Ito
What he intends to do just isn't clear. Kare no ito ga hakkiri shinai.
A statement; an announcement Seimei
The prime minister made an official statement. Shushou wa seimei o happyou ( ?? H) shimashita.
A reputation Meisei
The equator Sekidou
Distance covered; mileage Sokou kyori
I ran the 100 metres in 11 seconds. Hyaku-meetoru o juuichi-byou de hashimashita.

The man and woman make dinner every night. Sono dansei to josei wa, maiban yūshoku o tsukurimasu.
Please come early tomorrow morning. Ashita no asa hayaku kite kudasai.

You'd better ask the store owner. Mise no shujin ni kiita hou ga ii.
What is that country’s main industry? Sono kuni no omo na sangyou wan nan desu ka?
Public opinion Seron
A front part Shoumen
I parked the car in front of the house. Shoumen genkan ni kuruma o tometa.
A car stopped in front of my house. Kuruma ga ichidai ie no mae ni tomatta.
Normal Seijou
Well mannered; polite Reigi-tadashii
Taxi fare Takushii-dai

Page - 249 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

The subject (of a sentence) Shugo
Representation; representative Daihyou

Rice paddy Suiden

Fields and gardens; the country Den’en
Rice planting Taue
When is the rice planting season? Taue no shiisun (season) wa itsu desu ka?
Fields and rice paddies Tahata
Preparations; arrangements Youi

Society, the world Shakai

The world; society; life Seken
A century Seiki
A generation Sedai
A period; an age; the present Jidai
For generations Dai dai
Public society; the community Koukyou

Death Shikyo
Graveyard O-haka
Both (sides) Ryohou
A method, a means Houhou
A direction, a course Houkou
I don’t want you to use anything other than a pencil. Empitsu igai wa tsukawanai de hoshii.
Please answer within 2 minutes. Nifun inai ni kotaensai.
Since then, after that. Irai
I haven’t seen her since May. Kanojo ni wa gogatsu irai atte imasen.
Before, since, the past izen
Have we met somewhere before? Izen doko ka de oai shimashita ka?
He graduated from college last year. Kare wa kyonen daigaku o sotsugyou shita.
Elimination Jokyou
Removal Tekkyo
I’d love to live in a more spacious house. Motto hiroi ie ni sumitai na.
An advertisement Koukoku
Vast; extensive Koudai na

Arrangements; preparations Shitaku

Let’s get ready for our trip. Ryokou no shitaku o shimashou.
A ways; a means Shikata
A finish; completion Shiage
Please finish it by today. Kyoujuu ni sore o shiagete kudasai.
Japanese Kokugo Meaning Imi
Sports Undou To plant Ueru (ask for masu form)
To put Oku

Appropriate, suitable Tekisetsu na

Entirely, all, everything Issai

The sun Taiyou

The sun is dazzling. Taiyou ga mabushii.
A sword Tachi

Contents, details Naiyou

Please tell me what the job entails. Shigoto no naiyou o oshiete kudasai.

Guidance, instruction Annai

Within, no more than Inai
Page - 250 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Writing, a sentence Bunshou
His writing is difficult to understand. Kare no bunshou wa wakari-nikui.
An example (sentence) Reibun
Please think of an example sentence. Reibun o kangaete kudasai.
I am interested in Egyptian culture. Ejiputo bunka ni kyoumi o motte iru.
Culture, civilization Bunka
Literature Bungaku
A pattern, design Monyou
This is a traditional Japanese pattern. Kore wa Nihon no dentouteki na monyou desu.
A phrase, a complaint Monku
A letter, character Moji
Try and write the correct character. Tadashii moji o kaite mite.
Language, speech Gengo

A direction, a way, an aspect houmen

The approaching train is bound for Ikebukuro. Ikebukoro houmen yuki no densha ga mairimasu.
You’d better make a reservation soon. Hayaku yoyaku shita hou ga irr.
A district, a region, the countryside Chihou
I don’t know much about that region’s dialect. Sono chihou no hougen wa yoku shiranai.
Pronounciation of a character Yomikata
Do you know how to read this Chinese character? Kono kanji no yomikata ga wakarimasuka?

Appropriate, suitable Tekisetsau na

Entirely, all, everything Issai
I think I’ll have my hair cut. Kami o kirou to omoimasu.
Suddenly the telephone went dead. Totsuzen denwa ga kireta.
We’ll divide the room in two with a bookcase. Hondana de heya o futatsu ni shikiru.
The sun Taiyou
The sun is dazzling. Taiyou ga mabushii.
Sword Tachi
Domestic, the interior (of Japan) Kokunai
That isn’t sold domestically. Sore wa kokunai de wa utte imasen.

Please say what you have to say within 3 minutes. Hanashi wa sanpun inai ni shite kudasai.
Within the year Nennai
The inside, the interior Uchigawa
Please queue up behind the line. Sen no uchigawa ni narande kudasai.

Dissatisfaction, discontent Fuman

Carelessness, inattention Fuchuui
The accident was caused by the driver’s carelessness. Untenshu no fuchhi de, jiko ga okita.

Shortage, a deficiency, discontent Fusoku

There was a water shortage this summer. Kotoshi no natsu wa mizu-busoku datta.

In the future, from now on Kongou

Pinwheel Kazaguruma

A word, a language, an expression Kotoba

The latter half Kouhan
An aftertaste Atoaji
A hind leg, paw Ushiroashi ( add to animal parts when I copy them in
from xcel file)
I’m looking for [object]. [Object] o sagashite imasu.
Found Mitsukashimasu / Mitsukatta!  Check with H
Maximum, best, great Saikou
Page - 251 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
High priced Kouka
High grade / class Koukyuu
Please proofread this by the end of tomorrow. Ashita-juu ni kousei shite kudasai.
Let’s go to the bookshop together. Issho ni shoten ni ikou ka.
Please write your name in katakana. Katakana de namae o kaite kudasai.
I had a postcard from a friend from elementary Shougakkou jidai no tomodachi kara hagaki ga todoita.
school days.
Please tell me what you saw. Anata ga mita koto o hanashi te kudasai.
He says he is going to leave the company. Kare wa kaisha o yameru to itte imasu.
I know that she came home very late last night. Kanojo ga yuube osoku kaette kita no o shitte imasu.
Please go to the end of the line. Retsu no ushiro ni narande ( along? ask H) kudasai.
I take my medication after meals. Shokugo ni kusuri o nonde iru.
What shall we have to eat this evening? Konban wa, nani o tabeyou ka?
Studying abroad Ryuugaku
I went to Sweden to study for three years. Sannenkan Sueeden ni ryuugaku shita.
Academic degree Gakui
Domestically produced, grown Kokusan
I’m planning to attend an international conference. KokusaConversation, speaking
Kaiwa
Membership fee, dues Kaihi
A line, queue, parade Gyouretsu
There was a long line in front of the movie theatre. Eigakan no mae ni nagai gyouretsu ga atta.

An event, function Gyouji

I’m going on a excursion to Mt Takao next week. Raishuu, Takao-san ni ensoku ni ikimasu.
Satisfaction Manzoku
A shortage, a lack fusoku
There isn’t enough time. Jikan ga tarinai.
Since then; from that time Irai
The origin, derived from Yurai
A caller, a visitor Raikyaku
No one knows what the future holds. Mirai no koto wa dare mo shiranai.
Wool, woolen yarn Keito
A full name Shimei
Surname Myouji
Famous; well-known Yuumei
He wrote a bestseller and became well-known. Kare wa beutosera o kaite yuumei ni natta.
I know nothing about it. Sore ni tsuite wa nani mo shirimasen.
Bunch of flowers Hanataba
Blooming; to blossom Kaika
I suffer from hayfever every year in early spring. Maitoshi, harusaki wa kafunshou ni naru.
Let’s go and watch the fireworks. Hanabi o mi ni ikou.
Bride Hanayome
The bride looks so gorgeous! Hanayome-san wa kirei da na!
I picked up some beautiful shells. Kirei ni kaigara o hirotta.
I don’t like raw shellfish very much. Kai no sashimi wa amari suki janai.

Let’s work out the next schedule. Tsugi ni yotei o tatemashou.

Safety, security Anzen
Peace of mind Anshin
A welcome (reception) Kangeikai
An opportunity, a chance Kikai
Let’s get together again when we get the chance. Kikai ga attara, mata aimashou.

A real, genuine thing Honmono

This is real gold. Kore wa honmono no kin desu.
A sample Mihon
Page - 252 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
My grandmother lived until she was 90. Sobo wa kyuujussai made ikita(/ikimashita).
Live [jazz] performance. Jazu no nama-enso.
Petrol, kerosene Sekiyu
A precious stone Houseki
Coal Sekitan
A magnet Jishaku
National, state Kokuritsu
I’d like to enter a national university. Kokuritsu no daigaku ni hairitai to omoimasu.
Independence, freedom Dokuritsu
America gained independence from Britain. Amerika wa Igirisu kara dokuritsu shita.

Will you walk to Osaka? Osaka e aruite ikimasu ka?

No, I will go by plane. Iie, Osaka e hikouki de ikimasu.

I will drive from Tokyo to Osaka by car. Tokyo kara Osaka made kuruma de ikimasu.
About how much time will it take? Nanjikan gurai kakarimasu ka?

Q: About how many minutes from your house Otaku kara eki made nanpun gurai kakarimasu ka?
to the station?
A: It take 10 minutes from my house to the station. Watashi no uchi kara eki made juupun gurai kakarimasu.

Noun modification
I saw a movie last week. Watashi wa senshuu eiga o mimashita.
 The movie that I saw last week. Watashi ga senshuu mita eiga.
Mr Wang works at a hospital. Wang-san byouin de hataraite imasu.
 The hospital where Mr Wang work. Wang-san ga hataraite iru byouin.
I will meet a friend tomorrow. Watashi wa ashita tomodachi ni aimasu.
 The friend whom I will meet tomorrow. Watashi ga ashita au tomodachi.

P de V-te Iru N-1 wa N-2 desu

This expression is used to indicate the name of a person (or animal) that is doing something in Place P

Examples:
The person reading a book over there is Mr Yamada. Asoko de hon o yonde iru hito wa Yamada-san desu.
The one reading a book on movies over there is Mr Yamada. Asoko de eiga no hon o yonde iru no wa
Yamada-san desu.

Page - 253 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Politics, officialdom & economics terms
Table of Contents

President Daitouryo Prime Minister Shushou /Souri Daijin

Deputy Prime Minister Fuku Souri Daijin Minister Daijin
Politics Seiji Election Senkyo
Politician Seiji-ka
Policy Seisaku Law Houritsu
Right wing/faction Uuyoku Parliament Kokkai gijidou
A right-wing party’s truck passed my house. Uuyoku no kuruma ga ie no mae o totta.
Right-wing faction Uuha
Democracy Minshu shugi
Diet (building) Kokkai (Kokkai Giji-dou)

Official words and expressions

Government office Yakusho
Ward office Kuyakusho
City office Shiyakusho
Ministry of Justice Houmushou
Local government Jichitai
Family register Koseki
Copy of the whole register Koseki touhon
Copy of the entry for one person Koseki shouhon

At the immigration office

Immigration office NYUUKOKU KANRI JIMUSHO
Alien registration card Gaikujin touroku shoumeisho
Visa renewal Biza (zairyu kikan) no koushin
Residential status Zairyuu shikaku
Re-entry Sainyuukoku
Multipe re-entry permit Suuji sainyuukoku kyoka

Certificate of residence (for foreigners) Touroku zumi shoumeisho

Certificate of residence (for Japanese) Juuminhyou

Forgetting to renew your visa

Excuse me. My visa has expired. Sumimasen. Biza gakiremashita.
Can I go through the renewal procedures now? Ima kara koushin no tstsuzuki wa dekimasu ka?
When did it expire? Why didn't you come? Itsu kireta? Naze konakatta no?
I'm very sorry. [EXCUSE] I'm truly sorry. Moushi-wake arimasen. [EXCUSE] Hontou ni sumimasen
deshita.

Re-entry permit Sai-nyuukoku kyoka

Oh no! I forgot! A, wasurete shimatta!
Why didn't you get a permit? Naze kyoka o toranakatta desu ka?
I was so busy at work that it slipped my mind. Shigoto ga isogashikute, ukkari shite shimaimashita.
What should I do now? Dou shitara ii deshou ka?

Page - 254 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Losing your foreigners registration card
Excuse me, but I've lost my alien registration card. Sumimasen ga, gaijin tourokusho o nakushite
shimaimashita.
When did you lose it? Itsu desu ka?
Yesterday. I had my wallet stolen. Kinou. Saifu o nusumaremashita.

TAX AND INSURANCE

Taxes Zeikin
Income tax Shotokuzei
Local tax Juuminzei
To file a tax return Kakutei shinkoku o suru
Certificate from employer showing amount of Gensen choushuu hyou
tax deducted at source.
Health insurance (for those employed) Kenkou hoken
Welfare pension insurance (for those employed) Kousei nenkin hoken
Health insurance (for self-employed and students) Kokumin kenkou hoken
Pension insurance (for self-employed and students) Kokumin nenkin

Economic terminology
Business Bizunesu 商売
Economics Keizai 経済
Microeconomics Mikurokeizaigaku ミクロ経済学
Macroeconomics Makurokeizaigaku マクロ経済学
Unemployment Shitsugyou 失業
Finance Kinyuu 金融
Accounting Kaikei 会計
Stock exchange Shoukentorihikijyo 証券取引所
Capital Shihozn 資本
Investment Toushi 投資
Shareholder kabuneshi 株主

Miscellaneous words
A king; a monarch Kokuou
A king; His Majesty Oosama
A prince Ouji
A princess Oujo
A queen Jou
Royalty Ouzoku
The throne Gyokuza

Date of birth Seinen gappi

ID Mibun shoumei
The people, a national Kokumin
Nationality, citizenship Kokuseki
An island nation Shimaguni
The United Nations Kokuren
Page - 255 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Public square Hiroba
Citizen; resident Shimin
Mayor Shichou
City Hall Shiyakushou
A ward office Kuyakusho
Can you get the documents from the ward office? Kuyakusho de shorui o moratte kite?

NOTES

Page - 256 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS
Table of Contents

I have lost [OBJECT]. [OBJECT] o nakushi mashita.

I have lost my mobile phone. Keitai denwa o nakushi mashita.
I have lost my wallet. Saifu nakushi o mashita.
My car was stolen and I lost my wallet.... Kuruma o nusumareta (stolen) shi , saifu o
nakushita (lost) shi...
I think my [OBJECT] was stolen. [OBJECT] o nasumareta you desu.
Plane ticket Koukuuken
Call the police (ambulance/doctor)! Keisatsu (kyuukyuusha/isha) o yonde
kudasai!

Reporting a robbery at the koban

Excuse me. Last night our house was broken into Sumimasen. Yuube dorobou ni hairarete, genkin o
and some money was stolen. What should we do? nusumaremashita. Dou sureba ii desu ka?

Hey! Chotto!
Help Tasukete!
Can you help me? Tasukete kudasai!
Police Keisatsu
Catch him/her! Tsuka ma’ete! Stop it! Yamete! / Yamero!
Go away / Leave me alone! Doite kudasai! Look out! Abunai!
I'll call the police. Keikan o yobimasu.
Please call the (doctor/police/an ambulance). (O-isha-san/Keikan/kyuukyuusha) o
yonde kudasai.

Please call this number for me. Koko ni denwa o kakete kudasai.
It's urgent! Kinkyuu desu.
Let me go! Hanase!
Freeze! Ugokunai! Grab him! Tsukamaete!
Open up! (the door) Akete! Get out! Dete ike!
That's not necessary! Irimasen!

Attacked Osowareta Stolen Nusumareta Threatened Kyouhaku sareta

Forgot/left Wasureta Lost Naku shimashita Dropped Oto shimashita
Wallet/purse Saifu Cash Genkin Bag Kaban
Passport Pasupooto Camera Kamera Robber Dorobou
Pickpocket Suri

Want to cancel Canceru shitai Emergency Exit Hijouguchi

Earthquake Jishin Accident Jiko
Traffic accident Koutsu jiko
Typhoon Taifuu Fire Kaji
Heavy traffic Koutsu juutai
Condition, state of health Youdai => I have good health Youdai ga ii desu
It's not my fault Watashi wa waruku arimasen.

For FIRE, RESCUE or an AMBULANCE, dial 119

Page - 257 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
For POLICE, dial 110
Police general information in English (Tokyo) 03-3501 0110
For information about civil and criminal matters, crime prevention (bouhan), etc:
Seikatsu Anzen Soudan Center - 03 3503-8484
If you are having trouble with the police and want to file a claim: 03-3581-4321
Public Information Desk (kouhouka), ask for the Kakarichou.

For FIRE – Kaji desu (there’s a fire). __-ku, ___-cho, ___-chome, ___go (address)
_____ ga moete imasu (__ is on fire)

For AMBULANCE – Kyukyu desu (I need an ambulance). __-ku, ___-cho, ___-chome,

___go (address) __-desu (your name) ga kyubyo desu (It’s an emergency)

For information about hospitals that give treatment in foreign languages,

call 03-5285-8181 (in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai)
Phoning emergency services:
119 Ambulance
110 Police

[Emergency service] Emergency. Kyuukyuutai desu.

I need an ambulance. Kyuukyuusha, onegai shimasu.
[Emergency service] OK. What happened? Hai. Dou shimashita ka?
My friend is lying unconscious! Tomodachi ga taorete, ishiki-fumei desu!
Keep calm and give me your name and address. Ochitsuite, o-name to juusho o douzo.

MORE PHRASES FOR EMERGENCIES

The house is on fire. Come immediately. Ie ga kaji desu. Sugu kite kudasai.

To hang up (phone) denwa o kiru

The line has gone dead. Denwa ga kireta.
I can't hear you very well (we have a bad connection). Denwa ga tooi.
To charge (battery) Juuden ( charge) suru
Public telephone Koushuu denwa
Area code Kyokuban
Wrong number Machigai denwa

Page - 258 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

HOSPITALS / DOCTORS
Table of Contents

Please take me to a hospital. Byouin e tsurete itte (kudasai).

Call an ambulance (please) Kyuukyuu-sha o yonde (kudasai).
Call the police (ambulance/doctor)! Keisatsu (kyuukyuusha/isha) o yonde kudasai!
It hurts here. Koko ga itai desu.
Is there an English-speaking doctor? Eigo o hanaseru isha wa imasu ka?

I want medicine for…. [Name of condition] kusuri ga hoshii desu.

Allergy Arerugii Hurt, injury, wound Kega

Backache Youtsuu Indigestion Shouka furyoo
Bone Hone Injury, wound Kega
Bruise/bump Uchimi/Kobu Insect bite Mushi sasare
Burn Yakedo Itch Kayui
Cold Kaze (kaze o hitte imasu) Medicine Kusuri
Constipation Bempi Menstrual pain Seeri tsuu
Cough Seki Muscular pain Kinniku tsuu
Cut Kiri kizu Nausea, sickness Hakike
Diarrhea Geri Sneeze Kushami
Dizzyness Memai Sprain Nenza
Fatigue Hiroo Sunburn Hiyake no itami
Fracture Kossetsu
Hay fever Kafunshou Fever/Temperature Netsu
Headache Zutsuu / Atama ga itai Pneumonia Haien

P22 - ILLNESSES (insert into above table as necessary)  check with H

Rash Jinmashin
Bruise (Butsuketa) kizu
Blood nose Hanagi
Broken arm Areta ude (ude no kousetsu)
Runny nose Hanamizu
Ear ache Zutsuu
Sore throat Nodo no itami
Low blood pressure Teiketsuatsu

Asthma Zensoku
Diabetes Tounyoubyou
Food poisoning Shokuchuudoku
Heart attack Shinzou hossa
Sun stroke Nesshabyou
Pneumonia Haien
Tetanus Hashoufuu
Tuberculosis (TB) Kekkaku

I’m in pain Itai desu

Doctor (/physician) Isha

Doctor (/medical/physician) Ishi
Doctor's clinic Iin
Page - 259 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Medical specialist Senmonii  check with H
Medical treatment Iryou
Medical science; medicine Igaku  check with H
Medical science; medicine Igaku

Eye drops Me-gusuri

What seems to be the problem? Dou shimashita ka?

It hurts here. Koko ga itai desu.

TYPES OF PAIN
Pain Itami Constant pain Zutto itai/zutto tsuzukete
Acute pain Kyuuni Sharp pain Surudai itai/gekitsuu
Burning pain Yakeru you ni Joint pain Kansetsu no itai
Muscle pain Kinnikutsu Throbbing pain Zukizuki suru itami
Excruciating pain Gamen deknai hodo Piercing pain Sashi komu you ni
Prickling pain Chiku chiku to Severe pain Hidoku
Sporadic pain Toki doki Stabbing pain Sasu you ni
Throbbing pain Gan gan to / zuki zuki to Dull pain Nibui itai/Dontsuu

When do you feel pain?

Doctor: When do you feel pain? Itsu itami masu ka?

When the area is pressed. Koko o osu to

When the area is moved. Koko o ugokasu to
When the area is touched. Koko o sawaru to
When I have a bowel movement. Ben o suru toki ni
When I urinate. Nyou o suru toki ni
When I bend. Karada o mageru toki ni
When I breathe. Iki o suru toki ni
When I chew something. Mono o kamu toki ni
When I cough. Seki o suru toki ni
When I lie down. Neta toki ni
Right after meals Tabeta ato sugu ni
When I swallow. Mono o nomi-komu toki ni

Expressions of general problems

I have [STATE SYMPTOM] Watashi wa [ Choose from below] ga shimasu.

Chills Samuke Light-headedness Tachi kurami

Palpitations Douki Short of breath Iki gire
Feel ill Kibun ga warui Fainted Kizetsu shimashita/Shisshin shita
Have a headache Atama ga itai Have a stomach ache Onaka ga itai
Have a toothache Ha ga itai Have a fever Netsu ga itai
Have a cough Seki ga deru Bleeding Chi ga deru
Feel nauseous/sick Hakike ga shimasu Feel a chill Samuke ga shimasu
Feel dizzy Memai ga shimasu Have diarrhea Geri ga shimasu

Page - 260 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Be constipated Benpi o shimasu Got injured Kega o shimasu
Get burnt Yakedo o shimasu Itchy Kayui
Bone is broken Kossetsu Food poisoning Shokuchuudoku
Bruised my arm Te o dabokushita Heatstroke Netchuushou
Cut my finger Yubi o kitta Period pains Seiritsu
Feel fatigued Tsukareta hiroushita Diabetes Tounyoubyou
Sore throat Nodo ga itai. Sore stomach Onaka ga itai.
Feel listless Karada ga darui Rapid pulse rate Myaku ga hayai-n desu
Had a spasm Hossa o okoshita Slow pulse rate Myaku ga osoi-n desu
Dry mouth Kuchi ga totemo kawakimasu Cramp Suji ga tsurimashita.
Abdominal pain Fukutsuu
An [object] is stuck in my throat. [Object] ga nodo ni sasarimashita.
My ear is plugged and I can’t hear well. Mimi ga fusagatte itte yoku kikoemasen.

I've (cut/burnt) myself. (Kega/Yakedo) o shimashita.

I've been bitten by (a dog/insect). (Inu/mushi) ni kamere mashita.
It hurts here. Koko ga itain desu.
My daughter has a temperature. Musume ni netsu ga arun desu.
I've lost a filling. Tsumemono o najushimashita.

AT THE DOCTOR
The bone is broken. Hone ga orate imasu.
You will need an operation. Shujutsu ga hitsuyou ( necessary) desu.
I'll take your temperature. Taion o hakirimasu.
We are going to take an X-ray. Rentogen o torimasu.
Please lie down over there. Soko ni yoko ni natte kudasai.
You must (rest/sleep.) (Yasumu/Nemuru) hitsuyou ( necessary) desu.
You mustn't (get up/run/exercise). (Okite/Hashitte/Undou o shite) wa ikemasen.
Please wait at reception while we get your O-kusuri o dashimasu kara uketsuke de o-machi kudasai.
medicines ready.

All over one’s body Karada-juu

ie: I ache all over. Karada-juu ga itai.

Have a runny nose, cough and wheezing Hanamizu o dashi, seki o shite, zeezee shite imasu.
He's got a peanut stuck in his throat. Piinattsu ga nodo ni tsumatte iru. ( jammed)
He fell down the stairs, cut his hand, and hit his head. Kaidan kara ochite, te o kitte, atama o utta.

Hard of hearing Mimi ga toui

Earlobe Mimitabu
Some water got into my ear. Mimi ni mizu ga haitta

Ear, nose and throat department Jibika

High blood pressure Kouketsuatsu
Low blood pressure Teiketsuatsu

Show me your stomach. Onaka o misete kudasai.

I'll write you a prescription. Shouhousen o dashimasu.
Do you (they) understand English? Eigo ga tsuujimasu ka?

I'm allergic to [noun]. Watashi wa [noun] ni arerugii desu.

Injection Chuusha
Intravenous drip Tenteki
Page - 261 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Operation Shujutsu
Cold medicine Kazegusuri
Fever medicine Genetsuzai
Pain reliever, sedative Chintsuuzai
How many times a day should I take this? Kusuri wa ichinichi nankai nomeba ii desu ka?
Twice a day Ichinichi ni-kai
Before eating Shokuzen
After eating Shokugo
Take (medicine, tablets, etc.) Fukuyou
Insurance Hoken
Surgeon Gekai
You should consult a surgeon. Gekai ni soudan suru beki da.

AT THE DENTIST
EXPRESSIONS OF DENTAL PROBLEMS
I have a toothache. Ha ga itai-n desu.
I have a throbbing toothache. Ha ga zuki zuki itai-n desu.
I have an aweful pain. Mono sugoku itai-n desu.
This tooth hurts. Kono ha ga itai-n desu.
I have a decayed tooth. Mushiba ga arimasu.
I broke a tooth. Ha ga kakemashita.
I have a loose tooth. Ha ga gura-gura shite imasu.
I lost a filling. Tsumemono gatoremashita.
Can you fill it temporarily? Kari ni tsumete itadakemasuka?
Please fill it with gold/silver. Kin/gin de tsumete kudasai?
I have pain when I chew. Mono o kamu to itai-n desu.
I have a pain deep in my jawbone. Ago no hone no oku ga itai-n desu.
I have a swollen mouth. Kuchi no naka ga harete imasu.
It feels like my teeth are loose (loosening). Ha ga uita you na kanji ga shimasu.
The tooth hurts when I eat something hot/cold/sweet. [Atsui mono/Tsumetai mono/Amai mono] o taberu to
shimasu.
Should the tooth be extracted/taken out?) Kono ha wa nuka-nakereba narimasen ka?
Please don’t extract the tooth. Sono ha wa nuka-naide kudasai.
My denture/bridge/crown is broken. [Ireba/Burijji/Shikan] ga kowaremashita.

I would like to have my teeth cleaned. Shiseki o totte kudasai.

Dentist: I'll put in a temporary filling. Kari ni tsumete okimasu.

I'll have to take this tooth out. Kono ha wa nukanakutewa narimasen.

Page - 262 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

VISTING THE PEDIATRICIAN
Doc: What's the matter? Dou shimashita?
He's had a fever since last night. Kinou no yoru kara netsu o dashimashita.
Doc: What was his temperature yesterday? Kinou nan-do deshita ka?
It was 38.7 degrees. Sanjuu-hachi-do nana-bu arimashita.
Doc: Any diarrhea? Geri wa?
No, no diarrhea. Geri wa shite inai desu.
Doc: Did he vomit? Hakimashita?
No, no vomiting. Iie, haite imasen.
Doc: Let me examine him… Dewa chotto shinsatsu shimasu ne……
I don't think it's anything serious. Taishita koto nai to omoimasu.
Give him lots of fluids. Suibun ( fluids) o takusan ataete kudasai.
I'll give him some medicine for the cold…. Kaze-gusuri to genetsuzai ( medicine for fever) o dashimasu.
and something to bring the fever down.

Admission to a hospital Nyuuin

Admission to a school Nyuugaku
Income, earnings Shuunyuu
Immigration Nyukoku
Immigration office Nyuukan

Sample sentences:
I checked into the hospital to have an operation. Shujutsu no tame nyuuin shita.

Medical departments and wards

Information desk Uketsuke 受付

Information desk for new patients An-nai / shinkan uketsuke 案内 /新患受付

Outpatient Gairai 外来
Waiting room Machiai shitsu 待合室
Consultation room Shinsatsu shitsu 診察質
Surgury Geka 外科
Dermatology Hifu ka 皮膚科
Radiology Houshasen ka 放射線科
Dentistry Shika 歯科
Treatment room Shochi shitsu 処置室
Pharmacy Yakkyoku 薬局
Ward (wing) Byoutou 病棟
Ward (room) Byou shitsu 病室
Delivery room Bunben shitsu 分娩質

Other signs and notices

Emergency exit Hijou (de)guchi 非常口

Danger! Kiken 危険
Caution Chuui 注意
Pull Hiku 引く
Push (or press) Osu 押す

Page - 263 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Staircase Kaidan 階段
Fire alarm Kasai houchiki 火災報知機
Fire extinguisher Shoukaki / Shouka souchi 消火器
Floor ….kai …階

MEDICAL DICTIONARY TERMS

Abortion Ninshin chuuzetsu Blood Chi / Ketsu-eki
Abrasion Suri kizu Blood pressure Ketsu-atsu
Abdominal pain Fukutsuu High blood pressure Kou ketsu-atsu
Addiction Tandeki Low blood pressure Tei ketsu-atsu
Adhesive tape Bansoukou Blood sugar Kettou
Adminster medicine Touyaku suru Blood tests Ketsu-eki kensa
Adrenaline Adorenarin Blood transfusion Yu-ketsu
Adult Otona / Seijin Blood type Ketsu-eki gata
Adverse reaction Fuku sayou Bloody stools Ketsu-ben
Advice Adobaisu / Shiji Bloody urine Ketsu-nyou
Affected area Kanbu Bowel movements Bentsu / Otsuuji
AIDS Eizu Breast cancer Nyuu gan
Ailment Fukai Breast feeding Bonyuu eiyou
Amputation Setsudan To breathe Iki o suru
Anesthesia Masui Skin cancer Hifu gan
Anesthesia - General Zenshin masui Cancer tests Gan kensa / Gan kenshin
Anesthesia - Local Kyokubi masui Cardiac arrest/heart attack Shinzou teishi
Anesthesiologist Masui ka Cell Saibou
Anesthetic Masui zai Centigrade Sesshi
Antibiotics Kousei busshitsu Chemotherapy Kimo serapii / kagaku
Appointment Yoyaku ryouhou
Childhood Shouni ki
Appointment - to make Yoyaku suru
Chinese medicine Kanpou yaku
Appointment - made Yoyaku shita
Chiroprator Sekichuu shiatsu ryouhou
Appointment - want to Yoyaku shitai
shi
make
Circulation Junkan
Appointment card Shinsatsu ken / yoyaku
ken Blood circulation Ketsu-eki junkan
Area code Kyoku ban Clinic Shinryou jo
Artery Doumyaku Clinical chart Karute
Arthritis Kansetsu-en / Cold sweat Hiya ase
ryuumachi Conception Jutai
Asthma Zensoku
Confirmation Kakunin
Asthma attack Zensok hossa
To confirm Kakunin suru
Average Te ni hairu
Consciousness Ishiki
Backache Haitsuu / senaka no
Consent form Dou-I sho
itami
Backbone Sekichu Consultation Monshin
Bacteria Saikin Consultation fee (doctor's Shinryou hi
bill)
Balance Zandaka
Consultation room Shin-satsu shitsu
Bandage Houtai
Contagious Densen-sei no
Benign Ryousei no
Page - 264 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Benign tumors Ryousei shuyou Contraception Hi-nin
Bleeding Shukketsu Cure (treatment) Chiryou
To blink Mabataki suru Daytime Hiru ma

Deafness Mimi ga kikoenai koto Frequency Kaisuu / hindo

Death Shi Frequency of dose Fukuyou kaisuu
Deep breath Iki o ookiku suu koto General anesthesia Zenshin masui
Dental hygiene Shika eisei Health insurance Kenkou hoken
Dental office Shika i-in Health insurance card Kenkou hoken shou
Dentistry Shika How soon Ato dore gurai de
Dermatologist Hifuka-i Ice Kouri
Dermatology Hifuka Ice cube Kaku gouri
Diabetes Tou nyou byou Speech impairment Gengo shougai
Diagnosis Shindan (to) increase Fueru
Digestion Shouka (to) decrease Heru
Digestive system Shouka kikan Infection Kansen shou
Digestive system tests Shouka kikan no kensa Injection Chuusha
Doctor's bill Shinryou hi Insect repellent Mushi yoke / Jochuu zai
Doctor's office I-in Instructions Shiyou hou
Dream Yume Insurance Hoken
Driver's license Unten menkyo shou Insurance card Hoken shou
Dry mouth Koukatsu Internal organs Naizou
Ear lobe Mimi tabu Interpreter Tsuuyaku
Ear ache Mimi no itami Irritable Bowel Ichou shougai
Emergency Kyuu-kyuu Syndrome
Itch Kayumi
Emergency call Kyuu-kyuu denwa
Jellyfish Kurage
Emergency case Kyuu-kan
(to) lie down neru
Emergency surgery Kyuu-kyuu geka
(to) lie on one's back aomuke ni neru
Enzyme Kouso
(to) lie on one's front utsubuse
Excrement Haisetsu butsu / Dai-shou
ben Life (daily) Seikatsu
Eyeball Gankyuu Life span Jumyou
Eye lid Mabuta Liquid diet Suibun / ekitai
Farenheit Kashi Liquid medicine Mizu gusuri
Fat Shibou Liver function test Kan kinou sokutei kensa
Fever Netsu (blood test)
Loss of weight Taijuu genshou
High fever Takai netsu / kou netsu
Lower back pain Youtsuu
Mild fever Bi-netsu
Lower abdomen Shitara hara / kafuku-bu
Normal fever Hei-netsu
Lower abdominal pain Kafuku-bu no itami
Fingerprint Shimon
Lower back Koshi
First aid Oukyuu te-ate
Measurement Sokutei
First aid kit Kyuu-kyuu youhin isshiki
Medical certificate Shindan shou
Food additives Shokuhin tenka-butsu
Medication Touyaku / yakubutsu
Food poisoning Shokuhin chuudoku
chiryou kusuri
Fractures Kossetsu Melanoma Meranouma / Koku-
shoku shu

Page - 265 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

Menstuation (periods) Gekkei / Seiri Refund Harai modoshi
Mild pain Karui itami Religious Shuukyou no
Molar Kyuushi Respiratory system Kokyuu ki kei kikan
Mole Hokuro Saliva Tsuba / da-eki
Mouth-to-mouth Jinkou kokyuu / Scalp Touhi
resusitation sosei Serious Omoi
Nail clippers Tsume kiri
Side effects Fuku sayou
Naked Hadaka no
Sneeze Kushami
Nasal spray Hana zumari no kusuri
Solid diet Kokei shoku
Nerve Shinkei
Sperm Seishi
Normal Hiru / Shougo
Stiff shoulder Kata kori
Normal diet Futsu shoku
Stuttering Domori
Often Tabi-tabi
Suicide Jisatsu
Ovaries Ransou
Sunlight Nikkou
Overnight (stay) Hito ban
Surface Hyoumen
Oxygen Sanso
(to) swallow Nomi-komu
Painkillers Chintsuu zai / Itami
Swollen Harete iru
dome
Panic Kyoukyou (to) try Yatte miru
Paternal side Fukei Tweezers Ke nuki / pinsetto
Payment Shi-harai Type Kata
Phlegm Tan Ulcer Kaiyou
Physical examination Shin-satsu / shintai (to) urinate Oshikko o suru / Nyou o
kensa suru
Physical strength Tairyoku Urine Oshikko / Nyou
Place of birth Shussei chi Vaccination Yobou sesshu
Poison Doku (to) vaccinate Yobou chuusha o suru
Poisoning Chuudoku Vein Joumyaku
Policy Houshin Visiting hours Menkai jikan
Procedure Te-tsuzuki Visitor Houmon sha
Process Keika / Katei (to) vomit Haku
Puberty Shishun ki Vomiting Outo
Pulse Myaku / Myaku- Weight Taijuu
haku Weight gain Taijuu zouka
Rapid pulse Myaku ga hayai Weight loss Taijuu genryou
Skipped pulse Kettai myaku Well (healthy) Kenkou na
Slow pulse Myaku ga osoi Whole body Zenshin
Pulse rate Myaku-haku suu X-ray Rentogen
Rape Goukan / Boukou X-ray examination Rentogen kensa
Reaction Han-nou
(to) recover Naoru / Kaifuku suru
Recovery Kaifuku
Rectum Choku-chou
Re-examination Saishin

Page - 266 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

In the event of an earthquake
Designated assembly point Hinanjo
Emergency exit Hijouguchi
Epicentre Shingenchi
Fire Kaji/kasai
Fire extinguisher Shoukaki

FIRE!
Smoke Kemuri Flame Honoo
Firetruck Shoubousha Fireman Shouboushi
Fire extinguisher Shoukaki <-- check with H Hose Hoosu
Axe Ono Ladder Hashigo
Fire extinguisher Shoukaki Fire escape Hijiyoukaidan
Where is fire extinguisher? Shoukaki wa doko desu ka?

MISCELLANEOUS VOCABULARY LIST

Accident report Jiko shoumei sho Additional charge Tsuika ryoukin
Adult Seijin Air conditioning Reibou
Aisle Tsuuro All-day pass Ichinichi ken
Apply for Moushikomu Application form Moushikomi youshi
Asthma Zensoku Bleed Shukketsusuru
Blood type Ketsuatsu Blood pressure Ketsueki gata

Electrical outlet (powerpoint) Konsento Emergency Kinkyuu no

Emergency exit Hijouguchi Emergency measure Oukyuu shouchi
Enjoy Tanoshimu Fee Tesuuryou / ryoukin
Entrance fee Nyuujouryou Eye drops Megusuri
Faint, pass out Ishiki o nakusu Fashionable Ryuukou no
Feel sick Kibun ga warui Fire station Shoubou sho
Fits well Pittari no Fix Naosu
Food poisoning Shokuatari Fracture Kossetsu
Fragile Kawaremono Fraud Sagi
Free Muryou no Full (of people) Manseki no
Get better, heal Naoru Get lost Michi ni mayou
Glad Ureshii Go across Wataru
Go back Kaeru Go out Gaishutsu suru
Hangover Futsukayoi Heatstroke Necchuushuo
Honeymoon Shinkon ryokou Humidity Shitsudo
Hurry Isogu Immediately Sugu ni
Important Juuyouna In time Maniau
Including tax Seikomi no Indigestion Shoukafuyou
Insect repellant Mushiyoke Inspection Kensa
Internet access Netto setsuzoku Introduce Shoukaisuru
Issue, publish Hakkou suru Jet lag Jisaboke
Last train Saishuu densha Lie down Yoku ni naru
Local train Kakueki teisha Look for Sagasu
Lose one's way Maigo ni naru Lost and found Ishitsubutsu soudanjo
Page - 267 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc
Married couple Fufu Medical examination Shinsatsu
Medical certificate Shindansho Medical specialist Senmon-i
Menstrual period Seiri Menstrual products Seiri youhin
Midnight Shin-ya Miss (a train, etc.) Norisokonau
Missing, lost Funshitsushita Mouthwash Ugai gusuri
Necessary Hitsuyou na Neighbourhood Kinjo
Night Yoru Noise Sou-on
Non-reserved seat Jiyuu seki Non-smoking section Kin-enseki
Occupied Shiyouchuu On foot Toho de
On time Teikoku Pain Itami
Pay a bill Seisan suru Pay in advance Sakibarai suru
Pedestrian overpass Oudan hodoukyou Pill Jouzai
Police car Patokaa Police officer Keisatsukan
Railway crossing Fumikiri Ready Junbi ga dekita
Recharge Juuden Re-issue Saihakkou suru
Repeat Kurikaesu Rest area Kyuukei basho
Route Junro Signature Shomei
Signboard Kamban Sleeping pills Suimin yaku
Stand, newsstand Baiten Station name Ekimei
Stomach medicine Ichouyaku Stop the bleeding Shiketsu suru
Straight ahead Zempou no Sunrise Hinode
Sunset Nichibotsu Surgery Geka
Surname Myouji Tax Zei
Thirsty Nodo ga kawaita Throw up haku
Ticket gate Kaisatsu Tight Kitsui
Time required Shoyou jikan Tourist information Kankou an-naijo
Traffic sign Hyoushiki Train track Senro
Unusual Mezurashii Urine Nyou
Used Chuuko no Vacant Aki no
Vacant seat Kuuseki Valid Yuukou na
Vending machine Jidou hambaiki Visit Tazuneru
With an ocean view Umi no mieru Withdraw (money) Orosu
Worried Fuan-na

Page - 268 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc

For FIRE, RESCUE or an AMBULANCE, dial 119
For POLICE, dial 110
Police general information in English (Tokyo) 03-3501 0110
For information about civil and criminal matters, crime prevention (bouhan), etc:
Seikatsu Anzen Soudan Center - 03 3503-8484
If you are having trouble with the police and want to file a claim: 03-3581-4321
Public Information Desk (kouhouka), ask for the Kakarichou.

For FIRE – Kaji desu (there’s a fire). __-ku, ___-cho, ___-chome, ___go (address)
_____ ga moete imasu (__ is on fire)

For AMBULANCE – Kyukyu desu (I need an ambulance). __-ku, ___-cho, ___-chome,

___go (address) __-desu (your name) ga kyubyo desu (It’s an emergency)

For information about hospitals that give treatment in foreign languages,

call 03-5285-8181 (in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai)
Phoning emergency services:
119 Ambulance
110 Police

[Emergency service] Emergency. Kyuukyuutai desu.

I need an ambulance. Kyuukyuusha, onegai shimasu.
[Emergency service] OK. What happened? Hai. Dou shimashita ka?
My friend is lying unconscious! Tomodachi ga taorete, ishiki-fumei desu!
Keep calm and give me your name and address. Ochitsuite, o-name to juusho o douzo.

Page - 269 - Jon's Japanese V2012.doc