JA Connection - Basic Grammar

Lesson 3: Basic Grammar - I

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Introduction

First let's take a look at the English language. In English we basically use the form of Subject first then the Verb and finally the Noun/Object.
For Example:
I went to the store.
However, Japanese is a little different. The sentences consist of the Subject first then the Noun/Object and finally the Verb.

For Example:
Watashi-wa mise ni ikimashita.

Particles

In the Japanese example above there are two particles, WA and NI.
Particles can be very complex therefore not easily explained in a simplified list. Conjunctive particles, final particles, adverbial particles, and case particles are some of the different types of particles.

Review the particles below then go on to the next section of this page for examples of verb conjugation.

Basic Particles

DE: This particle is very complex, having many different uses. For example, it can denote circumstances of place, what an item is made of, periods of time, and many more.
E: Particle identifying movement/direction or recipient of an action.
GA: Particle stressing the Subject.
KA: Particle denoting a question when used as a final particle.
MO: Particle identifying something in addition or similar to another. Similar to "too" in English.
NI: Particle identifying movement to or toward something static. Similar to "to" in English.
NO: Particle identifying possession. Can also identify the Object of a statement.
SA: Particle conveying finality to a statement or to express a protest.
TO: Particle identifiying something in addition to something else. Similar to "and" in English.
WA: Particle identifying the Subject.
WO (O): Particle identifying the Object.
YO: Particle identifying an exclamation.

Verb Conjugation

Raw Form	State	Affirmative	Negative
Iku	Future	Ikimasu	Ikimasen
Present	Ikimashite	Ikimasen de
Past	Ikimashita	Ikimasen deshita

Verb conjugation can be very complex in Japanese due to the many levels of speach/politeness. However learning standard conjugation is very easy

Below is a table of basic "formal" verb conjugation.

Raw Form State Affirmative Negative

Iku Future Ikimasu Ikimasen

Present Ikimashite Ikimasen de

Past Ikimashita Ikimasen deshita

Additional information on verb conjugation will be provided in later lessons.

Using the following list of verbs from Lesson 2, try to conjugate each one using the examples above as a guide. I have provided the Future-Affirmative for each verb as a hint.

Kuru = Kimasu
Suru = Shimasu
Dekiru = Dekimasu
Hanasu = Hanashimasu
Yomu = Yomimasu
Kaku = Kakimasu
Kau = Kaimasu
Aru = Arimasu

Also, test your memory on the meaning of each verb. Refer back to the Previous Lesson for a review, if necessary.