Genki Grammar

Chapter 1

XはYです

1. Rule
   • ～です。 It is…
   • XはYです。
2. Notes
   • As in the above examples, Japanese speakers very often omit subjects whenever the subject is clear.
   • To make the topic of conversation clear, add the particle は. XはYです will define thing X as item Y.
3. Examples
   • 学生です。(I) am a student.
   • 日本語です。(My major) is the Japanese language.

Question Sentences

1. Rule
   • To ask a question, add the particle か to the end of the sentence.

Showing Possession and Specifics

1. Rule
   • Noun 1のNoun 2
2. Notes
   • の is a particle that can connect two nouns where the second noun provides the main idea and the first noun makes it more specific. It often acts like the possessive in English.
3. Examples
   • たけしさんの電話番号 Takeshi’s phone number
   • 大学の先生 A college professor
   • 日本語の学生 A student of the Japanese language
   • たけしさんのお母さんは高校の先生です。 Takeshi’s mother is a high school teacher.

Home » Books » Genki » Genki Grammar