Japanese Particles 助詞（じょし）- Which one to use?

Summary

In this lesson by Yuko-sensei from Smile Japanese Academy, the focus is on understanding the fundamental Japanese particles: を, が, と, や, か, で, and two types of に. Yuko explains their functions with clear examples, covering how particles mark actions, destinations, existence, and connections between nouns. She emphasizes that context and sentence endings determine the correct particle usage, much like how English prepositions work. The lesson also provides practical advice for mastering particles through repetition and learning from mistakes, encouraging learners to apply them in real sentences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Particles are an important aspect of Japanese grammar and often confuse learners, similar to how English prepositions can be confusing to Japanese speakers.
• 😀 There is no quick way to master particles; practice and learning from mistakes is the most effective method.
• 😀 The particle を marks the direct object in a sentence, such as things you eat, drink, or watch.
• 😀 The particle が can mark things you like, the subject of existence, or a specific topic within a broader topic in a sentence.
• 😀 The particles で, に (destination), and に (place of existence) mark places, but their usage depends on the verb at the end of the sentence.
• 😀 で marks a place of action (e.g., eating), に marks a destination (e.g., going), and the second に marks a place where something exists.
• 😀 Particles と, や, and か connect nouns but do not connect actions, adjectives, or entire sentences.
• 😀 と is used to connect two nouns directly (A and B), や connects two nouns with a more casual meaning (A and B, for example), and か indicates choice (A or B).
• 😀 The correct particle is determined by the verb at the end of the sentence, so context is key when choosing particles.
• 😀 The particle が is used to mark a specific topic within the main topic of the sentence, and it can also mark the subject of existence in sentences about things or places that exist.

Q & A

What is the main topic of this lesson?

The main topic of this lesson is Japanese particles, specifically explaining how to use basic particles like を, が, と, や, か, で, and two kinds of に.

Why do Japanese learners often struggle with particles?

Japanese learners often struggle with particles because, like English prepositions, a single particle can have multiple functions, which can be confusing. Also, the correct particle depends on the context of the sentence.

What is the key to mastering Japanese particles?

The key to mastering Japanese particles is repeated use in sentences and learning from mistakes. Over time, the brain stores enough data to help you choose the correct particle.

How do Japanese particles relate to English prepositions?

Japanese particles work similarly to English prepositions because, just like how one preposition can have multiple functions in English, one particle can serve different purposes in Japanese. This can be confusing for both English speakers and Japanese speakers.

What are the three particles used to mark places in Japanese?

The three particles used to mark places in Japanese are で (for a place of action), に (for a destination), and に (for a place of existence).

How do you determine which particle to use when marking a place?

The choice of particle depends on the verb at the end of the sentence. For example, if the verb indicates movement (like 'went'), you use に for a destination. If the verb indicates action (like 'ate'), you use で for a place of action.

What is the difference between the two particles に used in place marking?

One particle に marks a destination, as in 'I went to Kyoto' (京都に行きました). The other particle に marks a place of existence, such as 'There is a temple in Kyoto' (京都におてらがあります).

What function does the particle が have in a sentence?

The particle が has multiple functions. It can mark things you like (e.g., 京都が好きです, 'I like Kyoto'), mark the specific topic within the main topic of a sentence (e.g., 日本は京都が有名です, 'As for Japan, Kyoto is famous'), or mark the subject of existence (e.g., 京都におてらがあります, 'There is a temple in Kyoto').

What is the purpose of the particles と, や, and か?

The particles と, や, and か are used to connect nouns. と connects two nouns in a direct and specific way (e.g., 京都と大阪, 'Kyoto and Osaka'). や connects nouns with a sense of 'and so on' or 'for example' (e.g., 京都や大阪, 'Kyoto and Osaka, for example'). か is used to express alternatives or choices (e.g., 京都か大阪, 'Kyoto or Osaka').

How is the particle を used in sentences that involve places?

The particle を marks a direct object, but when referring to a place, it is used when you treat the place as something you know or are studying. For example, 'Do you know Kyoto?' is 京都を知っていますか, and 'I am studying Kyoto' is 京都を研究しています.