Structure: N + です
です is used to end sentences in polite speech. It functions similar to 'is/am/are' in English, but it is more like a polite sentence-ending particle.
Usage NotesAttach です after a noun. The polite question form is N + ですか.The negative forms are N + ではありません, N + じゃありません, or N + じゃないです. In casual speech, the copula is N + だ.
💡 Pro TipThe particle は in これは is pronounced wa, not ha. です is polite; among close friends, だ is more natural. Do not confuse です with the verbs いる or ある when talking about existence.
Examplesこれはプレゼントです.
Kore wa purezento desu.
This is a present.
あのひとはせんせいです.
Ano hito wa sensei desu.
That person is a teacher.
Structure: はじめまして.
Used when meeting someone for the first time. Literally it means 'it's the first time (we meet).' It is usually followed by your name and よろしくおねがいします.
Usage NotesUse はじめまして at the first meeting only. It is commonly followed by [Name] + です and then よろしくおねがいします. There is no question or negative form; it is a set greeting. In casual settings, よろしくおねがいします can shorten to よろしく.
💡 Pro TipDo not use はじめまして with someone you have already met; おひさしぶりです is used for reunions. よろしくおねがいします is polite and often used in business, while よろしく is casual. Pronounce はじめまして clearly, not はじまして.
Examplesはじめまして.たなかです.よろしくおねがいします.
Hajimemashite. Tanaka desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Nice to meet you. I'm Tanaka. Pleased to meet you.
はじめまして.わたしはマリアです.よろしくおねがいします.
Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Maria desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Nice to meet you. I'm Maria. Pleased to meet you.
Structure: ありがとうございます / どうも
ありがとうございます is the polite form of thank you. どうも is a casual 'thanks.' Different levels of politeness are used depending on the situation.
Usage NotesUse ありがとうございます for polite or formal thanks, and どうも alone for casual thanks. You can combine them as どうもありがとうございます for extra politeness. More casual: ありがとう. There is no question or negative form.
💡 Pro Tipどうも can mean 'thanks,' 'excuse me,' or 'somehow' depending on context, so using it alone with a superior can sound too casual. ありがとうございます is safe in most polite situations; ありがとう is for friends and family. The とう in ありがとう is a long vowel sound.
Examplesどうもありがとうございます.
Doumo arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you very much.
ありがとうございます.とてもうれしいです.
Arigatou gozaimasu. Totemo ureshii desu.
Thank you very much. I'm very happy.
Structure: すみません
すみません is used both for 'excuse me' and 'I'm sorry.' It is a versatile expression for getting attention, apologizing, or showing gratitude in some contexts.
Usage NotesUse すみません to apologize, to get someone's attention, or to call a staff member. For a past apology, すみませんでした is common. The casual apology is ごめん or ごめんなさい. There is no question or negative form.
💡 Pro Tipすみません is neutral-polite and very versatile; ごめんなさい is a more direct apology and is often used with friends and family. In some contexts すみません can also express thanks, similar to 'sorry to trouble you.' Be careful not to shorten the ま sound in すみません.
Examplesすみません.おそくなりました.
Sumimasen. Osoku narimashita.
I'm sorry. I'm late.
すみません、みずをください.
Sumimasen, mizu o kudasai.
Excuse me, water please.
Structure: Word/Phrase + は + 日本語で + 何ですか？
Used to ask 'What is __ in Japanese?' This pattern asks for the translation or Japanese name of a word or phrase. The thing you're asking about is the topic, marked with は, followed by 日本語で ('in Japanese') and 何ですか？ ('what is it?').
Usage NotesPut the word or phrase first, mark it with は, then say 日本語で何ですか？. The で in 日本語で marks the language as the means of saying something — the same で used in ペンで書きます ('write with a pen'). For other languages, swap the language: 英語で何ですか？ = 'What is it in English?'.
💡 Pro TipYou can also use the fuller set phrase 日本語で何と言いますか？ ('How do you say it in Japanese?') — it's more natural in conversation than 何ですか？ alone. Note that 何 is read なん before です (なんですか), but なに in most other positions. Also, the thing you're asking about is often written in quotes or katakana when it's a foreign word.
Examples「mosquito」は、日本語でなんですか？
「Mosquito」wa, nihongo de nan desu ka?
What is 'mosquito' in Japanese?
これは英語で何ですか？
Kore wa eigo de nan desu ka?
What is this in English?
Structure: Word + を + 言って下さい
A polite request meaning 'Please say __' or 'Please tell me __'. Used when asking someone to pronounce or state something. 言って is the て-form of 言う (iu, 'to say'), and 下さい makes it a polite request.
Usage NotesPut the thing to be said first, mark it with を, then follow with 言って下さい. To ask how to say something and then request the pronunciation, combine the two: 日本語で何と言いますか.言って下さい. The と in 何と言いますか is the quotation particle, marking what is being said.
💡 Pro Tip言って下さい (itte kudasai) uses a small っ — it's the て-form of 言う, not 言いて. This is a common mistake. For softer requests, use 言ってもらえますか ('Could you say it for me?'). In casual speech, 言って alone works as a request among friends.
Examplesゆっくり言って下さい.
Yukkuri itte kudasai.
Please say it slowly.
日本語で何と言いますか.言って下さい.
Nihongo de nan to iimasu ka. Itte kudasai.
How do you say it in Japanese? Please say it.
Structure: Topic + が + わかりますか？
Used to ask 'Do you understand __?' The particle が marks the object of understanding. わかります (wakarimasu) means 'to understand' and takes が for the thing being understood — not を.
Usage NotesPut the thing to be understood first, mark it with が, then follow with わかりますか？. The same pattern works for languages (日本語がわかりますか？), content (い味がわかりますか？ = 'Do you understand the meaning?'), and situations. To say you don't understand, use わかりません.
💡 Pro Tipわかる takes が, not を — this is a common mistake for learners. Other verbs that behave similarly include すき, きらい, ほしい, できる, and みえる. When answering, はい、わかります / いいえ、わかりません are both fine, but すみません、わかりません sounds softer than いいえ.
Examples日本語がわかりますか？
Nihongo ga wakarimasu ka?
Do you understand Japanese?
すみません、いみがわかりません.
Sumimasen, imi ga wakarimasen.
Sorry, I don't understand the meaning.
Structure: もういちど + おがんいします
A polite phrase meaning 'One more time, please' or 'Can you repeat that, please?' Used when you didn't hear or understand something. もういちど means 'one more time', and おがんいします is a polite request.
Usage NotesSay もういちどおがんいします on its own as a complete request. You can also add ゆっくり ('slowly') for ゆっくりもういちどおがんいします = 'One more time, slowly, please.' To ask for repetition more politely, use もういちど言って下さい or もういちど言っていただけますか.
💡 Pro TipThis is one of the most useful phrases for language learners — memorize it early. もういちど is often written in kanji as もう一ど, but the hiragana form is common in textbooks and beginner materials. If you need a stronger apology, prefix with すみません: すみません、もういちどおがんいします.
Examplesもういちどおねがいします.
Mou ichido onegaishimasu.
One more time, please.
すみません、ゆっくりもういちどおねがいします.
Sumimasen, yukkuri mou ichido onegaishimasu.
Sorry, one more time slowly, please.
Structure: N + です ／ N1 + は + N2 + です
The copula です (desu) at the end of a sentence means 'is/am/are' in a polite sense. The particle は (wa) marks the topic of the sentence. This is the most basic sentence pattern for identifying yourself or others.
Usage NotesStart with the topic, mark it with は, then give the identifying noun, and end with です. For example: わたし は マルシア です. The topic can be omitted when it's clear from context, leaving just マルシアです. In questions, add か at the end: マルシアさんですか？
💡 Pro Tipは is written with the hiragana は but pronounced 'wa' when used as a particle. Don't confuse it with the は in はい (hai). Also, です doesn't change for singular/plural — わたしもがくせいです works for one or many. In casual speech, だ replaces です (わたしはマルシアだ), but です is the safe, polite default.
Examplesわたしはマルシアです.
Watashi wa Marushia desu.
I am Marcia.
こちらはたなかさんです.
Kochira wa Tanaka-san desu.
This is Mr./Ms. Tanaka.
Structure: [Place] + から + 来ました
The particle から (kara) means 'from'. Combine it with the past tense of the verb 来る (kuru - to come), which is 来ました (kimashita), to state where you are from. This is commonly used when introducing your country or hometown.
Usage NotesPlace the origin first, mark it with から, and follow with 来ました. For example: ブラジルから来ました. To ask where someone is from, use どこから来ましたか？. If the answer is a country, you can also use the shorter N です form: ブラジルです.
💡 Pro Tipから marks a starting point — it works for time too: ９時から = 'from 9 o'clock'. For a more casual way to say where you're from, you can just say the place name + です (e.g., ブラジルです) in many conversational contexts. Also, 来ました is past tense even though it describes your current origin — the 'coming' happened in the past.
Examplesブラジルから来ました.
Burajiru kara kimashita.
I came from Brazil.
どこから来ましたか？
Doko kara kimashita ka?
Where are you from?
Structure: Sentence + か ／ N は 何ですか？
Adding the particle か (ka) at the end of a sentence turns it into a question. The word order does not change. You can also use the question word 何 (nani/nan - what) to ask for specific information, like a name.
Usage NotesSimply add か to the end of a statement and pronounce it with rising intonation: 友だちですか？ = 'Are you friends?'. To ask what something is, use 何: これは何ですか？ = 'What is this?'. In casual speech, か is often dropped and rising intonation alone marks the question.
💡 Pro Tipか is polite and can sound slightly abrupt in very casual conversation — dropping it and using rising intonation is common among friends. Note that 何 is read なん before です and counters (なんですか, なんさい), and なに before most other words (なにを). Also, don't confuse the question particle か with か as in 'or' (A か B か).
Examplesみなさんは、友だちですか？
Minasan wa, tomodachi desu ka?
Are you all friends?
お名前は何ですか？
Onamae wa nan desu ka?
What is your name?
Structure: N + も
The particle も (mo) replaces は (wa) when you want to say that something is also true for a new subject. It indicates that the new item shares the same property or action as a previously mentioned one.
Usage NotesSwap は for も in the topic position: わたしも = 'me too', ケマラさんも = 'Kemara-san too'. If the original sentence had が, も replaces it as well: だれも = 'nobody either'. When answering, use も to show you share the same state as the other person.
💡 Pro Tipも and は can't appear together in the same slot — it's one or the other, never はも. も is not just 'also' — it can also mean 'even' with emphasis (e.g., 子どももできます = 'Even a child can do it'). Watch out for でも, which is a separate word meaning 'but' or 'even so.'
Examplesケマラさんも、ベトナムからですか？
Kemara-san mo, Betonamu kara desu ka?
Is Kemara-san also from Vietnam?
わたしも学生です.
Watashi mo gakusei desu.
I am a student too.
Structure: N + じゃないです
This is the negative form of N です. じゃないです (ja nai desu) is a common and polite way to say 'is not'. You use it to correct information or state that something is not the case.
Usage NotesReplace です with じゃないです to make a negative statement: ベトナムです → ベトナムじゃないです. The more formal variant ではありません is used in writing and formal speech. In casual speech, じゃない (without です) is common. To ask a negative question, add か: ベトナムじゃないですか？
💡 Pro Tipじゃないです is a contraction of では ない です — the では becomes じゃ in speech. Both じゃないです and じゃありません are polite; じゃない alone is casual. Watch the tone of じゃないですか — depending on intonation, it can either be a genuine question ('Isn't it Vietnam?') or an expression of surprise/agreement ('Oh, it IS Vietnam, isn't it!').
Examplesベトナムじゃないです.
Betonamu ja nai desu.
It is not Vietnam.
わたしは学生じゃないです.
Watashi wa gakusei ja nai desu.
I am not a student.
Structure: Noun1 + と + Noun2
The particle と connects a noun to another noun, listing them one after another. It is used here to introduce several family members at once, like 'A and B' in English.
Usage NotesPlace と between each noun: N1 と N2 と N3. It can also connect people when describing who you do something with (だれと = 'with whom'). When you join multiple nouns, the final と is dropped before the verb or predicate.
💡 Pro TipDon't confuse と with や. と is exhaustive — おっとと子ども means exactly those two people. や lists a few of many and implies there are others. Also, と is used with verbs like じゅうむ to mean 'together with': かぞくとじゅうんでいます = 'I live with my family.'
Examplesおっとと子どもです.
Otto to kodomo desu.
This is my husband and child.
かぞくとすんでいます.
Kazoku to sundeimasu.
I live with my family.
Structure: Number + とし (さい)
とし (さい) is the counter for years of age. It always comes after the number. Some readings change slightly when combined with とし — いち → いっさい, はち → はっさい, じゅう → じゅっさい.
Usage NotesAttach とし directly to the number: にじゅうさい = '20 years old'. To ask someone's age, use なんさいですか？ (direct) or おいくつですか？ (polite). For a child, いくつですか？ is also common. Add です at the end to make a full polite sentence.
💡 Pro TipWatch the irregular readings: 1, 8, and 10 take a small っ. Also, 20 years old has a special word はたち that's often used instead of にじゅうさい. In casual speech, とし is sometimes dropped entirely when the context makes the number obviously an age.
Examplesわたしはにじゅうさいです.
Watashi wa nijuu-sai desu.
I am 20 years old.
子どもははっさいです.
Kodomo wa hassai desu.
My child is 8 years old.
Structure: Place + に + すんでいます
Used to say where someone lives. Add the particle に after a country or city name (e.g., フィリピンに, あか羽に). To ask where someone lives, use the interrogative どこ + にすんでいますか？ and pronounce the end with a rising intonation.
Usage NotesPlace the location first, mark it with に, and follow with すんでいます (the て-form of すみます). Use すんでいます, not すみます, when describing where someone currently lives — the て-form expresses an ongoing state. The question form is どこにすんでいますか？.
💡 Pro Tipすんでいます is a state, not an action — this is why it uses に rather than で. Compare とうきょうにすんでいます ('I live in Tokyo') with とうきょうでしごとをしています ('I work in Tokyo'). The place-marking particle changes depending on whether the verb expresses existence (に) or activity (で).
Examples家族は、フィリピンにすんでいます.
Kazoku wa, Firipin ni sundeimasu.
My family lives in the Philippines.
どこにすんでいますか？
Doko ni sundeimasu ka?
Where do you live?
Structure: Noun1 + の + Noun2
The particle の shows the relationship between two nouns. It can mean N2 belongs to N1 (possession), as in わたしの母 (my mother). It can also mean N1 and N2 refer to the same thing, as in ペットのジョン (our pet, Jon).
Usage NotesPlace の between two nouns: N1 の N2. The first noun modifies or describes the second. For possession, N1 is the owner: わたしの母 = 'my mother'. For apposition (same thing), N1 labels N2: ペットのジョン = 'our pet, Jon'. の can stack: わたしのあねのしゃしん = 'a photo of my elder sister.'
💡 Pro TipDon't confuse の (noun-linking) with は or が (topic/subject markers). の has no meaning on its own — it just links two nouns, and the relationship is inferred from context. When の follows a person's name, it often functions like 's in English: たなかのほん = 'Tanaka's book.'
Examplesわたしの母です.
Watashi no haha desu.
This is my mother. (N2 belongs to N1)
ペットのジョンです.
Petto no Jon desu.
This is our pet, Jon. (N1 and N2 refer to the same thing)
Structure: N + が + すきです ／ N + は + すきじゃないです
Used to express likes and dislikes. 好き is a ナ-adjective; add です to make it polite. 好きです = 'I like it', and the object of 好き is marked with が (肉と野菜が好きです). To make it negative, change ～です to ～じゃないです (魚は好きじゃないです).
Usage NotesMark the thing you like with が and follow with すきです. For negatives, use すきじゃないです or すきじゃありません. In negative sentences, が often changes to は because the disliked item becomes the topic. To ask what someone likes, use the interrogative 何 + が + すきですか？ with rising intonation.
💡 Pro Tipすき is a ナ-adjective, not a verb — this is why it takes が and です rather than を. In casual speech, すきだ or just すき is common. Degree words like だいすき (love), すき (like), あまりすきじゃない (don't like much), and きらい (dislike) slot in before です. In negative sentences, は is more natural than が because you're contrasting or singling out the topic.
Examples肉と野菜が好きです.
Niku to yasai ga suki desu.
I like meat and vegetables.
魚は好きじゃないです.
Sakana wa suki ja nai desu.
I don't like fish.
Structure: N + は + ちょっと…
A gentle way of saying something negative without finishing the sentence. Used when asked whether you like something, it implies 'I can't eat that' or 'I'm not really fond of that.' Leaving the sentence unfinished softens the refusal or dislike.
Usage NotesSay the item with は, then ちょっと and trail off. The listener understands the rest — something like ちょっとむりです (it's a bit difficult) or ちょっとすきじゃないです (I don't really like it). Tone matters: a slight pause and a soft, hesitant voice makes it polite rather than blunt.
💡 Pro TipThis is a very Japanese communication style — indirect refusal avoids hurting the other person's feelings. ちょっと literally means 'a little,' but here it does the heavy lifting of a full negative sentence. The same pattern works for invitations too: ちょっと… can decline a request without saying 'no' outright. Don't overuse it in formal situations where a clear answer is expected; a full sentence may be better there.
Examplesわさびは、ちょっと….
Wasabi wa, chotto…
Well, I don't really like wasabi…
パクチーは、ちょっと….
Pakuchī wa, chotto…
Cilantro is a bit… (I'm not really a fan)
Structure: V + ます + か？ ／ V (dictionary-form) + ？
Used to ask questions with verbs, e.g. asking the other person's intention. The ます-form is the polite form: add か at the end and pronounce with rising intonation (飲みます → 飲みますか？). The dictionary-form is the basic form found in dictionaries; a question is made just by rising intonation (飲む？) and is casual, used in spoken language.
Usage NotesFor polite questions, use the ます-form + か？ with rising intonation. For casual questions, use the dictionary-form with rising intonation only — no か needed. To ask what someone will drink or eat, add the interrogative 何 before the verb: 何、飲みますか？ / 何、飲む？.
💡 Pro TipDropping か in casual speech is common — intonation alone marks the question. In polite speech, か is required; without it, 飲みます sounds like a statement, not a question. Watch out for the difference between inviting someone (V-ませんか？) and simply asking (V-ますか？) — お茶、飲みませんか？ is an invitation ('Won't you have tea?'), while お茶、飲みますか？ is a simple question ('Will you have tea?').
Examplesお茶、飲みますか？
Ocha, nomimasu ka?
Would you like to drink some tea?
何、飲む？
Nani, nomu?
What will you drink?
Structure: N (object) + を + V-ます
Used to state facts or customs with verbs, e.g. what one eats for breakfast. Mark the object of the verb with を and place it before the verb (シリアルを食べます).
Usage NotesPlace the object + を directly before the verb: シリアルを食べます. Time expressions and adverbs usually come at the start of the sentence or before the verb. In questions and casual speech, the object-marking を is often omitted entirely, as in 朝ご飯、いつも、何、食べますか？.
💡 Pro Tipを is one of the most reliably used particles in Japanese — when in doubt with a transitive verb, use it. But dropping it in speech is very natural, especially when context is clear; native speakers often say ご飯食べた？ instead of ご飯を食べた？. Don't drop を in formal writing or careful speech — it can sound sloppy.
Examplesシリアルを食べます.
Shiriaru o tabemasu.
I eat cereals.
朝ご飯、いつも、何、食べますか？
Asagohan, itsumo, nani, tabemasu ka?
What do you usually eat for breakfast?
Structure: N + は + V-ません ／ N + は + V-ないです
The negative form of a verbal sentence. Change ～ます to ～ません (食べます → 食べません). The object-marking を is often changed to は, as in 朝ご飯は. In spoken language, ～ないです is also used, as in 食べないです.
Usage NotesFor polite negatives, change ます to ません. For casual or spoken negatives, use ないです (which is less stiff than ません but still polite). The object particle を typically shifts to は in negative sentences because the speaker is emphasizing or contrasting the item.
💡 Pro TipThe switch from を to は in negatives is a topic-comment shift — you're saying 'as for X, I don't do Y.' Both ません and ないです are common, but ません is more formal and ないです is more conversational; ない alone is very casual. In casual speech, 食べない with no です is also fine.
Examplesわたしは、朝ご飯は、あまり食べません.
Watashi wa, asagohan wa, amari tabemasen.
I don't eat much breakfast.
わたしも、食べないです.
Watashi mo, tabenai desu.
I don't eat either.
Structure: いつも / よく + V-ます ／ あまり + V-ません
Adverbs of frequency placed before verbs. いつも (always/usually) and よく (often) are used with affirmative sentences; あまり (not much) is used with negative sentences to show low frequency.
Usage NotesPlace the frequency adverb before the verb, or earlier in the sentence — word order is flexible: よくヨーグルトを食べます or ヨーグルトをよく食べます are both correct. いつも and よく pair with affirmative verbs; あまり and ぜんぜん require negative verbs. ぜんぜん is stronger than あまり ('not at all' vs. 'not much').
💡 Pro Tipあまり and ぜんぜん must always be followed by a negative verb — using them with affirmative verbs sounds ungrammatical. This mirrors the English rule with 'never/not much.' Also note that いつも literally means 'always,' but in casual conversation it often means 'usually' — context decides. If you want to emphasize a habitual routine, いつも is stronger than よく.
Examplesわたしは、パンと、卵と、ヨーグルトをよく食べます.
Watashi wa, pan to, tamago to, yōguruto o yoku tabemasu.
I often eat bread, eggs, and yogurt.
朝ご飯は、あまり食べません.
Asagohan wa, amari tabemasen.
I don't eat much breakfast.
Structure: Item + おがんいします ／ Item + 下さい
Used to order something at a restaurant or shop. Say the item you want, then add おがんいします or 下さい afterward. おがんいします is a polite request directed at the other person and is more polite than 下さい, which literally means 'please give me.'
Usage NotesPlace the item (often with を, though it's frequently dropped in speech) before おがんいします or 下さい. おがんいします is the safe default in restaurants and shops; 下さい is fine among friends or for simple requests. For multiple items, list them with と.
💡 Pro Tipおがんいします is also used far beyond ordering — it works as 'please' for almost any request, and as a greeting when entering a shop or starting a meeting. 下さい attaches to nouns directly, but when you use a verb it must be in て-form (～て下さい). Don't confuse noun + 下さい (下さい = 'give me') with verb-て + 下さい (下さい = 'please do').
Examplesホットコーヒー、おねがいします.
Hotto koohii, onegaishimasu.
Hot coffee, please.
これ、下さい.
Kore, kudasai.
I'll have this.
Structure: N + に + します
Used to announce the item you have decided to have. Add the particle に before します in the form ～にします to mark your choice. It literally means 'I'll make it ~' but functions as 'I'll have ~' or 'I'll go with ~' when ordering or choosing.
Usage NotesAttach に to a noun and follow with します (polite) or する (plain). To ask what someone will have, use the interrogative 何 + にしますか？. The past form ～にしました shows a decision already made.
💡 Pro Tip～にします implies you made the decision at that moment, often choosing from options — perfect for restaurants, cafés, and shopping. Contrast with ～を下さい, which just requests an item without emphasizing the choice. You can also use ～はどうですか？ to suggest an option and ～にします to accept it.
Examplesわたしは、うどんにします.
Watashi wa, udon ni shimasu.
I'll have the udon.
何にしますか.
Nani ni shimasu ka.
What will you have?
Structure: Item + [number] + つ + おがんいします ／ 下さい
Used to state how many of something you want when ordering. General objects and food can be counted with the native つ counter: ひとつ, ふたつ, みっつ, and so on. The number comes after the item, e.g. 生ビール３つ、おがんいします..
Usage NotesSay the item first, then the number + つ. To order multiple items, join them with と. おがんいします or 下さい comes at the very end of the whole order. The つ counter works for up to ten items; beyond that, specific counters (本, まい, こ, etc.) are used.
💡 Pro TipThe つ counter is a lifesaver when you don't know the specific counter for something — most native speakers will understand it for everyday items. Watch the sound changes: 1 is ひとつ, 2 is ふたつ, but 3–10 mostly follow みっつ、よっつ、いつつ. For drinks in bottles or glasses, 本 or はい are more natural, but つ is fine in casual ordering.
Examples生ビール３つと、ウーロン茶１つ、おねがいします.
Nama biiru mittsu to, uuroncha hitotsu, onegaishimasu.
Three draft beers and one oolong tea, please.
えだまめ２つ、下さい.
Edamame futatsu, kudasai.
Two orders of edamame, please.
Structure: N + （は）+ ありますか？
Used to ask whether something is available, in stock, or on hand. Very common at restaurants when asking for an item you want. The particle は may be omitted, making the question even more casual and direct.
Usage NotesPut the item you're asking about first, optionally followed by は, then ありますか？. This pattern is for inanimate things (あります). For people or animals, use いますか？ instead. To ask about a place where something exists, use に + あります.
💡 Pro TipDropping は makes the question sound more like a quick check, which is normal in restaurant and shop settings. If you're asking about a person (e.g., 'Is Tanaka here?'), switch to いますか. Also, ありますか is used for events/plans too, like あらかじめていはありますか？ = 'Do you have plans?'.
Examplesマヨネーズ、ありますか？
Mayonēzu, arimasu ka?
Do you have mayonnaise?
おしぼりはありますか？
Oshibori wa arimasu ka?
Do you have wet towels?
Structure: ここは + [Place] + です
This expression describes a place, especially while showing someone around. ここ is a demonstrative that points to the place where the speaker is now. It means「 this place is [Place]."
Usage NotesUse ここは + [Place] + です.The question form is ここはどこですか.The negative is ここは[Place]ではありません. Related demonstratives are そこ (near the listener) and あそこ (over there). For polite directions, こちら is often used instead of ここ.
💡 Pro TipThe particle は in ここは is pronounced wa, not ha. ここ is casual and physical; こちら is more polite and can also mean「 this way.」Don't confuse ここ (place) with この (this + noun).
Examplesここはげんかんです.
Koko wa genkan desu.
This is the entrance.
ここは台所です.
Koko wa daidokoro desu.
This is the kitchen.
Structure: [Place] + に + N + が + あります / [Place] + に + N + が + [Number] + あります
These expressions describe what a place has and where it is. The particle に marks the place where something exists, and が marks the thing that exists. To give a number, put the number before あります.
Usage NotesUse [Place] + に + N + が + あります for existence, and [Place] + に + N + が + [Number] + あります for quantity. The question form is [Place] + に + N + が + ありますか.The negative is N + は + ありません. For people and animals, use います instead of あります.
💡 Pro Tipに marks location of existence, while で marks the location of an action. が introduces what exists; when negating, は often replaces が. Counters vary: general things use つ, but rooms often use 部屋が四つ.
Examplesここにかいだんがあります.
Koko ni kaidan ga arimasu.
There is a staircase here.
にかいに部屋が三つあります.
Nikai ni heya ga mittsu arimasu.
There are three rooms on the second floor.
Structure: N + は + ありません / N + は + ないです
These expressions answer no when asked whether something exists or is available. ありません is the negative form of あります. The particle が in Nがあります is often changed to は and expressed as Nはありません. In spoken language, ないです is also used, with the same meaning as ありません.
Usage NotesUse N + は + ありません for a polite negative existence statement. N + は + ないです is also polite but slightly more conversational. The question form is N + は + ありますか.The past negative is ありませんでした or なかったです.
💡 Pro Tipは marks the topic or contrast, so トースターはありません sounds like「 as for the toaster, there is none." ありません is more formal; ないです is common in speech. Do not say ありませんです.
Examplesトースターはありません.
Toosutaa wa arimasen.
There is no toaster.
テレビはないです.
Terebi wa nai desu.
There is no TV.
Structure: ナA + です / イA + です
These expressions describe a condition or appearance using adjectives. Japanese adjectives are divided into two types: ナ-adjectives and イ-adjectives. When modifying nouns, ナ-adjectives take ～な, while イ-adjectives end in ～い. To make a sentence, remove ～な and add です for ナ-adjectives, and add です after ～い for イ-adjectives.
Usage NotesUse [N] + は + ナA + です or [N] + は + イA + です.The question form is ナAですか or イAですか.The negative is covered by the next pattern. Related forms: ナA + な + N, and イA + N.
💡 Pro TipDo not add だ before です: say せいかです, not せいかだです. イ-adjectives already end in い, so say せまいです, not せまいだです. ナ-adjectives like せいか need です, not せいかいです.
Examples家はしずかです.
Ie wa shizuka desu.
My home is quiet.
この部屋は広いです.
Kono heya wa hiroi desu.
This room is spacious.
Structure: ナA + じゃないです / イA(-い) + くないです
These expressions are the negative forms of adjectival sentences. For ナ-adjectives, change ～です to ～じゃないです. For イ-adjectives, change ～いです to ～くないです. They are used to answer negatively about a condition or quality.
Usage NotesFor ナA: ナA + じゃないです. A more formal alternative is ナA + ではありません. For イA: remove い and add くないです; a more formal alternative is イA + くありません. The past negative is ナA + じゃなかったです and イA + くなかったです. The question form is ナAじゃないですか or イAくないですか.
💡 Pro Tipじゃないです is common in speech; ではないです is more written or formal. Do not say 広いじゃないです; the correct negative is 広くないです. The adjective いい is irregular: its negative is よくないです, not いくないです.
Examplesアパートは、あまりしずかじゃないです.
Apaato wa, amari shizuka ja nai desu.
The apartment is not so quiet.
この部屋は広くないです.
Kono heya wa hirokunai desu.
This room is not spacious.
Structure: [Sentence 1].でも、[Sentence 2].
でも is a conjunction meaning「 but." It starts a new sentence and contrasts that sentence with the previous one. It is used in both polite and casual speech to show a difference or unexpected contrast.
Usage NotesPlace でも at the beginning of a sentence after a period: [Sentence 1].でも、[Sentence 2].It does not directly join two clauses inside one sentence. For contrast within a single sentence, use [Clause] + が + [Clause] or the casual [Clause] + けど + [Clause].
💡 Pro Tipでも is sentence-initial, while が appears at the end of a clause inside one sentence. けど is a casual version of が. Do not confuse this でも with でも meaning「 even" (as in だれでも), or with で + も.
Examplesわたしのアパートは古いです.でも、広いです.
Watashi no apaato wa furui desu. Demo, hiroi desu.
My apartment is old. But it's spacious.
この部屋はしずかじゃないです.でも、べんりです.
Kono heya wa shizuka ja nai desu. Demo, benri desu.
This room isn't quiet. But it's convenient.
Structure: [Place] + で + V-ます
This expression describes the place where an action happens. It is used to explain what a room or area is used for. The particle で marks the location of the action.
Usage NotesAdd で after the noun indicating the place, as in ここで, and place it before the verb: [Place] + で + V-ます. The question form is [Place] + で + V-ますか.The negative is [Place] + で + V-ません. For existence rather than action, use に instead.
💡 Pro Tipで marks where an action takes place, while に marks where something exists. Compare ここでちゃくかええます (an action here) with ここにあります (existence here). Do not use を for the place of action.
Examplesここできがえます.
Koko de kigaemasu.
Change your clothes here.
しょくどうで食べます.
Shokudou de tabemasu.
I eat in the cafeteria.
Structure: [Person] + は + [Place] + に + います
This expression explains the location of a person. います is the マス-form of the verb いる (to be in/at), used for people and animals. The particle は makes the person the topic, and に marks the location.
Usage NotesUse [Person] + は + [Place] + に + います.Instead of ～にいます, ～です can also be used. To ask where someone is, use どこ: ～は、どこにいますか？ or ～は、どこですか？ The negative is いません or いないです.
💡 Pro TipUse います for people and animals, and あります for things. に marks location of existence, not で. In casual speech, いる is used instead of います.
Examplesやまださんは、しょくどうにいます.
Yamada-san wa, shokudou ni imasu.
Yamada-san is in the cafeteria.
先生は、どこにいますか.
Sensei wa, doko ni imasu ka.
Where is the teacher?
Structure: [Person] + は + いません / [Person] + は + いないです
いません is the negative form of います. In spoken language, いないです is also used, with the same meaning as いません. These expressions say that a person is not present.
Usage NotesUse [Person] + は + いません for a polite negative statement, or [Person] + は + いないです in more conversational speech. The question form is [Person] + は + いますか.The past negative is いませんでした or いなかったです.
💡 Pro Tipいません is more formal; いないです is common in speech. Do not use ありません for people. The particle は often signals contrast, as in つじさんはいませんね (Tsuji-san isn't here, is she).
Examplesつじさんは、いませんね.
Tsuji-san wa, imasen ne.
Tsuji-san is not here.
アマンダさん、いないですね.
Amanda-san, inai desu ne.
Amanda-san is not here.
Structure: [Thing] + は + ここ / そこ / あそこ + に + あります
This expression describes the place where something is. あります is the マス-form of the verb ある (to be), used to state that something exists. The particle は makes the thing the topic, and に marks the location.
Usage NotesUse [Thing] + は + [Place] + に + あります.Instead of ～にあります, ～です can also be used. To ask where something is, use どこ: ～は、どこにありますか？ or ～は、どこですか？ The negative is ありません or ないです.
💡 Pro Tipここ points near the speaker, そこ near the listener, and あそこ far from both. Use あります for things and います for people. に marks existence, while で marks action.
Examplesはさみは、そこにあります.
Hasami wa, soko ni arimasu.
The scissors are there.
本は、あそこにあります.
Hon wa, asoko ni arimasu.
The book is over there.
Structure: N + の + [Location] + に + あります
This expression describes a location in detail. Add の to the thing used for reference to describe the location, such as ～の上 (above ～), ～の中 (inside ～), or ～の下 (below ～).
Usage NotesUse N + の + [Location] + に + あります, for example ひきき出しの中にあります.Common location words are 上 (above), 中 (inside), 下 (below), 前 (front), 後ろ (behind), and となり (next to). The question form is どこにありますか.
💡 Pro TipThe の connects the reference object to the location word: 机の上, not 机上. These position words work like nouns, so they need に before あります. Do not confuse 上 (above) with うえ as a general noun meaning「 top."
Examplesひきだしの中にあります.
Hikidashi no naka ni arimasu.
It's inside the drawer.
つくえの上にあります.
Tsukue no ue ni arimasu.
It's on the desk.
Structure: [Time] + に + V-ます / [Time] + ごろ + V-ます
These expressions are for giving the time. They are used here to give the time one wakes up and sleeps. [Time] + に + V-ます indicates that the action is performed at that exact time, while [Time] + ごろ indicates an approximate time.
Usage NotesAdd に to a specific time: [Time] + に + V-ます, as in ５時に. Use [Time] + ごろ + V-ます for an approximate time. The question form is 何時にV-ますか.The negative is V-ません. Related: ごろ is for approximate points in time.
💡 Pro Tipに is used with specific clock times and dates; relative time words like 今日 and 明日 usually do not take に. ごろ is for approximate points in time, while くらい/ぐらい often refers to approximate amounts or duration. ききます means「 wake up/get up," and ねます means「 sleep."
Examples５時におきます.
Go-ji ni okimasu.
I wake up at 5 o'clock.
11時ごろねます.
Jūichi-ji goro nemasu.
I sleep at around 11 o'clock.
Structure: [Time] + から + [Time] + まで
This expression is for giving the time something starts and ends. It is used here to explain the work schedule for the day. The particle から indicates the start, and the particle まで indicates the end.
Usage NotesUse [Time] + から + [Time] + まで. から marks the starting point and まで marks the ending point. The question form is 何時から何時までですか.から and まで can also attach to places: [Place] + から + [Place] + まで. For a deadline, use までに.
💡 Pro TipDo not confuse まで (until) with までに (by a deadline). から can also mean「 from" for places or sources. 12時から1時まで includes the start and end boundaries in context.
Examples12時から１時まで、昼休みです.
Jūni-ji kara ichi-ji made, hiruyasumi desu.
Lunch break is from 12 o'clock until 1 o'clock.
９時から５時まではたらきます.
Ku-ji kara go-ji made hatarakimasu.
I work from 9 to 5.
Structure: [Date/Time] + が + いいです
This expression is for asking the other person and answering about a convenient schedule. いいです means that it is convenient. Add the particle が to the day, date, or time, as in 土曜日が or ６時が.
Usage NotesUse [Date/Time] + が + いいです. The topic can be marked with は: [Person] + は + [Date/Time] + が + いいです. To ask for a convenient date or time, use いつ or 何時: いつがいいですか？ 何時がいいですか？ To say it is inconvenient, reply with ～はだめです or ～はちょっと…. The negative ～がよくないです is possible but less natural for this set phrase.
💡 Pro Tipが marks the item that is good or convenient, while は in ～はだめです marks the item being rejected. ちょっと… is a soft, polite refusal and usually implies a problem without saying it directly. In casual speech, いい can sound blunt; adding けど or んですが softens it.
Examplesわたしは、土曜日がいいです.
Watashi wa, Doyōbi ga ii desu.
Saturday is convenient for me.
何時がいいですか.
Nanji ga ii desu ka.
What time is convenient?
Structure: V-て下さい / V-て / V-てくれる？
These expressions are for giving instructions or requesting something from the other person. They are used here to ask someone to do a job at the workplace. Use the テ-form of the verb. The テ-form is one of the conjugated forms of verbs, and is called the テ-form because the suffix ends with て.
Usage NotesUse V-て下さい for polite and formal requests: add 下さい to the テ-form. Use V-て on friends or someone of lower rank; it is a casual form that omits 下さい. Use V-てくれる？ as a lightly given request to friends or someone of lower rank: add くれる？ to the テ-form and pronounce it with rising intonation. For example, そこのドライバー、しゅって. and まど、へいめてくれる？. For a negative request, use V-ないで下さい.
💡 Pro TipThe テ-form is not the same as the マス-form; memorize the sound changes such as 書きます→書いて and たいちます→たいって. V-て下さい is safe at work; V-て and V-てくれる？ can sound rude to superiors. Rising intonation on くれる？ is essential to make it a request rather than a plain question.
Examplesちょっと、てつだって下さい.
Chotto, tetsudatte kudasai.
Please help me for a bit.
まどをしめて下さい.
Mado o shimete kudasai.
Please close the window.
Structure: N + ですね
This expression is for confirming information. It is used here to confirm the details of instructions given. Add ですね after what you want to confirm, such as the quantity or time. The ね at the end of the sentence indicates that you are confirming with the other person.
Usage NotesAttach ですね after a noun or quantity: N + ですね. The question form for asking is N + ですか. The negative confirmation is N + じゃないですね. If unsure of the details of the instructions, use interrogative expressions such as いくつ or 何時 to ask them to repeat what they said.
💡 Pro Tipね seeks agreement or confirmation, while よ presents new information. 30ですね is not exactly a question, but it checks that 30 is correct. In casual speech, だね can replace ですね.
Examplesはい、30ですね.
Hai, sanjū desu ne.
Okay, that's 30, right?
会議は3時ですね.
Kaigi wa san-ji desu ne.
The meeting is at 3, right?
Structure: N + たいして下さい / N + しゃくりてもいいですか？ / N + いいですか？ / N + ありますか？
These expressions are for borrowing things from someone, such as stationery at work. Use たいして下さい to ask someone to lend you something. Use しゃくりてもいいですか？ to ask permission. Use いいですか？ as a shorter way to ask permission while pointing at an item. Use ありますか？ to ask whether the person has the item.
Usage Notesたいして下さい: add 下さい to the テ-form たいして of たいす (lend). しゃくりてもいいですか？: add もいいですか？ to the テ-form しゃくりて of しゃくりる (borrow). いいですか？: a shortened form of しゃくりてもいいですか？; point to the item when asking. ありますか？: asks if the item exists or is available, and is often used together with しゃくりてもいいですか？. The negative is N + はありません.
💡 Pro TipDo not mix up たいす (lend) and しゃくりる (borrow). たいして下さい is a direct request; しゃくりてもいいですか？ is polite permission. いいですか？ can be vague, so point to the item. ありますか？ asks about existence, not permission, so pair it with しゃくりてもいいですか？ if needed.
Examplesホチキス、かして下さい.
Hochikisu, kashite kudasai.
Please lend me a stapler.
ペン、かりてもいいですか？
Pen, karite mo ii desu ka?
Can I borrow a pen?
Structure: N + が + すきです
Use this pattern to say what you like. The particle が marks the thing that is liked. すきです is a ナ-adjective that means 'liked' or 'favorite'.
Usage NotesAttach が to the noun you like, then add すきです: N + が + すきです. The question form is N + が + すきですか. The negative is N + が + すきじゃないです or すきではありません. For a stronger like, use だいすきです. In casual speech, すきだ is used.
💡 Pro TipDo not use を with すき; the correct particle is が. すき conjugates like a ナ-adjective, so すきじゃないです is correct. Compare with きらいです (dislike), which also takes が.
Examplesまんがが すきです.
Manga ga suki desu.
I like manga.
ねこが すきじゃないです.
Neko ga suki ja nai desu.
I don't like cats.
Structure: どんな + N
どんな is used to ask about the type or kind of something. It is similar to 'what kind of' in English. Place どんな before a noun.
Usage NotesUse どんな + N. A common pattern is どんな + N + が + すきですか. You can also use it with other verbs: どんな本を読みますか. There is no negative form for どんな itself. Related question words are どの (which) and 何の (what kind of).
💡 Pro Tipどんな asks for a description or genre; どの asks you to choose from a specific set; 何の asks about content or affiliation. Do not confuse どんな with どんなに (how much).
Examplesどんな えいがが すきですか.
Donna eiga ga suki desu ka.
What kind of movies do you like?
どんな おんがくを ききますか.
Donna ongaku o kikimasu ka.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Structure: N + を + V
The particle を marks the direct object of a verb—what is being acted upon. It attaches to a noun and indicates that the noun is the object of the following verb.
Usage NotesPlace を after the noun that is the direct object, before the verb: N + を + V. Example: ほんを よみます. The particle を is pronounced 'o' (not 'wo'). In casual speech, を is sometimes omitted. Negative: ほんを よみません.
💡 Pro TipDo not use を with intransitive verbs like 行きます, 来ます, or あります. Do not confuse を with が, which marks the subject. As a particle, を is always pronounced 'o'.
Examplesほんを よみます.
Hon o yomimasu.
I read books.
みずを のみます.
Mizu o nomimasu.
I drink water.
Structure: N1 + と + N2
と connects two or more nouns, similar to 'and' in English. It is used to list items exhaustively. For a non-exhaustive list, use や.
Usage NotesPlace と between nouns: N1 + と + N2. For more than two, repeat: N1 + と + N2 + と + N3. Example: テニスと サッカーーが すきです. The particle と can also mean 'with' for people: [Person] + と + V.
💡 Pro Tipと is exhaustive; や is non-exhaustive (A and B, among others). Do not use と to connect clauses; use the て-form or が. Pronunciation is clear and short.
Examplesテニスと サッカーーが すきです.
Tenisu to sakkaa ga suki desu.
I like tennis and soccer.
りんごと ばななを かいます.
Ringo to banana o kaimasu.
I will buy apples and bananas.
Structure: [Place] + で + V / [Means] + で + V
で indicates where an action takes place or the means by which something is done. It attaches to a noun and marks the location of an action or the tool/method used.
Usage NotesFor location of action: [Place] + で + V-ます. For means: [Tool/Means] + で + V-ます. Example: そとで さんぽします. For transport: でんしゃで 行きます. The question form is どこで V-ますか.
💡 Pro Tipで marks the location of an action, while に marks the location of existence. で marks a means or tool, while を marks a direct object. Do not use で with existence verbs like あります or います.
Examplesそとで さんぽします.
Soto de sanpo shimasu.
I take walks outside.
えんぴつで かきます.
Enpitsu de kakimasu.
I write with a pencil.
Structure: ぜんぜん + V-ません
ぜんぜん means 'not at all' and is used with negative verb forms to emphasize complete absence of an action. It strengthens the negation.
Usage NotesPlace ぜんぜん before a negative verb: ぜんぜん + V-ません. Example: ぜんぜん みません. In casual speech, use the ない form: ぜんぜん みない. It can also be used with negative adjectives: ぜんぜん おいしくないです.
💡 Pro TipIn modern colloquial Japanese, ぜんぜん is sometimes used with positive forms to mean 'totally' (e.g., ぜんぜん いい), but in standard grammar it requires a negative. Do not confuse it with あまり (not very), which is softer.
Examplesぜんぜん みません.
Zenzen mimasen.
I don't watch it at all.
ぜんぜん たべません.
Zenzen tabemasen.
I don't eat at all.
Structure: N + は + 何 + ですか
This expression asks what something is using the interrogative word 何 (what). It is used to ask about hobbies or other topics. 何 is pronounced なん when followed by ですか, and なに when followed by particles like が.
Usage NotesUse N + は + 何 + ですか. The topic is marked with は. The question word 何 comes before ですか. In casual speech, 何？ or なに？ is used. Related: これは何ですか (What is this?).
💡 Pro TipPronunciation: 何 is なん before です, but なに before が, を, に, etc. Do not say なにですか. In casual speech, 何？ is common but can sound blunt.
Examplesしゅみは、なんですか.
Shumi wa, nan desu ka.
What's your hobby?
これは なんですか.
Kore wa nan desu ka.
What is this?
Structure: あまり + ナA + じゃないです / あまり + イA + くないです
あまり is an adverb used with negative forms of adjectives to indicate that the degree is not high. It means 'not very' or 'not really.' It softens a negative statement.
Usage NotesUse あまり + ナA + じゃないです or あまり + イA + くないです. Example: スポーツは、あまり すきじゃないです. For verbs, use あまり + V-ません. The topic is marked with は.
💡 Pro Tipあまり must be used with a negative. Do not use it with positive forms. ぜんぜん is stronger ('not at all'). To indicate a high degree, use とても or だいすきです.
Examplesスポーツは、あまり すきじゃないです.
Supootsu wa, amari suki ja nai desu.
I don't like sports very much.
この ほんは あまり おもしろくないです.
Kono hon wa amari omoshirokunai desu.
This book is not very interesting.
Structure: [Person] + と + [Place] + で + V-ます
This pattern combines と and で to say with whom and where an action is done. と marks the person you do the action with, and で marks the place where the action happens. The order of the person and place phrases can be swapped.
Usage NotesUse [Person] + と + [Place] + で + V-ます. Example: おっとと こうえんで テニスを します. The direct object can also be added with を: [Person] + と + [Place] + で + [Object] + を + V-ます.
💡 Pro Tipと marks 'with' a person, while で marks the location of an action. Do not use に for the place of action. Word order is flexible: こうえんで おっとと テニスを します is also correct.
Examplesおっとと こうえんで テニスを します.
Otto to kouen de tenisu o shimasu.
I play tennis with my husband at the park.
ともだちと としょかんで べんきょうします.
Tomodachi to toshokan de benkyou shimasu.
I study with my friend at the library.
Structure: [Date/Time] + に + [Place] + で + [Event] + が + あります
These expressions are for sharing that there will be an event by giving the date, time, and place. The date and time are indicated with に, the location with で, and the event with が + あります.
Usage NotesUse [Date/Time] + に for specific times such as 日曜日に, 12月20日に, and 7時に. However, に may be omitted in spoken language, and it is not added to words such as 明日 and 来週. Use [Place] + で for the event location, as in さくら公園で. The question form is [Event] + が + ありますか.The negative is [Event] + は + ありません.
💡 Pro TipUse に for specific dates and times, but で for the place where the event happens. Do not say 日曜日で for the date or さくら公園に for the event location. あります is used for events and things, not for people or animals.
Examples日曜日に、さくら公園でタイフェスティバルがありますね.
Nichiyoubi ni, Sakura kouen de Tai fesutibaru ga arimasu ne.
There is a Thai festival at Sakura Park on Sunday.
12月20日に、こうえんでコンサートがあります.
Juunigatsu hatsuka ni, kouen de konsaato ga arimasu.
There is a concert in the park on December 20th.
Structure: [Event/Action Noun] + に + 行きます
This expression indicates the purpose of going. It is used to ask whether someone is going to an event. The particle に indicates the purpose when it follows a noun representing an event or action, such as ぼう年会, 映画, しごう, or 散歩. It is used together with the verb 行く.
Usage NotesUse [Event/Action Noun] + に + 行きます.The question form is [Event] + に + 行きますか.The negative is 行きません.In casual speech, 行く？ and 行かない are used. The particle に here marks the event or activity you are going to.
💡 Pro TipDo not use を with 行きます; say ぼう年会に行きます, not ぼう年会を行きます. に marks the purpose or destination, while で marks the place where an action happens. For direction, へ can sometimes replace に, but this pattern keeps に.
Examples明日のぼうねんかいに行きますか？
Ashita no bounenkai ni ikimasu ka?
Are you going to the year-end party tomorrow?
日曜日にしあいに行きます.
Nichiyoubi ni shiai ni ikimasu.
I'm going to a game on Sunday.
Structure: V-ませんか？
This expression is for inviting the other person. Change ます, the マス-form suffix of the verb, to ませんか？. It politely asks whether the other person would like to do something together.
Usage NotesUse V-ませんか？ for a polite invitation. Example: いっしょに行きませんか？.For a casual invitation, use V-ない？.A related positive suggestion is V-ましょう.The form is already negative in shape, but it functions as an invitation rather than a plain negative question.
💡 Pro TipV-ませんか？ is a polite invitation, while V-ましょう is a stronger suggestion. Do not confuse ませんか？ with a negative question asking whether someone does not do something. Rising intonation makes the invitation clear.
Examplesいっしょに行きませんか？
Issho ni ikimasen ka?
Do you want to go together?
あした、いっしょに昼ごはんを食べませんか？
Ashita, issho ni hirugohan o tabemasen ka?
Would you like to have lunch together tomorrow?
Structure: V-に + 行きます
This expression indicates the purpose of going using verbs. It is used here to invite the other person with V-に行きませんか？.Remove ます from the マス-form of the verb and add the particle に, as in 食べに.
Usage NotesUse V-ます stem + に + 行きます.For an invitation, use V-に + 行きませんか？.The negative is V-に + 行きません.The verb before に must be in its マス-form stem, not the dictionary form.
💡 Pro TipSay 食べに行きます, not 食べるに行きます. The particle に marks the purpose of going. 行きます can be replaced by other motion verbs in context, but this lesson uses 行きます.
Examplesみんなで、いっしょにやきにくを食べに行きませんか？
Minna de, issho ni yakiniku o tabe ni ikimasen ka?
Would you like to go and have some yakiniku with everyone?
しゅうまつに友だちと映画をみにいきます.
Shuumatsu ni tomodachi to eiga o mi ni ikimasu.
I'm going to see a movie with friends this weekend.
Structure: V-ましょう
This expression is for suggesting doing something together or telling someone that you will do something together. It is used here to assure that you will go together after being invited, and to suggest doing something at the next opportunity after the invitation is declined.
Usage NotesChange ます to ましょう.Use V-ましょう for a polite suggestion. A related invitation is V-ませんか？, and a related offer is V-ましょうか？.In casual speech, V-よう is used.
💡 Pro TipV-ましょう is a polite suggestion, while V-ませんか？ invites the other person to decide. V-ましょうか？ often offers to do something for someone. Do not use V-ましょう to give a direct command.
Examplesまたこんど行きましょう.
Mata kondo ikimashou.
Let's go some other time.
いっしょに昼ごはんを食べましょう.
Issho ni hirugohan o tabemashou.
Let's have lunch together.
Structure: この + [Vehicle] + は + [Place] + に + 行きますか？
This expression asks for the destination of a vehicle. It is used to check whether the vehicle is going where you want to go. この is a demonstrative placed before a noun, as in このバス, and refers to something right in front of the speaker. The particle に comes after a place noun, as in 空港に, and marks the destination.
Usage NotesUse この + [Vehicle] + は + [Place] + に + 行きますか？ The question form is already shown by か？. A negative answer is いいえ、行きません. In casual speech, 行く？ can replace 行きますか？. The particle に marks the destination; へ can sometimes replace it, but this lesson uses に.
💡 Pro Tipこの must be followed by a noun, while これ stands alone. Use に for destination, not で; 空港で行きますか would mean something like 'go by airport.' Keep the question intonation rising at the end.
Examplesこのバスは、空港に行きますか？
Kono basu wa, kuukou ni ikimasu ka?
Does this bus go to the airport?
この電車は、おおさかに行きますか？
Kono densha wa, Oosaka ni ikimasu ka?
Does this train go to Osaka?
Structure: ここは + [Place] + ですか？ / ここは + どこ + ですか？
This expression asks about a place. It is used to check the name of a bus stop or train station while riding. Use ここ to ask about where you are now. Use つぎ to ask about where the next stop is.
Usage NotesUse ここは + [Place] + ですか？ to confirm a place, or ここは、どこですか？ to ask where you are. For the next stop, use つぎはどこですか？ or つぎは[Place]ですか？. The negative is ここは[Place]じゃないです. In casual speech, ここどこ？ is possible.
💡 Pro Tipここ points to the speaker's current place; そこ is near the listener, and あそこ is far from both. Do not confuse ここ (place) with この (this + noun). どこ is the question word for place.
Examplesここは、どこですか？
Koko wa, doko desu ka?
Where are we?
ここは、しんじゅくえきですか？
Koko wa, Shinjuku-eki desu ka?
Is this Shinjuku Station?
Structure: [Vehicle] + で + 来ます
This expression talks about the means of transportation. It is used to talk about what one uses to go from home to the office. The means of transportation is marked with で, as in バイクで. For walking, use 歩いて, the テ-form of 歩く.
Usage NotesUse [Vehicle] + で + 来ます. For walking, say 歩いて来ます. To ask, use どうやって来ますか？ or 何で来ますか？. The negative is 来ません, and the past is 来ました.
💡 Pro Tipで marks the means, while に marks the destination. Do not say 歩くで来ます; the correct form is 歩いて来ます. 何で can also mean 'why' depending on context, so どうやって is clearer for asking how.
Examplesバイクで来ます.
Baiku de kimasu.
I come by motorcycle.
電車で来ます.
Densha de kimasu.
I come by train.
Structure: [Time/Period] + かかります
This expression gives the length of time or period. It is used to give one's commuting time. Use ～時 to indicate clock time and ～時間 to indicate length of time. However, ～分 can indicate both clock time and length of time, as in ７時10分 and 10分かかります. Use どのぐらい or どのくらい to ask for the length of time. The ぐらい in 30分ぐらい means generally or about. かかります is the マス-form of かかる (to take) and indicates that the given time or money is needed. Instead of ～かかります, ～です can also be used.
Usage NotesUse [Time/Period] + かかります. To ask, use どのぐらいかかりますか？ or どのくらいかかりますか？. The negative is かかりません, and the past is かかりました. For an approximate amount, use [Time] + ぐらい + かかります.
💡 Pro Tip時 is for clock time, 時間 is for duration, and 分 can be used for both. かかります can also be used with money, as in お金がかかります. Do not add です after かかります in the same clause; use ～です instead if you want a different polite ending.
Examples１時間半かかります.
Ichi-jikan han kakarimasu.
It takes about one and a half hours.
家から会社まで、30分ぐらいかかります.
Ie kara kaisha made, sanjuppun gurai kakarimasu.
It takes about 30 minutes from home to the office.
Structure: [Place] + で + [Vehicle] + に + じょうります / [Place] + で + [Vehicle] + を + こうります
This expression explains how to get around using vehicles. じょうります is the マス-form of じょうる (to board/ride). Add に after the vehicle and use ～にじょうります. こうります is the マス-form of こうりる (to get off). Add を after the vehicle and use ～をこうります. Use で to mark the place for getting on or off, as in バスセンターで.
Usage NotesUse [Place] + で + [Vehicle] + に + じょうります and [Place] + で + [Vehicle] + を + こうります. To ask where to get off, use どこでこうりますか？. The negative is じょうりません or こうりません. A polite request is こうりて下さい.
💡 Pro Tipじょうる takes に, while こうりる takes を. で marks the place of the action. Do not say バスをじょうります or バスにこうります. The place particle で is used for getting on or off at a location.
Examplesここから、12番のバスにのります.
Koko kara, juuni-ban no basu ni norimasu.
Get on the No. 12 bus from here.
つぎの駅で電車をおります.
Tsugi no eki de densha o orimasu.
I get off the train at the next station.
Structure: [Place] + から + [Place] + まで
This expression indicates an interval. It is used to describe how to get around from one place to another. The particle から marks the starting point, and まで marks the ending point.
Usage NotesUse [Place] + から + [Place] + まで. It can combine with motion verbs, as in [Place] + から + [Place] + まで + 電車にじょうります. To ask, use どこからどこまでですか？. The same particles can also mark time intervals.
💡 Pro Tipから marks the start and まで marks the end. Do not confuse まで with までに, which means 'by' a deadline. Word order is usually start + から + end + まで.
Examplesここから新みなと駅まで、電車にのります.
Koko kara Shin-Minato eki made, densha ni norimasu.
Get on the train to Shin-Minato station from here.
東京駅からしんおおさかまで、新幹線で行きます.
Toukyou eki kara Shin-Oosaka made, shinkansen de ikimasu.
I go from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka by bullet train.
Structure: N1 + とか + N2 + とか + (を) + V-ます
This expression lists things as examples, often implying that there are other similar things too. とか is more casual than や. In the example わたしもときどき電車とかバスとか、しいます, it means 'I also sometimes use trains, buses, and such.'
Usage NotesPlace とか after each noun: N1 + とか + N2 + とか. The object particle を is often omitted in casual speech, as in 電車とかバスとか、しいます. The full version would be 電車とかバスとかをしいます. It can also attach to verbs in casual lists, such as 食べるとか.
💡 Pro Tipとか is casual and conversational; や is more neutral for listing nouns non-exhaustively. Do not use とか in formal writing. Do not pronounce it as どか. The final とか can sometimes be omitted, but keeping it makes the 'and such' nuance clear.
Examplesわたしもときどき電車とかバスとか、つかいます.
Watashi mo tokidoki densha toka basu toka, tsukaimasu.
I also sometimes use trains, buses, and such.
休みの日は、映画とか音楽とか、楽しみます.
Yasumi no hi wa, eiga toka ongaku toka, tanoshimimasu.
On days off, I enjoy things like movies and music.
Structure: [Place] + に + N + (は) + ありますか？
This expression asks whether something exists in a certain place. It is used with このきんくに to ask about convenience stores or ATMs. The particle に marks the place, and あります asks about the existence of a thing.
Usage NotesUse [Place] + に + N + (は) + ありますか？. The は is often included for contrast or topic, and it can be omitted as N + が + ありますか？. To ask where something is located, use ～は、どこにありますか？ or ～は、どこですか？. The negative answer is いいえ、ありません or N + はありません. Common answers include この先にありますよ, あっちです, and このおくです. For people, use います instead of あります.
💡 Pro Tipあります is for things, not people. に marks the location of existence, while で marks the location of an action. In casual speech, ある？ can replace ありますか？. The は in Nはありますか highlights the item you are asking about.
Examplesこのちかくに、コンビニはありますか？
Kono chikaku ni, konbini wa arimasu ka?
Is there a convenience store near here?
駅のちかくに、ATMはありますか？
Eki no chikaku ni, ATM wa arimasu ka?
Is there an ATM near the station?
Structure: N + の + [Location] + に + います
This expression explains one's location in detail. It is used to tell the other person where you are when arranging to meet. Add の to an easy-to-spot place and describe your position from there, such as ～の前, ～のよこ, ～の中, or ～の後ろ.
Usage NotesUse N + の + [Location] + に + います. The N is a landmark like かいさつ, コンビニ, or インフォメーション. Instead of ～にいます, ～です can also be used. To ask, use 今、どこにいますか？ or 今、どこですか？. The negative is いません or いないです.
💡 Pro Tipいます is for people and animals, while あります is for things. の connects the landmark to the position word: かいさつの前, not かいさつ前. Position words like 前, よこ, 中, and 後ろ need に before います. ～です is common in casual conversation.
Examples今、かいさつの前にいます.
Ima, kaisatsu no mae ni imasu.
I'm in front of the ticket gate right now.
図書館の後ろにいます.
Toshokan no ushiro ni imasu.
I'm behind the library.
Structure: ナA + な + N + ですね / イA + い + N + ですね
This expression shares an impression of a place. It is used to comment on a street, park, or building. When an adjective modifies a noun, the adjective comes before the noun: ナ-adjectives take な, and イ-adjectives take い.
Usage NotesUse ナA + な + N + ですね or イA + い + N + ですね. The ね invites agreement or a shared feeling. The question form is ～ですか？. The negative is less common but can be ナA + じゃない + N + ですね or イA + くない + N + ですね. 大きい and 小さい are exceptions: although they are イ-adjectives, they each have two forms when modifying nouns, 大きい / 大きな and 小さい / 小さな.
💡 Pro TipDo not drop な for ナ-adjectives: にぎやかとおりり is wrong; say にぎやかなとおりり. For イ-adjectives, keep い: 広い公園, not 広公園. 大きな and 小さな are more emotive and often used in writing or set phrases. きれい is a ナ-adjective even though it ends in い.
Examplesにぎやかなとうりですね.
Nigiyaka na toori desu ne.
It's a busy street.
新しいたてものですね.
Atarashii tatemono desu ne.
It's a new building.
Structure: N + が + ほしいんですが
This expression tells the other person that you want something and asks for advice or a response. It is used here to ask where products are sold. ～んですが describes your situation and asks the other person for help.
Usage NotesUse N + が + ほしいんですが. ほしい is an イ-adjective meaning「 wanted," and が marks the thing wanted. The negative is ほしくないです or ほしくありません. The question form is 何がほしいですか？. To ask where to buy it, use どこで買えますか？. Inside a store, ask どこですか？, どこにありますか？, or 何かいですか？. You can also trail off with ～がほしいんですが… to signal your intention.
💡 Pro TipUse が, not を, with ほしい. Do not use ほしい for actions; use V-たい for「 want to do.」～んですが softens the request and often invites help; it is not a strong contrast here. For a third person's desire, use ほしがっています rather than ほしいです.
Examplesでんちがほしいんですが、どこで買えますか？
Denchi ga hoshii n desu ga, doko de kaemasu ka?
I need some batteries. Where can I buy them?
新しいじゅうでんきがほしいんですが、どこで買えますか？
Atarashii juudenki ga hoshii n desu ga, doko de kaemasu ka?
I want a new charger. Where can I buy one?
Structure: ナA + ですね / イA + いですね / ナA！ / イA + い！
This expression shares impressions about an item while shopping. ～ですね is often used when sharing impressions with other people, and ね asks for empathy from the other person. Simple expressions such as かわいい！ and すてき！ with ですね omitted are also used to express feelings out loud to oneself.
Usage NotesFor ナ-adjectives, add ですね directly: ナA + ですね. For イ-adjectives, keep the final い and add ですね: イA + い + ですね. To exclaim without seeking agreement, omit です and ね: ナA！ or イA + い！. To ask for an impression, use どう？ or どうですか？. Negative impressions can use ナA + じゃないですね or イA + くないですね.
💡 Pro Tipね seeks empathy or agreement, while a bare exclamation like かわいい！ is often just thinking out loud. きれい and すてき are ナ-adjectives even though they end in い, so say すてき！ not すてきい！. かっこいい is an イ-adjective. Register: ですね is polite; bare exclamations are casual and common while shopping.
Examplesこのコート、おしゃれですね.
Kono kooto, oshare desu ne.
This coat is stylish.
このかばん、かわいいですね.
Kono kaban, kawaii desu ne.
This bag is cute.
Structure: その前に、[Place] + に + V-て + いいですか？
This expression asks permission to do something before the previously mentioned action or event. その前に means「 before that." It is useful when you want to go somewhere or do something first.
Usage NotesUse その前に、[Place] + に + V-て + いいですか？. Add に to the destination, as in トイレに. Use V-て + いいですか to ask permission; the standard polite form is V-ても + いいですか, as in トイレに行ってもいいですか. The negative permission answer is いいえ、ちょっと… or だめです. Prohibition is V-てはいけません.
💡 Pro Tip行っていいですか is casual and omits も from 行ってもいいですか; both are common, but 行ってもいいですか is safer in formal situations. Do not use を with 行きます; say トイレに行って. その前に refers to before the previous topic or planned action, not simply「 earlier in time."
Examplesその前に、トイレに行っていいですか？
Sono mae ni, toire ni itte ii desu ka?
Before that, may I go to the toilet?
その前に、ここにすわっていいですか？
Sono mae ni, koko ni suwatte ii desu ka?
Before that, may I sit here?
Structure: これ / それ / あれ + （は） + いくらですか？
This expression is for pointing to an item and asking for the price. これ, それ, and あれ are demonstratives used to point out things. Their use depends on the position between the speaker and the listener. いくら is an interrogative used to ask for the price.
Usage NotesUse これ, それ, or あれ + （は） + いくらですか？ The は can be omitted, as in これ、いくらですか？. The question form is already いくらですか？. A common answer is [Price] + です, as in 15,000円です. In casual speech, いくら？ can be used. For a specific item, use この / その / あの + N instead.
💡 Pro Tipこれ points near the speaker, それ near the listener, and あれ far from both. Do not use これ directly before a noun; say この + N. いくら is polite enough for stores; with close friends, いくら？ is fine.
Examplesこれ、いくらですか？
Kore, ikura desu ka?
How much is this?
あれは、いくらですか？
Are wa, ikura desu ka?
How much is that?
Structure: この / その / あの + N
When placing a demonstrative before a noun, use この, その, and あの, not これ, それ, and あれ. This pattern is used to point to a specific item and ask for the price. The demonstrative must be followed by a noun.
Usage NotesUse この / その / あの + N. To ask the price, add は + いくらですか？: そのカレンダー、いくらですか？. The は can be omitted in casual speech. To ask for an item to be shown, use その時計を見せて下さい. In polite store speech, the staff may answer with あれは、6,800円です.
💡 Pro Tipこの / その / あの cannot stand alone; they need a noun. Do not say これカレンダー. この is near the speaker, その near the listener, and あの far from both. When the item is already clear, これ / それ / あれ can be used alone.
Examplesそのカレンダー、いくらですか？
Sono karendā, ikura desu ka?
How much is that calendar?
あのバッグはいくらですか？
Ano baggu wa ikura desu ka?
How much is that bag?
Structure: これ / それ / あれ (standalone) vs この / その / あの + N
This rule explains when to use これ, それ, and あれ, and when to use この, その, and あの. The first set stands alone as pronouns. The second set must be placed before a noun. Use the standalone set when the item is clear from context, and the noun-modifying set when you name the item.
Usage NotesUse これ / それ / あれ + （は） + __ when the thing is clear: これはかわいいですね. Use この / その / あの + N + （は） + __ when naming the thing: このおか子、おいしいですか？. The question forms follow the same pattern: これは何ですか？ and この本は何ですか？. Do not mix the two sets.
💡 Pro Tipこれ, それ, and あれ work like nouns and can take は, が, or を. この, その, and あの work like adjectives and must have a noun after them. A common mistake is saying これ本; the correct form is この本. The near/far meanings stay the same in both sets.
Examplesこれ、いくらですか？
Kore, ikura desu ka?
How much is this?
そのカレンダー、いくらですか？
Sono karendā, ikura desu ka?
How much is that calendar?
Structure: [Amount] + ずつ
This expression is for buying the same number or amount of different types of products. It is used here to buy two pieces of chocolate cake and two pieces of cheesecake. Add ずつ after the quantity to give the amount all at once. ～こ is a unit used to count small objects.
Usage NotesUse [Amount] + ずつ. It is often combined with おがんいします or 下さい: ２こずつおがんいします. It can follow counters such as こ or weights such as 300g. The pattern lists the items first, then the shared amount with ずつ: AとB、[Amount]ずつ. There is no special question or negative form for this pattern.
💡 Pro Tipずつ means 'each' or 'at a time' and distributes the same amount to each item. Do not use it when the amounts differ; list each amount separately. ～こ counts small objects, while weights use g, kg, etc. In stores, おがんいします is polite and natural.
Examplesチョコレートケーキとチーズケーキ、２こずつおねがいします.
Chokorēto kēki to chīzu kēki, niko zutsu onegaishimasu.
I'll have two each of the chocolate cake and cheesecake, please.
とりにくと牛肉、300gずつおねがいします.
Toriniku to gyūniku, sanbyaku guramu zutsu onegaishimasu.
I'll have 300 g each of the chicken and beef, please.
Structure: V-ました / V-ませんでした
These expressions state something that happened in the past. They are used to talk about what one did on a day off. The positive past changes ～ます to ～ました, and the negative past changes ～ません to ～ませんでした.
Usage NotesUse V-ました for a polite past affirmative and V-ませんでした for a polite past negative. The non-past forms are V-ます and V-ません. The question form is V-ましたか？, and the negative question is V-ませんでしたか？. In casual speech, use the た-form and なかった form, such as 見た and 見なかった.
💡 Pro TipDo not use でした with verbs; 見ましたでした is wrong. The past negative is ませんでした, not ましたじゃないです. する verbs change to しました and しませんでした. Register: ～ました is polite; ～た is casual.
Examplesしゅうまつは、何もしませんでした.家でゆっくりしました.
Shūmatsu wa, nanimo shimasen deshita. Ie de yukkuri shimashita.
I didn't do anything on the weekend. I relaxed at home.
きのう、友だちと映画を見ました.
Kinō, tomodachi to eiga o mimashita.
Yesterday, I watched a movie with a friend.
Structure: 何も / どこにも + V-ませんでした
These expressions emphasize a negative statement in the past. 何も with a negative verb means 'did nothing.' どこにも with a negative motion verb means 'did not go anywhere.' They are used to answer questions about what one did on a day off.
Usage NotesUse 何も + V-ませんでした for 'did nothing' and どこにも + V-ませんでした for 'did not go anywhere.' 何も pairs with negative verbs, and どこにも pairs with motion verbs such as 行く. The question forms are 何をしましたか？ and どこに行きましたか？. In casual speech, use 何もしなかった and どこにも行かなかった.
💡 Pro TipThese words require a negative verb; 何もしました is wrong. 何か is for 'something' in affirmative sentences. どこにも uses も for emphasis; contrast it with どこか (somewhere). Do not confuse どこにも with どこでも (anywhere/everywhere).
Examplesしゅうまつは、何もしませんでした.
Shūmatsu wa, nanimo shimasen deshita.
I didn't do anything on the weekend.
夏休みは、どこにも行きませんでした.
Natsuyasumi wa, doko ni mo ikimasen deshita.
I didn't go anywhere during summer vacation.
Structure: ナA + でした / イA + かったです
These expressions state impressions about something that happened in the past. For ナ-adjectives, change ～です to ～でした. For イ-adjectives, change ～いです to ～かったです. いい is a special case: its past form is よかったです.
Usage NotesUse ナA + でした for ナ-adjectives and イA(-い) + かったです for イ-adjectives. To ask for someone's impressions, use どうでしたか？. The negative past is covered by the ～じゃなかったです / ～くなかったです pattern. In casual speech, でした becomes だった and かったです becomes かった.
💡 Pro TipDo not use でした with イ-adjectives: say 楽しかったです, not 楽しいでした. いい is irregular: よかったです, not いかったです. きれい is a ナ-adjective even though it ends in い, so say きれいでした. Register: ～かったです is polite; ～かった is casual.
Examples「ゴジラ」は、まあまあでした.
Gojira wa, maa maa deshita.
"Godzilla」was okay.
先週の映画は、とてもおもしろかったです.
Senshū no eiga wa, totemo omoshirokatta desu.
Last week's movie was very interesting.
Structure: N + でした
This expression is the past tense of a nominal sentence. It is used to talk about something that happened in the past. Change the end of the sentence from ～です to ～でした.
Usage NotesUse N + でした. The question form is N + でしたか？. The negative past is N + じゃなかったです, covered separately. In casual speech, でした becomes だった. Examples: いい天気でした, 誕生日でした, 休みでした, 雨でした.
💡 Pro TipDo not use でした with イ-adjectives; say 雨でした for nouns but 楽しかったです for adjectives. でした is polite; だった is casual. 雨でした can mean 'it was rain' or 'it rained.'
Examplesとてもいい天気でした.
Totemo ii tenki deshita.
The weather was great.
きのうは、休みでした.
Kinō wa, yasumi deshita.
Yesterday was a day off.
Structure: N + じゃなかったです / ナA + じゃなかったです / イA + くなかったです
These are the negative forms of nominal and adjectival sentences in the past tense. They are used to discuss impressions or comments about something that happened in the past. ～なかった is used for negative past expressions. For nouns and ナ-adjectives, change ～じゃないです to ～じゃなかったです. For イ-adjectives, change ～くないです to ～くなかったです.
Usage NotesUse N + じゃなかったです and ナA + じゃなかったです for nouns and ナ-adjectives. Use イA(-い) + くなかったです for イ-adjectives. More formal alternatives are ではありませんでした and くありませんでした. The question form is ～じゃなかったですか？ or ～くなかったですか？. In casual speech, use ～じゃなかった and ～くなかった.
💡 Pro Tipじゃなかったです is common in speech; ではなかったです is more formal or written. Do not say おいしいじゃなかったです; the correct form is おいしくなかったです. いい is irregular: よくなかったです. きれい is a ナ-adjective, so きれいじゃなかったです is correct.
Examplesおきゃくさんは、あまり多くなかったです.
Okyakusan wa, amari ōkunakatta desu.
There weren't very many guests.
この店は、あまりしずかじゃなかったです.
Kono mise wa, amari shizuka ja nakatta desu.
This shop wasn't very quiet.
Structure: V-ます stem + たいです
This expression is for expressing a desire. It is used to say what one wants to do, such as on a day off. Remove ます from the マス-form of the verb and add たいです.
Usage NotesUse V-ます stem + たいです. The particle を marking the object is often changed to が. The question form is V-たいですか？. The negative is V-たくないです, and the past is V-たかったです. In casual speech, たい alone is used.
💡 Pro Tipたいです conjugates like an イ-adjective: たいです, たくないです, たかったです. Do not use たい for a third person's desire; use V-たがっています. Both を and が can appear, but が is very common with たい.
Examplesすいはんきが買いたいです.
Suihanki ga kaitai desu.
I want to buy a rice cooker.
夏休みにうみへ行きたいです.
Natsuyasumi ni umi e ikitai desu.
I want to go to the sea during summer vacation.
Structure: どこか + V-ます
どこか is used when the location is not specified. It means「 somewhere." It is used here to talk about going or traveling somewhere without naming the place.
Usage NotesUse どこか + V-ます. With desire, use どこか + V-たいです, as in どこか旅行したいです. The question form is どこか行きますか？. The negative is どこにも行きません. Related forms include どこかで and どこかへ.
💡 Pro Tipどこか is for an unspecified place in affirmative or invitation sentences. どこにも with a negative means「 nowhere." Do not confuse どこか (somewhere) with どこでも (anywhere/everywhere).
Examplesこんどの休み、どこか行きたいですね.
Kondo no yasumi, dokoka ikitai desu ne.
I'd like to go somewhere on my next holiday.
しゅうまつ、どこか行きますか？
Shūmatsu, dokoka ikimasu ka?
Are you going somewhere this weekend?
Structure: S1.あと、S2.
This expression is for stating multiple sentences in succession. It is used to add something to what one wants to do or order. あと is a conjunction that indicates an addition and is often used in spoken language.
Usage NotesPlace あと at the beginning of the second sentence: S1.あと、S2.. It can also add items in a list, such as AとB、あとC. It is common in casual speech and when ordering food.
💡 Pro Tipあと is casual and spoken. それに also adds information but often adds a similar sense, while それから shows sequence. Do not use あと in formal writing. In stores, あと、～もおがんいします is natural.
Examples雪が見たいです.あと、温泉に入りたいです.
Yuki ga mitai desu. Ato, onsen ni hairitai desu.
I want to see snow. And I want to take a bath in a hot spring.
コーヒーを下さい.あと、ケーキもおねがいします.
Kōhī o kudasai. Ato, kēki mo onegaishimasu.
Coffee, please. And cake as well, please.
Structure: [Place] + へ + 行きます / 来ます / きります
へ is a particle added after a place to indicate direction. It is written as へ but pronounced as e. It is used together with verbs representing movement, such as 行きます, 来ます, and きります (to return).
Usage NotesUse [Place] + へ + 行きます / 来ます / きります. Instead of へ, に may also be used, as in 京みやこに行きたいです. The question form is どこへ行きますか？. The negative is 行きません.
💡 Pro TipWhen used as a particle, へ is pronounced e, not he. へ and に are often interchangeable for direction, but へ emphasizes the direction or path. Use へ with movement verbs like 行きます, 来ます, and きります.
Examplesきょうとへ行きたいです.
Kyōto e ikitai desu.
I want to go to Kyoto.
来週、国へかえります.
Raishū, kuni e kaerimasu.
I'm going back to my country next week.
Structure: S1.それから、S2.
This expression is for talking about multiple events by putting them in the order they occur. それから is a conjunction used to put two actions in the order they happen. It means「 then" or「 after that."
Usage NotesPlace それから at the beginning of the second sentence: S1.それから、S2.. It is often used with まず (first) to show a sequence: まず __ それから.__ The question form depends on the verbs used in each sentence.
💡 Pro Tipそれから orders events, while あと adds extra items without strict order. そして is similar but more neutral or written. In casual speech, それから is common.
Examplesろてんぶろに入りました.それから、温泉のちかくで、にわとりの天ぷらを食べました.
Rotenburo ni hairimashita. Sorekara, onsen no chikaku de, tori no tenpura o tabemashita.
I bathed in the open-air bath. Then I ate some chicken tempura near the hot spring.
朝ごはんを食べました.それから、学校へ行きました.
Asagohan o tabemashita. Sorekara, gakkō e ikimashita.
I ate breakfast. Then I went to school.
Structure: S1.それに、S2. / S1.でも、S2.
These expressions are for putting together multiple impressions or comments. それに is a conjunction used to add something with a similar sense or meaning as the previous sentence. でも is a conjunction used to indicate that the previous sentence and the following sentence contrast.
Usage NotesUse S1.それに、S2. to add similar information, and S1.でも、S2. to contrast. Both conjunctions start the second sentence. They are common in polite and casual speech.
💡 Pro Tipそれに means「 plus" or「 moreover," while でも means「 but." でも is sentence-initial; が joins clauses inside one sentence. それから orders events, but それに adds similar information.
Examplesきもちよかったです.それに、けしきもきれいでした.
Kimochi yokatta desu. Soreni, keshiki mo kirei deshita.
It felt great. Plus, the scenery was beautiful.
ホテルはきれいでした.でも、駅からとおかったです.
Hoteru wa kirei deshita. Demo, eki kara tōkatta desu.
The hotel was beautiful. But it was far from the station.
