Minna no Nihongo lesson 1

1. N1 は N２ です。

1) Particle は

The particle は indicates that the words before it is the topic of the sentence. You select a noun you want to
talk about, add は to show that it is the topic and give a statement about the topic.

わたしは マイク・ミラーです。

I am Mike Miller

[Note] The particle は is read わ.

2) です

Nouns used with です work as predicates.

• です indicates judgement or assertion.

• です also conveys that the speaker is being polite towards the listener.

• です in ects when the sentence is negative (see 2. below) or in the past tense (see Lesson 2)

わたしは エンジニアです。

I am engineer.

2. N1 は N2  じゃ ありません

じゃ ありません is the negative form of です. It is the form used in daily conversation. For a formal speech
or writing, では ありません is used instead.

サントスさんは 学⽣ ( がくせい）じゃ ありません。

Mr.Santos is not a student.

[Note] は in では is read わ.
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3. S か

1) Particle か

The particle か is used o express the speaker’s doubt, question, uncertainty, etc. A question is formed by
simply adding か to the end of the sentence. A question ends with a rising intonation.

2) Questions asking whether a statement is correct or not

As mentioned above, a sentence becomes a question when か is added to the end. The word order does not
change. The question thus made asks whether a statement is correct or not. Depending on whether you agree
with the statement or not, your answer to such a question begins with はい or いいえ.

ミラーさんは アメリカ陣ですか。

Is Mr.Miller an American?

…はい、アメリカ⼈です。

… Yes, he is.

ミラーさんは 先⽣ (せんせい) ですか。

Is Mr. Miller a teacher?

…いいえ、先⽣じゃ ありません。

… No, he is not.

3) Question with interrogatives

An interrogative replaces the part of the sentence that covers what you want to ask about. The word order
does not change, and か is added at the end.

あの⽅ (かた）は どなたですか。

Who is that man?

… [あの ⽅は] ミラーさんです。

… That’s Mr.Miller.
4. N も

も is added after a topic instead of は when the statement about the topic is the same as the previous topic.

ミラーさんは 会社員 (かいしゃいん）です。

Mr.Miller is a company employee.

グプタさんも 会社員です。

Mr.Gupta is also a company employee.

5. N1 の N2

の is used to connect two nouns. N1 modi es N2 . In Lesson 1, N1 is an organization or some kind of group
to which N2 belongs.

ミラーさんは IMC の 社員です。

Mr.Miller is an IMC employee.

6. ～さん

さん is added to the name of the listener or a third person to show the speaker’s respect to the person. It
should never be used with the speaker’s own name.

あの⽅は ミラーさんです。

That’s Mr.Miller.

When referring directly to the listener’s name. The listener’s family name followed by さん is usually used.

鈴⽊ ( すずき): ミラーさんは 学⽣ (がくせい) ですか。

Suzuki             :      Are you a student?

ミラー     :      いいえ、会社員 (かいしゃいんです。

Miller            :       No, I’m a company employee.

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Minna no Nihongo lesson 2
1. これ /  それ / あれ

これ, それ and あれ are demonstratives.

They work as nouns. これ refers to a thing  near the listener. それ refers to a thing near the listener. 
あれ refers to a thing  far from the speaker and listener.

それは 辞書ですか。

Is that a dictionary?

これをください。

I’ll take this. (lit. Please give this to me.)(L.3)

2. この N / その N / あの N

これ, それ and あれ modify nouns. “この N” refers to a thing  or a person near the speaker. “その
N” refers to a thing  or a person near the listener. “あの N” refers to a thing  or a person far from
both are speaker and the listener.

この本は わたしのです。

This book is mine.

あの⽅は どなたですか。

Who is that [person]?

 3. そうです / そうじゃありません

In the case of a noun sentence, the word そう is often used to answer a question requiring an
af rmative or negative  answer. はい、そうです is the af rmative  answer and いいえ、そう
じゃありません is the negative answer.

それは テレホンカードですか。

Is that a telephone card?

はい、そうです。

… Yes, it is (lit. Yes, it’s so)

それは テレホンカードですか。

Is that a telephone card?

いいえ、そうじゃありません。

… No. it isn’t.

4. S1 か、S2 か

This is a question asking the listener to choose between alternatives, S1 and S2, for the answer to
this type of question, the chosen sentence is stated. Neither はい nor いいえ is used.

これは 「９」ですか、「７」ですか。

Is this a “9” or a “7”?

…「９」です。

…It’s a “9”.

5. N1 の N2

You learned in Lesson 1 that の is used to connect two nouns when N1 modi ed N2. In Lesson 2
you learned two other uses of this の.

1) N1 explains what N2 is about.

これは コンピュータの本( ほん）です。

This is a book on computer.

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2) N1 explains who owns N2.

これは わたしの本です。

This is my book.

N2  is sometimes omitted when it is obvious. When N2 means a person, however, you can not omit
it.

あれは だれの かばんですか。

Whose bag is that?

…佐藤さんのです。

…It’s Ms.Sato’s.

この かばんは あなたのですか。

Is this bag yours?

…いいえ、わたしのじゃありません。

… No, it’s not mine.

ミラーさんは IMC の 社員せすか。

Is Mr.Miller an employee of IMC?

…はい、IMC の 社員です。

…Yes, he is.

6.そうですか

This expression is used when the speaker receives  new information and shows that he or she
understands it.

この 傘 (かさ) は あなたのですか。

…いいえ、違います (ちがいます)。シュミットさんのです。

そうですか。

Is this umbrella yours?

… No, it’s Mr.Schmidt’s.

I see.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 3

1.ここ / そこ / あそこ / こちら / そちら / あちら

• The demonstratives これ, それ and あれ that are discussed in Lesson 2 refer to a

thing, while これ, それ and あれ refer to a place. ここ is the place where the speaker is, そ
こ the place where the listener is, あそこ is the place far from both the speaker and the
listener.

• こちら, そちら and あちら are demonstratives refer to direction. こちら, そちら and あち

ら are also used to refer to location, in which case, they are politer than これ, それ and あ
れ.

[Note] When the speaker regards the listener as sharing his/her territory, the place where they both
are is designated by the word ここ. Under this situation, そこ designated the place a little distant
from the speaker and listener, and あそこ designates an even more distant location.

2. N1 は  N2 (place) です

Using this sentence pattern, you can explain where a place, a thing or a person is.

お⼿洗 い(おてあらい) は あそこです。

The rest room is there.

電話(でんわ) は ２階(かい)です。

The telephone is on the second oor.

Mr.Yamada is in the of ce.

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3. どこ / どちら

• どこ means “where”, and どちら means “which direction”. どちら can also mean “where”.
in which case it’s politer than どこ.

お⼿洗 い は   どこですか。

… あそこです。

Where’s the rest room?

…It’s there.

エレベーターは どちらですか。

… あちらです。

Where’s the elevator?

… It’s in that direction. (It’s there.)

• どこ or どちら is also used to ask the name of a country, company, school or any place or
organization a person belongs to. You can not use なん (what).

• どちら is politer than どこ.

学校 (がっこう) は どこですか。

What’s the name of your school?

会社は どちらですか。

What company do you work for?

4. N1 の N2

• When N1 is the name of a country and N2 is a product, it means that N2 is made in that
country.

• When N1 is the name of a company and N2 is a product, it means that N2 is made by that
company.

• In this structure, どこ is used to ask where or by whom N2 is made.

 これは どこのコンピューターですか。

… ⽇本の コンピューターです。

… IMC の コンピューターです。

Where is this computer made?/ Who is the maker of this computer?

… It’s made in Japan.… IMC is.

5. The こ / そ / あ / ど system of demonstrative words

こ series そ series あ series ど series

thing これ それ あれ どれ (L.8)

thing/person この その あの どのN (L.16)

place ここ そこ あそこ どこ

direction/place
こちら そちら あちら どちら
(polite)

6. お国 (おくに)

The pre x お is added to a word concerning the listener or a third person in order to express the
speaker’s respect to the person.

[お]国は どちらですか。

Where are you from?

Minna no Nihongo lesson 4

1. 今 – 時 – 分です

To express time, the counter suf xes 時 (o’clock) and 分 (minutes) are used. The number are put
before them. 分 is read ふん after 2, 5, 7 or 9 and ぶん after 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 or 10. 1, 6, 8 and 10 are
read いっ, ろっ, はっ, じゅっ(じっ) before ぶん. (See Appendices ΙΙ.)

The interrogative なん is used with a counter suf x to ask a question concerning number or
amounts. Therefore, the word なんじ (or sometimes なんぶん) is used to ask the time.
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 今 (いま) 何時 (なんじ) ですか。

… 7時 (じ) 10分 (ぶん) です。

What time is it now?

… It’s seven ten.

[Note] は marks the topic of a sentence, which you learned in Lesson 1. A geographical location can
also be used as the topic as can be it seen in.

ニューヨークは 今 何時ですか。

…午前 (ごぜん) 4時です。

In New York what time is it now?

… It’s 4 a.m.

2. V ます

• A verb with ます works as a predicate.

• ます makes a sentence polite

わたしは 毎⽇ (まいにち) 勉強します。

I study every day.

3. V ます, Vません, Vました, Vませんでした

• ます is used when a sentence expresses a habitual thing or a truth. It is also used when a
sentence expresses a thing that will occur in the future. The negative form and the forms in
the past tense are shown in the table below.

non-past (future/present) past

af rmative (おき)ます (おき)ました

negative (おき)ません (おき)ませんでした

毎朝 (まいあさ) 6時におきます。 I get up at six every morning.

あした 6時におきます。                 I’ll get up at six tomorrow morning.

けさ 6時におきました。                 I got up at six this morning.

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 • Question forms of verb sentences are made in the same way as those of noun sentence; i.e.,
the word order remains the same and か is added to the end of the sentence.

In answering such questions, the verbs in the questions are repeated.

そうです or そうじゃありません cannot be used.

きのう 勉強しましたか。 Did you study yesterday?

… はい、勉強しました。                    … Yes, I did.

… いいえ、勉強しませんでした。    … No, I didn’t.

毎朝 何時に 起きますか。   What time do you get up every morning?

…6時に 起きます。                            … I get up at six.

4. N (time) に V

When a verb denotes a momentary action or movement, the time when it occurs is marked with the
particle に, に is added when the noun before it uses a numeral. It can also be added to the days of a
week, though it is not essential. When the noun does not use a numeral, に is not added.

6時半に 起きます。                                I get up at six thirty.

7⽉２⽇に ⽇本へ 来ました。               I came to Japan on July 2nd.

⽇曜⽇ [に] 奈良へ ⾏きます。            I’m going to Nara on Sunday.

きのう 勉強しました。                         I studied yesterday.

5. N1 から N2 まで

• から indicates the starting time or place, and まで indicates the nishing time or place.

9 時から ５時まで 働きます。

I work from nine to ve.

⼤阪から 東京まで 3時間かかります。

It takes three hours from Osaka to Tokyo.

から and まで are not always used together.

9時から 働きます。 I work from nine.

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 • ∼から, ∼まで, ∼から, ∼まで is sometimes used with です added directly after either.

銀⾏は 9時から 3時までです。 The bank is open from nine to three.

昼休みは 12時からです。 Lunchtime starts at twelve.

6. N1 と N2

The particle と connects two nouns in coordinated relation.

銀⾏ (ぎんこう) の休み (やすみ) は ⼟曜⽇ と ⽇曜⽇。

The bank is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

7. S ね

ね is attached to the end of a sentence to add feeling to what the speaker says. It shows the
speaker’s sympathy ỏ the speaker’s expectation that the listener will agree. In the latter usage, it is
often used to con rm something.

毎⽇ 10時ごろまで 勉強します。 I study till about ten every day.

… ⼤変ですね。 … That must be hard.

⼭⽥さんの電話番号は 871の 6813です。

Mr.Yamada’s telephone number is 871-6813.

… 871の 6813ですね。

… 871-6813, right?

Minna no Nihongo lesson 5

1. N (place) へ ⾏きます / 来ます / 帰ります

When a verb indicates movement to a certain place, the particle へ is put after the place noun to
show the direction of the move.

京都へ ⾏きます。       I will go to Kyoto.

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⽇本へ 来ます。           I came to Japan.

うちへ 帰ります。       I will go home.

[Note] The particle へ is read え.

2. どこ [へ] も ⾏きません / ⾏きませんでした

When an interrogative takes the particle も and the verb following it is negative, all that is
represented by the interrogative is denied.

どこ [へ] も ⾏きません。     I don’t go anywhere.

何も ⾷べません。                 I don’t eat anything.

だれも いません。                 Nobody is there.

3. N (vehicle) で ⾏きます / 来ます / 帰ります

The particle で indicates a mean or a method. When verbs denoting movement (いきます, きます,
かえります, etc) are used with で, で indicates a means of transportation. The noun preceding で,
で is a vehicle in this case.

電⾞で ⾏きます。                           I’ll go by train.

タクシーで 来ます。                       I came by train.

When you walk somewhere, you use the expression あるいて. In this case, で is not used.

駅から 歩いて 帰りました。          I walked home from the station

4. N (person/animal) と V

When you do something with a person (or an animal), the person (or an animal) is marked with the
particle と.

家族と ⽇本へ ⾏きました。 I came to Japan with my family.

If you do something alone, the expression ひとりで is used, と is not used.

⼀⼈ (ひとり)で 東京東京へ ⾏きます。    I’ll go to Tokyo alone.

5. いつ
To ask about time, the interrogatives using なん such as なんじ, なんようび, なんがつ, なんに
ち are used. Other than these, the interrogative いつ (when) is also used to ask when something will
happen/happened. いつ does not take the particle に.

いつ ⽇本へ 来ましたか。                When did you come to Japan?

… 3⽉25⽇に 来ました。                   … I came on March 25th.

いつ広島へ いきますか。                 When will you go to Hiroshima?

… 来週 いきます。                             … I’ll go there next week.

6. S よ

よ is placed at the end of a sentence. It is used to emphasize information which the listener does not
know, or to show that you are giving your judgement or views assertively.

この 電⾞は 甲⼦園 (こうしえん: name of a town near Osaka) へ ⾏きますか。

… いいえ、⾏きません。次の 普通ですよ。

Does this train go to Koshien?

… No, it doesn’t. The next local train does.

無理な ダイエットは 体に よくないですよ。

Excessive dieting is bad for your health.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 6

1. N を V (transitive)

を is used to indicate the direct object of a transitive verb.

ジュースを 飲みます。 I drink juice.

[Note] を and お are pronounced the same. The former is used only in writing the particle.
2.N を します

The words used as the objects of the verb します cover a fairly wide range. します means that the
action denoted by the noun is performed. Some examples are shown below.

• To “play” sports or games

サッカーを します。 Play football

• To “hold” gatherings

会議を します。    Hold a meeting

• To “do” something

宿題を します。   Do homework

3. 何を しますか

This is a question to ask what someone does.

⽉曜⽇ 何を しますか。        What will you do on Monday?

… 東京へ いきます。            … I’ll go to Tokyo.

きのう 何を しましたか。    What did you do yesterday?

… サッカーを しました。     … I played football.

[Note] You can make a word expressing time the topic by adding は.

⽉曜⽇は 何を しますか。    On Monday what will you do?

… 京都へ ⾏きます。            … I’ll go to Kyoto.

 4. なん and なに

Both なん and なに mean “what”.

a) なん is used in the following cases.

* When it precedes a word whose rst mora is either in the た, だ, な

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それは何ですか。 What is that?

何の本ですか。 What is the book about?

寝るまえに、何と⾔いますか？

What do you say before going to bed? (L.21)

* When it is followed by a counter suf x or the like.

テレサちゃんは 何歳 (なんさい)ですか。

How old is Teresa?

b) なに is used in all other cases.

何を買いますか。 What will you buy?

 5. N (place) で V

When added after a noun denoting a place, で indicates the place where an action occurs.

駅で 新聞を買います。    I buy the newspaper at the station.

  6. V ません

When you want to invite someone to do something, this expression is used.

いっしょに 京都へ ⾏きませんか。

… ええ、いいですね。

Won’t you come to Kyoto with us?

… That’s a nice ideal.

  7. V ましょう

This expression is used when a speaker is positively inviting the listener to do something with the
speaker. It is also used when responding positively to an invitation.

ちょっと休みましょう。                                       Let’s have a break.

いっしょに ひるごはんを たべませんか。        Won’t you have lunch with me?

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… ええ、⾷べましょう。                                      … Yes, let’s go and eat.

[Note] An invitation using V ません shows more consideration to the listener’s will then that using
V ましょう.

  8. お…

You learned in Lesson 3 that the pre x お is attached to words regarding the listener or the person
being referred to show respect (e.g., [お] くに country).

お is also attached to various other words when the speaker is speaking politely (eg., [お] さけ
alcohol, [お] はなみ cherry-blossom viewing).

There are some words that are usually used with お without meaning respect or politeness (おちゃ
tea, おかね money).

Minna no Nihongo lesson 7

 1. N (tool/means) で V

The particle で indicates a method or a mean used for an action.

はしで ⾷べます。                        I eat with chopsticks.

⽇本語でレポートを書きます。 I write a report in Japanese.

2. “Word/Sentence” は … 語で何ですか

This question is used to ask how to say a word or a sentence in other languages.

「ありがとう」は英語でなんですか。

… 「Thank you」です。

What’s “ありがとう” in English?

… It’s “Thank you”.

  3. N (person) に あげます, etc.

Verbs like あげます, かします, おしえます, etc., need persons to whom you give, lend, teach, etc.
The persons are marked with に.
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⼭⽥さんは⽊村ん花をあげました。

Mr.Yamada gave owers to Ms.Kimura.

イーさんに 本を貸しました。

I lent my book to Ms.Lee.

太郎君に英語を教えます。

I teach Taro English.

[Note] With verbs like おくります, でんわをかけます, etc., place nouns can be used instead of N
(person). In this case, the particle へ is sometimes used instead of に.

会社に電話をかけます。

I’ll call my of ce.

  4. N (person) に,もらいます, etc.

Verbs like もらいます, かります and ならいますexpress actions from the receiving side. The
persons from whom you receive those actions are marked with に.

⽊村さんは⼭⽥さんに花をもらいました。

Ms.Kimura received owers from Mr.Yamada.

カリナさんにＣＤを借りました。

I borrowed a CD from Ms.Karina.

ワンさんに中国語を習います。

I learn Chinese from Mr.Wang.

から is sometimes used instead of に in this sentence pattern. When you receive something from an
organization like a school or a company, only からis used.

⽊村さんは⼭⽥さんから花をもらいました。

Ms.Kimura received owers from Mr.Yamada.

銀⾏からお⾦を借りました。

I borrowed some money from the bank.

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   5. もう Vました。

もう means “ already” and is used with Vました. In this case, Vました means that the action has
been nished.

The answer to the question もう  Vましたか is はい、もうVました or いいえ、まだです.

もう荷物を送りましたか。               Have you sent the parcel yet?

… はい、[もう] 送りました。         … Yes, I have [already sent it].

… いいえ、まだです。                     … No, not yet.

In giving a negative answer to this type of question, you should not use Vませんでした, as this
simply means you did not do the speci ed task rather than you have not done it yet.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 8

1. Adjectiv s

Adjectives are used as 1) predicates and 2) noun modi ers. They in ect and are divided into two
groups, い-adjectives and な-adjectives, according to the in ection.

2. N は な-adj [な]です/ N は い-adj (…い) です

• ですat the end of an adjective sentence shows the speaker’s polite attitude toward the
listener. A い-adjective with い at the e d comes before です whereas a な -adjective
without  [な] comes before です.

ワット先⽣は親切です。                        Mr.Watt is kind.

富⼠⼭は⾼いです。                                Mr.Fuji is high.

ですis used when a sentence is non-past and af rmative.

• な-adj [な] じゃありません

The negative form of な –adj [な] です is な-adj [な] じゃありません. (な-adj [な] ではありま
せん)

あそこは静かじゃ (では)ありません。         It’s not quiet there.

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 • い-adj (….い) です-> …くないです

To make the negative form of a い -adjective,  い at the end of the い-adjective is alerted to くない.

この本はおもしろくないです。                                 This book is not interesting.

The negative for いいですis よくないです.

• Questions using adjective sentences are made in the same way as those using noun or verb
sentence. In answering a question, you repeat the adjective used in the question. そうです
or そうじゃありません cannot be used.

ペキンは寒いです。                                       Is it cold in Bejing?

…はい、寒いです。                                       … Yes, it is.

琵琶湖の⽔はきれいですか。                       Is the water of Lake Biwa clean?

…いいえ、きれいじゃありません                … No, it isn’t.

3. な-adjな N / い-adj (…い) N

An adjective is put before a noun to modify it. A  な -adjective needs なbefore a noun.

ワット先⽣は親切な先⽣です。                    Mr.Watt is a kind teacher.

富⼠⼭は⾼い⼭です。                                   Mr.Fuji is a high mountain.

4. とても/あまり

とても and あまり are adverbs of degree. Both come before the adjectives they are modifying.

とても is used in af rmative sentences, and means “very”. あまり is used in negative sentences. あ
まりand a  negative form means “not very”.

ペキンはとても寒いです。                               Bejing is very cold.

これはとても有名な映画です。                       This is a very famous movie.

シャンハイはあまり寒くないです。              Shanghai is not very cold.

桜⼤学はあまり有名な⼤学じゃありません。
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Sakura University is not a very famous university.

5. Nはどうですか

This question is used to ask an impression or an opinion about a thing, place or person, etc…, that
the listener has experienced, visited or met.

⽇本の⽣活はどうですか。                              How is life in Japan?

…楽しいです。                                                 …It’s enjoyable.

6. N1 はどんな N2 ですか

When the speaker wants the listener to describe or explain N1, this question pattern is used. N2
denotes the category N1 belongs to. The interrogative どんな is always followed by a noun.

奈良はどんな街です。                                     What kind of town is Nara?

…古い町です。                                                  …It’s an old town.

7. S1 が、S2

がis a conjunctive particle, meaning “but”.It is used to link sentences.

⽇本の⾷べ物はおいしいですが、⾼いです。

Japanese food is good but expensive.

8. どれ

This interrogative is used to ask the listener to choose or designate one from more than two things
concretely shown or named.

ミラーさんのかさはどれですか。                      Which is Mr.Miller’s umbrella?

…あの青い傘です。                                               …That blue one is.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 9

 1. N が  あります/ わかります and N が  好きです/ 嫌いです/ 上⼿です/ 下⼿です
The object of a transitive verb is marked with を. However, objects of the verbs あります and わか
ります are marked with が.

Such adjectives as すきです, きらいです, じょうずですand へたです require objects, and these
are marked with が too. The verbs and adjectives whose objects are marked with が  are those kinds
that describe preference, ability, possession and the like.

わたしはイタリア料理が好きです。                 I like Italian food.

わたしは⽇本語がわかります。                         I understand Japanese.

わたしは⾞ (くるま) があります。                     I have a car.

2. どんな N

Other than the usage you learned in Lesson 8, どんな is also used to ask the listener to name one
from a group which the noun after どんな denotes.

どんなスポーツが好きですか。                   What sports do you like?

… サッカーが好きです。                              …I like football.

  3. よく/ だいたい/ たくさん/ すこし/ あまり/ ぜんぜん

These adverbs are put before verbs when they modify them. The following is a summary of their
usage.

degree adverb + af rmative adverb + negative

よく わかります
あまり わかりません

だいたい わかります ぜんぜん わかりませ

ん
すこし わかります
 

amount adverb + af rmative adverb + negative

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 たくさん あります
あまり あります

ぜんぜん あります
すこし あります

英語がよくわかります。                      I understand English very well.

英語がすこしわかります。                  I understand English a little.

英語があまりわかりません。              I don’t understand English so well.

お⾦がたくさんあります。                  I have a lot of money.

お⾦が全然 あります。                 　    I don’t have any money.

[Note] すこし and ぜんぜん can also modify adjectives.

ここは すこし寒いです。                    It’s a little cold here.

あの映画は全然おもしろくないです。

That movie is not interesting at all.

  

4. S1 から、S2

•  から connects two sentences together to denote a causal relationship. S1 is the reason for
S2.

時間がありませんから、新聞を読みません。

Because I don’t have time, I don’t read the newspaper.

•  You can also state S2  rst and add the reason after it.

毎朝 新聞を 読みますか。

Do you read a newspaper every morning?

… いいえ、読みません。時間がありませんから。

…No, I don’t. Because I have no time.

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  5. どうして

• The interrogative どうして is used to ask a reason. The answer needs から at the end.

どうして朝 新聞を 読みませ科。

… 時間がありませんから。

Why don’t you read a newspaper in the morning?

…Because I don’t have time.

•  The question どうしてですか is also used to ask the reason for what the other person has
said.

きょうは　早く帰ります。                                   I’ll go home early today.

…どうしてですか。                                          …Why?

⼦供の誕⽣⽇ (たんじょうび) ですから。      Because today’s my child’s birthday.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 10

1. N があります/ います

This sentence pattern is used to indicate the existence or presence of a thing(s) or person(s). The
thing(s) or person(s) in such a sentence is treated as the subject and marked with the particle が.

• ありますis used when what is present is inanimate or does not move by itself. Things,
plants and places belong in this category.

コンピューターがあります。                 There is a computer.

桜があります。                                        There are cherry trees.

公園があります。                                    There is a park.

• When what is present is animate and moves by itself, います is used. People and animals
belong in this category.

男の⼈がいます。                                    There is a man.

⽝がいます。                                           There is a dog.

    2. N1 (place)に  N2   が あります/ います

• The place where N2  is present is indicated by the particle に.

わたしの部屋に机があります。                There is a desk in my room.

事務所にミラーさんがいます。                 Mr.Miller is in the of ce.

• You can ask what or who is present at/in the place by using this pattern. The interrogative な
に is used things for things and だれ is used for persons.

地下に何がありますか。                            What is there in the basement?

…レストランがあります。                        …There are restaurants.

受付にだれがあります。                            Who is at the reception desk?

…⽊村さんがいます。                                … Ms.Kimura is there.

  

3. N1 は N2 (place) に  あります/ います

• In this sentence pattern, the speaker picks up N1 as the topic, and explains where it is, The
topic should be something or someone that both the speaker and the listener know about,
The particle attached to  N1 is not が, which remarks the subject, but は, which marks the
topic.

東京ディズニーランドは千葉県にあります。 Tokyo Disneyland is in Chiba Prefecture.みらー

さんは事務所にいます。    Mr.Miller is in the of ce.
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 • When you ask where Ｎ1  is, this sentence pattern is used.

東京ディズニーランドはどこにありますか。

… 千葉県に あります。

Where is Tokyo Disneyland?

…It’s in Chiba Prefecture.

ミラーさんはどこにいますか。                          Where is Mr.Miller?

…事務所にいます。                                              …He’s in the of ce.

[Note] です is sometimes used to replace a verb predicate when the predicate is obvious. The
sentence N1 は N2 (place) に あります can be replaced by the sentence N1 は N2   (place) です,
which you learned in Lesson 3.

東京ディズニーランドはどこにありますか。

… 千葉県です。

Where is Tokyo Disneyland?

…It’s in Chiba Prefecture.

    4. N1 (thing/person/place) の N2 (position)

うえ, した, まえ, うしろ, みぎ, ひだり, なか, そと, となり, ちかく and あいだ are nouns
denoting position.

机の上に写真があります。                                         There is a picture on the desk.

郵便局は銀⾏の隣 (となり) にあります。                 The post of ce is next to the bank.

[Note] As these are place nouns, not only に but also particles likeで can come after them.

駅の近くで友達に会いました。                                   I met a friend near the station.

   5. N1 や N2

Nouns are concerned in coordinate relation by the particle や. While と enumerates all the items, や
shows a few representative items. Sometimes など is put after the last noun to explicitly express
that there are also some other things of the kind.
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 箱 (はこ) の中に⼿紙 (てがみ)や写真 (しゃしん)があります。      There are letters, pictures
and so on in the box.

箱 (はこ) の中に⼿紙 (てがみ)や写真 (しゃしん)などがあります。 There are letters, pictures

and so on in the box.

   6. Word (s) ですか

The particle か  has the function to con rm. The speaker picks up a word or words he/she wants to
con rm and con rms it (them) using this pattern.

すみません。ユニューヤ・ストアはどこですか。

…ユニューヤ・ストアですか。あのビルの なかです。

Excuse me, bt where is Yunyu-ya Store?

…Yunya-yu Store? It’s in that building.

   7. チリソースはありませんか

The expression チリソースはありませんか is found in the conversation of this lesson. By using

the negative form ありませんか instead of ありますか, you can be indirect and polite, showing
that you are prepared for a negative answer.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 11

1.Saying numbers
1) ひとつ、ふたつ、。。。とお。These words are used to count things up to ten.
Eleven and higher are counted by using the numbers themsevles.

2) Counter Suf xesWhen counting some sorts of things or expressing the

quantity of things, counter suf xes are attached after the numbers.

⼀⼈ number of people except for one and two (ひとりandふたり are used for one and two. 4⼈ is
readよにん

⼀枚 Number of thin or at things such as paper, dishes, shirts, CDS, etc

⼀台 number of machines or vehicles likes cars and bicycles.

⼀回 times
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 ⼀分 minutes

⼀時間 hours

⼀か⽉ weeks

⼀年 years

⼀⽇ Days. The number of days takes the counter suf x にち. However, from two to ten , the same
words as used for dated are used. (“One day” is 1 にち、”two days” is ふつか,..)

Details and other counter suf xes are listed in the appendices.

3) Usage

Quanti ers ( numbers with counter suf xes) are usually put before the verbs they midify.
However, this is not always the case with length of time.りんごを４つ買いました。 We bought
four apples.

外国⼈の学⽣が2⼈います。There are two foreign students

国で2か⽉⽇本語を勉強しました。I studied Japanese for two months in my country.

4) Interrogatives

1. いくつ is used to ask how many about things which are counted as ひとつ、ふたつ…

みかんをいくつ買いましたか。

８つ買いました。

How many mandarin oranges did you buy?

I bought eight

2. なん is used with a counter suf x to ask how many.

この会社に外国⼈が何⼈いますか？

5⼈います

How many foreigners are there in this company?

There are ve.

毎晩何時間⽇本語を勉強しますか
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 2時間勉強します。

How many hours do you study Japanese every night.

Two hours.

3. どのくらい is used to ask the length of time something takes. You can use various units of time
in the answer.

どのくらい⽇本語を勉強しますか

3年勉強しました。

How long did you study Japanese?

I studied it for three years.

⼤阪から東京までどのくらいかかりますか

新幹線で２時間半かかります。

How long does it take from Osaka to Tokyo?

It takes two and a half hours by Shinkansen.

5) ぐらい

ぐらい is added after quanti ers to mean ” about “.

学校に先⽣が３０⼈ぐらいいます。

There are about thirty teachers in our school.

15分ぐらいかかります。

It takes about fteen minutes.

2. Quanti ers(Period) に ⼀回 V

With this expression you can how often you do something.

1ヵ⽉に2回映画を⾒ます。
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 I go to see movies twice a month.

3. Quanti er だけ / N だけ

だけ means “only”. It is added after quanti ers or nouns to express that there is no more or nothing
( no one ) else.

パワー電気に外国⼈の社員が1⼈だけいます

There is only one foreign employee in Power Electric.

休みは⽇曜⽇だけです。

I only have Sundays off.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 12

1.Past tense of noun sentences and な- adjective sentences.

Af rmative: N/Na adj + です － N/Na adj + でした。Negative: N/Na adj + じゃ（では）ありま

せん。 – N/Na adj + じゃ（では）ありませんでした.

きのうは⾬でした。 It was rainy yesterday

きのうの試験は簡単じゃありませんでした。Yesterday’s exam was not easy.



2.Past tense of い adjective sentences

Af rmative: あついです。 － あつかったです

Negative: あつくないです － あつくなかったです

きのうは暑かったです。 It was hot yesterday

きのうのパーティーはあまり楽しくなかったです。 I didn’t enjoy yesterday’s party very
much

3.N1 は N2 よりadjectiveです.

This sentence pattern describes the quality and/ or state of N1 in comparison with N2.
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この⾞はあの⾞より⼤きいです

This car is bigger than that car.

4.N1 とN2とどちらがAdjectiveですか

…N1/N2 のほうがAdjectiveです.

The question asks the listener to choose between two items ( N1 and N2). The interrogative used is
always どちらif the comparison is made between two items.

サッカーと野球とどちらがおもしろいですか。

サッカーのほうがおもしろいです。

Which is more interesting, baseball or football?

Football is.

ミラーさんとサントスさんとどちらがテニスが上⼿ですか

Who is a better tennis player, Mr. Miller or Mr. Santos?

5. N1の中で何・どこ・だれ・いつ・がいちばんadjectiveですか

…N2がいちばんadjectiveです。

This question pattern is used to ask the listener to choose something that is the most “adjective”.
The choice is made form the group or category denoted by N1. The interrogative used is decided by
the kind of category from which the choice is made.

⽇本料理の中で何がいちばんおいしいですか。

天ぷらがいちばんおいしいです。

Among Japanese dishes, what is the most delicious?

Tempura is

１年でいつがいちばん寒いですか

２⽉がいちばん寒いです。

When is the coldest time of the year?

It’s coldest in February.

[Note] When the subject is an interrogative, the particle が is used.

When the subject of an adjective sentence is questioned, が is attached to the interrogative in the
same way.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 13

1.Nが欲しいです

This sentence pattern is used to express the speaker’s desire to possess or have an object. It can also
be used to ask what the listener wants. The object is marked with the particle が. ほしい is an い-
adjective.

わたしは友達が欲しいです。 I want a friend.

今何が⼀番欲しいですか。What do you want most now?

⾞が欲しいです.    ….I want a car most.

⼦どもが欲しいですか。 Do you want a child?

いいえ、欲しくないです。…No, I don’t

2. V ます-form たいです.

1)Verb ます-form

The form of a verb when it is used with ます is called the ます form. In the word かいます かい is
the ます form.

2) V ますform たいです

This expresses the speaker’s desire to do something. It is also used to ask what the listener wants to
do. In this expression, as is seen in the example below , the particle が can replace the particle を。
The other particles cannot be replaced by がVますform-たい in ects as an い-adjective.

わたしは沖縄へ⾏きたいです。I want to go to Okinawa

わたしはてんぷらを（が）⾷べたいです。I want to eat tempura

神戸で何を（が）買いたいですか。What do you want to buy in Kobe.

靴を（が）買いたいです。I want to by a pair of shoes

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お腹が痛いですから、何も⾷べたくないです。Because I have a stomachache, I don’t want to
eat anything.

[Note 1] ほしいです or たいです cannot be used to describe the third person’s desire.

[Note 2] You can neither use ほしいですか nor ます-form たいですか when you offer something
or invite someone to do something. For example, when you offer a cup of coffee ( or invite the
listener to have a cup of coffee), you should not say, コーヒーを飲みたいですか。Expressions
such as コーヒーはいかがですか or コーヒーを飲みませんか should be used.

3. N(place) へ Vます-form/ N に ⾏きます/来ます/帰ります。

The purpose for ⾏きます/来ます/帰ります is expressed using this pattern. The purpose is marked
with the particle に . A noun used before に is of the kind of denoting an action.

神戸へインド料理を⾷べに⾏きます。I’m going to Kobe to eat Indian food.

神戸へ買い物に⾏きます。I’m going to Kobe for shopping.

⽇本へ美術の勉強に来ました。I came to Japan in order to study art.

[Note] You can also use nouns denoting events such as festivals and concerts before に. In this
case , the speaker’s purpose is to see or enjoy the event.

あした京都のお祭りに⾏きます。

I’ll go to the festival in Kyoto tomorrow.

4. NにV/NをV

The particle にmarks the goal when used with verbs like はいります、のります、etc. The
particle を marks the starting point or place when used with verbs like でます、おります, etc.

あの喫茶店に⼊りましょう。Let’s go in that coffee shop.

7時にうちを出ます。I leave my house at 7 o’clock.

5.どこか / 何か
 どこか means anywhere or somewhere. 何か means anything or something. The particles へ and
を can me omitted.

冬休みはどこか「へ」⾏きましたか。

。。。はい、⾏きました。

Did you go anywhere in the winter vacation?

…Yes, I did.

のどがかわしましたから、何か「を」飲みたいです。

I’m thirsty. I want to drink something.

6. ご注⽂

ご is a pre x added to some words to express respect.

ご注⽂は？ May I have your order?

Minna no Nihongo lesson 15

1. Vて-form も いいです: You may do…

• This expression is used to grant permission.

写真を撮ってもいいですか。 You may take pictures.

• To ask for permission, the question form of this sentence is used.

たばこを吸ってもいいですか。 May I smoke?

• How to answer such a question using the same sentence pattern is as follows. Note that a
euphemistic answer is given when permission is not granted.

このカタログをもらってもいいですか。 May I have this catalogue?

…ええ、いいですよ。どうぞ。 … Yes. Here you are.

…すみません。ちょっと。 …Sorry. I’m afraid not.

 
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2. Vて-formは いけません:  You must not do…

• こでたばこを吸ってはいけません。

You must not smoke here. Because this is no-smoking area.

• When you strongly wish to refuse permission to question using the expression Vて-form も
いいですか, you answer いいえ、いけません, omitting Vて-formは. This expression
cannot be used by an inferior to a superior.

先⽣、ここで遊んでもいいですか。              May we play here, Ma’am?

…いいえ、いけません。               … No, you must not.

  3. Vて-form います

In addition to the usage of Vて-form いますyou learned in Lesson 14, it is also used in describing a
certain continuing state which resulted from a certain action in the past.

わたしは結婚しています。      I’m married.

わたしは⽥中さんを知っています。          I know Mr. Tanaka.

わたしは⼤阪に住んでいます。               I live in Osaka.

わたしはかめらをもっています。              I have a camera.

もっています means “be holding” and “possess” as well.

  4. Vて-form います

Vて-form is also used in describing a habitual action; that is, when the same action is repeatedly
performed over a period of time.

Therefore, one’s occupation can be expressed by this sentence pattern. So if the question おしごと
はなんですか is asked, this sentence pattern can be used to answer it.

IMC はコンピューターを作っています。    IMC makes computer software.

スーパーでフィルムを打っています。         Supermarkets sell lms.

ミラーさんは IMCで働いています。             Mr. Miller works for IMC.

妹は ⼤学で勉強しています。                         My younger sister is studying at university.

 
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5. 知りません

The negative form of しっています is しりません.

市役所の 電話番後を知っていますか。

…はい、知っています。

…いいえ、知りません。

Do you know the telephone number of the city hall?

… Yes, I do.

… No, I don’t.


Minna no Nihongo lesson 16
1.V て-form

To connect verb sentences, the て-form is used. When two or more actions take place in succession,
the actions are mentioned in the order of occurrence by using the て-form. The tense of sentence is
determined by the tense form of the last verb in the sentence.

朝ジョギングをしてシャワーを浴びて、会社へ⾏きます。

In the morning, I jog, take a shower and go to the of ce.

神戸へいって映画を⾒て、お茶を飲みました。

I went to Kobe, saw a movie and drank tea.

2.い-adj =>くて、

When joining an い-adjective sentence to another sentence, take away the い from the い-adjective
and attach くて。

おおき-い => おおきくて

ちいさ-い => ちいさくて

い-い => よくて

ミラーさんは若くて元気です。

Mr Miller is young and lively.

きのうは天気がよくて、暑かったです。

Yesterday it was ne and hot.

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3.N・なadj + で,~

When joining noun sentences or な-adjective sentences, です is changed to で.

カリナさんはインドネシア⼈で京都⼤学の留学⽣です。

Ms Karina is an Indonesian and a student of Kyoto University.

ミラーさんはハンサムで親切です。

Mr Miller is handsome and kind.

奈良は静かで、きれいな街です。Nara is a quiet and beautiful city.

[Note 1] The above structures can be used not only for connecting sentences relating to the same
topic but also sentences with different topics.

カリナさんは学⽣で、マリアさんは主婦です。

Ms Karina is a student and Maria is a housewife.

[Note 2] This method cannot connect sentences of contradictory notion. In that case が is used .

X : この部屋は狭くて、きれいです。

O :この部屋は狭いですが、きれいです。This room is small but clean.

4. V1 て-form から V2.

This sentence pattern indicates that upon completion of the action denoted by V1 the action of V2
os to be conducted. The tense of the sentence is determined bu the tense form of the last verb in the
sentence.

国へ帰ってから⽗の会社で働きます。

I will work for my father’s company after going back to my country.

コンサートが終わってから、レストランで⾷事します。

We ate at a restaurant after the concert was over.

[Note] The subject of a subordinate clause is indicated by が, as shown in the example sentence.
5. N1はN2が adjective

This sentence pattern is used to describe an attribute of a thing or a person. The topic of the
sentence is denoted by は, N1 is the topic of the sentence. N2 is the subject of the adjective’s
description.

⼤阪は⾷べ物がおいしいです。

Food is tasty in Osaka.

ドイツのフランケンはワインが有名です

Franken in Germany produces famous wine.

マリアさんは髪が⾧いです。

Maria has long hair.

6. どうやって

どうやってis used to ask the way or the method of doing something. To answer such a question,
the pattern learned in 1. is used.

⼤学までどうやって⾏きますか。

京都駅から１６番のバスに乗って、⼤学前で降ります。

How do you go to your university?

…I take a No.16 bus from Kyoto Station and get off at the front of the university.

7. どのN

You learned in lesson 2 that この、その and あの modify nouns. The interrogative word used in
this system is どの。どの is used to ask the listener to de ne one among more than two which are
concretely presented.

サントスさんはどの⼈ですか。

…あの背が⾼くて、髪が黒いです。

Which one is Mr. Santos?

…That tall man with black hair.

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Minna no Nihongo lesson 17
1. Vない-form

The verb form used withない is called the ない-form; that is to say, かかof かかないis the ない-
form of かきます(write). How to make the ない-form is given below.

1) Group I

In the verbs of this group the last sound of the ます-form is always the sound in the い-line. So,
replace it with the sound of the あ-line to make a ない-form. The exceptions to this rule are such
verbs as かいます, あいます, etc. (わis the last sound of the ない-form in the verbs instead of あ).

かき – ます → かか – ない                   いそぎ – ます → いそが – ない

よみ – ます → よま – ない                   あそび – ます → あそば – ない

とり – ます → とら – ない                   まち – ます  → また – ない

すい – ます → すわ – ない                   はなし – ます → はなさ – ない

2) Group II

The ない-form of verbs of this group is just the same as the ます-form.

たべ – ます  →  たべ – ない

み – ます   →   み – ない

3) Group III

The ない-form ofします is the same as the ます-form. きます becomes こ(ない).

べんきょうし – ます   →       べんきょうし – ない

し – ます    →                           し – ない

き – ます    →                           こ – ない
 2. Vない-form ないでください

Please don’t …

This expression is used to ask or instruct someone not to do something.

わたしは元気ですから、⼼配しないでください。

I am ne, so please don’t worry about me.

ここで写真を撮らないでください。

Please don’t take pictures here.

3. Vない-formなければなりません

must …

This expression means something has to be done regardless of the will of the actor. Note that this
doesn’t have a negative meaning.

薬を飲まなければなりません。

I must take medicine.

4. Vない-form なくてもいいです

need not …

This sentence pattern indicates that the action described by the verb does not have to be done.

あした来なくてもいいです。

You don’t have to come tomorrow.

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 5. N (object) は

You learned in Lesson 6 that the particleを is attached to the direct object of verbs. Here you learn
that the object is made a topic by replacingを with は.

ここに荷物を置かないでください。

Please don’t put parcels here.

荷物はここに置かないでください。

As for parcels, don’t put them here.

会社の⾷堂で昼ごはんを⾷べます。

I have lunch in the company cafeteria.

昼ごはんは会社の⾷堂で⾷べます。

As for lunch, I have it in the company cafeteria.

6. N (time) までにV

The point in time indicated by までにis the time limit by which an action is to be done.

会議は5時までに終わります。

The meeting will be over by ve.

⼟曜⽇までに本を返さなければなりません。

I must return the book by Saturday.

[Note] Make sure you do not confuse までにwith the particle まで.

5時まで働きます。

I work until ve.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 18

1. Verb dictionary form

This form is the basic form of a verb. Verbs are given in this form in the dictionary, hence the name.
How to make the dictionary form is given below.
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 In the verbs of this group, the last sound of ます-
Group I form is always in the い-line. Replace it with the
sound in the う-line to make the dictionary form.

Group II Attach るto the ます-form.

Group III しますbecomes するand きますbecomes くる.

 2.N/V dictionary formこと + ができます

= can …

できますis the verb which expresses ability or possibility. A noun and V dictionary form こと
before がindicates the content of ability or possibility.

1) Noun

Nouns placed before がare mostly nouns which express actions such as driving a car, shopping,
skiing, dancing, etc. Nouns such as にほんご, which is associated with the action はなす, or ピア
ノ, which is associated with the actionひく, can also be used here.

ミラーさんは⽇本語ができます。

Mr. Miller can speak Japanese.

雪がたくさん降りましたから、ことしはスキーができます。

It’s snowed a lot, so we can ski this year.

2) Verb

When a verb is used to describe ability or possibility, ことshould be attached to the dictionary form
of the verb to make it a nominalized phrase and then ができますis put after that.

ミラーさんは漢字を読むことができます。

Mr. Miller can read Kanji.

カードで払うことができます。

You can pay by credit card.

 3. わたしの趣味は + N/V dictionary formことです

= My hobby is …

As shown in the sentences below, V dictionary form ことcan express the content of hobbies more
concretely than the noun alone can do.

わたしの趣味は⾳楽です。

My hobby is music.

わたしの趣味は⾳楽を聞くことです。

My hobby is listening to the music.

4. V1 dictionary form / Nの + まえに、V2

= …, before …
1) Verb

This sentence pattern indicates that the action of V2 occurs before the action of V1 takes place.
Even when the tense V2 is in the past tense or the future tense, V1 is always in the dictionary form.

⽇本へ来るまえに、⽇本語を勉強しました。

I studied Japanese before I came to Japan.

寝るまえに、本を読みます。

I read a book before I go to bed.

2) Noun

When まえにcomes after a noun, the particleの is put between the noun and まえに. Nouns before
まえにare nouns which express actions or nouns which imply actions.

⾷事のまえに、⼿を洗います。

I wash my hands before eating.

3) Quanti er (period)

Whenまえに comes after a quanti er (period), the particleの is not necessary.

⽥中さんは1時間まえに、出かけました。

Mr. Tanaka left an hour ago

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5. なかなか

Whenなかなか is accompanied by a negative expression, it means “not easily” or “not as

expected”.

⽇本ではなかなか⾺を⾒ることができません。

In Japan we can rarely see horses.

[Note] はof にほんではis attached to でto emphasize the location or area under discussion.ぜひ

6. ぜひ

is used with expressions of hope and request such as ほしいです, Vます-form たいですand Vて-
form くださいand emphasizes the meaning of the expressions.

ぜひ北海道へ⾏きたいです。

I want to go to Hokkaido very much.

ぜひ遊びに来てください。

Please come to my place.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 19

1. Verb た-form

In this lesson you learn the た-form. How to make the た-form is shown below.

て-form た-form

かいて かいた
Group I
のんで のんだ

Group II たべて たべた

きて きた
Group III
して した

The た-form is made by changing てand でof the て-form into たand だrespectively.
 

2. Vた-formことがあります

have the experience of V-ing

This sentence pattern is used to describe what one has experienced in the past. This is basically the
same sentence as わたしはNがあります which you learned in Lesson 9. The content of one’s
experience is expressed by the nominalized phrase Vた-form こと.

⾺に乗ったことがあります。

I have ridden a horse.

Note that it is, therefore, different from a sentence which merely states the fact that one did
something at a certain time in the past.

去年北海道で⾺に乗りました。

I rode a horse in Hokkaido last year.

3. Vた-formり, Vた-form りします

V … and V …, and so on

You learned an expression for referring to a few things and persons among many (～や～ [ など ] )
in Lesson 10. The sentences learned here are used in referring to some actions among many other
actions. The tense of this sentence pattern is shown at the end of the sentence.

⽇曜⽇はテニスをしたり、映画を⾒たりします。

On Sundays, I play tennis, see a movie and so on.

⽇曜⽇はテニスをしたり、映画を⾒たりしました。(*)

Last Sunday, I played tennis, saw a movie and so on.

[Note] Make sure that you don’t confuse the meaning of this sentence pattern with that of the て-
form sentence below which you learned in Lesson 16.

⽇曜⽇テニスをして、映画を⾒ました。(**)

Last Sunday I played tennis and then saw a movie.

In (**) it is clear that seeing a movie took place after playing tennis. In (*) there is no time relation
between the two activities. These activities are mentioned as example activities among the activities
done on Sunday to imply that one did other activities besides them. And it is not natural that actions
usually done by everybody every day such as getting up in the morning, taking meals, going to bed
at night, etc., are mentioned.

4.

い-adj (～い) → ～く

な-adj [な] → に なります become …

Nに

なりますmeans “become” and indicates changes in a state or condition.

寒い             → 寒くなります                  get cold

元気[な]      → 元気になります              get well

25歳             → 25歳になります              become 25 years old

5. そうですね

そうですねis used when you agree or sympathize with what your partner in conversation said. そ
うですかwith a falling intonation is a similar expression to this (see Lesson 2, 6). そうですかis,
however, an expression of your conviction or exclamation after getting information which was
unknown to you, whileそうですね is used to express your agreement or sympathy with your
partner in conversation when he/she refers to something you agree with or already know.

寒くなりましたね。

そうですね。

It’s got cold, hasn’t it?

Yet, it has.
Minna no Nihongo lesson 20
1. Polite style and plain style

Japanese language has two styles of speech: polite style and plain style.

polite style plain style

あした東京へ⾏きます あした東京へ⾏く。
I will go to Tokyo tomorrow. I will go to Tokyo tomorrow.

毎⽇忙しいです。 毎⽇忙しい。
I am busy every day. I am busy every day.

相撲が好きです。 相撲が好きだ。
I like sumo. I like sumo.

富⼠⼭に登りたいです。 富⼠⼭に登りたい。
I want to climb Mt. Fuji. I want to climb Mt. Fuji.

ドイツへ⾏ったことがありません。 ドイツへ⾏ったことがない。
I have never been to Germany. I have never been to Germany.

The predicates which are used in polite style sentences and accompanied by either ですor ますare
called the polite form, while the predicates used in plain style sentences are called the plain form.

2. Proper use of the polite style or the plain style

1) The polite style can be used at anytime in any place and to anybody. Therefore, the polite style is
used most commonly in daily conversation between adults who are not close friends. It is used
when talking to a person one has met for the rst time, to one’s superiors, or even to persons in
a similar age group to whom one is not very close. The polite style may be chosen when one talks to
a person who is younger or lower in rank yet not so close. The plain style is used when talking to
one’s close friends, colleagues and family members.

Note that you need to be careful about how much politeness is needed, basing this on the age of
your conversation partner and your type of relationship. If the plain style is used inappropriately,
you could sound rough and impolite, so when you cannot tell the situation it is safer to use the
polite style.

2) The plain style is commonly used in written work. Newspapers, books, theses and diaries are all
written in the plain style. Most letters are written in the polite style.
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 3. Conversation in the plain style

1) Questions in the plain style generally omit the particle か, which denotes a question, and end
with a rising intonation.

コーヒーを飲む？                Do you want a coffee?

うん、飲む。                        Yes, I do.

2) In noun and な-adjective questions, だ, which is the plain form of です, is omitted. In an answer
in the af rmative, ending the sentence with だcould sound too rough. You can either omit だor add
some sentence nal particle to soften the tone of the sentence. Women seldom use だ.

今晩暇？                                              Are you free tonight? (used by both men and women)

うん、暇／暇だ／暇だよ。             Yes, I am. (used by men)

うん、暇／暇よ。                              Yes, I am. (used by women)

ううん、暇じゃない。                      No, I am not. (used by both men and women)

3) In the plain style, certain particles are often omitted if the meaning of the sentence is evident
from the context.

ごはん[を]⾷べる？

Will you take a meal?

あした京都[へ]⾏かない？

Won’t you come to Kyoto tomorrow with me?

このりんご[は]おいしいね。

This apple is tasty, isn’t it?

そこにはさみ[が]ある？

Is there a pair of scissors there?

で, に, から, まで, と, etc., however, are not omitted because the meaning of the sentence may not
be clear without them.

4) In the plain style, いof Vて-form いるis also often dropped.

辞書、持って[い]る？                      Do you have a dictionary?

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うん、持って[い]る。                      Yes, I do.

ううん、持って[い]ない。              No, I don’t.

5) けど

けどhas the same function as が, which is used to connect two sentences (see Lesson 8, 7 and
Lesson 14, 7). It is often used in conversations.

このカレーライス[は]おいしい？

うん、⾟いけど、おいしい。

Is that curry and rice tasty?

Yes, it’s hot but tasty.

相撲のチケット[が]あるけど、いっしょに⾏かない？

いいね。

I have tickets for sumo. Won’t you come with me?

Sure.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 21

1. Plain form と思います

I think that …

The ideas or information expressed with おもいますare indicated by the particle と.

1) When expressing conjecture

あした⾬が降ると思います。

I think it will rain tomorrow.

テレサちゃんはもう寝たと思います。

I think Teresa has already gone to bed.

When the content of conjecture is negative in nature, make the sentence before とnegative.

ミラーさんはこのニュースを知っていますか。
いいえ、たぶん知らないと思います。

Does Mr. Miller know this news?

No, I don’t think he does.

2) When expressing one’s opinion

⽇本は物価が⾼いと思います。

I think that prices are high in Japan.

The expression ～についてどうおもいますかis used to ask someone’s opinion on something by

usingおもいます.と is not necessary afterどう.

新しい空港についてどう思いますか。

きれいですが、ちょっと交通が不便だと思います。

What do you think of the new airport?

I think that it is clean but the access to it is not easy.

Agreement or disagreement with other people’s opinions can be expressed as follows.

A:ファクスは便利ですね。

B:わたしもそう思います。

C:わたしはそう[は]思いません。

A: Fax machines are convenient, aren’t they?

B: I think so, too.

C: I don’t think so.


 2. “S” / Plain formと⾔います

say …

The content expressed withいいます is indicated by the particle と.

1) When quoting directly what someone says or said, repeat exactly what they say as in the
following structure.

寝る前に「お休みなさい」と⾔います。

We say “Good night” before going to bed.

ミラーさんは「来週東京へ出張します」と⾔いました。

Mr. Miller said “I will go to Tokyo on a business trip next week”.

2) When quoting indirectly what someone says or said, the plain form is used before と. The tense
of the quoted sentence is not affected by the tense of the main sentence.

ミラーさんは来週東京へ出張すると⾔いました。

Mr. Miller said that he would go to Tokyo on a business trip next week.

3. Plain form でしょう

な-adj / N：～だ

When the speaker expects that the listener has some knowledge on the topic being discussed and
that the listener will agree with the speaker’s view,でしょう is said with a rising intonation to
con rm the listener’s agreement.

あしたパーティーに⾏くでしょう？

ええ、⾏きます。

You are going to the party tomorrow, aren’t you?

Yes, I am.

北海道は寒かったでしょう？

いいえ、そんなに寒くなったです。

It was cold in Hokkaido, wasn’t it?

No, it wasn’t that cold.

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 4. N1 (place)で N2があります

When N2 expresses such events as a party, concert, festival, incident, disaster and so on, あります
means “to take place” or “to be held”.

東京で⽇本とブラジルのサッカーの試合があります。

A football game between Japan and Brazil will be held in Tokyo.

5. N (occasion) で

When some action takes place on a certain occasion, that occasion is followed by で.

会議で何か意⾒を⾔いましたか。

Did you give your opinion at the meeting?

6. N でもV

でもis used to give an example out of things of the same kind when one encourages or advises
someone to do something or when one makes a suggestion.

ちょっとビールでも飲みませんか。

Shall we drink beer or something?

7. Vない-formないと ….

This expression is made by omitting いけませんfrom Vない-formないといけません. V-ない

formないといけません is similar to Vない-formなければなりませんwhich you learned in
Lesson 17.

もう帰らないと。

I have to go home now.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 22
1. Noun modi cation

You learned how to modify nouns in Lesson 2 and Lesson 8.

ミラーさんのうち               Mr. Miller’s house (Lesson 2)

新しいうち                            a new house (Lesson 8)

きれいなうち                        a beautiful house (Lesson 8)

In Japanese, whatever modi es a word, whether it’s a word or a sentence, it always comes before
the word to be modi ed. Here you learn another way to modify nouns.

2. Noun modi cation by sentences

1) The predicate of the sentence which modi es a noun is in the plain form. In the case of な-
adjective sentences, ～だ becomes ～な. In the case of noun sentences ～だ becomes ～の.

⾏く⼈ who goes

⾏かない⼈ who does not go

京都へ a person to Kyoto
⾏った⼈ who went

⾏かなかった⼈ who did not go

背が⾼くて、髪が黒い⼈ a person who is tall and has black hair

親切で、きれいな⼈ a person who is kind and pretty

65 歳の⼈ a person who is 65 years old.

2) Nouns, which are various elements of the sentence, are picked out of it and can be modi ed by it.

わたしは先週映画を⾒ました  →  わたしが先週⾒た映画
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I saw a movie last week  →  the movie that I saw last week

ワンさんは病院で働いています  →  ワンさんが働いている病院

Mr. Wang works at a hospital  →  the hospital where Mr. Wang works

わたしはあした友達に会います  →  わたしがあした会う友達

I will meet a friend tomorrow  →  the friend whom I will meet tomorrow

When the nouns in three sentences above are modi ed, the particle を, でandに attached to them
respectively are unnecessary.

3) The noun modi ed by a sentence (“the house where Mr. Miller lived” in the example sentences
below) can be used in various parts of a sentence.

これはミラーさんが住んでいたうちです。

This is the house where Mr. Miller lived.

ミラーさんが住んでいたうちは古いです。

The house where Mr. Miller lived is old.

ミラーさんが住んでいたうちを買いました。

I bought the house where Mr. Miller lived.

わたしはミラーさんが住んでいたうちが好きです。

I like the house where Mr. Miller lived.

ミラーさんが住んでいたうちに猫がいました。

There was a cat in the house where Mr. Miller lived.

ミラーさんが住んでいたうちへ⾏ったことがあります。

I have been to the house where Mr. Miller lived.

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 3. N が

When a sentence modi es a noun, the subject in the sentence is indicated by が.

ミラーさんはケーキを作りました  →  これはミラーさんが作ったケーキです。

Mr. Miller baked a cake.  →  This is the cake which Mr. Miller baked.

わたしはカリナさんがかいた絵が好きです。

I like the picture that Ms. Karina drew.

[あなたは]彼が⽣まれた所を知っていますか。

Do you know the place where he was born?

4. V dictionary form 時間／約束／⽤事

When expressing the time for doing some activity, put the dictionary form of the action before じか
ん.

わたしは朝ごはんを⾷べる時間がありません。

I have no time to eat breakfast.

You can also say the content of the arrangement (appointment), etc., by putting the dictionary form
of that action before やくそく, etc.

わたしは友達と映画を⾒る約束があります。

I have an arrangement to see a movie with a friend of mine.

きょうは市役所へ⾏く⽤事があります。

I have something to do at the city hall today.

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Minna no Nihongo lesson 23
1.
V dictionary form

Vない-form
When …, …
い-adj (～い ) とき、～

な-adjな

Nの

ときconnects two sentences and expresses the time when the state or action described in the main
sentence exists or occurs. As shown in the table above, the forms of verbs, い-adjectives, な-
adjectives and nouns connected to ときare the same as the forms when modifying nouns.

図書館で本を借りるとき、カードが要ります。

When you borrow books from the library, you need a card.

使い⽅がわからないとき、わたしに聞いてください。

When you don’t know how to use it, ask me.

体の調⼦が悪いとき、「元気茶」を飲みます。

When I’m not in good shape, I drink “Genki-cha”.

暇なとき、うちへ遊びに来ませんか。

Won’t you come to my place when you are free?

妻が病気のとき、会社を休みます。

When my wife is sick, I take a day off work.

若いとき、あまり勉強しませんでした。

When I was young, I did not study much.

⼦どものとき、よく川で泳ぎました。

I used to swim in a river when I was a child. The tense of adjective sentences and noun sentences
which modify ときis not affected by the tense of the main sentence.
2.
V dictionary form
とき、～
Vた-form

When the dictionary form of the predicate is put beforeとき it indicates the non-completion of the
action, and when the た-form of the predicate is put before ときin indicates the completion of the
action.

国へ帰るとき、かばんを買いました。(*)

I bought a bag when I went back to my country.

国へ帰ったとき、かばんを買いました。(**)

I bought a bag when I went back to my country.

In (*), かえるindicates that at the time being referred to the action had not been completed, that the
speaker had not reached his/her country yet and that he/she bought a bag somewhere on his/her way
there (Japan is included). In (**), かえったindicates that the action was completed and the speaker
bought a bag after arriving in his/her country.

3. V dictionary form と、～

…, then (inevitably) …

When expressing the situation where, as a result of a certain action, another action or matter
inevitably happens, とis used to connect the sentences.

このボタンを押すと、お釣りが出ます。

Press this button, and the change will come out.

これを回すと、⾳が⼤きくなります。

Turn this, and the volume will go up.

右へ曲がると、郵便局があります。

Turn to the right, and you will nd the post of ce.

Expressions of one’s will, hope, invitation or request cannot be used in the sentence which follows
～と.
fi
fi
 映画を⾒に⾏きます (will)

映画を⾒に⾏きたいです(hope)
X  時間があると、
映画を⾒に⾏きませんか (invitation)

ちょっと⼿伝ってください (request)

In those cases, the conditional expression ～たら is used instead of ～と (see Lesson 25).

4. N が adjective / V

You learned in Lesson 14 that the subject is indicated by がwhen describing a natural phenomenon.
When describing a state or a scene as it is, the subject is also indicated by が.

⾳が⼩さいです。

The volume is low.

電気が明るくなります。

The light became brighter.

このボタンを押すと、切符が出ます。

Press this button, and a ticket will come out.

5. N (place) をV (verb of movement)

The particle をis used to denote the place where a person or a thing passes. The verbs of movement
such as さんぽします, わたります, あるきます, etc. are used in this pattern.

公園を散歩します。

I take a walk in the park.

道を渡ります。

I cross the road.

交差点を右へ曲がります。

I turn to the right at the intersection.

 Minna no Nihongo lesson 24
1. くれます

You learned that あげますmeans “give” in Lesson 7. This verb cannot be used when somebody else
gives something to the speaker or the speaker’s family, etc. (x さとうさんはわたしにクリスマス
カードをあげました). In this caseくれます is used.

わたしは佐藤さんに花をあげました。

I gave owers to Ms. Sato.

佐藤さんはわたしにクリスマスカードをくれました。

Ms. Sato gave me a Christmas card.

佐藤さんは妹にお菓⼦をくれました。

Ms. Sato gave candies to my younger sister.

2.

あげます

Vて-form もらいます

くれます

あげます, もらいますand くれますare also used to refer to the giving and receiving of actions as
well as those of things. They indicate who is doing that act for whom, while also expressing a sense
of goodwill or gratitude. In this case, the act is expressed by the て-form.

1) Vて-formあげます

Vて-formあげます indicates that one does something for somebody with a sense of goodwill.

わたしは⽊村さんに本を貸してあげました。

I lent Ms. Kimura a book.

When the speaker is the actor and the listener is the receiver of the act, this expression could give
the impression that the speaker is being patronizing. You are, therefore, advised to avoid using this
expression directly to someone whom you do not know very well or who is senior or superior to
fl
you. You may use it to someone with whom you have a very close, friendly relationship. So, when
you offer assistance to someone who is not very close, Vます-form ましょうか (see Lesson 14,6)
is used.

タクシーを呼びましょうか。

Shall I call a taxi for you?

⼿伝いましょうか。

May I help you?

2) Vて-formもらいます

わたしは⼭⽥さんに図書館の電話番号を教えてもらいました。

Mr. Yamada told me the telephone number of the library.

This expression conveys a sense of gratitude on the part of those who receive a favor.

3) Vて-formくれます

母は[わたし]にセーターを送ってくれました。

My mother sent me a sweater.

Like Vて-formもらいます, this expression also conveys a sense of gratitude on the part of those
who receive a favor. The difference is that Vて-formもらいます has the receiver of the act as the
subject of the sentence, while Vて-formくれます has the actor as the subject of the sentence,
implying the actor (the subject) voluntarily takes the action. The receiver of the act in the latter case
is often the speaker and わたし(the receiver) に is often omitted.

3. N (person) がV

すてきなネクタイですね。

ええ、佐藤さんがくれました。

That’s a nice tie, isn’t it?

Yes. Ms. Sato gave it to me.

You present a topic, saying すてきなネクタイですね. Responding to it, your partner in

conversation gives a piece of information on the topic which is unknown to you, [このネクタイは]
さとうさんがくれました. The subject of the sentence giving new information is indicated by が.
 4. Interrogative がV

You learned that when the subject is questioned, it is indicated byが in あります／います
sentences (Lesson 10) and adjective sentences (Lesson 12). This is also the case for verb sentences.

だれが⼿伝いに⾏きますか。

カリナさんが⾏きます。

Who will go to give him a hand?

Ms. Karina will.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 25

1. Plain past form ら、～

If …

When らis attached to the past tense plain form of verbs, adjectives, etc., it changes the preceding
clause into a conditional expression. When a speaker wants to state his opinion, situation, request,
etc., in the conditional, this pattern is used.

お⾦があったら、旅⾏します。

If I had money, I would travel.

時間がなかったら、テレビを⾒ません。

If I don’t have time, I will not watch TV.

安かったら、パソコンを買いたいです。

If it’s inexpensive, I want to buy a personal computer.

暇だったら、⼿伝ってください。

If you are free, please give me a hand.

いい天気だったら、散歩しませんか。

If it’s ne, won’t you take a walk with me?

fi
 2. Vた-formら、～

When …/After …

This pattern is used to express that a certain action will be done or a certain situation will appear
when a matter, action or state which is sure to happen in the future has been completed or achieved.
The main sentence is always in the present tense.

１０時になったら、出かけましょう。

Let’s go out when it gets to ten.

うちへ帰ったら、すぐシャワーを浴びます。

I take a shower soon after I return home.

3.

Vて-form

い-adj (～い ) → ～くて

も、～ Even if …
な-adj [な] → で

Nで

This expression is used to present a reverse condition. Contrary to plain past form ら、～, this
expression is used when an action which is expected to be taken or an event which is expected to
happen naturally under the given circumstances does not materialize or a thing turns out in a way
opposite to a socially accepted idea.

⾬が降っても、洗濯します。

Even if it rains, I’ll do the laundry.

安くても、わたしはグループ旅⾏が嫌いです。

Even if group tours are expensive, I don’t like them.

便利でも、パソコンを使いません。

Even if a personal computer is useful, I won’t use it.

⽇曜⽇でも、働きます。

Even if it is Sunday, I will work.

 4. もしandいくら

もしis used in a sentence in the plain past form to indicate beforehand that the sentence is going to
present a condition, while いくらis used with ～ても（～でも）to do the same. もしimplies that
an emphasis is on the speaker’s supposition while いくらis meant to stress the degree of
conditionality.

もし⼀億円あったら、いろいろな国を旅⾏したいです。

If I had 100 million yen, I would want to travel to various countries.

いくら考えても、わかりません。

No matter how much I think, I can’t understand this.

いくら⾼くても、買います。

No matter how expensive it is, I will buy it.

5. Nが

As mentioned in Lesson 16, 4. [Note], the subject of a subordinate clause is indicated by が. In

subordinate clause using たら, ても, とき, と, まえに, etc., in addition to から, the subject is
indicated by が, as shown below.

友達が来るまえに、部屋を掃除します。

I will clean my room before my friends come.

妻が病気のとき、会社を休みます。

When my wife is sick, I take a day off work.

友達が約束の時間に来なかったら、どうしますか。

If your friend doesn’t come on time, what will you do?

 Minna no Nihongo lesson 26 
1. Plain form + んです

な-adj / N: ～だ  → ～な

～んですis an expression used to explain cause, reasons, grounds, etc., strongly . ～んですis used
in spoken language, while ～のです is used in written language. ～んですis used in the following
ways.

1) ～んですか

This expression is used in the following cases.

• When the speaker guesses the reason or the cause as to what he has seen or heard and then
con rms whether he is correct.

渡辺さんは時々⼤阪弁を使いますね。

⼤阪に住んでいたんですか。

ええ、１５歳まで⼤阪に住んでいました。

Ms. Watanabe, you sometimes speak Osaka dialect.

Have you lived in Osaka?

Yes, I lived in Osaka until I was fteen.

• When the speaker asks for information about what he has seen or heard.

おもしろいデザインの靴です。どこで買ったんですか。

エドヤストアで買いました。

The design of your shoes is interesting. Where did you buy them?

 I bought this pair at Edoya Store .

• When the speaker asks the listener to explain the reason or the cause of what he has seen or
heard.

どうして遅れたんですか。(*)

Why were you late?

• When asking for an explanation of a situation.

fi
fi
どうしたんですか。(**)

What’s the matter?

[Note] “～んですか” sometimes contains the speaker’s surprise, suspicion, strong curiosity, etc.
Inappropriate use, therefore, may offend the listener, so it is necessary to be careful with this
expression.

2) ～んです

This expression is used in the following cases.

• When stating the reason or cause as an answer to such questions as in (*) and (**) above.

どうして遅れたんですか。

バスが来なかったんです。

Why were you late?

Because the bus didn’t come.

どうしたんですか。

ちょっと気分が悪いんです。

What’s the matter?

I don’t feel well.

• When the speaker adds the reason or the cause to what he’s stated.

毎朝新聞を読みますか。

いいえ。時間がないんです。

Do you read newspaper every morning?

No. I don’t have the time.

3) ～んですが、～

～んですがis used to introduce a topic. It is followed by a request, an invitation or an expression

seeking permission. がin this case is used to connect sentences lightly and indicates hesistation and
reservation on the speaker’s side.

⽇本語で⼿紙を書いたんですが、ちょっと⾒ていただけませんか。
I’ve written a letter in Japanese. Could you please check it for me?

NHK を⾒学したいんですが、どうしたらいいですか。

I want to tour NHK. How can I do that?

2. Vて-formいただけませんか

Would you please do me a favor of ~ing?

This is a request expression that is politer than ～てください

いい先⽣を紹介していただけませんか。

Would you please introduce a good teacher to me?

3. Interrogative Vた-formらいいですか 

What/When/Where/Which/How/Who shall I?

どこでカメラを買ったらいいですか。

Where should I buy a camera?

細かいお⾦がないんですが、どうしたらいいですか。

I don’t have any small change. What shall I do?

～たらいいですかis used when the speaker asks the listener for some advice or instructions about
what to do.

4. N (object) は好きです／嫌いです／上⼿です／下⼿です／あります 

like / dislike / be good at / be poor at / have, etc. N

運動会に参加しますか。

いいえ。スポーツはあまり好きじゃないんです。

Are you going to participate in the athletic meeting?

No. I don’t like sports very much.

You learned in Book I (Lesson 10 and 17) that subjects and also objects indicated by をcan become
topics and be highlighted byは . Objects indicated by がcan also be highlighted byは .
Minna no Nihongo lesson 27
1. Potential verbs

Potential verbs
polite form plain form

かきます かけます かける

I
かいます かえます かえる

II たべます たべられます たべられる

きます こられます こられる

III
します できます できる

 All potential verbs are Group II verbs; they conjugate into the dictionary form, ない-form,
て-form, etc.

eg. かける、かけ（ない）、かけて

わかる, which includes the meaning of possibility itself, does not change into わかれる.

2. Potential verb sentences

1) Potential verbs express not actions but states. The object of transitive verbs are indicated by the
particle を. When they become potential verbs, however, their objects are usually indicated by the
particle が.

わたしは⽇本語を話します。

I speak Japanese.

わたしは⽇本語が話せます。

I can speak Japanese.

No particles change except for を.

⼀⼈で病院へ⾏けますか。

Can you go to the hospital alone?

⽥中さんに会えませんでした。

I could not see Mr. Tanaka.

2) Potential verbs have two uses: to express a person’s ability to do something and to express the
possibility of an action in a certain situation.

ミラーさんは漢字が読めます。

Mr. Miller can read Kanji.

この銀⾏でドルが換えられます。

You can change dollars at this bank.

3. ⾒えます and 聞こえます.

The potential verb forみます is みられますand that forききます isきけます. They indicate that
one’s intention of seeing or listening can be realized. みえますindicates that a certain object comes
into one’s sight and きこえますthat a sound reaches one’s ears independent of one’s will. In
sentences using みえますandきこえます , objects to be seen or heard become the objects of the
sentence and are indicated by が.

新宿でいま黒沢の映画が⾒られます。

You can now see Kurosawa’s movies in Shinjuku.

新幹線から富⼠⼭が⾒えます。

Mt. Fuji can be seen from the Shinkansen.

電話で天気予報が聞けます。

You can hear the weather forecast by phone.

ラジオの⾳がが聞こえます。

The sound of a radio can be heard.

 4. できます

The verb that you learn here means “come into being”, ‘come up”, “be completed”, “be nished”,
“be made”, etc.

駅の前に⼤きいスーパーができました。

A big supermarket has been completed in front of the station.

時計の修理はいつできますか。

When can you x this watch?

5. は

1) では／には／へは／からは／までは、etc.

はis used to highlight a noun as a topic, and as you learned in Lesson 10, 17 and 26, when がorを
follows the noun, it is replaced byは . When other particles (e.g.で、に、へ、 etc.) follow the
noun, はis placed after them.

わたしの学校にはアメリカ⼈の先⽣がいます。

In my school there is an American teacher.

わたしの学校では中国語が習えます。

In my school we can learn the Chinese language.

2) はused to make contrasts

きのうは⼭が⾒えましたが、きょうは⾒えません。

Yesterday we could see mountains, but not today.

ワインは飲みますが、ビールは飲みません。

I drink wine, but not beer.

京都へは⾏きますが、⼤阪へは⾏きません。
fi
fi
I will go to Tokyo, but not to Osaka.

6.も

Like the usage ofは explained above, もreplaces をor が, but follows other particles. In the case of
the particleへ , however, it can be omitted.

クララさんは英語が話せます。フランス語も話せます。

Klara can speak English. She can speak French, too.

去年アメリカへ⾏きました。メキシコ[へ]も⾏きました。

I went to America last year. I went to Mexico, too.

わたしの部屋から海が⾒えます。弟の部屋からも⾒えます。

The sea can be seen from my room, and also from my brother’s room.

7. しか

しかis attached to nouns, quanti ers, etc., and is always used with negative predicates. It highlights
the words, makes limitations and negates everything except the thing expressed by the word. It
replacesが orを, but follows other particles. しかhas a negative nuance, while だけhas a positive
one.

ローマ字しか書けません。

I cannot write anything but Roman letters.

ローマ字だけ書けます。

I can only write Roman letters.

fi
Minna no Nihongo lesson 28
1. V1 ます-form ながら V2

This sentence pattern means that one person does two different actions (V1 and V2) at the same
time. The action denoted by V2 is the more emphasized of the two actions.

⾳楽を聞きながら⾷事します。

I listen to music while eating.

This sentence pattern is also used when the two actions take place over a period of time.

働きながら⽇本語を勉強しています。

I’m working and studying Japanese.

2. Vて-formいます

An individual’s customary action is expressed by this sentence pattern. A customary action in the
past is expressed by using Vて-formいました.

毎朝ジョギングをしています。

I jog every morning.

⼦どものとき、毎晩８時に寝ていました。

I used to go to bed at eight every evening when I was a child.

 3. Plain formし, ～

1) When sentences are stated from a certain viewpoint, they can be linked using this structure. For
example, sentences describing the merits of a particular subject are joined into one sentence using
this pattern.

ワット先⽣は熱⼼だし、まじめだし、経験もあります。

Professor Watt is earnest and diligent and has experience.

2) This structure is also used to state causes or reasons when there is more than one cause or reason.
Use of this structure implies the meaning of “furthermore” or “on top of that”.

駅から近いし、⾞でも来られるし、この店はとても便利です。

This shop is very convenient. It’s near the station, and you can also come here by car.

When the speaker states reasons using this pattern, he/she sometimes does not say his/her
conclusion when it’s understood from the context.

息⼦に英語を教えていただけませんか。

うーん、出張も多いし、もうすぐ⽇本語の試験もあるし，…。

Could you teach English to my son?

Sorry. I often go on business trip, and I have to take a Japanese exam soon.

There are cases when only one ～し is used in a sentence. Though the reason explicitly stated is
only one, the existence of other reasons is implied by the use of ～し. Note this is not true of  ～か
ら.

⾊もきれいだし、この靴を買います。

Because the color is beautiful (and for some other reasons), I’ll buy this pair of shoes.

As you seen above, the particleも is often used in this sentence pattern. By the use ofも , the
speaker implies the existence of other reasons to emphasize his/her viewpoint.
 4. それに

それにis used when you add  another similar fact or situation.

どうしてさくら⼤学を選んだんですか。

さくら⼤学は、⽗が出た⼤学し、いい先⽣も多いし、それに家から近いですから。

Why did you choose Sakura University?

Because it’s my father’s alma mater, there are many good teachers, and besides, it’s near my house.

5. それで

それでis a conjunction used to show that what was said before it is the reason or cause for the
sentence following it.

このレストランは値段も安いし、おいしいんです。

それで、⼈が多いんですね。

The food is inexpensive and tasty in this restaurant.

And that’s why it’s crowded.

6. に

よくこの喫茶店に来るんですか。

Do you often go to this coffee shop?

In this sentence, the particle に, which indicates one’s destination, is used instead of the particle へ,
which shows direction. Verbs like いきます、きます、かえりますandしゅっちょうします are
used with either “placeへ” or “placeに”.
Minna no Nihongo lesson 29
1. Vて-formいます

Vて-form いますexpresses the state which results as a consequence of the action expressed by the
verb.

1) N がVて-formいます

窓が割れています。(*)

The window is broken.

電気がついています。

The light is on.

As in the examples above, when the speaker describes the state he/she sees in front of him/her as it
is, the subject of the action is indicated with が. Example (*) shows that “the window was broken in
the past and at present its consequence remains (=it is broken)”. Verbs which are used with this
expression are intransitive verbs, and most of them indicate an instantaneous act or action.
Examples of such verbs include こわれます、きえます、あきます、こみますetc.

When describing states in the past, Vて-formいました is used.

けさは道が込んでいました。

The road was crowded this morning.

2) N はV-てformいます

When the subject of an act or action is taken up as a topic, it is indicated with は.

このいすは壊れています。

This chair is broken.

 2. Vて-form しまいました／しまいます

Vて-form しまいましたis an expression which emphasizes that an action or event has been
completed.

シュミットさんが持って来たワインは全部飲んでしまいました。

We drank all the wine that Mr. Schmidt brought.

漢字の宿題はもうやってしまいました。

I have done my Kanji homework already.

Though V ましたcan also indicate the completion of an action, the use of Vて-form しまいました
emphasizes the actual completion of the action. Therefore, the latter is often accompanied by such
adverbs asもう and/or ぜんぶ .

Also, Vて-formしまいますexpresses that the speaker will complete an action in the future.

昼ごはんまでにレポートを書いてしまいます。

I intend to nish writing the report by lunch time.

3. V-てform しまいました

This expression conveys the speaker’s embarrassment or regret in a dif cult situation.

パスポートをなくしてしまいました。

I lost my passport.

パソコンが故障してしまいました。

My personal computer’s broken.

Though the fact of losing one’s passport or the trouble with the computer can be expressed with な
くしましたor 故障しました, these sentences above add the speaker’s feeling of regret or
embarrassment about the fact.

4. ありました
fi
fi
[かばん]がありました。

I’ve found [the bag].

ありましたhere is used to indicate that the speaker has found the bag, not to indicate that it existed
some place in the past.

5. どこかで／どこかに

In the examples shown in Lesson 13, you learned へin どこかへand をin なにかをcould be
omitted. However, でin どこかでor にinどこかに cannot be omitted.

どこかで財布をなくしてしまいました。

I’ve lost my wallet somewhere.

どこかに電話がありませんか。

Is there a pay phone somewhere nearby?

Minna no Nihongo lesson 30
1. Vて-formあります

Vて-formあります indicates the state which results as a consequence of an action intentionally

done by somebody. The verbs used here are transitive verbs that express intentions.

1) N1 にN2 がVて-form あります

机の上にメモが置いてあります。(*)

There is a memo put on the desk.

カレンダーに今⽉の予定が書いてあります。(**)

This month’s schedule is written on the calendar.

In (*), it is indicated that someone put a memo on the desk (for later use) and as a result the memo
exists as it was put. (**) indicates that someone wrote this month’s schedule on the calendar (so as
not to forget it) and as a result the schedule is written on the calendar.

2) N2は N1 Vて-formあります

This sentence pattern is used when N2 in sentence pattern 1) is taken up as a topic.

メモはどこですか。

[メモは]机の上に置いてあります。

Where is the memo?

It’s been put on the desk.

今⽉の予定はカレンダーに書いてあります。

This month’s schedule has been written on the calendar.

3) Vて-formあります is used to express the state of the result of what somebody did for some
purpose. So it can also express, as in (i) and (ii), that some preparation has been done. It is often
used with もう.

誕⽣⽇のプレゼントはもう買ってあります。

I have already bought the present for her birthday. (i)

ホテルはもう予約してあります。

I have already reserved a hotel. (ii)

[Note] The difference between Vて-form いますand Vて-form あります

窓が閉まっています。

The window is closed. (x)

窓が閉めてあります。

The window has been closed (for some purpose). (y)

(x) simply describes the state that the window is closed, while (y) implies that somebody (it could
be the speaker himself) closed the window with some objective or intention in mind. Most verbs
used in Vて-form いますare intransitive, while verbs used in Vて-formあります are transitive.

2. Vて-form おきます

This sentence pattern means:

1) Completion of a necessary action by a given time

旅⾏のまえに切符を買っておきます。

I’ll buy a ticket before the trip.

次の会議までに何をしておいたらいいですか。

この資料を読んでおいてください。

What should I do before the next meeting?

Read these materials.

2) Completion of a necessary action in readiness for the next use or the next step.

はさみを使ったら、元の所に戻しておいてください。
 When you nish using the scissors, put them back where they were.

30) Keeping the resultant state as it is.

あした会議がありますから、いすはこのままにしておいてください。

Please leave the chairs as they are because a meeting will be held here tomorrow.

3. まだV (af rmative) still V

まだ⾬が降っています。

It’s still raining.

道具を⽚づけましょうか。

まだ使っていますから、そのままにしておいてください。

Shall I put away the tools?

No, leave them there. I’m still using them.

まだabove means “as yet” or “still” and indicates that the action or the state is continuing.
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Minna no Nihongo lesson 31
1. Volitional form

The volitional form of verbs is made as follows.

Group I: Replace the sound of the ます-form with the sound in the お-line of the same row and
attach う.

Group II: Attach ようto the ます-form.

Group III: しますbecomesしよう , and きますbecomes こよう.

2. How to use the volitional form.

1) In plain style sentences

The volitional form is used instead of ～しましょうin plain style sentences.

ちょっと休まない？

うん、休もう。

Shall we take a rest?

Yes, let’s.

少し休もうか。

How about taking a rest for a while?

⼿伝おうか。

Shall I help you?

2) V volitional form と思っています

This sentence pattern is used to express what the speaker is thinking of doing. V volitional form と
おもいますcan also express a similar meaning. V volitional formとおもっています implies that
the speaker’s decision was made some time ago.

週末は海に⾏こうと思っています。

I’m thinking of going to the beach at the weekend.

今から銀⾏へ⾏こうと思います。

I’m going to the bank now.

[Note] V volitional formとおもっています can be used to express a third person’s will or

intention.

彼は外国で働こうと思っています。

He is thinking of working in a foreign country.

3. V dictionary form つもりです

    Vない-formない つもりです

V dictionary formつもりです is used to express the speaker’s intention of doing something, and V
ない-formない つもりですis used to express the speaker’s intention of not doing something.

国へ帰っても、柔道を続けるつもりです。

Even when I go back to my country, I’ll continue with my judo.

あしたからはタバコを吸わないつもりです。

I’m determined not to smoke from tomorrow.

[Note] Compared with V volitional formとおもっています , V dictionary form つもりです

sounds more determined.

4. V dictionary form予定です

    Nの予定です

By using this sentence pattern, you can inform people of schedules.

７⽉の終わりにドイツへ出張する予定です。

I’m scheduled to go on a business trip to Germany at the end of July.

旅⾏は１週間ぐらいの予定です。

The trip is scheduled to last for a week.

5. まだVて-formいません

This sentence pattern means that something has not taken place or has not been done yet.

銀⾏は、まだ開いていません。

The bank is not open yet.

レポートはもう書きましたか。

いいえ、まだ書いていません。

Have you written the report yet?

No, not yet.

6. こ～／そ～

In writing, a demonstrative belonging to the そ-series, is used when a word(s) or a sentence(s)

mentioned before is referred to. Sometimes, however, a demonstrative belonging to the こ-series is
used instead. In this case, the writer wants to describe something to the reader as though it really
existed then and there.

東京にない物が１つだけある。それは美しい⾃然だ。

There’s one thing missing in Tokyo. And that’s beautiful nature.

わたしがいちばん欲しい物は[どこでもドア」です。このドアを開けると、どこでも⾏き
たい所へ⾏けます。

What I want most is a “magic door”. When you open this door, you can go anywhere you want.

7. それは～

ブロードウェイでミュージカルを⾒たいと思うんですが…。

それはいいですね。
I’d like to see a musical on Broadway…

That sounds nice.

来⽉から⼤阪の本社に転勤なんです。

それはおめでとうございます。

I will be transferred to the Osaka head of ce next month.

Congratulations!

時々頭や胃が痛くなるんです。

それはいけませんね。

Sometimes I have pains in my stomach and head.

That’s bad.

それabove refers to what is stated just before.

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Minna no Nihongo lesson 32
1. Vた-form ほうがいい

    Vない-formない  ほうがいい

毎⽇運動したほうがいいです。

It is good to do some exercise everyday.

熱があるんです。

じゃ、おふろに⼊らないほうがいいですよ。

I have got a fever.

So, you had better not take a bath.

This pattern is used to make suggestions or to give advice. Depending on the situation, this
expression may sound like you are imposing your opinion on the listener. Therefore, consider the
context of the conversation carefully before using it.

[Note] The difference between ～たほうがいいand ～たらいい.

⽇本のお寺が⾒たいんですが…。(*)

じゃ、京都へ⾏ったらいいですよ。

I would like to see some Japanese temples.

So, it would be a good idea to go to Kyoto.

Example (*) illustrates a situation in which a simple suggestion is given. In such cases～たらいい
is used. ～たほうがいいimplies a comparison and a choice between two things even if it is not
expressed in words.
 2. Plain form でしょう

な-adj / N：～だ  → ～な

This pattern expresses the speaker’s inference from some information he/she has. When used in a
question like (**), the speaker asks for the listener’s inference.

あしたは⾬が降るでしょう。

It will rain tomorrow.

タワポンさんは合格するでしょうか。(**)

Do you think Mr. Thawaphon will pass the exam?

3. Plain formかもしれません

な-adj / N：～だ  → ～な

～かもしれませんalso expresses the speaker’s inference, and means that there is a possibility that
some event or state occurred/occurs/will occur. The degree of certainty however is much lower than
with ～でしょう.

約束の時間に間に合わないかもしれません。

We might not be in time for the appointment.

4. きっと／たぶん／もしかしたら

1) きっと

This adverb indicates that the speaker is quite certain of what he/she is saying. The probability
ranges from quite high to same level as that of ～でしょう.

ミラーさんはきっと来ます。

Mr. Miller will surely come.

あしたはきっと⾬でしょう。
 It will undoubted rain tomorrow.

2) たぶん

This adverb entails less certainty thanきっと, and is mostly used with～でしょう . As shown
below, たぶんis very often used with とおもいます.

ミラーさんは来るでしょうか。

たぶん来るでしょう。

Do you think Mr. Miller will come?

I guess so.

⼭⽥さんはこのニュースをたぶん知らないと思います。

I guess Mr. Yamada does not know this news.

3) もしかしたら

This adverb is used with～かもしれません in most cases. A sentence withもしかしたら

expresses the idea that there is less of a possibility of some event or situation occurring.

もしかしたら３⽉に卒業できないかもしれません。

There is a possibility I might be unable to graduate in March.

5. 何か⼼配なこと

何か⼼配なことがありますか。(***)

Is anything bothering you?

As shown in (***), you cannot say しんぱいな  なにか, but you should rather say なにか しぱい
なこと. Other similar examples are なにか～もの, どこか～ところ, だれか～ひと, いつか～と
き, etc.

スキーに⾏きたいんですが、どこかいい所ありませんか。

I want to go skiing. Could you recommend a good ski resort?

6. Quanti er で

でadded to a quanti er indicates the limit of a price, time, quantity, etc., necessary for a state, an
action or an event to be realized.
fi
fi
駅まで３０分で⾏けますか。

Can I reach the station in thirty minutes?

３万円でビデオが買えますか。

Can I buy a video player for 30,000 yen?

Minna no Nihongo lesson 33

1. Imperative and prohibitive forms

1) How to make imperative form of verbs

Group I: Change the last sound of the ます-form into the sound of the え-line.

Group II: Attach ろto the ます-form.

Group III: しますbecomesしろ, and きますbecomes こい.

[Note] Non-volitional verbs such as わかる, できる, ある, etc., do not have imperative forms.

2) How to make the prohibitive form of verbs

With every verb, attach なto the dictionary form.

2. Use of the imperative and prohibitive forms.

1) The imperative form is used to force a person to do something and the prohibitive form is used to
command a person not to do something. Both the imperative and prohibitive forms have strong
coercive connotations, so much so that the use of these forms alone or at the end of an imperative
sentence is very limited. In colloquial expressions, the use of either form is, in most cases, limited
to male speakers.

2) Both the imperative and prohibitive forms are used alone or at the end of a sentence in the
following instances:

– By a man senior in status or age to a person junior to him, or by a father to his child.

早く寝ろ。                                        Go to bed immediately.

遅れるな。                                        Don’t be late.

– Between men who are friends. In this case, the particleよ is often attached at the end of the
sentence to soften the tone.

あしたうちへ来い[よ]。                  Come to my house tomorrow.

あまり飲むな[よ]。                          Don’t drink too much.

– When there is not enough time to be very polite; e.g., when giving instructions to a large number
of people in a factory or during an emergency, etc. Even in this case, they may be used only by men
senior in status or age.

逃げろ。                                            Run.

エレベーターを使うな。                Don’t use the elevator.

– When a command is required during training many people or making students take exercise at
schools and sport clubs.

休め。                                            Rest.

休むな。                                            Don’t rest.

– When cheering at sporting events. In this case the expressions below are sometimes used by
women as well.

頑張れ。                                            Fight!

負けるな。                                        Don’t lose!

– When a strong impact or brevity is required, as in traf c sign or in slogan.

⽌まれ。                                            Stop.

⼊るな。                                            Don’t enter.

[Note] Vます-form なさいis another imperative style. It is used by parents to their children or by
teachers to their students and is a little gentler than the imperative form. So women use in this style
instead of the imperative form. Yet it is not used when speaking to a senior.

勉強しなさい。                                Study.

3. ～と読みますand～と書いてあります

あの漢字は何と読むんですか。

How do you read that Kanji?

あそこに「⽌まれ｣と書いてあります。

“Tomare” is written over there.

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とabove indicates the content in the same way as とof～といいます (Lesson 21).

4. X はY という意味です

“X” means “Y”

This pattern is used to de ne the meaning of the word represented by “X” .という comes from と
いいます. The interrogativeどういう is used to ask the meaning.

「⽴⼊禁⽌」は⼊るなという意味です。

“Tachiiri-Kinshi” means don’t enter.

このマークはどういう意味ですか。

洗濯機で洗えるという意味です。

What does this sign mean?

It means machine washable.

5. “ S “ と⾔っていました

    plain formと⾔っていました

～といいましたis used when quoting a third person’s words (Lesson 21), while ～といっていま
したis used when conveying a third person’s message.

⽥中さんは「あした休みました」と⾔っていました。

Mr. Tanaka said, “I will take a day off work tomorrow.”

⽥中さんはあした休むと⾔っていました。

Mr. Tanaka said that he would take a day off work tomorrow.

6. “ S “ と伝えていただけませんか

    plain formと伝えていただけませんか
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These expressions are used when politely asking someone to convey a message.

ワンさんに「あとで電話をください」と伝えていただけませんか。

Could you please tell Mr. Wang to give me a call later?

すみませんが、渡辺さんにあしたのパーティーは６時からだと伝えていただけませんか。

Could you please tell Ms. Watanabe that the party tomorrow will be from 6 o’clock?

Minna no Nihongo lesson 34

1. V1 dictionary form / V1た-form / Nの +とおりに、V2

1) V1とおりに、V2

This means to copy exactly in words or actions (V2) what one has heard, seen, read or learnt, etc.
(V1).

わたしがやるとおりに、やってください。

Please do as I do.

わたしが⾔うとおりに、書いてください。

Please write down what I say as it is.

⾒たとおりに、話してください。

Please tell us what you saw as it was.

The dictionary form is used when the action denoted by V1 is going to be done from now, and the
た-form is used when the action denoted by V1 has already been done.

2) Nのとおりに、 V

This means that an action (V) is done in accordance with the manner shown by the preceding
phrase.

線のとおりに、紙を切ってください。

Please cut the paper following the line.

説明書のとおりに、組み⽴てました。

I assembled it according to the handbook.

 2. V1た-form / Nの + あとで、V2

This sentence pattern means the action or occurrence denoted by V2 takes place after the action or
occurrence denoted by V1 or N has taken place.

新しいのを買ったあとで、なくした時計が⾒つかりました。

After I bought a new watch, I found the one I’d lost.

仕事のあとで、飲みに⾏きませんか。

Shall we go and have a drink after work?

Compared with Vて-formから, which has a similar meaning, Vた-form あとでemphasizes the
time context in which the respective events happen.

3. V1て-form / V1ない-formないで + V2

V1 is an action or condition which accompanies the action denoted by V2.

しょうゆをつけて⾷べます。

We eat it with soy sauce.

しょうゆをつけないで⾷べます。

We eat it without soy sauce.

4. V1ない-form ないで + V2

This pattern is used when the speaker indicates a course of action taken out of two alternative
possibilities presented.

⽇曜⽇はどこも⾏かないで、うちでゆっくり休みます。

Next Sunday I won’t go anywhere. I will rest at home instead.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 35
1. How to make the conditional form

Verb

Group I: Change the last sound of the ます-form into the sound of the え-line and attach ば.

Group II: Attach ればto the ます-form.

Group III: きますbecomesくれば, andします becomesすれば.

い-adj: Change the last いof the い-adjectives into ければ.

な-adj: Delete the last なof the な-adjectives and attach なら.

Noun: Attach ならto the noun.

2. Conditional form

With the use of the conditional form, the former part of the sentence describes the requirements
needed for an event or occurrence to manifest itself.

When the subject of the former part is the same as that of the latter, you cannot use verbs containing
volition in both parts of the sentence at the same time.

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

ボタンを押せば、窓が開きます。

If you push the button, the window will open.

 彼が⾏けば、わたしも⾏きます。

If he goes, I will go, too.

いい天気なら、向こうに島が⾒えます。

When it is ne, an island can be seen over there.

2) When describing the speaker’s judgement on what the other person has said or the situation:

ほかに意⾒がなければ、これで終わりましょう。

If you don’t have any other opinions, let’s close this meeting now.

あしたまでにレポートを出さなければなりませんか。

無理なら、⾦曜⽇までに出してください。

Do I have to hand in the report by tomorrow?

If it is possible, hand it in by this Friday.

[Note] Similar expressions that you have learned so far:

[1] ～と

～とis used when the result derived from the action described before とis inevitable. It is a
predictable event or an unavoidable fact. ～とcannot not be used when it comes to the speaker’s
wishes, judgement, permission, hopes, requests, etc.

ここを押すと、ドアが開きます。

Press here, and the door will open.

We can also use ～ば.

ここを押せば、ドアが開きます。

If you press here, the door will open.

[2] ～たら

As you learned in Lesson 25, ～たらhas two usages: (1) it is a conditional expression, and (2) it
indicates that an action or state will occur or appear when certain conditions have been met.

時間がなかったら、テレビを⾒ません。(*)
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 If I don’t have time, I will not watch television.

時間がなければ、テレビを⾒ません。(**)

If I don’t have time, I will not watch television.

ｘ 時間がないと、テレビを⾒ません。

東京へ来たら、ぜひ連絡してください。(***)

ｘ 東京へ来れば、ぜひ連絡してください。

In (*) and (**), ～たらand ～ばcan be used, as unlike ～と, they are followed by expressions
re ecting the speaker’s will. In (***), however, only ～たらmay be used because the subjects in the
former and the latter denote the same person and both verbs are volitional. Although ～たらhas the
widest range of use, as is shown above, it is not usually used in newspaper articles and business
reports because it is colloquial.

3. N なら、～

N ならis also used when the speaker takes up the topic introduced by the other person and gives
some information on it.

温泉に⾏きたいんですが、どこかいい所ありませんか。

温泉なら、⽩⾺がいいですよ。

I want to visit a hot spring resort. Don’t you know any good place?

If you are talking about hot springs, Hakuba may be good.

4. Interrogative V conditional form いいですか

This expression is used to ask for directions or suggestions as to the best course of action. It is used
in the same way as ～たらいいですかthat you learned in Lesson 26.

本を借りたいんですが、どうすればいいですか。

I would like to borrow some books. What should I do?

本を借りたいんですが、どうしたらいいですか。

I would like to borrow some books. What should I do?

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5.

V V dictionary form

い-adj conditional form い-adj（～い） ほど～

な-adj な-adjな

ビートルズの⾳楽は聞けば聞くほど好きになります。

The more I listen to the music of the Beatles, the better I like it.

パソコンは操作が簡単なら簡単なほどいいです。

The easier of the operation, the better the computer

The same verb or adjective is used in front of both ば/ならand ほどin the same sentence. This
pattern expresses that the degree described in the latter part of the sentence increases/decreases with
the change of the degree described in the former.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 36

1.

V1 dictionary form
ように、V2
V1ない-formない
  V1 indicates a purpose or an aim, while V2 indicates a volitional action to get closer to that
objective.

速く泳げるように、毎⽇練習しています。

I practice every day so that I can swim fast.

忘れないように、メモしてください。

Please take a memo so that you will not forget.

The dictionary form of non-volitional verbs such as potential verbs, わかります, みえます,きこえ
ます, なります, etc., or a verb in its negative form should be used before ように.

2.
V dictionary formように
なります
Vない-formなく
1) なりますindicates that a state changes into another state. The verbs used here express ability or
possibility: such as potential verbs, わかります, みえます, etc. V dictionary form ようになりま
すindicates that a state in which something cannot be done has changed into a state in which it can
be done. Vない-formなくなります indicates the reverse (i.e., something can no longer be done).

毎⽇練習すれば、泳げるようになります。

If you practice every day, you will become able to swim.

やっと⾃転⾞に乗れるようになりました。

I’ve nally become able to ride a bicycle.

年を取ると、⼩さい字が読めなくなります。

As you get older, you cannot read small letters.

太りましたから、好きな服が着られなくなりました。

I gained weight so I can no longer wear my favorite dress.

2) How to give a negative answer to ～ようになりましたかis as follows:

ショパンが弾けるようになりましたか。

いいえ、まだ弾けません。
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Have you become able to play work by Chopin?

No, not yet.

[Note] Using a verb which does not re ect ability will render the meaning that a habit which does
not exist before has been acquired or a habit which existed before has become obsolete.

⽇本⼈は１００年ぐらいまえから⽜⾁や豚⾁を⾷べるようになりました。The Japanese
started to eat beef and pork from about 100 years ago.

⾞を買ってから、わたしはあまり歩かなくなりました。I do not walk much since I bought a

car.

Such verbs as なれる, ふとる, やせる, etc., which denotes change itself cannot be used in this
sentence pattern.

3.

V dictionary form
ようにします
Vない-formない

This sentence pattern is used to express that one habitually or continuously makes efforts to do
something or not to do something.

1) ～ようにしています

This expresses that one habitually and continuously tries to do something.

毎⽇運動して、何でも⾷べるようにしています。

I try to take exercise every day and eat a variety of foods.

歯に悪いですから、⽢いものを⾷べないようにしています。

I try not to eat sweets because they are bad for my teeth.

2)  ～ようにしてください

～て／～ないでくださいare direct request expressions, while ～ようにしてくださいis an

indirect request expression and more polite than the former. This pattern is used as shown below.

When requesting someone to try to do something habitually and continuously.

もっと野菜を⾷べるようにしてください。

Please try to eat more vegetables.

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When politely requesting someone to try to do something in a one-off situation.

あしたは絶対に時間に遅れないようにしてください。

Please be sure not to be late tomorrow.

[Note] ～ようにしてくださいcannot be used when requesting something to be done on the spot.

すみませんが、塩を取ってください。

Excuse me, please pass me the salt.

ｘ すみませんが、塩を取るようにしてください。

4. とか

～とかis used to give some examples just like～や, but ～とかis more colloquial. Unlike や, とか
sometimes comes after the last noun to be mentioned.

どんなスポーツをしていますか。

そうですね。テニスとか⽔泳とか…。

What kind of sports do you do?

Well, playing tennis, swimming, and so on.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 37

1. Passive verbs

How to make passive verbs

 Passive verbs

polite form plain form

I かきます かかれます かかれる

II ほめます ほめられます ほめられる

きます こられます こられる

III
します されます される
All passive verbs are Group II verbs; they conjugate into the dictionary form, ない-form, て-form,
etc.

e.g. かかれる, かかれ(ない), かかれて

2. N1 (person1)は N2 (person2)に V passive

When a person (person2)’s action is directed to another person (person1), person1 can state it from
his/her side by using this sentence pattern. In this case, person1 becomes the topic of the sentence,
person2 is marked with に, and a passive verb is used.

先⽣はわたしを褒めました。

My teacher praised me.

わたしは先⽣に褒められました。

I was praised by my teacher.

母はわたしに買い物を頼みました。

My mother asked me to go shopping.

わたしは母に買い物を頼まれました。

I was asked to go shopping by my mother.

Something that moves (animals, cars, etc.) can replace person2 in this sentence pattern.

わたしは⽝にかまれました。

I was bitten by a dog.

3. N1 (person1)は N2 (person2)にN3を V passive
When a person (person2)’s action is directed to an object belonging to another person (person 1),
and person1 feels annoyed or troubled, person1 uses this sentence pattern to express his/her
feelings.

弟がわたしのパソコンを壊しました。

My brother broke my personal computer.

わたしは弟にパソコンを壊されました。(*)

I had my personal computer broken by my brother.

Like in sentence pattern 2 above, an animate object or something that moves can replace person2.

わたしは⽝に⼿をかまれました。

I had my hand bitten by a dog.

[Note 1] In this sentence pattern, the topic of the sentence is not the object (N3) of the verb but
person1 (N1), who feel annoyed or troubled by what person2 does to the object belonging to him/
her. Thusわたしのパソコンはおとうとにこわされました is not correct. You should use
sentence (*) shown above instead.

[Note 2] As this sentence pattern is used when person1 is troubled by what person2 does, it cannot
be used when person1 is grateful for what person2 does. ～てもらいますis used instead.

わたしは友達に⾃転⾞を修理してもらいました。I had my bicycle repaired by my friend.

ｘ わたしは友達に⾃転⾞を修理されました。

4. N (thing) が／はV passive

When you need not mention the person who does the action denoted by a verb, you can make the
object of the verb the subject of the sentence. In this case, a passive verb is used.

フランスで昔の⽇本の絵が発⾒されました。

An old Japanese picture has been discovered in France.

⽇本の⾞は世界中へ輸出されています。

Japanese cars are exported all over the world.

会議は神戸で開かれました。

The assembly was held in Kobe.

5. N1 はN2 (person) によってV passive
When something is created or discovered, and it is stated using a passive verb, the person who
created or discovered it is indicated by によってinstead ofに. Verbs like かきます, はつめいしま
す, はっけんします, etc., are used in this sentence pattern.

「源⽒物語」は紫式部によって書かれました。

“The Tale of Genji” was written by Murasaki Shikibu.

電話はベルによって発明されました。

The telephone was invented by Bell.

6. Nから／ Nでつくります

When something is made from a raw material, the material is marked withから. When it is obvious
to the eye that something is made of a particular material, the material is marked with で.

ビールは麦から造られます。

Beer is made from barley.

昔 ⽇本の家は⽊で造られました。

Japanese houses were made of wood in the past.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 38

1. V plain formの

Attach the particle のto the plain form of a verb and you can nominalize the phrase accompanying
that verb.

2. V dictionary formのは adjectiveです

テニスはおもしろいです。(*)

Tennis is fun.

テニスをするのはおもしろいです。(**)

Playing tennis is fun.

 テニスを⾒るのはおもしろいです。(***)

Watching tennis is fun.

(*) simply refers to tennis as a sport, while (**) and (***) are more speci c in referring to either
playing or watching tennis. Such adjectives as むずかしい, やさしい, おもしろい, たのしい, き
けん[な], たいへん[な], etc., are frequently used in this sentence pattern.

3. V dictionary formのが adjectiveです

わたしは花が好きです。

I like owers.

わたしは花をそだてるのが好きです。

I like growing owers.

東京の⼈は歩くのが速いです。

People in Tokyo walk fast.

The adjectives which are used in this sentence pattern are usually ones that describe likes or dislikes
and skills or capabilities such as すき[な], きらい[な], じょうず[な], へた[な], はやい, おそい,
etc.

4. V dictionary form のを忘れました

forgot to do …

かぎを忘れました。

I forgot the key.

⽜乳を買うのを忘れました。

I forgot to buy milk.

⾞の窓を閉めるのを忘れました。

I forgot to close the car window.

5. V plain formのを知っていますか。

Do you know that …?

fl
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This is an expression asking whether the listener knows what is described in the clause preceding
の.

鈴⽊さんが来⽉結婚するのを知っていますか。

Do you know that Mr. Suzuki is going to get married next month?

[Note] The difference betweenしりません and しりませんでした.

⽊村さんに⾚ちゃんが⽣まれたのを知っていますか。(i)

いいえ、知りませんでした。

Do you know that Ms. Kimura had a baby?

No, I didn’t.

ミラーさんの住所を知っていますか。(ii)

いいえ、知りません。

Do you know Mr. Miller’s address?

No, I don’t.

しりませんでしたis used in an example (i), because the person replying has got the information
from the question. In example (ii), however, しりませんis used because the person replying has not
got any information from the question.

6. Plain form のはNです

   な-adj / N：～だ → ～な

娘は北海道の⼩さな町で⽣まれました。

My daughter was born in a small town in Hokkaido.

娘が⽣まれたのは北海道の⼩さな町です。

My daughter’s birthplace is a small town in Hokkaido.

１２⽉は１年で⼀番忙しいです。

December is the busiest month of the year.

１年でいちばん忙しいのは１２⽉です。
The busiest month of the year is December.

This pattern is used when a noun representing a thing, a person, a place,  etc., is replaced with の
and then taken up as the topic of the sentence.

7. ～ときも／～ときや／～ときの／～ときに、etc.

Various particles can be attached to ～とき, which you learned in Lesson 23, because the word と
きis a noun.

疲れたときや寂しいとき、⽥舎を思い出す。

I remember my hometown when I am tired or lonely.

⽣まれたときから、ずっと⼤阪に住んでいます。

I have been living in Osaka since I was born.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 39

1.

Vて-form

Vない-formなくて
、～
い-adj (～い) → ～くて

な-adj [な] → で

In this sentence pattern, the rst part of the sentence presents a cause and the second part
presents the consequence produced by the cause. Unlike ～からthat you learned in Lesson 9,
this pattern has many constraints over its usage.
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1) The words which come in the latter part are limited to those words which do not contain volition:

– Verbs and adjectives to express feelings, such as びっくりする, あんしんする, こまる, さびし
い, うれしい, ざんねんだ, etc.:

ニュースを聞いて、びっくりしました。

I was surprised to hear the news.

家族に会えなくて、寂しいです。

I’m sad because I can’t meet my family

– Potential verbs and verbs to express states:

⼟曜⽇は都合が悪くて、⾏けません。

Saturday is inconvenient for me, so I cannot come.

話が複雑で、よくわかりませんでした。

The story was complicated, so I could not understand it well.

– Situations in the past:

事故があって、バスが遅れてしまいました。

The bus was delayed by an accident.

授業に遅れて、先⽣にしかれました。

I was late for the lesson, so I was scolded by my teacher.

2) Expressions containing volition (will, orders, invitation or request) are not used in the latter part
of the sentence. When the latter part of the sentence contains volition, the phrase with てcannot be
used and instead the phrase withから is used.

危ないですから、機械に触らないでください。

It is dangerous, so please do not touch the machine.

ｘ 危なくて、機械に触らないでください。

3) In this sentence pattern, the rst part and the second part of the sentence are sequential events. In
other words, the rst part takes place rst and the second part takes place after that.

あした会議がありますから、きょう準備しなければなりません。
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The meeting will be held tomorrow, so we have to make preparations for it today.

ｘ あした会議があって、きょう準備しなければなりません。

2. Nで

The particleで that you learn in this lesson indicates a cause. Nouns used in this case are those
which indicate natural phenomena, happenings, events such as じこ, じしん, かじ, etc. As with
sentence pattern in 1., in this construction expressions containing volition are not used as predicates.

地震でビルが倒れました。

Because of the earthquake, a building collapsed.

病気で会社を休みました。

Because of illness, I took a day off work.

ｘ 病気であした会社を休みたいです。

3. Plain form ので、～

な-adj / N：～だ  x ～な

Like～から that you learned in Lesson 9, ～のでindicates causes and reasons. While ～から
subjectively highlights a cause or a reason, ～のでobjectively presents a cause and effect
relationship as a natural course of events. As the use of ～のでsoftens the view of the speaker,
leaving a weak impact on the listener, it is often used to express a reason gently, to ask for
permission or to make an excuse.

⽇本語がわからないので、英語で話していただけませんか。

I don’t understand Japanese, so would you please speak in English?

⽤事があるので、お先に失礼します。

May I leave now? I have something to do.

As it is soft expression, it is not used with the imperative or the prohibitive forms.

危ないから、機械に触るな。

Don’t touch the machine because it’s dangerous.

ｘ 危ないので、機械に触るな。
[Note]ので is used with the plain form as shown above. In more polite expressions, however, it can
be used with the polite form.

⽤事がありますので、お先に失礼します。

（＝⽤事があるので、お先に失礼します。）

May I leave now? I have something to do.

4. 途中で

とちゅうでmeans “during” or “on the way to”. It follows V dictionary form or N の.

実は来る途中で事故があって、バスが遅れてしまったんです。

Actually, on my way here there was an accident and the bus was delayed.

マラソンの途中で気分が悪くなりました。

I got sick during the marathon.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 40

1. Interrogative + plain form + か、～

な-adj / N：～だ  → ～な

A question with an interrogative is used as a component of a sentence in this sentence pattern.

JL107便は何時に到着するか、調べてください。

Please check what time JL107 will arrive.

結婚のお祝いは何がいいか、話しています。

We are talking about what to give as a wedding present.

わたしたちが初めて会ったのはいつか、覚えていますか。

Do you remember when it was that we rst met?

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 2. Plain form + かどうか、～

な-adj / N：～だ  → ～な

A question without an interrogative is used as a component of a sentence in this sentence pattern.

Note that どうかis necessary after “plain form か“.

忘年会に出席するかどうか、２０⽇までに返事をください。

Please answer by the 20th whether you’ll attend the year-end party or not.

その話はほんとうかどうか、わかりません。

I don’t know whether the story is true or not.

まちがいがないかどうか、調べてください。(*)

Please check if there are no mistakes.

In (*), not まちがいがあるかどうかbut まちがいがないかどうかis used before because the

speaker wants to con rm that there are no mistakes.

3. Vて-form みます

This sentence pattern is used to show that the action denoted by the verb is a trial.

もう⼀度考えてみます。

I’ll think it over again.

宇宙から地球を⾒てみたいです。

I want to see the earth from space (to know how it looks).

このズボンをはいてみてもいいですか。

May I try on this pair of trousers?

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 4. い-adj (～い) → ～さ

Change the nal いof an い-adjective into さ, and you can transform the adjective into a noun.

e.g.,  ⾼いà⾼さ ⾧い à⾧さ 速い à 速さ

⼭の⾼さはどうやって測るか、知っていますか。

Do you know how to measure the height of a mountain?

新しい橋の⾧さは3,911メートです。

The new bridge is 3,911 meters long.

5. ハンスは学校でどうでしょうか。

～でしょうか, which is used to ask a question whose answer the listener might be uncertain of, is
also used to ask a question whose answer the listener is sure to be able to give. In this case, it is
euphemistic and hence more polite.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 41

1. Expressions for giving and receiving

In Lesson 7 and 24, you learned expressions for the giving and receiving of things and actions. In
this lesson, you will learn other expressions for giving and receiving things and actions, but these
re ect the relationship between the giver and the receiver.

1) N1に N2をやります

When the receiver is a person of lower status or an animal or plant, やりますis normally used.
However, when the receiver is a person, あげますis often preferred in current Japanese.

わたしは息⼦にお菓⼦をやりました（あげました）。

I gave some sweets to my son.

わたしはいぬにえさをやりました。

I gave some food to the dog.

[Note] さしあげますis used when the speaker wants to show particular deference to the receiver.

2) N1に N2 をいただきます
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When the speaker receives a thing from a person of higher social status, いただきますis used
instead of もらいます.

わたしは部⾧にお⼟産をいただきました。

I received a souvenir from the manager.

3) [わたし]にNをくださいます

When a person of higher social status gives the speaker something, くださいますis used instead of
くれます.

部⾧がわたしにお⼟産をくださいました。

The manager gave me a souvenir.

くださいますis also used when the receiver is a member of the speaker’s family.

部⾧が娘にお⼟産をくださいました。

The manager gave a souvenir to my daughter.

2. Giving and receiving of actions

やります, いただきます, and くださいますare also used in expressing the giving and receiving
of actions. Examples are shown below.

1) Vて-formやります

わたしは息⼦に紙⾶⾏機を作ってやりました（あげました）。

I made a paper plan for my son.

わたしは⽝を散歩を連れて⾏ってやりました。

I took my dog for a walk.

わたしは娘の宿題を⾒てやりました（あげました）。

I checked my daughter’s homework.

[Note] Like ～てあげます, which you learned in Lesson 24, ～てさしあげますmay leave an
impression of arrogance. So, it is advisable not to use these expressions directly to a person of
higher social status.

2) Vて-form いただきます
わたしは課⾧に⼿紙のまちがいを直していただきました。

I had my letter corrected by section chief.

3) Vて-formくださいます

部⾧の奥さんは[わたしに]お茶を教えてくださいました。

The manager’s wife taught me the tea ceremony.

部⾧は[わたしを]駅まで送ってくださいました。

The manager took me to the station.

部⾧は[わたしの]レポートを直してくださいました。

The manager corrected my report.

3. Vて-formくださいませんか

～てくださいませんかis a polite expression of request, although it is less polite than～ていただ

けませんか in Lesson 26.

コピー機の使い⽅を教えてくださいませんか。

Will you kindly show me how to use the photocopier?

コピー機の使い⽅を教えていただけませんか。

Would you kindly show me how to use the photocopier?

4. N にV

The particleに means “as a token of” or “in memory of”.

⽥中さんが結婚のお祝いにこのお⽫をくださいました。

Mr. Tanaka gave this plate as my wedding gift.

わたしは北海道旅⾏のお⼟産に⼈形を買いました。

I bought a doll as a souvenir of the trip to Hokkaido.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 42
1.
V dictionary form
in order to V

ために、～
for N
Nの

This sentence pattern indicates a purpose.

⾃分の店を持つために、貯⾦しています。

I am saving money in order to have my own shop.

引っ越しのために、⾞を借ります。

I will rent a car for the move.

N のためにis also used to mean “for the bene t of N”.

健康のために、毎朝⾛っています。

For my health, I jog every morning.

家族のために、うちを建てます。

I will build a house for my family.

[Note 1] ～ように, which you learned in Lesson 36, is also used to express a purpose. ～ようにis
used with verbs that do not contain volition, while ～ためにis used with verbs that do. Compare
the two sentences below.

⾃分の店を持つために、貯⾦しています。(*)

⾃分の店を持てるように、貯⾦しています。(**)

I am saving money in order to be able to have my own shop.

(*) means that one has intentionally set up the objective of ‘having a shop” and “is saving” money
to attain that objective, while (**) means one’s objective is a state in which “a shop may be gained”
and one “is saving money” in order to get closer to that state.

[Note 2] なりますindicates either volition or non-volition.

弁護⼠になるために、法律を勉強しています。
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I study law in order to become a lawyer.

⽇本語が上⼿になるように、毎⽇勉強しています。

I study every day so that my Japanese may improve.

2.
V dictionary form の
に～
N

As you learned in Lesson 38, V dictionary form のcan be used as a noun phrase. V dictionary form
のにand N にare followed by such expressions as つかう, いい, べんりだ, やくにたつ, [じかん
が]かかる, etc., and indicate a purpose.

このはさみは花を切るのに使います。

This pair of scissors is used to cut owers.

このかばんは⼤きくて、旅⾏に便利です。

This bag is big and convenient for trips.

電話番号を調べるのに時間がかかりました。

It took a lot of time to nd the telephone number.

[Note] Different ways of expressing purpose.

Let us summarize the expressions for indicating purpose that you have learned so far.

V ます-form
に⾏きます／来ます／帰ります
N

神戸へ船を⾒に⾏きます。

I’ll go to Kobe to look at the ships.

⽇本へ経済の勉強に来ました。

I came to Japan to study economics.

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fl
 V dictionary form (non-volitional
expression)
ように、 ～(volitional expression)

Vない-formない

早く届くように、速達で出しました。

I will mail this by special delivery so that it can get there earlier.

忘れないように、メモします。

I make a note so that I don’t forget.

V dictionary form (volitional

expression)
ために、 ～(volitional expression)

Nの

⼤学に⼊るために、⼀⽣懸命勉強します。

I study as hard as possible in order to enter university.

健康のために、野菜をたくさん⾷べます。

I eat a lot of vegetables for my health.

V dictionary formの に使います／役に⽴ちます／[時間]がかかります

N にいいです／便利です／必要です

ファイルは書類を整理するのに使います。

Files are used to put paper in order.

近くに店がなくて、買い物に不便です。

There are no stores nearby, so it is inconvenient for shopping.

 3. Quanti erは

When attached to a quanti er, the particle はindicates the minimum amount that the speaker
estimates is required or necessary.

⽇本では結婚式をするのに２００万円は要ります。

In Japan you need at least 2 million yen to hold a wedding.

4. Quanti erも

When attached to a quanti er, the particle indicates that the speaker thinks that the amount
mentioned is a lot.

駅まで⾏くのに２時間もかかりました。

It took as long as two hours to get to the station.

うちを建てるのに３０００万円も必要なんですか。

You need as much as 30 million yen to build a house?

Minna no Nihongo lesson 43

1.
Vます-form

い-adj（～い） そうです looks like

な-adj [な]

 When the look of a thing leads you to a supposition, you can state your supposition using this
sentence pattern. The supposition is basically based on the appearance of a thing, a person,
scene, etc.

1) Vます-formそうです

When the present state makes the speaker presuppose an occurrence, the speaker uses this sentence
pattern to state it. いまにも, もうすぐ, これから, etc., are added to refer to the time when the
speaker thinks the occurrence will take place.

今にも⾬が降りそうです。

It looks like it will rain at any moment.

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シャンプーがなくなりそうです。

It looks like we are running out of shampoo.

もうすぐ桜が咲きそうです。

The cherry blossoms may soon be in bloom.

これから寒くなりそうです。

It seems it’ll be getting cold from now on.

2)
い-adj（～い）
そうです
な-adj [な]

This means that although something has not been con rmed as a fact, it looks so judging from the
appearance.

この料理は⾟そうです。

This dish looks spicy.

彼⼥は頭がよさそうです。

She seems to have brain.

この机は丈夫そうです。

This desk looks strong and durable.

[Note] When you want to describe others’ feelings, adjectives expressing emotions (うれしい、か
なしい、さびしい、etc.) should be used with ～そうです. This is because you can only guess
how other people feel.

ミラーさんはうれしそうです。

Mr. Miller looks happy.

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2. Vて-form来ます

1) Vて-formきます means “to go somewhere, do something and come back”.

ちょっとたばこを買って来ます。(*)

I’m just popping out to buy cigarettes.

(*) means the person goes to the place where cigarettes are sold, to buy some cigarettes there, and
then come back to the place where the person was.

The place where the person goes and does something is indicated by で. Exceptionally it is
indicated by からwhen a thing is moved from the place, and the move itself is the purpose of the
person’s action.

スーパーで⽜乳を買って来ます。

I’m going to the supermarket to buy some milk (and coming back).

台所からコップを取って来ます。

I’m going to fetch a glass from the kitchen.

2) N (place)へ⾏って来ます

The て-form ofいきますis used beforeきます in this pattern, which means “to go somewhere and
then come back”. It is used when you don’t specify the action you do at the place where you go.

郵便局へ⾏って来ます。

I’m going to the post of ce (and coming back).

3) 出かけて来ます

The て-form ofでかけます is used beforeきます, which means “to go out and come back”. It is
used when you don’t specify the place where you go nor the action you do at the place.

ちょっと出かけて来ます。

I’m going out (and coming back soon).

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Minna no Nihongo lesson 44
1.
Vます-form

い-adj (～い) すぎます

な-adj [な]
～すぎますindicates that the degree of an action or a state is excessive. Therefore, it is usually
used with reference to undesirable states.

ゆうべお酒を飲みすぎました。

I drank too much last night.

このセーターは⼤きすぎます。

This sweater is too large (for me).

～すぎますis classi ed as Group II verb and therefore conjugates in the same way.

e.g.,　のみすぎる、のみすぎ(ない)、のみすぎた

最近の⾞は操作が簡単すぎて、運転がおもしろくないです。

The handling of recent cars is so easy that driving them is not so enjoyable for me.

いくら好きでも、飲みすぎると、体に悪いですよ。

No matter how much you like it, drinking too much is bad for your health.

2.
やすいです
Vます-form
にくいです

1) These phrases depict the easiness or dif culty in handling or doing something.

このパソコンは使いやすいです。

This personal computer is easy to use.

東京は住みにくいです。
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Living in Tokyo is dif cult.

2) These phrases depict the easiness or dif culty in the characteristics of an object or a person
changing or in the likelihood of something happening.

⽩いシャツは汚れやすいです。

A white shirt gets dirty easily.

⾬の⽇は洗濯物が乾きにくいです。

Things won’t dry easily on a rainy day.

[Note]～やすいです and ～にくいですfunction as い-adjectives and conjugates in the same way

as other い-adjectives do.

この薬は砂糖を⼊れると、飲みやすくなりますよ。

If you add some sugar to this medicine, it will be easier to take.

このコップは割れにくくて、安全ですよ。

This glass won’t break easily, so it is safe.

3.
い-adj (～い) → ～く

な-adj [な] → ～に します

Nに
While ～く／～になりますthat you learned in Lesson 19 indicates that something “turns into” a
certain state,～く／ ～にします, as shown in the sentences below, indicates that somebody “turns”
something into a certain state.

⾳を⼤きくします。

I will turn up the volume.

部屋をきれいにします。

I will clean my room.

塩の量を半分にしました。

I reduced the amount of salt by half.

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4. Nにします

Nにしますexpresses selection and/or decision.

部屋はシングルにしますか、ツインにしますか。

Would you like a single room or a twin room?

会議はあしたにします。

I will set the meeting for tomorrow.

5.
い-adj (～い) → ～く
V
な-adj [な] → ～に

When changing adjectives into the forms written above, they function as adverbs.

野菜を細かく切ってください。

Please cut the vegetables into small pieces.

電気や⽔は⼤切に使いましょう。

Let’s conserve electricity and water.

 Minna no Nihongo lesson 45
Part 2: Grammar

1.
V dictionary form

Vた-form

Vない-formない
場合は、～
い-adj (～い)

な-adjな

Nの
～ばあいはis an expression used to talk about a hypothetical situation. The sentence after it
indicates how to cope with such a situation or its consequence. ばあいはfollows either verbs,
adjectives or nouns. Because ばあいis a noun, the form of verbs, い-adjectives, な-adjectives
and nouns connected to it are the same as the forms when modifying nouns.

会議に間に合わない場合は、連絡してください。

If you cannot be in time for the meeting, please inform us.

時間に遅れた場合は、会場に⼊れません。

If you are late, you will not be admitted to the hall.

ファクスの調⼦が悪い場合は、どうしたらいいですか。

In the event that the fax machine does not work well, what should I do?

領収書が必要な場合は、係に⾔ってください。

When you need a receipt, please tell the person in charge.

⽕事や地震の場合は、エレベーターを使わないでください。

In case of re or earthquake, do not use the elevator.

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2. Plain form のに、～

な-adj / N：～だ  → ～な

のにfollows either verbs, adjectives, or nouns. Their forms used with のにare plain form. のにis
used when what is stated in the second clause runs contrary to what is expected from the rst
clause.

約束をしたのに、彼⼥は来ませんでした。(*)

She did not come, even though she promised.

きょうは⽇曜⽇なのに、働かなければなりません。(**)

Even though today is Sunday, I have to work.

In (*), the speaker expects that the woman will come because she promised to do so. So he naturally
feels disappointed that she did not come. In (**), Sunday is normally a holiday, yet the speaker has
to work so he feels dissatis ed. The second clause implies feelings of unexpectedness or
dissatisfaction.[Note] The difference between ～のにand～が／～ても :

わたしの部屋は狭いですが、きれいです。(i)

（X狭いのに）

My room is small but clean.

あした⾬が降っても、出かけます。(ii)

（X⾬が降るのに）

Even if it rains tomorrow, I will go out.

～がand ～てもin (i) and (ii) cannot be substituted with ～のに. This is because (i) simply joins
two different evaluations together and the second clause therein does not represent an unexpected
consequence of what is stated in the rst clause. The rst clause of (ii) suggests a possibility, but ～
のにcan only indicate things that have actually occurred in reality.

約束をしたのに、どうして来なかったんですか。(iii)

（X約束をしましたが）    （X約束をしても）

You promised to come. Why didn’t you come?

～のにin (iii) cannot be substituted with ～がor ～ても. This is because the second clause
expresses a strong reproach.
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Minna no Nihongo lesson 46
1.
V dictionary form

Vて-formいる ところです

Vた-form

The wordところ originally means “place”, but it is also used to indicate a

temporal position. The ところthat you learn in this lesson is the latter and is
used to stress a certain point in time during the course of action.

1) V dictionary formところです

This sentence pattern shows that a person is about to start doing something or
something is about to start. It may be used together with これから, [ちょうど]
いまから, etc., which makes the meaning clearer.

昼ごはんはもう⾷べましたか。

いいえ、これから⾷べるところです。

Have you had lunch yet?

No, I’m going to have it now.

会議はもう始まりましたか。

いいえ、今から始まるところです。

Has the meeting begun yet?

No, it’s just beginning now.

2) Vて-formいるところです

This sentence pattern shows that a person is now doing a certain action or a
certain action is now being done. It is often used with いま.

故障の原因がわかりましたか。
いいえ。今調べているところです。

Do you know what caused the breakdown?

No. We are investigating now.

3) Vた-form ところです

This sentence pattern shows that a person has just nished a certain action or a
certain action has just been completed. It is used together with たったいま, etc.

渡辺さんはいますか。

あ、たった今帰ったところです。

まだエレベーターの所にいるかもしれません。

Is Ms. Watanabe here?

Oh, she’s just left.

She may be somewhere near the elevator.

たった今バスが出たところです。

The bus left just now.

[Note] ～ところですis a noun sentence and is used in various structures. See

this sentence below.

もしもし⽥中ですが、今いいでしょうか。

すみません。今から出かけるところなんです。

Hello. This is Tanaka speaking. May I talk to you now?

Sorry. I’m just going out.

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2. Vた-form ばかりです

This sentence pattern means that not much time has passed since a certain
action or event occurred. It is the expression of the speaker’s feeling and can be
used regardless of the real length of time that has passed if the speaker feels it is
short. In this respect, this sentence pattern is different from Vた-formところで
す, which can only indicate the time when a certain action has just been
completed.

さっき昼ごはんを⾷べたばかりです。

I had lunch only a while ago.

⽊村さんは先⽉この会社に⼊ったばかりです。

Ms. Kimura joined this company only a month ago.

[Note] ～ばかりですis a noun sentence and is used in various structures. See

this sentence below.

このビデオは先週買ったばかりなのに、調⼦がおかしいです。

I bought this video only a week ago, but it isn’t working well.

3.
V dictionary form

Vた-form

Vない-formない
はずです
い-adj (～い)

な-adjな

Nの

The speaker uses this sentence pattern to show he/she is convinced of what is
stated before はずです. By using this sentence pattern, the speaker implies that
he/she has grounds to think so, that it is his/her own judgement, and that he/she
is quite sure of it.
ミラーさんはきょう来るでしょうか。(*)

来るはずですよ。きのう電話がありましたから。

Do you think Mr. Miller will come today?

I’m sure he’ll come. I received a phone call from him yesterday.

In (*), the grounds for the speaker’s judgement is yesterday’s phone call. Based
on this call, the speaker himself judges that Mr. Miller will come today. The
speaker shows his/her rm belief in this judgement by using ～はずです.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 47

1. Plain form そうです

I hear that …

This is an expression for conveying information you have obtained from another source without
adding your own point of view. When the source of information is given, it is indicated by～による
と (according to), placed at the beginning of the sentence.

天気予報によると、あしたは寒くなるそうです。

According to the weather forecast, it will be cold tomorrow.

クララさんは⼦どものとき、フランスに住んでいたそうです。

I heard that Klara lived in France when she was a child.

バリ島はとてもきれいだそうです。

I hear that Bali is very beautiful.

[Note 1] Note that this expression is different in meaning and construction from ～そうですused
for describing an apparent state that you learned in Lesson 43. Compare the following the
sentences.

⾬が降りそうです。                                    It looks like rain.

⾬が降るそうです。                                    I heard that it will rain.

この料理はおいしそうです。                    This food looks delicious.

この料理はおいしいそうです。                I heard that this food is delicious.

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[Note 2] The difference between ～そうです(expression of hearsay) and ～といっていました.

ミラーさんはあした京都へ⾏くそうです。(*)

I hear that Mr. Miller is going to Kyoto tomorrow.

ミラーさんはあした京都へ⾏くと⾔っていました。(**)

Mr. Miller said that he is going to Kyoto tomorrow.

In example (**) the information source is Mr. Miller himself, while in example (*) it is highly
possible that the information source is not necessarily Mr. Miller but somebody else. Another
difference is that in example (**) the words which Mr. Miller said can be quoted directly or
indirectly. In example (*) on the other hand, only the plain form may be used.

2. Plain formようです 

な-adj：～だ  → ～な

N ：～だ  → ～の

It seems that …

～ようですconveys the speaker’s subjective conjecture, which is based on the information

obtained through his/her sensory organs.

A sentence that ends in ようですsometimes accompaniesどうも which suggests the speaker

cannot be certain if what he/she is saying is a fact.

⼈が⼤勢集まっていますね。

事故のようです。パトカーと救急⾞が来ていますよ。

Look, there is a big crowd.

It looks like there’s been an accident. A patrol car and an ambulance are there.

せきも出るし、頭も痛い。どうもかぜをひいたようだ。

I have a cough and a headache. It looks like I’ve caught a cold.

[Note] The difference between ～そうですand ～ようです.

ミラーさんは忙しそうです。(i)

Mr. Miller seems to be busy.

ミラーさんは忙しいようです。(ii)

It seems that Mr. Miller is busy.

Examples (i) indicates an intuitive judgement based on what the speaker has seen of Mr. Miller’s
condition or behavior, and example (ii) indicates the speaker’s judgement based on what he has
read, heard or been told.

3. 声／⾳／におい／味がします

変な⾳がしますね。

There’s a strange sound, isn’t there?

A phenomenon that is perceivable by the senses is described by using ～がします. Expressions in

this category are こえがします, においがします, and あじがします. All these expressions mean
that these things have been perceived or sensed regardless of the speaker’s intention.

Minna no Nihongo lesson 48

1. Causative verbs

How to make causative verbs

Causative verbs

polite form plain form

I いきます いかせます いかせる

II たべます たべさせます たべさせる

きます こさせます こさせる

III
します させます させる

 All causative verbs are Group II verbs; they conjugate into the dictionary form, ない-form,
て-form, etc.

e.g.  いかせる、いかせ(ない)、いかせて
 2. Causative verb sentences

There are two types of causative sentences: those which indicate the subject of an action with を,
and those which indicates it withに. When the verb is intransitive, as in 1) below, をis used, while
when the verb is transitive, as in 2), にis used irrespective of whether the object of the verb is stated
or not.

1) N (person) をV (intransitive) causative

make/let a person V (intransitive verb)

部⾧は加藤さんを⼤阪へ出張させます。(*)

The department manager makes Mr. Kato go to Osaka on business.

わたしは娘を⾃由に遊ばせました。(**)

I let my daughter play freely.

[Note] When an intransitive verb with “N (place) を“ is used in the sentence, the subject of the
action is indicated with に, as shown in (x), but without a phrase with を, the subject of the action is
indicated with を, as shown in (y).

わたしは⼦どもに道の右側を歩かせます。(x)

I make my child walk on the right side of the road.

わたしは⼦どもを歩かせます。(y)

I make my child walk.

2) N (person) に Nを V (transitive) causative

make/let a person V (transitive verb)

朝は忙しいですから、娘に朝ごはんの準備を⼿伝わせます。(i)

I am busy in the morning, so I  make my daughter help prepare breakfast.

先⽣は⽣徒に⾃由に意⾒を⾔わせました。(ii)

The teacher let her students freely voice their opinion.

 3. Usage of causative

Causative verbs indicate compulsion or permission. A causative sentence is used when the
relationship between a senior person and a junior person is very clear (e.g., a parent and child, an
elder brother and younger brother, a superior and subordinates, etc.) and the senior person forces the
junior person to do a certain act, or allows him to do something. (*) and (i) are examples of
compulsion and (**) and (ii) are those of permission. But when the speaker tells a person from
outside his own group that he will make someone from within his group do something, as seen in
the example below, the causative sentence is used regardless of their status.

駅に着いたら、お電話をください。

係の者を迎えに⾏かせますから。

わかりました。

When you arrive at the station, please call me.

I will send a member of my staff to the station to pick you up.

Thank you.

[Note 1] When a junior person has a senior person do a certain action and the senior versus junior
relationship between them is obvious, Vて-form いただきますis used. If the two are equal or the
relationship is delicate in terms of which one is senior, Vて-formもらいます is used instead.

わたしは部⾧に説明していただきました。

I had the department manager explain it to me.

わたしは友達に説明してもらいました。

I had my friend explain it to me.

[Note 2] As shown above, a causative verb usually cannot be used to describe a junior person
having a senior person do something. However, as can be seen below, there is an exception when
verbs denoting emotion such as あんしんする, しんぱいする, がっかりする, よろこぶ (be
glad), かなしむ (feel sad), おこる (get angry), etc., are used.

⼦どものとき、体が弱くて、母を⼼配させました。

When I was a child, my poor health worried my mother.

 4. V causative て-form いただけませんか

Would you please let me do …?

In Lesson 26 you learned Vて-formいただけませんか, which is used to request someone to do

something. V causative て-form いただけませんか, on the other hand, is used to seek permission.

コピー機の使い⽅を教えていただけませんか。

Would you please tell me how to use photocopier?

友達の結婚式があるので、早退させていただけませんか。

As I’m going to attend my friend’s wedding, would you please let me leave earlier?

Minna no Nihongo lesson 49

1. 敬語 (honori c expressions)

You learnけいご in Lesson 49 and 50, けいごare expressions used to show the speaker’s respect
for the listener or the person being referred to. The speaker is expected to show respect depending
on his/her relationship with the listener or the person being referred to. There are the following
three factors that should be considered in deciding the use of けいご: (1) When the speaker is
junior or lower in social status, he/she uses けいごto show respect to the person senior or higher in
social status. (2) When the speaker does not have a close acquaintanceship with the listener, as is
typical when the speaker rst meets the listener, he/she uses けいごto show respect to the listener.
(3) The うち – そとrelationship should be also be taken into consideration with regard to the use of
けいご. The speaker’s group such as his/her family and company, etc., are considered as うち, and
other groups are considered as そと. When the speaker talks about うちのひと (an insider) toそと
のひと (an outsider), the insider is treated like the speaker himself/herself. Therefore, even if the
insider is senior or higher in status, the speaker cannot use けいごin the way that shows respect to
the insider.

2. Types of 敬語

けいごare classi ed into three types: そんけいご (respectful expressions), けんじょうご(humble

expressions) and ていねいご (polite expressions). Lesson 49 deals with そんけいご.
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 be, go, come (respectful
1 いらっしゃいます equivalent of います, いきます
andきます)

eat, drink (respectful equivalent

2 めしあがります 召し上がります
of たべますand のみます)

say (respectful equivalent of い

3 おっしゃいます
います)

do (respectful equivalent of し
4 なさいます
ます)

see, look at (respectful

5 ごらんになります ご覧になります
equivalent of みます)

know (respectful equivalent of

6 ごぞんじです ご存じです
しっています)

have (equivalent way of saying

7 おもちです お持ちです
もっています)

well, then (polite equivalent of

8 では
じゃ)

be (respectful equivalent of で
9 ～でいらっしゃい
す)

Good-bye (humble equivalent of

10 しつれいいたします
しつれいします )
 3. 尊敬語 (respectful expressions)

そんけいごare expressions used to describe the listener or the person referred to, as well as things
connected with him/her and his/her actions.

1) Verbs

(1) Respectful verbs

The same verbs used in the passive are used as respectful verb. They are Group II verbs.

中村さんは７時に来られます。

Mr. Nakamura is coming at seven.

お酒をやめられたんですか。

Have you given up drinking?

(2) おVます-form になります

This pattern is considered politer than the respectful verbs mentioned above. Verbs whose ます-
form consist of one mora (みます, ねます, etc.) and Group III verbs cannot be used in this pattern.
As for the verbs which have special equivalent (see (3) below), note that the special equivalents
rather than this pattern are used.

社⾧はもうお帰りになりました。

The president has already left for home.

(3) Special respectful words

Some verbs have special respectful equivalents. They are considered to show the same level of
respect as (2) above.

ワット先⽣は研究室にいらっしゃいます。

Professor Watt is in the of ce.

どうぞ召し上がってください。

Please help yourselves.

[Note] いらっしゃいます, なさいます, くださいますand おっしゃいますare Group I verbs,

but except for ます-form, they change their form in the ら-row when they conjugate.

ワット先⽣はテニスをなさいますか。
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いいえ、なさらないと思います。

Does professor Watt play tennis?

No, I don’t think so.

(4) おVます-form ください

This is the respectful way of instructing or inviting someone to do something.

あちらからお⼊りください。

Please enter from over there.

[Note] The special words you learned in (3) above cannot be used in this pattern. The exceptions are
めしあがりますand ごらんになります, which are changed to おめしあがりください (Please
help yourself) and ごらんください (Please have a look at it) respectively.

2) Nouns, adjectives and adverbs

In addition to verbs, some nouns, adjectives and adverbs can be turned intoそんけいご by
attaching おorご to the front of the word. The choice betweenお andご depends on the word.
Basically お is attached to words of Japanese origin, whileご is attached to words of Chinese origin.

Examples of words to which おis attached:

(N)       お国、お名前、お仕事

(な-adj) お元気、お上⼿、お暇

(い-adj) お忙しい、お若い

Examples of words to whichご is attached:

(N)       ご家族、ご意⾒、ご旅⾏

(な-adj) ご熱⼼、ご親切

(adverb) ご⾃由に
 4. 敬語 and style of sentence

A sentence can end with a plain form of けいご , which makes the sentence a plain style sentence.
This kind of sentence appears on occasions such as when the speaker is talking with a close friend
about a person to whom the speaker wishes to show respect.

部⾧は何時にいらっしゃる。

What time will the department manager come?

5. Uniform level of 敬語 in a sentence

In honori c expressions, replacing some of the words in a sentence with けいごdoes not suf ce. It
is necessary to keep a uniform level of けいごthroughout the entire sentence.

部⾧の奥様もごいっしょにゴルフに⾏かれます。(*)

The department manager’s wife will go gol ng together with him.

In (*), おくさまand ごいっしょにare used instead ofおくさん and いっしょにin order to be

consistent with the respectful verb いかれます.

6. ～まして

You change Vて-form to Vます-form ましてwhen you want to be very polite. In a sentence withけ
いご, ～ましてis often used for consistency.

ハンスがゆうべ熱を出しまして、けさもまだ下がらないんです。

Hans became feverish last night and still has a fever this morning.
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Minna no Nihongo lesson 50
1. 謙譲語 (humble expressions)

けんじょうごare expressions in which the speaker humbles himself/herself and lowers his/her own
acts to show respect to the listener or the person being referred to. Respect is directed at a person of
higher social status or そとのひと (an outsider). けんじょうごis also used when the speaker refers
to うちのひと (an insider) in front of an outsider.

1) お／ご～します

(1) おV (I, II group)ます-formします

重そうですね。お持ちしましょうか。(*)

It looks so heavy. Shall I carry it for you?

私が社⾧にスケジュールをお知らせします。(**)

I will tell the president the schedule.

兄が⾞でお送りします。(***)

My elder brother will take you in his car.

In examples (*) and (**), the speaker humbles himself/herself by lowering his/her acts to show his/
her respect to the listener (*) or the person being referred to (**). In example (***), the action is
performed by an insider, not by the speaker.

This form is not applicable to verbs in which the ます-form consists of one mora as in みますor い
ます.

(2) ごV (III group)

江戸東京博物館へご案内します。

I will take you to the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

きょうの予定をご説明します。

I will explain today’s schedule.

This pattern is applicable to Group III verbs. Other than those verbs given in the examples above,
only those verbs which imply some association with the listener such as しょうかいします, しょ
うたいします, そうだんしますand れんらくしますcan be used. でんわしますand やくそくし
ますare exceptions in thatお instead of ごprecedes them.
[Note] The patterns in (*) and (**) can only be used with acts which involve another person beside
the agent of the act. Therefore, they are not applicable to an act that does not involve another person
such as the one in the following example.

ｘ 私は来⽉国へお帰りします。

2) Special humble verbs

There are some verbs which contain humble meanings. They are used as follows.

(1) When the speaker’s act involves the listener or the person to whom respect is directed:

社⾧の奥様にお⽬にかかりました。

I met the president’s wife.

あしたはだれが⼿伝いに来てくれますか。

私が伺います。

Who will come over to help me tomorrow?

I will.

(2) When the speaker’s act does not involve the listener or the person to whom respect is directed:

ミラーと申します。

My name is Miller.

アメリカから参りました。

I come from the United States.

 2. 丁寧語 (polite expressions)

ていねいごare polite expressions used to show the speaker’s respect to the listener.

1) ございます

ございますis the polite equivalent of あります.

電話は階段の横にございます。

The pay phone is beside the stairs.

2) ～でございます

～でございますis the polite equivalent of です.

はい、IMCでございます。

パワー電気のシュミットですが、ミラーさん、お願いします。

Hello, this is IMC.

This is Schmidt of Power Electric. May I speak to Mr. Miller?

3) よろしいでしょうか

よろしいでしょうかis a polite equivalent of いいですか.

お飲み物は何がよろしいでしょうか。

コーヒーをお願いします。

What would you like to drink?

Coffee, please.

このパンフレットをいただいてもよろしいでしょうか。

May I have one of these pamphlets.

 go, come (humble equivalent of
1 まいります 参ります
いきますand きます)

be (humble equivalent of いま
2 おります
す)

eat, drink, receive (humble

3 いただきます equivalent of たべます, のみま
すand もらいます)

say (humble equivalent of いい

4 もうします 申します
ます)

do (humble equivalent of しま
5 いたします
す)
see (humble equivalent of みま
6 はいけんします 拝⾒します
す)

know (humble equivalent of し

7 ぞんじます 存じます
ります)

ask, hear, visit (humble

8 うかがいます 伺います equivalent of ききますandいき
ます )
meet (humble equivalent of あ
9 おめにかかります お⽬にかかります
います)

be (polite equivalent of ありま

10 ございます
す)

11 ～でございます be (polite equivalent of ～です)

12 わたくし 私 I (humble equivalent of わたし)

How are you doing? (respectful

おげんきでいらっしゃ お元気でいらっしゃい
13 equivalent of おげんきですか)
いますか ますか