Japanese verbs
October 21, 2018
Showing posts with label - Japanese vocabulary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label - Japanese vocabulary. Show all posts
Oct 21, 2018
Oct 19, 2018
- Japanese vocabulary
October 19, 2018
26 ways to say "very" in Japanese - with example sentences
Hello. I'm Kosuke!
Today, let's learn how to say "very" in Japanese!
I recommend you to check the video below before reading this article!
There are so many ways to say "very" in Japanese.
I will show you 26 ways in this article.
However, I think you should not remember all the words.
I would like you to remember at least the first 5 words from this article!
Below is the index of this article!
Index:
1. Summary
2. Very common words
2-1. Totemo
2-2. Sugoku
2-3. Monosugoku
2-4. Kanari
2-5. Hontouni
3. Casual words
3-1. Mechakucha
3-2. Metcha
3-3. Sugoi
3-4. Sugee
3-5. Chou
4. Formal words
4-1. Hijouni
4-2. Taihen
4-3. Makotoni
4-4. Kiwamete
5. Advanced words
5-1. Hanahada
5-2. Taisou
5-3. Jitsuni
5-4. Soutou
5-5. Eraku
5-6. Ooini
5-7. Osoroshiku
5-8. Sorewa-sorewa
5-9. Itatte
5-10. Shigoku
5-11. Kekkou
6. The very
6-1. Masani
7. Conclusion
1. Summary
2. Very common words
2-1. Totemo
2-2. Sugoku
2-3. Monosugoku
2-4. Kanari
2-5. Hontouni
3. Casual words
3-1. Mechakucha
3-2. Metcha
3-3. Sugoi
3-4. Sugee
3-5. Chou
4. Formal words
4-1. Hijouni
4-2. Taihen
4-3. Makotoni
4-4. Kiwamete
5. Advanced words
5-1. Hanahada
5-2. Taisou
5-3. Jitsuni
5-4. Soutou
5-5. Eraku
5-6. Ooini
5-7. Osoroshiku
5-8. Sorewa-sorewa
5-9. Itatte
5-10. Shigoku
5-11. Kekkou
6. The very
6-1. Masani
7. Conclusion
Oct 17, 2018
Japanese verbs
October 17, 2018
How to say "stop" in Japanese - Tomaru, Tomeru and Yameru
Hello. I'm Kosuke!
Today, let's learn how to say "stop" in Japanese!
I recommend you to check the video below before reading this article!
Index:
1. Summary
2. Tomaru and Tomeru
3. Tomeru and Yameru
4. Similar verbs
4-1. Tachidomaru
4-2. Yamu
5. Other usages for Tomaru
5-1. Sit, Land
6. Special Kanji characters
6-1. Tomaru (泊まる)
6-2. Tomeru (停める)
6-3. Yameru (辞める)
7. Conclusion
1. Summary
2. Tomaru and Tomeru
3. Tomeru and Yameru
4. Similar verbs
4-1. Tachidomaru
4-2. Yamu
5. Other usages for Tomaru
5-1. Sit, Land
6. Special Kanji characters
6-1. Tomaru (泊まる)
6-2. Tomeru (停める)
6-3. Yameru (辞める)
7. Conclusion
1. Summary
In Japanese, there are a few words which mean "stop".
I would like to explain about three verbs in this article.
They are "tomaru", "tomeru", and "yameru".
All of them mean "stop".
However, their meaning is slightly different.
I think it's confusing.
I will explain about their difference as clearly as possible.
Also, I will explain other similar verbs.
Oct 13, 2018
- Japanese vocabulary
October 13, 2018
Japanese words for love - How to say "I love you"
Hello. I'm Kosuke!
In this article, let's learn how to say "love" in Japanese!
Index:
1. Summary
2. "Ai" and "Koi"
2-1. Strength and Timing
2-2. Target
3. How to say "I love you"
3-1. Aishiteru
3-2. Koishiteru?
3-3. Suki
3-4. Daisuki
3-5. Shindemo ii?
4. Culture
5. Conclusion
1. Summary
2. "Ai" and "Koi"
2-1. Strength and Timing
2-2. Target
3. How to say "I love you"
3-1. Aishiteru
3-2. Koishiteru?
3-3. Suki
3-4. Daisuki
3-5. Shindemo ii?
4. Culture
5. Conclusion
1. Summary
When you go to Japan, you might have a chance to get a Japanese girlfriend or boyfriend!
However, if you don't know how to say I love you in Japanese, you can't say how you are feeling to them!
Let's prepare using this article!
This is the most important article for you! hehe
Oct 12, 2018
- Japanese vocabulary
October 12, 2018
"He" and "She" in Japanese
Hello. I'm Kosuke!
Today, let's learn how to say "he" and "she" in Japanese!
Oct 7, 2018
Japanese verbs
October 07, 2018
How to say "sleep" in Japanese - Neru and Nemuru
Hello. I'm Kosuke!
Today, let's learn how to say "sleep" in Japanese!
I recommend you to check the video below before reading this article!
When you search "sleep" in a dictionary, you will find two Japanese words, "neru" and "nemuru".
However, their meanings are a little different.
Let's look at their differences in this article!
Oct 2, 2018
- Japanese vocabulary
October 02, 2018
Yoisho - Unique Japanese Interjections
Hello. I'm Kosuke!
Have you ever heard "yoisho (よいしょ)"?
Japanese people often use this term when lifting something.
Today, let's learn what "yoisho" is!
Let's also check other useful Japanese interjections!
I hope they will help you to communicate with Japanese people!
Index:
Sep 26, 2018
- Japanese vocabulary
September 26, 2018
Complete Wasei Eigo List【90 Japlish Words】
Hello. I'm Kosuke!
Today, let's talk about Japlish or Wasei-eigo!
I recommend you to check the video below before reading this article!
Have you ever heard Japlish?
Japlish is called "wasei-eigo" in Japanese.
They are English words created in Japan.
Basically, they can be understood only by Japanese people.
However, Japanese people think they are authentic English words.
So when you go to Japan, they will use those words with you!
Let me prepare you by using this article!!!
Below is the index of this article!
Index:
1. What is Japlish/Wasei-eigo?
2. Wasei-eigo list
American dog
apart
arbeit
baby car
back mirror
ball pen
beach sandal
bed town
CA
campaign girl
camping car
catch ball
catch copy
cellophane tape
cheer girl
chou cream
chuck
cider
claim
coin laundry
concent
cooler
cunning
dan ball
decoration cake
demerit
depart
dryer
energisch
fight!
G-pan
gasoline stand
go sign
hamburg
high tension
hot cake
Hotchkiss
ice candy
jet coaster
key holder
klaxon
live house
low tension
magic tape
mansion
marron
merit
miss
morning call
mug cup
my boom
naive
NEET
net
nighter
note paso-con
OB/OG
OL
open car
order made
parka
pee man
PET bottle
potato
range
recycle shop
roentgen
rinse
salary man
sand bag
seal
service area
sharp pencil
side brake
sign
skinship
smart
stove
style
super
talent
televi game
toilet
trump
version up
Viking
vinyl
virgin road
Y shirts
Yankee
3. Conclusion
1. What is Japlish/Wasei-eigo?
2. Wasei-eigo list
American dog
apart
arbeit
baby car
back mirror
ball pen
beach sandal
bed town
CA
campaign girl
camping car
catch ball
catch copy
cellophane tape
cheer girl
chou cream
chuck
cider
claim
coin laundry
concent
cooler
cunning
dan ball
decoration cake
demerit
depart
dryer
energisch
fight!
G-pan
gasoline stand
go sign
hamburg
high tension
hot cake
Hotchkiss
ice candy
jet coaster
key holder
klaxon
live house
low tension
magic tape
mansion
marron
merit
miss
morning call
mug cup
my boom
naive
NEET
net
nighter
note paso-con
OB/OG
OL
open car
order made
parka
pee man
PET bottle
potato
range
recycle shop
roentgen
rinse
salary man
sand bag
seal
service area
sharp pencil
side brake
sign
skinship
smart
stove
style
super
talent
televi game
toilet
trump
version up
Viking
vinyl
virgin road
Y shirts
Yankee
3. Conclusion
Sep 15, 2018
Japanese adjectives
September 15, 2018
Oishii - 11 ways to say delicious in Japanese
I recommend you to check the video below before reading this article!
In this article, let's study how to say delicious, tasty, and yummy!
The word most commonly used is "Oishii".
In this article, let's learn how to use "Oishii"!
Also, let's check 10 other ways to say delicious in Japanese!
If you want to remember adjectives for JLPT N5 including "Oishii", please try this:
Japanese Vocabulary Quiz - JLPT N5 I-Adjectives >>
Below is the index of this article:
Index:
1. Summary of Oishii
2. How to use Oishii
2-1. Polite way to say
2-2. Past tense
3. Other ways to say delicious
3-1. Oishuu gozaimashita
3-2. Umai
3-3. Hoppe ga ochisou
3-4. Ikeru, Ikemasu
3-5. Zeppin
3-6. Kakubetsu
3-7. Tamaranai
3-8. Saikou
3-9. Yabai
3-10. Umasugite kotobamo denai
4. Greetings for dining
5. Conclusion
1. Summary of Oishii
2. How to use Oishii
2-1. Polite way to say
2-2. Past tense
3. Other ways to say delicious
3-1. Oishuu gozaimashita
3-2. Umai
3-3. Hoppe ga ochisou
3-4. Ikeru, Ikemasu
3-5. Zeppin
3-6. Kakubetsu
3-7. Tamaranai
3-8. Saikou
3-9. Yabai
3-10. Umasugite kotobamo denai
4. Greetings for dining
5. Conclusion
1. Summary of Oishii
"Oishii" is a Japanese adjective to say "tasty" or "delicious".
Hiragana | Romaji | English | Kanji |
---|---|---|---|
おいしい | o i shi i | tasty, delicious | 美味しい |
Unlike delicious, Oishii is not as strong of an expression.
Maybe, "tasty" is a good translation for "Oishii".
If we write Oishii in Kanji, it's "美味しい".
The Kanji "美" means "beautiful".
"味" means "taste".
So "美味しい" includes the meaning of "beautiful taste".
Let's check how to use the adjective, Oishii!
2. How to use Oishii
2-1. Polite way to say
You can say "Oishii" while eating.
It means that you are eating something delicious.
However, just saying "Oishii" is not that polite.
If you want to say it politely, please use "desu"!
"Desu" is a word to make the sentence polite.
If you still don't know about "desu", please check this:
です(desu) >>
"おいしい(oishii)" is an i-adjective.
You can directly add "です(desu)" to the end of an i-adjective.
"おいしい(oishii)" + "です(desu)"
= おいしいです
So when you are eating, please say:
おいしいです。
o i shi i de su
Meaning: "It is delicious."
This sentence is in the present tense.
So it means what you are eating is delicious!
2-2. Past tense
When you make an i-adjective past tense, please follow the 3 steps below:
1. Remove "い(i)" from the adjective.
2. Add "かった(katta)" to the end of the i-adjective in order to make it past tense.
3. In addition to that, put "です(desu)" at the end in order to make it polite.
When we make "おいしい(oishii)" past tense:
1. Remove "い(i)" from the adjective.
おいしい -> おいし
oishii -> oishi
2. Add "かった(katta)" to the end of the i-adjective:
おいし -> おいしかった
oishi -> oishi katta
3. In addition to that, put "です(desu)" at the end:
おいしかった -> おいしかったです
oishi katta -> oishi katta desu
So, after you have eaten, please say:
おいしかったです。
o i shi ka t ta de su
Meaning: "It was delicious."
This sentence is in the past tense.
Also, this is polite because it includes "です(desu)".
After eating, please say this sentence to the cooks.
It will make them happy!
3. Other ways to say delicious
If you remember "おいしいです(oishii desu)" and "おいしかったです(oishikatta desu)", I think it's enough.
However, let's learn other ways to say delicious in order to use them properly!
3-1. Oishuu gozaimashita
If you want to say delicious very very politely, you can say "おいしゅうございました(oishuu gozaimashita)".
This is a very polite way to say delicious.
Even Japanese people don't use this so often.
If you say "おいしゅうございました(oishuu gozaimashita)" in front of Japanese people, they will think "Oh, this person is so polite!".
Maybe they will love you!
By the way, "おいしゅうございました(oishuu gozaimashita)" is past tense.
Please say this after eating!
3-2. Umai
"うまい(umai)" is a very casual way to say delicious in Japanese.
This is commonly used.
If the food is delicious, you can just say:
"うまい! (umai!)"
"うまい" is an i-adjective, as well as "おいしい(oishii)".
You can use it like this:
Polite way:
"うまいです"
Past tense:
"うまかった"
Polite past tense:
"うまかったです"
This is a very common way to say delicious in Japan.
You can use "うまい(umai)" when you eat with your friends!
However, it is kind of casual.
I don't recommend you to use this in a formal situation.
"おいしい(oishii)" is safer to use if you still haven't gotten use to Japanese!
3-3. Hoppe ga ochisou
Sometimes, Japanese people say "ほっぺがおちそう(hoppe ga ochisou)" when they eat delicious meals.
It is one way to say:
"This is so delicious."
"ほっぺ(hoppe)" means "cheek".
"おちそう(ochisou)" means "almost falling down".
If you don't know "が", please check this:
は(wa) and が(ga) >>
So "ほっぺがおちそう(hoppe ga ochisou)" means:
"My cheek is almost falling down."
Of course, the person's cheek doesn't really fall.
This is a Japanese figurative expression.
While chewing delicious food, sometimes they say this in order to express how delicious the food is.
3-4. Ikeru, Ikemasu
"いけます(ikemasu)" is a polite way to say "いける(ikeru)".
If you want to know about "ます(masu)", please check this:
ます(masu) >>
"いける(ikeru)" and "いけます(ikemasu)" sometimes mean tasty, too.
However, the situation to use this is limited.
Actually, it includes the meaning of "surprisingly".
For example, if your Japanese friend recommends you to add milk to your ramen.
At first, you would think it is strange.
However, if it is surprisingly delicious , you can say:
"いける! (ikeru!)"
It means it is delicious, even though you weren't sure if it would be delicious before eating it.
If the food is surprisingly tasty, please use "いける(ikeru)".
3-5. Zeppin
"ぜっぴん(zeppin)" is a noun to express very delicious food.
You will see this word in Japanese food advertisements.
"絶品" is the Kanji for "ぜっぴん(zeppin)".
"絶" is used to explain wonderful things, like a very beautiful view or the best opportunity.
"品" means an "item" or a "thing".
So "ぜっぴん(zeppin)" means "wonderful thing".
However, "ぜっぴん(zeppin)" is only used for food.
If you see an advertisement which says "zeppin ramen", it means the ramen must be very delicious.
At least, the advertisement is saying so...
3-6. Kakubetsu
"かくべつ(kakubetsu)" means "special".
Sometimes, it is used to say "more delicious than any other things".
Or if food or a drink is very nice during, or after a particular situation, you can use this word, "かくべつ(kakubetsu)".
Examples:
1. ふろあがりのぎゅうにゅうはかくべつだ。
fu to a ga ri no gyu u nyu u wa ka ku be tsu da
Meaning: "Milk after taking a bath is better than any other thing."
ふろあがり: after bath
ぎゅうにゅう: milk
2. しごとおわりのビールはかくべつだ。
shi go to o wa ri no bi ru wa ka ku be tsu da
Meaning: "Beer after working is better than any other thing."
しごとおわりの: after working
ビール: beer
If you don't know the Katakana characters for beer, please check this:
Katakana >>
3.きみがいれてくれたコーヒーはかくべつだ。
ki mi ga i re te ku re ta ko hi wa ka ku be tsu da
Meaning: "Coffee served by you is better than any other thing."
きみがいれてくれた: served by you
コーヒー: coffee
Like above, if the food or drink is so delicious under a particular situation, please use "かくべつ(kakubetsu)".
3-7. Tamaranai
"たまらない(tamaranai)" is very strong way to say delicious.
If this word is used for food, it means "irresistible", "tremendous", or "out of this world".
Actually, "たまらない(tamaranai)" could also mean "cannot stand" or "unbearable".
The usage of "たまらない(tamaranai)" could include a negative meaning.
However, if you say "たまらない(tamaranai)" while eating delicious food, it means:
This food is too delicious to bear.
So it means the food is so delicious.
If you say "たまらないです(tamaranai desu)" during eating, it means you love that food.
So the cook will be so glad!
3-8. Saikou
"さいこう(saikou)" means "the best".
If you say "さいこうです(saikou desu)" during eating, it means you have the best feeling ever because of the food.
It means "this food is so delicious".
"さいこう(saikou)" is not only for food or drinks.
It just means that you feel so nice.
The thing that is nice depends on the situation.
If you say "さいこう(saikou)" during taking a bath, it means the bath is very nice.
If you shout "さいこう(saikou)" during a party, it means you are enjoying the party.
"さいこうです(saikou desu)" is more polite than saying just "さいこう(saikou)".
When you are having the best feeling ever, please use the word, "さいこう(saikou)".
3-9. Yabai
When you talk with young Japanese people, you will probably often hear this word.
This slang is used by young people in Japan.
Basically, "やばい(yabai)" means dangerous, risky, awful, or terrible.
However, it can also mean terrific, amazing, or cool.
As slang, Japanese high school students use this word for everything.
Today, "やばい(yabai)" just means "not normal".
So when they eat, if the food is more tasty than normal, "やばい(yabai)" is easily used .
By the way, "やばい(yabai)" is also an i-adjective, as well as "おいしい(oishii)" and "うまい(umai)".
So you can use like below:
Polite way:
"やばいです"
Past tense:
"やばかった"
Polite past tense:
"やばかったです"
However, "やばい(yabai)" is a not so polite or formal word.
Even if you use "です(desu)", it doesn't sound so formal...
So maybe you don't need to use this word in a formal situation!
3-10. Umasugite kotobamo denai
This is not a word, but a sentence.
うますぎてことばもでない。
u ma su gi te ko to ba mo de na i
Meaning: "It is too delicious to say anything."
うますぎて: too delicious
ことばもでない: can't say anything
If the food is so delicious, and if you can't find any word to explain it, please say:
うますぎてことばもでない。
u ma su gi te ko to ba mo de na i
But please be noted that "うますぎて(umasugite)" is not a polite way to speak! hehe
4. Greetings for dining
From this article, I think you have already remembered how to say delicious in Japanese.
However, if you eat something in Japan, there is a manner you had better follow.
There are greetings to say before and after eating.
Before eating, please say:
いただきます
i ta da ki ma su
After eating, please say:
ごちそうさまでした
go chi so u sa ma de shi ta
I explained about them in a different article.
If you want to know further details about them, please check these:
8 unique Japanese greetings:
いただきます >>
ごちそうさまでした >>
5. Conclusion
Before eating, please say:
いただきます。
i ta da ki ma su
During eating, if the food is delicious, please say:
おいしいです。
o i shi i de su
After eating, please say:
おいしいかったです。
o i shi ka t ta de su
ごちそうさまでした。
go chi so u sa ma de shi ta
If you want to use other words to say delicious, please remember these:
1. Oishuu gozaimashita
2. Umai
3. Hoppe ga ochisou
4. Ikeru, Ikemasu
5. Zeppin
6. Kakubetsu
7. Tamaranai
8. Saikou
9. Yabai
10. Umasugite kotobamo denai
If you remember them, I think it's enough!
Please have confidence and go to Japan to eat Sushi and Ramen!
If you want to remember adjectives for JLPT N5 including "Oishii", please try this:
Japanese Vocabulary Quiz - JLPT N5 I-Adjectives >>
If you want to learn Japanese vocabulary about food, please check this video!
I hope this article helps you to study Japanese!
Please enjoy studying Japanese!
Related articles:
8 unique Japanese greetings >>
Japlish - Eat a Pee Man!? >>
Yoisho - Japanese Interjections >>
Light and Dark in Japanese >>
Hot and Cold in Japanese >>
Fast and Slow in Japanese >>
Tall and Short in Japanese >>
Beautiful and Clean in Japanese >>
8 unique Japanese greetings >>
Japlish - Eat a Pee Man!? >>
Yoisho - Japanese Interjections >>
Light and Dark in Japanese >>
Hot and Cold in Japanese >>
Fast and Slow in Japanese >>
Tall and Short in Japanese >>
Beautiful and Clean in Japanese >>
Sep 14, 2018
Japanese adjectives
September 14, 2018
Kirei - beautiful and clean in Japanese
In this article, let's learn about the Japanese word, "きれい(kirei)"!
The word "きれい(kirei)" has two meanings.
Also, let's check about the part of speech of "きれい(kirei)", "na-adjective" in this article.
Below is the index of this article!
1. Kirei - clean or beautiful
When you see this picture, what do you think?
I found this paper in a Japanese restroom.
At first, I thought there was no problem.
But after consideration, I realized what the writer wanted to say was different.
He/she wanted to say:
"Please keep the restroom clean."
Why did it happen?
It was caused by the Japanese word, "きれい(kirei)"...
Please check the table for "きれい(kirei)" below!
Hiragana | Romaji | English | Kanji |
---|---|---|---|
きれい(だ) | ki re i (da) | beautiful, clean | 綺麗(だ) |
If you still don't remember all Hiragana characters, please check these:
If you want to test your memory of Hiragana, please use this:
If you don't know what Romaji is, please check this:
As we can see from the table above, "きれい(kirei)" has two meanings, Beautiful and Clean.
That's why the paper in the restroom said "beautiful" instead of "clean".
In Japanese, both "beautiful" and "clean" are just "きれい(kirei)".
The Japanese part of the paper says:
"トイレはきれいにつかってください。"
トイレ: restroom
つかって: use
ください: please
When this sentence was translated into English, the "きれい(kirei)" was translated into "beautiful" instead of "clean".
Japanese people, including me, need to be careful when we translate "きれい(kirei)"!
For you, please remember that "きれい(kirei)" has two meanings, Beautiful and Clean!
You need to choose which meaning the "きれい(kirei)" has, depending on the context of the sentence.
Let's check examples to get used to it!
Examples:
1. あなたは とても きれい です。
a na ta wa to te mo ki re i de su
Meaning: "You are so beautiful."
あなた: you
とても: so
きれい: beautiful
If you don't know "は" and "です", please check this:
です(desu) >>
Probably, this "きれい(kirei)" means "beautiful" because it is explaining about a person.
2. わたしは なつに きれいな はなびを みました。
wa ta shi wa na tsu ni ki re i na ha na bi wo mi ma shi ta
Meaning: "I watched beautiful fireworks in the summer."
なつに: in the summer
きれいな: beautiful
はなび: fireworks
みました: watched
If you don't know "わたし", please check this:
わたし(watashi) >>
If you don't know the particle "は", please check this:
Particle は(wa) >>
If you don't know the particle "を", please check this:
Particle を(wo) >>
If you want to know about Japanese summer, please check this:
Summer in Japan >>
In this case, "beautiful" is better than "clean" because clean fireworks sound strange.
3. わたしの へやは とても きれいです。
wa ta shi no he ya wa to te mo ki re i de su
Meaning: "My room is very clean."
わたしの: my
へや: room
とても: very
きれい: clean
If you don't know "わたしの", please check these:
わたし (watashi) >>
Particle の(no) >>
In this case, both "clean" and "beautiful" are possible.
Please judge it depending on the context of the conversation.
4. きれいな トイレ
ki re i na to i re
Meaning: "a clean restroom"
きれいな: clean
トイレ: restroom
If you don't know why Katakana is used for "トイレ", please check this:
Katakana >>
Probably, "clean" is more suitable in this case.
However, "beautiful" is still possible, too.
Please choose depending on the context.
Please just remember that "きれい(kirei)" has two meanings, "beautiful" and "clean"!
2. Extra info (na-adjective and i-adjective)
Let's check the part of speech of "きれい(kirei)" here, just in case.
However, it is kind of complex, and it is still not so important now.
So I would like readers, only who are interested in it, to read this topic.
In the past articles, we learned some adjectives:
Hot and Cold >>
Tall and Short >>
Fast and Slow >>
Light and Dark >>
In those articles, I said:
In most cases, words where the last character is "い(i)" are adjectives.
So is "きれい(kirei)" also an adjective?
Actually, "きれい(kirei)" is a little bit different from normal adjectives.
It is called "na-adjective", or "adjective verb".
What we studied until now are "adjectives", or "i-adjectives".
I am sorry they are confusing because there are several ways to call them.
In this article, let's just call them "na-adjective" and "i-adjective".
"i-adjective" is the authentic adjective of Japanese.
However, you can think "na-adjective" is also one kind of these adjectives.
I will explain what their difference is.
If you are interested in it, please check below.
At first, let's check how to use "i-adjective".
As we studied in the previous article, a "cheerful person" is "あかるいひと(akarui hito)" in Japanese.
あかるい(akarui) for personality >>
In this phrase, "あかるい(akarui)" means "cheerful", and it explains about the noun right after it.
"ひと(hito)" means a "person".
So "あかるいひと(akarui hito)" means a "cheerful person".
Like this, "あかるい(akarui)" can be put in front of a noun.
Also, as we studied in the past article, a "tall person" is "せがたかいひと(segatakai hito)" in Japanese.
Tall in Japanese >>
"せがたかい(segatakai)" means "tall", and it explains about "ひと(hito)" right after it.
Like this, "せがたかい(segatakai)" can also be put in front of a noun.
So what if we use "きれい(kirei)" just like that?
It is...
"きれいひと"
kirei hito
Does it mean a "beautiful person"?
If you have already gotten used to listening to Japanese, maybe you feel strange about this.
Actually, "きれいひと(kirei hito)" is grammatically wrong.
If we want to say "beautiful person" in Japanese, we need to say:
"きれいなひと"
ki re i na hi to
Please be careful about "な(na)" right after "きれい(kirei)".
This is the reason why "きれい" is called "na-adjective".
It is very complex and difficult to remember all inflections of Japanese words.
So for now, please remember the two points below:
1. Regarding "na-adjective", when you put it in front of a noun, you need to put "な(na)" right after the "na-adjective".
Example:
"きれいなひと"
ki re i na hi to
2. Regarding "i-adjective", when you put it in front of a noun, you can put it as is.
The character in front of the noun is "い(i)" because it is the final character of i-adjectives.
Examples:
"あかるいひと"
a ka ru i hi to
"せがたかいひと"
se ga ta ka i hi to
However, you don't need to care about these differences so much now.
By the way, when you use "desu", you don't need to care about their difference.
Examples:
i-adjective:
"あなたはあかるいです。"
a na ta wa a ka ru i de su
Meaning: "You are cheerful."
na-adjective:
"あなたはきれいです。"
a na ta wa ki re i de su
Meaning: "You are beautiful."
Please just remember that "な(na)" is necessary when you put na-adjective in front of a noun!
3. Conclusion
Kirei has two meanings!
Please remember the table below:
Hiragana | Romaji | English |
---|---|---|
きれい(だ) | ki re i (da) | beautiful, clean |
"きれい(kirei)" is a na-adjective!
So please put "な(na)" when you put "きれい(kirei)" in front of a noun, like:
"きれいなひと(kireina hito)"
I hope this article helps you to study Japanese!
Please enjoy studying Japanese!
Related articles:
Japlish - Eat a Pee Man!? >>
Yoisho - Japanese Interjections >>
Light and Dark in Japanese >>
Hot and Cold in Japanese >>
Fast and Slow in Japanese >>
Tall and Short in Japanese >>
11 ways to say delicious >>
4 seasons of Japan >>
Japlish - Eat a Pee Man!? >>
Yoisho - Japanese Interjections >>
Light and Dark in Japanese >>
Hot and Cold in Japanese >>
Fast and Slow in Japanese >>
Tall and Short in Japanese >>
11 ways to say delicious >>
4 seasons of Japan >>