Lesson 1 Grammar

Question 1

XはYです

Answer 1

は indicates the topic of a sentence. です indicates a judgement. Any noun before it is a Predicate. です is polite speech.

X is Y

Question 2

Xは Yじゃ(では)ありません

Answer 2

じゃ（では）ありません is the negative of です. The full negative which includes では is used only in writing.

X is not Y

Question 3

XはYですか

Answer 3

か is the question particle. Placing on the end of a sentence, turns the sentence into a question.

Is X Y?

Question 4

XはYです。ZもYです。

Answer 4

The particle も is used similarly to “also”. It is used when the same thing applies to something already stated. も replaces は when used.

X is Y. Z is also Y.

Question 5

XのY

Answer 5

When one noun (X) modifies another (Y), の is used. Often X refers to a group that Y belongs to. It is also used to indicate possession.

Y of X

Question 6

～さん

Answer 6

～さん is an honorific meaning Mr/ Mrs etc. One only uses it for a listener and not for oneself.

Do not use あなた if you know the individuals name, it comes across impolite.

Question 7

私はジャスティンさんです

Answer 7

I am Justin.

Question 8

ジャスティンさんは先生じゃではありませんです。

Answer 8

Justin is not a teacher.

Question 9

あの方はマイクさんですか。

Answer 9

Is that person Mike?

Question 10

ジミーさんは大学生です。ジャスティンさんも大学生です。

Answer 10

Jimmy is a university student. Justin is also a university student.

Question 11

みんなの日本語は図書館の本です。

Answer 11

Minna No Nihongo is a library book.

Question 12

エドワードさんはジャスティンさんの友達です。

Answer 12

Edward is Justin’s friend.