Japan's Geography and Language - PDF

**WEEK I** **JAPAN'S GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY** **To be able to appreciate a language, you need to take a glance of history and culture of the language to become increasingly aware on how culture contributes to communication. By learning to speak another language, you are doing the world a favor. For...

**WEEK I** **JAPAN'S GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY** **To be able to appreciate a language, you need to take a glance of history and culture of the language to become increasingly aware on how culture contributes to communication. By learning to speak another language, you are doing the world a favor. For all its amazing advances in technologies we make contributions to keep it alive and in use. Japanese too is changing to accommodate the homogenization and you will be perpetuating the beauty of ancient tongue a now endangered culture.** **[Geography of Japan]** Japan is an archipelago-(chain of islands) 100 miles of Asian mainland, but how many islands the country comprises is not so widely known. Japan's total land area is 145,882 sq. mile 4/5 of this are mountainous and made of volcanic rocks and limited arable land and with a total population of 127,560,000 wherein majority live in pockets of population center, along narrow river valleys and coastline. There are four main islands. Going from the north to the south, you have Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Honshu is the largest island in size, population, and economic strength. Many metropolitan areas are concentrated along the Pacific coast on Honshu: Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, and Hiroshima. While some fairly large cities, such as Niigata and Kanazawa, are on the Japan Sea, this coast is often referred to as *ura nihon*, or the back side of Japan. Tokyo is also known as Kanto plane the largest flat area with a total of 35 million or ¼ of the total population of Japan. I's worth noting that the three rings (Pacific, Philippines and of fire meets at this plane Hokkaido is the northernmost island and it has acres and acres of farmland. Many agricultural and dairy products support the economy of Hokkaido. The largest city is Sapporo where the winter Olympics was held in 1974. Shikoku is an island across the Setonaikai (the Inland Sea of Japan) from Honshu. It is the size of the entire Hawaiian island put together. Kyushu is the southernmost of the four main islands and is connected with Honshu by a tunnel and a bridge. The largest city is Fukuoka. Other than the four main islands, there are some 2,000 smaller ones, including the Okinawa Islands. The size of the entire country is about the same as that of the state of California. Considering that the population of Japan is about one half of that of the U.S., and that half of the population is concentrated in metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, you can imagine how crowded the large cities are. **[HISTORY OF JAPAN]** **There are several mythologies that try to explain the origin of Japan, the most popular of this is that the main islands were created by two gods dripping water from a sacred stick. Consequently, all things are believed to have come directly from gods and goddesses. This belief lends insight into the Shinto shrines that are dedicated to the worship of just about anything. One of the major deities is *Amaterasu Oomikami* (Sun Goddess). It may be said that her story illustrates the character of Japanese history and culture.** **When the sun Goddess was young, she was deceived by her younger brother and retreated into a cave in despair, thus thrusting both heaven and earth into darkness. The other gods and goddesses gathers around her hiding place armed with beads and chants, determined to lure her out.** **Another young goddess decided to dress up in a crazy costume to give humor to the situation. Her antics caused the deities gathered there to laugh with such merriment that Sun Goddess poked her head out to see what was going on. When she did, a young god grabbed her and slung her back into the sky. A rope was hung across the cave's entrance to prevent her from going into hiding ever again. (These ropes can still be seen in many places in Japan. Usually found at the entrances of the Shinto shrines, two big boulders on mountains or at sea to honor deities.)** **EMPEROR JINMU** **Early Chinese documents describe encounters with scattered tribes on the islands of Japan. Eventually these tribes adopted agriculture and settled down, but they never get along with each other and fierce clans waged battles against each other.** **To bring order, it is said that Sun Goddess sent her grandson made an attempt at governing the people, but it didn't work. Then, in about 300 A.D., The young Emperor of Yamato vowed to organize the battling tribes into a nation. He gathered together an army, prepared his campaign, and set off to defeat the warring groups. According to legend, a golden bird flew over the battlefield and rested on the emperor's bow. Light emanating from the bird dazzled the enemies, and they soon surrendered. Later on the said emperor was called Emperor Jinmu which means "divine and valiant". This is how Japanese came to believe that their emperors are divine.** **BEHIND CLOSED DOORS** **Fast forward several centuries to the early seventeenth century, when Japan was ruled by a farmer turned emperor, *Emperor Hideyoshi Toyotomi*. This was a time when Christian missionaries went out into the world of hopes of converting people to Christianity. The emperor felt threatened by the Christians- if Japan were to accept Christianity, he would lose his divine figure.** **The Tokugawa family of shoguns( top samurai appointed by emperor) who ruled expertly the Edo period also feared Christians. Some 30,000 peasants predominantly Christians had organized themselves and overthrown a crooked feudal lord.** **This marked the beginning of the Edo Period (A.D. 1603-1867). For more than 250 years Japan refused entry to most foreigners, except Dutch and Chinese. The Tokugawa shogunate reigned supreme and a period of peace began. Domestic trade and agriculture together with martial arts, literature, tea ceremony and Kabuki Theater flourished.** **But Tokugawa's heavy handed governing had drawbacks, in 1633 travel abroad was forbidden.** **Eventually outside pressures from Russia, England, and the United States, as well s internal unrest caused Japan to reconsider to its official isolation. Commodore Perry of the US navy eventually forced open Japan's ports in 1853, and again in 1854. By 1868, Emperor Matsuhito's power was restored, the Meiji era began.** **JAPANESE WRITING** **Japanese writing is often cited as one of the most complicated in the world. It is comprised of combination of three different types, the two kana characters Katakana and Hiragana, and a pictograph Kanji. The earliest writing system employed by Japanese was Kanji. Until somewhere 250-350 A.D. Chinese characters were adopted to create a written language for spoken Japanese. Some characters ended up with two or more pronunciations: the original Chinese or onyomi and Japanese kunyomi.** Kanji is the \"pictorial\" writing the Japanese borrowed from the Chinese. Currently not all Kanji character came from China, to date there are around 400 characters created by Japanese specific for Japanese words. Kanji represents an object or idea, and in written Japanese these objects and ideas are combined in various ways to form new words and phrases. As of 1981, Japanese Ministry of Education decided on 1,945 as joyo kanji to read and write to be able to graduate high school, an 881 for elementary graduates. For someone to be able to recognize and understand some 3,300 Kanji characters to achieve functional literacy in the Japanese language. For convenience, to get the general meaning of a basic core Kanji, one should be familiar with some 50 characters which you will see in such public places as airports, train stations, on street signs, and on restaurant menus. **[KANA and MORA (Syllabary and Sound)]** **The first step to learning the Japanese language is to learn the basic sounds that exist in Japanese language. There are two character sets collective term is Kana. "Goju on zu" is the term use to describe the 50 sounds that are represented by these two sets of characters or the Kana. Hiragana and Katakana characters are organized in the form of a table (5x10 see appendix A) and are use to write Japanese words, while Katakana are use to write loan/borrowed words. Diacritics are the voicing marker (ʺ) *gakuon* (murky sounds ka, sa, ta, ha row) and (˚) *handakuon* the plosive marker (half turbid sounds ha row) combined with the basic sounds. *Yoon* is a combination of consonant of I row syllables with the small ya, yu, and yo forming the glides. *Sokuon* is described as a כ is a pause between two syllables.** The impression created by the sounds of Japanese on Western ears often described as monotonous it is largely caused by two factors: there is no clearly perceivable stress on sections of the words or sentences, and words are uttered in equal length and speed. In reality, Japanese accent consist of differences in pitch, and length, than others. In standard Japanese, there are two pitch values, high and low; which applies to the "moras". A "mora" is a syllable like timing unit that corresponds to a single "kana" like (a) and (ka) or a small kana express palatized sounds as in (kya)/ (je). Each kana contains a vowel, but a single kana (n) and a single small character **כ** ( a part of a double consonants) also count as two moras. Moras show how many beats a word has, and moras are the bearers of pitch values in Japanese.The following are standard accents of some words in Nihongo: Kyo-o -ko-ha-ma -ho yo-o-na- ta-ra-shi to Yo Ni -n sa ra a- -i ha shi (chopsticks) ha shi (bridge) ha shi (edge) ga H L L H L H H **[SHORT AND LONG SYLLABLES]** Japanese syllable consists of a vowel alone (a, i etc.), a combination of a consonant (ka, ta etc.), or consonant + glide (handakuten, gakuten symbols) + vowel = (kya, cha etc.); these principle be lengthened by doubling the short vowel. A long syllable can take the ratio of 60% longer than the short syllable. A short syllable in Nihongo is the basic unit of pronunciation. REI: To-o-kyo-o and Kyo-o-to. VOWELS Japanese vowels are pure and clipped; the strong contraction of throat that takes place at the beginning of the English words starting with a vowel is almost unnoticeable in Japanese. Long vowels have the same quality as short ones; they are simply in long duration. CONSONANTS Most consonants are the same as English ***k,g,s,z,t,d,p,*** and b are all pronounced without the noticeable puff of air. Special attention is needed for the syllabic "***n"***. As the consonant ***n*** is combined with a vowel, some attention is needed should following combination occurs; \*Before ***p,b,m*** it is pronounced as "***m" REI:*** en-pitsu=(em-pi-tsu) , anbai=(am-ba-i), anma=(am-maa) \*Before ***t,ts,d,n,ch,j*** it is pronounced as "***n"*** \*Before ***k*** and ***g*** it is pronounced as "***ng" REI:*** Ginko=(gi-ng-ko-o), Shingo=(shi-ng-go-o) \*Before all other sounds or at the end of the word, it is pronounced as a nasal n. (like Jean) SYLLABLE COMBINATIONS TO WATCH \*kiya versus kya etc. Whereas ki-ya is a combination of two syllables pronounced consecutively, kya is a single syllable. \*Single versus double vowels is pronounced longer **[WHISPERED VOWELS]** I n standard Tokyo dialect, short I or u occurring between unvoiced consonants (*k,s,t,h,p*) becomes unvoiced too, making it scarcely audible (like a whisper) or even appearing to be totally absent: sh(i)ki= seasons, s(u)koshi=little, ts(u)ki=moon; Unvoicing of the same vowels often takes place at the end of a word as well, although optional: ikimas(u)=I go, Jo des(u)=This is Mr. Jo, its(u)ts(u)= five things. **JAPAN IN THE PRESENT TIMES** **Public Transportation in Japan** Although business people may frequently make sales trips by car, the majority of people do not travel by car in Japan. There are many reasons that account for this. First of all, public transportation is well developed. You can usually choose among airplanes, trains, and buses. Airfares in Japan are higher than in the U.S., but the service is good and the planes are usually on time. The trains are probably used most often. Now that the country has completed its primary highway system, buses have become an inexpensive, alternate means of long distance public transportation. A trip from Tokyo to Fukuoka, some 800 miles in distance, takes an hour and a half by airplane, five hours by the fastest *shinkansen* train, called *nozomi*, and fourteen hours by bus. Traffic congestion is another reason why many people do not drive long distances, especially on a trip when punctuality is very important. The high price of gas is yet another reason. **[Taxis in Japan]** You have learned another English word that is commonly used in Japanese: *takushii*. Taxis are readily available in most cities, and even in fairly small towns. You can flag one down on the street or phone for a pick-up. Most taxis, both company-owned and privately-operated, are connected by radio. They are clean, safe, and convenient. The fares vary, depending on the city you are in. They are slightly more expensive in large cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka than in smaller places such as Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Sapporo. You do not need to tip the driver, but simply pay the fare displayed on the machine by the driver\'s seat. An interesting discovery you will make is that the rear passenger door opens and closes automatically. Just as long as you can clearly tell the driver where you wish to go, or show a map and point to your destination, you will get there safely and rapidly by taxi. **[Riding a Bus in Japan]** Taking a bus to *Shinjuku*. Buses are a very common means of public transportation in Japan. There are both local buses and long distance express buses that connect large cities such as *Tokyo*, *Nagoya*, *Osaka*, and *Fukuoka*. When using Japanese buses, you will need to know the routes that a local bus system serves, the fares, and also whether to pay when you get on or when you get off. On Tokyo buses, for instance, there is generally one flat rate and you pay when you get on. In addition, you are required to have the exact change. Just ask a person waiting at the bus stop, *ikura desu ka*? (\"How much is it?\") **[Prepaid Cards]** You can avoid the difficulty of always having to have the exact change when you get on a bus, or when you make a telephone call, by using the \"prepaid cards\" which are widely available in Japan. They are quite handy and economical. These are a kind of credit card, with a limited amount of credit equal to the price of the card. Most prepaid cards are designed for one type of transaction and are available at many stores or vending machines. A telephone card, for example, is a plastic card with a magnetic strip that can be inserted in a green public telephone to pay for a phone call. Each telephone card costs 1,000 yen and credits you with 105 units. After each use, the card records the number of units spent on the call and subtracts them from the original value. You will find the card convenient when making long distance or even international calls. There are many types of prepaid cards, among them bus cards, highway cards, train cards, and cards designed for use in various department or convenience stores. Prepaid cards have rapidly become popular in Japan, and they can be very convenient for a visitor. ***zuibun isogashii n desu ne***. Z*uibun isogashii n desu ne*, meaning \"You\'re awfully busy, aren\'t you?\" addressed to someone who will be going on a business trip. In the Japanese society, which highly values work, this statement is often taken as a compliment. The implication behind the statement is that the busier you are, the more important a person you are in your *kaisha*. Business people in Japan spend a considerable amount of time traveling. Because of the size of the country, it is quite possible to be in Nagoya on Wednesday, Osaka on Thursday, and Kobe on Friday. It is only a one-hour ride on *shinkasen* from Nagoya to Kobe. **[Using a Telephone in Japan]** Communicating on the phone in a foreign country is always a challenge. You now know that \"hello\" is *moshi moshi* in Japanese, literally meaning \"I speak, I speak.\" You can say *moshi moshi* both when you answer the phone and make a call to someone. It has been used ever since the telephone was introduced in Japan. It costs 10 yen to make a local call. You will seldom see people in Japan using coins when they use public telephones. Instead they use pre-paid telephone cards that can be purchased from vending machines. The pre-paid cards cost either 500 yen or 1,000 yen, worth 50 and 100 local calls, respectively, and they can be used for any local, as well as long distance and overseas calls. A great majority of the Japanese people own cellular phones today, which has largely replaced the need for public phones altogether. Many Japanese use their mobile phones as a primary means of communication to send and receive e-mails, check the weather, make plane reservations, purchase tickets, etc., since a great amount of information is made available through mobile phone network systems. You will notice many Japanese busy talking on their individual phones, checking e-mail on small display screens, and punching in information on hand-held Palm Pilots®. **[The Weekend in Japan]** Up until the early 1990\'s, most Japanese people would work or go to school on Saturdays. Given some pressure from the international community and sensitivity to the accusation of being workaholics, the Japanese government and businesses have started adopting a \"two-days off\' practice. As a result, government offices, post offices, and banks are now closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Most schools are, however, still ambivalent about every Saturday being a \"holiday.\" They have adopted the two day- weekend system every other week. This means that the students have every other Saturday off, usually the second and the fourth of the month. The school policies vary from one prefecture (equivalent to a state or a political subdivision in the U.S.) to another. In some prefectures schools may be off only on the second Saturday of each month. Since most stores are open throughout the weekend, many people spend their weekends shopping. **[National Holidays in Japan (Omatsurii)]** There are quite a few national holidays in Japan. Since all schools, government offices, post offices, banks, and most businesses -except stores - are closed on these holidays, you may wish to take note of them. The Japanese holidays are as follows: January 1 New Year\'s Day January 15 Coming-of-Age Day February 11 National Foundation Day March 21 (approx.) Vernal Equinox Day \[The date varies depending on astronomical conditions.\] April 29 Green Day (Formerly the *showa* Emperor\'s birthday) May 3 Constitution Day May 4 National Holiday May 5 Children\'s Day July 20 Ocean Day September 15 Respect-for-the-Aged Day September 23 (approx.) Autumnal Equinox Day October 10 Health-Sports Day November 3 Culture Day November 23 Labor Thanksgiving Day December 23 Emperor\'s Birthday In case a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes an alternate holiday **Yen: Japanese Currency** The yen is the unit of Japanese currency, and its value against the U.S. dollar has appreciated in the last few decades. Until the early 1970\'s the exchange rate was fixed at one US dollar to 360 yen, but it has been fluctuating and one US dollar is now worth about 120 to 140 yen. Although in writing it is symbolized as \"yen,\" its pronunciation is more like *en*. There are four notes: 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen, and 1,000 yen that are of different sizes and colors. The 2,000 yen notes were issued in commemoration of the year 2000 but they have not been circulated very widely. Also there are six kinds of coins: 500 yen, 100 yen, 50 yen, 10 yen, 5 yen, and l yen. While Americans in general carry little cash and use credit cards and checks instead, the Japanese tend to pay cash when they go shopping. You will find many kinds of vending machines that sell a wide range of things, from soft drinks to train tickets. Some of the machines accept 10,000 yen notes and give change in both paper money and coins. **Coffee Shops** You will find many coffee shops in Japan. The shops have fancy names, such as Renoir, implying the ambiance of the shop. In a \"coffee shop\" you can have not only coffee, tea, fruit juice, and other assorted drinks, but also light meals such as sandwiches, spaghetti, and pilaf. The price for a cup of coffee is higher than in the U.S., ranging from 300 yen to 450 yen (approximately \$3.00 to \$4.50). Portions are small, and there are usually no free refills, but you are really paying for the use of the shop\'s space and time. Japanese people will sometimes spend hours in a coffee shop, talking to friends, having informal business discussions, or simply reading magazines and newspapers. **O-miyage** (souvenirs) The Japanese love travelling and travel has inevitability become ritualized. Commemorative photographs (**kinen shashin**) must be taken, and **o-miyage** must be bought, for one's neighbors, relatives and colleagues at school or work. If you go to Japan, particularly if you are going to say with Japanese friends, or if someone is going to be looking after you in some way, you appropriately emblazoned keyrings to bottles of brandy and scarves or ties with designer names. When presenting a gift to someone, it is usually appropriate to say: **Kore wa tsumaranai mono desu ga...** (lit.) *This is a trivial* **(tsumarana.i)** *thing but...* In the case of an **o-miyage,** however, you would probably say: (**Kore wa) Igirisu/Amerika no o-miyage desu. Tsumaranai mono desu ga, dōzo...** *This is a souvenir from Britain/America. It is a trivial thing, but please (accept it).* The happy recipient can respond in varios ways, most simply, of course, with **Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu (** a polite *Thank you).* **Introductions** Suppose you were an American named \"Bill.\" When introduced to someone, a proper way to identify you would be to say, *Bill to mooshimasu*. This means \"(I am) called Bill\"; literally it says, \"I say myself Bill,\" expressed in a humble fashion. This expression is appropriately modest and shows your sensitivity toward whatever difference in social status there may be between you and the other person. The Japanese are very much concerned about hierarchical human relationships, and *mooshimasu* is a safe way to identify yourself when meeting someone whose position you do not know. You identify yourself humbly, elevating the status of the other person. In social situations Americans almost always automatically introduce strangers to one another. However, many Japanese are not accustomed to doing so, and you may sometimes need to take the initiative and introduce yourself. Do not feel offended if you are not introduced, since your Japanese host is probably unaware of the Western custom of introduction. The Japanese, on the other hand, will customarily exchange business cards **(kado)** when they meet someone for the first time. When you receive a card, it\'s considered polite to study the card long enough to understand and appreciate all the information on it, such as the person\'s name, title, company she is working for, etc. You can use some of this information as initial topics of your conversation. If you intend to conduct business in Japan, it will be very important to always carry your own business cards with you. **[Expressions of Modesty and Deference in Japanese Communication]** In expressing modesty when receiving a compliment from another person to speak Japanese, or compliments the Japanese on good work, nice clothes, a beautiful house, a wonderful dinner, etc., it is customary for them to downplay their abilities, possessions, etc. While negating a compliment may be considered a sign of lack of confidence or even insincerity in some cultures, the Japanese frequently use it as an expression of modesty and deference in daily communication. As a case in point, consider this conversation: \"That was a wonderful meal! You are a great cook, *suzuki san*.\" \"Oh, no. I only followed a recipe. Anybody can cook.\" \"I certainly can\'t. Could you teach me?\" \"Can I teach? Oh, no. You cook far better than I can. I\'m the one who needs to take lessons from you. *Suzuki* may be seen as too modest by American standards, but this is socially acceptable behavior in Japan. This humility is only seen as avoiding appearing to be arrogant or conceited. ***\~ ne*** In Japanese conversation, "*ne*" at the end of sentences, as in *nihongo ga wakarimasu ne*. It is roughly equivalent to the English \"isn\'t it?\" \"aren\'t you?\" \"don\'t you?\" etc. The use of *ne* shows that the speaker expects the listener to agree with him or her. You will hear this used frequently in Japanese; in fact, some people may end virtually every sentence with *ne*. Living in a more collectivistic society than the U.S., the Japanese value being aligned with and maintaining harmonious relationships with others. The frequent use of *ne* illustrates their desire to avoid creating any potential for conflict or disagreement with one another. **[Language of Social Levels, Age, Position, and Deference]** The complex rules governing status in Japan play an important role in the expressions used in various social situations. You have to learn how to ask a person whether he or she wants to eat or drink: *tabemasu ka*? and *nomimasu ka*? These expressions are used when there is no need for the speaker to show deference, that is, between friends, family members, and colleagues. If. however, a native Japanese speaker is in a lower position than the hearer, he or she must carefully choose the most appropriate level of politeness. *O tabe ni nari masu ka*? is more polite than *tabemasu ka*? and *o meshiagari ni nari masu ka*? is far more polite. A great variety of expressions are available. depending on the degree of courtesy needed. As a non-native speaker of Japanese, however, you are seldom, if ever, expected to be able to use these expressions, but you will hear them used, so it is good to be aware of them. **[Questions Phrased with a Negative]** When speaking to Japanese speakers and phrasing a question with a negative such as \"Aren\'t you tired?\" or \"Isn\'t it hot today?\" you will find that they will sometimes reverse \"yes\" and \"no.\" For example, when asked \"Aren\'t you Japanese?\" they will answer \"No,\"meaning \"I am Japanese.\" Since being able to read another person\'s implications and behaving accordingly is an important social skill in Japan, when asked \"Aren\'t you Japanese?\" mane Japanese people will assume that you must be thinking he or she is not Japanese. In response to this assumption, they will deny, by saying \"No.\" meaning, \"No, you are wrong, I am indeed Japanese.\" That is why, in the conversation the person said *iie, yoku hanashimasu* (\"No, you can speak well\") in response to *demo, mada jozu ja* *arimasen* (\"But I can\'t speak well yet\"). Two places in Tokyo: *Ueno* and *Shinjuku*, these are both very busy districts, since they are the hubs of major railroad and subway lines, serving millions of people every day who travel to, from, and around the Tokyo metropolitan area. There are numerous national and private railroad companies and some fifteen subway lines in Tokyo, and they are still being further developed. The complex subway lines make it quite challenging for international travelers, and sometimes the local residents as well, to figure out the best way to travel to their destinations. You may sometimes get an uncertain response or no response at all when you ask passers-by in downtown Tokyo for directions. The public transportation system in Japan is generally well developed, but in order to take full advantage of it, you need to first memorize the names of major- cities and towns that will help orient you to the right directions and the best method of transportation. **[Cognates and \"Borrowed English Loan Words\"]** No language is free from words borrowed from other languages, and Japanese is no exception. Many English words have been adopted in Japanese, although the Japanese often pronounce them so differently that English speakers can hardly recognize that they were originally English. *resutoran* and *biiru* illustrate this point. You need to pronounce these and other words with English origins as the Japanese do, so that you can make yourself understood. Often, the Japanese have changed not only the pronunciation, but also the form and meanings of these originally English words. Japanese speakers often prefer to shorten or abbreviate loan words: for example, *waapuro* for \"word processor,\" *pasokon* for \"personal computer,\" and *terebi* for \"television.\" There are as well some English words used in Japanese whose meanings have changed to a greater or lesser extent. For example, there are many apartment complexes that are called \"mansions\" in Japan, usually referring to condominiums. You may find a pair of socks marked \"free size,\" which really means \"one size fits all.\" In a restaurant, you may be served *mikkusu sando*, or \"mixed sandwiches.\" \"Mixed\" in this context means assorted and you will find various kinds of sandwiches on one plate. **[Meals of a Day]** Japanese does not have unique names for each meal such as \"breakfast,\" \"lunch,\" and \"dinner.\" The word *gohan* is used for every meal preceded by *asa* or \"morning\" for breakfast, *hiru* or \"day\" for lunch, and *yoru* ⁄ *yuu* or \"evening\" for dinner. *Gohan* alone means rice, so it is used to refer to a meal or rice, depending upon the context. You will find that many Japanese people these days do not eat rice with every meal. They often have coffee and toast with butter, margarine, and various kinds of jelly for breakfast, while the traditional Japanese style breakfast consists of a bowl of rice, fish, eggs, sea weed, and *miso* (soy bean paste) soup. For lunch noodles made from buckwheat (*soba*), and flour (*udon*) or spaghetti are popular. Many American fast food chains are also popular, especially among young people. The Japanese dinner consists of rice, fish, meat, and vegetables. As is commonly known, the Japanese consume more fish than average Americans. **[Circumlocution]** You will find the Japanese people to be much more subtle when they must express a negative response. Concerned with saving face, the Japanese resort to a variety of verbal and nonverbal communication strategies, and avoid directly saying \"no\" whenever they can. One common way to turn down a proposal is to remain silent. When you do not receive an immediate response to an offer, then the chances are that the person does not want to accept it, but at the same time does not want to offend you or make you feel bad. A long delay in responding may be another form of refusal. In Japan, unless you are speaking with someone you know very well and a mutual trust exists, you will rarely hear a straight answer given to a difficult question, especially when that answer involves some kind of refusal. How do you reach that level? It will take some time, but if you are sensitive to another culture quite different from yours, and have a positive attitude toward adapting to it, you will be able to acquire the communication skills necessary to establish, maintain, and develop trusting relationships with the local people. **[Books and Signs]** Most westerners are accustomed to reading books starting from the front and reading each line left to right, starting from the top of the page. In books and traditional writing, however, Japanese is written in columns, top to bottom starting on the right side of a page. The books appear to open \"backwards\" to English speakers, as the \"front\" of a Japanese book is the \"back\" of an English text. However, in signs, menus, and books in which some English words are used, such as academic papers, Japanese is now often written from left to right. Visitors to Japan are fortunate in that the international sign system and many English words are used in signs and directions. Rest rooms, for instance, can often be identified by male ⁄female symbols, or by the words \"WC,\" or \"Toilets.\" English names are also widely used alongside Japanese. Store signs are often written both in English and Japanese Katakana. Some signs, however, are misspelled, or are the outcome of imaginative creation known as \"Japanese English,\" which sometimes makes it difficult for English speaking people to understand exactly what product the business is selling. **COUNTERS** One linguistic item present in Japanese but not in English is the counter. Counters are placed after numerals in order to express quantity or amount of people and thing, and the choice of the counters varies depending on the size and shape, and type of item. Follow the general patterns and pay attention only to the suffixes added to the numbers. (\* variations may occur in certain pattern). **10s** **100s** **1000s** **10,000s** **100,000s** **THINGS** **PERSONS** **ORDER** **THIN & FLAT** **MACHINES** ----------------- -------------- ------------ --------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- ----------------- -------------- **1** Ichi **JU** **HYAKU** **SEN** ichi**MAN** ichi**JUMAN** hito**TSU** Hitori ichi**BAN** ichi**MAI** ichi**DAI** **2** Ni Ni**JU** ni**HYAKU** ni **SEN** ni**MAN** niJ**UMAN** futa**TSU** Futari ni**BAN** ni**MAI** ni**DAI** **3** San san**JU** san**HYAKU** san**ZEN** san**MAN** san**JUMAN** mui**TSU** san**NIN** san**BAN** san**MAI** san**DAI** **4** Shi/ yon yon**JU** shi**HYAKU** yon**SEN** yon**MAN** yon**JUMAN** yo**TSU** yon**NIN** yon**BAN** yon**MAI** yon**DAI** **5** Go go**JU** go**HYAKU** go**SEN** go**MAN** go**JUMAN** itsu**TSU** go**NIN** go**BAN** go**MAI** go**DAI** **6** Roku roku**JU** roku**HYAKU** roku**SEN** roku**MAN** rok**JUMAN** mut**TSU** roku**NIN** roku**BAN** roku**MAI** roku**DAI** **7** Shichi /nana nana**JU** nana**HYAKU** nana**SEN** nana**MAN** nana**JUMAN** nana**TSU** shichi**NIN** nana**BAN** nana**MAI** nana**DAI** **8** Hachi hap**JU** hap**HYAKU** hachi**SEN** hachi**MAN** hachi**JUMAN** yat**TSU** hachi**NIN** hachi**BAN** hachi**MAI** hachi**DAI** **9** Kyu kyu**JU** kyu**HYAKU** kyu**SEN** kyu**MAN** Kyu**JUMAN** kokono**TSU** kyu**NIN** kyu**BAN** kyu**MAI** kyu**DAI** **10** Ju **HYAKU** **SEN** ichi**MAN** ju**MAN** **KHYAKUMAN** toKA**TSU** ju**NIN** ju**BAN** ju**MAI** ju**DAI** ASKING QUANTITY iku**TSU** nan**NIN** nan**BAN** nan**MAI** nan**DAI** **FREQUENCY** **SMALL THINGS** **AGE** **BOOKS & NOTEBOOKS** **CLOTHES** **HOUSES** **FLRS OF A BUILDING** **THIN & LONG THINGS** **DRINKS IN CUPS & GLASSES** **SMALL ANIMALS & INSECTS** **SHOES & SOCKS** -------- --------------- ------------------ ------------- ----------------------- ---------------- -------------- ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------------ ----------------------------- ------------------- **1** ik**KAI** **ikKO** is**SAI** is**SATSU** it**CHAKU** ik**KEN** ik**KAI** ip**PON** ip**PAI** ip**PIKI** is**SOKU** **2** ni**KAI** Ni**KO** ni**SAI** ni**SATSU** ni**CHAKU** ni**KEN** ni**KAI** ni**HON\*** ni**HAI\*** ni**PIKI** ni**SOKU** **3** San**KAI** san**KO** san**SAI** san**SATSU** san**CHAKU** san**GEN\*** san**GAI\*** san**BON\*** san**BAI\*** san**PIKI** san**ZOKU** **4** yon**KAI** yon**KO** yon**SAI** yon**SATSU** yon**CHAKU** yon**KEN** yo**KAI** yon**HON\*** yon**HAI\*** yon**HIKI** yon**SOKU** **5** go**KAI** go**KO** go**SAI** go**SATSU** go**CHAKU** go**KEN** go**KAI** go**HON** go**PAI** go**HIKI** go**SOKU** **6** rok**KAI** roku**JU** roku**SAI** roku**SATSU** roku**CHAKU** rok**KEN** rok**KAI** roku**NIN** rop**PAI** rop**PIKI** roku**SOKU** **7** nana**KAI** nana**KO** nana**SAI** nana**SATSU** nana**CHAKU** nana**KEN** nana**KAI** Nana**HON\*** nana**BAN** nana**HIKI** nana**SOKU** **8** hachi**KAI** hap**KO** hap**SAI** hachi**SATSU** hachi**CHAKU** hachi**KEN** hak**KAI** hap**PON** hap**PAI** hap**PIKI** has**SOKU** **9** kyu**KAI** kyu**KO** kyu**SAI** kyu**SATSU** kyu**CHAKU** kyu**KEN** kyu**KAI** kyu**HON\*** kyu**HAI\*** kyu**HIKI\*** kyu**SOKU** **10** juk**KAI** juk**KO** jus**SAI** jus**SATSU** jut**CHAKU** juk**KEN** juk**KAI** ju**PON** jup**PAI** jup**PIKI** ju**SOKU** nan**KAI** nan**KO** nan**SAI** nan**SATSU** nan**CHAKU** nan**GEN** nan**GAI** nan**BON** nan**BAI** nan**BIKI** nan**ZOKU** **COUNTING NUMBERS** Always consider the following in counting numbers in Nihongo. The Basic numbers 1-9 are just pronounced before each ordinal position suffixes; mention the number first then the suffix assigned for each position. Example: 23,908= ni[man], san[zen], ku[hyaku],hachi for higher numbers refer to this: suffix for 100,000 is JUMAN; 1000,000 is HYAKUMAN; 10,000,000 is SENMAN 100,000,000 is ICHIOKU, ONE BILLION is JUOKU, TEN BILLION is HYAKUOKU, HUNDRED BILLION is SEN-OKU. Try this out: express the following numbers by filling in the blanks. 1\) 98,705= \_\_\_\_\_ man,hap\_\_\_\_,nana\_\_\_\_ go 2) 11, 110= ichi\_\_\_\_\_, \_\_\_\_\_\_,hyaku \_\_\_\_\_ 3\) 7,123,456= nana\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_,\_\_\_\_\_ juman,ni\_\_\_\_, san\_\_\_\_\_ yon\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, roku 4)10,058= \_\_\_\_\_ man, go\_\_\_\_, hachi 5\) 567, 204 = go\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, roku \_\_\_\_\_, nana\_\_\_\_\_, ni\_\_\_\_, shi **Counters for Time & Date** **Days of the week** **Hours** **Minutes** **Seconds** **Year** **Months** **Weeks** **Days of the Month** -------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------------- **1** Nichiyoubi(Sunday) Ichi**JI** Ip**PUN\*** Ichi**BYOU** ichi**NEN** Ichi**GATSU** Is**SHU** Tsuitachi **2** Getsuyoubi(Monday) Ni**JI** Ni**FUN** Ni**BYOU** ni**NEN** Ni**GATSU** Ni**SHU** Futsuka **3** Kayoubi(Tuesday) San**JI** San**PUN\*** San**BYOU** san**NEN** San**GATSU** San**SHU** Mikka **4** Suiyoubi(Wednesday) Shi**JI** yon**PUN\*** yon**BYOU** yon**NEN** yon**GATSU** yon**SHU** Yokka **5** Mokoyobi(Thursday) Go**JI** Go**FUN** Go**BYOU** Go**NEN** Go**GATSU** Go**SHU** Itsuka **6** Kinyoubi(Friday) Roku**JI** Roku**PUN\*** Roku**BYOU** Roku**NEN** Roku**GATSU** Roku**SHU** Muika **7** Doyoubi(Saturday) Shichi/nana**JI** Nana**FUN** nana**BYOU** shichi**NEN** nana**GATSU** Nana**SATSU\*** Nanoka **8** hachi**JI** hap**PUN** hachi**BYOU** hachi**NEN** hachi**GATSU** has**SATSU\*** Yoka **9** Kyu**JI** Kyu**FUN** Kyu**BYOU** Kyu**NEN** Kyu**GATSU** Kyu**SATSU\*** Kokonoka **10** Nanyoubi Ju**JI** Jup**PUN\*** Ju**BYOU** Ju**NEN** Ju**GATSU** Ju**SATSU\*** Toka Asking about time & date Nan ji ni Nan pun Nan byou Nan Nen Nan gatsu Nan shu Nan niche **NOTE:** With **counters expressing time**, the suffix ***"KAN"*** can be added to indicate duration of time. Rei: Goji=5 o clock ,GojiKAN= 5 hours Months of the year are counted ichigatsu (January), nigatsu (February) etc. one month is ikkagetsuKAN= one month The days of the month from 11^th^ day onwards uses the regular counting numbers + suffix niche such as follows juichinichi, juninichi.. in so far as they are irregular: 14^th^ juyokka; 19^th^ jukokonoka; 20^th^ hatsuka; 24^th^ nijuyokka. Important words for concepts of time only on= ***[dake]***; past= ***[kako]***;since, before, start, from, begin = ***[kara ,]*** after = ***[ato de,]*** ends or closes, = ***[made]*** present= ***[genzai]***, previous/ly= ***[mae no/ni]*** only= ***[dake]*** Try this: express the following dates and time in Nihongo. 1\) 7:45:15 am=\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 4) 3:15 am=\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 2\) 9:12:30 pm=\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 5) 10 before 8 am=\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 3\) 5:15 pm=\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\` 6) 2: 15:02=\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Dates: July 4, 1957 saturday=\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Dec. 25, 1926, Monday=\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Nov, 15, 1983, Wednesday=\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Aug. 19, 1850, Sunday=\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ State your birth date in Nihongo=\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 10 hrs\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 2 weeks\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 23 years\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 5 days\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 35mins\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 20 secs.\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 20 bottles\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 5 socks\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ An aircon\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 4 persons\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 34^th^ page\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 25pages\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 4^th^ floor\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 5 insects\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **Common Japanese expression and responses:** A. Greetings depending on the time of the day: 1. Ohayou gozaimasu ( good morning, literally means early) 2. Konnichiwa (good afternoon literally means day/ hello) 3. Konban wa ( good evening literally means night) 4\. Oyasumi minasai (good evening, said only to friends and family) B. Graces in meals Before a meal Itadakimasu Refusing food Sumimasen, kekko desu (Im sorry, but I'm fine) Moo onaka ippai desu( I'm full) Totemo manzaku desu ( I'm very satisfied) When meeting somebody Greetings Responses 1\. Hajimimashite (How do you do) 1. Hajimemashite......(and end greeting for the recipient of the introduction with) Kochira **\>** Said when meeting someone for the first time, kouzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu followed by your surname and must end with Douzo yoroshiko onegaishimasu (Pleased to meet you/Pleased to meet you, Please be nice to me) 2\. O Genki desu ka. (Are you fine) 2. Genki desu, arigatou gozaimasu/ maamaa/bochi-bochi ( so so) \>Usually said to express concern on health \> Okage sama de, Genki desu (Arigatou...) \* Ikaga desu ka. (How are you?) (I am fine, or doing good.)/ ammari ( not really)/ chotto kaze gimi ( Think catching a cold) \>Aikawarazu, Genki desu (Arigatou....) ( No change, Im fine thank you.) 3\. O-hisashiburi desu ne( It's been a long time) 3. Hai/ Iie Shibaraku desu. (Doumo arigatou..) \> Said between friends, "Long time no see" Shibaraku desu ne ( It has been some time) (Yes/ no it has been some time.) - Itsumo o- sewa ni narimasu. (I'm always obliged to you) \* response/greeting to someone who regularly does something for you. (Parents to teacher, businessmen to clients, etc...) 4\. Douzo o hairi kudasai 4. O-jama shimasu (Tuloy ") \> This is said before entering a room or house by a stranger. Douzo o agari kudasai ( "Tao po,maari po maabala") ***Going and leaving*** 5\. Itte kimasu. ( I'll be leaving for a while) 5. Itterashai ("O, sige, or Ok ingat") \> Said when leaving someone with an intention of coming back like a business trip, or meeting. 6\. Tadaima (I'm home) 6. Okaeri nasai (Welcome home) \> used at home by couples or family members. 7\. Shitsurei shimasu 7. \*same(good bye) \> used in business, social gatherings minutes before leaving someone's home. 8\. O saki ni Shitshurei shimasu ("Mauna na ako") 8.\* O tsukare sama desu \> When leaving a group of friends or host. 9\. Sayounarra (Good bye for a long time) 9. \* same \> Said by people who will part ways for a time. 10\. Dewa mata (See you) 10.\* same or depending on occasions \> Usual Good bye Mata ashita/reishou ( tomorrow/next week) 11\. Ja, ki o tsu kete(Take care) 11.\*same \> Casual Good bye 12\. O dai ji ni (Please take care/Get well soon) 12. Aikawarazu Genki Doumo arigatou \> Said to someone elderly/sick/injured ***Class room conversation*** 13\. ***Sumimasen, chotto de te mo ii desu ka.*** (May I go out?) 13. Kekko desu/ hai (no/ yes) \> Said by student to kyoushi/ sensei 14\. ***O sukunatte sumimasen/ O matase shimimashita*** (Sorry Im late) 15\. Hajimemasho (Let us begin) 16\. Owarimasho( Let us end) \*" Mina san" may be added before the word to refer to everybody/ to the class" 17\. Yasumimasho (Let us rest/ Breaktime) 18\. Wakarimasu ka ( Do you understand?) 18. Hai, Wakarimasu/ Iie, wakarimasen 19\. Mo ichi do (Again) 20\. Tatueba/rei (example) 21\. Shiken/Testo (Exam or test) 22\. Shukudai (assignment) 23\. Onegaishimasu (Please) 24\. ***Sensei, Kyoki Sinatsu onegaishimasu** 24. Kekko desu/ hai yasumimasho!/ chotto* *(Teacher can I have a break please?*) n(don't mention it/ yes let us rest/ later) Congratulations 25\. Go kekkon omedetoo gozaimasu (Congratulations on your marriage) 25.Domo Arigatou gozaimasu 26\. Setsugyoo omedetoo Congratulations on your graduation 26. Domo arigatou gozaimasu 27\. Go-shussan o medetoo gozaimasu 27& 28. Domo arigatou gozaimasu ( Congratulations on the birth of your child 28\. Samishii ku narimashita ( you have become lonely/ condolence) Go- shuusho- sama deshita ( you must be sad) **Respectful titles** In referring to someone, you must use a respectful title after his or her name. The most commonly use gender and marital neutral status title is **"san".** You can add it at the end of the name of the person but not to yourself. Other respectful titles with restrictions are "kun" for boys or subordinates, **"chan"** for children to show affection and **"sama"** in extremely polite contexts when talking to clients, or customers. **Personal Pronouns Singular Plural** 1^st^ person Watakushi/Watashi (boku) Watashi-tachi (Warera/ Ware ware) 2^nd^ person Anata (you) Anata-tachi (you) 3^rd^ person male kare (he) karera (they/them) 3^rd^ person female kanojo (she) kanojo-tachi/kanojora (They/them) - To make ***possessive pronouns*** , just add particle "***no" Rei : watashino (mine/ my)*His= kareno** **Lessons on use of KO, SO, A words in Nihongo** +-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+ | **Demonstra | **Ko words( | **So words | **A words | **Do | | tive | near the | (near the | (away from | words** | | Pronouns** | speaker)** | listener)** | both | | | | | | conversing) | **(interrog | | | | | ** | ative)** | +=============+=============+=============+=============+=============+ | **Direction | Kochira | Sochira | Achira | Dochira | | ** | | | | | | | (Here,this | (there, | (Over | (Where is | | | way) | that way) | there) | the way) | +-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+ | **People** | Kochira | Sochira | Achira | Donata/ | | | | | | | | | (this | (that | (That | Dare | | | person | person) | person over | | | | | | there) | (Who) | +-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+ | **Thing** | Kore | Sore | Are | Dore | | | | | | | | | (This) | (There) | (Over | (Which) | | | | | there) | | +-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+ | **Place** | Koko | Soko | Asoko | Doko | | | | | | | | | (Here) | (There) | (Over | (where) | | | | | there) | | +-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+ | **Demonstra | Kono | Sono | Ano | Dono | | tive** | [kamera]{.u | | | | | | nderline} | [Kamer]{.un | [Kamera]{.u | [Kamera]{.u | | **adjective | | derline}a | nderline} | nderline} | | ** | (This | | | | | | camera) | (that | (that | (which | | | | camera) | camera over | camera) | | | | | there | | +-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+ - **KO-** refers to things, place, person or direction that is near to the speaker. Rei: Kore wa hon desu ka?= Is this a book? - **SO-** refers to things, place, person or direction that is far from the speaker but near the person spoken to. Rei: Sore wa kaban desu ka?= Is that a bag? - **A-** refers to things, place, person or directions that are far from speaker and the person spoken to. Rei: Asoko ni= It's over there. 1. In case of a noun sentence, the word "Sou" is often used to answer a question requiring an affirmative or negative answer. "Hai" Sou desu" is an affirmative answer; while "Iie ja arimasen" is the negative answer. 2. If a noun sentence is a question asking the listener to choose between alternatives, S1 and S2 for the answer. As an answer to this question , the chosen sentence is stated with "Hai" nor "Iie" Kore wa (9) desu ka,(7) desu ka?= Is this a 9 or a 7? Answer "Hai, 9 desu. 3. When connecting two nouns particle "no" is use. "Kore wa computah no hon." = This is a book on computer." 4. Use of Nouns to explain who owns it. Rei 1. " Are wa dare no kaban desu ka?="Whose bag is that? "Sato san desu." I'ts Mr. Sato. Rei 2. "Kono kaban wa anatano desu ka? = Is this bag yours? "Iie, Watashi no ja arimasen.= No, it's not mine./ Hai, Watashi no = Yes it's mine. 3\. Kono jamu wa taihen yumei desu. =This jam is very famous. 4\. Asoko wa yuumei na resutoran desu.= Over there is a famous restaurant. \* to ask question where/ what place? You can use the A wa B desu ka pattern using the ko so a do words. 1\. Hoteru wa koko de wa arimasen. =The hotel is not here. 2\. Fukuda sensei wa doko desu ka= Where is Fukuda-sensei? 3\. Fukuda sensei wa resutoran desu. =He is in the restaurant. 4\. Jiru san mo soko desu ka. = Is Jill there too? 5.Koko wa doko desu ka. = Where is here/are we? **[Countries, people and languages]** If you add ***'JIN'***" (person) to the name of countries you get the name of the person in that country; if you add ***"GO"*** (word) you get the name for it's language(note exceptions such as Australia where the language is obviously English; incidententally Australian English is called Osutoreria-Eigo. Australia Osutoraria Osutoraria**JIN** Osutoraria**GO** ------------- ---------------- ----------------------- ---------------------- China Chugoku Chugoku**JIN** Chugoku**GO** France Furansu Furansu**JIN** Furansu**GO** Germany Doitsu Doitsu**JIN** Doitsu**GO** Italy Itaria Itaria**JIN** Itaria**GO** Britain Igirisu/Eikoku Igirisu/Eikoku**JIN** Igirisu/Eikoku**GO** Philippine Firipin Firipin**JIN** Firipin**GO** Japan Nihon Nihon**JIN** Nihon**GO** Brazil Burajiru Burajiru**JIN** Burajiru**GO** South Korea Kankoku Kankoku**JIN** Kankoku**GO** List of common jobs & Profession in Nihongo Accountant kaikeishi Engineer gishi Actor dan-yu Electrician denkiko Actress jo-yu Factory worker koin Architect kenchikuka Farmer nogyo jujisha Baker panyaki no shokunin Firefighter shoboshi Banker ginkoka Government worker komuin Barber rihatsushi Musician ongakuka Cook chorishi Nurse kangoshi Dentist haisha Painter penkiya (bldgs)/pengaka Doctor isha Police officer fujinkeikan (F)/keikan (M) Driver untensha Professor kyoju Desu= is/are deshita = was/were Dewa/ja arimasen= is/are not dewa/ja arimasen deshita= was/were not **Particles** In Japanese, most sentences starts with a topic, a topic is what the sentence is all about and they are usually marked by particle **wa** in Nihongo sentences. Tomu san wa Igirisu-jin desu. (As for Tom he is English.) In Nihongo writing, question marks and exclamation point are not part of their writing system instead they use particles **ka, ne,** at times **ni** at the end of each sentence to denote question. In noun sentences, while **yo** denotes exclamation or alert the listener. Another particle is quite useful the particle no. **No** as a particle is use to denote ownership, relation between nouns, modifier of nouns. Another particle that is commonly seen in basic noun sentence is **mo,** which implies also/ additional item. Particle wa is a subject and a topic marker without counterpart in English. Verb is/are in a noun sentence is exemplified by the particle "DE" changes according to moods/tense Present affirmative= desu(is/are/am) Past affirmative= deshita(was/were) Present negative is dewa/ja arimasen(is not/are not) Past negative = dewa/ja arimasendeshita (was not/were not) Sentence pattern for Nouns "Bunkei"Subject wa Object Verb( de) 1\. A wa B desu. (A is B.) Tom san wa Firipinjin desu. (Tom is a Filipino.)Tom san wa Firipinjin dewa arimasen.(Tom is not a Filipino.) 2\. A wa B desu ka. (Is A, B?) Tom san wa Firipinjin desu ka.(Is Tom a Filipino?) Tom san wa firipinjin deshita ka.( was Tom a Filipino?) 3\. A wa B desu ne. (A is B isn't it?) Tom san wa Firipinjin desu ne.(Tom is a Filipino, isn't he?) 4\. A wa B desu. C mo B desu. (A is B, C is also B) Tom san wa Firipinjin desu.( Jill san mo Firipinjin desu. Tom is a Filipino. Jill is also a Filipino.) 5\. A wa X no B desu. Kore wa Firipin no jamu desu. This is a Filipino jam. HOW TO ASK TIME: "NAN JI NI" = What time is it? Variations in asking time; [IMA], NAN JI DESU KA?= What time is it now? "\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ WA NAN JI [KARA] DESU KA?" = Noun opens at what time? = Noun closes( change kara with made) at what time? Answerable by: - [Gogo (time)] made desu. [=] it closes at [time] pm. - [Gozen (time]) kara desu. = it opens at time am. HOW TO ASK HOW MUCH "IKURA DESU GA" = HOW MUCH? Variations in asking how much \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ wa ikura desu ka?= How much is \_\_\_\_? (Kore,Sore,Are/kono,sono,ano) (this/that/that over there) Kore wa tokei desu ka?= How much is this watch. Answerable by: - [(Dore)] desu ka? (Y 25,000) yen desu. Dozo...= Which one? Nisengohyaku yen here you are. - Kore wa tokei desu ka? = This watch? Nisengohyaku yen(25,000) here you are. ASKING HOW MANY? "Ikutsu desu ka?"= How many? Answerable by: - [Noun, Counter,] desu. Onegaishimasu. Ex. Biru, [nihai], onegaishimasu. ( 2 bottles)= 2 bottles of beer could you please? ASKING WHAT DO YOU WANT? "NANI \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ EN KA." = Don't like anything to \_\_\_\_\_\_\_?(verbs ) Nani ka nomimasen ka.(You don't want anything to drink? **Self Introduction Bunkei:** **Fill up the blanks with your Nihongo counterparts.** [Greetings] (depends on time of day). Hajimemashite( said only on first meeting). [Surname, given name] to mooshimasu (or desu). [Age] desu. Tanjoubi wa ([Month, day, year of birth)]desu./([Birthdate] de umaremashita.) [No. of members of family] no kazuko desu./ ([No of family] no Kazuko ga imasu ) [Province] kara kimashita. [Address] ni sunde imasu. OLF daigaku no gakusei desu. [Course] benkyoshite imasu. Ketai bango no (cellp[hone no). End greeting. ( douzo/kochira kouzo )]yoroshiku onegaishimasu.