Block, SkipCaptcha, apieditor, Automoderated users, Bots, edit, ratelimit-exempt
58,183
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 36:
Line 36: − + − + Line 48:
Line 48: − + − + Line 73:
Line 73: − + Line 88:
Line 88: − + − + Line 96:
Line 96: − + Line 106:
Line 106: − + Line 124:
Line 124: − + Line 134:
Line 134: − + Line 148:
Line 148: − + Line 162:
Line 162: − + − + Line 176:
Line 176: − + − + − + Line 220:
Line 220: − + − + − + − + − + Line 240:
Line 240: − + − + − + Line 260:
Line 260: − + Line 292:
Line 292: − + Line 322:
Line 322: − + Line 328:
Line 328: − +
clean up & uniformity
To use an example, asking a group of children, "Who went to school?" would receive the reply, "Tom went to school.” Asking the question, "Which one of you went to school?" would probably receive the same response, but with higher pitched voices and fingers pointing to the unfortunate Tom, and if written, probably ending in an exclamation point, rather than a full stop.
To use an example, asking a group of children, "Who went to school?" would receive the reply, "Tom went to school.” Asking the question, "Which one of you went to school?" would probably receive the same response, but with higher pitched voices and fingers pointing to the unfortunate Tom, and if written, probably ending in an exclamation point, rather than a full stop.
In Japanese, however, this is conveyed by changing the "wa" to a "ga.” Thus, "Who went to school?" would be answered by "Tomu '''wa''' gakkou '''ni''' ikimash<i></i>ita." (Tom went to school.) and "Which one of you went to school?" would be answered with, "Tomu '''ga''' gakkou '''ni''' ikimash<i></i>ita." (Tom is the one who went to school).
In Japanese, however, this is conveyed by changing the "wa" to a "ga.” Thus, "Who went to school?" would be answered by "Tomu '''wa''' gakkou '''ni''' ikimash''''ita." (Tom went to school.) and "Which one of you went to school?" would be answered with, "Tomu '''ga''' gakkou '''ni''' ikimash''''ita." (Tom is the one who went to school).
In addition, the subject of subordinate clauses in a sentence normally uses "ga,” to indicate that the subordinate and main clauses have different subjects. Thus, in "Watashi '''wa''' Mika '''ga''' kekkon shi<i></i>ta koto '''o''' shiranakatta." (I did not know Mika was married), Mika is the subordinate subject.
In addition, the subject of subordinate clauses in a sentence normally uses "ga,” to indicate that the subordinate and main clauses have different subjects. Thus, in "Watashi '''wa''' Mika '''ga''' kekkon shi''''ta koto '''o''' shiranakatta." (I did not know Mika was married), Mika is the subordinate subject.
Finally, in conversation, where a negative answer is required to a question, "ga" reverts to "wa.” Thus "Sakana '''ga''' suki desu '''ka'''?" (Do you like fish?) is answered "Iie, sakana '''wa''' suki janai desu." (No, I do not like fish.)
Finally, in conversation, where a negative answer is required to a question, "ga" reverts to "wa.” Thus "Sakana '''ga''' suki desu '''ka'''?" (Do you like fish?) is answered "Iie, sakana '''wa''' suki janai desu." (No, I do not like fish.)
"O" indicates the object of a verb. Whenever you hear "o" in a sentence, you will know that what precedes it will be the object of the next verb that follows it. This verb can be an active, passive, or causative verb-form, but will always act on what precedes "o" in some manner.
"O" indicates the object of a verb. Whenever you hear "o" in a sentence, you will know that what precedes it will be the object of the next verb that follows it. This verb can be an active, passive, or causative verb-form, but will always act on what precedes "o" in some manner.
Thus, "Kutsu '''o''' kaimashi<i></i>ta." literally means "(I) shoes bought".
Thus, "Kutsu '''o''' kaimashi''''ta." literally means "(I) shoes bought".
One of the advantages of Japanese is that once the speakers understand the context in which a noun is being used, it can be omitted from the conversation. To use the example above, unless it is stated that somebody bought the shoes for me, it is clear that I bought the shoes and thus there is no need to add "Watashi wa..." to the beginning of the sentence.
One of the advantages of Japanese is that once the speakers understand the context in which a noun is being used, it can be omitted from the conversation. To use the example above, unless it is stated that somebody bought the shoes for me, it is clear that I bought the shoes and thus there is no need to add "Watashi wa..." to the beginning of the sentence.
Likewise, although a transitive verb always needs "something" to act on, if that "something" is understood within the context, it does not need to be spoken again. Thus, "Kare '''wa''' mou ie '''o''' demash<i></i>ita '''ka'''? ‘‘ (Has) he already left (the) house?''" can be answered with, "Hai, demash<i></i>ita. ‘‘ Yes, left''", as it is clear the question is referring to him leaving the house.
Likewise, although a transitive verb always needs "something" to act on, if that "something" is understood within the context, it does not need to be spoken again. Thus, "Kare '''wa''' mou ie '''o''' demash''''ita '''ka'''? ‘‘ (Has) he already left (the) house?''" can be answered with, "Hai, demash''''ita. ‘‘ Yes, left''", as it is clear the question is referring to him leaving the house.
"O" is also used to indicate the direction of movement for verbs such as walk, run, turn, etc. Thus, "Basu '''wa''' toshokan '''no''' mae '''o''' toorimasu. ''Bus (the) library in front (of) passes''" (The bus passes in front of the library).
"O" is also used to indicate the direction of movement for verbs such as walk, run, turn, etc. Thus, "Basu '''wa''' toshokan '''no''' mae '''o''' toorimasu. ''Bus (the) library in front (of) passes''" (The bus passes in front of the library).
* ''kanojo'' (her) becomes ''kanojo '''no''''' (hers)
* ''kanojo'' (her) becomes ''kanojo '''no''''' (hers)
* ''karera'' (they) becomes ''karera '''no''''' (their)
* ''karera'' (they) becomes ''karera '''no''''' (their)
* ''atashi<I></I>tati'' (we (fem)) becomes ''atash<I></I>itachi '''no''''' (our (fem))
* ''atashi''''tati'' (we (fem)) becomes ''atash''''itachi '''no''''' (our (fem))
* ''bokutati'' (we (male)) becomes ''bokutati '''no''''' (our (male))
* ''bokutati'' (we (male)) becomes ''bokutati '''no''''' (our (male))
* ''anata'' (you) becomes ''anata '''no''''' (your)
* ''anata'' (you) becomes ''anata '''no''''' (your)
"Ni" can be used as the English "to" when indicating a destination, as in "going to...", thus "I am going to New York next year," is "Rainen Nyu-yoku '''ni''' ikimasu. (Next year New York (to) am going.)"
"Ni" can be used as the English "to" when indicating a destination, as in "going to...", thus "I am going to New York next year," is "Rainen Nyu-yoku '''ni''' ikimasu. (Next year New York (to) am going.)"
It indicates the location where something is (or literally "exists" in Japanese), and takes on the same role performed by "at,” "in,” or "on." So "Watashi '''wa''' Toukyou '''ni''' sunde imasu." means "(As for) me, Tokyo (in) live," or "I live in Tokyo." Likewise "Teburu '''no''' ue '''ni''' okimash<i></i>ita." combines "Teburu '''no''' ue" (top of the table) with the action of placing something "on" it, "'''ni''' okimash<i></i>ita".
It indicates the location where something is (or literally "exists" in Japanese), and takes on the same role performed by "at,” "in,” or "on." So "Watashi '''wa''' Toukyou '''ni''' sunde imasu." means "(As for) me, Tokyo (in) live," or "I live in Tokyo." Likewise "Teburu '''no''' ue '''ni''' okimash''''ita." combines "Teburu '''no''' ue" (top of the table) with the action of placing something "on" it, "'''ni''' okimash''''ita".
"Ni" also indicates the indirect object within a sentence, which usually precedes a direct object. For example, "Kare '''wa''' watashi '''ni''' hon '''o''' kuremashi<i></i>ta." which translates directly as "(As for) he, me (to) a book gave", or more sensibly, "He gave me a book." Here "I" is the indirect object and "a book" is the direct object.
"Ni" also indicates the indirect object within a sentence, which usually precedes a direct object. For example, "Kare '''wa''' watashi '''ni''' hon '''o''' kuremashi''''ta." which translates directly as "(As for) he, me (to) a book gave", or more sensibly, "He gave me a book." Here "I" is the indirect object and "a book" is the direct object.
It is also used to indicate specific periods of time (but not concepts such as "today" or "tomorrow") and takes on the same usage as the English "at,” "on" or "in". Using an example from above "Hachi-ji '''ni''' ie '''o''' demasu," we get "Eight o'clock (at) house (I) leave" or "I leave home at eight o'clock".
It is also used to indicate specific periods of time (but not concepts such as "today" or "tomorrow") and takes on the same usage as the English "at,” "on" or "in". Using an example from above "Hachi-ji '''ni''' ie '''o''' demasu," we get "Eight o'clock (at) house (I) leave" or "I leave home at eight o'clock".
Combining "ni" with a noun and the verb "narimasu" ("to become", or "to result in") indicates the final result, or state of something after a specific event, something like the English "will". So "Tanjoubi '''ni''' ni-juu-roku-sai '''ni''' narimasu," Means "On my birthday, I will be twenty six years (old)". Notice the two different uses for "ni" in that sentence - the first indicates that something happens "on" my birthday, and the second that I "will be" 26. The unbolded "ni" in that sentence is, of course 2 (二) and not the particle "ni" (に). "Sai" is the "[[Japanese numerical system|counter]]" word to indicate years.
Combining "ni" with a noun and the verb "narimasu" ("to become", or "to result in") indicates the final result, or state of something after a specific event, something like the English "will". So "Tanjoubi '''ni''' ni-juu-roku-sai '''ni''' narimasu," Means "On my birthday, I will be twenty six years (old)". Notice the two different uses for "ni" in that sentence - the first indicates that something happens "on" my birthday, and the second that I "will be" 26. The unbolded "ni" in that sentence is, of course 2 (二) and not the particle "ni" (に). "Sai" is the "[[Japanese numerical system|counter]]" word to indicate years.
Two final uses are at the base of a verb, which is followed by another verb that indicates the purpose of the action. Thus, "Hon '''o''' kai '''ni''' ikimash<i></i>ita" (book buy went) has "ni" linking "went" and the reason I went, "to buy.”
Two final uses are at the base of a verb, which is followed by another verb that indicates the purpose of the action. Thus, "Hon '''o''' kai '''ni''' ikimash''''ita" (book buy went) has "ni" linking "went" and the reason I went, "to buy.”
It also approximates the use of the English "per" (per hour, per day), so to say, "They pay us twenty dollars per hour," you would say "Ichi-jikan '''ni''' nijuu-doru haratte kuremasu. (One-hour (per) twenty dollars they pay)"
It also approximates the use of the English "per" (per hour, per day), so to say, "They pay us twenty dollars per hour," you would say "Ichi-jikan '''ni''' nijuu-doru haratte kuremasu. (One-hour (per) twenty dollars they pay)"
"E" indicates that what precedes it is the destination or direction towards which the action that follows it moves. It can be used interchangeably with the particle "ni" in this usage, although the general rule is to use "e" to indicate a place one has been in the past, and "ni" to indicate a place you are going to in the future. Thus:
"E" indicates that what precedes it is the destination or direction towards which the action that follows it moves. It can be used interchangeably with the particle "ni" in this usage, although the general rule is to use "e" to indicate a place one has been in the past, and "ni" to indicate a place you are going to in the future. Thus:
* Rainen Nyu-yoku '''ni''' ikimasu. (Next year I am going to New York), and
* Rainen Nyu-yoku '''ni''' ikimasu. (Next year I am going to New York), and
* Sengetsu Kyouto '''e''' ikimash<i></i>ita. (Last month I went to Kyoto)
* Sengetsu Kyouto '''e''' ikimash''''ita. (Last month I went to Kyoto)
This is the only occasion where "e" and "ni" can be interchanged, so you would never say "Isu '''e''' suwatte imasu." for "I am sitting ''on'' the chair" (Isu '''ni''' suwatte imasu), otherwise you are saying, "I am sitting ''to'' the chair."
This is the only occasion where "e" and "ni" can be interchanged, so you would never say "Isu '''e''' suwatte imasu." for "I am sitting ''on'' the chair" (Isu '''ni''' suwatte imasu), otherwise you are saying, "I am sitting ''to'' the chair."
"Ba" can also be used with the particle "mo" to indicate a relationship between a list or pattern of things or events. In English it could be "(something) and (something) (is/thus/are)". For example, "Kanojo '''wa''' piano '''mo''' hike '''ba''' e '''mo''' kaku tasai '''no''' hito desu (As for her, piano (''something 1'') (also) to play (and) painting (''something 2'') (also) to paint talented person it is)" means "She is a talented person, who can play the piano and paint."
"Ba" can also be used with the particle "mo" to indicate a relationship between a list or pattern of things or events. In English it could be "(something) and (something) (is/thus/are)". For example, "Kanojo '''wa''' piano '''mo''' hike '''ba''' e '''mo''' kaku tasai '''no''' hito desu (As for her, piano (''something 1'') (also) to play (and) painting (''something 2'') (also) to paint talented person it is)" means "She is a talented person, who can play the piano and paint."
It should be mentioned that the "e" shown above is ''not'' the particle "e" (へ), but the noun "e" (絵) "painting, drawing, or sketch". This is one of the dangers of writing Japanese in romaji - [[homophone|homophones]], or words that sound (and are "spelled") the same, but have a different meaning.
It should be mentioned that the "e" shown above is ''not'' the particle "e" (へ), but the noun "e" (絵) "painting, drawing, or sketch". This is one of the dangers of writing Japanese in romaji - [[homophone]]s, or words that sound (and are "spelled") the same, but have a different meaning.
==De (で)==
==De (で)==
Another way to illustrate how "de" indicates where an action is taking place, is by comparing the sentences "I live in Tokyo" and "I work in Tokyo." Although much the same in English, there is a subtle difference in Japanese. Because Tokyo is the place I live in, I would use the particle "ni" - "Toukyou '''ni''' sunde imasu", but because the action of my working takes place in Tokyo, I would say "Toukyou '''de''' sousaite imasu."
Another way to illustrate how "de" indicates where an action is taking place, is by comparing the sentences "I live in Tokyo" and "I work in Tokyo." Although much the same in English, there is a subtle difference in Japanese. Because Tokyo is the place I live in, I would use the particle "ni" - "Toukyou '''ni''' sunde imasu", but because the action of my working takes place in Tokyo, I would say "Toukyou '''de''' sousaite imasu."
Similarly, in the sentence, "Shinkansen '''de''' Ousaka '''e''' ikimash<i></i>ita." (I went by Bullet Train to Osaka" the action of my going to Osaka was performed by the Bullet Train. If I was going to use the Bullet Train at some point in future to go to Osaka, then I would say "Shinkansen '''de''' Ousaka '''ni''' ikimasu. (I am going by Bullet Train to Osaka).
Similarly, in the sentence, "Shinkansen '''de''' Ousaka '''e''' ikimash''''ita." (I went by Bullet Train to Osaka" the action of my going to Osaka was performed by the Bullet Train. If I was going to use the Bullet Train at some point in future to go to Osaka, then I would say "Shinkansen '''de''' Ousaka '''ni''' ikimasu. (I am going by Bullet Train to Osaka).
"De" also qualifies an amount or a period of time, indicating that the amount or period indicated should be the maximum required. So, "Zenbu '''de''' senjuu-en desu," means "Together they cost thirty yen" and "Ichi-jikan '''de''' ikemasu" means 'I can be there in one hour."
"De" also qualifies an amount or a period of time, indicating that the amount or period indicated should be the maximum required. So, "Zenbu '''de''' senjuu-en desu," means "Together they cost thirty yen" and "Ichi-jikan '''de''' ikemasu" means 'I can be there in one hour."
"Ka" is added after various alternatives in a sentence, indicating that a choice needs to be made, and serves the function of the English "or.” Thus, "Kore '''ka''', sore '''ka''', dotchika erande '''yo'''," means "This or that, choose one of them now."
"Ka" is added after various alternatives in a sentence, indicating that a choice needs to be made, and serves the function of the English "or.” Thus, "Kore '''ka''', sore '''ka''', dotchika erande '''yo'''," means "This or that, choose one of them now."
Adding a "ka" after interrogative words changes their specific meanings to indefinite meanings. Therefore, if "doko" means "where,” then "doko ka" is the more vague "somewhere.” The difference between the two is the same as asking "Where did you go yesterday?" (Kinou doko '''ni''' ikimash<i></i>ita '''ka''') and "Did you go somewhere yesterday?" (Kinou '''doko ka''' '''ni''' ikimash<i></i>ita '''ka''').
Adding a "ka" after interrogative words changes their specific meanings to indefinite meanings. Therefore, if "doko" means "where,” then "doko ka" is the more vague "somewhere.” The difference between the two is the same as asking "Where did you go yesterday?" (Kinou doko '''ni''' ikimash''''ita '''ka''') and "Did you go somewhere yesterday?" (Kinou '''doko ka''' '''ni''' ikimash''''ita '''ka''').
Other examples are:
Other examples are:
"To" (pronounced "toh" rather than "toe") is the connecting particle, much like the English "and", although it only connects nouns and pronouns, never phrases and clauses. For example, "Cats and dogs" would be "neko '''to''' inu" - although because Japanese always ranks nouns from large to small, it would be more corect to say, "Inu to neko."
"To" (pronounced "toh" rather than "toe") is the connecting particle, much like the English "and", although it only connects nouns and pronouns, never phrases and clauses. For example, "Cats and dogs" would be "neko '''to''' inu" - although because Japanese always ranks nouns from large to small, it would be more corect to say, "Inu to neko."
It also connects the speaker with somebody else that they did something with, much like the English "together with". "I went to watch a film together with her" would translate as "kinou kanojo '''to''' eiga '''o''' mi '''ni''' ikimash<i></i>ita. (Yesterday she (and I) film (to) see went)"
It also connects the speaker with somebody else that they did something with, much like the English "together with". "I went to watch a film together with her" would translate as "kinou kanojo '''to''' eiga '''o''' mi '''ni''' ikimash''''ita. (Yesterday she (and I) film (to) see went)"
"To" is commonly used to connect something that is quoted or thought by yourself or someone else, with the verb (usually "iu" (say), "omou" (think), or "kangaeru" (consider)) that follows, or if what follows a verb or an adjective is a condition. Here it adopts the English use of "as soon as", "when", or "if". Examples are:
"To" is commonly used to connect something that is quoted or thought by yourself or someone else, with the verb (usually "iu" (say), "omou" (think), or "kangaeru" (consider)) that follows, or if what follows a verb or an adjective is a condition. Here it adopts the English use of "as soon as", "when", or "if". Examples are:
* "Kare '''wa''' ikitaku nai '''to''' iimash<i></i>ita." - He said he did not want to go (he not want go said)
* "Kare '''wa''' ikitaku nai '''to''' iimash''''ita." - He said he did not want to go (he not want go said)
* "Ano mise '''ni''' iku '''to''' oishii sushi '''ga''' taberareru." - If you go to that restaurant, you can eat delicious sushi (that restaurant go to (if) delicious sushi eat)
* "Ano mise '''ni''' iku '''to''' oishii sushi '''ga''' taberareru." - If you go to that restaurant, you can eat delicious sushi (that restaurant go to (if) delicious sushi eat)
In this case, "Kutsu '''ya''' shatsu '''o''' kau", translates as "Buy (things like) shoes, shirt, etc."
In this case, "Kutsu '''ya''' shatsu '''o''' kau", translates as "Buy (things like) shoes, shirt, etc."
==Sosh<i></i>ite (そして) & Sorekara (それから)==
==Sosh''''ite (そして) & Sorekara (それから)==
While "to" and "ya" only connect nouns and pronouns, "sosh<i></i>ite" (pronounced "soh-sh'teh") and "sorekara" (pronounced "soh-reh-kah-rah") are used to connect sentences to each other. The former is used as per the English "and," "thus," or "now" and the latter for when something happens after, or as a result of, something else, as in "and then" or "afterwards".
While "to" and "ya" only connect nouns and pronouns, "sosh''''ite" (pronounced "soh-sh'teh") and "sorekara" (pronounced "soh-reh-kah-rah") are used to connect sentences to each other. The former is used as per the English "and," "thus," or "now" and the latter for when something happens after, or as a result of, something else, as in "and then" or "afterwards".
For example, "Watashi '''wa''' sakana '''o''' tabemasu. '''Sosh<i></i>ite''' ocha '''o''' nomimasu," means "I eat fish and I drink green tea." Similarly, "Watashi '''wa''' asa gohan '''o''' tabemasu. '''Sorekara''' gakkou '''ni''' ikimasu," means "I eat breakfast, and then (I) go to school." (Another little language insght here. "Gohan" actually means "cooked rice", but because that is a staple of virtually all Japanese meals, it has become synonymous with the word "meal." "Asa" means "morning, so "asa gohan" is the "morning meal", or "breakfast.")
For example, "Watashi '''wa''' sakana '''o''' tabemasu. '''Sosh''''ite''' ocha '''o''' nomimasu," means "I eat fish and I drink green tea." Similarly, "Watashi '''wa''' asa gohan '''o''' tabemasu. '''Sorekara''' gakkou '''ni''' ikimasu," means "I eat breakfast, and then (I) go to school." (Another little language insght here. "Gohan" actually means "cooked rice", but because that is a staple of virtually all Japanese meals, it has become synonymous with the word "meal." "Asa" means "morning, so "asa gohan" is the "morning meal", or "breakfast.")
==Ne (ね)==
==Ne (ね)==
However, "kara's" function is to offset a word or phrase that indicates a minimum limit in terms of time or space. "Made" on the other hand, offsets a word or phrase that indicates a limit up to, and including, when, or where, an action occurs. When used together, they approximate the English "from - to.”
However, "kara's" function is to offset a word or phrase that indicates a minimum limit in terms of time or space. "Made" on the other hand, offsets a word or phrase that indicates a limit up to, and including, when, or where, an action occurs. When used together, they approximate the English "from - to.”
To use an example, "Kyou '''no''' kaigi '''wa''' ichi-ji '''kara''' san-ji '''made''' desu." or "Today's meeting is (from) one o'clock (to) three o'clock" (literally: today of meeting (as for) one o'clock (from) three o'clock (to) it is). Likewise, if I were to say, "I travelled from Tokyo to Osaka by car," I would say, "Watashi '''wa''' Toukyou '''kara''' Ousaka '''made''' kuruma '''de''' ikimash<i></i>ita."
To use an example, "Kyou '''no''' kaigi '''wa''' ichi-ji '''kara''' san-ji '''made''' desu." or "Today's meeting is (from) one o'clock (to) three o'clock" (literally: today of meeting (as for) one o'clock (from) three o'clock (to) it is). Likewise, if I were to say, "I travelled from Tokyo to Osaka by car," I would say, "Watashi '''wa''' Toukyou '''kara''' Ousaka '''made''' kuruma '''de''' ikimash''''ita."
Combining "made" with "ni" sets an upper limit to a condition, thus in the following examples:
Combining "made" with "ni" sets an upper limit to a condition, thus in the following examples:
* "San-ji '''ni''' denwa shi<i></i>te kudasai," means "Please telephone (me) '''at''' three o'clock," but
* "San-ji '''ni''' denwa shi''''te kudasai," means "Please telephone (me) '''at''' three o'clock," but
* "San-ji '''made ni''' denwa shi<i></i>te kudasai," means "Please telephone (me) '''by''' (or before) three o'clock"
* "San-ji '''made ni''' denwa shi''''te kudasai," means "Please telephone (me) '''by''' (or before) three o'clock"
* "San-ji '''made''' denwa shi<i></i>te kudasai," means "Please telephone (me) '''until''' three o'clock" (That is why '''made ni''' is used, this is incorrect and could result in a ''very'' long phone call.)
* "San-ji '''made''' denwa shi''''te kudasai," means "Please telephone (me) '''until''' three o'clock" (That is why '''made ni''' is used, this is incorrect and could result in a ''very'' long phone call.)
* "San-ji '''kara''' denwa shi<i></i>te kudasai," means "Please telephone (me) '''from''' three o'clock".
* "San-ji '''kara''' denwa shi''''te kudasai," means "Please telephone (me) '''from''' three o'clock".
Another way to explain the differences is using the following sentences:
Another way to explain the differences is using the following sentences:
If you are in a convenience store and you only want three red apples, you would ask, "Akai ringo '''dake''' mittsu kudasai (red apple (only) three (do for me) please)". Likewise, if you are in a queue, and are told, "Ichi-jikan '''dake''' matte kudasai,” you are being asked to wait "just" one hour. Compare this to "hodo" (see below) - "Ichi-jikan '''hodo''' matte kudasai," means "Please wait "for up to" one hour."
If you are in a convenience store and you only want three red apples, you would ask, "Akai ringo '''dake''' mittsu kudasai (red apple (only) three (do for me) please)". Likewise, if you are in a queue, and are told, "Ichi-jikan '''dake''' matte kudasai,” you are being asked to wait "just" one hour. Compare this to "hodo" (see below) - "Ichi-jikan '''hodo''' matte kudasai," means "Please wait "for up to" one hour."
{{quotebox|''In the first example above, you might have noticed the use of "mittsu" for "three", instead of "san", as in "ichi-ni-san" or "one-two-three." This is a tricky part of the language, because Japanese uses different words for numbers alone and numbers that "count" things. This is a topic for another day, but you might want to look at [[Japanese numerical system|counting in Japanese]] and [[Native Japanese numbers|native Japanese numbers]] at some point to familiarise yourself. Suffice to say, for now, that although there are three apples, they are also three objects, so I use the "counter" word for three objects, which is "mittsu."''}}
{{quotebox|''In the first example above, you might have noticed the use of "mittsu" for "three", instead of "san", as in "ichi-ni-san" or "one-two-three." This is a tricky part of the language, because Japanese uses different words for numbers alone and numbers that "count" things. This is a topic for another day, but you might want to look at [[Japanese numerical system|counting in Japanese]] and [[native Japanese numbers]] at some point to familiarise yourself. Suffice to say, for now, that although there are three apples, they are also three objects, so I use the "counter" word for three objects, which is "mittsu."''}}
"Dake" is also used following the verb "dekiru" (which means "can you...") and is followed by an adverb, to add in the English equivalent of "as you can.” Thus, "Dekiru '''dake''' hayaku denwa sh<i></i>ite kudasai." (Can you quickly telephone do for me please) means, "Please phone as soon as you can."
"Dake" is also used following the verb "dekiru" (which means "can you...") and is followed by an adverb, to add in the English equivalent of "as you can.” Thus, "Dekiru '''dake''' hayaku denwa sh''''ite kudasai." (Can you quickly telephone do for me please) means, "Please phone as soon as you can."
Similarly, it can be placed after the potential form of the verbs "~ru" (る), "~reru" (れる), and "~rareru" (られる), to indicate a maximum degree of something, which can not be passed. The English equivalent would be "as much as..." An example would be, "Atashi '''wa''' arukeru '''dake''' arukimash<i></i>ita desu (As for I to walk (as much as) did walk it is)," or, "I really walked as much as I could."
Similarly, it can be placed after the potential form of the verbs "~ru" (る), "~reru" (れる), and "~rareru" (られる), to indicate a maximum degree of something, which can not be passed. The English equivalent would be "as much as..." An example would be, "Atashi '''wa''' arukeru '''dake''' arukimash''''ita desu (As for I to walk (as much as) did walk it is)," or, "I really walked as much as I could."
==Hodo (ほど)==
==Hodo (ほど)==
If the verb ends in the past-tense "~ta" form, then the meaning changes to "already have", as in "Watashi '''wa''' tabe''ta'' '''bakari''' da." (I already ate), compared to "Watashi '''wa''' tabe''te'' '''bakari''' iru" (I am always eating.)
If the verb ends in the past-tense "~ta" form, then the meaning changes to "already have", as in "Watashi '''wa''' tabe''ta'' '''bakari''' da." (I already ate), compared to "Watashi '''wa''' tabe''te'' '''bakari''' iru" (I am always eating.)
It also indicates that what precedes it, could result in only one course of action. So if somebody receives bad news and can only panic because of that news, I would say, "Sono nyuusu '''o''' kiite kare '''wa''' tada oroorosuru '''bakari''' desh<i></i>ita. (That news (to hear) (as for) him only to panic (all the time) it happens )." (Also, notice how the use of "wa" indicates that the "news that he heard" is the topic of the sentence.)
It also indicates that what precedes it, could result in only one course of action. So if somebody receives bad news and can only panic because of that news, I would say, "Sono nyuusu '''o''' kiite kare '''wa''' tada oroorosuru '''bakari''' desh''''ita. (That news (to hear) (as for) him only to panic (all the time) it happens )." (Also, notice how the use of "wa" indicates that the "news that he heard" is the topic of the sentence.)
"Bakari" is also used in conjunction with a number, to indicate a degree of things. It implies that you are not quite sure of the amount, or figure, like the English "approximately" or "about." If I am going to be away, but I only know it will be for about 10 days, I could say, "Atashi '''wa''' tooka '''bakari''' rusu '''ni''' shimasu." ("tooka" is a Japanese word that specifically means "ten days").
"Bakari" is also used in conjunction with a number, to indicate a degree of things. It implies that you are not quite sure of the amount, or figure, like the English "approximately" or "about." If I am going to be away, but I only know it will be for about 10 days, I could say, "Atashi '''wa''' tooka '''bakari''' rusu '''ni''' shimasu." ("tooka" is a Japanese word that specifically means "ten days").
"Datte" (pronounced "dat-teh") can be used to indicate that a special condition is part of the topic, even though it appears to state the opposite. It is like saying "Even (condition) does..." in English. For example, "Natsu '''datte''' hadazamui hi '''mo''' aru (Summer (even) chilly day (many) some)" means "Even in summer, there are some chilly days."
"Datte" (pronounced "dat-teh") can be used to indicate that a special condition is part of the topic, even though it appears to state the opposite. It is like saying "Even (condition) does..." in English. For example, "Natsu '''datte''' hadazamui hi '''mo''' aru (Summer (even) chilly day (many) some)" means "Even in summer, there are some chilly days."
It is also used to list various items, if they ultimately have the same meaning, or impact, much like the English, "If (x), or (y)... doesn't matter/is the same". So, if I do not mind which day we go shopping, I could say, "Ashi<i></i>ta '''datte''' asatte '''datte''' kamaimasen '''yo''' (tomorrow (or) day after tomorrow (or) it doesn't matter (really)." or, "It doesn't matter if it's tomorrow, or the day after!" The fact that the sentence ends in "yo" means I ''really'' do not mind and the choice is yours to make.
It is also used to list various items, if they ultimately have the same meaning, or impact, much like the English, "If (x), or (y)... doesn't matter/is the same". So, if I do not mind which day we go shopping, I could say, "Ashi''''ta '''datte''' asatte '''datte''' kamaimasen '''yo''' (tomorrow (or) day after tomorrow (or) it doesn't matter (really)." or, "It doesn't matter if it's tomorrow, or the day after!" The fact that the sentence ends in "yo" means I ''really'' do not mind and the choice is yours to make.
If it added after an interrogative pronoun, it indicates that what is in the clause that follows is valid. Conversely, if it is in a negative sentence, then nothing that is specified should be (or wants to be) part of the group. Thus:
If it added after an interrogative pronoun, it indicates that what is in the clause that follows is valid. Conversely, if it is in a negative sentence, then nothing that is specified should be (or wants to be) part of the group. Thus:
"Sae" is used much like the English "even", so "Kare '''wa''' kanji '''sae''' kakeru" means "He can ''even'' read kanji."
"Sae" is used much like the English "even", so "Kare '''wa''' kanji '''sae''' kakeru" means "He can ''even'' read kanji."
==Also See==
==See also==
* [[Japanese grammar]]
* [[Japanese grammar]]
* [[Japanese numerical system|Counting in Japanese]]
* [[Japanese numerical system|Counting in Japanese]]
* [[Devoice (Japanese)|Devoiced words]]
* [[Devoice (Japanese)|Devoiced words]]
[[category:Japanese]]
[[Category:Japanese]]