Changes

==E (へ)==

==E (へ)==

{{Quotebox|Another one to be wary of, although "e" is pronounced "e" (pronounced as "eh" rather than "ee") when spoken, it is always written with the hiragana "he" (へ), even though hiragana does have a "e" (え). It is one of those idiosyncrasies of the language you will need to remember. To avoid confusion, the examples will use the spoken "e", instead of the written "he".}}

{{Quotebox|Another one to be wary of, although "e" is pronounced "e" (pronounced as "eh" rather than "ee") when spoken, it is always written with the hiragana "he" (へ), even though hiragana does have an "e" (え). It is one of those idiosyncrasies of the language you will need to remember. To avoid confusion, the examples will use the spoken "e", instead of the written "he".}}

"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:

It also shows a cause-and-effect relationship, indicating "when something happens, then" rather than "if.” Thus, "When there is a vivid sunset, the next day will be clear." translates as "Yuyake '''ni''' nare '''ba''' yokujitsu '''wa''' tenki '''ni''' naru."

It also shows a cause-and-effect relationship, indicating "when something happens, then" rather than "if.” Thus, "When there is a vivid sunset, the next day will be clear." translates as "Yuyake '''ni''' nare '''ba''' yokujitsu '''wa''' tenki '''ni''' naru."

Another use is to indicate the topic that will be discussed in the next clause, something akin to saying "speaking of..." or "in terms of..." If I wanted to recommend a good sushi restaurant, I could say "Osushi nara '''ba''' mise '''ga''' oishii desu '''yo'''", which means "Speaking (or "in terms") of sushi, that restaurant is tasty."

Another use is to indicate the topic that will be discussed in the next clause, something akin to saying "speaking of..." or "in terms of..." If I wanted to recommend a good sushi restaurant, I could say "Osushi nara '''ba''' mise '''ga''' oishii desu '''yo'''", which means "Speaking (or "in terms") of sushi, that restaurant is tasty!"

"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."

==To (と) & Ya (や)==

==To (と) & Ya (や)==

"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, "Dogs and cats" would be "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 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<i></i>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:

Finally, "to" indicates where an onomatopoeic adverb has been used. Japanese has the quaint mannerism of not just telling you the stars were twinkling, or her heart was beating, but will add in "kare-kare" (for twinkle) or "doki-doki" (for heartbeat) as well as the verb. These are usually written in katakana. For example, "me '''ga''' pika-pika '''to''' kirameita", means "(Her) eyes were "sparkle-sparkle" sparkling."

Finally, "to" indicates where an onomatopoeic adverb has been used. Japanese has the quaint mannerism of not just telling you the stars were twinkling, or her heart was beating, but will add in "kare-kare" (for twinkle) or "doki-doki" (for heartbeat) as well as the verb. These are usually written in katakana. For example, "me '''ga''' pika-pika '''to''' kirameita", means "(Her) eyes were "sparkle-sparkle" sparkling."

"Ya" is much the same as "to" in that it is used to link one or more nouns, except that it is much more vague and it implies that there may be other things that are unlisted, or that not all items in the list may apply. It is much the same as saying "Etcetera, etcetera" in English.

"Ya" is much the same as "to" in that it is used to link one or more nouns, except that it is much more vague and it implies that the list is incomplete, or may contain surplus items. It is much the same as saying "Etcetera, etcetera" in English.

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."

"Ne" is a sentence ending (and one phrase ending) participle.

"Ne" is a sentence ending (and one phrase ending) participle.

"Ne" (pronounced "neh", not "knee") is used to confirm a statement, or to invite agreement from the listener. Its use is something akin to the English "Right?" or "Don't you think so?” If you wanted to ask "You will be ok, right?, you would say "Daijoubu, '''ne'''." However, you are affirming to the person that they will be ok, not asking if they are ok. In the latter case, you would ask "Daijoubu desu '''ka'''?"

"Ne" (pronounced "neh", not "knee") is used to confirm a statement, or to invite agreement from the listener. Its use is something akin to the English "Hey?," "Right?" or "Don't you think so?” If you wanted to ask "You will be ok, hey?, you would say "Daijoubu, '''ne'''." However, you are affirming to the person that they will be ok, not asking if they are ok. In the latter case, you would ask "Daijoubu desu '''ka'''?"

It also appears in the common phrase "Sou desu ne" which translates as "Well..." or "Hmmm..." and often starts a direct reply, but is used to soften the reply, or to indicate that you are thinking about what was said. "Sou desu ne kare '''no''' kutu '''wa''' ookii desu '''ne'''." means "Hmmm... his shoes are big, aren't they?"

It also appears in the common phrase "Sou desu ne" which translates as "Well..." or "Hmmm..." and often starts a direct reply, but is used to soften the reply, or to indicate that you are thinking about what was said. "Sou desu ne kare '''no''' kutu '''wa''' ookii desu '''ne'''." means "Hmmm... his shoes are big, aren't they?"

The "ne" at the end of a sentence can also be stretched, "nee", to indicate surprise or astonishment. If something really amazes you, you could say "Sugoi '''nee'''!"

The "ne" at the end of a sentence can also be stretched, "nee", to indicate surprise or astonishment. If something really amazes you, you could say "Sugoi '''nee'''!"

==Yo (よ)==

==Yo (よ)==

"Yo" is another participle whose function is to end a sentence, but whilst "ne" seeks confirmation of what was said, "yo" add emphasis to what preceded it. It is essentially a spoken, or written, exclamation point.

"Yo" is another participle whose function is to end a sentence, but whilst "ne" seeks confirmation of what was said, "yo" adds emphasis to what preceded it. It is essentially a spoken, or written, exclamation point.

If I was leaving somewhere to go home, I would simply say, 'I am going home," or, "Watashi '''wa''' kaeru." But if I was not having a good time where I was and had finally had enough, I would likely say, "Watashi '''wa''' kaeru '''yo'''", which means "I ''am'' going home!" The difference, when written, lies in the exclamation point.

If I was leaving somewhere to go home, I would simply say, 'I am going home," or, "Watashi '''wa''' kaeru." But if I was not having a good time where I was and had finally had enough, I would likely say, "Watashi '''wa''' kaeru '''yo'''", which means "I ''am'' going home!" The difference, when written, lies in the exclamation point.

* "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<i></i>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<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 '''kara''' denwa shi<i></i>te kudasai," means "Please telephone (me) '''from''' three o'clock" - again, this 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".

Another way to explain the differences is using the following sentences:

Another way to explain the differences is using the following sentences:

Similar to "kara" and "made,” "dake" (pronounced "dah-keh"), indicates that what precedes it, is a precise or absolute limit. Depending on the context in which it is used, it approximates the English "just" (if the extent of the limit is not known), or "only" (if extent of the limit is small), or "enough" (if extent of the limit is large).

Similar to "kara" and "made,” "dake" (pronounced "dah-keh"), indicates that what precedes it, is a precise or absolute limit. Depending on the context in which it is used, it approximates the English "just" (if the extent of the limit is not known), or "only" (if extent of the limit is small), or "enough" (if extent of the limit is large).

if you are in a waiting room, 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 "about" 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."

 

"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<i></i>ite kudasai." (Can you quickly telephone do for me please) means, "Please phone as soon as you can."

==Shika (しか)==

==Shika (しか)==

"Shika" serves a very similar function to that of "dake", but is always followed by a negative verb. Whereas "dake" indicates a precise limit, "shika" indicates that what precedes it is the maximum limit; there can be no more. It approximates the English "only" or "nothing but..."

"Shika" (pronounced "sh'ka" - the "i" is silent) serves a very similar function to that of "dake", but is always followed by a negative verb. Whereas "dake" indicates a precise limit, "shika" indicates that what precedes it is the maximum limit; there can be no more. It approximates the English "only", "mo more than..." or "nothing but..."

To compare the two, consider these sentences:

To compare the two, consider these sentences:

The first translates as "I only have 1,000 yen", whereas the second, with the negative verb "imasen" means "I have no more than 1,000 yen." You might say the first, if somebody wants to borrow 1,500 yen from you, and the second if you are haggling with a stall owner, in an effort to have the price reduced.

The first translates as "I only have 1,000 yen", whereas the second, with the negative verb "imasen" means "I have no more than 1,000 yen." You might say the first, if somebody wants to borrow 1,500 yen from you, and the second if you are haggling with a stall owner, in an effort to have the price reduced.

"Shika" is also used to indicate that what precedes it is small, insufficient, or unsatisfactory. Thus, if I was unhappy that somebody only knew 200 kanji symbols, I would say, "Kare '''wa''' kanji '''ga''' ni-hyaku '''shika''' shirimasen." (As for him, kanji two hundred (only) knows.).

"Shika" is also used to indicate that what precedes it is small, insufficient, or unsatisfactory. Thus, if I was unhappy that somebody only knew 200 kanji symbols, I would say, "Kare '''wa''' kanji '''ga''' ni-hyaku '''shika''' shirimasen." (As for him, kanji two hundred (no more than) knows.).

If "shika" is used after a verb, then it indicates that the action indicated by the verb is the only course of action. This example, "Sen-en '''shika''' motte inai kara kanojo '''ni''' ''kariru'' '''shika''' arimasen," combines the two uses into one sentence. First, we have "Sen-en '''shika''' motte inai" meaning "I do not have more than 1,000 yen", then second half, with the verb "kariru" (in italics) tells me I have "to borrow", from "kanojo" (her) and the "shika" tells me I have no alternative. So, the sentence means, "As (I) have no more than 1,000 yen, there is nothing (I can do, but) borrow (from) her."

If "shika" is used after a verb, then it indicates that the action indicated by the verb is the only course of action. This example, "Sen-en '''shika''' motte inai kara kanojo '''ni''' ''kariru'' '''shika''' arimasen," combines the two uses into one sentence. First, we have "Sen-en '''shika''' motte inai" meaning "I do not have more than 1,000 yen", then second half, with the verb "kariru" (in italics) tells me I have "to borrow", from "kanojo" (her) and the "shika" tells me I have no alternative. So, the sentence means, "As (I) have no more than 1,000 yen, there is nothing (I can do, but) borrow (from) her."

==Datte (だった)==

==Datte (だった)==

"Datte" 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<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.

If it added after an interrogative pronoun, it indicates that whateven 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:

* Itu (when), becomes itu '''datte''' (anytime, or never in the negative)  

* Itu (when), becomes itu '''datte''' (anytime, or never in the negative)  

* Doko (where) becomes doko '''datte''' (anywhere, or nowhere in the negative)  

* Doko (where) becomes doko '''datte''' (anywhere, or nowhere in the negative)  

It can also be added to the end of something I am quoting,  to express surprise, or disapproval, at what was said. It is like the English, "Oh really?" or "Can you believe it?". To use an example, "Boku '''wa''' okane nanka karite imasen '''yo''' '''datte'''. Wasureta '''no''' '''ka''' (As for him, money (something like that) (to borrow) never did really (can you believe). Forget did (he)?" or "He said he never borrowed money (from me), can you believe it?! Did he forget?" (The "?!" is to approximate the '''yo datte''' which indicates  that I ''really'' disapprove of what he said.)

It can also be added to the end of something I am quoting,  to express surprise, or disapproval, at what was said. It is like the English, "Oh really?" or "Can you believe it?". To use an example, "Boku '''wa''' okane nanka karite imasen '''yo''' '''datte'''. Wasureta '''no''' '''ka''' (As for him, money (something like that) (to borrow) never did really (can you believe). Forget did (he)?" or "He said he never borrowed money (from me), can you believe it?! Did he forget?" (The "?!" is to approximate the '''yo datte''' which indicates  that I ''really'' disapprove of what he said.)

[[category:Japanese]]

[[category:Japanese]]