Learn Japanese 101

Constructing Basic Sentences

In English, we have this so-called "SOV" which stands for "Subject Object Verb". In this topic, we will discuss a bit about the SOV.

~•~•*•~•~

~This is a book.
~Kore wa hon desu.

Notice that in English, we really don't follow the SOV order.

-This is a book.
    S    V       O

In Japanese, the SOV order, is really followed.

-Kore wa hon desu.
    S             O      V

In terms of plural sentences, just add -ra on the subject.

-These are books.
Korera wa hon desu.

-Those are pens.
Arera wa pen desu.

_____________________
|   this = kore/kono|
|   that = are /ano   |
|   these = korera   |
|   those = arera     |
_____________________

In terms of asking something, just add "ka" after the sentence.

-Is this a book?
Kore wa hon desu ka?
                                   ⬇
                          Question form

-Yes, this is a book.
Hai, kore wa hon desu.

-No, this is not a book.
Iie, kore wa hon dewa arimasen.
                                  ⬇          ⬇
                               Negative form

In terms of Job, person, or a name, the singular and plural subjects are the same.

-This is Angela
Kochira wa Angela-san desu.

-That is Mrs. Nakajima.
Achira wa Nakajima-san desu.

-This is a doctor.
These are doctors.
Kochira wa isya desu.

-That is a student.
Those are students.
Achira wa gakusei desu.

-

-This is a big book.
                  ⬇
Kore wa ookii hon desu.

-That is a small pen.
  Are wa chiisai pen desu.

-

                      ①              ②
-These are book and pen.
  Kore wa hon to pen desu.
                    ①         ②

-I have a pen.
S    V         O

-Watashi wa pen o motteimasu.
        S               O               V