My Language Classes

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

March 5, 2025

〜み: The Nominalizer for Adjectives/Verbs | My Language Classes

Understanding 〜み in Japanese

Japanese is a language rich in nuances, and one of its unique features is the use of nominalizers like 〜み. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn adjectives into nouns to express abstract qualities or feelings, 〜み is your go-to tool.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the meaning, formation, and usage of 〜み, along with plenty of examples to help you master this essential grammar point.

What is 〜み?

〜み is a nominalizer used primarily with adjectives (and sometimes verbs) to turn them into nouns. It expresses an abstract quality, state, or feeling associated with the original word. For example, 甘い (amai, sweet) becomes 甘み (amami, sweetness), which refers to the quality of being sweet.

This form is commonly used in everyday Japanese to describe sensations, emotions, or characteristics. It’s a versatile tool that adds depth to your expressions.

Formation of 〜み

1. With Adjectives

To form 〜み with adjectives, remove the final い (if it’s an い-adjective) and add み.

Example:

甘い (amai, sweet) → 甘み (amami, sweetness)
痛い (itai, painful) → 痛み (itami, pain)

2. With Nouns

Some nouns can also take 〜み to express a related quality or state.

Example:

強さ (tsuyosa, strength) → 強み (tsuyomi, strong point)
深さ (fukasa, depth) → 深み (fukami, depth/richness)

3. With Verbs

While less common, some verbs can also take 〜み to express a resulting state or quality.

Example:

楽しむ (tanoshimu, to enjoy) → 楽しみ (tanoshimi, enjoyment)
悲しむ (kanashimu, to grieve) → 悲しみ (kanashimi, sadness)

Usage of 〜み

The 〜み form is used in various situations to describe abstract qualities, emotions, or states. Here are some common scenarios:

Describing Sensations:
- 甘み (amami, sweetness)
- 苦み (nigami, bitterness)
Expressing Emotions:
- 悲しみ (kanashimi, sadness)
- 楽しみ (tanoshimi, enjoyment)
Highlighting Characteristics:
- 強み (tsuyomi, strong point)
- 弱み (yowami, weakness)
Describing Physical States:
- 痛み (itami, pain)
- 重み (omomi, heaviness)

List of Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives with 〜み Form

Original Word	〜み Form	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Meaning
甘い (amai, sweet)	甘み (amami, sweetness)	この果物は甘みがある。	Kono kudamono wa amami ga aru.	This fruit has sweetness.
痛い (itai, painful)	痛み (itami, pain)	彼は痛みを感じた。	Kare wa itami o kanjita.	He felt pain.
強い (tsuyoi, strong)	強み (tsuyomi, strong point)	彼の強みは忍耐力だ。	Kare no tsuyomi wa nintairyoku da.	His strong point is patience.
深い (fukai, deep)	深み (fukami, depth)	この話には深みがある。	Kono hanashi ni wa fukami ga aru.	This story has depth.
悲しむ (kanashimu, to grieve)	悲しみ (kanashimi, sadness)	彼女の目には悲しみがあった。	Kanojo no me ni wa kanashimi ga atta.	There was sadness in her eyes.
楽しむ (tanoshimu, to enjoy)	楽しみ (tanoshimi, enjoyment)	週末の旅行が楽しみだ。	Shuumatsu no ryokou ga tanoshimi da.	I’m looking forward to the weekend trip.

More Example Sentences

この料理は苦みが特徴です。
Romaji: Kono ryouri wa nigami ga tokuchou desu.
English: This dish is characterized by its bitterness.
彼の言葉には重みがあった。
Romaji: Kare no kotoba ni wa omomi ga atta.
English: His words had weight.
このワインは酸みがきいている。
Romaji: Kono wain wa suami ga kiite iru.
English: This wine has a nice acidity.
彼女の笑顔には温かみがある。
Romaji: Kanojo no egao ni wa atatakami ga aru.
English: Her smile has warmth.
この絵には深みがある。
Romaji: Kono e ni wa fukami ga aru.
English: This painting has depth.
彼の強みはリーダーシップです。
Romaji: Kare no tsuyomi wa riidaashippu desu.
English: His strong point is leadership.
このお茶は甘みが少ない。
Romaji: Kono ocha wa amami ga sukunai.
English: This tea has little sweetness.
彼の目には悲しみが浮かんでいた。
Romaji: Kare no me ni wa kanashimi ga ukande ita.
English: Sadness was visible in his eyes.
この音楽には楽しみがある。
Romaji: Kono ongaku ni wa tanoshimi ga aru.
English: This music has a sense of enjoyment.
彼は痛みに耐えた。
Romaji: Kare wa itami ni taeta.
English: He endured the pain.

Things to Keep in Mind

Not All Adjectives Can Take 〜み: Some adjectives, like 新しい (atarashii, new), don’t naturally take 〜み.
Abstract Nature: 〜み is used for abstract qualities, not concrete objects.
Context Matters: The meaning of 〜み can vary depending on the context.
Less Common with Verbs: While possible, 〜み is rarely used with verbs compared to adjectives.

Fill in the Blanks

このケーキは______がある。 (甘い)
彼の______は優しさです。 (強い)
このコーヒーは______が強い。 (苦い)
彼女の声には______があった。 (暖かい)
この小説には______がある。 (深い)
彼は______に耐えた。 (痛い)
このワインは______がきいている。 (すあい)
彼の目には______が浮かんでいた。 (悲しい)
週末の旅行が______だ。 (楽しい)
この料理は______が特徴です。 (苦い)

Answers:

甘み
強み
苦み
温かみ
深み
痛み
酸み
悲しみ
楽しみ
苦み

Conclusion

Mastering 〜み is a great way to add depth and nuance to your Japanese. Whether you’re describing emotions, sensations, or characteristics, this nominalizer is a powerful tool in your language arsenal. Practice the examples, try the fill-in-the-blanks, and soon you’ll be using 〜み like a native speaker!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

February 24, 2025

Understanding 〜さ: The Nominalizer for Adjectives | My Language Classes

Using 〜さ as a Nominalizer

When learning Japanese, one of the most useful grammatical tools you’ll encounter is the nominalizer 〜さ. This simple yet powerful suffix transforms adjectives into nouns, allowing you to express concepts like “height,” “beauty,” or “difficulty” in a clear and concise way.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the meaning, formation, and usage of 〜さ, along with plenty of examples to help you master this essential Japanese grammar point.

What is 〜さ?

In Japanese, 〜さ is a nominalizer that turns adjectives into nouns. It is used to express the degree, state, or quality of something. For example, the adjective 高い (takai), meaning “high” or “expensive,” becomes 高さ (takasa), which means “height” or “cost.” This makes 〜さ incredibly useful for describing abstract concepts or measurable qualities.

Formation of 〜さ

The formation of 〜さ is straightforward, but it varies slightly depending on the type of adjective or word it’s attached to. Let’s break it down:

1. With い-Adjectives (i-Adjectives)

Remove the final い (i) and add さ (sa).
Example:

高い (takai) → 高さ (takasa)
楽しい (tanoshii) → 楽しさ (tanoshisa)

2. With な-Adjectives (na-Adjectives)

Remove the な (na) and add さ (sa).
Example:

静か (shizuka) → 静かさ (shizukasa)
便利 (benri) → 便利さ (benrisa)

3. With Nouns

〜さ is rarely used with nouns directly, but it can be added to noun-like adjectives (e.g., 元気 → 元気さ).

Usage of 〜さ

The 〜さ form is used in various situations to express the degree, state, or quality of something. Here are some common scenarios:

Describing Physical Attributes
- この山の高さはどれくらいですか？
  (Kono yama no takasa wa dore kurai desu ka?)
  How high is this mountain?
Expressing Abstract Qualities
- 彼女の優しさに感動しました。
  (Kanojo no yasashisa ni kandou shimashita.)
  I was moved by her kindness.
Comparing Degrees or Levels
- この問題の難しさはレベルが高い。
  (Kono mondai no muzukashisa wa reberu ga takai.)
  The difficulty level of this problem is high.
Emphasizing a State or Condition
- この部屋の広さは十分です。
  (Kono heya no hirosa wa juubun desu.)
  The spaciousness of this room is sufficient.

List of Adjectives with 〜さ Form

Here’s a table showcasing common words with their 〜さ forms, along with example sentences:

Original Word	〜さ Form	Example Sentence (Japanese)	Romaji	English Meaning
高い (takai)	高さ (takasa)	このビルの高さはすごい。	Kono biru no takasa wa sugoi.	The height of this building is amazing.
楽しい (tanoshii)	楽しさ (tanoshisa)	旅行の楽しさは言葉では表せない。	Ryokou no tanoshisa wa kotoba de wa arawasenai.	The joy of traveling cannot be expressed in words.
静か (shizuka)	静かさ (shizukasa)	この公園の静かさが好きです。	Kono kouen no shizukasa ga suki desu.	I like the quietness of this park.
便利 (benri)	便利さ (benrisa)	このアプリの便利さに驚いた。	Kono apuri no benrisa ni odoroita.	I was amazed by the convenience of this app.
元気 (genki)	元気さ (genkisa)	彼の元気さはみんなの励みになる。	Kare no genkisa wa minna no hagemi ni naru.	His energy motivates everyone.

More Example Sentences

Here are 10 additional examples to help you understand the usage of 〜さ in context:

この湖の深さはどのくらいですか？
(Kono mizuumi no fukasa wa dono kurai desu ka?)
How deep is this lake?
彼の強さは誰にも負けない。
(Kare no tsuyosa wa dare ni mo makenai.)
His strength is unmatched by anyone.
この料理の辛さはちょうどいい。
(Kono ryouri no karasa wa choudo ii.)
The spiciness of this dish is just right.
この町の暖かさが好きです。
(Kono machi no atatakasa ga suki desu.)
I love the warmth of this town.
この仕事の大変さを理解しています。
(Kono shigoto no taihensa o rikai shiteimasu.)
I understand the difficulty of this job.
彼女の美しさは言葉では表せない。
(Kanojo no utsukushisa wa kotoba de wa arawasenai.)
Her beauty cannot be expressed in words.
この本の面白さに夢中になった。
(Kono hon no omoshirosa ni muchuu ni natta.)
I became engrossed in the interestingness of this book.
この問題の複雑さに悩んでいます。
(Kono mondai no fukuzatsusa ni nayandeimasu.)
I’m struggling with the complexity of this problem.
この海の青さは忘れられない。
(Kono umi no aosa wa wasurerarenai.)
I can’t forget the blueness of this sea.
このケーキの甘さは控えめです。
(Kono keeki no amasa wa hikaeme desu.)
The sweetness of this cake is mild.

Things to Keep in Mind

〜さ vs. 〜み: While both 〜さ and 〜み can nominalize adjectives, 〜さ is more commonly used for measurable or objective qualities, whereas 〜み often conveys a more subjective or emotional nuance.
Avoid Overuse: 〜さ is versatile, but overusing it can make your speech or writing sound repetitive.
Context Matters: Always consider the context when using 〜さ, as it may not always be the most natural choice.

Fill in the Blanks

Test your understanding of 〜さ with these fill-in-the-blank questions:

この川の______はどれくらいですか。（深い)
彼の______に感動しました。 (優しい)
この問題の______は高いです。 (難しい)
この部屋の______は十分です。 (広い)
彼女の______は誰にも負けない。 (強い)
この料理の______はちょうどいい。 (辛い)
この町の______が好きです。 (暖かい)
この仕事の______を理解しています。 (大変)
この海の______は忘れられない。 (青い)
このケーキの______は控えめです。 (甘い)

Answers:

深さ
優しさ
難しさ
広さ
強さ
辛さ
暖かさ
大変さ
青さ
甘さ

Conclusion

Mastering the 〜さ nominalizer is a key step in becoming fluent in Japanese. It allows you to express abstract qualities and measurable attributes with ease, making your speech and writing more nuanced and precise. By practicing the examples and understanding the formation rules, you’ll soon find yourself using 〜さ naturally in everyday conversations. Keep practicing, and don’t forget to pay attention to context and nuance!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

February 23, 2025

Understanding 〜だけでなく〜も in Japanese | My Language Classes

Using 〜だけでなく〜も in Japanese

In Japanese, the structure 〜だけでなく〜も is a versatile and commonly used grammatical pattern that means “not only… but also…” in English. It is used to emphasize that something is true not just about one thing, but about another as well. This structure is incredibly useful for adding depth and nuance to your sentences, whether you’re talking about nouns, verbs, or adjectives.

For example, if you want to say, “Not only is she smart, but she is also kind,” you would use 〜だけでなく〜も to convey this idea. This blog post will guide you through the formation, usage, and nuances of this structure, along with plenty of examples to help you master it.

Formation of 〜だけでなく〜も

The structure 〜だけでなく〜も can be used with nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Let’s break it down:

1. With Nouns

When used with nouns, the structure is:
Noun + だけでなく + Noun + も

Example:

彼は先生だけでなく作家でもあります。
(Kare wa sensei dake de naku sakka demo arimasu.)
He is not only a teacher but also a writer.

2. With Verbs

When used with verbs, the structure is:
Verb (dictionary form) + だけでなく + Verb + も

Example:

彼女は歌うだけでなく踊ることもできます。
(Kanojo wa utau dake de naku odoru koto mo dekimasu.)
She can not only sing but also dance.

3. With Adjectives

When used with adjectives, the structure is:
Adjective + だけでなく + Adjective + も

Example:

この映画は面白いだけでなく感動的でもあります。
(Kono eiga wa omoshiroi dake de naku kandouteki demo arimasu.)
This movie is not only interesting but also moving.

Usage of 〜だけでなく〜も

The 〜だけでなく〜も structure is used in a variety of situations to emphasize that two or more things are true. It can be used in formal and informal contexts, and it works well in both written and spoken Japanese. Here are some common situations where you might use it:

Highlighting multiple qualities of a person or thing:
- 彼は頭がいいだけでなくスポーツも得意です。
  (Kare wa atama ga ii dake de naku supōtsu mo tokui desu.)
  He is not only smart but also good at sports.
Adding additional information:
- このレストランは安いだけでなく美味しいです。
  (Kono resutoran wa yasui dake de naku oishii desu.)
  This restaurant is not only cheap but also delicious.
Expanding on actions or abilities:
- 彼は走るだけでなく泳ぐこともできます。
  (Kare wa hashiru dake de naku oyogu koto mo dekimasu.)
  He can not only run but also swim.

Table of Examples

Here’s a table with examples of 〜だけでなく〜も used with nouns, verbs, and adjectives:

Situation	Example Sentence (Japanese)	Romaji Version	English Meaning
Noun + だけでなく + Noun + も	彼は医者だけでなく画家でもあります。	Kare wa isha dake de naku gaka demo arimasu.	He is not only a doctor but also a painter.
	この本は面白いだけでなく役に立つです。	Kono hon wa omoshiroi dake de naku yaku ni tatsu desu.	This book is not only interesting but also useful.
Verb + だけでなく + Verb + も	彼女は料理するだけでなく掃除することも好きです。	Kanojo wa ryōri suru dake de naku sōji suru koto mo suki desu.	She not only likes to cook but also likes to clean.
	彼は勉強するだけでなく遊ぶことも大切にしています。	Kare wa benkyō suru dake de naku asobu koto mo taisetsu ni shiteimasu.	He not only studies but also values playing.
Adjective + だけでなく + Adjective + も	この町は静かなだけでなく美しいです。	Kono machi wa shizuka na dake de naku utsukushii desu.	This town is not only quiet but also beautiful.
	彼の話は長いだけでなく退屈です。	Kare no hanashi wa nagai dake de naku taikutsu desu.	His story is not only long but also boring.

More Example Sentences

Here are 10 more examples of 〜だけでなく〜も in action:

彼は日本語だけでなく英語も話せます。
(Kare wa nihongo dake de naku eigo mo hanasemasu.)
He can speak not only Japanese but also English.
この車は速いだけでなく安全です。
(Kono kuruma wa hayai dake de naku anzen desu.)
This car is not only fast but also safe.
彼女は歌うだけでなくピアノを弾くこともできます。
(Kanojo wa utau dake de naku piano o hiku koto mo dekimasu.)
She can not only sing but also play the piano.
このアプリは便利なだけでなく無料です。
(Kono apuri wa benri na dake de naku muryō desu.)
This app is not only convenient but also free.
彼は勉強だけでなくスポーツも得意です。
(Kare wa benkyō dake de naku supōtsu mo tokui desu.)
He is not only good at studying but also at sports.
このレストランは美味しいだけでなく雰囲気も良いです。
(Kono resutoran wa oishii dake de naku funiki mo ii desu.)
This restaurant is not only delicious but also has a good atmosphere.
彼は走るだけでなく泳ぐこともできます。
(Kare wa hashiru dake de naku oyogu koto mo dekimasu.)
He can not only run but also swim.
この本は面白いだけでなくためになるです。
(Kono hon wa omoshiroi dake de naku tame ni naru desu.)
This book is not only interesting but also informative.
彼女は優しいだけでなく頭もいいです。
(Kanojo wa yasashii dake de naku atama mo ii desu.)
She is not only kind but also smart.
この公園は広いだけでなく静かです。
(Kono kōen wa hiroi dake de naku shizuka desu.)
This park is not only spacious but also quiet.

Things to Keep in Mind

Politeness Level: The structure 〜だけでなく〜も can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing or speech, you might want to use 〜のみならず〜も for a more polished tone.
Order of Information: The first part of the sentence (before だけでなく) is usually the more obvious or expected information, while the second part (after も) adds something unexpected or additional.
Avoid Overuse: While this structure is useful, overusing it can make your sentences sound repetitive. Use it when you want to emphasize the addition of information.
Parallel Structure: Ensure that the parts before and after だけでなく are grammatically parallel (e.g., both nouns, both verbs, or both adjectives).

Fill in the Blanks

Here are 10 fill-in-the-blank questions to test your understanding of 〜だけでなく〜も:

彼は日本語だけでなく________も話せます。
(Kare wa nihongo dake de naku ________ mo hanasemasu.)
この映画は________だけでなく感動的でもあります。
(Kono eiga wa ________ dake de naku kandouteki demo arimasu.)
彼女は歌うだけでなく________こともできます。
(Kanojo wa utau dake de naku ________ koto mo dekimasu.)
この本は________だけでなく役に立つです。
(Kono hon wa ________ dake de naku yaku ni tatsu desu.)
彼は走るだけでなく________こともできます。
(Kare wa hashiru dake de naku ________ koto mo dekimasu.)
この町は________だけでなく美しいです。
(Kono machi wa ________ dake de naku utsukushii desu.)
彼は勉強だけでなく________も得意です。
(Kare wa benkyō dake de naku ________ mo tokui desu.)
このアプリは________だけでなく無料です。
(Kono apuri wa ________ dake de naku muryō desu.)
彼女は優しいだけでなく________です。
(Kanojo wa yasashii dake de naku ________ desu.)
この公園は________だけでなく静かです。
(Kono kōen wa ________ dake de naku shizuka desu.)

Answers:

英語 (eigo)
面白い (omoshiroi)
踊る (odoru)
面白い (omoshiroi)
泳ぐ (oyogu)
静か (shizuka)
スポーツ (supōtsu)
便利 (benri)
頭がいい (atama ga ii)
広い (hiroi)

Conclusion

The 〜だけでなく〜も structure is a powerful tool in Japanese for emphasizing multiple qualities, actions, or characteristics. Whether you’re describing people, places, or things, this pattern allows you to add depth and nuance to your sentences. By mastering its formation and usage, you’ll be able to express yourself more clearly and effectively in Japanese. Keep practicing with the examples and exercises provided, and soon you’ll be using 〜だけでなく〜も like a pro!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

February 17, 2025

Using 〜そうだ (Hearsay) | My Language Classes

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

In Japanese, the grammar structure 〜そうだ (sou da) is used to express reported speech or hearsay. This form is used when conveying information that was heard from another source, similar to “I heard that…” or “It is said that…” in English. It differs from the 〜そうだ used for expressing appearance (e.g., “It looks like…”).

Understanding how to use 〜そうだ correctly is crucial for effective communication in Japanese, as it helps relay secondhand information accurately. In this blog, we will explore the formation, usage, and differences between 〜そうだ and similar structures like 〜ようだ.

Formation of 〜そうだ (Hearsay)

1. With Verbs

To form 〜そうだ with verbs, use the plain form (dictionary form or past form) of the verb before adding そうだ.

Verb (Plain Form) + そうだ
Verb (Past Form) + そうだ

Example:

来るそうだ (kuru sou da) → “I heard that he/she will come.”
行ったそうだ (itta sou da) → “I heard that he/she went.”

2. With Nouns

For nouns, simply attach だそうだ after the noun.

Noun + だそうだ

Example:

先生だそうだ (sensei da sou da) → “I heard that he/she is a teacher.”

3. With Adjectives

For -i adjectives: Remove い and add そうだ
- 面白い → 面白いそうだ (omoshiroi sou da) → “I heard that it is interesting.”
For -na adjectives: Attach だそうだ after the adjective
- 静か (shizuka) → 静かだそうだ (shizuka da sou da) → “I heard that it is quiet.”

Usage of 〜そうだ (Hearsay) in Different Situations

News and Reports:
- 日本の人口が減っているそうだ。
- Nihon no jinkou ga hetteiru sou da.
- “I heard that Japan’s population is decreasing.”
Casual Conversations:
- 明日、雨が降るそうだ。
- Ashita, ame ga furu sou da.
- “I heard that it will rain tomorrow.”
Quoting Someone Else’s Words:
- 田中さんは先生になるそうだ。
- Tanaka-san wa sensei ni naru sou da.
- “I heard that Tanaka-san will become a teacher.”

Situations Where 〜ようだ is Used

Unlike 〜そうだ (Hearsay), 〜ようだ is used for conjecture or resemblance. Some common cases include:

Guessing based on evidence
- 雨が降ったようだ。(Ame ga futta you da.) → “It seems like it rained.”
Comparisons and similarity
- 彼は日本人のようだ。(Kare wa nihonjin no you da.) → “He seems to be Japanese.”

List of Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives with Their 〜そうだ (Hearsay) Forms

Word Type	Word (JP)	Hearsay Form	Example Sentence (JP)	Romaji	English Meaning
Verb	食べる (taberu)	食べるそうだ (taberu sō da)	先生は寿司を食べるそうだ。	Sensei wa sushi o taberu sō da.	The teacher is said to eat sushi.
			彼は毎日ケーキを食べるそうだ。	Kare wa mainichi kēki o taberu sō da.	He is said to eat cake every day.
Verb	行く (iku)	行くそうだ (iku sō da)	田中さんは東京に行くそうだ。	Tanaka-san wa Tōkyō ni iku sō da.	Tanaka-san is said to be going to Tokyo.
			来週、彼女は海外に行くそうだ。	Raishū, kanojo wa kaigai ni iku sō da.	Next week, she is said to be going abroad.
Verb	勉強する (benkyō suru)	勉強するそうだ (benkyō suru sō da)	彼は毎日日本語を勉強するそうだ。	Kare wa mainichi Nihongo o benkyō suru sō da.	He is said to study Japanese every day.
			兄は大学で医学を勉強するそうだ。	Ani wa daigaku de igaku o benkyō suru sō da.	My older brother is said to be studying medicine at university.
Verb	来る (kuru)	来るそうだ (kuru sō da)	彼は明日来るそうだ。	Kare wa ashita kuru sō da.	He is said to be coming tomorrow.
			友達が駅に来るそうだ。	Tomodachi ga eki ni kuru sō da.	My friend is said to be coming to the station.
Verb	結婚する (kekkon suru)	結婚するそうだ (kekkon suru sō da)	彼女は来月結婚するそうだ。	Kanojo wa raigetsu kekkon suru sō da.	She is said to be getting married next month.
			田中さんは来年結婚するそうだ。	Tanaka-san wa rainen kekkon suru sō da.	Tanaka-san is said to be getting married next year.
Noun	先生 (sensei)	先生だそうだ (sensei da sō da)	彼の父は先生だそうだ。	Kare no chichi wa sensei da sō da.	His father is said to be a teacher.
			山田さんは数学の先生だそうだ。	Yamada-san wa sūgaku no sensei da sō da.	Yamada-san is said to be a math teacher.
Noun	有名人 (yūmeijin)	有名人だそうだ (yūmeijin da sō da)	彼は有名人だそうだ。	Kare wa yūmeijin da sō da.	He is said to be a celebrity.
			彼女は有名な歌手だそうだ。	Kanojo wa yūmei na kashu da sō da.	She is said to be a famous singer.
Noun	医者 (isha)	医者だそうだ (isha da sō da)	彼の兄は医者だそうだ。	Kare no ani wa isha da sō da.	His older brother is said to be a doctor.
			彼女の父は医者だそうだ。	Kanojo no chichi wa isha da sō da.	Her father is said to be a doctor.
Adjective (i)	高い (takai)	高いそうだ (takai sō da)	このホテルは高いそうだ。	Kono hoteru wa takai sō da.	This hotel is said to be expensive.
			あの車はとても高いそうだ。	Ano kuruma wa totemo takai sō da.	That car is said to be very expensive.
Adjective (i)	寒い (samui)	寒いそうだ (samui sō da)	明日は寒いそうだ。	Ashita wa samui sō da.	It is said to be cold tomorrow.
			北海道の冬は寒いそうだ。	Hokkaidō no fuyu wa samui sō da.	The winter in Hokkaido is said to be cold.
Adjective (na)	便利 (benri)	便利だそうだ (benri da sō da)	このアプリは便利だそうだ。	Kono apuri wa benri da sō da.	This app is said to be convenient.
			東京の電車は便利だそうだ。	Tōkyō no densha wa benri da sō da.	Tokyo’s trains are said to be convenient.
Adjective (na)	有名 (yūmei)	有名だそうだ (yūmei da sō da)	彼の店は有名だそうだ。	Kare no mise wa yūmei da sō da.	His shop is said to be famous.
			彼女の家は有名だそうだ。	Kanojo no ie wa yūmei da sō da.	Her house is said to be famous.

More Example Sentences

彼は明日の会議に参加しないそうだ。
Romaji: Kare wa ashita no kaigi ni sanka shinai sō da.
English: He is said not to participate in tomorrow’s meeting.

彼は新しい仕事を始めるそうだ。
Romaji: Kare wa atarashii shigoto o hajimeru sō da.
English: He is said to be starting a new job.

この映画はとても面白いそうだ。
Romaji: Kono eiga wa totemo omoshiroi sō da.
English: This movie is said to be very interesting.

彼女の弟は医者になるそうだ。
Romaji: Kanojo no otōto wa isha ni naru sō da.
English: Her younger brother is said to become a doctor.

先生は今週忙しいそうだ。
Romaji: Sensei wa konshū isogashii sō da.
English: The teacher is said to be busy this week.

この店のラーメンは美味しいそうだ。
Romaji: Kono mise no rāmen wa oishii sō da.
English: The ramen from this shop is said to be delicious.

あのホテルはサービスが良いそうだ。
Romaji: Ano hoteru wa sābisu ga yoi sō da.
English: That hotel is said to have good service.

彼は来年アメリカに引っ越すそうだ。
Romaji: Kare wa rainen Amerika ni hikkosu sō da.
English: He is said to be moving to America next year.

この会社は給料が高いそうだ。
Romaji: Kono kaisha wa kyūryō ga takai sō da.
English: This company is said to have high salaries.

日本の夏はとても暑いそうだ。
Romaji: Nihon no natsu wa totemo atsui sō da.
English: The summer in Japan is said to be very hot.

Things to Keep in Mind

〜そうだ is only used when you hear information from someone else, not for personal assumptions.

〜そうだ (Hearsay) should not be confused with 〜そうだ (Appearance).

Fill in the Blanks Questions

田中さんは来月日本に＿＿＿＿そうだ。
彼の兄は医者＿＿＿＿そうだ。
この本はとても面白い＿＿＿＿そうだ。
先生は毎日運動を＿＿＿＿そうだ。
このレストランの料理は美味しい＿＿＿＿そうだ。
彼は新しい車を＿＿＿＿そうだ。
明日は天気が悪い＿＿＿＿そうだ。
彼女は来年結婚＿＿＿＿そうだ。
この映画は子供に人気＿＿＿＿そうだ。
友達は今日学校に来ない＿＿＿＿そうだ。

Answers

1.そう (sō)

2.行く (iku)

3.だ (da)

4.そう (sō)

5.する (suru)

6.そう (sō)

7.買う (kau)

8.そう (sō)

9.する (suru)

10.だ (da)

Conclusion

Understanding 〜そうだ (Hearsay) is essential for conveying reported information in Japanese. By practicing its correct usage with verbs, adjectives, and nouns, learners can improve their fluency and comprehension. Keep practicing, and soon this grammar pattern will become second nature!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

February 13, 2025

How to Use 〜ところ in Japanese | My Language Classes

Using 〜ところ Form in Japanese

The 〜ところ form is a crucial grammatical structure in Japanese that expresses different stages of an action. It helps indicate whether an action is about to happen, is in progress, or has just been completed. This blog post will cover the formation of 〜ところ for all three verb groups, its various uses, and provide example sentences, things to keep in mind, exercises, and a conclusion.

Formation of 〜ところ Form

Group 1 (Ichidan Verbs)

For ichidan (一段) verbs, remove る from the dictionary form and add the appropriate auxiliary:

Before the action: 〜るところ
During the action: 〜ているところ
After the action: 〜たところ

Example:

食べる (taberu – to eat)
- Before: 食べるところ (taberu tokoro)
- During: 食べているところ (tabete iru tokoro)
- After: 食べたところ (tabeta tokoro)

Group 2 (Godan Verbs)

For godan (五段) verbs, use the same rules as ichidan verbs but conjugate accordingly:

Before the action: Dictionary form + ところ
During the action: て-form + いるところ
After the action: た-form + ところ

Example:

読む (yomu – to read)
- Before: 読むところ (yomu tokoro)
- During: 読んでいるところ (yonde iru tokoro)
- After: 読んだところ (yonda tokoro)

Group 3 (Irregular Verbs)

For irregular verbs like する and くる:

する (suru – to do)
- Before: するところ (suru tokoro)
- During: しているところ (shite iru tokoro)
- After: したところ (shita tokoro)
くる (kuru – to come)
- Before: くるところ (kuru tokoro)
- During: きているところ (kite iru tokoro)
- After: きたところ (kita tokoro)

Usage of 〜ところ

Situations where 〜ところ is used:

Situation	Form Used	Example
Right before an action	るところ	今から寝るところです。 (I’m just about to sleep.)
In the middle of an action	ているところ	ちょうど宿題をしているところです。 (I am in the middle of doing my homework.)
Just after an action	たところ	ちょうどご飯を食べたところです。 (I just finished eating.)
To indicate an important moment	る・ている・たところ	試験を受けるところだった。(I was just about to take the exam.)
When explaining a sequence of events	たところ	先生に聞いたところ、すぐに答えがわかった。(When I asked the teacher, I immediately understood the answer.)

Example Sentences

電車が出発するところです。
Densha ga shuppatsu suru tokoro desu.
(The train is about to depart.)
彼は今、電話しているところです。
Kare wa ima, denwa shite iru tokoro desu.
(He is on the phone right now.)
ちょうど昼ご飯を食べたところです。
Choudo hirugohan o tabeta tokoro desu.
(I just finished eating lunch.)
飛行機が今にも飛ぶところです。
Hikouki ga ima ni mo tobu tokoro desu.
(The airplane is just about to take off.)
友達と話しているところでした。
Tomodachi to hanashite iru tokoro deshita.
(I was in the middle of talking with my friend.)
彼に聞いたところ、すぐに答えてくれました。
Kare ni kiita tokoro, sugu ni kotaete kuremashita.
(When I asked him, he answered immediately.)
ちょうど今、家を出るところです。
Choudo ima, ie o deru tokoro desu.
(I am just about to leave home.)
映画を見ているところです。
Eiga o mite iru tokoro desu.
(I am in the middle of watching a movie.)
買い物が終わったところです。
Kaimono ga owatta tokoro desu.
(I just finished shopping.)
勉強するところだったのに、友達が来ました。
Benkyou suru tokoro datta noni, tomodachi ga kimashita.
(I was about to study, but my friend came.)

Things to Keep in Mind

〜ところ emphasizes timing rather than the state of an action.
Be careful not to confuse たところ with たばかり; たところ emphasizes immediate completion.
ているところ is often used to explain ongoing actions.
This form is frequently used with words like ちょうど (exactly, just), 今 (now), まさに (precisely).

Fill in the Blanks

ちょうど今、映画を＿＿＿＿ところです。
飛行機が＿＿＿＿ところでした。
彼は電話を＿＿＿＿ところです。
今、家を＿＿＿＿ところです。
私は宿題を＿＿＿＿ところだった。
友達が来たので、ちょうど出かける＿＿＿＿だった。
先生に聞いた＿＿＿＿、すぐに理解しました。
彼はまだ寝る＿＿＿＿ではありません。
ちょうどレポートを＿＿＿＿ところでした。
仕事が終わった＿＿＿＿です。

Answers

見ている
飛ぶ
している
出る
する
ところ
ところ
ところ
書く
ところ

Conclusion

The 〜ところ form is an essential grammar point that helps clarify the timing of an action. Whether something is about to happen, currently happening, or has just happened, understanding how to use 〜ところ correctly will significantly improve your Japanese fluency. Keep practicing, and soon this structure will become second nature in your conversations!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

February 10, 2025

Understanding 〜ように in Japanese | My Language Classes

Examples:

みんなが幸せになりますように。
(Minna ga shiawase ni narimasu you ni.)
→ “I hope everyone becomes happy.”
悪いことが起こらないように。
(Warui koto ga okoranai you ni.)
→ “I hope nothing bad happens.”

Summary: Situations Where 「〜ように」 is Used

Usage	Meaning	Example
Expressing Hopes or Wishes	“I hope that…”	試験に合格できますように。
Expressing Goals	“In order to…”	日本語が話せるように勉強しています。
Giving Instructions / Advice	Indirect commands	先生は学生に宿題を忘れないように言いました。
Making Comparisons	“Like…”	彼は先生のように話します。
Indicating Habitual Actions	“To become able to…”	日本語が話せるようになった。
Introducing Statements	“As mentioned…”	前に話したように、このプロジェクトは重要です。
Expressing Wishes in Prayer	Formal wishes	みんなが幸せになりますように。

Conclusion

「〜ように」 is a versatile and essential grammar structure in Japanese. Understanding its different uses can greatly enhance your ability to communicate hopes, goals, indirect commands, comparisons, and habitual changes. By mastering this structure, you will sound more natural and fluent in Japanese!

Would you like me to cover any other grammar points in detail? Let me know in the comments!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

February 1, 2025

Using 〜ために in Japanese | My Language Classes

Understanding 〜ために in Japanese

In Japanese, “〜ために” (tame ni) is a highly versatile grammatical structure used to indicate purpose, reason, or benefit. Understanding its different meanings and contexts is crucial for mastering the Japanese language.

This article will explain all the possible uses of “ために” along with example sentences and a list of situations where it is commonly used.

**1. Expressing Purpose (目的)

The most common use of “ために” is to express purpose or intention. In this case, it is used with dictionary form verbs or nouns.**

Structure:

Verb (dictionary form) + ために
Noun + の + ために

Examples:

体重を減らすために歩いています。 (I walk in order to lose weight.)
簡単な日本語を勉強するためにこのアプリを使う。 (I use this app to study simple Japanese.)
健康のために毎日ヨガをしています。 (For my health, I do yoga every day.)

Note:

“ために” is used for intentional actions performed by someone with a goal in mind.

2. Expressing Reason or Cause (原因)

“ために” can also be used to express a reason or cause for a particular event, similar to “because of” in English.

Structure:

Verb (plain past form) + ために
Noun + の + ために

Examples:

天気が悪かったためにゲームが中止された。 (Because of bad weather, the game was canceled.)
病気のために休んだ。 (I took a break because of illness.)
仕事が大変だったためにとても疲れています。 (Because work was difficult, I am very tired.)

Note:

In this case, the outcome is not controlled by the speaker and is often negative.

3. Expressing Benefit or Effect (利益)

Another meaning of “ために” is to indicate the benefit or positive effect of something.

Structure:

Noun + の + ために

Examples:

子供のために私たちは最良の教育を提供したい。 (For the benefit of children, we want to provide the best education.)
世界のために安全な環境を作りましょう。 (For the benefit of the world, let’s create a safe environment.)

Note:

This use of “ために” is often found in formal speech, policies, and slogans.

4. “ために” vs. “ように” (Comparison)

Both “ために” and “ように” express purpose, but they have different uses:

Phrase	Used with	Meaning
ために	Dictionary-form verbs (intentional)	Purpose (the subject can control the action)
ように	Potential-form verbs or non-intentional actions	Purpose (the subject cannot directly control the action)

Examples:

ために: 体重を減らすために歩いています。 (I walk in order to lose weight.)
ように: 日本語を話せるように勉強している。 (I study so that I can speak Japanese.)

Key difference: “ために” is used when the subject can control the outcome, while “ように” is used for situations where the outcome depends on ability or an external factor.

Situations Where 〜ために is Used

Situation	Example
Expressing Purpose	旅行するためにお金を貯めています。
Expressing Reason	天気が悪かったためにコンサートが中止された。
Expressing Benefit	社会のために活動しています。

Conclusion

The structure “ために” is an essential part of Japanese grammar, used to express purpose, reason, and benefit. Mastering its different uses will greatly improve your ability to form complex and meaningful sentences in Japanese.

Understanding the differences between “ために” and similar expressions like “ように” will help you sound more natural in Japanese conversations. Keep practicing and using “ために” in different contexts!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese