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

February 22, 2025

Using 〜ばかりか〜も in Japanese | My Language Classes

Mastering the Japanese Grammar Point: 〜ばかりか〜も

When learning Japanese, one of the most fascinating aspects is discovering how the language expresses complex ideas with seemingly simple structures. One such structure is 〜ばかりか〜も, a grammar point that allows speakers to emphasize not just one thing, but an additional, often surprising or unexpected, element. In English, this can be roughly translated as “not only… but also…” or “not just… but even…”. It’s a powerful way to add depth and nuance to your sentences, making your Japanese sound more natural and sophisticated.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the formation, usage, and nuances of 〜ばかりか〜も. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use this grammar point in various contexts, along with plenty of examples to guide you.

Formation of 〜ばかりか〜も

The structure 〜ばかりか〜も is used to connect two clauses, where the first clause introduces something expected or known, and the second clause adds something unexpected or surprising. It can be used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives. Let’s break down the formation for each:

1. With Verbs

Verb (plain form) + ばかりか + も
- Example: 食べる (to eat) → 食べるばかりか、も…

2. With Nouns

Noun + ばかりか + も
- Example: 学生 (student) → 学生ばかりか、も…

3. With Adjectives

い-Adjective (plain form) + ばかりか + も
- Example: 高い (expensive) → 高いばかりか、も…
な-Adjective (plain form) + ばかりか + も
- Example: 静か (quiet) → 静かなばかりか、も…

Usage of 〜ばかりか〜も

The 〜ばかりか〜も structure is used to emphasize that something goes beyond what is expected. It often carries a tone of surprise or emphasis, and it’s commonly used in both written and spoken Japanese. Here are some situations where you might use it:

To emphasize an unexpected addition:
- “Not only did he forget my birthday, but he also didn’t even apologize.”
To highlight a contrast:
- “Not only is she smart, but she’s also incredibly kind.”
To express exaggeration or surprise:
- “Not only did it rain, but it even snowed!”
To list multiple negative outcomes:
- “Not only did I lose my wallet, but I also missed my train.”

List of Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives with 〜ばかりか〜も

Here’s a table with examples of 〜ばかりか〜も used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives:

Type	Word	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Meaning
Verb	食べる (to eat)	彼はケーキを食べるばかりか、アイスクリームも食べた。	Kare wa keeki o taberu bakari ka, aisu kuriimu mo tabeta.	Not only did he eat cake, but he also ate ice cream.
Verb	行く (to go)	彼女は公園に行くばかりか、映画館にも行った。	Kanojo wa kouen ni iku bakari ka, eigakan ni mo itta.	Not only did she go to the park, but she also went to the movie theater.
Noun	学生 (student)	彼は学生ばかりか、先生もしている。	Kare wa gakusei bakari ka, sensei mo shite iru.	Not only is he a student, but he’s also a teacher.
Noun	雨 (rain)	今日は雨ばかりか、雪も降っている。	Kyou wa ame bakari ka, yuki mo futte iru.	Not only is it raining today, but it’s also snowing.
い-Adjective	高い (expensive)	このレストランは高いばかりか、サービスも悪い。	Kono resutoran wa takai bakari ka, saabisu mo warui.	Not only is this restaurant expensive, but the service is also bad.
い-Adjective	暑い (hot)	夏は暑いばかりか、湿度も高い。	Natsu wa atsui bakari ka, shitsudo mo takai.	Not only is summer hot, but the humidity is also high.
な-Adjective	静か (quiet)	この町は静かなばかりか、安全でもある。	Kono machi wa shizuka na bakari ka, anzen demo aru.	Not only is this town quiet, but it’s also safe.
な-Adjective	便利 (convenient)	このアプリは便利なばかりか、無料でもある。	Kono apuri wa benri na bakari ka, muryou demo aru.	Not only is this app convenient, but it’s also free.

More Example Sentences

Here are 10 more examples of 〜ばかりか〜も in action:

彼は遅刻するばかりか、宿題も忘れた。
Kare wa chikoku suru bakari ka, shukudai mo wasureta.
Not only was he late, but he also forgot his homework.
この本は面白いばかりか、ためにもなる。
Kono hon wa omoshiroi bakari ka, tame ni mo naru.
Not only is this book interesting, but it’s also helpful.
彼女は歌が上手なばかりか、ダンスも得意だ。
Kanojo wa uta ga jouzu na bakari ka, dansu mo tokui da.
Not only is she good at singing, but she’s also great at dancing.
この車は速いばかりか、燃費もいい。
Kono kuruma wa hayai bakari ka, nenpi mo ii.
Not only is this car fast, but it’s also fuel-efficient.
彼は日本語が話せるばかりか、フランス語も話せる。
Kare wa nihongo ga hanaseru bakari ka, furansugo mo hanaseru.
Not only can he speak Japanese, but he can also speak French.
このホテルは綺麗なばかりか、サービスも素晴らしい。
Kono hoteru wa kirei na bakari ka, saabisu mo subarashii.
Not only is this hotel beautiful, but the service is also excellent.
彼は宿題をしないばかりか、授業もサボった。
Kare wa shukudai o shinai bakari ka, jugyou mo sabotta.
Not only did he not do his homework, but he also skipped class.
この料理は美味しいばかりか、見た目も素敵だ。
Kono ryouri wa oishii bakari ka, mitame mo suteki da.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it also looks amazing.
彼は仕事が忙しいばかりか、家事もやらなければならない。
Kare wa shigoto ga isogashii bakari ka, kaji mo yaranakereba naranai.
Not only is he busy with work, but he also has to do housework.
この映画は感動的ばかりか、音楽も素晴らしい。
Kono eiga wa kandouteki bakari ka, ongaku mo subarashii.
Not only is this movie moving, but the music is also wonderful.

Things to Keep in Mind

Tone: The structure often carries a tone of surprise or emphasis, so use it when you want to highlight something unexpected.
Formality: It’s more common in written Japanese or formal speech. In casual conversation, you might hear 〜だけでなく〜も more often.
Word Order: The second clause (after も) should logically follow the first clause.
Avoid Overuse: Like any advanced grammar point, overusing it can make your speech or writing sound unnatural.

Fill in the Blanks Questions

彼は勉強しないばかりか、__________もサボった。
このレストランは美味しいばかりか、__________も安い。
彼女はピアノが上手なばかりか、__________も得意だ。
この本は面白いばかりか、__________にもなる。
今日は雨が降るばかりか、__________も降っている。
彼は日本語が話せるばかりか、__________も話せる。
この町は静かなばかりか、__________でもある。
彼は仕事が忙しいばかりか、__________もやらなければならない。
この映画は感動的ばかりか、__________も素晴らしい。
この車は速いばかりか、__________もいい。

Answers

授業
値段
ダンス
ため
雪
フランス語
安全
家事
音楽
燃費

Conclusion

The 〜ばかりか〜も structure is a versatile and powerful tool in Japanese that allows you to express not only the expected but also the unexpected. Whether you’re emphasizing a surprising addition, contrasting two ideas, or simply adding depth to your sentences, this grammar point is invaluable. With the examples and explanations provided in this blog, you’re now equipped to use 〜ばかりか〜も confidently in your own Japanese conversations and writing. Keep practicing, and soon it’ll 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

How I Stopped Struggling and Started Enjoying Learning a New Language

〜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 19, 2025

How to Learn a Language Fast: Tips That Work | My Language Classes

How to Learn a New Language Fast: Proven Tips and Strategies

Learning a new language can be an exciting yet challenging journey. Whether you’re aiming to boost your career, travel with ease, or connect with new cultures, mastering a language quickly requires the right strategies and mindset. The good news? You don’t have to spend years in a classroom to achieve fluency. With the right approach, dedication, and tools, you can accelerate your learning and start speaking a new language in record time.

In this guide, we’ll explore proven techniques, expert advice, and practical strategies that will help you learn a new language fast. From immersion methods to leveraging technology, these tips will set you on the path to success.

1. Set Clear Goals and Stay Motivated

Define Your Objectives

Before diving into language learning, ask yourself:

Why do I want to learn this language?
What level of proficiency do I need?
How much time can I dedicate daily?

Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) will keep you focused and motivated.

Stay Inspired

Follow social media pages of native speakers.
Watch inspiring success stories of polyglots.
Reward yourself for achieving milestones.

2. Immerse Yourself in the Language

Surround Yourself With the Language

Change your phone and social media language settings.
Listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks in your target language.
Watch movies and TV shows with subtitles first, then without them.

Engage With Native Speakers

Join language exchange groups or find a language partner.
Travel to a country where the language is spoken.
Use platforms like iTalki, HelloTalk, or Tandem to connect with native speakers.

3. Leverage Technology and Language Apps

Best Language Learning Apps

Duolingo: Gamifies learning and helps build vocabulary.
Anki: Uses spaced repetition for effective memorization.
Babbel: Offers practical conversation-based lessons.
Pimsleur: Focuses on audio-based learning for pronunciation and comprehension.

Use AI and Speech Recognition Tools

Google Translate for quick translations.
Speech recognition apps to refine pronunciation.
Chatbots for practice in real-time conversations.

4. Practice Speaking From Day One

Overcome Fear of Speaking

Start with simple phrases and gradually build complexity.
Talk to yourself in the mirror or record yourself speaking.
Join online forums or discussion groups to practice writing and speaking.

Find a Speaking Buddy

Practicing with a friend or tutor enhances confidence and fluency. Use:

Meetup.com to find local language groups.
Online communities on Reddit, Discord, or Facebook.

5. Master Vocabulary Efficiently

Use the 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)

Focus on the most commonly used words in everyday conversations. Studies show that learning the top 1,000 words in a language can help you understand 80% of daily conversations.

Flashcards and Memory Tricks

Use Mnemonics to associate words with images or stories.
Try Spaced Repetition Systems (SRS) for long-term retention.
Write new words in a language journal with contextual examples.

6. Improve Listening and Pronunciation Skills

Active Listening Techniques

Listen to language podcasts and repeat sentences aloud.
Watch interviews and mimic native speakers’ pronunciation and intonation.
Try the shadowing technique: Listen to a phrase and repeat it simultaneously.

Tune Your Ear to Different Accents

Expose yourself to various accents by consuming diverse content from different regions where the language is spoken.

7. Learn Grammar Naturally

Focus on Practical Grammar First

Instead of memorizing rules, learn grammar through:

Sentence patterns and contextual usage.
Reading simple books, blogs, and news articles.
Observing patterns in native speakers’ speech.

Avoid Perfectionism

Make mistakes, learn from them, and keep moving forward. Fluency comes from practical use, not perfection.

8. Overcome Common Challenges

Struggling With Motivation?

Set short-term achievable goals (e.g., mastering 10 new words daily).
Join online language challenges to stay engaged.
Remind yourself of your “why” for learning the language.

Forgetting What You Learn?

Use spaced repetition to reinforce memory.
Revise old vocabulary and phrases regularly.
Practice writing daily journals or social media posts in the target language.

Feeling Stuck at an Intermediate Level?

Engage in deep conversations instead of small talk.
Read books and watch documentaries on topics of interest.
Start thinking in the target language to build fluency naturally.

Conclusion

Learning a new language fast requires dedication, the right strategies, and a mindset focused on consistent improvement. By setting clear goals, immersing yourself in the language, leveraging technology, and practicing daily, you can achieve fluency faster than you think.

Ready to Start Your Language Journey?

Happy learning! 😊

How to Learn a New Language Fast: Proven Tips and Strategies

Best Daily Routine for Effective Language Learning

How to Stay Consistent in Language Learning and Avoid Burnout

The Best Time of the Day to Study a Language for Maximum Retention

Why Do People Fail at Learning a New Language? Common Mistakes & Fixes

How to Overcome the Fear of Speaking a New Language

Language Learning Plateaus: Why They Happen & How to Overcome Them

SMART Goals for Language Learning: A Strategic Approach to Success

Master Language Learning with the Pomodoro Technique: Boost Focus, Retention, and Productivity

How to Stay Motivated When Learning a Language Feels Hard: Expert Tips to Keep Going

How to Remember New Words Easily: Hacks for Language Learners

Can You Learn a Language Without Studying Grammar? (The Truth Every Language Learner Must Know)

Do You Need to Live in a Country to Become Fluent in Its Language?

Why You Understand a Language but Can’t Speak It (and How to Fix It)

February 16, 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

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

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

Understanding 〜のですin Japanese | My Language Classes

Understanding 〜のです in Japanese

The 〜のです (or its casual form 〜んです) is a grammatical structure in Japanese used to give explanations, seek clarifications, or express emotions. It adds a sense of reasoning to a statement and is often used in both spoken and written Japanese.

Formation of 〜のです

1. Formation with Verbs

Affirmative (Present/Future):
- Dictionary form + のです / んです
- Example: 食べるのです (taberu no desu)
Negative (Present/Future):
- ない-form + のです / んです
- Example: 食べないのです (tabenai no desu)
Past Affirmative:
- た-form + のです / んです
- Example: 食べたのです (tabeta no desu)
Past Negative:
- なかった-form + のです / んです
- Example: 食べなかったのです (tabenakatta no desu)

2. Formation with Nouns

Affirmative:
- Noun + なのです / なんです (casual)
- Example: 学生なのです (gakusei nano desu)
Negative:
- Noun + ではないのです / じゃないんです (casual)
- Example: 学生ではないのです (gakusei dewa nai no desu)

3. Formation with Adjectives

i-Adjectives:
- そのまま + のです / んです
- Example: うれしいのです (ureshii no desu)
- Negative: うれしくないのです (ureshikunai no desu)
na-Adjectives:
- な + のです / んです
- Example: 静かなのです (shizuka nano desu)
- Negative: 静かではないのです (shizuka dewa nai no desu)

Usage of 〜のです

The 〜のです form is used in various situations. Below are the key contexts in which it is used:

1. Providing an Explanation

This form is often used to explain reasons behind actions or situations.

Example: どうして遅れたのですか？ (Why were you late?)
Example: 雨が降っていたのです。(It was raining.)

2. Seeking Clarification or Confirmation

When you are trying to confirm or seek clarification about something.

Example: その本はあなたのものなのですか？ (Is that book yours?)

3. Expressing a Justification

To justify an action or event.

Example: 宿題が多かったのです。(I had a lot of homework.)

4. Making a Statement More Emphatic

Using のです makes the statement more formal or assertive.

Example: 私が行くのです。(I will go.)

5. Stating a Fact with Emphasis

Example: これはとても大切なのです。(This is very important.)

Other Usage of 〜のです

Situations where 〜のです is used

Giving explanations or reasons
Asking for explanations or clarifications
Expressing emotions such as surprise or concern
Emphasizing a statement
Giving background information
Making an indirect request
Softening a statement
Seeking confirmation
Expressing curiosity
Describing an unusual situation

List of Verbs with their 〜のです Form

Verb (Dictionary Form)	〜のです Form	Example Sentence 1	Romaji	Meaning	Example Sentence 2	Romaji	Meaning
食べる (taberu)	食べるのです	これは毎日食べるのです。	Kore wa mainichi taberu no desu.	I eat this every day.	彼は魚を食べるのですか？	Kare wa sakana o taberu no desu ka?	Does he eat fish?
行く (iku)	行くのです	学校へ行くのです。	Gakkou e iku no desu.	I am going to school.	どこへ行くのですか？	Doko e iku no desu ka?	Where are you going?
来る (kuru)	来るのです	明日、彼が来るのです。	Ashita, kare ga kuru no desu.	He is coming tomorrow.	どうして来るのですか？	Doushite kuru no desu ka?	Why is he coming?
見る (miru)	見るのです	彼はテレビを見るのです。	Kare wa terebi o miru no desu.	He watches TV.	何を見ているのですか？	Nani o mite iru no desu ka?	What are you watching?
書く (kaku)	書くのです	彼女は日記を書くのです。	Kanojo wa nikki o kaku no desu.	She writes a diary.	何を書いているのですか？	Nani o kaite iru no desu ka?	What are you writing?
話す (hanasu)	話すのです	先生は日本語を話すのです。	Sensei wa nihongo o hanasu no desu.	The teacher speaks Japanese.	彼と何を話していたのですか？	Kare to nani o hanashite ita no desu ka?	What were you talking about with him?
買う (kau)	買うのです	私は新しい車を買うのです。	Watashi wa atarashii kuruma o kau no desu.	I will buy a new car.	何を買ったのですか？	Nani o katta no desu ka?	What did you buy?
泳ぐ (oyogu)	泳ぐのです	彼は毎朝泳ぐのです。	Kare wa maiasa oyogu no desu.	He swims every morning.	どこで泳ぐのですか？	Doko de oyogu no desu ka?	Where do you swim?
勉強する (benkyou suru)	勉強するのです	私は毎日日本語を勉強するのです。	Watashi wa mainichi nihongo o benkyou suru no desu.	I study Japanese every day.	何を勉強しているのですか？	Nani o benkyou shite iru no desu ka?	What are you studying?
働く (hataraku)	働くのです	彼は銀行で働くのです。	Kare wa ginkou de hataraku no desu.	He works at a bank.	どこで働いているのですか？	Doko de hataraite iru no desu ka?	Where do you work?
走る (hashiru)	走るのです	彼は毎朝公園で走るのです。	Kare wa maiasa kouen de hashiru no desu.	He runs in the park every morning.	どのくらい走るのですか？	Dono kurai hashiru no desu ka?	How far do you run?
歌う (utau)	歌うのです	彼女はとても上手に歌うのです。	Kanojo wa totemo jouzu ni utau no desu.	She sings very well.	どんな歌を歌うのですか？	Donna uta o utau no desu ka?	What kind of songs do you sing?
覚える (oboeru)	覚えるのです	私は新しい単語を覚えるのです。	Watashi wa atarashii tango o oboeru no desu.	I memorize new words.	どうやって覚えるのですか？	Dou yatte oboeru no desu ka?	How do you memorize them?
遊ぶ (asobu)	遊ぶのです	子供たちは公園で遊ぶのです。	Kodomotachi wa kouen de asobu no desu.	The children play in the park.	どこで遊ぶのですか？	Doko de asobu no desu ka?	Where do they play?

More Example Sentences

明日はテストがあるのです。
Ashita wa tesuto ga aru no desu.
(There is a test tomorrow.)
彼女は病気なのです。
Kanojo wa byouki na no desu.
(She is sick.)
この本は大切なのです。
Kono hon wa taisetsu na no desu.
(This book is important.)

4. 彼は昨日学校を休んだのです。
Kare wa kinō gakkō o yasunda no desu.
(He was absent from school yesterday.)

5. どうしてそんなに疲れているのですか？
Dōshite sonna ni tsukarete iru no desu ka?
(Why are you so tired?)

6.この時計は祖父からもらったのです。
Kono tokei wa sofu kara moratta no desu.
(I received this watch from my grandfather.)

7. 彼女は日本に行くのです。
Kanojo wa Nihon ni iku no desu.
(She is going to Japan.)

8. 電車が遅れたのです。
Densha ga okureta no desu.
(The train was delayed.)

9.その映画はとても感動的だったのです。
Sono eiga wa totemo kandō-teki datta no desu.
(That movie was very emotional.)

10.雨が降っていたのです。
Ame ga futte ita no desu.
(It was raining.)

Things to Keep in Mind

のです is often shortened to んです in spoken language.
It is more polite and formal than a direct statement.
Used in interrogative sentences to seek more information.
Often used in written explanations and discussions.

Fill in the Blanks

なぜ学校を休んだ____？
彼女は来ない____。
私は先生に質問した____。
どうして泣いている____か？
彼は何も言わなかった____。
あなたが怒っているのは知っている____。
昨日、帰りが遅くなった____。
この本を読んだことがある____か？
今日は早く寝たほうがいい____よ。
彼がそんなことをするはずがない____。

Conclusion

The 〜のです form is an essential grammar structure that allows Japanese speakers to explain reasons, seek clarifications, and emphasize statements naturally. Mastering its usage will significantly improve your fluency in Japanese communication. Practice using のです in different situations, and you’ll soon find yourself speaking more like a native!

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 11, 2025

Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese | My Language Classes

Understanding Passive Form in Japanese

The passive form (受身形, うけみけい) in Japanese is used in various situations, primarily to describe actions where the subject is affected by someone else’s actions. Unlike in English, where the passive voice is often avoided, Japanese frequently uses it in daily conversations and formal writing. In this blog post, we will thoroughly explore the formation and usage of passive verbs in different contexts.

Usage of Passive Form in Japanese

The passive form is used in the following situations:

When someone is negatively affected by an action (被害受身 – ひがいうけみ)
- Japanese: 私は弟にケーキを食べられました。
- Romaji: Watashi wa otōto ni kēki o taberaremashita.
- Meaning: I had my cake eaten by my younger brother.
When describing an event from the perspective of the affected person
- Japanese: 私は先生にほめられました。
- Romaji: Watashi wa sensei ni homeraremashita.
- Meaning: I was praised by my teacher.
When discussing historical or public events
- Japanese: このお寺は100年前に建てられました。
- Romaji: Kono otera wa hyaku nen mae ni tateraremashita.
- Meaning: This temple was built 100 years ago.
When avoiding mentioning the doer explicitly (formal, impersonal expressions)
- Japanese: 日本ではお米が多く食べられています。
- Romaji: Nihon de wa okome ga ōku taberareteimasu.
- Meaning: Rice is widely eaten in Japan.
When talking about natural phenomena
- Japanese: その山は雪で覆われています。
- Romaji: Sono yama wa yuki de ōwareteimasu.
- Meaning: That mountain is covered with snow.
In literary or poetic expressions
- Japanese: 彼女の歌は世界中で聞かれています。
- Romaji: Kanojo no uta wa sekaijū de kikareteimasu.
- Meaning: Her songs are heard all over the world.

Formation of Passive Verbs

Japanese verbs are categorized into three groups. The passive form is formed differently for each group.

Group 1 (Ichidan verbs / 一段動詞)

Formation: Drop the final る and add られる

Verb	Potential Form	Passive Form	Example Sentence (Japanese)	Romaji	Meaning
食べる (たべる)	食べられる	食べられる	私は友達にお菓子を食べられた。	Watashi wa tomodachi ni okashi o taberareta.	I had my sweets eaten by a friend.
見る (みる)	見られる	見られる	私の秘密はみんなに見られた。	Watashi no himitsu wa minna ni mirareta.	My secret was seen by everyone.
教える (おしえる)	教えられる	教えられる	日本語は先生に教えられた。	Nihongo wa sensei ni oshierareta.	Japanese was taught by the teacher.

Group 2 (Godan verbs / 五段動詞)

Formation: Change the final u sound to a sound and add れる

Verb	Potential Form	Passive Form	Example Sentence (Japanese)	Romaji	Meaning
書く (かく)	書ける	書かれる	私の名前が黒板に書かれた。	Watashi no namae ga kokuban ni kakareta.	My name was written on the blackboard.
読む (よむ)	読める	読まれる	この本は多くの人に読まれた。	Kono hon wa ōku no hito ni yomareta.	This book was read by many people.
言う (いう)	言える	言われる	先生に「すごい」と言われた。	Sensei ni “sugoi” to iwareta.	I was told “amazing” by the teacher.

Group 3 (Irregular verbs / 不規則動詞)

Verb	Potential Form	Passive Form	Example Sentence (Japanese)	Romaji	Meaning
する	できる	される	彼の仕事は上司に評価された。	Kare no shigoto wa jōshi ni hyōka sareta.	His work was evaluated by the boss.
来る (くる)	来られる	来られる	私の家に友達が来られた。	Watashi no ie ni tomodachi ga korareta.	A friend came to my house.

More Example Sentences

彼は友達にからかわれた。 (Kare wa tomodachi ni karakawareta.) – He was teased by his friends.
雨が降って、試合が中止された。 (Ame ga futte, shiai ga chūshi sareta.) – The match was canceled due to rain.
私の自転車が盗まれた。 (Watashi no jitensha ga nusumareta.) – My bicycle was stolen.
その映画は世界中で見られている。 (Sono eiga wa sekaijū de mirareteiru.) – The movie is being watched worldwide.
彼は先生に叱られた。 (Kare wa sensei ni shikarareta.) – He was scolded by the teacher.
この本は多くの人に読まれた。 (Kono hon wa ōku no hito ni yomareta.) – This book was read by many people.
先生に質問が聞かれた。 (Sensei ni shitsumon ga kikareta.) – A question was asked by the teacher.
日本では魚がよく食べられる。 (Nihon de wa sakana ga yoku taberareru.) – Fish is often eaten in Japan.
その話は新聞に書かれていた。 (Sono hanashi wa shinbun ni kakareteita.) – That story was written in the newspaper.
彼の名前は歴史に残されている。 (Kare no namae wa rekishi ni nokosareteiru.) – His name is left in history.

Fill in the Blanks Exercise:

私の名前が黒板に＿＿＿＿。
先生にほめ＿＿＿＿。
私は友達にお弁当を＿＿＿＿。
その建物は100年前に＿＿＿＿。
その映画はたくさんの人に＿＿＿＿。
宿題が＿＿＿＿。
彼は友達に＿＿＿＿。
その話は新聞に＿＿＿＿。
日本では魚がよく＿＿＿＿。
彼の仕事は上司に＿＿＿＿。

Answers:

書かれた 2. られた 3. 食べられた 4. 建てられた 5. 見られた 6. された 7. からかわれた 8. 書かれた 9. 食べられる 10. 評価された

Things to Keep in Mind

Passive verbs often imply an indirect effect on the subject.
Passive form is commonly used in formal writing and polite speech.
Certain verbs are more frequently used in passive form, such as 言う (to say), 書く (to write), and する (to do).
When the subject is negatively affected, the nuance of 被害受身 (negative passive) comes into play.
Passive sentences often omit the doer (agent) for a softer, indirect tone.

Conclusion

Mastering the passive form of verbs in Japanese is crucial for fluency and understanding natural speech patterns. It is widely used in both formal and informal contexts. By practicing passive verb conjugations and understanding their nuanced usage, learners can improve their comprehension and communication skills in Japanese effectively. Keep practicing and using these forms in daily conversation to become more proficient!

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 4, 2025

Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese | My Language Classes

Understanding Potential Form

The potential form (可能形, かのうけい) of verbs in Japanese expresses the ability or possibility to do something. This form is widely used in everyday conversations to talk about what someone can or cannot do.

Usage of Potential Form in Different Situations

Expressing Ability
- 日本語を話せます。(I can speak Japanese.)
Expressing Capability
- ここから富士山が見えます。(You can see Mount Fuji from here.)
Expressing Permission
- この図書館では本を借りられます。(You can borrow books in this library.)
Expressing Physical or Situational Possibility
- 今日は忙しいので、映画に行けません。(I am busy today, so I can’t go to the movies.)
Expressing Potential in Hypothetical Scenarios
- 彼が来たら、もっと話せると思います。(If he comes, I think I will be able to talk more.)
Asking About Ability
- ピアノが弾けますか？ (Can you play the piano?)
Denying Capability
- 漢字が読めません。(I can’t read kanji.)
Expressing Limited Ability (Using なら)
- スペイン語なら話せます。(If it’s Spanish, I can speak it.)

Formation of Potential Form

Japanese verbs are categorized into three groups, and the potential form is formed differently for each.

Group 1 (Godan Verbs / 五段動詞)

For 五段動詞 (Godan verbs), replace the final う sound with える.

Dictionary Form	Potential Form	Example Sentence 1	Example Sentence 2
書く (to write)	書ける	日本語が書けます。(I can write in Japanese.)	漢字が書けません。(I can’t write kanji.)
行く (to go)	行ける	明日、海に行けます。(I can go to the beach tomorrow.)	東京には行けません。(I can’t go to Tokyo.)
話す (to speak)	話せる	日本語が話せますか？(Can you speak Japanese?)	彼は英語が話せません。(He can’t speak English.)
飲む (to drink)	飲める	お酒が飲めますか？(Can you drink alcohol?)	ビールが飲めません。(I can’t drink beer.)
泳ぐ (to swim)	泳げる	彼は速く泳げます。(He can swim fast.)	海では泳げません。(I can’t swim in the sea.)
買う (to buy)	買える	この店でケーキが買えます。(You can buy cakes at this shop.)	今日は買えません。(I can’t buy it today.)
作る (to make)	作れる	美味しい料理が作れます。(I can make delicious food.)	パンは作れません。(I can’t make bread.)

Group 2 (Ichidan Verbs / 一段動詞)

For 一段動詞 (Ichidan verbs), replace る with られる.

Dictionary Form	Potential Form	Example Sentence 1	Example Sentence 2
食べる (to eat)	食べられる	何でも食べられます。(I can eat anything.)	魚が食べられません。(I can’t eat fish.)
見る (to see)	見られる	この映画が見られます。(You can watch this movie.)	明日は見られません。(I can’t watch it tomorrow.)
着る (to wear)	着られる	和服が着られます。(I can wear a kimono.)	その服は着られません。(I can’t wear those clothes.)
起きる (to wake up)	起きられる	朝6時に起きられます。(I can wake up at 6 AM.)	今日は早く起きられません。(I can’t wake up early today.)
忘れる (to forget)	忘れられる	昨日のことが忘れられます。(I can forget about yesterday.)	その話は忘れられません。(I can’t forget that story.)

Group 3 (Irregular Verbs / 不規則動詞)

The two irregular verbs in Japanese have unique potential forms.

Dictionary Form	Potential Form	Example Sentence 1	Example Sentence 2
する (to do)	できる	サッカーができます。(I can play soccer.)	今日は運動ができません。(I can’t exercise today.)
来る (to come)	来られる	彼は会議に来られます。(He can come to the meeting.)	明日は来られません。(I can’t come tomorrow.)

More Example Sentences

私は日本語が話せます。
(I can speak Japanese.) → [Godan Verb: 話す → 話せる]
この店ではケーキが買えます。
(You can buy cakes at this shop.) → [Godan Verb: 買う → 買える]
今日は早く起きられません。
(I can’t wake up early today.) → [Ichidan Verb: 起きる → 起きられる]
この映画はネットで見られます。
(You can watch this movie online.) → [Ichidan Verb: 見る → 見られる]
ピアノが弾けますか？
(Can you play the piano?) → [Godan Verb: 弾く → 弾ける]
彼は速く泳げます。
(He can swim fast.) → [Godan Verb: 泳ぐ → 泳げる]
明日は学校に行けません。
(I can’t go to school tomorrow.) → [Godan Verb: 行く → 行ける]
この本は図書館で借りられます。
(You can borrow this book from the library.) → [Ichidan Verb: 借りる → 借りられる]
サッカーができますか？
(Can you play soccer?) → [Irregular Verb: する → できる]
彼は明日の会議に来られます。
(He can come to tomorrow’s meeting.) → [Irregular Verb: 来る → 来られる]

These examples cover various real-life situations where the potential form is commonly used. Let me know in comment if you need more examples!

Fill in the Blanks Exercise:

日本語が____ますか？ (Can you speak Japanese?)
この映画はネットで____ます。 (You can watch this movie online.)
今日は早く____ません。 (I can’t wake up early today.)
美味しい料理が____ますか？ (Can you make delicious food?)
ここでは写真を____ません。 (You can’t take pictures here.)
彼女はピアノが____ません。 (She can’t play the piano.)
この店ではケーキが____ます。 (You can buy cakes at this shop.)
その本が____ますか？ (Can you read that book?)
彼は会議に____ますか？ (Can he come to the meeting?)
お酒が____ません。 (I can’t drink alcohol.)

Answers

話せ
見られ
起きられ
作れ
撮れ
弾け
買え
読め
来られ
飲め

Notes on Usage

Shortened Form of Ichidan Verbs: In casual speech, some people drop ら from られる and say 食べれる, 見れる, etc. However, this is considered informal and not grammatically standard.
Using を or が: When using potential form, the object marker を is often replaced with が.
- Correct: 漢字が書ける。
- Acceptable (less common): 漢字を書ける。
Negative Form: Add ない to the potential form.
- 漢字が読めない (I can’t read kanji.)
Polite Form: Add ます to the potential form.
- 漢字が読めます (I can read kanji.)

Mastering the potential form will help you express what you can and cannot do in Japanese fluently! Try using it in daily conversations to reinforce your understanding. 頑張ってください！ (Good luck!)

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