Describing Objects with the Particle "NO" (これ/それ/あれ + は + Noun1 の Noun2 + です)
Have you ever felt confused about how to describe objects in Japanese? Don’t worry! Today, we’ll learn how to describe objects using the sentence pattern kore/sore/are wa Noun1 no Noun2 desu. This pattern is very useful for explaining the relationship between two nouns.
What is the Particle "no"?
In Japanese, the particle "NO" has many functions. One of the most common is to connect two nouns to show a relationship, like "of," "from," or "belonging to." For example, in English, it’s similar to phrases like "textbook" or "school bag."
Sentence Pattern
The pattern we’ll use is:
- Kore (これ): this (near the speaker).
- Sore (それ): that (near the listener).
- Are (あれ): that (far from both the speaker and the listener).
- Noun1: the first noun (the descriptor).
- No (の): as a link that provides detailed information about Nouns2 related to Noun1
- Noun2: the second noun (the object being described).
- Desu (です): a copula that means "is."
It means: "This/that is Noun2 of/from/about Noun1."
Example Sentences
Kanji: これは日本の本です。
Hiragana: これは にほん の ほん です。
Romaji: Kore wa Nihon no hon desu.
Meaning: This is a Japanese book.
Hiragana: これは にほん の ほん です。
Romaji: Kore wa Nihon no hon desu.
Meaning: This is a Japanese book.
Kanji: それは私のかばんです。
Hiragana: それは わたし の かばん です。
Romaji: Sore wa watashi no kaban desu.
Meaning: That is my bag.
Kanji: あれは学校の教室です。
Hiragana: あれは がっこう の きょうしつ です。
Romaji: Are wa gakkou no kyoushitsu desu.
Meaning: That is a school classroom.
Study Tips
- Memorize the pronouns kore, sore, and are.
- Use this pattern to describe objects around you.
- Practice speaking to improve fluency!
With this simple pattern, you can describe various objects easily. Let’s give it a try!