ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
Candon Campus
MODULE
MODULE INTRODUCTION TO BASIC JAPANESE GRAMMAR
1
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this unit, you will be able to:
Practice basic sounds and pitch used in Japanese
Understand basic word orders and particles as well as the use of verbs,
counters and honorifics
Compare and contrast the features of Japanese grammar from English
grammar
LESSON PROPER
In Basic Japanese, you have learned an introduction about the Japanese history,
culture, traditions and language and you have also practiced the different writing
systems of Japan – hiragana, katakana and kanji. Furthermore, you were familiarized
with the different basic expressions and greetings used in in varied occasions and
were also taught on how to introduce yourself to others. Lastly, you have also learned
how to count and tell the date and time in Japanese. These are just some of the basic
lessons you need to learn in your journey to learning Japanese.
In this lesson, you will be introduced to the different Japanese sounds and pitch
used in the Japanese language. Also, you will be able to learn about the basic word
orders and uses of particles in Japanese sentences. And lastly, you will be introduced
to the basic Japanese sentence structure.
BASIC SOUNDS
As discussed in your lessons in Basic Nihongo, the Japanese has five basic
vowels:
A, which sounds like the vowel in aha
I, which sounds like the vowel in eat
U, which sounds like the vowel in boot, but without lip rounding
E, which sounds like the vowel eight
O, which sounds like the vowel in oat
These vowels have long counterparts, which are specified by a macron above
them as in ā, ī, ū, ē, and ō
Course Code: HPC8/TPC7
Descriptive Title: FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 (ADVANCE)
Instructor: Jamie Joyce O. Dangle, MSHRM
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
Candon Campus
MODULE
Most consonants in English exist or are pronounced similarly in Japanese.
However, note that r and f are quite different in Japanese than in English:
Japanese “r” is made by tapping the tip of the tongue behind the upper
teeth just once, like the brief flap sound tt in letter in American English.
Japanese “f” is pronounced by bringing the upper and lower lips close
to each other and blowing air between them gently.
Japanese has double consonants where a single consonant is preceded by a
brief abrupt pause. They are represented by two letters in Romaji – for example,
tt and ss.
ORAL EXERCISE
Pronounce the following words written in Romaji carefully and try to get used to
Japanese sounds. The letter “n” with an apostrophe (n’), shows the separation
from the following vowel or semi-vowel.
1. kokoro (heart)
2. e (painting)
3. take (bamboo)
4. tori (bird)
5. tori (street)
6. ringo (apple)
7. fūfu (married couple)
8. oto (sound)
9. otto (husband)
10. kinen (anniversary)
11. kin’en (nonsmoking)
12. hon’yaku (translation)
PITCH
Pitch can make a difference in word meanings in Japanese. For example, in
Tokyo Japanese, the two-syllable word ame means rain if the first syllable is in
high pitch and the second syllable is in low pitch, but it means candy if the first
syllable is in low pitch and the second syllable is in high pitch.
ORAL EXERCISE
Pronounce two words in each pair, paying attention to the pitch. H means high
pitch and L means low pitch.
1. shiro (HL) (white) shiro (LH) (castle)
2. ame (HL) (rain) ame (LH) (candy
Course Code: HPC8/TPC7
Descriptive Title: FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 (ADVANCE)
Instructor: Jamie Joyce O. Dangle, MSHRM
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
Candon Campus
MODULE
3. hashi (HL) (chopsticks) hashi (LH) (bridge)
4. kami (HL) (god) kami (LH) (paper)
5. kaki (HL) (oyster) kaki (LH) (persimmon)
BASIC WORD ORDER AND PARTICLES
The order between the subject and the object is flexible in Japanese. However,
a verb needs to be placed at the end of a sentence. A sentence can be
understood correctly regardless of the word order because the subject and the
object are directly followed by the subject-marking particle ga and the object-
marking particle o, respectively. For example, the following two sentences both
mean Ken invited Ann:
ケンがアンを誘った。
Ken ga An o sasotta.
アンをケンが誘った。
An o Ken ga sasotta.
English preposition such as to, from, in, on, at and with corresponds to
postpositions, or particles placed after nouns, in Japanese. For example, the
English preposition to corresponds to Japanese particle ni when expressing
destinations.
ケンがトロントに行った。
Ken ga Toronto ni itta.
Ken went to Toronto.
English and Japanese show a number of asymmetries in terms of their
sentence structures:
1. The basic word order in English is subject-verb-object, whereas in Japanese
it is subject-object-verb.
2. The subject cannot be absent in English even if it is understood, whereas
Japanese speakers make every effort to omit the subject (as well as the
object) if it is understood.
3. The word order is rigid in English in most cases but can be very flexible in
Japanese.
For example, if a sentence in Japanese has a subject noun, an object noun and
a verb, the subject and object can switch places as the verb remains at the end
of the sentence.
Example:
English Sentence: Ben invited Lisa.
Japanese Sentence: Ben-ga Lisa-o shōtaishita
Course Code: HPC8/TPC7
Descriptive Title: FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 (ADVANCE)
Instructor: Jamie Joyce O. Dangle, MSHRM
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
Candon Campus
MODULE
OR
Lisa-o Ben-ga shōtaishita
These sentences mean the same thing because the subject noun
is marked by the particle ga and the object noun is marked by the particle o.
On the other hand, the particles that mark items other than subjects and objects
in Japanese usually do have counterparts. The Japanese word order can be
schematically represented as:
[NOUN] + [PARTICLE] [NOUN]+ [PARTICLE] [VERB]
Japanese particles do not just express the grammatical functions of words and
phrases within a sentence. They also include focus particles which express
information beyond the sentence.
VERB MORPHOLOGY
English verbs conjugate based on the number and the person of the subject,
as in I eat, she eats and they eat. Japanese verbs do not change form based
on the number or person. In fact, nouns do not have a singular or plural
distinction either. Japanese verbs change form based on tense and polarity
(whether they are affirmative or negative) as well as what follows them (e.g.
suffixes, particles, auxiliaries, nouns and sentence-ending
Example:
Tabe is the shortest pronounceable form of the verb “to eat” and does not bear
any information about the tense.
Tabe-ru = will eat or eat (regularly)
Tabe-ta = ate
Tabe-nakat-ta = did not eat
Japanese verbs can also be followed by additional verb suffixes or auxiliary
verbs creating a long verb phrase which sounds like one long word.
Example:
Tabe-sase-ta = made someone eat
Tabe-sase-rare-ta = was made to eat
Tabe-sase-rare-nakat-ta = was not made to eat
COUNTERS
One linguistic item present in Japanese but not in English is the counter.
Counters are placed after numerals in order to express the quantity or amount
of people and things, and the choice of counters varies depending on the
shape, size, and type of the item. English on the other hand has some unit
words for measurement such as pieces, slices and cups.
Example counters used:
Course Code: HPC8/TPC7
Descriptive Title: FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 (ADVANCE)
Instructor: Jamie Joyce O. Dangle, MSHRM
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
Candon Campus
MODULE
-hiki used for small to medium size animals such as cats and dogs
-nin is the counter used for people
-hon is the counter used for long cylindrical shaped items such as pencils and
wine bottles
-satsu is the counter used for bound items such as books and magazines
When used in a sentence, it goes like this:
Go-nin no hito = the five people
Go-hiki no inu = the five dogs
Go-hon no pen = the five pens
HONORIFICS
The Japanese language has rich and extensive honorific systems that express
respect, humility, courteousness, politeness and refinement. These systems
govern speech styles through the choices of suffixes, prefixes, pronouns, verbs,
adjectives and phrases that are determined based on the relationship among
the speaker, listener, and the third party with respect to the social grouping and
the social hierarchy. English does not have such verbal prefixes, suffixes and
auxiliary verbs used for expressing politeness or respects. Although English
does have some honorific systems, including titles such as Mr. and Mrs. and
some auxiliary verbs such as could and would, politeness is mostly expressed
by elaborating on a statement through the addition of kind comments or brief
explanations.
For example, the following sentences all mean “Did (you) read (it)?”, however
it differs on who the speaker is talking to:
Yonda no = addressed to one’s brother
Yomimashita ka = addressed to one’s colleague
O-yomi-ni narimashita ka = addressed to one’s teacher
DAILY EXPRESSIONS
In your past lessons in Basic Nihongo, you were introduced to the different daily
expressions and basic greetings. Such expressions and greetings are very
useful in daily conversations and is culturally inclined with the practice of
Japanese honorifics. Some of the daily expressions differ depending on the
level of formality. As a rule, you should always greet or converse in the formal
manner upon meeting a person or in case of a workplace setting.
Examples;
“Ohayoo gozaimasu”
Course Code: HPC8/TPC7
Descriptive Title: FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 (ADVANCE)
Instructor: Jamie Joyce O. Dangle, MSHRM
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
Candon Campus
MODULE
- This expression is a formal greeting used in addressing a superior or in any
situation requiring formality. When speaking to equals, such as a friend,
gozaimasu may be omitted
“Hajimemashite”
- This expression which literally means “for the first time” (to see you)
corresponds to “How do you do?” or “I’m glad to meet you” in English. It is
usually used when meeting someone for the first time.
“Douzo yoroshiku”
- This expression literally means “please be good to me” (from now on) or
“How do you do?”. It is similar to “Hajimemashite” which sounds a little
formal. Sometimes the two expressions are used together.
BASIC JAPANESE SENTENCE STRUCTURE
In studying Japanese, it is important to note how sentences are constructed.
Remember that there is a difference between the construction of a Japanese
sentence as compared to the English sentence structure. Below shows a
comparison of the two:
NIHONGO ENGLISH
S wa C desu S – be – verb - C
Note:
S - the subject of the sentence
C - complement of the sentence; a word, phrase or clause needed to complete a
sentence
V – verb
Wa is an article normally placed after the subject. It has no English equivalent.
Desu is used for English be-verb (is, are, am) and always placed at the end of a
sentence.
Examples:
NIHONGO ENGLISH
Watashi wa Anna desu. I am Anna.
Anata wa Marku desu. You are Mark.
Kare wa Reyes-san desu He is Mr. Reyes.
Course Code: HPC8/TPC7
Descriptive Title: FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 (ADVANCE)
Instructor: Jamie Joyce O. Dangle, MSHRM
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
Candon Campus
MODULE
Kanojo wa Tamura-san desu. She is Ms. Tamura.
*Anata = you
*Kare = He
“Kanojo = She
*San = an honorific used after a personal name irrespective of sex
The table below shows the conjugation of be-verb “desu”:
PRESENT TENSE PAST TENSE
Affirmative: desu deshita
Negative: dewa arimasen dewa arimasen deshita
Interrogative: desu ka deshita ka
Affirmative: S wa C desu (deshita)
Negative: S wa C dewa arimasen (dewa arimasen deshita)
Interrogative S wa C desu ka (deshita ka)
Note: The conjugation in the bracket show the past tense.
Examples:
ENGLISH SENTENCE JAPANESE SENTENCE
1. Are you a teacher? Anata wa sensei desu ka?
*Since the statement is a question, “desu ka” is used
2. She is not a student. Kanojo wa gakusei dewa arimasen.
*The sentence is a negative form hence “dewa
arimasen” is used
3. Mr. Tan was a Tan-san wa shachoo deshita.
company president.
*The sentence is in the past tense form hence “deshita”
is used
4. Were you a sales Anata wa ten-in deshita ka?
clerk?
*The sentence is in interrogative form and in the past
tense hence “deshita ka” is used
5. I was not a teacher. Watashi wa sensei dewa arimasen deshita
*The sentence is in a negative and past tense form
hence “dewa arimasen deshita” is used.
Course Code: HPC8/TPC7
Descriptive Title: FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 (ADVANCE)
Instructor: Jamie Joyce O. Dangle, MSHRM
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
Candon Campus
MODULE
ENRICH YOUR VOCABULARY
Listed below are some of the most commonly used Japanese occupations. Enhance
your Japanese vocabulary by learning and memorizing the following:
OCCUPATION SHOKUGYOO OCCUPATION SHOKUGYOO
Bank employee Ginkoo-in Nutrionist Eiyooshi
Company employee Kaisha-in Company president Shachoo
Diplomat Gaikookan Doctor Isha
Dentist Ha-isha Nurse Kangofu
Engineer Gishi Journalist Jaanarisuto
Driver Untenshu Lawyer Bengoshi
Musician Ongakuka Office worker Jimu-in
Housewife Shufu Painter Gaka
Student Gakusei Teacher Sensei
Policeman Keikan Businessman Bijinesuman
Writer Sakka Security guard Gaadoman
Tour guide Kankoo gaido Receptionist Uketsukegakari
Hotel employee Hoteru jugyoin Bartender Baruten
Flight attendant Kyakushitsu jumo-in Waiter u-eita
INTENDED LEARNING ACTIVITY
I. TRUE OR FALSE. Read the following statements carefully. Write TRUE if
the statement is correct and FALSE of incorrect. (10 points)
__________ 1. Vowels that have macrons above are pronounced longer.
__________ 2. Most consonants in English are pronounced the same in Japanese
except for “R” and “F”.
__________ 3. The pitch, whether high and low, in Japanese can change the meaning
of a particular word as in the case of the word ame.
__________ 4. Article ‘wa’ has no equivalent word in English.
__________ 5. The subject of the sentence in Japanese may be omitted.
__________ 6. The honorific –san is used for males only.
__________ 7. Counters are both used in Japanese and English sentences.
__________ 8. “Hajimemashite” is used as an informal greeting whether it is your first
time to meet the person or not.
__________ 9. The interrogative form of ‘desu’ is ‘deshita’.
__________ 10. Japanese people address the person they are talking to the same
regardless of age and status.
Course Code: HPC8/TPC7
Descriptive Title: FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 (ADVANCE)
Instructor: Jamie Joyce O. Dangle, MSHRM
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
Candon Campus
MODULE
II. SENTENCE TRANSLATION. Translate the following English sentences to
Japanese. (10 x 2 points each = 20 points)
1. Is Mr. Tanaka a lawyer? ___________________________________
2. Shinichi is a student. ___________________________________
3. Maya was not a writer. ___________________________________
4. Are you a tour guide? ___________________________________
5. He was a hotel employee. ___________________________________
6. Mrs. Nakamura is a housewife ___________________________________
7. She was not a painter. ___________________________________
8. Is Hana a bartender? ___________________________________
9. Mr. Sato is a diplomat. ___________________________________
10. Ms. Reyes is not a dentist. ___________________________________
ASSIGNMENT
I. Create a sentence introducing your family members and their corresponding
occupation. Apply what you have learned in basic Japanese sentence
structure. Write your answers on the space provided. (20 points)
Father
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Mother
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Siblings
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Course Code: HPC8/TPC7
Descriptive Title: FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 (ADVANCE)
Instructor: Jamie Joyce O. Dangle, MSHRM
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
Candon Campus
MODULE
II. Research on the use of kore, sore, are and dore in Japanese sentences.
Write your answers on the space provided below. (20 points)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Course Code: HPC8/TPC7
Descriptive Title: FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 (ADVANCE)
Instructor: Jamie Joyce O. Dangle, MSHRM
