XはYです

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Here are the key points of this lesson: Omission of the subject (Xは) Using 'は' for clarity Nouns in Japanese” Omission of the subject (Xは) In Japanese, sentences often omit subjects when the context makes them clear, unlike in English where subjects like "I" or "it" are typically included.  For example, "I am a student," "My major is Japanese language," and "It is 12:30" translate into Japanese as "がくせいです," "にほんごです," and "12じはんです," respectively, without direct subjects. Using 'は' for clarity If the context doesn't provide clarity, Japanese sentences can start with a topic marked by "wa" (は in hiragana), indicating "As for X, it is Y.” For example,  “わたしは がくせいです" (As for me, I am a student), “せんこうは にほんごです" (As for my major, it is Japanese language), and "じかんは12じはんです" (As for the current time, it is 12:30). The particle "wa" (は), used to denote ...
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7. Can you say “Is she a student or a teacher?” in Japanese?

7. N1 desuka, N2 desuka?



This structure pattern is used for making alternative questions. An alternative question is a type of question that offers the listener a choice between two. Don't use Yes or No when you answer the alternative question. Instead, respond with one of the alternative words or phrases in the question. This structure pattern is equivalent to "This or That questions" in English.

A: リンさんは学生ですか、先生ですか。
     Rin-san wa gakusē desuka, sensē desuka?  Is Ling a student or a teacher?
B: リンさんは学生です。Rin-san wa gakusē desu. Ling is a student.

A:（あなたは）ジョンさんですか、エリックさんですか。
      (anata wa) Jon-san desuka, Erikku-san desuka? Are you John or Eric?
B: 私はエリックです。watashi wa Erikku desu. I am Eric.

A: これは絵ですか、写真ですか。 kore wa e desuka, shashin desuka?
     Is this a painting or photograph?
B: それは写真です。sore wa shashin desu. It is a photograph.

In cases where you cannot assume two choices, use WH question words such as nan (what), dare (who), and dore (which).

A: リーさんは誰ですか？ Rī-san wa dare desu ka? Who is Lee?
B: （リーさんは）あの人です。(Rī-san wa) ano hito desu. Lee is that person.


Location: Japan

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