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 ...

11. Can you say “This is my present” in Japanese?

11. N1 no N2 ⑴ N1 indicating possessor


In Japanese, the structure "N1N2" is used to show the possessor of an object.

これは私のプレゼントです。kore wa watashi no prezento desu. This is my present.
それはリンさんの教科書です。sore wa Rin-san no kyōkasho desu. That is Ling's textbook.

A: ヤンさんはあなたの友達ですか。Yan-san wa anata no tomodachi desuka? 
     Is Yang your friend?
B: はい、ヤンさんは私の友達です。hai, Yan-san wa watashi no tomodachi desu. 
     Yes, he is my friend.

When you're unsure about the possessor, you can use "dare no" (だれの) to ask.

A: これは誰のかばんですか。kore wa dare no kaban desuka? Whose bag is this?
B: (それは) チンさんのかばんです。(sore wa) Chin-san no kaban desu.  It is Cheng's bag.


To show your respect, use "donata no N2" (どなたのN2) instead of "dare no N2."        

A:  これはどなたのかばんですか? kore wa donata no kaban desuka?  Whose bag is this?
B: (そちらは) チンさんのかばんです。(sochira wa) Chin-san no kaban desu.  It is Cheng's bag.

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