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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5. Can you say “this is a pen” in Japanese?

5. kore/sore/are wa N desu.




"kore/sore/are wa N desu" is used to talk about a name of an object using the demonstrative pronouns kore (これ), sore (それ), and are (あれ). 

Kore (this) - We use "kore" when we want to talk about something that is close to the speaker. kore wa shāpupen desu. これはシャープペンです。This is a mechanical pencil.

Sore (that) - When we want to talk about something that is close to the listener, we use "sore." sore wa shūsēeki desu. それはしゅうせいえきです。That is a whiteout (/correction) fluid.

Are (that over there) - If we want to talk about something far from the speaker and listener, we use "are." are wa nōto desu. あれはノートです。That is a notebook.

Let's see some examples of conversations using these pronouns:

A: sore wa bōrupen desu ka? それはボールペンですか。Is that a ballpoint pen?
B: hai sōdesu. kore wa bōrupen desu. はい、そうです。これはボールペンです。Yes, it is. This is a ballpoint pen.

A: are wa e desu ka? あれは絵ですか？ Is that over there a picture?
B: īe are wa e dewa arimasen. (are wa) shashin desu. いいえ、あれは絵ではありません。写真です。No, that is not a picture. That is a photograph.

Remember, "kore" refers to objects near the speaker, "sore" refers to objects near the listener, and "are" refers to objects that are further away from both the speaker and listener.

Here's a visual representation to help you understand better:










Location: Japan

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