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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9. Can you say “Which person is Alice?” in Japanese?

9. kono/sono/ano/dono N desu/ka?



In Japanese, there is a useful structure pattern that helps us specify a noun. By using demonstrative pronouns such as この (kono), その (sono), あの (ano), or どの (dono), we can indicate the noun we are referring to. In this article, we will explore how this structure works and provide some practical examples.

Specifying a Person:
A: アリスさんはどの人ですか？(Arisu-san wa dono hito desu ka?) - Which person is Alice?B: アリスさんはあの人です。(Arisu-san wa ano hito desu.) - Alice is that person.

Specifying an Object:
このくだものはりんごです。(Kono kudamono wa ringo desu.) - This fruit is an apple.

Indicating Things or People:
The demonstratives この/その/あの/どの can be used to indicate either a thing or a person.どのひと (dono hito) - which personこのくだもの (kono kudamono) - which fruit

Polite Expression:
In a polite context, we can use "かた" (kata) as a polite way to refer to "ひと" (hito).
あのかたはせんせいです。(Ano kata wa sensei desu.) - That person is a teacher.

Introducing Someone:
When introducing someone, it is more common to use "こちら/そちら/あちら" (kochira/sochira/achira) instead of "この/その/あの (ひと/かた)" (kono/sono/ano (hito/kata)).

こちらは鈴木さんです。(Kochira wa Suzuki-san desu.) - This is Ms. Suzuki.


Understanding the structure pattern of この/その/あの/どの N ですか? is essential for effective communication in Japanese. By using these demonstratives, we can specify nouns, whether they are objects or people. Additionally, when introducing someone, it is common to use "こちら/そちら/あちら" to show politeness. Keep practising and incorporating these patterns into your conversations to improve your Japanese language skills.




Location: Japan

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