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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27. Can you say “How much is this shirt?” in Japanese?

  27. Asking for Prices in Japanese: How to Use "Ikura desu ka?"




In daily life, asking and understanding prices is essential when shopping. In Japanese, a specific structure pattern is used for asking about prices and stating them. This article will introduce the "ikura desu ka（いくらですか）?” pattern, which is commonly used to inquire about the cost of items or services. Additionally, we will explore how to respond to such questions using the "(number) + 円です". 


A: このシャツはいくらですか。kono shatsu wa ikura desuka? 
     How much is this shirt?
B: （そのシャツは）5000円です。(sono shatsu wa) gosenen desu. 
     That shirt is 5000 yen.

A: 学生食堂のカレーはいくらですか gakusēshokudō no karē wa ikura desuka?
      How much is the curry and rice in the student cafeteria?
B: （学生食堂のカレーは）300円です (gakusēshokudō no karē wa)sanbyakuen desu. 
      The curry and rice are 300 yen.


Note: In the examples above, "いくらですか" is used to ask for the price, and "(number) + en desu (円です)" is used to state the price. Please remember the proper pronunciation of numbers like 100 (hyaku), 1000 (sen), 300 (sanbyaku), 600 (roppyaku), 800 (happyaku), 3000 (sanzen), and 8000 (hassen).



Location: Japan

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