Grammar: first steps

Eight lessons in order. Say the examples aloud, and finish each lesson with a short quiz.

1. Lesson 1How a Japanese sentence is ordered

   In Japanese, the verb comes at the end of the sentence. Start by getting used to this order.

2. Lesson 2Saying "A is B" with です

   "A wa B desu" is the most basic sentence. Use it for names, jobs, and the names of things.

3. Lesson 3Saying "A is not B" with ではありません

   "A wa B dewa arimasen" is the negative of "A wa B desu".

4. Lesson 4Asking questions with か

   Add か at the end of a sentence to turn it into a question.

5. Lesson 5は is read "wa" (and を "o", へ "e")

   The particles は, を and へ are pronounced differently from how they are written.

6. Lesson 6Pointing with これ・それ・あれ

   Words for pointing at things depend on the distance from the speaker.

7. Lesson 7Linking owner and thing with の

   "A no B" expresses "B belonging to A" or "B related to A".

8. Lesson 8Polite verbs with ます

   Use the ます form of verbs when you want to speak politely about actions.

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