Japanese Learning: Particle “de” to indicate what language you use for your language activity; [language] de [Verb] masu.

We have already learned several functions of particle “de”.

Like yesterday, today’s new function of “de” is also a kind of “what to use for your action”.

1. What language you use for language activity; [language] de [Verb] masu.

example: Watashi wa Nihongo de Tegami o Kakimasu. (I write a letter in Japanese.)

This function of “de” is used when the verb is of a language activity. Let us review verbs for language activities (they are for four language skills).

– Yomimasu: transitive verb; read

– Kikimasu: transitive verb; hear, listen

– Hanashimasu: transitive verb; speak, tell, say

– Kakimasu: transitive verb; write

In order to use in examples, let me introduce some new words.

– Eigo: noun; English

– Repohto: noun; report

– Nanigo: interrogative word coming from “Nani” and “go” in which “go” means language; what language

Practice and remember the following conversation;

A: Satou-san wa Nanigo de Repohto o Kakimasuka. (Ms. Sato, what language are you going to use for writing your report?)

B: Watashi wa Eigo de Repohto o Kaimasu. (I am going to write my report in English.)

<この投稿は“スリーエーネットワーク、みんなの日本語 初級I 第2版, 第7課A1”の内容を参照しています。>