タグ: Na-adjective

We have already learned two types of predicate sentences; one is noun predicate sentences and the other is verb predicate sentences.

1. Watashi wa Daigakusei desu. (I am a university student.)

2. Watashi wa Nihongo o Benkyoushimasu. (I study Japanese.)

1 is a noun predicate sentence, while 2 is a verb predicate sentence. Noun is a word group for words that are names of something. Verb is a word group for words that express motions in most of the time, but also including existence (Aru, Iru), and change (Naru).

Today we are going to learn another predicate sentence, which is “Adjective predicate sentences”. Adjective is a word group for words that describe nature, condition, and so on. Take a look at adjective predicate sentences below;

3. Kono Kouen wa Kirei desu. (This park is beautiful.)

4. Kono Kouen wa Atarashii desu. (This park is new.)

Do you know the reason why two adjective predicate sentences are shown as examples? In fact, 3 and 4 are different type of adjective predicate sentences. Adjectives in Japanese is not one group of words. There are TWO types of adjectives; Na-adjectives and I-adjectives. The definition and why we call them “Na-” or “I-” will be explained later. But what I want you to know is that anytime you use an adjective, you need to know whether it is Na-adjective or I-adjective. The two adjectives conjugate differently.

There is an adjective “Kirei” in 3 above. This word always appears in your Japanese textbook when it comes to adjectives. Why? because the adjective “Kirei” seems to be I-adjective, but it is actually a Na-adjective. Be always conscious that “Kirei” is Na- adjective.

Remember the following adjectives for today’s conversation;

– Kirei(na): Na-adjective; beautiful, clean

– Ii: I-adjective; good

And practice the followings;

A : Kono Kouen wa Dou desuka. (How is this park?)

B : Kono Kouen wa Kirei desu. (This park is beautiful.)

A : Sono Hon wa Dou desuka. (How is that book?)

B : Kono Hon wa Ii desu. (This book is good.)

<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8課A1”の内容を参照しています。>