Japanese Particles: Topic/Subject and Core Particles (wa, ga, ni, de, e, to, mo, no, yo, made)

Flashcards covering topic vs. subject, and core Japanese particles (wa, ga, ni, de, e, to, mo, no, yo, made) with note-based explanations and examples.

What is the primary role of the topic particle 'wa' in Japanese sentences?

It marks the topic and emphasizes what comes after it.

How does the subject particle 'ga' differ from 'wa' in terms of emphasis?

Ga emphasizes the subject (the one who did something or is something); wa emphasizes the following information as the topic.

According to the notes, when the topic is coffee, how should you structure the sentence in Japanese?

Start with the topic (coffee) and then add your comment about it.

What does the particle 'no' indicate?

Possession (as in 'Usako's carrot').

What does the particle 'mo' mean?

Also or too.

What does the particle 'to' indicate?

With or and; used to connect nouns and suggests there are other items not mentioned.

What is the function of the particle 'wo' (を)?

Marks the direct object of a verb.

What does the particle 'de' indicate when used to mark the location of action?

The location where the action occurs (e.g., 'destoran de tabemasu' = 'eat at a restaurant').

What does the particle 'de' indicate when used to mark the means or method?

The instrument or method used to perform the action (e.g., 'Ohashi de tabemasu' = 'eat with chopsticks').

What does the particle 'ni' indicate?

Location of existence or location of something; marks where something is.

What is the function of the particle 'e' and how is it pronounced?

Indicates direction; pronounced 'e' (as in 'Tokyo e ikimashita' = 'to Tokyo').

What does the particle 'made' indicate?

Until.

What is the function of the sentence-ending particle 'yo'?

Declares or strongly expresses something; adds emphasis.

How do you turn a sentence into a question at the end of a Japanese sentence?

Add the question marker 'ka' at the end (e.g., 'Are you going to eat this carrot?').

How does using the topic particle 'wa' with adjectives convey contrast?

Using 'wa' implies there are other things you don't like, but bananas you do.

What is the general difference in sentence structure between English and Japanese noted in the notes?

English is Subject-Verb-Object; Japanese is topic-comment, starting with the topic and then the comment.

Give an example of 'ga' used to emphasize the subject according to the notes.

Ichiban hashiru no ga hayai — meaning 'the one who can run the fastest' (emphasizing the subject).