Possessive pronouns play a crucial role in any language as they indicate ownership or possession of a noun. In Japanese, possessive pronouns are used to express relationships between people or objects and the things they possess. In this explanation, we will introduce and provide examples of the various Japanese possessive pronouns for a total beginner.
私の (watashi no) – my/mine:
The possessive pronoun “watashi no” is used to indicate possession by the speaker. “Watashi” means “I” or “me,” and when combined with “no,” it becomes “my” or “mine.” Here’s an example sentence:
私の本です。(Watashi no hon desu.) – This is my book.
あなたの (anata no) – your/yours:
The possessive pronoun “anata no” is used to indicate possession by the person you are addressing. “Anata” means “you,” and when combined with “no,” it becomes “your” or “yours.” Here’s an example sentence:
あなたのかばんですか？(Anata no kaban desu ka?) – Is this your bag?
彼の (kare no) – his:
The possessive pronoun “kare no” is used to indicate possession by a male person or someone being referred to as “he.” “Kare” means “he” or “him,” and when combined with “no,” it becomes “his.” Here’s an example sentence:
彼の車は速いです。(Kare no kuruma wa hayai desu.) – His car is fast.
彼女の (kanojo no) – her/hers:
The possessive pronoun “kanojo no” is used to indicate possession by a female person or someone being referred to as “she.” “Kanojo” means “she” or “her,” and when combined with “no,” it becomes “her” or “hers.” Here’s an example sentence:
彼女の猫は可愛いです。(Kanojo no neko wa kawaii desu.) – Her cat is cute.
それの (sore no) – its:
The possessive pronoun “sore no” is used to indicate possession by a neuter or inanimate object. “Sore” means “it” or “that,” and when combined with “no,” it becomes “its.” Here’s an example sentence:
それの色は青です。(Sore no iro wa ao desu.) – Its color is blue.
我々の (wareware no) – our/ours:
The possessive pronoun “wareware no” is used to indicate possession by a group of people, including the speaker. “Wareware” means “we” or “us,” and when combined with “no,” it becomes “our” or “ours.” Here’s an example sentence:
我々の家族は一緒に旅行します。(Wareware no kazoku wa issho ni ryokō shimasu.) – Our family will travel together.
あなた方の (anatagata no) – your/yours (plural/formal):
The possessive pronoun “anatagata no” is used to indicate possession by a group of people, specifically when addressing them in a plural or formal context. “Anatagata” is a polite form of “anata,” meaning “you” (plural/formal), and when combined with “no,” it becomes “your” or “yours” (plural/formal). Here’s an example sentence:
あなた方の提案を検討します。(Anatagata no teian o kentō shimasu.) – We will consider your suggestions.
彼らの (karera no) – their/theirs (masculine):
The possessive pronoun “karera no” is used to indicate possession by a group of male individuals or when referring to them as “they.” “Karera” means “they” or “them,” and when combined with “no,” it becomes “their” or “theirs” (masculine). Here’s an example sentence:
彼らの意見に同意します。(Karera no iken ni dōi shimasu.) – I agree with their opinions.
彼女たちの (kanojo-tachi no) – their/theirs (feminine):
The possessive pronoun “kanojo-tachi no” is used to indicate possession by a group of female individuals or when referring to them as “they.” “Kanojo-tachi” means “they” or “them” (feminine), and when combined with “no,” it becomes “their” or “theirs” (feminine). Here’s an example sentence:
彼女たちの部屋はきれいです。(Kanojo-tachi no heya wa kirei desu.) – Their room is clean.
それらの (sorera no) – their/theirs (neuter):
The possessive pronoun “sorera no” is used to indicate possession by a group of neuter or inanimate objects when referring to them as “they.” “Sorera” means “they” or “them” (neuter), and when combined with “no,” it becomes “their” or “theirs” (neuter). Here’s an example sentence:
それらの本は図書館にあります。(Sorera no hon wa toshokan ni arimasu.) – Their books are in the library.
Conclusion:
Possessive pronouns are essential for expressing ownership or possession in Japanese. By understanding these pronouns, you can effectively communicate relationships between people or objects and the things they possess. Remember that possessive pronouns in Japanese are formed by combining pronouns such as “watashi,” “anata,” “kare,” “kanojo,” “sore,” “wareware,” “anatagata,” “karera,” “kanojo-tachi,” or “sorera” with the particle “no.” Practice using these pronouns in different contexts to become more comfortable with their usage in Japanese conversation.
Originally posted 2023-07-17 15:30:38.