In the Japanese language, there are several prepositions used to indicate possession. These prepositions play a crucial role in expressing ownership or belonging in sentences. Understanding these prepositions is essential for beginners who are learning Japanese. In this guide, we will explore the different prepositions of possession in Japanese, explain their usage, and provide example sentences to help you grasp their meaning and usage.
“No” (の)
The most commonly used preposition of possession in Japanese is “no” (の). It is similar to the English possessive “‘s” or the preposition “of.” “No” is used to indicate that one thing belongs to or is associated with another thing.
Example Sentences:
わたしのほんです。
(Watashi no hon desu.)
This is my book.
ともだちのくるまはあおいです。
(Tomodachi no kuruma wa aoi desu.)
My friend’s car is blue.
In the first sentence, “watashi” means “I” or “me,” and “hon” means “book.” The possessive particle “no” connects “watashi” and “hon” to express ownership: “my book.”
The second sentence demonstrates the usage of “no” to indicate possession. “Tomodachi” means “friend,” and “kuruma” means “car.” By adding “no” between “tomodachi” and “kuruma,” we indicate that the car belongs to the friend: “my friend’s car.”
“Ga” (が)
While “no” is the most common preposition of possession, “ga” (が) can also be used in certain contexts to indicate possession. However, “ga” is not as commonly used as “no” for this purpose. “Ga” is typically used to emphasize possession or to express possession in a relative clause.
Example Sentences:
わたしのねこがにげました。
(Watashi no neko ga nigemashita.)
My cat ran away.
これがともだちのいえです。
(Kore ga tomodachi no ie desu.)
This is my friend’s house.
In the first sentence, “watashi” means “I” or “me,” and “neko” means “cat.” The use of “ga” instead of “no” in this context adds emphasis to the possession: “my cat.”
The second sentence demonstrates the usage of “ga” in a relative clause. “Kore” means “this,” and “ie” means “house.” By using “ga” after “kore,” we specify that this particular house is owned by the friend: “my friend’s house.”
“Dake no” (だけの)
The phrase “dake no” (だけの) is used to indicate possession or belonging exclusively to someone or something. It expresses the idea of “only” or “solely” in terms of possession.
Example Sentences:
このきれいな花は彼女だけのものです。
(Kono kirei na hana wa kanojo dake no mono desu.)
This beautiful flower is hers alone.
あの本は先生だけのです。
(Ano hon wa sensei dake no desu.)
That book belongs only to the teacher.
In the first sentence, “kono” means “this,” “kirei na” means “beautiful,” “hana” means “flower,” and “kanojo” means “hers.” The phrase “dake no” connects “kanojo” and “mono” to indicate that the flower belongs exclusively to her: “hers alone.”
The second sentence demonstrates the usage of “dake no” to indicate exclusive possession. “Ano” means “that,” “hon” means “book,” and “sensei” means “teacher.” By using “dake no” after “sensei,” we express that the book belongs solely to the teacher: “only the teacher’s.”
“O” (お) and “Go” (ご)
In Japanese, “o” (お) and “go” (ご) are honorific prefixes used to show respect when referring to someone else’s possessions. These prefixes are added before nouns to indicate that the object belongs to someone of higher status or in a polite context.
Example Sentences:
お父さんの車はとても高級です。
(Otōsan no kuruma wa totemo kōkyū desu.)
My father’s car is very luxurious.
ご家族の写真を見せていただけますか？
(Gokazoku no shashin o misete itadakemasu ka?)
Could you show me your family’s photo?
In the first sentence, “otōsan” means “father,” and “kuruma” means “car.” The honorific prefix “o” is added before “tōsan” to show respect: “my father’s car.”
The second sentence demonstrates the usage of the honorific prefix “go.” “Gokazoku” means “family,” and “shashin” means “photo.” By adding “go” before “kazoku,” we express respect when referring to someone else’s family: “your family’s photo.”
“Tachi” (たち)
The suffix “tachi” (たち) is used to indicate a plural form, including possession. It is added after a noun to imply that multiple people or objects possess something.
Example Sentences:
子供たちのおもちゃはたくさんあります。
(Kodomotachi no omocha wa takusan arimasu.)
The children have many toys.
友達たちの家でパーティーをします。
(Tomodachitachi no ie de pātī o shimasu.)
We will have a party at our friends’ house.
In the first sentence, “kodomotachi” means “children,” and “omocha” means “toys.” By adding “tachi” after “kodomo,” we indicate that multiple children possess the toys: “the children’s toys.”
The second sentence demonstrates the usage of “tachi” to indicate plural possession. “Tomodachi” means “friends,” and “ie” means “house.” The suffix “tachi” is added after “tomodachi” to express that multiple friends possess the house: “our friends’ house.”
Conclusion
Understanding the prepositions of possession in Japanese is essential for beginners learning the language. The preposition “no” (の) is the most commonly used to indicate ownership or association. “Ga” (が) can also be used in certain contexts to emphasize possession or in relative clauses. The phrase “dake no” (だけの) expresses exclusive possession or belonging. The honorific prefixes “o” (お) and “go” (ご) show respect when referring to someone else’s possessions. The suffix “tachi” (たち) indicates plural possession. By familiarizing yourself with these prepositions and practicing their usage through example sentences, you can enhance your understanding and fluency in expressing possession in Japanese.
Originally posted 2023-07-13 17:32:14.