Welcome to my Japanese grammar notes! This is a collection of tidbits, interesting things, and short explanations and comparisons between different grammar concepts in the japanese language. It is mostly sourced from Tae Kim, imabi, bunpro, jlptsensei, things I found on ja.hinative.com, and random YouTube videos. This is not really super beginner stuff nor is it super exhaustive, mostly consisting of more intermediate notes. For the basics I would really recommend Tae Kim's book or his website! 99% of it is in English, but you might find a couple explanations or transliterations in Japanese or Dutch.
Categorisation
Instead of a folder structure, this overview uses a tag system to denote specific characteristics of a grammar point:
- composite depicts a grammar point that is made up of two other grammar points. These will always link back to what they were made from.
- auxiliary-verb denotes that this is a verb that can be directly appended to another verb or 形容詞 (i-adjective).
- grammar-concept is a (rough collection) of idea(s) that has no exact set pattern.
- grammar-word is a specific word that has a fixed meaning when used in a sentence, or is used to make specific constructions.
- guide explains how to do a very specific thing in Japanese, usually step-by-step!
- multiple-different-meanings means that this is a grammar point that has multiple very different uses or interpretations.
- multi means that this page contains several very closely related but still separate points. This is usually clarified with the aliases of the page.
- old means it's very ye olde fashion Japanese
- sub contains a point that is actually a sub-point of another grammar point, but it is big or complex enough to have its own page.
- vs shows how two different grammar points relate: How are they different, and how are they the same?
How to add it in a sentence?
Some grammar concepts are limited to use only with specific words or sentence structures
- sentence-ending denotes that this is a sentence ending particle, or at least a word that always comes at the end of a sentence.
- counter orcounter＋ is a grammar concept that goes together with a counter- usually meaning that it has to do with amounts.
- transitive andintransitive Say something about a verbs Transitivity, or that this grammar pattern can only be used in a sentence pattern like this.
- negative-only means that this grammar point can only be used in conjunction with a sentence or verb conjugated to the negative form (〜ない).
- word-modifier means this word is directly added after another word to modify its meaning. According to most dictionaries, that would make it a new word. If it can be added directly together with a specific type of word, one of the following is used. If a linking Particle is necessary, then it is indicated directly after the ＋.
- Nouns:noun＋ noun＋なnoun＋の
- After full sentences:sent＋
- 形容動詞 (な-adjective):形容動詞＋ 形容動詞＋な
- 形容詞 (i-adjective):形容詞＋
If adding this somehow requires you to change the actual word or do a conjugation, then this will be denoted with a 〜
- Verbs:verb〜 . If it has to be put in the Past tense:verb〜た
- 形容詞 (i-adjective):形容詞〜
Speech Style & Register
Some concepts are only used or relevant in certain context or formalities.
- casual is in casual conversation- use with your friends, not with your boss!
- formal and丁寧語 is language you would use with your boss. You still can use it with your friends, but don't overdo it or you might come across as too stiff!
- 尊敬語 is used when you want to be even more respectful. Use this to talk to your boss or to a client.
- 謙譲語 is for humble language- showing that you are very thankful that people would even look in your direction let alone listen to you
- slang denotes that this is what the cool kids use, yo.
- rough is that even for guys this is really showing how cool you are. Think Yakuza type stuff.
- childish pls don't talk like this too often. Mostly here because you often see it in media.
- feminine is something most often used by women.
- male is guy-ish speech. Usually a little more rough.
- spoken-language Not really written
- written-language Not really spoken, only in like writing.