0.2.3 Possession Flashcards

my = watashi no (わたしの)

Adding the grammar particle no (の) after nouns and pronouns makes them possessive.

Possessive pronouns are often dropped in Japanese due to sentence context.

They are used only when the speaker has a need to clearly distinguish possession of something.

your = anata no (あなたの)

If a possessive pronoun is necessary, the speaker should generally use the person’s last name + san (さん) + no (の) instead of using anata no (あなたの).

This applies to other possessive pronouns such as “his” and “her”.

Reminder: Because Japanese has no plural form, watashi no kuruma (わたしのくるま) can mean “my car” or “my cars”.

someone’s house / home = otaku (おたく)

This word is used when specifically talking about someone else’s home. It is more personal and includes the honorific “o” (お) prefix.

change (money) = tsuri (つり)

The honorific o (お) is added to tsuri (つり) when someone is talking about or handing you your change.

bag = kaban (かばん)

kaban (かばん) typically refers to briefcases, handbags, and backpacks that are used for carrying personal items.

his = kare no (かれの)

If a possessive pronoun is necessary, the speaker should generally use the person’s last name + san (さん) + no (の) instead of using kare no (かれの).

This applies to other possessive pronouns such as “your” and “her”.

her = kanojo no (かのじょの)

If a possessive pronoun is necessary, the speaker should generally use the person’s last name + san (さん) + no (の) instead of using kanojo no (かのじょの).

This applies to other possessive pronouns such as “your” and “his”.

bicycle = jitensha (じてんしゃ)

hat / cap = boushi (ぼうし)

key = kagi (かぎ)

our = watashitachi no (わたしたちの)

one’s own home / house = uchi (うち)

uchi (うち) is a warmer, more personal word that refers to the place you live.