Overview
This lecture covers the Japanese particles "mo" (also) and "no" (possessive), explaining their usage with examples and noting special cases.
The Particle "mo" (also)
- "Mo" means "also" or "too" and replaces the particles "wa" and "ga" in a sentence.
- Example: "Neko ga imasu" (There is a cat) becomes "Neko mo imasu" (There is a cat, also).
- "Mo" can be used instead of "wa" as in "Kore wa neko desu" (This is a cat) → "Kore mo neko desu" (This also is a cat).
- Used to indicate multiple items or people are included: "Sensei ga imasu" → "Sensei mo imasu".
- In conversations: "Anata wa Nihonjin desu ka? Watashi mo Nihonjin desu." (Are you Japanese? I am Japanese, too.)
- Lists: "Inu mo, neko mo, sakana mo deshita." (There were dogs, cats, and fish.)
Particle "mo" with Other Particles
- "Mo" does not replace the particle "ni" (location/time marker); instead, "mo" is added after "ni."
- Example: "Douyoubi ni" (On Saturday) → "Douyoubi ni mo" (On Saturday, also).
- Used with places or times: "Gakkou ni mo" (To school, also).
- Full-sentence example: "Eki ni mo supamaketto ni mo yubinkyoku ni mo ikimashita." (I went to the station, supermarket, and post office.)
The Possessive Particle "no"
- "No" shows possession, similar to English "'s" or "of."
- The owner comes before "no," then the thing owned: "Jennifer no ie" (Jennifer's house).
- Examples: "Sensei no tomodachi" (The teacher's friend), "Suzuki-san no ie" (Miss Suzuki’s house), "Watashi no neko" (My cat).
- "My" and "your" use "watashi no" and "anata no" respectively.
Key Terms & Definitions
- mo — Japanese particle meaning "also" or "too," replaces "wa" and "ga."
- wa — Japanese topic marker particle.
- ga — Japanese subject marker particle.
- ni — Japanese particle for location or time.
- no — Japanese possessive particle, acts like "'s" in English.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice creating sentences using "mo" and "no" with your own vocabulary.
- Study the example sentences and replace nouns or names for more practice.