Synopses & Reviews
This is a clear simple and compact guide to colloquial, everyday Japanese grammar.Basic Japanese Grammar teaches all the grammar you need to speak Japanese and understand simple spoken Japanese. Covering only what is essential, it provides an efficient way for learners who have limited time to learn Japanese and begin to communicate naturally with Japanese speakers. It is intended for self–study or classroom use. It offers a practical course in colloquial Japanese, but leaves aside forms that are unnecessary or little used as well as those that are more important for written Japanese. In short chapters, it helps the user understand the logic of Japanese grammar, while its straightforward explanations and clear examples make learning as easy as possible. The book include a glossary of grammatical terms and an index, as well as appendixes on Japanese pronunciation and Japanese verb conjugation. All Japanese words and phrases are written in Kanji and Kana (Hiragana and Katakana) as well as Romanized Japanese (Romanji) and English. Explanations are given in English.
Basic Japanese Grammar is most effectively used as follows:
- Start at the beginning of this book and read through it. Look up unfamiliar or confusing grammatical terms in the short glossary in the rear. Don't be concerned if sections are not immediately clear to you. As you use the Japanese language and hear it spoken, many aspects of Japanese grammar begin to form recognizable patters.
- Go back to Basic Japanese Grammar periodically. Sections that seem difficult or of doubtful benefit to you now may prove extremely helpful later.
- Basic Japanese Grammar is presented in a logical order, especially for the major divisions of grammar, and you will do you best to follow its sequence in your studies. However, the author is aware that some students learn best when they study to answer their immediate questions and needs (e.g. how to form the comparative; the conjugation of the verb to be, etc.) This book is able to accommodate both types of learners.
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Synopsis
Basic Japanese Grammar is a refreshingly clear, simple and compact guide to colloquial, everyday Japanese. It teaches all the grammar needed to speak and understand simple spoken Japanese, but leaves aside the baggage of unnecessary or rarely used forms and constructions that are more important for written Japanese. Covering only what is essential, it provides an efficient way for learners who have limited time to gain basic proficiency and begin to communicate naturally with Japanese speakers.
Synopsis
Learn the Grammar You Need to Speak Japanese Correctly with This Handy, Easy-to-Understand Guide
Synopsis
Basic Japanese Grammar is a refreshingly clear, simple and compact guide to colloquial, everyday Japanese. It teaches all the grammar needed to speak and understand simple spoken Japanese, but leaves aside the baggage of unnecessary or rarely used forms and constructions that are more important for written Japanese. Covering only what is essential, it provides an efficient way for learners who have limited time to gain basic proficiency and begin to communicate naturally with Japanese speakers.
About the Author
Everett F. Bleiler, born in 1920, was an editor at Dover Publications where this book was originally published.
Table of Contents
ContentsHow to Use this Book
Introductory Material
Introduction to the Japanese Language
Notation Basic Japanese
General Information
The Language of Courtesy (Introductory)
Nouns
Personal Pronouns
Using Nouns and Pronouns in Sentences
Particles Equivalent to Prepositions, Adverbs, Conjunctions
Words of Demonstration
The Indefinite, Inclusive, and Negative Word Ranges
Verbs
Introduction to Japanese Verbs
Verb Conjugations and the Basic Stem
The Consonant or U-dropping Conjugation
The Vowel or Ru-dropping Conjugation
The Combining Stem and the Polite Forms
The Present
The Past
The Participle
Progressive Tenses
The Probable Mood
Commands
Negative Verbs
Verbs Conjugated with suru
The Verb "to be"
Polite Equivalents of desu
Passive and Causative Verbs
Adjectives
The Nature of the Japanese Adjective
Adjective Forms
Basic Stems
Present Forms
Past Forms
Probable Mood
Adverbial Forms
Suspending Form
Adjectives and Conditions
Negative Adjectives
Pseudo Adjectives
Comparison of Adjectives
Adverbs
Verb
onstructions and Adjective Constructions
Final and Medial Forms of Verbs and
djectives
Clauses and Verb Forms
Final Forms and Relative Clauses
Nominalization and Final Forms
Special Verb Ideas and Idioms
Wishing
"If-Statements
Liking
"Can," "could," "be able"
"To intend to"
"Ever" and "never"
"To have"
Purpose
Quotations, Direct and indirect Discourse
shimau, "to end by"
"To try"
Clauses and Conjunctions
The Language of Courtesy
Honorific Verbs and Adjectives
Honorific
Nouns and Pronouns
Word Order
Forming Questions
Numbers and Counting Objects
Classifiers
Dates and Telling Time
Idiomatic Expressions
Appendix: Japanese Pronunciation
Possible Combinations and Sound Shifts
A Glossary of Grammatical Terms
The Parts of Speech
Words
about Verbs
Miscellaneous Terms
The Parts of the Sentence
Special Terms Describing Japanese Grammar
Index