ESL Tip Sheet 5: Japanese

Spoken in Japan.

The written language

Usual pattern is S-O-V, with the verb at the end of a clause, but subject and object do not need to be expressed. 32a.
Information that in English would form an adjective (relative) clause precedes the noun it modifies, with no relative pronoun: *He gave me a too difficult for me book. 42f.
A subordinating conjunction occurs after the dependent clause. 32e; 32f.
Has postpositions (after the noun), not prepositions. 47.

Nouns do not have plural forms. 62a.
No distinction between countable and uncountable nouns. 44.
Many nouns can function as adjectives and adverbs; this leads to confusion between danger and dangerous, safe, safety, and safely. 43.
Possessive pronouns can be omitted: *He hurt shoulder. 41e.
Pronoun subject not expressed: "wakarimasen" is a single word that means: I don't understand; he doesn't understand. 35d.

Modal verbs follow main verbs. 38d.
A verb can stand alone, with subject and object understood: *Kaimasita: (I) bought (it). 35d.
Verb forms and tenses contain only one word. 38e.
Verbs do not change for person or number. Japanese writers have difficulties with agreement with third person singular subject. 40.
No equivalent of auxiliary do. 38d.
In reported speech, the tense of the direct speech is used. 38h.
Different limits on what can be used in the passive voice: *They were stolen their luggage. 39.

Complex adiective phrases can precede a noun: *The responsible for the changes committee.
Expressions with easy and difficult are used as subject complement to refer to a person: *I am easy to fix a car. 48e.

No system for referring to number or to countability: *Computer is expensive. *She bought coat last week. 44.