Nouns In Japanese: Explained Clearly For New Beginners

Definition: The noun is used to identify a person, place, thing, or idea. In Japanese all nouns not have gender and usually the singular and plural form are the same.

Examples:

• English

pencil, the pencil, a pencil,pencils,the pencils

• Japanese

鉛筆 = Enpitsu

The Japanese have the following rules for the use of nouns:

For Nouns Referring to People

If you use a noun referring to people, you must use the suffix たち (tachi) that indicate the plural form.

The Suffix "ya" (や) and The Suffix "ka" (か)

• The suffix ya (や) is used for the store where the objects are sold or the person who sells them.

• The suffix ka (か) is used for the person who is an expert or specialist in the designated subject.

For Compound NounsWhen you use two nouns together, you form a compound noun are joined by the particle no.