Japanese Grammar Fun Again

4 Ways to Negate Anything in Japanese
Beginning Japanese Grammar Lesson
How to say “but…” in Japanese.

It is never a wise idea to refute the ideas of others. However, in the normal processes of direct communication between two individuals or any number of individuals or groups of people involved in a discussion, it becomes necessary to use the preposition but. In modern Japanese, the preposition but can be expressed in at least four different ways. By learning these four ways of saying but, you'll be able to negate (In Japanese) anything or anybody you want.

These words are very powerful, so use with caution, especially when talking to someone like say . . . your boss! You wouldn't want to negate your boss no matter how much you wanted to impress him with your Japanese skills. Below I present four ways the preposition but is used in Japanese. After that comes the plug and play Japanese grammar construction samples and the G.A.B. (Ghetto After Blast). So have fun and enjoy the rest of the lesson.

Words for the preposition but

but – ga が

but - shikashi しかし(however)

but - kedoけど, keredoけれど, keredomo けれども

but – demo でも





Example 1 - I want to kiss her; but, she won't let me!

Kanojo ni kissu sasete moraitiai n'da keredomo, sasete moraenai n'da!
かのじょに キッス させてもらいたいの だけれどもさせてもらえないのだ


Example 2. Her English skills are not very good, but she sure can cook though!

Kanojo no eigo wa ammari yokunai da kedo, ryo^ri wa umai n'da!
かのじょの 英語はあまりよくないのだけど料理が甘いのだ


Example 3. He said he was a doctor, however to tell you the real truth, he is just an ordinary dentist!



Kare wa isha da to iutta tai, shikashi honto wa kare. . . tada no haishasan!

re-yaku - Ex. 3. Kare wa isha da tte! Demo honki wa taishita mon ja nai.



Ex. 4. The president has completely died, but his spirit lives on.



Daito^ryo^san wa shinde shimaimashita ga, kare no rei wa mada ikitsuzuite iru no desu.

.

(See ghetto grammar lesson #97 for the plug and play learning system to master the Japanese grammar Base TE shimau- to verb completely)




Example 5. But . . . I wanted the pink one!

Demo, pinku no yatsu ga hoshikatta no da!
でも,ピンクの奴が欲しかったのだ



Ex. 6. I like her, but don't you think she is kind of short?

Ore wa kanojo ga suki nanya kedo, chotto se ga hikui to omouwanai to desu ka?

It is usually easy to tell on hearing the Japanese syllable ga whether it is the participle ga, or the preposition ga. The preposition ga when it is meant to mean but, is usually accompanied by a small pause and its use is more formal than any of the keredemo or demo variations. It is better to remeber shikashi as however and the keredemo variations as but.

Ghetto after blast - GAB 2 point advice. Since the Japanese words shikashi, kedo, keredemo, demo, and ga, all basically mean the same thing, you won't have to remember as much, so beginners might find it helpful to pick just one. Just remember that shikashi and ga sound more formal than the kedo, and keremo. Oh yeah... I almost forgot to mention that the word for ribbit in Japanese is kero, so make sure your pronunciation of kedo doesn't make you sound like you are making love to a frog, unless of course you are a princess!

As always, Ganbatte Ne!
Do your best!
Makurasuki sensei
http://www.saketalkie.blogspot.com or http://japanetics.blogspot.com
http://squidoo.com/ghettogrammar/ or http://squidoo.com/phonesearch

http://spanishjapanese.blogspot.com

Oh again

How To Say In Japanese
How to say "Hi" or "hello" in Japanese?
(konnichi wa)
How do you say "Bye" or "Goodbye" in Japanese?
(ja mata ne)
How do you say "pink" in Japanese?
(pinku)
How do you say "blue" in Japanese?
(aoi)
How do you say "red" in Japanese?
(akai)
How do you say "purple" in Japanese?
(murasaki)
How do you say "green" in Japanese?
(midori)
How do you say "yellow" in Japanese?
(kiiroi)
How do you say "black" in Japanese?
(kuroi)
How do you say "white" in Japanese?
(shiroi)

_____________________________________________________________
How to say "strawberry" in Japanese?
(ichigo)
How do you say "love" in Japanese?
(ai)
How do you say "I love You" in Japanese?
(ai shite iru)
How to say "bed" in Japanese?
(futon)
How to say "sexy" in Japanese?
(kakoi, sekushi, seiteki miryoku ga aru)
How to say "I dont speak Japanese" in Japanese?
(wakarimasen, wakannai)
Learn to speak Japanese quick and easy using the Rocket Japanese course. Impress the ladies and your friends. Order the full course or just get the FREE 6-Day Japanese course.
JPPGG the original
Say Other cool Phrases in Japanese
How to say "wonderful" in Japanese?
(subarashii)

How do you say "love motel" in Japanese?
(rabu hoteru)

How to say "yes" in Japanese?
(nod your head up and down)

How to say "no" in Japanese?
(nod your head to the left and to the right,
iie, chigau see http://squidoo.com/ghettogrammar112 )

How do you say "I hate it" in Japanese?
(sukan)

How do you say "happy birthday" in Japanese?
(O-tanjobi omedeto^ gozaimasu)

How do you say "chrysanthumum" in Japanese?
(kiku)

How do you say "welcome" in Japanese?
(yo^koso)

How do you say "please" in Japanese?
(O-negai shimasu)

How do you say "Japan" in Japanese?
(Nihon or Nippon)

How to say "thank you" in Japanese?
(Just sing that song by Styx)

How do you say "Even monkeys fall from trees" in Japanese?
(Saru mo ki kara ochiru)

How do you say "McDonald’s" in Japanese?
(Makudonarudo) – try it!

How to say "Merry Christmas" in Japanese?
(meri kurisumasu)

How do you say "stray cat" in Japanese?
(hiroi neko)

How to say "fool" in Japanese?
(baka) –the only cuss word you need in Japanese

How do you say "how are you?" in Japanese?
(O-genki desu ka?)

How do you say "spoiled" in Japanese?
(najite iru)
Other neat words in Japanese
How do you say "Summer Vacation" in Japanese?
(natsu yasumi)

How do you say "Autumn Vacation" in Japanese?
(aki yasumi)

How do you say "Spring Vacation" in Japanese?
(haru yasumi)

How do you say "Winter Vacation" in Japanese?
(fuyu yasumi)

How do you say "baby" in Japanese?
(akachan)

How do you say "tokyo" in Japanese?
(to^kyo^) –long o’, and kyo not kiyo

The age you become an adult in Japan?
(19)

How to say "old hag" in Japanese?
(baba)

How to say "dirty old man" in Japanese?
(jiji)

How to say "as for the topic” in Japanese?
(wadai wa)

How do you say "hungry" in Japanese?
(o-naka ga suita)

How do you say "wassup dawg?" in Japanese?
(oi genki?)

How to say "I ain’t your dawg, beeyotch!" in Japanese?
(nan kono baka yaro genki nantte ja ne yaro ya baka yaro ga omae ora)

Double Vision Grammar

Japanese Plug and Play Ghetto Grammar (JPPGG) #109
PLAIN FORM + KAMOSHIRENAI - to probably verb

In Japanese, to say that something will most likely happen in the future or to say that something has probably already occurred, we use the word ~kamoshirenai. Both Japanese nouns and Japanese verbs in plain form (i.e. Base III) can be used to which we can attach one of three variable endings which vary in politeness.
When used after nouns, or verbs in plain form, KAMOSHIREMASEN means: maybe noun, maybe verb, might have been noun, might have verb'ed, or probably noun, or probably verb etc. Although by definition, KAMO, by itself, is the word for duck, the origin or roots of the word KAMOSHIREMASEN come mainly from the verb to know, or, SHIRU. In this case, SHIRENAI means unable to know. The KA and the MO pose even more uncertainty when put together because KA is the question mark (?) particle, and MO is the also particle.
KAMO without SHIRENAI or SHIREMASEN is less polite but still understood. To use KAMO by itself is permissible when speaking with close friends or acquaintances. However, since saying just KAMO is less polite, beginners should avoid saying it. Its best to always use the most polite form KAMOSHIREMASEN, but it's ok to say KAMOSHIRENAI when you are in company of close friends etc.
If you were to listen to 10 minutes of any random Japanese conversation, you would most likely or probably (pun intended) hear the word KAMOSHIRENAI within that time. KAMOSHIRENAI is always used in Japanese conversation. Verbs in base III are equivalent to what is known as plain form, of the verb, sometimes designated in JPPGG© Ghetto Grammar as P.F.
P.F. Verb+ KAMOSHIRENAI - most common, but less polite
P.F. Verb+ KAMOSHIREMASEN - more polite
P.F. Verb+ KAMO - least polite and funny to the ear

1. TORARETA KAMOSHIREMASEN
It might have been stolen

2. SOTSUGYO SHISO?
SURU KAMOSHIRENAI
Are you going to graduate?
It's possible! (Maybe!)

3. ARE WA KAMO KAMO
It's a duck, probably.-or-
It's most likely a duck.-or-
It's probably a duck.-etc.

4. OISHII KAMO NE!
Its probably tastes pretty good! (Doesn't it?)
(Tasty duck hunh)

As always, Ganbatte Ne!
Do your Best!
Makurasuki Sensei.
for more on Japanese Grammar please see http://squidoo.com/japanesegrammar89

Brett McCluskey Enjoys sharing his knowledge of Japanese grammar with those serious about second language acquistion. See more of his unorthodox learning methods at http://www.jappermon.com/ or http://squidoo.com/japanesejoy further Japanese grammar study can be found at How to count in Japanese - http://squidoo.com/ichinisan
Japanese Plug and Play Ghetto Grammar (JPPGG) #109
PLAIN FORM + KAMOSHIRENAI - to probably verb

In Japanese, to say that something will most likely happen in the future or to say that something has probably already occurred, we use the word ~kamoshirenai. Both Japanese nouns and Japanese verbs in plain form (i.e. Base III) can be used to which we can attach one of three variable endings which vary in politeness.
When used after nouns, or verbs in plain form, KAMOSHIREMASEN means: maybe noun, maybe verb, might have been noun, might have verb'ed, or probably noun, or probably verb etc. Although by definition, KAMO, by itself, is the word for duck, the origin or roots of the word KAMOSHIREMASEN come mainly from the verb to know, or, SHIRU. In this case, SHIRENAI means unable to know. The KA and the MO pose even more uncertainty when put together because KA is the question mark (?) particle, and MO is the also particle.
KAMO without SHIRENAI or SHIREMASEN is less polite but still understood. To use KAMO by itself is permissible when speaking with close friends or acquaintances. However, since saying just KAMO is less polite, beginners should avoid saying it. Its best to always use the most polite form KAMOSHIREMASEN, but it's ok to say KAMOSHIRENAI when you are in company of close friends etc.
If you were to listen to 10 minutes of any random Japanese conversation, you would most likely or probably (pun intended) hear the word KAMOSHIRENAI within that time. KAMOSHIRENAI is always used in Japanese conversation. Verbs in base III are equivalent to what is known as plain form, of the verb, sometimes designated in JPPGG© Ghetto Grammar as P.F.
P.F. Verb+ KAMOSHIRENAI - most common, but less polite
P.F. Verb+ KAMOSHIREMASEN - more polite
P.F. Verb+ KAMO - least polite and funny to the ear

1. TORARETA KAMOSHIREMASEN
It might have been stolen

2. SOTSUGYO SHISO?
SURU KAMOSHIRENAI
Are you going to graduate?
It's possible! (Maybe!)

3. ARE WA KAMO KAMO
It's a duck, probably.-or-
It's most likely a duck.-or-
It's probably a duck.-etc.

4. OISHII KAMO NE!
Its probably tastes pretty good! (Doesn't it?)
(Tasty duck hunh)

As always, Ganbatte Ne!
Do your Best!
Makurasuki Sensei.
for more on Japanese Grammar please see http://squidoo.com/japanesegrammar89

Brett McCluskey Enjoys sharing his knowledge of Japanese grammar with those serious about second language acquistion. See more of his unorthodox learning methods at http://www.jappermon.com/ or http://squidoo.com/japanesejoy further Japanese grammar study can be found at How to count in Japanese - http://squidoo.com/ichinisan

Bad Japanese Pronunciation and how to combat it!

When I hear badly pronounced Japanese, it’s like hearing fingernails scraping against a chalkboard. I have been known to turn red in embarrassment for the person committing the foul pronunciation. Why is pronunciation such a big deal? There are many reasons why language learners should practice pronouncing their words correctly. In this article I I’ll touch on a few topics I feel are important concerning learning, studying and practicing pronunciation in Japanese.
In speaking another language it is important to be understood quickly and clearly. Without correct pronunciation there is no way for this to happen. If you want to be a well liked and a well respected speaker of Japanese then put pronunciation practice at the top of your priority list for things you need to study. Bad pronunciation is not cool. It is simply irresponsible for a beginning Japanese language learner to continue learning Japanese without making attempts to improve upon their own particular pronunciation situation. A good steward of SLA makes sure that he/she is pronouncing the words they use in conversation correctly. A learner of the Japanese language must never neglect pronunciation in their studies. The art or skill of the lips the teeth and the tip of the tongue can spell the difference between effective communication or utter confusion. A tongue is a people, how words are communicated amongst individuals also defines who they are and the type of people they represent; their long heritage and lineage of traditions, festivals, and ceremonies. Giving a little extra effort in your practice of correct pronunciation displays a sincere desire to understand the people and culture through the words of their mouth. Words of a language were not just some accident. Or were they?
Japanese pronunciation is probably one of the easier aspects of the language to learn yet it is often put aside due to the seemingly lack of similarities between the two languages; Japanese, and English. I use to think that if I just copied the way native speakers spoke then I should be ok, right? Well, in retrospect I do believe it is a good thing to copy speak when it comes to simple pronunciation of words, but be careful not to copy speak grammar or sentence structure because that can turn out to give you trouble later on. Mimicking native speakers is good as long as you aren’t copying their bad habits also. Men should never copy the speech of women.
Copy pronunciation but stay very far from women’s nuances, sentence endings, and their use of certain words if done in like manner could portray an overzealous Japanese SL male learner as an okama or gay. If you don't want to be considered an okama, you must pay attention to the way Men use the words for you and I. And be careful of sentence ending particles. That’s harsh and if you don't know what okama is, look it up in the Sanseido Wa-Ei and if you don't have one go to my lens http://squidoo.com/japponics wherein is a link to the Sanseido publishing company. It is so important to have a dictionary as an aid for studying Japanese it goes without saying. So get one if you don't already have one.
If you are going to learn to speak Japanese please try to speak with correct pronunciation. It shows bad manners, and lack of commitment. It also sends a message of disgrace for your native country. It is important also while in Japan to show that you love your country. They are quite accepting of many gaijins in this respect. Especially since you'll usually be the only gaijin within a couple of hundred miles so make your pronunciation count.

One cool thing about Japanese pronunciation is that vowels do not vary as they do in English. They stay straight. English uses the 5 letters a e i o u to make around 20 vowel sounds. You have many elided or dipthongated vowel sounds that Japanese just doesn't have. it is for this reason I find it easier to find the pronunciation of any foreign difficult word like words in the Bible Deuteronomy that you'll never figure out or philosophical names and the like, if you read those foreign difficult name type words in Japanese it comes out closer than attempts I have made in English. Actually using both your native tongue and Japanese together you can come up with the pronunciation of any difficult biblical term. Let me give you one example: In Japanese, there are 5 vowels, and 5 vowel sounds. Learning languages couldn’t be easier.
The order is a little different so that might be the first thing to look at. The first 5 syllables in the Japanese syllabary are a i u e and o. It has to be said that if you were to gather a Japanese ensemble and make a choir out of them, oh how satisfied the director would be. Because they only use 5 vowels and they are pure. International phonetics could straightway use Japanese for these vowels written in Romaji as a i u e o. Or Hiragana as あ,い,う,えand お.

To do while verbing - the Nagara principle

So if you like to multitask this grammar principle is for you. I straight up copied my own copy to give you my best, I hope you enjoy.

Ghetto Grammar - Japanese Bunpo lesson #106
Today’s lesson focuses in on the ghetto grammar principle:
Verb (base II) + nagara - to do while 'verb'ing.

You are able to express past tense and current tenses with this bunpo. After reading the following examples, plug in your favorite Japanese verbs and play, it makes learning Japanese fun!

Example.1. Sara o arainagara, kuchibue o fuku. – While doing the dishes, I whistle.

Example 2. Enka o kikinagara, sake o nomu – While listening to an enka(Japanese folk song), I drink sake.

Ghetto Grammar Formulation Breakdown –

1. Put verb in base II

a. ex 1. The verb arau (to wash) with direct object sara (dishes) is sara o arau - to do the dishes.

b. arau in base II becomes arai.

2. Fuse arai and nagara to make arainagara, or the phrase while washing… Plugged And played.

Past tense, non-polite (familiar), plain-form ending –

Ex. 1. Sara o arainagara kuchibue of fuita. I whistled while doing the dishes.

Past tense, polite ending –

Ex. 1.Sara o arainagara, kuchibue of fukimashita. – While doing the dishes, I (politely) whistled.

Past tense, non-polite (familiar), plain-form ending –

Ex.2. Enka o kikinagara, sake o nonda. While listening to a Japanese Folk Song, I drank sake.

Past tense, polite ending –

Ex.2. Enka o kikinagara, sake o nomimashita. While listening to a Japanese Folk Song, I (politely) drank sake.

Ex. 3. Famicon or yarinagara shukudai ga dekiru. I can play nintendo while I'm doing my homework.

Ex. 4. Gamu o kaminagara kuchibue mo dekiru. I can chew gum while I'm whistling.

Ex. 5 Nenagara jishin ga atta. While I was sleeping there was an earthquake.

Do your best! Ganbatte Ne! Makurasuki sensei Yori.

About the Author:

makurasuki Sensei has enjoyed teaching for a majority of his life whether it be music or Japanese. He says He Likes Japanese and Music but not necessarily Japanese music. If you like what he has done in this article please visit his other web pages which are well made for Beginning to advance learners of Japanese at http://squidoo.com/ghettogrammar