Put the predicate at the end
Build a basic sentence with the action after its object.
In a basic Japanese action sentence the verb comes after the object. 本を読みます means “I read a book” when the speaker is understood. を marks the direct object; it is written を and normally pronounced o.
Japanese allows information to be left unstated when context makes it clear. Word order before the final predicate can vary, and particles help identify relationships. Begin with a simple pattern before exploring those alternatives.
Examples
How the words match
Tap a word in either language to see its partner. Some phrases work as a group; particles explain the grammar.
- わたしwatashiI
- はwatopic markerPronounced wa. Marks what the following comment is about; it is not the word “is”.
- ほんhonbook
- をoobject markerUsually pronounced o. Marks what the action affects; English often expresses this through word order.
- よみます。yomimasuread (polite)
Japanese does not require a separate word for English “a” or “the” in this pattern.
How the words match
Tap a word in either language to see its partner. Some phrases work as a group; particles explain the grammar.
- みずmizuwater
- をoobject markerPronounced o. Marks what the action acts on; English usually has no separate word for it.
- のみます。nomimasudrink (polite nonpast)
The subject is understood from context in Japanese. English adds “I”, “you”, or “we” as needed. Match meaningful word groups, not individual characters.
How the words match
Tap a word in either language to see its partner. Some phrases work as a group; particles explain the grammar.
- あした、ashitatomorrow
- にほんごnihongoJapanese language
- をoobject markerUsually pronounced o. Marks what the action affects; English often expresses this through word order.
- べんきょうします。benkyoushimasuwill study (polite)This nonpast form takes its future meaning from “tomorrow”.
“I” is understood from context here; there is no written Japanese word for it in this sentence.
Keep in mind
Do not add です after a complete polite verb: 読みます is already a sentence ending.