Advanced: Lesson 2
In Advance lesson 2, we will be learning how to use the particle no to turn verbs into noun phrases.
The approach is very similar to what we've learned with the particle こと in the earlier lessons.
We will also learn how to use のに to express in order to.
Lastly, we'll learn how to use 場合は to express in the rare event of..
Usage of の
We have already learn how to use use こと to turn verbs into noun phrases. The usage of の is similar. In fact, it can be used interchangeably most of the time.
Like こと, the structure of verb + の is the same.
1. 日本語 を 話す の が 難しいです。
2. チャアンさん は 日本の料理 を 作う の が 上手です。
Although the two particles can be used interchangeably most of the time, there are exceptions.
Generally speaking, こと is more often used in expressing an abstract thought or concept while の is more often used in:
1. expressing the facts the speaker has experienced;
2. concrete matters.
1. You cannot replace こと with の in phrases that must be used with こと
Examples:
ことができます = can do something
ことがあります = have ever done something
2. When it is used in the predicate:
Example:
E.g. My hobby is drawing manga.
E.g. 私の趣味は漫画を描くことです。
- こと and の can be used interchangeably most of the time with some exceptions.
- Exceptions are sentence structures that would only make sense using こと
E.g. ことができます, ことがあります - Remember to add な to Na-adjs and nouns. E.g. 元気なの
Replacing things with の
We have already learned how to modify a noun with a noun and adjective. With the particle の, we can use it to replace things / nouns in sentences.
1. The person eating over there is Mr Tanaka.
1. あそこで食べている人は田中さんです。
1. あそこで食べているのは田中さんです。
2. 昨日行ったのは東京タワーです。
3. 先月買ったのはこの腕時計です。
- We can use the particle の to replace nouns in our sentences.
- Things includes (person, place etc.)
Usage of のに
We can use のに to express purpose of use or to connect two facts that are contradicting.
Express purpose of use
1. Japanese use chopsticks to eat meals.
1. 日本人は御飯を食べるのに、箸を使います。
2. To go to the airport from here, taxi is the most convenient.
2. ここから空港まで行くのに、タクシーが一番便利です。
- Verbs that expresses states or characteristics are often used in this pattern.
Using のに to express two contradicting facts
We can also use のに to express to express two contradicting facts.
It is used to express B happened despite the fact A. It describes something that is not within the speaker's expectation.
1. この会社はお金があるのに、給料は低いです。
You would expect a rich company to pay its employees well, hence, the expectation wasn't met.
2. 彼はここにいるのに、手伝いたくない。
You would expect him to help because he is here
3. 彼は親切なのに、彼女は好きじゃない。
You would expect her to like him because he is a kind person
4. ２時間並んだのにチケットが買いませんでした。
5. もう４月なのに、まだ寒いです。
6. ここの食べ物はあまり美味しくないですね。
6. Yea, despite it being popular.
6. ええ、そうですね。有名なのに。
- You cannot use のに to connect two facts with suggestions or requests.
e.g.
日本語が少し難しいのに、これを読んでください。(Wrong) - Exceptions are sentence structures that would only make sense using こと
E.g. ことができます, ことがあります
Usage of 場合は/ばあいは
We use 場合は ばあいは to express a rare instance.
1. 万一火事 が 起きた 場合は、そこの消火器う使って下さい。
2. 雨の 場合は、来週にします。
3. チケット が 出なかった 場合は、この電話番号を電話する。