Learn Japanese: Talking about Locations - The Post Office is Over There

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Reviewing Assignments
3. Verb Conjugations 3.1 Present Tense 3.2 Past Tense 3.3 Negative Form
4. Describing Pictures
5. Time Expressions
6. Conversations about Birthdays
7. Talking about Locations 7.1 Using "Asoko" and "Soko" 7.2 Using "Ni Arimasu" 7.3 Locational Nouns
8. Counting Objects
9. Kanji Characters
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Konnichiwa, everyone! Welcome to today's Japanese class. In our previous lesson, we covered various topics such as verb conjugations, time expressions, and conversations about birthdays. Today, we will review the assignments from the last class and delve deeper into describing pictures, talking about locations, and counting objects. Additionally, we will continue learning kanji characters. Let's jump right in!

Reviewing Assignments

Before we proceed, let's review the assignments from the previous class. The first assignment was to match the verbs in group A with their corresponding meanings in group B. For example, "Ikimasu" is matched with "Go" in English. If you have completed this assignment, let's move on to the next exercise.

The next exercise involved looking at pictures and describing what the people in the pictures are doing in Japanese. This exercise helps you practice using verbs in present tense, past tense, and negative form. Take your time to complete this exercise and check your answers.

Verb Conjugations

In Japanese, verbs undergo conjugation based on tense and formality. Let's reinforce our understanding of verb conjugations by reviewing the different forms.

Present Tense

In present tense, verbs are used to indicate actions that are happening now or actions that are habitual.

Example:

• "Ikimasu" (行きます) - I go (present tense)

Past Tense

In past tense, verbs are used to indicate actions that have already happened.

Example:

• "Mimashita" (見ました) - I saw/watched (past tense)

Negative Form

To negate a verb, we add "masen" (ません) or "nai" (ない) to the stem of the verb.

Example:

• "Nomimasen" (飲みません) - I don't drink (negative present tense)

Describing Pictures

In our next exercise, we will look at pictures and describe what is happening in Japanese. Take a moment to observe the pictures and try to vocally describe the actions using the verbs we have learned. Practice this exercise with a partner to enhance your conversational skills.

Time Expressions

Time expressions are crucial in communicating about specific points in time. Let's review some common time expressions and how they can be used in sentences.

Example:

• "Kesa hachi-ji juu-go pun ni asagohan wo tabemashita" (今朝8時15分に朝ご飯を食べました) - I had breakfast at 8:15 this morning.

Conversations about Birthdays

Next, we will learn how to discuss birthdays in Japanese. We will explore various phrases and question forms to ask and answer questions about birthdays. Practice these conversations with your partner to become more comfortable in using the language.

Example:

• "Anata no tanjoubi wa itsu desu ka?" (あなたの誕生日はいつですか) - When is your birthday?

Talking about Locations

Describing and understanding locations is essential in any language. In Japanese, we use words like "asoko" (あそこ) and "soko" (そこ) to indicate "over there" and "there," respectively. Additionally, we use the construction "Noun 1 wa Place ni arimasu" to show the existence of something at a certain place. Familiarize yourself with these concepts to effectively communicate about locations.

Example:

• "Yuubinkyouku wa asoko ni arimasu" (郵便局はあそこにあります) - The post office is over there.

Counting Objects

Counting objects in Japanese requires knowledge of counters and the question word "ikutsu" (いくつ). Practice counting irregularly shaped objects from 1 to 10 using the counter "tsu" (つ). Additionally, learn how to ask and answer questions about the number of objects present.

Example:

• "Ringo wa ikutsu arimasu ka?" (リンゴはいくつありますか) - How many apples are there?

Kanji Characters

We continue our journey of learning kanji characters. Today, we will focus on three characters: 上 (ue - on top), 下 (shita - under/below), and 中 (naka - inside). Remember the stroke orders for these characters to ensure accurate writing.

Example:

• "Ue wa tsukue no ue ni arimasu" (上は机の上にあります) - The book is on top of the table.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing today's lesson! We reviewed assignments, practiced verb conjugations, described pictures, discussed locations, counted objects, and explored kanji characters. Regular practice and exposure to the language will help you develop your proficiency in Japanese. Keep up the great work, and we will see you in the next class.

お疲れ様でした (Otsukaresama deshita)!