Introduction: Welcome to the World of Classical Japanese!
Do you feel like Classical Japanese is as difficult as learning a foreign language? Don't worry! Classical Japanese is the "ancestor" of modern Japanese. Once you master the grammatical rules, it becomes your "ultimate weapon" for scoring reliably on the Common Test.
This notebook condenses everything you need to know, from the basics to the level required for the Common Test. Let's take it one step at a time, like solving a puzzle!
1. Grammar Overview: Understanding How Words "Change Outfits"
In Classical Japanese, some words change their form (conjugation) while others do not. Let's start by organizing this.
Key Concept: What is conjugation?
Conjugation is the process of changing a word's form to match the words that follow it. Even in modern Japanese, "kaku" (to write) changes to "kaka-nai" or "kaki-masu," right? Classical Japanese is exactly the same!
- Conjugating words: Verbs, adjectives, adjectival verbs, and auxiliary verbs.
- Non-conjugating words: Nouns, adverbs, conjunctions, interjections, and particles.
2. Verb Conjugations: Mastering the 9 Patterns!
There are 9 types of verb conjugations in total. It might seem daunting at first, but if you perfectly memorize the four "Irregular Conjugations" first, the rest will be a breeze.
【Attention!】 The 4 Irregular Conjugations
Since there are so few of these, rote memorization is the fastest way forward!
- Ka-row Irregular (Ka-hen): Only "ku" (to come)!
(ko, ki, ku, kuru, kure, ko/koyo) - Sa-row Irregular (Sa-hen): Only "su" (to do) and "ohasu" (to do/be)!
(se, shi, su, suru, sure, seyo) - Na-row Irregular (Na-hen): Only "shinu" (to die) and "inu" (to go/depart)!
(na, ni, nu, nuru, nure, ne)
Fun fact: It’s quite dramatic that only "to die" and "to go" are Na-hen verbs! - Ra-row Irregular (Ra-hen): Only four: "ari," "ori," "haberi," and "imasokari"!
(ra, ri, ru, re, re, ro)
Other Conjugations
The "Four-step," "Upper Bigrade," and "Lower Bigrade" conjugations are the most common. When in doubt, add "~zu" (the negative suffix) to test them!
Example: Kaku (to write) + zu = Kaka (a-sound) + zu → Four-step conjugation
Example: Otsu (to fall) + zu = Ochi (i-sound) + zu → Upper Bigrade conjugation
Example: Stetsu (to abandon) + zu = Sute (e-sound) + zu → Lower Bigrade conjugation
3. Auxiliary Verbs: The "Most Important" Part of Reading!
The section that separates the top scorers on the Common Test is auxiliary verbs. He who masters the auxiliary verbs, masters Classical Japanese!
There are three things to memorize: "Connection (Setsuzoku)," "Meaning," and "Conjugation."
(1) Connection (Which form does it attach to?)
If you don't know this, you can't see the sentence structure. Here is a mnemonic chant!
- Attaches to Mizenkei (Imperfective form): ru, raru, su, sasu, shimu, zu, mu, muzu, mashi, ji, maboshi
(Remember the rhythm: "zu, mu, zu, mu...") - Attaches to Renyoukei (Continuative form): ki, keri, tsu, nu, tari, kemu, tashi
- Attaches to Shuushikei (Terminal form): ramu, rashi, meri, beshi, maji, nari
(*Note: For Ra-hen verbs, they attach to the Rentai-kei/Attributive form!)
(2) Distinguishing Meanings
For example, "nari" has two meanings: "hearsay/inference" when it follows the Terminal form, and "assertion" when it follows a noun (Taigen).
Common mistake: Do you automatically translate "nari" as "is/to be (assertion)" whenever you see it? Always check if the preceding word is a Terminal form (U-sound) or a noun!
【Important】 The 4 meanings of "mu" (Conjecture, Volition, Invitation, Assumption)
You need to judge based on context, but here’s a simple trick!
- If the subject is 1st person (I): Volition (I will / shall...)
- If the subject is 2nd person (You): Invitation/Advice (Won't you... / Why don't you...)
- If the subject is 3rd person (They/Things): Conjecture (I suppose / will...)
★Key Point: Auxiliary verbs are like "special effect cards" in a card game. Pay attention to what kind of "power of meaning" they add to the main verb!
4. Particles: Understanding Nuance
Particles do not change their form, but they play a crucial role in determining the meaning of a sentence.
The Law of Kakari-musubi
When "zo, namu, ya, ka, koso" appear in a sentence, the form of the final verb changes.
- zo, namu, ya, ka → Sentence ends in Rentai-kei (Attributive form)
- koso → Sentence ends in Izen-kei (Realis form)
Meaning: Emphasis, question, or rhetorical question (e.g., "Is it really...?" implying it is not).
Fun fact: The pattern where a sentence continues after a "koso" + Izen-kei (indicating an adversative "but/although") is a very popular topic on the Common Test!
5. Honorifics: Who is honoring whom?
Many students struggle with identifying the subject in Classical Japanese because of a lack of understanding regarding honorifics.
- Respectful language (Sonkeigo): Exalts the subject (the person performing the action).
- Humble language (Kenjougo): Exalts the person receiving the action. (← The biggest hint for finding the subject!)
- Polite language (Teineigo): Exalts the listener (the reader).
Level Up: Whenever you see humble verbs like "kikoyu" or "tatematsuru," make a habit of asking "to whom" the respect is being directed. Just doing this will make complex human relationships in the story crystal clear.
Summary: 3 Things You Can Start Today
It might feel difficult at first, but you’ll be fine! Start by focusing on these three things:
- Memorize the Irregular Conjugations (Ka, Sa, Na, Ra) by saying them out loud.
- Check the connections of auxiliary verbs (Mizenkei vs. Renyoukei) using a reference chart.
- Develop the habit of checking the end of the sentence whenever you spot a "Kakari-musubi."
Classical Japanese grammar becomes fun like a "puzzle" once you get used to it. Each rule is a key to unlocking the hearts and minds of people from the past. Let's do our best together!