[Japanese] 9th Grade: Applied Grammar (Honorifics, Nuances, and Sentence Structure)
Hello everyone! In 9th-grade Japanese, we take the grammar knowledge we’ve built up until now and dive into "Applied Grammar," which helps you use language effectively in real-life situations and written compositions.
You might think, "Grammar is just a bunch of boring rules," but it’s actually "a toolkit for expressing your feelings accurately and politely to others." Once you master this unit, you'll gain a lifelong skill that will serve you well in interviews, high school entrance exams, and even in your future career!
It might feel a bit tricky at first, but I’ve broken it down into key points so you’ll be just fine. Let's learn together and have some fun!
1. Advanced Honorifics (Keigo)
The most important application in the 9th grade is honorifics. You need to know how to use the three types correctly depending on the person and the situation.
(1) Sonkeigo (Respectful Language)
These are words used to show respect by elevating the person you are talking to or their actions. Use these when the subject is "the other person" (a teacher, a senior, a customer, etc.).
【Tips for creating them】
・Use special verbs: say → ossharu, eat → meshiagaru, go → irassharu
・"O(go) ~ ni naru" form: o-kaki ni naru (write), o-yomi ni naru (read)
・"Reru/rareru" form: kakareru (write), yomareru (read)
(2) Kenjougo (Humble Language)
These are words that show respect by lowering yourself or your side of the action, which relatively elevates the other person. Use these when the subject is "yourself" (or someone on your side, like a family member).
【Tips for creating them】
・Use special verbs: say → moushiageru, eat → itadaku, go → ukagau
・"O(go) ~ suru" form: o-mochi suru (carry), go-annai suru (guide)
(3) Teineigo (Polite Language)
These are words used to speak politely to the listener. This includes adding "~desu" or "~masu" to the end of a sentence, or adding "o" to the names of objects (beautification).
(Example) O-kashi (sweets), o-cha (tea)
【Common Mistakes!】
× Teacher, please "itadaite" (eat/receive). (You are using humble language meant for yourself on the teacher.)
○ Teacher, please "meshiagatte" (eat/receive). (Since it’s the teacher's action, use respectful language.)
★Key Point: Always check who the subject is!
If you stop to think about "who" is performing the action, you won't get mixed up between respectful and humble language.
【Did you know?】 Beware of double honorifics!
Phrases like "ossharareru" or "goran ni narareru" are considered "double honorifics" because they stack too many levels of politeness, which is actually incorrect. Using the simple forms "ossharu" and "goran ni naru" is plenty polite.
2. Nuances, Synonyms, and Antonyms
Even if words have similar meanings, your choice of words can completely change the impression of your writing. This is the fun part of "Applied" grammar.
(1) Synonyms (Ruigigo)
These are words with similar meanings. Choose the right one based on the context.
(Example) "Aruku" (to walk) vs. "Ayumu" (to walk/proceed)
・Aruku: Physically moving your legs to get somewhere.
・Ayumu: Used more often for abstract paths, like a person’s history or life journey.
(Example: Ayumu the path of life together.)
(2) Antonyms (Taigigo)
These are words with opposite meanings. They are very useful for understanding contrast in a text.
(Example) Subjective ⇔ Objective, Demand ⇔ Supply, Concrete ⇔ Abstract
★Key Point:
When writing, try not to use the same word over and over. Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms will make your writing sound much more intelligent!
3. Sentence Structure and Conjunctions
By paying attention to the "seams" between sentences, you can write more logical, coherent essays.
(1) Types and Roles of Conjunctions
・Sequential (Junsetsu): The former is the cause, the latter is the result. (Therefore, so)
・Adversative (Gyakusetsu): The result is the opposite of the former. (However, but)
・Cumulative/Parallel (Heiritsu/Ruika): Adding information or listing things. (And, also)
・Explanatory/Supplementary (Setsumei/Hosoku): Explaining a reason or providing detail. (Because, in other words)
【Common Mistake】
Be careful not to over-use "ga" (but/and)!
If you string sentences together with "ga" constantly—"It’s raining today ga, I’m going to school ga, I forgot my umbrella ga..."—it becomes impossible to tell if you're using a contrast or just stringing ideas together. Use conjunctions appropriately!
4. Avoiding "Dangling" Sentences
A common trap when writing long sentences is the "dangling sentence," where the subject and predicate don't match.
× Example of a dangling sentence:
"My dream is, I want to travel the world and make lots of friends."
(The subject "My dream is" doesn't connect correctly to the predicate "want to make.")
○ Correct Example:
"My dream is to travel the world and make lots of friends."
(The sentence ends by matching "My dream is" with "is to [verb].")
★Key Point:
After you write a sentence, try pulling out just the "subject" and the "predicate (the end)." If the meaning makes sense, you're good to go!
Summary (Key Takeaway)
1. Honorifics: If the subject is "someone else," use Respectful Language; if the subject is "you," use Humble Language.
2. Use synonyms effectively to make your writing more expressive.
3. Use conjunctions correctly to create a logical flow in your writing.
4. Always proofread to make sure there are no dangling sentences (mismatched subjects and predicates).
Grammar might feel like a puzzle at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes your best ally for expressing your ideas in the best possible way. Start by being mindful of the honorifics you use every day. I'm rooting for you!