possessive/modifier particle

Beginner

10-15 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Connects nouns to show possession or modification. Like "'s" in English.

[Noun1] + の + [Noun2]

私の本です。

Watashi no hon desu.

It's my book.

日本の車です。

Nihon no kuruma desu.

It's a Japanese car.

の can chain: 私の友達の本 (my friend's book)

です/だ

to be (copula)

は (wa)

topic marker

が (ga)

subject marker

を (wo)

direct object marker

Point to objects around you and claim ownership: "これは私のペンです" (This is my pen). Then describe origin: "日本の食べ物" (Japanese food).

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 15

Study with our comprehensive grammar guides and practice materials.