Lesson 2

Understanding the functions of particles is essential to make grammatical sentences in Japanese. In this lesson, we will learn how to make sentences correctly through various sentences with predicate verbs.

When to start this lesson

  • We recommend that you start this lesson while practicing hiragana because reading this lesson’s example sentences will help you not only learn grammar but also improve your hiragana recognition. You can spend one half of your study time on learning hiragana and the other half on this lesson. Or you can practice Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 on alternate days.
  • That being said, if you prefer to complete hiragana learning before beginning learning grammar, study Lesson 3 before this lesson.

Lesson Goals

  • Understanding the functions of particles
  • Learning how to make sentences correctly with predicate verbs

What you will be able to do

By completing this lesson, you will be able to do the following things:

  • You can use particles in sentences correctly.
  • You can make simple sentences with predicate verbs.

Activities

L2 Activity 1 – Learn & Understand (1)

Understand the functions of particles.

  1. Watch the video below bearing the two questions below in mind.
    • Where do you place verbs in Japanese sentences?
    • What are particles?
  2. Read “GP1-1. Particles and Word Order” in the textbook (pp.41-43 in the main volume) to deepen your understanding. When you read example sentences, check word definitions and pronunciations using the example sentence slides below.

[p.41] GP1-1. Particles and Word Order

Watch this video when you start studying GP1-1. Particles and Word Order on p.41.

pp.41-43

This slide includes the example sentences from the sections 1. Basic Rules for Forming Japanese Sentences, 2. Functions of Particles, and 3. An Essential Difference Between Japanese and English in GP1-1. Particles and Word Order.

L2 Activity 2 – Learn & Understand (2)

Complete “Comprehension Check GP1-1” on p.44 and check your understanding. You can confirm your answers on the answer key below:
Answer Key

Let’s get started with sentence-making practice!

L2 Activity 3 – Practice (1)

Using “Video Practice 5-1” below, practice making sentences correctly.

Practice 5-1

Sentence Practice

Your friends who are self-learning Japanese are having a hard time learning how to use Japanese particles. Help them learn by making some sentences using their flashcards. In addition to using particles correctly, make sure to place the verb in the appropriate position in the sentence.

L2 Activity 4 – Practice (2)

Begin spaced repetition practice using Anki.

  1. Download two PANORAMA Anki decks below:
    1. PANORAMA Grammar Module Vocabulary deck
    2. PANORAMA Grammar Module Sentences deck
  2. Add five new cards to the “Grammar Module Vocabulary” deck and practice until the “Congratulations!” message appears.
  3. Add five new cards to the “Grammar Module Sentences” deck and practice until the “Congratulations!” message appears.

You have started studying the Grammar Module of the textbook. Congratulations!
Now you have four decks in your Anki. Tomorrow and the following days, be sure to practice all the review cards that appear in Anki each day. After that, if you feel you can study more, choose a deck you would like to study, add cards, and practice them all.

IMPORTANT!

PANORAMA’s example sentences are made using frequently-used basic words. By reading them repeatedly, you can learn not only grammar but also necessary vocabulary. Continue spaced repetition practice effectively using the Grammar Module Vocabulary and Sentences decks.

L2 Activity 5 – Learn & Understand (3)

Learn new basic particles.
Read “GP1-2. Other Uses of で / に and Other Basic Particles” on pp.45-49 in the main volume and go over the new particles. When you read example sentences, check word definitions and pronunciations using the example sentence slides below.

pp.45-49

This slide includes the example sentences in GP1-2. Other Uses of で / に and Other Basic Particles.

L2 Activity 6 – Learn & Understand (4)

Complete “Comprehension Check GP1-2” on pp.49-50 and check your understanding. You can confirm your answers on the answer key below:
Answer Key

L2 Activity 7 – Practice (3)

Using “Video Practice 5-2” below, practice making sentences correctly using the new particles.

Practice 5-2

Phrase & Sentence Practice

Show your friends who are self-learning Japanese some more examples of particle uses by translating part of the sentence in the red square box into Japanese.

L2 Activity 8: Practice (4)

Using Anki decks “Grammar Module Vocabulary” and “Grammar Module Sentences,” continue the spaced repetition practice.

In this lesson, you have learned a lot of particles. If you can use them correctly, you will be able to make various sentences. Let’s repeatedly and effectively go over the example sentences so that you can develop competency to use the particles fluently.