な-adjectives
na-adjectives
Na-adjectives
Na-adjectives are a class of adjectives that take 'na' before a noun to modify it.
How to form it
Use the adjective in its dictionary form (ending in 'na' when written in kana, but the stem is used before 'na' for modification). To modify a noun, attach 'na' to the stem of the adjective.
What it means
Na-adjectives are one of two types of adjectives in Japanese. Unlike i-adjectives, they do not end in 'i' (though some end in 'i' like 'kirei', but they are na-adjectives). When a na-adjective modifies a noun, it takes 'na' after its stem. For example, 'shizuka' (quiet) becomes 'shizuka na heya' (a quiet room). Without 'na', it would be incorrect to directly connect the adjective to the noun.
Na-adjectives also conjugate differently from i-adjectives. In the present tense, they are used with 'desu': 'shizuka desu' (is quiet). In the past tense, they become 'shizuka deshita'. To make a negative, you say 'shizuka ja arimasen' or 'shizuka dewa arimasen'. This is important for making polite statements.
In casual speech, the 'desu' is often omitted, and 'na' is still used before nouns. For example, 'shizuka na heya' can be said in both formal and casual contexts.
Example sentences
これは静かな公園です。
Kore wa shizuka na kōen desu.
This is a quiet park.
私は元気な子供が好きです。
Watashi wa genki na kodomo ga suki desu.
I like energetic children.
あの人は親切な先生です。
Ano hito wa shinsetsu na sensei desu.
That person is a kind teacher.
Don’t confuse it with
i-adjectives
i-adjectives end in 'i' and modify nouns directly without 'na' (e.g., 'takai hon' - expensive book). Na-adjectives require 'na' before the noun (e.g., 'kirei na hon' - pretty book). To tell them apart, check the dictionary form: if it ends in 'i', it's likely an i-adjective (but beware of exceptions like 'kirei' which is na).
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Na-adjectives are used in all registers, but the 'na' before nouns is standard in both spoken and written Japanese. In very casual speech, 'na' might be dropped in some set phrases, but it's safer to always use it.
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43Questions
What does な-adjectives mean?
Na-adjectives. Na-adjectives are a class of adjectives that take 'na' before a noun to modify it.
How do you form な-adjectives?
Use the adjective in its dictionary form (ending in 'na' when written in kana, but the stem is used before 'na' for modification). To modify a noun, attach 'na' to the stem of the adjective.
Example of な-adjectives in a sentence
これは静かな公園です。 — This is a quiet park.
i-adjectives — what is the difference?
i-adjectives end in 'i' and modify nouns directly without 'na' (e.g., 'takai hon' - expensive book). Na-adjectives require 'na' before the noun (e.g., 'kirei na hon' - pretty book). To tell them apart, check the dictionary form: if it ends in 'i', it's likely an i-adjective (but beware of exceptions like 'kirei' which is na).
What JLPT level is な-adjectives?
JLPT N5 (beginner), number 42 of 80 in Nihoner's learning order for N5.
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