Part 1: Distinguishing Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
Intransitive verbs: Verbs that express a state or condition without direct action. Usually take the particle が. The subject is an object or phenomenon.
→ Open the door. / The door is open.
→ Turn on the light. / The light is on.
→ Break the chair. / The chair is broken.
→ Tear the paper. / The paper is torn.
Part 2: V(intransitive)て いる
When describing a state, it is always conjugated in the Vている form.
To emphasize the subject, が can be replaced with は.
→ The window is broken.
→ The window in my room is broken.
Part 3: ～Vてしまう
1. Expresses an action currently being done with the intention of finishing it.
2. Expresses an action that has finally been completed.
3. Expresses the speaker's embarrassment, regret, or dismay over something that has happened.
B: すみません。今 これを コピーしてしまいますから。
→ A: Shall we go eat lunch? B: Sorry, I am going to finish copying this right now.
B: はい、全部 読んで しまいました。
→ A: Have you finished reading the book I lent you last week? B: Yes, I have completely finished reading it.
B: 指を 切って しまったんです。
→ A: What happened? B: I accidentally cut my finger.
B: どこかで さいふを なくして しまいました。
→ A: What happened? B: I accidentally lost my wallet somewhere.
Part 4: ～Nに V (motion)
The particle に indicates the destination, used instead of the directional particle へ.
Verbs of motion like いきます / きます / かえります / しゅっちょうします (
B: それは 大変ですね。すぐ 交番に 行かないと。
→ A: I accidentally dropped my wallet somewhere. B: That's terrible. You must go to the police box right away.
Part 5: それ / その / そう
1. In conversation: Points to the content just stated by the other person.
2. In texts: Refers to the content mentioned in the preceding sentence.
B: それは 大変ですね。すぐ 交番に 行かないと。
→ A: I accidentally dropped my wallet somewhere. B: That's terrible. You must go to the police box right away.
B: それは おめでとうございます。
→ A: Starting next month, I am being transferred to the head office in Osaka. B: Congratulations on that.
B: その 場合は、近くの 係員に 名前を 言って、帰って ください。
→ A: Excuse me, what if I want to quit halfway through? B: In that case, please tell your name to a nearby staff member and then go home.
B: ええ、そうします。
→ A: I think you should go home and rest. B: Yes, I will do that.
→ Going out to a concert or exhibition alone might be nice. The person you meet then could become your future lover.
