What is a Predicate
A predicate is a word in a Japanese sentence that indicates an action or a state.
It is a crucial element for understanding the meaning of a sentence.
For example, in the sentence "She is a student," the predicate is "is a student," which indicates the state of "her."
Example of Predicate
Below is an example sentence with a predicate.
Japanese
彼が走る。
English
He runs.
Example sentence description
His action (running) is indicated by "runs" which is the predicate.
How to Identify Predicates
Predicates and Subjects Always Come as a Pair
The word in a sentence that corresponds to "what/who" is the subject.
Japanese
この本を書いた山田さんがサイン会のために書店にくる。
English
Mr. Yamada is coming to the bookstore for a signing event.
Example sentence description
the subject is "Mr. Yamada," and the predicate is "is coming."
To understand the structure of a sentence, first identify the word that corresponds to "what/who" and then identify the word that corresponds to "what action/how is."
Identify Based on the Three Basic Sentence Types
Japanese sentences are basically classified into three types
Sentences containing verbs: These sentences indicate actions or movements.
Japanese
魚が泳ぐ。
English
The fish swims.
Example sentence description
"swims" is the predicate that indicates the action.
Sentences containing adjectives or adjectival verbs: These sentences indicate states or characteristics.
Japanese
彼女はきれいだ。
English
She is beautiful.
Example sentence description
"is beautiful" is the predicate that indicates her state or characteristic.
Sentences containing nouns + auxiliary verbs: These sentences indicate states.
Japanese
彼女は先生だ。
English
She is a teacher.
Example sentence description
"is a teacher" is the predicate that indicates her state.
List of Predicates
Predicates are basically classified into four categories:
- Verbs: These words indicate actions or movements. For example, "walk," "run," "see," "eat," "swim," etc.
- Adjectival Verbs: These words indicate specific states or characteristics. For example, "is beautiful," "is safe," "is quiet," "is lively," etc.
- Adjectives: These words indicate specific characteristics. For example, "beautiful," "delicious," "young," "big," etc.
- Nouns + Auxiliary Verbs: These words indicate specific states. For example, "is a newspaper reporter," "is a primary school student," "is a book," etc.
Conclusion
The predicate is an important element in a Japanese sentence that indicates actions or states.
It is the key to understanding the structure of a sentence along with the subject.
Also, the type of predicate varies depending on the type of sentence (verb, adjective, adjectival verb, noun + auxiliary verb).
Understanding and using correct Japanese will facilitate smooth communication with others and avoid misunderstandings.