All About Particles

by Naoko Chino

This volume presents the most common particles, brought together and broken down into some 200 usages, with many sample sentences. The Power Japanese series presents a selection of guides to difficult or confusing aspects of the Japanese language. The student can find a quick reference to particles, a guide to the myriad levels of politeness, books of idioms, vocabulary builders, emotive expressions and turns of speech - all with natural examples.

Genres: Japanese Literature, Language, Reference, Nonfiction, Japan, Linguistics, Textbooks

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential study companion for any student of Japanese. I really wish I'd had this book while taking Japanese classes in university; would have been immensely helpful. Particles are one of the most confusing aspects of Japanese for English speakers to grasp, and Naoko Chino presents them in a clear, helpful, and instructive fashion. Will certainly use as a reference if I start taking Japanese again.

[Ruri Gokou · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a nice supplement to other Japanese grammar books since most are focused on grammar and not particles. I wouldn't call this book essential though. I didn't read the explanations either. Rather, I just took the sentences and put them into Anki.

[Rui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it through Anki.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to have been gifted this book, though I likely would've bought it anyway, as it's so highly recommended, plus I'm addicted to learning resources, haha. But this one is really great!

I do agree with the author that this is more of a reference/review book than a first time introduction/textbook to the particles covered. Especially when reading it straight through, like I did xD, it can be a bit much to digest. I think this instead would go fantastically alongside of a textbook. (Genki, Tae Kim, etc.)

Loads of example sentences (though one kana mistake on page 119 with the name 'David', sorry dad!) and comparisons to similar particles.

My main gripe is just my usual, the romaji. They have sentences in normal Japanese (kanji and all) and romaji. I just wish they had furigana instead, but I understand these books are trying to hit a wider market for dat cash money. Just frustrating for a serious learner, is all.

Content wise, there's the contents list at the front and index in the back, with loads of particles in between, ranging from N5-N1 (for those JLPT curious; though they are not labeled, so you'd have to look up that part yourself). I also appreciated the list of book recommendations in the back.

It really is a physically tiny book, but covers so much! If you're serious about learning, I recommend picking up a copy when/where you can! :)

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third time I've read this book in the past 25 years. It is so meticulous and thorough with great examples, always great for review or remembering different nuances in using similar particles.

[Simone Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredibly helpful in teaching me more about Japanese sentence structure and connecting words. This is going to prove a valuable resource throughout my learning journey.

I really liked how examples were in full Japanese, romanji, and English as once my reading skills improve, I can attempt to read the examples in full Japanese.

[PJ Ebbrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. A handy pocket reference book with Kana, romanji and translations.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Particles can feel daunting, but this text was highly recommended to me by a handful of people. This text has been essential for me. I found it useful, detailed, and easy to understand.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful book on particles.

[Maed Between the Pages]

DNF

[Jason Henwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little resource about particles with lots of examples. It also gives formality levels and differentiates between male and female usage.

[DeterminedStupor]

Status: have only read up to Chapter 18 O を (p. 64).

[Adam Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very helpful for explaining the particles; covering a wide variety of commonly used particles with detailed example sentences. While I may not remember all the different particles, it is important to have read an explanation because the next I come across that particle I'll have a better understanding of how it functions. I will need to re-read this again in the future.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Japanese lesson books i've ever found. it's very useful, detailed and easy to understand. I always turn to this book first when there's something i forgot or something i don't really understand.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little reference book of the most important particles in the Japanese language. With clear explanations and example sentences, it's a must-buy for all beginner and intermediate students of Japanese.

[Haifa Busamra · Rating 5 out of 5]

面白い日本の本です。
Very useful handbook for readers interested in learning Japanese.
It gives the first hand information about the Japanese particles in a simple way supported with examples.
It increases also your vocabulary and familiarization to kanji
本当に面白かったです。もちろん、もう一度つもり読みます。

[Chase · Rating 3 out of 5]

handy little dictionary of particles. it has some good examples of similar particle and dissimilar particles.

[Tim Knox]

One day I will be able to speak Japanese!