- indicates possessive
This usage expresses ownership or a relationship, linking nouns to show that something belongs to someone or something.
- nominalizes verbs and adjectives
It transforms verbs and adjectives into noun forms, allowing them to function as subjects or objects in a sentence.
He likes things that are fun.
- substitutes for "ga" in subordinate phrases
This function can be used to indicate the subject of a subordinate clause without a direct subject marker, simplifying the sentence structure.
- (at sentence-end, falling tone) indicates a confident conclusion
This usage at the end of a sentence conveys certainty or finality about the statement made.
- (at sentence-end) indicates emotional emphasis
It highlights the speaker's feelings or emotions regarding the statement, enhancing its expressiveness.
I'm never going there again!
- (at sentence-end, rising tone) indicates question
When used at the end of a sentence with a rising intonation, it turns the statement into a question, seeking confirmation or information.