Why does one add n to iru. Like in Lesson 9.1
ie....Itsu kara Toyko ni irun-desu ka?
I thank you in advance.
Domo arigato gozaimasu.
ケン べライル
いるん
Kenny_
July 23, 2010
Sayaka-Matsuura
August 5, 2010
ケンさん こんにちは！
This is an excellent question. You will here this ending 〜んですか (~n desu ka) many times in colloquial Japanese. Maybe you'll start using it too! Let's just say that it's an informal version of the simple - のですか (no desu ka).
The ん (n) instead of の (no) in there makes the sentence sound softer and friendlier. There is no direct translation of this to English.
Try saying it yourself and note the difference - which sounds softer?
Tokyo ni iru no desu ka? (とうきょう に いる の ですか？）
Tokyo ni iru-n desu ka? (とうきょう に いるん ですか？)
The ending 〜んですか also kindly invites the listener to answer.
- Hope that helps!
Sayaka :P
Kenny_
August 8, 2010
どうま ありがとう さやかさん！ わかりました！
ケン です
Sayaka-Matsuura
August 16, 2010
どういたしまして！
-Sayaka :P
Want to post a comment? Just sign up for a free Rocket Languages trial
Select one of the languages below and sign up in 60 seconds. Join our user forum and experience Rocket Languages for yourself!
Most Popular Articles
Top 10 Japanese hacks
Whether you've been studying Japanese for years or are considering giving Japanese a try, the following 10 hacks and simple tricks can help you to learn Japanese fast and effectively.
How Long Does It Take To Learn Japanese
Learning a language is a complex process that is different for each individual based on several different factors. Let's take a look at these different factors and how they impact how fast you learn Japanese.
Let's get you talking in Japanese.
We love Japanese people and Japanese culture - from riveting anime and comforting ramen to the majestic Mt. Fuji and the breathtaking sights of Kyōto! And there's no better way to connect with them than by learning 日本語 (Japanese).