The particle の, while its meaning is not always clear to speakers of English languages in general or even native Japanese learners, can be understood as a pronoun that refers back to the subject and modifies it.
The Japanese Particle NO (の) is used to indicate possession, and to link nouns together into a hierarchy.
1. Particle NO (の) is used to show possession. In order for this exercise, you will need to know the word “watashi” in Japanese which means ‘I’. The example sentence: watashino namae (わたし の なまえ) would mean ‘my name
2. Particle NO (の) is used to link nouns together into a hierarchy. For example, Tokyo daigaku no gakusei (東京大学の学生), connects two of them in this case “大学” meaning college and “学生” which means student.
3. Particle NO (の) indicates a relative position. For example, 机の上 ( On the table. 箱の中 ( inside the box)
How to use NO (の) to indicate possession
When you think about the two words ‘Yamada’ and ‘house,’ it is clear that they are both nouns. In English, we use an apostrophe to show possession of a house by Yamada; in Japanese の will do just as well!
The particle NO (の) can be used for indicating ownership or belonging to someone else. For example, 山田の家（Yamada’s house) , 私の家（My house)
の shows us the relationship between two nouns.
Example : (1) わたしのペン My pen
わたしのペンはこれです。 This is my pen.
（2）山田さんの車 Yamada’s Car
山田さんの車は赤いです。Mr. Yamada’s car is red.
How to use Particle NO (の) is used to link nouns together into a hierarchy.
Particle NO (の) is used to link nouns together into a hierarchy. For example, Tokyo daigaku no gakusei (東京大学の学生), connects two of them in this case “大学” meaning college and “学生” which means student.
Example : （1）日本の車 Japanese anime
日本のアニメが好きですか。Do you like Japanese anime
(2) 東京大学の学生 University of Tokyo student
私は東京大学の学生です。 I am a student at the University of Tokyo.
How to use Particle NO (の) indicates a relative position
Particle NO (の) tells us all about the person’s location in relation to another, and it means “a place where there is.
Example : (1）机の上 On the table
鉛筆は机の上にあります。 The pencil is on the desk.
(2）家の外 outside of home
家の外にだれかいます。 Someone is outside the house.
Conclusion
Particle NO (の) is a word that displays the relationship between nouns in an interesting way- by not only showing possession but also displaying hierarchy and relative position. It can be used to express ownership, or show which one of two things belongs to another; it can create hierarchies where items with more particles on them are higher up than those below; finally, it shows relationships based on proximity
2 More Recommendations for your Japanese learning
- Build confidence by learning a new language on Italki
Learn languages at your own pace, all while staying in the comfort of your own home .Make friends and stay motivated with other students from around the world.Read my full review about Italki here
2. Rocket Japanese is a great way to learn Japanese quickly We’re free, and easy to use! You can learn Japanese in your spare time – there’s no need for extra commitments Learn with our fun and engaging lessons. Read my Full review here
