Module 1, Task 6 Grammar Notes

1. Tentative form of desu - deshou ("probably")
To express probability in Japanese, use the "tentative" form of desu: deshou. Deshou can be used after adjectives (that end in i), nouns, and verbs in "dictionary" or casual-style form (they end in ru, u, ta, more on this later!).
Takai deshou. (It's probably expensive.)
Sensei deshou. (S/he's probably a teacher.)
Iku deshou. ([I'll] probably go. - verb in dictionary form, present tense)
Itta deshou. ([They] probably went. - verb in past tense)
Doko deshou ka. (I wonder where it is?)

2. Particle ni ("in; into; to")
The particle ni is often called a particle of motion. Ni is placed after a word into (onto) which someone or something goes. In English, ni can mean in, on, into, or onto.
Ofuro ni hairimasu. (I'll get in the bathtub.)
Gohan ni kakemasu. (Sprinkle it on cooked rice.)
Sensei ni sashiagete kudasai. (Please give it to teacher.)

3. Position Words (top, bottom, inside, outside, etc.)
The position words are classified as nouns. To modify another noun, you must use connective no (see Task 4 grammar notes).
top/over: ue
bottom/under: shita
inside/middle: naka
outside: soto
side of: yoko
front of: mae
back of: ushiro
next door to: tonari
left side: hidari
right side: migi
near: soba
Compare the patterns below. You can make sentences using forms of desu, or ni + verb forms.
Teeburu no ue desu. (It's on top of the table.)
Tansu no ushiro deshou. (It's probably behind the chest.)
Zabuton no shita ni arimasu yo. (It's under the cushion!)
Isu wa tatami no ue ni okimasen. ([We] do not place chairs on top of tatami.)