japonés
When talking about something or someone from Japan, you'll use the adjective japonés (for masculine singular) or japonesa (for feminine singular). If you're referring to multiple things or people, you'll use japoneses for masculine plural and japonesas for feminine plural. For example, 'el coche japonés' means 'the Japanese car' and 'la comida japonesa' means 'the Japanese food'. Remember to match the gender and number with the noun you are describing.
When using "japonés" as an adjective in Spanish, remember that it needs to agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. So, for a masculine singular noun, you'd use "japonés" (e.g., "el coche japonés"). For a feminine singular noun, it becomes "japonesa" (e.g., "la comida japonesa"). If the noun is plural and masculine, use "japoneses" (e.g., "los amigos japoneses"), and for plural and feminine, it's "japonesas" (e.g., "las películas japonesas"). Pay attention to the noun's characteristics to pick the correct form.
japonés in 30 Sekunden
- Origin from Japan
- Relates to Japanese language
- Relates to Japanese culture
§ Understanding "japonés"
The Spanish word "japonés" is an adjective. This means it describes a noun. Just like in English, where "Japanese" can describe a car, a person, or a language, "japonés" does the same in Spanish. It directly translates to "Japanese."
However, there's a key difference from English: Spanish adjectives almost always change their ending to match the gender and number of the noun they describe. Don't worry, it's pretty straightforward!
§ Gender and Number
"Japonés" can take four forms:
- Japonés: Masculine singular (e.g., el coche japonés - the Japanese car)
- Japonesa: Feminine singular (e.g., la comida japonesa - the Japanese food)
- Japoneses: Masculine plural (e.g., los coches japoneses - the Japanese cars)
- Japonesas: Feminine plural (e.g., las comidas japonesas - the Japanese foods)
§ Adjective Placement
In Spanish, adjectives usually come AFTER the noun they describe. This is different from English, where adjectives typically come before the noun.
Me gusta el té japonés.
I like the Japanese tea.
Ella prefiere la cultura japonesa.
She prefers the Japanese culture.
§ Using "japonés" as a Noun
You can also use "japonés" (and its other forms) as a noun to refer to a person from Japan or the Japanese language itself. When used this way, it usually needs a definite article (el, la, los, las).
Él es japonés.
He is Japanese.
Ellas son japonesas.
They are Japanese (feminine plural).
¿Hablas japonés?
Do you speak Japanese?
§ Common Phrases and Prepositions
"Japonés" doesn't typically require special prepositions directly preceding it, as it primarily acts as a descriptive adjective or a noun referring to the language or nationality. However, it will naturally appear in sentences with common prepositions depending on the overall meaning.
Mi amigo es de origen japonés.
My friend is of Japanese origin.
El libro sobre arte japonés es interesante.
The book about Japanese art is interesting.
Beispiele nach Niveau
Ella es japonesa.
She is Japanese.
japonés/a changes based on the gender of the noun it describes.
Él es japonés.
He is Japanese.
japonés is used for masculine singular.
Me gusta la comida japonesa.
I like Japanese food.
comida (food) is feminine, so japonesa is used.
Hablo un poco de japonés.
I speak a little Japanese.
japonés can also refer to the language.
Mis amigos son japoneses.
My friends are Japanese.
japoneses is used for masculine plural or mixed gender plural.
Las chicas son japonesas.
The girls are Japanese.
japonesas is used for feminine plural.
El coche es japonés.
The car is Japanese.
coche (car) is masculine, so japonés is used.
Quiero aprender japonés.
I want to learn Japanese.
Refers to the Japanese language.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Don't confuse the adjective 'japonés' with the noun 'Japón' (Japan). 'Japonés' also refers to the Japanese language.
This is the country name, not the adjective. 'Japonés' is the adjective and language.
This is the feminine form of 'japonés'. Remember adjectives in Spanish often change ending to match the gender of the noun.
Leicht verwechselbar
Often confused with 'ser' (to be) because both translate to 'to be' in English.
'Estar' is used for temporary states, locations, and conditions. 'Ser' is for permanent characteristics, identity, and origin.
Yo estoy cansado (I am tired - temporary state).
Often confused with 'estar' (to be) because both translate to 'to be' in English.
'Ser' is used for permanent characteristics, identity, and origin. 'Estar' is for temporary states, locations, and conditions.
Yo soy alto (I am tall - permanent characteristic).
Often confused with 'conocer' (to know) as both mean 'to know' in English.
'Saber' is used for knowing facts, information, or how to do something. 'Conocer' is used for being familiar with a person, place, or thing.
Yo sé la respuesta (I know the answer - a fact).
Often confused with 'saber' (to know) as both mean 'to know' in English.
'Conocer' is used for being familiar with a person, place, or thing. 'Saber' is used for knowing facts, information, or how to do something.
Yo conozco Madrid (I know/am familiar with Madrid - a place).
Often confused with 'para' (for) as both can translate to 'for' in English and have many uses.
'Por' generally indicates cause, reason, duration, or means of travel/communication. 'Para' indicates purpose, destination, recipient, or deadline.
Gracias por tu ayuda (Thanks for your help - reason).
Tipps
Gender agreement is important
Remember that adjectives in Spanish, like japonés, must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. So, for a Japanese car, you'd say 'coche japonés', but for a Japanese house, it's 'casa japonesa'.
Country, language, and nationality
The word japonés can refer to Japan (el país), the Japanese language (el idioma), or a Japanese person (la nacionalidad). Context will usually make it clear.
Plural forms
To make japonés plural, you add '-es'. So, for Japanese people, it's 'japoneses' (masculine plural) or 'japonesas' (feminine plural).
Pronunciation practice
Pay attention to the 'j' sound in japonés. It's a strong 'h' sound, like the 'h' in 'house', not like the 'j' in 'jam'.
Common phrases
Practice using it in common phrases: 'comida japonesa' (Japanese food), 'arte japonés' (Japanese art), 'un estudiante japonés' (a Japanese student).
Don't confuse with 'japonismo'
While related, japonés describes something Japanese. 'Japonismo' refers to the influence of Japanese art, design, and aesthetics on Western culture.
Using 'de Japón'
You can often say 'de Japón' (from Japan) instead of using the adjective. For example, 'coches de Japón' (cars from Japan) instead of 'coches japoneses'.
When 'japonés' is a noun
When used as a noun, 'el japonés' refers to the Japanese language or a Japanese man. 'La japonesa' refers to a Japanese woman. Remember to use the correct article!
Practice with flashcards
Create flashcards with pictures of Japanese items and label them with 'japonés' or 'japonesa' to help you remember the gender.
Listen to native speakers
Listen to how native speakers use japonés in various contexts. This will help you internalize its usage and pronunciation. Try watching Japanese movies dubbed in Spanish or listening to Spanish podcasts.
Teste dich selbst 18 Fragen
Write a sentence describing someone from Japan using 'japonés'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Él es japonés. (He is Japanese.)
Complete the sentence: 'La cultura ___ es muy interesante.' (The ___ culture is very interesting.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La cultura japonesa es muy interesante.
Write a short sentence saying you like Japanese food.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Me gusta la comida japonesa.
¿De dónde es Hana?
Read this passage:
María habla español. Su amiga Hana es de Japón. Hana también habla un poco de español, pero su primer idioma es el japonés.
¿De dónde es Hana?
The passage states 'Hana es de Japón.'
The passage states 'Hana es de Japón.'
¿Qué tipo de comida le gusta a Juan?
Read this passage:
A Juan le encanta la comida. Hoy va a comer sushi y tempura. Estos platos son muy populares en la cocina japonesa.
¿Qué tipo de comida le gusta a Juan?
Sushi and tempura are examples of Japanese food.
Sushi and tempura are examples of Japanese food.
¿En qué idioma está escrito el libro originalmente?
Read this passage:
Este libro es de un autor japonés. Está escrito en japonés, pero hay una traducción al español.
¿En qué idioma está escrito el libro originalmente?
The passage says 'Está escrito en japonés'.
The passage says 'Está escrito en japonés'.
Write a sentence describing something or someone from Japan, using the word "japonés" or "japonesa".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Me gusta la comida japonesa. (I like Japanese food.)
Complete the sentence: 'Mi amigo es de Tokio, él es ____.' (My friend is from Tokyo, he is ____.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mi amigo es de Tokio, él es japonés.
Form a question using 'japonés' to ask about the nationality of someone.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
¿Es ella japonesa? (Is she Japanese?)
¿Qué tipo de cerámica le gusta a Ana?
Read this passage:
A Ana le encanta el arte. Su casa está llena de cuadros y esculturas. También tiene una colección de cerámica japonesa. Le gusta mucho el estilo de los artistas de Japón.
¿Qué tipo de cerámica le gusta a Ana?
El pasaje dice claramente que 'También tiene una colección de cerámica japonesa'.
El pasaje dice claramente que 'También tiene una colección de cerámica japonesa'.
¿Qué idioma está aprendiendo Carlos?
Read this passage:
Carlos está aprendiendo un nuevo idioma. Es un idioma difícil pero interesante. Él quiere viajar a ese país el próximo año. Está estudiando japonés para su viaje.
¿Qué idioma está aprendiendo Carlos?
El texto menciona que 'Está estudiando japonés para su viaje'.
El texto menciona que 'Está estudiando japonés para su viaje'.
¿Qué tipo de comida comió María?
Read this passage:
María fue a un restaurante nuevo en la ciudad. El menú tenía muchos platos diferentes. Pidió sushi y un té verde. A ella le gustó mucho la comida, era comida japonesa auténtica.
¿Qué tipo de comida comió María?
El pasaje indica que 'Pidió sushi y un té verde' y que 'era comida japonesa auténtica'.
El pasaje indica que 'Pidió sushi y un té verde' y que 'era comida japonesa auténtica'.
Choose the correct sentence: My friend is Japanese.
Japonés is an adjective that agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. 'Amigo' is masculine and singular, so 'japonés' is the correct form.
Which sentence correctly uses 'japonés' to describe a female friend?
When referring to a female, the adjective 'japonés' changes to 'japonesa' to agree in gender. 'Amiga' is feminine and singular.
Which of these is NOT an appropriate use of 'japonés'?
In 'Los coches son japonés', 'coches' is plural and masculine, so 'japonés' should be 'japoneses' to agree. The other options use the correct form of 'japonés/a/es/as' depending on the noun.
The sentence 'El sushi es un plato japonés' is grammatically correct.
'Sushi' is masculine and singular, so 'japonés' is the correct form of the adjective.
You can say 'Me gusta la cultura japonés' to mean 'I like Japanese culture'.
'Cultura' is feminine and singular, so the adjective should be 'japonesa' to agree in gender. The correct phrase is 'Me gusta la cultura japonesa'.
If you are talking about several male Japanese students, you would say 'estudiantes japoneses'.
'Estudiantes' is masculine and plural, so the adjective 'japonés' becomes 'japoneses' to agree in gender and number.
/ 18 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'japonés' to describe anything connected to Japan, its people, language, or culture.
- Origin from Japan
- Relates to Japanese language
- Relates to Japanese culture
Gender agreement is important
Remember that adjectives in Spanish, like japonés, must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. So, for a Japanese car, you'd say 'coche japonés', but for a Japanese house, it's 'casa japonesa'.
Country, language, and nationality
The word japonés can refer to Japan (el país), the Japanese language (el idioma), or a Japanese person (la nacionalidad). Context will usually make it clear.
Plural forms
To make japonés plural, you add '-es'. So, for Japanese people, it's 'japoneses' (masculine plural) or 'japonesas' (feminine plural).
Pronunciation practice
Pay attention to the 'j' sound in japonés. It's a strong 'h' sound, like the 'h' in 'house', not like the 'j' in 'jam'.
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a causa de
A2For the reason of; owing to.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2Maybe; perhaps.
a menos que
B1Unless.
a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
B2In spite of; notwithstanding; despite.
a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.
