Season 7 was all about starting to connect the dots. You put a lot of grammar together and used them with other grammar. It was about being flexible and trying combinations. It was about getting you one step closer to that advanced level of Japanese. Although you’re not quite there yet, Season 8 will begin to touch on subjects that will be more designed to help you with fluency and flexibility. You’ll not only continue to learn how to use grammar in combination with other grammar, but you’ll also be learning about the things that separate fluent sounding Japanese from, well, not fluent sounding Japanese. It should be a lot of fun.
First, though, we should go over the things you learned. I’ll also be asking some questions, so see if you can answer them. If you can’t, go back and do a little review. All this information will be helpful as you move on to Season 8.
1. Te-Form Verbs
- How do you feel about te-form? Is converting a dictionary form verb to a te-form verb fairly natural now?
- Can you think of three different grammar points you learned that use te-form, really quick, before moving on?
2. Please
- What is the word for “please” in Japanese?
- Can you come up with three sentences off the top of your head that use this?
3. Trying
- What is the word you attach to a te-form verb to say you’re trying to do something?
- Can you come up with three sentences off the top of your head that use this “trying” grammar?
4. But But But…
- What particle do you use for “but”?
- Can you combine this with three different grammar points you’ve learned in the last two seasons (Season 7 counts)?
5. Want You To Do
- How do you say “want”?
- How do you say that you want something?
- Now how do you say you want someone else to do something?
- Can you come up with three sentences using this grammar?
6. Being Progressive With Your Verbs
- Do you remember what progressive form is?
- Can you say what you’re doing right now in Japanese?
7. From から
- What are three different nouns you can use with the “from から?”
- Where did you come from?
- Where are you learning Japanese from?
- From what age did you start learning Japanese from?
8. Because から
- How are verbs conjugated with “Because から”?
- How are nouns conjugated with “Because から”?
- How are adjectives conjugated with “Because から”?
- Can you come up with a couple sentences for each adjectives, nouns, and verbs?
9. Giving & Receiving
- What are the three main “giving and receiving” words?
- How do you give something, but more casually and in a “looking down on you” sort of way?
10. Giving Actions
- What form is the verb in when you’re giving actions?
- What are two casual ways to say “receive” and “give” using this grammar?
- Can you come up with three sentences that are just plain “giving and receiving” then three sentences that are about “giving actions”?
If you feel comfortable with all of the above, then you’re ready for Season 8. Season 8 is going to be a little different than before, too. You’re going feel more of the littler holes getting filled, rather than the big gaping ones. When this happens, you’ll feel like you’re progressing more slowly, but then at some point everything will more suddenly come together. That’s the goal for Season 8. By the end of it, I hope you’re at a new plateau… and while it is indeed a plateau, there’s a higher one right next to it to shoot for, so we’re going to keep doing that.
So good job! Season 8 is on the horizon and waiting.