Relative Clauses Lesson 3
Mastering complex noun modification using relative clauses with particles and specific verb forms to describe people and objects in detail.
Identifying People and Objects
In daily life, we often need to describe someone or something by what they are doing or what happened to them. Instead of saying 'the man is wearing a hat,' we say 'the man who is wearing a hat.'
Structure of Relative Clauses
To turn a sentence into a modifier, you use the plain form of the verb followed by the noun you are describing.
Tip
Examples in Action
Here are common ways to use relative clauses to describe people and things.
あれは私が買った本です。
That is the book that I bought.
あそこで話している人は誰ですか。
Who is the person talking over there?
Which sentence correctly uses a relative clause?
- 食べる人が好きです。
- 食べます人が好きです。
- ✓ 食べている人が好きです。
Option 3 is correct because it uses the plain form '食べている' to modify '人'. Option 2 is incorrect because '食べます' is a polite form.
Nuance and Register
Relative clauses are essential for formal writing and detailed speech. They are neutral in politeness, but the surrounding sentence determines the register.
Relative Clause vs. Simple Sentence
本を買いました。それは面白いです。
Two separate sentences (less fluid).
買った本は面白いです。
One relative clause (more natural/fluid).
Can you use 'masu' form inside a relative clause?
- Yes, if it is formal.
- ✓ No, never.
Relative clauses must always use plain form verbs regardless of the politeness level of the main sentence.
Advanced Particles
Sometimes you need to include particles inside the relative clause.
Particles inside clauses
Lesson Summary
Relative clauses allow you to pack more information into a single noun phrase by using plain-form verbs to modify the noun directly.