Greetings learners! In this lesson, we will explore the grammar pattern "A は B　 では　ありません。" which is used to express negation or denial in Japanese. This pattern is commonly used to describe what someone is not or does not do. Let's take a look at the examples:

さくら　さん　 は 医者　では　ありません。("Ms Sakura is not a doctor.") and

かのじょ　 は 学生　では　ありません。("She is not a student.")

Now, let's break down this grammar pattern and understand how to use it effectively.

Firstly, A in this pattern represents the topic or subject of the sentence that we want to describe. In our examples, "さくら　さん" and "かのじょ" are the subjects. Next, は is the topic marker particle which indicates that the preceding word is the topic of the sentence. It helps to set the focus on the subject.

Then comes B, which represents what the subject is being negated from. It could be a profession, an occupation, or any other characteristic. In our examples, "医者" (doctor) and "学生" (student) are the negated terms. Finally, では　ありません is the polite way to express denial or negation.

It is used to say "is not" or "are not." The particle では emphasizes a contrast or comparison between the subject and what it is being negated from, while ありません is the negative form of "to be" verb in Japanese.

Please Check Your Understanding:

1. What is the purpose of the grammar pattern "A は B では ありません" in Japanese?

a) To express affirmation

b) To ask questions

c) To express negation or denial

d) To indicate future actions

2. What does the topic marker particle "は" do in the sentence structure "A は B では ありません"?

a) It indicates the subject of the sentence.

b) It marks the end of the sentence.

c) It is used for politeness.

d) It emphasizes the negation.

3. In the sentence "さくら さん は 医者 では ありません," what is being denied or negated?

a) The person's name

b) The person's occupation

c) The person's age

d) The person's nationality

4. How would you say, "He is not a teacher" using the grammar pattern "A は B では ありません"?

a) かれ は せんせい です。 (Kare wa sensei desu.)

b) かれ は せんせい では ありません。 (Kare wa sensei dewa arimasen.)

c) かれ は がくせい です。 (Kare wa gakusei desu.)

d) かれ は がくせい では ありません。 (Kare wa gakusei dewa arimasen.)

5. What does "かのじょ は 学生 では ありません" translate to in English using the grammar pattern "A は B では ありません"?

a) She is a student.

b) She is not a student.

c) She is a teacher.

d) She is not a teacher.

Answers:

1. c) To express negation or denial

2. a) It indicates the subject of the sentence.

3. b) The person's occupation

4. d) かれ は がくせい では ありません。 (Kare wa gakusei dewa arimasen.)

5. d) She is not a teacher.