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Japanese Grammar Dictionary #1
A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar 日本語基本文法辞典
The 634 pages are crammed full of very useful Japanese grammatical patterns explained in plain English with plenty of examples. Everything is organized alphabetically for quick reference. If you are a beginner, in my opinion, this book would be one of the best purchases you can make to help with your Japanese studies.
636 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 8, 2013
This has to be one of the best Japanese Grammar books out there, that I have ever read. I've seen plenty, and trust me, not all is going to give you exactly what you need to know. Completely covering and adding to the roster that most conventional Japanese language books, and software DO NOT cover. One has to admit that books like these are often hard to find; especially when your looking to study Japanese, the right way. A bit pricy, but its worth a shot. The Book starts off with basic structure of the grammer used in Japanese sentences today, wither it's informal, formal, highly formal or in-between. It breaks down the use of Kanji and the furigana used to pronouce each word in a sentence. However I would recommand this book for a upper beginner, as you have to have prior knowledge of the Kana (Hiragana and Katakana). Most Kanji are often translated where you can pronounce and understand, if you have knowledge of basic japanese Kanji. As you complete the text, you will be encouraged to buy or borrow the last two text which should help you gain more experience in the language itself. And what makes this book extra special, is that it is ordered from A-Z, and has the congugations of the verbs in the back, plus much more. Some parts maybe missing from the sections because they are more and likely to be covered in the last two. Once again, I advised that you continue onto to the Intermediate and Advanced textbooks as soon as you gain the nessary grammer of the first one.
October 7, 2016
The single best book I've used for studying Japanese. I simply cannot recommend it highly enough. If you want to build a good selection of phrases and vocabulary, you'll find both here. The list of verbs and their conjugations found in the appendices are particularly helpful for beginners, as is much of the other information therein. For complete beginners, I'd recommend getting a handle on hiragana, katakana and the basic workings of kanji (i.e. the rules for stroke order, how kanji-kana compounds work, learn to write a handful of simple characters...) before using this book. (As an aside, if you are a complete beginner and are intimidated by written Japanese, don't be. Dive in and, after some practice, you'll find it's much easier than it looks.) This is not a textbook, though, and, as such, there are some things it does not provide. You won't find any model conversations, only example sentences. There is no listening practice provided. You'll need to find listening, speaking, and general fluency practice elsewhere. However, for getting your head around the basic rules of the construction of the Japanese language, there is nothing better.
November 7, 2013
This book, and its "intermediate" and "advanced" counterparts, are among the most useful Japanese language learning tools you can pick up, especially if you are studying independently and/or trying to learn to read. It is NOT a textbook, but instead a resource for hundreds of basic Japanese grammar constructs.
All entries are sorted alphabetically (in English) according to their Romanized spellings. What's nice is if you read something such at "yomitai" and know that the "yomi" part means "read" but aren't sure what "tai" means, you just skip to the "T" section, look up "-tai" and there you go--a thorough explanation with detailed examples and a breakdown of how to conjugate it on your own.
This is the only book I've found that does not require you to know the English grammatical term for what you want to look up. You simply identify the structure in Japanese that you're looking for and find it alphabetically. There are a handful of things that don't really have a set pattern to look up (ex. relative clauses) for which you just look up the English, but that is the significant minority of cases.
This is hard to find in America (I bought mine at a bookstore while living in Japan), but can be found online. Retail is about $30-$38 each for these books, to give you an idea of how good a deal you may have found online.
All entries are sorted alphabetically (in English) according to their Romanized spellings. What's nice is if you read something such at "yomitai" and know that the "yomi" part means "read" but aren't sure what "tai" means, you just skip to the "T" section, look up "-tai" and there you go--a thorough explanation with detailed examples and a breakdown of how to conjugate it on your own.
This is the only book I've found that does not require you to know the English grammatical term for what you want to look up. You simply identify the structure in Japanese that you're looking for and find it alphabetically. There are a handful of things that don't really have a set pattern to look up (ex. relative clauses) for which you just look up the English, but that is the significant minority of cases.
This is hard to find in America (I bought mine at a bookstore while living in Japan), but can be found online. Retail is about $30-$38 each for these books, to give you an idea of how good a deal you may have found online.
May 13, 2010
Loved it! (Well, as much as I could love a book focused on grammar.) The book is both a good read for an overview of "basic" grammar ("overview" = 600+ pages) and an excellent reference book. Reading through it, there were items that I already knew well, ones that I knew from example but didn't necessarily have a firm grasp of yet (i.e. never personally used), and a few that I had only seen used a handful of times in my studies so far. Each construct has detailed examples, subtleties in usage, and usage differences between similar constructs. There's some grammar terms strewn here and there but the provided examples are enough to explain things if you're one to just gloss over formal grammar terms. Also, the beginning intro sections, grammatical terms and characteristics of Japanese grammar, and appendices are great, especially the list of onomatopoeia, the conjugation charts, and summary charts. What's also nice is the book touches on all levels of formality -- formal, casual, and honorific speech -- as well as male vs female speech. I might go back through and add some sentences from the book to my SRS, and I plan to read the Intermediate and Advanced books as well.
August 27, 2010
very useful and quite handy dictionary...unlike a dictionary in common, not only it provides index for japanese grammar..example "yori"...placed on Y index explained thoroughly enhanced with some examples but points words that frequently people misuse with another word that has similar meaning but different formula. Thus, beside it contains definition, examples, one also can recognize other words synonym, antonym, which word can be replaced or not. TWO THUMBS UP !!!
May 1, 2009
This book is an amazing and comprehensive resource. It features tons of example sentences and notes that go beyond basic usage. If you're new to learning Japanese, at the end of the semester just sell your books back and buy this book as your long-term reference.
January 2, 2011
Indispensable for learning Japanese. Quick, easy referencing for the conjunction or particle by the standard Hiragana system. Everyone who studies Japanese should have this and it's twin on his/her shelf. There is no App for this.
October 8, 2009
An amazing resource. The book often has better explanations for grammar points then text books have. It also has examples of the usage. Great resource.
December 20, 2012
This book, and Intermediate and Advanced volumes that follow, are the best grammar references I've ever seen. Wonderful, detailed explanations and examples showing correct and incorrect usage.
January 23, 2023
I didn't read this because it's a for real dictionary of particles, forms, expressions, and possibly other, but I've already used it to look up several things with good results. The layout of the entries takes a little getting used to, but the examples and explanations are easy to follow, and it covers things my Kodansha books don't, so I'm finding it a useful addition to my, uh, *checks notes* pile of Japanese reference books.
Entries are in ABC order, the pages have headwords (THANK YOU), and there are tabs printed on the side of the pages to indicate where you are in the alphabet. At the back there's a grammar index, an English index, and a Japanese index, and if I haven't complained about the size of the Japanese so far I guess that means it's not punishingly tiny??
Appendixes include: conjunction tables for verbs, adjectives, and the copula; semantic classification of verbs (continual, punctual, continual-punctual, etc); everyone's favorite transitive/intransitive verb pairs; connection forms of important expressions; ko-so-a-do; numerals and counters, with a little chart for when to expect pronunciation changes; compound words.
I did read the introductory material and it does exclusively refer to the reader as "he" but it has a nice basic overview of Japanese grammar written in clear language (that language being English) with simple examples and includes an explanation of the passive that actually made some sense. The same cannot be said for the mystifying section on viewpoint, which while clarifying the thought behind the mechanics of the various giving/receiving verbs, also offered a bunch of perspective rules, all of which you could break if you were writing fiction in English, and I assume in Japanese as well....? Except, in what non-fiction sense would you ever need to speak from the POV of a dead person? I don't know, but it's something this book cautions you against doing.
Also useful is the brief guide to onomatopoeia, with the terms grouped by sound and a description of the general vibes those sounds often evoke and includes the verbs these words are most commonly seen with.
Looking forward to using this.
Entries are in ABC order, the pages have headwords (THANK YOU), and there are tabs printed on the side of the pages to indicate where you are in the alphabet. At the back there's a grammar index, an English index, and a Japanese index, and if I haven't complained about the size of the Japanese so far I guess that means it's not punishingly tiny??
Appendixes include: conjunction tables for verbs, adjectives, and the copula; semantic classification of verbs (continual, punctual, continual-punctual, etc); everyone's favorite transitive/intransitive verb pairs; connection forms of important expressions; ko-so-a-do; numerals and counters, with a little chart for when to expect pronunciation changes; compound words.
I did read the introductory material and it does exclusively refer to the reader as "he" but it has a nice basic overview of Japanese grammar written in clear language (that language being English) with simple examples and includes an explanation of the passive that actually made some sense. The same cannot be said for the mystifying section on viewpoint, which while clarifying the thought behind the mechanics of the various giving/receiving verbs, also offered a bunch of perspective rules, all of which you could break if you were writing fiction in English, and I assume in Japanese as well....? Except, in what non-fiction sense would you ever need to speak from the POV of a dead person? I don't know, but it's something this book cautions you against doing.
Also useful is the brief guide to onomatopoeia, with the terms grouped by sound and a description of the general vibes those sounds often evoke and includes the verbs these words are most commonly seen with.
Looking forward to using this.
August 10, 2015
Truly a fantastic primer on Japanese grammar. This book was not on the list recommended by my MTC teachers (too new for their time), but was more helpful than all the books they recommended. I believe it's on the study lists for Japanese classes at BYU now, and is probably a top recommendation at the MTC as well.
August 4, 2008
The most useful Japanese Grammar book I've seen. Some pass it over because of the "Basic" in the title, but the lessons and information in this book are still extremely detailed and helpful. Great for studying, practicing, or referencing.
Read
February 10, 2009This series is great
January 26, 2013
Any student of Japanese is doing themselves a disservice not to have this in their library.
December 10, 2024
***
USING THIS TO CONTINUE MY REVIEW REACTION OF "Finding Delaware" (State of Us #1) by Bree Wiley.
***
I'm on page 444.
The guys are camping and just took shrooms.
Nice that they're all together and safe.
Adorable that they're all cuddling together in that one tent but was fucking ruin by Christian and Arya.
---
Nice that they're hiking early in the morning after a night of tripping.
Sounds so nice that they're hiking towards some waterfalls. Maybe they'll spend the night there. Hopefully.
Kinda good that Xed can let out some of his thoughts to Huckslee now since he knows about him and Taylor.
Hmm, so Huck is thinking that Taylor needs human contact, even those years Taylor spent wanting Huckslee, he had people to be with and Huckslee is afraid of them not making it... FUCKING BULLSHIT!!! THE DIFFERENCE IS YOU CAN GO BACK HOME TO BE WITH TAYLOR THIS TIME. TOUCH EACH ITHER AND SHIT I YOUR BREAKS. MAKE IT WORK GODDAMMIT!!
Love that their view of this waterfall falling on a clear lake.
Aww, so wonderful that they're cliff jumping and swimming in this beautiful lake together. Having fun.
Goddamn, Huckslee noticing and feeling the plug on Taylor while they were swimming...
I just love how ready Taylor is for Huckslee, it's adorable.
JESUS H CHRIST!!! THEY REALLY DID THEIR FIRST TIME IN THIS LAKE. Really didn't expect it to happen here, it was cute.
Good first time together, both felt comfortable, enjoyed it and good.
Nice of Salem and Christian to stall and give them more time together. Funny how Salem warned them that she's coming in eyes closed and all lmao.
Aww, it's so good that Huckslee asked Taylor if it was good for him. Of course it was!
Jesus... Huckslee regretting his actions back in high school the morning after the pool. Regretting not giving Taylor more time to figure himself out... Regretting not loving him sooner... FUCK.THIS.SHIT. stop regretting and keep moving forward with Taylor. GODDAMMIT!
I fucking hate how Huckslee's imagining a ticking countdown in their relationship.
FUCK, Taylor saying don't let the bad thoughts win and that they're here together now.
I'm tearing up. It's good that Taylor is here to remind Huckslee of this.
SHIT! Now Logan knows about them...basically everyone knows about them now.
Good that Huckslee is prioritizing going with Taylor to nap rather than explaining their relationship to Logan.
Good that Taylor reassured Huckslee that whatever happens they'll face it together. GODDAMN RIGHT!
---
FUCKING GREAT! Logan isn't speaking to Huck. WHATEVER!!!
Salem's a bro for distracting and keeping Logan occupied.
Haha, Matt asking so many questions about their relationship is kinda adorable. Maybe this help him realize that him and Xed are okay.
Nice that Xed got to talk with Taylor privately.
Noo, trip's over and they're going back home.
Love that they get to hold hands in the car on the drive back home.
Nice to know that they're printing out with Royce some of Huckslee's design and art for TOT.
Okay...That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, Huckslee got kicked out but Logan didn't explode and shit. Huckslee got to at least say how he and Taylor are working through their trauma together.
Logan really is a difficult person to be around with honestly with all his restrictions, and being restricted by his parents and shit...
---
477 pages in.
June.
Huckslee's gone to back to California and is gone for a week.
I'm pissed we didn't get to see the whole week of Huckslee and Taylor living together at Taylor's room.
Shit, I kinda think Taylor's right that Huckslee is using this separation as a test for their relationship.
OHSHIT! Taylor's actually going to California to surprise Huckslee. That's so sweet.
15 HOUR DRIVE! Kinda nice ngl.
He's already at Berkeley! Holy shit.
WHATTHEHELL!!? Huckslee's with he's "boyfriend" Greg!?
Nah, I'm pretty sure there's a perfectly good reason why Huck is with him.
Taylor need to calm down and find Huckslee and properly talk GODDAMMIT!
Real nice that Logan is helping Taylor find Huckslee.
WHATTHEFUCK!? HUCKSLEE'S ACTUALLY WITH ANOTHER GUY!? FUCKING WHY!?
FUCK SHIT!!! NOW TAYLOR FUCKING DRINKING AAAAHHHJ! FUCKING TALK TO HUCKSLEE!!
GODFUCKINGDAMNTHIS!!!
SEE!!! HUCKSLEE WAS JUST PROPERLY BREAKING UP WITH GREG! I knew Huck wouldn't cheat on Taylor! NEVER!
FUCKING SEE! IT WAS A SIMPLE MISUNDERSTANDING.
I knew Huckslee didn't like these kinds of shit party. I love that he planned to be here only 20 minutes and leave to call Huckslee.
But I get why Taylor freaked the fuck out because Huck was hesitant about continuing their relationship when they were separating.
Aww, I like that Taylor was sending Huck vague street signs and pictures that he was going somewhere.
Nice that Greg is helping him out find Taylor.
Kinda hilarious that Taylor is in his car, crying, fucking wasted and music blaring out the speakers and slightly muffled by the closed windows. EMO ASS lmao.
Ahhshit! He might have alcohol poisoning.
Wow! awesome that Greg is really really helping them out. Shimmying inside Taylor's rear truck windows and coming to them to the hospital. He's a good person.
I hope he can talk to Taylor and clear out the misunderstanding.
LMAO! Taylor vomiting all over Greg at the hospital. Then Greg vomiting too haha.
PHEW! THANK FUCKING GOD TAYLOR IS ALRIGHT!!
So fucking funny how Taylor is acting all wounded and yanking his arm back when Huckslee grabbed it. Snapping at Huckslee when he tries to explain.
Just please listen to him!
Fucking good that Huck is shutting him up.
Huckslee taking Taylor to his room at his grandparents.
Not good that Taylor is thinking that he's become his father again.
FUCKING COME ON TAYLOR!!! You know better than that and you fucking know how much much terrible and trash your father was.
Good that Taylor believes Huckslee about not being with Greg. Feels that Huckslee truly loves him with how tender he's being with him.
Yeah it's so fucked that Taylor assumed the worst when he saw how Huckslee smiled at Greg when he kissed him.
Drank a whole bottle without even talking to Huckslee.
It's so good that they're properly talking about what happened last night.
Fuck, I just love that Taylor is aware that Huckslee didn't have anybody to truly confide with in his hard times, even back in high school, while he had Christian and Salem in his corner.
Feels so special that Huckslee has Taylor now to confide with. Reassuring.
---
519 pages in.
Aww, Huckslee's gonna introduce Taylor to his grandparents. Love this! Basically introducing him to his true parents.
Fucked up and hilarious that they're gonna to this considering what is up Taylor's butt. They're ridiculous.
Love how casual they're saying I love you to each other, knowing that the other truly loves them long before they actually said it to each other.
Haha, Huckslee's grandparents knowing who Taylor is. I like that Huck called them when he was in high about Taylor's bullying and told some of their history.
Good that he recently told them about Taylor's shitty upbringing.
Shit, fucking teared up when Huckslee's grandpa said “This is long overdue, but welcome to the family, son.”
And Taylor relaxing at this. Jesus christ man...
Awmygod, so heartwarming to know that his grandparents were the ones he confided with and that Huckslee wasn't alone like Taylor thought, he had his grandparents in his corner.
Love that that his grandparents are actually interested in motocross because his grandpa raced back in the day and is actually listening to Taylor's motocross stories.
Ohymgod!!! Huckslee feeling that he's come home with this scene of Taylor and his grandparents eating pancakes and telling each other stories.
FUCK I'M SO HAPPY FOR THEM.
Glad that Taylor genuinely loved Huckslee's grandparents.
So nice that Huckslee's showing Taylor around California and what he loves to do around the city.
Visiting his favorite coffee shop, ordering him his favorites, showing him his favorite views and showing Taylor the bar he bartends at.
Properly introducing Taylor to his friend Shawn.
Showing Taylor his favorite little cantina from tacos right beside the beach.
Love that they're ending the day with them at the beach and just watching the sunset.
SHIT HUCKSLEE!!! STOP ACTING LIKE YOU TWO SEPARATING FOR YOUR FOOTBALL CAREER IS THE END OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP!
ALSO GETTING RICH FROM PLAYING FOOTBALL FOR 4 YEARS AIN'T THAT BAD.
Huckslee needs to see some positive in his situation about this football stuff.
Also he can help advocate LGBTQ+ while in the NFL.
Love that they decided to just swim in their pool instead of the ocean, Taylor being so eager with Huckslee saying he'll go down on him at the pool..
Still love how gentle Huckslee is when Taylor is blowing him because of the cabin incident.
I fucking like that Taylor is done with that shit and wants it rough.
Wants to take back their power over what happend between them in the past in the pool.
Loving their quiet comfortable moment at the end of the day, fresh off the shower and both exhausted after this day. Cuddling together in the lounger.
Hmm, makes sense why Huckslee never bottoms is because he wants control, power which he never had as a kid.
And Taylor enjoying bottoming because of the freedom to give up choice. He was always wanting control as a kid because of the lack of freedom he had.
---
JULY.
Good that Huckslee brought Taylor to their parents 4th of July barbecue party, fucked up Taylor wasn't even invited.
Awwmygod, Huckslee saying that he's part of the family too and that Taylor belongs with him... Goddammit that's so sweet.
I'm pissed that we missed the whole week of them exploring California together, Huckslee teaching Taylor how to surf, Taylor attending Huckslee's graduation ceremony with the grandparents.
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE ALL THOSE SPECIAL MOMENTS.
But I'm so happy for them that they had a good time throughout the week.
WOW! I love that Huckslee introduced Taylor to his college football teammates and even let them know that they were stepbros. Good that them being step brothers doesn't bother Huckslee at all. They're really not brothers.
Love this little temporary life they have this past month with Huckslee, just living and existing with him made Taylor see a future with Huck and doesn't want to let go.
I see that Logan still hasn't has his ass out of his own shit yet.
So adorable that Taylor is wearing a shirt that has Huckslee's design for them on.
Good that Taylor told Logan's father off, saying that Logan's an adult and can decide what he wants to do.
Not good that so many people are giving Taylor bad stares in this party.
WHO THE FUCK IS THIS GUY!??
Ah! so this out of place stranger is Logan's uncle, Devon.
Kinda nice that they're both black sheep of the family.
Wtf, now this guy is letting Taylor ride his Ducati? Okaysure I guess...
Not good that Taylor is going for a ride with Devon. Kinda don't like this guy ngl...
Taylor's mother is so fucking annoying.
Hmshe doesn't even know her own son and is saying so much shit about him.
HOLY SHIT! HUCKSLEE TELLING EVERYONE THAT HE AND TAYLOR ARE DATING! LET'S GO HUCK!
Lmao! so Taylor and Devon are going to a gay bar.
I'm shocked that Huckslee is still scared that Taylor would cheat in him... NAH, NOT TAYLOR.
GODDAMN! Huckslee saying to Logan that Taylor is his priority and that he's fine with leaving his family for Taylor if they don't accept him. I fucking love Huckslee for this.
Ohshit! Absolutely love that those Japanese letters on Taylor's knuckles are Huckslee's name.
Damn, I like how Taylor just keeps on provoking Huckslee to play handle him roughly and make it hurt.
LMFAO! The bar cheering for them when they were escorted out.
Love the they're setting off fireworks, eating and laughing and celebrating 4th of July with all their friends. Having fun doing jump off the roof.
It's nice that Taylor and Huckslee is moving on from making Salem and Logan's relationship work.
Maybe Devon, Salem and Xed could make a good throuple. It would also be good for Xed, move on from idiot Matty.
Fuck, too bad Huckslee can't watch Taylor during his competition.
Jesus Christ, Taylor showing Huckslee his dad's hellhole trailer home.
Where he grew up and was abused. FUUUCK.
I just can't imagine Taylor living here alone after his dad died. Shit.
Haha, adorable that Taylor was so scared of the squatting racoon and climbed up Huckslee's shoulder while Huck tries to scare it outside.
Awwww, Taylor being reminded of the time he put a tarantula inside Huckslee's locker, and being reminded of his bullying but Huckslee hugging him from behind saying that he forgives him... Shit! I'm fucking welling up a bit...Taylor needed to hear that.
Taylor reliving all the times his dad used to hurt him, telling Huckslee all about them...goddammit I don't like this.
Shit, Taylor bringing Huckslee in this hellhole so that he can see the evidence of his father's abuse to him because Taylor's shit mom called him a compulsive liar.
Good that Huck reassured him that he didn't need to bring him here to prove anything and that only those who matter know the truth.
So good that they're going down each other into his hellhole. Replacing all the nightmares with a good one.
Aww, so wonderful that Huck said that if he has questions in regards to sex he can go ask him and they can go research anything they want to do in bed together. No judgement and just exploration.
My god! my heart so full with this shit.
AWSHIT! TAYLOR ADMITTING THAT HE WANTS TO FUCK HUCKSLEE.
It's good that Huckslee is willing to TRY BECAUSE IT'S TAYLOR.
This is so much fun how they're just opening up to each other like this.
---
They only have like a month left before Huck goes to training camp.
It's still so sad that Huckslee's gonna be forced to play football for 4 years, but as I said he needs to look at the positives:
-it's only 4years.
-he can gain a ton of money and even retire after this if he becomes famous enough to make advertisement and endorsements after the 4 years is up.
-he can advocate for LGBTQ+ people in the NFL.
He can really do good and enjoy himself for he look at he positives. PLUS HE CAN GO BACK HOME TO TAYLOR DURING HIS BREAK. AND TAOR CAN HAVE HIS VACATION AT HIS PLACE ANYTIME.
Ah, so Huckslee wants to continue his art.
WHATTHEFUCK!? HE ONLY HAS 7 DAYS BEFORE HE LEAVES. SHIT!
This bullshit again, whether Huckslee will break up with Taylor once they separate. I FUCKING THOUGHT FOR SURE THAT THEY'RE FUCKING LOCK IN WITH EACH OTHER AFTER EVERYTHING THATS HAPPENED.
Hmm, understandable that Taylor need space away from Huckslee with all his doubts whether they'll make it into he next 4 years. this is deep shit and they both need to think about what they'll do in the future.
It's good that Taylor is having g this conversation with Huckslee's dad, explaining some truths I the last, how Huckslee always had to hide himself from him because of their expectations and how Huck is hurting now.
FUCKING CRYING that Taylor said to Huckslee's dad that he took something from Huck the night of the prom and he'll spend the rest of their life together making it up to him and that he plans to grow old together with him...oh my god.
HE TRULY LOVES HIM.
Wanting his blessing to love Huckslee and trying to get him to talk to Huck before he leaves on Friday.
Good that Hucks dad is willing to try and understand their relationship and knows that he failed as a father to both of them.
---
OHMYGOD! SO DAMN EXCITED FOR WHATEVER TAYLOR IS PLANNING FOR HUCKSLEE.
It would be funny as fuck if he propose to Huckslee ngl LMFAO.
OHSHIT! Taylor's plan is already starting.
Haha Logan picking him up in a limo and getting him to wear a tuxedo. Okay okay.
I'm betting the new tattoo on Huckslee's cheat is Delaware just like Taylor, I'm hoping that I'm right because that would be beautiful.
It's good that he and Logan are kinda good now.
I think know where this is going...with them parking the limo at the parking lot of their old high school. I'M GONNA FUCKING CRY!
GOD FUCKING DAMMIT! IT'S PROM!
WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PROM FOR HUCKSLEE.
Cute that they're putting boutonniers on each other.
Shit, it hurts so much that Huckslee's memory of this place is still so strong.
Especially being being behind the stage curtains.
Aww, Taylor wanting to replace the nightmare memory of this place with a brand new good one, just like Huckslee did for him back in his old home.
MY FUCKING GOD!! I'M FUCKING CRYING!
Royce pulling the stage curtains open revealing their love to their friends, people they know back in high school, and Huckslee's father so proud of them.
There's even random people they invited online.
TAYLOR COMING OUT AND SHOWI G HOS LOVE FOR HUCKSLEE IN FRONT OF THE WORLD.
GODDAMN BEAUTIFUL!
LMFAO! Taylor faking out a proposal at the end. He's so ridiculous.
Good to know that Huckslee isn't oppose to the idea in the future
Good that Huckslee is fully in board not cutting their relationship when he leaves.
It was stupid to even think of cutting it in the first place.
HOLY SHIT! HUCKSLEE INVITING TAYLOR TO FUCK HIM! GODDAMN!
Awwmygod, I knew it was gonna be a Delaware tattoo. Taylor's name being inside it is beautiful. I bet Taylor's gonna add Huckslee name inside his too.
LMFAOO Taylor trying to erase the tattoo.
That was good. I like how Huckslee took control. Awesome that Huck enjoyed it.
Love this lazy clean up, feeding BB and slow lazy shower together. And cozying under fresh blankets together.
Lazily talking about Huck showing Taylor to the world with his tattoo.
Quietly telling each other I love you ast why fall asleep.
---
EPILOGUE.
Good that Huck is adjusting okay and majority of his new teammates are accepting of him.
Awesome that Salem is filming Taylors performance in the big motocross event live so Huck can watch him.
Hmm, it's sad that Huck feels empty in the mornings waking up alone despite facetiming Taylor all night everyday.
Reassuring that they'll see each other next month in Phoenix.
Good that Huck will be living with taylor during his off seasons.
Fucking awesome that Taylor landed his original stunt.
Aww, it's good that Taylor is still so happy he didn't win. and that they'll be plenty more competitions to qualify in.
I FUCKING KNOW IN MY HEART THAT TAYLOR WILL BECOME A MOTOCROSS LEGEND.
HE CAN MAKE IT!
***
WILL CONTINUE THIS ON ANOTHER REVIEW PAGE:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
USING THIS TO CONTINUE MY REVIEW REACTION OF "Finding Delaware" (State of Us #1) by Bree Wiley.
***
I'm on page 444.
The guys are camping and just took shrooms.
Nice that they're all together and safe.
Adorable that they're all cuddling together in that one tent but was fucking ruin by Christian and Arya.
---
Nice that they're hiking early in the morning after a night of tripping.
Sounds so nice that they're hiking towards some waterfalls. Maybe they'll spend the night there. Hopefully.
Kinda good that Xed can let out some of his thoughts to Huckslee now since he knows about him and Taylor.
Hmm, so Huck is thinking that Taylor needs human contact, even those years Taylor spent wanting Huckslee, he had people to be with and Huckslee is afraid of them not making it... FUCKING BULLSHIT!!! THE DIFFERENCE IS YOU CAN GO BACK HOME TO BE WITH TAYLOR THIS TIME. TOUCH EACH ITHER AND SHIT I YOUR BREAKS. MAKE IT WORK GODDAMMIT!!
Love that their view of this waterfall falling on a clear lake.
Aww, so wonderful that they're cliff jumping and swimming in this beautiful lake together. Having fun.
Goddamn, Huckslee noticing and feeling the plug on Taylor while they were swimming...
I just love how ready Taylor is for Huckslee, it's adorable.
JESUS H CHRIST!!! THEY REALLY DID THEIR FIRST TIME IN THIS LAKE. Really didn't expect it to happen here, it was cute.
Good first time together, both felt comfortable, enjoyed it and good.
Nice of Salem and Christian to stall and give them more time together. Funny how Salem warned them that she's coming in eyes closed and all lmao.
Aww, it's so good that Huckslee asked Taylor if it was good for him. Of course it was!
Jesus... Huckslee regretting his actions back in high school the morning after the pool. Regretting not giving Taylor more time to figure himself out... Regretting not loving him sooner... FUCK.THIS.SHIT. stop regretting and keep moving forward with Taylor. GODDAMMIT!
I fucking hate how Huckslee's imagining a ticking countdown in their relationship.
FUCK, Taylor saying don't let the bad thoughts win and that they're here together now.
I'm tearing up. It's good that Taylor is here to remind Huckslee of this.
SHIT! Now Logan knows about them...basically everyone knows about them now.
Good that Huckslee is prioritizing going with Taylor to nap rather than explaining their relationship to Logan.
Good that Taylor reassured Huckslee that whatever happens they'll face it together. GODDAMN RIGHT!
---
FUCKING GREAT! Logan isn't speaking to Huck. WHATEVER!!!
Salem's a bro for distracting and keeping Logan occupied.
Haha, Matt asking so many questions about their relationship is kinda adorable. Maybe this help him realize that him and Xed are okay.
Nice that Xed got to talk with Taylor privately.
Noo, trip's over and they're going back home.
Love that they get to hold hands in the car on the drive back home.
Nice to know that they're printing out with Royce some of Huckslee's design and art for TOT.
Okay...That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, Huckslee got kicked out but Logan didn't explode and shit. Huckslee got to at least say how he and Taylor are working through their trauma together.
Logan really is a difficult person to be around with honestly with all his restrictions, and being restricted by his parents and shit...
---
477 pages in.
June.
Huckslee's gone to back to California and is gone for a week.
I'm pissed we didn't get to see the whole week of Huckslee and Taylor living together at Taylor's room.
Shit, I kinda think Taylor's right that Huckslee is using this separation as a test for their relationship.
OHSHIT! Taylor's actually going to California to surprise Huckslee. That's so sweet.
15 HOUR DRIVE! Kinda nice ngl.
He's already at Berkeley! Holy shit.
WHATTHEHELL!!? Huckslee's with he's "boyfriend" Greg!?
Nah, I'm pretty sure there's a perfectly good reason why Huck is with him.
Taylor need to calm down and find Huckslee and properly talk GODDAMMIT!
Real nice that Logan is helping Taylor find Huckslee.
WHATTHEFUCK!? HUCKSLEE'S ACTUALLY WITH ANOTHER GUY!? FUCKING WHY!?
FUCK SHIT!!! NOW TAYLOR FUCKING DRINKING AAAAHHHJ! FUCKING TALK TO HUCKSLEE!!
GODFUCKINGDAMNTHIS!!!
SEE!!! HUCKSLEE WAS JUST PROPERLY BREAKING UP WITH GREG! I knew Huck wouldn't cheat on Taylor! NEVER!
FUCKING SEE! IT WAS A SIMPLE MISUNDERSTANDING.
I knew Huckslee didn't like these kinds of shit party. I love that he planned to be here only 20 minutes and leave to call Huckslee.
But I get why Taylor freaked the fuck out because Huck was hesitant about continuing their relationship when they were separating.
Aww, I like that Taylor was sending Huck vague street signs and pictures that he was going somewhere.
Nice that Greg is helping him out find Taylor.
Kinda hilarious that Taylor is in his car, crying, fucking wasted and music blaring out the speakers and slightly muffled by the closed windows. EMO ASS lmao.
Ahhshit! He might have alcohol poisoning.
Wow! awesome that Greg is really really helping them out. Shimmying inside Taylor's rear truck windows and coming to them to the hospital. He's a good person.
I hope he can talk to Taylor and clear out the misunderstanding.
LMAO! Taylor vomiting all over Greg at the hospital. Then Greg vomiting too haha.
PHEW! THANK FUCKING GOD TAYLOR IS ALRIGHT!!
So fucking funny how Taylor is acting all wounded and yanking his arm back when Huckslee grabbed it. Snapping at Huckslee when he tries to explain.
Just please listen to him!
Fucking good that Huck is shutting him up.
Huckslee taking Taylor to his room at his grandparents.
Not good that Taylor is thinking that he's become his father again.
FUCKING COME ON TAYLOR!!! You know better than that and you fucking know how much much terrible and trash your father was.
Good that Taylor believes Huckslee about not being with Greg. Feels that Huckslee truly loves him with how tender he's being with him.
Yeah it's so fucked that Taylor assumed the worst when he saw how Huckslee smiled at Greg when he kissed him.
Drank a whole bottle without even talking to Huckslee.
It's so good that they're properly talking about what happened last night.
Fuck, I just love that Taylor is aware that Huckslee didn't have anybody to truly confide with in his hard times, even back in high school, while he had Christian and Salem in his corner.
Feels so special that Huckslee has Taylor now to confide with. Reassuring.
---
519 pages in.
Aww, Huckslee's gonna introduce Taylor to his grandparents. Love this! Basically introducing him to his true parents.
Fucked up and hilarious that they're gonna to this considering what is up Taylor's butt. They're ridiculous.
Love how casual they're saying I love you to each other, knowing that the other truly loves them long before they actually said it to each other.
Haha, Huckslee's grandparents knowing who Taylor is. I like that Huck called them when he was in high about Taylor's bullying and told some of their history.
Good that he recently told them about Taylor's shitty upbringing.
Shit, fucking teared up when Huckslee's grandpa said “This is long overdue, but welcome to the family, son.”
And Taylor relaxing at this. Jesus christ man...
Awmygod, so heartwarming to know that his grandparents were the ones he confided with and that Huckslee wasn't alone like Taylor thought, he had his grandparents in his corner.
Love that that his grandparents are actually interested in motocross because his grandpa raced back in the day and is actually listening to Taylor's motocross stories.
Ohymgod!!! Huckslee feeling that he's come home with this scene of Taylor and his grandparents eating pancakes and telling each other stories.
FUCK I'M SO HAPPY FOR THEM.
Glad that Taylor genuinely loved Huckslee's grandparents.
So nice that Huckslee's showing Taylor around California and what he loves to do around the city.
Visiting his favorite coffee shop, ordering him his favorites, showing him his favorite views and showing Taylor the bar he bartends at.
Properly introducing Taylor to his friend Shawn.
Showing Taylor his favorite little cantina from tacos right beside the beach.
Love that they're ending the day with them at the beach and just watching the sunset.
SHIT HUCKSLEE!!! STOP ACTING LIKE YOU TWO SEPARATING FOR YOUR FOOTBALL CAREER IS THE END OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP!
ALSO GETTING RICH FROM PLAYING FOOTBALL FOR 4 YEARS AIN'T THAT BAD.
Huckslee needs to see some positive in his situation about this football stuff.
Also he can help advocate LGBTQ+ while in the NFL.
Love that they decided to just swim in their pool instead of the ocean, Taylor being so eager with Huckslee saying he'll go down on him at the pool..
Still love how gentle Huckslee is when Taylor is blowing him because of the cabin incident.
I fucking like that Taylor is done with that shit and wants it rough.
Wants to take back their power over what happend between them in the past in the pool.
Loving their quiet comfortable moment at the end of the day, fresh off the shower and both exhausted after this day. Cuddling together in the lounger.
Hmm, makes sense why Huckslee never bottoms is because he wants control, power which he never had as a kid.
And Taylor enjoying bottoming because of the freedom to give up choice. He was always wanting control as a kid because of the lack of freedom he had.
---
JULY.
Good that Huckslee brought Taylor to their parents 4th of July barbecue party, fucked up Taylor wasn't even invited.
Awwmygod, Huckslee saying that he's part of the family too and that Taylor belongs with him... Goddammit that's so sweet.
I'm pissed that we missed the whole week of them exploring California together, Huckslee teaching Taylor how to surf, Taylor attending Huckslee's graduation ceremony with the grandparents.
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE ALL THOSE SPECIAL MOMENTS.
But I'm so happy for them that they had a good time throughout the week.
WOW! I love that Huckslee introduced Taylor to his college football teammates and even let them know that they were stepbros. Good that them being step brothers doesn't bother Huckslee at all. They're really not brothers.
Love this little temporary life they have this past month with Huckslee, just living and existing with him made Taylor see a future with Huck and doesn't want to let go.
I see that Logan still hasn't has his ass out of his own shit yet.
So adorable that Taylor is wearing a shirt that has Huckslee's design for them on.
Good that Taylor told Logan's father off, saying that Logan's an adult and can decide what he wants to do.
Not good that so many people are giving Taylor bad stares in this party.
WHO THE FUCK IS THIS GUY!??
Ah! so this out of place stranger is Logan's uncle, Devon.
Kinda nice that they're both black sheep of the family.
Wtf, now this guy is letting Taylor ride his Ducati? Okaysure I guess...
Not good that Taylor is going for a ride with Devon. Kinda don't like this guy ngl...
Taylor's mother is so fucking annoying.
Hmshe doesn't even know her own son and is saying so much shit about him.
HOLY SHIT! HUCKSLEE TELLING EVERYONE THAT HE AND TAYLOR ARE DATING! LET'S GO HUCK!
Lmao! so Taylor and Devon are going to a gay bar.
I'm shocked that Huckslee is still scared that Taylor would cheat in him... NAH, NOT TAYLOR.
GODDAMN! Huckslee saying to Logan that Taylor is his priority and that he's fine with leaving his family for Taylor if they don't accept him. I fucking love Huckslee for this.
Ohshit! Absolutely love that those Japanese letters on Taylor's knuckles are Huckslee's name.
Damn, I like how Taylor just keeps on provoking Huckslee to play handle him roughly and make it hurt.
LMFAO! The bar cheering for them when they were escorted out.
Love the they're setting off fireworks, eating and laughing and celebrating 4th of July with all their friends. Having fun doing jump off the roof.
It's nice that Taylor and Huckslee is moving on from making Salem and Logan's relationship work.
Maybe Devon, Salem and Xed could make a good throuple. It would also be good for Xed, move on from idiot Matty.
Fuck, too bad Huckslee can't watch Taylor during his competition.
Jesus Christ, Taylor showing Huckslee his dad's hellhole trailer home.
Where he grew up and was abused. FUUUCK.
I just can't imagine Taylor living here alone after his dad died. Shit.
Haha, adorable that Taylor was so scared of the squatting racoon and climbed up Huckslee's shoulder while Huck tries to scare it outside.
Awwww, Taylor being reminded of the time he put a tarantula inside Huckslee's locker, and being reminded of his bullying but Huckslee hugging him from behind saying that he forgives him... Shit! I'm fucking welling up a bit...Taylor needed to hear that.
Taylor reliving all the times his dad used to hurt him, telling Huckslee all about them...goddammit I don't like this.
Shit, Taylor bringing Huckslee in this hellhole so that he can see the evidence of his father's abuse to him because Taylor's shit mom called him a compulsive liar.
Good that Huck reassured him that he didn't need to bring him here to prove anything and that only those who matter know the truth.
So good that they're going down each other into his hellhole. Replacing all the nightmares with a good one.
Aww, so wonderful that Huck said that if he has questions in regards to sex he can go ask him and they can go research anything they want to do in bed together. No judgement and just exploration.
My god! my heart so full with this shit.
AWSHIT! TAYLOR ADMITTING THAT HE WANTS TO FUCK HUCKSLEE.
It's good that Huckslee is willing to TRY BECAUSE IT'S TAYLOR.
This is so much fun how they're just opening up to each other like this.
---
They only have like a month left before Huck goes to training camp.
It's still so sad that Huckslee's gonna be forced to play football for 4 years, but as I said he needs to look at the positives:
-it's only 4years.
-he can gain a ton of money and even retire after this if he becomes famous enough to make advertisement and endorsements after the 4 years is up.
-he can advocate for LGBTQ+ people in the NFL.
He can really do good and enjoy himself for he look at he positives. PLUS HE CAN GO BACK HOME TO TAYLOR DURING HIS BREAK. AND TAOR CAN HAVE HIS VACATION AT HIS PLACE ANYTIME.
Ah, so Huckslee wants to continue his art.
WHATTHEFUCK!? HE ONLY HAS 7 DAYS BEFORE HE LEAVES. SHIT!
This bullshit again, whether Huckslee will break up with Taylor once they separate. I FUCKING THOUGHT FOR SURE THAT THEY'RE FUCKING LOCK IN WITH EACH OTHER AFTER EVERYTHING THATS HAPPENED.
Hmm, understandable that Taylor need space away from Huckslee with all his doubts whether they'll make it into he next 4 years. this is deep shit and they both need to think about what they'll do in the future.
It's good that Taylor is having g this conversation with Huckslee's dad, explaining some truths I the last, how Huckslee always had to hide himself from him because of their expectations and how Huck is hurting now.
FUCKING CRYING that Taylor said to Huckslee's dad that he took something from Huck the night of the prom and he'll spend the rest of their life together making it up to him and that he plans to grow old together with him...oh my god.
HE TRULY LOVES HIM.
Wanting his blessing to love Huckslee and trying to get him to talk to Huck before he leaves on Friday.
Good that Hucks dad is willing to try and understand their relationship and knows that he failed as a father to both of them.
---
OHMYGOD! SO DAMN EXCITED FOR WHATEVER TAYLOR IS PLANNING FOR HUCKSLEE.
It would be funny as fuck if he propose to Huckslee ngl LMFAO.
OHSHIT! Taylor's plan is already starting.
Haha Logan picking him up in a limo and getting him to wear a tuxedo. Okay okay.
I'm betting the new tattoo on Huckslee's cheat is Delaware just like Taylor, I'm hoping that I'm right because that would be beautiful.
It's good that he and Logan are kinda good now.
I think know where this is going...with them parking the limo at the parking lot of their old high school. I'M GONNA FUCKING CRY!
GOD FUCKING DAMMIT! IT'S PROM!
WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PROM FOR HUCKSLEE.
Cute that they're putting boutonniers on each other.
Shit, it hurts so much that Huckslee's memory of this place is still so strong.
Especially being being behind the stage curtains.
Aww, Taylor wanting to replace the nightmare memory of this place with a brand new good one, just like Huckslee did for him back in his old home.
MY FUCKING GOD!! I'M FUCKING CRYING!
Royce pulling the stage curtains open revealing their love to their friends, people they know back in high school, and Huckslee's father so proud of them.
There's even random people they invited online.
TAYLOR COMING OUT AND SHOWI G HOS LOVE FOR HUCKSLEE IN FRONT OF THE WORLD.
GODDAMN BEAUTIFUL!
LMFAO! Taylor faking out a proposal at the end. He's so ridiculous.
Good to know that Huckslee isn't oppose to the idea in the future
Good that Huckslee is fully in board not cutting their relationship when he leaves.
It was stupid to even think of cutting it in the first place.
HOLY SHIT! HUCKSLEE INVITING TAYLOR TO FUCK HIM! GODDAMN!
Awwmygod, I knew it was gonna be a Delaware tattoo. Taylor's name being inside it is beautiful. I bet Taylor's gonna add Huckslee name inside his too.
LMFAOO Taylor trying to erase the tattoo.
That was good. I like how Huckslee took control. Awesome that Huck enjoyed it.
Love this lazy clean up, feeding BB and slow lazy shower together. And cozying under fresh blankets together.
Lazily talking about Huck showing Taylor to the world with his tattoo.
Quietly telling each other I love you ast why fall asleep.
---
EPILOGUE.
Good that Huck is adjusting okay and majority of his new teammates are accepting of him.
Awesome that Salem is filming Taylors performance in the big motocross event live so Huck can watch him.
Hmm, it's sad that Huck feels empty in the mornings waking up alone despite facetiming Taylor all night everyday.
Reassuring that they'll see each other next month in Phoenix.
Good that Huck will be living with taylor during his off seasons.
Fucking awesome that Taylor landed his original stunt.
Aww, it's good that Taylor is still so happy he didn't win. and that they'll be plenty more competitions to qualify in.
I FUCKING KNOW IN MY HEART THAT TAYLOR WILL BECOME A MOTOCROSS LEGEND.
HE CAN MAKE IT!
***
WILL CONTINUE THIS ON ANOTHER REVIEW PAGE:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2022
Japanese grammar reference for English speakers
I have not literally read this, of course. I read some of the front matter, but not yet the entire 40-page "Characteristics of Japanese grammar", and looked up some entries. Explanations and narrative are written mostly in English, with Japanese examples. Most of the book, 513 pages, is the section entitled "Main Entries". These are alphabetized by romaji. For instance, to read about いる, you look up "iru".
Looks to be very useful.
I have not literally read this, of course. I read some of the front matter, but not yet the entire 40-page "Characteristics of Japanese grammar", and looked up some entries. Explanations and narrative are written mostly in English, with Japanese examples. Most of the book, 513 pages, is the section entitled "Main Entries". These are alphabetized by romaji. For instance, to read about いる, you look up "iru".
Looks to be very useful.
September 4, 2017
If you are looking for a book to solidify your understanding of basic Japanese grammar in preparation for studying more advanced material, look no further. If you ever feel you can use basic grammar, but want to understand how it works, this is for you. I learned more about grammar in two months with this book than in three years with other books even though I felt I already knew enough about basic grammar. I could not recommend this book more.
June 3, 2014
I bought this book looking for something more detailed and in depth to add to my Japanese Grammar book collection. This is best of them all for basic Japanese learning resources. I would recommend this book to anyone beginning to study the language.
May 24, 2007
A friend and I both used this reference when studying for Level 2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test in combination with Kanzen Masutaa's Level 2 Grammar Prep Book (green). Learned a *lot*.
April 18, 2008
This is the most helpful Japanese grammar book. It's format is easy to understand and the content thorough.
January 10, 2014
done; this is the only dictionary worth reading from beginning to end
April 5, 2016
Simply the best Grammar reference in English that is well-planned for each level.
March 2, 2017
Definitely a must-read and must-own for Japanese learners.
When you don't understand any points of Japanese language, look up this book and you'll find it.
When you don't understand any points of Japanese language, look up this book and you'll find it.
July 23, 2017
I highly recommend all three of these books for any serious Japanese learner.
November 14, 2018
Fantastic resource; helps a lot when I'm reading and doing Japanese assignments.
June 26, 2019
Definitely a resource worth looking to add to your collection if you are a learner of Japanese! Really loved this book.
As another reviewer mentioned, this is not a textbook, so it doesn't start you from the beginning and gradually work you up. It's a reference book to look through for additional information. Given that this book doesn't have problems to solve, I recommend taking notes!
The grammar is ordered alphabetically to the English language, so あげる under "A", みたい under "M", etc. Makes it pretty easy to look things up quickly and find what you might need.
-What I loved:
The opening of the book covered quite a bit of background information of the language and how things work as a whole. As well as covering some definitions of words so you can understand them in context. (Like "direct object", "potential form", etc.) The appendix is also fantastic, having many pages of charts and information on things like conjugations, counters, trans/intransitive verbs, etc.
There was a nice touch in most grammar points to help differentiate them from similar ones. The little nuances between them make a difference, and I appreciate them pointing those out.
I also love the use of many various names in the example sentences repeated throughout the book--helps to remember kanji names.
-What I didn't love:
The ROMAJI. I swear, if you're going to be a resource that covers more complex areas of Japanese (I know this is a "beginner" book, but not everything in it was "beginner" level) you need to DROP the romaji. I'm sick of seeing it. Furigana--perfect, romaji--get out. (I hear the 'Intermediate' and 'Advanced' books have romaji too???? Which is beyond ridiculous if so????)
I did not like the "group" names for the verbs. I much prefer Genki's u-verb and ru-verb rather than groups 1 and 2. I can never remember which is group 1 or 2, and u/ru address that instantly, I don't know why they didn't use that here.
Nit-pick, but I don't love the assumption that learners of the Japanese language are male (instead of using the neutral "they" pronoun). Example: "When the speaker himself decides to [...]" "When the speaker uses [...], his statement is [...]"
The price. This isn't a cheap book. It can range from 25-40$+ depending on where you can get it. I got mine from Ebay, but it's also available on Amazon (US and JP) and CD Japan as of this review.
And as an aside: Typos: pg 21 deshita, pg 419 occurs, pg 546 question
Nevertheless, even with the negatives, I still find value with this book and think it was worth buying. For those curious, it covers all JLPT N5 grammar, I believe all of N4 as well, and there seemed to be a few sprinkles of N3/N2.
As another reviewer mentioned, this is not a textbook, so it doesn't start you from the beginning and gradually work you up. It's a reference book to look through for additional information. Given that this book doesn't have problems to solve, I recommend taking notes!
The grammar is ordered alphabetically to the English language, so あげる under "A", みたい under "M", etc. Makes it pretty easy to look things up quickly and find what you might need.
-What I loved:
The opening of the book covered quite a bit of background information of the language and how things work as a whole. As well as covering some definitions of words so you can understand them in context. (Like "direct object", "potential form", etc.) The appendix is also fantastic, having many pages of charts and information on things like conjugations, counters, trans/intransitive verbs, etc.
There was a nice touch in most grammar points to help differentiate them from similar ones. The little nuances between them make a difference, and I appreciate them pointing those out.
I also love the use of many various names in the example sentences repeated throughout the book--helps to remember kanji names.
-What I didn't love:
The ROMAJI. I swear, if you're going to be a resource that covers more complex areas of Japanese (I know this is a "beginner" book, but not everything in it was "beginner" level) you need to DROP the romaji. I'm sick of seeing it. Furigana--perfect, romaji--get out. (I hear the 'Intermediate' and 'Advanced' books have romaji too???? Which is beyond ridiculous if so????)
I did not like the "group" names for the verbs. I much prefer Genki's u-verb and ru-verb rather than groups 1 and 2. I can never remember which is group 1 or 2, and u/ru address that instantly, I don't know why they didn't use that here.
Nit-pick, but I don't love the assumption that learners of the Japanese language are male (instead of using the neutral "they" pronoun). Example: "When the speaker himself decides to [...]" "When the speaker uses [...], his statement is [...]"
The price. This isn't a cheap book. It can range from 25-40$+ depending on where you can get it. I got mine from Ebay, but it's also available on Amazon (US and JP) and CD Japan as of this review.
And as an aside: Typos: pg 21 deshita, pg 419 occurs, pg 546 question
Nevertheless, even with the negatives, I still find value with this book and think it was worth buying. For those curious, it covers all JLPT N5 grammar, I believe all of N4 as well, and there seemed to be a few sprinkles of N3/N2.
September 24, 2021
The Dictionary of Japanese Grammar series is simply the best grammar series I've ever come across in any language. The authors do an excellent job of combining complicated linguistic explanations replete with examples of both correct and incorrect sentences. Everything is easy to handle, even for beginners. Japanese grammar does not seem as foreboding and complicated with this excellent book at hand.
The only real criticism I have is that some of the English language explanations aren't as clear as they could be. However, this book more than makes up for those occasional dictionaries through its extensive use of examples.
Fortunately, the vocabulary used in this book is quite simple and easy to understand. That point alone sets this book apart from most textbook explanations of grammar, in which the authors usually feel the need to use whatever vocabulary was most recently introduced. Here the vocabulary words are simple and at an easy beginner level, allowing the student to focus on the grammar and not on the vocabulary.
Seriously - this is the best you'll find in any language. I wish that this series existed for other languages. The key to effective grammar teaching is repetition and extensive full-sentence examples. Others should take note.
The only real criticism I have is that some of the English language explanations aren't as clear as they could be. However, this book more than makes up for those occasional dictionaries through its extensive use of examples.
Fortunately, the vocabulary used in this book is quite simple and easy to understand. That point alone sets this book apart from most textbook explanations of grammar, in which the authors usually feel the need to use whatever vocabulary was most recently introduced. Here the vocabulary words are simple and at an easy beginner level, allowing the student to focus on the grammar and not on the vocabulary.
Seriously - this is the best you'll find in any language. I wish that this series existed for other languages. The key to effective grammar teaching is repetition and extensive full-sentence examples. Others should take note.
May 17, 2023
This series provides a very structured and dense collection of important grammar points. I found this to be the best grammar collection I have encountered so far. The only thing that gave me trouble in the "Basic" version was the usage of romanji. It makes the reading of the sentences very confusing - at least for me.
Now one might say that this is something to be expected, from a book saying "Basic Grammar", but I would definitely say, that if you are a total beginner e.g. just finished learning your hiragana and know a few hundred words, this is definitely not the grammar book for you - it's just way to condense and assumes already some experience with the language.
But apart from that, if you want the perfect review of basic grammar points concise and easily searchable, this is the perfect book for you.
Now one might say that this is something to be expected, from a book saying "Basic Grammar", but I would definitely say, that if you are a total beginner e.g. just finished learning your hiragana and know a few hundred words, this is definitely not the grammar book for you - it's just way to condense and assumes already some experience with the language.
But apart from that, if you want the perfect review of basic grammar points concise and easily searchable, this is the perfect book for you.
November 14, 2020
As a dictionary, I hope it's obvious that I did not literally read this as I would a novel. I've turned to it (and its two accompanying volumes) countless times since I first purchased it, and it's proven itself worth the investment! Japanese language learners of any level, beginning to advanced, should find it a very useful companion to their main studies. There are in-depth explanations of all the grammar and plenty of example sentences and clarification points for each dictionary entry, plus additional information at the beginning and in the appendices. If you're serious about learning Japanese, this book is a must-have!
May 12, 2020
So! This is the best and most useful book I have in my arsenal for learning Japanese. It is frustrating that I did not discover it before. I have read through Genki and Minna No Nihongo, Japanese from Zero 1 and 2 and Japanese for busy people - and whilst good as guides, missed that clear, accessible way of providing engaging and useful grammar. I never thought I would give a grammar book 5 stars but this is absolutely brilliant. Best resource that you can have if you are learning Japanese .... alongside a great tutor of course!
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