My Bookshelf Part III

I must not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, I absolutely cannot get my wa's and ga's straight. When it comes to Japanese studies, those pesky particles have got to be one of the hardest parts of the language. And, if you really want to speak like a master of Japanese, you must learn to use particles correctly.

That's why one of the first books I picked up when I first started working in Japan was this handy-dandy Dictionary of Japanese Particles from Kodansha. It's not like I carry it around or anything, but I keep it by my desk when I'm writing just in case I can't figure out what particle I should be using.

This dictionary contains the meanings and usages for over a hundred different particles, broken out in alphabetical order. It's small and compact, so if you were really inclined you could carry it in your book bag.

A particle reference book belongs on every Japanese learner's bookshelf. I've owned this one for about 10 years, but there are several others on the market. While I have not read them, I'm sure they are equally as valuable. Remember that whatever level your studies are at, getting your particles straight should be a priority. Just watch all the foreigners on Japanese TV, compare what they say to the Japanese subtitles, and you'll see I'm not the only one who still needs to work on his (or her) particles.

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