M20 · Description and location

Before you start

This level assumes you know hiragana and katakana. Words you already met there are marked and do not count as new.

This lesson assumes what you saw in the earlier ones. If something feels shaky, go back to it:

• M01greetings and courtesy
• M02introducing yourself
• M03family
• M04numbers
• M05time and days
• M06the home
• M07everyday objects
• M08food and drink
• M09eating out
• M10shopping
• M11the city
• M12transport
• M13school
• M14work and daily life
• M15the body and health
• M16weather and seasons
• M17animals and nature
• M18hobbies
• M19basic verbs

What you learn

To place things you use place words: うえ (on top), した (below), なか (inside), まえ (in front), うしろ (behind), みぎ (right) and ひだり (left).

You practise them in kana; underneath you can see how they are usually written.

• おおきいookiibigUsually written 大きい
• ちいさいchiisaismallUsually written 小さい
• あたらしいatarashiinewUsually written 新しい
• ふるいfuruiold (things)Usually written 古い
• とおいtooifarUsually written 遠い
• You know it · H04ちかいchikainear, closeUsually written 近い
• You know it · H01うえueabove, on topUsually written 上
• You know it · H04したshitabelow, underUsually written 下There is also した = 舌 (tongue). Here you learn 下, below.
• なかnakainsideUsually written 中
• まえmaein frontUsually written 前
• うしろushirobehindUsually written 後ろ
• みぎmigirightUsually written 右
• ひだりhidarileftUsually written 左
• You know it · H02ここkokohere
• You know it · H03そこsokothere (near you)

Practice

A short text written only with the kana and grammar you already know. Read it and answer.