Minna no Nihongo Lesson 9 introduces how to talk about likes, dislikes, skills, and abilities.
Students also learn how to use the particle γ, how to describe what they are good or not good at, and how to talk about hobbies.
1. Lesson Focus
In Lesson 9, learners study how to:
β’ Express likes and dislikes
β’ Talk about things they are good or bad at
β’ Use the particle γ to mark the subject of feelings
β’ Use γγ / γ γγγ / γγΎγ / γγγγ (frequency/adverbs)
β’ Talk about hobbies and abilities
β’ Describe what they can or cannot do well
β’ Ask others about their preferences
2. Key Vocabulary (Simple Meanings)
Feelings & Preferences
β’ γγ β like
β’ γγγ β dislike
β’ γ γγγ β like very much / love
β’ γ γγγγ β hate
Skills & Abilities
β’ γγγγ β good at
β’ γΈγ β bad at
Common Activities
β’ γγγγ β cooking
β’ γγ β song
β’ γγΆγ β Kabuki (traditional theater)
β’ γΉγγΌγ β sports
β’ γγγ β movie
β’ γγγγ β music
Frequency Adverbs
β’ γγ β often / well
β’ γ γγγ β mostly
β’ γγΎγ β not much (used with negative)
β’ γγγγ β not at all (used with negative)
3. Grammar Explanation
A. Using γ with Likes/Dislikes
The particle γ is used to mark the thing you like/dislike.
Structure:
Noun + γ + ε₯½γ / γγγ γ§γγ
Examples:
β’ I like music.
β’ I dislike coffee.
β’ I love movies.
β’ I hate spicy food.
B. Using γ with Skills
Structure:
Noun + γ + γγγγ / γΈγ γ§γγ
Examples:
β’ I am good at cooking.
β’ I am bad at singing.
β’ My friend is good at English.
C. Frequency Words (Adverbs of Degree)
β’ γγ β often, well
β’ γ γγγ β mostly
β’ γγΎγ β not much
β’ γγγγ β not at all
Used with likes and skills:
Examples:
β’ I often cook.
β’ I mostly watch movies.
β’ I donβt play sports much.
β’ I donβt sing at all.
D. Asking Questions
Questions follow the same pattern:
β’ What do you like?
β’ What are you good at?
β’ Do you often watch movies?
Students learn to answer simply:
β’ I likeβ¦
β’ I donβt likeβ¦
β’ I am good atβ¦
β’ I am not good atβ¦
4. Example Sentences (Simple English)
β’ I like music.
β’ I dislike coffee.
β’ I love Japanese movies.
β’ I hate rain.
β’ I am good at cooking.
β’ I am bad at dancing.
β’ I often listen to music.
β’ I donβt watch TV much.
β’ I donβt play sports at all.
5. What Students Can Do After Lesson 9
By the end of this lesson, learners can:
β’ Talk about their likes and hobbies
β’ Express strong likes or dislikes
β’ Describe what they can or cannot do well
β’ Ask others about preferences
β’ Use γ correctly in feeling sentences
β’ Use frequency words naturally