Meaning & usage
The particle の can turn a question or wish into a softer, more personal tone. It follows plain-form verbs and i-adjectives, and after nouns it appears as なの in questions. It also appears in embedded questions like どこから来たのか and in wishes such as 行けたらいいのに.
Example sentences 8
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「どうかしたの？」と小さな白いウサギが聞きました。
"What's the matter?" asked the little white rabbit.
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「どうして行かないの？」「行きたくないからだよ」
"Why aren't you going?" "Because I don't want to."
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それがどこから来たのか分からなかった。
I didn't know where it came from.
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日本へ行けたらいいのに。
I wish I could go to Japan.
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どのくらいいたの？
How long did you stay?
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みんなもそうなのかな、と思うことくらいしかできない。
I can only wonder if this is the same for everyone else.
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今日は６月１８日で、ムーリエルの誕生日です！
Today is June 18th and it is Muiriel's birthday!
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してもいないことをどうして謝るの？
Why are you sorry for something you haven't done?