Meaning & usage
の links two nouns in the pattern N1 の N2 to show ownership, origin, or a description of N2, as in 私の本 or 日本の人口. N1 is a noun and comes directly before の with no extra conjugation, while N2 is the main noun being described. It is neutral and very common in both speech and writing, but the order cannot be reversed without changing the meaning.
Example sentences 6
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イチゴのアイスは、ないんですよ。
We don't have any strawberry ice cream.
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ポケットの中にはお金が入っていない。
I have no money in my pocket.
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行と行の間をもっと空けなさい。
Leave more space between the lines.
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日本のことはよく分からないよ。
I don't know much about Japan.
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日本の人口はカナダよりも多い。
The population of Japan is larger than that of Canada.
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何の話をしているか分かる？
Do you see what I'm talking about?
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 15 past exam questions.
And 11 more tests.
