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mado wo akemasu.

窓まど　を　開あけます。mado wo akemasu.
I open the window.
FromLesson 8inHardcore Japanese
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Questions & Answers about mado wo akemasu.

What is the function of the particle を in this sentence?
The particle を marks the direct object of a verb. Here, 窓 (window) is what is being opened by the action 開けます.
Why is there no subject in 窓を開けます?
Japanese often omits the subject when it is clear from context. In this sentence, the implied subject is most likely I (or whoever is speaking), but it isn’t explicitly stated.
Why does the verb use 開けます instead of the dictionary form 開ける?

開けます is the polite present/future tense (the “-masu” form). The dictionary (plain) form is 開ける.
• 開ける – plain present/future (“I open…”)
• 開けます – polite present/future (“I open…”)

How would you change 窓を開けます into past tense or negative form?

• Past polite: 窓を開けました (“I opened the window.”)
• Negative polite: 窓を開けません (“I do not open / will not open the window.”)
• Plain past: 窓を開けた
• Plain negative: 窓を開けない

What is the typical word order in Japanese compared to English?

Japanese follows a Subject–Object–Verb (SOV) order, whereas English uses Subject–Verb–Object (SVO).
In 窓を開けます:
• (Subject) → 窓 (Object) → 開けます (Verb)

What is the difference between 開ける and 開く?

They are a transitive/intransitive pair:
• 開ける (akeru) – transitive, “to open something” (e.g. you open a window)
• 開く (aku) – intransitive, “something opens” (e.g. the window opens by itself)

How is 窓を開けます pronounced?

Romanization: mado o akemasu
Syllable breakdown: ma-do / o / a-ke-ma-su
Pitch accent (Tokyo standard): mádo (LH) – o (H) – akémasu (LHHH)

Why isn’t there an article like “the” before 窗?
Japanese does not have articles like “a” or “the.” Definiteness is usually inferred from context rather than marked by separate words.

More from this lesson

denkitukeruwatasi ha denki wo tukemasu.nerukesuwatasi ha neru mae ni denki wo kesimasu.akaruinode
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“How do verb conjugations work in Japanese?”
Japanese verbs conjugate based on tense, politeness, and mood. For example, the polite present form adds ‑ます to the verb stem, while the past tense uses ‑ました. Unlike English, Japanese verbs don't change based on the subject — the same form works for "I", "you", and "they".

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