Word
窓 を 開けます。mado o akemasu.
Meaning
I open the window.
Part of speech
sentence
Pronunciation
Course
Lesson
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Questions & Answers about mado o 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?