Breakdown of watasi ha syoten de hon wo urimasu.
はha
topic particle
本hon
book
私watasi
I
をwo
direct object particle
でde
location particle
書店syoten
bookstore
売るuru
to sell
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Questions & Answers about watasi ha syoten de hon wo urimasu.
Why is the particle は used after 私, not が?
は is the topic marker, showing what the sentence is “about.” While が marks a subject (often used for new or specific information), は sets 私 as the established topic (“As for me…”), focusing the listener’s attention on what follows.
What does the particle で do after 書店?
で marks the location of an action. 書店で means “at the bookstore,” indicating where the selling takes place.
Why is the particle を used after 本?
を marks the direct object—the thing being acted upon. Here, 本を売ります literally means “sell a book,” with 本 being what is sold.
Why is the verb 売ります in this form? Does it mean present or future?
売ります is the non-past polite form of 売る. Japanese non-past can mean either present (“I sell”) or future (“I will sell”). Context tells you which.
Can I say 本を売る instead of 本を売ります?
Yes. 売る is the plain (dictionary) form, used in casual speech or writing. 売ります is the polite form, appropriate for formal situations or when speaking respectfully.
What’s the difference between 書店 and 本屋?
Both mean “bookstore.” 書店 is slightly more formal and often seen on signs or in official names. 本屋 is more colloquial and common in everyday conversation.
Do I have to include 私 at the start?
No. Japanese often omits pronouns when context is clear. You can simply say 書店で本を売ります if it’s obvious you’re the seller.
How do I express “I am selling books at the bookstore” (ongoing action)?
Use the continuous form: 書店で本を売っています means “I am selling books at the bookstore (right now).”
How would I change this sentence to past tense?
Replace 売ります with its past polite form 売りました:
私は書店で本を売りました – “I sold books at the bookstore.”