Learn Hardcore Japanese: watasi ha atarasii tango no imi wo oboemasu.

は is the topic marker, often translated as “as for.” In this sentence, 私は sets “I” as the topic of the conversation. が would mark “I” as the subject in a more neutral or new-information context, but here you’re simply stating what you (the topic) do.

Why is there no particle between 新しい and 単語?

新しい is an i-adjective, and i-adjectives directly modify nouns without any linking particle. So 新しい単語 means “new word(s),” just like in English “new book” or “big house.”

What does the particle の do in 単語の意味?

の is the genitive or possessive particle, used to link two nouns. 単語の意味 literally means “the meaning of the word.” You can think of it as “word’s meaning.”

Why is 意味 followed by を?

を marks the direct object of the verb 覚えます. Here 意味を覚えます means “(I) memorize the meaning.” Without を, the verb wouldn’t know which noun it’s acting upon.

Why does the verb 覚えます appear at the end of the sentence?

Japanese is a subject–object–verb (SOV) language, so the verb typically comes last. Everything you’re mentioning (topic, object) comes first, and then you state the action at the end.

Why is 覚えます in the polite -ます form and present tense, even if I mean “I will memorize”?

In Japanese, the present/future tense form 覚えます covers both “I memorize” and “I will memorize.” Using -ます makes it polite, which is common in lessons or conversations with people you’re not extremely close to.

What exactly does 覚えます mean here—“learn,” “memorize,” or something else?

覚える generally means “to memorize” or “to commit to memory.” It implies active effort to remember something. If you say 新しい単語の意味を覚えます, you’re saying you will actively learn or memorize the meanings of new words.