Breakdown of watasi ha kisoku wo mamorimasu.
はha
topic particle
私watasi
I
をwo
direct object particle
規則kisoku
rule
守るmamoru
to follow
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Questions & Answers about watasi ha kisoku wo mamorimasu.
Why is は used after 私 in this sentence?
The particle は marks 私 as the topic of the sentence. In Japanese, the topic indicates what you’re talking about. Here, you’re establishing “as for me” (私 は), and then stating what you do in relation to that topic (“I follow the rules”).
Why is を used after 規則?
The particle を marks 規則 as the direct object of the verb. It shows what action the subject (私) is performing. In other words, you are performing the action of “守る” (to follow/obey) on “規則.”
What does 規則 mean, and how is it different from ルール?
規則 (きそく) means “rule” or “regulation,” often implying something official or written down by an organization.
ルール is a loanword from English and can feel more casual or general.
- 規則: formal, like workplace regulations or school bylaws
- ルール: everyday rules, like game rules or household guidelines
How do you read 規則, and are there any alternative readings?
The on-yomi reading of 規則 is きそく. There are no other common readings for this compound; each kanji’s on-yomi combines to form きそく.
Why is the verb in the ～ます form (守ります) instead of the plain 守る form?
The ～ます form is the polite form of a verb. Using 守ります instead of 守る makes the statement more polite and is appropriate in formal or respectful contexts. In casual speech among friends, you might hear 守る instead.
Why isn’t there a です at the end of this sentence?
You don’t need です when you already use the polite verb ending ～ます. The ～ます form itself carries politeness, so adding です would be redundant and ungrammatical.
Could I say 私は規則を守っています instead? What’s the nuance difference?
Yes, you can say 守っています.
- 守ります states a regular or habitual action (“I follow the rules” as a general fact).
- 守っています emphasizes the ongoing state or continuous aspect (“I’m (currently) following the rules,” perhaps in a specific situation).
Can I omit 私は and just say 規則を守ります? When is omission allowed?
Yes. In Japanese, subjects/topics are often dropped when context makes them clear. If it’s obvious you’re talking about yourself (e.g., you’re in a meeting and answering a question), you can simply say 規則を守ります without 私は.