Rocket Japanese Community

Hajime Mashite!

I just began studying Japanese a few days and I have a question. I am on Lesson 1.1 and noticed a difference between two phrases:

'Watashi no' in "Watashi mo genki desu, arigatō." (Lesson 1.0)

and

'Watashi mo' in "Watashi no namae wa Kenī desu, anata wa?" (Lesson 1.1)

What is the difference between the no and the mo? What exactly does Watashi mean?

Thank you!

- Otis

Konnichiwa Otis-san,

Excellent question Otis-san.
First, 'Watashi' is used for both "I" and "me" by adult speakers of both sexes.
'Watashi no' translates as "my/mine".
'Watashi mo' translates as "me too".

Now lets take close look at the two connecting particles, no and mo.

の (no) "apostrophe 's"
When the particle の (no) is placed between two nouns, it makes the first noun into a modifier of the second. When the first noun is a personal name or a noun referring to a person, such as Watashi, it generally describes the following noun (item) as belonging to that person - indicating POSSESSION.

For example, Watashi no ie desu. = Literally translates as "I - 's - house - is." Meaning "It is my house."

The noun + no combination shows POSSESSION.

も (mo) "also"
も (mo) marks something as being in addition to something else.
Thus, も (mo) indicates that the noun it follows is connected in some way in addition to something or someone else that has been previously mentioned in the given context.

[A specified item or person] + も = [A specified item or person] too / also / as well

Suppose your colleagues are planning on attending a business conference, you think you will join them, and politely say...
私も行きます。 Watashi mo ikimasu. "I will go too."

So think of も (mo) as the INCLUDER, and の (no) as POSSESSOR.

I hope this has cleared up some questions!
- Sayaka

Arigatō Sayaka-san!

That does make sense, thank you for the quick response!

You are very welcome Otis-san!