JLPT N5 grammar · Adjectives & Declarations

[Adjective] + [Noun]: meaning, usage and examples

[Adjective] + [Noun] means: (Modifying a noun with an adjective).

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 親切しんせつな先生せんせいです。

   He is a kind teacher.

2. これはおもしろい本ほんです。

   This is an interesting book.

3. 静しずかな公園こうえんで本ほんを読よみました。

   I read a book in a quiet park.

4. 赤あかいかばんを買かいました。

   I bought a red bag.

When to use it

Adjectives directly modify nouns. い-adjectives attach directly; な-adjectives require な before the noun.

Nuance

The distinction between い and な adjective types is non-obvious for learners: some adjectives ending in 〜い are actually な-adjectives (e.g., きれいな).

Compare

Predicate position: きれいです. Attributive position: きれいな人ひと. The な only appears before the noun.

Tip: きれい ends in い but is a な-adjective. So is 嫌きらい (きらい). Memorize these exceptions.