これは私のものです
kore wa watashi no mono desu
The English phrase "this is mine" is translated into Japanese as これは私のものです (kore wa watashi no mono desu).
This phrase is used to state that a specific object belongs to the speaker. The demonstrative これ (kore) is used for something close to the speaker. In many natural contexts, the word もの (mono) is omitted and これは私のです is a perfectly natural and common way to say 'this is mine'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from これ (this) + は (topic marker) + 私 (I) + の ('s) + もの (thing/object) + です (is).
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle の functions as a possessive marker, similar to the English 's or 'of'.
How do you pronounce it?
kore wa watashi no mono desu
Did you know?
- In Japan, claiming ownership with これは私のものです can sound surprisingly assertive or even confrontational in a social setting. It is often more polite to use phrases that imply the object is 'currently in your possession' rather than stating absolute ownership.
- There are dozens of ways to say 'I' in Japanese, such as 僕 (boku) or 俺 (ore). Choosing the wrong one to replace 私 can make a speaker sound like a child or a rude delinquent.
- The word これ (kore) is part of a three-tiered system of demonstratives. If the object is near the listener but not the speaker, you must change it to それ (sore).
Examples in context
- これは私のものです。Kore wa watashi no mono desu.This is mine.
Example conversation
Youta and Misaki find a lost umbrella.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さん、この傘は誰のですか。Youta-san, kono kasa wa dare no desu ka.Youta, whose umbrella is this?
- 陽太 Yotaあ、これは私のものです。A, kore wa watashi no mono desu.Oh, this is mine.
- 美咲 Misakiそうなんですね。似ていました。Sou nan desu ne. Nite imashita.I see. It looked similar.
- 陽太 Yota教えてくれてありがとうございます。Oshiete kurete arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for telling me.
