What does it mean word for word?
これ means "this" (referring to an object near the speaker). The combination of watashi (I/me) and the particle no (the possessive marker) creates the meaning "my".
Which one should you use?
While これが私の emphasizes "this" as the specific thing being identified, the alternative これは私の is a more common way to state "this is my" when introducing a topic.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To say "This is mine" in a formal way, you can use Kore wa watashi no desu. In informal settings, several options exist for "This is mine": Kore wa watashi no is neutral, Kore wa boku no and Kore wa ore no are masculine and Kore wa atashi no is feminine. Specifically, for the word "my", male speakers might use 僕の (boku no) in casual or semi-formal settings or 俺の (ore no) for very casual or rough speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Hiroshima dialect, これはぼんのや is frequently used to say "This is mine."
How do you pronounce it?
kore ga watashi no
Did you know?
- Depending on the social hierarchy, a speaker might replace 私 (watashi) with a title or a role, such as 'this is the teacher's', even when referring to themselves.
- While 私の is a standard way to say 'my', Japanese speakers often omit the word 'my' entirely if the context makes it clear, as stating ownership explicitly can sometimes sound overly possessive or unnatural.
- If you are identifying a person, such as 'this is my mother', the way you say 'my' changes depending on whether you are talking to a stranger or a friend. To a stranger, you would use a more humble form of 'my' to show respect to the listener.
Examples in context
- これが私の犬よ。This is my dog.This sentence is useful for identifying a dog.Tatoeba #10802357 by small_snow, translation #67056 by CK
- これが私の車です。This is my car.This sentence is useful for identifying a car.Tatoeba #218890 by bunbuku, translation #56205 by CK
- これが私の母です。This is my mother.This sentence is useful for identifying a mother.Tatoeba #237295 by small_snow, translation #413771 by Scott
- これは私の家族です。This is my family.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki shows Hiroto her new notebook at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misakiこれが私の新しいノートです。Kore ga watashi no atarashii nōto desu.This is my new notebook.
- 大翔 Hirotoとても綺麗ですね。Totemo kirei desu ne.It is very beautiful.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。Arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 大翔 Hiroto大切にしてくださいね。Taisetsu ni shite kudasai ne.Please take good care of it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
