Customer Reviews

501 Japanese Verbs: Fully Described in All Inflections, Moods, Aspects and Formality Levels

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Even though this is a first edition book, it can still be found in some colleges. (That's where mine came from) I am somewhat dissapointed at what this book offers:

1. The verbs aren't in kanji or kanas. They are in romaji only (a variant system. i.e. si for shi, ti for chi etc.)

2. It goes in alphabetical order, not Japanese kana order. This makes it quite confusing and frustrating for the more advanced student who's used to looking up Japanese words in a Japanese dictionary.

3. The verb list (espcially in the back) aren't clear in some places. (i.e., there's 3 translations for "to change", but it doesn't say what each one is used for)

4. The grammer definitions in the beginning of the book are also confusing, and doesn't give a clear sentence example.

It still gives a good listing of verb conjugations, but that's about the only good point.

Verb conjugation is essential to any language. However, Japanese verbs are very regular. Entry level grammar books teach verb conjugation. Once one learns the two patterns, and two exceptions, one can conjugate any Japanese verb. One does not need a large book of tables, like this book.

Lange's compilation of the various forms of Japanese verbs is far more than adequate, providing forms at a level that surpasses most students' day-to-day needs. The organization is functional, and with rare exceptions, most verbs in common usage are included. Missing were the kanji for the "dictionary form" of the verbs, almost essential, considering the numerous homonyms in Japanese. I also found the romanization system, although correct, somewhat awkward for the student who must remember that "shi-" is "si-" in this volume. An essential volume for any student

I completely agree with the reviewer who gave this book a 2 star - I should have paid a little more and bought the updated version by Barron's - the updated version only has Kanji at the top of each page for the main word - but that is better than this one that has absolutely no Kanji (nor Kana) at all.

The product was in great shape. Shipping was good and I was pleased with the product. Thank you! I would order from this seller again!!

This is the must have if ever to know more than "just a tourist" wish it had kanji examples Book clearly shows the correct form and expression of the verb... Again no sentance examples.... quaility 9 over all content a 7 ( would it be as popular or more popular) cheap for the content!