Japanese grammar
What does ～的 mean? Japanese grammar N3
～的 means -like; -tic; -ish; of the nature of; concerning.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + 的（な／に） |
| Romaji | teki |
| Meaning | -like; -tic; -ish; of the nature of; concerning |
Forming it
| Connection | N + 的（な／に） |
|---|
How to use it
A suffix that turns a noun into a na-adjective, meaning "-like, having the nature of…". Very productive in writing/academic style.
- 「N＋的」 creates a NA-ADJECTIVE: 科学的 (scientific), 具体的 (concrete), 一般的 (general).
- Modifying a noun uses 「的な＋N」; modifying a predicate uses 「的に」: 「具体的に説明する」.
- Only attaches to two-character Sino-Japanese nouns; it does not attach to native Japanese words or ordinary loanwords.
Examples
これは科学的な方法です。
This is a scientific method.
問題を具体的に説明してください。
Please explain the problem concretely.
Keep in mind
- 的な → before a noun; 的に → before a predicate.
- Only attaches to Sino-Japanese (kanji-compound) nouns.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong科学的の方法です。
Correct科学的な方法です。
的 creates a na-adjective, so modifying a noun uses 的な.
Exam tips
- 「的」 creates a na-adjective: 「的な＋N」 / 「的に＋predicate」; only attaches to Sino-Japanese nouns.