In Japanese, almost any type of word can be attached to the beginning of a noun to modify the meaning, or describe the qualities of that noun. However, depending on the type of word used, conjugation rules will differ slightly.
For
な-Adjectives, they will always need to be followed by
な, when used before a noun. This means that adjective (A) is describing qualities/features of noun (B).
-
カーテンオタク：これは綺麗（きれい）なカーテンです。
A curtain enthusiast : This is a pretty curtain.
-
元気（げんき）な赤（あか）ちゃん。
A healthy baby. (‘Energetic’ or ‘spirited’ would also be accurate translations)
Many words can take either
な or
の when describing a noun. The difference in meaning is usually clear. Let’s take a look at both nuances.
(A)
な (B) means that - (A) is a quality/feature of (B)
(A)
の (B) means that - (A) is the type/purpose of (B)
To avoid making this mistake when using
な-Adjectives to describe a noun, it can be helpful to think about whether you are describing a ‘quality’, or the ‘purpose’ of something.