Structure
Noun + 的 + に
Noun + 的 + な + Noun
Details
Register
Standard
About 的
的 is a 接語尾 (suffix) in Japanese that has two primary uses. The first use is very similar to 'as' or 'for' in English, and means 'considering/within the category of (A), (B)'. The second use primarily relates to people, and will be covered later. As a single word, 的 is often likened to adjective endings such as '~ly', '~like', and '~al'.
To use 的, attach it to the end of a noun that you want to express as being the focus point of either a verb or a noun that will come later in the sentence. When describing a noun, 的 will be followed by な (meaning that it becomes a な-Adjective). When describing a verb, it will be followed by に (making it an adverb).
Fun Fact
The second common use of 的 is specifically with the names of people, and highlights that (B) is something that is being considered in regard to (A). (A) being the person mentioned. This may be used either positively or negatively. In English, this is similar to 'that's so (A)', or 'just what you'd expect of (A)'.
Fun Fact
The easiest way to understand and use 的 correctly almost all the time, is by knowing another common suffix, 圏. Let's look at how these suffixes compare:
圏 - Occurring in the sphere of (A), (B). (B) only happens inside of (A).
的 - Speaking in the sphere of (A), (B). (B) can only be said within the sphere of (A).
As we can see here, when you want to convey something that can be said from a specific standpoint, 的 will be a logical choice.
Related
Misc.
Examples
--:--
Get more example sentences!
Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.
印象的な絵。
An impressive picture.
一般的な考え方。
A popular way of thinking.
一時的な大雨。
Temporary heavy rain.
悪魔的な手口。
A devilish trick.
時期的に雨が降りやすい。
Typical of the season, it is more likely to rain.
Self-Study Sentences
Study your own way!
Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.
Online
A very useful ally
Tae Kim's Blog
Many uses of 的
Maggie Sensei
Offline
[AIAIJ] An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese
Page 134
Tobira
Page 122
Track Resources!
Bunpro tracks all of the resources you’ve visited, and offers relevant bookmarks of physical books to help with offline tracking.
的 – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (3 in total)
jmadsen
I think this might be a bug in the answer, but want to check here first:
時期＿＿雨が降りやすい。
The hint & answer are “tie it to the verb” with Noun + 的 ・ に + Verb, but doesn’t 時期 describe the 雨 (and so Noun + 的 ・な + Noun)?
gyroninja
If you look at the translation it’s not modifying rain.
jmadsen
Ah, I see now - it is describing the likelihood of “falling”
Thank you!
Got questions about 的? Join us to discuss, ask, and learn together!
Join the Discussion