Japanese - Basic Problem Statements

___をけがしました。

___ o kega shimashita.

I hurt my ___.

Meaning: I hurt my ___.

When to use: Put a body part before を to say you hurt that part (e.g., 足をけがしました。). Use this for minor injuries you want to report politely.

___が壊れています。

___ ga kowarete imasu.

The ___ is broken.

Meaning: The ___ is broken.

When to use: Use が with devices or objects (e.g., 携帯電話が壊れています。). If you want to stress the event, 壊れました is also possible.

Tip: Beginner learners sometimes use を instead of が (e.g., 携帯電話を壊れています。). Use が for the broken item.

___を忘れました。

___ o wasuremashita.

I forgot ___.

Meaning: I forgot ___.

When to use: Put the thing you forgot before を (e.g., パスポートを忘れました。). This can mean you forgot to bring it or forgot information.

___に間に合いませんでした。

___ ni ma ni aimasen deshita.

I missed ___.

Meaning: I missed ___ / I didn't make it in time for ___.

When to use: Use に with a train, bus, appointment, or event (e.g., 電車に間に合いませんでした。). For transport, 乗り遅れました is another natural option.

遅れています

Okurete imasu.

I'm late.

Meaning: I'm late.

When to use: Use 遅れています (Okurete imasu) to say you are running late. For school or work, 遅刻しています is also common.

払えません

Haraemasen.

I can't pay.

Meaning: I can't pay.

When to use: Use 払えません to indicate a problem paying. If you specifically have no money, say お金がありません。

___すぎます。

___ sugimasu.

It's too ___.

Meaning: It's too ___.

When to use: Put the adjective stem before すぎます to say something is too ___ (e.g., 高すぎます, 暑すぎます). Works with な-adjectives as well (e.g., 静かすぎます).

Tip: Remember to use the adjective stem before すぎます. Beginners sometimes use the full adjective form (e.g., 高いすぎます), which is incorrect.