Includes index

Pt 1. Japanese verbs. -- Romanization & pronunciation -- The Japanese writing system -- General information on verbs -- Kinds of verbs -- Desu -- Verbs in a sentence -- Verb base chart -- The Masu form -- Verb endings:general information -- Base 1 endings -- Base 2 endings -- Base 3 endings -- Base 4 endings -- Base 5 endings -- Base 6 (TE-form) endings -- Base 7 (TA-form) endings -- The informal form -- Informal endings -- pt 2. Essentials of grammar. -- Basic principles -- Demonstrative forms ("Ko-so-a-do") -- Particles -- Conjunctions -- Interrogatives -- Interrogative + ka, mo, demo -- Adjectives -- Adjective endings -- Adverbs -- Comparisions -- Noun expressions -- Compound nouns -- Common noun prefixes & suffixes -- Relative clauses -- Relative positions -- Asking and giving directions -- Idiomatic characteristics of some common words -- Transitive & intransitive pairs -- Honorifics -- Numbers -- Counters -- Relative time -- Specific time -- Seasons & the weather -- The family -- Health & the body -- Wearing clothes -- Common expressions & useful vocabulary -- Appendix A: The Japanese writing system -- Appendix B: Holidays, historical data & proverbs

"The book features all the major verbal and grammar concepts of the language. Each unit is devoted to one particular concept, enabling you to locate specific information quickly and easily. Explanations are concise yet thorough and are followed by numerous examples to assure complete understanding and mastery. The examples use contemporary language, reflecting real-life situations."--Publisher's description

English and Japanese