JLPT N5 Grammar: なあ – Expressing Emotion or Thought

By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025

???? Meaning & Usage

なあ is a sentence-ending particle in Japanese used when the speaker expresses emotion, admiration, or reflection—often when talking to themselves or casually to someone close.

Translation: “I wonder…”, “How…!”, “Wow…”, “I wish…”

Used in: Casual speech (especially spoken Japanese). It adds emotion or personal thought.

???? Example Sentences

• このけしきは きれいだなあ。
  This scenery is so beautiful!
• おなかが すいたなあ。
  I’m so hungry…
• あした いいてんきに なってほしいなあ。
  I hope the weather is nice tomorrow…
• はやく あいたいなあ。
  I really want to see you soon…

???? Grammar Notes

• なあ is used at the end of a sentence to show the speaker’s feelings or thoughts.
• It is often used when the speaker is talking to themselves or in a reflective mood.
• It can follow both plain-form verbs and adjectives.
• なあ is casual; avoid using it in formal or business situations.

???? Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks with なあ

1. このケーキ、おいしい＿＿。
2. ああ、つかれた＿＿。
3. いいてんきだ＿＿。

✔ Answers:

• なあ
• なあ
• なあ

2. Translate into Japanese using なあ

1. This movie is really interesting!
2. I want to go to the beach soon…

✔ Sample Answers:

• このえいが、おもしろいなあ。
• はやくうみにいきたいなあ。

???? Vocabulary List

• けしき（景色） – scenery
• おなか – stomach
• てんき（天気） – weather
• うみ（海） – sea
• つかれる（疲れる） – to be tired

???? Kanji List

• 景色（けしき） – scenery
  景: scenery | 色: color
• 天気（てんき） – weather
  天: heaven, sky | 気: spirit, mood
• 海（うみ） – sea, ocean
  海: sea
• 疲れる（つかれる） – to get tired
  疲: fatigue, tired

???? Related Grammar

• ～たい: To want to do something
• ～ほしい: To want something
• ～でしょう / かな: Used to express uncertainty or wondering

???? Summary

• Meaning: Expresses emotion, admiration, or reflection
• Form: Add なあ at the end of a sentence
• Use: Casual speech, often self-reflective or emotional
• Level: JLPT N5

???? Related Grammar & Vocabulary

• JLPT N5 Grammar List – 60 Essential Grammar Points
• ませんか – would you; shall we
• ましょう – let’s; shall we
• ましょうか – shall I; offering help
• も – also; too
• もう – already; again; anymore
• な-adjectives – na-adjectives
• ないで – without doing
• ないでください – please don’t do
• ないといけない – must do

thuandao

I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.