Video
Let’s watch this short video for a quick overview.
Source: gokigen japanese official YouTube Channel
Introduction
Ever wanted to ask “Whose bag is this?” or “Whose bicycle is that?” in Japanese?
You’ll need the structure だれの + noun — which means “whose + [something]”.
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
✔ How to ask and answer questions using だれの
✔ How to combine dare no with other grammar points (like kore, sore, are)
✔ Clear examples and dialogues
✔ Common mistakes to avoid, plus an FAQ section!
Let’s get started with the basics of possession in Japanese.
1. Sentence Structure: だれの + Noun
The word だれ（dare） means “who”, and の（no） is a possessive particle like ‘s in English.
👉 Put them together:
だれの + noun → “Whose [noun]?”
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| これ は だれ の スマホ ですか？ | Kore wa dare no sumaho desu ka? | Whose smartphone is this? |
| あれ は だれ の さいふ ですか？ | Are wa dare no saifu desu ka? | Whose wallet is that (over there)? |
| その じてんしゃ は だれの ですか？ | Sono jitensha wa dare no desu ka? | Whose bicycle is that (near you)? |
2. How to Answer: [Name] の + Noun
To answer, simply replace だれ with the name or noun:
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| それ は サリーさん の スマホ です。 | Sore wa Sarii-san no sumaho desu. | That’s Sally’s smartphone. |
| あれ は けんたさん の さいふ です。 | Are wa Kenta-san no saifu desu. | That’s Kenta’s wallet. |
| それ は わたし の おにいさん の じてんしゃ です。 | Sore wa watashi no oniisan no jitensha desu. | That is my older brother’s bike. |
3. Word Order: Simple but Important
- English: Whose book is this?
- Japanese: This is whose book?
→ これ は だれ の ほん ですか？
Use this pattern: [thing] wa dare no [noun] desu ka?
4. Practice: Ask & Answer in Japanese
Practice: Translate to Japanese
- “Whose umbrella is that (over there)?”
→ あれ は だれ の かさ ですか？ - “That is Meg’s umbrella.”
→ あれ は メグさん の かさ です。 - “Whose bicycle is this?”
→ これ は だれ の じてんしゃ ですか？ - “That (near you) is my brother’s bicycle.”
→ それ は わたし の おにいさん の じてんしゃ です。
5. Bonus: When the Noun Is Omitted
In natural conversation, if the noun is already clear, you can omit it:
🔹 この スマホ は だれの（スマホ）ですか？
→ わたし の です。
(Whose phone is this? – It’s mine.)
💡 Just like in English:
“Whose is it?” → “Mine.”
Japanese: 「だれの？」→「わたしの。」
6. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- QCan I omit “の” of “だれの”?
- A
No, you can’t. You must use の to make the possessive form in Japanese.
- これは だれ ペン ですか。→ Incorrect
- これは だれの ペン ですか。→ Correct (“Whose pen is this?”)
- QCan I use “dare no” without a noun?
- A
You can omit the noun if it’s already clear from context. Example:
- この とけいは だれの ですか。 (Whose watch is this?)
- おかあさんの です。 (It’s my mother’s.)
- QHow do I say “my friend’s” or “my teacher’s”?
- A
Use the structure: [Person] の [thing]
わたし の ともだち の スマホ = my friend’s smartphone
- QWhat’s the difference between どれ, どこ, and だれ?
- A
- どれ = which one?
- どこ = where?
- だれ = who?
- だれの = whose?
7. Conclusion: Know What Belongs to Who in Japanese
Now you know how to ask and answer questions like “Whose is this?” in polite, natural Japanese.
This grammar is perfect for everyday situations — especially in schools, shops, or with new friends!
✅ Grammar Summary:
- だれの + noun → “whose [noun]?”
- Use の to show possession
- Drop the noun when it’s clear from context
Want to improve your Japanese with real conversations?
Our native Japanese instructors at gokigen japanese can help you perfect your pronunciation and learn real-life usage.
Whether you’re completely new to Japanese or looking to refine your skills, book a one-on-one session.
