語尾 II: な & と
語尾, as we have learned, are interjectory particles that show all sorts of emotions.
The Final Particle な
1. な is for the most part the masculine version of ね. However, females have begun to use it as well, particularly those that are seen as being stronger than the average woman. This should not be used in polite situations.
1. 俺な、今度な、勝つんだ。
I, uh, this time, will win.
2. あのな、こっちではな、酒はいけないんだ。(説教的な言い方)
Um, you mustn’t drink sake here, you know.
3. 懐かしいなあ。
How nostalgic.
4. いやだな。
What a pain!
5. 君が来ないと、つまらないなあ。
If you don’t come, it’ll be boring.
6. 誰か来たな。
Someone came, didn’t they?
7. 罪人はお前だな。
The sinner is you, isn’t it!
2. Placed after the 終止形 (the end form) of a verb to show a strong negative command.
8. そんなことをするな。
Don’t do such a thing!
9. 行くな！
Don’t go!
10. すんな！
Don’t do it!
Contraction Note: ～るな is often contracted to ～んな. Even if a verb doesn’t end in the sound, ん is often inserted before な. So, instances such as 話すんな are becoming more common. It must be duly noted that these contractions do not appear in polite and/or honorific speech.
3. Used as a contraction of ～なさい. Do not confuse this with Usage 2!
11. 行きな！
Go!
12. やってみな！
Try it!
13. ちょっとこっちに来な。
Come here for a moment.
The Final Particle と
There are three very different usages of the final particle と.
- In a question with a high intonation, it presents a demanding question. This is used in casual or vulgar speech.
- In っと it is used to declare something with a light tone. It is used in plain speech.
- とさ is used with polite endings in story-telling.
14. 何だと!？（Vulgar/casual）
WHAT!?
15. いやだと？
You say no!?
16. 知らねーっと。（Vulgar; slang）
I dunno.
17. 二人で幸せに暮らしましたとさ。
And they lived happily ever after.
18. やめたいだと？
You want to quit!?
Grammar Note: だと is allowed here because it is acting as a final particle.