XのY
Grammar Pattern
Y of X; X’s Y; Y that is related to X
XのY
Y of X; X’s Y; Y that is related to X
Polite
Explanation
This structure connects two nouns, where X provides information about Y.
The particle の links a modifying noun to another noun, indicating possession, attribution, category, or description.
The main idea of the phrase is always the second noun (Y), while the first noun (X) restricts or specifies it.
Unlike English possessives, this structure is not limited to ownership and is widely used to describe relationships between nouns.
Formation
Noun + の + noun
Usage Notes
The second noun is the core meaning of the phrase; the first noun only modifies it.
This pattern can express possession, affiliation, type, or description.
It is commonly overtranslated as possession by beginners, but many uses do not imply ownership.
The phrase can be expanded by adding more の phrases before the final noun.
Parts of Speech
Noun