Grammar · N5
い-adjectives and な-adjectives
Two adjective classes with different conjugation and noun-linking behavior.
In short
い-adjectives usually end in い and conjugate that ending: 高い→高くない→高かった. な-adjectives use な before a noun and copular forms as predicates: 静かな部屋, 部屋は静かです.
How it works
Not every word ending in い is an い-adjective; きれい and 有名 are な-adjectives.
Useful contrast
Both classes describe qualities, but their grammar differs, especially in negative, past and adverbial forms.
Examples
高い店
an expensive shop
静かな町
a quiet town
Common pitfall
Learn adjective class with the word. Guessing solely from the final kana causes common errors.