形容詞 ＋ の

Meaning

The particle の can replace a noun when the context makes it clear which noun is being referenced. With i-adjectives, add の directly to the adjective. With na-adjectives, add な + の. This allows you to avoid repeating the same noun in a sentence.

Formation

Examples

1. A:白い靴と 黒い靴と どちらが 好きですか。
   A: Which do you prefer, white shoes or black shoes? / 中: White shoes and black shoes, which do you like?

2. B:白いのが 好きです。
   B: I prefer the white ones. / 中: I like the white ones.

3. この アパートは 二つの 部屋が 空いています。狭いのは 安いです。広いのは 高いです。
   This apartment has two vacant rooms. The small one is cheap. The large one is expensive. / 中: This apartment has two empty rooms. The small one is cheap, the big one is expensive.

Summary

• の replaces a noun after an adjective when the noun is already understood from context
• For i-adjectives: add の directly (白いの). For na-adjectives: add な + の (きれいなの)
• This pattern helps avoid repetition and creates more natural, concise Japanese sentences