Japanese/Lessons/Relative Clauses

Japanese relative clauses are formed by placing the modifying clause immediately in front of the noun it modifies. The modifying clause acts much like an adjective (which it can also consist of).

Present positive: (みず)()(ひと) — The person who drinks water:
Past positive: テレビを()(ひと) — The person who watched television
Present continuous: ()ている(ねこ) — The sleeping cat

Relative clauses allow relatively complex ideas to be expressed simply.

: 買った金持ちです。- The older brother who bought the car is rich.
果てない止まってしまいました。- The unending dream is ending.