1

Are the 彼の and あの in the examples necessary or optional?

Example 1:

彼は彼女と別れた。"彼の"判断は正しいね。

Example 2:

新しいパソコンを買ったね。"あの"パソコンは画質がいい?

1 Answer 1

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In both examples, possessives cannot be omitted.

First, in both cases your second sentences are not very natural. Some possible alternatives are:

  • 1a. (それは)正しい/賢明な判断だね.
  • 1b. (彼の判断は)賢明だね.
  • 2a. (そのパソコンの/は)画質はいい?

As you can see from 2a, it is sometimes possible to omit possessive phrases. Easier examples:

  • スマホが壊れた
  • 彼女がパソコンが壊れたと電話してきた
  • 年末にPCを買った。性能はいいが、値段は高かった.

The first one means my smartphone, the second her PC, and the third its specs/price.

Another way to look at the examples would be that you can omit the topic when it is clear. That is, (Speaking of his decision to end the relationship with her), it is wise; (As for the PC you bought), is the display good?, etc.

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