の links two nouns and shows possession or relationship. It is similar to “of” or the possessive “’s” in English. The pattern is simple: Noun A の Noun B. Key points: • Noun A の Noun B = B of A / A’s B • It shows ownership, family, or description • It can link places and people: 学校の先生 • It is one of the most common particles For example, “私の本” means “my book.” “田中さんのかばん” means “Tanaka-san’s bag.” The first noun tells you who or what the second noun belongs to. の can also show relationships beyond ownership. “日本の食べ物” means “Japanese food,” and “学校の図書館” means “the school’s library.” It can also connect a place and a person: “東京の友だち” (a friend in Tokyo). You can chain の to make longer phrases: “田中さんの妹の本” (Tanaka-san’s younger sister’s book). This is common, but keep it short as a beginner. If you remember just one rule, it is: place the owner or descriptor first, then の, then the main noun. This creates clear, natural noun phrases in Japanese.