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Are there rules for when pronouns in Japanese can be omitted or you learn that
by experience only?
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2016-08-08T01:11:32.107
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2016-08-08T10:39:49.550
2016-08-08T01:27:27.320
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question
pronouns
Are there rules for when pronouns in Japanese can be omitted?
Pronouns are usually dropped IF the subject is OBVIOUSLY known. Examples in
English:

1) "Do you want to go get lunch?"

2) "Want to go to lunch?" (When the person knows you are speaking directly to
them)

3) "Lunch?" VERY informal.

Also... dropping the "Anata wa" after asking multiple people, you can add
"Anata GA" to emphasize to ONE person that you mean them specifically, and
avoid ambiguity. Similar to in english: "Lunch?" "Want lunch?" "You?" "Hey
you, Do YOU want some lunch?" (Ga fits here)

I would not call it a "topic change", but it draws the attention of the one
person after the repitition might have made them numb to the fact that you
were speaking to them specifically, instead of just asking EVERYONE.

Also, this is all CASUAL conversation. In formal conversation you DO NOT drop
the subject, in fact "anata" might not even be appropriate. You should try to
use the persons NAME-san (sama) or their TITLE to show propper respect.
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2016-08-08T10:39:49.550
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2016-08-08T10:39:49.550
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answer