There are thousands of Japanese expressions that are very easy to confuse with similar sounds and overlapping purposes in discussion. It helps to think of them in their correct grammatical boxes in order to try and get some overall sense.
These different boxes (and some sub-boxes) are as follows:
(1) compound particles - these are often used in substitution for more simple particles to help make complex sentences more easy to understand. As such they would co-ordinate with the predicate (e.g. the relevant verb or adjective) and their choice may be limited depending on the very concerned etc. ni tsuite and ni taishite are simple examples.
(2) parallel particles - these function to join together nouns in parallel for use in longer noun phrases. There are a surprisingly large number! e.g. oyobi, narabi ni, de are, de are, to ii to ii etc
(3) Compound sentences - these expressions join to sentences that depend on each other into longer expressions. Sub classes are:
conditional expressions
reason and purpose expressions
paradoxical and comparative expressions
correlative and common action expressions
time expressions
(4) Conjunctions - these expressions do not join two simple sentences together to make a related compound sentence as the above expressions. However they do show a relationship between one sentence and the following sentence, where the relationship can be the same as found in compound sentences (e.g one of cause and effect etc). e.g. suru to, naze nara. However they also have wider uses - e.g. tadashi, nao, tsumari, kono you ni etc.
(5) toritate expressions - these expressions are used to imply an additional "plus alpha" meaning beyond the words or expressions as stated.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Section 31 - complex sentences 1
Complex sentences
Conditions
Within complex sentences there are those that where between the earlier clause and the latter clause a cause and effect relationship exists. A cause and effect relationship is a relationship where the occurrence of the latter clause depends on whether or not the prior clause occurs.
Hypothetical conditions - these are relationships where the truth or falsehood of the prior condition is not confirmed - e.g. If you go to Tokyo...
Anti-factual conditions - These are relationships where the condition has not actually been met, matter has not occurred but if it did then... e.g. If I had wings... If I was him...
Confirmed conditions - these are relationships where the first condition will certainly be met - e.g. when it becomes ten o'clock.
Factual conditions - these are cases where the factual conditions in the following sentence have actually been realised.
Reason and purpose
Within complex sentences explaining cause and effect there are cases where the matters in the earlier sentence have already been realised. These are reasons but may also be reasons for some matters, or basis for some judgement. There are various expressions for such reasons and also items that resemble reasons, i.e. purposes, are also considered in section 31. For example:
Basic expressions to mark reasons - kara, node, tame ni, okage de, sei de, bakari ni
Expressions for reasons that include kara and related expressions - kara koso, kara to itte, kara (ni) ha, ijou (ha), ue (ha), no dakara, mono dakara
Other expressions to mark reasons - dakeatte, dake ni, mono, to atte
Expressions of purpose - tameni, youni, tameniha, youto, beku
Paradoxes (gyakusetsu), comparisons
Causal relationships where the relationship is not what would be expected from social norms etc also exist. These are called "gyakusetsu".
Gyakusetsu can be split into three large groups - the keredo group, the noni group and the temo group as below
Kedo group - the prior and the following sentences can be aligned objectively, and in fact rather than being gyakustesu they are closer in nature to comparison.
Noni group - in these cases the matters that can be foreseen from the first sentence and the actual matters in the second sentence do not agree at all, so these have the most paradoxical nature of the three groups.
Temo group - in this case even though the conditions in the prior clause is met, the matters in the second clause are still not met. These expressions have the nature of hypothetical clauses.
Part 32 of the book considers gyakusetsu but also considers the similar concept of comparison. Expressions classified in this part are as follows:
kedo group - kedo, keredomo, ga, monono, tohaie, noga, wariniha, nishiteha, to omottara, to omoikyam tsutsu (mo), ni hanshite, ni hikikae
comparative forms - hanmen, oppou (de), no ni taishte, to chigatte, touttekawatte, ni hikikae
noni group - noni, nimo kakarawazu, kuse ni, tokoro wo, mono wo, no wo, nagara (mo), toiedomo, mo kamawazu
temo group - temo, (yo)uga-maiga, niseyo/nishiro, ta tokoro de, [ni/to]shitemo, ni shitatte, de are
Commonly occuring and correlative relationships
Here the following sorts of relationships are dealt with
(1) te
(2) naide, nakute, zuni, zu, naku
(3) expressions that show one action occuring along with another action - nagara, tsutsu, tsuide ni, katawara, gatera, katagata
(4) expressions which show with one action taking place, in addition a further separate action takes place - dake denaku, bakari denaku, bakari ka, nomi narazu, ni todomarazu
(5) expressions which show along with the development of one action, another action also develops (a correlative relationship) - ba-hodo, ni tsurete, ni shitagatte, ni tomonatte, totomo ni
Time expressions
Here we look at a number of time expressions
(1) Expressions that show that at the time that one matter occurs, another matter also occurs - toki (ni), sai (ni), ori(ni), aida (ni), uchi (ni), saichuuni
(2) Expressions that emphasise that two matters occur (almost) at the same time - to douji ni, ta (ka) to omou to, gahayaika, yainaya, nari, ka-naika no uchi ni, tatotan (ni), shidai, sobakara
(3) Expressions that show that one matter occurs after another matter - te kara, te hajemete, te kara denai to, ta ue de, te irai, tekara to iumono.
Conditions
Within complex sentences there are those that where between the earlier clause and the latter clause a cause and effect relationship exists. A cause and effect relationship is a relationship where the occurrence of the latter clause depends on whether or not the prior clause occurs.
Hypothetical conditions - these are relationships where the truth or falsehood of the prior condition is not confirmed - e.g. If you go to Tokyo...
Anti-factual conditions - These are relationships where the condition has not actually been met, matter has not occurred but if it did then... e.g. If I had wings... If I was him...
Confirmed conditions - these are relationships where the first condition will certainly be met - e.g. when it becomes ten o'clock.
Factual conditions - these are cases where the factual conditions in the following sentence have actually been realised.
Reason and purpose
Within complex sentences explaining cause and effect there are cases where the matters in the earlier sentence have already been realised. These are reasons but may also be reasons for some matters, or basis for some judgement. There are various expressions for such reasons and also items that resemble reasons, i.e. purposes, are also considered in section 31. For example:
Basic expressions to mark reasons - kara, node, tame ni, okage de, sei de, bakari ni
Expressions for reasons that include kara and related expressions - kara koso, kara to itte, kara (ni) ha, ijou (ha), ue (ha), no dakara, mono dakara
Other expressions to mark reasons - dakeatte, dake ni, mono, to atte
Expressions of purpose - tameni, youni, tameniha, youto, beku
Paradoxes (gyakusetsu), comparisons
Causal relationships where the relationship is not what would be expected from social norms etc also exist. These are called "gyakusetsu".
Gyakusetsu can be split into three large groups - the keredo group, the noni group and the temo group as below
Kedo group - the prior and the following sentences can be aligned objectively, and in fact rather than being gyakustesu they are closer in nature to comparison.
Noni group - in these cases the matters that can be foreseen from the first sentence and the actual matters in the second sentence do not agree at all, so these have the most paradoxical nature of the three groups.
Temo group - in this case even though the conditions in the prior clause is met, the matters in the second clause are still not met. These expressions have the nature of hypothetical clauses.
Part 32 of the book considers gyakusetsu but also considers the similar concept of comparison. Expressions classified in this part are as follows:
kedo group - kedo, keredomo, ga, monono, tohaie, noga, wariniha, nishiteha, to omottara, to omoikyam tsutsu (mo), ni hanshite, ni hikikae
comparative forms - hanmen, oppou (de), no ni taishte, to chigatte, touttekawatte, ni hikikae
noni group - noni, nimo kakarawazu, kuse ni, tokoro wo, mono wo, no wo, nagara (mo), toiedomo, mo kamawazu
temo group - temo, (yo)uga-maiga, niseyo/nishiro, ta tokoro de, [ni/to]shitemo, ni shitatte, de are
Commonly occuring and correlative relationships
Here the following sorts of relationships are dealt with
(1) te
(2) naide, nakute, zuni, zu, naku
(3) expressions that show one action occuring along with another action - nagara, tsutsu, tsuide ni, katawara, gatera, katagata
(4) expressions which show with one action taking place, in addition a further separate action takes place - dake denaku, bakari denaku, bakari ka, nomi narazu, ni todomarazu
(5) expressions which show along with the development of one action, another action also develops (a correlative relationship) - ba-hodo, ni tsurete, ni shitagatte, ni tomonatte, totomo ni
Time expressions
Here we look at a number of time expressions
(1) Expressions that show that at the time that one matter occurs, another matter also occurs - toki (ni), sai (ni), ori(ni), aida (ni), uchi (ni), saichuuni
(2) Expressions that emphasise that two matters occur (almost) at the same time - to douji ni, ta (ka) to omou to, gahayaika, yainaya, nari, ka-naika no uchi ni, tatotan (ni), shidai, sobakara
(3) Expressions that show that one matter occurs after another matter - te kara, te hajemete, te kara denai to, ta ue de, te irai, tekara to iumono.
Compund Particles 3 - means, cause, basis, source of information - ni yotte, wo tsujite, wo motte
The particle de represents (1) place, (2) materials, (3) means, tools, (4) cause or reason, (5) scope, (6) conclusion(?), (7) contents so has various meanings. In the way, for example, that when de is attached to park, you can understand it means place where action occurs you can interpret the use of de from the nature of the noun that precedes it.
However because de has many meanings, it can sometimes be difficult to understand. Especially in long sentences, if you use a form for de that is more specialised and easier to understand then the relationship between the noun and the predicate concerned is more easy to understand. Compound particles are used for this purpose.
In this section 3 expressions with the meaning of de, especially in relation to means, cause, evidence are dealt with. One part of this includes forms such as okage de that us used to modify nouns and express cause, reason in compound sentences. These so called connective particles are dealt with here but more details can be found in section 31.
However because de has many meanings, it can sometimes be difficult to understand. Especially in long sentences, if you use a form for de that is more specialised and easier to understand then the relationship between the noun and the predicate concerned is more easy to understand. Compound particles are used for this purpose.
In this section 3 expressions with the meaning of de, especially in relation to means, cause, evidence are dealt with. One part of this includes forms such as okage de that us used to modify nouns and express cause, reason in compound sentences. These so called connective particles are dealt with here but more details can be found in section 31.
Compund particles 1 - ni matsuwaru, ni kakawaru
Expressions that represent subjects of a relationship - part 2
（１）彼はこの城にまつわる不思議な話をし始めた。
（２）彼は国連で軍縮にかかわる業務に従事しています
As forms which are followed by verbal predicates, they do not have te forms.
Ni matsuwaru is followed by (modifies) nouns such as talk, legend, rumor, anecdote, story and so marks things that are related to these talks, legends, rumors etc.
Ni matsuwaru can be replaced by ni tsuite no but ni matsuwaru implies an indirect relationship (between the story and the item concerned). Accordingly ni matsuwaru would not normally be used with "question" or "theory".
山田議員の環境問題｛Oについての/Xにまつわる｝質問は新聞でも大きく取り上げられた。
Although you can find ni matsuwaru as a verb in the dictionary it is never so used at the end of a sentence but always as a compound particle
（１）彼はこの城にまつわる不思議な話をし始めた。
（２）彼は国連で軍縮にかかわる業務に従事しています
As forms which are followed by verbal predicates, they do not have te forms.
Ni matsuwaru is followed by (modifies) nouns such as talk, legend, rumor, anecdote, story and so marks things that are related to these talks, legends, rumors etc.
Ni matsuwaru can be replaced by ni tsuite no but ni matsuwaru implies an indirect relationship (between the story and the item concerned). Accordingly ni matsuwaru would not normally be used with "question" or "theory".
山田議員の環境問題｛Oについての/Xにまつわる｝質問は新聞でも大きく取り上げられた。
Although you can find ni matsuwaru as a verb in the dictionary it is never so used at the end of a sentence but always as a compound particle
Compound Particles - 1 - nitsuite, ni kanshite, wo megutte
Ni tsuite, ni kanshite, wo megutte - expressions that represent a target which has a connection
（１）最近、人生について考えることが多い。
（２）彼は消化器の治療に関して自信を持っていた。
（３）国会の会期延長をめぐって与野党が議論した。
? 最近、人生に関して考えることが多い。
X 講演会では環境問題をめぐって話しましょう。- not natural because there is a single speaker and wo megutte implies debate etc among multiple parties.
（１）最近、人生について考えることが多い。
（２）彼は消化器の治療に関して自信を持っていた。
（３）国会の会期延長をめぐって与野党が議論した。
- Ni tsuite and ni kanshite represent the targets of the action or state represented by the predicate.
- For ni tsuite, predicates such as think, speak, talk about, state, listen, write, check and other verbs related to the handling of the information according to language are used. For adjectives kuwashii and muchi da 無知だ can be used.
- ni kanshite can in many cases be used in place of ni tsuite. However it is somewhat unnatural to use ni kanshite with verbs related to thought.
? 最近、人生に関して考えることが多い。
- wo megutte is used with verbs such as debate, battle, oppose, and similar verbs and represents something that is the target of such conflict. wo megutte includes the sense of a the length of the process to reach a conclusion..
- wo megutte is natural for verbs that do not include a sense of information from language such as battle or conflict. For example in (3) above wo megutte is more natural.
- wo meguttte is not appropriate for a verb the subject of which is an individual unit.
X 講演会では環境問題をめぐって話しましょう。- not natural because there is a single speaker and wo megutte implies debate etc among multiple parties.
- Ni tsuite and ni kanshite can also be used instead of wa, where they are short for ni tsuite ieba or in kanshite ieba.
- ni tsuite can also be used to represent a ratio
Compound Particles - 1 - Subject - ni taishite
Among particles that represent the relationship between the predicate and noun phrases we have ga, o, ni, he, to, kara, yo, made, de. However we also have forms such as ni tsuite and ni yotte which are used instead of these particles in order to represent the relationship between noun phrases and the predicate. This sort of forms that correspond to particles are called 'compound particles'.
Many of these compound particles originaly come from [particle + verb in active form] and among them ni or wo together with a verb in the te-form is common. Also forms such as no okage de made of [no + noun + other particle] also exist.
There are thought to be two main reasons why why compound particles are used. One reason is to make more clear the meaning of particles that have a lot of types of meaning such as de for example. A further reason is to express a meaning that cannot be expressed (or is difficult to express) with normal particles.
In section 2 we will take a look at particles which represent the subject of wo and ni. Note that particles follow the form of the predicate. When a noun follows on as in [X toshokan de benkyou] then particles cannot be used without any change. Compound particles are the same in that there are forms that are followed by a predicate and there are forms that are followed by a noun. In this section 2 we look mostly at ones that are followed by a predicate and in section 5 look at ones that can be followed by a noun.
~ni taishite - an expression showing the subject to which a movement, emotion or attitude is directed.
Ni taishite originally comes from ni taisuru. Ni taisuru means "face each other" so expresses a direction to which, without touching, a situation or action faces. The meaning of ni taishite explained above comes from this.
The phrases ni taisuru and ni taishte no which can be used to modify nouns can be in general be used when the action or attitude to which they are directed is somewhat broader. Contrast the following phrases:
不良グループのA君「に対して/に対するの」暴行は執拗に続いた。
X 不良グループのA君「に対して」暴行した。 - i.e. action is too general and wide in relation to A
子供「に対して/に対するの」愛情は尽きることがない。
X 子供「に対して」愛する。 - i.e. feeling is too broad for the te form
（１）市民団体は知事の無責任な行動に対して抗議した。
（２）敵国に対して出された要求はすべて拒否された。
山下は彼女に対して冷たかった
In passive constructions such as (2) above the when the subject of the verb can be easily confused then through the use of ni taishite then the subject of the sentence can be clearly expressed. Without the ni taishite, then 2 could mean "The demands which were made of [the subject] by the enemy [and which caused the subject trouble] were denied [by the subject]" but it is clear that it means "The demands that were made of the enemy [by the subject] were denied [by the enemy].
A little extra information
Many of these compound particles originaly come from [particle + verb in active form] and among them ni or wo together with a verb in the te-form is common. Also forms such as no okage de made of [no + noun + other particle] also exist.
There are thought to be two main reasons why why compound particles are used. One reason is to make more clear the meaning of particles that have a lot of types of meaning such as de for example. A further reason is to express a meaning that cannot be expressed (or is difficult to express) with normal particles.
In section 2 we will take a look at particles which represent the subject of wo and ni. Note that particles follow the form of the predicate. When a noun follows on as in [X toshokan de benkyou] then particles cannot be used without any change. Compound particles are the same in that there are forms that are followed by a predicate and there are forms that are followed by a noun. In this section 2 we look mostly at ones that are followed by a predicate and in section 5 look at ones that can be followed by a noun.
~ni taishite - an expression showing the subject to which a movement, emotion or attitude is directed.
Ni taishite originally comes from ni taisuru. Ni taisuru means "face each other" so expresses a direction to which, without touching, a situation or action faces. The meaning of ni taishite explained above comes from this.
The phrases ni taisuru and ni taishte no which can be used to modify nouns can be in general be used when the action or attitude to which they are directed is somewhat broader. Contrast the following phrases:
不良グループのA君「に対して/に対するの」暴行は執拗に続いた。
X 不良グループのA君「に対して」暴行した。 - i.e. action is too general and wide in relation to A
子供「に対して/に対するの」愛情は尽きることがない。
X 子供「に対して」愛する。 - i.e. feeling is too broad for the te form
（１）市民団体は知事の無責任な行動に対して抗議した。
（２）敵国に対して出された要求はすべて拒否された。
- ni taishite represents the subject to which an action, emotion or attitude is directed.
- In many cases ni can be said instead of ni taishite
- ni taishite cannot be used in the following circumstances
- subjects that are represented by wo
- out of subjects that are represented by ni, ones that an action will directly effect
- 田中はいやみを言う上司｛Oを/Xに対して｝そっと触れた。
- を別れに、彼女のほほ｛Oに/Xに対して｝キスをした。
山下は彼女に対して冷たかった
In passive constructions such as (2) above the when the subject of the verb can be easily confused then through the use of ni taishite then the subject of the sentence can be clearly expressed. Without the ni taishite, then 2 could mean "The demands which were made of [the subject] by the enemy [and which caused the subject trouble] were denied [by the subject]" but it is clear that it means "The demands that were made of the enemy [by the subject] were denied [by the enemy].
A little extra information
Monday, August 24, 2009
ばかりに simply because; just because; simply on account of - conjunction
A conjunction indicating that a single factors causes a negative situation.
Formation:
(i) Vinf.past ・食べたばかりに
(ii) Adj(i)inf ・難し｛い・かった｝ばかりに
(iii) Adj(na)stem・ 不便｛な・である・だった・であった｝ばかりに
(iv) N・先生{である・だった・であった｝ばかりに
（１）僕が一言変なことを言ったばかりに彼女との関係は悪くなったしまった。
Just because I said one strange thing to her, my relationship with her deteriorated.
（２）あの日たまたま休んでいたばかりに、大事な連絡を聞きそびれた。
I missed a really important announcement just because I happened to be absent that day.
（３）お金がなっかたばかりに、映画もろくに見られなかった。
I couldnt even go to the movies, just because I didnt have any money.
Notes
(1) The conjunction ばかりに is used to indicate that a single factor causes a negative situation.
(2) The main clause (i.e. not the ばかりに clause?!) indicates the resulting negative situation, but when the ばかりに clause takes the auxiliary adjective ～たい the main clause can indicate effort. For example...
あいつは目立ちたいばかりに似合わない派手な背広を着ている。
He is wearing a gaudy suit jacket that doesnt suit him just because he is so eager to stand out.
(3) If ばかりに is preceded by と it has a totally different meaning "as if someone were saying"
彼は今がチャンスとばかりに彼女に言い寄った。
As if he was saying "now is my chance" he made advances towards her.
Formation:
(i) Vinf.past ・食べたばかりに
(ii) Adj(i)inf ・難し｛い・かった｝ばかりに
(iii) Adj(na)stem・ 不便｛な・である・だった・であった｝ばかりに
(iv) N・先生{である・だった・であった｝ばかりに
（１）僕が一言変なことを言ったばかりに彼女との関係は悪くなったしまった。
Just because I said one strange thing to her, my relationship with her deteriorated.
（２）あの日たまたま休んでいたばかりに、大事な連絡を聞きそびれた。
I missed a really important announcement just because I happened to be absent that day.
（３）お金がなっかたばかりに、映画もろくに見られなかった。
I couldnt even go to the movies, just because I didnt have any money.
Notes
(1) The conjunction ばかりに is used to indicate that a single factor causes a negative situation.
(2) The main clause (i.e. not the ばかりに clause?!) indicates the resulting negative situation, but when the ばかりに clause takes the auxiliary adjective ～たい the main clause can indicate effort. For example...
あいつは目立ちたいばかりに似合わない派手な背広を着ている。
He is wearing a gaudy suit jacket that doesnt suit him just because he is so eager to stand out.
(3) If ばかりに is preceded by と it has a totally different meaning "as if someone were saying"
彼は今がチャンスとばかりに彼女に言い寄った。
As if he was saying "now is my chance" he made advances towards her.
だけに・as one would expect; so (naturally); because - phrase
A phrase that carries the idea "as one would expect".
Formation:
Vinf だけに・教えている/教えていただけに
Adj(i)inf だけに・若い/若かった だけに
Adj(na)stem だけに・上手な/上手だった だけに
N だけに・先生・せんせいだった だけに
（１）ビルは元フットボール選手だけに足が速い。
Bill used to be a football player and, as one would expect, he runs fast.
（２）ホワイトさんは長い間日本に住んでいただけに日本のことをよく知っている。
Mr White lived a long time in Japan, so naturally he is very familiar with things related to Japan.
（３）彼は元アナウーンサーだけに声がよく通る。
He used to be an announcer, soo naturally his voice carries well.
S1 だけに S2 is used when S2 is something that can be expected from S1 where S1 represents a fact.
The adverb さすが sometimes occurs with だけに. This adverb indicates that the speaker is impressed by what S2 represents. Note S2 must be something impressive, so use with an unimpressive S2 is ungrammatical. さすが appears in S1 before or after the topic.
彼はさすが元アナウーンサーだけに声がよく通る。
さすが彼は元アナウーンサーだけに声がよく通る
Related expressions
だっけあって is synonymous with だけに when they are used to meean "as one would expect". However だっけあった cannot be used when S2 represents something undesireable or when the whole sentence is about a negative expecation.
Formation:
Vinf だけに・教えている/教えていただけに
Adj(i)inf だけに・若い/若かった だけに
Adj(na)stem だけに・上手な/上手だった だけに
N だけに・先生・せんせいだった だけに
（１）ビルは元フットボール選手だけに足が速い。
Bill used to be a football player and, as one would expect, he runs fast.
（２）ホワイトさんは長い間日本に住んでいただけに日本のことをよく知っている。
Mr White lived a long time in Japan, so naturally he is very familiar with things related to Japan.
（３）彼は元アナウーンサーだけに声がよく通る。
He used to be an announcer, soo naturally his voice carries well.
S1 だけに S2 is used when S2 is something that can be expected from S1 where S1 represents a fact.
The adverb さすが sometimes occurs with だけに. This adverb indicates that the speaker is impressed by what S2 represents. Note S2 must be something impressive, so use with an unimpressive S2 is ungrammatical. さすが appears in S1 before or after the topic.
彼はさすが元アナウーンサーだけに声がよく通る。
さすが彼は元アナウーンサーだけに声がよく通る
Related expressions
だっけあって is synonymous with だけに when they are used to meean "as one would expect". However だっけあった cannot be used when S2 represents something undesireable or when the whole sentence is about a negative expecation.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
で 格
There are other uses for で besides marking location.
(1) Scope 範囲
日本では、何月がいちばん暑いんですか。
ヨーロッパ園で最も南の島の山の中を歩いていた。
スタッフの間で、あれはいったい誰だろうとひとしきり話題になった。
At first glance, で above looks like で used for the place of an activity. However this is not the case and the predicate is not limited to verbs used for activity only. For example in the above sentences 最も南（の） is the predicate, not 歩く。
(2) Standard 基準
１ダースとは１２で一組ということだ。
(3) Limit 限度
あと１ページで読み終わる
(4) Time limit, deadline 期限
来年の誕生日で免許の有効期限が切れる。 Represents a continuing thing coming to an end.
(5) Ingredients 材料
カルパッチョは、生の肉や魚で作る。
(6) Tools 道具
ペンで書く。
(7) Means 手段
現金で払う。
(8) Cause, reason 原因、理由
何年も前のことになるけれども、ある映画の仕事でニューカレドニアにいった。
(9) Situation 様態
早足で歩く。
(10) Subject of action or deed 動作・行為の主体
アナウンッサーたちでテニスをすることもある。
何十人ものスタッフで島の中をあちこち動き回って撮影を続けた。
で above can be replaced by が grammatically as the representative of the subject. There are other set phrases using で in a similar manner but with は only. For example, 今日では、現在では、
(11) Point in time at which an action takes place 動作の行われる時点
「カラオケ」ということばは、今ではもう英語になっている。
(1) Scope 範囲
日本では、何月がいちばん暑いんですか。
ヨーロッパ園で最も南の島の山の中を歩いていた。
スタッフの間で、あれはいったい誰だろうとひとしきり話題になった。
At first glance, で above looks like で used for the place of an activity. However this is not the case and the predicate is not limited to verbs used for activity only. For example in the above sentences 最も南（の） is the predicate, not 歩く。
(2) Standard 基準
１ダースとは１２で一組ということだ。
(3) Limit 限度
あと１ページで読み終わる
(4) Time limit, deadline 期限
来年の誕生日で免許の有効期限が切れる。 Represents a continuing thing coming to an end.
(5) Ingredients 材料
カルパッチョは、生の肉や魚で作る。
(6) Tools 道具
ペンで書く。
(7) Means 手段
現金で払う。
(8) Cause, reason 原因、理由
何年も前のことになるけれども、ある映画の仕事でニューカレドニアにいった。
(9) Situation 様態
早足で歩く。
(10) Subject of action or deed 動作・行為の主体
アナウンッサーたちでテニスをすることもある。
何十人ものスタッフで島の中をあちこち動き回って撮影を続けた。
で above can be replaced by が grammatically as the representative of the subject. There are other set phrases using で in a similar manner but with は only. For example, 今日では、現在では、
(11) Point in time at which an action takes place 動作の行われる時点
「カラオケ」ということばは、今ではもう英語になっている。
に and で used in relation to places
で is used to mark a location with verbs that involve action. For example, 遊ぶ、読む、待つ
に is used to mark a location with verbs that involve existance. いる、ある、存在する
As a rare exception, with some verbs the result is a place that became a place where you could exist, に may still be used. For example 無人島に小屋を作る。
に is used to mark a location with verbs that involve existance. いる、ある、存在する
As a rare exception, with some verbs the result is a place that became a place where you could exist, に may still be used. For example 無人島に小屋を作る。
を格
を has three basic functions. Firstly marking the object of transitive verbs, secondly marking the space or point of passage through which movement occurs and thirdly marking the point of origination of movement.
Verbs used in the second function may be 渡る、通る、歩く.
Verbs used in the third function may include 出る、降りる、発つ
Verbs used in the second function may be 渡る、通る、歩く.
Verbs used in the third function may include 出る、降りる、発つ
Monday, July 6, 2009
～はおろか・not to mention
～は当然として（されに～も）・～は普通としても
AはおろかB means "A of course, but B as well". The second clause describes a negative situation or circumstance, typically using 「無い・～ない・少ない」. Emphasises difference in nuance by citing normal-level A, followed by the less significant B.
（１） 彼の部屋には、エアコンはあろか、扇風機もなかった。
In his room, he doesn't have air conditioning nor even a fan.
（２）こんな成績では進学はあろか、卒業だって危ない。
With this rank his going to another school and even his graduation are at risk.
（３）腰が痛くて、歩くのはあろか、座るのもつらい。
My back aches and not only walking but even sitting hurts.
（４）この地球上には、電気、ガスはあろか、水道さえない生活をしている人々がまだまだたくさんいる。
On this plant, there are a lot of people carrying on their life not only with out electricity or gas but even without running water.
AはおろかB means "A of course, but B as well". The second clause describes a negative situation or circumstance, typically using 「無い・～ない・少ない」. Emphasises difference in nuance by citing normal-level A, followed by the less significant B.
（１） 彼の部屋には、エアコンはあろか、扇風機もなかった。
In his room, he doesn't have air conditioning nor even a fan.
（２）こんな成績では進学はあろか、卒業だって危ない。
With this rank his going to another school and even his graduation are at risk.
（３）腰が痛くて、歩くのはあろか、座るのもつらい。
My back aches and not only walking but even sitting hurts.
（４）この地球上には、電気、ガスはあろか、水道さえない生活をしている人々がまだまだたくさんいる。
On this plant, there are a lot of people carrying on their life not only with out electricity or gas but even without running water.
～にもまして more than
～以上に
Although one thing is true, something else is even more so. In the form "interrogative + にもまして"
it means "more than anything", "more than anyone" or "more than one time".
Means "...is usually true for..., but...is even more ...". Expresses a further increase in amount or degree of some unusual characteristic.
（１）彼女の一言は、何にもまして私を勇気づけてくれました。
Her words more than anything gave me courage.
（２）足の痛みは、以前にもましてひどくなり、ついに手術をすることになった。
The pain in my foot, more than before has got worse and finally I decided to have surgery.
（３）木村さん、今日はデートがあるらしく、普段にもまして化粧が濃い。
Kimura-san, it looks like you have a date today, your make up is much thicker than normal.
（４）今年の港祭りは、例年にもまして賑わっている。
This year the port festival is, more than normal years, buzzing.
（５）林さん、何かいいことがあったみたいで、今日はいつにもまして陽気だ。
It looks like something good has happened to Kobayashi-san and today more than normal they are really cheerful.
Although one thing is true, something else is even more so. In the form "interrogative + にもまして"
it means "more than anything", "more than anyone" or "more than one time".
Means "...is usually true for..., but...is even more ...". Expresses a further increase in amount or degree of some unusual characteristic.
（１）彼女の一言は、何にもまして私を勇気づけてくれました。
Her words more than anything gave me courage.
（２）足の痛みは、以前にもましてひどくなり、ついに手術をすることになった。
The pain in my foot, more than before has got worse and finally I decided to have surgery.
（３）木村さん、今日はデートがあるらしく、普段にもまして化粧が濃い。
Kimura-san, it looks like you have a date today, your make up is much thicker than normal.
（４）今年の港祭りは、例年にもまして賑わっている。
This year the port festival is, more than normal years, buzzing.
（５）林さん、何かいいことがあったみたいで、今日はいつにもまして陽気だ。
It looks like something good has happened to Kobayashi-san and today more than normal they are really cheerful.
～にひきかえ in contrast to
～とは反対に・とは大きく変わって
Expression that takes two things with contrastive qualities and compares them. Used to make a comparison in which one thing is taken as a plus and the other a minus in order to make a statement that says "in contrast with and opposite to A, B is...". Often implies a certain dissatisfaction with the negatively-evaluated object, and so therefore constitutes criticism or complaint.
Subjective feelings about something directly opposite or vastly different from what comes before pattern. Form にたいして objectively contrasts what comes before and after pattern from an interim position.
（１）まじめで無口な兄にひきかえ、弟の方は落ち着きがなく、いつもふざけてばかりいる。
In contrast to my serious and reticent older brother, my youunger brother is never calm and always playing around.
（２）スポーツや芸術では、国際的に活躍する日本人も多い。それにひきかえ、日本の政治家ノレベルはあまり低すぎる。
There are a lot of internationally active Japanese in the field of sports and entertainment. In contrast Japanese politicians rank is just too low.
（３）兄は節約家のにひきかえ、弟は本当に浪費家だ。
In contrast to my frugal older brother, my younger brother is a spendthrift.
Expression that takes two things with contrastive qualities and compares them. Used to make a comparison in which one thing is taken as a plus and the other a minus in order to make a statement that says "in contrast with and opposite to A, B is...". Often implies a certain dissatisfaction with the negatively-evaluated object, and so therefore constitutes criticism or complaint.
Subjective feelings about something directly opposite or vastly different from what comes before pattern. Form にたいして objectively contrasts what comes before and after pattern from an interim position.
（１）まじめで無口な兄にひきかえ、弟の方は落ち着きがなく、いつもふざけてばかりいる。
In contrast to my serious and reticent older brother, my youunger brother is never calm and always playing around.
（２）スポーツや芸術では、国際的に活躍する日本人も多い。それにひきかえ、日本の政治家ノレベルはあまり低すぎる。
There are a lot of internationally active Japanese in the field of sports and entertainment. In contrast Japanese politicians rank is just too low.
（３）兄は節約家のにひきかえ、弟は本当に浪費家だ。
In contrast to my frugal older brother, my younger brother is a spendthrift.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
～ないまでも・can't go as far as; even if can't go as far as to
～まではできないが・～まではできなくても・～ないにしても・～ないとしても
This expression means "even if (some level of satisfaction/fulfillment) is not attained". The second clause expresses the minimum level that would satisfy the speaker.
Even if something can't attain a certain level, at least is attaining slightly lower level. Nuance of "at least" or "at the minimum".
（１）毎年とは言わないまでも、たまには海外旅行に行きたい。
（２）快適とは言えないまでも、２，３週間滞在するには十分な部屋だった。
（３）半額とはいかないまでも、せめて３割引くらいにしてほしい。
（４）その本を読めば、答えは見つからないまでも、何かヒントは得られるはずです。
（５）損をしないまでも、儲けは殆んどなかった。
This expression means "even if (some level of satisfaction/fulfillment) is not attained". The second clause expresses the minimum level that would satisfy the speaker.
Even if something can't attain a certain level, at least is attaining slightly lower level. Nuance of "at least" or "at the minimum".
（１）毎年とは言わないまでも、たまには海外旅行に行きたい。
（２）快適とは言えないまでも、２，３週間滞在するには十分な部屋だった。
（３）半額とはいかないまでも、せめて３割引くらいにしてほしい。
（４）その本を読めば、答えは見つからないまでも、何かヒントは得られるはずです。
（５）損をしないまでも、儲けは殆んどなかった。
ただ～のみ・ただ～ばかり・～のみならず; just only/not only
ただ～のみ・ただ～ばかり＝ただ～だけ
（ただ）～のみならず＝ただ～だけでなく
The first two expressions mean "just/only~" and that there is nothing else involved. They are used to emphasise a situation where all the focus is on one point only.
The third expression means "not only~" and expresses the fact that the scope of the subject extends much further. This is a written expression.
（１）今はただ、息子の無事を祈るのみです。
（２）心配なのは、ただ、そのことのみです。
（３）ただ文句を言うばかりでは、何も解決されません。
（４）彼はただ勇敢であるのみならず、優しい心の持ち主でもあった。
（５）彼女の作品には、女性のみならず、男性のフーンも多い。
（６）今や彼女の活動範囲は、国内のみならず、海外にも広がっている。
勇敢・ゆうかん・
（ただ）～のみならず＝ただ～だけでなく
The first two expressions mean "just/only~" and that there is nothing else involved. They are used to emphasise a situation where all the focus is on one point only.
The third expression means "not only~" and expresses the fact that the scope of the subject extends much further. This is a written expression.
（１）今はただ、息子の無事を祈るのみです。
（２）心配なのは、ただ、そのことのみです。
（３）ただ文句を言うばかりでは、何も解決されません。
（４）彼はただ勇敢であるのみならず、優しい心の持ち主でもあった。
（５）彼女の作品には、女性のみならず、男性のフーンも多い。
（６）今や彼女の活動範囲は、国内のみならず、海外にも広がっている。
勇敢・ゆうかん・
～と相まって・go hand in hand with;
～と結びついて・～と影響し合って
This expression means "combined with~" and is used to indicate that a certain trend or situation occurs or is intensified as the result of two things happening in conjunction. The second element is added to the first to increase the intensity of result.
（１）その古い神社は、濃い霧と相まって、幻想的な雰囲気に包まれていた。
（２）好天とあいまって、この週末はどこも大変な混雑にあった。
（３）この物語は、主人公の幼い女の子の可愛らしさも相まって、戦争の悲惨さを強く印象づける作品となっている。
（４）多くの国々は、水や空気の汚染と相まって、環境破壊が進んでいる。
（５）コーチの指導力と選手のやる気が相まって、優勝できた。
（６）実力と運とが相まって、彼を成功に導いた。
This expression means "combined with~" and is used to indicate that a certain trend or situation occurs or is intensified as the result of two things happening in conjunction. The second element is added to the first to increase the intensity of result.
（１）その古い神社は、濃い霧と相まって、幻想的な雰囲気に包まれていた。
（２）好天とあいまって、この週末はどこも大変な混雑にあった。
（３）この物語は、主人公の幼い女の子の可愛らしさも相まって、戦争の悲惨さを強く印象づける作品となっている。
（４）多くの国々は、水や空気の汚染と相まって、環境破壊が進んでいる。
（５）コーチの指導力と選手のやる気が相まって、優勝できた。
（６）実力と運とが相まって、彼を成功に導いた。
～とばかり(に)・virtually seems to; as if
いかにも～というような様子で Some attitude or appearance is nto conveyed verbally, but appears a certain way through actions. Describes other people so not used to describe speaker. Usually clause following conveys forceful, extreme action. "really appear/seem to~"
（１）あの子はお母さんなんか嫌いとばかりに、家を出ていってしまいました。
（２）皆が集まって相談していると、彼女は私には関係ないとばかりに横を向いてしまった。
（１）あの子はお母さんなんか嫌いとばかりに、家を出ていってしまいました。
（２）皆が集まって相談していると、彼女は私には関係ないとばかりに横を向いてしまった。
～ずくめ totally immersed in, all in...
Suffix that expresses the fact that "it was...all the way from start to finish" or that "everything was all one way". To be filled with something, or one thing after another happens. Used for things, colors and events. Most often used when a person is inundated with nice things.
（１）彼女は派手好きで、いつも全身ブランドずくめだ。
（２）早朝の散歩は、ダイエットにも健康にもいいから、いいことずくめだ。
（３）うちの学校は規則ずくめで、窮屈でしかたがない。
（１）彼女は派手好きで、いつも全身ブランドずくめだ。
（２）早朝の散歩は、ダイエットにも健康にもいいから、いいことずくめだ。
（３）うちの学校は規則ずくめで、窮屈でしかたがない。
～（が）ごとし・～（が）ごとく・～（が）ごとき ～ごとき（に） like, as
～ごとし is an old expression equivalent in meaning to ～ようだ it is often used in idiomatic expressions. When － appended to a verb it can also be used bby adding ～が。 ～ごときに apphends to a word describing people with a putdown implied and is used with the same meaning as ~なんかに. Humble if appended to 私.
（１） 光陰矢のごとし （ことわざ 月日は、矢が飛ぶようにあっという間に過ぎる。
（２）彼は眠るがごとく安らかに、最期の時を迎えた。
（３）例のごとく、歓迎会の２次会はカラオケです。
（４）飛ぶがごとく、彼は走っていった。
（５）私ごとき未熟者にこのような大役が務めるかどうか心配です。
（６）おまえごときに俺の気持ちがわかってたまるか？
（７）陽子さんは、読んで字のごとし、明るい性格の子です。
最期・さいご・
（１） 光陰矢のごとし （ことわざ 月日は、矢が飛ぶようにあっという間に過ぎる。
（２）彼は眠るがごとく安らかに、最期の時を迎えた。
（３）例のごとく、歓迎会の２次会はカラオケです。
（４）飛ぶがごとく、彼は走っていった。
（５）私ごとき未熟者にこのような大役が務めるかどうか心配です。
（６）おまえごときに俺の気持ちがわかってたまるか？
（７）陽子さんは、読んで字のごとし、明るい性格の子です。
最期・さいご・
Monday, June 29, 2009
こととする・is decided to be; is deemed to be; is judged to be
こととする；
「。。。と見なす」「。。。と判断する」「。。。と決める」と言う意味を表す
Means "Is deemed to be, "is judged to be" or "is decided to be" etc.
（１）＜規則＞会議を欠席する場合は、事前に議長宛に届けを提出することとする。
We have decided that the reform of the law this time is something to be happy about.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
必ずしも・・・ない； It’s not always the case that...
「Xなら、かならずYだ」という論理がいつもあてはまるわけではなく、そうではない場合もある、という意味。例えば（２）は「語学が得意なら就職に有利だ」ということが常に当てはまるわけではない。「わけではない」「とはかぎらない」などと共に使うことが多い。書き言葉的。
This phrase means "The thinking that [If X, then always, without fail Y] is not always appropriate. There are cases when Y does not follow". For example, in (2) that "Being good at languages is good for finding a job" is not always true. Often comes with "wake de ha nai" or "to wa kagiranai".
（１）金持ちが必ずしもしあわせだとは限らない。
Its not always the case that being rich makes you happy.
（２）語学が得意だからといって、必ずしも就職に有利だとは限らない。
If you are good at languagues, it is not always the case that it will be good for getting a job.
（３）日本人は礼儀正しい人々だと言う人もいるようだが、実態は必ずしもそうではないと私は思っている。
There may be people who say that the Japanese, but this is not always the reality I think.
（４）政治家たちは国連は重要だと言う。しかし、必ずしも、常に尊重しなければならぬものだと思っているわけではない。
Politcians say that the United Nations is important. But they don't always think that it always has to be respected.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
品詞と文
1.1 Standards for identifying parts of speech
Words can be separated in various ways but one such way is through parts of speech - 品詞・ひんし. However the distinction between parts of speech is not always so clear. For example
（１）平和な世界
（２）平和の象徴
In (1) heiwa is an adjective while in (2) it is a noun. However if you line up nouns in order from concrete to abstract peace is towards the abstract, adjectival end of the spectrum. The concept of words extending over boundaries is 「品詞間の連続性・ひんしかんのれんぞくせい」 and can be seen in words such as 白 and 白い, 愛、愛する etc. Actual role can depend on context, which includes not only the words but also the situation (e.g. words at an interview may be different from those used with friends).
1.2 Parts of speech and their functions: 補語・ほご；修飾語・しゅうしょくご；述語・じゅつご complement, modifiers and predicate
In order for a part of speech to fulfill its role, it has to be in a position in the sentence where it can exercise its role. The position can be split largely into four: 補語；連体修飾語；連用修飾語；述語。
補語 or complement, is a noun phrase with a particle attached called a 格助詞・かくじょし. Together with the 述語 the 補語 forms the main skeleton of the sentence.
The 述語 requires different 格助詞 depending on the 述語 itself. Also certain 述語 require certain 補語, called 必須補語・ひっすほご。 For example with the sentence 田中さんが乗る is missing its 必須補語, something like タクシに。
The predicate also rounds off or anchors the sentence. There are three types - 動詞、形容詞 and 判定詞 (だ、である、です etc）. Items which add on to the predicate to suplement their meaning are called 助動詞。 Sentences are can be referred to according to the type of predicate - 動詞文、形容詞文、名詞文.
There are also different types of modification - 連体修飾 is modification of nounds whereas 連用修飾 is modification of the predicate. Examples of 連用修飾 include 早く帰る、静かに話す、たいへん美しい、こう言いました。The modifier is called 修飾語 whereas the item modified is called the 被修飾語。 Adverbs, 副詞、 by default are 連用修飾. However note that some words may also function as both nouns （連体修飾） and adverbs - for example 朝はたいていパンを食べる or たいていの場合、朝はパンである。
Words can be separated in various ways but one such way is through parts of speech - 品詞・ひんし. However the distinction between parts of speech is not always so clear. For example
（１）平和な世界
（２）平和の象徴
In (1) heiwa is an adjective while in (2) it is a noun. However if you line up nouns in order from concrete to abstract peace is towards the abstract, adjectival end of the spectrum. The concept of words extending over boundaries is 「品詞間の連続性・ひんしかんのれんぞくせい」 and can be seen in words such as 白 and 白い, 愛、愛する etc. Actual role can depend on context, which includes not only the words but also the situation (e.g. words at an interview may be different from those used with friends).
1.2 Parts of speech and their functions: 補語・ほご；修飾語・しゅうしょくご；述語・じゅつご complement, modifiers and predicate
In order for a part of speech to fulfill its role, it has to be in a position in the sentence where it can exercise its role. The position can be split largely into four: 補語；連体修飾語；連用修飾語；述語。
補語 or complement, is a noun phrase with a particle attached called a 格助詞・かくじょし. Together with the 述語 the 補語 forms the main skeleton of the sentence.
The 述語 requires different 格助詞 depending on the 述語 itself. Also certain 述語 require certain 補語, called 必須補語・ひっすほご。 For example with the sentence 田中さんが乗る is missing its 必須補語, something like タクシに。
The predicate also rounds off or anchors the sentence. There are three types - 動詞、形容詞 and 判定詞 (だ、である、です etc）. Items which add on to the predicate to suplement their meaning are called 助動詞。 Sentences are can be referred to according to the type of predicate - 動詞文、形容詞文、名詞文.
There are also different types of modification - 連体修飾 is modification of nounds whereas 連用修飾 is modification of the predicate. Examples of 連用修飾 include 早く帰る、静かに話す、たいへん美しい、こう言いました。The modifier is called 修飾語 whereas the item modified is called the 被修飾語。 Adverbs, 副詞、 by default are 連用修飾. However note that some words may also function as both nouns （連体修飾） and adverbs - for example 朝はたいていパンを食べる or たいていの場合、朝はパンである。
Sunday, May 17, 2009
～をものともせずに without it becoming, being a problem: without being beaten
「～に負けないで」
Refuse to give in to difficulty;s tand bravely against the odds. Note - not used for speaker's situation.
（１）山田選手はひざのけがをものともせずに決勝戦に出ました。
Without worrying about the injury to his knee, Yamada appeared in the final.
（２）救援隊は山崩れの危険をものともせずに、生き埋めになった人達の捜索を続けた。
Indifferent to the danger from the landslide, the search for people buried alive continued.
Refuse to give in to difficulty;s tand bravely against the odds. Note - not used for speaker's situation.
（１）山田選手はひざのけがをものともせずに決勝戦に出ました。
Without worrying about the injury to his knee, Yamada appeared in the final.
（２）救援隊は山崩れの危険をものともせずに、生き埋めになった人達の捜索を続けた。
Indifferent to the danger from the landslide, the search for people buried alive continued.
～をよそに indifferent to
「～を自分とは関係ないものとして」
Even though the party in question should be interested in something, is indifferent to it.
（１）住民の不安をよそに、原子力発電所の建設工事が始まった。
Indifferent to the anxiety of the residents, contstruction of the nucler generating station commenced.
（２）高速道路では、車の渋滞をよそに、バイクがその脇をすいすいと進んで行く。
On the motorway, regardless of the cars in the traffic jam, the bike can go quickly along the highway's edge.
（３）家族の期待をよそに、彼は結局大学には入らずにアルバイト生活を続けている。
Indifferent to the hopes of his family, in the end he didnt go into university but continued with his temping lifestyle.
Even though the party in question should be interested in something, is indifferent to it.
（１）住民の不安をよそに、原子力発電所の建設工事が始まった。
Indifferent to the anxiety of the residents, contstruction of the nucler generating station commenced.
（２）高速道路では、車の渋滞をよそに、バイクがその脇をすいすいと進んで行く。
On the motorway, regardless of the cars in the traffic jam, the bike can go quickly along the highway's edge.
（３）家族の期待をよそに、彼は結局大学には入らずにアルバイト生活を続けている。
Indifferent to the hopes of his family, in the end he didnt go into university but continued with his temping lifestyle.
とあいまって go hand in hand with
Together - second element is added to first to increase intensity of result.
（１）多くの国々では、水や空気の汚染と相まって、環境破壊が進んでいる。
In many countries, together with water and air pollution, environmental damage is proceeding.
（２）コーチの指導力と選手のやる気が相まって、優勝できた。
The coache's leadership together with the spirit of the players together could win.
（３）実力と運とが相まって、彼を成功に導いた。
Ability and luck in combination leaded him to success.
汚染・おせん・pollution
（１）多くの国々では、水や空気の汚染と相まって、環境破壊が進んでいる。
In many countries, together with water and air pollution, environmental damage is proceeding.
（２）コーチの指導力と選手のやる気が相まって、優勝できた。
The coache's leadership together with the spirit of the players together could win.
（３）実力と運とが相まって、彼を成功に導いた。
Ability and luck in combination leaded him to success.
汚染・おせん・pollution
いかんによらず・いかんにかかわらず・いかんを問わず doesn't matter whether...
「～がどうであっても、それに関係なく」
[doesn't matter whether...]
（１）調査の結果いかんにかかわらず、かならず連絡してください。
Whatever the results of the audit, you should certainly please contact me.
（２）理由のいかんによらず、殺人は許されないことだ。
Whatever the reason, you can't forgive a murderer.
（３）国民の賛意のいかんにかかわらず、その法案は国会で可決されるだろう。
Regardless pf whether or not it has the approval of the people, this bill will probably be approved in the Diet.
（４）年齢、国籍のいかんを問わず、採用試験を受けることのできる自治体が増えている。
The number of local government bodies allowing you to take the employment exam regardless of your age or nationality has increased.
（５）この区では、場所のいかんにかかわらず路上喫煙は禁止です
In this district, smoking in the street is forbidden regardless of the place.
[doesn't matter whether...]
（１）調査の結果いかんにかかわらず、かならず連絡してください。
Whatever the results of the audit, you should certainly please contact me.
（２）理由のいかんによらず、殺人は許されないことだ。
Whatever the reason, you can't forgive a murderer.
（３）国民の賛意のいかんにかかわらず、その法案は国会で可決されるだろう。
Regardless pf whether or not it has the approval of the people, this bill will probably be approved in the Diet.
（４）年齢、国籍のいかんを問わず、採用試験を受けることのできる自治体が増えている。
The number of local government bodies allowing you to take the employment exam regardless of your age or nationality has increased.
（５）この区では、場所のいかんにかかわらず路上喫煙は禁止です
In this district, smoking in the street is forbidden regardless of the place.
Nいかんで accordingy to the outcome
「その内容・状態によって」という意味を表す。...次第で
According to the [marked] contents or situation.
（１）客の出足いかんでは１週間で上映を打ち切られる可能性もある。
Dependingon how many customers come, it is possible that screening will be over in a week.
（２）あの人いかんで予算は何でもなる。
Depending on that person, the budget could be anything.
（３）参加するかどうかはその日の体調いかんで決めさせていただきます。
Whether I participate or not, please let me decide on how I am feeling on the day.
Very similar to いかん!
出足・であし・turnout
According to the [marked] contents or situation.
（１）客の出足いかんでは１週間で上映を打ち切られる可能性もある。
Dependingon how many customers come, it is possible that screening will be over in a week.
（２）あの人いかんで予算は何でもなる。
Depending on that person, the budget could be anything.
（３）参加するかどうかはその日の体調いかんで決めさせていただきます。
Whether I participate or not, please let me decide on how I am feeling on the day.
Very similar to いかん!
出足・であし・turnout
Saturday, May 16, 2009
いかん according to the outcome
「あることがらが実現するかどうかはその内容・状態による」という意味を表す。 ...次第だ。
Whether or not something will be realised or depends depends on its contents or situation.
（１）これが成功するかどうかはみんなの努力いかんだ。
Whether or not this succeeds will depend on how much effort everyone makes.
（２）環境破壊を食い止めることは、私達一人一人の心掛けいかんだ。
Preventing environetmental destruction will depend on the the care of each of us as an individual.
（３）政治改革の実現は、連立政権の結束いかんにかかている。
The realisation of political reform will depend on the solidarity of the coalition government.
食い止める・くいとめる・check, prevent, resist
心掛け・こころがけ・care, right-mindedness
連立政権・れんりつせいけん・coalition government
破壊・はかい・destruction
結束・けっそく・solidarity, cohesion
Whether or not something will be realised or depends depends on its contents or situation.
（１）これが成功するかどうかはみんなの努力いかんだ。
Whether or not this succeeds will depend on how much effort everyone makes.
（２）環境破壊を食い止めることは、私達一人一人の心掛けいかんだ。
Preventing environetmental destruction will depend on the the care of each of us as an individual.
（３）政治改革の実現は、連立政権の結束いかんにかかている。
The realisation of political reform will depend on the solidarity of the coalition government.
食い止める・くいとめる・check, prevent, resist
心掛け・こころがけ・care, right-mindedness
連立政権・れんりつせいけん・coalition government
破壊・はかい・destruction
結束・けっそく・solidarity, cohesion
Thursday, May 14, 2009
～にしたところで・～にしたって・～としたところで・～としたって ～even from the point of view of
「～の立場でも」
Usually expresses the idea that even from a particular persons point of view, situation is a certain way. Clause following often contains negative judgement, evaluation, or excuse with nuance of "it can't be helped". In informal speech it becomes にしたって・としたって
Nにしたって
人やものごとを表す名詞に付いて、「そのような人やものやことの場合も」という意味を表す。いろいろある中の一つを例として挙げて、それについて述べるのに使う。他にも同じ様なことがいえるということが含みとして感じられる。
（１）住むところにしたって、探すのには一苦労だ。
Taking a place to live [as an example] looking for one is a lot of trouble.
（２）結婚式にしったてあんなに派手にやる必要はなかったんだ。
As for the wedding ceremony as an example, it wasnt necessary to make it so glamorous [nor to do the same for other things as well].
（３）食事の支度ひとつにしたってあの歳では重荷になっているはずだ。
Preparing your food at that age is a real burden (as are other things)
Usually expresses the idea that even from a particular persons point of view, situation is a certain way. Clause following often contains negative judgement, evaluation, or excuse with nuance of "it can't be helped". In informal speech it becomes にしたって・としたって
Nにしたって
人やものごとを表す名詞に付いて、「そのような人やものやことの場合も」という意味を表す。いろいろある中の一つを例として挙げて、それについて述べるのに使う。他にも同じ様なことがいえるということが含みとして感じられる。
（１）住むところにしたって、探すのには一苦労だ。
Taking a place to live [as an example] looking for one is a lot of trouble.
（２）結婚式にしったてあんなに派手にやる必要はなかったんだ。
As for the wedding ceremony as an example, it wasnt necessary to make it so glamorous [nor to do the same for other things as well].
（３）食事の支度ひとつにしたってあの歳では重荷になっているはずだ。
Preparing your food at that age is a real burden (as are other things)
～ところを ～even though (at this time, in this state)
「～時・状況なのに・～だったのに」
Shows consideration for other partys situation and that speaker has done something regardless of that situation. Often used ideomatically in greetings to show gratitude. Also seen in phrases such as お休みのところを、ご多忙のところを
（１）その試合は、もう少しで終わるところを、雨で中断された。
Just at the moment the match was about to finish, it was cancelled becuase of rain.
（２）黙っていてもいいところを彼は「私がやりました」と自分から正直に言った。
Just at the moment it was best to have stayed quiet, he himself honestly said "It was me that did it!"
Shows consideration for other partys situation and that speaker has done something regardless of that situation. Often used ideomatically in greetings to show gratitude. Also seen in phrases such as お休みのところを、ご多忙のところを
（１）その試合は、もう少しで終わるところを、雨で中断された。
Just at the moment the match was about to finish, it was cancelled becuase of rain.
（２）黙っていてもいいところを彼は「私がやりました」と自分から正直に言った。
Just at the moment it was best to have stayed quiet, he himself honestly said "It was me that did it!"
～と思いきや ～though I thought... it wasn't the case; even though I thought that
「～かと思ったが、そうではなく」
Surprise at something that does not turn out as expected; slightly old fashioned but often used for humour rather than formal language or essays; takes と of quotation, so various forms can proceed.
（１）父は頑固だから兄の結婚には反対するかと思いきや、何も言わずに賛成した。
Because father is so stubborn I thought he would oppose my brothers marriage, but he said nothing and supported it!
（２）お兄さんが大酒飲みだから彼もたくさん飲むのだろうと思いきや、一滴ものめないんだそうだ。
My brother is a big drinker, so I thought he would drink a lot, but he didnt even drink one drop!
（３）老後は退職金の蓄えで安泰だと思いきや、インフレで貯金が目減りしてしまった。
After I was old I thought I would be able to live off my retirement money, but with inflation my savings have decreased!
Surprise at something that does not turn out as expected; slightly old fashioned but often used for humour rather than formal language or essays; takes と of quotation, so various forms can proceed.
（１）父は頑固だから兄の結婚には反対するかと思いきや、何も言わずに賛成した。
Because father is so stubborn I thought he would oppose my brothers marriage, but he said nothing and supported it!
（２）お兄さんが大酒飲みだから彼もたくさん飲むのだろうと思いきや、一滴ものめないんだそうだ。
My brother is a big drinker, so I thought he would drink a lot, but he didnt even drink one drop!
（３）老後は退職金の蓄えで安泰だと思いきや、インフレで貯金が目減りしてしまった。
After I was old I thought I would be able to live off my retirement money, but with inflation my savings have decreased!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
上で for, in order to (目的）
After indicating a goal to actively work toward, second phrase explains what is necessary or important to achieve that goal or objective. Does not take verbs of action.
（１）今度の企画を成功させる上で、ぜひみんなの協力が必要なのだ。
In order to make this plan succeed, we will certainly need everyone's co-operation.
（２）テレビは外国語の勉強の上で、かなり役に立ちます。
For studying foreign langugues, television is unusually useful.
（３）食料品の保存の上で、次のことに注意してください。
In order to preserve food stuffs, please pay attention to the following.
（１）今度の企画を成功させる上で、ぜひみんなの協力が必要なのだ。
In order to make this plan succeed, we will certainly need everyone's co-operation.
（２）テレビは外国語の勉強の上で、かなり役に立ちます。
For studying foreign langugues, television is unusually useful.
（３）食料品の保存の上で、次のことに注意してください。
In order to preserve food stuffs, please pay attention to the following.
～うえで after having
「まず～してから」
After first doing one thing, another action based on the first will occur. Verbs of volition precede or follow うえで.
（１）詳しいことはお目にかかった上で、説明いたします。
After you have cast your eyes over them, I'll explain the detailed matters.
（２）申込書の書き方をよく読んだ上で、記入してください。
Afer you have properly read how to complete the application form, please complete it.
（３）どの大学を受験するか、両親との相談の上で、決めます。
As to which University you will take the exam, after you have discussed with your parents you can decide.
（４）これは一晩考えた上での決心だから、気持ちが変わることはない。
This is a decision I have made after thinking overnight so I am not going to change my feelings.
After first doing one thing, another action based on the first will occur. Verbs of volition precede or follow うえで.
（１）詳しいことはお目にかかった上で、説明いたします。
After you have cast your eyes over them, I'll explain the detailed matters.
（２）申込書の書き方をよく読んだ上で、記入してください。
Afer you have properly read how to complete the application form, please complete it.
（３）どの大学を受験するか、両親との相談の上で、決めます。
As to which University you will take the exam, after you have discussed with your parents you can decide.
（４）これは一晩考えた上での決心だから、気持ちが変わることはない。
This is a decision I have made after thinking overnight so I am not going to change my feelings.
～上は since things have come to such a pass
「～のだから」 Meaning "since...then of course" - expresses speakers resolution or resignation. Phrases following indicate corresponding actions of responsibility or resignation. Often used with べきだ、つもりだ、はずだ、違いない、ではいけない. Similar to いじょうは or からには.
（１） 社長が決断した上は、われわれ社員はやるしかない。
Since the company president, then all we employees just have to do it.
（２）やろうと決心した上は、たとえ結果が悪くても全力をつくすだけだ。
Given that you decided to do it, even if the result comes out bad all you can do is use all your power.
（３）親元を離れる上は、十分な覚悟をするべきだ。
Leaving home, you need to be sufficiently prepared.
（４）契約を結ぶ上は、条件を慎重に検討すべきである。
Since you are signing the contract, you should serious discuss each clause.
（５）弁護士になると決めた上は、苦しくてもがんばらなければならない。
Since youve decided to become a lawyer, even though it will be tough, you will have to really work hard.
（６）友人が困っているのを知った上は、黙って見ていられない。
Knowing that your friend is in trouble, you cant just stand by and watch.
（７）計画が中止になった。こうなった上は、プロジェクトチームは解散するしかない。
The plan has been cancelled. Since it has come to this we just have to disolve the team.
何らかの責任・覚悟を伴う行為を表すことばを受けて、「その行為を行う・行ったのだから」という意味を表す。後ろには、「それに基づいてそれに適した行動をしなければならない」という意味の表現が続く。「からには」「以上は」改まった表現。
親元・おやもと・home with parents
覚悟・かくご・readiness, preparedness
（１） 社長が決断した上は、われわれ社員はやるしかない。
Since the company president, then all we employees just have to do it.
（２）やろうと決心した上は、たとえ結果が悪くても全力をつくすだけだ。
Given that you decided to do it, even if the result comes out bad all you can do is use all your power.
（３）親元を離れる上は、十分な覚悟をするべきだ。
Leaving home, you need to be sufficiently prepared.
（４）契約を結ぶ上は、条件を慎重に検討すべきである。
Since you are signing the contract, you should serious discuss each clause.
（５）弁護士になると決めた上は、苦しくてもがんばらなければならない。
Since youve decided to become a lawyer, even though it will be tough, you will have to really work hard.
（６）友人が困っているのを知った上は、黙って見ていられない。
Knowing that your friend is in trouble, you cant just stand by and watch.
（７）計画が中止になった。こうなった上は、プロジェクトチームは解散するしかない。
The plan has been cancelled. Since it has come to this we just have to disolve the team.
何らかの責任・覚悟を伴う行為を表すことばを受けて、「その行為を行う・行ったのだから」という意味を表す。後ろには、「それに基づいてそれに適した行動をしなければならない」という意味の表現が続く。「からには」「以上は」改まった表現。
親元・おやもと・home with parents
覚悟・かくご・readiness, preparedness
Thursday, May 7, 2009
～といえども even though
～けれども・～でも・であっても・といっても
Expresses disagreement with characteristic or impression of things in extreme situations. A formal expression.
N普通形＋といえども
（１）近年、医学がめざましく進歩したといえども、病人の数は減少傾向にはない。
In recent years medicine has advanced amazingly, but even though the number of sick people has not tended to decrease.
（２）いかに多忙といえども、健康管理を怠ってはならない。
Even though so busy, you shouldnt neglect looking after your health.
（３）高齢者といえども、まだまだ意欲的な人が大勢いる。
Even though an old person, there are still a lot of people with great will and desire.
譲歩を表す表現で、資格や能力のあるものを取り上げ、それなら当然できるという予想に反したことがらが成立することを表す。あらたまった話ことばや、小説などの書きことばで使う。「でも」で言いかえることができる。
Expresses disagreement with characteristic or impression of things in extreme situations. A formal expression.
N普通形＋といえども
（１）近年、医学がめざましく進歩したといえども、病人の数は減少傾向にはない。
In recent years medicine has advanced amazingly, but even though the number of sick people has not tended to decrease.
（２）いかに多忙といえども、健康管理を怠ってはならない。
Even though so busy, you shouldnt neglect looking after your health.
（３）高齢者といえども、まだまだ意欲的な人が大勢いる。
Even though an old person, there are still a lot of people with great will and desire.
譲歩を表す表現で、資格や能力のあるものを取り上げ、それなら当然できるという予想に反したことがらが成立することを表す。あらたまった話ことばや、小説などの書きことばで使う。「でも」で言いかえることができる。
~であれ regardless of
～でも regardless of [being]
"No relationship to". Clause following signifies situation stays the same regardless of what is listed in the preceeding clause. Often speaker's subjective judgement or conjecture follows. Variations also exist N1であれ N2であれ。 Also, たとえ～であれ and interrogative~であれ is also common.
（１）たとえ国王であれ、国民すべてを従わせることができるわけではない。
Regardless of whether you are the king, you won't expect to be able to take all of the citizens along with you.
（２）どんな金持ちであれ、この世にはお金で買えないものがある。
No matter how rich you are, in this world there are things that money can't buy.
（３）たとえ相手が大臣であら、一市民であら、自分の意見をはっきり言うべきだ。
Even if the opposite number is a minister or a normal person, you should state your opinion clearly.
（４）どんな国であれ、教育を重視しない国は発展しない。
Regardless of what country it is, a country that doesnt emphasise education wont develop.
"No relationship to". Clause following signifies situation stays the same regardless of what is listed in the preceeding clause. Often speaker's subjective judgement or conjecture follows. Variations also exist N1であれ N2であれ。 Also, たとえ～であれ and interrogative~であれ is also common.
（１）たとえ国王であれ、国民すべてを従わせることができるわけではない。
Regardless of whether you are the king, you won't expect to be able to take all of the citizens along with you.
（２）どんな金持ちであれ、この世にはお金で買えないものがある。
No matter how rich you are, in this world there are things that money can't buy.
（３）たとえ相手が大臣であら、一市民であら、自分の意見をはっきり言うべきだ。
Even if the opposite number is a minister or a normal person, you should state your opinion clearly.
（４）どんな国であれ、教育を重視しない国は発展しない。
Regardless of what country it is, a country that doesnt emphasise education wont develop.
~たところで supposing; even if
Vた+ところで
逆接の仮定表現・ Describes the speakers judgement that even if something does occur, result will end in vain or be a waste of time or that the result will not be useful. Often the phrase following indicates the speakers subjective judgement or surmise. The past tense cannot be used at the end of the sentence (consistent with it being a surmise etc). Often used with どんなに、いくら、たとえ interogatives and numerical classifiers.
（１）今から走って行ったところで、開始時間に間に合うはずがない。
Even if you run from now, there's no chance you will get there in time for the opening.
（２）周りの人が何を言ったところで、彼は自分の意見を曲げないだろう。
Whatever the people around say, he wont bend his own opinion.
（３）いくら働いてところで、こう物価が高くては生活は楽にはならない。
No matter how much you work, these prices are high and your life wont be any easier.
（４）専門書はどんなに売れたところで、２，０００冊くらいだろう。
For specialist books, no matter how much you sell them you'll sell around 2000.
（５）私は才能がないから、いくら練習したところで、綺麗に弾けるようにはならない。
Because I don't have any talent, no matter how much I practice I won't be able to play well.
（６）専門の知識がない人がこの本を何回読んだところで、理解できるようにはならない。
No matter how many times people witout specialist knowledge read it, they wont be able to understand it.
（７）今さら愚痴を言ったところで、どにもならない。
No matter how much further you complain, it wont come to anything.
（８）約束の時間にこんなに遅れたは、行ってみたところで、だれもいないだろう。
It is this late from the time you agreed, even if you go and see there wont be anyone there will there.
逆接の仮定表現・ Describes the speakers judgement that even if something does occur, result will end in vain or be a waste of time or that the result will not be useful. Often the phrase following indicates the speakers subjective judgement or surmise. The past tense cannot be used at the end of the sentence (consistent with it being a surmise etc). Often used with どんなに、いくら、たとえ interogatives and numerical classifiers.
（１）今から走って行ったところで、開始時間に間に合うはずがない。
Even if you run from now, there's no chance you will get there in time for the opening.
（２）周りの人が何を言ったところで、彼は自分の意見を曲げないだろう。
Whatever the people around say, he wont bend his own opinion.
（３）いくら働いてところで、こう物価が高くては生活は楽にはならない。
No matter how much you work, these prices are high and your life wont be any easier.
（４）専門書はどんなに売れたところで、２，０００冊くらいだろう。
For specialist books, no matter how much you sell them you'll sell around 2000.
（５）私は才能がないから、いくら練習したところで、綺麗に弾けるようにはならない。
Because I don't have any talent, no matter how much I practice I won't be able to play well.
（６）専門の知識がない人がこの本を何回読んだところで、理解できるようにはならない。
No matter how many times people witout specialist knowledge read it, they wont be able to understand it.
（７）今さら愚痴を言ったところで、どにもならない。
No matter how much further you complain, it wont come to anything.
（８）約束の時間にこんなに遅れたは、行ってみたところで、だれもいないだろう。
It is this late from the time you agreed, even if you go and see there wont be anyone there will there.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
～かねない ～could (go wrong)
「～かもしれない・～おそれがある」
could
Speaker apprehends result or course of events as having potential of being adverse (i.e. could go wrong etc)
（１）そんな乱暴な運転をしたら事故を起こしかねないよ。
If you drive as wildly as that, you could cause an accident.
（２）食事と睡眠だけはきちんと取らないと、体をこわすことになりかねません。
If you dont eat and sleep properly, you could damage yourself.
（３）最近のマスコミの過剰な報道は、無関係なひとを傷つけることにもなりかねない。
The recent surplus information from the mass media could hurt people who have not connection.
（４）あまり遊んだばかりと、落第しかねない。
If you just play to excess, you could fail.
could
Speaker apprehends result or course of events as having potential of being adverse (i.e. could go wrong etc)
（１）そんな乱暴な運転をしたら事故を起こしかねないよ。
If you drive as wildly as that, you could cause an accident.
（２）食事と睡眠だけはきちんと取らないと、体をこわすことになりかねません。
If you dont eat and sleep properly, you could damage yourself.
（３）最近のマスコミの過剰な報道は、無関係なひとを傷つけることにもなりかねない。
The recent surplus information from the mass media could hurt people who have not connection.
（４）あまり遊んだばかりと、落第しかねない。
If you just play to excess, you could fail.
～かねる cannot deal with
「～しようとしてもできない・～することが難しい・～できない」
Something is difficult or impossible to do because of emotional resistance. Sentence 4 below is used in service industry as a soft way to say the company cannot meet the customers demands; sentence 5 is an example from a formal business situation.
（１）親の希望を考えると、結婚のことを両親に言い出しかねています。
（２）私の経済的に困った状況を見かねたらしく山田さんが助けてくれた。
（３）彼は留学生活の寂しさに耐えかねて、１年もたたないうちに帰国してしまった。
（４）客：香港行きの飛行機は何時に出ますか。 係：ここではまかりかねますので、あちらのカウンターでお聞きください。
（５）ただ今のご説明では、私どもとしては納得しかねます。
（６）そんな多額な寄付には応じかねます。
（７）私の仕事がなかなか終わらなかったので、見かねて山田さんが手伝ってくれた。
Something is difficult or impossible to do because of emotional resistance. Sentence 4 below is used in service industry as a soft way to say the company cannot meet the customers demands; sentence 5 is an example from a formal business situation.
（１）親の希望を考えると、結婚のことを両親に言い出しかねています。
（２）私の経済的に困った状況を見かねたらしく山田さんが助けてくれた。
（３）彼は留学生活の寂しさに耐えかねて、１年もたたないうちに帰国してしまった。
（４）客：香港行きの飛行機は何時に出ますか。 係：ここではまかりかねますので、あちらのカウンターでお聞きください。
（５）ただ今のご説明では、私どもとしては納得しかねます。
（６）そんな多額な寄付には応じかねます。
（７）私の仕事がなかなか終わらなかったので、見かねて山田さんが手伝ってくれた。
～ざるを得ない cannot avoid, have no choice but
「どうしても～する必要がある・～しなければならない」
cannot avoid; have no choice but to
Used when the situation cannot be avoided even though the person involved does not want to do the action. ざる is an old term meaning ない The pattern ざるをえない has a stronger sense of compulsion, must do even though doesnt want to than ないわけにはいかない (no way not to do).
（１）会社の上の人に命令された仕事なら、社員はいやでもやらざるをえない。
If this is a job ordered by more senior people in the company, even if the staff don't like it they have to do it.
（２）会社が倒産したのは社長に責任があると言わざるをえない。
We have to say that the President was repsonsible for the bankruptcy of the company.
（３）化学は好きではないが、必修だから取らざるをえない。
I dont like Chemistry, but its a compulsory study so I have to take it.
（４）体調はあまりよくないが、今日は人手が足りないので働かざるをえない。
My body is not so good, but today there are not enough people so I have to work.
（５）みんなで決めた規則だから、守らざるを得ない。
Because this was a rule that was decided together, we have to respect it.
（６）原料がどんどん値上がりしているのですから、製品も値上げせざるを得ない。
Because the price of the original ingredients is going up, we have to put up the price of the products.
（７）彼は登山中に消息不明となり、すでに５年経っている。死んだと考えざるを得ない。
He disappeared during his mountain climb and already five years have passed, so we have to think that he died.
（８）こんなにひどい雨では運動会は中止せざるを得ない。
In this awful rain we have to cancel the athletic meet.
cannot avoid; have no choice but to
Used when the situation cannot be avoided even though the person involved does not want to do the action. ざる is an old term meaning ない The pattern ざるをえない has a stronger sense of compulsion, must do even though doesnt want to than ないわけにはいかない (no way not to do).
（１）会社の上の人に命令された仕事なら、社員はいやでもやらざるをえない。
If this is a job ordered by more senior people in the company, even if the staff don't like it they have to do it.
（２）会社が倒産したのは社長に責任があると言わざるをえない。
We have to say that the President was repsonsible for the bankruptcy of the company.
（３）化学は好きではないが、必修だから取らざるをえない。
I dont like Chemistry, but its a compulsory study so I have to take it.
（４）体調はあまりよくないが、今日は人手が足りないので働かざるをえない。
My body is not so good, but today there are not enough people so I have to work.
（５）みんなで決めた規則だから、守らざるを得ない。
Because this was a rule that was decided together, we have to respect it.
（６）原料がどんどん値上がりしているのですから、製品も値上げせざるを得ない。
Because the price of the original ingredients is going up, we have to put up the price of the products.
（７）彼は登山中に消息不明となり、すでに５年経っている。死んだと考えざるを得ない。
He disappeared during his mountain climb and already five years have passed, so we have to think that he died.
（８）こんなにひどい雨では運動会は中止せざるを得ない。
In this awful rain we have to cancel the athletic meet.
～得る・~得ない ～うる・～えない ...can
「できる・～の可能性がある」
can
Vうる means "that can be done, that is possible" Vえない means something that cannot be done or which is impossible. Note that this form is not used to indicate something that is impossible because of lack of ability. Also note two dictionary forms - positive form us うる・得る while negative form is えない・得ない
Vます, drop ます and add 得る
（１）これは仕事を成功させるために考え得る最上の方法です。
This is the best method I can think of to make this job succeed.
（２）この事故はまったく予測し得ぬことであった。
This accidend was something that could not have been foreseen.
（３）これは彼でなくてはなし得ない大事業である。
This is a great business that could not have been without him.
（４）この事故はいつでも起こり得ることとして十分注意が必要だ。
As this accident is something that could happen at any time, you need to take a great deal of care.
（５）彼が事件の現場にいたなんて、そんなことはあり得ない。
That he was at the site of this incident is something that just couldnt be.
（６）考え得るかぎりの手は尽くしたが、問題の解決には至らなかった。
I exhausted all the ways I could think about, but didnt reach a solution to the problem.
（７）捜し得るかぎり捜したが、その書類はとうとう見つからなかった。
I searched as much as I could search but could not find those documents.
（８）でき得るならば、独立して事業を始めたい。
If I am able to do it, I would like to be independent and start a business.
（９）こんなに低い山で遭難することはあり得ないと思う。
I think you can't meet danger on a mountain as low as this.
can
Vうる means "that can be done, that is possible" Vえない means something that cannot be done or which is impossible. Note that this form is not used to indicate something that is impossible because of lack of ability. Also note two dictionary forms - positive form us うる・得る while negative form is えない・得ない
Vます, drop ます and add 得る
（１）これは仕事を成功させるために考え得る最上の方法です。
This is the best method I can think of to make this job succeed.
（２）この事故はまったく予測し得ぬことであった。
This accidend was something that could not have been foreseen.
（３）これは彼でなくてはなし得ない大事業である。
This is a great business that could not have been without him.
（４）この事故はいつでも起こり得ることとして十分注意が必要だ。
As this accident is something that could happen at any time, you need to take a great deal of care.
（５）彼が事件の現場にいたなんて、そんなことはあり得ない。
That he was at the site of this incident is something that just couldnt be.
（６）考え得るかぎりの手は尽くしたが、問題の解決には至らなかった。
I exhausted all the ways I could think about, but didnt reach a solution to the problem.
（７）捜し得るかぎり捜したが、その書類はとうとう見つからなかった。
I searched as much as I could search but could not find those documents.
（８）でき得るならば、独立して事業を始めたい。
If I am able to do it, I would like to be independent and start a business.
（９）こんなに低い山で遭難することはあり得ないと思う。
I think you can't meet danger on a mountain as low as this.
Monday, May 4, 2009
たる ～の立場にある ...who has the job of; ...who is
「～の立場にある」 ～has the job of; who is
In the pattern ～たるN means someone is in a certain position so they should act accordingly. Often used in pattern "Nたる者" where it implies that N is highly evaluated by the speaker.
（１） 国に任された大臣たる者は、自分の言葉には責任を持たなければならない
A minister given responsibility by the country has to have responsibility for his own words.
（２）国の代表たる機関で働くのだから誇りと覚悟をを持ってください。
Working at an institution which is a representative of the country, please be proud and prepared.
（３）教師たる者、学生に対して常に公平でなければならない。
As a teacher, you always have to be fair to the students.
（４）私利を求める者に、政治家たる資格はない。
People of are looking for personal gain dont have the qualification to be politicians.
（５）経営者は常に意欲溢れる人格者たるべし。
As an executive you always have to have a strong will.
In the pattern ～たるN means someone is in a certain position so they should act accordingly. Often used in pattern "Nたる者" where it implies that N is highly evaluated by the speaker.
（１） 国に任された大臣たる者は、自分の言葉には責任を持たなければならない
A minister given responsibility by the country has to have responsibility for his own words.
（２）国の代表たる機関で働くのだから誇りと覚悟をを持ってください。
Working at an institution which is a representative of the country, please be proud and prepared.
（３）教師たる者、学生に対して常に公平でなければならない。
As a teacher, you always have to be fair to the students.
（４）私利を求める者に、政治家たる資格はない。
People of are looking for personal gain dont have the qualification to be politicians.
（５）経営者は常に意欲溢れる人格者たるべし。
As an executive you always have to have a strong will.
ものの - although, notwithstanding
「～だが、しかし」
Although, notwithstanding - although something (to which ものの is attached) is certainly true, the result is not as expected. Seems to appear at the end of quite long phrases or sentences on the two times I have seen it - and liable to confuse if not spotted...
（１）頭ではわかっているものの、実際に使い方を言葉で説明するのは難しい。
Even though I understand it in my head, it is difficult to actually explain the actual way of using it in words.
（２）新しい服を買ったものの、なかなか着ていく機会がない。
Although I bought some new clothes an opportunity to wear then still hasnt come.
（３）祖父は体は丈夫なものの、最近耳が聞こえにくくなってきた。
Although Grandad's body is strong, recently he has had trouble hearing.
普通形 （ナAな・なAである、Nな・Nである）＋ものの
Although, notwithstanding - although something (to which ものの is attached) is certainly true, the result is not as expected. Seems to appear at the end of quite long phrases or sentences on the two times I have seen it - and liable to confuse if not spotted...
（１）頭ではわかっているものの、実際に使い方を言葉で説明するのは難しい。
Even though I understand it in my head, it is difficult to actually explain the actual way of using it in words.
（２）新しい服を買ったものの、なかなか着ていく機会がない。
Although I bought some new clothes an opportunity to wear then still hasnt come.
（３）祖父は体は丈夫なものの、最近耳が聞こえにくくなってきた。
Although Grandad's body is strong, recently he has had trouble hearing.
普通形 （ナAな・なAである、Nな・Nである）＋ものの
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