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.

~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.

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

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.

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

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

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)

~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!"

~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!

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.

~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.

~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

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。

~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.

~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.

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.

~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。

~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.

~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.

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.

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