Meaning: Is Diffcult To Do: Today's Random Grammar Entry..

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Today's Random Grammar Entry...
にくい
Meaning: Is diffcult to do
Example: He's difficult to understand, isn't he?
JLPT Level: 3
[ View this entry online ]

Notes:
formed with Vm + （難い) にくい, making it an i adjective.
Examples:
Note: visit WWWJDIC to lookup any unknown words found in the example(s)...
Alternatively, view this page on POPjisyo.com or Rikai.com
 彼は分かりにくいでしょうかなぁ？ [ex #4750]

He's difficult to understand,isn't he?
 食べにくい食べ物がきらいだ。 [ex #4751]
I don't like difficult to eat foods.
 このめずらしい切手は手にはいりにくいんだよ。 [ex #4752]
This rare stamp is hard to come by.
 タイガーティの説明はとてもわかりにくいですね｡ [ex #6644]
tigert`s explanation is very difficult to understand.
Help JGram by picking and editing examples!!

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 Detailed example form
See Also:
 yasui (易い) (This is symmetrical to 'yasui' (易い)m 'easy to do'.)
 yasui
 easyhard
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 As for the comment in Notes, t should be にくい, not いくい. typo?
In kanji 'にくい' is in 難い or 悪い
'verb conjugation + にくい'.
(contributor: Miki)
 fixed, thanks!
(contributor: ninja_k)
 What's the difference between むずかしい and にくい? (contributor: crbennett)
 The different is that 難い is added to a verb stem to change it to an adjective, whereas 難しい is
an existing adjective meaning 'difficult', and thus can't be conjugated to a verb stem.
For example:
That word is difficult to remember (lit. That word's remembering is difficult.)

その言葉が思い出し難いな。
as compared to:
Remembering that word is difficult (lit. That word's remembering is difficult).

その言葉は思い出すことが難しいだ。
EDIT 10/15/07: You're right; thanks tiger! (contributor: Groove)

 Hey groove in your second example. I don`t think you need the する.
思い出す　is a verb already. other than that I like your explaination very clear I added a vocabulary
2
note for yasui (contributor: tigert)

をもとに
Meaning: on basis of
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
see basis-of-action-group for similar items and comparisons.
Examples:
 ファンの人気投票をもとに審査し、今年の歌のベストテンが決まります。 [ex #66]
Based on inspecting the fans popularity vote, we will decide this years Best Ten.
 この映画は小説をもとにしている。 [ex #3622]
This film is an adaptation of a novel.
 自分が集めた事実をもとにして、科学者は、その事実に意味と秩序と価値を与える論理
の模様、すなわち理論を織りあげるのである。 [ex #3623]
Around his facts the scientist weaves a logical pattern or theory which gives the
facts meaning, order, and significance.
 山川民の調査結果をもとに、今後の方針を決めようと思う。 [ex #6752]
From now on I wish that we decide the objectives on the basis of the result of the
survey about the people of Yamakawa.
 日本語のクラスは、テストの点数と今までの学習期間をもとに決定される。 [ex
#6753]
About the class of Japanese, the decision will be taken on the basis of the
period of study until now and the score points of the tests .

See Also:
 womotonishite (I'd say をもとにして is a bit more like 'Takes ___ as it's
basis' compared to をもとに 'Based on')
 karasuruto
 nimotozuite
 uede

いかん
Meaning: based on
Example: based on the exam results

JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
〜いかん　is the same as によって
Noun(の)＋いかん
Look at this subtle difference:
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１　結果いかんで、次のレベルを決める
　　based on the result, the next level will be decided
２　結果いかんでは、次のレベルに行ける
　　based on the result, you will go to the next level
in (1) a clear result comes out, so the で particle is used.

in (2) a process will start, so では is used to link the two parts.
もっとはっきり説明を聞きたい。
Negative case 'without regard to'
　いかんによらず
　いかんにかかわらず
　いかんを問わず
As far as I know, いかんで means that one thing depends on another. i.e. We'll
decide what to do depending on the results.
いかんでは　means that something has already happened, so the speaker is using

those results to predict/suggest something else . i.e. Looking at these results we
should do this.
〜いかんだ　: Based on how/whether 〜
名詞　＋　いかんだ
成績いかんで、大学に入学できるよ。
Depending on the results, it is possible to enter university.
成績いかんでは、大学に入れないこともあるよ
Depending on the results, it is possible(there are times where one) not being able
to enter university.
Ref # Kanzen Master Level 1 - p40 - no.34

Ref # A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar p128
いかん is a classic form of the adverb どのように 'in what way'
It's written / formal Japanese
Examples:
 試験の結果いかんでは、卒業できないこともある [ex #1304]
Depending on the exam results its possible also to fail graduation
 実力テストの結果いかんでレベルを決める [ex #1305]
On the basis of your test results, your level will be decided
 天気いかんにかかわらず来ます [ex #1307]
Regardless of the weather, I will come
 占いの結果いかんでは、アメリカに帰ることになります。 [ex #1326]
depending on the fortune teller consultation, it will be decided if i will return to
America
 天気いかんでは行きます [ex #1574]
Depending on the weather, i will come
 それは如何ともしがたい。 [ex #3102]
That cannot be helped one way or another.
 その問題はあなたの態度如何によって決まることだ。 [ex #3103]
That issue would be decided depending on what your attitude will be on it.
 スパイダーマンの運命や如何 [ex #3104]
What will be the fate of Spiderman!
 その試合には国籍のいかんを問わず誰でも参加出来る。 [ex #3352]
Anyone can participate in the game, no matter what nationality they are.
 幸福は環境いかんによるものでなくて、むしろ自分の人生に対する見方いかんによる。
[ex #3354]
Happiness depends, not so much on circumstances, as on one's way of looking
at one's life.
 仕方がない、それはいかんともしがたい。 [ex #3356]
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It can't be helped.
 成功するかどうかは、君自身の努力いかんによる。 [ex #3357]
Whether you will succeed or not depends upon your own exertions.
 成功は努力いかんによる。 [ex #3358]
Success depends on your efforts.
 天候のいかんにかかわらず駅へ迎えに参ります。 [ex #3359]
Rain or shine, I will come to meet you at the station.
 肌の色のいかんを問わず、彼は万人の言論の自由を擁護した。 [ex #3360]
He stood for freedom of speech for everyone regardless of color.
 彼の命は判決いかんにかかっている。 [ex #3361]
His life hangs on the judge's decision.

See Also:
 shidai
 niyotte-2
 ikanniyorazu
 niizon
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 My comments re によって is equally applicable to Examples 1 and 2.
(contributor: bamboo4)
 占いの相談 is a strange Japanese. Normally, 占いの結果.
 直った (contributor: dc)
 RE 天気いかんでは, whether you say 来ます or 行きます, that is an uncommon
expression. One would say 次第では instead of いかんでは.
 ＃1307 There is no such word as irregardless. Don't let the Japanese
double-beg fool you, the correct Eigo is Regardless, regardless of the situation...
(contributor: Stickler)
 PS, make that double-neg. I can't type (contributor: Stickler)
 welcome Stickler!
changes made, example upped to 'checked'... feel free to edit the examples
yourself too... (contributor: dc)
 In notes dc62, I think....
結果いかんでは is by emphasizing with では, implies more another side than just 結
果いかんで that you will not have a chance to go to the next level depending on
the result. You next action is decided after the result of something is clear and
see the situation you are in.
結果いかんで implies neutral. What to do is automatically followed by the result.
(contributor: Miki)
 The difference between 結果如何で and 結果いかんでは disappears when you
say 結果如何で駄目になることがある and 結果如何では駄目になることがある .
 ex#3353 this いかん is derivative of いかぬ, means 〜（しては）ならない
ex#3355 いかん　comes from the combination of 厳し「い」and か「かん」ばつ　旱
魃 drought. (contributor: Miki)
 well spotted. i deleted those two examples... (contributor: dc)
 I think it would be better to separate the entries for いかん／いかんによる　
(dependent on)
and いかんによらず／いかんにかかわらず／いかんに問わず (regardless of)
(contributor: LR)
[ Add a Comment ]
5

ないことは(も)ない
Meaning: it isn't the case that 〜 not 〜; it is not that 〜 not 〜
Example: It's not that I don't read newspapers, but very rarely do I read them.
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
FORMATION:
Ｖ(ない) + ことは(も)ない
いＡ(minus い) + くないことは(も)ない
なＡ・Ｎ + でないことは(も)ない
Examples:
 お箸は使えないことはないんですが、ナイフとフオークの方が使いやすいです。 [ex
#679]
It's not that I cannot handle chopsticks, but I do better with knives and forks.
 納豆は食べないこともないんですが、あまり好きじゃないんです。 [ex #755]
I would not say I _don't_ eat natto, but I don't like it very much.
 どんなに年をとっていても学べないことはない。 [ex #4661]
No man is so old but he may learn.
 新聞を読めないことはないんですが、時たまですね。 [ex #6299]
It's not that I don't read newspapers, but very rarely.
 「日本語は難しくありませんか。」「いえ、難しくないこともないんですが、日本語の
難しさは強調されすぎていると思いますよ。」 [ex #6300]
"Isn't Japanese difficult?" "Yes, it is difficult, but I think that the difficulty of
Japanese is overemphasized."
 「田中さんのふるさとは雪がたくさん降るところだから、スキーはお得意でしょう。」
「ううん、できないことはないけど、もう何年もやってないから …」 [ex #6734]
'The native place of Mr Tanaka is an area where much snow use to fall so it a
good occasion for skiing I guess, don't you agree?' 'No, it is not that I can't, but
there is a long time already that I don't go skiing...'

Comments:
 Shouldn't the first example be 'I would not say I _don't_ eat natto' (Isn't 食べ
ない is the negative of 食べる to eat, not the negative potential?) (contributor:
Amatuka)
 potential = 見込み、将来性、可能性？？
(contributor: Miki)
 食べない　= do not eat　　　食べない　こともない
食べられない= cannot eat　　食べられないこともない (contributor: Miki)
 「Potential form/verb 」は「可能動詞」と言いますね。
ありがとう。そのとおりだと思ってるが、確認が貰うといいですね。 (contributor:
Amatuka)
 The difference between 食べないこともない and 食べられないこともない is that
the former is subjective and the latter is objective. 食べられない=it is normally not
fit to eat. 食べられないこともない=it is not that . 食べない=The speaker does not eat.
食べないこともない=it is not that .
 when is 'mo' used instead of 'ha' for this phrase?
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(contributor: MaDaZi)

〜てある
Meaning: Vte something has been purposely put into a state
Example: The window has been closed.

JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
てある only combines with transitive verbs, never intransitive.
The result of transitive + てある is an intransitive itself.
窓が開いている -> The window is open. (no agent or reason implied)
窓が開けてある -> The window is open (because someone opened it).

Examples:
 窓が開けてある。 [ex #3250]
The window has been left open.
 窓が閉めてある。 [ex #3251]
The window has been closed.
 窓を（は）開けてある。 [ex #3252]
I left the window open.
 窓を（は）閉めてある。 [ex #3253]
I kept the window closed.

See Also:
 teiru (While both てある and ている can be used to indicate an ongoing
state, the former indicates /someone/ put it into that state.)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 Compare
窓が開いている。
The window is open.
窓が開けてある。
The window has been opened. (contributor: Amatuka)
 Note that tearu only combines with transitive verbs, never intransitive. The
result of transitive + tearu is an intransitive itself.
(contributor: bi-ru)
 and... my mind has been blown. (contributor: k-dogg)
 I saw ex 3250 and looking the little window I read: 'mado ga aketearu
and ex. 3251: mado ga shimete aru.
Then, I saw Amatuka´s comments and I constat that I was wrong. How can I know
which of the reading of the kanji in the little window is correct.
Thank you for your help. (contributor: Futaro)
 Amatuka is wrong on pronunciation.
窓が開いている -> まどがあいている
As Bi-ru notes, the ている form is resultative for intransitive verbs, but the てある
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form lets you take a transitive verb and do the same thing.
窓が開いている -> The window is open. (no agent or reason implied)
窓が開けてある -> The window is open (because someone opened it). (contributor:
Tenorikuma)
 Amatuka`s pronunciation isn`t wrong. 開く　can be pronounced あく　or ひら
く　they both mean the same thing. but あく is used for things that swing open
and ひらく is used for things that slide open. IE sliding doors, windows, etc...
(contributor: tigert)
 Aha, I've always wondered about the difference between the two readings.
So does that mean that the example here with the window will be read differently
depending on whether it is the kind of window that swings or slides? :)
(contributor: mochabean)
 bi-ru and Tenorikuma, I have taken the liberty to add a note with the
comments you did.
Hope you don't mind. (contributor: kurisutofu)
[ Add a Comment ]

常呂で (ところで)
Meaning: by the way
Example: by the way it looks like rain

JLPT Level: 4

Notes:
Tokoro de is normally written in Hiragana although Kanji is possible. 　It will
always be used to change the topic in a conversation. So if you were to see, 'By the
way....' it could start a clause or be after a complete sentence where you or
someone says something and you use tokoro de to add more information or
something that popped into your mind because of it.
Examples:
 雨が降ってきたなあところで飯にしないか [ex #1099]
Hey, it's starting to rain By the way you want to go get something to eat?
 ( 「ところで」の他の意味 )私が説得したところであいつは耳をかさないだろう. [ex
#1101]
(alternate usage) No matter how much I try to persuade him, that guy won't
listen.
 ところで、あなたの仕事は何ですか。[tokorode, anatano shigotoha nandesuka]
[ex #4942]
By the way, what do you do?
 ところで、あなたは宿題をしましたか。 [ex #4943]
By the way, have you done your homework?
 ところで、ちょっと君に話がある。[tokorode, chotto kimi ni hanashi ga aru]
[ex #4944]
By the way, I have something to tell you.
 ところで、あなたは今晩暇ですか。[tokorode, anata wa konban hima desuka]
[ex #4945]
By the way, are you free tonight?

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See Also:
 tokoro (tokoro literally means place but can also be used for time as in [ 今
着いたところです] I just got here (lit: time of arriving is now))
 hasateoki (very similar)
 tokorode dokkoi (An expression meaning, 'funny you should mention
that.' [ところでどっこい])
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 different ways of saying 'by the way'
chinami ni > related to that...

tokorode > by the way (unrelated)
soieba > speaking of that
from here
「ところで」は、今まで話していた事とまったく違う話題に変えるとき使います。「ちなみ
に」は、今まで話していたことと関連して他の例などを挙げるときや、ある話題に対して相
手の感想などを聞くときにも使います。だから「ところで」と「ちなみに」はまったく違う
意味を持っています。 (contributor: dc)
 ところで、Google で”Japanese Grammar'+database の検索の結果、７０ページ目
になるため、おめでとう！
By the way, congratulations to getting to the 70th page on a Google search for
'Japanese Grammar' + database. ;-) (contributor: Amatuka)
 By the sounds of it I'd guess 'Talking about which' would work well for ちな
みに. (contributor: Amatuka)
 それはさておき would be another similar expression.Perhaps the two should
be linked.
ちなみに can also be 'now that you mention it.' (contributor: bamboo4)
 Added another meaning of ところで (contributor: bamboo4)
 not to be confused with tokoro as in place or time (contributor: dc)
 〜た form of verb + ところで
and just ところで、ちがうのものです。
If it is just ところで,which being used at the beginning of a separate sentence, it
means 'By the way'.
If it is a verb in 〜た form + ところで　、then it is
「〜ても．．．」という意味です。（希望どおりにはならないだろう） (contributor: 誠)
 To be specific, #1101 is in 〜た form + ところで and as such it is different
from other examples under this head. 　 (contributor: bamboo4)
 Is it used when we want to change the topic?? (contributor: holland)
 holland, yes, it is used when you want to change the topic.
Also, as far as example 1099 is concerned, I'm thinking that it's better to say, ”...
ところでご飯（ごはん = meal）食べにいかない（か）？” (contributor: ozonitabetai)
 Is example #1101 the reason this entry is marked as -1? because other than
that example this is a solid entry that I have heard used a million times since I
have been in Japan. 日常の日本語だよ (contributor: tigert)
がり
Meaning: Vm, tend to, sensitive to
Example: he overheats easily
JLPT Level: 2

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Notes:
Vmasu+gari = tend to, sensitive to
Examples:
 彼は暑がりで、冬の間も半袖を着ている。 [ex #791]

He is sensitive to heat and wears half-sleeve shirts even in winter.
 あいつは恐がりでトカゲを見ただけで怖気をふるう。 [ex #3178]
That guy is really easy to scare and he get scared shitless even when seeing a lizard.
 そんな強がりを言ってみても何になる。 [ex #3179]
Where does it get you by talking tough like that!

See Also:
 gachi (がち and がり are similar, the latter seems to be used more for personal feelings. )
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 Formed from [Verb -masu base] + gari
[V ｍ] for 'Verb -masu base' (contributor: Amatuka)
 We say 怒りがち, not 怒りがり。
私のボスは、短気で怒りがち。
watashi no boss wa, tanki de okori gachi.
My boss is short-tempered and tends to get angry easily. (contributor: Miki)
 彼は暑がりで、冬の間も半袖を着ている。
kare wa atsugaride,fuyu no aida mo hansode wo kiteiru.
He is sensitive to heat and wears half-sleevs shirt even in winter. (contributor: Miki)
 > We say 怒りがち, not 怒りがり。
So I see - not a single Google hit for the latter.
Glad it wasn't one of my examples. ;-) (contributor: Amatuka)
 Hi! New Here ^O^, i just noticed that がり seems to be used Adjective+がり and がち as in
Verb-masu base+がち？　Or are there other examples were a verb +がり is used in a correct way?
暑がり
起こりがち？
Thanks! (contributor: Exrulez)
 You don't say 怒りがち or 怒りがり. They don't exist in the Japanese vocabruary. It has to be
怒りっぽい. You can say 曇りがち、遠慮がち etc. It is used to mean 'there is the tendecy to' or 'it is
frequent that....' (contributor: bamboo4)
 hmm, this conflicts with the explanation at gachi (contributor: dc)
 怒りっぽい is typical. It's better to be changed to this from 怒りがち. 怒りがち is quite popular
but it doesn't sound correct Japanese now. hmm (contributor: Miki)
 がり added to an adjective makes it into a verb of Godan inflection. (contributor: bamboo4)
 how about gari-ya? I am not sure where, but I know I have heard 恥ずかしがりや before.
Also, someone told me that ppoi and gachi are similar in meaning, but gachi is more for written and
ppoi is more casual for spoken conversation. (contributor: Alanna)
 や in 恥ずかしがり屋 is a dimunitive giving a status to a particular tendency. It cannot be used
in all situations, and does not change the basic meaning of がり. (contributor: bamboo4)
 di･min･u･tive [dimínjutiv] a., n. ちっちゃい; 【文法】指小の, 指小辞; 親愛語［形］. (contributor:
Miki)
 恥ずかしがり屋 is a perons who is easily embarrassed or has a shy nature.
新しがり屋(atarasigariya):なにかにつけて新しい流行のものを好み、それを自慢したがる
人。neophilia
寂しがり屋／淋しがり屋(sabisigariya)：普通の人よりも敏感に寂しさを感じる人。person who
always needs company (contributor: Miki)
 -ぽい and -がち are similar in meaning. I think that the forepar are differenct and usually there
are basic patterns which to be followed.
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Pls try search by ぽい, condition 国語辞典、後方一致.

http://jiten.www.infoseek.co.jp/Kokugo?qt=%A4%DD
%A4%A4&sm=2&pg=result_k.html&col=KO&sv=DC (contributor: Miki)
 I hear '暑がり'->sensitive to heat
and '寒がり' -> sensitive to cold
all the time. I can't vouch for any other uses of 'gari' like that though. (contributor: EvilKyra)
 That's right (contributor: quytd)
[ Add a Comment ]
せんがため
Meaning: In order to do
Example: In order to pass the test, he studied day and night.
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
Formal.
Written more than spoken.
にせんがため is equivalent to にするため
uses the nai form of verbs without nai.
In the case of suru, it is, as in the name of the entry, せんがため.
Examples:
 キリスト教義の正当性をより強固にせんがための伏線ととれないこともありません。 [ex
#1342]
This must be a covert effort in order to further strengthen the veracity of the Christian dogma
 あの頃わたしは大学に進学せんがために毎日必死でがんばった。 [ex #5734]
At that time, in order to go on to university I frantically did my best everyday.
 研究を完成させんがため、彼は昼夜寝ずにがんばった。 [ex #6542]
In order to finish the project, he worked day and night without sleeping.
 一日も早く自分の店を持たんがために、必死で働いている。 [ex #6543]
To keep one's store going even one more day, one is frantically working.

Comments:
 Appeared in 2002 JLPT level 1 (contributor: Amatuka)
 Old style usage, not in much use in modern Japanese. (contributor: Amatuka)
 That's a horrible, horrible translation ^^vv (contributor: Amatuka)
 any ideas on detailed difference with youni? (contributor: dc)
 Hmm, I think the two big differences are
1. You'll probably never have to use せんがため
and
2. ように isn't tested in JLPT level 1.
;-) (contributor: Amatuka)
 So, no I don't have any idea of detailed differences to youni youni (contributor: Amatuka)
11
 The English translation is not only inaccurate but terrible: 'This must be a covert effort to further
strengthen the veracity of the Christian dogma' would be more like it. (contributor: bamboo4)
 translation updated! (contributor: dc)
 あの頃わたしは大学に進学せんがために毎日必死でがんばった。
At that time, in order to go on to university I frantically did my best everyday. (contributor: beth)
 thanks for the ex Beth. added #5734 (contributor: dc)
 Not a comment on the Japanese, but the English: it's not 'everyday' but 'every day.' CAC
(contributor: kyoho16)
 Can this be used with other verbs, such as 入る？ My grammar book uses this example:
何かを勉強したいというより、ただ一流大学に入らんがために勉強している人が多い。
If this is the same pattern, can someone update this entry? (contributor: tmkain)
 Is this the -nai form? It seems to me that it's really based on a classical form, with the mizenkei
of the verb, followed by volitional particle 'mu' (with a not-uncommon sound change to 'n'). That's
probably a lot for a beginner with no classical experience to deal with, though. (contributor: ggencare)
にわたって
Meaning: over; span(ning)
Example: His interests span many fields.
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
＊This grammar can be used to describe time, distance, or extent/scope.
FORMATION:
Ｎ + にわって・にわたり
Ｎ 1 + にわたる + Ｎ 2
時間的，空間的にその範囲全体に広がっていることをあらわす。
Examples:
 1 月 4 日 16 時から 1 月 6 日 20 時頃にわたって一部のグリーティングカードが届いていないと
いう障害が発生いたしました。 [ex #294]
Over the period from Jan 4th, 4pm to Jan 6, 8pm a fault to the effect that some greetings cards have
not been delivered has occured.
 東京から静岡にわたって地震がありました。 [ex #887]
There was an earthquake which extended from Tokyo to Shizuoka.
 老後にわたって社会保険制度の安定が必要です。 [ex #5016]
The stability of a social security system extending into old age is necessary
 あの子は英語、ドイツ語、中国語、フランス語、日本語にわたっていろいろな言葉を知ってい
ます。 [ex #5696]
That child knows many languages ranging from English to German, French, Chinese and Japanese.
 ゲイツ氏は、今後 10 年間にわたって 7 億 5000 万ドルを寄付することにしました。 [ex #6433]
Gates has decided to donate the money over the next ten years.
 彼のファンは三世代にわたっています。 [ex #6434]
His fans span three generations.
 彼の仕事は、その業界のあらゆる領域にわたっている。 [ex #6435]
His work runs the spectrum of the industry.
 この曲は現在数週間にわたってチャートの 1 位を記録しています。 [ex #6436]
The song has topped the charts for several weeks now.
12
 デモは、１０年間にわたって行われた。 [ex #6880]

Demonstrations occurred for a period of 10 years.
 人類は長い年月にわたって努力を重ね、ついに月へ飛行に成功した。 [ex #6881]
Mankind, during long months and years accumulated great effort, and finally went to the moon with
success.
 参加国の首相による話し合いは、五回にわたっておこなわれた。 [ex #6882]
According to participating nations prime ministers, conferences occurred over five times.
 チンさんは病気のため。２か月にわたって学校をやすんだ。 [ex #7200]
Mr. Chin was due to sickness. he has absent from the school for two months.
 広範囲にわたった海の汚染が、問題になっている。 [ex #7201]
The pollution of the sea that extends widely becomes a problem.

See Also:
 tsuzukeru
 nihirogatte
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 More like 'over the period, throughout the span, across the range' (contributor: Amatuka)
 i think it has 'crosses over' meaning too, as this phrase is sometimes used when revenue
crosses over a breakeven point. (contributor: dc)
 anyway, flagged. (contributor: dc)
 Got an example for the 'crosses over' meaing? (contributor: Amatuka)
 I am not sure if わたって has the meaning of 'cross over.' I think you use '越える' You would say
収益が損益分岐点を越えた when revenue crosses over a breakeven point. (contributor: bamboo4)
 Very similar to o tsuujite (2) and o tooshite, but only used for things that have finished. O tsuujite
(2) and o tooshite are used for ongoing things. Always follows a noun. (contributor: dc)
 I am thinking that にかわって means ' in place of' ...please look at this sentence. 父にかわっ
て、私が結婚式に出席しまた。This also follows the form of にかわり instead of. (contributor: curtis)
 oops...wrong one...sorry (contributor: curtis)
 If you are thinking of 'わたって' as having the meaning of 'cross-over,' then わたって would have
to be rendered as 渡って which would mean 'cross over' as you do over the bridge.
 What's the difference with にかけて　? (contributor: ludi)
 ludi, にわたって means 'over' or 'for' as in, 'for over 10 years.'
にかけて means 'to' as in, 'from January to April.' (contributor: rubyhatchet)
 6880 should say hours not years in the English translation. (contributor: seanohagan)
 Thanks for the comment seanohagan さん.
I fixed the Japanese version according to it. (contributor: 赤毛)
 #5696 Changed from あの子は英語ドイツ語中国語フランスから日本語にわたって to あの子は
英語、ドイツ語、中国語、フランス語、日本語にわたって
I am not sure if 'knows many languages' means いろんな言葉をよくできます。Maybe いろいろな言
葉を知っています。would be better.
にする
13
Meaning: To decide on, to choose

Example: Let's make it Sunday.
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar p. 310
Examples:
 うちは毎年９月末の日曜日にすると決まっているのです。 [ex #742]

It's our rule to make it the last Sunday of September every year.
 そのようにすると後で困らない？ [ex #3073]
Shou you decide to do it that way, would you not be embarrassed later on?

See Also:
 nisuru (Two different usages in one にする fixes on a particular choice, the other にする
makes something so.)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 The Japanese is not natural from the context. It should be 毎年 9 月の最終日曜日.
For example, if the Sunday was 26th, we don't say 9 月末（９がつすえ）。
ちなみに、月末（げつまつ） is at the end of month. 下旬（げじゅん） is end of month. (contributor:
Miki)
 9 月末 is read ９がつまつ.
hmm but I found some sites 毎年○月末の▲曜日…。 (contributor: Miki)
 I agree with Miki. It sounds more natural. If you don't like 最終日曜日、you can say 最後の日曜
日.
[ Add a Comment ]
〜は
Meaning: 'topic marker' (also shown as 'wa')
Example: X wa Y desu : X is Y
JLPT Level: 4

Notes:
Introducing は 'wa' and です。'desu.'
the particle は marks the topic.
(Remember particles attach to the word which they follow, and that when は is a particle it is pronounced
wa.)
です。functions like 'is' or 'topic is.'
14
Is pronounced as 'wah'.
は a subject or topic marker.
は can appear as ha, or wa in romaji depending on the system used.
The kana used for は is usually pronounced as 'hah', but pronounced as 'wah' when used as a particle.
The same phenomenon happens in the word 'dewa/deha' では in the negative conjugation of the verb
desu.
Other notes:
In yakuza speech,
は、becomes や　(yah).
Typically, the y sound is softened such that it sounds like 'ah'
Example:
Ore ha --turns to-> Ore ya --but sounds like-> Ore a
Examples:
 田中さんは大学生です。[ tanakasan hadaigakusei desu] [ex #623]

Mr. Tanaka is a university student.
 私はマイケルです。 [ex #5241]
I am Michael.
 林檎は緑です。 [ex #5891]
The apple is green.
 皆さんは何処ですか？　みんなさんはどこですか？ [ex #7818]
Where is everyone from? Minna san wa doko desu ka?
 私はアメリカ人です。　わたしはアメリカじんです。 [ex #7819]
I am American. Watashi wa amerikanjin desu.
 私たちは火星人です。わたしたちはかせいじんです。 [ex #7820]
We are Martians. Watashi tachi wa kaseijin desu.

See Also:
 da (X ha Y da (X は Y だ) and its variants are the most basic of Japanese sentence
structures.)
 mo (も can replace the topic marker は in a sentence.)
 ha-2 (Note use of は to indicate contrast vs. indicating the topic of a sentence.)
 ga (Compare / contrast が ga (subject) and は [ha / wa] (topic) markers.)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 See here and here for two very interesting Japanese pages on using ha vs. ga (contributor:
Amatuka)
 When to use は vs が?
Both sentences like 雨は降っている。[ame ha
futteiru] and 雨が降っている。 are
valid, so working out when to use which form is a
tricky point.
15
First: In answering a question such as

Q. 机の上に何がありますか。
A. 鉛筆があります。.
Here が is used. (contributor: Amatuka)
 On the other hand if attention has been placed on something in advance and the question is
asked with that object as the topic...
Q. 本はどこにありますか。
A. 本はイスの下にあります。
then は is used. (contributor: Amatuka)
 が is also used to indicate a specific choice.
私が行きます。
_I'll_ go. (not any of the other possibilities). (contributor: Amatuka)
 は is used for contrastative sentences (see ha-2).
For example normally you'd say
犬が好きです。 I like dogs.
However if you want to contrast how you feel about dogs with how you feel about other animals then
犬は好きだが、猫はどうも・・・[inu ha suki da ga, neko ha doumo ...]
I like _dogs_ but I really don't (get on with) cats. (contributor: Amatuka)
 は [ha / wa] follows a noun or a noun phrase.
(e.g. 犬は 'as for dogs'
知るのは 'as for what (I) know'
The latter case の nominalizes (turns into a noun) 知る)
N = noun (contributor: Amatuka)
[ Add a Comment ]
ように
Meaning: in order to
Example: in order to be on time
JLPT Level: 0

Notes:
there are a few ways to express the intention to do something, which seem very similar at first. but:
-youni is used with the potential or negative form of a verb.
　yoku kikoeru youni .. = to be able to hear better

　wasurenai you ni = in order not to forget
　dekiru yooni = so that I will be able to do
-tameni is usually just the plain form

　kau tameni = in order to buy
　kiku tameni = in order to hear

Also means 'like' or 'as'
Watashi you ni hashiru. (Run like me, to run like me)

Examples:
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 忘れ物をしないようにご注意して下さい。 [ex #615]

In order not to leave things, please take care (often heard on trains)
 この度の流出したデータを入手された方はお手数ですが削除いただけますようお願い申し上げ
ます。 [ex #872]
Please excuse us for the bother, but could those people who have acquired the data erroneously
disseminated on this occasion please delete them.
 あなたが元気になりますように [ex #899]
I pray you get better soon.
 パソコン管理が煩雑になってきましたので、管理しやすいように徐々に変更していきます。
[ex #1289]
The computer admin has become really tricky, so in order to make it easier to do, I'll be changing
things bit by bit
 間に合うように急いで家を出ました。 [ex #1292]
In order not to be late, I left the house in a hurry.
 始めた時のようなことが無いように、開発工程管理をしっかりとお願いします [ex #1314]
In order not to do it like we did at the beginning, be very vigilant about the stages of the development
process, please
 そのようにしてもいいのですか。 [ex #3061]
Can I do it like that?
 上例のように使えば、いいと思います。 [ex #3119]
I think it is alright if you use it like the example above
 風邪がはやく治るように彼は注射を打ってもらった。 [ex #7226]
In order to have the cold heal up quickly, he received an injection.

See Also:
 youni-te (Varous forms are based on ように (including 〜ようにいって))
 youniiu (Various forms are based on ように (including ように言う))
 youni-suru (Various forms are based on ように (including ようにする))
 tame
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 As seen in 'ようお願い申し上げます' the に may be omitted in some usages.
BTW, that would appear to be a very polite sentence. (contributor: Amatuka)
 Formed from 'verb + you ni'
V = verb (contributor: Amatuka)

 When used at the end of a sentence it usually indicates a wish, prayer or hope etc. (contributor:
Amatuka)
 I was told that verbs are not as comfortable in this construct, but not sure why. eg
計算するように、市場データを調べておきました
In order to do a calculation, I researched market data
(contributor: dc)
 計算するように
is a different expression. It sounds like
計算するかのように
= like a calculation, metaphorically speaking
so you should use

計算するために
in this case. It is different from 間に合うように
← can someone clarify this explanation? (contributor: dc)

 The Japanese of ex 3 is not matched to English.
この度の流出したデータを入手された方は→この度データを入力された方は (contributor: Miki)
17
 ex 1 J should be 間に合うように not 間に合うするように. (contributor: Miki)

 As for 計算するように、市場データを調べておきました。I think it is just not natural in the
context. :( Others will be able to help.
(contributor: Miki)
 Only 計算するように I can think of lis that of an instruction or order = 間違いなく計算するよう
にしてください (see to it that you perform the calculations without any error.)
 ように is used for non-volitional verbs for example できる、わかる、見える、聞こえる、起きら
れる. It is also used for the negative form of verbs 〜ないように. Otherwise ために is used. However I
don't think it is always this simple. Some verbs can be volitional and non-volitional. (contributor:
blabby)
 Here is a good explanation
http://www014.upp.so-net.ne.jp/nbunka/02nov.htm (contributor: blabby)

 As far as I know, ように can be used for both volitional and non-volitional verbs. (contributor:
bamboo4)
 I don't know what a volitional form is... but you-ni also means (like doing-)
計算ように次の作動を考えた。
Like calculating, he thought out his next move. (contributor: KotatsuSama)
 計算ように次の作動を考えた should be あたかも計算するように次の動作を考えた (contributor:
bamboo4)
 kotatsusama, i asked my kyoto sensei about ex.3119. he said it should be 上記 or 上記の例
文。not 上例。失礼しました。関係ないけどただ言いたいだけですけど、このサイトは本当に使える
んです。皆さんありがとう。 (contributor: jasyn78)
[ Add a Comment ]
きんじえない
Meaning: can't help feeling
Example: I can't help feeling sorry for them
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
怒りや悲しみなどの気持を抑えることができない
Examples:
 孤児には同情をきんじえない。 [ex #4337]

I can’t help feeling sorry for the orphans.
 同情を禁じえない [ex #5120]
cant help feeling sorry for
 彼の愚かな振る舞いに怒りを禁じえなかった。 [ex #5121]
I could not control my anger at his silly behaviour.
 不安を禁じえない。 [ex #5122]
I can't help but be worried.
 彼は彼女に驚きを禁じえなかった。 [ex #5123]
He couldn't help but surprise her.

18

Comments:
 is this the same as tenaranai (contributor: dc)
 Tenaranaiis not the same as 禁じえない. 抑えられない can be the similar to 禁じえない.
禁じえない would be used when you talk about feelings.　同情を抑えられない。 (contributor: Miki)
 I think the nuance is more towards '(I) can't control/supress'.
It is often used with 怒り,同情,驚き,失望,涙,笑い (contributor: blabby)
 Is this just the verb 禁じる + 得る eru? If so, should it have it's own entry when eru already
exists? (contributor: yookoso)
 yookoso, you are right. 禁じる means 抑える or ' to suppress', while 得ない means cannot or で
きない。禁じ得ない　literally means 禁じることができない／抑えることができない or 'unable to
supress', but this grammar always used together with feelings such as 同情、驚き、失望、涙,....
(contributor: 誠)
 [How would you change Ex.#5123 if you wanted to say:' He couldn't help being surprised by
her.' as opposed to the present meaning of 'He couldn't help but surprise her.'?] (contributor:
rebeccanolan)
[ Add a Comment ]
きっかけ
Meaning: trigger
Example: what triggered you to quit?
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
Sorry...no Notes exist yet for this entry...Add Note(s)
Examples:
 イタリアンルネッサンスを開花させるきっかけを作ったのはジョットの功績だ。 [ex #5398]

Giotto is credited with sowing the seeds of the Italian Renaissance.
 私の意見がそのグループでの議論のきっかけになった。 [ex #5399]
My comment sparked off an argument in the group.
 事のきっかけとなったのは誰だ。 [ex #5400]
Who has pulled the trigger?
 事のきっかけを作ったのは誰だ。 [ex #5401]
Who has pulled her son to his feet.
 彼女と付き合うきっかけになったのは、なんとなくフィーリングが合ったからだ。 [ex #5402]
I got together with her mainly because we seemed to share the same feelings about things.
 彼等は彼に逃げるきっかけを与えた。 [ex #5403]
They gave him a handle for escaping.
 開発のきっかけ [ex #5404]
trigger for the development of ~
 恋人募集広告がきっかけで（人）と出会う [ex #5405]
meet someone through a personal ad
 どういうきっかけでそんな考えを思い付いたの？ [ex #5406]
How did you come up with an idea like that?
 何がきっかけでギターを始められたのですか？ [ex #5407]
19
What motivated you to take up the guitar?

 `がきっかけで起こった激しい論争 [ex #5408]
intense debate stirred up by
 彼の支持率は金融不祥事がきっかけで急に落ちている [ex #5409]
His standing in polls slips in the wake of financial scandal.
 仕事がきっかけで知り合いになる [ex #5410]
be connected through one's business
 スキャンダルがきっかけで浮かび上がる [ex #5411]
gain new urgency in the revelation of scandals
 ほんのちょっとしたきっかけで変わる [ex #5412]
change with the slightest of opportunities
 どのようなきっかけで野球に興味を持ったのですか？ [ex #5413]
What got you interested at first in baseball?
 （人）が＿年以上勤務した会社を（主語）がきっかけで離れることになる [ex #5414]
prompt someone to leave after more than __ years of service
 キャリアの成功へのきっかけとしてプログラムを活用する [ex #5415]
use a program as a jump-start on a successful career
 ジャズにのめり込むきっかけとなったアルバム [ex #5416]
album that made one fall in love with jazz
 人種問題がきっかけとなった暴動。 [ex #5417]
racially-triggered violence
 近ごろ国際交流がますますさかんになっている。外国文化の情報が増える一方だが、それは自
分の国のことについて考えるきっかけにもなっている。 [ex #6727]
Recently international cultural exchange had became more and more popular. Informations on foreign
culture is only growing up and with this as a start people began to think about that in their own country.

See Also:
 kikkake
 kikkake (duplicate?)
 simultaneous-actions-group
 kikkakeni (perhaps entries kikkake and kikkakeni should merge.)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 ex.5401 正しい訳しですか。 (contributor: Perches)
 ex.5401 の訳は正しくないです。
Who prompted this? とかがいいかもしれません。 (contributor: Paul)

 人種問題がきっかけとなった文字化け… (contributor: petra)
 #5417 Edited to 暴動。 (contributor: Miki)
みたい
Meaning: looks like
Example: Seems like he's caught a cold.
JLPT Level: 3

20
Notes:
Examples:
 彼は風邪をひいたみたいです。 [ex #709]

Seems like he's caught a cold.
 まるで夢みたい [ex #5006]
It's like a dream
 お前みたいな奴は見たことがない [ex #5007]
I've never met the likes of you!
 京都みたいな所に行くのが好きです [ex #5008]
I like to visit places like Kyoto
 外国に行くみたいなことを言っていました [ex #5009]
He was talking like he was going abroad
 明日雨が降るみたいなあ。 [ex #6326]
It seems that tomorrow it's gonna rain...

See Also:
 you (よう and みたい both describe something as being similar.)
 fuu (風 is usually more like 'style' or 'way of doing' than みたい.)
 rashii (rashii seems to be a bit more mature than mitai)
 looks/seems/heard-group
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 Need to check up on the difference between みたい and よう usage. (contributor: Amatuka)
 Don't confuse みたい (seeming) with みたい (wanting to see). The latter is the たい (tai)
desirative form of みる (I'm not sure how 'seeming' みたい was derived) (contributor: Amatuka)
 'seeming'みたい is a part of みたいだ, which is derived from 見たようだ according to 大辞林
(daijirin). (contributor: Miki)
 The first time I came across みたい in that form (the example) I processed it from the literal
meaning
'I want to see that he has a cold'　->
'I want to say he has a cold' ->
(oh!) 'Seems like he has a cold' . . .
Ok, it's a stretch but well these are the things you do when you have no one to ask.
(contributor: nadine)
 There are certain nuance changes in みたい as my added examples show.
[ Add a Comment ]
〜たい
Meaning: I want to (verb)
Example: netai: I want to sleep
21
JLPT Level: 4

Notes:
It is considered impolite to ask someone else if the 'want' to do something. Instead, use the negative form
of the verb in a question.
Very important: 'tai' can only be used for the I person, like 'i want'.
If you want to say that someone else wants, you use 'tagaru'.
Ex:かれは牛乳を飲みたがっています。
This is because Japanese never imply they know what someone else wishes, and 'garu' means: 'i think
that', 'i heard that', etc.
Examples:
 日本に行きたいです。 [ex #6442]

(I) want to go to Japan.
 君のところへ行きたいよ。 [ex #6458]
(I) want to go to where you are.
 日本で英語をおしえたいです。 [ex #6671]
I want to teach English in Japan.

せっかく
Meaning: with effort
Example: I took the trouble to go and see him, but he wasn't there
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
Examples:
 せっかく会いに行ったのに、友達はいませんでした。 [ex #1068]

I took the effort to go and see my friend, but he wasn't there
 せっかくいい大学に入ったのだからよく勉強するつもりです。 [ex #1069]
I worked hard to get into a good college, so I intend to study hard
 人がせっかく作ってくれた料理を食べないのは失礼だ。 [ex #6201]
It's impolite not to eat food which someone has taken the trouble of preparing for you. (from An
Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese)
 せっかく彼女に手紙を書いたのに、送るのを忘れちゃった。 [ex #7008]
I took the effort to write a letter to her and forgot to send it.

22
Comments:
 Is this just used when the outcome is negative?
I went to all the effort to do X, but 残念 it didn't work out...
like けっきょく (contributor: dc)
 sekkaku always seems to come at the start of a sentence (contributor: dc)
 I don't think the outcome is always negative as the exmplaes show.
折角・・・のに、（結局）negative.
折角・・・のだから、positive.
(contributor: Miki)
[ Add a Comment ]
たかだか
Meaning: At most
Example: At the very outside
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
Examples:
 この仕事だったらたかだか三日もあればできる。 [ex #1128]

This work can be completed within about three days at the outside.

See Also:
 seizei
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 is this the same as seizei ? (contributor: dc)
 Yes, it is sinonymous to seizei
 Can anyone make use of sentence to use Seizei (contributor: Narender)
 Please check seizei. Especially, #1111 (contributor: Miki)
 Proper translation for takadaka is 'At best'.
At most has opposite meaning. (contributor: christ)
[ Add a Comment ]
たかだか
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Meaning: At most

Example: At the very outside
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
Examples:
 この仕事だったらたかだか三日もあればできる。 [ex #1128]

This work can be completed within about three days at the outside.

See Also:
 seizei
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 is this the same as seizei ? (contributor: dc)
 Yes, it is sinonymous to seizei
 Can anyone make use of sentence to use Seizei (contributor: Narender)
 Please check seizei. Especially, #1111 (contributor: Miki)
 Proper translation for takadaka is 'At best'.
At most has opposite meaning. (contributor: christ)
[ Add a Comment ]
によって
Meaning: depending on
Example: depending on the weather, i will come
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
Examples:
 天気によっては来ます [ex #1309]

depending on the weather, i will come
 結果によっては採用しないことがあります。 [ex #1310]
Depending upon the outcome, you may not be hired.
 天気によっては中止することがあります。 [ex #1311]
Depending upon the weather, the event may be cancelled.
 景気ににようってはメキシコに行きます。keiki ni niyotte ha mekishiko ni ikimasu. [ex #7179]
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EPENDING　ON　THE　FINANCES　? WILL　GO TO MEXICO

See Also:
 niyotte
 ikan
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 天気によって来ます is weird. It should be '天気次第で行きます.'
 how about
　天気によっては来ます (contributor: dc)
 If you say 天気によっては来ます,it is very likely that you are talking about some third party or
things. Like in Nikko, there are many monkeys, and you can say that to indicate that those monkeys
will show up depending on the weather.
If you are talking about yourself, it is normal to say 天気によってはゆきます or 天気によっては帰って

来ます but one do not normally see 来ます very often.
 erm, sorry my encoding messed up again, that first line should be 'saiyou shinai _koto_ ga
arimasu'
delete button doesn't seem to work :(

(contributor: Snake)
 snake hiya - deleted your mojibake post above... dunno why your delete btn is not working - are
you logged in?
also the encoding, i haven't seen probs with. what browser/OS are you on? (contributor: dc)
 dc, I cannot delete my comment, too. When I am logged off, I cannot see delete btn.　でしょ？
(contributor: Miki)
 I could delete an example I added. (contributor: Miki)
 yes, you can only delete your own comments - so you have to be logged in so the system
knows which are yours! otherwise an anonymous user could come in and delete everything...
(contributor: dc)
 I was logged in, and i tried it again just then logged in, but no go. I'm using Opera though..
gomen
ブラウザによっては削除出来ないことがあります（＾＾；
 dang. that would class as a bug then. might be Opera cookie/session handling. I recommend
firefox but IE seems OK too. (contributor: dc)
 Firefox cannot handle Japanese fonts. (contributor: bamboo4)
 ex1309 天気によっては来ます can also be used such when you were at a gathering and
asked if you comes to next gathering.　
一郎：「次回はきますか？」Will you come next time?
花子：「天気によっては来ます。」 (contributor: Miki)
 I use Firefox and have had no problems with japanese fonts..? (contributor: dc)
 Is this the same, or a variation on, かによる?
(contributor: jmadsen)
為 (ため)
Meaning: In order to, because of, for
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Example: I telephoned to make sure he was coming.

JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
Examples:
 彼が来る事を確かめる為に電話をした。 [ex #721]

I telephoned to make sure that he was coming.
 彼は、去年老齢の為、なくなった。 [ex #722]
He died last year of old age.
 このキーは何の為の物ですか？ [ex #723]
What's this key for ?
 外国人の為のいい辞書がない [ex #3147]
There are no good dictionaries for foreigners
 日本人は会社の為によくはたらきます [ex #3148]
The Japanese work hard for ( the sake of ) their company
 何の為に？ [ex #5938]
What for?
 雪がたくさん降ったため試合が中止された。 [ex #6670]
Because a lot of snow fell, the match was canceled.

See Also:
 youni
 beku
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 Two slightly different usages here (split them out if you want to).
1. 'In order to'
2. 'Because of' (contributor: Amatuka)
 Usually either ___の為に___ or [V-る]為に___.
But not always :-P (contributor: Amatuka)
 Hey DC, I'm catching up with you on Grammar entries :-P (contributor: Amatuka)
 thats why i made the batch form, so i can speed ahead! (contributor: dc)
 hah, I've NEVER seen the kanji for tame before. (contributor: Grant)
 tame is also used sometimes to mean 'therefore/so', like node
何も出ていないため、ユーザーは何をしていいか分からないと思います。
nothing pops out,so the user doesnt know what to do
(contributor: dc)
 為 seems a bit like the word 'para' in Spanish... give or take a few uses, no? (contributor:
Saralynne)
い形容詞変化 (いけいようしへん
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か)
Meaning: How to conjugate regular adjectives ending in 'i'.
Example: (I-adjective) + (copula)
JLPT Level: 4

Notes:
This is the conjugation of an I-adjective with Plain and Polite form and timing tenses (present and past)
The plain form of an I-adjective does not use the da coupula it leaves it blank.
Examples:
 chikai. (plain non-past) [ex #5678]

is near. is near. (plain non-past)
 Chikai desu.(polite non-past) [ex #5679]
is near. (polite non-past)
 Chikakunai. (plain neg. non-past) [ex #5680]
isn't near. (plain neg. non-past)
 Chikaku arimasen. (polite neg. non-past) [ex #5681]
isn't near. (polite neg. non-past)
 Chikakatta. (plain past) [ex #5682]
was near. (plain past)
 Chikakatta desu. (polite past) [ex #5683]
was near. (polite past)
 Chika kunakatta.(plain neg. past) [ex #5684]
wasn't near. (plain neg. past)
 Chikaku arimasen deshita.(polite neg. past) [ex #5685]
wasn't near. (polite neg. past)

Comments:
 I changed the information about this entry, because it is not just about the adjective 'chikai', but
rather about the method of conjugating i-adjectives as a whole. I also fixed a typo.
The spacing of the romanized words need to be fixed in the example sentences -- the current
formatting muddies the logic behind the grammar. Instead of 'chika kunakatta', it should be 'chikaku
nakatta', because the grammatical construct behind the form is the adverbial form of 'chikai' ('chikaku')
plus the plain negative past form of 'aru' ('nakatta').
Of course, I believe it is better to have no space, favoring

chikai, chikakunai, chikakatta, chikakunakatta
chikai desu, chikakunai desu (or chikaku arimasen), chikakatta desu, chikakunakatta desu (or chikaku
arimasen deshita). However, if you feel the need to put spaces, they more logically should be as
follows:
chikai, chikaku nai, chikakatta, chikaku nakatta
chikai desu, chikaku nai desu (or chikaku arimasen), chikakatta desu, chikaku nakatta desu (or
chikaku arimasen deshita).
Edit: Well, I tried to make a full-fledged entry, but this site doesn't allow freaking tables. Screw that,
then. (contributor: KyleGoetz)
 my name is radha and i have been studying 4 th level of japanese language. ur site is very
usuful for me but i find it very difficult in some sentences where only kanji is given which i cannot read
at this juncture. it will very helpful to give in brackets the english version so that we can read the
27
sentence and understand the meaning.thanking you always
(contributor: radhagop)
 @radhagop... it takes a while to get used to but maybe you should start referencing to a
dictionary. knowing kanji is a must to fully use the language. (contributor: jomni)
かねない
Meaning: Vm, capable of (a bad thing)
Example: he is capable of anything
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
Kanenai is used only for negative results or things which we don't want to happen
Examples:
 あの男はどんなばかなことでもやりかねない。 [ex #203]

He might do any stupid thing (LIT: there is not a stupid thing he would not do).
 真面目なように見えるが彼は嘘をつきかねない。 [ex #886]
He looks very serious, but he can't help lying.
 あの男は裏切りもしかねない。 [ex #4215]
He is capable of treachery.
 この手の雑誌は若者に害を与えかねない。 [ex #4216]
This kind of magazine can do harm to young people.
 しかし贈り物をひけらかすことは、何も持ってこなかった客を当惑させることになりかねな
い。 [ex #4217]
But showing off the presents could embarrass the guests who did not bring one.
 その少年は盗みをしかねない。 [ex #4218]
The boy is capable of robbery.
 イスラム系共和国が独立国家共同体に参加しない場合、それらの国々は独自の勢力を形成し、
一触即発の民族的、宗教的な亀裂を生じかねない、と?A、西側の消息筋は警告しています。 [ex
#4219]
Soviet and Western observers have warned that if the Muslim republics do not join the
commonwealth, they may from a separate group, setting up a volatile ethnic and religious split.
 インフレを抑制しようとして金融政策に偏重すると、金融、したがって景気を必要以上に締め
付けることになりかねない。 [ex #4220]
Excessive reliance on monetary policy an attempt to curb inflation could unnecessarily constrain credit
and hence business.
 スキャンダルは嘘を魔ｫかねない。 [ex #4221]
Scandal could expose the lie.
 一瞬のちゅうちょでもパイロットは命を落としかねない。 [ex #4222]
A moments hesitation may cost a pilot his life.
 一瞬躊躇すればパイロットは命も落としかねない。 [ex #4223]
A moment's hesitation may cost a pilot his life.
 学校へ行ったことのない人は貨物自動車からものを盗みかねないが、大学教育を受けた人なら
鉄道全部を盗みかねない。 [ex #4224]
A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education,
he may steal the whole railroad.
 規則にうるさいレフェリーは試合を台無しにしかねない。 [ex #4225]
A fussy referee can ruin a bout.
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 新しい調査では、６５歳以上の病院患者の診察記録には誤りが多く、重大な診察ミスにつなが
りかねない、ということです。 [ex #4226]
A new study suggests that hospital records for patients older than 65 are often incorrect, which may
lead to serious treatment errors.
 奴はうそもつきかねない男だ。 [ex #4227]
The man is quite capable of telling lies.
 冬に暖かい服装をしていないと、ひどいかぜをひくことになりかねない。 [ex #4228]
Not intelligence and experience enabled him to deal with the trouble.
 彼ならそれくらいの事はいいかねない。 [ex #4229]
He can say such things.
 彼はそんなことをやりかねない。 [ex #4230]
He is capable of doing such a thing.
 彼はどんな悪事でもやりかねない。 [ex #4231]
He's capable of wickedness of any kind.
 彼は望む物を手に入れるためには人をもだましかねない。 [ex #4232]
He is capable of deceiving others to get what he wants.
 ジョンさんは作りたてチョコケーキを全て食べかねない。 [ex #7116]
John cant help but to eat the entire freshly made chocolate cake.

See Also:
 kaneru (かねない is the negative of かねる)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 kaneru=hesitate to, find it hard to | kanenai = doesn't think twice about / will happily do (a bad
thing) (contributor: dc)
 Formed from verb -masu base + kanenai
Note that the '-nai' conjugates as a normal negative
(e.g. kanemasen, kanenakatta possible)
Vm = Verb -masu base (contributor: Amatuka)
 I'm not sure of the seconde J-example.
真面目なように見える_が_彼は嘘をつきかねない。
or
真面目なように見える qualify 彼?
E-translation matches the former. (contributor: Miki)
 'That person who looks serious just can't help lying.' for the latter, huh?
I agree I think it should probably be が there. (contributor: Amatuka)

 Incidently, is the following Japanese grammatical?
真面目なように見えるが真面目でもないが、彼はやる事はやっている
He looks serious but he isn't, but he does the things to be done.
(The English is dubious because of the two 'but's in the same sentence.) (contributor: Amatuka)
 This Japanese is awkward.
真面目なように見えるがそうではないが、…。
真面目なように見えるが真面目ではないのだが、…。 (contributor: Miki)
 I find the terms 'likely to' and 'liable to' more descriptive for かねない, could we add that to the
'capable of' under meaning in the top of the page? (contributor: Rukawa)
 Can someone double check #4228? Thank you (contributor: ^_^)
 In #4228, Japanese does not jibe with English.
English should be: In winter, unless you dress warmly, you could come down with a nasty cold.
 When I read this the words 'cannot help, unable to help (something),' maybe '(sometimes)
cannot help but' come to mind to describe this. (contributor: LittleFish)
 So would this be right?
彼はうるさいことを話しかねない。
He cant help saying annoying things?
29
I guess I am not sure how to form a negative verb sentence using this pattern...
He cant help not doing the dishes.
and in the examples above there seems to be no difference if it is a -ている (ing) sentence or
dictionary form.
(contributor: anna.kendall)
 真面目なように見えるが彼は嘘をつきかねない。
He could lie but look serious.
あの男は裏切りもしかねない。
He's quite (also) capable of betrayal.
ジョンさんは作りたてチョコケーキを全て食べかねない。
John is capable of eating the entire freshly made chocolate cake.
(contributor: slopethisway)
〜にして
Meaning: only; because of that
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
科学者にして出来事
other similar meanings:
dake だけ only：
　科学者＿だけ＿出来事
　a thing only a scholar could do
dakara だから so
　科学者＿だから＿出来た
　he is a scholar so he could do it
dakarakoso だからこそ due to/because of

　科学者だからこそできた
　because he is a great scholar he could do it
Examples:
 かれはノーベル賞に値する研究を成し遂げた。これは、偉大な科学者にして初めてできること
であろう。 [ex #5146]
He worked hard to execute Nobel Prize level research. This was the something only a great scholar
could achieve.
 留学生にして日本に行った。 [ex #6138]
Only as a student did I go to Japan.
 ９０歳にして彼はいまだに驚くほど元気である。 [ex #6139]
At the age of ninety he still has surprising vigour.
 これは長年訓練を積んだ彼のような人にして初めてできる技だ。 [ex #7814]
This is a skill that only a person with long-term training such as he can pull off.

30
Comments:
 #5146: can someone check please? (contributor: dc)
 #6138　The Japanese is weird. 留学生として日本に行った。 is better. That means this
example does not fit to this entry. (contributor: Miki)
 #5146 The Japanese looks ok. Usually the expression is used as written language. Simpler
expression is これは、偉大な科学者であって初めてできることであろう。 (contributor: Miki)
 #6139 For your reference, this にして is different from the entry. (contributor: Miki)
[ Add a Comment ]
にとって・として・の上で・から
いうと・から見ると
Meaning: from the point of view, based on
Example: from my point of view
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
nitotte for
for me it was tough...
nishitemo even for

even for him it was hard
toshite as
as a teacher...
uede based upon (my conjecture)

based upon my consideration
nimotodsuite based on (outside fact)

womotoni based on
this novel is based on real life
kekka based on the result of
womotonishite takes as its basis

this novel takes Love as its basis
karasuruto by looking at X
by his expression, you could tell...
karaiuto on the basis of

on the basis of grammar, chinese is easy
karamiruto looking from

from the criminals point of view...
nishitara if you look from

if you look at it from my point of view
narini for
(in their own way?)
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nomikatadeha from the way of looking

from the old way of looking at the issue...
Examples:
 英語教師として､一番難しいのは生徒と関係作りだと思います｡ [ex #6919]

As an English Teacher, I think the most difficult part is building a relationship with my students.

予定 (よてい)
Meaning: be planning to do~
Example: i am planning to go back to my country at the end of june
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
Examples:
 これはあくまでも予定以外のなにものでもない。 [ex #5002]

This is only a plan and nothing more than that.
 明日この宿題を終わる予定です。 [ex #5240]
I plan to finish this assignment tomorrow.
 来週帰国する嵐閧ﾅす。 [ex #7026]
I plan to go back to my home country next month.

See Also:
 tsumori
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 予定 is a vocab and not a grammar entry. Although I provided an example, this item should be
deleted.
 i guess you're right, although つもり often comes up as a grammar item. the usage is different
too.
行くつもりがあります
行く予定です。
合ってる？ (contributor: dc)

 I also have come across つもり and 予定 during class studies. If I recall correctly, つもり can
only be used to discuss yourself whereas 予定 can be used to discuss yourself or others. (contributor:
yookoso)
 Yes, dc, you are correct. yookoo is also correct in that つもり is essentuially used to express
32
one's intentions, but you have to say that is not necessarily absolute. When you ask a question like あ
なたは行くつもりですか？ 'tumori' in that context is not your own but somebody else's so that it is
esentially equivalent to あなたは行く予定ですか？.
The example I gave for 予定,however, cannot be replaced by つもり.

 I have given examples of つもり included in 'See Also.' (contributor: bamboo4)
 Tsumori can also be used to describe the state of mind...
美味しい煎餅を食べたつもりです。 in the state of mind like I ate a delicious cookie. (contributor:
Campbell)
 来週帰国する嵐閧ﾅす。 [ex #7026]
I plan to go back to my home country next month.
The kanji 'next week' is used here. ^^;
(contributor: mireille)
[ Add a Comment ]
居る (いる)
Meaning: Is (animate)
Example: There's a dog in that car.
JLPT Level: 4

Notes:
iru
Like aru iru is also an stative (non-action) verb. Iru, unlike aru is used to express 'is' or 'exists' for living
things, people, or beings, with plants being excluded.
Like aru, iru uses ni/に to indicate the location when specified.
iru also is used as an auxillary verb to form progressive tenses. Similar in function to English's verb 'to
be' in the following: He is going, I was going, We are going, etc.
iru does not require the use of ga/が.
When iru is used in an auxillary form, it can be used with non-living things just like aru.
For an auxillary form, iru is usually preceeded by the -te form of the other verb. Then iru is conjugated
accordingly.
Aruite imasu. --> (He/she,you/it/etc.) is walking.

Aruite imashita. (He/she,you/it/etc.) was walking.
Note that iru cannot be used for the future tense, as there isn't a real future tense in Japan. Therefore,
sentences like 'He will be going.' will not exist.
Other notes
iru is commonly written with kana alone, instead of kanji. Kanji can be used in written Japanese to
indicate subtle nuances in meaning.
Examples:
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 その車に犬がいます。[sono kuruma ni inu ga imasu] [ex #619]

There is a dog in that car.
 あしたは家にいるつもりだ。 [ex #4823]
I will stay at home tomorrow.
 彼はまだ休暇でハワイにいる。 [ex #4824]
He is still on vacation in Hawaii.
 その時私は家にいました。 [ex #4825]
I was at home then.
 あなたはどのくらいカナダにいたのですか。 [ex #4826]
How long did you stay in Canada?
 あなたはニューヨークにいたことがありますか。 [ex #4827]
Have you ever been in New York?
 ７０ぴきぐらいねこが近所にいた。 [ex #4828]
There were about 70 cats in the neighbourhood.
 たなかさんはいますか？　 [ex #7829]
Is Mr. Tanaka here?　Tanaka san wa imasu ka?
 はい、います。 [ex #7830]
Yes, [he/she/living animal/being] is. Hai, imasu.
 猫は何処にいますか？　ねこはどこにいますか？ [ex #7831]
Where is the cat?　Neko wa doko ni imasu?
 メリさんは来月日本にいるでしょう。メリさんはらいげつにほんにいるでしょう。　 [ex
#7832]
Mary will probably be in Japan next month.　Merii san wa raigetsu Nihon ni iru deshou.

See Also:
 aru (iru for living things, aru for objects.
I find a way to remember which is which is that people _need_ (iru is also the verb to need) stuff.)
 da (だ and いる can both indicate the presense of something living - used in different ways.)
 ga (The particle が is used in いる sentences)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 'iru' for _need_ has a) a different kanji and b) is godan not ichidan.
'kare wa iranai' 'I don't need him(boyfriends)'
'kare wa inai' 'He's not here(I don't have a boyfriend)'
(contributor: Amatuka)
 I remember that 'iru' is for living things because it is used in the construction te+iru for the
present progressive tense. And it is usually a living creature that is presently doing something. This
isn't always true I guess, but it helps me remember the difference. (contributor: your name)
 ている teiru can't be used with the verbs of existance (e.g. ある aru and いる iru) (contributor:
Amatuka)
 I thought you can say あっている when talking about past experience, as in:
Ａさん：私の息子にもう会ったことがあるはずだよね
Ｂさん：確かじゃないけど、あってると思う。
A：I expect you have already met my son, right?
B: I'm not sure, but I think I have.
please correct me if I'm wrong because I have been wondering about this! ^-^ (contributor: Sasuke21)
 あっている is past of 会う＋いる and いる in this sense denotes the continuation of some
status or event, here the fact that you have met and that situaiton continues to exist. (contributor:
bamboo4)
 My two Japanese (native) teachers say that iru applies only to animal life, or more specifically,
as they say, 'something that has a heart'. So for trees, flowers etc. you use aru. Also, how about
animals without hearts? I think those exist, like jellyfish or something. (contributor: zeptimius)
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〜ひいては
Meaning: which in turn
Example: This is good for , which in turn is good for
JLPT Level: 0

Notes:
Examples:
 それは母体に良く、ひいてはお腹の赤ちゃんにも良い。 [ex #7077]

It is good for the mother's body, which in turn is good for her coming baby.

Comments:
 probably 1kyu; I've never noted it before (contributor: claytonian)
どんな
Meaning: Whatever; whoever, etc.
Example: Whatever happened
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
Examples:
 どんなことがあっても [ex #2998]

No matter what happens.
 どんなことを言ったとしても..... [ex #2999]
No matter whatever you said......
 どんな人も、入ることはできません [ex #3000]
Noone whatsoever can enter.
 どんな意見でも聞き入れるようにします。 [ex #3001]
We try to accept whatever opinion you may have.
 どんな風に説明したの？ [ex #3213]
In what manner did you explain it?
 どんなに飲んでももっとほしい [ex #3214]
No matter how much I drink, I want more.
 あなたはその事とどんな関係があるのですか。 [ex #3922]
35
What do you have to do with this matter?

See Also:
 ikanaru-demo
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 Tried to show similarity to 'ikanaru-demo' which is not necessarily conversational. (contributor:
bamboo4)
 should this be donna-demo to keep consistency with ikanaru-demo (contributor: dc)
 I don't think so. どんな is not inherently coupled with でも.
 for #3000
i was told:
どんな人も、入る事はできません sounds odd.
more natural are:
誰も入る事はできません
誰も入れません
but these arent examples of donna!

is there a reason this might sound uncomfortable? (contributor: dc)
 どんなに飲んでももっとほしい
→
どんなに飲んでももっと欲しくなる (contributor: dc)
につき
Meaning: a, per, each
Example: this job pays ten dollars per hour
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
Examples:
 この仕事は一時間につき十ドル貰える。 [ex #183]

You can get ten dollars per hour for this job.
 １ページにつき、３枚ずつコピーして下さい。 [ex #3822]
Please make three copies of each page.
 １ヤードにつきキス一回でごぜえやす。 [ex #3823]
Only one kiss per yard.
 ２０以上の注文につきましては、見積りより１０％引きの特別価格でご提供します。 [ex
#3824]
For quantities of 20 or more, we can allow you a special discount of 10% on the prices quoted.
 この牛肉は１ポンドにつき４ドルです。 [ex #3825]
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This beef is four dollars per pound.

 その品物を１ダースにつき３ドルで買う。 [ex #3826]
I buy the article at $3 a dozen.
 それらは１ポンドにつき２５セント安かった。 [ex #3827]
They were about 25 cents a pound cheaper.
 水道代は一ヶ月につき３０００円かかります。 [ex #7027]
The water expenses takes 3000 yens a month.
 昼休みにつき、事務所は１時まで休みです。 [ex #7028]
At the office, regarding the lunch break, the rest is until one hour.

Comments:
 Think this is also like 'nanode' with a noun preceding. Maybe more like due to , its a little stiffer
than node. (contributor: francis)
 につき or について is also used for 'regarding' or 'concerning' such as 山田さんにつき（につい
て）何かご存じですか(Do you know anything about Mr. Yamada?).
続ける (つづける)
Meaning: keep on doing ...
Example: keep on eating (sweet stuff)
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
Examples:
 ダイエット中のくせにあくまでも甘い物を食べつづけます [ex #925]

even though I'm on a diet, I will keep on eating sweet things until the end.
 お金のために、愛してもいない男との生活をつづけるならば、すっかり失望して、進退きわま
る時が将来やってくることだろう。 [ex #4192]
If she continues to live with a man she doesn't love for his money, the day will come when she will be
utterly frustrated and between the devil and the deep blue sea.
 この失敗、きっと一生、言われつづけるなあ。 [ex #4193]
People will keep talking about this mistake forever.
 私は母国を愛しているし、これからも愛しつづけるだろう。 [ex #4194]
I love, and will continue to love, my mother country.
 無視しろぅ！　じゃ、書き続けて！ [ex #5703]
Ignore it! Keep writing!
 小さい字を書きつづけて、手がつかれました。 [ex #7033]
Because I have been writing continuously small characters, my hand got tired.
 長い時間テレビをみつづけると、目がいたくなる。 [ex #7034]
When you keep watching TV for a long time, your eyes become painful.

37
See Also:
 kiru (kiru > til the end | tsudsukeru > keep on eating)
 kaketa (tsudsukeru implies something going on for a period of time...)
 niwatatte
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 'dsu' is not a generally used romaji variant.
I think it should be 'du'. (contributor: your name)
 hmm, thats true. using the windows IME, 'dsu' = 'ｄす' which is silly.
but 'du' when you read it in romaji doesn't look like... dzu, even though the hiragana comes out correct
as づ
まあ、難しいね。どうすればいい。 I want people who don't read hiragana to be able to use the site
ideally. altho we may be way past that with all the kanji... (contributor: dc)
 Every book I have spells this as 'tsuzukeru'. (contributor: Synonymous)
 To be fair... づ　and ず have theoretically merged, except in names... so zu is ok.
on a side note, is this really level 1? I use / hear this so often at work that I'm rather surprised.
 #5703 I would write 無視しろっ！ to emphasize. Though this is not CORRECT Japanese
writing. Also, it is not appreciated that female speaks like this. I feel 無視して! is more sophisticated.
(contributor: Miki)
 This entry does certainly not belong to Level 1 but to Level 2 and it is so commonly used that
before reaching Level 3, you get to know this pattern. Please downgrade this entry. (contributor:
Olivier)
 The input pattern for づ should be 'du' and not 'zu.'
 Olivier, I went ahead and changed to level 2 - anybody disagree with that classification?
(contributor: yookoso)
 Total number of results searching from Google:
- 923 for tsudsukeru
- 14 100 for tsudukeru
- 14 100 for tsudzukeru
- 67 800 for tsuzukeru
So I changed the name entry according to the last one.
I think the level of this entry is 3 because I founded 2 examples in JPLT3
http://www.mlcjapanese.co.jp/DownloadF/3-5-GrammarInPastTest.pdf and none in JPLT2
http://www.mlcjapanese.co.jp/DownloadF/2-5-GrammarInPastTest.pdf, so I changed the level too.
(contributor: 赤毛)
[ Add a Comment ]
いかんによらず
Meaning: without regard to
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
〜いかんによらず　＝　〜いかんにかかわらず　
　　　　　　　　　＝　〜いかんを問わず
意味　：〜がどうであるかに関係なく
What is the difference between 名詞＋を問わず and 名詞＋の＋いかんを問わず？
38
Ref # A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar p128 (Key sentence D)

Examples:
 理由のいかんによらず、殺人は許されないことだ。 [ex #5472]

Regardless of the reason, murder is unforgiveable
 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。 [ex #5473]
The number of municipalities where one can take the employment test regardless of nationalty is
increasing.
 納入した学費は理由のいかんに関わらず返却しません。 [ex #7917]
The tuition and fees you have paid will not be returned, no matter what the reason.
 このコンテンツの複製は方法、媒体のいかんを問わず禁止されている。 [ex #7918]
Copying the content is prohibited, regardless of the method or the medium.

See Also:
 ikan
 nikakawarazu
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 理由（りゆう）の如何（いかん）によらず
This means 'no matter what reason there is.'
Usually, Japanese people say '理由が何であろうとも' instead. (contributor: Nick)
 '理由が何であろうとも' would be used especially in speaking. In written form, 'いかんにもよら
ず' is often seen. (contributor: Miki)
 A better translation for #5473 is 'The number of municipalities where you can take the
employment test regardless of nationalty is increasing. (contributor: samboki)
 @nikonniko Same meaning, different usage - as with a LOT of grammar. 名詞＋を問わず is a
straight forward easy to use phrase, appropriate for most language situations.
名詞＋の＋いかんを問わず is more formal, appropriate for written language, archaic? (contributor: LR)
 There are loads more examples over at ikan where the entries are kind of 混ぜている.
(contributor: LR)
[ Add a Comment ]
貰う (もらう)
Meaning: have someone do something for you
Example: my dad bought a camera for me
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
morau is a fairly informal/plain/gruff way of asking someone to do something for you.
書いてもらうか？ = can you write it for me?

- something a boss might say to a junior
書いてくれる？
- more common, not overly polite, OK to use between friends
39
書いて頂けますか？
- slightly keigo, something you might say to your boss
やる is a pretty rough verb.
With 貰う makes things sound pretty blunt:
　　やってもらう = hey, do it for me.
Examples:
 私は父にカメラを買って貰った [ex #1028]

My father bought a camera for me
 私は友達に日本語を教えて貰っている [ex #1029]
I am having a friend teach me japanese
 コンビニで、何か買って貰いたいですか？ [ex #3153]
At the store, is there anything you want me to buy for you?
 ４時に医者に診てもらう予約をした。 [ex #4179]
I made an appointment to see the doctor at four o'clock.
 あなたはグリーン先生に英語の発音を直してもらうべきだ。 [ex #4180]
You should have Mr Green correct your English pronunciation.
 今すぐ髪を切ってもらう必要はないよ。 [ex #4181]
You need not have a haircut right now.
 ことによると、きみにも一緒にきてもらう。 [ex #4182]
Maybe you better come with us.
 このヒーターは故障しているようなので、彼に修理してもらう予定だ。 [ex #4183]
Since this heater seems to be out of order, I'll have him repair it.
 この椅子を修理してもらうのにどれくらいかかるのでしょうか。 [ex #4184]
What would it cost to have this chair repaired?
 この仕事は誰にもしてもらうわけにはいかない。 [ex #4185]
I can't get this work done by anybody.
 この車は修理してもらう必要がある。 [ex #4186]
This car needs repairing.
 じゃあ、言わせてもらうけど。 [ex #4187]
Let me tell you something.

See Also:
 kureru (kureru is the polite version, when the person doing something is a higher up or doing
you a favor)
 saseru (morau is politer than saseru, the latter implies making someone do something, as
opposed to do them doing it for you)
 ageru
 itadaku (morau is plain, itadaku is very polite)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 貰う and あげる are two faces of one coin. The former describes the situation from the position
of a receiver, whereas the latter describes the situation from the side of the giver. Note also that やる,
also the verb describing the situaiton from the standpoint of the giver, is relatively impolite as
contrasted to あげる. When you feed a pet you use やる but that can also be used in case of humans
if the receiver is inferior to you.In the same vein, 貰う and くれる have the same kind of semantic
difference as would exist between あげる and やる.
 bamboo - tried to distill your comments into a note at the top. feel free to add notes instead of
comments when you think you have a summary explanation... (contributor: dc)
 where does itadaku fit on this continuum? I have heard it used mainly for 'receiving'.
are itadaku & itashimasu kind of opposites like morau & ageru ? ie the polite forms of give and
40
receive/ also used as 'do for you' & 'you do for me' (contributor: dc)
 'itadaku' ia a honorific of 'morau.' 'itashimasu' does not belong here. (contributor: bamboo4)
 bamboo4- if you put the items like itadaku in square brackets, rather than 'quotes' they will come
up as hilited links like this: morau
btw can you explain itashimasu ? (contributor: dc)
 itashimasuis 'to do' spoken in a modest manner, or which the Japanese call 謙譲語. 私がいた
します would be directed to your superior meaning that 'I will do that.' It has nothing to do with 'giving'
or 'receiving' which would be involved in 貰う and あげる.
 Another honorific for give is ｛さしあげる｝that can be used in such cases as ｛してさしあげ
る｝meaning as a very polite expression. It can be used with a number of other verbs, too.
 Hi, I think that 'morau' is actually not a Level 1 JLPT expression. This is perhaps more like Level
3 expression, since this is normally not considered an advanced expression.
I also think that in practice, Shite Sashiageru is not really used often. Rather, they would use 'shitai to
omoimasu' as a replacement. I think the only situations in which you would use Shite Sashiageru is to
someone who's of higher social ranking than you, and also very close to you. (Perhaps your close
grandmother, or someone like that) (contributor: nhk9)
[ Add a Comment ]
〜をぬきにして・はぬきにして
Meaning: without, leaving out
Example: Without a strong will, it's not possible for this work to be finished.
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
[wo nuki ni shite/wa nuki ni shite] can have two generally the same usages. It can be used to show that
something is without, or left out. Wa does not have to follow after shite but it does give extra emphasis as
wa is frequently called the highlighting particle. nuki itself can be used to follow a noun directly to mean
'without' especially when listing ingredients or talking about doing something 'without'. itself gives
meaning to nuki showing that it is 'for' whatever nuki is excluding that causes/does such and such. So
could be looked at as meaning for without...
I would also like to mention that a lot of people need to watch their Romanization on this site as
somethings are just wrong. This page should be wo nuki ni shite/ wa naku ni shite not ha, wa is just a
spelling rule since the Heian period to be written with the Kana character for ha.
Examples:
 強い意志を抜きにしては、この仕事を完成させることはできない。 [ex #6070]

Without a strong will, it's not possible for this work to be finished.
 料理の上手な山田さんをぬきにしては、パーティーは開けません。 [ex #7113]
Without Mr Yamada, who is a really good cook, we can't have a party.

Comments:
 一級の模擬試験でも出題されています。 (contributor: royroyroy59)
 I think you don't need the ending 'は', the actual grammar part seems to be 'nukinishite', which
means 'leave off or leave out.'
41
(contributor: EvilKyra)
 EvilKyra presented the fact that 'nukinishite' means 'leave off or leave out' how does that affect
the English translations? (contributor: timmy43)
せる・させる
Meaning: make, let (someone do something)
Example: I let my daughter eat ice-cream
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
And the form ( ~らせられる。~させられる)?
Tutorial:
Outline
1. Causative and Passive Verbs
2. What are Causative Verbs?
3. Passive Verbs
4. Using passive form to show politeness
5. Causative-Passive Forms
Causative and Passive Verbs
We will now learn the last two major types of verb conjugations: causative and passive forms. While
there are many reason to put this in the Essential Grammar section, I have decided to put it as the first
lesson of this section because: 1) The essential grammar section was getting really big, 2) Causative and
passive forms are not as commonly used as other verb forms. These two verb conjugations are
traditionally covered together because of the common causative-passive combination. We will now go
over what all these things are and how they are used.
What are Causative Verbs?
Verbs conjugated into the causative form are used to indicate an action that someone makes happen.
Like Captain Picard so succinctly puts it, the causative verb means to 'makes it so'. This verb is usually
used in the context of making somebody do something. The really confusing thing about the causative
verb is that it can also mean to let someone do something. Or maybe this is a different type of verb with
the exact same conjugation rules. Whichever the case is, a verb in the causative form can mean either
making or letting someone do something. The only good news is that when the causative form is used
with 「あげる」 and 「くれる」 it almost always means to 'let someone do'. Once you get used to it,
surprisingly, it becomes quite clear which meaning is being used when.
（１）　全部食べさせた。- Made/Let (someone) eat it all.
（２）　全部食べさせてくれた。- Let (someone) eat it all.
Causative Conjugation Rules
Here are the conjugation rules for the causative form. All causative verbs become ru-verbs.
 ru-verbs - Remove the 「る」 and add 「させる」.
 u-verbs - Change the last character as you would for negative verbs but attach 「せる」
instead of 「ない」.
 Exception Verbs - 「する」 becomes 「させる」 and 「くる」 becomes 「こらせる」.
Sample ru-verbs Sample u-verbs Exception Verbs
Causativ ローマローマ字 Positive Causative

Plain
e 字 (Caus.)
するさせる
Plain 話す話させる hanas hanasaseru
42
Caus くるこらせる
ative 食べさせる
食べる u
着る着させる聞く聞かせる kiku kikaseru
信じる信じさせる泳ぐ泳がせる oyogu oyogaseru

寝る寝させる遊ぶ遊ばせる asobu asobaseru
起きる起きさせる待つ待たせる matu mataseru
出る出させる
飲む飲ませる nomu nomaseru
掛ける掛けさせる
直る直らせる naoru naoraseru
捨てる捨てさせる
死ぬ死なせる shinu shinaseru
調べる調べさせる
買う買わせる kau kawaseru
Examples
Here are some examples using the causative verb. Context will usually tell you which is being meant, but
for our purposes we will assume that when the verb is used with 「あげる」 and 「くれる」（くださ
い） it means 'to let someone do' while it means, 'to make someone do' when used without it.
（１）　先生が学生に宿題をたくさんさせた。
- Teacher made students do lots of homework.
（２）　先生が質問をたくさん聞かせてくれた。
- Teacher let ask lots of questions.
（３）　今日は仕事を休ませてください。
- Please let me rest from work today. (Please let me take the day off today.)
（４）　その部長は、よく長時間働かせる。
- That manager often make work long hours.
When asking for permission to let someone do something, it is more common to use the 「~てもいい」
grammar we covered here.
（１）　トイレに行かせてくれますか。
- Can you let me go to the bathroom? (Sounds like a prisoner, even in English)
（２）　トイレに行ってもいいですか。
- Is it ok to go to the bathroom? (No problem here)
Passive Verbs
Passive verbs are verbs that are done to the (passive) subject. Unlike English style of writing which
discourages the use of passive form, passive verbs in Japanese are often used in essays and articles.
Passive Conjugation Rules
For once, the conjugations rules are same for both ru-verbs and u-verbs. All passive verbs become ru-
verbs.
 ru-verbs and u-verbs - Change the last character from an / u / vowel sound to an / a / vowel
sound and add 「れる」.
 Exception Verbs - 「する」 becomes 「される」 and 「くる」 becomes 「こられる」.
Sample ru-verbs Sample u-verbs Exception Verbs

43
Positive Passive
Plain するされる
ローマ字
Plain Passive ローマ字
(Pass.) くるこられる
Passi
ve 食食べられる話す話される hanasu hanasareru
べる
聞く聞かれる kiku kikareru
着る着られる
泳ぐ泳がれる oyogu oyogareru
信じる信じられる
寝る寝られる
遊ぶ遊ばれる asobu asobareru
起きる起きられる待つ待たれる matu matareru
出る出られる飲む飲まれる nomu nomareru
掛ける掛けられる直る直られる naoru naorareru

捨てる捨てられる死ぬ死なれる shinu shinareru
調べる調べられる
買う買われる kau kawareru
Examples
（１）　ポリッジが誰かに食べられた！
- The porridge was eaten by somebody!
（２）　みんなに変だと言われます。
- I am told by everybody that [I'm] strange.
（３）　光の速さを超えるのは、不可能だと思われる。
- Exceeding the speed of light is thought to be impossible.
（４）　この教科書は多くの人に読まれている。
- This textbook is being read by a large number of people.
（５）　外国人に質問を聞かれたが、答えられなかった。
- I was asked a question by a foreigner but I couldn't answer.
（６）　このパッケージにありうるもの、全部含まれている。
- Everything that possibly exists is included in this package.
Using passive form to show politeness

While we will go over various types of grammar that express a politeness level above the normal -masu/-
desu forms in the next lesson, it is useful to know that using passive form is another more polite way to
express an action. In Japanese, a sentence is usually more polite when it is less direct. For example, it is
more polite to refer to someone by his or her name and not by the direct pronoun 'you'. It is also more
polite to ask a negative question than a positive one. (For example, 「しますか？」 vs. 「しません
か？」) In a similar sense, using the passive form makes the sentence less direct because the subject
does not directly perform the action. This makes it sound more polite. Here is the same sentence in
increasing degrees of politeness.
（１）　どうする？- What will you do? (lit: How do?)
（２）　どうしますか？ - Regular polite.
（３）　どうされますか？- Passive polite.
（４）　どうなさいますか？- Honorific (to be covered next lesson)
（５）　どうなさいますでしょうか？- Honorific + a lesser degree of certainty.
Notice how the same sentence grows longer and longer as you get more and more indirect.
44
Examples
（１）　レシートはどうされますか？
- What about your receipt? (lit: How will you do receipt?)
（２）　明日の会議に行かれるんですか？
- Are you going to tomorrow's meeting?
Causative-Passive Forms
The causative-passive form is simply the combination of causative and passive conjugations to mean
that the action of making someone do something was done to that person. This would effectively
translate into, ' is made to do '. The important thing to remember is the order of conjugation. The verb is
first conjugated to the causative and then passive, never the other way around.
Causative-Passive Conjugation Form
 The causative-passive verb is formed by first conjugating to the causative form and then by
conjugating the result to the passive form.
例）　食べる → 食べさせる → 食べさせられる
例）　行く → 行かせる → 行かせられる
Examples
（１）　朝ご飯は食べたくなかったのに、食べさせられた。
- Despite not wanting to eat breakfast, I was made to eat it.
（２）　日本では、お酒を飲ませられることが多い。
- In Japan, the event of being made to drink is numerous.
（３）　あいつに二時間も待たせられた。
- I was made to wait 2 hours by that guy.
（４）　親に毎日宿題をさせられる。
- I am made to do homework everyday by my parent(s).
A Shorter Alternative
There is a shortened version that you can use for u-verbs to replace the rather long 「せられる」 which I
will go over for completeness. You may wish to ignore this until you've had time to get used to the regular
form since the causative-passive is rather confusing already to start with. For u-verbs, you can conjugate
as if to the passive form but instead of attaching 「られる」, you attach 「される」 instead. An
important point to note is that this abbreviation cannot be used for verbs that end in 「す」, probably
because 「さされる」 sounds awkward and is even harder to say than just 「させられる」.
Shortened causative-passive form for u-verbs excluding verbs that end in 「す」
 This is an abbreviation of the causative-passive form which can only be used for u-verbs that
don't end in 「す」. It is formed by first changing the last character from an / u / vowel sound to an /
a / vowel sound and then by attaching 「される」.
例）　行く → 行か → 行かされる
例）　立つ → 立た → 立たされる
Examples
（１）　学生が廊下に立たされた。
- The student was made to stand in the hall.
（２）　日本では、お酒を飲まされることが多い。
- In Japan, the event of being made to drink is numerous.
（３）　あいつに二時間も待たされた。
- I was made to wait 2 hours by that guy.
← Previous (Special Table of Next (Honorific and Humble)

Expressions) Contents →
Examples:
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 娘にアイスを食べさせてあげた。 [ex #5465]

I let my daughter eat ice cream.
 僕に払わせてください。 [ex #5466]
Let me pay for it.

See Also:
 saseru (causepass page has the full explanation)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 causative verbs 使役動詞
passive verbs 　受動態動詞、受身動詞 (contributor: anon)
 Great page, I found it most helpful.
Just one question - how would we translate 'shinareru'?
For verbs which obviously have actors and objects such as to eat, to play etc, to be eaten and to be
played are easy translations. But for things like die, and other such verbs that you do yourself?
(contributor: bi-ru)
 These actions are done unto you by others (the subject is the passive recepient) So in the case
of 死なれる, in most cases, you should be able to translate it as 'someone dies on you'. (contributor:
kimchi314)
 It is great! There are not many text books that cover cuasative and passive verbs properly. I'm
impressed! (contributor: Masumi)
 shinareru = to be killed
ex: Kanojo wa kare ni shinaremashita. (She was killed by him.) (contributor: Ayumi)
 shinareru = to be killed (contributor: Dama)
 Tha Causative form of 'kuru' is KOSASERU not koraseru as it appears in the Causative
Conjugation Rules Box (contributor: kaszarob)
 彼女は彼に殺された＝She was killed by him.
彼女は彼に死なれた＝She had died on him.
気をつけてね！＾＾ (contributor: akiokun)

 〜られる＝Passive　〜させる＝Causative　　ね＾＾ (contributor: akiokun)
 Why don´t you write the example also in romaji?
Despite you explanation it is very dificult to know how to read the kanji. (contributor: futaro)
 彼女は彼に死なれた＝He had died on her
It is 'he' who had died on 'her' and not the other way round. (contributor: bamboo4)
 'ask a question' looks confusing for you.
Tthe example (2)先生が質問をたくさん聞かせてくれた。 is strange. It should be 先生がたくさん質問
を_させてくれた。 if English is Teacher let (someone) ask lots of questions.
Another example (5)　外国人に質問を聞かれたが、答えられなかった。 is correct. You can also say
外国人に質問をされたが、…。 (contributor: Miki)
 This is most definitely on JLPT level 3. (contributor: Drew)
 futaro, this page was originally from another Japanese 'tutorial', and the original writer never put
it in romaji...I think he wanted the readers to look it up. (contributor: Saralynne)
 Greetings.
I understood the 払わせてください (Let me pay for it).
And the 彼に払わせてあげる (I let him pay).
What about:
払わせてもらう? (contributor: sky)
 sky, 払わせてもらう, like most things in Japanese is going to be translated slightly differently
depending on context. However, I think a good general idea is: 'be allowed to pay.' Not necessarily a
strict, weird 払う許可を得る type of way, but that is the idea. It is a phrase you could use pretty often
46
when you go out to eat with people who also try to flip the bill (as is often the case in Japan). Saying
that would be like saying 'Let me get this one,' or 'I'll take care of it,' because you are acknowledging
that ultimately it is your companions who hold the power to decide and that you are 'receiving' (貰う）
their 'letting'（させる） you pick up the tab. It could be compared with 奢ってあげる, but the latter
may be a bit more... ずうずうしいかな？ And after all, 驕る者久しからず＾＾. Anyway, yeah, this is
going to vary with the situation, but I hope that helps. (contributor: Lorenz)
[ Add a Comment ]
〜に
Meaning: to, from (indirect object marker)
Example: I was given this by my mother.
JLPT Level: 4

Notes:
Examples:
 これは母に貰いました。 [kore ha haha ni moraimashita. ] [ex #697]

I got this from my mother.
 そこに着いたら私に教えてください。 [ex #4899]
Please let me know when we get there.
 私はともだちに電話をします。 [ex #4900]
I will call a friend.
 私はあなたにりんごをあげる。 [ex #4901]
I will give an apple to you.
 彼は先生にしかられた。 [ex #4902]
He got scolded by the teacher.

See Also:
 ni (Note に use for object/time location vs. indirect object marker.)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 Remind me to check up on 貰う etc. with all that in-group / out-group etc stuff. (contributor:
Amatuka)
 に marks the indirect object of the verb
receiver of the action
(contributor: Miki)
 Some E translations don't have right words just for に and I put verb instead. Please change
English if you have better translation. (contributor: Miki)
 there is a mistake in the grammar in #4899
should be something like 'please let me know when you get there.' (contributor: ck1984)
 'に marks the indirect object of the verb
receiver of the action'
this causes some confusion with ex #4902 since 'he' is the one receiving the scolding? (contributor:
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skysongz)
 I was a bit confused about this as well, though thinking of it as marking an indirect object helps
so much-- all of the books and things have explained it in a way that connects it to its first meaning...
(contributor: Saralynne)
 Isn't the verb in #4902 in passive form? If that's the case, then に denotes the agent (I think
that's the correct English term) of the action. In other words, the one acting/subject.
That's why the English translation is in passive form also. I think. (contributor: yari)
[ Add a Comment ]
くせに
Meaning: although, despite
Example: although he's tall, he can't run fast
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
adj + kuseni
高いくせに
V-plain kuseni
知っているくせに
noun + no kuseni
日本人のくせに
Whereas [noni / のに] is neutral in use, kuseni / くせに is used when expressing annoyance, criticism, or
anger. Also, [ni mo kakawarazu / にもかかわらず] expresses a similar idea, but it is a highly formal and
bookish expression with no emotion. It cannot be used in highly emotive situations.
[kuseni / くせに] cannot be used in the first person. Also, the main clause and the subordinate clause
must share the same subject. The following two sentences are INGRAMMATICAL:
1. 良子はまだ学生のくせに両親は彼女に高いマンションを買ってやった。(Although Yoshiko is still a
student, her parents have bought her an expensive condominium.)
CHANGE TO -->良子はまだ学生[なのに / にもかかわらず]両親は彼女に高いマンションを買ってやっ
た。
2. 私は日本人のくせに日本の国家が歌えない。(Though I am Japanese, I cannot sing the Japanese

national anthem.)
CHANGE TO --> 私は日本人[なのに / にもかかわらず]日本の国家が歌えない。
くせに, unlike the more neutral のに,　expresses the speaker's feeling of displeasure, disgust or
contempt.
Examples:
 田中さんは日本人のくせにあまり漢字を知らない。 [ex #112]

although Mr tanaka is a Japanese, he doesn't know much kanji.
 背が高いくせに早く走れない [ex #358]
Despite the fact he is tall, he cant run fast.
 いい年をしているくせにこんなことも判らないのか。 [ex #1341]
Despite being a grown-up, you don't even understand that! (ie: you're old enough to know better...)
 できるくせにやろうとしない。 [ex #3154]
Even though you're able to do it, you don’t (even) try.
 なにも知らないくせに威張るんじゃねえ。 [ex #3172]
Don't you brag your head off when you don't know anything!
 私は日本人のくせして日本語の文法が大嫌いだ。 [ex #3262]
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Despite the fact that I am a Japanese, I strongly abhor Japanese grammar.

 警官のくせに泥棒を怖がるなんて。 [ex #4689]
A policeman and afraid of a thief!
 新米のくせに大きな顔をするな。 [ex #4690]
Act your place.
 彼は金持ちのくせに乞食のような生活をしている。 [ex #4691]
He is rich, and lives like a beggar.
 彼は太っているくせに声は細い。 [ex #4692]
His voice is as thin as he is fat.
 知っているくせに、何も教えてくれないんですか。ひどいなあ。 [ex #6079]
Even though he knew, he didn't say anything? How rude!
 彼は、彼女のことが好きなくせに、それを彼女に言えない。 [ex #6080]
Even though he loves her, he can't tell her.
 知っているくせに、教えてくれない。 [ex #6583]
Even though he knows, he won't tell me.
 元気なくせに、病気のふりをしている。 [ex #6584]
Even though he's healthy, he pretends to be sick.
 コムスメのくせに大した怪力だ。 [ex #6622]
That's a lot of power for a little girl.
 彼は私の本を無くしたくせに、うそをついた。 [ex #6977]
Although he lost my book, he told a lie.
 お金もないくせに高い物ばかり買う人は困ります。 [ex #7118]
It's too bad that there are people who have absolutely no money but keep buying expensive things.

See Also:
 nimokakawarazu
 nishiro; niseyo
 nishitemo
 noni
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 Generally with 'kuse ni' the implication is negative. e.g. it _wouldn't_ be used for 'Although he's
English he speak Japanese very well.' (contributor: Amatuka)
 much ruder than にもかかわらず. you might use when arguing with your little brother! 軽蔑 -
disrespect (contributor: dc)
 As I said in another forum, くせに is a somewhat peculiar expression in Japanese, in that くせ
that ordinarily means 'habit' is used in くせに to denote the 'category' or 'characterization' that is
socially associated with the subject being discussed. For example, when you say 子供のくせにたばこ
を吸う, it would mean 'You smoke while you are categorized as a child' . (contributor: bamboo4)
 shouldn't that last one be kanji _ga_ shiranai? (contributor: Snake)
 No, Kanji cannot be a subject here. Please see wo & ga entries. (contributor: Miki)
 urg i think i read the sentence funny sorry ;/ (contributor: Snake)
 If you want to use が here, the sentence would have to be 漢字がわからない.
 ah of course, using ga for 'it _cant be understood_ (by me) as opposed to wo for I _dont know
it_
 Snake, I'm not good at Japanese grammer but I think the subjuect is still 田中さん unlike your
comment.
田中さんは_日本人のくせに_あまり漢字がわからない。
this may be the same が of 「犬が好きです。」in [_N は]. (contributor: Miki)
 I have been told you can't use this when speaking of yourself (わたしがカナダ人のくせに、スキ
ーができない。）True? (contributor: Leslie)
 You can use when you speak as if you are laughing at yourself but なのに would be more
49
popular.
わたしはカナダ人のくせに、スキーができないんですよ。
私は日本人のくせに正座ができません。
私はずっと東京に住んでいるくせに、友だちがきても、上手く観光案内できなかった。f^_^;
(contributor: Miki)
 Thank you; I often feel the need to laugh at myself, so this is quite helpful^_^. (contributor:
Leslie)
 In ex#3262, is くせして = くせに? (contributor: anon)
 anon, you are right. (contributor: anon)
 みきさん、is it 上手に or 上手く?
教えてください。
I think Miki and bamboo are right,

漢字を知らない、漢字が分からない (contributor: 誠)
 上手に「じょうずに」
上手く「うまく」
Basically they mean the same thing. (contributor: Shizuya)

 Added an example from 'Naruto' :) . Might have gotten it wrong, though. (contributor: cone)
 I noticed that rubyhatchet said that this grammar couldn`t be used with frist person, but Miki`s
examples all use first person. 誰が正しいかどうか分からないですよ｡　この文法を見たことありませ
ん｡　そして　このサイトであの二人はあまり文法ノートが間違いないので　どうしようか分からな
いんだよ｡ (contributor: tigert)
[ Add a Comment ]
Acknowledgements
The sofware code used to make this page uses David 'DC' Collier's jGram Japanese Grammar
Database. Visit the jGram site to find more grammar entries or to add your own!
たりとも
Meaning: Even only / Even merely / Even just
Example: Don't waste even just one cent!
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
Small amount + たりとも。
Often the small amount starts with a 1. １円, １分, １セント, etc.
〜たりとも．．．ない　　：　（1 円／一日／．．．）
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　であっても〜ない
often with negative potential form, できない、許されない

Examples:
 ご飯の一粒たりとも無駄にするな！ [ex #5442]

Don't you dare waste even one grain of rice!
 こんなテレビゲームをやる時、一瞬たりとも気を抜くことが出来ない。 [ex #5443]
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With this type of video game, you can't afford to lose your concentration for even just a second.
 １センチたりとも進まない。 [ex #5444]
Not progress even a centimeter.
 一分たりとも無駄に出来ないぞ。 [ex #7062]
(We) don't have a minute to waste!
 試合の最中は、一瞬たりとも油断はできない。 [ex #7798]
We can't afford even a moment of carelessness during the game.
 何人たりともここに入ることは許されない。 [ex #7799]
Not one person can be allowed to enter.

Comments:
 #5444 is awkward. You just use も in that case and say:
1 センチも進まない or 1 センチも進むことができない.
たりとも in such cases is used to prevent or deter the progress. E.g., 1 センチたりとも進ませない.
 agree with bamboo on #5444 (contributor: 誠)
 Besides which 'Not progress' is bad English. (contributor: Paul)
 Agree with bamboo (contributor: サリル)
[ Add a Comment ]
〜もの
Meaning: because, should, like to
Example: i cant go because it is raining
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
だって。。。。もの。it is used by girl.
Examples:
 電話はあしたにしたほうがいいんじゃない、もう遅いもの。 [ex #5922]

It's not good to make call tommorow because it is already late.
 しょうがないよ。子供なんだもん。 [ex #6574]
It can't be helped. He's just a kid.
 どうして食べないの？　だって、まずいもの。 [ex #6575]
Why don't you eat it? Because it doesn't taste good.

Comments:
 doesn't もの　here simply refers to the 'thing' that is `already late', more than marks it as a
`reason' ? Or would that be only with こと ? (contributor: David)
 I thought the translation was, 'Wouldn't it be better to call tomorrow, because it's already late (as
51
far as today goes)?' (contributor: diana)

 wouldn't that be :
電話はあしたにしたらいいんじゃない？もう遅いもの。
I have the feeling the translation of te current example is correct, however the importance of `もの’is a
bit misplaced... (contributor: David)
 diana your right!
The meaning is backwards. (contributor: wynnej2)
 Would you please add more uses of 'mono' to this topic. I'm newbie to Japanese, and find it
quite difficult if the uses of one word are not fully listed. (contributor: ashita)
なら
Meaning: if
Example: If it's from outside, I don't mind.
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
there are a few if/when constructs:
nara is similar to -eba

formed with verb-plain form + nara
　行くなら分かる = if/when you go you will understand
to is used when the action is expected to happen, rather than use the english 'if' use 'when...'
formed with verb-plain form + to
　行かないとまずい = it will be bad if you dont go
eba is used when PEOPLE do the actions or suggesting an action. masu-stem + ba

　行けばいいよ　= its ok to go
tara is used in the other cases

　寒かったら行かない = if its cold i won't go
〜なら：１．もし (if) ; 辞書形 +（の,optional)なら
2.勧告(advice); 辞書形 + (の,optional)なら
　　　　 3.話題を出す時; (Speaking of.../ For...) ; 名詞 +（の,optional)なら　
Examples:
 外からなら撮ってもいいよと言われたので，外に出て撮影しました。 [ex #901]

I was told that if you're taking it from outside I don't mind so I went out and took the shot.
 乗るなら飲むな。 [ex #906]
If you drive, don't drink.
 自分の信念を隠すくらいなら死んだほうがましだ。 [ex #907]
I would rather die than conceal my belief.
 よんどころない理由で参加されないのなら前払い金はお返しします。 [ex #1259]
If you cannot attend for unavoidable reasons, we will refund your advance payment.
 ご都合により参加されないのなら前払い金はお返ししません。 [ex #1288]
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If you cannot attend for reasons of your own, the advance payment will not be refunded.
 その仕事がだめだと思うなら、辞めればいいと思うよ。 [ex #3124]
If you think the job is no good, then I think it is best if you quit.
 仙台に来ていたなら、電話をしてくれればよかったのに。 [ex #5288]
If you were in Sendai, you should have called me.
 彼が来るならこのパーティーには出席しなかったのに。 [ex #5289]
If I knew HE was coming, I wouldn't have attended this party.
 「打ち合わせの時間は７時どうですか。」「7 時はだめですが、8 時ならいいですよ。」 [ex
#7001]
uHow about meeting at 7 o'clock?」「7 is bad for me, but 8 is fine.」
 中国に行くなら、航空券を早くしといた方がいいですよ。 [ex #7002]
If you go to China, you should book your ticket early. nara

See Also:
 tara
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 なら is used in the context of suggestions, commands, violitional sentences and such. (One
example of each above ;-) (contributor: Amatuka)
 Therefore なら can't be used in sentences like the following where no such elements are
present.
(BAD) 冷蔵庫を閉めるなら電気が消えますか。
(GOOD) 冷蔵庫を閉めると電気が消えますか。
If(when) you shut the fridge does the light go out? (contributor: Amatuka)
 (GOOD)冷蔵庫を閉めた（な）ら　電気が消えますか。
I cannot exaplain the difference usage in tara　and nara (contributor: dc)
 であれば is closely realted to なら.
 nara is similar to -eba
eba is used when PEOPLE do the actions or suggesting an action.
and to is used when the action is expected to happen, rather than use the english 'if' use 'when...'
(contributor: KotatsuSama)
 KS - I added your comment as a 'note' on the above... (contributor: dc)
 I also thought -tara had a bit more 'when' whereas -eba was a bit more if.
行ったら： when you go
行けば： if you go
although there is much more overlap than english (contributor: dc)

 行ったら is more like 'when you get there' and 行くなら would be 'if you go.' 行けば is either
soft command or archaic 'when you go.'
 「なら」と「たら」の違い
例：「山田さんが来たら、私は帰ります。」の場合には、
山田さんが来てから私が帰るという意味であるが、「山田さんが来るなら、私は帰ります。」の場合
には、山田さんが来る前に私が帰るという意味になる。
うふふふ、朝飯前わね＾＾ (contributor: フリザ)
 と can also mean ' that...'
行かないとまずい ' It is not good that (I/you/one) don't go' (contributor: 誠)
 〜なら／ならば、．．．、although なら is more common and usually, appear in
conversations. (contributor: 誠)
 One cannot use と(if/once)、with 意志形、命令形、ください、but instead use たら、なら、〜
えば according to the respective situations or sentence. (contributor: 誠)
 Agree with フリザさん.
「ここは禁煙です。煙草を吸うなら、外へ出てください。」→　外へ出てから、煙草を吸っては構い
ません。
53
「煙草を吸ったら、入ってもいいです。」→　煙草を吸ってから、入っても構いません。
(contributor: 誠)
 誠さん、解釈の日本語変だと思いますが…。 (contributor: Miki)
 Correctly, 外へ出てから、煙草を吸っても構いません。
なら
Meaning: if
Example: If it's from outside, I don't mind.
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
there are a few if/when constructs:
nara is similar to -eba

formed with verb-plain form + nara
　行くなら分かる = if/when you go you will understand
to is used when the action is expected to happen, rather than use the english 'if' use 'when...'
formed with verb-plain form + to
　行かないとまずい = it will be bad if you dont go
eba is used when PEOPLE do the actions or suggesting an action. masu-stem + ba

　行けばいいよ　= its ok to go

　寒かったら行かない = if its cold i won't go
〜なら：１．もし (if) ; 辞書形 +（の,optional)なら
2.勧告(advice); 辞書形 + (の,optional)なら
　　　　 3.話題を出す時; (Speaking of.../ For...) ; 名詞 +（の,optional)なら　
Examples:
 外からなら撮ってもいいよと言われたので，外に出て撮影しました。 [ex #901]

I was told that if you're taking it from outside I don't mind so I went out and took the shot.
 乗るなら飲むな。 [ex #906]
If you drive, don't drink.
 自分の信念を隠すくらいなら死んだほうがましだ。 [ex #907]
I would rather die than conceal my belief.
 よんどころない理由で参加されないのなら前払い金はお返しします。 [ex #1259]
If you cannot attend for unavoidable reasons, we will refund your advance payment.
 ご都合により参加されないのなら前払い金はお返ししません。 [ex #1288]
If you cannot attend for reasons of your own, the advance payment will not be refunded.
 その仕事がだめだと思うなら、辞めればいいと思うよ。 [ex #3124]
If you think the job is no good, then I think it is best if you quit.
54
 仙台に来ていたなら、電話をしてくれればよかったのに。 [ex #5288]

If you were in Sendai, you should have called me.
 彼が来るならこのパーティーには出席しなかったのに。 [ex #5289]
If I knew HE was coming, I wouldn't have attended this party.
 「打ち合わせの時間は７時どうですか。」「7 時はだめですが、8 時ならいいですよ。」 [ex
#7001]
uHow about meeting at 7 o'clock?」「7 is bad for me, but 8 is fine.」
 中国に行くなら、航空券を早くしといた方がいいですよ。 [ex #7002]
If you go to China, you should book your ticket early. nara

See Also:
 tara
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 なら is used in the context of suggestions, commands, violitional sentences and such. (One
example of each above ;-) (contributor: Amatuka)
 Therefore なら can't be used in sentences like the following where no such elements are
present.
(BAD) 冷蔵庫を閉めるなら電気が消えますか。
(GOOD) 冷蔵庫を閉めると電気が消えますか。
If(when) you shut the fridge does the light go out? (contributor: Amatuka)
 (GOOD)冷蔵庫を閉めた（な）ら　電気が消えますか。
I cannot exaplain the difference usage in tara　and nara (contributor: dc)
 であれば is closely realted to なら.
 nara is similar to -eba
eba is used when PEOPLE do the actions or suggesting an action.
and to is used when the action is expected to happen, rather than use the english 'if' use 'when...'
(contributor: KotatsuSama)
 KS - I added your comment as a 'note' on the above... (contributor: dc)
 I also thought -tara had a bit more 'when' whereas -eba was a bit more if.
行ったら： when you go
行けば： if you go
although there is much more overlap than english (contributor: dc)

 行ったら is more like 'when you get there' and 行くなら would be 'if you go.' 行けば is either
soft command or archaic 'when you go.'
 「なら」と「たら」の違い
例：「山田さんが来たら、私は帰ります。」の場合には、
山田さんが来てから私が帰るという意味であるが、「山田さんが来るなら、私は帰ります。」の場合
には、山田さんが来る前に私が帰るという意味になる。
うふふふ、朝飯前わね＾＾ (contributor: フリザ)
 と can also mean ' that...'
行かないとまずい ' It is not good that (I/you/one) don't go' (contributor: 誠)
 〜なら／ならば、．．．、although なら is more common and usually, appear in
conversations. (contributor: 誠)
 One cannot use と(if/once)、with 意志形、命令形、ください、but instead use たら、なら、〜
えば according to the respective situations or sentence. (contributor: 誠)
 Agree with フリザさん.
「ここは禁煙です。煙草を吸うなら、外へ出てください。」→　外へ出てから、煙草を吸っては構い
ません。
「煙草を吸ったら、入ってもいいです。」→　煙草を吸ってから、入っても構いません。
(contributor: 誠)
55
 誠さん、解釈の日本語変だと思いますが…。 (contributor: Miki)

 Correctly, 外へ出てから、煙草を吸っても構いません。
息 (ひといき)
Meaning: a short period of time
Example: Don`t rest now work is almost finished.
JLPT Level: 4

Notes:
hitoikide means and it is used to describe a short period of time, Usually in which something will accure.
休憩しないで、後一息仕事が終わりますよ。
Don`t rest now, works almost finished.

Examples:
 あと一息だ。 [ex #6594]

We're almost there.
 もう一息というところです。 [ex #6595]
It's getting there.
 もう一息努力すれば成功するだろう。 [ex #6596]
Make one more effort, and you will succeed.
 一息いれようよ。 [ex #6597]
Let's take a break.
 講師は一息入れてから、また話し続けた。 [ex #6598]
The speaker paused and then went on talking again.
 座って、一息いれましょう。 [ex #6599]
Let's sit down and catch our breath.
 彼女は新鮮な空気を一息吸いに浮ﾖ出た。 [ex #6600]
She went outside to get a breath of fresh air.
〜さえ〜ば
Meaning: If ~ just If ~ only
Example: if you just have a map, you
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
さえ is often used in a pattern like:
noun-sae　verb-ba = result
56
noun-only verb-if = result
ひまさえ　あれば　幸せです
free time only if I had = I would be happy
if only i had some free time, i would be happy
薬さえ　飲めば、直ります
medicine only if you drink = get better
if you just take your medicine, you will get better
ば - most commonly used
たら - can be used, but is less common
なら - only in limited contexts
*と　- unacceptable
ex：君さえ承知してくれたら・(してくれる）なら、今すぐこのプロジェクトを始めるつもりだ。
As long as you agree (to our plan), we are planning to begin this project right away
Examples:
 地図さえあれば、何の迷いもなく目的地に到着します。. [ex #361]

If only we had a map we'd get to our destination without going astray.
 お金さえあれば、この車を買います。 [ex #5238]
If only I had the money, I would have bought this car.
 資料を調べさえすれば、すぐ分かることです。 [ex #6130]
If you would only check the documents, you'd understand immediately.
 住所さえ分かれば、地図で探して行きます。 [ex #6718]
If only I knew the address, I will search in the map and go there.

See Also:
 sae (The さえ in さえ〜ば can also be used on its own.)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 In the example, 何の迷いもなく到着します does not make sense. It should be 迷わないで到着
できたのに(we would have gotten to our destination without going astray). 迷いもなく is okay, but
normally it is used to describe abstruct mental confusion rather than physical or concrete one.
 sentence pattern 'sae..ba'= coditional sentence type III??? (contributor: ngocduong)
に相当する (にそうとうする)
Meaning: equivalent
Example: this is equivalent to that
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
noun+ni soutou suru
　There is no English equivalent for this Japanese
　この日本語に相当する英語はない
Examples:
57
 この日本語に相当する英語はない [ex #1237]

In Japanese, there is no equivalent to this english
 この絵には莫大な額のお金に相当する価値がある。 [ex #3614]
This painting is worth great deal of money.
 その語に相当するようなフランス語を知っていますか。 [ex #3615]
Do you know the French equivalent of the word?
 地図上の青い線は川に相当する。 [ex #3616]
The blue lines on the map correspond to rivers.
 地図上の幅の広い線は道路に相当する。 [ex #3617]
The broad lines on the map correspond to roads.
 鳥の羽は人間の腕と足に相当する。 [ex #3618]
Birds' wings correspond to man's arms and hands.
 日本の「将棋」は、チェスに相当する。 [ex #3619]
Japanese shogi corresponds to chess.
 日本語の「義理」に相当する英語は見つからない。 [ex #3620]
We cannot find an English equivalent for the Japanese 'giri'.
 木にとっては枝は人間の手足に相当する。 [ex #3621]
Branches are to trees what limbs are to us.
 その当時 1 ドルは大体 110 円に相当していました。 [ex #5449]
At that time one dollar was nearly equivalent to 110 yen.
 彼の月給は、私の半年分の給料に相当します。 [ex #5450]
His monthly salary is equivalent to my salary of a half year.
 彼らが一日に食べる食べ物の量は、彼らの体重に相当している。 [ex #5451]
The amount of food they eat a day is equivalent to their own body weight.

See Also:
 nihitoshii (nihitoshii is less formal)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 there seem to be other variations too, perhaps these are more specific
等価｛とうか｝なもの
touka might mean as in an equivalent value (価格 kakaku = unit price) ?
同等｛どうとう｝のもの
同等物｛どうとうぶつ｝
(contributor: dc)
 sorenihitoshii is a more conversational way of saying equivalent (contributor: dc)
 等価 is often a mathematic terminology or something of equivalent value.
同等 is often used to 'something that can be substituted, e.g., 一等賞または同等品=The first prize or a
substitute.
均等 is often used to indicate substantive equivalence in terms of purpose, use, characteristics, etc. 均
等論=Theory of equivalents, often used in patent infringement cases.
 why is this not 相当している - eg the thing is -still- equivalent ? (contributor: dc)
 The English version of #1237 should be corrected to read: There is no English equivalent for
this Japanese.
In #3618, 足 shold be corrected to read 手.
[ Add a Comment ]
58
も〜ば
Meaning: Both(,,,,)and(,,,,,)
Example: She is both pretty and clever,so many people envy her.
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
This expression is used as positive with positive & negetive with negetive.
Examples:
 心から始まる恋もあればセックスから始まる愛もある [ex #412]

If there's love that starts from the spirit, then there is also love that comes from sex.
 嫌いな人もいれば、好きな人もいる。 [ex #5951]
If there are people who dislike it, there are also people who like it.

Comments:
 (N.B. First 'love' is different word from second 'love'. First implies more of the bouncy-bouncy-
fun-fun type ;-) (contributor: Amatuka)
 Not sure this is the も〜ば you're after. (contributor: Amatuka)
 I would have to also suggest that this も〜ば〜 does not exactly translate as 'Both(...)and(...)' as
written. But more like 'If there is/are(...)then there is/are also(...)' like the translations of the examples
shown. Is that too complex? Shortcuts are ok, but I think it confuses the real meaning of 〜ば. そう思
わない？
(contributor: emilyjuno)
 Isn`t this two diffrent grammar structures? V ば is if and 〜も〜も is also. so if 〜も　also 〜も
でしょう (contributor: tigert)
 tigert, I am not sure i understand your suggestion. can you explain more? (contributor:
emilyjuno)
 Hey emilyjuno,
What I ment is that V ば is a single grammar point.
EX
明日までに宿題を出せば　先生が満点くれるかも知らない｡
If I turn in my homework, maybe the teacher will give me a 100%.
and 〜も〜も is another grammar point meaning also
今日僕は東京に行きました、姉も兄も一緒に行きました｡
today I went to tokyo, my sister and brother also went with.
that being the case I think it is better to list these entries as examples in their respective grammar
points. That way we can save space in the database and avoid multiple entries of the billions of
diffrent combinations you can make with the Japanese language.
(contributor: tigert)
〜の
59
Meaning: Turn a phrase ending in a verb into a 'noun phrase'

Example: Getting married is such an effort!
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
Examples:
 結婚するのは大変だ。 [ex #720]

Getting married is such an effort!
 「さあ、皆さん、正々堂々戦いましょう」全選手が周りに集まるのを待って先生が言った。
[ex #757]
"Well, everyone, let's play fair and square." the teacher said after waiting for all the players to
assemble * .
 夢に耽ったり、生きることを忘れてしまうのはよくない。 [ex #836]
Becoming absorbed in a dream, forgett ing to live is no good.

See Also:
 no (Don't get の 'makes noun phrase' mixed up with の 'use noun to modify word'.)
 no-3 (Don't get の 'makes noun phrase' mixed up with の 'question particle'.)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 Possibly also 'verb phrase'. Must check some time. (contributor: Amatuka)
 大変 in context has meanings of 'such an effort' or 'difficult'. (contributor: Miki)
 This use of の looks similar to use of 'koto' (事) after verbs, doesn't it? Like in '話す事が出来る'
= 'I can speak'. (contributor: 9000)
 Yes, but their uses have different rules. Koto is used for more abstract things than no.
(contributor: DarrkAngel)
[ Add a Comment ]
から
Meaning: because
JLPT Level: 4

Notes:
A1 (plain form) + からです
A2 (root) + だから
N + だから
Examples:
60
 面接に行くからはげましてください [ex #471]

I'm going to an interview so please encourage me.
 必要から発明が生まれる。 [ex #3051]
Inventions are made as dictated by necessity.
 あの日帰ったのは体調が悪かったからです。 [ex #4831]
It is because the physical condition was bad that I returned that day.
 ああ、ゆっくりやって下さい。急ぎませんから。 [ex #4832]
Oh, take your time. (Because) I'm in no hurry.

See Also:
 kara-2 (Several different から usages)
 node
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 See also 'kara-2' (from) (contributor: Amatuka)
 See also node (contributor: Miki)
 what if kara comes at the end of a sentence? Are there any more examples of this? (contributor:
Crystal)
 kara at the end of a sentence seems like an answer to a question:
sore ha takai kara / okane ga nai node
because its expensive / because i dont have any money
(when you have just been asked why you didnt buy something)
dakara also isused at the end in the same way.

hiroko no koto dakara ...
because its hiroko...
(contributor: dc)
 I saw the following explanation of the difference between kara and node on a mailing list today:
The conjunction 'kara' and 'node' both express reason or cause. While 'kara' is used for reason or
cause of a speaker's volition, opinion and so on, 'node' is for existing (existed) action or situation.
- Kino wa samukatta node uchi ni imashita. Since it was cold, I stayed home.
- Atama ga itakatta node gakkou o yasunda. Since I had a headache, I didn't go to school.
- Totemo shizukadatta node yoku nemuremashita. Since it was very quiet, I could sleep well.
- Yoku benkyou shita node shiken ni goukaku shita. Since I studied hard, I passed the examination.
The sentences expressing personal judgment such as speculation, suggestion, intention, request,
opinion, volition, invitation, and so forth must take 'kara.'
- Kono kawa wa kitanai kara tabun sakana wa inai deshou. Since this river is polluted, there is
probably no fish.
- Mou osoi kara hayaku nenasai. Go to bed, since it is getting late.
- Kono hon wa totemo omoshiroi kara yonda hou ga ii. This book is very interesting, so you'd better to
read it.
- Kono kuruma wa furui kara atarashi kuruma ga hoshii desu. This car is old, so I want a new car.
While 'kara' focuses more on the reason, 'node' focuses more on the resulting effect. This is why the
'kara' clause is used independently more often than 'node'.
- Doushite okureta no. Why were you late?
- Densha ni nori okureta kara. Because I missed the train.
'Kara' can be immediately followed by '~ desu.'

- Atama ga itakatta kara desu. Because I had a headache. (OK)
- Atama ga itakatta node desu. Because I had a headache. (Not OK = Wrong)
Any comments, corrections? (contributor: yookoso)

61
 Pls help as I am NOT able to click into the lines to flash out the glossary. It stated 'no space' -
why and how to rectify?
Onegai shimasu
kuahjoanne@yahoo.com.sg (contributor: jokuah)

 It's the first time that I read an understandable explanation.
Thank you so much for it.
(contributor: parodia)
 that's awesome guys! arigatou gozaimasu :D (contributor: feru)
代わりに (かわりに)
Meaning: to make up for, in exchange for
Example: .. but to make up for it I will work later
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
see kawaru-group for explanation and similar items
（Verb)た　＋　代わりに　(B) -
An action has taken place and in order to make up for that someody does (B).
私はトムに日本語を教えてあげた代わりに彼に英語を教えてもらった。
I taught Tom Japanese, so (to make up for it) he taught me English
（Adj)　い　＋　代わりに
（Adj)　な　＋　代わりに
This is like が、けれど、しかし etc, but has the added meaning of compensation or balancing.
e.g. アパートは高い代わりに便利だった
The apartment was expensive but it was convenient
(in a way that makes the expensiveness of the seem not as bad)
Examples:
 昼間遊ぶ代わりに夜勉強するつもりだ。 [ex #1167]

I am going to enjoy myself in the daytime, but to make up for it I intend to study at night.
 お金は健康の代わりにはならない。 [ex #4616]
You cannot substitute money for health.
 この　部屋　は　狭い　かわりに、　家賃　が　安い. [ex #6483]
This apartment (room) is small, but the rent is cheap.
 この辺は静かな代わりに店も遠くて不便だ　 [ex #7015]
This area is quiet, but (instead) it's inconvenient because the shops are far away.

See Also:
 kawaru-group
 kawarini (-2 example is for 'to make up for' sense)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 the ex #1167 is not the right form for this one. It belongs in the kawari ni (1) section).
The subordinate clause should be in past tense for it to convey 'in order to make up for it'.
62
so should be 昼間遊んだ代わりに夜勉強するつもりだ。 (contributor: bluntcrayon)
〜の至り (〜のいたり)
Meaning: completely; utmost
Example: the utmost joy
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
formal, written.
Noun + の至り
Notes: Formal. No kiwami and no itari mean exactly the same thing and are also exactly the same
grammatically. The only difference is that no itari sounds more humble.
khongbietboi, according to my JLPT1 grammar book what you are saying isn't entirely correct. no itari
can only be used for the speaker, whereas no kiwami can be used for others as well. so they are NOT
exactly the same.
Examples:
 赤面の至りだ。 [ex #4248]

I was completely embarassed.
 若気の至りで [ex #5167]
in the folly of youth
 喜びの至り [ex #5168]
utmost joy
 冥加の至り [ex #5169]
great blessing
 憧れの女優に握手してもらって、もう感激の至りだ。 [ex #5307]
I shook the hand of my favourite actress. I was completely overwhelmed.

See Also:
 nokiwami
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 is this the same as nokiwami (contributor: dc)
 maybe noitari has more of an implication of something that lead up to this situation? like niitaru
- same kanji 至る (contributor: dc)
 I read that this is mainly used with experssions of emotion. 光栄, 感激, 若気,感心, etc are
commonly used. It is ofen inerchangable with 〜の極み but 〜の極み is also used for words of non-
emotion such as 疲労の極み. (contributor: blabby)
 Can somebody confirm if 〜の至り is used only for emotions.
贅沢(ぜいたく)の至り and 低俗の至り are wrong because they are not emotions. Right?
They should be 贅沢の極み and 低俗の極み right??

63
Is ther an easier way to tell the difference between 〜の極み and 〜の至り? (contributor: blabby)
 I am not sure if you can categorize 至り as relating to emotions and　極み as not. 光栄の至り、
汗顔の至り and　慶賀の至り, etc., may not just relate to emotions. It is hard to set up any rule to
differentiate.
 Everyone, according to my JLPT1 grammar book, an important difference between の至り and
の極み is that the first can only be used for yourself (the speaker), whereas the latter can be used for
others as well. Hope that helps (contributor: mankind)
[ Add a Comment ]
丸で (まるで)
Meaning: as if, practically
Example: he orders me around as if I were his servant
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
(MARUDE) is more often than not used in conjunction with 'no you na...' 'no you da.'
Examples:
 まるで猿のような顔だ [ex #523]

A face just like a monkey's
 これはまるで戦争だ。 [ex #524]
This is practically a war
 まるで生きているようだ [ex #525]
Seems like it is alive.
 まるでつい昨日のことのようにはっきりとあの出来事を覚えている。 [ex #4076]
I remember the event as vividly as if it was just yesterday.
 まるでなんでも知っているような口ぶりだね。 [ex #4077]
You talk as if you knew everything.
 まるでひとりで笑っているみたいだ。 [ex #4078]
She looks as if she's laughing to herself.
 まだ三月の初めなのにとても暑い。まるで夏になったかのようだ。 [ex #4079]
Even if we are at the beginning of March, the weather is very hot. It is as if summer had come yet.
 まるでボスのような話し方をする。 [ex #4080]
You talk as if you were the boss.
 まるでワインで口の滑りがよくなったように。 [ex #4081]
Flowing more freely than wine.
 まるで悪魔にでも追いかけられてるみたいだ。 [ex #4082]
You'd think Old Nick was after him.
 まるで一人で笑ってるみたいだ。 [ex #4083]
She looks as if she's laughing to herself.
 まるで雨が降り出しそうに見える。 [ex #4084]
It looks as if it were going to rain.
 まるで化石みたいな人間だわ。 [ex #4085]
He is a living fossil!
64
 まるで革命前夜のような騒ぎだった。 [ex #4086]

It looked as if we were on the eve of a revolution.
 まるで空全体が燃えているようである。 [ex #4087]
It is as if the whole sky were on fire.
 まるで君は僕の鏡みたいだ。 [ex #4088]
You're the only mirror for me.
 まるで月面を歩いているみたい。 [ex #4089]
Walking on the moon.
 まるで腫れ物に触るように扱った。 [ex #4090]
He treated it with utmost care.
 まるで酔っているようだ。 [ex #4091]
She looks as if she were drunk.
 まるで太陽が沈んでしまったかのように空は暗くなった。 [ex #4092]
The sky became as dark as if the sun had sunk.
 まるで頭のような話し方をする。 [ex #4093]
You talk as if you were the boss.
 まるで彼の手にふれるものはみんな金に変わるみたいだ。 [ex #4094]
It seems as if everything he touches turns to gold.
 まるで夢を見ているか気分だった。 [ex #4096]
I felt as if I were dreaming.
 まるで夢を見ているようだ。 [ex #4097]
I felt as if I were in a dream.
 ケンはまるで何でも知っているかのように話す。 [ex #4098]
Ken talks as if he knew everything.
 ジョディはまるで幽霊でも見たような顔をしている。 [ex #4099]
Jody looks as if she had seen a ghost.
 ジョンが戻ってきたとき、彼はまるで幽霊でもみたように青白い顔つきだった。 [ex #4100]
When John came back, he looked pale as if he had seen a ghost.
 ジョンャ唐ｳんはまるで生き字引です。 [ex #4101]
Mr Johnson is, as it were, a walking dictionary.
 この湖は水がきれいで、まるで透明なガラスのようだ。 [ex #4102]
As the water is clean, this lake look as transparent as if it were glass.
 ティムはまるで左利きのような書き方をする。 [ex #4103]
Tim writes as if he were left-handed.
 ハムレットはまるで気が狂ったかのようにふるまう。 [ex #4104]
Hamlet acts as if he were insane.
 ブレントはアメリカ人であるが、彼はまるで自分の母国語であるかのように日本語を話せる。
[ex #4107]
Brent is an American, but he speaks Japanese as if it were his mother tongue.
 ベティーはまるで何でも知っているみたいに話す。 [ex #4108]
Betty talks as if she knew everything.
 ライトさんは、まるで母国語の様に日本語を話します。 [ex #4109]
Mr Wright speaks Japanese as if it were his mother tongue.
 英語はまるで海のように私達を取り囲んでいる。 [ex #4110]
The English language surrounds us like a sea.
 我々は山道をまるでアリがはうように進んだ。 [ex #4112]
We crawled like so many ants along the mountain pass.
 かれはまるでおさけを飲んだようなかおをしています。 [ex #4117]
His face looks as if he had drunk alcohol.
 君はまるで何も起こらなかったような顔をしている。 [ex #4118]
You look as though nothing had happened to you.
 君はまるで何も起こらなかったような顔をしているね。 [ex #4119]
You look as though nothing had happened to you.
 君はまるで人ごとみたいな顔をしているね。 [ex #4120]
You look as if it were none of your business.
 群衆がまるでハエのようにその車の回りに集まった。 [ex #4121]
The mob gathered round the car likes so many flies.
65

See Also:
 kanoyouda (these often go together in the same sentence)
 marude-2
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 marude can also mean completely or entirely, as in 'I have forgotten about it completely'
(contributor: dc)
 For 'completely forgotten' see さっぱり (contributor: Amatuka)
 There is no entry for さっぱり yet... (contributor: Miki)
 #4101 ジョン??　文字化け for me (contributor: Miki)
 #4102 and #4103 are almost the same. (contributor: Miki)
 #4095, #4105, #4106, #4114, #4115, #4116, These まるで are different as dc mentioned in
comments.
まるで followed by ない neg or 違う.
#4111, #4113 part of 始まるでしょうか。 (contributor: Miki)
 i added a marude-2 but there isnt an easy way to shift the examples over. hang on while we
build it... (contributor: dc)
 Miki, DC - I went ahead and moved the examples to marude-2 and deleted the 始まるでしょう
examples as those changes are easy to make now. Feel free to delete all these comments since they
are no longer relevant... (contributor: yookoso)
 I changed
Ex #4079 which were almost the same than #4078,
Ex #4102 which were almost the same than #4103, and
Ex #4117 which were almost the same than #4118,
but there is a lot of repeated examples left. (contributor: 赤毛)
せっかく
Meaning: with effort
Example: I took the trouble to go and see him, but he wasn't there
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
Examples:
 せっかく会いに行ったのに、友達はいませんでした。 [ex #1068]

I took the effort to go and see my friend, but he wasn't there
 せっかくいい大学に入ったのだからよく勉強するつもりです。 [ex #1069]
I worked hard to get into a good college, so I intend to study hard
 人がせっかく作ってくれた料理を食べないのは失礼だ。 [ex #6201]
It's impolite not to eat food which someone has taken the trouble of preparing for you. (from An
Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese)
 せっかく彼女に手紙を書いたのに、送るのを忘れちゃった。 [ex #7008]
I took the effort to write a letter to her and forgot to send it.
66

Comments:
 Is this just used when the outcome is negative?
I went to all the effort to do X, but 残念 it didn't work out...
like けっきょく (contributor: dc)
 sekkaku always seems to come at the start of a sentence (contributor: dc)
 I don't think the outcome is always negative as the exmplaes show.
折角・・・のに、（結局）negative.
折角・・・のだから、positive.
(contributor: Miki)
御 (ご、お、み、おん)
Meaning: (honorific) respected-___
Example: Is your * husband * well?
JLPT Level: 4

Notes:
i'm a nurse student
Examples:
 ご主人はお元気ですか。 [ex #857]

Is your husband * well?
 あなたはどちらのご出身ですか。 [ex #4805]
Where do you come from?
 あなたは御両親のどちらに似ていると思いますか。 [ex #4806]
Which of your parents do you think you take after?
 ご家族はいかがお過ごしですか。 [ex #4807]
How is it going with your family?
 神の御名 [ex #7258]
The name of God
 「体」と言う言葉は尊敬語では「御身・おんみ」です。 [ex #7259]
"Karada" in honorifics is "Onmi".

Comments:
 Note: 主人 is non-PC (because it can also be used to mean 'master'). I think 夫(おっと) is more
common now ... (contributor: Amatuka)
 When I talk about 'my' husband, I would say 夫 but talk about other's husband, we don't use 夫
and usually use ご主人。 (contributor: Miki)
 note : When you talk about 'your' wife, you'd say 妻(つま）、家内（かない）、or 女房（にょう
ぼう）. And when you talk about other's wife, 奥様（おくさま）。 (contributor: Miki)
 But we don't have a custom to call somebody's husband by name though it has been changing.
67
ah, だんな is also used but this may be also 考え直すべき問題?? (contributor: your name)
 Yeek. I really messed up the editing on the English bit of my comment. (contributor: Amatuka)
 I think it was what was talked about in this book that I was thinking of. (Not that I've read it
myself ;-)
「主人」ということば−女からみた男の呼び方−
概要:「主人」の使われ方が雇用関係から、夫婦関係にシフトし定着したのは、戦後の「一億総中流
化」意識が原因とか…。「家内」とともに考え直すべき問題。 (contributor: Amatuka)
 > だんな may be also 考え直すべき問題??
I'd guess so - but it isn't my language for me to be 考え直す ing. ;-) (contributor: Amatuka)
[ Add a Comment ]
のもとで
Meaning: based on, under
Example: under his guidance I was able to pass the test
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
Examples:
 先生の指導のもとに試験に受かる事が出来ました。 [ex #573]

based on / under the teachers coaching I was able to pass the test.
 国連から派遣された医師団のもとで救援活動が続けられた [ex #3271]
Under the guidance of a team of doctors dispatched by the United Nations, the rescue operation is
continuing.
 法のもとではすべての人は平等だ。 [ex #6642]
All men are equal under the law.

See Also:
 nimotozuite
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 #3271 i translated/suggested english.. (contributor: dc)
 ex3271 Japanese is a past sentence.　続けられる→られた (contributor: Miki)
〜ほど
Meaning: the more... the more... as along with
Example: the colder it is, the more delicious sake can be made
68
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
Ｔｈｉｓ　ｇｒａｍｍａｒ　ｐａｔｔｅｒｎ　ｓｈｏｕｌｄ　ｈａｖｅ　〜ば　Ｂｅｆｏｒｅ　ほど。
Examples:
 寒ければ寒い（Ｗｅａｔｈｅｒ）冷たければ冷たい（Ｓａｋｅ）ほどお酒がおいしくなると言
われている [ex #263]
the colder it is the more delicious sake can become, it is said
 彼は口も利けないほど腹を立てていた。 [ex #666]
He could not speak, he was so angry.
 ドアが閉まらないほど込んでいます。 [ex #1211]
It is so crowded, the door cannot be closed
 一日では食べきれないほどのリンゴがある。 [ex #4546]
We have more apples than we could eat in a day.
 この英語の小説は、君が一週間で読めるほどやさしくない。 [ex #4547]
This English novel is not easy enough for you to read in a week.
 この家具のほうが比較にならないほど上等である。 [ex #4548]
This furniture is superior beyond comparison.
 この果物は摘み取られるほど成長していない。 [ex #4549]
This fruit has not ripened enough to be picked.
 この仕事は死ぬほどしんどい。 [ex #4550]
This job is killing me.
 愛するものを失う（こと）ほどつらいことはない。 [ex #4551]
Nothing is as terrible as losing someone you love.
 この店は僕が望んでいるほど遅くまで開いていない。 [ex #4552]
This store doesn't stay open as late as I'd like.
 この薬は鼻水に不思議なほどよく効く。 [ex #4553]
This medicine will do wonders for a runny nose.
 これまで訪れた中で、エベレストほど美しい山を見たことがない。 [ex #4554]
In all my travels I've never seen a more beautiful mountain than Everest.
 そう言う訳で、私は彼を死ぬほど憎んでいる。 [ex #4555]
That's why I have such an extreme hatred for him.
 そのコーヒーは私が飲めないほど熱かった。 [ex #4556]
The coffee was too hot for me to drink.
 あの店はこちらの都合に合わせるほど遅くまでやっていない。 [ex #4576]
That shop does not stay open as late as would suit my convenience.
 私はあなたほど忙しいく有りません。　私はあなたほどいそがしくありません。 [ex #7809]
I'm not as busy as your are. Watashi wa, anata hodo isogashiku arimasen.

See Also:
 ba~hodo (The ほど in ~ば - ほど is also used on its own.)
 kurai, gurai
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 In the second example, 閉まらないほど would be 'cannot be closed' instead of opened.
In the third example, 'can be made' assumes possibility of human intervention, whereas 出来る denies
that. So, the English should be 'can become' instead of 'can be made.' (contributor: bamboo4)
 ex. 666 and 1211 seem different from 263.
The first two have the effect coming before ほど.. can not speak ほど angry. can not open ほど
crowded.
69
Example 263 seems backwards, but is similar to the explanation for 〜ば〜ほど.
Could someone explain the first two examples, please? (contributor: gtunak85)
 To add to that, the first two examples, ほど has the effect of 'such that.'
Such that he could not speak, he was angry.
Such that the door could not be closed, it was crowded.
Does that soudn right? (contributor: gtunak85)
 I think it is smoother if the English versions of the first two examples read:
He was so angry that he could hardly speak.
It was so crowded that the door cluld not be closed.
 お酒 would be 冷たい (tsumetai) not 寒い (samui), wouldn't it? I get this one confused a lot--
based on situation, so I thought I'd ask to clarify. (contributor: jpeppel)
 Yes, but this is not talking about the sake itself - but the environment in which it is made... from
the icy north comes delicious sake... ってこと？ (contributor: anon)
 or possibly depending on context: in cold weather hot sake tastes more delicious? (contributor:
anon)
 出来る cannot have the connotation of 'taste more delicious.' (contributor: bamboo4)
 but isn't this talking about 'making' お酒 as opposed to tasting, as mentioned above (...from the
icy north comes delicious sake)? (contributor: jj)
 i think the entry meaning should be ' so〜(such)that...' for ' 〜ほど '
'the more... , the more ...'　should be the entry for '〜ば〜ほど ' , therefore any examples with the
meaning ' the more... the more...' should be moved to the corresponding entry, to avoid confusion. お
願い致します (contributor: 誠)
 会場にあふれるほど、ギターを持った若者が集まっていた
戦争ほど悲惨なものはない
Have these ほど　the same meaning? ?_? (contributor: Lucia06)

 I think 'extent' is the best single-word equivalent for ほど. It fits with most of the example
sentences above. (contributor: Sumofan)
 I agree with Sumofan. I found this sentence in a song: 飽きるほど　でんわした. I called until I
got tired of calling. (contributor: pingpongpaddle)
 I also learned that 'extent' or 'as much as' is a good representation for ほど.
Also, I once read a Japan Times piece about the set phrase それほどではありません。Apparently, it
is good to use whenever you want to respond humbly to a compliment (e.g. about how good your
lousy Japanese is). (contributor: yookoso)
 Yookoso さん、ありがとうございます。I have been wanting to know the polite way to say, 'I
know my japanese sucks, but thanks for the complement.'　今まで僕は「まぁ、そんな。。。」を使
いましたがそれは本当に女性の話し方ですね。一人のコーワーカは僕に「マットさん、大釜です
か？」と聞きました。ほかの人々は「やっぱりマットさんの日本語の先生が女の人ですね」というこ
ともあります。 (contributor: tigert)
[ Add a Comment ]
ぬく
Meaning: completely; until the end
Example: Parents of children who have absolutely no interest in studying are completely at a loss.
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
＊This is a strong expression.
70
FORMATION:
Ｖ(minus ます) + ぬく
- you do something completely/ till the end, but it takes great pain, effort, sacrifice to comlplete the action
｛→せっかく｝
ex：最後まで走りぬく。Run to the　end (with great effort).
Examples:
 頑張りぬく [ex #264]

keep trying til the end
 あなたは多くの困難に絶え抜かなけねばならない。 [ex #299]
You have to go through many hardships.
 頑張りぬいたが結局できなかった。 [ex #5983]
I made an effort to finish, but in the end, I couldn’t finish.
 困難にあっても最後までやりぬく気持ちを捨ててないで、がんばりなさい。 [ex #6437]
No matter how difficult, don't give up your will to follow through. Do your best.
 難しい数学の問題を考えぬいて答えが出せたときは、うれしかった。 [ex #6438]
I thoroughly thought about the difficult math problem, and when the answer came to me, I was glad.
 勉強にはぜんぜん興味を持たない子供に、両親は困りぬいている。 [ex #6439]
The parents of children who have absolutely no interest in studying are completely at a loss.

See Also:
 nuki (ぬく and ぬき formed from the same word but different usage.)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 Should not be the kanji in the last example 299 耐え抜かねばならない rather this????
(contributor: ainkin)
 You are right. For 困難, 耐え抜く is right kanji. (contributor: Miki)
[ Add a Comment ]
〜かな
Meaning: I wonder.. (Based on か question particle.)
Example: I wonder if he'll be here soon?
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
かな is used by males, it sounds weird if females use it. Thus females use かしら。
Examples:
 この靴は高いかな [ex #5276]

71
I wonder if these shoes are expensive

 締め切りに間に合わなかったらどうなるかな。 [ex #5284]
What if I miss the deadline?
 「彼の病気は重いのかな。」「そうでないといいね。」 [ex #5285]
"Is he seriously ill ?" "I hope not."
 「肘が痛むんだよ。病院に行こうかな。」 [ex #5286]
"My elbow really hurts. I guess I should go to a hospital."
 ７月の上旬に、海に行くのは早いかな。 [ex #5287]
I wonder if the first week (or so) of July is too early to go to the beach.

See Also:
 kke
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 Three main uses of かな.
1. A question with little doubt.
e.g. ジムならうまくいくかな。As it's Jim I wonder whether it will go well.
2. Talking to yourself.
ゲーセンに行こうかな。Shall I go to the game center?
3. Expressing wish / hope.
誰かこないかな。Is anybody going to come? (I hope somebody comes.) (contributor: Amatuka)
 Placed on the end of a sentence.
S = Sentence. (contributor: Amatuka)

 かな is made up of か, a particle for interrogatory and な a particle to express one's emotion. It is
used to ask oneself a question or a question to another as to the degree of uncertainty involved. When
you use it in the form of ないかな, you are expressing a desire for something to come true.
間違えたかな = Did I screw it up?

天気にならないかな = Hope the weather clears up!
 How would you express a desire for something to not come true? such as, 'I hope the weather
does not clear up.' ? (contributor: Ness)
 I'm not sure if its a usual thing, but in Tokyo a lot of my female friends often use ...かな〜. It
could be a regional thing or that I have particularly unrefined friends, but I thought I'd drop the thought
in anyway. (contributor: chrispix)
 I was told by a japanese friend that using かな with the polite form (such as 〜ですかな...) really
sounded 'Ojisan' (litterally, 'speaking like your uncle', which does not sound young and trendy). Maybe
this is the reason why it has been written in this article that 〜かな is male speech? (contributor:
charles)
 Kana is usable by Japanese women, but mainly for monologues - it's more versatile for usage
by men. And yeah, go with the plain form if you're under 40. (contributor: televangelist)
 Girls often say かな, but a guy would never say かしら as that sounds very feminine.
(contributor: bunbun)
する
Meaning: to do (irregular verb)
Example: I study Japanese.
JLPT Level: 4
72

Notes:
There are only two irregular verbs, kuru (to come) and suru (to do).
The verb 'suru' is probably the most often used verb in Japanese. It is used as 'to do,' 'to make,' or 'to
cost'. It is also combined with many nouns (of Chinese or Western origin) to make them into verbs.
Examples:
 明日掃除するよ。 [ex #5004]

I will do my laundry tomorrow.
 彼が電話したら、どうするの？ [ex #5005]
If he calls, what will you do?
 テレビの音を大きくした。 [ex #5892]
I turned up the volume of the TV.

See Also:
 itashimasu (itashimasu is like a keigo (super polite, humble) version of suru)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 常体 = Plain / Direct form ~る[~ru]
敬体 = Polite / Distal form ~ます [~masu] (contributor: Amatuka)
 Note that in textbooks outside of Japan する suru is usually introduced as an 'irregular verb'.
However inside Japan it is referred to as サ変, also still can be used for some other verbs (e.g. 準ず
る).
Similarly the 'irregular' verb くる kuru is referred to as カ変. (contributor: Amatuka)
 What is Shitara
Shita is did but what is the ra for? (contributor: Popo)

 shitara... if/when you do/did
look at the tara entry. (contributor: dc)
 #5004 I will do my laundry tomorrow. is 明日洗濯するよ。掃除する is to clean etc. (contributor:
Miki)
 As I understand it, したら in #5005 and した in #5892 are forms of する -- maybe they should
be marked red in the examples. (contributor: balrog-kun)
[ Add a Comment ]
為 (ため)
Meaning: In order to, because of, for
Example: I telephoned to make sure he was coming.
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
73
Examples:
 彼が来る事を確かめる為に電話をした。 [ex #721]

I telephoned to make sure that he was coming.
 彼は、去年老齢の為、なくなった。 [ex #722]
He died last year of old age.
 このキーは何の為の物ですか？ [ex #723]
What's this key for ?
 外国人の為のいい辞書がない [ex #3147]
There are no good dictionaries for foreigners
 日本人は会社の為によくはたらきます [ex #3148]
The Japanese work hard for ( the sake of ) their company
 何の為に？ [ex #5938]
What for?
 雪がたくさん降ったため試合が中止された。 [ex #6670]
Because a lot of snow fell, the match was canceled.

See Also:
 youni
 beku
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 Two slightly different usages here (split them out if you want to).
1. 'In order to'
2. 'Because of' (contributor: Amatuka)
 Usually either ___の為に___ or [V-る]為に___.
But not always :-P (contributor: Amatuka)
 Hey DC, I'm catching up with you on Grammar entries :-P (contributor: Amatuka)
 thats why i made the batch form, so i can speed ahead! (contributor: dc)
 hah, I've NEVER seen the kanji for tame before. (contributor: Grant)
 tame is also used sometimes to mean 'therefore/so', like node
何も出ていないため、ユーザーは何をしていいか分からないと思います。
nothing pops out,so the user doesnt know what to do
(contributor: dc)
 為 seems a bit like the word 'para' in Spanish... give or take a few uses, no? (contributor:
Saralynne)
[ Add a Comment ]
とばかりに
Meaning:as if; as if ~ were convinced that; as if ~ believed that; as if ~
decided that
Example: Takemoto vented his long held complaints as if he were convinced this was the time to do
so
JLPT Level: 1
74

Notes:
BE CAREFUL not to confuse ばかりに with とばかりに.
ばかりに is for indicating a single factor that causes a negative situation and is formed
{VERB-past-tense / い adj. / な adj.stem / NOUN} +ばかりに
とばかりに indicates that s.o does s.t in such a way that s.o. is convinced that something is the case - '思
い立ったが吉日とばかりにエアロビクスを始めました。
I began aerobics believing that the day you think of something is an auspicious day to start it.' and is
formed
{direct quotation / indirect quotation / noun} + とばかりに
See bakarini
Ref # A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar p618
On the difference between とばかりに and と言わんばかりに
と言わんばかりに'as if to say', and というように'in such a way that, as if to say' are synonymous with と
ばかりに and can be used in place of とばかりに in some cases.
However, you can't say と言わんばかり about yourself: 'The fog finally cleared so I ran outside as if to
say this is my only chance' would be weird in Japanese (surely you don't need to guess your own
thinking), but in this sentence you could use とばかりに and it would be more like 'The fog finally cleared
so I ran outside as if it was my only chance'
see toiwanbakarini
Examples:
 課長は余計な質問はするなとばかりに私ににらみつけた。 [ex #7997]

My section chief glared at me as if to tell me not to ask any unnecessary questions.
 霧が晴れたので私がチャンスとばかりに写真を撮りまくった。 [ex #7998]
The fog had cleared, so I took pictures furiously, as if it were my only chance.
 竹本はこの時とばかりに日頃の不満を吐き出した。 [ex #7999]
Takemoto vented his long-held complaints as if he were convinced this was the time to do so.
 彼女が舞台に登場すると、「待ってました！」とばかりに大きな拍手が起こった [ex #8000]
she appeared on the stage, and as if everyone had been waiting, huge applause broke out
 彼女は、信じられないとばかりに、口を開けたまま彼を見つめていた。 [ex #8001]
She just stared at him with her mouth wide open as if she didn't believe him.

See Also:
 toiwanbakarini
に対して (にたいして)
Meaning: toward; to; in contrast to; whereas; in regard to; in; per
Example: Up until now, Japan has taken a closed policy toward foreign countries.
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
に対して　：１．〜に、〜へ、〜に向けて
　　　　　　　　（動作の対象、方向を示す）
(towards, to)
　　　　　　２．対比を表す
75
(in contrast, in comparison)

＊「Ｎに対して」 is used to express someone's attitude/action toward someone/something as in
example #6389; contrast/comparison as in example #6390; confrontation as in example #6391; interest
as in example #6392; and the sense of 'per' as in example #6393.
＊「Ｎ 1 に対してＮ 2」 means 'N2 in regard to N1,' as in example #62 (although, the 'a' in American
should be capitalized). It can also mean 'against' as exemplified by example #6394.
＊「Ｎに対して」 and 「Ｎのに対して」 are different in meaning. The latter means 'whereas' (see
example #6390), but the former doesn't.
FORMATION:
Ｎ + に対し(て)
Ｖ(plain form) + に対し(て)
いＡ + に対し(て)
なＡ(な/である/だった/であった) + のに対して
Ｎ 1 + に(対する/対しての) + Ｎ 2
Examples:
 アメリカでは離婚に対しての考え方が大分変わってきた。 [ex #62]

In america attitudes toward divorce have greatly changed.
 先生に対して [ex #547]
towards ones teacher
 女性の地位はまだ低いのに対して欧米では比較的に高い。 [ex #549]
womens position is quite low whereas in europe it is relatively high.
 話すのに対して [ex #550]
talked, whereas
 これまで日本は外交に対して、閉鎖的な政策を取ってきた。 [ex #6389]
Up until now, Japanese has taken a closed policy toward foreign countries.
 日本の大学に入学するのが難しいのに対して、アメリカの大学は卒業するのが難しい。 [ex
#6390]
Whereas entering university is difficult in Japan, graduating from university is difficult in America.
 市民は増税に対して強く反対してる。 [ex #6391]
The citizens are strongly opposed to the tax hike.
 私は政治に対して強い慢心がある。 [ex #6392]
I have a strong interest in politics.
 手数料は一万円に対して、五百円です。 [ex #6393]
The commission charge will be 500 yen per 10,000 yen.
 その経済学者の説に(対する/対して)反論はなかった。 [ex #6394]
There wasn't a counterargument against the economist's thesis.

See Also:
 nihikikae
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 It seems that there are two basic meanings of に対して. First に対して by itself, which means
'regarding' or 'towards' (#62) and のに対して, which means 'whereas' (#6390). do you think the two
forms deserve separate entries? (contributor: sagittarius)
 In ex #6392,慢心 should be correct to 関心.
In ex #6393, we would normally say 手数料は一万円について、五百円です, instead of 対して.

 bamboo4, why that difference? Is there a matter of different meanings? (contributor: Makai no
Kitsune)
76
[ Add a Comment ]
〜て
Meaning: (-te, connects two sentences)
Example: I'm going to the book shop to buy it.
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
te is more of a 'parallel' tense in Japanese. It reflects that the verb goes on along with the rest of the
sentence or in a sequence.
te-iru is the same way, the verb is going on at the same time 'you exist' hence the -ing.
The -te form has many uses; here there are just some of them:
1) It's a way to connect two sentences (a kind of equivalent expression for 'and').
2) Equivalent to English '-ing'.
3) -te+iru: to describe an action that is now happening or that is not already finished.
[There are similar grammatical structures with verbs like 'shimau', 'ageru', 'yaru', 'miru'... but I guess they
should have their own section]
4) Replacing an adverb.
5) Motte+iku/kuru: to bring, to take, to carry something.
6) Present perfect in some cases.
When the -te form is applied to adjectives finished in -i, it has also a copulative function: joining two or
more adjectives by adding -kute instead -i.
天気が悪くて、たいへん困りました。
The weather was bad, and that bothered us.
あの映画は短く面白いです。= あの映画は短くて面白いです。
That film is short and amusing.
Examples:
 この赤くて大きい車は田中さんのです。 [kono akaku1teookii kuruma ha tanakasan no desu.

[ex #707]
This large and red car is Mr Tanaka's.
 本屋に行って買います。[honya ni itte kaimasu.] [ex #888]
I'm going to the book shop and buying it.
 茶碗を口のところまで持ってきて、箸でごはんをかきこむのは行儀が悪い。 [ex #3118]
Brining the bowl up to your mouth and shoveling rice in with Chopsticks is bad manners.
 メロンを食べて、コーヒーを飲ました。(1) [ex #6248]
He ate some melon and drank some coffee.
 歩いて来ます。(2) [ex #6249]
I come on foot (walking).
 妹は遊そんでいます。(3) [ex #6250]
My younger sister is playing (right now).
77
 社長はたいへん怒っています。(3) [ex #6251]

The director is very angry (he became angry and is still angry).
 喜んで手伝います。(4) [ex #6252]
It'll be a pleasure to help you out.
 手紙をもって行きました。(5) [ex #6253]
I brought the letter (lit. "having the letter, I came").
 田中さんは出掛けています。(6) [ex #6254]
Mr. Tanaka's gone out (Mr. Tanaka is not here).

Comments:
 Note, many, many, other uses of vte. (contributor: Amatuka)
 Hmm, not the most natural example sentence in the world ^^v (contributor: Amatuka)
 Also -i adjectives join with -kute -くて
The copula has the 'te' form of で. (contributor: Amatuka)
 Verbs with auxillary verbs and auxillary adjectives use the -te form. e.g. やってみてください。
やる(in -te form, to do) みる (in -te form, to try) ください (request). All together Please try to do it.
(contributor: Amatuka)
 It is sometimes much the same as 'and'. (contributor: Amatuka)
 (contributor: Amatuka)
 It's a JLPT level 4 grammar point (both the -て and -くて forms, btw), and not a level 3 one;
Only some of the -て + verb forms are part of the JLPT level 3 grammar requirements
(contributor: Aria)
[ Add a Comment ]
だした
Meaning: Began/Begun, Started
Example: The traffic started moving
JLPT Level: 4

Notes:
車が(動き)出した - kurumaga(ugoki = movement)dashita = the car started moving - verb + dashita =
started to
Examples:
 車が動き出した [ex #1626]

The car started moving
 １マイル歩くか歩かないうちに雷が鳴りだした。 [ex #4520]
I had hardly walked a mile when it began to thunder.
 ２人の友人は深い友情のきずなをつくりだした。 [ex #4521]
The two friends have formed a deep bond of friendship.
 いったんはやりだしたら、リーバイスのジーンズは決してすたれなかった。 [ex #4522]
Once they came in, Levi's never went out of fashion.
 お金を全部使ってしまい、私たちは仕事を探しだした。 [ex #4523]
78
All the money spent, we started looking for work.

 さらに悪いことに雨がふりだした。 [ex #4526]
To make matter worse, it began to rain.
 しばらくして彼らは歩きだした。 [ex #4527]
They began to walk after a while.
 そのときジョーンズさんが何かいいだした。 [ex #4528]
Mr Jones started to say something then.
 その少女はわっと泣きだした。 [ex #4529]
The young girl burst into tears.
 その話を聞いたら父のことを思いだした。 [ex #4530]
The story reminded me of my father.
 それは彼の身に応えだした。 [ex #4531]
It is beginning to tell on him.
 ゆっくりと彼は状況が分かりだした。 [ex #4532]
Only slowly did he begin to understand the situation.
 サーカスを見にみんなくりだした。 [ex #4533]
Everyone turned out for the circus.
 ホイッスルの音を聞くやいなや、彼らは全速力で走りだした。 [ex #4536]
On hearing the whistle, they started at full speed.
 一人ぼっちにされたので、その小さな女の子は泣きだした。 [ex #4537]
Left alone, the little girl began to cry.
 雨が降りだしたとき何をしていましたか。 [ex #4538]
What were you doing when it began to rain?
 雨が降り出すと洗濯物をとりこみだした。 [ex #4539]
She took in the washing when it started to rain.
 家に帰り着くとすぐ雨が降りだした。 [ex #4542]
As soon as I got home it began to rain.
 彼女は私を見て、急に笑いだした。 [ex #4543]
She burst into laughter when she saw me.
 彼女は非常に喜んだので踊りだした。 [ex #4544]
Such was so delighted that she began to dance.
 彼女は夫との口論の際、とても興奮して突然泣きだした。 [ex #4545]
She got so carried away when arguing with her husband that she burst into tears.
 彼女はマンガを読んでいて、笑いだした。 [ex #5183]
She (suddenly) laughed while reading Manga.

See Also:
 kaketa
 kiru
 -hajimeru
 au
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 #4528
'Mr Jones said something then' should be: Mr Jones started to say something then. (contributor:
bamboo4)
 fixed. (contributor: dc)
 dashita is more of a sudden reaction or stituation (contributor: infinite_trial)
 verb+dashita,hajimeta,owatta,tsuzukeru are jlpt level 3 grammar points (contributor: ramu)
 what is the difference beetween dashita and hajimatta??Pls help me (contributor: holland)
 There's a discussion of the difference between verb+出す (dasu) and verb+始める (hajimeru)
over in the comments on -hajimeru. The consensus is that verb+出す is more of a sudden or
explosive starting (like busrting into tears), while verb+始める is just simply starting.
79
Note also that this use of 出す is NOT the same as the standalone verb 出す, which means to take
something from a more enclosed/private place or situation and put it in a more open/public one. 出す
only means 'start to do' when it's tacked onto another verb stem... and even then it may still have the
above meaning:
取り出す - take (an object) out (of a container)
追い出す - chase (someone) out (contributor: KWhazit)
かたわら
Meaning: beside
Example: the king sat beside the queen
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
〜のかたわら can also be in the more figurative sense as well. It is also a more archaic expression in
spoken Japanese (according to a friend)
Examples:
 メアリーは読書をしており、１匹の猫がかたわらで眠っていた。 [ex #3478]

Mary was reading, with a cat sleeping beside her.
 王妃は王のかたわらに立っていた。 [ex #3479]
The queen stood beside the king.
 審判はコートのかたわらにある高い椅子に座る。 [ex #3480]
The umpire sits in a high chair at the side of the court.
 仕事のかたわら、子供達にフランス語を教えるつもりです。 [ex #4749]
Besides working, I'm planning to teach the children french.
 私の母は自分で編み物を習うかたわら、人にも教えている [ex #7019]
In addition to learning how to knit, my mother also teaches it .

Comments:
 This can also mean (according to my book): on the side, besides ... see my example.
 かたわら in #4749 is diffierent from other examples, but it is stil correct use of that word.It may
properly rate another slot. (contributor: bamboo4)
 I defer to precedent on the topic...
 This is in my 一級 grammar book. The explanation is '〜しながら、同時に'
This is different to 傍ら/側ら/かたわら(で/に) 'Next to/Nearby' as bamboo4 said. (contributor: blabby)
 An example of the 一級 grammar is
私は会社に勤めてるかたわら、夜は家で日本語を勉強しています。
Besides working, at night I study Japanese at home. (contributor: blabby)
 平日に仕事をするかたわら、休みの日にはボランティアをしている。
Besides working during the week, (he/she/they)do/does volunteer work on (his/her/their) days off.
You could also replace 'besides' with 'while'. かたわら is used figuratively and not.
80
When used after a verb it usually means 〜しながら、同時に

When used after a noun it usually means 'to be physicaly beside'.
かたわらに置いています　'placed beside'
〜のかたわらに 'beside 〜'
There should most definatley be another meaning and example added to the entry. (contributor:
crlane)
〜なり〜なり
Meaning: either.... or....
Example: Either you must come here or I must go there.
JLPT Level: 1

Notes:
Ref # A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar p223
Examples:
 ジュースなりコーラなり、お好きなものをどうぞ [ex #7970]

juice.. cola.. have whatever you like
 君が来るなり，僕が行くなりしなくてはならない [ex #7971]
Either you must come here or I must go there.
 勉強ばかりしていいないで、たまには外に遊びに行くなりスポーツをするなりして、気分転換
をしたらどうですか。 [ex #7972]
Instead of studying all the time, once in a while why don't you go outside and play or play sports and
do something for a change of pace sometimes?
 風邪を引いたのなら、薬を飲むなり何なりすればよかったのに [ex #7973]
If you caught a cold, it would have been better if you'd taken some medicine or done something
(instead of doing nothing)
 うろうろ探しまわらないで、交番で聞くなりすれば良かったのに [ex #7974]
It would have been better if you'd gone and asked the police or something instead of lingering around
searching for it.
 英語なりスペイン語なり、なんか外国語を身につけたい。 [ex #7975]
Either English or Spanish, I kind want to master a foreign language.

Comments:
Sorry...no Comments exist yet for this entry...
[ Add a Comment ]
から〜にかけて
81
Meaning: from ... until

Example: from spring until autumn
JLPT Level: 2

Notes:
from (time/place) to (time/place)
there are other time/place descriptors like niwatatte and otsuujite but these all just take one place.
kara-nikakete has a start and ending.
Examples:
 今年の秋から来年にかけて 3G が主戦場になる [ex #243]

From this Autumn to next year 3G will be the central battlefield
 秋から冬にかけては、秋味と呼ばれる鮭の旬です。 [ex #470]
The period from autumn to winter is the season of the 'autumn flavour' salmon.
 彼は腰からひざにかけてびしょぬれになった。 [ex #4350]
He got drenched from the waist to the knees.
 我が国の商社は世界をまたにかけて商売をする。 [ex #4362]
Our trading companies do business all over the world.
 今週末から来週にかけて大蔵大臣は中国を訪問する嵐閧ｾ。 [ex #5931]
The Minister of Finance is scheduled to visit China from this weekend to early next week.

See Also:
 nikakete (closely related)
[ Add a See Also ]
Comments:
 NB. '3G' as in mobile phone technology. (contributor: Amatuka)
 so its basically the same as 'made' - right? (contributor: hatsumomo)
 Yes but nuance is different.
When you use 'made', the end of time/place is very clear. While 'nikakete' is the end is ambiguous.
(contributor: Miki)
 #5391 文字化け mojibake していますよ。嵐閧ｾ。 may be 予定。 (contributor: Miki)
 isn't #4362 a different grammar point? (contributor: sagittarius)
 #4350
（〜から〜にかけて』は始まりと終わりがそれほどはっきりしていない。後の文は一回だけのことで
はなく。連続的なこと。
だから、『彼は腰からひざまでびしょぬれになった』のほうが正しいと思います。 (contributor:
jpmandy)
〜ようとする
Meaning: Try to do something, but the nuance is that it was unsuccessful.
Example: I tried to kiss her, but she said no.　
82
JLPT Level: 3

Notes:
過去記事を紹介しようとする気持ちだ
uses the conjectural/hortatory form of the verb

Examples:
 このコンピューターを使おうとしたが、ダメだった。 [ex #6739]

I tried to use this computer, but I couldn't.
 電車に乗ろうとしたら、ドアが閉まってしまいました。 [ex #7005]
I was about to get on the train when the door closed on me.
 彼が彼女にキスしようとした時、,お母さんが部屋に入って来た（のでキスできなかった）。
[ex #7006]
He was trying to kiss his girlfriend when his mom walked in the room. (so I did not get to kiss her)
これ、それ、あれ
Meaning: this, that and the other.
Example: this is mine, that is yours and the other is anybody's guess.
JLPT Level: 4

Notes:
Examples:
 それはりんごケーキです。[sore ha ringo ke-ki desu. [ex #634]

That is apple cake.
 あれは何のケーキでしょうか。[ are ha nan no ke-ki deshou ka. ] [ex #635]
I wonder what that cake is ?
 これはイチゴケーキです。[kore ha ichigo ke-ki desu.] [ex #636]
This is strawberry cake.

Comments:
 kore : near to speaker
sore : near to spoken to
are : far from both speaker and spoken to (contributor: Amatuka)
 There are more words than these in the 'set'. (contributor: Amatuka)
[ Add a Comment ]
83

Meaning: Is Diffcult To Do: Today's Random Grammar Entry..

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 彼は分かりにくいでしょうかなぁ？ [ex #4750]

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That word is difficult to remember (lit. That word's remembering is difficult.)

Remembering that word is difficult (lit. That word's remembering is difficult).

EDIT 10/15/07: You're right; thanks tiger! (contributor: Groove)

note for yasui (contributor: tigert)

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JLPT Level: 2

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Example: based on the exam results

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in (1) a clear result comes out, so the で particle is used.

Negative case 'without regard to'

いかんでは means that something has already happened, so the speaker is using

Ref # Kanzen Master Level 1 - p40 - no.34

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Example: The window has been closed.

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窓が開いている -> The window is open. (no agent or reason implied)

窓が開けてある -> The window is open (because someone opened it).

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窓が開いている -> まどがあいている

窓が開いている -> The window is open. (no agent or reason implied)

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Example: by the way it looks like rain

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chinami ni > related to that...

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 彼は暑がりで、冬の間も半袖を着ている。 [ex #791]

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Pls try search by ぽい, condition 国語辞典、後方一致.

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 デモは、１０年間にわたって行われた。 [ex #6880]

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Meaning: To decide on, to choose

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 うちは毎年９月末の日曜日にすると決まっているのです。 [ex #742]

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 田中さんは大学生です。[ tanakasan hadaigakusei desu] [ex #623]

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First: In answering a question such as

N = noun (contributor: Amatuka)

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-youni is used with the potential or negative form of a verb.

いかんでは　means that something has already happened, so the speaker is using

　yoku kikoeru youni .. = to be able to hear better

EPENDING　ON　THE　FINANCES　? WILL　GO TO MEXICO