A word in the て form plus しかたがない or しょうがない literally means that there is a situation occurring with no way to escape it. These are generally used when the speaker wants to express that they can't control their reaction to something, or that they can't bear it. The latter is more colloquial. It often translates as "can't help X-ing", "can't stop feeling X", or simply "so" (to heighten the feeling being described).
昨日は、4時間しか寝られなかったので、眠くてしようがない。
Yesterday I could only get 4 hours of sleep, so I'm totally exhausted today.
来年、日本に行けることになったので、嬉しくてしょうがない。
It turns out that I can go to Japan next year, so I'm over the moon.
昨日から頭が痛くてしかたがない。メガネが合わないのかもしれない。
My head's been hurting terribly since yesterday. My glasses may not be right.
あの先生の講義は退屈でしょうがない。
That teacher's lectures are so boring.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
何から何まで
The expression 何から何まで can be used to mean "all", "anything and everything", or something similar to the English "from A to Z." It's a more emphatic way to express the general meaning of "all."
この製品に使われている物は、何から何までリサイクルできます。
Anything and everything that's used in this product can be recycled.
このアパートはできたばかりなので、何から何まで全部新しい。
This apartment was just built, so everything is new from top to bottom.
信じていた人にだまされて、何から何まで信じられなくなった。
I was deceived by someone whom I believed, and now I can't trust anything at all.
彼女はフランス語のことなら何から何まで知っている。
She knows French inside and out.
この製品に使われている物は、何から何までリサイクルできます。
Anything and everything that's used in this product can be recycled.
このアパートはできたばかりなので、何から何まで全部新しい。
This apartment was just built, so everything is new from top to bottom.
信じていた人にだまされて、何から何まで信じられなくなった。
I was deceived by someone whom I believed, and now I can't trust anything at all.
彼女はフランス語のことなら何から何まで知っている。
She knows French inside and out.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Verb stem + っぱなし
A verb stem + っぱなし can be used to express that something keeps happening, or someone keeps doing something, with that action often being something unfavorable. It can also express that someone started an action but didn't finish it properly. It's generally used in casual speech.
うちのチームは今日までずっと勝ちっぱなしだ。今シーズンはぜんぜん負けていない。
Up to today our team keeps on winning. We haven't lost at all this season.
疲れていたので、テレビをつけっぱなしにして寝てしまった。
Since I was tired, I kept leaving the TV on and falling asleep.
お湯をわかしっぱなしで忘れて寝てしまい、火事になりそうになった。
I left the water boiling, forgot about it and went to bed, and it looks like I ended up with a fire.
ルームメートはまた食べた皿を出しっぱなしのまま学校に行ってしまった。
My roommate keeps leaving out her plates that she's eaten from, and then going off to school.
うちのチームは今日までずっと勝ちっぱなしだ。今シーズンはぜんぜん負けていない。
Up to today our team keeps on winning. We haven't lost at all this season.
疲れていたので、テレビをつけっぱなしにして寝てしまった。
Since I was tired, I kept leaving the TV on and falling asleep.
お湯をわかしっぱなしで忘れて寝てしまい、火事になりそうになった。
I left the water boiling, forgot about it and went to bed, and it looks like I ended up with a fire.
ルームメートはまた食べた皿を出しっぱなしのまま学校に行ってしまった。
My roommate keeps leaving out her plates that she's eaten from, and then going off to school.
Sentence + っけ
The add-on っけ can be used at the end of a sentence as a question marker in very casual situations. If it's used after a non-past verb, adjective, or ない, then んだ must be added before っけ.
この漢字って、どう読むんだっけ？
How do you read this kanji?
マイクさん、今、どこの大学に留学してたっけ？
Where's the university Mike's doing his studying abroad at?
この豆腐、古そうだよ。いつ買ったんだっけ？
This tofu seems old. When'd you buy it?
あのレストラン、おいしかったっけ？
Was that restaurant good?
この漢字って、どう読むんだっけ？
How do you read this kanji?
マイクさん、今、どこの大学に留学してたっけ？
Where's the university Mike's doing his studying abroad at?
この豆腐、古そうだよ。いつ買ったんだっけ？
This tofu seems old. When'd you buy it?
あのレストラン、おいしかったっけ？
Was that restaurant good?
Monday, June 25, 2018
と同時に
The expression と同時に can be used to express that an event takes place at the same time as another event, or that two separate situations are both simultaneously the case. It can be translated as "as soon as", "at the same time", "as well", or "also."
電車のドアが開くと同時に、多くの人が降りて来た。
The moment the train's doors opened, a bunch of people got off.
新しいゲームソフトは発売されると同時に、全部売れてしまった。
As soon as the new game was put on sale, it sold out completely.
12月に入ると同時に、急に寒くなった。
It quickly became cold as soon as we entered December.
この絵本は読んで面白いと同時に、考えさせられる。
I read this picture book and it was interesting, and it also made me think.
電車のドアが開くと同時に、多くの人が降りて来た。
The moment the train's doors opened, a bunch of people got off.
新しいゲームソフトは発売されると同時に、全部売れてしまった。
As soon as the new game was put on sale, it sold out completely.
12月に入ると同時に、急に寒くなった。
It quickly became cold as soon as we entered December.
この絵本は読んで面白いと同時に、考えさせられる。
I read this picture book and it was interesting, and it also made me think.
かえって
The word かえって can be used in a sentence when a result occurs that is contrary to your expectations. Though it can be translated literally as "on the contrary" or "rather", that often doesn't fit well into English sentences.
頭が痛かったので薬を飲んだら、かえってひどくなったしまった。
When I took some medicine since my head hurt, my head instead became worse.
急いでいたのでタクシーに乗ったら、道が混んでいて、かえって遅くなってしまった。
When I hurried so I could get a taxi, the road was crowded, and so I ended up going even slower.
よく切れない包丁はかえって危ないよ。
A kitchen knife that does not cut often is actually dangerous.
友達と大げんかをしたら、その後、かえって仲良くなった。
When I got in a huge fight with my friend, afterwards, we actually became closer.
頭が痛かったので薬を飲んだら、かえってひどくなったしまった。
When I took some medicine since my head hurt, my head instead became worse.
急いでいたのでタクシーに乗ったら、道が混んでいて、かえって遅くなってしまった。
When I hurried so I could get a taxi, the road was crowded, and so I ended up going even slower.
よく切れない包丁はかえって危ないよ。
A kitchen knife that does not cut often is actually dangerous.
友達と大げんかをしたら、その後、かえって仲良くなった。
When I got in a huge fight with my friend, afterwards, we actually became closer.
Friday, June 22, 2018
以来
The word 以来 can be used with て form verbs or with nouns to refer to a specific time in the past. It usually translates as "since."
大学に入って以来、高校時代の友達に一度も会っていない。
Since I started college, I haven't seen my high school friends a single time.
携帯電話が登場して以来、街の公衆電話が少なくなった。
Since the introduction of cell phones, the number of pay phones in cities has decreased.
9/11以来、飛行機に乗る時のセキュリティチェックがとても厳しくなった。
Since 9/11, the security checks done when flying have become very strict.
父は10年前に亡くなった。それ以来、母は一人で私達兄弟を育ててくれた。
My father passed away before I was 10. Since then, my mother has raised my siblings and I by herself.
大学に入って以来、高校時代の友達に一度も会っていない。
Since I started college, I haven't seen my high school friends a single time.
携帯電話が登場して以来、街の公衆電話が少なくなった。
Since the introduction of cell phones, the number of pay phones in cities has decreased.
9/11以来、飛行機に乗る時のセキュリティチェックがとても厳しくなった。
Since 9/11, the security checks done when flying have become very strict.
父は10年前に亡くなった。それ以来、母は一人で私達兄弟を育ててくれた。
My father passed away before I was 10. Since then, my mother has raised my siblings and I by herself.
たった
The word たった can be used with numbers or counters to emphasize the small number or amount of the noun that follows.
昨日は大雪で、授業に来た学生はたったの四人だった。
Because of the heavy snow yesterday, there were only 4 students who came to class.
インスタントラーメンは、たった3分でできるので便利です。
Instant ramen can be made in only three steps, so it's really handy.
あの喫茶店ではコーヒーがたったの200円で飲めるそうだ。
I hear you can get coffee at that cafe for only 200 yen.
先月は忙しくて、たった二日しか、休めなかった。
I was so busy last month that I could only take 2 days off.
昨日は大雪で、授業に来た学生はたったの四人だった。
Because of the heavy snow yesterday, there were only 4 students who came to class.
インスタントラーメンは、たった3分でできるので便利です。
Instant ramen can be made in only three steps, so it's really handy.
あの喫茶店ではコーヒーがたったの200円で飲めるそうだ。
I hear you can get coffee at that cafe for only 200 yen.
先月は忙しくて、たった二日しか、休めなかった。
I was so busy last month that I could only take 2 days off.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
に従って
The phrase に従って uses the verb 従う, which typically means "to obey" or "to abide by" to literally state "following." However, it's most often used in sentences with nouns to express "in accordance with X", or "following X."
先生のアドバイスに従って勉強したら、成績がよくなった。
If you study following sensei's advice, your grades will improve.
会議で決まったことに従ってプロジェクトを進めてください。
Please proceed with the project in accordance with what we decided at the meeting.
先輩の意見に従って、夏はアルバイトをせずに、クラスを取ることにした。
Following senpai's opinion, in the summer instead of doing a part-time job, I've decided to take classes.
大学の寮に住む場合には、寮の規則に従って生活しなければならない。
In the case that I live in the college dorms, I'll have to live in accordance with the dorm rules.
先生のアドバイスに従って勉強したら、成績がよくなった。
If you study following sensei's advice, your grades will improve.
会議で決まったことに従ってプロジェクトを進めてください。
Please proceed with the project in accordance with what we decided at the meeting.
先輩の意見に従って、夏はアルバイトをせずに、クラスを取ることにした。
Following senpai's opinion, in the summer instead of doing a part-time job, I've decided to take classes.
大学の寮に住む場合には、寮の規則に従って生活しなければならない。
In the case that I live in the college dorms, I'll have to live in accordance with the dorm rules.
何より
The expression 何より(も) can be used to elevate something, often translating as "before everything", "above all", "more than anything else", or simply "the most."
私はこの教科書が大好きだ。何より、単語と漢字が覚えやすいというのがいい。
I really like this textbook. Most of all, the easy to remember kanji and vocab is great.
私にとって何よりも大切なのは、家族の幸せです。
For me, the most important thing is the happiness of my family.
私は家で本を読むのが何よりも好きです。
I like reading a book at home more than anything.
リーさんはアリスに会いに帰ってくる何よりも欲しがってるな。
More than anything, Lee-san wants to come home to see Alice.
私はこの教科書が大好きだ。何より、単語と漢字が覚えやすいというのがいい。
I really like this textbook. Most of all, the easy to remember kanji and vocab is great.
私にとって何よりも大切なのは、家族の幸せです。
For me, the most important thing is the happiness of my family.
私は家で本を読むのが何よりも好きです。
I like reading a book at home more than anything.
リーさんはアリスに会いに帰ってくる何よりも欲しがってるな。
More than anything, Lee-san wants to come home to see Alice.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
後の
The expression 後の can be followed by a counter or noun to express "the remaining X" or "the rest of X." The の is optional, but can be used to distinguish it from the case where 後 + noun means "more." In that expression の is not used.
このクラスには学生が15人いる。大学生が12人、大学院生が1人、後の2人は高校生だ。
There are 15 students in this class. 12 are college students, 1 is a grad student, and the remaining 2 are high school students.
1週間の旅行のうち、三日間は東京に、後の四日間は京都に行く予定だ。
For my week trip, I'll be in Tokyo for 3 days, and then I'm scheduled to go to Kyoto for the remaining 4 days.
これは私の物です。でも、後の物は全部ルームメイトの物です。
This is my stuff. But all the rest of the stuff is my roommate's.
日本語の宿題は今晩しますが、後の宿題は明日するつもりです。
I'll do my Japanese homework tonight, but I plan to do the rest of my homework tomorrow.
このクラスには学生が15人いる。大学生が12人、大学院生が1人、後の2人は高校生だ。
There are 15 students in this class. 12 are college students, 1 is a grad student, and the remaining 2 are high school students.
1週間の旅行のうち、三日間は東京に、後の四日間は京都に行く予定だ。
For my week trip, I'll be in Tokyo for 3 days, and then I'm scheduled to go to Kyoto for the remaining 4 days.
これは私の物です。でも、後の物は全部ルームメイトの物です。
This is my stuff. But all the rest of the stuff is my roommate's.
日本語の宿題は今晩しますが、後の宿題は明日するつもりです。
I'll do my Japanese homework tonight, but I plan to do the rest of my homework tomorrow.
のうち
The structure X + のうち(で) can be used to indicate the total entity of X when presenting a smaller portion of X. This often translates to something like "Out of 100 people..."
1週間のうち、三日はアルバイトに行きます。
I go to my part-time job three days a week.
私が今学期取っている授業のうちで、宿題がないのはダンスのクラスだけだ。
Of the classes I'm taking this semester, dance class is the only one that doesn't have homework.
毎月もらう給料のうち、2割は家賃のために使います。
Out of the salary I receive every month, I use 20% of it for rent.
このクラスの12人の学生のうち、男子学生は8人で、4人が女子学生だ。
Among the 12 students in this class, 8 are guys and 4 are girls.
1週間のうち、三日はアルバイトに行きます。
I go to my part-time job three days a week.
私が今学期取っている授業のうちで、宿題がないのはダンスのクラスだけだ。
Of the classes I'm taking this semester, dance class is the only one that doesn't have homework.
毎月もらう給料のうち、2割は家賃のために使います。
Out of the salary I receive every month, I use 20% of it for rent.
このクラスの12人の学生のうち、男子学生は8人で、4人が女子学生だ。
Among the 12 students in this class, 8 are guys and 4 are girls.
Monday, June 18, 2018
も Verbば + も Verb
The sentence structure も Verbば + も Verb can be used to present two examples of possible actions or states, which are often contrastive. We've seen this grammatical structure before on a slightly smaller scale. It often translates as "some do ~ and others do ~", "sometimes ~ and other times ~", or "there are times when ~ and times when ~."
海に行きたい人もいれば、山に行きたい人もいて、旅行の計画が全然決まらない。
Some people want to go to the ocean, and others want to go to the mountains, so plans for this trip haven't been decided at all.
人生は考え方次第で、楽しくもなれば、苦しくもなる。
Depending on how you think about life, it could either be enjoyable, or it could be agonizing.
この仕事は危険でもあれば大変でもある。しかし誰かがやらなければならないのだ。
There are times when this job is dangerous, and times where it's tough. But somebody has to do it.
子供の頃は、兄弟とよく遊びもすれば、けんかもしたものだ。
When I was a kid, there were times when I often played with my siblings, and times when I fought with them.
海に行きたい人もいれば、山に行きたい人もいて、旅行の計画が全然決まらない。
Some people want to go to the ocean, and others want to go to the mountains, so plans for this trip haven't been decided at all.
人生は考え方次第で、楽しくもなれば、苦しくもなる。
Depending on how you think about life, it could either be enjoyable, or it could be agonizing.
この仕事は危険でもあれば大変でもある。しかし誰かがやらなければならないのだ。
There are times when this job is dangerous, and times where it's tough. But somebody has to do it.
子供の頃は、兄弟とよく遊びもすれば、けんかもしたものだ。
When I was a kid, there were times when I often played with my siblings, and times when I fought with them.
少なくとも
The adverb 少なくとも can be used with nouns or numbers to express "at (the) least" or "to say the least." The particle は can follow the noun or number/counter to further emphasize that word.
どんなに忙しくても、少なくとも6時間は寝た方がいいですよ。
No matter how busy you are, you should get at least 6 hours of sleep.
来年は、少なくとも3つは授業を取らなければいけない。
Next year, I have to take at least three classes.
人に何かしてもらったら、少なくともお礼は言った方がいい。
If someone gives you something, you should at least tell them thank you.
このことについては、少なくとも先生には話をしておいた方がいいと思う。
As for that matter, I think you should at least have a talk with sensei about it.
どんなに忙しくても、少なくとも6時間は寝た方がいいですよ。
No matter how busy you are, you should get at least 6 hours of sleep.
来年は、少なくとも3つは授業を取らなければいけない。
Next year, I have to take at least three classes.
人に何かしてもらったら、少なくともお礼は言った方がいい。
If someone gives you something, you should at least tell them thank you.
このことについては、少なくとも先生には話をしておいた方がいいと思う。
As for that matter, I think you should at least have a talk with sensei about it.
Friday, June 15, 2018
いかに
The word いかに can be used in embedded questions within sentences to express "how", "how much", or "in what way." It's commonly used in written language.
リサーチを通して、私達がいかにエネルギーを無駄に使っているかを知った。
In doing research, we found out how much energy is wasted.
この問題をいかに解決すべきか、みんなで話し合わなくてはならない。
As for how we should solve this problem, we should discuss it with everyone.
母の料理がいかにおいしいかは、言葉では説明できない。
I can't explain with words how good my mom's cooking is.
外国に住んでみて、初めて、外国語を勉強することがいかに大切か、よく分かった。
It was only when I tried living in a foreign country that I understood how important it is to study the language.
リサーチを通して、私達がいかにエネルギーを無駄に使っているかを知った。
In doing research, we found out how much energy is wasted.
この問題をいかに解決すべきか、みんなで話し合わなくてはならない。
As for how we should solve this problem, we should discuss it with everyone.
母の料理がいかにおいしいかは、言葉では説明できない。
I can't explain with words how good my mom's cooking is.
外国に住んでみて、初めて、外国語を勉強することがいかに大切か、よく分かった。
It was only when I tried living in a foreign country that I understood how important it is to study the language.
Thursday, June 14, 2018
ちゃんと and きちんと
The words ちゃんと and きちんと can be used to indicate that an action is done properly, regularly, adequately, neatly, or in good order. ちゃんと is the more colloquial of the two.
漢字を書く時は、文字のバランスもよく考えながら、点や線をきちんと書いて下さい。
When writing kanji, while thinking about the balance of the characters, please properly write the lines and points.
きちんと話さないと、相手に自分の言いたいことが伝えられませんよ。
If you don't speak adequately, the things you want to say will not be conveyed to your partner.
健康のためには、朝ご飯はちゃんと食べて、夜も6時間以上は寝た方がいいですよ。
For the sake of your health, you should eat a proper breakfast and sleep for at least six hours at night.
私は寮の規則をきちんと守って生活している。
I live abiding by the rules of the dorms.
漢字を書く時は、文字のバランスもよく考えながら、点や線をきちんと書いて下さい。
When writing kanji, while thinking about the balance of the characters, please properly write the lines and points.
きちんと話さないと、相手に自分の言いたいことが伝えられませんよ。
If you don't speak adequately, the things you want to say will not be conveyed to your partner.
健康のためには、朝ご飯はちゃんと食べて、夜も6時間以上は寝た方がいいですよ。
For the sake of your health, you should eat a proper breakfast and sleep for at least six hours at night.
私は寮の規則をきちんと守って生活している。
I live abiding by the rules of the dorms.
Passive Verbs for Politeness
The passive form of a verb can be used in place of the casual or -masu forms when the speaker wants to show politeness to someone. This level of politeness is not as high as the honorific form, but is still above the others. Note that for いる, the passive form in this case would be おられる.
ピアノ、お上手ですね。いつ始められたんですか。
You're good at piano. When did you begin playing?
先生はテニスをされるんですね。知りませんでした。
Sensei plays tennis? I didn't know that.
へえ。日本では四国に住んでおられたんですか。暖かいし、海もきれいだし、いい所ですよね。
Oh, so you lived in Shikoku in Japan? It's a nice place, it's warm and the ocean is beautiful.
スミス先生は、僕の日本語の先生である森先生を知っておられるそうだ。
I hear that Smith-sensei knows my Japanese teacher, Mori-sensei.
ピアノ、お上手ですね。いつ始められたんですか。
You're good at piano. When did you begin playing?
先生はテニスをされるんですね。知りませんでした。
Sensei plays tennis? I didn't know that.
へえ。日本では四国に住んでおられたんですか。暖かいし、海もきれいだし、いい所ですよね。
Oh, so you lived in Shikoku in Japan? It's a nice place, it's warm and the ocean is beautiful.
スミス先生は、僕の日本語の先生である森先生を知っておられるそうだ。
I hear that Smith-sensei knows my Japanese teacher, Mori-sensei.
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
とは限らない
A sentence or phrase + とは限らない can be used to express that something isn't necessarily the case, or isn't always true. It helps to remember that the verb 限る means "to limit" and think of it as "this situation isn't limited to..."
お金がたくさんあっても幸せとは限らない。貧しくても幸せな人もたくさんいる。
Having a lot of money doesn't necessarily mean you're happy. There are plenty of people who are happy even though they're poor.
両親や先生がいつも正しいとは限らないが、一応、アドバイスはもらっておいた方がいい。
Parents and teachers aren't necessarily always right, but for now, it's best to get their advice.
上手な選手がいなくても、負けるとは限らない。チームワークで勝てることもある。
Just because there aren't any skilled players doesn't mean they'll lose. Being able to win takes teamwork too.
日本語の先生がいつも日本人だとは限らない。とてもいい外国人の先生もたくさんいる。
Japanese teachers aren't always Japanese people. There are lots of very good foreign teachers too.
お金がたくさんあっても幸せとは限らない。貧しくても幸せな人もたくさんいる。
Having a lot of money doesn't necessarily mean you're happy. There are plenty of people who are happy even though they're poor.
両親や先生がいつも正しいとは限らないが、一応、アドバイスはもらっておいた方がいい。
Parents and teachers aren't necessarily always right, but for now, it's best to get their advice.
上手な選手がいなくても、負けるとは限らない。チームワークで勝てることもある。
Just because there aren't any skilled players doesn't mean they'll lose. Being able to win takes teamwork too.
日本語の先生がいつも日本人だとは限らない。とてもいい外国人の先生もたくさんいる。
Japanese teachers aren't always Japanese people. There are lots of very good foreign teachers too.
次第
The word 次第 can be added to nouns as a suffix to provide the meaning "depending on..."
この授業でいい成績が取れるかどうかは、期末のレポート次第だ。
Whether I can get a good grade in this class depends on the end of term report.
日曜日のピクニックはお天気次第ですよ。雨が降れば来週に延期されるそうです。
Sunday's picnic depends on the weather. If it rains, I hear it'll be postponed to next week.
漢字の勉強は覚え方次第で大変じゃなくなりますよ。
Kanji studies don't have to be difficult, depending on how you learn it.
このプロジェクトは、社長の考え次第で変わる可能性がある。
It's possible that this project will change, depending on the manager's plans.
この授業でいい成績が取れるかどうかは、期末のレポート次第だ。
Whether I can get a good grade in this class depends on the end of term report.
日曜日のピクニックはお天気次第ですよ。雨が降れば来週に延期されるそうです。
Sunday's picnic depends on the weather. If it rains, I hear it'll be postponed to next week.
漢字の勉強は覚え方次第で大変じゃなくなりますよ。
Kanji studies don't have to be difficult, depending on how you learn it.
このプロジェクトは、社長の考え次第で変わる可能性がある。
It's possible that this project will change, depending on the manager's plans.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
かなり
The word かなり can be used to indicate that the degree of something is higher than average, but not extraordinarily so. It often translates as "considerably", "rather", "quite", or "fairly."
この間の試験はかなり難しかったが、いい点を取ることが出来た。
The test from the other day was pretty difficult, but I was able to get a good score.
もうかなり歩いたはずなのに、まだ目的地に着かない。道に迷ったのだろうか。
Even though we've already walked a fair way, we still haven't reached our destination. Are we lost?
かなりゆっくり話してあげたのに、あの人は私の言ったことがあまり分からなかったようだ。
Even though I spoke fairly slowly for him, it seems like he didn't understand what I said very well.
彼は小学生だけれど、かなり背が高いなあ。中学生だと思ったよ。
He's an elementary school student, but he's rather tall. I thought he was a middle schooler.
この間の試験はかなり難しかったが、いい点を取ることが出来た。
The test from the other day was pretty difficult, but I was able to get a good score.
もうかなり歩いたはずなのに、まだ目的地に着かない。道に迷ったのだろうか。
Even though we've already walked a fair way, we still haven't reached our destination. Are we lost?
かなりゆっくり話してあげたのに、あの人は私の言ったことがあまり分からなかったようだ。
Even though I spoke fairly slowly for him, it seems like he didn't understand what I said very well.
彼は小学生だけれど、かなり背が高いなあ。中学生だと思ったよ。
He's an elementary school student, but he's rather tall. I thought he was a middle schooler.
しかしながら
The word しかしながら is a conjunction that can be used at the beginning of sentences to mean "however" or "but." It's a highly formal expression and is generally used in written language.
この論文はすばらしいと思う。しかしながら、賛成できない点もいくつかある。
I think this essay is wonderful. However, there are also some points that I can't agree with.
リーさんは頭がいいと思う。しかしながら、薄情な人そうだな。
I think Lee-san is smart. But I hear that he's a cold-hearted person.
戦争がよくないことは、みんな分かっているはずだ。しかしながら、未だに戦争は続いている。
People should know that war is bad. Nevertheless, war still continues.
分かってるよ。しかしながら、十二午前のあと医師が病院に入ってはいけないになってる。
I understand. However, the rule is that doctors must not enter the hospital after 12 AM.
この論文はすばらしいと思う。しかしながら、賛成できない点もいくつかある。
I think this essay is wonderful. However, there are also some points that I can't agree with.
リーさんは頭がいいと思う。しかしながら、薄情な人そうだな。
I think Lee-san is smart. But I hear that he's a cold-hearted person.
戦争がよくないことは、みんな分かっているはずだ。しかしながら、未だに戦争は続いている。
People should know that war is bad. Nevertheless, war still continues.
分かってるよ。しかしながら、十二午前のあと医師が病院に入ってはいけないになってる。
I understand. However, the rule is that doctors must not enter the hospital after 12 AM.
Monday, June 11, 2018
未だに
The word 未だに can be used to indicate that someone or something is still in the same state that existed some time ago. It's more commonly used in written language and is equivalent to まだ, meaning "still" or "not yet" with a negative.
私の母は、未だに携帯電話を持たずに生活している。
My mom still lives without a cell phone.
彼女が嫌らしい人なのに、リーさんは未だにつきあってるんだな。
Even though she's an awful person, Lee-san is still dating her.
あの殺人事件からもう５年もたっているのに、未だに犯人はつかまっていない。
Even though it's already been 5 years since that murder case, the criminal has still not been caught.
今日は四時間に勉強したけど、未だにこの問題が分かってないなぁ。
I studied for four hours today, but I still don't understand this problem.
私の母は、未だに携帯電話を持たずに生活している。
My mom still lives without a cell phone.
彼女が嫌らしい人なのに、リーさんは未だにつきあってるんだな。
Even though she's an awful person, Lee-san is still dating her.
あの殺人事件からもう５年もたっているのに、未だに犯人はつかまっていない。
Even though it's already been 5 years since that murder case, the criminal has still not been caught.
今日は四時間に勉強したけど、未だにこの問題が分かってないなぁ。
I studied for four hours today, but I still don't understand this problem.
問題にする
The structure X + を問題にする can be used to express the meaning "to bring up X as an issue" or "to question X." In its passive form, with される replacing する, the meaning becomes "X is brought up as an issue." なる can also be used there and have a meaning similar to the passive form.
環境問題においては、まず、どうすればゴミを減らすことが出来るかという点を問題にすべきだ。
As for issues with the environment, firstly we should address the point of how we can decrease the amount of trash.
地球の未来を考えた時、何よりもまず初めに地球温暖化が問題にされるべきだ。
When considering the future of the earth, first, more than anything, the issue of global warming should be addressed.
今、その国で一番問題にされていることは、子供達に平等に教育の機会を与えることだ。
Right now, the biggest problem to be addressed in this country is providing all children with the opportunity for an equal education.
最近、子供達によるケータイの使いすぎが問題になっている。
Recently, according to children, the overuse of cell phones is becoming an issue.
環境問題においては、まず、どうすればゴミを減らすことが出来るかという点を問題にすべきだ。
As for issues with the environment, firstly we should address the point of how we can decrease the amount of trash.
地球の未来を考えた時、何よりもまず初めに地球温暖化が問題にされるべきだ。
When considering the future of the earth, first, more than anything, the issue of global warming should be addressed.
今、その国で一番問題にされていることは、子供達に平等に教育の機会を与えることだ。
Right now, the biggest problem to be addressed in this country is providing all children with the opportunity for an equal education.
最近、子供達によるケータイの使いすぎが問題になっている。
Recently, according to children, the overuse of cell phones is becoming an issue.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Time period + に入る
A time period + に入る would literally mean "entering into that time period", and is often used to express that period beginning. It's most commonly used in the form [Period] に入り or [Period] に入って(から) meaning "since [time period] began."
インターネットの時代に入って、人々の買い物の仕方が変わった。
Since we entered the internet age, the way people do their shopping has changed.
梅雨に入ってから、晴れの日がまったくなくて湿度が高く、気持ちが悪い。
Since the rainy season hit, sunny days have completely disappeared and humidity is high - it's unpleasant.
60年代に入ってすぐベトナム戦争が始まり、15年も続いた。
In the 60s the Vietnam War immediately began, and it continued for 15 years.
彼は思春期に入ってから、親にすごく反抗するようになった。
Ever since he's reached adolescence, he's come to greatly disobey his parents.
インターネットの時代に入って、人々の買い物の仕方が変わった。
Since we entered the internet age, the way people do their shopping has changed.
梅雨に入ってから、晴れの日がまったくなくて湿度が高く、気持ちが悪い。
Since the rainy season hit, sunny days have completely disappeared and humidity is high - it's unpleasant.
60年代に入ってすぐベトナム戦争が始まり、15年も続いた。
In the 60s the Vietnam War immediately began, and it continued for 15 years.
彼は思春期に入ってから、親にすごく反抗するようになった。
Ever since he's reached adolescence, he's come to greatly disobey his parents.
共に
The word 共に can be used with nouns as the more formal version of も. When used in the format [X, Y 共に], it translates as "both X and Y."
今年の冬は、一月、二月共、あまり寒くなかった。
This winter in both January and February, it wasn't very cold.
リーさんが家で犬、猫共にが飼ってるってけど、そこで馬も見たんだな。
Lee-san says he has both dogs and cats at his house, but I also saw horses there.
毎年、夏、冬共に祖父母の家で休みを楽しむことにしている。
I'm in the habit of enjoying a vacation at my grandparents' house every summer and winter.
アリスがパーティーにチップス、サルサ共に持ってこなくちゃと言ってた。
Alice told me to bring both chips and salsa for the party.
今年の冬は、一月、二月共、あまり寒くなかった。
This winter in both January and February, it wasn't very cold.
リーさんが家で犬、猫共にが飼ってるってけど、そこで馬も見たんだな。
Lee-san says he has both dogs and cats at his house, but I also saw horses there.
毎年、夏、冬共に祖父母の家で休みを楽しむことにしている。
I'm in the habit of enjoying a vacation at my grandparents' house every summer and winter.
アリスがパーティーにチップス、サルサ共に持ってこなくちゃと言ってた。
Alice told me to bring both chips and salsa for the party.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
左右する
Though the word 左右 on its own can simply mean "left and right", when turned into a する verb, it can be used to mean "to influence" or "to govern." It's commonly used in formal written language.
日本でのインターンシップの経験は、私の人生を大きく左右するだろう。
My experience at my internship in Japan will probably have a huge impact on my life.
私はあまり人の意見に左右されたくないと思っている。
I don't think that I want to be influenced very much by other people's opinions.
リーさんの彼女は花とかチョコレートとかのプレゼントに左右されてるそうだよ。
I hear that Lee-san's girlfriend is influenced by gifts like flowers and chocolates.
天気に気分を左右される人は、結構多い。
There's a fair number of people whose moods are influenced by the weather.
日本でのインターンシップの経験は、私の人生を大きく左右するだろう。
My experience at my internship in Japan will probably have a huge impact on my life.
私はあまり人の意見に左右されたくないと思っている。
I don't think that I want to be influenced very much by other people's opinions.
リーさんの彼女は花とかチョコレートとかのプレゼントに左右されてるそうだよ。
I hear that Lee-san's girlfriend is influenced by gifts like flowers and chocolates.
天気に気分を左右される人は、結構多い。
There's a fair number of people whose moods are influenced by the weather.
一応
一応 is a flexible word in Japanese that is used "when an action/state is tentative or not quite complete, perfect, or satisfactory", according to Tobira. Its many meanings include "for now", "tentatively", "although not perfectly", "sort of", and "just in case."
まだ話し合わなくてはいけない問題がありますが、時間になりましたので、今日は、一応、これで会議を終わります。
There are still issues that we must discuss, but due to the time, for now let's end the meeting here.
コンピュータがフリーズする問題は一応解決したけれど、まだ、メールが文字化けするという問題が残っている。
For now I've resolved the problem with my computer freezing, but the problem with the garbled text in emails still remains.
このカメラでなら、誰でも、一応きれいな写真が取れるはずです。
With this camera, anyone should be able to pretty pictures, more or less.
このノートに書いてあることは全部覚えたと思うが、一応、もう一度見ておこう。
I think I've memorized everything that's written in this notebook, but just in case, let me look one more time.
まだ話し合わなくてはいけない問題がありますが、時間になりましたので、今日は、一応、これで会議を終わります。
There are still issues that we must discuss, but due to the time, for now let's end the meeting here.
コンピュータがフリーズする問題は一応解決したけれど、まだ、メールが文字化けするという問題が残っている。
For now I've resolved the problem with my computer freezing, but the problem with the garbled text in emails still remains.
このカメラでなら、誰でも、一応きれいな写真が取れるはずです。
With this camera, anyone should be able to pretty pictures, more or less.
このノートに書いてあることは全部覚えたと思うが、一応、もう一度見ておこう。
I think I've memorized everything that's written in this notebook, but just in case, let me look one more time.
Monday, June 4, 2018
すなわち
The word すなわち can be used at the beginning of a sentence to signal that you're about to rephrase something that was just mentioned. It's more common in formal settings, and often translates as "that is", or "namely."
昭和25年頃、すなわち1950年頃の日本は、戦争が終わったすぐ後で、みんな貧乏だった。
Around year 25 of the Showa era, that is, around the 1950s in Japan, soon after the war had ended, everybody was poor.
母の父、すなわち私の祖父は現在63歳です。
My mother’s father, in other words my grandfather, is 63 years old.
オタクの聖地、すなわち、東京の秋葉原は、電気製品が安い「電気の街」でもある。
The otaku holy land, or in other words, Akihabara in Tokyo, also known as the electric district, has inexpensive electronics.
すなわち、来年にはワールドカップが開催されるのだ。
In other words, the World Cup will be held next year.
昭和25年頃、すなわち1950年頃の日本は、戦争が終わったすぐ後で、みんな貧乏だった。
Around year 25 of the Showa era, that is, around the 1950s in Japan, soon after the war had ended, everybody was poor.
母の父、すなわち私の祖父は現在63歳です。
My mother’s father, in other words my grandfather, is 63 years old.
オタクの聖地、すなわち、東京の秋葉原は、電気製品が安い「電気の街」でもある。
The otaku holy land, or in other words, Akihabara in Tokyo, also known as the electric district, has inexpensive electronics.
すなわち、来年にはワールドカップが開催されるのだ。
In other words, the World Cup will be held next year.
を除いて
The verb 除く has a couple different meanings. It can mean "to remove/get rid of", or it can mean "to exclude or except." Keeping in mind the latter meaning, we can look at the compound particle を除いて and understand it to mean "except for." If it's used before a noun as part of an adjectival clause, the plain verb 除く is used instead.
私が重い病気だということは、両親を除いて誰も知らない。
No one knows that I'm seriously ill except my parents.
リーさんを除いて、この部屋に誰も好きじゃないの。
I don't like anyone in this room except for Lee-san.
留学中、沖縄を除く日本全国各地を友達と一緒に旅行した。
While I studied abroad, I traveled to every corner of Japan with my friends, except for Okinawa.
匂いを除いて、毎朝牧舎へ行くのが好きだよ。
Besides the smell, I like going to the stables every morning.
私が重い病気だということは、両親を除いて誰も知らない。
No one knows that I'm seriously ill except my parents.
リーさんを除いて、この部屋に誰も好きじゃないの。
I don't like anyone in this room except for Lee-san.
留学中、沖縄を除く日本全国各地を友達と一緒に旅行した。
While I studied abroad, I traveled to every corner of Japan with my friends, except for Okinawa.
匂いを除いて、毎朝牧舎へ行くのが好きだよ。
Besides the smell, I like going to the stables every morning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)