Nihongo Den 日本語デン

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ にひきかえ (nihikikae) ]

2009-12-08T01:25:00.000-08:00

にひきかえ (nihikikae) - in contrast with; compared to

--- Examples ---
私の古い車にひきかえかれのはとても早いです。
In contrast to my old car, his is really fast.

去年はトマト50個収穫できたのよ。それにひきかえ今年は30個だけ。多分気候のせいね…
We harvested 50 tomatoes last year. In contrast, this year we harvested
only 30. This may be due to the weather...

同じ年の人
にひきかえ彼はとても頭がいいです。
He is very intelligent in compare with the same age

--- Comments ---
Is this often used in spoken japanese as well? (contributor: Bree)

ex#5166 needs to have 'this year' added somewhere 'In contrast, we
harvested only 30 this year.' (contributor: Stephen)

done (contributor: dc)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=nihikikae

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 2 [ ながら (nagara) ]

2009-12-04T02:18:00.000-08:00

ながら (nagara) - Vm, despite while, although

--- Examples ---
私はその薬が危険だと知りながら飲みつつけていた。
While knowing that medicine is dangerous I continued to take it.

二人はほほえみながらハリーを見つめるばかりだった。
They just looking intently at Harry while smiling.

各社は供給過剰などのリスクもにらみながら、事業展開を進めることになる
While taking keenly into account the supply surplus risk, each company
will be proceeding with the deployment of its business.

くる、くると言いながら来なかったじゃない。
Despite saying 'I'll come, I'll come', you didn't show up, did you.

この掃除機は、小型ながら性能がいい。
Despite being compact, this vacuum cleaner works well.

今週、風邪を引いていながら、仕事へ行った。
This week, despite having a cold, I went to work.

秋子さんは, ピアノを弾きながら歌いました。
Akiko sang while playing the piano.

運転しながら, 音楽を聞きます
I listen to music while driving.

森さんはお茶を飲みながらテレビを見ています。
Mr. Mori is watching TV while drinking tea.

歩きながら話しませんか。
Why don't we talk while walking?

お茶お飲みながら話しましょう。
Let talk while drinking tea.

話を聞きながらメモしてください。
Please take notes while listening to the conversation.

運転しながら電話をしないでください。
Please don't talk on the phone while driving.

ピアノを弾きながら歌えますか？
Are you able to sing while playing the piano?

--- Comments ---
Pls see also つつ (contributor: Miki)

On a minor note, in Japanese '二人' this, that and the other is common
usage while in English 'the pair' would generally sound odd - and 'They' be
used in its place. (contributor: Amatuka)

Formed from Verb -masu base + nagara.

Vm = Verb -masu base (contributor: Amatuka)

The third example is an abstract taken from the Jap newspaper.......
(contributor: drgon76)

So what?
(contributor: bamboo4)

while 'ながら' is a word used in speaking, ”つつ' is used in
writing. if you know some other similar situations regarding other words
listed on JGram, please post this kind of explanation, won't you.
(contributor: beholder)

ながら is used in both in speaking and in writing. (contributor: anon)

ながら can only be used when the subject of the two actions is the same;
use Vte-iru aida if there are two different people doing two things at the
same time. Also, the action expressed by Vm nagara is always secondary to
the action expressed in the main clause. (contributor: yookoso)

Should not ｰ?ﾟ､ﾄ_､ﾄ_､ｱ､ﾆ､､､ｿ｡｡be changed to
ｰ?ﾟ_､ﾅ_､ｱ､ﾆ､､､ｿ｡ｩ (contributor: sorarobu)

Ooops, sorry..

Should not 'nomitsu_tsu_kete ita' be changed to 'nomitsu_zu_kete ita'?

(Please delete the above　mojibake) (contributor: sorarobu)

I might be repeating it but..nice and short from my handbook:

Vconj + ながら 'while doing~'

Vconj + nagara expresses simultaneous actions performed by one subject.

From my mouth:

Of the two verbs in a sentence, -nagara is added to the one in which you'd
in English use -ing.

*Vconj = Verb, conjunctive-form.
Conjunctive form is the 2nd base (or as I always think it, the 'i' base) in
the japanese syllabary chart. The base you use in -masu, -nasai, -sou da,
-tai/tagara etc. (Can you tell I dislike the name 'masu-base'? :D)
(contributor: Naino)

ex #5814 had the incorrect form 性狽ｪいい。 Corrected this to a
possible 性能がいい。 (contributor: fugu68)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=nagara

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 2 [ げ (ge) ]

2009-12-04T02:17:00.001-08:00

げ (ge) - Ab, seems (〜そう）

--- Notes ---
When using this grammar with an adjective or verb, you can only use those
that express emotions or feelings of the heart. For example,
うれしげ、悲しげ、楽しげ、不安げ、自信ありげ.

FORMATION:
いＡ(take off い)+げ
なＡ+げ
Ｖ[〜ありげ]

〜げだ
〜げに+Ｖ
〜げな+Ｎ

--- Examples ---
とても寂しげな表情で笑う。
He smiled with a very lonely looking expression..

あの子供は楽しげだね？
Those kids seem happy don't they?

おとなげがない。
Not worthy of a man of age.

彼は得意げな顔で、みんなに新しいカメラを見せた。
With a proud face, he showed everyone the new camera.

彼は寂しげに一人で公園のベンチに座っていた。
He,like a lonely person, was sitting on a bench in the garden.

遠足に来た子供たちが楽しげにお弁当を食べていた。
The children that came on the hike seemed to be happily eating their boxed
lunches.

彼は何か言いたげだった。
He looked like he wanted to say something.

あの人はさびしげな目をしている。
That person has a lonely look in his eye.

そのニュースを聞いたら、彼は嬉しげになった。
He seemed very happy when he heard that news.

--- Comments ---
Generally used with i adjectives for feelings / emotions. (contributor:
Amatuka)

Formed from Adjective base + ge (e.g. i-adjectives lose final i)
Ab = Adjective Base (contributor: Amatuka)

Is there a げ used for N adjectives? (contributor: Exrulez)

bamboo4, I thought 大人げない is a good example but is this irregular?
This is different from others. 大人げ is always followed by ない.
大人げがない or 大人げない. (contributor: Miki)

I'm not sure, but I'd guess 大人げない follows a similar pattern to
何げない、さりげない、すげない etc., rather than following
this grammar pattern. Adjectives combined with げ inflect as ーな
adjectives. 大人げない doesn't seem to work that way. (contributor:
srobertson)

〜げcan be used for i- and na-adjectives (contributor: angelitosh2004)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=ge

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 2 [ くらい、ぐらい (kurai, gurai) ]

2009-12-04T02:16:00.000-08:00

くらい、ぐらい (kurai, gurai) - to the extent that; so ~ that ~
almost ~; at least; the only ~; rather than ~

--- Notes ---
This grammar does exist on another page, but I believe the old page did not
include enough of the other possible meanings in English, and I did not
want to heavily edit the old grammar page.

[kurai / くらい] with a negative predicate indicates a superlative. (Mr.
Yamada is the most forgetful.)

It also expresses the idea of 'at least.' ?くらい in this use implies
that the degree of a state is such that one cannot expect much more than X
from that state.

Ｓのは?くらいのものだ expresses the idea that the speaker cannot
think of anyone or anything else but ? that meets the description in Ｓ.
In other words, ? meets the description in Ｓ to the highest degree among
those the speaker can think of.

Ｖ1くらいならＶ2ほうがましだ expresses the idea the one would
rather Ｖ2 than Ｖ1.

A related is expression is . This can replace くらい *sometimes,* such
as in examples #6081, #6082, and #6083.

--- Examples ---
今晩は暖かいので、ストーブが要らないくらいだ。
It's so warm this evening that we (almost) don't need a heater.

私たちは一歩も歩けないくらい疲れていた。
We were so tired that we couldn't take a single step.

山田さんくらい物を忘れる人はいない。
There's no one as forgetful as Yamada (who forgets things as much as
Yamada).

私は料理は下手ですが、ご飯くらい(は)炊けます。
I'm a poor cook, but I can at least cook rice.

今この仕事が出来るのは彼くらいのものだ。
He's the only person who can do this job now. (The person who's capable
enough to do this job is he.)

そんなことをするくらいなら、死んだほうがましだ。
I would rather die than do such a thing.

合格の知らせを受け取ったときは、うれしくて、踊りあがったくらいだ。
When I received the notice that I had passed, I was so happy that I almost
leaped for joy.

--- Comments ---
does matter which one you use, or are くらい and ぐらい
interchangable? (contributor: pupurun)

pupurun, it doesn't matter. Both mean the exact same thing. It just depends
on your preference. (contributor: rubyhatchet)

how is it different to hodo? is it that literally, kurai='this little' and
hodo='this much'?? (contributor: karekora)

I think this grammar point is a little misleading,
くらい､ぐらい　means approximately, about, almost. it is used to
state unspacific amounts of what comes before it. it does not carry a
meaning of minimal amount, rather than, so〜that,the least or the only.

I think that you need to look at other sections of each of the examples to
understand their true meaning.

#6085 does not translate to he is the only one. if you wanted to say he is
the only or no one else could do the job, you would say.
今彼しかこの仕事ができません。or
今この仕事ができるのは　彼だけです。　

because you use ぐらい　your saying that if it wasn`t someone that has
about as much (unidentified ablility) as he does they couldn`t do the job.

The next example #6086

the real operator in the sentence is the last part.
”ほうがました”　and くらい　is not nessasary to hold the
meaning I would rather die than do such a thing.
そんなことするなら　already has the meaning. (contributor:
tigert)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=kurai, gurai

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 2 [ か〜ないかのうちに (kanaikanouchini) ]

2009-12-04T02:14:00.000-08:00

か〜ないかのうちに (kanaikanouchini) - just as, at that instant

--- Notes ---
This grammar also gives the sense that X was not sure if action A had or
hadn't occurred/started/finished before the subsequent action B commenced.
(note copied from Groove note in sister entry 'ka nai ka no uchi ni')

--- Examples ---
電車のドアが開くか開かないかのうちに乗客が飛び出して来る
just at the moment when the train doors are opening, the passengers fly
out.

ピストルの音が鳴ったか鳴らないかのうちにスタートしました。
Just as the pistol sounded, they started

その一行が出発するかしないかのうちに、雨が振り出した。
The party had hardly left when it began to rain.

私がホールに入るか入らないかのうちに式が始まった。
No sooner had I entered the hall than the ceremony began.

私が寝入るか寝入らぬかのうちに、電話がなった。
I had hardly fallen asleep when the telephone rang.

彼は本当にプロ並みのDJのように、一曲が終わったか終わらないかのうちに、次の一曲を整えてくる。
He is such a good DJ, no sooner has one song finished, he already has the
next record ready to play.

電話が鳴るか鳴らないかのうちに、受話器を取りました。
I took the phone off the hook before it had a chance to ring.

この店の寿司弁当は、店頭に並ぶか並ばないかのうちに、飛ぶように売れていく。
This shops sushi lunchbox is no sooner put on sale, it sells like hot
cakes.

--- Comments ---
This usage seems to be fairly rare - most of the references to it are from
Japanese grammar sites & similar. (contributor: Amatuka)

its usually used for a small instant of time. (contributor: dc)

LIT: in the time between the doors not being open and them opening...
(contributor: dc)

You would see this expression in written word. I don't often use this in a
converation as I would bite my tongue. Instead I say,
電車のドアが開いた瞬間に、--。 (contributor: Miki)

瞬間=しゅんかん ?
(contributor: dc)

瞬間＝しゅんかん (contributor: Amatuka)

I think this one should be good to go. Any problems or should we revise
the check mark up? (contributor: Amatuka)

I agree that 電車のドアが開くか開かないかのうちに is a
mouthful and an ordinary Japanese would say
電車のドアが開いたかどうかのうちに. Recommend that this
item is modified accordingly.
(contributor: bamboo4)

bamboo - since that seems to be a different grammar construct, i added it
as a new item kadoukanouchini and put miki's example there. This one should
then be noted as 'rare' - but it may turn up in the JLPT test...
(contributor: dc)

ex# 4605 ぬ of ねいらぬかのうちに is the same meaning as ない.
(contributor: Miki)

in these examples can か・・・かないこのうちに be replaced by
かともうったら? (contributor: sagittarius)

I moved ex #6923, #6924 and #6925 from sister entry
〜か〜ないかのうちに. After that I changed #6924 which was almost
the same than #318. (contributor: 赤毛)

I think this grammar and the かどうかのうち should be in the same
entry. This grammar is just a contracted form of かどうか.

you could just add a note to the かどうか entry and save a little
server space. (contributor: tigert)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=kanaikanouchini

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 2 [ 〜さえ〜ば (sae-ba) ]

2009-12-04T02:13:00.000-08:00

〜さえ〜ば (sae-ba) - If ~ just If ~ only

--- Notes ---
さえ is often used in a pattern like:

noun-sae　verb-ba = result
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。.

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。
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。
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。
If only I knew the address, I will search in the map and go there.

--- 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. (contributor: bamboo4)

sentence pattern 'sae..ba'= coditional sentence type III??? (contributor:
ngocduong)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=sae-ba

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ 攻めに (zemeni) ]

2009-12-04T02:12:00.000-08:00

攻めに (zemeni) - Overwhelmingly

--- Examples ---
広告攻めにされた。
I was overwhelmed with advertisments.

質問攻めにする。
To bombard someone with questions.

毎日Ｅメール攻めに遭っている。
Every day I am overwhelmed by an amazing amount of emails.

--- Comments ---
Should the pronunciation be せめ rather than ぜめ？ (contributor:
godfrey)

Godfrey, I'm guessing that the ze is a result of being combined with the
noun. So like a ka would become ga (te+ kakari= tegakari) the se of seme
becomes ze (contributor: abhishekpandit)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=zemeni

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ ように (youni-2) ]

2009-12-04T02:11:00.000-08:00

ように (youni-2) - became

--- Examples ---
だから、英語がうまく話せるようになりたいです。
So, I want to become able to speak better english

どのようにしても、わたしはかまわない。
I don't care whatever you do.

２１世紀がどのようになるのか想像できますか。
Can you imagine what the 21st century will be like?

人間は赤ん坊のときは四つんばいで、それから２本の足で歩くようになり、最後は年をとって杖が必要になる。
It crawls on all fours as a baby, then learns to walk on two legs, and
finally needs a cane in old age.

あなたが早くよくなるように祈っています。
We are hoping for your quick recovery.

--- Comments ---
ように has a meaning of 'to do' or 'so that one can do' which I guess
would include 'become.' The first example can literally be translated as
'For that reason, I want to do so that I can speak better English.'

My second example follows that vein.
(contributor: bamboo4)

Um, this might be of use but it's especially for the youni NARU -sentence
pattern. But it said in the comments of the 'youninaru' that this grammar
entry would do, so...One of the possible usages of ように:

ようになる expresses a change that takes place gradually.

With verbs:

Vdic + you ni naru= 'reach the point where~'/'come to~'

子供は自分で部屋を片付けるようになりました。
(My) child has reached the point where she cleans her room herself.

Vneg + you ni naru= 'reach the point where ~not'

林さんはたばこを吸わないようになる。
Mr.Hayashi has reached the point where he does not smoke.

*Vdic= Verb, dictionary form

---

Besides なる, there's also する and 言う verbs that can be connected
with ように to create more specific meanings...Did some of these have
their own entries...? (contributor: Naino)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=youni-2

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ ものを (monowo) ]

2009-12-04T02:10:00.000-08:00

ものを (monowo) - But...! / But If (you) had just... / But (I) could
have...

--- Notes ---
Verb(普通形) + ものを

This grammar is almost always in the form of 〜ば〜ものを。
Sometimes it becomes 'もんを' in casual speech.

〜ものを：　（．．．だったら）〜のに　（実際は〜でなくて残念だという気持ち）
If only ... had.... , then....would..

--- Examples ---
知ってるのであれば、教えてくれてもいいものを。
If you knew, why didn't you tell me!?

人手が足りなかったんですって？ちょっと連絡してくれれば、手伝ってあげたものを。
You didn't have enough people? If you had just called me, I would have
helped you.

インターネットで予約すれば簡単にすむものを、彼女は国際電話をかけたんだって。
If she had just used the internet, she could have easily made the
reservation, but she made an international call.

本当のことを言えばいいものを、彼は嘘をついて信用を失ってしまった。
He should have told the truth, but he lied and lost their trust.

--- Comments ---
This can often be replaced with 〜のに
早く言えばよかったのに。
早く言えばよかったものを。

This is used to express the speakers moderate disappointment or regret.
(contributor: blabby)

Isn't ものを　always used with 〜た形?
Because, ものを is 'but...' where something regrettable happened , and
couldn't/almost impossible to be recovered from. (contributor: 誠)

So, i feel ex#5494 is better to be :
本当のことを言えばよかったものを、彼は嘘をついて信用を失ってしまった。or
彼は嘘をついて信用が失われてしまった。本当のことを言えばよかったものを。
(contributor: 誠)

ex#5493　は同じです。
インタ−ネットで予約すれば簡単に済んだものを、彼女は国際電話をかけたんだって。or
彼女は国際電話をかけたんだって。インタ−ネットで予約すれば簡単に済んだものを。
(contributor: 誠)

ex#5491
知ってるのであれば、教えてくれてもよかったものを。'If
you had known, it would be OK even you told me.'(But now it means not OK to
the speaker since before this , the listener DIDN'T KNOW about that
particular thing and told the speaker about it already.) Sounds strange to
me, unless the speaker wanted it to be known to him at that particular time
, in that case :
あの時知れば、教えてくれてもよかったものを。

Is better to say :
知ってるのであれば、教えてくれてよかったものを。or
(君が）知っていて教えてくれればよかったものを。'It
would be nice if you had known and told me.'

I think if you wanted to say :
' If you have known, why didn't you tell me?' (Of agony) :
知ってるのであれば、どうして教えてくれなかったのよ．．

'If you have known, isn't it ok to tell me?' :
知ってるのであれば、教えてくれてもいいんじゃない（か）。
(contributor: 誠)

You have to keep in mind that ものを is not a conversational phrase, and
it is predominantly literal diction. (contributor: bamboo4)

I don't thinsk it always used with 〜た形。blabby's exmples are all
natural to me.
(contributor: Miki)

Miki and blabby are right. It doesn't have to be 〜た形. (contributor:
tmkain)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=monowo

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ によると (niyoruto) ]

2009-12-04T02:09:00.000-08:00

によると (niyoruto) - according to

--- Notes ---
(person/source) によると (information)
according to (person), (information)

彼によると、明日は雨
According to him, it will rain tomorrow

---
Don't get confused with によります [niyotte-2] which means depending
on.

天気によっては来る
depending on the weather, I will come

天気予報によると、明日は雨
according to the weather report, it will rain tomorrow

--- Examples ---
友達の話しによればあの映画はとても面白いということです。
According to what my friend said, that movie is very interesting.

米国NBC
News、ロイターなどの報道によると、ブッシュ米大統領が、新しい宇宙探査計画の発表を準備しているとのことだ。
According to America's NBC News, Reuters and such news agencies US
President Bush is in the process of preparing an anouncement of a new plan
for space exploration

電灯の発明はエジソンによるとされている。によるとされている。

The invention of electric light is accredited to Edison.

彼の概算によると家の新築費用は３０００万円です。
He estimates that the new house will cost roughly thirty million yen.

彼は自分の成功を、良い教育を受けたことによると考えた。
He attributed his success to the good teaching he had received.

彼らが行った調査によると、アメリカ人は日本に興味を持っていないことがわかる。
The research done by them shows that Americans are not interested in Japan.

彼らの話によると、あの男の子は歌がうまいらしい。
According to their opinions, that boy is a very good singer

副社長によると、会社はいまだに外国の会社から契約をもらっていない。
According to the vice president, the company has yet to receive a contract
from a foreign company.

聞いたところによると彼らの結婚は破綻をきたしているらしいよ。

From what I've heard, their marriage is on the rocks.

医者の話によると、この病気はすぐによくなるというものではないらしい。
According to what the doctor said, this illness doesn't seem to be one
you can recover from quickly.

--- Comments ---
First example : によれば is used much as によると, but obviously
doesn't have quite the same kana ;-) (contributor: Amatuka)

I don't think 'nioujite' is that close in meaning. (contributor: Amatuka)

I agree with Amatuka. (contributor: Miki)

how about:

?　niyoruto =
'according to..' (eg a person who said something)

?　nioujite =
according to a certain condition (eg according to how strong you feel...
do X or Y). Guess this is more like 'depending on/according to (your mood)'

can niyoruto be used for the same second meaning?
体力によると、運動をして下さい。
exercise your strength (contributor: dc)

体力によると、is weird. (contributor: Miki)

hmm, maybe
niyoruto: according to a persons statement
'according to fred/the news/your mum...'

nioujite: according to a condition, or situation
'according to your certificate/the rules/whats written here...'
(contributor: dc)

maybe nioujite is more used for measurable items that vary.
(your age | air pressure | time of day) nioujite

and niyoruto is more reports/information
(your friend | the news | that report) ni yoruto

... ? (contributor: dc)

に応じて means 'in step with' or 'in response to' and that is quite
different from によると, which simply denotes what you are describing
is a hearsay. (contributor: bamboo4)

in response to that tairyoku ni yoruto;
how about 体力の限界の内に、どんどん運動をして下さい
(contributor: Snake)

The Japanese is not natural. This would be slight difference but would be
better.
体力の限度内（げんどない）で、どんどん運動してください。or
できるだけ運動をして下さい。This would be used when a doctor
advise a patient how to recover faster. (contributor: Miki)

i would like to ask about the structure of the sentence in which
'によると”has the meaning'according to'. In vietnam school, i studied
its tag is 'そうです”or 'ようです”and i seached in this webpage
but i cann't find it. please explain it to me. thank you very much.
(contributor: uyen)

ex#3342 (by), #3344 (based on) these によると are not 'accodring to'.
(contributor: Miki)

uyen eg #50 you can also say
友だちの話によれば、あの映画はとても面白いそうです。
(contributor: Miki)

Is it ok to add によれば under the notes/examples as well? (There's
currently no entry for it). (contributor: nadine)

One thing which I've learnt, but never really understood is that:
先生の話によると is correct, but
先生によると is wrong.
May I ask if there's any explanation for this? (contributor: wribbit)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=niyoruto

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ にあたらない (ni ataranai) ]

2009-12-04T02:08:00.000-08:00

にあたらない (ni ataranai) - no need to do st

--- Examples ---
天気予報はめったにあたらない。
A weather report is rarely on target.

それは驚くに当たらない。
It is not to be wondered at.

同情するにあたらない、飲酒運転したんだから、自業自得だ
no need to feel sorry for him, he was drunk-driving so its his own fault.

--- Comments ---
Although example 3680 is correct in structure, its context is somewhat
incorrect.
--Ni Ataranai = isn't worthy of --
Ataranai = opposite of ataru (to be right on)
(contributor: Yuto)

自業自得 = As you sow, so shall you reap.
(contributor: bamboo4)

#3680
あたらない in this case if different from other examples because
あたる mere means 'hit the target' like bullet. Accordingly, 'A weather
forecasts are rarely near the mark' would be more appropriate.
(contributor: bamboo4)

This is often used with words such as 驚く, 嘆く, 褒める, etc.
(contributor: blabby)

Can also be used without the する. When used with just the noun
(非難、同情、称賛、etc.) this phrase could be translated as
'doesn't merit (criticism, sympathy, admiration, etc.)' (contributor:
srobertson)

Therefore, i think ＃３６８０ does not belong to this category since
it doesn't imply the meaning 「〜no need to ...」 (contributor: 誠)

Correct, 誠 (contributor: bamboo4)

I disagree with bamboo4 and　誠. I think that the given definition
itself is too restrictive and wrong. The literal meaning of #4233 could be
more accurately described as 'sympathy (for that person) DOES NOT MATCH the
reality (of what that person has done) = sympathy is not warranted in this
case.' I think that #3680 should stay, because it shows the diversity and
the true basic spirit of this expression. That is, all examples here have
the meaning of something 'not matching,' 'being off the mark' or 'not
appropriate.' I think we should change the definition since it is
misleading. (contributor: godfrey)

当たる in #3680 does not mean 'match' but it really means phyisical
striking like an arrow hitting the target. The other examples of あたる
does not have that physical meaning. While I agree that the definition is
not appropriate, I still think #3680 stands alone here.
(contributor: bamboo4)

Isn't the construction of #4045 and #4233 this:
「動詞」にあたらない
but #3680 actually:
｢副詞」あたらない（副詞＝めったに） (contributor:
熊君)

--- View this entry online ---
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文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ なり (nari) ]

2009-12-04T02:07:00.000-08:00

なり (nari) - As soon as

--- Notes ---
Verb(辞書形) + なり

[AなりB] - B is often an unexpected or unusual thing.

--- Examples ---
彼は帰ってくるなり食事もせずに寝てしまいました。
As soon as he got home, he went to bed without eating.

彼はドアを開けるなり、靴をはいたまま部屋に入ってきた。
As soon as he opened the door, he walked in still wearing his shoes.

パーティー会場に入るなり、サムは食べ物めがけて突進した。
As soon as he got to the party, Sam made a bee line for the food.

ファンは、有名人と出くわすなり、彼にサインを求めた。
On encountering the celebrity, the fans asked for his autogaph.

教室に入るなり、先生は突然怒ったような口調で話しはじめた。
On entering the classroom, our teacher burst into angry speech.

入ってくるなり、彼は倒れた。
The instant he came in, he fell down.

--- Comments ---
My book says that this is for a strange or unexpected event.

X スイッチを入れるなり電気がついた。
O スイッチを入れると電気がついた。
O スイッチを入れるなり爆発が起きた。

However, my book says it is only used for Verb(辞書形)+なり, but I
have sometimes seen cases of Verb(た形)+なり from other sources. Does
anyone know which is correct? (contributor: blabby)

Verb(た形)+なり is used in a different way. It implies one movement is
continuing. 〜したまま。
会社を出たなり、いつまでも帰らない。He left the office
and hasn't come back.
彼女を見つめたなり、しばらくの間微動だにしなかった。He
stared at her and didn't move an inch for a while.
You can find better translations. (contributor: Miki)

that sounds like a totally different nari, so i created a new page for it:
[nari2] (contributor: dc)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=nari

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ ならともかく (naratomokaku) ]

2009-12-04T02:06:00.000-08:00

ならともかく (naratomokaku) - I'm not sure if it is [possible/so]
but...

--- Notes ---
名詞句 + ならともかく, B

--- Examples ---
君ならともかく、俺はそんなことをしない。
Maybe you can do it, but I don't do such a thing.

外人ならともかく、日本人はそんなことは絶対にしない。
Maybe it's possible for a foreigner, but Japanese people would never do
that.

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=naratomokaku

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ これ以上〜ば (koreijyou-ba) ]

2009-12-04T02:05:00.002-08:00

これ以上〜ば (koreijyou-ba) - if ~ any more than this

--- Examples ---
これ以上雨が降れば、川が氾濫してしまう
If it rains any more than this the river will flood.

皆さんからお褒めの言葉を頂きこれ以上の光栄はございません。
Having received many kind compliments from all of you, I cannot feel any
more honored than this.

これ以上待つのは時間の浪費だ。
It's a waste of time to wait any longer.

これ以上何を失えば　心は許されるの
How much more do I have to lose, before my heart is forgiven? (from 'one
more time, one more chance' by yamasaki masayoshi)

--- Comments ---
It doesn't look like examples #3008 or #4042 actually use the grammar
construct. (contributor: Nanashi)

I agree with Nanashi. (contributor: bamboo)

これ以上待てば時間を浪費するばかりだ。 (contributor:
誠)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=koreijyou-ba

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ かわきりに, 皮切りに (kawakirini) ]

2009-12-04T02:05:00.001-08:00

かわきりに, 皮切りに (kawakirini) - beginning of, starting with

--- Examples ---
冗談をかわきりに話をする。
introduce the speech with a joke.

「私の経験では」のような言葉を皮切りに話しを始めなさい。
Begin statements with openers like, 'In my experience, ...',

札幌をかわきりに全国５箇所でセミナーを開催いたします。
Starting from Sapporo, we hold seminars at five places across the contry.

--- Comments ---
For #5720, Wo Hajime sounds more natural... (contributor: SARIRU)

It may be so but the meaning is the same. kawakiri maybe used rather in
speech or in written form. (contributor: Miki)

#3536 冗談をかわきりに話をする is a bit odd. 話をする
shold be changed to 話を始める.
(contributor: bambo4)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=kawakirini

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ あっての (atteno) ]

2009-12-04T02:04:00.001-08:00

あっての (atteno) - Thanks to (various things), (outcome)

--- Examples ---
あなたの援助あっての私の成功。
My success is thanks to your support.

今日の私があるのも、２０数年前に私を産んでくれた両親あっての事です。
What I am today is thanks to my parents who gave me a life twenty some
years ago.

なんの気なしに言っただけで、別に悪気があってのことではありません。
I just said so without thinking much about it. I didn't mean anything
serious.

事故で車は全損って嘆いているけどさ、怪我がなくてなにより、命あっての物種だよ。
I know you're complaining about your car being totaled but it's just a good
thing you weren't injured. You should be thankful to be alive.

命あっての物種。
While there is life, there is hope.

日々の練習あっての勝利だ。
Victory is not possible without everyday practice. .

--- Comments ---
Noted on a site as 'JLPT 2' level. (contributor: your name)

ケータイで読めるだ！ (contributor: まさか)

I can't find this in my copies of JPLT2 grammar... (contributor: halx)

English version of the example is kinda awkward. (contributor: bamboo4)

Its JLPT1 (contributor: dc)

A good translation of AあってのB might be 'B exists because of A' or
more naturally, 'B wouldn't be anything without A'? (contributor: blabby)

AあってのB means 'there ain't no B except for A.'

平和があっての経済の発展 would therefore mean 'There would be
no economic prosperity without peace.' (contributor: bamboo4)

What if you said,
平和あっての経済の発展

Does that still make sense? (contributor: rogen)

I think so. (contributor: Miki)

#3645 is seems to be different in meaning and form from the あっての
construction described here; rather it seems to simply be a form of ある.
(contributor: mochabean)

I read from 'Japanese Grammar level 1' Japanese book and it wrote:'Because
of existence of A so the existence of B is necessary, certainly. If A does
not exist, B becomes unnecessary, too'.
Example:'学生あっての教師だ' (contributor: chohongsieudieu)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=atteno

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ 〜まじき (majiki) ]

2009-12-04T02:03:00.000-08:00

〜まじき (majiki) - not likely

--- Examples ---
許すまじきことであれ。
It's something that cannot be forgiven

すまじきものは宮仕え。
It's government service one should avoid.

許すまじき暴言を吐いた。
She used offensive language that cannot be forgiven.

--- Comments ---
まじ is a predecessor of まい, both archaic foorm of auxilliary verb
meaning negation of べし.

In the modern Japanese, it is not commonly used in conversation excpet for
some archaic set phrase such as すまじきものは宮仕え、This was
written about 1,000 years ago by 清少納言(Seishonagon) in her essay
called 枕草子(Makurano Soushi). (contributor: bamboo4)

can this be translated as 'no need to'? (contributor: dc)

No, it's more emphatic 'should not.' (contributor: bamboo4)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=majiki

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ 〜でなくてなんだろう (denakute-nandarou) ]

2009-12-04T02:02:00.000-08:00

〜でなくてなんだろう (denakute-nandarou) - If thats not ... I
don't know what is

--- Notes ---
always follows a noun. written only

〜でなくてなんだろう literally means : 'If it is not 〜,then
what it is/ what can it be?'

--- Examples ---
このケーキが世界一でなくてなんだろう。
If this isn't the world's best cake, then I don't know what is.

あの国の大統領は国民の意見は無視して何でも自分一人で決定する。これが独裁者でなくてなんだろう。
The president of that country decides everything himself ignoring nation's
concerns. If that's not dictatorship, then i don't know what is.

自分の命を犠牲にして多くの人を救ったあの男が英雄でなくてなんだろう。
That man who sacrificed his own life to help so many people, if he isn't a
hero I don't know who is. でなくてなんだろう

--- Comments ---
JLPT Level 4? (contributor: anon)

well spotted. Level 1 i think. (contributor: dc)

JPLT Level 1 without a doubt. (contributor: olivier)

not to be a nit-picker, but how does that example sentence fit in with
'written only'? (contributor: rasmusjp)

suppose we're talking about a person, is 〜でなくてだれだろう
acceptable? (same goes for places, time, etc) (contributor: cosmo)

たとえば？あの人はスミスさんでなくてだれだろう？とか？I
think its grammatically correct its just probably not used. Also consider
that when speaking about other people you have to be careful about
politeness, so saying なくてだれだろう？might be considered a
little bit rude. (contributor: iamharenchi)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=denakute-nandarou

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ 〜だに (dani) ]

2009-12-04T02:01:00.000-08:00

〜だに (dani) - Even; just

--- Notes ---
is similar to , and . The particle is often inserted between a noun and
dani but is not necessary. There is a difference between and . Dani gives
the definition just/ even. As do and and can directly follow nouns,
adverbs, and verbs. is different. One main difference is the fact that it
is from 未だに showing a relation to the word mada. Infact, some
dictionaries say that is a variation of mada ni. therefore reflects the
range of meaning is mada ni. Meaning still and yet. It is placed in the
sentence the same way as a normal Ni-type adverb while dani being after
what it modifies. is often in practice written as 今だに although
according to Meikyou dictionary to be be a common misinterpretation which
would be in turn on how Japanese people themselves think about the phrase
as Imada ni does influence the state in the present more than anything
else.

--- Examples ---
想像だにしなかった
I never even imagined it

聞くだに恐ろしい
Just hearing about it is dreadful

今だに
even now

その時計は私の祖父が買ったのだが、いまだに調子が良い。
The clock, which my grandfather bought, is still in good order. だに

その質問はいまだに頭から離れない。
That question still sticks me.

その州では未だに古い慣習が根強い、とその文化人類学者は言っている。
The anthropologist says old customs still prevail in the province.

その傷はいまだに直らない。
The wound has not healed yet.

その母親は子供の死をいまだに嘆き悲しんでいた。
The mother was still grieving over her child's death.

なぜ彼が自殺をしたかはいまだに謎である。
Why he killed himself is still a mystery.

わが国の税制にはいまだに一貫した哲学がない。
Our tax system is still without coherent philosophy.

考えるだに恐ろしいことだ。
Even thinking about it is scary.

彼らはこのアイデアを一顧だにしない。
They won't even give the idea a chance.

--- Comments ---
いまだに(未だに) is one word. 副詞
(contributor: Miki)

未だに is parsed into 未だ and に.
(contributor: bamboo4)

いまだに = even now
いまどき = in this age (contributor: dc)

ex #3747 is a little off. The word 直る actually means to be fixed or
repaired. 治る is to heal. They have the same pronounciation (なおる)
but the kanji have different meanings. (contributor: CWebb)

just wondering, but how formal is this? Would you use this in everyday
speech, or formal speech, or writing only?
thanks! (contributor: EvilKyra)

EvilKyra, in my experience this is not an expression that you use in
everyday speech. Also, someone does indeed have to clear out all of the
未だに（イマダニ）examples erroneously listed as examples of this
grammar point. (contributor: Lorenz)

According to JDIC, 未だに (いまだに) is an adverb by itself, and
seems to be most of the examples. Is there a difference here between
今だに and 未だに? (contributor: Forveya)

Yes there is a difference and I'm going to put all the examples of imada ni
onto a seperate page with my own editing of the translations. (contributor:
IMABI)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=dani

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ まだしも (madashimo) ]

2009-11-21T23:47:00.002-08:00

まだしも (madashimo) - would be much better, would be acceptable

--- Examples ---
一度ならまだしもここまで六回その言葉を間違えって書いた。
Once would be acceptable, but you've misspelled that word six times now.

この方がまだしもあれよりよい。
This would be better than that.

こんなひどい目に合うよりまだしも死んだほうがよい。
I would rather die than have such a terrible experience.

すうじつならまだしも１０日も滞納している。
A few days would have been excusable but you are in arrears for 10 days.

--- Comments ---
often appears with 'nara' in front, meaning '(if it were this) then that
would be OK, but...'
This was a correct answer on the 1kyuu in 2005. (contributor:
naimononedari)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=madashimo

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ に即して (nisokushite) ]

2009-11-21T23:47:00.001-08:00

に即して (nisokushite) - in line with, in keeping with

--- Notes ---
this phrase is rather formal and used mostly in written material.

--- Examples ---
日本の習慣に即して
In line with japanese customs

彼の伝記は全くの事実に即して書かれたものだ。
His biography is quite true to life.

現実に即して（人）を判断する
appraise someone realistically

その仕事のルールに即していないことをする
do something that is not part of the rules of the game

業種に即している
be pertinent to the line of work

事実に即して言えば
in view of the facts

勧告に即して作成される
be developed from a recommendation

`を事実に即して伝える
give a faithful account of

現実に即して物事を考える
think realistically

耐え難いストレスに対して現実に即して立ち向かう
face up to heavy stress realistically

--- Comments ---
You do realize that this phrase is rather formal and used mostly in written
material. (contributor: bamboo4)

i had no idea, so it will be noted! (contributor: dc)

perhaps is a similar but less formal phrase? (contributor: dc)

Yes, it is. にしたがって（従う） is not as casual as
にそって（沿う） and is also not formal as
に即して。に従って and に沿って are used in conversation as
well.
(contributor: Miki)

I thought に従って implied more hierarchy, or cause and effect,
whereas is more in parallel?

(fact) (effect)

高い。従って、買わなかった
It was expensive. Accordingly, I did not buy it.

川に沿って道
the street parallel with the river (contributor: dc)

Your 従って in the eg above is 接続詞 conjunction.
My 従って is a transformation of 従う。Yes, 従う implies hierarchy
but not all the time. Also 沿う and 従う aren't the same meaning but
implications are the same here.
example :
Please answer following the example
例題に即して、回答してください。
例題に沿って、回答してください。
例題に従って、回答してください。 (contributor: Miki)

See also に即した 'based on, adapted to'
プロとして現実に即した解決策を提示します。
As professionals we present solutions adapted to the facts of the
situation. (contributor: Paul)

According to two of my texts, this phrase is written using different 漢字
depending on the nuance: に即して (in accordance with the facts,
objective reality, experience, etc.) and に則して (in accordance with
arbitrary rules, laws, etc.) Following that, #5151 is not written correctly
(boo to ALC). However, I also see that another source uses に即して in
both cases, so maybe this is just a nitpicky distinction. Can any native
speakers address this? (contributor: srobertson)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=nisokushite

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ きらいがある (kiraigaaru) ]

2009-11-21T23:46:00.001-08:00

きらいがある (kiraigaaru) - there is a tendency for ~ to happen (and
it is somewhat bad and/or a cause for concern)

--- Notes ---
きらいがある is used for tendencies or characteristics that people
have, usually unfavorable ones.

This is a formal grammar structure.

--- Examples ---
人は自分の聞きたくないことは耳に入れないというきらいがあるのではないか。
It seems people have a tendency not to listen to things they dont want to
hear, right?

彼女は優しいですが、知らずに人を傷付けることを言うきらいがある。
She is a nice person; however, she tends to say hurtful things
unintentionally.

人間は年をとると、ほかの人の話しを聞かなくなるきらいがある。
As humans get on in years, they tend to not listen to what others say.

--- View this entry online ---
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文法: Grammar a Day - Level 4 [ 常呂で (tokoro de) ]

2009-11-21T23:45:00.000-08:00

常呂で (tokoro de) - by the way

--- 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
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.
(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]
By the way, what do you do?

ところで、あなたは宿題をしましたか。
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]
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]
By the way, are you free tonight?

--- 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)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=tokoro de

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 4 [ ないで (naide) ]

2009-11-21T23:44:00.000-08:00

ないで (naide) - without

--- Notes ---
Formation:

negV + で

--- Examples ---
朝ご飯を食べないで学校へ行った。
I went to school without eating breakfast.

払わないで去る
leave without paying

--- Comments ---
this is also a connective negative:

行かないでください - dont go, please
払わないで欲しい - i dont want you to pay (contributor: dc)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=naide

文法: Grammar a Day - Level 4 [ 〜は (ha) ]

2009-11-21T23:42:00.000-08:00

〜は (ha) - 'topic marker' (also shown as 'wa')

--- 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.'

--- Examples ---
田中さんは大学生です。
Mr. Tanaka is a university student.

私はマイケルです。
I am Michael.

林檎は緑です。
The apple is green.

--- 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.

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)

--- View this entry online ---
http://www.jgram.org/pages/viewOne.php?tagE=ha