Good evening Maggie. I came across a sentence and didn’t understand part of it. The sentence is as follows: 明治時代の終わりにかけて英語亡国論を唱える人たちがいた.
I didn’t understand the part: 英語亡国論. Can you explain this part to me?
When I put it on Google Translate, it was translated as: theory of the exile of the English language, but I don’t understand how it got to that translation.
You have the question: 日本に来たのはこれで何回目ですか？
Answer 1: これで３回目です。
It is a simple substitution Q: 何回目→A: ３回目, and this is how people talk, even at airport immigration, and in other languages. In other words, drop the topic/subject and substitute the question word with the answer.
Grammatically, would a more complete answer be:
A2: 日本に来たのはこれで３回目です。
How about
A3: 私の日本に来たのはこれで３回目です。
The reason why I ask is that I found this sentence on the internet:
私にとって日本への訪問はこれで3番目です。
Even with the minor change of subject (‘number of visits’ instead of ‘number of times’), would a Japanese person ever say something like this? Especially ‘私にとって’ seems to be an unnecessarily complicated answer to a simple question.
Thanks in advance,
Michael (different ‘Michael’ from the other person below)
私の日本に来たのはこれで３回目です。→Not natural
It will be more natural to omit the subject in conversation but if you include the subject it will be
A: 私が日本に来たのはこれで3回目です。 not 私の〜
The sentence you found on the internet
私にとって日本への訪問はこれで3番目です。should be 3回目.
B: 私にとって日本への訪問はこれで3回目です
A and B are grammatically correct but as you said it is an unnecessarily complicated answer to a simple question.
Also you don’t repeat the same words when it is obvious what you are talking about.
So the most natural way to answer the question will be これで3回目です。
Yes, I will be going to Japan next month, for 6 weeks. This time, I will mainly visit Okayama-ken, Shikoku, and Nara-ken.
My vocabulary is still too small, and I don’t get enough practice speaking. However, I’m getting better at improvising, rather than staying in a safe zone of scripted dialog (questions and answers). Also, for practical purposes, a person really does not need to speak complex, grammatically complete sentences. When I go to a restaurant or hotel or train station or konbini etc., it is obvious why I am there. If you know the key words, that is often enough.
Most people realize that you can’t speak much of the local language, and they almost automatically simplify. And, if I go somewhere, such as restaurant, especially when it isn’t very busy the staff are are quick to give some guidance with procedures (how to use tablet to place order), and so on.
So, sometimes it is stressful and embarrassing, with all the mistakes I make, but it is still an adventure.
Great!
You have a great attitude. I can already tell that you’re going to have an amazing time in Japan. Six weeks in Okayama, Shikoku, and Nara will be fantastic. And if you ever encounter any problems, just drop me a line.
I hope your next adventure will be fulfilling.
Good afternoon Maggie. I looked up the definition of 後半 and got 前後二つに分けた、あとのほうの半分。
I didn’t understand the 前後二つに分けた part. Can you explain each part to me?
I had a question regarding the “determine” use of という in these sentences:
A.)冬に北海道に行ってみればどんなに寒いかということがわかるだろう。
If you go to Hokkaido in the winter, you will see how cold it is there.
B.)S子供に会えないということがどれだけ辛いかあなたにはわかりません。
You have no idea how hard it is not to be able to see your own child.
C.)できないとわかっていてもまずやってみるということが大切です。
Even if you know you can’t do it is important to at least try once.
a.) What does “determine” mean here?
b.) Could の be used in place of こと here? I know that often の can replace nouns, but I also know that というのは and ということは are different grammars. When can you use の in place of こと?
Because I heard these two kinds of sentences are equivalent:
彼がパーティーに来なかったということは知っている
彼がパーティーに来なかったというのは知っている
“I know that he didn’t come to the party”
Are there other examples where you can do this replacement?
As in, perhaps these two are these equivalent?:
まだ分からないということが嫌だ
まだ分からないというのが嫌だ
“I hate the fact that I don’t know yet”
Again, thank you so much, this is tricky grammar for me and helped a lot =)
I guess for a dramatic games or anime, yes. (or 聖女様が中傷したりや殲滅なんてする訳ない)
中傷 means “slander” (to damage someone’s reputation).
殲滅 annihilation (in other word 皆殺し）
Is that what you wanted to say?
Hello Maggie,
どうよ?
I’m trying to understand what she says here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g5jNuGxyz4
あんたみたいに用意周到な男が失敗するなんて**おにょウケる**んですけど
せっかく言い訳あるなら聞いてあげようってのに
“It’s so funny to me that a man as well-prepared as you would fail.
If you have an excuse, I’d listen to it.”
The word in **___** is not understandable at all to me. Is おにょける a slang used by young people? I know ウケるんです means “it’s funny” but おにょウケるんです ?
Thank you Sensei!
Hi Gaspatcher
Is it from ポケモン?
I think the character meant to say “鬼ウケル” but it came out おにょウケる” in a cute way.
鬼(original meaning is “demon”) is a slang word it means “very/extremely” like メチャ.
Yes its from ポケモン. Sorry, I didn’t see your question.
OK 👍
It does sound kind of cute おにょウケる 😆
Hi, Maggie-Sensei!
When まで means “until ~ does something,” does the verb before まで always have to be in present tense regardless of whether the overall sentence is past tense?
For example, given
“He wandered the hills and plains until he reached Shagri-La.”
a. シャングリ・ラにたどり着くまで、野山をさまよった。
b. シャングリ・ラにたどり着いたまで、野山をさまよった。
which option is correct?
The literal meaning of 〜という話 is “the story of ~”, quoting what comes before (民族を支持する）
But you would just translate it “about”
It is not (a story) about supporting specific races or ethnicities.
How are you? Not much a question this time, but rather to be sure of something:
「頑張ってはいるんだが」
Is the particle は used to emphasize 頑張って in 頑張っている? (1)
Or is it an expression 頑張ってはいる like 頑張って入る? (2)
I think it’s more (1) but I wanted to be sure. Does that mean we can add は whenever we want if we want to emphasize a particular word?
Here is the sentence in its context:
[A] 分かってくれるよね？
[B] ええっと……
[B] それが……完璧に理解するのは難しいんだ……
[B] 頑張ってはいるんだが
I think your comment is cut in half haha.
But yeah, I had this intuition it was a は for emphasizing!
Vて+は+いる: I’ve never seen this structure before (I think). So you can put a は between the てverb and いる, good to know!
ごめんなさい。You are right. My previous comment was cut in half.
Yes, Vて+は+いる is a very common expression especially when you make an excuse like my example sentence that I added in my previous message. 😆
Yes, Vては+ いるのですが(formal) /いるのですけれども(polite) / いるのですが/いるけれども(casual) /いるんだけれども (casual)
Or sometimes you finish the sentence Vてはいます. In this case you can tell there is some kind of problem.
Ex. A: 日本語の勉強していないの？
B: やってはいます。
In this case, the speaker
FYI The similar expression is
VことはVっています/いる （が・けれども/のですが..）
頑張ることは頑張っているのですが = I do try hard but ~
Bonjour Blue
Thank you for spotting the mistake.
Originally I wrote a sentence, 明日、私は<荷物が届くので>出かけられません。 but I changed my mind and made it easier deleting 荷物が届くので part. Apparently I forgot to erase とどくので.
Thanks for the answer Maggie, but I thought the “what” was the function of なんたる, because when I looked it up, I found that なんたる means What (something) is like.
If I understood your lesson correctly, the function of か in this sentence would be to make the sentence have an interrogative tone, like: What is a king is like?
OK, I will try answering you in English.
Yes, なんたる means “what” ( I thought that what I meant by “que” in my previous message. 😅) and it has mainly two ways of using.
１） What ~! (interjection/exclamatory words) : Expressing one’s emotion
The same as なんて but it is more formal
なんてことだ = It’s unbelievable /Oh My God!! (Expressing one’s surprise)
→なんたることか！
2)The one you asked me is “what” as a relative pronoun
Nounはなんたるか = What ~ is / What ~ means
王とはなんであるか（ということ）を指導する
To teach what the king is (or what the king is supposed to be)
礼儀とはなんたるかを教えてあげなくてはいけない。
= We have to teach them what the manner is.
Hello Maggie-sensei ^^
I’d like to ask, how would you rate the politeness between (for example) やめないか vs. やめて? Or are they used in different contexts? Thank you!
やめないか has two meanings.
1) Stop it! (Command form. Telling someone to stop in a strong way expressing one’s angry feelings.): Male speech/pretty rough
Compare to やめて, it sounds much stronger.
2) Why don’t we stop? : Male speech/rough
I believe it roughly translates to: ‘What should I buy so I can read this?’
I know ‘えば’ can mean ‘if’ or ‘when,’ , but it doesn’t seem to fit those translations. I think it may be used to express the idea of ‘should.’ Perhaps it’s a shortened form of ‘買えばいい’, but I’m not sure.
I’m trying to understand this sentence but it’s all mixed up in my head (I mean I understand the meaning but I couldn’t rewrite this because I don’t understand the grammar)
「毎日お前と会えることが十分に価値のあることだ」
毎日お前と会えることが : Seeing you everyday…
Until here it’s okay… and after that it’s the circus, all the words and particles are mixed up!
十分に価値のある : I thought the expression was 価値は十分にある
〜のある : what is 〜のある? Is it the same as 〜がある? 価値 is a noun here, so の can’t be a nominalizer
あること : why is it あること and not ことある? or ことがある?
Maybe it’s just some expressions or vocabulary I lack. Thank you again Sensei!
My question is about the よう (hence the lesson) in this sentence:
「文芸部に入部するようお前が説得してくれて本当に良かったと思ってるんだ」
“I’m really happy that you convinced me to join the club.”
Your lesson mentions the use of よう〜 (ような or ように) but not よう alone. I thought maybe it was some kind of contraction in casual speech but even the notion of similarity (as, like) of よう does not appear here is not obvious to me. “You convinced me like to join the club” makes no sense. So what is the purpose of よう here?
Hi Gaspatcher
This よう belongs to the usage
→the other usages of よう ( = you) besides the meaning of “as/like”
(From my lesson)
1) ように ( = youni) = to do something ~ in order to do ~ / so that ~ / in such a way ~
(to intend to make things work as you hope)
★verb (→the result you hope, your goal/non-volitional verb/ verb potential form ) ように ( = youni) + verb (what to do/what you did/ to hope, to wish)
⬇️
Your sentence 文芸部に入部するよう means “to join the literary club” with the purpose or intention of doing so. It describes the result or goal that “you” (the listener or someone mentioned in the conversation) hoped or intended to achieve thinking of the speaker.
And, Yes, in casual conversation, you can omit に and just say よう in this usage.
I checked it myself with other browser. You are right. Unless you don’t log in, you can’t see other people’s tweets.
(FYI Patreon ありがとうx 10 tier members can get Monthly Tweets (PDF file with all my tweets lessons with an audio file every month.)
Sorry for spamming, I’m on a rampage of questions haha!
You said in your lesson “to give a reason” is のせいで but here it’s なせいで
でもわたしが自分勝手なせいで……
どれほど酷い人間なのかを見せてしまった
I noticed several times that な is replacing の. Is it the same case here? When do I know when to use な or の after a noun?
Good question. I have been thinking about making more detailed lesson on せいで and おかげで.
I mainly introduced the usage of Noun + の + せいで in this lesson.
But you can use せいで with verbs and adjectives as well.
verb (present/past tense, etc.) + せいで
i-adjective + せいで （→past tense i-adjective 〜かった＋せいで）
na-adjective + せいで (→past tense na-adjective + だったせいで）
noun + の + せいで (→past tense noun + だったせいで）
自分勝手/勝手 is actually na-adjective 自分勝手な（人・人間）
→自分勝手なせいで
How are you doing? I don’t know how is your summer in Japan but here in Europe, it’s a burning hell! I would like to go to Sweden for some days to get some fresh air! It’s not much, but I noticed lately I’m reading faster (I can “cut” the words faster in-live instead of reading the whole line then process to cut each word to have the sentence makes sense), so I wanted to share that with you (even though this is a little improvement)
Now question time to my sensei. In the sentence 「全部俺に教えてくれれば！」, I understand he says “If only you told me everything” but in the official translation he says “All you had to do was tell me!”
I understand sometimes the translation adapts to the language, but I would like to know the literal translation of the Japanese version.
To give you some context,
お前の毎日が少しでも良くなるように、どんな小さな努力でもしたのに！
そのための友達だろ！
全部俺に教えてくれれば！
First of all, I am happy to hear that you can read faster now. It is an important skill to understand the context without reading every single word.
It has been very hot in Japan, too.Going to Sweden sounds like a great idea.
The translation is correct.
If only you told me everything/All you had to do was tell me!
Or you can say “If you had told me everything.”
I think you know but the speaker added the sentence last but 全部俺に教えてくれれば is a condition
The right order is ~れば〜のに
So let me rephrase it for you to see the structure better.
全部俺に教えてくれればお前の毎日が少しでも良くなるように、どんな小さな努力でもしたのに！
If you had told me everything, I would have made even a small effort to make your everyday life a little better!
Thank you so much! Makes more sense now! I didn’t understand why there was a condition and he stops like that… With the restructuration, it’s much more understandable. Is this order natural when speaking? Or is it because he speaks out words without structuring them before, but the listener can still understand (not me)
My original question actually was for the 全部. Was it the subject All (you had to do) or the object (tell everything). It seems both are acceptable, so again, we can understand this sentence in many ways, daro?
If only you told me everything! (object) 全部(を)?
All you had to do was tell me! (subject) 全部(は)?
Maybe I’m too focused on the details, but that kind of stuff bothers me hahaha!
Using the inversion method allows for changing the order of sentences, adding important information at the end to leave a stronger impression. You usually use this method in writing （especially lyrics)
In spoken language, people use the inversion method not just to create an impact but also when they just add something important.
I couldn’t find a lesson about that but what does the 分 mean after a verb?
なんで他の人が頑張った分をわたしが無駄遣いしてしまうの？
Is it to show some extent or something like that?
This 分 indicate the “portion” or “share” of effort that other people have put in. z
The literal translation is “Why do I end up wasting the portion of effort that other people have put in?” which means, “Why do I end up wasting other people’s efforts?”
Hello Maggie sensei. Your lessons are amazing, you put so much work into them!
As a teacher of English, I totally agree that textbooks are full of boring grammar rules. Making a lesson interesting is what all schools around the world should do. I wonder when they will realise and change methods? I’m so glad your site exists! It helped me a lot in the past and it’s helping me now too. THANK YOU for everything!! ^__^
Thank you so much for your comment. Your kind words made my day. I am sure you are an amazing English teacher. Rest assured, I will do my best to keep making more Japanese lessons that will help you in your journey to learn Japanese.
I have a really hard time to understand the structure of this sentence:
「完璧に無価値なわたしがやるようなことなんて何もないもん」
I understand that:
– 完璧に is an adverb with に modifying a な-adjective: perfectly
– 無価値な is a noun becoming an adjective with the な-particle: worthlessness -> worthless
– やるようなことなんて何もない: ような modifies ことなんて何もない with なんて emphasizing the negative sentence
– もん gives a childish way of expressing her feelings
So I see many different translations, which is the correct one:
“There’s absolutely nothing to do, for someone as perfectly worthless as me.”
“There’s absolutely nothing, someone as perfectly worthless as me, could do.”
“There’s absolutely no way there’s anything someone as perfectly worthless as I am could do, right?”
If you need context, she says before
「なんで毎朝学校に遅刻してるか分かる？」- Do you know why I’m (always) late to school every morning?
「いつも、ベッドから起き上がる理由を見つけられないから」- Because, every time, I can’t find a reason to get out of bed.
「完璧に無価値なわたしがやるようなことなんて何もないもん」- ???
I think the first one is the closest translation for the sentence.
If you interpret やること as something you could do then the second translation works too.
The nuance difference is
やることがない can be translated “There is nothing to do” , “There is nothing I could do.” , “There is nothing I want to do” ,etc.
Since the subject has a description, 完璧に無価値な, so judging from the context, I think “There is nothing I could do.” may sound more natural.
おはようMaggie Sensei, お久しぶりですよ!
I’m so happy to see your lessons are still on the first page when I have a question related to Japanese!
My question is about the particle は and を. In a visual novel, a character is asking:
今日モニカの手伝いはしないのかよ？
I saw that to say “to help ~” it’s more 手伝いをする and not 手伝いはする. What is the difference between both? Is it because we just want to say 手伝いする with は emphasizing 手伝い?
Thank you Maggie-sensei!
手伝いをする 手伝い (help) + を (=object marker) + する ( = to do ) = to help
You can also just say 手伝う
手伝いはする As you say you use は has a couple of functions, topic, showing the contrast, emphasizing what comes before.
It depends on the context but from just that sentence, it could be just bringing up a topic.
(I think you wrote the same message twice. I erased one of them.)
It depends on the context but from just that sentence, it could be just bringing up a topic. > OK makes sense, because the speaker wants to confirm what she’s doing today. “Aren’t you going to help Monika today?”, maybe that’s why は is used here, to introduce the new topic. What was said before was:
でも、お前はどうなんだよ
今日モニカの手伝いはしないのかよ？
(I think you wrote the same message twice. I erased one of them.) > Yeah I wanted to delete it myself, but I couldn’t, thank you!
I’m not sure if this is the same use of でいい, but I have a big problem with sentences like this one:
ここ万博会場でいいんですよね？
Context: a man looking for the world fair venue finds himself in an odd place, so he’s trying to make sure. I think this should mean “Are you sure this is the world fair venue?” or “This is the world fair venue, right?”, but I can’t understand why.
I’m guessing there’s a は omitted here: “ここは万博会場…”, so according to this lesson, shouldn’t it mean “It’s fine for this place to be the world fair venue, isn’t it?” ?
Couldn’t it just be “ここは万博会場ですよね？”
I understand how でいい works, when it follows a simple noun (like in this lesson’s examples) or it’s a part of a verb (～ていい/～でいい), but I guess here it follows an “A is B” sentence and I can’t wrap my head around it.
Ah OK. The usage of でいい in this lesson is mainly to express one’s preference.
でいい in your example sentence ここ万博会場でいいんですよね？ is used when you confirm something checking something is OK/right/correct.
You can rephrase it ここは、万博会場ということでいいですか？ ( = 合っていますか？ )
The literal translation “Is it right that this place is Expo site? ” →Is this Expo site, right? Am I correct?”
It’s very hard to find something about this, because if you try to look up “でいい”, all you get are preferences and asking for permission, so your reply was a huge help.
Good question. You change the way you read 中 depending on the word.
今年中 = ことしじゅう = kotoshijuu
明日中 = あしたじゅう = ashitajuu /あすじゅう = asujuu
***
一日中 = いちにちじゅう = ichinenjuu
一年中 = いちねんじゅう = ichinennuu
but you read ちゅう = chuu in the following words.
今月中 = こんげつちゅう = kongetsuchuu
今週中 = こんしゅうちゅう = konshuuchuu
***
午前中 =ごぜんちゅう = gozenchuu
I explained the usage of としても in my として lesson. Link is here.
However, I haven’t made the lesson on the usage of としても・としたって of hypothetical (in the meaning of “even if”) yet. Maybe I should add it to a request lesson.
Hi Mario
I wonder what kind of place they are talking about with 間隔が狭い in the context but you should change the subject. Not “you” but “people”. Your translation means “人を集める”
People should avoid gathering in a narrow (spaced) area.
a few days ago I left a comment in the discussion dedicated to hazu (maybe my comment got lost because I didn’t get the answer, so I’ll rewrite it here if I don’t disturb)
Is the following sentence correct? Xのものだったはずの帽子…
why instead of はずだった is written だったはず ? I’m confused
—–
but there is some problem with the blog? I can’t send comments normally…the error message often comes out
I’m so sorry that I haven’t answered your question. I remembered that I saw your message but it slipped my mind while answering to other person’s question.
I wonder why you get the error message often. 🤔
(If you leave a comment for the first time, I have to approve it before it appears on the blog. So until I approve your comment, you won’t see it. Even if it’s your second time commenting, but you use a different email address, I still need to approve it before it becomes visible.)
Anyway, let me answer your question here.
X のものだったはずの帽子 = the hat which was supposed to belong to X
I guess you can use はずだった if you finish the sentence with it.
こんにちは、Sora!
どれでも大丈夫です。
もとの英語が”expression”だから「表現」でもいいと思います。
Ex. 〜という表現があります。
Ex. 〜という表現の意味は〜です。
不自然ではありません。表現の代わりに「言い回し」も使います。
元の英語とは少し違いますが、
もし idiomという言い方にするならば慣用句
to have a cowはことわざではないのでこの場合は使いませんが、proverbならば諺（ことわざ）を使います。
hello sensei, i found your grammar lesson on internet , and i have 1 question related to this blog post
Hope you can explains to me what does this character mean ? いやー、乗ってきた。
Context: MC is eating lunch at school together with his big sisters, at their class (they went to a same school, but his big sisters are 1 year older than him). Both of them want to feed MC with the side dishes from their bento box.
Note: the 3rd big sister of MC is a class rep with serious + tsundere personality, while the 4th one is mischievous (like to tease other people)
彰吾 (MC)「あ、あーん……むぐっ」
三空 (3rd Big sister)「……ど、どうかしら」
彰吾「はむ……むぐっ……うん。そりゃもう……三空ねぇの卵焼きは絶品だよ」
三空「そ、そう。それなら良かったわ。よく噛んで食べなさい？」
詩桜 (4th Big sister)「んっふふー、みーちゃん嬉しそうな顔しちゃって」
三空「何をニヤニヤしてるのよ。別にいいでしょう？」
詩桜「やっぱみーちゃんも、したかったんじゃん」
三空「だ、だったらどうだって言うの」
女子生徒Ｃ「へぇー、三空ちゃんも弟さんの前だとあんな感じなんだ」
女子生徒Ｄ「ねっ、結構可愛いよね」
三空「～～っ！」
詩桜「くふふっ、赤くなってる。いやー、たーのしいねぇ？」
三空「人をからかって楽しむんじゃありません！ もう！」
詩桜「いやー、乗ってきた。次は、これ行ってみよう、あーん」(>> I don’t understand this part)
I watched a video by Miku Real Japanese, but i am still a bit confused on the difference between “Mitaina” and “ttekanji” (and “mitainakanji”). She Said they are interchangeable, except you can use “ttekanji” to quotes what you just said, similar to “she was like…”in English. Could you maybe simply the differences and nuances of “mitaina”, “ttekanji”, and “Mitainakanji”?
Are you talking about the usage when you finish the sentence with みたいな/ って感じ/みたいな感じ？
They are all very conversational and not much difference.
But let me give you one super conversational example.
For example when you express your opinion, 「それは違うな」That is not true, That is wrong
A) それは違うなって感じ
B) それは違うなみたいな…
C) それは違うなみたいな感じ
They are all ambiguous expressions but the level of ambiguousness is
B>C>A
That means みたいな is a softer way to express one’s opinion because you leave the sentence unfinished.
C is a kind of combination of A and B
But over all, it depends on the context and the speaker’s conversational habit.
I was in the midst of translating Yotsuba! and came across this sentence
“いつものこ事だから心配しなくても…”
The translation seems to be “This always happens, you don’t have to worry.” My question is, does it still directly translate to “even if you don’t worry,” or is the “いい” after implied and is this form common?
It is pretty common to leave the sentence unfinished when you avoid straightforward expression or when it is something obvious.
The whole sentence should be
いつものことだから心配しなくても（いいよ)
So you are right. They omitted the last part, いい (いいよ） and the translation is correct.
I have a question about the verb tetsudau 手伝う.
If I want to say: Thank you very much helping me. I need to make sure to add -kurete.
手 て 伝 つだ ってくれてありがとう ございます.
Or another example:
Thank you for teaching me Japanese.
日本語を教えてくれてありがとう.
But if I was talking to someone about my husband and want to say “My husband helps me a lot with the chores around the house.”
Or
“My husband tries to help me and teach me Japanese when he has time.”
How do I construct these sentences and do I still need to add kureru?
Hi Mini House
You can express your appreciation with くれる
So if you meant to say your husband did something “for you”, you use くれる
“My husband helps me a lot with the chores around the house.”
→主人が家事をよく手伝ってくれる
“My husband tries to help me and teach me Japanese when he has time.”
主人が時間がある時は、手伝ってくれるし、日本語を教えてくれる
Good night Maggie. I came across a sentence and didn’t understand a part of it. The sentence is as follows: 今度の台風では最悪の事態は避けられたにしても、被害は甚大だ。
I didn’t understand the role of the で particle in this sentence.
で in that sentence means “in” (in this typhoon)
By attaching は, you show the contrast. We could avoid the worst case in this typhoon (but maybe not in other typhoons (in the past or in the future)
In that case it will be more natural just to use のに
こんなに長い間、勉強したのに全く上手にならない。
（ 長い間”を”→長い間）
For example if you compare two people and show the contrast, you can use 対して
Aさんは長い間勉強したのに対してAさんは全く勉強していなかった。
While A has been studying for a long time, A hasn’t studied at all.
Hello Maggie!
Your lessons are great as always, but I have a question about のに in the meaning of “would have… / could have…”
Does the verb have to be in the casual (た) form of past tense or I can also use the polite form (い)ました+のに?
For example:
日本にいたら、チケットの数枚を買いましたのに。
I think it would be better to point it out in the article, it might help someone else.
Hi Maggie-sensei.
Sorry to bother you but I think there might be a problem with the comments on your website. For example, I left a comment on your latest lesson 2 days ago but I do not see my comment. I know that you replied to it because it said so in the “Recent comments” section but when I look I don’t see your reply either. When I look at Maggie’s Room, the latest post I can see is Mini House on May 19, but I know someone else made a post since then but I can’t see it either.
It had been the case for a few weeks now. I checked on a different computer and on my phone and I can’t see it either. I’m wondering if something happened? I’m not sure if this message will be posted once I press submit or if I will see your reply but I wanted to let you know in case you know what is happening.
Thank you for informing me about the commenting issues. It appears that there may be a glitch of some sort. The site has experienced some problems in the past few months, so it could be related to that. I apologize for any inconvenience caused. I hope you can read this comment.
***
Update:
I tried something. Your comment should appear now. Let me know if it doesn’t.
OK,
にち (= nichi) is a counter for days
From 2 ~ 10 days you use the special counter (2 days = ふつか, 3 days みっか = mikka, etc) but after 11 days, you say number + にち ( = nichi)
11にち ( 11 days)
12にち ( 12 days)
19にち ( 10 days)
ひ (= hi) is used to refer to a day
It is a nice day today
今日はいい日です。
= きょうはいいひです。
= Kyou wa ii hi desu.
(You can’t say にち= nichi)
what is there are living things in an inanimate object? like if there are people on a cover of a magazine or animals in a photo. would you use いる or ある or some other verb?
Thank you for all your wonderful lessons as always.
I am struggling with a few phrases and jut wanted to check if they sound correct and natural in Japanese?
The more Japanese I study, the more confused I get.
日本語勉強すればするほど、わからなくなる。
Is your baby sleeping well?
赤ちゃんよく寝ますか？
Our little baby really does not like wearing his shoes.
あかちゃんわほんとに靴がはいるきらいいです。
I guess all children develop differently.
子どものはそれぞれは立つ違うと思います。
Hello maggie sensei,
Can you please tell me how the “masen ka” form used to make invitations should be translate? I get a little bit confused. For exemple in the following sentence: bangohan o tabemasen ka? I have seen some explanations telling it can be translated as “won’t you eat?” And some instead translating it as ” would you like to eat?”. What is the correct translation?
Also what is the différence between “masen ka” and “mashou ka”? Thanks in advance
Hello maggie sensei,
I am confused about the use and translation of “masen ka” when making an invitation. For exemple in the following sentence : bangohan o tabemasen ka? I’ve seen some translating it as won’t you eat? And some translating it as will you (like to) eat? What is the correct translation?
Also can you tell me the difference between mashou, mashou ka and masen ka when used to make invitations? Thank you in advance
Hello Yenicall
OK, many people (especially when they have started to learn Japanese) seem to have a problem understanding the nuance difference between mashou, mashou ka masen ka, so I will make a lesson sometime.
1) masen ka?
Ex. Tabemasen ka? = It could be 1) You are not going to eat? or 2) Would you like to eat? (invitation) (invitation) depending on the context and the intonation.
For example someone wouldn’t eat something, you ask これ、食べませんか？ = Kore tabemasen ka? = You are not going to eat this?
But if you offer some food to someone, you also say これ、食べませんか？ = Kore tabemasen ka? = Would you like to eat this?
2) mashou
It means Let’s ~
So imagine the food is already served in front of you and you tell someone at the table,
So, Ex. さあ、食べましょう！ ＝Saa, tabemashou! = Let’s eat.
3) mashou ka?
Again it changes the meaning depending on the context
(1) Do you want me to do something for you?
Ex. 手伝いましょうか？ = Tetsudaimashou ka? = Do you need my help? / May I help you?
(2) Shall we do ~ ?
Ex. そろそろいきましょうか？ = Sorosoro ikimashou ka? = Shall we go now? (But you may see the translation Let’s go)
Hello ホットサンド
Yes you can translate that.
中途半端男 It refers to a man who lacks dedication to a task, or who does things in a half-hearted or incomplete way.
Good afternoon Maggie. I had some doubts about a phrase I found. The sentence is as follows: 発言の自由は政府支配の新しい触手によって年々むしばまれつつある。
1 – What is the function of つつある?
2 – Is 発言 only for written things? or just for spoken things?
3 – What does むしばむ mean?
4 – This word is not in the sentence, but I would like to know the meaning of: がっつく. I had a little trouble understanding.
1. Verb+ つつある = (literal expression) be in the process of doing something (expressing the on-going change)
2. 発言 is for spoken thing
3. むしばむ = to erode (passive form) むしばまれる to be eroded （To be affected by something negative)
4. がっつく = eating like a pig. It can be used to express someone greedy
Hi Sora
つつある focusing on the process of doing something (on-going change) towards completion. It is used in a formal speech or writing.
Ex. 戦争が終わりつつある。The war is coming to an end
If you just express what one is doing or the current state, you use ている
Ex. テレビがついている = The TV is on. (current state/condition) →You can’t say テレビがつきつつある
Ex. 手紙を書いている = I am writing a letter. (The action is happening right now and it focusing on the current action) →You can’t say 書きつつある
It depends on the word and it could be very different from the original sound.
As you said, the original “ho” could be closer to ホー but ケアウホウ （Bay = 湾(わん）) is commonly used for the bay.
The thing is you don’t always pronounce the Japanese vowels あいうえお/アイウエオ when they are combined with consonants
Ex. ほうりつ (法律） houritsu = law ➡️Actual pronunciation is hōritsu (ō = stretching “o” sounds)
I see! If I understand, even with ホウ the same rule applies and one would say this like hō (stretched)
So even in katakana, generally whether a nobasu or vowel is used (ホー/ホウ) this just means the consonants are both being stretched. And it would be read as (hō).
And whether it shows up with ー or ウ in the name is more just a written formality.
Thanks just surprised me when I saw the vowel instead of the nobasu.
As I usually see in katakana the nobasu used to imply stretching the vowel (ニューヨーク/フィジー）
Likewise in hiragana the vowel is used instead as you say. (ほうりつ/りょこう）
So when I saw ホウ instead of ホー I wasn’t sure if that had meant to pronounce the vowel! (笑）
Thank you very much for your explanation! If not mistaken I think I got it now and was just overthinking it.
So even in katakana, generally whether a nobasu or vowel is used (ホー/ホウ) this just means the consonants are both being stretched. And it would be read as (hō).
→That’s right.
So you know how to write katakana for the well-known things, places, countries, people’s names such as ニューヨーク、フィジー, ヨークシャ(ー）, ドーナツ,etc. However if you hear uncommon names, it is very natural to get confused whether you stretch the vowel or use the vowels. :)
1) Is the following sentence correct/natural?
What is the difference betw と する and に する
「貨物船」とは、貨物 を 輸送 する 船舶です。
Kamotsusen is a vessel that carries cargo
ライオン は にく を えさ と する。
Lions feed on meat
鯨くじら は プランクトン を えさ と する。
Whales feed on plankton
パンダ は ささ を えさ に する。
Pandas feed on bamboo grass
2) As for Hen is it pronounce as medori or mendori or ..,?
( google translate = mesudori )
雄鶏 おんどり Rooster
雌鶏 めんどり Hen
Hi Evon
何も is used in a negative sentence.
何も美味しくない Nothing is delicious.
何 in that sentence is actually an object so you use an object marker を
何を食べますか？ What would you like to eat?
魚を食べます I will have fish.
And
何を〜ても is a sentence pattern and it means “whatever you do ~ = everything one does ~ is ~ ”
何をしても面白い Whatever someone does is funny = Everything someone does is funny
何を読んでもつまらない Whatever I read is boring. = Everything I read is boring.
If you want to say this sentence without a verb, you can use 何でも
何でも美味しい
Hi there,
There is an anime is currently airing, its name is “推しの子 (Oshi no Ko)” and I translated it as “kid of my favorite idol” cuz the anime is about an idol named “Hoshino Ai”. But someone says it’s not true as it may be translated to one of those:
– the kid you support
– the kid who is a fan
– or the child of a fan
which is correct?
thank you.
Ah OK, it could be confusing because the literal meaning of the title can be “the kid you support” ( = the idol herself = “My favorite idol” ) but if the story is about the child whose mother is your favorite idol then your translation is right.
kid of my fav/ a child of my fav.
If you are focusing the idol herself you can still say 推しの子 so “My favorite idol” works.
I read the story but it is complicated, huh? The main character reincarnated as a child of his favorite idol.
The following two have different meanings
the kid who is a fan = ファンの子 ( A child who is your fan)
the child of a fan = ファンの子 (A child of your fan)
Hi everyone! Sorry that the site has been down and some of your recent comments were gone. I think I answered all your questions but if you haven’t read them yet, please ask me the questions again. I’ll be happy to answer your questions. Have a great weekend! いい週末を！🐶
The reason why I asked you to reply in Japanese is that I want to stop learning Japanese by using English. I am trying to connect Japanese language direct to the world and direct to my own thoughts/impressions etc., without English getting in the way.
This is where the 「直接的な言い方を和らげる」 is important. In fact, a scientist was explaining a procedure to some students. I forgot to take that into account. In trying to make sense of what he said, I was putting myself in the position of the listener, and that was my mistake. When I put myself in the position of the scientist, talking to students, then I got closer to what I would be thinking/feeling (感じ?!) in that situation. When I did that, then the purpose of 「こんな感じで」starts to make more sense at a more intuitive level .. without the English translation.
No problem, Luna!
Yes, you can use 距離 in that context. 長距離（長い距離を）走る = to run a long distance
FYI 隔たり is often use to express a gap/difference
二人の意見には大きな隔たりがある
There is a wide gap in the opinions between the those two.
Hi! Maggie sensei, I’m wondering about this sentence…..
会いたかった なあ Does this mean “I’ve been wanting to meet you for long time”? and still looking forward to see you, right? Also what is the meaning of なあ? Someone told me that it’s like to show strong feeling of really wanted to meet. Is it? or actually it’s just suffix of the sentence, no emotional.
Hi Luck
会いたかったなあ I wish I could have seen you/him/her/them.
So you wanted to see someone but you missed the chance/you couldn’t.
By attaching な/なあ you can add the feelings (in this case regret)
Please check my lesson on な/なあ. Link is this https://bit.ly/3TOe1BD
Good night Maggie. I came across a sentence and would like to know if it is grammatically correct. The sentence is as follows: 私はこの怪物の弱点をついに見つけました。その神経もいつも以上に高ぶっております。
Hello Maggie-sensei!
I have a simple question. If my dog is 7 years old, I can say 犬は七歳です, right? But what if my dog is only 7 months old? Do I say 犬は七月歳です?
Is the (noun)し(verb) construction common? I’ve come across the phrase 愛し創り上げる, which contextually I’m assuming means “lovingly create”/”create with love”, but I’m a bit confused about the grammar here.
It is hard to tell you by just the phrase without knowing the context but
愛し（あいし） in that sentence means “愛して” love (something/someone) and create ~
I think you know connecting verbs with te-form but you can also connect the verb with masu-stem
愛します→(masu-stem) delete ます 愛し
So it happened to be “し” but if it is a different verb, for example
食べて寝る = eat and sleep
食べ寝る (the masu-stem of 食べます is 食べ)
Hi Maggie, What is the difference between 角かど and 角かく ?
Got the following example sentences from websites; all of them is かど right??
とおり の 角 に たって いた。
I stood at the corner of the street
角 に おおきな 目印 が あります。
There is a big sign at the corner
角 で ひだり に 曲まがる。
Turn left at the corner
すいぎゅう は おおきな 角 を もって いる。
Buffaloes have big horns
すぐ 角、あかい の みせ です。
It’s the red shop just at the corner
Do you know if there is a difference between using に and で with the verb 保存する？
I would’ve guessed で、 but when I looked up native example sentences on Weblio, I saw examples using both に and で!
例 ファイルをディスクに保存する。
冷暗所で保存して下さい。
I can understand why に would be used. に often implies a destination or directionality. Basically, 「ディスクに保存する」implies that the disk is the destination of the file, or that the file is being moved to the disk in order to save it.
But で also makes sense, as it marks the location of an action such as in a 冷暗ところ。
Does this mean that both of these particles are interchangeable, and I can use either one?
Can 「冷暗所で保存して下さい」 also be 「冷暗所に保存して下さい」？
If so, is there a difference in nuance? For example, do these two sentences
画像をスマホに保存
画像をスマホで保存
mean the exact same thing?
Good. You figure out the function of に.
冷暗所（れいあんしょ）に保存して下さい
冷暗所で保存してください。
You can use them both. The difference is
に implies the object you put in 冷暗所 is somewhere else but you move it/them into the cold and dark place (ex. refrigerator)
And you use で when you indicate the place where you keep/conserve something.
画像をスマホに保存 (the file was somewhere else or even in the same cellphone, from where the pictures are to the file in the cellphone)
画像をスマホで保存 (You save the pictures “with” (tool) your cellphone.)
You can not use 個 with everything.
You use it with small items and if it is something small but is obviously long, you use 本
So 鉛筆一個, 箸一個、車一個 are not natural.
This is a rough male speech
1) It is similar to さ・さあ (子供は子供らしくさあ） →rough ガキはガキらしくよ・よう
2) The last や is another rough way to say よ (→This よ is to encourage someone to do something. It is not rough like the one in 1).
笑っていこうよ →(rough) 笑っていこうよ
Hi Miki
じゃんじゃん is onomatopoeia to express doing something heavily, vigorously, keep doing something a lot.
じゃんじゃんやっちゃう = Keep doing something more and more
じゃんじゃん飲んで = Keep drinking a lot!
My locker is far away from my English classes. That is the reason why I carry all my books with me. Is it going to rain hard or just a drizzle?
私のロッカーは英語の教室まで遠く離れています。すべての本を持ち歩いているのはその理由があるからです。今日は大雨が降るのかそれとも小雨が降るのでしょうか？
it has function as adverb, it can mean
1. everyone 2. All
just translate it one by one
私たちはこれまで明日のことを皆はなしてきたから、
Because we all have talked the matter about tomorrow until now,
さて、現実に戻って、今日のことを話そう
for now, let’s go back to reality and talk about today
in sentence one you can see i translate 皆 as “all” and 私たち as “we”
Thank you so much for everything you do for us, I’m studying and hope I’ll pass the JLPT this year and your website is so useful, I feel so grateful for everything you put here!
Best regards from France !
So… shorter form ため is more formal than ために, right? But can I use both forms in ALL examples above? How big is the difference between formal and less formal version? Will I sound weird if I use only ため in informal situation or conversely?
As I wrote in this lesson you san use either ため or ために in the examples of the usage 2) Expressing a reason/cause
If you are writing to your friends, ため is just fine but in conversation, it might sound slightly unnatural.
渋滞のため、着くのが遅くなりそうです。(formal conversation/ writing (formal and informal) )
渋滞のために、遅くなるよ。(informal)
Japanese has been an interest of mine for some time and while some may suspect it is my interest in Japanese media, like anime and manga, which sparked my interest. Such interests came later to me in life while my interest in the language was pre-existing.
It wasn’t until an old friend of mine suggested an educational video game series called “Learn Japanese to Survive” that I really started picking up the basics of the language and encouraged me to practice outside of the game. Now I feel like I have all of the Hiragana characters memories though my Katakana and Kanji could use some work. Though I am able to recognize some Kanji characters as well.
Besides Japanese, I’ve also enrolled in a beginner’s Spanish course as well so I feel confident that I could potentially read and write in that language at an early early level too. However, when it comes to speaking and hearing, as well as writing or reading for the case of Japanese, I feel slow.
It took me awhile before I feel like I could say I achieved mastery in the English language, my native tongue, and even then I still am prone to forgetfulness of certain grammar rules. Like those matter anymore in English speaking countries. lol The reason I believe for my difficulties in learning English and other languages like Spanish and Japanese is because I was a special needs student. I am a slow learner. So I guess I am writing this message to you to ask… do you know anyone willing to work with me in one-on-one sessions until I could attend a fluent level? I don’t have much money so my budget is limited, but I would forever be appreciative of you if you could point me in the direction of someone who could help teach me.
Hi Aliyah
It is a great idea to work on your speaking and taking a class on line. That way you can improve your Japanese. There are many Japanese on-line schools. Google “On line Japanese lesson”. The price is not that expensive, I believe. I hope it fits your budget.
And if you still can’t find a good teacher, write to me
through an email on the following page. http://142.93.68.150/about-us/
Hi Maggie-sensei! I thought this lesson was a bit difficult! Is it right to say that you would use てある only if you are currently seeing/experiencing the subject? For example, if I say: 壁にポスターが飾ってある,then I am probably looking at the poster on the wall right now. If the poster was in a different house, I would probably say 飾っている , right?
Another question, I sometimes hear ておる／ております Is it something completely different?
Hello ルナ
Maybe the English translation might have confused you for the example sentence.
Even if you are not looking at the poster right now, you can still describe the wall, 飾ってある
Here’s the difference
Ex. 壁にポスターが飾ってある (Describing the current state of the wall. Someone put the poster on the wall in the past and you are looking at the result.)
Ex. 壁にポスターを飾っている (The subject is a person (or a store) Someone is putting the poster on the wall (either right now or routine work, they usually put the poster on the wall.)
ておる is a humble expression of Vている
Ex. 鍵を預かっています。 ( We keep your key.)
→鍵をお預かりしております。
Hi ルナ again
猫カフェで、たくさん猫を見ていた > Focuses on me who saw cats at the cafe.
→Right. The speaker was looking at many cats.
猫カフェで、たくさん猫を見てあった > Focuses on the cats that I was able to see by going to the cafe.
→This sentence is not correct.
For example if someone who works there placed lots of toys for cats for the customers and the cats ahead of time and you describe the state, you can say
猫カフェには、猫のためにたくさんのおもちゃが置いてあった。
Ok. Would you say that てある is mostly used to describe inanimate objects?
Would this be correct: 猫を撫でてので、服に毛が付けってある
I’m sorry for so many questions D:
In that case you say
猫を撫でたので、服に毛がついた
As I wrote in the lesson, you intentionally do something and leave it
For example if you are looking at the clothes and there is a name tag on it (someone put the name tag on it and leave it for some reason) you say
服に名札がつけてある
So if you looking up the sky and it is cloudy, you say (1) but you won’t probably say (2)
If you see the sky is getting really dark and it looks like it’s gonna rain any minute, you say (2) because 降り出す has a meaning of “It is about to rain”
2.
(3) 「街灯にぶつかりそうになった女性」
(4) 「街灯にぶつかりそうになる女性」
If you are describing what has just happened more vividly, I would say (3) is more natural.
Thank you.
When you want to cheer up someone, you say 元気を出して、so if I wanted to say you make the “genki” come out of me, it’s still wrong to say 元気を出されます ?
出される is a passive form so you can’t use it in this case.
Though 元気にしてくれる/元気をくれる are much more natural, if you want to use the causative form
出される should be 出させる
（私の）元気を出させます/出させてくれます
1. The newspaper has several pages. The front page is called 一面 and ３面 technically means “the third page” but it refers to the social news page.
So you probably got the article from 日経新聞 but it refers to the section called きょうのことば where they explained a trend word of the day on the third page.
2. 勢 means “companies, entities, group” so 海外勢 means “foreign companies” in this context.
Hello! About this sentence:
彼が私のこと好きかどうかわからなくなってきた
I asked a similar question the other day, but I’m still confused about the use of きた in sentences such as these. Why is it わからなくなってきた and not わからなくなった or わからなくなっていた?
Hi ルナ
Yes you can say わからなくなった/わからなくなっていた
but the nuance changes. The English translation could be the same so let me explain the difference.
１）わからなくなってきた Focusing on the moment when she is speaking.
Describing the change from the certain moment in the past to the present moment. She thought he had liked her but she is getting confused and losing the confidence.
The change is happening now.
2) わからなくなった I don’t know his feelings anymore.
English translation is “present tense” but she’s already done defying her feelings.
3) わからくなっていた is describing the state (not the change) in the past.
So again, you can use all of them but it depends on how you want to express it. (focusing on the change from the past up to now, the change in the past, the state on the present moment, etc.)
FYI
I have a lesson on
ていく てくる So please check the lesson when you have time.
Link: Click here
させた I let my daughter do whatever she wanted. (Talking about the specific time in the past.
させてきた is I have been letting my daughter. (Expressing the duration of time from some time in the past up to the moment when they are talking.)
I have a question sort of related to shopping, but hard to categorise.
I left a clothes shop the other day and as I was exiting, the alarm went off.
I waited politely for someone to come and check, but I didn’t know how to say:
“Your store alarms went off.’
Or
“I am not sure why… but your store alarms went off?”
When you want to tell them the alarm goes off even though you paid
すみません、アラームが鳴ったんですが…
= Sumimasen. Alarm ga nattan desu ga…
= Excuse me. The alarm went off..
You can add
このまま出てもいいですか？
= Kono mama dete mo ii desu ka?
= Can I just leave?
1) が has many different functions but this が is just to connect the sentence. “so”/”and”
You often leave the sentence with が without finishing it.
Vたいのですが + (what should I do/Do you have any advice?/ Can you help me?, etc.)
2) と in that sentence is to give examples and quote them.
I think you know the pattern AというB B which is A
You sometimes omit という/といった
〜ショッピングもよしと（いった(ように）)、魅力たっぷりの〜
Hi, Maggie-sensei! I love your posts very-very much, thank you for your work!
My question is about this example: 彼女はまだ２０歳にはなっていないはずだ
I didn’t know we can use wa twice in one sentence – it’s like we have two topics of the sentence. Could you elaborate on that please? Are there any tips/rules for using wa multiple times in a sentence?
You are right. You tend to avoid using the same particle because repeating the same particle may look/sound confusing.
彼女はまだ２０歳にはなっていないはずだ
You can say
彼女はまだ２０歳になっていないはずだ as well but the nuance changes a little.
彼女は this は is a topic marker
20歳には→ this は is to show the contrast. (showing the contrast of 20 years old and other ages. For example, maybe she is close to 20, like 19 years old but not she hasn’t turned 20 yet.)
So even if there are two は, it won’t be confusing.
I will show you another example.
この会社は、給料はいいが、仕事が多い。
= This company offers good salary but gave us a lot of work.
まんざらでもない is a vague Japanese expression and it means “not so bad/ not totally bad and actually something is good” ./someone seems kind of satisfied or happy with something.
女の子の服もまんざらじゃなさそうだし
I don’t know the situation but
It seems like the girl’s outfits are not so bad.or The person who is wearing girl’s outfits seems to like wearing them.
The reason i got confused is because in some site i found an explanation that say まんざら＝必ずしも。
The scene is the tomboy girl is trying the dress, She is usually using boy clothes and when she tried to try skirt, She said to herself (女の子の服もまんざらじゃなさそうだし)
まんざら is not exactly the same as 必ずしも.
You often use まんざらじゃない/ まんざらでもない in the situation like you expect someone would be unhappy with something but actually they actually kind of like it.
So in your example sentence, you assume the girl would hate that skirt because she was complaining or she usually hates wearing a skirt.
But once she puts it on, she looks rather happy with it. Though she is not saying anything, you can see she is thinking “Hey, this is not that bad. I actually like it.”
I find your blog extremely helpful and one of the most useful out there. Thank you for all your work and effort.
I wondered if you could create a lesson on
こじんめんだん at Japanese kindergartens. It’s something that I am really struggling with.
Any phrases/vocabulary similar to the below would be super appreciated!
*My child has been toilet-trained.
*She goes to the potty by herself at home, but cannot go by herself outside the house.
*She speaks English at home and can only say a few single Japanese words.
*How is she doing at school.
*Ways to talk about one’s child: She is stubborn/independent/sociable/scared of strangers/quiet/very active at home.
*She holds food in her mouth./ I am worried about choking hazards.
and so on.
I’m happy to hear you find this site useful.
OK, let me help you.
*My child has been toilet-trained.
うちの子*は、トイレのしつけができています。/オムツがとれました。
= Uchi no ko wa toire no shitsuke ga dekite imasu./ omutsu ga toremashita.
*She goes to the potty by herself at home, but cannot go by herself outside the house.
家では一人でトイレに行けますが、家の外では一人で行けません。
Ie dewa hitori de toire ni ikemaseuga, ie no soto dewa hitori de ikemasen.
*She speaks English at home and can only say a few single Japanese words.
家では英語を話していますので1) 日本語は一言、二言しか話しません。/ 2) 日本語はほとんど話せません。(2) She barely speaks Japanese.)
= Iedewa eigo wo shnashite imasu node 1) nihongo wa hitokoto futakoto shika hanasemasen / 2) Nihongo ưa Hotondo hanasemasen .
*How is she doing at school?
娘は、幼稚園ではどんな感じですか？/ちゃんとやっていますか？
= Musume wa youchien de wa donna kanji desu ka? / Chanto yatte imasu ka?
*Ways to talk about one’s child: 1) She is stubborn/2) independent/3) sociable/4 ) scared of strangers/ 5) quiet/ 6) very active at home.
*She holds food in her mouth./ I am worried about choking hazards.
and so on.
口の中に食べ物を入れます。/喉につかえないか心配です。（窒息（ちそうく）しないか心配です）
= Kuchi no naka ni tabemono wo iremasu / Nodo ni tsukaenai ka shinpai desu. (Or Chissoku shinai ka shinpai desu)
Hi Topaz
So this person followed you first and you follow him/her back, right?
Did you say thank you for following before? If not, you can say
こちらこそフォローありがとうございます。And you can continue これからもよろしくお願いします。
Hello! I have a question about one grammar aspect, because my 先生 told me one thing and my workbook keeps mistaking those two (well, maybe the workbook is wrong)
「思っていたより」と 「期待していたより」の違いはなんですか。
先生 told me that 「思っていたより」is used when the outcome is better than expected, for example このケーキは思っていたよりおいしかった。 (You expected it to taste bad)
And 「期待していたより」is used when the outcome is worse than you expected, for example 試験の点数は期待していたより悪かった。
Is this right? Because when I searched in the internet, the opinions vary a lot and I don’t know anymore :((
Very good questions.
Technically
思う = to think
期待する = to expect
And they both can be translated “to think” but 期待する means “to hope” and it is used for something one is looking forward to.
So your teacher is right. The outcome should be good when you use 期待したより ~
You can say このケーキは思っていたよりおいしかった/おいしくなかった。 but it sound unnatural to say このケーキは期待していたよりおいしかった。
If it is a negative sentence, you can say
このケーキは期待していたよりおいしくなかった
I will give you other verbs that are often used in this pattern.
予想する = to fore
想像する= imagine
考える = to think (logically)
Among these verbs, only 期待する is used is used when the outcome is good.
No matter how many years pass, I always find myself visiting and revisiting your blog posts😂 Your quality is unrivaled.
I have a vocab question: how do you say the word “interchangeable” in Japanese?
e.g
”Jealous” and “envious” mean the exact same thing. They are interchangeable.
”Wanna” is interchangeable with “want to,” with the former being more casual.
I typically wouldn’t want to bother you with words I can just look up in the dictionary, but I just can’t seem to find it.
On jisho, 「同意語」and 「同義語」show up, but being interchangeable is a bit different from being synonyms. For example, “while” and “during” are synonyms, but they aren’t interchangeable.
e.g
While I was sleeping, an earthquake happened.
During I was sleeping, an earthquake happened. ❌
The word that always comes up on DeepL is 「互換性」
e.g
”Wanna “は “want to “と互換性があります。
However, when I look up example sentences, it’s used with computers and devices and is translated as “compatible.”
Hello Maggie Sensei, Happy New Year and Wish you be Blessed with Good Health and Fortune
This the first question on this year.
1. What is the meaning of 僻む(ひがむ）
2. What is the meaning of 振り回す in the sentence (彼女はいつも友達に振り回されていてイライラする)
3. Are they have a same meaning : 取り繕う・決め込む・偽装
1. to have an inferiority complex feeling jealous of someone.
2. 振り回す to involve someone into something for one’s own convenience in a selfish manner.
For example, her friend says, “Let’s go out tomorrow and do something.” And though you were busy you arranged your schedule to go out with her. Then she said she changed her mind and she doesn’t want to go out anymore. So you rearrange your schedule. Then she said you should meet her somewhere instead. In this kind of situation you are 振り回されている.
3. No, they are different.
取り繕う to mend something/keep up with lies
決め込む persist in doing something/make up one’s mind
偽装 disguise
Hello Maggie sensei! I was reading a book and came across this sentence: “ぼうっと、その場に立ちすくんだ” and I can’t figure out what the use of んだ is for here! I hope you can help me understand.
Good morning Maggie. I found a sentence and I’m not sure if my translation is correct.
The sentence is as follows: ビスマルクは戦士提督から征服勝利を目指すそうです
And my translation was: Bismarck appears is aiming for conquest victory from the admiral warrior. My translation is right?
Hi Homer
Good. Just ~ そうです means “It seems like” or “I heard ~”
Hello Maggie Sensei! Casual reader of your blog from Malaysia here. Just dropping to say thank you for all the years I have been using your blog, back since 2015-2016 when I first started learning Japanese. Having passed N1 a few years back, using Japanese for work, and currently living with a Japanese spouse, none of them would be possible without your wonderful blog. I sometimes teach elementary Japanese on the side, and I would reference your explanations ask they are easy to understand and quite detailed.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart :)
Hello Aki
Awww that is so sweet of you. Thank YOU for your kind words.❤️
It is just amazing that you have been using this site for 6~7 years.
これからも皆さんのためにがんばってレッスンを作り続けますね。
Love,
Maggie
Good morning Maggie. I found the following sentence and had difficulty getting a part of it and would like your help if possible.
The sentence is as follows: それは氷のような砂糖菓子。
触れれば冷たさに指先が凍り、
舐めれば甘さに舌が痺れゆく。
まさに至宝と慕うにふさわしい―――
I can’t understand the part: まさに至宝と慕うにふさわしい
Could you help me, I describe the functions of the particles and explain the meaning of the words?
Hi Mutuio
It is a bit dramatic expression to describe some sweet.
I will give you the clues first.
まさに means “precisely”
ふさわしい “worthy”
~と = as
慕うに is a formal (for written form) way to say 慕うのに to adore/respect/look up to/to love
The particle に after 慕う is used with ふさわしい
〜にふさわしい appropriate for ~ / worthy of ~
Hello maggie sensei,
Thank you as always
What is the meaning of 頭をもたげる
thank you again
Hi Alex
頭をもたげる means １） to raise one’s head 2) some hidden idea crosses one’s mind/comes to the fore
Thank you very much sensei
You’re welcome! :)
Hi, Maggie!
First of all, thank you very much for the lesson. It was incredibly helpful. ^^
About にしては, apart from what it was explained in the lesson, my textbook says it can also appear in the form それにしては. However, I’m having a hard time trying to find helpful examples taken from real and daily-life Japanese that show me how is それにしては used. The very few ones I could find were kind of stiff sentences that, although they show the idea of the meaning of それにしては at some extent, they were a bit artificial. So, if you could please give me some examples of how それにしては is used in daily life, I’d appreciate a lot.
You state something first. (Or someone states something)
You use それにしては ( = even so, in spite of, although) when you hear/see something is different from your expectation.
今日は、平日だけど、それにしては人が多いね。
The speaker thinks there are fewer people on weekdays
→Though it’s a weekday, there are unexpectedly many people today.
毎日、がんばって節電しているが、それにしては電気代が高い。
The speaker had expected lower electric bill because they have been saving electricity.
I have been trying to save electricity but still electric bill is high.
A: 「👨のうちはお金持ちなんだって」
= I heard 👨’s family is rich.
B: 「それにしては毎日、コンビニで安いパンばかり買っているよ。」
= But he buys cheap bread at a convenience store every day.
B thinks if 👨 is rich, he wouldn’t buy cheap bread every day at a convenience store. (Different from B’s expectation)
A: 「一度も海外に行ったことがありません。」
= I have never been abroad
B: 「それにしては英語がうまいね。」
= But your English is great.
B thinks if A has never been abroad, A’s English skill is so-so.
Thank you very much for answering me and for your examples and explanations! They have been super helpful in order to understand better the usage of それにしては. ^^
Good morning Maggie. Could you tell me why the verb in the following sentence is in the volitional form: ペットの糞は飼主が持ち帰りましょう
That sentence is on a sign and I don’t understand why the verb is in the volitional form and not just the polite form.
Hi Mutuio
Please read my volitional form lesson. Link is here
As I mentioned in the usage 4), you use volitional form to tell someone to do something.
It sounds friendlier than 持って帰ってください
I’m confused to this sentence translation.
” 結婚するなら絶対にお金持ちというわけではない。
It is not necessarily true that I would only marry a rich man. ” I get it as “It is not needed to be rich when getting married” . How about this 僕は絶対にお金持ちと結婚するとういわけではない。
Maggie sensei
This is Jens Hoeg in Denmark now mastering :-) Hiragana and a little Kanji
I am struggling with this little sentence (from an account on ancient Japanese history year 600-900):
八世紀 の なか ごろ, ….. (hasseiki no naka goro)
I finally came to interpret “hasseiki”八世紀as something like “eight world history” so maybe it means in “the 8-hundreds”. Eight = 八 (hachi), history/narrative 世 (se), history account = 紀(ki)
Can you help? (The text is about land ownership in ancient Japan)
Jens Hoeg
Hi Jens
八世紀 means “the 8th century” (世紀=せいき=seiki=century)
and なかごろ means “the middle of” so 八世紀 の なかごろ means “the middle of the 8th century”
Maggie – Thanks a lot. That explains it. I have another little puzzle
雨が 降る でしょ う から , 傘を も っ て いかれた方が よ ろ しいですよ 。
Ame ga furu deshō kara, kasa o motte ikareta hō ga yoroshii desu yo.
Is “いかれた” (IKARETA) the passive TA form og IKU? If so is it a polite (using passive) way of saying (plain) “ita ho ga ii desu”? Also, I guess “yuroshii” is more polite than just “ii”. Thanks again MAGGIE!
Hi Jens,
In this case いかれた is a polite form not a passive form.
Check my 敬語（けいご） honorific expression lesson. Link
And right. よろしい is a polite way to say いい
For education purposes, can I have your citation about the realted topic?
Good morning maggie. I have a question about the following sentence: 街明かり照らした賑やかな笑い声.
it was translated as: lively laughter illuminated by the city lights.
I would like to know why the verb 照らした was translated into the passive form in the sentence and why the sentence didn’t end up like this: excited laughter that lit up the city lights.
おはよう、Berly
I agree with you.
照らした is not a passive form so it means “the lively laughter illuminated the city lights”.
If you translate the English sentence, it will be 街明かりに照らされた賑やかな笑い声
Thanks for the reply maggie.
I have one more sentence that I would like to know if the translation is correct. the phrase is: この未来を少しずつでも突き動かすよ and its translation was: Awakening, even if little by little, this new future.
Unless I’m mistaken, the translation of 突き動かす should be stimulate, right?
Yes, 突き動かす means to stimulate (someone) to do something, to stir up, to make something move, etc. So I guess the translator is focusing on the result after “stimulating the future” and make the future awake.
Hello Maggie sensei
not gonna ask a question.
I want to thank you for your hard work. I think many japanese learner are helped by the site.
Also thank you for a great year, hope you have a good life and good health.
welcome the new year.
Your kind message made my day!
And thank you for always visiting this site to study with great energy!
I will do my best to keep making more and more lessons.
Stay 元気！！
Love,
Maggie
And also. Just right now saw this phrase
はいでは今日も授業をやっていきます
I was watching the video about grammar:)
In videos like that there are a lot ていく
説明していきます・～見ていきます
書いていきます
Hi, Maggie, thank you!!
I have one question.
I sometimes see it in different videos. For example, a girl comes to the cafe, and orders food. She shows what she orders, for example, a cake. Then says about this cake “食べていきます”. What kind of idea of ていく is that?
Also, i often hear something like 説明していきます、見ていきます in the situations like the above one.
what does it mean?
食べていきます = I will eat (and leave the restaurant)
It implies the speaker goes somewhere after they eat.
So you can’t use this expression when you eat at home.
説明していきます/見ていきます
In this case, it doesn’t imply any movement.
You use ていきます when you express the process of explaining/seeing something.
If you just say 説明します/見ます, it could be just one time action.
By using Vていきます, you can express what you are going to do (for a certain period of time).
good night maggie. I found the following sentence and I had doubts about the function of も: 悲しいことも隠して笑う.
in the translated sentence there was no “too” or “even”, so I was wondering what the function of も is in this sentence.
Hi Theseus
That も means “even” sad things.
Good afternoon Maggie. I came across the following sentence: ゴミは出さない持ち込まない. I would like to know if it is correct, because I don’t know if two verbs in the negative form in a row are correct.
Hi Kadoc,
It must be a catchphrase so they combined two sentences.
ゴミは出さない。 (そして(ゴミを)）持ち込まない
It looks like one sentence but it is actually two sentences and omitted そして
Hello sensei, thank you and have a nice day
i want to ask, what is the meaning of
蝮があの世で泣いている
thank you very much
Hi Alex
あの世 is afterlife, another world
The viper is crying in another world.(or in the grave)
Hello sensei,
Is this some form of ことわざ？
I see it when people (usually on twitter) feeling disappointed about something.
Right. あの世で泣いている or 草葉の陰（くさばのかげ）で泣いている are the expression when someone does something bad and that makes their deceased family or friends (someone close) who are already dead sad or disappointed.
I see, thank you very much sensei
どういたしまして :)
Hello maggie sensei,
always thank you for your help
can ついでに and がてら used interchangeably?
please show me the sentences
Hello
Ah, I think many dictionaries said がてら = ついでに = taking the opportunity
but they are slightly different.
AのついでにB (The main action is A. While you are at A, do B)
AがてらB (the same as above or to do B because one gets to do A at the same time)
For example,
散歩のついでにパン屋に行ってきた。The main action is 散歩
散歩がてらパン屋に行ってきた。You can use this when the main action is パン屋に行く and the speaker thinks going to the bakery will be a nice walk for him/her.
運動がてら自転車に乗って会社に行った。
I went to the office by bike because I can get some exercise at the same time.
going to the office by bike = good exercises.
運動のついでに自転車に乗って会社に行った is not natural.It sounds like the main action is doing exercises
You can’t use がてら when you do two actions at the same place.
スーパーに来たついでにバターを買った。
X がてら
thank you very much sensei
You’re welcome! 遅刻しないでね😉
Good night Maggie. Can you tell me why the verb 遅刻して is in the Te form in the following sentence: 遅刻して申し訳ありません。
Hello Pepe,
遅刻して申し訳ありません。 = I am sorry I am late.
This te-form indicates the reason why you apologize →”for being late”
Thanks Maggie for the reply. I have one more doubt. I found the following sentence: 友達が昨日とは違うことを言っていてムカつく
I would like to know the role of と (after 昨日) in this sentence.
Hi Pepe,
One of the usages of と is to expresses the relationship between two things/parties.
A is the same as B. = A は Bと同じ
A is different from B. = AはBと違う
So in this case A: 昨日まで友達が言っていたこと and B 今日言っていること
Hello Maggie sensei,
Thank you very much and have a good day
can i ask you the difference of these below words?
夜半・真夜中・夜中・夜分
You can also explain me both in English or Japanese if you need to put a detail.
Again thank you very much sensei
1) 夜中 = middle of night (It is a general term to refer to middle of night)
2) 真夜中 = around midnight (You use it when you emphasize 夜中)
3) 夜半 (technically around 23:00 ~ 1:00) Compared to 1) and 2) it is used more in written form or formal news.
4) 夜分 The most common way to use this word is 夜分遅く (late at night) and when you apologize for bothering someone late at night.
夜分遅く申し訳ありません。Sorry to bother you this late.
こんにちは、ルナ
的と上の使い方は違いますが、（健康上の理由 (x健康的な理由）, 健康的な生活 ( X 健康上の生活））
以下のような場合は、同じ意味です。形だけ注意が必要です。
理論上は、可能だ。 = 理論的には可能だ。 = It is possible in theory/Theoretically possible
技術上、難しい = 技術的に難しい Technically difficult
技術上の問題 = 技術的な問題 = Technical problem
good afternoon maggie. I found this phrase and I had some questions that I wish you could answer. the sentence is:
主を守り、主を助け、主の為に尽くす―――
盾持ちや首捕り武者なぞ遠く及ばぬ、 これこそ我らが忠道なり。
1) what does it mean: 遠く及ばぬ? I didn’t understand the function of 遠く in this sentence
2) what does it mean: 忠道なり?
3) why is 捕り as a noun and not a verb?
Hello
This is classical Japanese
1) 遠く means “far”
及ばぬ in modern Japanese is 及ばない
So 遠く及ばぬ means nowhere near / far from ~ (it doesn’t have to be the physical distance.)
The people like 盾持ちや首捕り武者 can not not reach us.
2) 忠実なり in modern Japanese is 忠実である = our faith
3) 〜捕り is a noun. headhunter(s)
Good afternoon teacher Maggie. I found two sentences and I have some doubts. The first sentence is: ランダムに生命を作っていたらあるとき人間のオスそっくりで筋力旺盛な魔獣が生まれた。
I would like to know the function of で in this sentence
The second sentence is: そうして、我々の歴史は幕を閉じた。宇宙からの侵略が始まって ９０日。地球は完全に漂白された惑星なった。
I would like to know the function of の in this sentence (after 宇宙から)
Hello Kulio34
1) The function of で in the first sentence is “and” そっくり is a na-adjective (そっくりな）.
When you connect na-adjective or a noun, you use で
2) You see the structure here?
宇宙（noun) + から (particle) + の + 侵略 ( noun )
the invasion from the universe
I have a lesson on this の Check this lesson. The link is here.
so to join two NA-adjectives is it necessary to use で?
Yes, that’s right.
Good morning Maggie, I ended up coming across the following sentence: 一度の奇跡で魔術王と呼ばれた王さまソロモン. I would like to know two things: 1) if there is any difference if i replace 一度 with 一 and 2) why they used 一度 instead of 一
Thanks,
Paulo
Hello Paulo
You can not replace 一度 with 一
一度 means “one time/once”. 度 is a counter for how many miracles happened. In this case, it happened once.
If you count miracle itself, you can say 一つの奇跡
so can i replace 一度 with 一つ? thanks for the answer
Yes, but the nuance changes.
一つの奇跡 = one miracle
一度の奇跡 = one-time miracle (←the miracle that happened once)
Hello Maggie Sensei,
Finally, I can again visit Japan. Since my first visit there has been a question that I have been wondering about. How would a Japanese person ask for their room key?
I knew only about 73 Japanese words (and numbers) on my first trip. I asked reception how to ask for my key and was told that just saying the room number was OK. So, 363 = san roku san. And, yes, it worked. I always got my room key. In one case, in Kansai, the receptionist replied to “363” with “363で”.
I want to do better this time. I notice that you use 号室. So, it would be better to say:
363号室おねがいします, or
363号室のかぎおねがいします.
Using overly polite language (in any language) sometimes creates complications for me, but would
“363号室のかぎ呉れてもらえますおねがいします” be OK? That’s not something I would want to say 3 times a day for a week.
Thanks again for your comments. Yes, I am curious about how I will manage this time with my Japanese language “skills”. My biggest problem now is not being able to practice speaking, except to myself.
For example, with “号室” I of course pronounce it “Gō shitsu”. Native speakers say something that sounds like “Gō sts” to me. It is all part of the fun of learning a language.
I have one more question (if you don’t mind), which I will post somewhere else.
I went to 4 different hotels. Three of them gave me a key card. I never had to ask for a room key. At the 4th hotel the reception staff recognized me after 2 days and usually gave me my room key even before I asked for it.
Sometimes, speaking Japanese can be very easy.
Hi Michael
😆 Too bad that you couldn’t get to use Japanese at the hotels.
I hope you got to speak Japanese while you were in Japan. Are you still in Japan?
Hello Maggie,
I am no longer in Japan, unfortunately.
There were a lot of opportunities to speak Japanese, and to make a lot of mistakes.
Most of my day to day practical dealings were in Japanese — hotels, restaurants and so on. Probably as a result of my listening practice (watching TV) my passive comprehension was quite good, within the limits of my vocabulary. I could understand some things even when I wasn’t paying 100% attention. Also, all your examples in your lessons taught me to not depend on knowing just a few fixed sentences.
This made daily life feel more normal, because I could understand more of what was going on around me. And this meant more freedom in what I could do (not limited to tourist-friendly English) and also resulted in some more human interactions.
On the other hand, the complication was that my passive comprehension was a lot quicker than my ability to speak (it took more time to remember words), so my speaking speed was always lagging behind what I could understand. It was frustrating, but just a matter of needing more practice talking in the real world.
My concerns about not being understood were completely unfounded. It was obvious that my ‘accent’ (in other words, my sloppy pronunciation) sometimes confused a Japanese listener. It was actually better for me to speak slowly and clearly.
Michael
Thank you for sharing your precious experiences in Japan.
I am glad to hear you got to interact with Japanese people and use Japanese.
I do believe all your experiences will motivate you to learn Japanese more. 😉
Hello Alexa,
This たら means “if”. (conditional)
I assume they were talking about something and this person is saying he/she would do that if he/she thinks that is right.
A question concerning 下手 vs. 貧弱.
下手 is the word beginners learn, such as in: 日本語が下手です.
It seems to carry the nuance of ability/skill, being good or not at something.
Would the word 貧弱 also be appropriate in some circumstances, where ability is not the issue? For example:
A: 私の日常会話能力は貧弱です.
B: 何故ですか.
A: 語彙が小さすぎるから.
As a roughly literal translation from English, this sounds more “normal” to me because skill/ability is not the problem, but rather a small vocabulary size.
I realize that making literal translations from how I think in English does not always work. Native speakers of a different language just think/talk differently.
Thanks for your assistance.
Michael
Hello Michael
A: 私の日常会話能力は貧弱です.I guess you can say that but you might see/hear more with 低い with 能力.
When you are talking about 語彙, you can say 貧弱な語彙 /語彙が貧弱
A: 語彙が小さすぎるから.
→語彙が少ないから
You can also say 語彙力が乏しい (= とぼしい)
Thank you very much.
My problem was as much with English as it was with Japanese, since there are many ways in which I could talk in English about poor vocabulary.
For example, it is common for beginners in English to confuse “few” with “small” (it depends partly on the noun being used).
So, I was having the same problem, but in the opposite direction.
When you (as usual) give examples with alternate words and alternate grammar, it helps me develop my intuition for the creative aspect of language.
I like the word 乏しい. It comes close to what I was trying to say.
You’re very welcome.
I’m always here for you. :)
Hi Maggie sensei
Please can you explain to me the difference between: saisho, mazu, hajime and hajimete and also the contexte in which each is used as some of them May mean the same thing . I get a little bit confuse, because i read many of these words can mean “the beginning”, “first”, “firstly”, “first of all”.
Thank you for your help
Hello, Yenicall
When you talk about something in order,
firstly/ first of all →you can say either “mazu”/”hajimeni”/”saisho ni”
When you does/did something for the first time
hajimete
in the beginning of something you use hajime/saisho
Ex. hajime or saisho kara wakatte ita. = I knew from the beginning.
Thank you for your Quick response.
どういたしまして🐶💕
Hi maggie
What is the meaning of the following? This is a song by the way.
大人 の 振り して 諦めちゃ
奇跡 の 謎 など 解けない よ
もっと ワイルド に もっと 逞しく 生きて ご覧
To give up being an adult is like an unsolvable miracle puzzle OR
Stop being an adult is hard.
Did I get it right?
ありがとう
Hi soleyman
If you give up acting (or pretending) like an adult
you are going to be able to solve the mystery of miracle.
While 後ろめたい means “feeling guilty about something” and expresses one’s feelings of regret
「悪びれる」 expresses one’s attitude and you usually use 「悪びれる」 in a negative sentence.
悪びれることなく
悪びれる様子もない
The literal meaning, without showing one’s guilty feelings.
Even though you did something bad, you behave/act as if you don’t feel bad in an unapologetic manner
承知いたしました。
つまり意味がほとんど似ている割に使い方は違うことが多いということでいいでしょうか
最後にもうひとつの質問ですが「慢性的」と「批判的」は同じの意味ですか？
よろしくお願いします
慢性的 = chronic
批判的 = critical, judgmentalで意味が違います。
ありがとうございます。先生のお陰で勉強も着実に捗ります。
いいえ〜これからもがんばって勉強続けてくださいね。
Maggie-sensei a new question to you
Using “nasaru” (なさる) in the short combination form なさい (nasai):
e.g.: この kono 本hon をwo 読みyomi なさいnasai = read this book.
Is this an ORDER and therefore not Polite? My grammar books says so.
BUT you also say : お帰りなさい (o-kaeri nasai = “do coming back” / welcome home)
A hotel in Hokkaida has the name ” XXX kaeri-nasai” = XXX do come back, and this must be polite!
So how “careful” do you have to be in using なさい (nasai) in polite and respectful conversation?
If you wish to say “please read this book” in a really COURTEOUS way I guess you would say:
“Kono hon o yonde kudasai” (please read this book)
OR very, very polite: “doka, (anata wa) kono hon o yonde kudasaimasen deshou ka” (would you not please read this book?) (“would you not please give to me reading this book)
OR even: “doka, (watashi wa) kono hon o yonde itadakemasen desho ka?” (please, could I not receive “from you” reading this book)
Jens Hoeg
Hi Jens
おかえりなさい means 1) Go home now. 2) Welcome back
おやすみなさい 1) Go to sleep/Sleep now. 2) Good night.
These two expressions have two meanings. One is for giving an order and one is to greet someone.
Other than these two greetings(If I think of other example, I will add it to this comment later) , you should be careful who you use なさい (=nasai) with.
You can only use this form when you want to tell someone to do/not to do something in a strong way.
どうか ( = douka) adds the nuance of “I beg you” and express one’s strong desire
So the formality level is
very formal
このほんをよんでいただけませんでしょうか
Kono hon wo yonde itadakemasen deshouka
or このほんをよんでくださいませんでしょうか
Kono hon wo yonde kudasaimasen deshouka?
↓
このほんをよんでください。
Kono hon wo yonde kudasai.
Please use this book.
↓
(casual) このほんをよんで
= Kono hon wo yonde
↓
(command)
このほんをよみなさい
= Kono hon wo yominasai
↓
(much stronger command
このほんをよめ
= Kono hon wo yome
Please check my meireikei lesson. The link is here.
Thanks MAGGIE
Wjat you say reflects exactly what is stated in my Essential Japanese Grammar Book. I asked because my friend Yusa-sensei at Nara Josei Daigaku said that he felt no offense in using ###-nasai. But I guess he was thinking of special uses and occasions! What yoy say agrees with my feeling that NASAI is something a teacher might say to pupils and reflect a request which is almost a command.
The degree from very polite request to the very strong command like “YOME” is clear to me now. I also now that the “strong command” can be used in like in “GANBATTTE” where it does NOT reflect a command but rather an encouragement.
Right. When you cheer someone up, or encourage them, you do say Ganbatte or Ganbare.
And as for nasai, when parents tell their children to do something, they use ~なさい.
I wouldn’t say it’s offensive at all. It is just a matter of your relationships.(older people →younger people, adults →children, etc.)
But you don’t use nasai or ~te to a stranger.
Maggie-sensei From Jens Hoeg your very recent patron :-) Question: how would you say “all over the world in Japanese” Like all over the world: Would you use “yo (no)” or “sekai (no)” for “world” and would “all over be “itaru tokoro (de ni) or “doko demo” or something like “doko ni mo”
I guess “itaru tokoro (de ni) or “doko demo” is more like “everywhere”? Sensei, it is O.K. to include kana in your reply, I am ascending the learning curve and you cannot penetrate into Nihon-go without using kana.
Hello Jens,
all over the world
→There are a few ways to say this.
The most common one is
= せかいじゅう ( = sekaijuu)
But as you said, you can also say せかいのいたるところ +に/で( = sekai no itaru tokoro ni/de) or せかいのあらゆるところ+に/で ( = Sekai no arayuru tokoro + ni/de)
anyway in the world will be
せかいのどこでも = sekai no doko demo
I hope it helps. :)
And ありがとう for considering to join my Patreon！
Hello Sensei. Can you tell me the meaning of しっかり and しっかりできている in this sentence: 彼と戦う覚悟は、 しっかりできている。?
Hello Paulo
しっかり means “solid, firmly” and it modifies 覚悟ができている = made up one’s mind
→made a solid decision
Hello. May I ask if we can use the たい form of a verb with ために when we want to express the cause. For example, would the following sentence be correct in Japanese:ゆかさんは大学に入りたいために、毎日勉強しています。
You don’t use たいために. You say 入るため. If you want to use たい, you can say 入りたいので/ 入りたいから
One exception: There is an expression to emphasize the desire
入りたいがために. You see this form more in written forms.
Maggie-sensei, sumimasen ga, anata ni shitsumon ga arimasu:
Concerning Potential forms of Verbs you can use “V-koto ga dekiru) or the true Potential form (V+eru/rareru). For the latter, where is the accent? Example “oyogu” (swim) How is the pronounciation of Vmasu (oyogimasu) compared to Vpot (oyogenasu)? Or “kakimasi” vs. “kakemasu (can write)” same for RU verbs. Where is the accent in e.g. “miraremasu” (can see). Jens Hoeg in Denmark – Copenhagen no Daigaku but often at Nara Josei Daigaku :-)
Hello Jens,
I wish I could link the audio file for you here.
Basically the accent falls on ま with whether it’s regular masu-form or potential masu-form.
およげます
かけます
みられます
Maggie-sensei. Anata no benri-na henji o, arigato gozaimashita. Yoku wakarimasu! Watashi wa ima Nihon e Nara Josei Daigaku de hataraki-ni ju-kai gurai ita-koto ga arimasu Mo yoku chotto Nihon-go o hanashite imasu ga, zannen desu, kana to kanji ga mada wakarimasen. Shikashi saikin ni Kana no “flashcards” o katte benkyo-shite imasu. Kana o wakaru-no wa mukashi-kunai da to omoimasu. Sorai ni anata ni kana de shitsumon o o-tazune itasu to nozimimasu. Iensu
Dou itashimashite. Hiragana & Katakana no benkyou ganbatte kudasai.:)
Hai Maggie senxse. Nihon-go o yoku benkyo-koto suru tame ni, watakushi wa mamonaku anata no hosho-nin ni narimasu. Chotte matte kudasai! Harau-koto suru tame ni Mastercard o mitsukenakute wa narimasen yo!
Arigatou gozaimasu.🙏☺️
こんにちはマギー先生！教えてくれてありがとう。
質問があります。
The ないで/ずに grammar structure, how can you add an additional verb or action.
Example: 食べないで出てしまった = I left without eating.
What if I want to say “I left without eating and sleeping” how would I say and?
こんにちは Lee
For that particular example it is unnatural to say
X 食べないで寝ないで出てしまった。/X 食べずに寝ずに出てしまった。
Connecting with vこと＋も
何も食べることも寝ることもなく
Connecting with masu-stem 食べ＋寝 +も
食べも寝もしないで出て行ってしまった。
Sometimes you mix the forms
何も食べず寝もしないで
何も食べることもなく寝ないで出て行ってしまった
た
I apologize for posting again. my notebook has a problem and i don’t know if the question is being sent.
Hello Maggie. I have some doubts about the following sentence I found in a manga: 何? 驚くことはない。 夢みたいにものさ。目覚めれば忘れる.君に行ってほしいところがある。それなりに賑やかなところだよ。真面目な君のことだ。償い足りないなんて感じているだろう？うんうんわかるとも。
1) what is the meaning of それなりに? would be something close to “kind of”, “quite” or “somewhat”
2) what is the function of さ after もの?
3) what is the function of とも after わかる?
HI Rafael/Thiago/Marus/Berelo
First I received all your questions. Sorry. Sometimes it takes time to approve the comments so please be patient. Since all the questions were the same, I deleted the previous ones.
１） それなりに in its own way. Maybe the place is not very lively but it is lively in its own way.
I have a lesson on なりに The link is here.
2) さ is a casual suffix to express one’s opinion.
3) This とも is to show one’s strong agreement or emphasize what comes before.
わかる→わかるとも
知っています→知っていますとも
I know →I do know
Hi Maggie sensei,
I have ２ question about this lesson
in this lesson, sensei wrote that
X 山田さんが加藤さんにお菓子をくれた。→wrong!
we are all agree that くれる is use for “family group or very close friends”
but today, my Japanese co-worker asked me that
このかばん、誰が買ってくれた？
I just don’t understand that why he used “くれた” instead of “あげた”、he’s not in my “family group”, and he also don’t really know that the one bought me a bag is one of my family or not?
I got confused about this example too:
“= Can you give the sweets to my son?
You can also say
そのお菓子を息子にもらえますか？”
isn’t it should be translate to “can I received the sweets from my son”?
because in ~もらう grammar, the one go with に・から is the one we received things from?
Hello ルアン
山田さんが加藤さんにお菓子をくれた
In this case, if the two parties, 山田さん and 加藤さん are not related to the speaker, it sounds unnatural.
You say 誰が買ってくれた？ (Who bought the bag for you?) or 誰に買ってもらったの？ (Who did you get the bag from?) to someone who is close to you based on the idea or assumption that someone else bought the bag for you. (In this case, the giver could be your family , customers, friends, etc.)
This phrase only works with someone close to you, equal to you or superior (who has been working more than you have or for the same period of time.)
Thank you so much maggie sensei
Can you explain this for me too?
“= Can you give the sweets to my son?
You can also say
そのお菓子を息子にもらえますか？”
isn’t it should be translate to “can I received the sweets from my son”?
because in ~もらう grammar, the one go with に・から is the one we received things from?
It’s written in this lesson too
If the sentence is
そのお菓子は (or を） 息子にもらった
Then, it could be I received this snack for my son (from someone) or I received the snack from my son.
However, そのお菓子を息子にもらえますか？ is a request.
If you are asking your son to give you the snack, you wouldn’t say 息子に
You are obviously asking the listener so it won’t be translated can I received the sweets from my son”?
Good night Maggie. Can you tell me the function of 間に in this sentence: 主神ゼウスと人間の娘との間に生まれた半神半人の英雄。I couldn’t understand that word even after reading your explanation you made.
Could you also tell me the function of the も particle in this sentence: これは相当な手練れ。我が愛馬にも匹敵する怪物女王。
Hello Leonarudo
This 間 means “between”
Here is the basic structure of this sentence.
~はAとBの間に生まれた
= ~ was born between A and B
~ is demigod hero who was born between zeus and human.
***
これは相当な手練れ。我が愛馬にも匹敵する怪物女王。
我が愛馬に匹敵する to be equal to my horse/to be a match for my horse
By adding も you can add the nuance of “even”
我が愛馬にも匹敵する to be even equal to my horse//to be even a match for my horse
They are both translated “certificate” and it could be confusing but
認定書 is a document to approve one’s ability/ qualification/ license.
証明書 is a document to certify something/ to prove authentication
I will give you some typical examples.
インストラクター認定書 Instructor authorization
大臣認定書 = certification from the Minister
Hi Maggie Sensei! I love your use of example sentences for teaching, I find it super helpful :)
One question: is it possible to attach がち to a negative verb/adjective ending? Like, in order to say things like “I don’t tend to forget people’s names,” could we say “人の名前を忘れないがち”？
You don’t use the negative form with がち so you don’t say X 忘れないがち
忘れがち = tend to forget people’s name
The opposite will be “tend to remember people’s name” but it sounds unnatural even in English because you are supposed to remember people’s name.
So you just say
人の名前をよく覚えている。
If it is the context such as “You tend to remember things (which you don’t need to remember/in the way you are not supposed to), you can use 覚えがち
Ex. 人の名前を間違って覚えがちだ。
Hi, 先生！I’ve come back to this post a couple times, but I just can’t figure out which meaning of 限る is being used in this:
「俺、絶対に結婚遅いタイプだわー。…え？そういう奴に限って？んなわけねーし！」
This line is from a game I log into from time to time to practice Japanese. When you click on the character on the home screen, they talk. In this particular example, I guess the “…” represents the character listening to our response, which is apparently 「そういうやつに限って」.
But I’m confused. If I were to reconstruct the conversation, it would be:
Character: 俺、絶対に結婚遅いタイプだわー。
I’m totally the type to get married late.
Me: そういう奴に限りますね。
Yeah, you’re limited to that type of person (?????)
Character: んなわけねーし。
No way/Of course not.
That’s not a conversation that makes very much sense to me. Basically the character says something, I agree, then he suddenly says the opposite? I’m definitely missing something here…
I added a little note for you.
★Talking about opposite characteristics of what people would think, assume. (You may think A is ~ but actually it/he/she is quite opposite)
Ex. 威張っている人に限って気が弱い。
= Those who are arrogant tend to be cowards.
そういうやつに限って is the same usage of this one.
The speaker didn’t finish the sentence but
そういうやつに限って結婚が早いかもしれない*…んなわけないし
The one who says “I am getting married later in life” tends to get married (early)…. No, I’ll take it back. There is no way.
I want to ask something
Yesterday My twitter account receive invitation of strange account
(Apparently a boy on his age of 22)
it says like this
R-18垢、ほぼ見る専の童貞裏垢男子です。夜行性。
22歳になりました
Maybe it is a bad word (I’am not sure)
What is the meaning of “ほぼ見る専” here
thanks, sorry if it is rude to ask
Hi カタリナ
But ほぼ = almost
見る専 is an abbreviation of 見る専門. So if it is for Twitter, he just reads people’s tweets and he almost never tweets.
It sounds very suspicious so I think you should just ignore the invitation.
Hello sensei, thank you for your advice.
Already blocked him
Sorry for late reply
Thank very much 忝ない
You’re very welcome! :)
Hello again, Maggie sensei
I have a question about べき and ものではない
both have the same meaning and can i use it in casual conversation?
For example: そんなことをすべきではない －そんなことをするものではない
Thanks again!
Hello Rafael
They are both a bit formal but you can hear them in conversation.
But in casual conversation, you say
そんなことはやってはいけないよ。
→more casual そんなことやっちゃだめだよ。/やっちゃいけないよ
Can you elaborate on the negative versions?
大きな目 not so big?
少なめで not so much, less?
Could you give me some example sentences with the negative usage?
Technically the negative form is
大きめではない/大きめじゃない
少なめではない/少なめじゃない
but it is rare to use these forms. You just use the opposite words, 小さめ, 多め
The only case that you use the negative forms will be when you deny what someone just said.
Ex. 「ご飯、少なめでいい？」 Would small serving of rice be OK with you?
「少なめじゃなくて普通にもって」 Serve me regular portion not small portion.
Could you please explain the second example under 3) Conditional sentences?
チャラくみえる人が実はまじめだったりするんだよね。
I think I understand the first example, but in this one it looks like たりする means something similar to かもしれない
In fact if I hadn’t seen your translation I would’ve completely misinterpreted the meaning of the sentence, as I was thinking of something along the lines “but he actually happens to be serious, you know”.
You can rephrase the sentence with かもしれない → まじめかもしれない
The nuance difference is, たりする is more vague compare to かもしれない
You bring up some possibilities more softly with たりする avoiding direct expression
People tend to think shallow looking guys are not serious. But they could be serious. (there are cases such as they are serious.)
文 and 文章 both could be the same, a sentence.
But 文 is one sentence but 文章 could be multiple sentences ( more than one sentence)
文書 means “documents”
Hi maggie sensei. I saw a sentence that had the word また別 and I saw that it translates as another or different in some sites. I would like to know what the difference between this word and 別, 区別 or 違い.
Ah OK, so it was the same as my example sentence. :)
Hello Maggie-sensei!
Thank you so much for providing us with such good lessons that are easy to understand! I stumbled across a sentence recently including 「つく」. It goes like this:
このスイッチを押すと電気がつく。
And was translated as: The light comes on when you press this switch.
I have two questions. The first one is: I would like to know why 電気 was translated as light and the second one is what’s the meaning of オマケつき.
Hello Maggie sensei! Thank you very much for your thorough explanation.
However, I have come across a sentence in which instead of ことがありません, they use ことがありませんでした. The sentence is 日本に来る前に海を見たことがありませんでした。日本に来て、初めて見ました。In my opinion, following this lesson I would have opted for ことがありません. The past tense is already used in 見た. However, according to the key, it’s wrong. Could you please explain it?
Hello Sky
You can decide which tense to use depending on the time which you focus on.
日本に来る前 = before I came to Japan. This is the past. When are talking about your past experience in the past you use the past tense 見たことがありませんでした。
If you are talking about your experience up to now.
I have never seen the ocean (→I haven’t seen the ocean up to now.)
The focus time is “now” so you say 海を見たことがありません。
自身 = oneself
Ex. 私/自分自身のための作品 = the artwork for myself/oneself
自ら = 自分から何かをする = to do something voluntarily, to do something personally
Ex. 自ら手伝う= to help someone voluntarily
Can you check this sentence whether it is natural or not?
悲しくて泣いているではなく寂しいからです
Hello ケンタおじいさん
悲しくて泣いているではなく寂しいからです
Your sentence is OK.
You might see the full sentence more, though.
悲しくて泣いているではなく寂しいから泣いているのです。
Or if you want to finish the sentence with からです, you can also say
泣いているのは悲しいのではなく寂しいからです。
Hello sensei thank you very much for your help
You’re very welcome! :)
Hello Maggie-sensei 😊
I have a little question. I reviewed this grammar point with the book “新完全マスター文法 日本語能力試験Ｎ３”. The book talks about another function of -ていく and -てくる but I don’t quite understand it because there is only two examples. The function is “A movement or shift occurring after an action” and the examples are “出かけるとき、天気予報を見てきました” and “荷物はここに預けていこう”. My question is fuzzy, but I don’t really understand the difference with the function of doing something and coming back, and doing an action without coming back. If you can enlighten me. お願いします🤗
You connect two actions with te-form.
You do A and then do B.
If the verb B is 行く or 来る,
you do something (A) and you go somewhere or you come somewhere.
(You can rephrase them with から）
1) 出かけるとき、天気予報を見てきました （←天気予報を見てからきました）
I checked the weather report (action A) when I left the house and came here*(acton B)
(*wherever the speaker is now.)
2) 荷物はここに預けていこう (←荷物をここに預けてからいこう）
I will leave your bag (action A) here and go somewhere (action B).
So these two examples happened to have verbs, 行く/来る but you can use other verbs.
I had lunch and went out →昼ごはんを食べて出かけた。(←昼ごはんを食べてから出かけた)
We talked about it and then decided. →よく話し合って決めた。(←よく話し合ってから決めた）
Thank you very much for your quick response 😊. It’s clear to me now, I didn’t realize that in this case -て was only used to connect 2 actions. Thanks for the explanation and additional examples 😁.
Hi Maggie,
何なに も can mean everything / anything
誰だれ も can mean everyone / anyone
どこ も can mean everywhere / anywhere
Is 何なに も and ぜんぶ interchange able? The following sentences have same meaning?
ぜんぶ ほしい。 何なに も ほしい。 I want everything
ぜんぶ たべました。 何なに も たべました。 I ate everything
ぜんぶ みました。 何なに も みました。 I saw everything
ぜんぶ きこえました。 何なに も きこえました。 I heard everything
Is 誰だれ も and みんな interchange able? The following sentences have same meaning?
うた を みんな で うたいます。 誰だれ も うた を うたいます。 I will sing songs with everyone
いつも みんな に やさしい。 誰だれ も いつも やさしい。 always be kind to everyone
はやく みんな に あいたい です。 はやく 誰だれ も あいたい です。 I want to meet everyone quickly
Is this sentence correct?
うんどうかい で 人間 ピラミッド を くずれました
At the company sports meet, our human pyramid fell
How do you say 店 for the following? – ten or mise
A shop that sells handmade goods
手づくり の 店。
手づくり 店。
ありがとう, せんせい
Hello soleyman,
1) 何なに も →You mean 何も ( = なにも）？ If so, 何も is used in a negative sentence and it means “not to ~ anything” “nothing” and it doesn’t mean everything. (何もない = There is nothing. 何も食べるものがない I don’t have anything to eat.)
If you say 何でも then it means “anything” or “everything”
You can say 何でも欲しい= I want anything.
It is slightly different from 全部 = everything
2) 誰だれ も →I think you mean 誰も ( = だれも）. And it means nobody / not ~ anybody
Ex. 誰もいない = There is nobody. Ex. 誰も行かない = Nobody wants to go.
FYI 誰でも means “anybody”
Again, it is slightly different from みんな = everybody
3) 人間 ピラミッド を くずれました→人間ピラミッドがくずれました
4) 手づくりの店= みせ
手作り店 is not common.
Hello Maggie-sensei!
Thank you so much for providing us with such good lessons that are easy to understand! I stumbled across a sentence recently including 「のに」. It goes like this:
これは練習、マスターと僕の戦いの為のなのに本気にな落ち込む。
I have two questions. The first one is about what is the difference between ための and ために, the second is if the な (after 本気に) and the 、 have some function inside that sentence or you can remove them without having any problem.
1) There is a hidden noun after 為の
マスターと僕の戦いのための（練習 or もの）なのに
Since the word 練習 is already mentioned, you don’t have to say 練習 again and just say ための
(You can sometimes rephrase it with もの as well)
You often omit the noun and just use の
(Check my の lesson if you want to learn more. The link is here.)
So though you use の instead of the nouns 練習/もの, ための is considered as a noun so you use なのに
Noun + なのに
2) Is it one phrase? There is no space between 本気にな and 落ち込む？
If so, I think it is a typo. 本気に落ち込む （本気に is an adverb which modifies the following verb, 落ち込む)
I couldn’t understand the difference between たらすぐに vs 次第
and ofcourse i came across another similar grammer
するとすぐに and~か~ないかのうちに
so please teach us the difference between this four
As for the difference between すぐに and たらすぐに
I explained in this lesson so please read the note. (Basically they means the same, as soon as but 次第 is more formal and たらすぐに is more conversational. But there are cases that you can not rephrase たらすぐ with 次第. Read Note. 2)
するとすぐに vs たらすぐに
Are very similar as well and they can be interchangeable.
As soon as he got home, he went out.
彼は家に着くとすぐに出かけた
= 彼は家に着いたらすぐに出かけた
The difference:
１）verb dictionary form + とすぐに →focusing on the action itself
2) Vたらすぐに →focusing of the completion of the action
You can not use 1) when you tell someone what to do
Ex. 家に着いたらすぐに電話をください。 = Call me as soon as you get home.
→X You can’t say 家につくとすぐに電話をください。
You use 1) when you talk about the past or daily routine.
~か~ないかのうちに is used when two actions are happening almost the same time.
家につくかつかないかのうちに can be right before you get home.
So you can’t say
家につくかつかないかのうちに電話をください。either.
Something was puzzling me about という, and I thought that Maggie Sensei would have the answer.
A beginner in any language first learns words and some stand-alone sentences. But, in daily life, people have conversations. They say things in response to what someone else has said, and often speak in half sentences. While watching TV I have recently noticed that という can be the first word that a person uses when saying something. This did not make sense to me, considering that a beginner learns to use という for quotes, definitions and so on, where という is in the middle of a sentence.
But, you give some examples in “(2) To summarize /boil down something” which fits what was puzzling me:
A: 「大きな台風が近づいています。」
B: 「ということは、明日は誰も学校に来ないということですね。」
という is being used to connect the meanings of two sentences/phrases, and in this case there are two different speakers and B is replying to and completing/modifying the thought of A.
Unfortunately, I still cannot translate spoken Japanese quickly enough to always be able to connect a series of spoken sentences. But, I’m always learning something, so there is progress.
Yes, you do start the sentence with ということは when you summarize what you just heard/read in conversation.
Another colloquial/casual way to say ということは is
ってことは>..(てことは…)
You may not learn this in the textbooks but you use/hear this a lot in conversation. 😉
Textbooks (and web resources) have their uses, for explaining the basic rules. Also, most language learning resources seem to focus on JLPT levels and .. JLPT4-5の問題点は、語彙の多くが観光客にとって役に立たないことです. But that is a different story. :-)
It’s probably impossible to learn how to speak from reading a book of rules. Especially because I am teaching myself, I occasionally am victim of what I learned first, since I don’t have anyone to warn me about complications. という was one example of this.
An even bigger problem for me was the particle けど. You wrote about it, saying “I think many of you know the usage of けど ( = kedo) as “but”.” Exactly. That was my problem. When listening to real conversations, I got the impression that ですけど was the most frequent way in which people end their sentences. They couldn’t always mean “but”. And once again your examples gave me a deeper insight into how the Japanese language works in practice.
相手をする means “to associate with someone/ to deal with someone/ to keep someone’s company/to play with someone”
So it depends on the context but it means
If you don’t accept it, I won’t hang out with you anymore, OK?
so the general meaning of 相手をする would be hang out and depending on the context you use the words you put as a translation, right?
the context of the phrase would be a boy challenges a girl to a competition, she accepted and arrogantly said that she would easily defeat him. after losing to him, he asks her to admit defeat and apologizes and if she doesn’t, he won’t partner up with her anymore.
してもいい is much more common
してよい is more literal and you usually see this form in written form.
Also してよいな is a bit dramatic expression and is used for a speech of an old male character in the story/anime/movie.
Hello sensei
What is the meaning of 都合のいい男
What is the difference between 都合のいいことをしか考えない
Thank you for your help sensei
Hello 太郎!
都合のいい男 has two meaning.
(someoneにとって）都合のいい男 = a convenient guy for someone (a person who says yes to everything) a guy who you can get advantage of.
And it also means “a guy who acts selfishly and doesn’t think about other people.”
Hello maggie sensei
いつもお世話になっております
I have a question about this sentence
彼女に見透かされているようで、なんとなくシャクだった
What is the meaning of “シャク” here?
Thank you
Hello! Wow! I feel flattered to hear your name. 😉
シャク is from an expression 癪に障る = しゃくにさわる (something gets on one’s nerves)
So なんとなくシャクだった here means “It was kind of annoying”
ありがとうございます、マギー先生
どういたしまして💖
Hello maggie sensei,
I have a doubt, i recently discovered this expression という感じ
which is very similar to かんな、こんな感じ、こういう感じ、そういう感じ。
so iwant to know what is the difference between という感じ and こう/そう/ああいう感じ
and こんな感じvsこんな vs このような/こういう感じ
sorry for lots of questions at once🙏
It is confusing me and hloding back to learn new grammer.
Once again sorry sensei for lots of question these past few days.
I’am thankful that i found a wonderful teacher like you💖🙏
~という感じ
と is used when you quote something
Ex. もう食べられないという感じだった。
= It was like “I can’t eat anymore.”
1) (casual) こんな→こういう→(more formal) このような感じ like this (referring something/someone right in front of you.)
2) (casual)そんな→そういう→(more formal)そのような感じ like that (referring something/someone a little bit farther than こういう)
3) (casual)あんな→ああいう→(more formal)あのような感じ like that (referring something/someone far from you.)
I have a question about ”ijou”. For example in this phrase: 一人でやると言った以上、他の人には頼めない。If i use ”kara” or ”node” will the meaning be the same?
Thanks again!
Hello Rafael,
以上、から、ので they all indicates the reason (because/so) but if you compare the following two sentences,
1) やると言った以上他の人には頼めない
2) やると言ったから/ので他の人には頼めない
1) expresses much stronger will/commitment than 2)
Now, からには is pretty similar to 以上は.
3) やると言ったからには他の人には頼めない
They both express one’s strong will/commitment.
Hello maggie sensei
thank you as always
can i ask you what is the meaning of
強いて言うなら
is it the same like (I don’t know exactly)
Hello アルパカ
強いて〜する = force oneself to do something
so
強いて言うなら means “If I must say / If I am forced to say”
thank you very much sensei
You’re welcome! :)
Hi sensei, i want to know what is the difference between そう and 感じ in the sense of looks like and seems like and i which situation we will use
優しい感じ
優しそう both translate as looks kind
I wouldn’t say there is much difference between 優しい感じの人 and 優しそうな人. You can both translate them “ a person who looks sweet”.
感じ: It is based on one’s feelings/impressions that one gets from that person./ sweetish person
そう:how the person looks / how one sees that person.
😄 Hi, Maggie sensei.
Thank you so much for this really useful lesson!!💗
I read a verse of a song that says:
「新ネタ仕入れたなんてね したり顔でtalkin’ talkin’… 」
The final 「なんで」 means anything in particular o is it just used to emphasize the sentence?
Also, in the phrase「あの子のアレコレ気になって センシティブな顔なんだって」… How is 「なんだって」used in this context?
Thanks in advance 💖.
1) This なんて is quoting what comes before, 「新ネタ仕入れた」. ~なんて（言って） Saying things like ~
2) In this case なんだって is quoting the reason.
I heard/He/She/Someone told me the reason why ~ is ~
So you heard the reason why someone has a sensitive face. And tell someone that reason why.
Ooh, I see. 「なんて」 is quoting what comes before.
Thank you very much for the explanation💗.
Regarding to “あの子のアレコレ気になって センシティブな顔なんだって”, what would be the correct way to translate it?
Now I think of it なんだって has another usage. When you make your point or explain something or giving a reason in a strong way about oneself. “I am telling you ~”
It depends on the context and it is kind of hard to tell which one by reading just one line.
I don’t do the translation here but if it is quoting,
“I heard ~ has a sensitive face because ~ can’t help thinking about her/him.”
If that person is explaining the reason himself/herself then
“I have a sensitive face because I can’t help thinking about her/him, OK?”
About ながら, can you use it in a sentence that mixes a verb of human/animate being action (歩く) and an intransitive verb of non-human action (付く)? Like this one:
道を歩きながら電気が付いた。
While walking in the street the lights came on (by themselves).
Maggie Sensei,
Another excellent article!
I was hoping you might be able to help clarify something though.
There seems to be disagreement about using 〜ない with ようになる.
My teacher and the book we are using (みんなの日本語) agree with you that なくなる should be used instead.
However there are quite a few examples online of なにようになる.
My wife (native Japanese) and several online teachers agree ないようになる can be used.
The opinions range from “ないようになる is not used very much” to “they mean the same thing”.
One person said “なくなる emphasizes the consequences of the change but ないようになる emphasizes the process of change”.
My wife thinks ないようになる might be used in a museum exhibit explanation.
Good question. I would say なくなる is much more common and it sounds more natural in many cases but you are right. I think I will add that information because some people do say that.
The difference between なくなる and ないようになる depends on the context but I agree with what you read. (consequences of the change and process of change)
Let’s compare the following two sentence.
With past tense
A ) （それ以来）彼は無駄なことをしなくなった。 (focusing on the consequences/results)
B ) （それ以来）彼は無駄なことをしないようになった。 (focusing on the process of how one became. )
Another difference is Vないようになった tends to describe slow change.
Vなくなった is used when the change could happened right after some incidence.
I appreciate your additional information and examples. I suppose it’s due to the subtlety and uncommonness of the usage of ないようになる that my teacher and book say to just use なくなる.
Note: I noticed a typo in my 1st message and also one in your reply.
Mine: “However there are quite a few examples online of な[に]ようになる.”
Should be “…… examples online of な[い]ようになる.”
Yours: “The difference between なくなる and ないように{する} depends on the context…..”
Should be “The difference between なくなる and ないように{なる} depends on the context….”
I only mention them because I’m concerned they might confuse a future reader. I don’t know how these things work but if possible can you edit the posts?
Thank you again for your reply and all your detailed explanations,
-N
Thank you for spotting the typo. 🙏
I guess a lot of teachers/textbooks avoid teaching ないようになる because it may sound unnatural or less common but you are right. Some readers might get confused when they hear/see it somewhere. I should have mentioned. So thank you for your good question!
Thank you so much for providing us with such good lessons that are easy to understand! I stumbled across a sentence recently including 「方」. It goes like this:
1) 在り方 means “way of being”, “the way something is supposed to be”
心の在り方 the way you set your mind
2) と is to quote in this case 償い
償いというものは→(shorter way) 償いとは
3) で
See the pattern how you make a negative form of a noun
noun + です
→noun + ではない
こんにちはアンドレアス
〜もないのに is a very common patter なんの理由もないのに / 証拠もないのに
You can also say がないのに ,”there is no ~ “, but when you add the nuance of “not to even” or “any”, you use も
用がない not to have particular reasons
用もない not have any particular reasons
No Comments
Good evening maggie. The following sentence makes sense: 魔獣と交わることで根源を模索する魔術師もいたのかどうか
I was in doubt after seeing this sentence because I don’t know if it should be かどうか or か at the end.
Hello Matheus,
I wouldn’t leave this sentence with どうか
いたのかどうか+ わからない/不明である
If you want to show your surprised feelings
いたのか… works.
If you meant “I wonder if there was a magician ~” then, you can say いたのだろうか.
Good evening Maggie. I came across a sentence and didn’t understand part of it. The sentence is as follows: 明治時代の終わりにかけて英語亡国論を唱える人たちがいた.
I didn’t understand the part: 英語亡国論. Can you explain this part to me?
When I put it on Google Translate, it was translated as: theory of the exile of the English language, but I don’t understand how it got to that translation.
Hi Thiago
英語 = English language
亡国 = collapse of a country →国がなくなる / 滅びる こと the country will perish/be ruined
論 = theory
the theory that the English language would lead to the collapse of the country.
Dear Maggie Sensei,
What is the purpose of って in this sentence?
雨上がりの空って綺麗ですよね
Thank you!
Hi ami,
That って is to bring up a topic. You use って instead of は (or というのは)
The same function of the example sentence
Ex. マギーって (→は)かわいいね。
Hello Maggie sensei,
You have the question: 日本に来たのはこれで何回目ですか？
Answer 1: これで３回目です。
It is a simple substitution Q: 何回目→A: ３回目, and this is how people talk, even at airport immigration, and in other languages. In other words, drop the topic/subject and substitute the question word with the answer.
Grammatically, would a more complete answer be:
A2: 日本に来たのはこれで３回目です。
How about
A3: 私の日本に来たのはこれで３回目です。
The reason why I ask is that I found this sentence on the internet:
私にとって日本への訪問はこれで3番目です。
Even with the minor change of subject (‘number of visits’ instead of ‘number of times’), would a Japanese person ever say something like this? Especially ‘私にとって’ seems to be an unnecessarily complicated answer to a simple question.
Thanks in advance,
Michael (different ‘Michael’ from the other person below)
Hi Michael
私の日本に来たのはこれで３回目です。→Not natural
It will be more natural to omit the subject in conversation but if you include the subject it will be
A: 私が日本に来たのはこれで3回目です。 not 私の〜
The sentence you found on the internet
私にとって日本への訪問はこれで3番目です。should be 3回目.
B: 私にとって日本への訪問はこれで3回目です
A and B are grammatically correct but as you said it is an unnecessarily complicated answer to a simple question.
Also you don’t repeat the same words when it is obvious what you are talking about.
So the most natural way to answer the question will be これで3回目です。
Are you planning to come to Japan again? ☺️
Thanks for the reply.
Yes, I will be going to Japan next month, for 6 weeks. This time, I will mainly visit Okayama-ken, Shikoku, and Nara-ken.
My vocabulary is still too small, and I don’t get enough practice speaking. However, I’m getting better at improvising, rather than staying in a safe zone of scripted dialog (questions and answers). Also, for practical purposes, a person really does not need to speak complex, grammatically complete sentences. When I go to a restaurant or hotel or train station or konbini etc., it is obvious why I am there. If you know the key words, that is often enough.
Most people realize that you can’t speak much of the local language, and they almost automatically simplify. And, if I go somewhere, such as restaurant, especially when it isn’t very busy the staff are are quick to give some guidance with procedures (how to use tablet to place order), and so on.
So, sometimes it is stressful and embarrassing, with all the mistakes I make, but it is still an adventure.
Great!
You have a great attitude. I can already tell that you’re going to have an amazing time in Japan. Six weeks in Okayama, Shikoku, and Nara will be fantastic. And if you ever encounter any problems, just drop me a line.
I hope your next adventure will be fulfilling.
:-) Thanks
Michael
🐶❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for the lesson! I have noticed a typo in these sentences:
* 始める & 始める = はじまる & はじめる = hajimeru & hajimaru
= Kaigi no nihiji ga kiettei shita.
Thank you Luna!!
I fixed them. ☺️
Good afternoon Maggie. I looked up the definition of 後半 and got 前後二つに分けた、あとのほうの半分。
I didn’t understand the 前後二つに分けた part. Can you explain each part to me?
Hi Mario
If it is talking about the story (books, movies, etc.) 前後二つに分けた divided into two parts, the first part and the second(later) part
Thank you for this helpful article!
There is a very small typo in the romanization of one of the examples. The kana is fine!
→* 楽しみ = たのしみ = tanoshimi = pleasure
Ex. 来週のデートが楽しみだ。
= Raishuu no deeto ga tanoshimi ***ta*** → da
Hello Jesse
Thank you for spotting the typo. I fixed it. ありがとう！
Hi Maggie Sensei,
I had a question regarding the “determine” use of という in these sentences:
A.)冬に北海道に行ってみればどんなに寒いかということがわかるだろう。
If you go to Hokkaido in the winter, you will see how cold it is there.
B.)S子供に会えないということがどれだけ辛いかあなたにはわかりません。
You have no idea how hard it is not to be able to see your own child.
C.)できないとわかっていてもまずやってみるということが大切です。
Even if you know you can’t do it is important to at least try once.
a.) What does “determine” mean here?
b.) Could の be used in place of こと here? I know that often の can replace nouns, but I also know that というのは and ということは are different grammars. When can you use の in place of こと?
Because I heard these two kinds of sentences are equivalent:
彼がパーティーに来なかったということは知っている
彼がパーティーに来なかったというのは知っている
“I know that he didn’t come to the party”
Are there other examples where you can do this replacement?
As in, perhaps these two are these equivalent?:
まだ分からないということが嫌だ
まだ分からないというのが嫌だ
“I hate the fact that I don’t know yet”
Again, thank you so much, this is tricky grammar for me and helped a lot =)
Hi Silas
Good questions.
a.) What does “determine” mean here?
→I’m sorry. It is an old lesson but I think I meant “define”. Either way, let me revise it and add more explanation later.
Anyway, you use ということ attaching to a phrase and make the phrase into a noun.
b.) Could の be used in place of こと here?
→Yes, you can rephrase the sentences with の in the usage (1)
まだ分からないということが嫌だ OK
まだ分からないというのが嫌だ OK or simply 分からないのが嫌だ
By using という, it adds more explanatory tone.
かわいい犬といえば、マギー先生ですね！
PS, I think there is a typo in both these sentences:
Ex. 安いといえば、このジェケット、いくらだったと思う？
= やすいといえば、このジャケット、いくらだったおおもう？
Hi ルナ！
ありがとう〜❤️🐶
（I fixed the typo. Thank you!!)
Good night Maggie. Can you tell me if the following sentence sounds natural in Japanese: 聖女様が中傷や殲滅なんてする訳ない+Extras?
Hi Mutuio
I guess for a dramatic games or anime, yes. (or 聖女様が中傷したりや殲滅なんてする訳ない)
中傷 means “slander” (to damage someone’s reputation).
殲滅 annihilation (in other word 皆殺し）
Is that what you wanted to say?
Hello Maggie,
どうよ?
I’m trying to understand what she says here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g5jNuGxyz4
あんたみたいに用意周到な男が失敗するなんて**おにょウケる**んですけど
せっかく言い訳あるなら聞いてあげようってのに
“It’s so funny to me that a man as well-prepared as you would fail.
If you have an excuse, I’d listen to it.”
The word in **___** is not understandable at all to me. Is おにょける a slang used by young people? I know ウケるんです means “it’s funny” but おにょウケるんです ?
Thank you Sensei!
Hi Gaspatcher
Is it from ポケモン?
I think the character meant to say “鬼ウケル” but it came out おにょウケる” in a cute way.
鬼(original meaning is “demon”) is a slang word it means “very/extremely” like メチャ.
Ok I think that’s the case. I can’t follow kids slang, it’s too complicated haha!
☺️
Yes its from ポケモン. Sorry, I didn’t see your question.
OK 👍
It does sound kind of cute おにょウケる 😆
Hi, Maggie-Sensei!
When まで means “until ~ does something,” does the verb before まで always have to be in present tense regardless of whether the overall sentence is past tense?
For example, given
“He wandered the hills and plains until he reached Shagri-La.”
a. シャングリ・ラにたどり着くまで、野山をさまよった。
b. シャングリ・ラにたどり着いたまで、野山をさまよった。
which option is correct?
Hi Sora,
The verb before まで should be in present tense.
So
a. シャングリ・ラにたどり着くまで、野山をさまよった。 is correct and you don’t say 着いたまで
Good night Maggie. I found the following sentence: 特定の人種や民族を支持するという話ではありません。
I would like to understand the function of という話. I looked it up on a few sites and I still don’t understand.
Hi Luigi
The literal meaning of 〜という話 is “the story of ~”, quoting what comes before (民族を支持する）
But you would just translate it “about”
It is not (a story) about supporting specific races or ethnicities.
Thanks
Hello Maggie-sensei,
How are you? Not much a question this time, but rather to be sure of something:
「頑張ってはいるんだが」
Is the particle は used to emphasize 頑張って in 頑張っている? (1)
Or is it an expression 頑張ってはいる like 頑張って入る? (2)
I think it’s more (1) but I wanted to be sure. Does that mean we can add は whenever we want if we want to emphasize a particular word?
Here is the sentence in its context:
[A] 分かってくれるよね？
[B] ええっと……
[B] それが……完璧に理解するのは難しいんだ……
[B] 頑張ってはいるんだが
Thank you Sensei!
Hello Gaspatcher
元気？
First this (て）いる is a progressive form and it indicates what someone has been or is doing.
work hard/try hard 頑張る → (have been/to be) working hard/trying hard 頑張っている
You add は between Vて and いる to emphasize the contrast. Vて+は+いる
So that は actually emphasizes “頑張っている”
A) 頑張っているんだが （= 頑張っているのだが・頑張っているのだけれども) + contrasting outcome/contradictory outcome
→B ) (add は） 頑張ってはいるんだが （= 頑張ってはいるのだが/頑張ってはいるのだけれども）+ contrasting outcome/contradictory outcome
B) shows the contrast between the fact 頑張っている and outcome more.
Another example:
Ex. がんばらなくてはいけないとわかっているけれどもできない = I know I have to work hard but I can’t.
→がんばらなくてはいけないとわかってはいるけれどもできない
Ex. A: 来年、日本に行きますか？ = Are you going to Japan next year?
B: 考えてはいるのですが.. = Yeah, I have been thinking about it (but..)
Thank you Maggie.
おかげさまで!
I think your comment is cut in half haha.
But yeah, I had this intuition it was a は for emphasizing!
Vて+は+いる: I’ve never seen this structure before (I think). So you can put a は between the てverb and いる, good to know!
Thank you Sensei!
Hi Gaspatcher.
ごめんなさい。You are right. My previous comment was cut in half.
Yes, Vて+は+いる is a very common expression especially when you make an excuse like my example sentence that I added in my previous message. 😆
Thank you, your explanations are always clear, Sensei!
So in general, we see this structure because of a contrasting outcome
Vて+は+いる+んだが+……
+は +んだけれども+……
+は +のですが+……
+は +のですけれども+……
+は +けれども+……
Yes, Vては+ いるのですが(formal) /いるのですけれども(polite) / いるのですが/いるけれども(casual) /いるんだけれども (casual)
Or sometimes you finish the sentence Vてはいます. In this case you can tell there is some kind of problem.
Ex. A: 日本語の勉強していないの？
B: やってはいます。
In this case, the speaker
FYI The similar expression is
VことはVっています/いる （が・けれども/のですが..）
頑張ることは頑張っているのですが = I do try hard but ~
Link is here
先生、ありがとう！
いいえ、お役に立てたらうれしいです☺️
hello Maggie Sensei…
Thank you for everything…
I think there is a problem in this sentence… (but maybe I’m wrong…)
明日、私は出かけられません。
あした、わたしはとどくのででかけられません。
= Ashita watashi wa dekkakeraremasen.
Why this “todoku no” in kana?
sorry for my broken english… I’m from Belgium and I speak french, but I try to learn Japanese!!! Thank you for all that you learn to me!!!
Bonjour Blue
Thank you for spotting the mistake.
Originally I wrote a sentence, 明日、私は<荷物が届くので>出かけられません。 but I changed my mind and made it easier deleting 荷物が届くので part. Apparently I forgot to erase とどくので.
J’espère que vous comprenez mon explication.
Boa tarde Maggie. eu gostaria de saber a função de か (depois de なんたる) nesta frase: いいでしょう。齢を重ねた私が王とはなんたるかあなた達に指導してさしあげましょう。
Bom dia Pedro
か significa “que”
王とはなにか →(mais formal)王とはなんたるか = que um rei é
(I hope my Portuguese makes sense 😆）
Related lesson ~か/かどうか Click here
Thanks for the answer Maggie, but I thought the “what” was the function of なんたる, because when I looked it up, I found that なんたる means What (something) is like.
If I understood your lesson correctly, the function of か in this sentence would be to make the sentence have an interrogative tone, like: What is a king is like?
OK, I will try answering you in English.
Yes, なんたる means “what” ( I thought that what I meant by “que” in my previous message. 😅) and it has mainly two ways of using.
１） What ~! (interjection/exclamatory words) : Expressing one’s emotion
The same as なんて but it is more formal
なんてことだ = It’s unbelievable /Oh My God!! (Expressing one’s surprise)
→なんたることか！
2)The one you asked me is “what” as a relative pronoun
Nounはなんたるか = What ~ is / What ~ means
王とはなんであるか（ということ）を指導する
To teach what the king is (or what the king is supposed to be)
礼儀とはなんたるかを教えてあげなくてはいけない。
= We have to teach them what the manner is.
Hello Maggie-sensei ^^
I’d like to ask, how would you rate the politeness between (for example) やめないか vs. やめて? Or are they used in different contexts? Thank you!
Hello Ai
やめないか has two meanings.
1) Stop it! (Command form. Telling someone to stop in a strong way expressing one’s angry feelings.): Male speech/pretty rough
Compare to やめて, it sounds much stronger.
2) Why don’t we stop? : Male speech/rough
So て is much more polite than やめないか.
I see, I was under the impression that ~ないか was softer but I wasn’t sure, glad that I decided to ask. Thank you for the answer! ^^
You’re very welcome! ☺️
Hello, Maggie-sensei. How are you?
My question is about: ‘これは何を買えば読めるのでしょうか?’
I believe it roughly translates to: ‘What should I buy so I can read this?’
I know ‘えば’ can mean ‘if’ or ‘when,’ , but it doesn’t seem to fit those translations. I think it may be used to express the idea of ‘should.’ Perhaps it’s a shortened form of ‘買えばいい’, but I’m not sure.
Thank you in advance.
Hello luno. I’m good. Lunoも元気？
何を買えば is a condition for the following sentence 読める to be able to read
What should I buy to (in order to) read this?
Hello Maggie (again),
I’m trying to understand this sentence but it’s all mixed up in my head (I mean I understand the meaning but I couldn’t rewrite this because I don’t understand the grammar)
「毎日お前と会えることが十分に価値のあることだ」
毎日お前と会えることが : Seeing you everyday…
Until here it’s okay… and after that it’s the circus, all the words and particles are mixed up!
十分に価値のある : I thought the expression was 価値は十分にある
〜のある : what is 〜のある? Is it the same as 〜がある? 価値 is a noun here, so の can’t be a nominalizer
あること : why is it あること and not ことある? or ことがある?
Maybe it’s just some expressions or vocabulary I lack. Thank you again Sensei!
おはよう、Gaspatcher
When you modify a noun you can use の as a topic marker as well.
Gaspatcherは漫画を読んだ。
When you talk about the manga which Gaspatcher read, you can say
The manga that Gaspacher read ⬇️
Gaspatcherが読んだ漫画 （X Not “Gaspatcherは読んだ漫画”）
or
Gaspatcherの読んだ漫画
The same idea works for your question.
十分価値がある
When you add こと, you can say either
十分に価値があること
or use の
十分に価値のあること
I have a lesson how to modify a noun. Link is here.
https://maggiesensei.com/2017/02/04/how-to-modify-a-noun-in-japanese/
Thank you!
Your explanations are always well written and clear for my level!
You’re the best sensei!
さすが、マギー先生！
You’re too kind.❤️
Hello Maggie, me again (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)
My question is about the よう (hence the lesson) in this sentence:
「文芸部に入部するようお前が説得してくれて本当に良かったと思ってるんだ」
“I’m really happy that you convinced me to join the club.”
Your lesson mentions the use of よう〜 (ような or ように) but not よう alone. I thought maybe it was some kind of contraction in casual speech but even the notion of similarity (as, like) of よう does not appear here is not obvious to me. “You convinced me like to join the club” makes no sense. So what is the purpose of よう here?
ありがとう!!!
Hi Gaspatcher
This よう belongs to the usage
→the other usages of よう ( = you) besides the meaning of “as/like”
(From my lesson)
1) ように ( = youni) = to do something ~ in order to do ~ / so that ~ / in such a way ~
(to intend to make things work as you hope)
★verb (→the result you hope, your goal/non-volitional verb/ verb potential form ) ように ( = youni) + verb (what to do/what you did/ to hope, to wish)
⬇️
Your sentence 文芸部に入部するよう means “to join the literary club” with the purpose or intention of doing so. It describes the result or goal that “you” (the listener or someone mentioned in the conversation) hoped or intended to achieve thinking of the speaker.
And, Yes, in casual conversation, you can omit に and just say よう in this usage.
****
And thank you so much for the ☕️s!! ❤️
No problem, thank you for helping me improving Sensei!
ありがとう！ 🐶❤️❤️❤️
Hi sensei,
This link does not work anymore https://twitter.com/MaggieSensei
Do you know anyway to view your tweets without [log in to twitter?]
When I search google I can only see your old tweets
いつも ども ありがとう。
Hi soleyman
I checked it myself with other browser. You are right. Unless you don’t log in, you can’t see other people’s tweets.
(FYI Patreon ありがとうx 10 tier members can get Monthly Tweets (PDF file with all my tweets lessons with an audio file every month.)
Hello Maggie,
Sorry for spamming, I’m on a rampage of questions haha!
You said in your lesson “to give a reason” is のせいで but here it’s なせいで
でもわたしが自分勝手なせいで……
どれほど酷い人間なのかを見せてしまった
I noticed several times that な is replacing の. Is it the same case here? When do I know when to use な or の after a noun?
Thank you Maggie!
Hello Gaspatcher
Good question. I have been thinking about making more detailed lesson on せいで and おかげで.
I mainly introduced the usage of Noun + の + せいで in this lesson.
But you can use せいで with verbs and adjectives as well.
verb (present/past tense, etc.) + せいで
i-adjective + せいで （→past tense i-adjective 〜かった＋せいで）
na-adjective + せいで (→past tense na-adjective + だったせいで）
noun + の + せいで (→past tense noun + だったせいで）
自分勝手/勝手 is actually na-adjective 自分勝手な（人・人間）
→自分勝手なせいで
Oh thank you! I thought 自分勝手 was a noun! Makes more sense now!
Thank you!
Anytime! ☺️
Hello Maggie,
How are you doing? I don’t know how is your summer in Japan but here in Europe, it’s a burning hell! I would like to go to Sweden for some days to get some fresh air! It’s not much, but I noticed lately I’m reading faster (I can “cut” the words faster in-live instead of reading the whole line then process to cut each word to have the sentence makes sense), so I wanted to share that with you (even though this is a little improvement)
Now question time to my sensei. In the sentence 「全部俺に教えてくれれば！」, I understand he says “If only you told me everything” but in the official translation he says “All you had to do was tell me!”
I understand sometimes the translation adapts to the language, but I would like to know the literal translation of the Japanese version.
To give you some context,
お前の毎日が少しでも良くなるように、どんな小さな努力でもしたのに！
そのための友達だろ！
全部俺に教えてくれれば！
Thank you Maggie!
Hi Gaspatcher
First of all, I am happy to hear that you can read faster now. It is an important skill to understand the context without reading every single word.
It has been very hot in Japan, too.Going to Sweden sounds like a great idea.
The translation is correct.
If only you told me everything/All you had to do was tell me!
Or you can say “If you had told me everything.”
I think you know but the speaker added the sentence last but 全部俺に教えてくれれば is a condition
The right order is ~れば〜のに
So let me rephrase it for you to see the structure better.
全部俺に教えてくれればお前の毎日が少しでも良くなるように、どんな小さな努力でもしたのに！
If you had told me everything, I would have made even a small effort to make your everyday life a little better!
Thank you so much! Makes more sense now! I didn’t understand why there was a condition and he stops like that… With the restructuration, it’s much more understandable. Is this order natural when speaking? Or is it because he speaks out words without structuring them before, but the listener can still understand (not me)
My original question actually was for the 全部. Was it the subject All (you had to do) or the object (tell everything). It seems both are acceptable, so again, we can understand this sentence in many ways, daro?
If only you told me everything! (object) 全部(を)?
All you had to do was tell me! (subject) 全部(は)?
Maybe I’m too focused on the details, but that kind of stuff bothers me hahaha!
1) Is this order natural when speaking?
Using the inversion method allows for changing the order of sentences, adding important information at the end to leave a stronger impression. You usually use this method in writing （especially lyrics)
In spoken language, people use the inversion method not just to create an impact but also when they just add something important.
2) 全部 is an object. 全部 ( = 全てのことを)教えてくれれば
Thank youuuu!
You’re welcome! ☺️
Hello Maggie,
I couldn’t find a lesson about that but what does the 分 mean after a verb?
なんで他の人が頑張った分をわたしが無駄遣いしてしまうの？
Is it to show some extent or something like that?
Also, I wrote a question in the 〜よう lesson (https://maggiesensei.com/2012/04/03/request-lesson-%E3%82%88%E3%81%86you/) but I’m not sure if it has been approved.
Thank you Maggie-sensei!
Hi again, Gaspatcher
This 分 indicate the “portion” or “share” of effort that other people have put in.
Hi again, Gaspatcher
This 分 indicate the “portion” or “share” of effort that other people have put in. z
The literal translation is “Why do I end up wasting the portion of effort that other people have put in?” which means, “Why do I end up wasting other people’s efforts?”
Thank you Maggie! You’re always so kind!
You’re very welcome! :)
Hello Maggie sensei. Your lessons are amazing, you put so much work into them!
As a teacher of English, I totally agree that textbooks are full of boring grammar rules. Making a lesson interesting is what all schools around the world should do. I wonder when they will realise and change methods? I’m so glad your site exists! It helped me a lot in the past and it’s helping me now too. THANK YOU for everything!! ^__^
Hi madridimi
Thank you so much for your comment. Your kind words made my day. I am sure you are an amazing English teacher. Rest assured, I will do my best to keep making more Japanese lessons that will help you in your journey to learn Japanese.
Love,
Maggie
Hello Maggie,
I have a really hard time to understand the structure of this sentence:
「完璧に無価値なわたしがやるようなことなんて何もないもん」
I understand that:
– 完璧に is an adverb with に modifying a な-adjective: perfectly
– 無価値な is a noun becoming an adjective with the な-particle: worthlessness -> worthless
– やるようなことなんて何もない: ような modifies ことなんて何もない with なんて emphasizing the negative sentence
– もん gives a childish way of expressing her feelings
So I see many different translations, which is the correct one:
“There’s absolutely nothing to do, for someone as perfectly worthless as me.”
“There’s absolutely nothing, someone as perfectly worthless as me, could do.”
“There’s absolutely no way there’s anything someone as perfectly worthless as I am could do, right?”
If you need context, she says before
「なんで毎朝学校に遅刻してるか分かる？」- Do you know why I’m (always) late to school every morning?
「いつも、ベッドから起き上がる理由を見つけられないから」- Because, every time, I can’t find a reason to get out of bed.
「完璧に無価値なわたしがやるようなことなんて何もないもん」- ???
Thank you sensei!
Hi, Gaspatcher
I think the first one is the closest translation for the sentence.
If you interpret やること as something you could do then the second translation works too.
Thank you Maggie <3
So that was my main problem, the やる can be applied either to the "nothing", or to the "I"? "nothing to do" "nothing I can do"
So does that mean this sentence is ambiguous so we can understand both meanings?
The nuance difference is
やることがない can be translated “There is nothing to do” , “There is nothing I could do.” , “There is nothing I want to do” ,etc.
Since the subject has a description, 完璧に無価値な, so judging from the context, I think “There is nothing I could do.” may sound more natural.
Good afternoon Maggie. I would like to know the meaning of やろ in the following sentence: これ絶対今年のfesでやる気やろと思ってたのに……ｗ
Is this an expression attached to やる気 or does it have a standalone meaning?
Hi Mario,
やろ is a very casual speech and it is originally from Kansai dialect.
It means だろう
やる気やろと思ってた ←やる気(なん)だろうと思っていたのに
おはようMaggie Sensei, お久しぶりですよ!
I’m so happy to see your lessons are still on the first page when I have a question related to Japanese!
My question is about the particle は and を. In a visual novel, a character is asking:
今日モニカの手伝いはしないのかよ？
I saw that to say “to help ~” it’s more 手伝いをする and not 手伝いはする. What is the difference between both? Is it because we just want to say 手伝いする with は emphasizing 手伝い?
Thank you Maggie-sensei!
Hi Gaspatcher
手伝いをする 手伝い (help) + を (=object marker) + する ( = to do ) = to help
You can also just say 手伝う
手伝いはする As you say you use は has a couple of functions, topic, showing the contrast, emphasizing what comes before.
It depends on the context but from just that sentence, it could be just bringing up a topic.
(I think you wrote the same message twice. I erased one of them.)
It depends on the context but from just that sentence, it could be just bringing up a topic. > OK makes sense, because the speaker wants to confirm what she’s doing today. “Aren’t you going to help Monika today?”, maybe that’s why は is used here, to introduce the new topic. What was said before was:
でも、お前はどうなんだよ
今日モニカの手伝いはしないのかよ？
(I think you wrote the same message twice. I erased one of them.) > Yeah I wanted to delete it myself, but I couldn’t, thank you!
OK, yes, then it is は to bring up a topic. ☺️
I’m not sure if this is the same use of でいい, but I have a big problem with sentences like this one:
ここ万博会場でいいんですよね？
Context: a man looking for the world fair venue finds himself in an odd place, so he’s trying to make sure. I think this should mean “Are you sure this is the world fair venue?” or “This is the world fair venue, right?”, but I can’t understand why.
I’m guessing there’s a は omitted here: “ここは万博会場…”, so according to this lesson, shouldn’t it mean “It’s fine for this place to be the world fair venue, isn’t it?” ?
Couldn’t it just be “ここは万博会場ですよね？”
I understand how でいい works, when it follows a simple noun (like in this lesson’s examples) or it’s a part of a verb (～ていい/～でいい), but I guess here it follows an “A is B” sentence and I can’t wrap my head around it.
Hi Shin
Ah OK. The usage of でいい in this lesson is mainly to express one’s preference.
でいい in your example sentence ここ万博会場でいいんですよね？ is used when you confirm something checking something is OK/right/correct.
You can rephrase it ここは、万博会場ということでいいですか？ ( = 合っていますか？ )
The literal translation “Is it right that this place is Expo site? ” →Is this Expo site, right? Am I correct?”
Now it all makes perfect sense.
It’s very hard to find something about this, because if you try to look up “でいい”, all you get are preferences and asking for permission, so your reply was a huge help.
Thank you very much, Maggie-sensei!
You’re very welcome, Shin!❤️
今日の夕飯まあまあだったね。。。まあ、次はもっとおいしくしよう。
PS, you forgot a word in this sentence:
= I want to a job like that.
何を作ったのかな〜 😃
Thank you for spotting the mistake. I fixed it. ありがとう！
Hi Maggie-sensei! I’d like to know why “chuu” in 今年中に新しい車を買いたい。you wrote it as “juu”.
I’m a little confused.
Arigatou gozaimasu!
Hi Jennifer
Good question. You change the way you read 中 depending on the word.
今年中 = ことしじゅう = kotoshijuu
明日中 = あしたじゅう = ashitajuu /あすじゅう = asujuu
***
一日中 = いちにちじゅう = ichinenjuu
一年中 = いちねんじゅう = ichinennuu
but you read ちゅう = chuu in the following words.
今月中 = こんげつちゅう = kongetsuchuu
今週中 = こんしゅうちゅう = konshuuchuu
***
午前中 =ごぜんちゅう = gozenchuu
Hi Sensei! Your site have always been my main source. I wonder if you already made a lesson about としても and としたって 😊?
Hello Mai
I explained the usage of としても in my として lesson. Link is here.
However, I haven’t made the lesson on the usage of としても・としたって of hypothetical (in the meaning of “even if”) yet. Maybe I should add it to a request lesson.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it, and i’m not in a rush so please take as much time as you need😊🤍
🐶❤️❤️
Good afternoon Maggie. I would like you to translate the following sentence: 間隔が狭いところは人が集まるのを避けるべきです。
I translate as: You should avoid gathering people when the gap is narrow. But I’m not sure if it’s right.
Hi Mario
I wonder what kind of place they are talking about with 間隔が狭い in the context but you should change the subject. Not “you” but “people”. Your translation means “人を集める”
People should avoid gathering in a narrow (spaced) area.
a few days ago I left a comment in the discussion dedicated to hazu (maybe my comment got lost because I didn’t get the answer, so I’ll rewrite it here if I don’t disturb)
Is the following sentence correct? Xのものだったはずの帽子…
why instead of はずだった is written だったはず ? I’m confused
—–
but there is some problem with the blog? I can’t send comments normally…the error message often comes out
Hi floccio
I’m so sorry that I haven’t answered your question. I remembered that I saw your message but it slipped my mind while answering to other person’s question.
I wonder why you get the error message often. 🤔
(If you leave a comment for the first time, I have to approve it before it appears on the blog. So until I approve your comment, you won’t see it. Even if it’s your second time commenting, but you use a different email address, I still need to approve it before it becomes visible.)
Anyway, let me answer your question here.
X のものだったはずの帽子 = the hat which was supposed to belong to X
I guess you can use はずだった if you finish the sentence with it.
それはXの帽子のはずだった。
It was supposed to be X’s hat.
Good night Maggie. I came across a sentence and I don’t understand a part of it.
The sentence is as follows: どんな理由からにしろ何も言わずに仕事を辞めるのは無責任すぎる。
I don’t understand the following part: どんな理由からにしろ. Can you explain each part of that part?
Hi Patrick
Sure. First ~にしろ means にしても →(more conversational) でも (even though/even if/regardless )
どんな理由からにしろ →どんな理由でも for whatever reason
Thanks for the reply Maggie. But what about the から? Does it have a function or do you think it was a mistake and that I should remove it?
~という理由から仕事を辞めた
Since 理由 already has a meaning of “reason”, it may look redundant but から indicates a reason.
You can also say ~という理由で仕事を辞めた
And if you want to rephrase it with にしろ
どんな理由にしろ〜 as well.
Hello maggie sensei,
Thank you as always.
I have a question
How do you say “risky choice in Japanese”
There are some option I have thought as below
1. 際どい選択肢
２．危険な選択肢
３．リスクがある選択肢
４．危うい選択肢
Or do you have any other idea to answer the question?
Hi Nanpa
They are all good but I would change 4 to 危ない
And you say 選択肢 when you have options. You can just say 選択.
Hi Nanpa
They are all good but I would change 4 to 危ない
And you say 選択肢 when you have options. You can just say 選択.
(Or if you are talking about decision 決断)
こんにちは、マギー先生!
単語の質問があります。(時々、辞書が全然役に立たないなぁ^^;）
__ “To have a cow” is an expression that means “to become very angry.”
上の文の “expression” は日本語で何と言うんですか？
「表現」はちょっと違うなぁって思います。「言い回し」や「慣用句」が合っていると思いますが、確信はありません。
マギー先生はどう思いますか？
いつもありがとうございます。
こんにちは、Sora!
どれでも大丈夫です。
もとの英語が”expression”だから「表現」でもいいと思います。
Ex. 〜という表現があります。
Ex. 〜という表現の意味は〜です。
不自然ではありません。表現の代わりに「言い回し」も使います。
元の英語とは少し違いますが、
もし idiomという言い方にするならば慣用句
to have a cowはことわざではないのでこの場合は使いませんが、proverbならば諺（ことわざ）を使います。
ありがとうございました！
could i ask a question?
Is the following sentence correct? Xのものだったはずの帽子…
why instead of はずだった is written だったはず ?
I’m confused
hello sensei, i found your grammar lesson on internet , and i have 1 question related to this blog post
Hope you can explains to me what does this character mean ? いやー、乗ってきた。
Context: MC is eating lunch at school together with his big sisters, at their class (they went to a same school, but his big sisters are 1 year older than him). Both of them want to feed MC with the side dishes from their bento box.
Note: the 3rd big sister of MC is a class rep with serious + tsundere personality, while the 4th one is mischievous (like to tease other people)
彰吾 (MC)「あ、あーん……むぐっ」
三空 (3rd Big sister)「……ど、どうかしら」
彰吾「はむ……むぐっ……うん。そりゃもう……三空ねぇの卵焼きは絶品だよ」
三空「そ、そう。それなら良かったわ。よく噛んで食べなさい？」
詩桜 (4th Big sister)「んっふふー、みーちゃん嬉しそうな顔しちゃって」
三空「何をニヤニヤしてるのよ。別にいいでしょう？」
詩桜「やっぱみーちゃんも、したかったんじゃん」
三空「だ、だったらどうだって言うの」
女子生徒Ｃ「へぇー、三空ちゃんも弟さんの前だとあんな感じなんだ」
女子生徒Ｄ「ねっ、結構可愛いよね」
三空「～～っ！」
詩桜「くふふっ、赤くなってる。いやー、たーのしいねぇ？」
三空「人をからかって楽しむんじゃありません！ もう！」
詩桜「いやー、乗ってきた。次は、これ行ってみよう、あーん」(>> I don’t understand this part)
彰吾「えっ？ は……んむっ！」
三空「彰吾くん、これも食べなさい。ほら」
彰吾「三空ねぇ……あっ、んむっ……」
結局、交互におかずを差し出され、僕はお腹いっぱいにお昼を過ごした。
Hello zeroh4nter
In this case, 詩桜 has started to enjoy the way 三空 reacts. But I would just translate it as “This is getting better!” or something.
I watched a video by Miku Real Japanese, but i am still a bit confused on the difference between “Mitaina” and “ttekanji” (and “mitainakanji”). She Said they are interchangeable, except you can use “ttekanji” to quotes what you just said, similar to “she was like…”in English. Could you maybe simply the differences and nuances of “mitaina”, “ttekanji”, and “Mitainakanji”?
Are you talking about the usage when you finish the sentence with みたいな/ って感じ/みたいな感じ？
They are all very conversational and not much difference.
But let me give you one super conversational example.
For example when you express your opinion, 「それは違うな」That is not true, That is wrong
A) それは違うなって感じ
B) それは違うなみたいな…
C) それは違うなみたいな感じ
They are all ambiguous expressions but the level of ambiguousness is
B>C>A
That means みたいな is a softer way to express one’s opinion because you leave the sentence unfinished.
C is a kind of combination of A and B
But over all, it depends on the context and the speaker’s conversational habit.
Hey Maggie Sensei,
I was in the midst of translating Yotsuba! and came across this sentence
“いつものこ事だから心配しなくても…”
The translation seems to be “This always happens, you don’t have to worry.” My question is, does it still directly translate to “even if you don’t worry,” or is the “いい” after implied and is this form common?
Thank you.
Hello Norbu
It is pretty common to leave the sentence unfinished when you avoid straightforward expression or when it is something obvious.
The whole sentence should be
いつものことだから心配しなくても（いいよ)
So you are right. They omitted the last part, いい (いいよ） and the translation is correct.
Hi Maggie-sensei,
Thank you very much as always.
I have a question about the verb tetsudau 手伝う.
If I want to say: Thank you very much helping me. I need to make sure to add -kurete.
手 て 伝 つだ ってくれてありがとう ございます.
Or another example:
Thank you for teaching me Japanese.
日本語を教えてくれてありがとう.
But if I was talking to someone about my husband and want to say “My husband helps me a lot with the chores around the house.”
Or
“My husband tries to help me and teach me Japanese when he has time.”
How do I construct these sentences and do I still need to add kureru?
Thank you so much.
Hi Mini House
You can express your appreciation with くれる
So if you meant to say your husband did something “for you”, you use くれる
“My husband helps me a lot with the chores around the house.”
→主人が家事をよく手伝ってくれる
“My husband tries to help me and teach me Japanese when he has time.”
主人が時間がある時は、手伝ってくれるし、日本語を教えてくれる
Good night Maggie. I came across a sentence and didn’t understand a part of it. The sentence is as follows: 今度の台風では最悪の事態は避けられたにしても、被害は甚大だ。
I didn’t understand the role of the で particle in this sentence.
Hi Satorou
で in that sentence means “in” (in this typhoon)
By attaching は, you show the contrast. We could avoid the worst case in this typhoon (but maybe not in other typhoons (in the past or in the future)
Hello,
I’m trying to say “Even though I’ve studied for so long, I’m still not good at all.” Which one of these, if any, would be correct?
1) こんな長い間を勉強をした対してに全く上手くならない。
2) こんな長い間を勉強をしたのに対して全く上手くならない。
Thank you.
Hi Mila,
In that case it will be more natural just to use のに
こんなに長い間、勉強したのに全く上手にならない。
（ 長い間”を”→長い間）
For example if you compare two people and show the contrast, you can use 対して
Aさんは長い間勉強したのに対してAさんは全く勉強していなかった。
While A has been studying for a long time, A hasn’t studied at all.
Thank you very much, I understood.
You’re very welcome! ☺️
Hello Maggie!
Your lessons are great as always, but I have a question about のに in the meaning of “would have… / could have…”
Does the verb have to be in the casual (た) form of past tense or I can also use the polite form (い)ました+のに?
For example:
日本にいたら、チケットの数枚を買いましたのに。
I think it would be better to point it out in the article, it might help someone else.
Hello Bogdan
Ah good question.
You can use ました+ のに in formal conversation when you tell someone that you could have done something.
言っていただければチケットを買いましたのに。
If you have told me, I could have bought a ticket for you.
I guess you can say 日本にいたら、チケットの数枚を買いましたのに。 for your own regret but
日本にいたらチケットを数枚買ったのですが… might sound more natural.
Got it, thank you ^^
どういたしまして ☺️
Hi Maggie-sensei.
Sorry to bother you but I think there might be a problem with the comments on your website. For example, I left a comment on your latest lesson 2 days ago but I do not see my comment. I know that you replied to it because it said so in the “Recent comments” section but when I look I don’t see your reply either. When I look at Maggie’s Room, the latest post I can see is Mini House on May 19, but I know someone else made a post since then but I can’t see it either.
It had been the case for a few weeks now. I checked on a different computer and on my phone and I can’t see it either. I’m wondering if something happened? I’m not sure if this message will be posted once I press submit or if I will see your reply but I wanted to let you know in case you know what is happening.
Hello Luna
Thank you for informing me about the commenting issues. It appears that there may be a glitch of some sort. The site has experienced some problems in the past few months, so it could be related to that. I apologize for any inconvenience caused. I hope you can read this comment.
***
Update:
I tried something. Your comment should appear now. Let me know if it doesn’t.
I can see all the comments now! You fixed it!
Thank you! :)
やった〜！！(*^^*)
Thank YOU for telling me about the comments, too!!
日本語をもっと知りたいからには毎日勉強します。だからこそ、マギー先生のサイトに来ます。
このレッスンの長さからして、書くのは時間がかかったでしょうか。そうだったら、よく休んでくださいね。
ありがとう Luna!!❤️
はい、レッスンを作るのに時間がかかったからこそみなさんに最後まで読んでもらいたいです。☺️
Hello maggie sensei.
Please can you tell me the difference between nichi and hi as i saw they can both mean “day”?thank you
Hello Yenicall
OK,
にち (= nichi) is a counter for days
From 2 ~ 10 days you use the special counter (2 days = ふつか, 3 days みっか = mikka, etc) but after 11 days, you say number + にち ( = nichi)
11にち ( 11 days)
12にち ( 12 days)
19にち ( 10 days)
ひ (= hi) is used to refer to a day
It is a nice day today
今日はいい日です。
= きょうはいいひです。
= Kyou wa ii hi desu.
(You can’t say にち= nichi)
what is there are living things in an inanimate object? like if there are people on a cover of a magazine or animals in a photo. would you use いる or ある or some other verb?
Hi coco,
Good question. You use いる for the people or animals in the pictures as well.
Hi Maggie-sensei,
Thank you for all your wonderful lessons as always.
I am struggling with a few phrases and jut wanted to check if they sound correct and natural in Japanese?
The more Japanese I study, the more confused I get.
日本語勉強すればするほど、わからなくなる。
Is your baby sleeping well?
赤ちゃんよく寝ますか？
Our little baby really does not like wearing his shoes.
あかちゃんわほんとに靴がはいるきらいいです。
I guess all children develop differently.
子どものはそれぞれは立つ違うと思います。
Hello Mini House
１）日本語勉強すればするほど、わからなくなる。
Missing a particle after 日本語
Two possibilities
日本語を (object marker) or if it is a topic 日本語は
２）赤ちゃんよく寝ますか？
For conversation, you can say that. For writing add a particle
→赤ちゃんは、よく寝ますか？
3) 〜靴をはくのがきらいです。
4) 子供の成長のしかたはみな違うと思います。
文法を学びたいのなら、マギー先生のサイトがいい！マギー先生じゃなきゃダメです。
外のサイトでも必要ない。
こんな感じ？
こんにちは Luna
文法を学びたいのなら、マギー先生のサイトがいい！マギー先生じゃなきゃダメです。→完璧！ 👏 （あと、「文法を学ぶなら〜」とも言えますよ。）
外のサイトでも必要ない。→他のサイトなんて必要ない。
うれしい文章ありがとう😆
Maggie-sensei,
いつもありがとうございます。
Is this sentence correct? I want to say: My name is House. I am very sorry I am late. I am here to pick up my daughter.
こんにちは。ハウスともうします。遅くなりました、申し訳ありません。娘大迎欲しいです。
And also, how do I say: “I would like to pick up my daughter earlier today at 1 PM.”
Thank you very much.
Hi Mini
元気でしたか？
OK, let me help you.
こんにちは。ハウスともうします。遅くなりました、申し訳ありません。娘大迎欲しいです。
→こんにちは、ハウスともうします。遅くなって申し訳ありません。娘を迎（むか）えにきました。
I would like to pick up my daughter earlier today at 1 PM.”
→今日は、早めに１時に娘を迎えに行きたいのですが。
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my questions, Maggie-sensei.
That helped a lot – I very much appreciate it – thank you!
You’re very welcome ❤️
Hello maggie sensei,
Can you please tell me how the “masen ka” form used to make invitations should be translate? I get a little bit confused. For exemple in the following sentence: bangohan o tabemasen ka? I have seen some explanations telling it can be translated as “won’t you eat?” And some instead translating it as ” would you like to eat?”. What is the correct translation?
Also what is the différence between “masen ka” and “mashou ka”? Thanks in advance
Hi Yenicall
I already answered your question. Please check your previous comment.
何度もコメントを乗せたけど自分のコメントが見えないんです。
見えますか？？これ？？？
おかしいですね。コメントが出ないみたいなのでここに元の文章と私の返事をポストし直しますね。
マギー先生、こんばんは、こんばんは＼(^o^)／
いつも役に立つレッスンを作ってくださりありがとうございます。
１つ質問させてください!
彼女は料理ができないどころか卵さえ割れない。
Far from being able to cook, she can’t even crack an egg.
どうして『料理ができるどころか』ではないの？
英語訳は being able to cook なのに？
なんか。。おかしい質問ですよねｗｗｗ
****
こんにちは ユキ （同じ質問が３つあったので２つは消しました。）
最初に質問したときは、承認されるまで自分の質問が見えないと思います。
「彼女は料理ができないどころか」の英語訳は “Far from” being able to cook なので Not just being able to cook という意味です。
原因がわかりました。
最初のコメントは、コメントのずっと下の方にあるDECEMBER 26, 2018 AT 7:29 AM の私のコメントに対しての返事として書いたみたいです。
サイトの右下のRecent comment からユキのコメントをクリックしてみてください。
Hello maggie sensei,
I am confused about the use and translation of “masen ka” when making an invitation. For exemple in the following sentence : bangohan o tabemasen ka? I’ve seen some translating it as won’t you eat? And some translating it as will you (like to) eat? What is the correct translation?
Also can you tell me the difference between mashou, mashou ka and masen ka when used to make invitations? Thank you in advance
Hello Yenicall
OK, many people (especially when they have started to learn Japanese) seem to have a problem understanding the nuance difference between mashou, mashou ka masen ka, so I will make a lesson sometime.
1) masen ka?
Ex. Tabemasen ka? = It could be 1) You are not going to eat? or 2) Would you like to eat? (invitation) (invitation) depending on the context and the intonation.
For example someone wouldn’t eat something, you ask これ、食べませんか？ = Kore tabemasen ka? = You are not going to eat this?
But if you offer some food to someone, you also say これ、食べませんか？ = Kore tabemasen ka? = Would you like to eat this?
2) mashou
It means Let’s ~
So imagine the food is already served in front of you and you tell someone at the table,
So, Ex. さあ、食べましょう！ ＝Saa, tabemashou! = Let’s eat.
3) mashou ka?
Again it changes the meaning depending on the context
(1) Do you want me to do something for you?
Ex. 手伝いましょうか？ = Tetsudaimashou ka? = Do you need my help? / May I help you?
(2) Shall we do ~ ?
Ex. そろそろいきましょうか？ = Sorosoro ikimashou ka? = Shall we go now? (But you may see the translation Let’s go)
コメント乗せたいけど。。見えますか。。これ？？？
自分のコメントを自分が見えないから。。どうかしら？？
Hello Maggie Sensei,
I want to ask you about one word here,
What is the meaning of 中途半端男
If I say “A half hearted man” would it be correct.
Hello ホットサンド
Yes you can translate that.
中途半端男 It refers to a man who lacks dedication to a task, or who does things in a half-hearted or incomplete way.
Thank you for featuring my pets and thank you for the nice lesson! It made me smile. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Thank YOU for introducing me these lovely guest teachers, Luna!
Big hug to Ash Sensei and Calypso Sensei! ❤️
Good afternoon Maggie. I had some doubts about a phrase I found. The sentence is as follows: 発言の自由は政府支配の新しい触手によって年々むしばまれつつある。
1 – What is the function of つつある?
2 – Is 発言 only for written things? or just for spoken things?
3 – What does むしばむ mean?
4 – This word is not in the sentence, but I would like to know the meaning of: がっつく. I had a little trouble understanding.
Hi Sora
1. Verb+ つつある = (literal expression) be in the process of doing something (expressing the on-going change)
2. 発言 is for spoken thing
3. むしばむ = to erode (passive form) むしばまれる to be eroded （To be affected by something negative)
4. がっつく = eating like a pig. It can be used to express someone greedy
Thanks for the reply Maggie. But I was left with a doubt. What is the difference between Verb + ている and Verb + つつある.
Hi Sora
つつある focusing on the process of doing something (on-going change) towards completion. It is used in a formal speech or writing.
Ex. 戦争が終わりつつある。The war is coming to an end
If you just express what one is doing or the current state, you use ている
Ex. テレビがついている = The TV is on. (current state/condition) →You can’t say テレビがつきつつある
Ex. 手紙を書いている = I am writing a letter. (The action is happening right now and it focusing on the current action) →You can’t say 書きつつある
Thank you so much!
Would you know how to pronounce katakana when there is a vowel used instead of the nobasu?
For example: ケアウホウ
It is a name of a town/beach in hawaii
In this case ホウ is used instead of ホー
In these cases, would one pronounce the vowel? Like ホ・ウ (ho-u)
Or still say it like ホー (hoo)
Hello Kelly
It depends on the word and it could be very different from the original sound.
As you said, the original “ho” could be closer to ホー but ケアウホウ （Bay = 湾(わん）) is commonly used for the bay.
The thing is you don’t always pronounce the Japanese vowels あいうえお/アイウエオ when they are combined with consonants
Ex. ほうりつ (法律） houritsu = law ➡️Actual pronunciation is hōritsu (ō = stretching “o” sounds)
I see! If I understand, even with ホウ the same rule applies and one would say this like hō (stretched)
So even in katakana, generally whether a nobasu or vowel is used (ホー/ホウ) this just means the consonants are both being stretched. And it would be read as (hō).
And whether it shows up with ー or ウ in the name is more just a written formality.
Thanks just surprised me when I saw the vowel instead of the nobasu.
As I usually see in katakana the nobasu used to imply stretching the vowel (ニューヨーク/フィジー）
Likewise in hiragana the vowel is used instead as you say. (ほうりつ/りょこう）
So when I saw ホウ instead of ホー I wasn’t sure if that had meant to pronounce the vowel! (笑）
Thank you very much for your explanation! If not mistaken I think I got it now and was just overthinking it.
So even in katakana, generally whether a nobasu or vowel is used (ホー/ホウ) this just means the consonants are both being stretched. And it would be read as (hō).
→That’s right.
So you know how to write katakana for the well-known things, places, countries, people’s names such as ニューヨーク、フィジー, ヨークシャ(ー）, ドーナツ,etc. However if you hear uncommon names, it is very natural to get confused whether you stretch the vowel or use the vowels. :)
Hi sensei
1) Is the following sentence correct/natural?
What is the difference betw と する and に する
「貨物船」とは、貨物 を 輸送 する 船舶です。
Kamotsusen is a vessel that carries cargo
ライオン は にく を えさ と する。
Lions feed on meat
鯨くじら は プランクトン を えさ と する。
Whales feed on plankton
パンダ は ささ を えさ に する。
Pandas feed on bamboo grass
2) As for Hen is it pronounce as medori or mendori or ..,?
( google translate = mesudori )
雄鶏 おんどり Rooster
雌鶏 めんどり Hen
Thanks
Hi soleyman
1) You can say both えさとする and えさにする
にする is more conversational and とする is more formal.
2) 雌鶏 can be read めどり or めんどり. (Originally めどり but I would say it is more common to say めんどり in conversation.)
Good morning Maggie. I would like her help to understand the following sentence: 泥棒は盗むのが商売 、たとえそれが人の心だとしてもね。
I understand the たとえ~ても structure, but why use とする?
Hi Berserk
たとえ〜ても and たとえ〜としても mean the same. としても emphasizes hypothetical situation more.
Thanks for the lesson!
In these sentences:
日曜日は何もしないで過ごしました
昨日の夜は、一睡もしないでゲームをしていた。
Why is it しないで and not しなくて ? It’s not telling someone not to do something, it’s talking about yourself so I’m confused.
Hi Luna
日曜日は何もしないで過ごしました
昨日の夜は、一睡もしないでゲームをしていた。
ないで in these two sentences belong to the usage
2) to do something without doing something
to spend the time without doing anything
to play the game without sleeping
Verb B ないでVerb A = to do A (main action) without doing B
If you give a reason or list up a couple of actions, you can use なくて
お金がなくて困った = I got troubled because I didn’t have money.
Good night Maggie. I would like to know what to put after 精神 in this sentence (が?は?を?): チベットの苦痛に耐えるのは不可能ですがチベットの人々のあがないの精神 見守るべきものです。
I didn’t understand what you meant
Sorry. I might have cut the first part.
You can just use は after 精神
(Sorry the first part of my previous message was missing so it could be confusing.)
Let me answer again.
精神＜は＞見守るべきものです。
Hi Maggie sensei.
I was wondering why in the following sentnce it was used 何 instead of 何も to express everything is delicious (anything is delicious):
あの店なら何を食べても美味しい。
I’m a bit confused.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Evon
何も is used in a negative sentence.
何も美味しくない Nothing is delicious.
何 in that sentence is actually an object so you use an object marker を
何を食べますか？ What would you like to eat?
魚を食べます I will have fish.
And
何を〜ても is a sentence pattern and it means “whatever you do ~ = everything one does ~ is ~ ”
何をしても面白い Whatever someone does is funny = Everything someone does is funny
何を読んでもつまらない Whatever I read is boring. = Everything I read is boring.
If you want to say this sentence without a verb, you can use 何でも
何でも美味しい
Thanks for the lesson. I’ve learned a lot.
Hello hoh
I’m very happy to hear that. :)
Hello maggie. I found this sentence: 中止命令に従わない場合は、5万円以下の罰金が科せられます。
The translation read: In case of non-compliance with the suspension order, a fine of up to 50,000 yen will be imposed.
I would like to know why 科せられます is in potential form and not just passive and negative.
Hello Leonardo
科せられます is a passive form.
The basic form is 科す or 科する
The passive form is either 科される or 科せられる
Hi there,
There is an anime is currently airing, its name is “推しの子 (Oshi no Ko)” and I translated it as “kid of my favorite idol” cuz the anime is about an idol named “Hoshino Ai”. But someone says it’s not true as it may be translated to one of those:
– the kid you support
– the kid who is a fan
– or the child of a fan
which is correct?
thank you.
Hi Katsu
Ah OK, it could be confusing because the literal meaning of the title can be “the kid you support” ( = the idol herself = “My favorite idol” ) but if the story is about the child whose mother is your favorite idol then your translation is right.
kid of my fav/ a child of my fav.
If you are focusing the idol herself you can still say 推しの子 so “My favorite idol” works.
I read the story but it is complicated, huh? The main character reincarnated as a child of his favorite idol.
The following two have different meanings
the kid who is a fan = ファンの子 ( A child who is your fan)
the child of a fan = ファンの子 (A child of your fan)
Ah, yeah, the story is kinda complicated but worth watching. I think it’s gloomy somewhat.
Anyway, thanks for your replay, it really helps :).
No problem. 😊
Hi everyone! Sorry that the site has been down and some of your recent comments were gone. I think I answered all your questions but if you haven’t read them yet, please ask me the questions again. I’ll be happy to answer your questions. Have a great weekend! いい週末を！🐶
Welcome back!
I had a question about the word 感じ, and I saw your answer. I learned something very interesting from your answer. First, this is what you said:
日本語で返事をということなので日本語で答えますね。
そうですね、感じは、気持ちだけではなく、会話で「〜という感じ /(説明）+ こんな感じ」を加えることで直接的な言い方を和らげる時にも使います。
この二つの文章をつなげてみると一領域につき5回各6分露出で写真を撮影して30分(A) という感じで時間の許す限り観測を繰り返します。
最初の部分（A)で手順を説明してそのように観測を繰り返すように説明しています。
..という感じでどうでしょう？
The reason why I asked you to reply in Japanese is that I want to stop learning Japanese by using English. I am trying to connect Japanese language direct to the world and direct to my own thoughts/impressions etc., without English getting in the way.
This is where the 「直接的な言い方を和らげる」 is important. In fact, a scientist was explaining a procedure to some students. I forgot to take that into account. In trying to make sense of what he said, I was putting myself in the position of the listener, and that was my mistake. When I put myself in the position of the scientist, talking to students, then I got closer to what I would be thinking/feeling (感じ?!) in that situation. When I did that, then the purpose of 「こんな感じで」starts to make more sense at a more intuitive level .. without the English translation.
I think that answers your last question?
私の日本語の説明で理解してもらえればうれしいです。
Good afternoon Maggie. I found the following sentence and had difficulty getting a part of it and would like your help if possible.
The sentence is as follows: それは氷のような砂糖菓子。
触れれば冷たさに指先が凍り、
舐めれば甘さに舌が痺れゆく。
まさに至宝と慕うにふさわしい―――
I can’t understand the part: 痺れゆく. Can you explain to me?
Hi Matheus
痺れゆく is a written language and it means 痺れていく going numb
thank you
どういたしまして 😊
Hi Matheus
痺れゆく is a written language and it means 痺れていく going numb
(ていく→ゆく） expresses the change, getting, going, becoming ~
Are both んですか？ and んあんですか？
Accusatory?
Hi Mark
Yes, んですか？ could have an accusing tone or emphasize your surprised feelings.
Ex. 違いますか？
→違うんですか？
(んあんですか→???I think it’s a typo )
Hello Maggie Sensei! What is the origin/etymology of the -ら in -たら?
I think たら came from a classic auxiliary verb たり
ら is a part of the conjugation.
Thank you. I thought 距離 only applied to the distance between two things.
No problem, Luna!
Yes, you can use 距離 in that context. 長距離（長い距離を）走る = to run a long distance
FYI 隔たり is often use to express a gap/difference
二人の意見には大きな隔たりがある
There is a wide gap in the opinions between the those two.
Thanks for the lesson!
Does this sound ok:
警察に犯人の名前を出された。The police made me reveal the name of the culprit.
毎週、プールで長い隔たりを泳がされる。Every week, I am made to swim a long distance at the pool (by a teacher)
HI LUN
1) 出された→言わされた is more natural (made my say)
2) 先生に、毎週プールで長距離（を）泳がされる
Hi! Maggie sensei, I’m wondering about this sentence…..
会いたかった なあ Does this mean “I’ve been wanting to meet you for long time”? and still looking forward to see you, right? Also what is the meaning of なあ? Someone told me that it’s like to show strong feeling of really wanted to meet. Is it? or actually it’s just suffix of the sentence, no emotional.
Hi Luck
会いたかったなあ I wish I could have seen you/him/her/them.
So you wanted to see someone but you missed the chance/you couldn’t.
By attaching な/なあ you can add the feelings (in this case regret)
Please check my lesson on な/なあ. Link is this https://bit.ly/3TOe1BD
Good night Maggie. I came across a sentence and would like to know if it is grammatically correct. The sentence is as follows: 私はこの怪物の弱点をついに見つけました。その神経もいつも以上に高ぶっております。
Hello Pedro
The first sentence is correct but the second sentence is not natural.
Hello Maggie-sensei!
I have a simple question. If my dog is 7 years old, I can say 犬は七歳です, right? But what if my dog is only 7 months old? Do I say 犬は七月歳です?
こんにちは、Luna
7 months old is just 7ヶ月
You can also add 生後=せいご before 7ヶ月
（生後=せいご）7ヶ月
This makes sense! Thanks!
Anytime! :)
サイトの修理のため、1週間前のメッセージが消えてしまいました。全てのメッセージに返事を出しましてがもし読んでいなかったらまたいつでもメッセージを入れてくださいね。
Is the (noun)し(verb) construction common? I’ve come across the phrase 愛し創り上げる, which contextually I’m assuming means “lovingly create”/”create with love”, but I’m a bit confused about the grammar here.
Hello FXJ
It is hard to tell you by just the phrase without knowing the context but
愛し（あいし） in that sentence means “愛して” love (something/someone) and create ~
I think you know connecting verbs with te-form but you can also connect the verb with masu-stem
愛します→(masu-stem) delete ます 愛し
So it happened to be “し” but if it is a different verb, for example
食べて寝る = eat and sleep
食べ寝る (the masu-stem of 食べます is 食べ)
FYI I have a lesson on this usage
https://maggiesensei.com/2020/07/06/connecting-with-masu-stem/
Hi Maggie, What is the difference between 角かど and 角かく ?
Got the following example sentences from websites; all of them is かど right??
とおり の 角 に たって いた。
I stood at the corner of the street
角 に おおきな 目印 が あります。
There is a big sign at the corner
角 で ひだり に 曲まがる。
Turn left at the corner
すいぎゅう は おおきな 角 を もって いる。
Buffaloes have big horns
すぐ 角、あかい の みせ です。
It’s the red shop just at the corner
Thank you せんせい
ps google translate it as tsuno
Hi soleyman!
角 = かど = corner
角 = つの = horn
So from your example sentence only
すいぎゅう は おおきな 角 を もって いる。
Buffaloes have big horns
is ”つの = horn”
すぐ 角、あかい の みせ です。 →I think it missing の （すぐ角のあかいみせです。）
ハロー、マギー先生！
Do you know if there is a difference between using に and で with the verb 保存する？
I would’ve guessed で、 but when I looked up native example sentences on Weblio, I saw examples using both に and で!
例 ファイルをディスクに保存する。
冷暗所で保存して下さい。
I can understand why に would be used. に often implies a destination or directionality. Basically, 「ディスクに保存する」implies that the disk is the destination of the file, or that the file is being moved to the disk in order to save it.
But で also makes sense, as it marks the location of an action such as in a 冷暗ところ。
Does this mean that both of these particles are interchangeable, and I can use either one?
Can 「冷暗所で保存して下さい」 also be 「冷暗所に保存して下さい」？
If so, is there a difference in nuance? For example, do these two sentences
画像をスマホに保存
画像をスマホで保存
mean the exact same thing?
ありがとうございます！
Sora
Hi Sora
Good. You figure out the function of に.
冷暗所（れいあんしょ）に保存して下さい
冷暗所で保存してください。
You can use them both. The difference is
に implies the object you put in 冷暗所 is somewhere else but you move it/them into the cold and dark place (ex. refrigerator)
And you use で when you indicate the place where you keep/conserve something.
画像をスマホに保存 (the file was somewhere else or even in the same cellphone, from where the pictures are to the file in the cellphone)
画像をスマホで保存 (You save the pictures “with” (tool) your cellphone.)
なるほど！とても分かりやすい説明です！
いつもありがとう、マギー先生！
どういたしまして💖
Hello sensei,
i must admit i forget the basic counting in japanese, can you please check whether it is right or not?
鉛筆が9本あります
鉛筆が9個あります
鉛筆が９つあります
鉛筆が1000あります
箸が9膳あります
箸が9個あります
箸が９つあります
箸が1000あります
車が9台あります
車が9個あります
車が９つあります
車が1000あります
Hi Alex
鉛筆 →本
箸 →膳 （ 箸２本で１膳）
車 →台
hello sensei
so in here you cannot use another form? you cannot use 個? i hear that 個 can be used to anything.
You can not use 個 with everything.
You use it with small items and if it is something small but is obviously long, you use 本
So 鉛筆一個, 箸一個、車一個 are not natural.
thank you very much sensei
No problem! :)
Hello Sensei,
Thank you as always
Can you please check this sentence?
I see how He is an inspiration to you. Your mindset towards life are really similar with him.
あなたは彼に霊感されることを私が理解しました。あなたと彼の人生に対する考え方がよく酷似していいます。
Hello ビーフレンダン
霊感 is something more spiritual (Ex. being psychic)
How about 彼がどれだけあなたに刺激を与えているのか (or 刺激を与える存在なのか) わかります。
We just say インスピレーション as well.
→（あなたが）どれだけ彼からインスピレーションを受けているかわかります。
The second sentence is fine but I would change よく酷似 (よく & 酷似 are redundant) to よく似ています。
Hello sensei,
i agree with you and want to add some point.
if i change 霊感 with 触発 will it be correct ?
あなたは彼に触発されることを私が理解しました
Yes, it sounds more literal but you can say 触発
But I would say あなたが彼に触発された （or if it is still going on →されている）ことがわかります。
Thank you very much sensei, love
🐶💖💖💖
Sorry Maggie. I forgot to put the phrase. The phrase is this: ガキはガキらしくよ、ニカーッと笑っていこうや。
Good night Maggie teacher
I would like to clear up some doubts regarding the following sentence:
Why is らしく in adverbial form? and why is よ in the middle of the sentence and not at the end? What is the function of the や at the end of the sentence?
This is a rough male speech
1) It is similar to さ・さあ (子供は子供らしくさあ） →rough ガキはガキらしくよ・よう
2) The last や is another rough way to say よ (→This よ is to encourage someone to do something. It is not rough like the one in 1).
笑っていこうよ →(rough) 笑っていこうよ
マギー先生、こんにちは！
3年前、私初めてで東京にいきました。すごく楽しかったです！
もう一回行こうの予定がありましたが、そのすぐ後はcovid-19の件が始めました。
今の状況はどうですか？観光客などは戻りましたですか？もう安全ですか？
早く行きたいな～
こんにちは ルナ
日本の今ですか？ コロナはまだありますが、他の国と同じぐらい安全だと思います。
海外からの観光客の方々も増えてきています。円が安いからお買い物や食事もお得かもしれませんよ。
Good morning Maggie, I found a phrase and would like to understand something.
The sentence is as follows: あれもこれも、色々と興味深いものが目の前に現れる。
I would like to know the role of と (after 色々) in this sentence?
Hello Jack
色々と This と has a function as an adverb and it modifies a verb, 色々と現れる
Hello Maggie-sensei.
Could you tell me what じゃんじゃんやっちゃう means?
I see じゃんじゃん means continuously, but I’m not sure what this expression means.
Hi Miki
じゃんじゃん is onomatopoeia to express doing something heavily, vigorously, keep doing something a lot.
じゃんじゃんやっちゃう = Keep doing something more and more
じゃんじゃん飲んで = Keep drinking a lot!
Hello Sensei,
My previous post got deleted by the maintenance
I need your help to check the sentence
My locker is far away from my English classes. That is the reason why I carry all my books with me. Is it going to rain hard or just a drizzle?
私のロッカーは英語の教室まで遠く離れています。すべての本を持ち歩いているのはその理由があるからです。今日は大雨が降るのかそれとも小雨が降るのでしょうか？
Hi Alex
Sorry. I answered your question but the message was gone.
すべての本を持ち歩いているのはその理由があるからです。
→だからすべての本を持ち歩いています
今日は大雨が降るのかそれとも小雨が降るのでしょうか？
→OK (Or 大雨（土砂降り）になるのか 〜）
you are the best, please help me again to check the sentences in the future.
thanks a lot
🐶💖💖💖
Good night Maggie. I came across a sentence and would like to know if it is right.
The phrase is this: 私たちはこれまで明日のことを皆はなしてきたから、さて、現実に戻って、今日のことを話そう
I had doubts if the kanji 皆 should be removed or if it is fulfilling some function
Hello i will answer on maggie sensei behalf.
it has function as adverb, it can mean
1. everyone 2. All
just translate it one by one
私たちはこれまで明日のことを皆はなしてきたから、
Because we all have talked the matter about tomorrow until now,
さて、現実に戻って、今日のことを話そう
for now, let’s go back to reality and talk about today
in sentence one you can see i translate 皆 as “all” and 私たち as “we”
@ビーフレンダン
Thank you for helping Brock.
Hi Sensei !
Thank you so much for everything you do for us, I’m studying and hope I’ll pass the JLPT this year and your website is so useful, I feel so grateful for everything you put here!
Best regards from France !
Hi Magou
Thank YOU for your kind message.
JLPTがんばってくださいね。私もレッスンがんばって作ります。😊
So… shorter form ため is more formal than ために, right? But can I use both forms in ALL examples above? How big is the difference between formal and less formal version? Will I sound weird if I use only ため in informal situation or conversely?
Hello Krystian
As I wrote in this lesson you san use either ため or ために in the examples of the usage 2) Expressing a reason/cause
If you are writing to your friends, ため is just fine but in conversation, it might sound slightly unnatural.
渋滞のため、着くのが遅くなりそうです。(formal conversation/ writing (formal and informal) )
渋滞のために、遅くなるよ。(informal)
Ok, thanks a lot, Maggie. :)
Anytime! :)
Hello, maggie sensei
thank you as always.
日本語を英語に翻訳してみますが下記の文章に何か変なところがあったかさっとみっていただけないでしょうか。
イラストはあまり良すぎない限り料金を出しません。
If the illustration is not really good I will not pay the fee.
Hi ビーフレンダン
わかりました。自然な言い方に変えてみましょう。
→イラストがよくなければ料金を払いません。
〜限りは、 as long asという意味になります。
（何か不自然なところがないかさっと*みていただかけないでしょうか？）
FYI さっと quickly / ざっと = roughly
thank you very much sensei
You’re very welcome!
Hello, Maggie.
Japanese has been an interest of mine for some time and while some may suspect it is my interest in Japanese media, like anime and manga, which sparked my interest. Such interests came later to me in life while my interest in the language was pre-existing.
It wasn’t until an old friend of mine suggested an educational video game series called “Learn Japanese to Survive” that I really started picking up the basics of the language and encouraged me to practice outside of the game. Now I feel like I have all of the Hiragana characters memories though my Katakana and Kanji could use some work. Though I am able to recognize some Kanji characters as well.
Besides Japanese, I’ve also enrolled in a beginner’s Spanish course as well so I feel confident that I could potentially read and write in that language at an early early level too. However, when it comes to speaking and hearing, as well as writing or reading for the case of Japanese, I feel slow.
It took me awhile before I feel like I could say I achieved mastery in the English language, my native tongue, and even then I still am prone to forgetfulness of certain grammar rules. Like those matter anymore in English speaking countries. lol The reason I believe for my difficulties in learning English and other languages like Spanish and Japanese is because I was a special needs student. I am a slow learner. So I guess I am writing this message to you to ask… do you know anyone willing to work with me in one-on-one sessions until I could attend a fluent level? I don’t have much money so my budget is limited, but I would forever be appreciative of you if you could point me in the direction of someone who could help teach me.
ありがとう
Hi Aliyah
It is a great idea to work on your speaking and taking a class on line. That way you can improve your Japanese. There are many Japanese on-line schools. Google “On line Japanese lesson”. The price is not that expensive, I believe. I hope it fits your budget.
And if you still can’t find a good teacher, write to me
through an email on the following page.
http://142.93.68.150/about-us/
Hi Maggie-sensei! I thought this lesson was a bit difficult! Is it right to say that you would use てある only if you are currently seeing/experiencing the subject? For example, if I say: 壁にポスターが飾ってある,then I am probably looking at the poster on the wall right now. If the poster was in a different house, I would probably say 飾っている , right?
Another question, I sometimes hear ておる／ております Is it something completely different?
Hello ルナ
Maybe the English translation might have confused you for the example sentence.
Even if you are not looking at the poster right now, you can still describe the wall, 飾ってある
Here’s the difference
Ex. 壁にポスターが飾ってある (Describing the current state of the wall. Someone put the poster on the wall in the past and you are looking at the result.)
Ex. 壁にポスターを飾っている (The subject is a person (or a store) Someone is putting the poster on the wall (either right now or routine work, they usually put the poster on the wall.)
ておる is a humble expression of Vている
Ex. 鍵を預かっています。 ( We keep your key.)
→鍵をお預かりしております。
Thank you for explaining. It is a difficult concept for me. Is this correct：
猫カフェで、たくさん猫を見ていた > Focuses on me who saw cats at the cafe.
猫カフェで、たくさん猫を見てあった > Focuses on the cats that I was able to see by going to the cafe.
Hi ルナ again
猫カフェで、たくさん猫を見ていた > Focuses on me who saw cats at the cafe.
→Right. The speaker was looking at many cats.
猫カフェで、たくさん猫を見てあった > Focuses on the cats that I was able to see by going to the cafe.
→This sentence is not correct.
For example if someone who works there placed lots of toys for cats for the customers and the cats ahead of time and you describe the state, you can say
猫カフェには、猫のためにたくさんのおもちゃが置いてあった。
Ok. Would you say that てある is mostly used to describe inanimate objects?
Would this be correct: 猫を撫でてので、服に毛が付けってある
I’m sorry for so many questions D:
In that case you say
猫を撫でたので、服に毛がついた
As I wrote in the lesson, you intentionally do something and leave it
For example if you are looking at the clothes and there is a name tag on it (someone put the name tag on it and leave it for some reason) you say
服に名札がつけてある
こんにちは、マギー先生
サイトは復旧して戻ってきてくれて良かったです。
少しご質問があります。
1. 「雨が降りそうな天気」と「雨が降りだしそうな天気」、両方の言い方があるのですがどう違いますか
２．「街灯にぶつかりそうになった女性」と「街灯にぶつかりそうになる女性」はどう違いますか
英語で説明しづらい場合は日本語で説明してくれると幸いです。
よろしくお願いします
こんにちはビーフレンダン
サイトがダウンしてしまったせいでいくつかの前のコメントが消えていたらごめんなさい。
１.
(1) 雨が降りそうな天気
(2) 雨が降りだしそうな天気
So if you looking up the sky and it is cloudy, you say (1) but you won’t probably say (2)
If you see the sky is getting really dark and it looks like it’s gonna rain any minute, you say (2) because 降り出す has a meaning of “It is about to rain”
2.
(3) 「街灯にぶつかりそうになった女性」
(4) 「街灯にぶつかりそうになる女性」
If you are describing what has just happened more vividly, I would say (3) is more natural.
承知いたしました。感謝いたします。
お役に立てたらうれしいです。☺️
マギー先生のレッスンはいつも私に元気を出されます。
私も、マギー先生のこと尊敬しています。:)
ルナ
（Note for you: 元気をくれます・元気にしてくれます）
わあ〜うれしい😭
これからもよろしくね。
ルナ、大好き💖
Thank you.
When you want to cheer up someone, you say 元気を出して、so if I wanted to say you make the “genki” come out of me, it’s still wrong to say 元気を出されます ?
出される is a passive form so you can’t use it in this case.
Though 元気にしてくれる/元気をくれる are much more natural, if you want to use the causative form
出される should be 出させる
（私の）元気を出させます/出させてくれます
I see! Thank you!
Hi everyone!
サイトがしばらくダウンしていてご心配をおかけしました。
Now I am back!!
お帰りなさい！ :)
ただいま〜、ルナ💓
ってくるの使い方ついにわっかてきた！
ありがとうございます！
よかった〜😊
Hello sensei, Thank you as always
can i ask you about something i don’t really understand in this sentence?
人手不足や気候変動など日本企業の経営のリスク開示 (３面きょうのことば）が海外勢に比べ遅れている。
What i don’t understand
1. ３面きょうのことば
2. 海外勢の勢の意味？
ちなみにこちらの文は日本の新聞から抜粋されました。
よろしくお願いします
Hi, ビーフレンダン
1. The newspaper has several pages. The front page is called 一面 and ３面 technically means “the third page” but it refers to the social news page.
So you probably got the article from 日経新聞 but it refers to the section called きょうのことば where they explained a trend word of the day on the third page.
2. 勢 means “companies, entities, group” so 海外勢 means “foreign companies” in this context.
先生すごい
優しいだけではなく賢いです。
ありがとうございます
いえいえ、日本の新聞で勉強をしているビーフレンダンが賢いのですよ〜😉
Hello! About this sentence:
彼が私のこと好きかどうかわからなくなってきた
I asked a similar question the other day, but I’m still confused about the use of きた in sentences such as these. Why is it わからなくなってきた and not わからなくなった or わからなくなっていた?
Hi ルナ
Yes you can say わからなくなった/わからなくなっていた
but the nuance changes. The English translation could be the same so let me explain the difference.
１）わからなくなってきた Focusing on the moment when she is speaking.
Describing the change from the certain moment in the past to the present moment. She thought he had liked her but she is getting confused and losing the confidence.
The change is happening now.
2) わからなくなった I don’t know his feelings anymore.
English translation is “present tense” but she’s already done defying her feelings.
3) わからくなっていた is describing the state (not the change) in the past.
So again, you can use all of them but it depends on how you want to express it. (focusing on the change from the past up to now, the change in the past, the state on the present moment, etc.)
FYI
I have a lesson on
ていく てくる So please check the lesson when you have time.
Link: Click here
Thank you for explaining!
I will go read this lesson too.
You’re very welcome! :)
勉強をさせていただいてありがとうございます！
はなはな
お役に立てればうれしいです。😊
Hi! I have a question regarding this sentence:
子供の頃から娘には好きなことをさせてきた
What is the function of きた here? What is the difference from:
子供の頃から娘には好きなことをさせた ？
Hi ルナ
させた I let my daughter do whatever she wanted. (Talking about the specific time in the past.
させてきた is I have been letting my daughter. (Expressing the duration of time from some time in the past up to the moment when they are talking.)
Hello sensei, thank a always
I wonder how you say “Japanese Native Resident”
日本に駐在する外国人ではなく純粋に最初から日本に生まれ育ている人のことです。
”日本の駐在者”があっていますか？
よろしくお願いします
こんにちは Beef Rendang
駐在というと通常、会社から他の国に仕事をするために派遣された人のことを指します。
在日＋国籍＋人
という言い方がありますが、日本に住んでいますが、日本で生まれた人とは限らないので
「日本で生まれ育った」と説明をつけた方がいいかもしれませんね。
在日+ Nationality + 人 （Ex.在日
いつもありがとうございます。本当にたすかりました。感謝いたします。
どういたしまして💖
Hi Maggie-sensei,
I have a question sort of related to shopping, but hard to categorise.
I left a clothes shop the other day and as I was exiting, the alarm went off.
I waited politely for someone to come and check, but I didn’t know how to say:
“Your store alarms went off.’
Or
“I am not sure why… but your store alarms went off?”
Thank you so much!
Hi Mini
When you want to tell them the alarm goes off even though you paid
すみません、アラームが鳴ったんですが…
= Sumimasen. Alarm ga nattan desu ga…
= Excuse me. The alarm went off..
You can add
このまま出てもいいですか？
= Kono mama dete mo ii desu ka?
= Can I just leave?
せんせい、こんにちは！
好きなポケモン教えてください！:D
こんにちはルナ！
やっぱりピカチュウが好きです💕 イーブイもかわいいです。
ルナの好きなポケモンは？
そうですか！：）
私には、ウパーが好き！いつも幸せな顔をしている！
ウパーもかわいい〜〜💕
確かにいつも幸せな顔をしていますね。😊
ルナも幸せな1日を過ごしてください。
Good night Maggie. I have doubts about two sentences and I would like you to answer these doubts.
The first sentence is: アラビア語を独習したいのですが良い参考書を教えてください。I would like to know the が function in this sentence.
The second sentence is: 台湾はグルメも良し、観光も良し、ショッピングも良しと、魅力たっぷりの観光地だ。I would like to know the function of と in this sentence.
Hi Mutuio
1) が has many different functions but this が is just to connect the sentence. “so”/”and”
You often leave the sentence with が without finishing it.
Vたいのですが + (what should I do/Do you have any advice?/ Can you help me?, etc.)
2) と in that sentence is to give examples and quote them.
I think you know the pattern AというB B which is A
You sometimes omit という/といった
〜ショッピングもよしと（いった(ように）)、魅力たっぷりの〜
Hi, Maggie-sensei! I love your posts very-very much, thank you for your work!
My question is about this example: 彼女はまだ２０歳にはなっていないはずだ
I didn’t know we can use wa twice in one sentence – it’s like we have two topics of the sentence. Could you elaborate on that please? Are there any tips/rules for using wa multiple times in a sentence?
doumo :3
Hello Valery
You are right. You tend to avoid using the same particle because repeating the same particle may look/sound confusing.
彼女はまだ２０歳にはなっていないはずだ
You can say
彼女はまだ２０歳になっていないはずだ as well but the nuance changes a little.
彼女は this は is a topic marker
20歳には→ this は is to show the contrast. (showing the contrast of 20 years old and other ages. For example, maybe she is close to 20, like 19 years old but not she hasn’t turned 20 yet.)
So even if there are two は, it won’t be confusing.
I will show you another example.
この会社は、給料はいいが、仕事が多い。
= This company offers good salary but gave us a lot of work.
Hello sensei,
Thanks as always
can i ask you what is the meaning (まんざら)
女の子の服もまんざらじゃなさそうだし。
tried dictionary but nothing make sense.
Hi Beef Rendang
まんざらでもない is a vague Japanese expression and it means “not so bad/ not totally bad and actually something is good” ./someone seems kind of satisfied or happy with something.
女の子の服もまんざらじゃなさそうだし
I don’t know the situation but
It seems like the girl’s outfits are not so bad.or The person who is wearing girl’s outfits seems to like wearing them.
Ah, thank you much sensei
The reason i got confused is because in some site i found an explanation that say まんざら＝必ずしも。
The scene is the tomboy girl is trying the dress, She is usually using boy clothes and when she tried to try skirt, She said to herself (女の子の服もまんざらじゃなさそうだし)
ありがとうございます。
まんざら is not exactly the same as 必ずしも.
You often use まんざらじゃない/ まんざらでもない in the situation like you expect someone would be unhappy with something but actually they actually kind of like it.
So in your example sentence, you assume the girl would hate that skirt because she was complaining or she usually hates wearing a skirt.
But once she puts it on, she looks rather happy with it. Though she is not saying anything, you can see she is thinking “Hey, this is not that bad. I actually like it.”
right, really appreciate for the help
My pleasure! :)
Maggie-sensei,
Happy New Year! 今年もよろしくお願いします。
I find your blog extremely helpful and one of the most useful out there. Thank you for all your work and effort.
I wondered if you could create a lesson on
こじんめんだん at Japanese kindergartens. It’s something that I am really struggling with.
Any phrases/vocabulary similar to the below would be super appreciated!
*My child has been toilet-trained.
*She goes to the potty by herself at home, but cannot go by herself outside the house.
*She speaks English at home and can only say a few single Japanese words.
*How is she doing at school.
*Ways to talk about one’s child: She is stubborn/independent/sociable/scared of strangers/quiet/very active at home.
*She holds food in her mouth./ I am worried about choking hazards.
and so on.
Thank you so much.
Hi Mini
I’m happy to hear you find this site useful.
OK, let me help you.
*My child has been toilet-trained.
うちの子*は、トイレのしつけができています。/オムツがとれました。
= Uchi no ko wa toire no shitsuke ga dekite imasu./ omutsu ga toremashita.
*She goes to the potty by herself at home, but cannot go by herself outside the house.
家では一人でトイレに行けますが、家の外では一人で行けません。
Ie dewa hitori de toire ni ikemaseuga, ie no soto dewa hitori de ikemasen.
*She speaks English at home and can only say a few single Japanese words.
家では英語を話していますので1) 日本語は一言、二言しか話しません。/ 2) 日本語はほとんど話せません。(2) She barely speaks Japanese.)
= Iedewa eigo wo shnashite imasu node 1) nihongo wa hitokoto futakoto shika hanasemasen / 2) Nihongo ưa Hotondo hanasemasen .
*How is she doing at school?
娘は、幼稚園ではどんな感じですか？/ちゃんとやっていますか？
= Musume wa youchien de wa donna kanji desu ka? / Chanto yatte imasu ka?
*Ways to talk about one’s child: 1) She is stubborn/2) independent/3) sociable/4 ) scared of strangers/ 5) quiet/ 6) very active at home.
1) （娘は）頑固（がんこ）です。/ 2) 自立心があります。/ 3) 人懐っこいです。/ 人見知りしません/ 4) 人見知りをします 5) 大人しいです/ 6) 家ではとても活発です。
=1) (Musume wa) ganko desu./ 2) Jiritsushin ga arimasu. /3) Hitonatsukkoi desu. / Hitomishiri shimasen ./ 4) Hitomishiri wo shimasu 5) Otonashii desu 6) Ie de wa totemo kappatsu desu
*She holds food in her mouth./ I am worried about choking hazards.
and so on.
口の中に食べ物を入れます。/喉につかえないか心配です。（窒息（ちそうく）しないか心配です）
= Kuchi no naka ni tabemono wo iremasu / Nodo ni tsukaenai ka shinpai desu. (Or Chissoku shinai ka shinpai desu)
Hello,
What should I answer to this message?
“フォロバ頂きありがとうございます”
Thanks!
Hi Topaz
So this person followed you first and you follow him/her back, right?
Did you say thank you for following before? If not, you can say
こちらこそフォローありがとうございます。And you can continue これからもよろしくお願いします。
Maggie-sensei,
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.
This is very helpful.
Huge fan of your blog – thank you!
You’re very welcome,Mini.
こじんめんだん、がんばって！
Hello! I have a question about one grammar aspect, because my 先生 told me one thing and my workbook keeps mistaking those two (well, maybe the workbook is wrong)
「思っていたより」と 「期待していたより」の違いはなんですか。
先生 told me that 「思っていたより」is used when the outcome is better than expected, for example このケーキは思っていたよりおいしかった。 (You expected it to taste bad)
And 「期待していたより」is used when the outcome is worse than you expected, for example 試験の点数は期待していたより悪かった。
Is this right? Because when I searched in the internet, the opinions vary a lot and I don’t know anymore :((
Hi Alioth
Very good questions.
Technically
思う = to think
期待する = to expect
And they both can be translated “to think” but 期待する means “to hope” and it is used for something one is looking forward to.
So your teacher is right. The outcome should be good when you use 期待したより ~
You can say このケーキは思っていたよりおいしかった/おいしくなかった。 but it sound unnatural to say このケーキは期待していたよりおいしかった。
If it is a negative sentence, you can say
このケーキは期待していたよりおいしくなかった
I will give you other verbs that are often used in this pattern.
予想する = to fore
想像する= imagine
考える = to think (logically)
Among these verbs, only 期待する is used is used when the outcome is good.
新年明けましておめでとうマギー先生！
No matter how many years pass, I always find myself visiting and revisiting your blog posts😂 Your quality is unrivaled.
I have a vocab question: how do you say the word “interchangeable” in Japanese?
e.g
”Jealous” and “envious” mean the exact same thing. They are interchangeable.
”Wanna” is interchangeable with “want to,” with the former being more casual.
I typically wouldn’t want to bother you with words I can just look up in the dictionary, but I just can’t seem to find it.
On jisho, 「同意語」and 「同義語」show up, but being interchangeable is a bit different from being synonyms. For example, “while” and “during” are synonyms, but they aren’t interchangeable.
e.g
While I was sleeping, an earthquake happened.
During I was sleeping, an earthquake happened. ❌
The word that always comes up on DeepL is 「互換性」
e.g
”Wanna “は “want to “と互換性があります。
However, when I look up example sentences, it’s used with computers and devices and is translated as “compatible.”
Thank you as always!
Hi Sora
I’m happy to hear you have been visiting this site for many years. :)
OK, the most common way to say “A and B are interchangeable” in Japanese is
AはBに言い換えることができます
（You also say 置き換えることができる)
Oh, I see! It’s been driving me crazy, so thank you so much!!
Anytime! :)
Hello Maggie Sensei, Happy New Year and Wish you be Blessed with Good Health and Fortune
This the first question on this year.
1. What is the meaning of 僻む(ひがむ）
2. What is the meaning of 振り回す in the sentence (彼女はいつも友達に振り回されていてイライラする)
3. Are they have a same meaning : 取り繕う・決め込む・偽装
Thank you very much
Happy New Year! 明けましておめでとうございます！ いい年になりますように🙏
1. to have an inferiority complex feeling jealous of someone.
2. 振り回す to involve someone into something for one’s own convenience in a selfish manner.
For example, her friend says, “Let’s go out tomorrow and do something.” And though you were busy you arranged your schedule to go out with her. Then she said she changed her mind and she doesn’t want to go out anymore. So you rearrange your schedule. Then she said you should meet her somewhere instead. In this kind of situation you are 振り回されている.
3. No, they are different.
取り繕う to mend something/keep up with lies
決め込む persist in doing something/make up one’s mind
偽装 disguise
3.
sensei thank to explain in detailed manner. 改めてあけましておめでとうございます。
どういたしまして❤️
みなさん、明けましておめでとうございます！
今年もよろしくお願いします！
Happy New Year, everyone! 🐶
Happy new year sensei
Happy New Year, Emerald❤️
マギー先生,
どうぞよいおとしをおむかえください
ありがとう❤️
Michaelもどうぞよいお年をお迎えください。
Hello Maggie sensei! I was reading a book and came across this sentence: “ぼうっと、その場に立ちすくんだ” and I can’t figure out what the use of んだ is for here! I hope you can help me understand.
Hi 暇！
OK, the main verb is 立ちすくむ and the past tense is 立ちすくんだ.
(The verb which ends with む →(the past tense) んだ. Ex. 産む（うむ）→産んだ）
Good morning Maggie. I found a sentence and I’m not sure if my translation is correct.
The sentence is as follows: ビスマルクは戦士提督から征服勝利を目指すそうです
And my translation was: Bismarck appears is aiming for conquest victory from the admiral warrior. My translation is right?
Hi Homer
Good. Just ~ そうです means “It seems like” or “I heard ~”
Hello Maggie Sensei! Casual reader of your blog from Malaysia here. Just dropping to say thank you for all the years I have been using your blog, back since 2015-2016 when I first started learning Japanese. Having passed N1 a few years back, using Japanese for work, and currently living with a Japanese spouse, none of them would be possible without your wonderful blog. I sometimes teach elementary Japanese on the side, and I would reference your explanations ask they are easy to understand and quite detailed.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart :)
Hello Aki
Awww that is so sweet of you. Thank YOU for your kind words.❤️
It is just amazing that you have been using this site for 6~7 years.
これからも皆さんのためにがんばってレッスンを作り続けますね。
Love,
Maggie
Good morning Maggie. I found the following sentence and had difficulty getting a part of it and would like your help if possible.
The sentence is as follows: それは氷のような砂糖菓子。
触れれば冷たさに指先が凍り、
舐めれば甘さに舌が痺れゆく。
まさに至宝と慕うにふさわしい―――
I can’t understand the part: まさに至宝と慕うにふさわしい
Could you help me, I describe the functions of the particles and explain the meaning of the words?
Hi Mutuio
It is a bit dramatic expression to describe some sweet.
I will give you the clues first.
まさに means “precisely”
ふさわしい “worthy”
~と = as
慕うに is a formal (for written form) way to say 慕うのに to adore/respect/look up to/to love
The particle に after 慕う is used with ふさわしい
〜にふさわしい appropriate for ~ / worthy of ~
Hello maggie sensei,
Thank you as always
What is the meaning of 頭をもたげる
thank you again
Hi Alex
頭をもたげる means １） to raise one’s head 2) some hidden idea crosses one’s mind/comes to the fore
Thank you very much sensei
You’re welcome! :)
Hi, Maggie!
First of all, thank you very much for the lesson. It was incredibly helpful. ^^
About にしては, apart from what it was explained in the lesson, my textbook says it can also appear in the form それにしては. However, I’m having a hard time trying to find helpful examples taken from real and daily-life Japanese that show me how is それにしては used. The very few ones I could find were kind of stiff sentences that, although they show the idea of the meaning of それにしては at some extent, they were a bit artificial. So, if you could please give me some examples of how それにしては is used in daily life, I’d appreciate a lot.
Anyway, thanks a lot again for the lesson!
Hi Natalie
First, thank you for your kind message.
You state something first. (Or someone states something)
You use それにしては ( = even so, in spite of, although) when you hear/see something is different from your expectation.
今日は、平日だけど、それにしては人が多いね。
The speaker thinks there are fewer people on weekdays
→Though it’s a weekday, there are unexpectedly many people today.
毎日、がんばって節電しているが、それにしては電気代が高い。
The speaker had expected lower electric bill because they have been saving electricity.
I have been trying to save electricity but still electric bill is high.
A: 「👨のうちはお金持ちなんだって」
= I heard 👨’s family is rich.
B: 「それにしては毎日、コンビニで安いパンばかり買っているよ。」
= But he buys cheap bread at a convenience store every day.
B thinks if 👨 is rich, he wouldn’t buy cheap bread every day at a convenience store. (Different from B’s expectation)
A: 「一度も海外に行ったことがありません。」
= I have never been abroad
B: 「それにしては英語がうまいね。」
= But your English is great.
B thinks if A has never been abroad, A’s English skill is so-so.
Hi again, Maggie!
Thank you very much for answering me and for your examples and explanations! They have been super helpful in order to understand better the usage of それにしては. ^^
I appreciate a lot your help. 😊
よかった〜 :)
Good morning Maggie. Could you tell me why the verb in the following sentence is in the volitional form: ペットの糞は飼主が持ち帰りましょう
That sentence is on a sign and I don’t understand why the verb is in the volitional form and not just the polite form.
Hi Mutuio
Please read my volitional form lesson. Link is here
As I mentioned in the usage 4), you use volitional form to tell someone to do something.
It sounds friendlier than 持って帰ってください
からって・からといってとと言ってもはどう違いますか
時間があれば教えていただけませんか
からって is a casual way to say からといって so they mean the same.
からといって
理由を強調 (Emphasizing the reason)
Just because, it doesn’t mean ~
英語の試験で満点をとったからといって英語が話せるわけではない。
といっても
そこから推測できることと実際が違うときに使います
Though ~, it doesn’t mean ~ (the reality is different)
英語の試験でいい点をとったといっても満点をとったわけではない。
I’m confused to this sentence translation.
” 結婚するなら絶対にお金持ちというわけではない。
It is not necessarily true that I would only marry a rich man. ” I get it as “It is not needed to be rich when getting married” . How about this 僕は絶対にお金持ちと結婚するとういわけではない。
Hi haru,
Yes, you can also say 僕は絶対にお金持ちと結婚するというわけではない。
Maggie sensei
This is Jens Hoeg in Denmark now mastering :-) Hiragana and a little Kanji
I am struggling with this little sentence (from an account on ancient Japanese history year 600-900):
八世紀 の なか ごろ, ….. (hasseiki no naka goro)
I finally came to interpret “hasseiki”八世紀as something like “eight world history” so maybe it means in “the 8-hundreds”. Eight = 八 (hachi), history/narrative 世 (se), history account = 紀(ki)
Can you help? (The text is about land ownership in ancient Japan)
Jens Hoeg
Hi Jens
八世紀 means “the 8th century” (世紀=せいき=seiki=century)
and なかごろ means “the middle of” so 八世紀 の なかごろ means “the middle of the 8th century”
Maggie – Thanks a lot. That explains it. I have another little puzzle
雨が 降る でしょ う から , 傘を も っ て いかれた方が よ ろ しいですよ 。
Ame ga furu deshō kara, kasa o motte ikareta hō ga yoroshii desu yo.
Is “いかれた” (IKARETA) the passive TA form og IKU? If so is it a polite (using passive) way of saying (plain) “ita ho ga ii desu”? Also, I guess “yuroshii” is more polite than just “ii”. Thanks again MAGGIE!
Hi Jens,
In this case いかれた is a polite form not a passive form.
Check my 敬語（けいご） honorific expression lesson. Link
And right. よろしい is a polite way to say いい
For education purposes, can I have your citation about the realted topic?
This lesson is 100 pct my original lesson.
Good morning maggie. I have a question about the following sentence: 街明かり照らした賑やかな笑い声.
it was translated as: lively laughter illuminated by the city lights.
I would like to know why the verb 照らした was translated into the passive form in the sentence and why the sentence didn’t end up like this: excited laughter that lit up the city lights.
おはよう、Berly
I agree with you.
照らした is not a passive form so it means “the lively laughter illuminated the city lights”.
If you translate the English sentence, it will be 街明かりに照らされた賑やかな笑い声
Thanks for the reply maggie.
I have one more sentence that I would like to know if the translation is correct. the phrase is: この未来を少しずつでも突き動かすよ and its translation was: Awakening, even if little by little, this new future.
Unless I’m mistaken, the translation of 突き動かす should be stimulate, right?
Yes, 突き動かす means to stimulate (someone) to do something, to stir up, to make something move, etc. So I guess the translator is focusing on the result after “stimulating the future” and make the future awake.
Hello Maggie sensei
not gonna ask a question.
I want to thank you for your hard work. I think many japanese learner are helped by the site.
Also thank you for a great year, hope you have a good life and good health.
welcome the new year.
Your kind message made my day!
And thank you for always visiting this site to study with great energy!
I will do my best to keep making more and more lessons.
Stay 元気！！
Love,
Maggie
And also. Just right now saw this phrase
はいでは今日も授業をやっていきます
I was watching the video about grammar:)
In videos like that there are a lot ていく
説明していきます・～見ていきます
書いていきます
Hi, Maggie, thank you!!
I have one question.
I sometimes see it in different videos. For example, a girl comes to the cafe, and orders food. She shows what she orders, for example, a cake. Then says about this cake “食べていきます”. What kind of idea of ていく is that?
Also, i often hear something like 説明していきます、見ていきます in the situations like the above one.
what does it mean?
Hello July
食べていきます = I will eat (and leave the restaurant)
It implies the speaker goes somewhere after they eat.
So you can’t use this expression when you eat at home.
説明していきます/見ていきます
In this case, it doesn’t imply any movement.
You use ていきます when you express the process of explaining/seeing something.
If you just say 説明します/見ます, it could be just one time action.
By using Vていきます, you can express what you are going to do (for a certain period of time).
good night maggie. I found the following sentence and I had doubts about the function of も: 悲しいことも隠して笑う.
in the translated sentence there was no “too” or “even”, so I was wondering what the function of も is in this sentence.
Hi Theseus
That も means “even” sad things.
Good afternoon Maggie. I came across the following sentence: ゴミは出さない持ち込まない. I would like to know if it is correct, because I don’t know if two verbs in the negative form in a row are correct.
Hi Kadoc,
It must be a catchphrase so they combined two sentences.
ゴミは出さない。 (そして(ゴミを)）持ち込まない
It looks like one sentence but it is actually two sentences and omitted そして
Hello sensei, thank you and have a nice day
i want to ask, what is the meaning of
蝮があの世で泣いている
thank you very much
Hi Alex
あの世 is afterlife, another world
The viper is crying in another world.(or in the grave)
Hello sensei,
Is this some form of ことわざ？
I see it when people (usually on twitter) feeling disappointed about something.
Right. あの世で泣いている or 草葉の陰（くさばのかげ）で泣いている are the expression when someone does something bad and that makes their deceased family or friends (someone close) who are already dead sad or disappointed.
I see, thank you very much sensei
どういたしまして :)
Hello maggie sensei,
always thank you for your help
can ついでに and がてら used interchangeably?
please show me the sentences
Hello
Ah, I think many dictionaries said がてら = ついでに = taking the opportunity
but they are slightly different.
AのついでにB (The main action is A. While you are at A, do B)
AがてらB (the same as above or to do B because one gets to do A at the same time)
For example,
散歩のついでにパン屋に行ってきた。The main action is 散歩
散歩がてらパン屋に行ってきた。You can use this when the main action is パン屋に行く and the speaker thinks going to the bakery will be a nice walk for him/her.
運動がてら自転車に乗って会社に行った。
I went to the office by bike because I can get some exercise at the same time.
going to the office by bike = good exercises.
運動のついでに自転車に乗って会社に行った is not natural.It sounds like the main action is doing exercises
You can’t use がてら when you do two actions at the same place.
スーパーに来たついでにバターを買った。
X がてら
thank you very much sensei
You’re welcome! 遅刻しないでね😉
Good night Maggie. Can you tell me why the verb 遅刻して is in the Te form in the following sentence: 遅刻して申し訳ありません。
Hello Pepe,
遅刻して申し訳ありません。 = I am sorry I am late.
This te-form indicates the reason why you apologize →”for being late”
Thanks Maggie for the reply. I have one more doubt. I found the following sentence: 友達が昨日とは違うことを言っていてムカつく
I would like to know the role of と (after 昨日) in this sentence.
Hi Pepe,
One of the usages of と is to expresses the relationship between two things/parties.
A is the same as B. = A は Bと同じ
A is different from B. = AはBと違う
So in this case A: 昨日まで友達が言っていたこと and B 今日言っていること
Hello Maggie sensei,
Thank you very much and have a good day
can i ask you the difference of these below words?
夜半・真夜中・夜中・夜分
You can also explain me both in English or Japanese if you need to put a detail.
Again thank you very much sensei
1) 夜中 = middle of night (It is a general term to refer to middle of night)
2) 真夜中 = around midnight (You use it when you emphasize 夜中)
3) 夜半 (technically around 23:00 ~ 1:00) Compared to 1) and 2) it is used more in written form or formal news.
4) 夜分 The most common way to use this word is 夜分遅く (late at night) and when you apologize for bothering someone late at night.
夜分遅く申し訳ありません。Sorry to bother you this late.
Hello maggie sensei,
thank you very much for your answer.
i get it now
Good! :)
先生こんにちは。
理論上と技術上は、理論的と技術的の同じ意味ですか？
こんにちは、ルナ
的と上の使い方は違いますが、（健康上の理由 (x健康的な理由）, 健康的な生活 ( X 健康上の生活））
以下のような場合は、同じ意味です。形だけ注意が必要です。
理論上は、可能だ。 = 理論的には可能だ。 = It is possible in theory/Theoretically possible
技術上、難しい = 技術的に難しい Technically difficult
技術上の問題 = 技術的な問題 = Technical problem
Maggie せんせい
マレーシア には
rice plant = padi
rice (raw grain) = beras
rice (edible/cooked) = nasi
日本 は という ですか
ぜんぶ 「ごはん 」 ですか
ありがとう
こんにちは soleyman
rice = 米 = こめ
rice plant = 稲 = いね
rice (raw grain) = 米粒 = こめつぶ
rice (edible/cooked) = ご飯 = ごはん (It also means “meal” in general)
good afternoon maggie. I found this phrase and I had some questions that I wish you could answer. the sentence is:
主を守り、主を助け、主の為に尽くす―――
盾持ちや首捕り武者なぞ遠く及ばぬ、 これこそ我らが忠道なり。
1) what does it mean: 遠く及ばぬ? I didn’t understand the function of 遠く in this sentence
2) what does it mean: 忠道なり?
3) why is 捕り as a noun and not a verb?
Hello
This is classical Japanese
1) 遠く means “far”
及ばぬ in modern Japanese is 及ばない
So 遠く及ばぬ means nowhere near / far from ~ (it doesn’t have to be the physical distance.)
The people like 盾持ちや首捕り武者 can not not reach us.
2) 忠実なり in modern Japanese is 忠実である = our faith
3) 〜捕り is a noun. headhunter(s)
Good afternoon teacher Maggie. I found two sentences and I have some doubts. The first sentence is: ランダムに生命を作っていたらあるとき人間のオスそっくりで筋力旺盛な魔獣が生まれた。
I would like to know the function of で in this sentence
The second sentence is: そうして、我々の歴史は幕を閉じた。宇宙からの侵略が始まって ９０日。地球は完全に漂白された惑星なった。
I would like to know the function of の in this sentence (after 宇宙から)
Hello Kulio34
1) The function of で in the first sentence is “and” そっくり is a na-adjective (そっくりな）.
When you connect na-adjective or a noun, you use で
2) You see the structure here?
宇宙（noun) + から (particle) + の + 侵略 ( noun )
the invasion from the universe
I have a lesson on this の Check this lesson. The link is here.
so to join two NA-adjectives is it necessary to use で?
Yes, that’s right.
Good morning Maggie, I ended up coming across the following sentence: 一度の奇跡で魔術王と呼ばれた王さまソロモン. I would like to know two things: 1) if there is any difference if i replace 一度 with 一 and 2) why they used 一度 instead of 一
Thanks,
Paulo
Hello Paulo
You can not replace 一度 with 一
一度 means “one time/once”. 度 is a counter for how many miracles happened. In this case, it happened once.
If you count miracle itself, you can say 一つの奇跡
so can i replace 一度 with 一つ? thanks for the answer
Yes, but the nuance changes.
一つの奇跡 = one miracle
一度の奇跡 = one-time miracle (←the miracle that happened once)
Hello Maggie Sensei,
Finally, I can again visit Japan. Since my first visit there has been a question that I have been wondering about. How would a Japanese person ask for their room key?
I knew only about 73 Japanese words (and numbers) on my first trip. I asked reception how to ask for my key and was told that just saying the room number was OK. So, 363 = san roku san. And, yes, it worked. I always got my room key. In one case, in Kansai, the receptionist replied to “363” with “363で”.
I want to do better this time. I notice that you use 号室. So, it would be better to say:
363号室おねがいします, or
363号室のかぎおねがいします.
Using overly polite language (in any language) sometimes creates complications for me, but would
“363号室のかぎ呉れてもらえますおねがいします” be OK? That’s not something I would want to say 3 times a day for a week.
Thanks, Michael
Hello Michael,
It is great hear that you can finally come back to Japan. :)
363号室おねがいします
363号室のかぎおねがいします.
They both work.
“363号室のかぎ呉れてもらえますおねがいします”
→You don’t say もらえます＋おねがいします togehter.
365号室のかぎもらえますか？
→（more polite) 365号室のかぎいただけますか？
Every day will be your great opportunity to practice your Japanese so try different way every time. 😉
Thanks again for your comments. Yes, I am curious about how I will manage this time with my Japanese language “skills”. My biggest problem now is not being able to practice speaking, except to myself.
For example, with “号室” I of course pronounce it “Gō shitsu”. Native speakers say something that sounds like “Gō sts” to me. It is all part of the fun of learning a language.
I have one more question (if you don’t mind), which I will post somewhere else.
I’m sure they will understand your pronunciation. (I wish I could link the audio here)
Hello Maggie sensei,
Update on the reality of speaking a language!
I went to 4 different hotels. Three of them gave me a key card. I never had to ask for a room key. At the 4th hotel the reception staff recognized me after 2 days and usually gave me my room key even before I asked for it.
Sometimes, speaking Japanese can be very easy.
Hi Michael
😆 Too bad that you couldn’t get to use Japanese at the hotels.
I hope you got to speak Japanese while you were in Japan. Are you still in Japan?
Hello Maggie,
I am no longer in Japan, unfortunately.
There were a lot of opportunities to speak Japanese, and to make a lot of mistakes.
Most of my day to day practical dealings were in Japanese — hotels, restaurants and so on. Probably as a result of my listening practice (watching TV) my passive comprehension was quite good, within the limits of my vocabulary. I could understand some things even when I wasn’t paying 100% attention. Also, all your examples in your lessons taught me to not depend on knowing just a few fixed sentences.
This made daily life feel more normal, because I could understand more of what was going on around me. And this meant more freedom in what I could do (not limited to tourist-friendly English) and also resulted in some more human interactions.
On the other hand, the complication was that my passive comprehension was a lot quicker than my ability to speak (it took more time to remember words), so my speaking speed was always lagging behind what I could understand. It was frustrating, but just a matter of needing more practice talking in the real world.
My concerns about not being understood were completely unfounded. It was obvious that my ‘accent’ (in other words, my sloppy pronunciation) sometimes confused a Japanese listener. It was actually better for me to speak slowly and clearly.
Michael
Thank you for sharing your precious experiences in Japan.
I am glad to hear you got to interact with Japanese people and use Japanese.
I do believe all your experiences will motivate you to learn Japanese more. 😉
日本語のレッスン、いつもどおりにとても役に立ちます！先生、どうもありがとうございます (^^)
お役に立ててうれしいです。☺️
hello maggie senei! i love your posts a lot!
could you please tell me what kind of meaning 〜たら has in this sentence? i feel like it means ‘so’ or something but that can’t be right 🥲
「私がそれを正しいと*思ったら*ね」
「ええ、それでいい」
Hello Alexa,
This たら means “if”. (conditional)
I assume they were talking about something and this person is saying he/she would do that if he/she thinks that is right.
こんにちは、先生
“暗示にかける”という意味はちゃんと理解できませんので先生にお尋ねしたい。
例えば、”暗示にかけられた人”という文を英語に翻訳すると”The person who is being hypnotized”と思われますがもっとじっくり検索するとhypnotizeという単語は日本語では”暗示にかける”ではなく”催眠術をかける”となっております。
それは合っているかどうかはわかりません
マギー先生はそれについてどう思いますか。
もし間違いと思った場合、”暗示にかける”に相当する英単語はなんでしょうか
私だったら多分”hypnotize”が相応しいと思いましたがついでに違う可能性も中々高いと感じました。
ところで、自分の勉強不足で励んで正しい日本語を書いてみましたがあまり自信がなくてもし間違いがある場合何卒お伝え下さい。
こんにちは、奇跡が起こるといいですね。😁
そうですね、being hypnotizedは、催眠術にかけられたという意味で、暗示よりも強い意味になります。
「暗示にかける」は、to convince someone or make someone believe that ~ が近いかもしれませんね。
（日本語、よく書けていると思いますよ。全部は直しませんが、少しだけ気になったところを直しますね。
私だったら多分”hypnotize”が相応しいと思いましたがついでに違う可能性も中々高いと感じました。
→私は、多分”hypnotize”が相応しいと思いますが、違う可能性もかなり高いと感じています。
自分の勉強不足で励んで日本語を書いてみましたがあまり自信がなくて
→勉強不足なのでがんばって日本語で書いてみましたがあまり自信がないので）
添削してくれてありがとうございます。質問よりも添削した文のほうがもっと有意義的で感謝いたします。
今後ももし先生が良かったら一部でも結構ですので文章添削のほうもよろしくお願いたします。
どういたしまして💓
Hello Maggie sensei,
A question concerning 下手 vs. 貧弱.
下手 is the word beginners learn, such as in: 日本語が下手です.
It seems to carry the nuance of ability/skill, being good or not at something.
Would the word 貧弱 also be appropriate in some circumstances, where ability is not the issue? For example:
A: 私の日常会話能力は貧弱です.
B: 何故ですか.
A: 語彙が小さすぎるから.
As a roughly literal translation from English, this sounds more “normal” to me because skill/ability is not the problem, but rather a small vocabulary size.
I realize that making literal translations from how I think in English does not always work. Native speakers of a different language just think/talk differently.
Thanks for your assistance.
Michael
Hello Michael
A: 私の日常会話能力は貧弱です.I guess you can say that but you might see/hear more with 低い with 能力.
When you are talking about 語彙, you can say 貧弱な語彙 /語彙が貧弱
A: 語彙が小さすぎるから.
→語彙が少ないから
You can also say 語彙力が乏しい (= とぼしい)
Thank you very much.
My problem was as much with English as it was with Japanese, since there are many ways in which I could talk in English about poor vocabulary.
For example, it is common for beginners in English to confuse “few” with “small” (it depends partly on the noun being used).
So, I was having the same problem, but in the opposite direction.
When you (as usual) give examples with alternate words and alternate grammar, it helps me develop my intuition for the creative aspect of language.
I like the word 乏しい. It comes close to what I was trying to say.
You’re very welcome.
I’m always here for you. :)
Hi Maggie sensei
Please can you explain to me the difference between: saisho, mazu, hajime and hajimete and also the contexte in which each is used as some of them May mean the same thing . I get a little bit confuse, because i read many of these words can mean “the beginning”, “first”, “firstly”, “first of all”.
Thank you for your help
Hello, Yenicall
When you talk about something in order,
firstly/ first of all →you can say either “mazu”/”hajimeni”/”saisho ni”
When you does/did something for the first time
hajimete
in the beginning of something you use hajime/saisho
Ex. hajime or saisho kara wakatte ita. = I knew from the beginning.
Thank you for your Quick response.
どういたしまして🐶💕
Hi maggie
What is the meaning of the following? This is a song by the way.
大人 の 振り して 諦めちゃ
奇跡 の 謎 など 解けない よ
もっと ワイルド に もっと 逞しく 生きて ご覧
To give up being an adult is like an unsolvable miracle puzzle OR
Stop being an adult is hard.
Did I get it right?
ありがとう
Hi soleyman
If you give up acting (or pretending) like an adult
you are going to be able to solve the mystery of miracle.
Hello Sensei,
いつもお世話になっております
少しお尋ねしたいことがあります
「悪びれる」と「後ろめたい」は基本的に同じ意味を持っているのでしょうか？
返答をよろしくお願いたします
こんにちは、
「悪びれる」と「後ろめたい」の意味は英語ではどちらも feel guiltyなのですが….
「後ろめたい」は、なにか悪いことをやってしまったという後悔の気持ちを表すのに対し、
「悪びれる」は否定分で使うことが多いです。
悪びれることなく 〜
悪びれる様子もない 〜
何か自分が悪いことをやったという気持ちをまったく表さない態度を表します。
While 後ろめたい means “feeling guilty about something” and expresses one’s feelings of regret
「悪びれる」 expresses one’s attitude and you usually use 「悪びれる」 in a negative sentence.
悪びれることなく
悪びれる様子もない
The literal meaning, without showing one’s guilty feelings.
Even though you did something bad, you behave/act as if you don’t feel bad in an unapologetic manner
承知いたしました。
つまり意味がほとんど似ている割に使い方は違うことが多いということでいいでしょうか
最後にもうひとつの質問ですが「慢性的」と「批判的」は同じの意味ですか？
よろしくお願いします
慢性的 = chronic
批判的 = critical, judgmentalで意味が違います。
ありがとうございます。先生のお陰で勉強も着実に捗ります。
いいえ〜これからもがんばって勉強続けてくださいね。
Maggie-sensei a new question to you
Using “nasaru” (なさる) in the short combination form なさい (nasai):
e.g.: この kono 本hon をwo 読みyomi なさいnasai = read this book.
Is this an ORDER and therefore not Polite? My grammar books says so.
BUT you also say : お帰りなさい (o-kaeri nasai = “do coming back” / welcome home)
A hotel in Hokkaida has the name ” XXX kaeri-nasai” = XXX do come back, and this must be polite!
So how “careful” do you have to be in using なさい (nasai) in polite and respectful conversation?
If you wish to say “please read this book” in a really COURTEOUS way I guess you would say:
“Kono hon o yonde kudasai” (please read this book)
OR very, very polite: “doka, (anata wa) kono hon o yonde kudasaimasen deshou ka” (would you not please read this book?) (“would you not please give to me reading this book)
OR even: “doka, (watashi wa) kono hon o yonde itadakemasen desho ka?” (please, could I not receive “from you” reading this book)
Jens Hoeg
Hi Jens
おかえりなさい means 1) Go home now. 2) Welcome back
おやすみなさい 1) Go to sleep/Sleep now. 2) Good night.
These two expressions have two meanings. One is for giving an order and one is to greet someone.
Other than these two greetings(If I think of other example, I will add it to this comment later) , you should be careful who you use なさい (=nasai) with.
You can only use this form when you want to tell someone to do/not to do something in a strong way.
どうか ( = douka) adds the nuance of “I beg you” and express one’s strong desire
So the formality level is
very formal
このほんをよんでいただけませんでしょうか
Kono hon wo yonde itadakemasen deshouka
or このほんをよんでくださいませんでしょうか
Kono hon wo yonde kudasaimasen deshouka?
↓
このほんをよんでください。
Kono hon wo yonde kudasai.
Please use this book.
↓
(casual) このほんをよんで
= Kono hon wo yonde
↓
(command)
このほんをよみなさい
= Kono hon wo yominasai
↓
(much stronger command
このほんをよめ
= Kono hon wo yome
Please check my meireikei lesson. The link is here.
Thanks MAGGIE
Wjat you say reflects exactly what is stated in my Essential Japanese Grammar Book. I asked because my friend Yusa-sensei at Nara Josei Daigaku said that he felt no offense in using ###-nasai. But I guess he was thinking of special uses and occasions! What yoy say agrees with my feeling that NASAI is something a teacher might say to pupils and reflect a request which is almost a command.
The degree from very polite request to the very strong command like “YOME” is clear to me now. I also now that the “strong command” can be used in like in “GANBATTTE” where it does NOT reflect a command but rather an encouragement.
Right. When you cheer someone up, or encourage them, you do say Ganbatte or Ganbare.
And as for nasai, when parents tell their children to do something, they use ~なさい.
I wouldn’t say it’s offensive at all. It is just a matter of your relationships.(older people →younger people, adults →children, etc.)
But you don’t use nasai or ~te to a stranger.
Maggie-sensei From Jens Hoeg your very recent patron :-) Question: how would you say “all over the world in Japanese” Like all over the world: Would you use “yo (no)” or “sekai (no)” for “world” and would “all over be “itaru tokoro (de ni) or “doko demo” or something like “doko ni mo”
I guess “itaru tokoro (de ni) or “doko demo” is more like “everywhere”? Sensei, it is O.K. to include kana in your reply, I am ascending the learning curve and you cannot penetrate into Nihon-go without using kana.
Hello Jens,
all over the world
→There are a few ways to say this.
The most common one is
= せかいじゅう ( = sekaijuu)
But as you said, you can also say せかいのいたるところ +に/で( = sekai no itaru tokoro ni/de) or せかいのあらゆるところ+に/で ( = Sekai no arayuru tokoro + ni/de)
anyway in the world will be
せかいのどこでも = sekai no doko demo
I hope it helps. :)
And ありがとう for considering to join my Patreon！
Hello Sensei. Can you tell me the meaning of しっかり and しっかりできている in this sentence: 彼と戦う覚悟は、 しっかりできている。?
Hello Paulo
しっかり means “solid, firmly” and it modifies 覚悟ができている = made up one’s mind
→made a solid decision
Hello. May I ask if we can use the たい form of a verb with ために when we want to express the cause. For example, would the following sentence be correct in Japanese:ゆかさんは大学に入りたいために、毎日勉強しています。
You don’t use たいために. You say 入るため. If you want to use たい, you can say 入りたいので/ 入りたいから
One exception: There is an expression to emphasize the desire
入りたいがために. You see this form more in written forms.
Hi sensei,
むかしむかしある所に is once upon a time .
but i dont understand why ある所にis used why not only所に
Hello ritesh
You can’t say むかしむかし所に
あるところ means “in a certain place” and you don’t want to specify where it is so you add ある.
Maggie-sensei, sumimasen ga, anata ni shitsumon ga arimasu:
Concerning Potential forms of Verbs you can use “V-koto ga dekiru) or the true Potential form (V+eru/rareru). For the latter, where is the accent? Example “oyogu” (swim) How is the pronounciation of Vmasu (oyogimasu) compared to Vpot (oyogenasu)? Or “kakimasi” vs. “kakemasu (can write)” same for RU verbs. Where is the accent in e.g. “miraremasu” (can see). Jens Hoeg in Denmark – Copenhagen no Daigaku but often at Nara Josei Daigaku :-)
Hello Jens,
I wish I could link the audio file for you here.
Basically the accent falls on ま with whether it’s regular masu-form or potential masu-form.
およげます
かけます
みられます
Maggie-sensei. Anata no benri-na henji o, arigato gozaimashita. Yoku wakarimasu! Watashi wa ima Nihon e Nara Josei Daigaku de hataraki-ni ju-kai gurai ita-koto ga arimasu Mo yoku chotto Nihon-go o hanashite imasu ga, zannen desu, kana to kanji ga mada wakarimasen. Shikashi saikin ni Kana no “flashcards” o katte benkyo-shite imasu. Kana o wakaru-no wa mukashi-kunai da to omoimasu. Sorai ni anata ni kana de shitsumon o o-tazune itasu to nozimimasu. Iensu
Dou itashimashite. Hiragana & Katakana no benkyou ganbatte kudasai.:)
Hai Maggie senxse. Nihon-go o yoku benkyo-koto suru tame ni, watakushi wa mamonaku anata no hosho-nin ni narimasu. Chotte matte kudasai! Harau-koto suru tame ni Mastercard o mitsukenakute wa narimasen yo!
Arigatou gozaimasu.🙏☺️
こんにちはマギー先生！教えてくれてありがとう。
質問があります。
The ないで/ずに grammar structure, how can you add an additional verb or action.
Example: 食べないで出てしまった = I left without eating.
What if I want to say “I left without eating and sleeping” how would I say and?
こんにちは Lee
For that particular example it is unnatural to say
X 食べないで寝ないで出てしまった。/X 食べずに寝ずに出てしまった。
Connecting with vこと＋も
何も食べることも寝ることもなく
Connecting with masu-stem 食べ＋寝 +も
食べも寝もしないで出て行ってしまった。
Sometimes you mix the forms
何も食べず寝もしないで
何も食べることもなく寝ないで出て行ってしまった
た
I apologize for posting again. my notebook has a problem and i don’t know if the question is being sent.
Hello Maggie. I have some doubts about the following sentence I found in a manga: 何? 驚くことはない。 夢みたいにものさ。目覚めれば忘れる.君に行ってほしいところがある。それなりに賑やかなところだよ。真面目な君のことだ。償い足りないなんて感じているだろう？うんうんわかるとも。
1) what is the meaning of それなりに? would be something close to “kind of”, “quite” or “somewhat”
2) what is the function of さ after もの?
3) what is the function of とも after わかる?
HI Rafael/Thiago/Marus/Berelo
First I received all your questions. Sorry. Sometimes it takes time to approve the comments so please be patient. Since all the questions were the same, I deleted the previous ones.
１） それなりに in its own way. Maybe the place is not very lively but it is lively in its own way.
I have a lesson on なりに The link is here.
2) さ is a casual suffix to express one’s opinion.
3) This とも is to show one’s strong agreement or emphasize what comes before.
わかる→わかるとも
知っています→知っていますとも
I know →I do know
Hi Maggie sensei,
I have ２ question about this lesson
in this lesson, sensei wrote that
X 山田さんが加藤さんにお菓子をくれた。→wrong!
we are all agree that くれる is use for “family group or very close friends”
but today, my Japanese co-worker asked me that
このかばん、誰が買ってくれた？
I just don’t understand that why he used “くれた” instead of “あげた”、he’s not in my “family group”, and he also don’t really know that the one bought me a bag is one of my family or not?
I got confused about this example too:
“= Can you give the sweets to my son?
You can also say
そのお菓子を息子にもらえますか？”
isn’t it should be translate to “can I received the sweets from my son”?
because in ~もらう grammar, the one go with に・から is the one we received things from?
Hello ルアン
山田さんが加藤さんにお菓子をくれた
In this case, if the two parties, 山田さん and 加藤さん are not related to the speaker, it sounds unnatural.
You say 誰が買ってくれた？ (Who bought the bag for you?) or 誰に買ってもらったの？ (Who did you get the bag from?) to someone who is close to you based on the idea or assumption that someone else bought the bag for you. (In this case, the giver could be your family , customers, friends, etc.)
This phrase only works with someone close to you, equal to you or superior (who has been working more than you have or for the same period of time.)
Thank you so much maggie sensei
Can you explain this for me too?
“= Can you give the sweets to my son?
You can also say
そのお菓子を息子にもらえますか？”
isn’t it should be translate to “can I received the sweets from my son”?
because in ~もらう grammar, the one go with に・から is the one we received things from?
It’s written in this lesson too
If the sentence is
そのお菓子は (or を） 息子にもらった
Then, it could be I received this snack for my son (from someone) or I received the snack from my son.
However, そのお菓子を息子にもらえますか？ is a request.
If you are asking your son to give you the snack, you wouldn’t say 息子に
You are obviously asking the listener so it won’t be translated can I received the sweets from my son”?
thank you so much Maggie sensei
Anytime, ルアン :)
Good night Maggie. Can you tell me the function of 間に in this sentence: 主神ゼウスと人間の娘との間に生まれた半神半人の英雄。I couldn’t understand that word even after reading your explanation you made.
Could you also tell me the function of the も particle in this sentence: これは相当な手練れ。我が愛馬にも匹敵する怪物女王。
Hello Leonarudo
This 間 means “between”
Here is the basic structure of this sentence.
~はAとBの間に生まれた
= ~ was born between A and B
~ is demigod hero who was born between zeus and human.
***
これは相当な手練れ。我が愛馬にも匹敵する怪物女王。
我が愛馬に匹敵する to be equal to my horse/to be a match for my horse
By adding も you can add the nuance of “even”
我が愛馬にも匹敵する to be even equal to my horse//to be even a match for my horse
Hello sensei,
Thank very much and appreciate your hard work
I want to ask how do you differ 証明書と認定証
Lets say
家の所有書 = 家の証明書？
TOEIC = TOEIC 認定証？
車所有書 = 車証明書？
他にいい例えがあれば載せていただけませんか？
ありがとうございます
Hello 世界に花を咲かす🌸
They are both translated “certificate” and it could be confusing but
認定書 is a document to approve one’s ability/ qualification/ license.
証明書 is a document to certify something/ to prove authentication
I will give you some typical examples.
インストラクター認定書 Instructor authorization
大臣認定書 = certification from the Minister
卒業証明書 graduation certificate
身分証明書 I.D.
成績証明書 Academic transcript
Hi Maggie Sensei! I love your use of example sentences for teaching, I find it super helpful :)
One question: is it possible to attach がち to a negative verb/adjective ending? Like, in order to say things like “I don’t tend to forget people’s names,” could we say “人の名前を忘れないがち”？
If not, what could we say instead?
Thank you :)
Hello Matt,
You don’t use the negative form with がち so you don’t say X 忘れないがち
忘れがち = tend to forget people’s name
The opposite will be “tend to remember people’s name” but it sounds unnatural even in English because you are supposed to remember people’s name.
So you just say
人の名前をよく覚えている。
If it is the context such as “You tend to remember things (which you don’t need to remember/in the way you are not supposed to), you can use 覚えがち
Ex. 人の名前を間違って覚えがちだ。
I see, makes perfect sense. Thank you for the examples!
どういたしまして 🐶💕
君との未来を思い描く。in lyrics
友達と相談する。why we don’t use との
Hi Faisal
I don’t understand your question,
友達と相談する
→You can nominalize the sentence saying 友達との相談
Ex. 友達との相談の結果、〜〜
Hi, 先生！I’ve come back to this post a couple times, but I just can’t figure out which meaning of 限る is being used in this:
「俺、絶対に結婚遅いタイプだわー。…え？そういう奴に限って？んなわけねーし！」
This line is from a game I log into from time to time to practice Japanese. When you click on the character on the home screen, they talk. In this particular example, I guess the “…” represents the character listening to our response, which is apparently 「そういうやつに限って」.
But I’m confused. If I were to reconstruct the conversation, it would be:
Character: 俺、絶対に結婚遅いタイプだわー。
I’m totally the type to get married late.
Me: そういう奴に限りますね。
Yeah, you’re limited to that type of person (?????)
Character: んなわけねーし。
No way/Of course not.
That’s not a conversation that makes very much sense to me. Basically the character says something, I agree, then he suddenly says the opposite? I’m definitely missing something here…
Hi Sora
I added a little note for you.
★Talking about opposite characteristics of what people would think, assume. (You may think A is ~ but actually it/he/she is quite opposite)
Ex. 威張っている人に限って気が弱い。
= Those who are arrogant tend to be cowards.
そういうやつに限って is the same usage of this one.
The speaker didn’t finish the sentence but
そういうやつに限って結婚が早いかもしれない*…んなわけないし
The one who says “I am getting married later in life” tends to get married (early)…. No, I’ll take it back. There is no way.
Ohhhhhh, that makes sooooo much sense!
Thank you so much, 先生！I definitely would’ve never figured that out on my own 😅
I’m happy to hear it makes sense now. :)
Hello sensei,
Thank you for your hard work as always
I want to ask something
Yesterday My twitter account receive invitation of strange account
(Apparently a boy on his age of 22)
it says like this
R-18垢、ほぼ見る専の童貞裏垢男子です。夜行性。
22歳になりました
Maybe it is a bad word (I’am not sure)
What is the meaning of “ほぼ見る専” here
thanks, sorry if it is rude to ask
Hi カタリナ
But ほぼ = almost
見る専 is an abbreviation of 見る専門. So if it is for Twitter, he just reads people’s tweets and he almost never tweets.
It sounds very suspicious so I think you should just ignore the invitation.
Hello sensei, thank you for your advice.
Already blocked him
Sorry for late reply
Thank very much 忝ない
You’re very welcome! :)
Hello again, Maggie sensei
I have a question about べき and ものではない
both have the same meaning and can i use it in casual conversation?
For example: そんなことをすべきではない －そんなことをするものではない
Thanks again!
Hello Rafael
They are both a bit formal but you can hear them in conversation.
But in casual conversation, you say
そんなことはやってはいけないよ。
→more casual そんなことやっちゃだめだよ。/やっちゃいけないよ
Can you elaborate on the negative versions?
大きな目 not so big?
少なめで not so much, less?
Could you give me some example sentences with the negative usage?
Hi Rita
Technically the negative form is
大きめではない/大きめじゃない
少なめではない/少なめじゃない
but it is rare to use these forms. You just use the opposite words, 小さめ, 多め
The only case that you use the negative forms will be when you deny what someone just said.
Ex. 「ご飯、少なめでいい？」 Would small serving of rice be OK with you?
「少なめじゃなくて普通にもって」 Serve me regular portion not small portion.
Could you please explain the second example under 3) Conditional sentences?
チャラくみえる人が実はまじめだったりするんだよね。
I think I understand the first example, but in this one it looks like たりする means something similar to かもしれない
In fact if I hadn’t seen your translation I would’ve completely misinterpreted the meaning of the sentence, as I was thinking of something along the lines “but he actually happens to be serious, you know”.
Many thanks in advance!
Hi enrique
You can rephrase the sentence with かもしれない → まじめかもしれない
The nuance difference is, たりする is more vague compare to かもしれない
You bring up some possibilities more softly with たりする avoiding direct expression
People tend to think shallow looking guys are not serious. But they could be serious. (there are cases such as they are serious.)
Hello maggie sensei
いつもお世話になっております
Can you please tell me the difference between
文・文書・文章
Thank you very much
こんにちは、ななしさん
文 and 文章 both could be the same, a sentence.
But 文 is one sentence but 文章 could be multiple sentences ( more than one sentence)
文書 means “documents”
Hi maggie sensei. I saw a sentence that had the word また別 and I saw that it translates as another or different in some sites. I would like to know what the difference between this word and 別, 区別 or 違い.
Hi Ronaldo
As you said the translation might change depending on the context but the general idea is
別 another
区別 distinguish
違い difference
thank you maggie sensei. can you tell me the difference between また別 and 別?
Do you remember what word comes after また別?
For example
それは別の話です。
That’s another story.
→それはまた別の話です。
In this case, they mean the same but this また emphasize “another” more than just using 別
別の日に会いましょう。
→また別の日に会いましょう。
Let’s meet another day.
In this case, it depends on the context and it could be emphasizing another or “to meet again.”
適性はあっても、技術はまた別の話だ。
Ah OK, so it was the same as my example sentence. :)
Hello Maggie-sensei!
Thank you so much for providing us with such good lessons that are easy to understand! I stumbled across a sentence recently including 「つく」. It goes like this:
このスイッチを押すと電気がつく。
And was translated as: The light comes on when you press this switch.
I have two questions. The first one is: I would like to know why 電気 was translated as light and the second one is what’s the meaning of オマケつき.
Hello Lazerel,
電気 has two meanings 1) electricity 2) (electric) light Ex. 電気をつける = to turn on the light
おまけつき = with free gift/feebie
For example, you buy a magazine or snack and some freebie comes with it. That is おまけ付き
Hello Maggie sensei! Thank you very much for your thorough explanation.
However, I have come across a sentence in which instead of ことがありません, they use ことがありませんでした. The sentence is 日本に来る前に海を見たことがありませんでした。日本に来て、初めて見ました。In my opinion, following this lesson I would have opted for ことがありません. The past tense is already used in 見た. However, according to the key, it’s wrong. Could you please explain it?
Thank you very much. I hope you have a nice day!
Hello Sky
You can decide which tense to use depending on the time which you focus on.
日本に来る前 = before I came to Japan. This is the past. When are talking about your past experience in the past you use the past tense 見たことがありませんでした。
If you are talking about your experience up to now.
I have never seen the ocean (→I haven’t seen the ocean up to now.)
The focus time is “now” so you say 海を見たことがありません。
このレッスンはありがとうございました！自分の多くの意味と使い方は勘がもうあったんですけど、以前よく考えなかったです。
ちょっと質問があるんですけど。自身と自らは自分と違う所と使い方はよくわかりません。短説明するとありがとう！
こんにちは Para
英語にするとどちらも oneselfになるからわかりにくいかもしれませんね。
自身 = oneself
Ex. 私/自分自身のための作品 = the artwork for myself/oneself
自ら = 自分から何かをする = to do something voluntarily, to do something personally
Ex. 自ら手伝う= to help someone voluntarily
Hello sensei
Thank you for your help always
Can you check this sentence whether it is natural or not?
悲しくて泣いているではなく寂しいからです
Hello ケンタおじいさん
悲しくて泣いているではなく寂しいからです
Your sentence is OK.
You might see the full sentence more, though.
悲しくて泣いているではなく寂しいから泣いているのです。
Or if you want to finish the sentence with からです, you can also say
泣いているのは悲しいのではなく寂しいからです。
Hello sensei thank you very much for your help
You’re very welcome! :)
Hello Maggie-sensei 😊
I have a little question. I reviewed this grammar point with the book “新完全マスター文法 日本語能力試験Ｎ３”. The book talks about another function of -ていく and -てくる but I don’t quite understand it because there is only two examples. The function is “A movement or shift occurring after an action” and the examples are “出かけるとき、天気予報を見てきました” and “荷物はここに預けていこう”. My question is fuzzy, but I don’t really understand the difference with the function of doing something and coming back, and doing an action without coming back. If you can enlighten me. お願いします🤗
Hi Aurore
You connect two actions with te-form.
You do A and then do B.
If the verb B is 行く or 来る,
you do something (A) and you go somewhere or you come somewhere.
(You can rephrase them with から）
1) 出かけるとき、天気予報を見てきました （←天気予報を見てからきました）
I checked the weather report (action A) when I left the house and came here*(acton B)
(*wherever the speaker is now.)
2) 荷物はここに預けていこう (←荷物をここに預けてからいこう）
I will leave your bag (action A) here and go somewhere (action B).
So these two examples happened to have verbs, 行く/来る but you can use other verbs.
I had lunch and went out →昼ごはんを食べて出かけた。(←昼ごはんを食べてから出かけた)
We talked about it and then decided. →よく話し合って決めた。(←よく話し合ってから決めた）
Hello Maggie-sensei,
Thank you very much for your quick response 😊. It’s clear to me now, I didn’t realize that in this case -て was only used to connect 2 actions. Thanks for the explanation and additional examples 😁.
Have a nice week end
You’re very welcome, Aurone.
Have a great week, too! :)
Thank you!!!!
どういたしまして❤️
Hi Maggie,
何なに も can mean everything / anything
誰だれ も can mean everyone / anyone
どこ も can mean everywhere / anywhere
Is 何なに も and ぜんぶ interchange able? The following sentences have same meaning?
ぜんぶ ほしい。 何なに も ほしい。 I want everything
ぜんぶ たべました。 何なに も たべました。 I ate everything
ぜんぶ みました。 何なに も みました。 I saw everything
ぜんぶ きこえました。 何なに も きこえました。 I heard everything
Is 誰だれ も and みんな interchange able? The following sentences have same meaning?
うた を みんな で うたいます。 誰だれ も うた を うたいます。 I will sing songs with everyone
いつも みんな に やさしい。 誰だれ も いつも やさしい。 always be kind to everyone
はやく みんな に あいたい です。 はやく 誰だれ も あいたい です。 I want to meet everyone quickly
Is this sentence correct?
うんどうかい で 人間 ピラミッド を くずれました
At the company sports meet, our human pyramid fell
How do you say 店 for the following? – ten or mise
A shop that sells handmade goods
手づくり の 店。
手づくり 店。
ありがとう, せんせい
Hello soleyman,
1) 何なに も →You mean 何も ( = なにも）？ If so, 何も is used in a negative sentence and it means “not to ~ anything” “nothing” and it doesn’t mean everything. (何もない = There is nothing. 何も食べるものがない I don’t have anything to eat.)
If you say 何でも then it means “anything” or “everything”
You can say 何でも欲しい= I want anything.
It is slightly different from 全部 = everything
2) 誰だれ も →I think you mean 誰も ( = だれも）. And it means nobody / not ~ anybody
Ex. 誰もいない = There is nobody. Ex. 誰も行かない = Nobody wants to go.
FYI 誰でも means “anybody”
Again, it is slightly different from みんな = everybody
3) 人間 ピラミッド を くずれました→人間ピラミッドがくずれました
4) 手づくりの店= みせ
手作り店 is not common.
Hello Maggie-sensei!
Thank you so much for providing us with such good lessons that are easy to understand! I stumbled across a sentence recently including 「のに」. It goes like this:
これは練習、マスターと僕の戦いの為のなのに本気にな落ち込む。
I have two questions. The first one is about what is the difference between ための and ために, the second is if the な (after 本気に) and the 、 have some function inside that sentence or you can remove them without having any problem.
Hello Lazerel,
1) There is a hidden noun after 為の
マスターと僕の戦いのための（練習 or もの）なのに
Since the word 練習 is already mentioned, you don’t have to say 練習 again and just say ための
(You can sometimes rephrase it with もの as well)
You often omit the noun and just use の
(Check my の lesson if you want to learn more. The link is here.)
So though you use の instead of the nouns 練習/もの, ための is considered as a noun so you use なのに
Noun + なのに
2) Is it one phrase? There is no space between 本気にな and 落ち込む？
If so, I think it is a typo. 本気に落ち込む （本気に is an adverb which modifies the following verb, 落ち込む)
Hello meggie sensei,
I couldn’t understand the difference between たらすぐに vs 次第
and ofcourse i came across another similar grammer
するとすぐに and~か~ないかのうちに
so please teach us the difference between this four
Hi Ritesh
As for the difference between すぐに and たらすぐに
I explained in this lesson so please read the note. (Basically they means the same, as soon as but 次第 is more formal and たらすぐに is more conversational. But there are cases that you can not rephrase たらすぐ with 次第. Read Note. 2)
するとすぐに vs たらすぐに
Are very similar as well and they can be interchangeable.
As soon as he got home, he went out.
彼は家に着くとすぐに出かけた
= 彼は家に着いたらすぐに出かけた
The difference:
１）verb dictionary form + とすぐに →focusing on the action itself
2) Vたらすぐに →focusing of the completion of the action
You can not use 1) when you tell someone what to do
Ex. 家に着いたらすぐに電話をください。 = Call me as soon as you get home.
→X You can’t say 家につくとすぐに電話をください。
You use 1) when you talk about the past or daily routine.
~か~ないかのうちに is used when two actions are happening almost the same time.
家につくかつかないかのうちに can be right before you get home.
So you can’t say
家につくかつかないかのうちに電話をください。either.
やっぱり!
Something was puzzling me about という, and I thought that Maggie Sensei would have the answer.
A beginner in any language first learns words and some stand-alone sentences. But, in daily life, people have conversations. They say things in response to what someone else has said, and often speak in half sentences. While watching TV I have recently noticed that という can be the first word that a person uses when saying something. This did not make sense to me, considering that a beginner learns to use という for quotes, definitions and so on, where という is in the middle of a sentence.
But, you give some examples in “(2) To summarize /boil down something” which fits what was puzzling me:
A: 「大きな台風が近づいています。」
B: 「ということは、明日は誰も学校に来ないということですね。」
という is being used to connect the meanings of two sentences/phrases, and in this case there are two different speakers and B is replying to and completing/modifying the thought of A.
Unfortunately, I still cannot translate spoken Japanese quickly enough to always be able to connect a series of spoken sentences. But, I’m always learning something, so there is progress.
Thanks.
Hi Michael,
Yes, you do start the sentence with ということは when you summarize what you just heard/read in conversation.
Another colloquial/casual way to say ということは is
ってことは>..(てことは…)
You may not learn this in the textbooks but you use/hear this a lot in conversation. 😉
Textbooks (and web resources) have their uses, for explaining the basic rules. Also, most language learning resources seem to focus on JLPT levels and .. JLPT4-5の問題点は、語彙の多くが観光客にとって役に立たないことです. But that is a different story. :-)
It’s probably impossible to learn how to speak from reading a book of rules. Especially because I am teaching myself, I occasionally am victim of what I learned first, since I don’t have anyone to warn me about complications. という was one example of this.
An even bigger problem for me was the particle けど. You wrote about it, saying “I think many of you know the usage of けど ( = kedo) as “but”.” Exactly. That was my problem. When listening to real conversations, I got the impression that ですけど was the most frequent way in which people end their sentences. They couldn’t always mean “but”. And once again your examples gave me a deeper insight into how the Japanese language works in practice.
Michael
I understand your point.
I will do my best to cover both conversational and formal yet more useful Japanese phrases. :)
Hello Maggie. i don’t understand the meaning of 相手してあげません in the following sentence: 認めないと今後も相手してあげませんよぉ‼. Can you explain to me?
Hello again Mutuio3
相手をする means “to associate with someone/ to deal with someone/ to keep someone’s company/to play with someone”
So it depends on the context but it means
If you don’t accept it, I won’t hang out with you anymore, OK?
so the general meaning of 相手をする would be hang out and depending on the context you use the words you put as a translation, right?
the context of the phrase would be a boy challenges a girl to a competition, she accepted and arrogantly said that she would easily defeat him. after losing to him, he asks her to admit defeat and apologizes and if she doesn’t, he won’t partner up with her anymore.
That’s right.
And in that context you gave me, your translation is right.
Hello Maggie. I happen to come across the following sentence:
そなたのこれまでの旅を冒険の書に記録してよいな？
My doubt is if there has difference between してよい and してもいい.
i’m sorry for my english. i still practicing it.
Hi Mutuio2,
してもいい is much more common
してよい is more literal and you usually see this form in written form.
Also してよいな is a bit dramatic expression and is used for a speech of an old male character in the story/anime/movie.
I don’t understand what you meant with “more literal”
Sorry. it may have confused you by the word, literal. I mean you tend to use よいな for written form more.
Hello,
Can you please confirm if below sent sentence is correct or incorrect.
シェヤポイントの登録期間が終わったなのでシェヤポイントを使えない次第です.
If it’s incorrect then please mention the reason.
Thanks,
Akash
Hello Akash
First of all, the most natural way to say that is
シェアポイントは、登録期間が終わっているので使えません。(more natural)
But if you want to use 次第 to explain the situation in a formal writing
シェアポイントは、登録期間が終わっているので使えない次第です。
こんにちは、マギー先生
Hello sensei
What is the meaning of 都合のいい男
What is the difference between 都合のいいことをしか考えない
Thank you for your help sensei
Hello 太郎!
都合のいい男 has two meaning.
(someoneにとって）都合のいい男 = a convenient guy for someone (a person who says yes to everything) a guy who you can get advantage of.
And it also means “a guy who acts selfishly and doesn’t think about other people.”
Hello maggie sensei
いつもお世話になっております
I have a question about this sentence
彼女に見透かされているようで、なんとなくシャクだった
What is the meaning of “シャク” here?
Thank you
Hello! Wow! I feel flattered to hear your name. 😉
シャク is from an expression 癪に障る = しゃくにさわる (something gets on one’s nerves)
So なんとなくシャクだった here means “It was kind of annoying”
ありがとうございます、マギー先生
どういたしまして💖
Hello maggie sensei,
I have a doubt, i recently discovered this expression という感じ
which is very similar to かんな、こんな感じ、こういう感じ、そういう感じ。
so iwant to know what is the difference between という感じ and こう/そう/ああいう感じ
and こんな感じvsこんな vs このような/こういう感じ
sorry for lots of questions at once🙏
It is confusing me and hloding back to learn new grammer.
Once again sorry sensei for lots of question these past few days.
I’am thankful that i found a wonderful teacher like you💖🙏
Hello Ritesh
~という感じ
と is used when you quote something
Ex. もう食べられないという感じだった。
= It was like “I can’t eat anymore.”
1) (casual) こんな→こういう→(more formal) このような感じ like this (referring something/someone right in front of you.)
2) (casual)そんな→そういう→(more formal)そのような感じ like that (referring something/someone a little bit farther than こういう)
3) (casual)あんな→ああいう→(more formal)あのような感じ like that (referring something/someone far from you.)
I hope this answers your questions. :)
Hello Maggie-sensei
I have a question about ”ijou”. For example in this phrase: 一人でやると言った以上、他の人には頼めない。If i use ”kara” or ”node” will the meaning be the same?
Thanks again!
Hello Rafael,
以上、から、ので they all indicates the reason (because/so) but if you compare the following two sentences,
1) やると言った以上他の人には頼めない
2) やると言ったから/ので他の人には頼めない
1) expresses much stronger will/commitment than 2)
Now, からには is pretty similar to 以上は.
3) やると言ったからには他の人には頼めない
They both express one’s strong will/commitment.
Hello maggie sensei
thank you as always
can i ask you what is the meaning of
強いて言うなら
is it the same like (I don’t know exactly)
Hello アルパカ
強いて〜する = force oneself to do something
so
強いて言うなら means “If I must say / If I am forced to say”
thank you very much sensei
You’re welcome! :)
Hi sensei, i want to know what is the difference between そう and 感じ in the sense of looks like and seems like and i which situation we will use
優しい感じ
優しそう both translate as looks kind
Hi Hritesh
I wouldn’t say there is much difference between 優しい感じの人 and 優しそうな人. You can both translate them “ a person who looks sweet”.
感じ: It is based on one’s feelings/impressions that one gets from that person./ sweetish person
そう:how the person looks / how one sees that person.
FYI You can even combine them そう and 感じ
優しそうな感じの人
😄 Hi, Maggie sensei.
Thank you so much for this really useful lesson!!💗
I read a verse of a song that says:
「新ネタ仕入れたなんてね したり顔でtalkin’ talkin’… 」
The final 「なんで」 means anything in particular o is it just used to emphasize the sentence?
Also, in the phrase「あの子のアレコレ気になって センシティブな顔なんだって」… How is 「なんだって」used in this context?
Thanks in advance 💖.
Hi Leah
1) This なんて is quoting what comes before, 「新ネタ仕入れた」. ~なんて（言って） Saying things like ~
2) In this case なんだって is quoting the reason.
I heard/He/She/Someone told me the reason why ~ is ~
So you heard the reason why someone has a sensitive face. And tell someone that reason why.
Ooh, I see. 「なんて」 is quoting what comes before.
Thank you very much for the explanation💗.
Regarding to “あの子のアレコレ気になって センシティブな顔なんだって”, what would be the correct way to translate it?
Now I think of it なんだって has another usage. When you make your point or explain something or giving a reason in a strong way about oneself. “I am telling you ~”
It depends on the context and it is kind of hard to tell which one by reading just one line.
I don’t do the translation here but if it is quoting,
“I heard ~ has a sensitive face because ~ can’t help thinking about her/him.”
If that person is explaining the reason himself/herself then
“I have a sensitive face because I can’t help thinking about her/him, OK?”
Hello, Maggie-sensei.
ご相談をしたいと思います。
About ながら, can you use it in a sentence that mixes a verb of human/animate being action (歩く) and an intransitive verb of non-human action (付く)? Like this one:
道を歩きながら電気が付いた。
While walking in the street the lights came on (by themselves).
ご相談をよろしくお願いいたします。
こんにちは 六誌
道を歩きながら電気が付いた。
In that case you can’t use ながら.
It has to be the same person who does two actions at the same time.
Ex. 歩きながら電話で話した。
Maggie Sensei,
Another excellent article!
I was hoping you might be able to help clarify something though.
There seems to be disagreement about using 〜ない with ようになる.
My teacher and the book we are using (みんなの日本語) agree with you that なくなる should be used instead.
However there are quite a few examples online of なにようになる.
My wife (native Japanese) and several online teachers agree ないようになる can be used.
The opinions range from “ないようになる is not used very much” to “they mean the same thing”.
One person said “なくなる emphasizes the consequences of the change but ないようになる emphasizes the process of change”.
My wife thinks ないようになる might be used in a museum exhibit explanation.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Sorry this was so long and thank you in advance!
Hello Niwashi Kun
Good question. I would say なくなる is much more common and it sounds more natural in many cases but you are right. I think I will add that information because some people do say that.
The difference between なくなる and ないようになる depends on the context but I agree with what you read. (consequences of the change and process of change)
Let’s compare the following two sentence.
With past tense
A ) （それ以来）彼は無駄なことをしなくなった。 (focusing on the consequences/results)
B ) （それ以来）彼は無駄なことをしないようになった。 (focusing on the process of how one became. )
Another difference is Vないようになった tends to describe slow change.
Vなくなった is used when the change could happened right after some incidence.
Wow! Thanks for the fast reply!
I appreciate your additional information and examples. I suppose it’s due to the subtlety and uncommonness of the usage of ないようになる that my teacher and book say to just use なくなる.
Note: I noticed a typo in my 1st message and also one in your reply.
Mine: “However there are quite a few examples online of な[に]ようになる.”
Should be “…… examples online of な[い]ようになる.”
Yours: “The difference between なくなる and ないように{する} depends on the context…..”
Should be “The difference between なくなる and ないように{なる} depends on the context….”
I only mention them because I’m concerned they might confuse a future reader. I don’t know how these things work but if possible can you edit the posts?
Thank you again for your reply and all your detailed explanations,
-N
Thank you for spotting the typo. 🙏
I guess a lot of teachers/textbooks avoid teaching ないようになる because it may sound unnatural or less common but you are right. Some readers might get confused when they hear/see it somewhere. I should have mentioned. So thank you for your good question!
Senseiii is there any other way to say 〇〇ば〇〇ほど? Like how kids and teenagers nowadays say it, or short ver. of it?
Hello, 茉愛
Not just for kids or teenagers but you can also say
◯◯ば◯◯だけ
Hello Maggie-sensei!
Thank you so much for providing us with such good lessons that are easy to understand! I stumbled across a sentence recently including 「方」. It goes like this:
罪を犯さない人なんて、この社会にはいない。『償い』とは結果ではなく、その過程で生まれる心の在り方です。
I have two questions. The first one is how would you translate 在り方 and the second is what is the function of と and で in this sentence.
Hello Mutuio,
1) 在り方 means “way of being”, “the way something is supposed to be”
心の在り方 the way you set your mind
2) と is to quote in this case 償い
償いというものは→(shorter way) 償いとは
3) で
See the pattern how you make a negative form of a noun
noun + です
→noun + ではない
Hello Maggie, this one gives me headaches for a long time. The meaning of the sentence is clear to me, but what effect has も here?
あれは用もないのに押しちゃだめなのよ
I am really looking forward to your answer. I appreciate your work very much and I have learned a lot from you.
Thank you in advance
こんにちはアンドレアス
〜もないのに is a very common patter なんの理由もないのに / 証拠もないのに
You can also say がないのに ,”there is no ~ “, but when you add the nuance of “not to even” or “any”, you use も
用がない not to have particular reasons
用もない not have any particular reasons