上級へのとびら Grammar From 文法ノート

Front 1

この皿はプラスチックで、そして、このコップは紙でできている。

Back 1

This plate is made from plastic, and this cup is made from paper.

Hint 1

---N でできている
This grammar (でできている）is used when describing something specific. i.e. the "plate" and "cup."

Front 2

チーズやヨーグルトは牛乳からできます。

Back 2

Cheese and yogurt are made from milk.

Hint 2

---からできます。

N から indicates the materials are not immediately obvious. できる is used for general statements.

Front 3

富士山の高さは何キロくらいでしょうか。

Back 3

About how many meters is the height of Mt. Fuji, I wonder.

Hint 3

The suffix さ is attached to the stem of an i-adjective or a na-adjective to form a noun. The typical effect is the addition of this suffix "-ness," as in "niceness" or "-ty," as in "rarity."

Front 4

この本のよさがよく分かる。　

Back 4

I know well the "goodness" of this book.

Hint 4

よさ　is the irregular conjugation of いい　to a noun by the addition of the suffix -さ。

Front 5

これはチョコレートのように見えるけれど、消しゴムだから、食べられませんよ。

Back 5

You can see that this looks like chocolate, but it is an eraser, so you can't eat it.

Hint 5

N のように
used when X is as Y shows, says, explains.

Front 6

この写真を見れば分かるように、ロンドンには、色々な名所がある。

Back 6

As you can see if you look at these photos, there are various famous locations in London.

Hint 6

V-plain のように
used when X does something as shown/said/explained/etc. in/by Y.

Front 7

小さい猫の声は、赤ちゃんが泣いているように聞こえます。

Back 7

The voice of a small cat sounds like a crying baby.

Hint 7

V-plain のように
used when X resembles Y

Front 8

エジプトはピラミッドやスフィンクスで有名です。

Back 8

Egypt is famous for pyramids and the sphinx.

Hint 8

ーはNで有名です。
-- is famous for N.

Front 9

このお寺は古い桜の木があることで知られている。

Back 9

This temple is known for its old cherry blossom trees.

Hint 9

---はSことで知られている。

--- is known for S(entence/statement).

Front 10

この地方は冬は雪が多く、夏はとても暑い。

Back 10

In this region, there is a lot of snow in the winter, and the summers are very hot.

Hint 10

A-stem + く、－

The stem of an i-adjective (多い）+ く indicate that the sentece is continuing and functions like "and" in english. This grammar is used only in WRITTEN form, the -て form is used in speech.

Front 11

昨日は友達とレストランで晩御飯を食べ、その後、映画を見にいた。

Back 11

Yesterday I ate lunch at a restaurant with friends, and after that we went to see a movie.

Hint 11

V-masu, --

The masu stem of a verb indicate that the sentence is continuing. That is, it functions like the english "and." This use of grammar is only for WRITTEN passages and FORMAL SPEECH; the ーて form is used for this purpose in typical spoken language.

Front 12

週末はたいてい両親の家に帰るが、忙しくて帰られないこともある。

Back 12

I usually go home to my parent's house on weekends, but there are times when I get busy and can't go home.

Hint 12

V-plain-nonpast こともある。
V-plain-nonpast こともある is used when something occurs (or someone does something) occasionally, and the も implies that something else may also occur.
***DO NOT CONFUSE with V-plain.PAST ことがある which states previous experience.

Front 13

文法の説明を読んでも分からないことがある

Back 13

Sometimes I don't understand the grammar explanation even though I read it.

Hint 13

V-plain-nonpast ことがある。
Used to indicated when something occurs (or someone does something) occassionally.

***DO NOT CONFUSE with V-plain.PAST ことがある which states previous experience.

Front 14

日本人が大好きな桜の花がいつ頃咲くかは、場所によって違います。

Back 14

The approximate blooming time for Sakura, beloved by the Japanese, differs depending on location

Hint 14

Question wordかはNによって違う。
This structure is used to indicate that something differs depending on the situation, location, time, etc.

Front 15

性格(character)は人によって違います。

Back 15

Character differs depending on the person.

Hint 15

NかはN2によって違う。

This structure is used to indicate that something differs depending on the situation, location, time, etc.

Front 16

私にとって、読み物が難しいかどうかは、漢字の多さによります。

Back 16

To me, whether I find a book difficult or not depends on the "numerousness" of the kanji.

Hint 16

ーかどうかは、N2による。
Whether ー or not depends on N2.

This structure is used to indicate that something differs depending on the situation, location, time, etc.

Front 17

この地方では、１１月になると雪が降り始めます。

Back 17

When it turns November in this region, snow begins to fall.

Hint 17

V-masu　始める。

始める in this use is an auxiliary verb meaning "begin to V."

Front 18

友達へのプレゼント。

Back 18

a present for a friend.

Hint 18

N(particle)　のN2

The のmust be present in this grammar usage because it indicates that the N(particle) modifies N2. Without の, the N(particle) otherwise N(part) seems to modify the predicate in the clause. i.e. compare 先生とミーチングに行けない。(I can't go to meet the teacher) and 先生とのミーチングに行けない。(I can't go to the meeting with the teacher).

Front 19

日本での仕事

Back 19

a job in Japan

Hint 19

The のmust be present in this grammar usage because it indicates that the N(particle) modifies N2. Without の, the N(particle) otherwise N(part) seems to modify the predicate in the clause. i.e. compare 先生とミーチングに行けない。(I can't go to meet the teacher) and 先生とのミーチングに行けない。(I can't go to the meeting with the teacher).

Front 20

八時からのぱーティ。

Back 20

a party which starts at 8.

Hint 20

The のmust be present in this grammar usage because it indicates that the N(particle) modifies N2. Without の, the N(particle) otherwise N(part) seems to modify the predicate in the clause. i.e. compare 先生とミーチングに行けない。(I can't go to meet the teacher) and 先生とのミーチングに行けない。(I can't go to the meeting with the teacher).

Front 21

京都までの新幹線(しんかんせん）の切符（きっぷ）

Back 21

a Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket to kyoto

Hint 21

The のmust be present in this grammar usage because it indicates that the N(particle) modifies N2. Without の, the N(particle) otherwise N(part) seems to modify the predicate in the clause. i.e. compare 先生とミーチングに行けない。(I can't go to meet the teacher) and 先生とのミーチングに行けない。(I can't go to the meeting with the teacher).

Front 22

世界で一番長い川はナイルだと言われているが、アマゾン川だと言う人もいる。

Back 22

The Nile river is said to be the longest river in the world, but there are also people who say it is the Amazon river.

Hint 22

ーはSentence-plainと言われているがX

"Sentence-plain" is said to be ー、but X

This structure is used to introduce something commonly said about something or someone.

Front 23

道後温泉は日本の一番古い温泉で、３０００年の歴史があると言われています。

Back 23

It is said that the Dougo Onsen, with 3000 years of history, is the oldest onsen in Japan.

Hint 23

ーはS-plainと言われている。
It is said that ーis S-plain。

Front 24

日本の目所と言えば、温泉も忘れることはできません。

Back 24

Speaking of "famous places of Japan," you can't forget about onsens.

Hint 24

ーと言えば。
Literally means "if you say that--," but translates better as "Speaking of..." and is used to present, as the topic, something or someone related to what has just been mentioned by the hearer or speaker.

Front 25

週末はたいてい洗濯とか掃除（とか）をします。

Back 25

On weekends I usually do stuff like laundry and cleaning.

Hint 25

ーとか（－とか）
とかis used to list examples non-exhaustively. It is similar to や in meaning when the examples listed are nouns. When 2+ examples are used the final とか is optional if followed by a particle as seen in this example. It is otherwise MANDATORY.

Front 26

漢字を覚える時は、フラッシュカードを作るとか、何回も書くとかするといいです。

Back 26

When trying to memorize kanji, making flashcards and writing them over and over is good to do.

Hint 26

ーとか（－とか）
とかis used to list examples non-exhaustively. The final とか is MANDATORY because it is followed by する.
NOTE: UNLIKE や、とか can be used to list verb phrases, as seen here.

Front 27

パソコンというのは、パーソナルコンピュータのことです。

Back 27

The meaning of "persocon" is "personal computer."

Hint 27

ーというのはNのことだ。
The meaning of ー is N.

This structure is used to provide a meaning or definition of a word or phrase.

Front 28

すみません。学生証というのは、何のことですか？

Back 28

I'm sorry, what does "gakuseishou" mean?

Hint 28

Nというのは、何のことですか。
What does N mean?/What is the meaning of N?

Front 29

行事というのは、季節で決まった特に特別に何かを行う意味です。

Back 29

The meaning of "gyouji" is a special, decided upon time of the season when something special occurs.

Hint 29

Nというのは、－という意味です

the meaning of N is ー。

Front 30

日本語はひらがなだけでなく、カタカナや漢字も覚えなくてはいけません。

Back 30

For Japanese, not only hiragana, but katakana and kanji must also be memorized.

Hint 30

N1 だけでなく、N2(prt)も

not only N1, but N2 also

Front 31

「すみません」は、"I'm sorry" という意味だけでなく、"excuse me"　という意味もあります。

Back 31

"sumimasen" doesn't only mean "I'm sorry," it also means "excuse me."

Hint 31

Sだけでなく、N(prt)も

Not just S is true, but also N

Front 32

宮崎林のアニメって、いいよね。

Back 32

As for Hayao, Hayashi's anime, they're good aren't they?

Hint 32

-Nって

As for N; Speaking of N-

Front 33

田中さん、５時に来るって言ってたけど、まだ来ないね。

Back 33

Mr. Tanaka said he'd come around 5:00, but he still hasn't come, has he?

Hint 33

S/Nって言う
say that S/N

って is the informal colloquial form of the quotative marker と　

Front 34

明日はテストがないって聞いたけど、本当か。

Back 34

I heard there isn't a test tomorrow, but is that true?

Hint 34

S/Nって聞く
heard that S/N

って is the informal colloquial form of the quotative marker と　

Front 35

ここに「静かにして下さい」って書いてあるのがみえませんか。

Back 35

"Please be quiet" is written right here, can't you see it?

Hint 35

S/Nって書く
S/N is written...

って is the informal colloquial form of the quotative marker と　

Front 36

僕の名前は「つとむ」だけづ、友達は「トム」って呼ぶんだ。

Back 36

My name is "tsutomu," but my friends call me "tom."

Hint 36

S/Nって呼ぶ
...called S/N

って is the informal colloquial form of the quotative marker と　

Front 37

「桃太郎」っていう話、聞いたことある？

Back 37

Have you heard the story called "Momotarou?"

Hint 37

N1っていうN2

The N2 called N1.

って is the informal colloquial form of the quotative marker と　

Front 38

日本語は〜話す相手によって話し方を変えなければいけないことがあります。

Back 38

There are times in Japanese when you have to change the way you speak based on the partner you're talking to.

Hint 38

V-nai(なければいけない）。
　Expresses idea of obligation (i.e. have to; must; should). "いけない”　 is used when the sense of obligation is directed towards the hearer, in the sense of "you (all) should..."

Front 39

まだちょっとしなきゃなんあいことがあるんだ。

Back 39

I still have some things to do.

Hint 39

V-nai (なきゃなんあい。)

used to indicate a sense of obligation. It is the very contracted form of なければならない　(ー＞なきゃならない　ー＞なきゃなんない。) use of ならない indicates the speakers own sense of obligation (I have to; must; should)

Front 40

調べなきゃならないことがあるので、図書館に行って来る。

Back 40

I have things I have to research so I'm going to the library.

Hint 40

(V-nai) (なきゃならない）。
expresses idea of personal obligation (because of naranai). It is shortened from なければならない　(ー＞なきゃならない　ー＞なきゃなんない。)

Front 41

病院に行って来なくちゃなんない。

Back 41

I have to go to the hospital.

Hint 41

V-nai (なくちゃなんない）

expresses personal sense of obligation (due to naranai). It is shortened from なくてはならないー＞なくちゃならないー＞なくちゃなんない。

Front 42

明日はもっと早く起きなくちゃ。

Back 42

I have to wake up earlier tomorrow.

Hint 42

V-nai なくちゃ。
Expresses obligation. Shortened from なくては。 In the sentence final position the いけない／ならない　can be dropped.

Front 43

今学期は日本語やアジアの歴史などのクラスを取っています。

Back 43

This semester I am taking classes such as Japanese and Asian history.

Hint 43

N1 や　N2　など　（の／、）N3

など indicates a list is not exhaustive. When 2+ items listed they are separated by や。 N1/N2 can be words or phrases.

Front 44

日本の食べ物の中では、寿司やてんぷらなどがす好きです。

Back 44

Among Japanese foods, I like sushi, tempura and others.

Hint 44

N1 や　N2　など

N1, N2, among others.-- など indicates a list is not exhaustive. When 2+ items listed they are separated by や。 N1/N2 can be words or phrases.

Front 45

漢字は日本語の勉強で最も大切なものの一つです。

Back 45

Kanji is one of the most important things in the study of Japanese.

Hint 45

の一つです。
NはNP　{一つ／一人）だ。
X is one of the ~.

Front 46

読書は私が一番好きなことの一つだ。

Back 46

Reading is one of my favorite things.

Hint 46

NはNPの一つだ。
N is one of NP.

Front 47

モーツアルトは、最も人気がある差客か（さきゃくか=composer)の一人だ。

Back 47

Mozart is one of the most famous composers.

Hint 47

NはNPの一つだ。
N is one of NP.

Front 48

あなたにとって、一番大切な人は誰ですか。

Back 48

Who is the most important person to you?

Hint 48

Nにとって
This means "to X; for X" in a context where something (or someone) is important/useful/good/necessary/difficult etc. to X. X is usually a person, geographic unit or organization.

Front 49

ペンの代わりに鉛筆（えんぴつ）を使って書いてください。

Back 49

Use a pencil instead of a pen to write, please.

Hint 49

Nの代わりに
is used to present something/someone that is replacing or has replaced something/someone.

Front 50

母が病気だったので、（母の）代わりに私が晩ご飯を作ります。

Back 50

Because mom is ill, I'll be making dinner instead.

Hint 50

Nの代わりに
is used to present something/someone that is replacing or has replaced something/someone. When the context is clear, the Nの can be omitted, as we see here.

Front 51

父は家族のためにいっしょうけんめい働いている。

Back 51

Father works his hardest for the sake of his family.

Hint 51

N/non-past,plain V (のために)
indicates either purpose or reason/cause, and in certain contexts connotes "for the benefit," which is the case here. It can translate to "in order to; for the purpose of; for; for the sake of"

Front 52

日本の会社で働きたいと思うている。そのためにはもっと日本語が上手にならなくては行けない。

Back 52

I want to work at a Japanese company. For that purpose, I need to become more skilled at Japanese.

Hint 52

N/non-past,plainV (のために)
indicates either purpose or reason/cause. It can translate to "in order to; for the purpose of; for; for the sake of"

Front 53

コンピュータが壊れたために、レポートが書きませんでした。

Back 53

Because my computer broke, I didn't write my report.

Hint 53

past,plainV のため（に）
indicates cause or reason. It is more formal that から and ので。

Front 54

勉強が忙しいため、友達と合う時間がない。

Back 54

Because I'm busy with my studies, I don't have time to meet with my friends.

Hint 54

~(na) adjectiveのため（に）
indicates cause or reason. It is more formal that から and ので。

Front 55

トムさんは日本語が上手なため、ときどき通訳（つうやく=interpreter) を頼まれる（たのまれる）。

Back 55

Due to Tom being good at Japanese, he is sometimes asked to be an interpreter.

Hint 55

~(i) adjective のため（に）
indicates cause or reason. It is more formal that から and ので。

Front 56

九州か四国へ行く。
本か雑誌が（ある）。
友達か家族と旅行に行く。

Back 56

I will go either to kyushu or shikoku.
There are either books or magazines.
I will go travel with either my friends or family.

Hint 56

N1 か N2 (Prt)
is used to present two alternatives. In the case that the second alternative has a particle, the second か is dropped, as here.

Front 57

その店がおいしかったかまずかったか覚えていますか。

Back 57

Do you remember whether (the food at) that store was delicious or bad?

Hint 57

AかBか　
is used to present alternatives.
meaning: "either A or B;" "whether A or B"

Front 58

その店、おいしいんでしょ。

Back 58

That restaraunt is pretty good, isn't it?

Hint 58

~でしょ
is the shortened version of ~でしょう　which with a rising intonation is used to elicit the hearer's confirmation; with a falling intonation indicates conjecture. Women traditionally use でしょう （the polite version of だろう）and in casual conversation it is shortened to でしょ。

Front 59

このケーキ、おいしいだろう。

Back 59

This cake is good, isn't it?

Hint 59

~だろうwith a rising intonation is used to elicit the hearer's confirmation; with a falling intonation indicates conjecture.　Men use だろう, which is the informal of でしょう。In casual conversation the final う　tends to drop.

Front 60

これは、１年生の学生によく見られる間違いです。

Back 60

This is a mistake that can often be observed among first year students.

Hint 60

Nが見られる。
uses the passive form of 見る which is "be observed," and also "can observe/see."
Directly means: (something) is observed; (one) can see/observe

Front 61

日本人の友達ができてから、日本語が上手に話せるようになった。

Back 61

Ever since making Japanese friends, I have come to be able to speak Japanese more skillfully.

Hint 61

V.plain.nonpast.(often volitional form, as here) ようになる。
indicates a gradual change over a period of time; it means someone/thing comes to the point where he/she does (or can do) something or does not (or cannot do) something.
Meaning: "come to (be able to)

Front 62

話すようになる

Back 62

come to be able to speak

Hint 62

V.plain.nonpast.(often volitional form, as here) ようになる。
indicates a gradual change over a period of time; it means someone/thing comes to the point where he/she does (or can do) something or does not (or cannot do) something.
Meaning: "come to (be able to)

Front 63

話さないようになる

Back 63

come to not speak now/anymore.

Hint 63

V.plain.nonpast.negative ようになる。
indicates a gradual change over a period of time; it means someone/thing comes to the point where he/she does not (or cannot do) something.
Meaning: "Not V now;" Not V anymore"
Vなくなる and Vないようになる are synonymous, but the latter indicates a more gradual change.

Front 64

父は病気になってから、お酒を飲まないようになった。

Back 64

Since father became ill, he has come to not drink sake anymore.

Hint 64

V.plain.nonpast.negative ようになる。
indicates a gradual change over a period of time; it means someone/thing comes to the point where he/she does not (or cannot do) something.
Meaning: "Not V now;" Not V anymore"
Vなくなる and Vないようになる are synonymous, but the latter indicates a more gradual change.

Front 65

同じ感じまた間違えた。

Back 65

I got the same kanji wrong again.

Hint 65

また
また、S
meaning: "again; once again"

Front 66

この本は面白く、また、勉強にもなる。

Back 66

This book is interesting, moreover, it is educational.

Hint 66

また
また、S
Meaning: "also; as well; additionally; moreover; in addition"

Front 67

海外旅行に行く前にパスポートを取る必要があります。

Back 67

Before traveling overseas it is necessary to get a passport.

Hint 67

V.plain.nonpast 必要がある。
Indicates the necessity of doing something.
Meaning: "it is necessary to V;" "must V;" "have to V"

Front 68

私の国では日本に旅行に行く時、旅行ビザを取る必要はない。

Back 68

As for my country, when traveling to Japan it is not necessary to get a travel Visa.

Hint 68

V.nonpast.plain必要はない。
indicates the lack of necessity to do something. は is common with the negative ending.
Meaning: "It is not necessary to V;" "there is no need to V;" "don't have to V."

Front 69

雨の場合はテニスの試合はない。その場合、チケットは次の試合に使うことが出来る。

Back 69

If it rains there won't be a tennis match. In that case, you can use your ticket for the next match.

Hint 69

Nの場合（は／には）
DemA(この、その、etc)場合
場合 is a noun meaning "case, occasion, situation," but with a modifier it forms an adverbial phrase/clause meaning "when, if, in case." 時　can be used in place of 場合 when it does not refer to a *specific* time/occasion.

Front 70

分からない（時／場合）は、言って下さい。

Back 70

If you don't understand, please say so.

Hint 70

Vnonpast.plain場合（に／には）
場合 is a noun meaning
"case, occasion, situation," but with a modifier it forms an adverbial phrase/clause meaning "when, if, in case."
時　can be used in place of 場合 when it does not refer to a *specific* time/occasion.

Front 71

私が取っているのは、中国語ではなくて日本語です。

Back 71

What I'm taking is Japanese, not Chinese.

Hint 71

N1(では／じゃ）なく（て）N2
N1/N2 could also be phrases.

Is used to indicate a certain piece of info is wrong and, following that, provide the correct info. ではなくて　is used in written language. じゃなくて is used in spoken language.

Front 72

Q）ここですか。
A)　いいえ、ここじゃなくて、あそこです。

Back 72

Q) Is it here?
A) No, it isn't here, it's over there.

Hint 72

N1(では／じゃ）なく（て）N2
Is used to indicate a certain piece of info is wrong and, following that, provide the correct info. ではなくて　is used in written language. じゃなくて is used in spoken language.

Front 73

お土産にＴシャツを何枚かかった。

Back 73

I bought some shirts as souvenirs.

Hint 73

何＋counter+か
is the qualifier "some"

Front 74

おいしい日本のみかんをいくつかもらいました。

Back 74

I received some japanese mandarin oranges.

Hint 74

いく＋counter+か
is the qualifier "some"
Except for the words いくつ　and いく人, いく is not commonly used in modern japanese. 何 cannot be used with つ。

Front 75

忘れてしまった
what is the condensed form?

Back 75

忘れちゃった。

Hint 75

~てしまった。
is used to indicate the completion of an action OR the dissatisfaction of the speaker for having done something he/she knows he/she shouldn't have and will be in trouble for.

Front 76

買っておいた
What is the condensed form?

Back 76

買っといた。

Hint 76

from ておく meaning to do in advance, or in preparation.

Front 77

飲んでしまう。
what is the condensed form?

Back 77

飲んじゃう。

Hint 77

〜でしまう／しまった
To do something unexpectedly, completely, or unfortunately (the last meaning here)

Front 78

見せてあげる。
What is the condensed form?

Back 78

見せたげる。

Hint 78

~てあげる。
to give, allow, let.

(let someone see(something).

Front 79

このクラスにはキムさんの他に（も）韓国語出来る学生がありますか。

Back 79

Are there any students in this class besides Kim who can speak Korean?

Hint 79

Nの他に（も）~~ is an adverbial phrase meaning "in addition to N" or "besides"

Front 80

日本では、日本語を勉強する他に、色々な所に旅行にも行きたいと思っています。

Back 80

In Japan, I am thinking I want to travel to various places in addition to studying Japanese.

Hint 80

Vの他に（も）~~ is an adverbial phrase meaning "in addition to V-ing" or "besides V-ing"

Front 81

夏休みに大学の夏のコースを取った。その他にも、バイトをしたり、日本に行ったりした。

Back 81

Over summer break I took university summer school courses. In addition to that, I did stuff like work my part-time job and go to Japan.

Hint 81

（その／あの／この）他に（も）~~ is an adverbial phrase that means "in addition to ~" or "besides ~~"

Front 82

週末は宿題がたくさんあったので、勉強の他（に）は何も出来なかった。

Back 82

I had a lot of homework over the weekend, so I couldn't do anything other than study.

Hint 82

(V/N/Adj/DemA)〜他（に）は（〜ない）.
An adverbial phrase meaning "(not~) except for~," or "(not~) other than ~"

Front 83

今、私が住んでいるアパートの広さは、この部屋と同じぐらいです。

Back 83

Right now, the apartment I'm living in is about the same size as this room.

Hint 83

Nと同じぐらい〜
means "about the same ~ as N"

Front 84

今度住むアパートは、この部屋と同じぐらいの広さです。

Back 84

This time, the apartment I'm living in and this room are about the same size.

Hint 84

N1と同じくらい／ぐらいN2

Front 85

ドラえモンは実はネコ型ロボットなんです。

Back 85

Doraemon is, in reality, a cat shaped robot.

Hint 85

Nの型だ。
Means "N-shape/style/pattern; make; model; design"

Front 86

私の血液型はAです。

Back 86

My blood type is A.

Hint 86

Nの型だ。
Means "N-shape/style/pattern; make; model; design"

Front 87

父は１９５０年型のキャデラックを持っている。

Back 87

My dad has a 1950 model cadillac.

Hint 87

N1型（の）N2

Means N1 (style;pattern;shape;make;model;design) N2

Front 88

大阪、京都、それに奈良にも行った。

Back 88

I went to Osaka, Kyoto, in addition to Nara.

Hint 88

N1(、／と／に）N2、それにN3
Here, それに is used to add an item or make an addition statement.
Meaning: in addition; moreover;furthermore;what's more; on top of that; and

Front 89

日本の夏はとても暑い。それに湿度も高い。

Back 89

Japan's summers are very sultry. Furthermore, the humidity is also high.

Hint 89

S1.それに、S２。
Here, それに is used to add an item or make an addition statement.
Meaning: in addition; moreover;furthermore;what's more; on top of that; and

Front 90

そのアルバイトはあまり大変じゃないし、それに給料もいい。

Back 90

That part-time job isn't very difficult, moreover the salary is good.

Hint 90

S1し、それに　S２。
Here, それに is used to add an item or make an addition statement.
Meaning: in addition; moreover;furthermore;what's more; on top of that; and

Front 91

あの人が来るのなら、私は帰ります。

Back 91

If it's true that person is coming as you say, I'm leaving (now before he comes).

Hint 91

S1のならS2
is used when the speaker supposes that something is the case or is true and makes a statement, suggestion, etc. based on that supposition. の is used to denote that the supposition is based on what the speaker heard from someone or learned from the situation. NOTE, that the action/event in S1 does not have to take place before S2.

Front 92

トムが行くなら、私も行きます。

Back 92

If Tom is going to the party, I'l go, too.

Hint 92

S1ならS２。
is used when the speaker supposes that something is the case or is true and makes a statement, suggestion, etc. based on that supposition. NOTE, that the action/event in S1 does not have to take place before S2.

Front 93

明日なら大丈夫です。

Back 93

If it's tomorrow, I can make it.

Hint 93

N（の）なら〜。
Means: If it is N, ~
is used when the speaker supposes that something is the case or is true and makes a statement, suggestion, etc. based on that supposition. の is used to denote that the supposition is based on what the speaker heard from someone or learned from the situation.

Front 94

日本語なら読めます。

Back 94

I could read Japanese.

Hint 94

Nなら〜。
Means: would/could ~
is used when the speaker supposes that something is the case or is true and makes a statement, suggestion, etc. based on that supposition. の is used to denote that the supposition is based on what the speaker heard from someone or learned from the situation.

Front 95

友達が迎えに来たら、私は帰ります。

Back 95

If/when my friend comes to pick me up, I will leave.

Hint 95

S1たらS２。
When たら is used, as opposed to (の)なら, S1 must be completed before S2.

Front 96

姫路城は日本で最も美しいお城の一つとして知られています。

Back 96

Himejijyou castle is known as one of Japan's most beautiful castles.

Hint 96

Nとして
Means: as; in the capacity of
used to indicate the role, capacity, or occupation of someone or the function or characteristics of something.

Front 97

毎日、新しい漢字を五つ覚えることにしている。

Back 97

I make it a rule to memorize 5 new kanji a day.

Hint 97

V-plain.nonpastことにしている。
Indicates THE SPEAKER (or the subject of the sentence) makes it a rule to do something.

Front 98

私のアパートでは、ペットを飼ってはいけないことになっています。

Back 98

It is a rule at my apartment that you cannot keep pets.

Hint 98

V-nonpast.plain ことになっている。
Means: "be supposed to ~;" It is a rule that ~; It's been decided that~
means that something has been decided and the result of the decision is still in effect. It is often used to introduce rules or customs, as well as one's schedule.

Front 99

ゾウは長い鼻をしています。それに、耳も大きいです。

Back 99

Elephants have long noses. Furthermore, they have big ears.

Hint 99

N1 は Adj+N2 をしている。
This form is used to describe a feature of someone or something, focusing on a certain part or attribute of the person or thing. Synonyous with N1はN2が Adj.

Front 100

きれいな目をした人。

Back 100

The person with pretty eyes.

Hint 100

(A/Ana)+N2 をした N1.
This form is used to describe a feature of someone or something, focusing on a certain part or attribute of the person or thing. -- When the phrase modifies a noun, した is commonly used instead of している。

Front 101

４年間日本語を勉強してきました。

Back 101

I have studied Japanese for four years.

Hint 101

V-teくる
means: Have V-ed; begin to; become; grow
indicates temporal or spatial direction of an action directed toward the speaker. It often indicates that an action or process began in the past and is continuing IN THE PRESENT, or that something has begun to take place.

Front 102

日本語の文法が面白くなってきました。

Back 102

I'm beginning to find Japanese grammar interesting.

Hint 102

V-teくる
means: Have V-ed; begin to; become; grow
indicates temporal or spatial direction of an action directed toward the speaker. It often indicates that an action or process began in the past and is continuing IN THE PRESENT, or that something has begun to take place.

Front 103

これから、もっと暖かくなっていきます。

Back 103

From now on, it's going to grow warmer.

Hint 103

V−teいく
means: go on V-ing; continue;become;grow
Indicates the temporal or spatial direction of an action from the speaker's viewpoint. It is used when the action appears directed away from the speaker; it also often expresses an action or state that will continue from the present into the future.

Front 104

図書館で本を借りて来る。

Back 104

I'll go to the library to borrow some books (and will come back).

Hint 104

V-te くる。
This particular expression, as opposed to meaning " beginning to" or "have V-ed" is the original meaning of V-te くる。

Front 105

日本に引っ越すことになりました。

Back 105

It was decided (by someone else) that I must move to Japan.

Hint 105

V-plain.nonpast-ことになった。
means "It was/has been decided that~;" "It turns out that~"
Indicates that the situation has changed due to some external force (e.g. a decision made by someone other than the speaker.)

Front 106

先生は学生に「漢字を覚えなさい」と言いました。

Back 106

"Remember the kanji," said the teacher to the students.

Hint 106

"direct Quote"と言う。

Front 107

先生は学生に漢字を覚えるように言いました。

Back 107

The teacher told the students to remember the kanji.

Hint 107

V-nonpast.plain　ように言う。
Meaning: "to tell someone to V"
Used to quote a request or command indirectly.

Front 108

私は友達に「ノートを見せて下さい」と頼みました。

Back 108

"Please let me see your notes," I asked of my friend.

Hint 108

"direct quote" と頼みました。

Front 109

私は友達にノートを見せてくれるように頼みました。

Back 109

I asked my friend if he would let me see his notes.

Hint 109

V-te くれるように頼む。
means: "to ask someone to V"
Used to quote request or command indirectly. In an affirmative request ように頼む is often used with てくれる as seen here.

Front 110

私はよく両親に[弟をいじめてはいけません」と言われます。

Back 110

"Don't tease you're little brother," my parents often say to me.

Hint 110

"direct quote"と言う。

Front 111

私はよく両親に弟をいじめないように言われます。

Back 111

My parents often tell me not to tease my little brother.

Hint 111

V−nai　ないように頼む／言う　
Meaning: to ask someone not to V
Used to quote a request or command indirectly.

Front 112

母に薬を持って来てくれるように頼もうか。

Back 112

Did you ask mom to bring the medicine?

Hint 112

V-te くれるように頼む。
means: "to ask someone to V"
Used to quote request or command indirectly. In an affirmative request ように頼む is often used with てくれる as seen here.

Front 113

もし文法が間違ってたら、直してくれない？

Back 113

If you find mistakes with the grammar, will you fix them for me?

Hint 113

V-te くれる？
Means: Will you ~? Can you ~? Could you~?
When used with rising intonation it indicates a request in CASUAL conversation.

Front 114

この記事、読むの、手伝ってくれない？

Back 114

Won't you help me with the reading of this article?

Hint 114

V-te くれない？
Means: Will you ~? Can you ~? Could you~?
When used with rising intonation it indicates a request in CASUAL conversation.

Front 115

今勉強中だから、もうちょっと静かにしてもらえる？

Back 115

I'm in the middle of studying right now, so could you be a little more quite?

Hint 115

V-te もらえる？
Means: Will you ~? Can you ~? Could you~?
When used with rising intonation it indicates a request in CASUAL conversation.

Front 116

明日、九校に迎えに来てもらえない？

Back 116

Won't you please come pick me up at the airport tomorrow?

Hint 116

V-te もらえない？
Means: Will you ~? Can you ~? Could you~?
When used with rising intonation it indicates a request in CASUAL conversation.

Front 117

明日からもっと早く家を出るようにします。

Back 117

I will try my best to leave the house earlier from tomorrow on.

Hint 117

V-nonpast.plainようにする。
Means: make an effort to~; make an effort so that~; try (one's best) to do ~; try one's best so that~.
It indicates one's conscious effort to do something for some purpose. Here one makes an effort at every opportunity to do something to the degree that he or she can, but sometimes fails. Thus ようにする is often used for habitual actions. This differs from Vことにする which can indicate one's decision can be a single or habitual one.

Front 118

春休み何をしようかなあ。

Back 118

I wonder what I'll do for spring break.

Hint 118

〜かなあ。
Sentence final particle which indicates the sentence is a self-addressed question or a question addressed to the speaker's in-group member(s). Used ONLY IN CASUAL language.

Front 119

日本語のクラスの外でも、なるべく日本語で話した方がいいよ。

Back 119

Even when outside Japanese class, it is best to speak in Japanese as often as possible.

Hint 119

なるべく
Means: as much/often as possible; as~as possible
なるべく with or without an adverb modifies the following verb phrase and adds the meaning "as (much) as possible." When there is no specific adverb after なるべく, it is usually interpreted as "as much as~" or "as often as~"

Front 120

ケーキを作ろうとしたけれど、卵がなかったから、作れなかった。

Back 120

I was attempting to make a cake, but it had no eggs so I didn't make one.

Hint 120

V-vol とした（が／けれど）〜
Mean: tried to ~, but; was going to ~, but
In this particular sentence, the subject made an attempt at something, but failed.

Front 121

宿題をしようとしたが、友達が来たから、するのをやめた。

Back 121

I was going to do my homework, but friends came over so I stopped doing it.

Hint 121

V-vol とした（が／けれど）〜
Mean: tried to ~, but; was going to ~, but
Is used in situations where someone had made an attempt to do something but failed. In this particular sentence, the subject was going to do something, but didn't.

Front 122

電車に乗ろうとしたら、目の前でドアが閉まってしまった。

Back 122

I was going to get on the train, but the doors closed right before my eyes.

Hint 122

V-vol とした（が／けれど）〜
Mean: tried to ~, but; was going to ~, but
Is used in situations where someone had made an attempt to do something but failed. In this particular sentence, something happened when someone was going to do something.

Front 123

映画が好きなので、毎週のように映画を見に行っています。

Back 123

I like movies, so I go to see a movie almost every week.

Hint 123

毎Xのように；（X is a time word:= 日、週、月、年，回）
Literally means "like every ~" but is used to mean "Almost every"

Front 124

日本人は一般的に丁寧だと思われている。

Back 124

It is believed that the Japanese are generally polite.

Hint 124

S-plain と思われている。
means: It is believed that~.; It is considered that ~.
思われている　is used to introduce a generally-accepted opinion on some matter derived from intuition, not logic, and represents the *speaker/writer's* opinion.

Front 125

日本の食べ物は体にいいと考えられている。

Back 125

Japanese food is considered to be good for the body.

Hint 125

S-plain と考えられている。
means: It is believed that~; It is considered that~.
と考えられている　is used to introduce a generally accepted opinion on some matter that was arrived at through logic, not intuition, and indicates the *speaker/writer's* opinion.

Front 126

今日、小テストがあるなんて、知らなかった。

Back 126

I didn't know we had something like a quiz today.

Hint 126

Sなんて（、／は）
Means: "Things like S"
なんて is the colloquial form of など（は）which is (specifically in this case) the abbreviation of などということは。

Front 127

寿司が嫌い日本人などという人は聞いたことがない。

Back 127

lit= I have never heard of someone like a Japanese person who doesn't like sushi.
meaning = I've never heard of a Japanese person who doesn't like sushi.

Hint 127

Nなどという（もの／人／etc.)
は
Means: things/people/etc. like ~
To contract this sentence, なんて could substitute for などという人は

Front 128

ローラーブレードなどというのは簡単だよ。

Back 128

Things like rollerblading are easy.

Hint 128

Nなどという（もの／人／etc.)
は
Means: things/people/etc. like ~To contract this sentence, なんて could substitute for などというのは

Front 129

「すごい」や「かわいい」などという言葉は若い人達がよく使う表現だ。

Back 129

Words like "awesome" or "cute" are expressions often used by young people.

Hint 129

Nなどという（もの／人／etc.)
は
Means: things/people/etc. like ~
To contract this sentence, なんて could substitute for などという人は

Front 130

こんなまずい料理をおいしいなどと言ったのは誰だ？

Back 130

Who was it that said unappetizing food like this was delicious?

Hint 130

S(quotation)などと
is the abbreviation of:
S(quotation) などということを。
Means: things/people/etc. like ~
なんて is the colloquial version of などは

Front 131

朝、起きたら、私わまずコーヒーを飲む。

Back 131

In the morning, after waking up, the first thing I do is drink coffee.

Hint 131

まず
is an adverb meaning "first of all," "first;" "to begin with;" before anything"

Front 132

この問題について、グループで話して合って下さい。

Back 132

Please talk to each other in a group about this problem.

Hint 132

V−masu合う
is a compound verb that creates the meaning of "V (to/for) each other" or "V with~"

Front 133

大きいな災害（さいがい）の時は、みんなで助け合うことが大切だ。

Back 133

In the event of a big disaster, it is important that everyone help each other.

Hint 133

V−masu合う
is a compound verb that creates the meaning of "V (to/for) each other" or "V with~"

Front 134

高校生の時、よく友達と写真を撮り合ったり見せ合ったり話し合ったり信じ合ったりして遊んだ。

Back 134

When I was a high school student, my friends and I often played around by doing things like taking pictures of each other, seeing each other, talking to each other, and believing in each other.

Hint 134

V−masu合う
is a compound verb that creates the meaning of "V (to/for) each other" or "V with~"

Front 135

新しい車を買うためにお金をためています。

Back 135

I am saving up money so that I can buy a new car.

Hint 135

(V-plain.nonpast)XためにY
Meaning: so that ~; in such a way that~
.states a purpose or the way that something is to be done.
here, X represents an action which can be controlled by the subject of Y

Front 136

先生は、学生が分かるようにやさしい単語を使って説明した。

Back 136

The teacher explained using easy vocabulary words so that the students could understand.

Hint 136

(V-nonpast)XようにY
Used to state a purpose or the way in which something is to be done. X, here, represents a state or event which is beyond the control of the subject of Y and will arise as the result of the an action in Y. The verb form before ように is often negative or potential in form.

Front 137

みんなに聞こえるように、大きい声で話して下さい。

Back 137

Please talk in a loud voice so that everyone can hear you.

Hint 137

(V-nonpast)XようにY
Used to state a purpose or the way in which something is to be done. X, here, represents a state or event which is beyond the control of the subject of Y and will arise as the result of the an action in Y. The verb form before ように is often negative or potential in form.

Front 138

朝寝坊をしないように、目覚まし時計をセットしておきます。

Back 138

So that I don't sleep in in the morning, I'll set my alarm clock (in preparation).

Hint 138

(V-nonpast)XようにY
Used to state a purpose or the way in which something is to be done. X, here, represents a state or event which is beyond the control of the subject of Y and will arise as the result of the an action in Y. The verb form before ように is often negative or potential in form.

Front 139

昔、昔ある所に。。。
ある日、分かるようになった。
ある有名人に合いました。

Back 139

once upon a time, in a place...

One (a certain) day, I came to understand.

I met someone famous.

Hint 139

あるN
Means: a; a certain; some; some (one/thing)
This grammar is used when the speaker has a specific X in mind but does not want/need to be specific. Here, ある所 refers to an imaginary place in a folk tale. ある日 refers to a specific day, ある有名人 refers to (a) specific famous person/people.

Front 140

地球温暖化（ちきゅうおんだんか：global warming)の問題はもっと大きくなっていくのではないでしょうか。

Back 140

I think that the problem of global warming may grow bigger from now on.

Hint 140

Sのではないでしょうか。
Means: "I think that ~;" "Isn't it that~"
This ending indicates the speaker's conjecture in an indecisive fashion. Though the negative form is used, there is no negative meaning. のではないでしょうか is used only in WRITTEN language and is the LESS formal version of ではないだろう which is also used only in written language.

Front 141

あのクラスは、毎日宿題があるので、大変のではないだろうか。

Back 141

That class has homework and quizzes everyday, so I think it may be difficult.

Hint 141

Sのではないだろうか。
Means: "I think that ~;" "Isn't it that~"
This ending indicates the speaker's conjecture in an indecisive fashion. Though the negative form is used, there is no negative meaning. のではないだろうか is used only in WRITTEN language and is the MORE formal version of ではないでしょうか。 which is also used only in written language.

Front 142

このアパートは広いから、二人で住めるんじゃないかな。

Back 142

This apartment is pretty wide (big), so I think two people may be able to live here.

Hint 142

(v-nonpast.plain)Sんじゃないかな。
Means: "I think that ~;" "Isn't it that~"
This ending indicates the speaker's conjecture in an indecisive fashion. Though the negative form is used, there is no negative meaning. んじゃないかな is used only in SPOKEN language and is the more casual form of んではないでしょうか。

Front 143

今日、雨が降るんではないでしょうか。

Back 143

Today I think it might rain.

Hint 143

(v-nonpast.plain)Sんではないでしょうか。
Means: "I think that ~;" "Isn't it that~"
This ending indicates the speaker's conjecture in an indecisive fashion. Though the negative form is used, there is no negative meaning. んじゃないかな is used only in SPOKEN language and is the more casual form of んではないでしょうか

Front 144

困っている人がいたら迷わず助けてあげる。

Back 144

If there are people in trouble, I give help without hesitating.

Hint 144

V-naiず（に）
Meaning: Without V-ing; instead of V-ing
This meaning is sometimes synonymous with ないで when ないで means "without doing something" or "instead of doing something"
に is sometimes omitted.

Front 145

辞書を見ずに新聞が読めるようになりたいです。

Back 145

I would like to become able to read a newspaper without looking at the dictionary.

Hint 145

V-naiず（に）
Meaning: Without V-ing; instead of V-ing
This meaning is sometimes synonymous with ないで when ないで means "without doing something" or "instead of doing something"
に is sometimes omitted.

Front 146

試験はペンで書かずに、鉛筆を使って下さい。

Back 146

Instead of writing with a pen on this test, please use a pencil.

Hint 146

V-naiず（に）
Meaning: Without V-ing; instead of V-ing
This meaning is sometimes synonymous with ないで when ないで means "without doing something" or "instead of doing something"
に is sometimes omitted.

Front 147

両親に相談せずに、入学することを決めてしまった。

Back 147

Without discussing it with my parents, I decided to go to a university (入学＝entry to school).

Hint 147

V-naiず（に）
Meaning: Without V-ing; instead of V-ing
NOTE THE EXCEPTION: する becomes せずに。
This meaning is sometimes synonymous with ないで when ないで means "without doing something" or "instead of doing something"
に is sometimes omitted.

Front 148

日本人は丁寧で親切だ。そういう話をよく聞く。

Back 148

The Japanese are polite and kind. I often hear that kind of story.

Hint 148

（そういう／こういう／ああいう）N
When used to describe what the speaker sees or perceives, the words refers to something/someone close to the hearer, close to the speaker, and away from both respectively.
(2) The words can also refer to something the speaker has just mentioned as is the case with this example.

Front 149

動物園でパンダの赤ちゃんが３匹生まれたそうだ。こういうニューズはうれしい。

Back 149

It seems that a panda at the zoo has had 3 babies. I'm happy to hear news like that.

Hint 149

（そういう／こういう／ああいう）N
When used to describe what the speaker sees or perceives, the words refers to something/someone close to the hearer, close to the speaker, and away from both respectively.
(2) These phrases can also be used to refer to something/someone the speaker just mentioned. こういう, specifically, can be used when the speaker or hearer has just stated something factual about something/someone.

Front 150

トムー。。。の関係って面白いね。
山田ーうん、ああいう関係って、他の国ではあまり見られないだろうね。

Back 150

Tom- (a certain kind of)...relationship are interesting aren't they?
Yamada- yeah, that sort of relationship is probably not something you really see in other countries.

Hint 150

（そういう／こういう／ああいう）N
When used to describe what the speaker sees or perceives, the words refers to something/someone close to the hearer, close to the speaker, and away from both respectively.
(2) these phrases can also refer to something the speaker or hearer has just mentioned. ああいう, specifically, is used when the information the speaker or hearer has just mentioned is known to both.

Front 151

奈良は日本で一番歴史の古い町の一つと言えるでしょう。

Back 151

It probably can be said that Nara is one of the cities with the oldest histories in Japan.

Hint 151

Sと言えるでしょう。
means: It probably can be said that ~; it is probably all right to say that ~.
This pattern is used when the speaker is quite certain that his/her statement is correct, but wants to soften the statement so as not to appear too assertive. This is a formal expression.

Front 152

日本語を勉強する外国人は多くなってきていると言えるだろう。

Back 152

It is probably all right to say that foreigners studying Japanese are coming to be more numerous.

Hint 152

Sと言えるだろう。
means: It probably can be said that ~; it is probably all right to say that ~.
This pattern is used when the speaker is quite certain that his/her statement is correct, but wants to soften the statement so as not to appear too assertive. This is a formal expression.

Front 153

バレンタインデーにチョコレートをくれたということは、彼女は君が好きだということなんだよ。

Back 153

To be given chocolate on Valentine's Day means that a girl likes you.

Hint 153

XはY（という）ことなのだ。
Means: X is Y; X means that Y
This structure is used to indicate what X is or what X means. なのだ makes the statement more emphatic. To make this expression more formal, use である in place of だ。Also notice how the なの became なん in this example.

Front 154

お金持ちになることは、幸せになれるということなのだろう。

Back 154

If you become a rich person, it may mean that you can become happy.

Hint 154

XはY（という）ことなのだ。
Means: X is Y; X means that Y
This structure is used to indicate what X is or what X means. なのだ makes the statement more emphatic. To make this expression more formal, use である in place of だ。

Front 155

大阪まで新幹線で行きたいんですが、いくらでしょうか。

Back 155

I would like to go as far as Osaka by bullet train, but how much does it cost?

Hint 155

〜ん（だけど／ですが）
means: but (in english, null in most situations)
This phrase is used as a preliminary remark by the speaker to inform the hearer of the speaker's desire, the current situation, etc. before (a) asking a question related to that desire. (as seen in this example)
んですが is more formal than んだけど。This expression is used in spoken/casually written Japanese.

Front 156

先生、この文法よく分からないんです。。。

Back 156

Teacher, I don't understand this grammar very well, so...(could you help me with it)

Hint 156

〜ん（だけど／ですが）
means: but (in english, null in most situations)
This phrase is used as a preliminary remark by the speaker to inform the hearer of the speaker's desire, the current situation, etc. before (c) making a related request. Often, when a request is made it is unstated because it is understood (as seen in this example).
んですが is more formal than んだけど。This expression is used in spoken/casually written Japanese.

Front 157

友達の誕生日にプレゼントを送りたいんだけど、何がいいと思う？

Back 157

I want to get my friend a present for (her) birthday; what do you think would be good?

Hint 157

〜ん（だけど／ですが）
means: but (in english, null in most situations)
This phrase is used as a preliminary remark by the speaker to inform the hearer of the speaker's desire, the current situation, etc. before (b) seeking an opinion on the matter. (as seen in this example)
んですが is more formal than んだけど。This expression is used in spoken/casually written Japanese.

Front 158

子供の時、アニメが大好きだったんだ。それで、日本語を勉強しようと思ったんだ。

Back 158

When I was a child I loved anime. Because of that I thought I would study Japanese.

Hint 158

S１。それで、S２。
means: "Because of that;" "so that's why; for that reason
It is a sentence-initial conjunction. It precedes a fact, conclusion, decision, etc. In this, S1 is the cause/reason for the info stated in S2.
それで cannot be used when S2 is the speaker's judgement, request or command; in that case だから should be used.

Front 159

トムは明日試験がある。だから今日のパーティーに来ないと思う。

Back 159

Tom has a test tomorrow. That's why I don't think he'll come to today's party.

Hint 159

S1. だから、S２。
means: that's why; because of that; for that reason.
だから is used to indicate the speaker's judgement, request or command in S2, based on the information in S1.
それで cannot substitute だから in this situation.

Front 160

世界中、どこに行ってもマクドナルドが食べられる。

Back 160

No matter where you go throughout the world you can eat McDonald's.

Hint 160

QW(prt)+V-teも
When ても is used with a question word it means: "no matter" or "without regard to"

Front 161

この漢字何回覚えても、すぐに忘れてしまう。

Back 161

No matter how many times I memorize this kanji I forget it right away.

Hint 161

QW(prt)+V-teも
When ても is used with a question word it means: "no matter" or "without regard to"

Front 162

この問題は、いくら考えても分からない。

Back 162

No matter how much I think about this problem I don't understand it.

Hint 162

QW(prt)+V-teも
When ても is used with a question word it means: "no matter" or "without regard to"

Front 163

試合に負けてどんなに悔しくても、泣いてはいけない。

Back 163

If you lose the game, no matter how regrettable it is you mustn't
cry.

Hint 163

QW(prt)_+(A)-te も
When ても is used with a question word it means: "no matter" or "without regard to"

Front 164

彼はギターがとても上手だ。どんな曲でも弾ける。

Back 164

He is skilled at playing guitar. No matter what tune it is, he can play it.

Hint 164

QW (prt) + (ANa/N) + でも
When ても is used with a question word it means: "no matter" or "without regard to"
NOTE: QW: どんな、どこ、いくら、誰、いつ、何

Front 165

日本にいるうちに、色々な所に旅行に行きたい。

Back 165

While I'm still in Japan, I want to go visit various places.

Hint 165

V−plain.nonpastうちに
is used when someone does something before a situation or state changes. 間に can not substitute for うちに here, even though the ない form of the verb is not used, because the statement implies that it would be not possible, easy or wise to go to places in Japan after he is not in Japan anymore.

Front 166

熱いうちに、どうぞ召し上がって下さい。

Back 166

While it is still hot, please eat. (very polite phrasing)

Hint 166

A-plain.nonpast うちに
is used when someone does something before a situation or state changes. 間に might be able to substitute for うちに here, because the ない form of the verb is not used, and because the statement doesn't imply that it would be not possible, easy or wise to eat after the food is not hot.

Front 167

暑くならないうちに、犬の散歩をしてきた方がいいよ。

Back 167

It's best to walk the dog before it becomes hot outside.

Hint 167

A-plain.nonpast うちに
is used when someone does something before a situation or state changes. 間に can not substitute for うちに here because the ない form of the verb is used。

Front 168

子供のうちに外国語を勉強すると発音がよくなるそうだ。

Back 168

If you study foreign languages while you're still a child you can develop good pronunciation.

Hint 168

Nのうちに
is used when someone does something before a situation or state changes. 間に can not substitute for うちに here, even though the ない form of the verb is not used, because the statement implies that it would be not possible, easy or wise to develop good pronunciation after you are no longer a child.

Front 169

できれば医者になりたいが、授業料が高いので難しいかもしれない。

Back 169

If possible, I would like to become a doctor, but the tuition cost is expensive so it'll probably be difficult to do.

Hint 169

できれば／できたら
means: If possible; if you don't mind; if it's all right
It literally means "if possible" but can be used to ask a favor of someone in a less direct way. できれば is slightly more formal than できたら。

Front 170

スミスさん、できれば、この英語、直してくれると助かるんだけど。

Back 170

Ms. Smith, if you don't mind, it would really help me if you'd fix this english, but...(could you?)

Hint 170

できれば／できたら
means: If possible; if you don't mind; if it's all right
It literally means "if possible" but can be used to ask a favor of someone in a less direct way. できれば is slightly more formal than できたら。

Front 171

山田さん、できたら、果物を持って来てくれない。

Back 171

Mr. Yamada, if possible, could you bring fruits with you for me?

Hint 171

できれば／できたら
means: If possible; if you don't mind; if it's all right
It literally means "if possible" but can be used to ask a favor of someone in a less direct way. できれば is slightly more formal than できたら。

Front 172

いま、食べたばかりですから,　お腹がいっぱいで、何も食べられません。

Back 172

I am so full and can't eat anything else, because I ate just now.

Hint 172

V-plain.past ばかりだ。
Means: "have just V-ed"
Indicates that someone has just done something or something has just happened. The noun modification form is ばかりの。

Front 173

先週、一年生に成ったばかりの学生のためのオリエンテーションがあった。

Back 173

Last week was the orientation for the students who just became freshman.

Hint 173

V.plain.nonpast ばかりの N
Means: "have just V-ed"
Indicates that someone has just done something or something has just happened. The noun modification form is ばかりの.

Front 174

一日当たり５千円もらったことになる。

Back 174

I will mean I received 5 thousand yen per day.

Hint 174

number+counter当たりNumber+counter
Means: per~; a ~; for a ~

Front 175

一時間当たり１０ドル

Back 175

10 dollars per hour

Hint 175

number+counter当たりNumber+counter
Means: per~; a ~; for a ~

Front 176

一人当たりのコスト

Back 176

cost per person

Hint 176

number+counter当たりのN
Means: per~; a ~; for a ~

Front 177

背が高いのは弟の方だ。でも、足が速いのは僕の方だ。

Back 177

It is my younger brother who is tall. But it is I who am faster.

Hint 177

SのはXの方だ。
This is used to emphasize that it is X that makes the proposition (assertion/judgement) in S true.
Means: It is X that S.

Front 178

あのレストランは静かだ。でも、食べ物がおいしいのはこのレストランの方だと思う。

Back 178

That restaurant is quiet. But I think it is this restaurant that has delicious food.

Hint 178

SのはXの方だ。
This is used to emphasize that it is X that makes the proposition (assertion/judgement) in S true.
Means: It is X that S.

Front 179

一週間に一回はプールで泳ぐようにしている。

Back 179

I'm trying my best to swim at least once a week.

Hint 179

#(+counter)は

When the particle は follows a quantifier (i.e. a word such as 3本 or 少し), it adds the meaning "at least."

Front 180

仕事が忙しくても、昼ご飯だけは食べて下さいね。

Back 180

No matter how busy you are at work, please at least eat lunch.

Hint 180

N　(だけ／ぐらい／くらい）は
When the particle は follows a quantifier (i.e. a word such as 3本 or 少し), it adds the meaning "at least." だけは、ぐらいは、and くらいは after a noun have the same meaning.

Front 181

日本には、本州をはじめ四つの大きな島がある。

Back 181

Japan, starting with Honshuu, has four large islands.

Hint 181

Nをはじめ
means: beginning with~; starting with ~; including ~

Front 182

もうこれ以上は食べられません。

Back 182

I can't eat any more than this.

Hint 182

Demonstrative Pronoun 以上
means:"equal to or more than X"; "more than;" "or more"

Front 183

１８歳以上の人しか見られません。

Back 183

Those who aren't 18 years old or more can't watch.

Hint 183

# (+counter) 以上

means: equal to or more than X, more than, or more

Front 184

プレゼントは５０ドル以下の物にしようと思う。

Back 184

I'm thinking as a present I will get something for $50 or less.

Hint 184

＃（＋counter) 以下
means "equal to or less than X;" "less than;" "or less"

Front 185

コースを開くためには、学生が五人以上必要です。それ以下の場合は、キャンセルです。

Back 185

In order to open the class there must be 5 students or more. In the event that it is less than that, the class will be canceled.

Hint 185

＃（＋counter) 以下
Demonstrative pronoun 以下

The first means "equal to or more than X"
The second is "equal to or less than X, less than, or less"

Front 186

私は、愛さえあれば幸せです。

Back 186

As long as I have love, I am happy.

Hint 186

N( =clause X) さえ V-cond (=clause Y)
Means: If~ only ~; If~ just ~; as long as; If only (clause X), then (Clause Y)
The grammar is used when the condition presented in the clause is the only condition to make the statement in the main clause true. さえ replaces が and を, but never any other particle in this structure.

Front 187

いい友達さえいれば、他に欲しいものありません。

Back 187

If I only had good friends, then I wouldn't want anything else.

Hint 187

N( =clause X) さえ V-cond (=clause Y)
Means: If~ only ~; If~ just ~; as long as; If only (clause X), then (Clause Y)
The grammar is used when the condition presented in the clause is the only condition to make the statement in the main clause true. さえ replaces が and を, but never any other particle in this structure.

Front 188

雨さえ降らなければ、車の運転は怖くない。

Back 188

As long as it doesn't rain, driving a car isn't scary.

Hint 188

N( =clause X) さえ V-cond (=clause Y)
Means: If~ only ~; If~ just ~; as long as; If only (clause X), then (Clause Y)
The grammar is used when the condition presented in the clause is the only condition to make the statement in the main clause true. さえ replaces が and を, but never any other particle in this structure.

Front 189

20年も乗っていた車がついにうごくなってしまった。

Back 189

The car we used for as many as 20 years finally stopped working.

Hint 189

ついに
meaning: at last; in the end; after all
is an adverb indicating that something happens or something expected doesn't happen, after waiting for it, longing for it, expecting it to happen, making an effort to make it happen, or after struggling/suffering in a hard situation for a long time.

Front 190

日本の有名な小説がハリウッドで映画化させることになった。

Back 190

It has been decided that a famous Japanese novel will become a movie in Hollywood.

Hint 190

N+化する
Meaning: -ize; make; become; change to
化する is a suffix and adds the meaning "-ization" to nouns and no-adjectives.

Front 191

この大学は外国人が多くて、国際化が進んでいる。

Back 191

There are many foreigners at this school, and internationalization is continuing.

Hint 191

N＋化
Meaning: -ization; making ~; becoming~; changing to ~

The suffix 化 adds the meaning "-ization" to nouns and no-adjectives.

Front 192

最適化
一般化

Back 192

さいてきか：optimization
いっぱんか：generalization

Hint 192

ANo + 化

Meaning: -ization; making ~; becoming~; changing to ~

The suffix 化 adds the meaning "-ization" to nouns and no-adjectives.

Front 193

先生のオフィスアワーに研究室に行きました。ところが、先生はいらしゃらなかった。

Back 193

I went to the professor's office during my teacher's office hours. Nevertheless, the teacher wasn't there.

Hint 193

S１。ところが　S２
where S1=what's expected; S2= what actually occurred.

Means: however; but; nevertheless

ところが is a sentence initial conjunction used when something takes place which is unexpected from the preceding context. NOTE: ところがS2 is an event the speaker CANNOT control (like the sensei not being there as expected) In the event that something unexpected didn't happen by the speaker's doing でも is the appropriate conjunction (such as, the teacher was there, but speaker changed his mind to meet her at the last second)

Front 194

スミスさんは日本に１０年も住んでいたから、日本語が上手に話せるに違いない。

Back 194

Ms. Smith has spent as many as 10 years living in Japan, I'm certain she can speak japanese skillfully.

Hint 194

〜に違いない
This structure indicates that the speaker is certain that something is true or is the case. PRIMARLY USED IN WRITTEN language.

Front 195

日本のマンガをもとにしてたくさんのアニメやゲームが作られている。

Back 195

Lots of anime and games are made based on Japanese comics.

Hint 195

N をもとに（して）
is a compound particle meaning "based on." Here, して is optional.

Front 196

これは、私の子供の時の経験をもとにした小説です。

Back 196

This is the novel based on my childhood experiences.

Hint 196

N1 をもとにした N2
Means: N2 "based on" N1

Front 197

母と同じで、私もえびのアレルギーがあるので、えびはたべられないんです。

Back 197

Just like my mom, I have an allergy to shrimp, so I don't eat shrimp.

Hint 197

N と同じで
Meaning: "just like N'

Front 198

スノーボードはスキーと違って、スティックを使わずにすべります。

Back 198

The snowboard is different from Y in that you can slide without using a stick.

Hint 198

XはYと違っう／と同じだ/ 似ている
X is "the same as"/ ""different from"/ "similar to" Y
This form is used when X and Y are in a reciprocal relationship.

Front 199

多くの国に違って、日本では２０歳にならないと投票できない。

Back 199

Japan is different from many countries in that you cannot vote until you turn 20.

Hint 199

N　と違って
means= unlike N; Different from N; unlike ~

Front 200

田中さんは長い間アメリカに住んでいたので、あまり日本人らしくない。

Back 200

Mr. Tanaka spent a along time living in America, so he isn't very much like a typical Japanese person.

Hint 200

〜らしくない／らしくありません
Means: not much like, not typical of ~; not typical~; not X-like.

Front 201

「男らしい」とか「女らしい」という言葉は、あまり好きではありません。誰でも、その人らしく生きればいいのではないでしょうだ。

Back 201

I don't like words such as "manly" or "womanly" very much. Wouldn't it be good if people just lived in the way right for them?

Hint 201

N らしい
means that something/someone is representative of N. and XはNらしい conveys the idea that X has the positive characteristics of N. NOTE: らしい is an i-adjective so the noun-mod and adverbial forms are らしい and らしく respectively.

Front 202

アメリカ的；歴史的な
文学的な；国際的
一般的；

Back 202

American; historical
literary; international
general

Hint 202

N+的
the suffix is attached to nouns to make them な-adjectives. When these adj modify nouns, the な is sometimes omitted.

Front 203

漢字がもっと簡単に覚えられたらいいのになあ。

Back 203

I wish it was easier to be able to memorize kanji.

Hint 203

S-plain.past (V are typically volitional) らいいのになあ。
is used to express the speaker's wish, which, in this structure, is usually counterfactual. なあ serves to make it more emotive. Verbs, usually volitional, refer to the SPEAKER'S actions. This is a very casual expression.

Front 204

量は多かったけれど、お腹がすいていたから、ほとんど食べてしまった。

Back 204

There was too much food, but I was really hungry so I ate almost all of it.

Hint 204

ほとんど　V
Means "almost all; most of (it, the time, etc.)"
It is only used with the amount of something is the issue.

Front 205

おいしい料理だったが、お腹が痛くてほとんど食べられなかった。

Back 205

The food was delicious, but my stomach was hurting so I hardly ate any of it.

Hint 205

ほとんど〜ない。
means: hardly (ever); rarely; almost no(thing)

Front 206

ほとんどの人が彼のことを知っている。

Back 206

Almost all people know him.

Hint 206

ほとんどの N
means Almost all N; most of N

Front 207

先生の説明を聞いて、分かったような気がしたけど、家に帰ってもう一度勉強し直したら、また分からなくなってしまった。

Back 207

It seemed to me that I understood after hearing the teacher's explanation, but after returning home and trying to study it over again, once again, I didn't understand it.

Hint 207

~(ような）気がする
Meaning; I feel that~: I have a feeling that ~; have the impression that ~; it seems to me that~

It indicates that the speaker is not certain about something, but has the feeling that it's true. ような can be dropped without changing the meaning.

Front 208

誰かがドアをノックしたような気がするから、ちょっと見てくれない？

Back 208

I have a feeling that someone knocked on the door, would you go have a look?

Hint 208

~(ような）気がする
Meaning; I feel that~: I have a feeling that ~; have the impression that ~; it seems to me that~

It indicates that the speaker is not certain about something, but has the feeling that it's true. ような can be dropped without changing the meaning.

Front 209

これから公園へサッカーをしに行くところです。

Back 209

From here, we are about to go play soccer at the park.

Hint 209

V-nonpast ところ
Means: (when) ~is about to V

Front 210

話すところ

Back 210

~is about to talk

Hint 210

V-nonpast ところ
Means: (when) ~ is about to V

ところ indicates a point in time just before, during, or just after an event, the time indicated depends on the preceding verb tense.

Front 211

食べているところ
考えているところ
電話をかけているところ

Back 211

(when) ~is eating

(while) ~ is thinking

(when) ~ is in the midst of calling

Hint 211

V−teいるところ
Means: (when)~ is V-ing; (while)~is V-ing; (when)~ is in the midst of V-ing
ところ indicates a point in time just before, during, or just after an event, the time indicated depends on the preceding verb tense.

Front 212

ちょうど勉強が終わったところに友達から電話がかかってきた。

Back 212

Exactly after I had just studied, I got a call from my friend.

Hint 212

V−past ところ
Means: (after) ~have just V-ed
ところ indicates a point in time just before, during, or just after an event, the time indicated depends on the preceding verb tense. When ところに appears the clause is a time clause, as here.

Front 213

試験が終わってから、答えを間違えたことに気がつけました。

Back 213

After the test ended, I realized that the answers were wrong.

Hint 213

S　ことに気がつく
means: notice (that~); realize that ~

Notice that the presence of こと in a sentence using this grammar may not always be the nominalizer meaning "that." It could be a noun meaning "thing" following the noun-typed usage of this grammar.

Front 214

なかなか面白いことにき気がつきました。

Back 214

I noticed that there are some pretty interesting things.

Hint 214

N　に気がつく。

Means: notice (that~); realize that ~

Notice that the presence of こと in a sentence using this grammar will not always be the nominalizer meaning "thing." It could be the Sこと form for statements using this grammar.

Front 215

子供達が幸せな人生が送れるようにと願っています。

Back 215

I hope that the children can be sent a happy life.

Hint 215

S-plain.nonpast ように（と）願う
Means: hope that ~
And is used to express the speaker's hope or desire that what is stated in the sentence will become a reality.

Front 216

弟が大学の入学試験に合格できるようにと毎日祈っています。

Back 216

I am praying every day that my younger brother will be able to pass the university entrance exam.

Hint 216

V.nonpast.plan. ように（と）祈る
Means: pray that ~
Used to express the speaker's hope or desire that what is stated in the sentence will become a reality.

Front 217

寿司が好きな人もいるし、嫌いな人もいる。

Back 217

There are people who like sushi and there are people who don't like sushi.

Hint 217

N1も　V-plainし　N2もV
Means: some do ~ and others do ~; sometimes ~ and sometimes ~; do ~ and ~ among other things, and more (pg 142 in とびら）

Front 218

この教科書は、会話も練習できるし、文化も学べます。

Back 218

With this textbook you can practice conversation and study culture among other things.

Hint 218

N1も V-plain　し、N2も V

Means: do ~ and ~ among other things; sometimes ~ and sometimes ~; ~ and also ~; ~ and ~ as well; other meanings exist: pg 142 in とびら

Front 219

寿司好きな人もいれば、嫌いな人もいます。

Back 219

There are people who like sushi and there are people who don't like sushi.

Hint 219

N1も V-conditional, N2 も　V。
Means: some do ~ and others do ~; do ~ and ~ among other things; sometimes ~ and sometimes ~; there are times when ~ and times when ~; ~ and also ~; ~ and ~ as well.
This sentence structure is used to present some members in a group, things in a category, actions someone takes, characteristics of something/someone, etc. among others. Although the form of the verb here is conditional, the meaning is NOT conditional in its usage.

Front 220

この教科書は、会話も練習できれば、文化も学べます。

Back 220

With this textbook you can practice conversation and study culture among other things.

Hint 220

N1も V-conditional, N2 も　V。
Means: some do ~ and others do ~; do ~ and ~ among other things; sometimes ~ and sometimes ~; there are times when ~ and times when ~; ~ and also ~; ~ and ~ as well.
This sentence structure is used to present some members in a group, things in a category, actions someone takes, characteristics of something/someone, etc. among others. Although the form of the verb here is conditional, the meaning is NOT conditional in its usage.

Front 221

漢字を勉強する時いつも、如何してこんなたくさん漢字があるのだろうかと思う。

Back 221

Every time I study kanji, I ask myself why there are so many of them.

Hint 221

Sの（だろう／でしょう）か

Means: I wonder ~
Indicates a self-addressed question which can either be a yes-no question or a wh- question.

Front 222

絶対に怒らない人がいるのだろうか。私は絶対にそんな人はいないと思う。

Back 222

I wonder if there are people who don't get angry no matter what. I think there are definitely not people like that.

Hint 222

（そんな／あんな／こんな）N
そんな／あんな：
Means: that kind of ~; ~like that
あんな：
Means: this kind of ~; ~ like this

these words are synonymous with そういう、ああいう、こういう respectively and are a bit more colloquial than them.

Front 223

学校が終わって、子供達はそれぞれ自分の家に帰って行った。

Back 223

At the end of school, the children went home to each of their own houses.

Hint 223

それぞれ Predicate
Means: each; one's own; in one's own way
それぞれ is used to focus on each individual or thing in a group of people or things, and means "each (one of them)."

Front 224

それぞれの国には、それぞれの文化や習慣がある。

Back 224

Each country has it's own culture and traditions.

Hint 224

それぞれ のN
Means: each; one's own; in one's own way
それぞれ is used to focus on each individual or thing in a group of people or things, and means "each (one of them)."

Front 225

来月山田先生が結婚するらしいですよ。

Back 225

It seems that professor Yamada is getting married next month.

Hint 225

〜らしい。
Means: seem; apparently; I heard that ~; it looks like

The auxiliary i-adjective らしい is used to express the speaker's conjecture based on what he/she has learned through an information source or his/her own observation

Front 226

先輩によると、あの先生の授業は大変らしい。

Back 226

According to my upperclassmen, it seems that teacher's lessons are really difficult.

Hint 226

〜らしい。
means: Seem; apparently; I heard that~; it looks like

Nによると。
Means: according to N

Front 227

外国語が上手になりたかったら、あきらめないで毎日勉強し続けることが大切です。

Back 227

If you want to become skilled at a foreign language, it is important to continue studying everyday.

Hint 227

V−masu　続く
Means: continue to; continue V-ing; go on V-ing; keep (on) V-ing;all the way; all the time

This phrase is used when the subject continues doing something volitionally.

Front 228

たけしさんはコンピュータゲームばかりしていて全然勉強しないそうです。

Back 228

It seems that Takeshi is always only playing computer games and never studies.

Hint 228

VNばかりする
Means: Nothing But; always; all the time

ばかり is used to express the idea that someone does one thing all the time and does nothing else, or that someone chooses just one thing among others when doing something.
Ex: 田中さんはマンガばかり読んでいる。 can mean: (= All tanaka does is read comics); (= Tanaka reads only comics); (=When Masao reads, he reads nothing but comics)

NOTE: ばっかり is more colloquial than ばかり

Front 229

ルームメイトは、毎日寝てばかりいる。授業に行かなくてもいいのかなあ。

Back 229

My roommate does nothing but sleep everyday. I wonder if he doesn't have to go to his lessons.

Hint 229

V−te ばかりいる。
Means: Nothing But; always; all the time

ばかり is used to express the idea that someone does one thing all the time and does nothing else, or that someone chooses just one thing among others when doing something.
Ex: 田中さんはマンガばかり読んでいる。 can mean: (= All tanaka does is read comics); (= Tanaka reads only comics); (=When Masao reads, he reads nothing but comics)

NOTE: ばっかり is more colloquial than ばかり

Front 230

田中さんとばかり遊ぶ。

Back 230

Play only with Tanaka.

Hint 230

N (Prt) ばかり　V

V−te ばかりいる。
Means: Nothing But; always; all the time

ばかり is used to express the idea that someone does one thing all the time and does nothing else, or that someone chooses just one thing among others when doing something.
Ex: 田中さんはマンガばかり読んでいる。 can mean: (= All tanaka does is read comics); (= Tanaka reads only comics); (=When Masao reads, he reads nothing but comics)

NOTE: ばっかり is more colloquial than ばかり

Front 231

「真っ」の発音
真っ赤
真っ青
真北
真っ昼間
真下
真夜中

Back 231

まっか：bright/deep red; flushed
(of face)
まっさお：deep blue; ghastly
blue
まきた：due north
まっぴるま：broad daylight
ました： right under; directly
below
まよなか： midnight

Hint 231

真っX
where X = adjective or Noun
Means: very; pure; totally; right; mid-

真っAdj indicates the degree of something is very high or is at the highest level.

真っNoun indicates the center of a space or time span.

The english translation of 真っ varies according to the word that follows it.

Front 232

東京は電車矢地下鉄やバスが便利な街なので、車がなくても生活できると言うわけです。

Back 232

Tokyo has convenient streets, trains, subways and buses, that's why even without a car you can go about life.

Hint 232

~わけだ。
is used in 3 situations. For this one it is (1) when a speaker provides the reason for a previous statement.
Means: The reason is that ~; It means that ~; That's why~; No wonder~; naturally

Front 233

A)　このレストランの料理がおいしくない。
B）行きたくないわけですね。

Back 233

A) This restaurant's food is not good.
B) That's why you don't want to go, isn't it?

Hint 233

~わけだ。
Means: The reason is that~; it means that~; that's why~; no wonder~; naturally

Can be used in 3 situations, here it is (2) when a speaker reaches a logical conclusion based on what he/she has learned from the hearer or has discovered.

Front 234

あっ、ヒーターが止まっている。寒いわけだ。

Back 234

Ah, the heater has stopped. That's why it's cold!

Hint 234

〜わけだ。
Means: The reason is that~; it means that~; that's why~; no wonder~; naturally
Is used in 3 ways, her
e it is (3) when the speaker understands the reason for what he/she has learned from the hearer or what he/she has discovered.
(here, she's discovered it's cold and now knows the reason, so she exclaims "that's why...")

Front 235

今日は忙しいけど、来週の日曜日でよければ、一緒に行けるよ。

Back 235

Today I'm busy, but if next sunday is all right we can go together.

Hint 235

N でよければ
Means: if ~ is all right; if ~ works; if ~ is acceptable; if you don't mind

it presents a condition for doing something. it is also used when the speaker politely offers something to the hearer.

Front 236

この辞書のサイトは結構便利なので、よく使う。

Back 236

This dictionary website is pretty convenient so I often use it.

Hint 236

結構 (A/ANa +だ)
Means: fairly; pretty; rather; quite

The adverb 結構 indicates that the speaker feels that the degree/level/amount/etc. of something is not high, but is higher than average

Front 237

結構上手に書く；
結構誰とでも話す；
結構昔からある

Back 237

to write fairly well;
to talk with pretty much anyone;
to have been, since a pretty long time ago

Hint 237

結構 Verb Phrase

Means: fairly; pretty; rather; quite

The adverb 結構 indicates that the speaker feels that the degree/level/amount/etc. of something is not high, but is higher than average

Front 238

この携帯電話のコマーシャルはなかなか面白い。

Back 238

This cell phone commercial is pretty interesting.

Hint 238

なかなか (A/ANa+だ)
Means: quite; fairly; pretty; considerably

なかなか is synonymous with 結構 except that なかなか is NOT usually used with adj and adv with negative meanings, such as つまらない or 不便. Note that なかなか is used with the speaker is impressed by the way something/someone is or the way someone does something.

Front 239

これはなかなか上手に描けたと思う。

Back 239

I think this was drawn quite well.

Hint 239

なかなか Adv
Means: quite; fairly; pretty; considerably

なかなか is synonymous with 結構 except that なかなか is NOT usually used with adj and adv with negative meanings, such as つまらない or 不便. Note that なかなか is used with the speaker is impressed by the way something/someone is or the way someone does something

Front 240

A)　ねえ、あの人、どこかで見たことない？
B）そう言えば、昔、どこかで会ったことがあるような気がする。

Back 240

A) hey, have I seen that person somewhere before?
B) Indeed, I get the feeling that I've met that person before a long time ago.

Hint 240

そう言えば
Means: That reminds me; Now i remember; indeed

This conjunctive phrase is used when the speaker is reminded of something by the hearer's remark or the speaker's own remark.

Front 241

この本を読むと、昔のギリシャにも日本のように色々な神様がいたということがよく分かる。

Back 241

If you read this book, you will understand well that ancient Greece, like Japan, had various deities.

Hint 241

S-plain ということ(が、を、etc)
General meaning: that; V-ing

changes a sentence into a noun clause, but does not add any meaning. The noun clause can be marked by が、を, etc. This phrase is usually used in WRITTEN language.

Front 242

この映画は午後７時からとなっています。

Back 242

This movie happens to start at (goes from) 7 PM.

Hint 242

AはBとなっている。
where B = Noun or noun equivalent such as "# + counter" or "N + Prt"

Meaning: happen to be; it turns out that ~; it's been decided that~; the rule is that ~

indicates that what is stated in the preceding AはB sentence is something beyond the speaker's control. The sentence is often findings or matters decided by others. Note that だ does not occur after B in the sentence.

Front 243

この映画は午後７時からとなっています。

Back 243

This movie happens to start at (goes from) 7 PM.

Hint 243

AはBとなっている。
where B = Noun or noun equivalent such as "# + counter" or "N + Prt"

Meaning: happen to be; it turns out that ~; it's been decided that~; the rule is that ~

indicates that what is stated in the preceding AはB sentence is something beyond the speaker's control. The sentence is often findings or matters decided by others. Note that だ does not occur after B in the sentence.

Front 244

そうですか。じゃ、前の日の金曜日に、研究室に受けに来て下さい。

Back 244

Is that so? Well then, please come to the office to take the test the day before that on Friday.

Hint 244

S1. 「では／それでは」S2.
Means: If that's the case; If so; In that case; Then; Well then

では is the abbreviated form of それでは which literally means "if that is the case" and それ refers to what was said in the previous sentence(s). では and それでは are used in *written or formal spoken* language.
In ordinary casual conversation, the contracted form それじゃ or じゃ is used. As it is here.

Front 245

はい。それでは、金曜日の先生の研究室にうかがいます。

Back 245

Yes. In that case, I will come to inquire at the teacher's office on friday.

Hint 245

S1. 「では／それでは」S2.
Means: If that's the case; If so; In that case; Then; Well then

では is the abbreviated form of それでは which literally means "if that is the case" and それ refers to what was said in the previous sentence(s). では and それでは are used in *written or formal spoken* language　(as it is here).
In ordinary casual conversation, the contracted form それじゃ or じゃ is used.

Front 246

運動は体にいい。その上、心の健康にもいい。

Back 246

Exercise is good for the body. On top of that, it's also good for the heart's health.

Hint 246

S1. その上、S2.
Means: on top of that; in addition (to that); what's more; besides; moreover

その上 is used when the speaker wants to emphasize an additional piece of information. S2 usually contains the particle も or まで。 as here.

Front 247

忙しくて、寝る時間さえありません。

Back 247

I'm so busy I don't even have time to sleep.

Hint 247

N (prt) さえ
Means: even

さえ is an emphatic particle. In non-conditional clauses it means "even." When さえ is used, the particle が never occurs, を usually does not occur, へ and the directional に are optional, and the other particles, including the LOCATIONAL に, で、と and から are mandatory.

Front 248

南極にさえ行ったことがある。

Back 248

I've even been to the south pole.

Hint 248

N (prt) さえ
Means: even

さえ is an emphatic particle. In non-conditional clauses it means "even." When さえ is used, the particle が never occurs, を usually does not occur, へ and the directional に are optional, and the other particles, including the LOCATIONAL に, で、と and から are mandatory.

Front 249

このサイトは携帯電話向けだから、コンピュータでは見にくい。

Back 249

This site was made for cell phones, so its hard to see on the computer.

Hint 249

N　向けだ
Means: for; made for; for the use of; directed to

The suffix 向け adds the meaning "made for; for the use of; directed toward." 向け is often affixed to nouns which refer to people, countries and organizations.

Front 250

子供向けに作られた映画。

Back 250

Movies made for children.

Hint 250

N　向けに　V
Means: for; made for; for the use of; directed to

The suffix 向け adds the meaning "made for; for the use of; directed toward." 向け is often affixed to nouns which refer to people, countries and organizations.

Front 251

ビジネス向けの記事が多い。

Back 251

There are many articles for the use of business.

Hint 251

N　向けの N2.
Means: for; made for; for the use of; directed to

The suffix 向け adds the meaning "made for; for the use of; directed toward." 向け is often affixed to nouns which refer to people, countries and organizations.

Front 252

こんなにたくさんの人が読んでいるのだから、面白い本であるに違いない。

Back 252

Since this many people are reading this book, I'm sure it must be an interesting book.

Hint 252

〜である/~ではない
is the formal plain form of だ and can be affixed to nouns and -な／-の adjectives. である is used in formal writing. In very formal speech the polite form であります／ではありません may be used.
である can occur before nouns in relative clauses while だ cannot.

Front 253

あの話は本当ではないと言われています。

Back 253

It is said that story is not true.

Hint 253

〜である/~ではない
is the formal plain form of だ and can be affixed to nouns and -な／-の adjectives. である is used in formal writing. In very formal speech the polite form であります／ではありません may be used.
である can occur before nouns in relative clauses while だ cannot.

Front 254

子供の頃嫌いであった食べ物が、大人になって好きになるという話をよく聞く。

Back 254

One often hears stories about disliking food as a child, but coming to like it as an adult.

Hint 254

{〜である/ ~であった} / {~ではない/~ではなかった}

である　is the formal plain form of だ and can be affixed to nouns and -な／-の adjectives. である is used in formal writing. In very formal speech the polite form であります／ではありません may be used.
である can occur before nouns in relative clauses while だ cannot.

Front 255

私の日本語の先生である田中先生。

Back 255

My Japanese teacher, Mr. Tanaka.

Hint 255

{〜である/ ~であった} / {~ではない/~ではなかった}

である　is the formal plain form of だ and can be affixed to nouns and -な／-の adjectives. である is used in formal writing. In very formal speech the polite form であります／ではありません may be used.
である can occur before nouns in relative clauses while だ cannot.

Front 256

新型ではないケータイを使っているので、ケータイでEメールが出来ない。

Back 256

I'm not using a new model cell-phone, so I can't send E-mails using my cell.

Hint 256

{N/ANa/ANo} {である／であった／ではない／ではなかった} N

である is the formal plain form of だ and can be affixed to nouns and -な／-の adjectives. である is used in formal writing. In very formal speech the polite form であります／ではありません may be used.
である can occur before nouns in relative clauses while だ cannot.

Front 257

生み出す
見つけ出す
掘り出す

Back 257

うみだす - to create
みつけだすー to find out
ほりだす- to dig up/out

Hint 257

V-masu 出す
Means: V out; begin to V; start to V; begin V-ing; start V-ing

V出す differs from V始める in that V出す is used for abrupt and non-volitional actions, while V始める is used for both volitional and non-volitional actions but NOT for actions which begin abruptly.

V-masu 出す has 2 meanings, here is the (1) Someone makes something available/accessible which hasn't existed or hasn't been available or accessible.

Front 258

笑い出す
動き出す

Back 258

わらいだす-to start laughing
うごきだす- to begin to move

Hint 258

V-masu 出す
Means: V out; begin to V; start to V; begin V-ing; start V-ing

V出す differs from V始める in that V出す is used for abrupt and non-volitional actions, while V始める is used for both volitional and non-volitional actions but NOT for actions which begin abruptly.

V-masu 出す has 2 meanings, here is the (2) Someone begins something or something begins

Front 259

アニメが好きな若者で、宮崎駿のアニメを見たことがない人はいない。

Back 259

Among young people who like anime, there are no people which have not seen Hayao Miyazaki's anime.

Hint 259

V−nai ない N は{ない／いない}
Means: There is no N which/who does not V

This construction is used to create sentences containing double negatives. VないNは(い)ない is equivalent to "All Ns V."

Front 260

日本の環境省はアメリカの Environmental Protection Agency　に当たる。

Back 260

The Japanese かんきょうしょう is equivalent to the American EPA.

Hint 260

XはYに当たる。
X&Y = Nouns
Means: X corresponds to Y; X is equivalent to Y; X is equal to Y

This grammar is often used to contrast words/phrases in two languages or organizations/professional titles in two countries.

Front 261

英語のpresidentに当たる言葉は、日本語の場合、会社では「社長」、大学では「学長」、米国政府では「大統領」です。

Back 261

In the case of Japanese, the words which correspond to the English word "president" is "しゃちょう” in a company, "がくちょう” in a University, and "だいとうりょう” for the American government.

Hint 261

Yに当たるZはXだ。
X,Y,Z = nouns

Means: The Z which is equivalent to Y is X; the Z which corresponds to Y is X.

his grammar is often used to contrast words/phrases in two languages or organizations/professional titles in two countries.

Front 262

メールが戻って来たということは、このアドレスはもう使われていないということになる。

Back 262

The mail came back, so that means this address is no longer being used.

Hint 262

S(という)ことになる
Means: end up (with); mean that ~; cause

This grammar is usually preceded by 1 of 3 types of sentences, here is is (1) a topic phrase, and indicates that the (non-) action, even or situation stated in the preceding phrase/clause leads to a logical conclusion or a certain situation.

Front 263

家賃が上がったので、引っ越さなければならないことになってしまった。

Back 263

The rent went up, which means that I have to move.

Hint 263

S(という)ことになる
Means: end up (with); mean that ~; cause

This grammar is usually preceded by 1 of 3 types of sentences, here is is (2) reason clause, and indicates that the (non-) action, even or situation stated in the preceding phrase/clause leads to a logical conclusion or a certain situation.

Front 264

今のうちに勉強しておかないと、後で卒業できないということになるかもしれない。

Back 264

If I don't study now, while I can, I may end up with me unable to graduate later on.

Hint 264

S(という)ことになる
Means: end up (with); mean that ~; cause

This grammar is usually preceded by 1 of 3 types of sentences, here is is (3) a conditional clause, and indicates that the (non-) action, even or situation stated in the preceding phrase/clause leads to a logical conclusion or a certain situation.

Front 265

日本の学生は高校まではよく勉強するが、大学に入ってからはあまり勉強しない傾向がある。

Back 265

There is a tendency for Japanese students to study often through high school, but after getting into a university, not study much.

Hint 265

{V/A}-plain.nonpast (という)傾向がある。
Means: Have a tendency to; have an inclination to; There is a tendency to; tend to

This construction is used when someone or something has a tendency to do something. It is commonly used in written language and formal speech. という is optional.

Front 266

若い人の方が、年を取った人より、ファーストフードをよく食べるという傾向が見られる。

Back 266

Young people, more so than old people, tend to eat fast food often.

Hint 266

{V/A}-plain.nonpast (という)傾向が見られる。
Means: Have a tendency to; have an inclination to; There is a tendency to; tend to

This construction is used when someone or something has a tendency to do something. It is commonly used in written language and formal speech. という is optional.

Front 267

Sとする。

Back 267

"to assume/suppose that S."

Front 268

もし、タイムマーシンがあるとしたら、どの時代に行って、誰に会ってみたいですか。

Back 268

If you had a time machine, what era would you go to and who would you want to meet?

Hint 268

（もし）S としたら
Sとしたら literally means "If I/we/you suppose that S." This construction is usually used to present a hypothetical situation, but can be used for an actual situation as well in which the speaker is presenting the situation as if it were hypothetical in order to indicate something indirectly. もし here is optional. It emphasizes that the speaker is presenting the situation as a hypothetical one.

Front 269

この問題が分からないとしたら、それはあまり勉強しなかったということですよ。

Back 269

If you did not understand this problem, it means you didn't study very much.

Hint 269

（もし）S としたら
Sとしたら literally means "If I/we/you suppose that S." This construction is usually used to present a hypothetical situation, but can be used for an actual situation as well in which the speaker is presenting the situation as if it were hypothetical in order to indicate something indirectly. もし here is optional. It emphasizes that the speaker is presenting the situation as a hypothetical one

Front 270

机がガタガタして、書きにくい。

Back 270

The desk is rattling/clattering, making it hard to write.

Hint 270

N　が　(onomatopoeia) する。
This construction with ono phrases is used to describe one's physiological/phychological state or way something feels or looks.

Front 271

歯がシクシクする。

Back 271

My tooth has a dull pain.

Hint 271

N　が　(onomatopoeia) する。
This construction with ono phrases is used to describe one's physiological/phychological state or way something feels or looks.

Front 272

心がウキウキする。

Back 272

My heart beats lightheartedly/cheerfully.

Hint 272

N　が　(onomatopoeia) する。
This construction with ono phrases is used to describe one's physiological/phychological state or way something feels or looks.

Front 273

指がズキズキする。

Back 273

My finger is throbbing in pain.

Hint 273

N　が　(onomatopoeia) する。
This construction with ono phrases is used to describe one's physiological/phychological state or way something feels or looks.

Front 274

兄は自分で料理しないくせに、いつも私の作ったものに文句を言う。

Back 274

In spite of the fact that my older brother doesn't cook himself, he always complains about what I make.

Hint 274

〜くせに
Means: Although~; in spite of the fact that~; and yet~
This conjunction is used when something commonly expected from information in the subordinate clause (i.e. the くせに phrase/clause) does not happen or is not the case. In most situations, くせに expresses the speaker's anger, frustration or disagreement. This emotion is not directed toward the speaker, but toward the hearer or 3rd person. When くせに is used, the subject of the main clause and that of the subordinate clause must be the same. If the subjects differ, you must use なのに、.

Front 275

Regular form of this contraction?
書いてる

Back 275

かいている
~てる => ~ている

Front 276

Regular form?

飲んでます

Back 276

のんでいます

〜てますー＞〜ています

Front 277

Regular form?

読んでた

Back 277

よんでいた

〜てたー＞〜ていた

Front 278

Regular form?

この部屋じゃ小さすぎて、。。。

Back 278

では

〜じゃー＞〜では

Front 279

Regular form?

早く起きなくちゃ。。。

Back 279

起きなくては（いけない／ならない）
〜なくちゃー＞〜なくては（X）

Front 280

Regular form?

話さなきゃ

Back 280

話さなければ（いけない／ならない）

Front 281

Regular form?
忘れちゃう

Back 281

忘れてしまう

Front 282

Regular form?

食べちゃった

Back 282

食べてしまった

Front 283

Regular form?

買っといた

Back 283

買っておいた
（as in 買っておく）

Front 284

Regular form?

寝とく

Back 284

寝ておく

Front 285

Regular form?

宿題も出しといたげる

Back 285

宿題も出しておいてあげる

Front 286

Regular form?

説明したげる

Back 286

説明してあげる

Front 287

Regular Form?

出したげた

Back 287

出してあげた

Front 288

あの人が嫌いなわけではないんですが、デートしたいとは思いません。

Back 288

It's not that I dislike that person, I don't think I want to date (him/her).

Hint 288

ANa {な／だった／じゃない／じゃなかった} わけではない
Means: It's not that~; It doesn't mean that
used to deny a statement.

Front 289

この料理はまずいわけではないけど、油が多いから、あまり食べられない。

Back 289

I don't mean that this dish is yucky, it's that there's a lot of oil so I can't eat much.

Hint 289

{V/A} (という）わけではない。

Means: It's not that~; It doesn't mean that
used to deny a statement.

Front 290

ネコというわけではない

Back 290

It's not that it's a cat.

Hint 290

{N/ANo} {という／だった／じゃない／じゃなかった} わけではない
Means: It's not that~; It doesn't mean that
used to deny a statement.

Front 291

経済は政治と深い関係がある。

Back 291

Economics is profoundly related to politics.

Hint 291

N1 は N2 {と／に}関係がある。

This sentence is used to show that N1 is related in someway to N2. The particle after N1 may be と or に。 When this pattern is used in relative clauses, の is commonly used after 関係 instead of が。

Front 292

そのトピックに関係のある本はこの列にあります。

Back 292

A book related to that topic is in this row.

Hint 292

N1 {と/に} 関係 {が/の} あるN2.

This sentence is used to show that N1 is related in someway to N2. The particle after N1 may be と or に。 When this pattern is used in relative clauses, の is commonly used after 関係 instead of が。

Front 293

授業に関係のない質問はしないようにしましょう。

Back 293

Try not to ask questions that are not related to the lesson.

Hint 293

N1 {と/に} 関係 {が/の} あるN2.

This sentence is used to show that N1 is related in someway to N2. The particle after N1 may be と or に。 When this pattern is used in relative clauses, の is commonly used after 関係 instead of が。

Front 294

それは、僕には関係がないから、知らないなあ。

Back 294

That is not related to me, so I don't know about it.

Hint 294

N1 は N2 {と／に}関係がある。

This sentence is used to show that N1 is related in someway to N2. The particle after N1 may be と or に。 When this pattern is used in relative clauses, の is commonly used after 関係 instead of が。

Front 295

ハイブリッドの車が増えたことによって、町の空気がきれいなってきました。

Back 295

Because hybrid cars increased, the city's air came to be cleaner.

Hint 295

~ことによって

によって indicates the cause, the means, or the agent in passive sentences. In this sentence it indicates CAUSE.

"because; because of; due to; by V-ing; by means of; via; through; by"

Front 296

インターネットで調べることによって、世界中で今起こっていることを知ることが出来る。

Back 296

By means of internet search, you can know what is happening right now throughout the world.

Hint 296

~ことによって

によって indicates the cause, the means, or the agent in passive sentences. In this sentence it indicates MEANS.

"because; because of; due to; by V-ing; by means of; via; through; by"

Front 297

万有引力の法則はニュートンによって発見されました。

Back 297

The law of universal gravitation was discovered by Newton.

Hint 297

~N によって

によって indicates the cause, the means, or the agent in passive sentences. In this sentence it indicates AGENT.

"because; because of; due to; by V-ing; by means of; via; through; by"

Front 298

青と黄色の絵の具を混ぜます。すると、緑色になります。

Back 298

Mix the colors blue and yellow. They become green.

Hint 298

S1. すると、S2.
"then"

すると connects two sentences S1 and S2 in three situations.

In this particular case, it is
(1) The action in S1 causes what is said in S2

Front 299

このアイコンをクリックして下さい。すると、コンピュータの画面の文字が大きくなります。

Back 299

Please click this icon. That will make the letters on the screen become bigger.

Hint 299

S1. すると、S2.
"then"

すると connects two sentences S1 and S2 in three situations.

In this particular case, it is
(2) The action in S1 leads to the discovery of what is said in S2

Front 300

A) 田中さんは、明日の会議に出られないそうですよ。
B) すると、誰か他の人が出なくてはいけないということですね。

Back 300

A) I heard Tanaka-san will be unable to come to tomorrow's meeting.
B) Then, that means that somebody else will have to go, doesn't it?

Hint 300

S1. すると、S2.
"then"

すると connects two sentences S1 and S2 in three situations.

In this particular case, it is
(3) From the information implied in S1, the speaker confirms that S2 is the case.

Front 301

空手部では、先輩に言われた通りにしないと、怒られてしまう。

Back 301

In karate club, if you don't do exactly as you're told by your upperclassmen, you will make them angry.

Hint 301

V-plain 通り（に）
"the way; as; exactly like; following; according to"

When 通り is modified by a verb or noun, it means "the way; as someone does; as something indicates." 通り can also be used as a suffix, in which case 通り is directly affixed to nouns and the pronunciation changes from とおり to どおり。

Front 302

日本のファミリーレストランの店員は、みんなマニュアルの通りに話すから、ロボットみたいだ。

Back 302

The employees of Japanese family restaurants all speak exactly like the manuals, so they seem like robots.

Hint 302

N　の 通り（に）
"the way; as; exactly like; following; according to"

When 通り is modified by a verb or noun, it means "the way; as someone does; as something indicates." 通り can also be used as a suffix, in which case 通り is directly affixed to nouns and the pronunciation changes from とおり to どおり。

Front 303

指示通りに、ここに答えを書いて下さい。

Back 303

Following the instructions, please write your answer here.

NOTE:　しじ　どおり

Hint 303

N通り（に）
Where 通り is a suffix and reads as どおり。

"the way; as; exactly like; following; according to"

When 通り is modified by a verb or noun, it means "the way; as someone does; as something indicates." 通り can also be used as a suffix, in which case 通り is directly affixed to nouns and the pronunciation changes from とおり to どおり。

Front 304

外国語は話せば話すほど、上手になります。そして、読めば読むほど、単語が増えます。

Back 304

The more you speak a foreign language, the more skilled you become. In addition, the more you read, the more your vocabulary increases.

Hint 304

{V/A}-cond {V/A}-plain ほど

"the (more) ~, the (more) ~"

This structure is used when the more something happens or is in some state, the more another thing happens or is in some state.
(When V is a suru verb, the second VN is usually omitted)

Front 305

運動すればするほど、健康になれるし、やせられるから、運動は一石二鳥ですね。

Back 305

The more you exercise, the healthier and more slim you become; exercise kills two birds with one stone, don't you think?

Hint 305

{V/A}-cond {V/A}-plain ほど

"the (more) ~, the (more) ~"

This structure is used when the more something happens or is in some state, the more another thing happens or is in some state.

(When V is a suru verb, the second VN is usually omitted, as is seen in this sentence)

Front 306

アパートは駅に近ければ近いほど家賃が高くなり、逆に、駅から遠ければ遠いほど安くなる。

Back 306

The closer an apartment is to the train station to more expensive rent becomes. Inversely, the farther an apartment is from the train stations, the cheaper it becomes.

Hint 306

{V/A}-cond {V/A}-plain ほど

"the (more) ~, the (more) ~"

This structure is used when the more something happens or is in some state, the more another thing happens or is in some state.

(When V is a suru verb, the second VN is usually omitted)

Front 307

親が立派であればあるほど、子供はプレッシャーを感じてしまうようだ。

Back 307

The more prominent/splended parents are, the more pressure children feel.

Hint 307

{Ana/NP} であれば ({ANa/NP}で)あるほど

"the (more) ~, the (more) ~"

This structure is used when the more something happens or is in some state, the more another thing happens or is in some state.

(In this case, it appears that Ana in this structure do not need to be restated before ほど)

Front 308

いい大学であればあるほど入るのが難しいです。

Back 308

The better the university, the harder it is to get in.

Hint 308

{Ana/NP} であれば ({ANa/NP}で)あるほど

"the (more) ~, the (more) ~"

This structure is used when the more something happens or is in some state, the more another thing happens or is in some state.

(In this case, it appears that Ana in this structure do not need to be restated before ほど)

Front 309

便利なら便利なほど...

Back 309

The more convenient it is...

Hint 309

ANa ならANa　なほど

"the (more) ~, the (more) ~"

This structure is used when the more something happens or is in some state, the more another thing happens or is in some state.

Front 310

ある日、うさぎとかめが競走をしました。さて、どちらがレースに勝ったでしょうか。

Back 310

One day, a rabbit and a turtle raced. Well now, which one won the race do you suppose?

Hint 310

(S1.) さて、S2.

"well; now; well now"

さて always occurs at the beginning of a sentence and signals that (a) the speaker/writer is beginning a new topic (the new topic and the previous topic may be part of the same discourse)

(b) the speaker/writer is going to ask a question about the information just provided, AS SEEN HERE
or
(c) the speaker is leaving.

さてis not used in casual situations.

Front 311

さて、もう遅いですだら、今日はこれで失礼します。

Back 311

Well, its already late, so I'm going to excuse myself for today.

Hint 311

(S1.) さて、S2.

"well; now; well now"

さて always occurs at the beginning of a sentence and signals that (a) the speaker/writer is beginning a new topic (the new topic and the previous topic may be part of the same discourse)

(b) the speaker/writer is going to ask a question about the information just provided,
or
(c) the speaker is leaving. AS SEEN HERE

さてis not used in casual situations.

Front 312

古代のヨーロッパはローマを中心として発展した。

Back 312

Ancient europe developed with Rome as the center.

Hint 312

N を 中心 {と/に} (して）

"(centering) around; focusing on; mainly; with N as the center/focus/leader/etc."

Nを中心(と/に)する literally means "to make N the center." This phrase takes 2 forms. The form used here is used to modify verbs. The phrase indicates that something takes place around N or with N as the center/focus, or that someone does something focusing on N.

Front 313

地球や火星、木星、金星などの惑星は、太陽を中心として回っている

Back 313

The planets Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, etc. go around their center, the sun.

Hint 313

N を 中心 {と/に} (して）

"(centering) around; focusing on; mainly; with N as the center/focus/leader/etc."

Nを中心(と/に)する literally means "to make N the center." This phrase takes 2 forms. The form used here is used to modify verbs. The phrase indicates that something takes place around N or with N as the center/focus, or that someone does something focusing on N.

Front 314

私は、最近、日本の若者言語を中心とした言語の研究をしています。

Back 314

Lately, I am making the language of young Japanese people the focus of my language research.

Hint 314

N1を中心(と/に)した N2
(= N1中心のN2)

"(centering) around; focusing on; mainly; with N as the center/focus/leader/etc."

N1を中心(と/に)する
literally means "to make N the center." This phrase takes 2 forms. The form used here is used to modify nouns. The phrase indicates that something takes place around N or with N as the center/focus, or that someone does something focusing on N.

Front 315

日本と私の国は、朝と夜が逆だ。いま、こちらは午後９時だが、日本は午前１０時だ。

Back 315

The mornings and evenings in my country are opposite that of Japan. Here it is 9PM, but in Japan it is 10AM.

Hint 315

X は 逆 だ。
"be opposite; the other way"

逆 is used to indicate that X's way of doing something is the opposite of Y's way of doing it, or that the way X is or the way X happens is the opposite of the way Y is or the way Y happens. In different contexts, ぎゃくindicates that X's way of doing something, the way X is or the way X happens is the opposite of the way which is common, expected or intended.

Front 316

日本語で数字を１００から逆に数えてみて下さい。

Back 316

Try counting backwards (lit. numbers in the opposite direction) in Japanese.

Hint 316

逆 に V。
"in the opposite direction; the other way; the wrong way; contrary to one's expectations; contrary to one's intention; conversely"

逆 is used to indicate that X's way of doing something is the opposite of Y's way of doing it, or that the way X is or the way X happens is the opposite of the way Y is or the way Y happens. In different contexts, ぎゃくindicates that X's way of doing something, the way X is or the way X happens is the opposite of the way which is common, expected or intended.

Front 317

一方通行の道だということを知らないで、逆の方向に進んでしまい、警察につかまってしまった。

Back 317

Without knowing it was a one-way road, I went in the opposite direction and was caught by the police.

Hint 317

逆 の N。
"opposite N; the reverse of N"

逆 is used to indicate that X's way of doing something is the opposite of Y's way of doing it, or that the way X is or the way X happens is the opposite of the way Y is or the way Y happens. In different contexts, ぎゃくindicates that X's way of doing something, the way X is or the way X happens is the opposite of the way which is common, expected or intended.

Front 318

その本なら、大学の図書館に行けば、あるはずだよ。

Back 318

If it's that book (you need), if you go to the university's library it should be there.

Hint 318

{V/A} -plain はず　[seen here]

ANa {な/じゃない/だった/じゃなかった)

N {の/じゃない/だった/じゃなかった}

"Should; I expect that ~; I believe that~"

The dependent noun はず indicates that the speaker/writer or someone he/she empathizes with believes or expects that what is stated before はず is true based on his/her knowledge or memory at the moment of speech or at the time of the event stated in the main clause. The negative form can be either 〜ないはずだ or 〜はずがない.However, the sense of negation is stronger in はずがない. When Sはずだ modifies a noun, の must be used between はず and the noun.

Front 319

この点について、もう一度、説明していただきませんか。

Back 319

Would you please explain this point once more?

Hint 319

DemA点

"point; aspect; viewpoint; respect"

点 is used to mean "point" (in the sense of a single, fact, idea or opinion in an argument, discussion, etc.), "aspect," or "viewpoint/standpoint."

Front 320

サービスという点では、日本のデパートは最高だ。

Back 320

Japanese departments stores are the best in terms of service.

Hint 320

N {という/の} 点で (は）
"in terms of ~; with regard to ~; with respect to ~"

点 is used to mean "point" (in the sense of a single, fact, idea or opinion in an argument, discussion, etc.), "aspect," or "viewpoint/standpoint."

Front 321

この車はガソリンがなくても走れるという点で環境(environment) にいいですが、値段が高いです。

Back 321

This car is good to the environment in that it doesn't need gasoline to run, but it is expensive.

Hint 321

S +　という点で

"in that ~"

点 is used to mean "point" (in the sense of a single, fact, idea or opinion in an argument, discussion, etc.), "aspect," or "viewpoint/standpoint."

Front 322

この留学プログラムは、ホームステイが出来るという点が、セールスポイントですね。

Back 322

The fact that you can do home stay is this foreign study program's sales point, it seems.

Hint 322

S(という）点が

"the fact that ~"

点 is used to mean "point" (in the sense of a single, fact, idea or opinion in an argument, discussion, etc.), "aspect," or "viewpoint/standpoint."

Front 323

漢字を覚えば覚えほど、単語の数がますます増えて、ますます日本語が分かるようになります。

Back 323

The more you memorize kanji, the more and more the number of your vocabulary will increase, and you will come to understand Japanese even more.

Hint 323

ますます(~)V
"more and more; -er and -er; increasingly; even more; even -er; still more; still -er"

ますます occurs with verbs, the adverbial forms of adjectives and adverbs. It indicates that something happens to an even greater (or lesser) degree than before. ますます is NOT used for future controllable events. For example, it cannot replace もっともっと in もっともっとがんばって下さい。

Front 324

台風が近づいてきたので、風がますます強くなってきた。

Back 324

Because a typhoon drew near, the wind grew stronger and stronger.

Hint 324

ますます A-stem くなる

increasingly; even more; even -er; still more; still -er"

ますます occurs with verbs, the adverbial forms of adjectives and adverbs. It indicates that something happens to an even greater (or lesser) degree than before. ますます is NOT used for future controllable events. For example, it cannot replace もっともっと in もっともっとがんばって下さい。

Front 325

話すのは速すぎので、ますますゆっくり話すようにする。

Back 325

I talk too fast, I'm trying to talk increasingly slower.

Hint 325

ますます Adv

"more and more; -er and -er; increasingly; even more; even -er; still more; still -er"

ますます occurs with verbs, the adverbial forms of adjectives and adverbs. It indicates that something happens to an even greater (or lesser) degree than before. ますます is NOT used for future controllable events. For example, it cannot replace もっともっと in もっともっとがんばって下さい。

Front 326

この作文は、コンピュータで書き直して、来週の月曜日に出して下さい。

Back 326

Use the computer to rewrite this essay, then turn it in monday of next week.

Hint 326

V-masu 直す
"again, re-V"

直す, when attached to the masu-stems of verbs, creates compound verbs with the meaning "again; re-."

Front 327

作文を書いたことは書いたけれど、まだ間違いがたくさんあるから書き直さなくてはいけない。

Back 327

It is certainly true that you wrote an essay, but there are still many mistakes so it must be rewritten.

Hint 327

{V/A} - plain.aff ことは {V/A}-plain.aff (が／けれど）

"It is certainly true that~, but; indeed ~, but; do V ~, but; ~ is/are/was/etc. ~, but"

This structure is used when the speaker/writer admits that the proposition is true but wants to qualify the proposition with an additional remark.

Front 328

私はテニスをすることはしますが、あまり上手じゃありません。

Back 328

I do play tennis, but I'm not very good.

Hint 328

{V/A} - plain.aff ことは {V/A}-plain.aff (が／けれど）

"It is certainly true that~, but; indeed ~, but; do V ~, but; ~ is/are/was/etc. ~, but"

This structure is used when the speaker/writer admits that the proposition is true but wants to qualify the proposition with an additional remark.

Front 329

このアパートは駅に近くて便利なことは便利だけれど、家賃はとても高いです。

Back 329

This apartment is close to the train station and certainly convenient, but the rent is very expensive.

Hint 329

ANa {な/だった} ことは ANa {だ/だった} が

"It is certainly true that ~, but; indeed ~, but; do V ~, but; ~ is/are/was/etc. ~, but"

This structure is used when the speaker/writer admits that the proposition is true but wants to qualify the proposition with an additional remark.

Front 330

あの人は、いい人はいい人だけど、ちょっとがんこ(stubborn)だね。

Back 330

That person is indeed a good person, but a little stubborn, don't you think?

Hint 330

NP は NP {だ／だった}が
[alternatively:
NP {だった}ことは NP {だ/だった} が]

"It is certainly true that ~, but; indeed ~, but; do V ~, but; ~ is/are/was/etc. ~, but"

This structure is used when the speaker/writer admits that the proposition is true but wants to qualify the proposition with an additional remark.

Front 331

友達が手伝ってくれたおかげで、仕事が早く終わった。

Back 331

Thanks to my friend helping me out, work ended early.

Hint 331

{V/A}-plain　おかげ

"because; due to"

Both おかげ and せい are dependent nouns indicating cause. The former is used when the cause brings about a desirable result, and the latter when the cause brings about an unwanted result.

Front 332

ハンサムなせいで、うそを信じて、ばかなことをしました。

Back 332

Because he was handsome, I believed his lies and did foolish things.

Hint 332

ANa {な/じゃない／だった／じゃなかった} せい／おかげ

"because; due to"

Both おかげ and せい are dependent nouns indicating cause. The former is used when the cause brings about a desirable result, and the latter when the cause brings about an unwanted result.

Both おかげ and せい are dependent nouns indicating cause. The former is used when the cause brings about a desirable result, and the latter when the cause brings about an unwanted result.

Front 333

シートベルトのおかげで、大丈夫でした。

Back 333

Thanks to the seatbelt, I was ok.

Hint 333

N {の/じゃない／だった／じゃなかった}　おかげ

"because; due to"

Both おかげ and せい are dependent nouns indicating cause. The former is used when the cause brings about a desirable result, and the latter when the cause brings about an unwanted result.

Both おかげ and せい are dependent nouns indicating cause. The former is used when the cause brings about a desirable result, and the latter when the cause brings about an unwanted result.

Front 334

ゆうべ飲み過ぎたせいで、朝から頭がガンガンする。

Back 334

Due to drinking too much last night, I head has pounded since morning.

Hint 334

{V/A}-plain せい

"because; due to"

Both おかげ and せい are dependent nouns indicating cause. The former is used when the cause brings about a desirable result, and the latter when the cause brings about an unwanted result.

Front 335

犬のせいじゃない！

Back 335

It's not because (the fault of) the dog!

Hint 335

N {の/じゃない／だった／じゃなかった} せい

"because; due to"

Both おかげ and せい are dependent nouns indicating cause. The former is used when the cause brings about a desirable result, and the latter when the cause brings about an unwanted result.

Both おかげ and せい are dependent nouns indicating cause. The former is used when the cause brings about a desirable result, and the latter when the cause brings about an unwanted result.

Front 336

日食(solar eclipse)を見ているうちに、どんどん空が暗くなってきて、ついに真っ暗になってしまった。

Back 336

While watching the solar eclipse, the sky darkened at a fast pace until it finally became totally dark.

Hint 336

どんどん-V

"at a fast pace; one after another; keep V-ing vigorously; with no hesitation; with no delay"

どんどん expresses the idea that something proceeds from one stage to the next or continues to happen at a fast pace with no delay, or that someone keeps doing something with no hesitation. In some situations both ますますand どんどん can be used, bearing in mind that ますます does not convey the idea that something happens at a fast pace and cannot describe a controllable future action.

Front 337

私はもう５回も日本に行っています。行くたびに、新しいことを学んで帰ります。

Back 337

I have already been to Japan as many as 5 times. Every time I go, I return having learned something new.

Hint 337

V-plain.non-past たびに

"every time; each time; on every ~; whenever"

たびに expresses the idea that each time someone does something, something else takes place. When たびに is modified by a noun, the noun refers to an action or certain time.

Front 338

彼は、デートのたびにおいしいレストランに連れて行ってくれる。

Back 338

Every time my boyfriend takes me on a date he takes me to a delicious restaurant.

Hint 338

Nのたびに

"every time; each time; on every ~; whenever"

たびに expresses the idea that each time someone does something, something else takes place. When たびに is modified by a noun, the noun refers to an action or certain time.

Front 339

15年も飼っていた犬が、年を取ってとうとう死んでしまったので、とても悲しい。

Back 339

Because the dog I kept for as many as 15 years, being old, at long last died, I am very sad.

Hint 339

とうとう V

"finally; at (long) last; eventually; in the end; after all"

とうとう indicates that an expected situation has occurred after an extended period of time. The adverb ついに is similar to とうとう and can be used in the place of とうとう.

ついに is more formal.

Front 340

この漢字の書き方は、覚えても覚えなくてもいいです。

Back 340

Whether you memorize the way to write this kanji or not, it' fine.

Hint 340

V-te も V-nai なくても

"Whether V or not"

Front 341

犬は外でトイレをするから、天気がよくてもよくなくても、毎日散歩に連れて行かなくてはいけない。

Back 341

Dogs go to the bathroom outside, so whether the weather is good or not, you must take them out for a walk with you.

Hint 341

A-te も A-nai なくても

"whether A or not"

Front 342

この映画は子供でも子供 {じゃ/で} なくても、楽しめます。

Back 342

Whether you are a kid or not, this movie is enjoyable.

Hint 342

{ANa/ANo/N} でも {ANa/ANo/N} {じゃ／で} なくても

"whether X or not"

Front 343

このアパートは家賃が安いから、静かでも静か {じゃ/で} なくても、借りようと思っています。

Back 343

This apartment's rent is cheap, so whether it is quiet or not I think I will rent it.

Hint 343

{ANa/ANo/N} でも {ANa/ANo/N} {じゃ／で} なくても

"whether X or not"

Front 344

日本の代表的な伝統系能に、能と狂言がある。前者は悲劇で後者は喜劇だ。

Back 344

Among the traditional performing arts of Japan are Noh and Kyougen. The former is a tragedy and the latter is a comedy.

Hint 344

前者は（〜）{V-te/A-te/ANa で/N で/}、後者は〜

"The former ~, and the latter ~"

This sentence structure is used to refer separately to the two things, people, etc. mentioned in the previous sentence.

Front 345

この大学には、韓国、中国、台湾、といったアジアの国々からの留学生がたくさんいる。

Back 345

In this university, there are many exchange students from asian countries, such as Korea, China, and Taiwan.

Hint 345

N1 {や／、} N2 {や／、} といった {N/NP}

"like; such as N"

といった X is used to present examples of X. X is always a noun or noun phrase.

といった may be preceded by nouns, noun phrases and sentences.
*
If preceded by nouns, 2+ nouns are presented
**
If preceded by sentences or phrases, only one sentence or phrase is presented.

などのN and のような N are similar in meaning, but they are usually not preceded by sentences.

Front 346

日本語が上手に話せるようになるには、丁寧な話し方やくだけた話し方、敬語といったスピーチレベルが違う話し方の練習もしなければならない。

Back 346

In order to become able to speak Japanese skillfully, you must practice the different levels of speech like polite speaking, humble speaking and honorific speaking.

Hint 346

Phr1(、Phr2,~)といった {N/NP}

[in this structure, Phr could also be a sentence]

"like; such as N"

といった X is used to present examples of X. X is always a noun or noun phrase.

といった may be preceded by nouns, noun phrases and sentences.
*
If preceded by nouns, 2+ nouns are presented
**
If preceded by sentences or phrases, only one sentence or phrase is presented.

などのN and のような N are similar in meaning, but they are usually not preceded by sentences.

Front 347

日本に留学したいと思う一方、外国に住むことに不安もある。

Back 347

While I think I want to be an exchange student in Japan, I'm a little nervous about living in a foreign country.

Hint 347

S1　一方（で）、S2.

"While; when; at the same time; on the other hand"

The conjunction 一方 is used to present two contrastive situations or two concurrent states, events or actions.

一方 is usually used in written language.

Front 348

勉強が忙しい一方で、学費のためにアルバートもしなければならないから、毎日本当に大変です。

Back 348

I'm very busy with studying, at the same time, I have to work at my part time job to pay my tuition so every day is difficult.

Hint 348

S1　一方（で）、S2.

"While; when; at the same time; on the other hand"

The conjunction 一方 is used to present two contrastive situations or two concurrent states, events or actions.

一方 is usually used in written language.

Front 349

日本語を勉強してみたいと思う。一方、フランス語もいいね。

Back 349

I think I would like to learn Japanese. On the other hand, French is nice too.

Hint 349

S1. 一方(で) 、S2.
[S1 could be a VN]

"On the other hand,"

The conjunction 一方 is used to present two contrastive situations or two concurrent states, events or actions.

一方 is usually used in written language.

Front 350

将来は、ヨーロッパ、あるいは、アジアで仕事ができたらいいと思っている。

Back 350

In the near future, I think it will be good if I can work in either europe or asia.

Hint 350

N1(、N2、〜）あるいは Nn

"or; either ~ or ~"

あるいは is used to connect alternatives. It is usually used in formal speech or written language.

Front 351

メールを出すか、あるいは、電話をするか、どちらでもいいが、とにかく連絡しなくてはいけない。

Back 351

Either send a letter or place a call, either is fine, but for now you must get in contact.

Hint 351

S1 か、あるいは、S２ か

"or; either ~ or ~"

あるいは is used to connect alternatives. It is usually used in formal speech or written language.

Front 352

バスがなかなか来ない。授業に遅れてしまいそうだ。

Back 352

The bus is not readily coming. It seems I'll be late to class.

Hint 352

なかなか V-nai ない

"not easily; not readily; difficult to~; slow to; to refuse to"

なかなか with V-nai is usually used when something desirable doesn't happen easily or when something that is supposed to happen doesn't happen.

Front 353

来週、母の弟、つまり、叔父が中国から遊びに来ます。

Back 353

Next week, my mom's little brother, that is to say, my uncle is coming from China to play.

Hint 353

N1/NP1, つまり、N2/NP2
"That is (to say); in other words; namely; (that) means; you mean ~?"

つまりis used to rephrase or restate what has just been mentioned or stated.

Front 354

登校拒否というのは、つまり、いじめなど理由で学校に行かなくなるという意味です。

Back 354

toukoukyohi (truancy) means, namely, to stop going to school because of reasons like bullying.

Hint 354

N/NP （というの）は、つまり〜{だ／（という）ことだ}
"That is (to say); in other words; namely; (that) means; you mean ~?"

つまりis used to rephrase or restate what has just been mentioned or stated.

Front 355

将来、小学校の先生になりたいと思っています。そこで、ボランティアで子供達を教えてみることにしました。

Back 355

In the near future, I think I want to become an elementary school teacher. Because of that, I decided to try volunteering to teach children.

Hint 355

S1, そこで, S2.

"Because of that; therefore; so"

そこで is used to indicate and action (to be) taken because of the situation presented in S1.

それで may replace そこで

そこで may only replace それで when S2 is a controllable action.

ex.　寒かった。それで、見に来た人が少なかった。
only それで can be used here.

Front 356

私はウニ以外の寿司は、何でも食べられる。

Back 356

I can eat any sushi except sea urchin.

Hint 356

{N1/DemP} 以外の N2
"but; except; other than; besides"

X以外のY　means "Y, excluding X." のY is often omitted.

Front 357

それ以外の日

Back 357

any day but that one

Hint 357

{N1/DemP} 以外の N2
"but; except; other than; besides"

X以外のY　means "Y, excluding X." のY is often omitted.

Front 358

週末は、勉強以外に、テニスをしたり映画を見たりします。

Back 358

On the weekends, besides studying I play tennis and watch movies.

Hint 358

{N/DemP} 以外に

"Besides N/DemP"

X以外に means "besides X" and に is sometimes omitted.

Front 359

どんなに大変でも、日本語の勉強は決してやめない。

Back 359

No matter how difficult, I will definitely not stop my Japanese studies.

Hint 359

決してV-nai { ない／なかった}
決して V-masu {ません／ませんでした}

"Never; by no means; not~ at all; not ~ in the least; definitely not"

expresses strong negation of an idea, situation, possibility, etc. or strong prohibition

Front 360

今日の試験は決してやさしくありませんでしたが、みんなよくできていました。

Back 360

Today's test was by no means easy, but every one did well.

Hint 360

決して A-nai {ない／なっかた／ありません／ありませんでした}

This grammar expresses strong negation of an idea, situation, possibility, etc. or strong prohibition.

Front 361

彼は決して悪い人間ではない。ちょっとわがままだけだ。

Back 361

He is not a bad person at all. He is just a little selfish.

Hint 361

決して{ANa/ANo/N}　{では/じゃ} { ない／なかった／ありません／ありませんでした}

Front 362

アルバイトで忙しいという理由で、学校を休む学生がいます。

Back 362

Because they are busy with part time jobs, there are students taking a break from school.

Hint 362

S-plain という理由で

"because"

(lit. for the reason that~) is used to present the reason for a state, event, or action stated in the main clause.

The phrase is usually used in written language.

Front 363

これらの問題についてもっと話し合ってみる必要がある。

Back 363

We need to try to talk together more with regard to problems like these.

Hint 363

Demonstrative pronounら
"these; those; they; -s; and others"
[plural dem. pronouns can be used in polite speech]

The plural marker ら is often used with demonstrative pronouns and certain personal pronouns.
plural personal pronouns are not used in polite speech.

Front 364

彼らが言っていることはよく分からない。

Back 364

I don't really understand the things those guys are saying.

Hint 364

Personal pronoun ら

"these; those; they; -s; and others"
[plural dem. pronouns can be used in polite speech]

The plural marker ら is often used with demonstrative pronouns and certain personal pronouns.
plural personal pronouns are not used in polite speech.

Front 365

男の子が興味を持つオタク文化に対して、カワイイ文化は女の子に人気があるようだ。

Back 365

Boys are interested in otaku culture; one the other hand, girls are interested in the "cute" culture.

Hint 365

Nに対して
"whereas; on the other hand; in contrast"

に対して is used when contrasting two actions, states, situations, etc.

Front 366

日本語は文法が難しいのに対して、中国語は発音が難しい。

Back 366

Japanese grammer is difficult, whereas in Chinese, pronunciation is difficult.

Hint 366

Sのに対して
"whereas; on the other hand; in contrast"

に対して is used when contrasting two actions, states, situations, etc.

Front 367

私の知っている限り、外国人が使いやすい日本語の辞書はないんですよ。

Back 367

As far as I know, there are no Japanese dictionaries that are easy for foreigners to use.

Hint 367

V-plain 限り
"as long as; as far as; while; until; unless; as much as; as much as (one can)"

this grammar is used when something is the case or is true as long as the condition in X holds true. It is also used to indicate the extent to which one can do something or one knows something. (as far as one can; as far as one knows)

Front 368

私はこの仕事が終わらない限り、家に帰ることが出来ない。

Back 368

Until this job is finished, I can't return home.

Hint 368

V-plain 限り
"as long as; as far as; while; until; unless; as much as; as much as (one can)"

this grammar is used when something is the case or is true as long as the condition in X holds true. It is also used to indicate the extent to which one can do something or one knows something. (as far as one can; as far as one knows)

Front 369

本当である限り
本当でない限り

Back 369

As long as it's true...
As long as it isn't true...

Hint 369

ANoで {ある／ない}
V-plain 限り
"as long as; as far as; while; until; unless; as much as; as much as (one can)"

this grammar is used when something is the case or is true as long as the condition in X holds true. It is also used to indicate the extent to which one can do something or one knows something. (as far as one can; as far as one knows)

Front 370

雨が強く降ってきたにもかかわらず、サッカーの試合は続けられた。

Back 370

Despite the fact that it came to rain fiercely, the soccer match continued.

Hint 370

X にもかかわらず Y
where X is
{V/A}-plain

ANa {な／じゃない／だった／じゃなかった}

N {の／じゃない／だった／じゃなかった}

"in spite of (the fact that ~); despite (the fact that ~); although; though; nevertheless"

This construction is used to mean "Y in spite of X." It is used when Y is the case even though Y is not usually expected from X.

Front 371

せっかく日本語を３年も勉強したのだから、ぜひ一度、日本に行ってみたいです。

Back 371

I took the trouble to study Japanese for as many as 3 years, so at least once I want to try going to Japan.

Hint 371

せっかく V {のだから/のに}
"with effort; at great pain; take the trouble to do ~; ~, which is a rare occasion/event/etc."

せっかく is used in 2 situations:
(1) when the speaker/writer does something with a lot of effort or at great pain ad therefore he/she wants to make use of it; or, in spite of the effort or pain, he/she cannot make use of it.
(this is the case here)

Front 372

せっかくケーキを焼いたのに、誰も食べてくれなかったから、がっかりした。

Back 372

Even though I took the trouble to bake a cake, nobody ate it and I was disappointed.

Hint 372

せっかく V {のだから/のに}
"with effort; at great pain; take the trouble to do ~; ~, which is a rare occasion/event/etc."

せっかく is used in 2 situations:
(1) when the speaker/writer does something with a lot of effort or at great pain ad therefore he/she wants to make use of it; or, in spite of the effort or pain, he/she cannot make use of it.
(this is the case here)

Front 373

せっかくの野球の試合が雨で中止になってしまった。

Back 373

The rare baseball match was called off for rain.

Hint 373

せっかくのN
"with effort; at great pain; take the trouble to do ~; ~, which is a rare occasion/event/etc."

せっかく is used in 2 situations:
(2) when a given opportunity is rare and therefore he/she wants to make use of it; or, in spite of their opportunity, he/she cannot make use of it

Front 374

せっかくですが、今日は仕事が忙しくて。

Back 374

This is a rare (event, invitation, etc), but I'm busy with work today...

Hint 374

せっかく{ですが／ですけど／だけど／etc}

"with effort; at great pain; take the trouble to do ~; ~, which is a rare occasion/event/etc."

せっかく is used in 2 situations:
(2) when a given opportunity is rare and therefore he/she wants to make use of it; or, in spite of their opportunity, he/she cannot make use of it

Front 375

春と言っても、寒くてまだセーターを着ている。

Back 375

Even though they say it is spring, it is cold and we are still wearing sweaters.

Hint 375

{ANa/N} + {だ／じゃない／だった／じゃなかった} {と／って} 言っても

"although ~ say/said that ~; even though ~ say/said that ~"

Front 376

この文法は難しいと言っても、全部分からないわけではない。

Back 376

Even though they said this grammar was hard, it's not like I can't understand all of it.

Hint 376

{V/A}-plain {と/って} 言っても

"although ~ say/said that ~; even though ~ say/said that ~"

Its used to clarify what has just been said in order to avoid misunderstanding. って is used in place of と in casual conversation or writing.

Front 377

予定が思うように進まないので、とても困っています。

Back 377

Plans are not proceeding as wished; it's very troubling.

Hint 377

思うように〜ない
[->typically, ~ is V-potential]

"not ~ as one wishes"

This phrase means that something is not in accord with the speaker's/writer's (or the subject's) wish or desire.
The verb potential form is usually used in this structure.)

Front 378

私はチョコレートが死ぬほど好きだ。毎日でも食べる。

Back 378

I love chocolate to death! I eat it almost every day.

Hint 378

V-plain.non-past ほど
"to the extent that~ ; so~ that ~ (almost)~; not as ~ as N; to (this/that) degree; (this/that) much"

The particle ほど is used to express the degree of a state. When a sentence precedes ほど, the element just before ほど is a verb.

Front 379

私は日本語が上手に話せることは話せるが、スミスさんほどではない。

Back 379

I can certainly speak Japanese, but not the Smith's level

Hint 379

N のほど

"to the extent that~ ; so~ that ~ (almost)~; not as ~ as N; to (this/that) degree; (this/that) much"

The particle ほど is used to express the degree of a state. When a sentence precedes ほど, the element just before ほど is a verb

Front 380

これほどすばらしい絵を見たことがない。

Back 380

I have never seen a painting as wonderful as this.

Hint 380

DemPほど
"to the extent that~ ; so~ that ~ (almost)~; not as ~ as N; to (this/that) degree; (this/that) much"

The particle ほど is used to express the degree of a state. When a sentence precedes ほど, the element just before ほど is a verb

Front 381

1年に700万人以上の人が訪れるという。

Back 381

It is said over 7 million visit each year.

Hint 381

S-plain という
"It is said that ~; They say that ~"

This structure indicate that the preceding information is not first hand.
This is a polite form.

Front 382

子供には、子供の年齢に会った本を与えた方がいいですよ。

Back 382

For children, it is better to give children books suitable to their age.

Hint 382

N1 に会った N2

"N2 suitable for N1"

Front 383

病状に会わせて、いろいろな薬が使われる。

Back 383

Various medicines are used according to the condition of the patient.

Hint 383

N に会わせて
"making ~ suitable for N; according to N"

The literal meaning this grammar is "fitting/matching/adjusting something to N" and is often used to mean "making something suitable for N" or "according to N"

Front 384

冬の間、カエルは、まるで死んだように動きません。

Back 384

During winter, as if they were dead, frogs don't move.

Hint 384

まるで V-plain ように
"as if ~ (were/-ed); just like"

This structure is used to introduce a simile, i.e., to describe a thing, person, action, etc. by comparing it with a similar thing, person, action, etc. まるで is an emphatic marker.

Front 385

まだ春なのに、今日はまるで夏のように暑い。

Back 385

Even though it's still spring, it's hot just like it were summer.

Hint 385

まるで N {の／じゃない／だった／じゃなかった} ように

"as if ~ (were/-ed); just like"

This structure is used to introduce a simile, i.e., to describe a thing, person, action, etc. by comparing it with a similar thing, person, action, etc. まるで is an emphatic marker.

Front 386

あの小娘は、まるで子猫のようだ。

Back 386

That young girl is just like a kitten.

Hint 386

Sentence ending form: 〜ようだ。
"as if ~ (were/-ed); just like"

This structure is used to introduce a simile, i.e., to describe a thing, person, action, etc. by comparing it with a similar thing, person, action, etc. まるで is an emphatic marker.

Front 387

まるで天子のような女。

Back 387

A woman just like an angel.

Hint 387

sentence ending form: 〜ようなN.

"as if ~ (were/-ed); just like"

This structure is used to introduce a simile, i.e., to describe a thing, person, action, etc. by comparing it with a similar thing, person, action, etc. まるで is an emphatic marker.

Front 388

明日の試験では、言うまでもなく、文法の問題が出ます。

Back 388

It goes without saying that grammar problems will appear on tomorrow's test.

Hint 388

（Xは）言うまでもなく、S。
"needless to say; it goes without saying that ~; it is obvious that ~; not to mention ~; let alone ~"

This phrase is used when the speaker mentions something obvious or something assumed to be known to the hearer. It is commonly used in written language.

Front 389

図書館では静かにしなくてはいけないことは、言うまでもない。

Back 389

It is obvious that you must be quiet in the library.

Hint 389

S {こと／の} は言うまでもない。

"needless to say; it goes without saying that ~; it is obvious that ~; not to mention ~; let alone ~"

This phrase is used when the speaker mentions something obvious or something assumed to be known to the hearer. It is commonly used in written language.

Front 390

世界で人気がある日本ポップカルチャーには、アニメは言うまでもなく、ファッションや音楽などもある。

Back 390

As far as Japanese pop-culture that is popular worldwide, needless to say there is anime, as well as things like music and fashion.

Hint 390

N1 は言うまでもなく N2 も

"needless to say; it goes without saying that ~; it is obvious that ~; not to mention ~; let alone ~"

This phrase is used when the speaker mentions something obvious or something assumed to be known to the hearer. It is commonly used in written language.

Front 391

日本のトイレには、お湯がお尻を洗うトイレから、ふたが自動で開くトイレまでもある。

Back 391

Among Japanese toilets, they range from toilets that wash your rear with hot water, to even toilets with lids that automatically open.

Hint 391

N1 から N2 までも
"even; to even"

までも is used to present something which is considered to be beyond one's expectation or imagination.

Front 392

この教科書では、漢字や文法だけでなく、日本の現代の文化から歴史までも学べる。

Back 392

In the textbook, you can study not only kanji and grammar, but Japanese modern culture and even Japanese history.

Hint 392

N1 だけでなく N2 まで（も）
"even; to even"

までも is used to present something which is considered to be beyond one's expectation or imagination.

Front 393

最近では、歩くだけでなく、サッカーをするロボットまである。

Back 393

Nowadays, there are robots that do more than walk; they can even play soccer.

Hint 393

N まで（も）
"even; to even"

までも is used to present something which is considered to be beyond one's expectation or imagination.

Front 394

このゲームは、子供でも大人でも楽しむことが出来ます。

Back 394

Whether you are a child or adult, everyone will enjoy this game.

Hint 394

N1 でも N2 でも
"including X and Y; whether (it is) X or Y"

This is used to provide examples for the statement in the sentence. This structure implies that there are also things other than the examples which make the statement true. Note that XもYも (both X and Y) does not carry such an implication..

Front 395

コーヒーにはたくさんカフェインが入っている。したがって、飲み過ぎると寝られなくなる。

Back 395

There is a lot of caffeine in coffee. Therefore, if you drink too much you will become unable to go to sleep.

Hint 395

S1 (reason/cause). したがって、S２ (consequence.)

"therefore; accordingly; consequently; as a result; so"

Front 396

私が彼のことが好きだというのは事実だが、将来彼と結婚しようと思っているわけではない。

Back 396

It is true that I like him, but it not like I am thinking of marrying him in the future.

Hint 396

S　(という）のは事実だ。
"It is {true/a fact that} ~"

Used when the speaker wants to claim that something is true or is a fact, or when he/she admits that something is true or a fact. The presence or absence of という does not change the meaning.

Front 397

面白さという点から考えると、この小説はあまり面白くないが、でも、歴史的なことが分かるので勉強になる。

Back 397

From the perspective of "interesting," this short story is not very interesting, but I understood the historical things, so I learned from it.

Hint 397

N という点から考えると
"to view from the standpoint of ~; from the perspective of ~"

used to indicate someone's view from the standpoint of X. Examples of X include business, environment, education, etc.

Front 398

このホテルは静かな上に、サービスがとてもいい。

Back 398

In addition to being quiet, this hotel has great service.

Hint 398

S 上に
"in addition to~; besides~; not only~but also~; moreover~; ~ as well"

The conjunction 上に introduces additional information emphatically.

Front 399

嬉しいことに、奨学金がもらえることになった。

Back 399

To my joy, it has turned out that I will receive a scholarship.

Hint 399

A.plain.non-past ことに
“It is~ that~; I am/We are ~ that ~; To my ~"

ことに is used to express the speaker's feeling or subjective judgment about what is said in the main clause. ことに can only be used with a limited set of words.

Front 400

残念なことに、私達のチームは最後の試合で負けてしまった。

Back 400

To my regret, our team lost at the final game.

Hint 400

ANa なことに

“It is~ that~; I am/We are ~ that ~; To my ~"

ことに is used to express the speaker's feeling or subjective judgment about what is said in the main clause. ことに can only be used with a limited set of words.

Front 401

驚いたことに、この鳥は人間の言葉が話せるらしい。

Back 401

To my surprise, it seems this bird can speak human words.

Hint 401

V-plain ことに

“It is~ that~; I am/We are ~ that ~; To my ~"

ことに is used to express the speaker's feeling or subjective judgment about what is said in the main clause. ことに can only be used with a limited set of words.

Front 402

腹の立つことには、私、彼が好きです。

Back 402

What makes me angry is that I like him.

Hint 402

V.plain ことに

“It is~ that~; I am/We are ~ that ~; To my ~"

ことに is used to express the speaker's feeling or subjective judgment about what is said in the main clause. ことに can only be used with a limited set of words.

Front 403

私は日本文学を研究したいと思っている。だが、両親は私に医者になってほしがっちいる。

Back 403

I think I want to research Japanese literature, but my parents want me to become a doctor.

Hint 403

S1. だが、S2.
"but; however"

だが　is a disjunctive conjunction. S1 and S2 present contrastive statements or opposing ideas.
Note:
でも、けれど、けど are colloquial
けれども、しかしながら、だが、and が are primarily used in written language.
しかし can be used in both written and spoken language.

Front 404

日本語では、目上の人に対して「あなた」と呼ぶのはとても失礼なことだ。

Back 404

In Japanese, it is rude to say "You" to a superior.

Hint 404

N に対して
"toward; for; in; with regard to"

This grammar marks something to/toward/about which one does something, or mark someone to/toward whom one does something or owes something.
In different contexts, it can mark something one has interest in.
Do not confuse with the use where に対して indicates two contrasting actions, states, situations, etc.

Front 405

日本語や中国語を勉強して、アジアの国々に対する見方が変わった。

Back 405

Upon studying Japanese and Chinese, my view with regard to Asian countries has changed.

Hint 405

N1 に対する N2

"toward; for; in; with regard to"

This grammar marks something to/toward/about which one does something, or mark someone to/toward whom one does something or owes something.
In different contexts, it can mark something one has interest in.
Do not confuse with the use where に対して indicates two contrasting actions, states, situations, etc."toward; for; in; with regard to"

This grammar marks something to/toward/about which one does something, or mark someone to/toward whom one does something or owes something.
In different contexts, it can mark something one has interest in.
Do not confuse with the use where に対して indicates two contrasting actions, states, situations, etc.

Front 406

よく勉強したんだから、１００点を取っても、驚くことないよ。

Back 406

You studied often, so even if you get 100%, there is no need to be surprised.

Hint 406

V-plain.non-past すること（は）ない
"don't have to ~; don't need to ~; It's not necessary to ~; There is no need to ~"
In casual conversation the は may drop.

Front 407

スミスさんは、日本語が上手だ。なぜかというと、日本に住んでいたからだ。

Back 407

Smith is skillful with Japanese. The reason for this is that she lived in Japan for a long time.

Hint 407

{どうして／なぜ} かというと
〜から {だ/です／etc.}

"The reason is (that) ~; Because ~"
If the sentence starts with どうして／なぜ it must end with から　だ／です。

Front 408

私は辛い食べ物が好きだから、どちらというと日本語料理より、韓国料理の方が好きだ。

Back 408

I like spicy food, so if I have to decide, I like Korean food over Japanese food.

Hint 408

どちらかというと
"if anything; rather; if I have to decide"

This is a set phrase.

Front 409

次に発表する人は、誰かというと、田中さんです。

Back 409

The person presenting after that, if I were to tell you who, is Tanaka.

Hint 409

{いつ／だれ／どのぐらい} かというと
"to tell you when/who/etc.~ (it is ~)."

Question word + かというと literally means "if I were to tell you who/what/when/etc." In general this phrase is used to emphasize the information which follows or to delay providing the information in order to keep the hearer in suspense or to stall while recalling it.

Front 410

A. 頭が痛いです。
B. それなら、すぐに寝た方がいいよ。

Back 410

A. My head hurts.

B. If that's the case, it'd be better to lay down.

Hint 410

それなら
"If that's the case; If so"

それ meaning "that" refers to the speaker's previous statement of the statement which was just made by the hearer.

Front 411

漢字が難しいと思っている学生は少なくない。

Back 411

Plenty of students think that kanji are difficult.

Hint 411

N {は／が／も}　少なくない

"many; much; plenty of; not a few'

少なくない is a double negative meaning "many; much" and is commonly used in written language. It cannot modify nouns. For ex. 少なくない人 is a BAD expression.

Front 412

インタネットを通して、色々な情報を得ることが出来る。

Back 412

You can obtain various information via the internet.

Hint 412

N を通して
"through; via"

を通して indicates a medium (X) through which someone does something or something happens. X can be things, people, activities or actions.

Front 413

昨夜から今朝にかけて、たくさん雨が降った。

Back 413

From last night to this morning it rained alot.

Hint 413

N1 から N2 にかけて
"from N1 to N2"

indicates a span of time or space and is used primarily in written language.

Front 414

ここから隣の町にかけて、スーパーやレストランが並んでいるので、道がとても混む。

Back 414

Supermarkets are lined up from here to the next town, so the street is very crowded.

Hint 414

N1 から N2 にかけて
"from N1 to N2"

indicates a span of time or space and is used primarily in written language.

Front 415

今の気温は華氏 (fahrenheit) で50度だから、摂氏で言うと10度ぐらいだ。

Back 415

The temperature right now is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so in terms of Celsius its about 10 degrees.

Hint 415

"in terms of; in; according to; from the viewpoint of"

で言うと is used to restate something according to a different system or framework (e.g. a calendar, a measurement system, a language, a country's history)

Front 416

各国の代表者が集めって、テロの犯罪について会議を開いた。

Back 416

The countries gathered each of their delegates and opened the session related to Terrorism.

Hint 416

各 + N
"each ~; various"

A prefix which adds the meaning "each; various." When the referent of the noun after 各 is unknown, it means "various."

Front 417

ここには各先生のメールアドレスと、各セクションの教室の番号が書いてあります

Back 417

Written here are each teacher's mailing address and each section's classroom's number.

Hint 417

各 + N
"each ~; various"

A prefix which adds the meaning "each; various." When the referent of the noun after 各 is unknown, it means "various."

Front 418

あのレストランは、安いばかりでなく、とてもおいしい。

Back 418

That restaurant is not only inexpensive, it is very delicious.

Hint 418

S ばかりでなく
This structure is similar to XだけでなくY(も). It is usually used in written language.

Front 419

京都には日本内からばかりなく、世界中から観光客が来る。

Back 419

There are not only native Japanese in Kyoto, but sightseers from all over the world.

Hint 419

N1(part) ばかりでなく N2(part) +(も）
This structure is similar to XだけでなくY(も). It is usually used in written language.

Front 420

このさむらい風の人形は、いくらですか。

Back 420

How much is this doll that looks like a samurai?

Hint 420

N1 風の N2
"~style; ~type; look like"

風 is a suffix and is added to nouns to make no-adjectives. X風 means "X style/type" or "looks like X"

Front 421

このドレスは着物風だ。

Back 421

This dress is kimono style.

Hint 421

N風だ。
"~style; ~type; look like"

風 is a suffix and is added to nouns to make no-adjectives. X風 means "X style/type" or "looks like X"

Front 422

言葉は時代と共に変化する。

Back 422

Words evolve along with the era.

Hint 422

Nと共に
"with; along with; as"

indicates that someone does something or that something happens with N.

Front 423

みんなが同時に話さないで、一人ずつ順番話して下さい。

Back 423

Don't all talk at the same time, talk one at a time, in turns, please.

Hint 423

{Number +(counter)} +ずつ
"per/a; at a time; each; (little) by (little)"

The number/amount X+ずつ indicates that someone does something (or something happens) with X as the unit.

Front 424

ホテルのビュッフェで色々な種類の料理をちょっとずつ食べてみた。

Back 424

Little by little I tried the various types of food at the hotel's buffet.

Hint 424

non-specific amount expression + ずつ
"per/a; at a time; each; (little) by (little)"

The number/amount X+ずつ indicates that someone does something (or something happens) with X as the unit.

Front 425

このゲームは子供から大人に至るまで、誰でも楽しめます。

Back 425

From children all the way to adults, anyone can enjoy this game.

Hint 425

N1 から N2 に至まで
"from N1 all the way through N2; from N1 to even N2."

This construction indicates a span of time or space and emphasizes the size of that span at the same time. It can also be used for other than spatial or temporal spans, as seen here.
Primarily used in written language.

Front 426

友達同士で話し合って下さい。

Back 426

Talk among your friends, please.

Hint 426

N同士 {が／で／を}

Indicates that Ns do something together, that Ns do something to/for/against each other, or that someone puts Ns together in some way.

Front 427

自分で出来ることば、自分ですべきだ。

Back 427

Things that you can do yourself, you ought to do yourself.

Hint 427

V. plain.non-past.aff　べき
{だ／じゃない／ではない／だった／じゃなかった／ではなかった}

"should; ought to"

The auxillary べき expresses the speaker's strong judgment that one should do something.

The form of する before べき can be either す or する, as in すべき or するべき。

Front 428

空の様子からすると、夕方には雨になるようだ。

Back 428

Judging from the state of the sky, tonight it will be rain.

Hint 428

Nからすると
"judging from~"

Introduces the source or basis for the speaker's conjecture or judgment. The information can be of any sort including visual or verbal.

Front 429

思わぬ結果になって、びっくりしている。

Back 429

An unthought of result occurred, it gave us a shock.

Hint 429

V-nai ぬ
"not"

ぬ is a verb ending from classical Japanese and is equivalent to ない in meaning and form. In modern Japanese, it often appears in set phrases.

Front 430

日本の国土は狭そうに思われているが、数字の上で見ると、そうでもない。

Back 430

Japan's national land is thought of as narrow, but if you look at it in terms of numbers, it isn't so.

Hint 430

N のうえで
"in terms of; from the viewpoint of ~; as far as ~ is concerned; according to ~"

Nの上で and N上 are used to indicate that the speaker's statement refers only to N.
Commonly used in written language.

Front 431

翻訳の上での間違いが、お互いの国の間に誤解を生んでしまった。

Back 431

As far as the translation is concerned, it's mistakes birthed misunderstanding between the countries.

Hint 431

N1 の上での N2

"in terms of; from the viewpoint of ~; as far as ~ is concerned; according to ~"

Nの上で and N上 are used to indicate that the speaker's statement refers only to N.
Commonly used in written language.

Front 432

田中さんは、健康上の問題があって、仕事を辞めた。

Back 432

Tanaka, as far as health is concerned, has problems so he quit work.

Hint 432

N1 上の N2

"in terms of; from the viewpoint of ~; as far as ~ is concerned; according to ~"

Nの上で and N上 are used to indicate that the speaker's statement refers only to N.
Commonly used in written language.

Front 433

日本の歴史上、明治維新は大きい意味を持っている。

Back 433

According to Japanese history, the Meiji Restoration has a profound (big) meaning.

Hint 433

N 上

"in terms of; from the viewpoint of ~; as far as ~ is concerned; according to ~"

Nの上で and N上 are used to indicate that the speaker's statement refers only to N.
Commonly used in written language.

Front 434

奈良は京都と並んで、古い歴史のある町で、日本の首都だたこともある。

Back 434

Nara, just like Kyoto, is a city with a long history (old history) and was once Japan's capitol.

Hint 434

N と並んで
"as well as; just like"

Is used when introducing one or more examples to be compared to the subject of the sentence.

It is used primarily in written language.

Front 435

おそらく来年は、日本に行けるだろう。

Back 435

I'm supposing I probably will be able to go to Japan next year.

Hint 435

おそらく〜だろう
"probably"

おそらく means "probably" and usually occurs with the conjecture auxiliaries だろう or でしょう。

Front 436

彼と私の考えはまったく同じだ。

Back 436

His and my thoughts are exactly the same!

Hint 436

まったく {V/A/ANo/(の)N/Ano}

"totally; utterly; entirely; completely; extremely; absolutely; really"

used for emphasis in affirmative sentences. often used to express the speaker's emotion.

In negative sentences, it indicates complete negation.
It is used with verbs (often in potential form) and i-adjectives in negative sentences.
まったく〜（という）わけではない indicates partial negation.

Front 437

このレポートはまったくだめだ。

Back 437

This report is completely bad.

Hint 437

まったく {V/A/ANo/(の)N/Ano}

"totally; utterly; entirely; completely; extremely; absolutely; really"

used for emphasis in affirmative sentences. often used to express the speaker's emotion.

In negative sentences, it indicates complete negation.
It is used with verbs (often in potential form) and i-adjectives in negative sentences.
まったく〜（という）わけではない indicates partial negation.

Front 438

このカレーは辛すぎて、まったく食べられない。

Back 438

This curry is too spicy, I can't eat it at all.

Hint 438

まったく〜ない
"not ~ at all; not ~ in the least"

used for emphasis in affirmative sentences. often used to express the speaker's emotion.

In negative sentences, it indicates complete negation.
It is used with verbs (often in potential form) and i-adjectives in negative sentences.
まったく〜（という）わけではない indicates partial negation.

Front 439

納豆は嫌いだが、まったく食べられないというわけではない。

Back 439

I hate Natto, but it's not that I totally can't eat it.

Hint 439

まったく〜（という）わけではない
"It's not that ~ totally/completely/extremely/etc."
used for emphasis in affirmative sentences. often used to express the speaker's emotion.

In negative sentences, it indicates complete negation.
It is used with verbs (often in potential form) and i-adjectives in negative sentences.
まったく〜（という）わけではない indicates partial negation.

Front 440

いったいあなたは何を考えてそんなことをしたんですか。

Back 440

What on earth were you thinking to do such a thing!?

Hint 440

いったい QW

"(what, who, where, how, etc.) on earth"

いったい is an intensifier used with questions. It usually occurs immediately preceding the question word, but it may appear in other locations before the QW, as seen here.

Front 441

いったいいつ終わるのだろうか。

Back 441

When on earth will (this/it) end?

Hint 441

いったい QW

"(what, who, where, how, etc.) on earth"

いったい is an intensifier used with questions. It usually occurs immediately preceding the question word, but it may appear in other locations before the QW.

Front 442

この絵はモネによって描かれたとされているが、絵の中にモネのサインは入っていない。

Back 442

It is believed that this painting was painted by Monet, but Monet's signature is not in the painting.

Hint 442

S-plain　とされている
"it is thought/believed/considered that~; ~ is considered/believed to ~"

This is used to introduce a commonly accepted idea or belief.

Front 443

家に帰って、いつも第一にすることは、Eメールのチェックだ。

Back 443

When I go home, the thing I always do first is check my email.

Hint 443

第一 に V
"first; first of all; to begin with; the first; the primary"

Front 444

試験に合格できた第一の理由は、覚えた言葉や漢字が全部試験に出たことだ。

Back 444

The primary reason I passed the exam was that all the words and kanji I remembered were on it.

Hint 444

第一 のN
"first; first of all; to begin with; the first; the primary"

Front 445

彼女の第一印象は悪かったのに、なぜか私と彼女はとてもいい友達になった。

Back 445

Even though the first impression of her was bad, somehow she and I became good friends.

Hint 445

第一 N
"first; first of all; to begin with; the first; the primary"

Front 446

私のモットーは「健康が第一」です。

Back 446

My motto is "Health first!"

Hint 446

N が第一 だ。
"first; first of all; to begin with; the first; the primary"

Front 447

この大学の図書館には、アジア経済に関する本がたくさんあります。

Back 447

In this university's library there are many books concerning Asian economics.

Hint 447

N1 に関する N2
formal
"with regard to; concerning; regarding; about; on; related to"

Front 448

和紙の利用法に関して調べてみたら、とても面白いことがわかった。

Back 448

After researching about how to use Japanese paper, you will learn very interesting things.

Hint 448

N に関して V
formal
"with regard to; concerning; regarding; about; on; related to"

について is similar in meaning to に関して, but is less formal and is used in both written and spoken language.

Front 449

コンピュータの知識に関しては、彼が一番だと思う。

Back 449

With regard to knowledge of computers, I think he is best.

Hint 449

N に関して は S
formal
"with regard to; concerning; regarding; about; on; related to"

について is similar in meaning to に関して, but is less formal and is used in both written and spoken language.

Front 450

現代人にとって、コンピュータのない生活は考えられないだろう。

Back 450

To the modern person, a lifestyle without the computer is probably inconceivable.

Hint 450

N {は／なんて} 考えられない
"unimaginable; inconceivable; unthinkable"

Front 451

漢字が800も書けるようになるなんて、日本語の勉強を始めた時には考えられなかった。

Back 451

To become able to write as many as 800 kanji was unimaginable when I first started studying Japanese.

Hint 451

S-plain {ということは／なんて} 考えられない
"unimaginable, unthinkable, inconeivable"

Front 452

将来は、自分の能力を生かすことが出来る会社で働きたい。

Back 452

In the future, I want to work at a company where I can make the most of my abilities.

Hint 452

生かす
"make the most of; make the best use of; use effectively; maintain"

生かす means literally "to keep alive," but it is also used to mean "to make the most of one's ability, etc"

Front 453

土の中から魚の骨や貝などが出てきたことから、ここは大昔海だったということが分かった。

Back 453

We understood that this place was a sea a long time ago from the fact that shells and fish bones came out of the earth here.

Hint 453

ことから
"because; from the fact that"

ことから is used to express a reason

Front 454

早く辞書なしで新聞が読めるようになりたい。

Back 454

I want to become able to read a news paper quickly, without a dictionary.

Hint 454

N なし で　V
"without ~; with no ~"

Front 455

今はもうコンピュータなしの生活は考えられない。

Back 455

At this time, life without a computer is unimaginable.

Hint 455

N なし の　N
"without ~; with no ~"

Front 456

ダイエット中だから、今日はデザートなしだ。

Back 456

I'm in the middle of dieting, so (I'll go with) no desert today.

Hint 456

N なし だ。

"without ~; with no ~"

Front 457

今年こそ日本に留学したいと思っている。

Back 457

I think that I will definitely study abroad in Japan this year.

Hint 457

N こそ
"the very ~; It is that~; in particular; precisely; definitely; only (when, by doing, etc~)"

こそ emphasizes the preceding word, phrase or clause. When こそ is used, the particles は、が and を drop.

Front 458

スタジアムに行って実際に見てこそ本当の面白さが分かるのだ。

Back 458

Only by going to the stadium and seeing it in real life can you understand the interest of it.

Hint 458

V-te こそ

"the very ~; It is that~; in particular; precisely; definitely; only (when, by doing, etc~)"

こそ emphasizes the preceding word, phrase or clause. When こそ is used, the particles は、が and を drop.

Front 459

大きい音に驚いて、ガムを飲み込んでしまった。

Back 459

Surprised by a loud sound, I gulped down (swallowed deeply) my gum.

Hint 459

V−masu　込む
"in; into; deeply; heavily; thoroughly; completely"

The compound verb base 込む can mean one of 4 things:

(A) Taking or putting something/someone into something {飲み込む}

Front 460

昨日は久しぶりに会った友達と一晩中話し込んで、徹夜してしまった。

Back 460

Yesterday, I got deep into conversation with a friend I hadn't seen in a while and ended up pulling an all-nighter.

Hint 460

V−masu　込む
"in; into; deeply; heavily; thoroughly; completely"

The compound verb base 込む can mean one of 4 things:
(c) being heavily involved in something {話し込む}

Front 461

その子は水に飛び込む気持ちにはどうしてもなれなかった。

Back 461

He could not bring himself to jump into the water.

Hint 461

V−masu　込む
"in; into; deeply; heavily; thoroughly; completely"

The compound verb base 込む can mean one of 4 things:
(B) getting into something {飛び込む}

Front 462

自分は絶対に正しいと思い込んでいる人とは、あまりはなしたくない。

Back 462

I don't really want to talk to people who are convinced that they are always right.

Hint 462

V−masu　込む
"in; into; deeply; heavily; thoroughly; completely"

The compound verb base 込む can mean one of 4 things:
(D) doing something thoroughly and completely {思い込む}

Front 463

キムさんってさあ、フランス語がペラペラなんだけど、日本語も上手なんだってさ。

Back 463

About Kim, you know, she's good at French, but also good at Japanese, you know.

Hint 463

phrase/clause/sentence さ(あ)
"(you know)"

さ occurs after phrases, clauses, or sentences in very casual conversation. One function is to catch the hearer's attention, but it is also used as a filler with no meaning.

Front 464

私が住んでいるアパートは、周りが静かなだけでなく安全でもあるので、学生に人気がある。

Back 464

As far as the apartment where I live, the surrounds are quiet and also safe, so it is popular with students.

Hint 464

N／ANa でもある
"be also"

X は Y でもある. OR
X は Y でもあり、Z でもある。
Are used to introduce another property of X when X has more than one property.

Front 465

今日は朝からずっと雨が降った。

Back 465

It rained all the way through today since morning.

Hint 465

ずっと
"all the time; all along; all the way; all through ~; throughout~; ever (since); never (since)"

ずっと means that a state or action is ongoing, from one point in time to another point in time (often the moment of speech)

Front 466

今から2,3時間、図書館に勉強しに行ってきます。

Back 466

In 2-3 hours from now, I will go to the library to study.

Hint 466

Number1, Number2 + Counter

"(2 or 3) days/times/etc.; (3,4) hours/cars/etc."

Two successive numbers are used to indicate an approximate number or amount

Front 467

今のままだと、地球温暖化は止まらない。

Back 467

If things remain the same as now, earth's global warming will not stop.

Hint 467

N
のままだ
"remain the same as ~"

まま indicates that the state of X remains unchanged or that someone does something without changing the current state of X.

Front 468

あのまま日本に残っていたら、もっと日本語が上手になっただろう。

Back 468

After remaining in Japan in that way, you became more skillful with japanese, didn't you?

Hint 468

DemAまま
"remain the same as ~"
まま indicates that the state of X remains unchanged or that someone does something without changing the current state of X.

Front 469

このお菓子は、冷たいまま食べるより、電子レンジで温めた方がおいしく食べられますよ。

Back 469

As for this confectionary, instead of eating it still cold, as it is, if you heat it in the microwave it'll be more delicious to eat.

Hint 469

Aまま（で）V
"V with ~; V while ~; V as (it is); V without ~"

まま indicates that the state of X remains unchanged or that someone does something without changing the current state of X.

Front 470

これはこのままにする。

Back 470

Leave this as it is.

Hint 470

Xままにする。
"leave ~ as (it is)"

"remain the same as ~"

まま indicates that the state of X remains unchanged or that someone does something without changing the current state of X.

Front 471

彼は２０代で会社を作り、３０代で、大金持ちになった。

Back 471

In his 20s he built a company, and in his 30s he became a very wealthy person.

Hint 471

10/20/30/etc.　＋ 代
"one's teens/twenties/ thirties/etc."

The suffix 代 is used with ten or its multiples to describe someone's approximate age.

Front 472

1980年代の後半から1990年代の初めにかけての日本の経済は「バブル経済」と呼ばれている。

Back 472

Japan's economy from the last half of the 1980s to the beginning of the 1990s is called "bubble economy."

Hint 472

1900/1910/1920/etc. + 年代
"1990s/1910s/1920s/etc."

the suffix 代 is used with 10 or its multiples and 年 to refer to a certain decade.

Front 473

日本では秋になると仕事の面接に行くスーツ姿の学生が増える。

Back 473

When it turns to fall in Japan, students wearing suits for going to job interviews increases.

Hint 473

N　(の）姿
"in ~; wearing ~;

姿 means "appearance; figure". It is used to describe someone's external appearance, i.e. someone's form or physical form or physical appearance; someone's appearance in certain clothing; or the ay someone appears when he/she is doing something.

Front 474

母が病気で苦しむ姿を見て、私は将来医者になろうと心に決めた。

Back 474

Seeing the way my mother suffered from illness, I decided in my heart to become a doctor in the near future.

Hint 474

V-plain.non-past 姿
"the way one V"


姿 means "appearance; figure". It is used to describe someone's external appearance, i.e. someone's form or physical form or physical appearance; someone's appearance in certain clothing; or the ay someone appears when he/she is doing something.

Front 475

今日は朝から、雨が降ってはやみ、降ってはやみしていて嫌な天気だ。

Back 475

From morning today, it rained and stopped and rained and stopped over and over again; it was nasty weather.

Hint 475

V1-te　は V2
"V1 and V2 repeatedly/over and over again/many times/etc."

The construction of VteはV is used when a set of actions is repeated over a period of time. It can be said once, or repeated, as here.

Front 476

子供の頃は、毎年夏休みになると、家族と海に泳ぎに行ったものだ。

Back 476

During my childhood, ever summer break my family and I would go to swim in the sea.

Hint 476

V-plain.non-past ものだ
"used to ~; would"

V-plain.past ものだ is used to describe in a nostalgic fashion what someone did or what happened in the past

Front 477

毎日日本語で話すようにしていると、だんだん上手に話せるようになりますよ。

Back 477

If you are trying to speak in Japanese every day, you will gradually become able to speak skillfully.

Hint 477

だんだn
"gradually; little by little; bit by bit"

だんだん is used to indicate that a state changes gradually. Thus, it often occurs with ~ていく; 〜てくる；〜くなる；〜になる；〜ようになる

Front 478

暖かくなるにつれて、雪が溶け、木が緑になっていく。

Back 478

With it becoming warm, the snow will melt and the trees will turn green.

Hint 478

V-non-past.aff につれて
"as ~; with ~"

Xにつれて indicates that omething takes place as X occurs. X can be either a verb or the stem of a suru-V.

Front 479

技術の進歩につれて、私達の生活は便利になった。

Back 479

With the progress of technology our lives became more convenient.

Hint 479

Nにつれて
"as ~; with ~"

Xにつれて indicates that omething takes place as X occurs. X can be either a verb or the stem of a suru-V.

Front 480

今日中にこのレポートを書き上げてしまわなければならない。

Back 480

Before today is over I must finish writing up this report.

Hint 480

書き上げる
transitive
"to write out or down; to finish writing"

Affixed to the end of masu-stems of verbs, 上げる forms compound verbs, adding meanings such as "finish something up," "upward," or "to a great extent." The meaning is determined by the preceeding verb.

Front 481

この荷物は重すぎて誰も持ち上げることは出来ない。

Back 481

This luggage is too heavy, nobody can lift it up.

Hint 481

持ち上げる
transitive
"1: to elevate; to raise; to lift up;
2: to flatter; to extol; to praise to the sky"

Affixed to the end of masu-stems of verbs, 上げる forms compound verbs, adding meanings such as "finish something up," "upward," or "to a great extent." The meaning is determined by the preceeding verb.

Front 482

日本語を勉強している学生が、自分達で日本語のブログサイトを立ち上げた。

Back 482

The Japanese language students started up a Japanese blog site all by themselves.

Hint 482

立ち上げる
（V-masu 上げる）
transitive
"to start (something); to start up; to boot (a computer)"

Affixed to the masu-stems of verbs, 上げる forms compound verbs, adding meanings such as "finish something up," "upward" or "to a great extent." the meaning is determined by the preceding verb.

Front 483

泥棒はコンビニの店員を縛り上げて、レジのお金を盗んで行った。

Back 483

The thief tied up the convenience store clerk, then went and stole money from the register.

Hint 483

縛り上げる
（V-masu 上げる）
transitive
”to bind (tie) up”

Affixed to the masu-stems of verbs, 上げる forms compound verbs, adding meanings such as "finish something up," "upward" or "to a great extent." the meaning is determined by the preceding verb.

Front 484

この岩を磨き上げてください。

Back 484

Please polish up this rock.

Hint 484

磨き上げる
(V-masu 上げる）
transitive
"to polish up; to shine up"

Affixed to the masu-stems of verbs, 上げる forms compound verbs, adding meanings such as "finish something up," "upward" or "to a great extent." the meaning is determined by the preceding verb.

Front 485

2行目から10行目まで、読み上げた。

Back 485

I read loud and clearly lines 2-10.

Hint 485

読み上げる
(V-masu 上げる)
transitive
"to read out loud (and clearly); to call a roll"

Affixed to the masu-stems of verbs, 上げる forms compound verbs, adding meanings such as "finish something up," "upward" or "to a great extent." the meaning is determined by the preceding verb.

Front 486

会社への行きがけに銀行によって、お金をおろして行こう。

Back 486

On our way to the company, let's stop at (by means of) the bank and withdraw money.

Hint 486

V-masu がけに
"on one's way"

がけに is used with the masu-stem of motion verbs like 行く、来る、and 帰る to mean "on one's way."

Front 487

日本に行ったら
英語は使わないでなるべく日本語だけで生活するつもりだ。

Back 487

If I go to Japan, I plan on not using English and speaking just Japanese to live.

Hint 487

N だけで
"just N (is fine/enough/etc.)

N/Vだけで is used to express the idea that X or just doing X is fine or good enough or that one can do something just with X or by doing X.

Front 488

この植木は２週間に一度水をやるだけでいいですよ。

Back 488

Just watering this plant once in two weeks time is enough.

Hint 488

{V-plain.non-past/N} だけで {いい／十分だ／etc.}

"just with ~; just by V-ing (is fine/enough/etc.)

N/Vだけで is used to express the idea that X or just doing X is fine or good enough or that one can do something just with X or by doing X.

Front 489

「飲むだけでやせられる薬」などという広告は信じない方がいいですよ。

Back 489

It's better not to believe advertisements that say things like "just by taking this medicine, you'll lose weight!"

Hint 489

V1-plain だけで V2

"just with ~; just by V-ing (is fine/enough/etc.)

N/Vだけで is used to express the idea that X or just doing X is fine or good enough or that one can do something just with X or by doing X.

Front 490

この読み物は、あまりにも漢字が多すぎて、何か書いてあるのかまったく理解できない。

Back 490

In this reading material there are way too many kanji, I can't understand what's written here at all.

Hint 490

あまりに（も）
"too; excessively; so"

あまりに（も） indicates that the degree of something is excessively high. It is commonly used in formal language.

Front 491

隣の家のパーテイがあまりにうるさかったので、警察を連絡した。

Back 491

The next door neighbor's party was excessively loud, so I contacted the police.

Hint 491

あまりに（も）{A/Anaだ}

"too; excessively; so"

あまりに（も） indicates that the degree of something is excessively high. It is commonly used in formal language.

Front 492

あまりに便利な生活は、人間を駄目にすると思う。

Back 492

I think an excessively convenient lifestyle is not good for a person.

Hint 492

あまりに（も）{Adv/ANa/A-stem く}

"too; excessively; so"

あまりに（も） indicates that the degree of something is excessively high. It is commonly used in formal language.

Front 493

漢字を覚えるにはフラッシュカードを作るのが一番です。

Back 493

(It is my opinion that) in order to be able to memorize kanji, making flashcards is the best.

Hint 493

V-plain.non-past.aff には
"to; in order to; for; for the purpose of; when"

には　indicates purpose in general statements (often stating the speaker's judgement about an action in terms of its effectiveness, convenience, necessity, etc.). には can also mean "when" (=時には). Verbs or nouns can precede には.

Note that when ために is used, the predicate in the main clause describes an action. Such that:
Xには Y, where Y is a judgment
and never an action

XためにY, where Y is an action and never a judgement.

AND, XためにはY, where Y is a judgment, never an action

Front 494

海外旅行には、このスーツケースを持って行くと便利ですよ。

Back 494

When you travel overseas, to take this suitcase with you will be convenient.

Hint 494

N (of a VN, or direct object of する) には

"to; in order to; for; for the purpose of; when"

には　indicates purpose in general statements (often stating the speaker's judgement about an action in terms of its effectiveness, convenience, necessity, etc.). には can also mean "when" (=時には). Verbs or nouns can precede には.

Note that when ために is used, the predicate in the main clause describes an action. Such that:
Xには Y, where Y is a judgment
and never an action

XためにY, where Y is an action and never a judgement.

AND, XためにはY, where Y is a judgment, never an action

Front 495

先生の説明を聞いて、この言葉の意味はだいたい分かったけれど、まだ上手に使えない。

Back 495

Upon hearing the teacher's explanation, I mostly understood the meaning of this word, but I still can't use it skillfully.

Hint 495

だいたいV
"mostly V; nearly V; almost V"

だいたい means "most, almost, nearly (all), approximate." The meaning changes depending on what it modifies.

Front 496

この大学では、だいたいの学生がアルバイトをしている。

Back 496

At this university, most students have part time jobs.

Hint 496

だいたいの N

"most N; almost all N; approximate N; rough N"


だいたい means "most, almost, nearly (all), approximate." The meaning changes depending on what it modifies.

Front 497

だいたいの数は分かりますが、正確な数は調べてみないと分かりません。

Back 497

I know the approximate number, but if I don't look it up I don't know the accurate number.

Hint 497

だいたい　number/amount
"approximately number/amount"

だいたい means "most;almost; nearly(all); approximate."
The meaning changes depending on what だいたい modifies.

Front 498

７時から大学ホールにおいて学生会議が行います。

Back 498

The student meeting will occur in the University Hall from 7:00.

Hint 498

N1 において V
"in;at;on;during"

The compound particle における indicate the place or time of an action, event, or state. The pre-verbal form is において.
Both are used only in formal language.

Front 499

アジアにおける歴史に関する問題は、解決が難しそうです。

Back 499

Problems related to history in asia are seemingly difficult to find a resolution for.

Hint 499

N1 における N2

"in;at;on;during"

The compound particle における indicate the place or time of an action, event, or state. The pre-verbal form is において.
Both are used only in formal language.

Front 500

暑いのは好きではないが、寒いのもまた苦手だ。

Back 500

I don't like heat, but I also dislike the cold.

Hint 500

もまた
"as well; also; too"

In this usage もまた means the same as も; however it is more emphatic and formal than も.

Front 501

なんだ、まだ宿題終わってないの。早くしないと、授業がはじまっちゃうよ。

Back 501

oh, you haven't finished your homework yet?! If you don't finish quickly, class will start (before you're done)!

Hint 501

なんだ
"oh!"

The literal meaning of なんだ is "What is X?" However it can also be used to express the speaker's slight surprise。
Used only in very casual conversation.

Front 502

ほら、これ、見て。リリーが子犬の時の写真。かわいいねえ。

Back 502

Come on, look at this! It's a picture from when Lily was a puppy. Cute, huh?

Hint 502

ほら
"Look!; See?; Come on!"

The interjection ほら can be used to draw the hearer's attention to something.
Only used in very casual conversation.

Front 503

盲導犬などのサービスドッグを除いて、病院には犬を連れて入ってはいけません。

Back 503

With the exception of sevice dog s, like guide dogs, you cannot bring a dog with you into the hospital.

Hint 503

N を除いて
"except (for); with the exception of ~; but ~"

除く means "to remove; get rid of." を除いて is used as a compound particle meaning "except."

Front 504

留学中、沖縄を除く日本全国各地を友達と一緒に旅行した。

Back 504

While studying abroad, I traveled together with my friend to every place in all of Japan except Okinawa.

Hint 504

N1 を除く N2
"except (for); with the exception of ~; but ~"

除く means "to remove; get rid of." を除いて is used as a compound particle meaning "except."

Front 505

昭和25年頃、すなわち 1950年頃の日本は、戦争が終わったすぐ後で、みんな貧乏だった。

Back 505

Immediately after the war ended in Japan, around the Showa year 25, that is around 1950, everyone was destitute.

Hint 505

NP1/S1, すなわち NP2/S2
"that is; i.e.; namely"

すなわち

Front 506

受付の仕事は一応私達がやることになっています。

Back 506

It has been decided that will will do reception desk work for the time being.

Hint 506

一応
"for the time being; for now; tentatively; although not perfectly; sort of; just in case"

In this sentence the use means "for the time being"

一応 is used when an action/state is tentative or not quite complete, perfect or satisfactory. It is also used when an action is taken as a precaution.

Front 507

コンピュータがフリーズする問題は一応解決したけれど、まだ、メールが文字化けするという問題が残っている。

Back 507

The problem with the computer freezing was tentatively resolved, but the problem of garbled letters appearing in emails remains.

Hint 507

一応
"for the time being; for now; tentatively; although not perfectly; sort of; just in case"

In this sentence the use means "tentatively"

一応 is used when an action/state is tentative or not quite complete, perfect or satisfactory. It is also used when an action is taken as a precaution.

Front 508

レポートは一応書き上げたけれど、英語のスペルチェックがまだだ。

Back 508

Although not perfectly, the paper is completed; all that remains is English spell check.

Hint 508

一応
"for the time being; for now; tentatively; although not perfectly; sort of; just in case"

In this sentence the use means "although not perfectly"

一応 is used when an action/state is tentative or not quite complete, perfect or satisfactory. It is also used when an action is taken as a precaution.

Front 509

作文はワープロで書いてもいいはずだが、一応、先生に聞いてみよう。

Back 509

It should be ok to write the report in Word Pro, but just in case, I'll try asking the teacher.

Hint 509

一応
"for the time being; for now; tentatively; although not perfectly; sort of; just in case"

In this sentence the use means "just in case"

一応 is used when an action/state is tentative or not quite complete, perfect or satisfactory. It is also used when an action is taken as a precaution.

Front 510

日本でのインターンシップの経験は、私の人生を大きく左右するだろう。

Back 510

I wonder if the experience of an internship in Japan will will have a big influence on my life.

Hint 510

N1 を N2 左右する
"influence; govern"

左右する is most commonly used in written language.

Front 511

今年の冬は、一月、二月共、あまり寒くなった。

Back 511

Winter this year got pretty cold in both January and February.

Hint 511

N1,N2 共（に）
"Both N1 and N2"

The colloquial form is N1もN2も.

Front 512

インターネットの時代に入って、人々の買物の仕方が変わった。

Back 512

Since entering the age of the internet, the way people shop has changed.

Hint 512

N (time period) に {入り/入って (から)}
"since N began; after N began"

N に入る literally means "to enter N," but when N is a noun indicating a time period, the phrase means "N begins." The most common form is N に入り or N に入って（から), meaning "since/after N began."

Front 513

梅雨に入ってから、晴れの日がまったくなくて湿度が高く、気持ちが悪い。

Back 513

Since the rainy season began, there's been absolutely no sunny days, the humidity has been high, and it feel gross.

Hint 513

N (time period) に {入り/入って (から)}
"since N began; after N began"

N に入る literally means "to enter N," but when N is a noun indicating a time period, the phrase means "N begins." The most common form is N に入り or N に入って（から), meaning "since/after N began."

Front 514

江戸時代に入り、和歌より俳句の方が楽しまれるようになった。

Back 514

After the Edo period began, haiku came to be enjoyed more than Waka.

Hint 514

N (time period) に {入り/入って (から)}
"since N began; after N began"

N に入る literally means "to enter N," but when N is a noun indicating a time period, the phrase means "N begins." The most common form is N に入り or N に入って（から), meaning "since/after N began."

Front 515

地球の未来を考えたとき、何よりもまず初めに地球温暖化が問題にされるべきだ。

Back 515

When the Earth's future is thought of, it should be global warming which is brought up as an issue first before all other things.

Hint 515

N/NP が問題に {される／なる}
"X becomes an issue; X is brought up as an issue; X is questioned; X is called into question."

X を 問題にする means "to bring X up as an issue" or "to question X." This phrase is often used in the passive form Xが問題にされる. Xが問題になる is also common. The meaning is the same as that of the passive version.

Front 516

私の母は、未だに携帯電話を持たずに生活している。

Back 516

My mother is still living her life without owning a cell phone.

Hint 516

未だに
"still; (not ~) yet"

indicates that someone of something is in the same state as he/she/it was some time ago. This form is primarily used in written language. In spoken language まだ is used.

Front 517

リサーチを通して、私達がいかにエネルギーを無駄に使っているかを知った。

Back 517

Via research, we came to know how much energy was used wastefully.

Hint 517

いかに〜か
"how; how much; in what way"

This structure occurs as an embedded interrogative sentence, where いかに means "how (much)" or "in what way".

This structure is commonly used in written language.

Front 518

母の料理がいかにおいしいかは、言葉では説明できない。

Back 518

I can't explain with words just how delicious my mother's cooking is.

Hint 518

いかに〜か
"how; how much; in what way"

This structure occurs as an embedded interrogative sentence, where いかに means "how (much)" or "in what way".

This structure is commonly used in written language.

Front 519

この問題をいかに解決すべきか、みんなで話し合わなくては鳴らない。

Back 519

(as for) in what way you ought to solve this problem, you must talk amongst each other (to figure it out).

Hint 519

いかに〜か
"how; how much; in what way"

This structure occurs as an embedded interrogative sentence, where いかに means "how (much)" or "in what way".

This structure is commonly used in written language.

Front 520

この論文はすばらしいと思う。しかしながら、賛成できない点もいくつかある。

Back 520

I think this thesis is amazing, however there are several points which I cannot agree with.

Hint 520

S1. しかしながら S2.
"however, but"

しかしながら is a disjunctive conjunction and appears only in sentence-initial position. It is a highly formal expression and is used typically in written language.

Front 521

このカレーはかなり辛いけれど、食べられないことはない。

Back 521

This curry is considerably spicy, but not to the degree that I can't eat it.

Hint 521

かなり
"considerably; rather; quite; fairly; pretty; quite a lot;

Indicates that the degree of something is not extremely high, but is higher than average.

Front 522

ピアノ、お上手ですね。いつ始められたんですか。

Back 522

You are skilled at piano. When did you start?

Hint 522

る-verbs: V-masu + られる

Passive forms of verbs are used to indicate politeness when the speaker refers to the actions of the hearer or someone to whom the speaker wants to show deference.
However, this use of passive forms does not indicate as high a level of politeness as おV-masu になる or special honorific verbs like いらっしゃる and めし上がる。
Note that the polite form of the auxilliary verb いる is not いられる, but おられる.
The auxilliary verb おられる is less polite than いらっしゃる。

Front 523

先輩、まだ来られないんですか。

Back 523

Has the upperclassman not yet come?

Hint 523

irr-verbs: される;（来=こられる)

Passive forms of verbs are used to indicate politeness when the speaker refers to the actions of the hearer or someone to whom the speaker wants to show deference.
However, this use of passive forms does not indicate as high a level of politeness as おV-masu になる or special honorific verbs like いらっしゃる and めし上がる。
Note that the polite form of the auxilliary verb いる is not いられる, but おられる.
The auxilliary verb おられる is less polite than いらっしゃる。

Front 524

先生はテニスをされるんですね。知りませんでした。

Back 524

The teacher plays tennis, doesn't he/she. I didn't know.

Hint 524

る-verbs: V-masu + られる

Passive forms of verbs are used to indicate politeness when the speaker refers to the actions of the hearer or someone to whom the speaker wants to show deference.
However, this use of passive forms does not indicate as high a level of politeness as おV-masu になる or special honorific verbs like いらっしゃる and めし上がる。
Note that the polite form of the auxilliary verb いる is not いられる, but おられる.
The auxilliary verb おられる is less polite than いらっしゃる。

Front 525

日本では四国に住んでおられたんですか。暖かいし、海もきれいだし、いい所ですよね。

Back 525

You lived in Shikoku of Japan? It's warm and the sea is pretty so it must be a nice place, huh?

Hint 525

る-verbs: V-masu + られる

Passive forms of verbs are used to indicate politeness when the speaker refers to the actions of the hearer or someone to whom the speaker wants to show deference.
However, this use of passive forms does not indicate as high a level of politeness as おV-masu になる or special honorific verbs like いらっしゃる and めし上がる。
Note that the polite form of the auxilliary verb いる is not いられる, but おられる.
The auxilliary verb おられる is less polite than いらっしゃる。

sentence final よね indicates the speaker is unsure about the statement.

Front 526

すみません、あの鉛筆をつかわれますか。

Back 526

I'm sorry, are you using that pencil?

Hint 526

う-verbs: V-nai + れる

Passive forms of verbs are used to indicate politeness when the speaker refers to the actions of the hearer or someone to whom the speaker wants to show deference.
However, this use of passive forms does not indicate as high a level of politeness as おV-masu になる or special honorific verbs like いらっしゃる and めし上がる。
Note that the polite form of the auxilliary verb いる is not いられる, but おられる.
The auxilliary verb おられる is less polite than いらっしゃる。

Front 527

スミス先生は、僕の日本語の先生である森先生を知っておられるそうだ。

Back 527

It seems that Smith-sensei knows my Japanese teacher, Mori-sensei.

Hint 527

V-te いる: V-te おられる

Passive forms of verbs are used to indicate politeness when the speaker refers to the actions of the hearer or someone to whom the speaker wants to show deference.
However, this use of passive forms does not indicate as high a level of politeness as おV-masu になる or special honorific verbs like いらっしゃる and めし上がる。
Note that the polite form of the auxilliary verb いる is not いられる, but おられる.
The auxilliary verb おられる is less polite than いらっしゃる。

Front 528

どんなアパートを借りるかは、家賃次第だ。

Back 528

The kind of apartment I will rent, will depend on the rent.

Hint 528

N次第だ
"depend on N"

When 次第 is affixed to nouns, it means "depend on."

Front 529

漢字の勉強は覚え方次第で大変じゃなくなりますよ。

Back 529

Depending on how you memorize, your difficulties will disappear.

Hint 529

N次第で
"depending on N"

When 次第 is affixed to nouns, it means "depend on."

Front 530

日本人だから漢字をよく知っているとは限らない。

Back 530

It's not necessarily the case that because you are Japanese you know kanji well.

Hint 530

〜とは限らない
"not necessarily~; not always ~; it's not necessarily the case that~"

Xとは限らない means "it's not necessarily the case that X."
だ before とは is optional.

Front 531

自分で、部屋は、毎日ちゃんと掃除して、きちんと片付けておきなさいよ。

Back 531

Properly clean the room everyday, yourself, and tidy up properly.

Hint 531

ちゃんと；きちんと
"neatly; tidily; properly; adequately; in good order; regularly; without fail"

ちゃんと and きちんと both indicate that someone does something neatly, properly, regularly, or without fail (i.e. in the way it is supposed to be done).
ちゃんと is more colloquial than きちんと。

Front 532

日本語を勉強しているんだから、少なくとも一度は日本に行ってみたいと思っている。

Back 532

Since I am studying Japanese, I think I would like to go to Japan at least once.

Hint 532

少なくとも Number (+Counter)

少なくとも means "at least." It can be used with a noun or number (optionally followed by a counter). When は follows a number (+counter), it emphasizes the number.

Front 533

人に何かしてもらったら、少なくともお礼は言った方がいい。

Back 533

If someone does something for you, you should at least thank them.

Hint 533

少なくとも N (は）

少なくとも means "at least." It can be used with a noun or number. When used with a noun, は often follows the noun (or the particle after the noun), indicating that the noun is under focus.

Front 534

海に行きたい人もいれば、山に行きたい人もいて、旅行の計画が全然決まらない。

Back 534

With some people wanting to go the ocean and others wanting to go the mountains, vacation plans won't be settled like this.

Hint 534

N1 も V-cond, N2 も V
"some do ~ and others do ~; do ~ and ~ among other things; sometimes ~ and sometimes ~; there are times when ~ and times when ~; ~ and also ~; ~ and ~ as well"

This structure is used to present actions or states (usually 2) as examples of possible or past actions/states. In many cases the actions/states are contrastive ones.

Front 535

人生は考え方次第で、楽しくもなれば、苦しくも鳴る。

Back 535

Life, depending on how you think, can become fun, and it can also become agonizing.

Hint 535

A-stem くも V-cond ば, 〜も
"some do ~ and others do ~; do ~ and ~ among other things; sometimes ~ and sometimes ~; there are times when ~ and times when ~; ~ and also ~; ~ and ~ as well"

This structure is used to present actions or states (usually 2) as examples of possible or past actions/states. In many cases the actions/states are contrastive ones.

Front 536

この仕事は危険でもあれば大変でもある。しかし、誰かがやらなければならないのだ。

Back 536

This work is sometimes dangerous and sometimes difficult. But somebody has to do it.

Hint 536

ANa {に／で} も V-cond ば、〜も
"some do ~ and others do ~; do ~ and ~ among other things; sometimes ~ and sometimes ~; there are times when ~ and times when ~; ~ and also ~; ~ and ~ as well"

This structure is used to present actions or states (usually 2) as examples of possible or past actions/states. In many cases the actions/states are contrastive ones.

Front 537

子供の頃は、兄弟とよく遊びもすれば、けんかもしたものだ。

Back 537

During my childhood, there were times when we played and times when we fought.

Hint 537

V1-masu もすれば、V2-masu もする
"some do ~ and others do ~; do ~ and ~ among other things; sometimes ~ and sometimes ~; there are times when ~ and times when ~; ~ and also ~; ~ and ~ as well"

This structure is used to present actions or states (usually 2) as examples of possible or past actions/states. In many cases the actions/states are contrastive ones.

Front 538

一週間のうち、三日はアルバイトに行きます。

Back 538

3 days a week I go to my part time job.

Hint 538

N のうち(で)
"in; of; among"

Xのうち(で）is used to indicate the total entity (X) when presenting a part or portion of X.

Front 539

一週間の旅行のうち、三日間は東京に、後（の）四日間は京都に行く予定だ。

Back 539

Of the week of travel, 3 days will be spent in Tokyo, the remaining 4 days are arranged to be spent in Kyoto.

Hint 539

後（の）Number (+ counter)
"the remaining ~; the remainder of ~; the rest of ~"

This use of 後 should be distinguished from 後 in the following example, where 後 means "~more." In this use, の cannot occur after 後.

このプロジェクトには後三人必要だ。

Front 540

これは私の物です。でも、後の物は全部ルームメートの物です。

Back 540

These things are mine. But the rest of these are all my roommate's things.

Hint 540

後のN

"the remaining ~; the remainder of ~; the rest of ~"

This use of 後 should be distinguished from 後 in the following example, where 後 means "~more." In this use, の cannot occur after 後.

このプロジェクトには後三人必要だ。

Front 541

私にとって何よりも大切なのは、家族の幸せです。

Back 541

To me, what is important above all else is the happiness of my family.

Hint 541

何より（も）
"before everything; above all; first of all; more than anything else; the most ~"

Front 542

日本語を勉強しているんだから、少なくとも一度は日本に行ってみたいと思っている。

Back 542

Since I am studying Japanese, I think I would like to go to Japan at least once.

Hint 542

少なくとも Number (+Counter)

少なくとも means "at least." It can be used with a noun or number (optionally followed by a counter). When は follows a number (+counter), it emphasizes the number.

Front 543

人に何かしてもらったら、少なくともお礼は言った方がいい。

Back 543

If someone does something for you, you should at least thank them.

Hint 543

少なくとも N (は）

少なくとも means "at least." It can be used with a noun or number. When used with a noun, は often follows the noun (or the particle after the noun), indicating that the noun is under focus.

Front 544

海に行きたい人もいれば、山に行きたい人もいて、旅行の計画が全然決まらない。

Back 544

With some people wanting to go the ocean and others wanting to go the mountains, vacation plans won't be settled like this.

Hint 544

N1 も V-cond, N2 も V
"some do ~ and others do ~; do ~ and ~ among other things; sometimes ~ and sometimes ~; there are times when ~ and times when ~; ~ and also ~; ~ and ~ as well"

This structure is used to present actions or states (usually 2) as examples of possible or past actions/states. In many cases the actions/states are contrastive ones.

Front 545

人生は考え方次第で、楽しくもなれば、苦しくも鳴る。

Back 545

Life, depending on how you think, can become fun, and it can also become agonizing.

Hint 545

A-stem くも V-cond ば, 〜も
"some do ~ and others do ~; do ~ and ~ among other things; sometimes ~ and sometimes ~; there are times when ~ and times when ~; ~ and also ~; ~ and ~ as well"

This structure is used to present actions or states (usually 2) as examples of possible or past actions/states. In many cases the actions/states are contrastive ones.

Front 546

この仕事は危険でもあれば大変でもある。しかし、誰かがやらなければならないのだ。

Back 546

This work is sometimes dangerous and sometimes difficult. But somebody has to do it.

Hint 546

ANa {に／で} も V-cond ば、〜も
"some do ~ and others do ~; do ~ and ~ among other things; sometimes ~ and sometimes ~; there are times when ~ and times when ~; ~ and also ~; ~ and ~ as well"

This structure is used to present actions or states (usually 2) as examples of possible or past actions/states. In many cases the actions/states are contrastive ones.

Front 547

子供の頃は、兄弟とよく遊びもすれば、けんかもしたものだ。

Back 547

During my childhood, there were times when we played and times when we fought.

Hint 547

V1-masu もすれば、V2-masu もする
"some do ~ and others do ~; do ~ and ~ among other things; sometimes ~ and sometimes ~; there are times when ~ and times when ~; ~ and also ~; ~ and ~ as well"

This structure is used to present actions or states (usually 2) as examples of possible or past actions/states. In many cases the actions/states are contrastive ones.

Front 548

一週間のうち、三日はアルバイトに行きます。

Back 548

3 days a week I go to my part time job.

Hint 548

N のうち(で)
"in; of; among"

Xのうち(で）is used to indicate the total entity (X) when presenting a part or portion of X.

Front 549

一週間の旅行のうち、三日間は東京に、後（の）四日間は京都に行く予定だ。

Back 549

Of the week of travel, 3 days will be spent in Tokyo, the remaining 4 days are arranged to be spent in Kyoto.

Hint 549

後（の）Number (+ counter)
"the remaining ~; the remainder of ~; the rest of ~"

This use of 後 should be distinguished from 後 in the following example, where 後 means "~more." In this use, の cannot occur after 後.

このプロジェクトには後三人必要だ。

Front 550

これは私の物です。でも、後の物は全部ルームメートの物です。

Back 550

These things are mine. But the rest of these are all my roommate's things.

Hint 550

後のN

"the remaining ~; the remainder of ~; the rest of ~"

This use of 後 should be distinguished from 後 in the following example, where 後 means "~more." In this use, の cannot occur after 後.

このプロジェクトには後三人必要だ。

Front 551

私にとって何よりも大切なのは、家族の幸せです。

Back 551

To me, what is important above all else is the happiness of my family.

Hint 551

何より（も）
"before everything; above all; first of all; more than anything else; the most ~"

Front 552

先生のアドバイスに従って勉強したら、成績がよくなった。

Back 552

After following the advise of my teacher, my grades improved.

Hint 552

〜に従って
literally means "following." In some contexts, it means "in accordance with" or "complying with"

Front 553

昨日は大雪で、授業に来た学生はたったの四人だった。

Back 553

Because of the heavy snow yesterday, only 4 students came to lessons.

Hint 553

たった（の）Number (+counter)
"only"

This is used to emphasize the small amount or number of something.

Front 554

隣の部屋の音楽が気になってしかたがない。うるさすぎる。

Back 554

I cannot help being bothered by the next door neighbor's music. It's too loud.

Hint 554

{V/A}-te しかたがない
"cannot help V-ing; cannot stop feeling ~; so ~; unbearably ~"

てしかたない、てしようがない,etc. literally mean that a situation is such or is occurring and there is no way to escape it. The phrases are used to indicate that the speaker is unable to control his psychological/physiological reactions or bear a sensation or an external situation.　しかたがない and しようがない are interchangeable.

This use is different from the following example, where the しかたがない means "it cannot be helped; there's nothing one can do."
お金がないのだから、留学できないのはしかたがない。

Front 555

昨日は、４時間しか寝られなかったので、眠くてしようがない。

Back 555

Yesterday, I wasn't able to sleep for even 4 hours, so I cannot help feeling sleepy.

Hint 555

{V/A}-te しようがない
"cannot help V-ing; cannot stop feeling ~; so ~; unbearably ~"

てしかたない、てしようがない,etc. literally mean that a situation is such or is occurring and there is no way to escape it. The phrases are used to indicate that the speaker is unable to control his psychological/physiological reactions or bear a sensation or an external situation.
しかたがない and しようがない are interchangeable.

This use is different from the following example, where the しかたがない means "it cannot be helped; there's nothing one can do."
お金がないのだから、留学できないのはしかたがない。

Front 556

来年、日本に行けることになってので、嬉しくてしょうがない。

Back 556

It has turned out that I shall be able to go to Japan next year, I am so happy.

Hint 556

{V/A}-te しょうがない

"cannot help V-ing; cannot stop feeling ~; so ~; unbearably ~"

てしかたない、てしようがない,etc. literally mean that a situation is such or is occurring and there is no way to escape it. The phrases are used to indicate that the speaker is unable to control his psychological/physiological reactions or bear a sensation or an external situation.
しょうがない　i s the colloquial version.

This use is different from the following example, where the しかたがない means "it cannot be helped; there's nothing one can do."
お金がないのだから、留学できないのはしかたがない。

Front 557

昨日から頭が痛くてしかたがない。

Back 557

My head has been hurting unbearably since yesterday.

Hint 557

{A/v}-te しかたがない／しようがない／しょうがない

"cannot help V-ing; cannot stop feeling ~; so ~; unbearably ~"

てしかたない、てしようがない,etc. literally mean that a situation is such or is occurring and there is no way to escape it. The phrases are used to indicate that the speaker is unable to control his psychological/physiological reactions or bear a sensation or an external situation.
しょうがない　i s the colloquial version.

This use is different from the following example, where the しかたがない means "it cannot be helped; there's nothing one can do."
お金がないのだから、留学できないのはしかたがない。

Front 558

あの先生の講義は退屈でしょうがない。

Back 558

That teacher's lectures are unbearably boring.

Hint 558

ANa でしかたがない／しようがない／しょうがない
"cannot help V-ing; cannot stop feeling ~; so ~; unbearably ~"

てしかたない、てしようがない,etc. literally mean that a situation is such or is occurring and there is no way to escape it. The phrases are used to indicate that the speaker is unable to control his psychological/physiological reactions or bear a sensation or an external situation.
しょうがない　i s the colloquial version.

This use is different from the following example, where the しかたがない means "it cannot be helped; there's nothing one can do."
お金がないのだから、留学できないのはしかたがない。

Front 559

大学に入って以来、高校時代の友達に一度も会っていない。

Back 559

Since I entered the university, I've not seen my high school friends once.

Hint 559

V-te 以来
"since"

It is used with V-te or VN referring to an action in the past, or with N indicating a specific time in the past.

Front 560

父は１０年前に亡くなった。それ以来、母は一人で私達兄弟を育ててくれた。

Back 560

Father passed away 10 years ago. Since that time, my mother raised us siblings by herself.

Hint 560

VN/Nいらい
"since ~"

It is used with V-te or VN referring to an action in the past, or with N indicating a specific time in the past.

Front 561

この製品に使われているものは、何から何までリサイクルできます。

Back 561

Every single thing used to make these products is recyclable.

Hint 561

何から何まで
"all; anything and everything; all kinds"
何から何まで means "all" and is more emphatic than 全部, すべて、or みんな. 何から何まで can be used with 全部、みんな、and　すべて。

Front 562

信じられた人にだまされて、何から何まで信じられなくなった。

Back 562

Having been deceived by a trusted person, I became unable to trust anyone or anything at all.

Hint 562

何から何まで
"all; anything and everything; all kinds"

Means "all" and is more emphatic than, and can be used with すべて、みんな、or 全部.

Front 563

友達と大げんかをしたら、その後、かえって仲良なった。

Back 563

I had a huge fight with my friend, but after that, contrary to expectations, we came to be on good terms.

Hint 563

かえって
"on the contrary; rather"

Front 564

楽しみ

Back 564

1: enjoyment; pleasure; diversion; amusement; hobby;
2: anticipation; looking forward to

Hint 564

A-stem み
(only some A can use this form)
"~ness"

When み is affixed to the stems of i-adjectives, a noun is formed. み - affixed nouns usually refer to an aspect of something/someone directly perceived by the speaker and are often more emotive than さ-affixed nouns.

Front 565

悲しみ

Back 565

sadness; sorrow; grief

Hint 565

A-stem み
"~ness"

When み is affixed to the stems of i-adjectives, a noun is formed. み - affixed nouns usually refer to an aspect of something/someone directly perceived by the speaker and are often more emotivethan さ-affixed nouns.

Front 566

重み

Back 566

importance; weight; dignity; emphasis

Hint 566

A-stem み
(only some A can use this form)

"~ness"

When み is affixed to the stems of i-adjectives, a noun is formed. み - affixed nouns usually refer to an aspect of something/someone directly perceived by the speaker and are often more emotivethan さ-affixed nouns.

Front 567

暖かみ

Back 567

warmth

Hint 567

A-stem み
(only some A can use this form)

"~ness"

When み is affixed to the stems of i-adjectives, a noun is formed. み - affixed nouns usually refer to an aspect of something/someone directly perceived by the speaker and are often more emotivethan さ-affixed nouns.

Front 568

甘み

Back 568

sweetness; sugary taste

Hint 568

A-stem み
(only some A can use this form)

"~ness"

When み is affixed to the stems of i-adjectives, a noun is formed. み - affixed nouns usually refer to an aspect of something/someone directly perceived by the speaker and are often more emotivethan さ-affixed nouns.

Front 569

苦み

Back 569

bitterness; bitter taste

Hint 569

A-stem み
(only some A can use this form)

"~ness"

When み is affixed to the stems of i-adjectives, a noun is formed. み - affixed nouns usually refer to an aspect of something/someone directly perceived by the speaker and are often more emotivethan さ-affixed nouns.

Front 570

電車のドアが開くと同時に、多くの人が降りて来た。

Back 570

As soon as the train's doors opened, many people got off of it.

Hint 570

{V/A}-plain.non-pastと同時に
"as soon as; the moment; at the same time; also; as well"

Front 571

この絵本は読んで面白いと同時に、考えさせられる。

Back 571

When you read this book it is interesting and at the same time it makes you think.

Hint 571

{V/A}-plain.non-pastと同時に
"as soon as; the moment; at the same time; also; as well"

Front 572

この車は機能性と同時に安全性についてもよく考えて作られている。

Back 572

These cars are often though to be made with functionality and also safety.

Hint 572

VN/Nと同時に
"as soon as; the moment; at the same time; also; as well"

Front 573

大切であると同時に、古いです。

Back 573

It is precious as well as important.

Hint 573

{ANa/N} {である／じゃない／ではない} と同時に
"as soon as; the moment; at the same time; also; as well"

Front 574

この漢字って、どう読むんだっけ。

Back 574

As for this kanji, how do you read it again?

Hint 574

{V/A}-plain.non-past んだっけ

っけ is a question marker used in very casual conversation. Note that after the non-past forms of V, A and ~ない, んだ must be used before っけ。

Front 575

今、どこの大学に留学してたっけ。

Back 575

Where is the University that you are studied abroad at now?

Hint 575

{V/A}-plain.past (んだ）っけ

っけ is a question marker used in very casual conversation. Note that after the non-past forms of V, A and ~ない, んだ must be used before っけ。

Front 576

これ、いつ買ったんだっけ。

Back 576

When did you buy this?

Hint 576

{V/A}-plain.past (んだ）っけ

っけ is a question marker used in very casual conversation. Note that after the non-past forms of V, A and ~ない, んだ must be used before っけ。

Front 577

この政治家って、衆議院だったっけ。参議院だったっけ。

Back 577

This politician, was he in the lower house or the upper house of representatives.

Hint 577

{ANa/N/QW} だった (んだ) っけ

っけ is a question marker used in very casual conversation. Note that after the non-past forms of V, A and ~ない, んだ must be used before っけ。

Front 578

この電子辞書、いくらだったっけ。

Back 578

How much was this cell phone?

Hint 578

{ANa/N/QW} だった (んだ) っけ

っけ is a question marker used in very casual conversation. Note that after the non-past forms of V, A and ~ない, んだ must be used before っけ。

Front 579

あのレストラン、おいしかったっけ。

Back 579

Is that restaurant good?

Hint 579

{V/A} plain. past. （んだ）っけ

っけ is a question marker used in very casual conversation. Note that after the non-past forms of V, A and ~ない, んだ must be used before っけ。

Front 580

彼、上手じゃなかった（んだ）っけ

Back 580

Is he not skillful?

Hint 580

{ANA/N} じゃなかった（んだ）っけ

っけ is a question marker used in very casual conversation. Note that after the non-past forms of V, A and ~ない, んだ must be used before っけ。

Front 581

彼、上手（なん）だっけ。

Back 581

Is he skillful?

Hint 581

{ANa/N/QW} (なん）だっけ



っけ is a question marker used in very casual conversation. Note that after the non-past forms of V, A and ~ない, んだ must be used before っけ。

Front 582

あの仕事は、立ちっばなしの仕事だから、疲れるに違いない。

Back 582

That work keeps you standing, so (he) must be worn out.

Hint 582

V-masu　っばなしの　N
"keep V-ing; leave"

This is used when someone or something keeps doing X or someone did X but did not finish the action properly.

As in this case, Vっばなし is often used to describe an undesirable situation, but this is not always the case.
Not used in formal language.

Front 583

うちのチームは今日までずっと勝ちっばなしだ。

Back 583

My teaming continued winning today.

Hint 583

V-masu っばなしだ／で
"keep V-ing; leave"

This is used when someone or something keeps doing X or someone did X but did not finish the action properly.

As in this case, Vっばなし is often used to describe an undesirable situation, but this is not always the case.
Not used in formal language.

Front 584

疲れていたので、テレビをつけっばなしにして寝てしまった。

Back 584

Becase I was tired, I fell asleep while leaving the T.V. on.

Hint 584

V-masuっばなしにする
"keep V-ing; leave"

This is used when someone or something keeps doing X or someone did X but did not finish the action properly.

As in this case, Vっばなし is often used to describe an undesirable situation, but this is not always the case.
Not used in formal language.