第１-6 課・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).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。

Front 79

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 79

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

Hint 79

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

Front 80

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 80

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 80

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

Front 81

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 81

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

Hint 81

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

Front 82

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 82

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

Hint 82

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

Front 83

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 83

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

Hint 83

N1と同じくらい／ぐらいN2

Front 84

ドラえモンは実はネコ型ロボットなんです。

Back 84

Doraemon is, in reality, a cat shaped robot.

Hint 84

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

Front 85

私の血液型はAです。

Back 85

My blood type is A.

Hint 85

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

Front 86

父は１９５０年型のキャデラックを持っている。

Back 86

My dad has a 1950 model cadillac.

Hint 86

N1型（の）N2

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

Front 87

大阪、京都、それに奈良にも行った。

Back 87

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

Hint 87

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 88

日本の夏はとても暑い。それに湿度も高い。

Back 88

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

Hint 88

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 89

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 89

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

Hint 89

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 90

あの人が来るのなら、私は帰ります。

Back 90

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

Hint 90

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 91

トムが行くなら、私も行きます。

Back 91

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

Hint 91

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 92

明日なら大丈夫です。

Back 92

If it's tomorrow, I can make it.

Hint 92

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 93

日本語なら読めます。

Back 93

I could read Japanese.

Hint 93

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 94

友達が迎えに来たら、私は帰ります。

Back 94

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

Hint 94

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

Front 95

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 95

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

Hint 95

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 96

毎日、新しい漢字を五つ覚えることにしている。

Back 96

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

Hint 96

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 97

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 97

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

Hint 97

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 98

ゾウは長い鼻をしています。それに、耳も大きいです。

Back 98

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

Hint 98

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 99

きれいな目をした人。

Back 99

The person with pretty eyes.

Hint 99

(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 100

４年間日本語を勉強してきました。

Back 100

I have studied Japanese for four years.

Hint 100

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 101

日本語の文法が面白くなってきました。

Back 101

I'm beginning to find Japanese grammar interesting.

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

これから、もっと暖かくなっていきます。

Back 102

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

Hint 102

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 103

図書館で本を借りて来る。

Back 103

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

Hint 103

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 104

日本に引っ越すことになりました。

Back 104

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

Hint 104

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 105

先生は学生に「漢字を覚えなさい」と言いました。

Back 105

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

Hint 105

"direct Quote"と言う。

Front 106

先生は学生に漢字を覚えるように言いました。

Back 106

The teacher told the students to remember the kanji.

Hint 106

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

Front 107

私は友達に「ノートを見せて下さい」と頼みました。

Back 107

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

Hint 107

"direct quote" と頼みました。

Front 108

私は友達にノートを見せてくれるように頼みました。

Back 108

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

Hint 108

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 109

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 109

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

Hint 109

"direct quote"と言う。

Front 110

私はよく両親に弟をいじめないように言われます。

Back 110

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

Hint 110

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 111

母に薬を持って来てくれるように頼もうか。

Back 111

Did you ask mom to bring the medicine?

Hint 111

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 112

もし文法が間違ってたら、直してくれない？

Back 112

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

Hint 112

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 113

この記事、読むの、手伝ってくれない？

Back 113

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

Hint 113

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 114

今勉強中だから、もうちょっと静かにしてもらえる？

Back 114

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

Hint 114

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 115

明日、九校に迎えに来てもらえない？

Back 115

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

Hint 115

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 116

明日からもっと早く家を出るようにします。

Back 116

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

Hint 116

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 117

春休み何をしようかなあ。

Back 117

I wonder what I'll do for spring break.

Hint 117

〜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 118

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 118

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

Hint 118

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 119

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 119

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

Hint 119

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 120

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 120

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

Hint 120

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 121

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 121

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

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, something happened when someone was going to do something.

Front 122

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 122

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

Hint 122

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 123

日本人は一般的に丁寧だと思われている。

Back 123

It is believed that the Japanese are generally polite.

Hint 123

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 124

日本の食べ物は体にいいと考えられている。

Back 124

Japanese food is considered to be good for the body.

Hint 124

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 125

今日、小テストがあるなんて、知らなかった。

Back 125

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

Hint 125

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 126

寿司が嫌い日本人などという人は聞いたことがない。

Back 126

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 126

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 127

ローラーブレードなどというのは簡単だよ。

Back 127

Things like rollerblading are easy.

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 などというのは

Front 128

「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 128

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

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 などという人は

Front 129

こんなまずい料理をおいしいなどと言ったのは誰だ？

Back 129

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

Hint 129

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 130

朝、起きたら、私わまずコーヒーを飲む。

Back 130

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

Hint 130

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

Front 131

この問題について、グループで話して合って下さい。

Back 131

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

Hint 131

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

Front 132

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 132

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

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

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 133

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 133

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

Front 134

新しい車を買うためにお金をためています。

Back 134

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

Hint 134

(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 135

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 135

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

Hint 135

(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 136

みんなに聞こえるように、大きい声で話して下さい。

Back 136

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

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

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 137

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

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

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 138

once upon a time, in a place...

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

I met someone famous.

Hint 138

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 139

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 139

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

Hint 139

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 140

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 140

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

Hint 140

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 141

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 141

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

Hint 141

(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 142

今日、雨が降るんではないでしょうか。

Back 142

Today I think it might rain.

Hint 142

(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 143

困っている人がいたら迷わず助けてあげる。

Back 143

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

Hint 143

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 144

辞書を見ずに新聞が読めるようになりたいです。

Back 144

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

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

試験はペンで書かずに、鉛筆を使って下さい。

Back 145

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

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

両親に相談せずに、入学することを決めてしまった。

Back 146

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

Hint 146

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 147

日本人は丁寧で親切だ。そういう話をよく聞く。

Back 147

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

Hint 147

（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 148

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 148

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

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) 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 149

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 149

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 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 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 150

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 150

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

Hint 150

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 151

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 151

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

Hint 151

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 152

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 152

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

Hint 152

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 153

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 153

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

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。

Front 154

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 154

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

Hint 154

〜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 155

先生、この文法よく分からないんです。。。

Back 155

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

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 (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 156

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 156

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

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 (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 157

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 157

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

Hint 157

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 158

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 158

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

Hint 158

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 159

世界中、どこに行ってもマクドナルドが食べられる。

Back 159

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

Hint 159

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

Front 160

この漢字何回覚えても、すぐに忘れてしまう。

Back 160

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

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

この問題は、いくら考えても分からない。

Back 161

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

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

試合に負けてどんなに悔しくても、泣いてはいけない。

Back 162

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

Hint 162

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

Front 163

彼はギターがとても上手だ。どんな曲でも弾ける。

Back 163

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

Hint 163

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 164

日本にいるうちに、色々な所に旅行に行きたい。

Back 164

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

Hint 164

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 165

熱いうちに、どうぞ召し上がって下さい。

Back 165

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

Hint 165

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 166

暑くならないうちに、犬の散歩をしてきた方がいいよ。

Back 166

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

Hint 166

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 167

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 167

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

Hint 167

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 168

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 168

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

Hint 168

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 169

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 169

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

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

山田さん、できたら、果物を持って来てくれない。

Back 170

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

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

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 171

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

Hint 171

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 172

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 172

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

Hint 172

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 173

一日当たり５千円もらったことになる。

Back 173

I will mean I received 5 thousand yen per day.

Hint 173

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

Front 174

一時間当たり１０ドル

Back 174

10 dollars per hour

Hint 174

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

Front 175

一人当たりのコスト

Back 175

cost per person

Hint 175

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

Front 176

背が高いのは弟の方だ。でも、足が速いのは僕の方だ。

Back 176

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

Hint 176

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 177

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 177

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

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

一週間に一回はプールで泳ぐようにしている。

Back 178

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

Hint 178

#(+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 179

仕事が忙しくても、昼ご飯だけは食べて下さいね。

Back 179

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

Hint 179

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 180

日本には、本州をはじめ四つの大きな島がある。

Back 180

Japan, starting with Honshuu, has four large islands.

Hint 180

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

Front 181

もうこれ以上は食べられません。

Back 181

I can't eat any more than this.

Hint 181

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

Front 182

１８歳以上の人しか見られません。

Back 182

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

Hint 182

# (+counter) 以上

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

Front 183

プレゼントは５０ドル以下の物にしようと思う。

Back 183

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

Hint 183

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

Front 184

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 184

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 184

＃（＋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 185

私は、愛さえあれば幸せです。

Back 185

As long as I have love, I am happy.

Hint 185

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 186

いい友達さえいれば、他に欲しいものありません。

Back 186

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

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

雨さえ降らなければ、車の運転は怖くない。

Back 187

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

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

20年も乗っていた車がついにうごくなってしまった。

Back 188

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

Hint 188

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 189

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 189

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

Hint 189

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 190

この大学は外国人が多くて、国際化が進んでいる。

Back 190

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

Hint 190

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

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

Front 191

最適化
一般化

Back 191

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

Hint 191

ANo + 化

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

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

Front 192

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 192

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

Hint 192

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 193

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 193

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

Hint 193

〜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 194

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 194

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

Hint 194

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

Front 195

これは、私の子供の時の経験をもとにした小説です。

Back 195

This is the novel based on my childhood experiences.

Hint 195

N1 をもとにした N2
Means: N2 "based on" N1

Front 196

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 196

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

Hint 196

N と同じで
Meaning: "just like N'

Front 197

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 197

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

Hint 197

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 198

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 198

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

Hint 198

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

Front 199

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 199

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

Hint 199

〜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 200

「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 200

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 200

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 201

アメリカ的；歴史的な
文学的な；国際的
一般的；

Back 201

American; historical
literary; international
general

Hint 201

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

Front 202

漢字がもっと簡単に覚えられたらいいのになあ。

Back 202

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

Hint 202

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 203

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 203

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

Hint 203

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 204

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 204

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

Hint 204

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

Front 205

ほとんどの人が彼のことを知っている。

Back 205

Almost all people know him.

Hint 205

ほとんどの N
means Almost all N; most of N

Front 206

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 206

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 206

~(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 207

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 207

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

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

これから公園へサッカーをしに行くところです。

Back 208

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

Hint 208

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

Front 209

話すところ

Back 209

~is about to talk

Hint 209

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 210

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 210

(when) ~is eating

(while) ~ is thinking

(when) ~ is in the midst of calling

Hint 210

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 211

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 211

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

Hint 211

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 212

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 212

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

Hint 212

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 213

なかなか面白いことにき気がつきました。

Back 213

I noticed that there are some pretty interesting things.

Hint 213

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 214

子供達が幸せな人生が送れるようにと願っています。

Back 214

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

Hint 214

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 215

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 215

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

Hint 215

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 216

寿司が好きな人もいるし、嫌いな人もいる。

Back 216

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

Hint 216

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 217

この教科書は、会話も練習できるし、文化も学べます。

Back 217

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

Hint 217

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 218

寿司好きな人もいれば、嫌いな人もいます。

Back 218

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

Hint 218

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 219

この教科書は、会話も練習できれば、文化も学べます。

Back 219

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

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

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 220

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

Hint 220

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 221

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 221

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

Hint 221

（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 222

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 222

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

Hint 222

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 223

それぞれの国には、それぞれの文化や習慣がある。

Back 223

Each country has it's own culture and traditions.

Hint 223

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 224

来月山田先生が結婚するらしいですよ。

Back 224

It seems that professor Yamada is getting married next month.

Hint 224

〜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 225

先輩によると、あの先生の授業は大変らしい。

Back 225

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

Hint 225

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

Nによると。
Means: according to N

Front 226

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 226

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

Hint 226

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 227

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 227

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

Hint 227

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 228

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 228

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

Hint 228

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 229

田中さんとばかり遊ぶ。

Back 229

Play only with Tanaka.

Hint 229

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 230

「真っ」の発音
真っ赤
真っ青
真北
真っ昼間
真下
真夜中

Back 230

まっか：bright/deep red; flushed

Hint 230

(of face)
まっさお：deep blue; ghastly

Front 231

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 231

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

Hint 231

~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 232

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 232

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

Hint 232

~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 233

あっ、ヒーターが止まっている。寒いわけだ。

Back 233

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

Hint 233

〜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 234

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 234

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

Hint 234

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 235

この辞書のサイトは結構便利なので、よく使う。

Back 235

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

Hint 235

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 236

結構上手に書く；
結構誰とでも話す；
結構昔からある

Back 236

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

Hint 236

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 237

この携帯電話のコマーシャルはなかなか面白い。

Back 237

This cell phone commercial is pretty interesting.

Hint 237

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 238

これはなかなか上手に描けたと思う。

Back 238

I think this was drawn quite well.

Hint 238

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 239

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 239

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 239

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 240

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 240

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

Hint 240

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 241

この映画は午後７時からとなっています。

Back 241

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

Hint 241

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.