第４課・上級へのとびら Grammar From 文法ノート

Front 1

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 1

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

Hint 1

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 2

日本人は一般的に丁寧だと思われている。

Back 2

It is believed that the Japanese are generally polite.

Hint 2

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 3

日本の食べ物は体にいいと考えられている。

Back 3

Japanese food is considered to be good for the body.

Hint 3

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 4

今日、小テストがあるなんて、知らなかった。

Back 4

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

Hint 4

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 5

寿司が嫌い日本人などという人は聞いたことがない。

Back 5

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 5

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 6

ローラーブレードなどというのは簡単だよ。

Back 6

Things like rollerblading are easy.

Hint 6

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 7

「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 7

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

Hint 7

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 8

こんなまずい料理をおいしいなどと言ったのは誰だ？

Back 8

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

Hint 8

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 9

朝、起きたら、私わまずコーヒーを飲む。

Back 9

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

Hint 9

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

Front 10

この問題について、グループで話して合って下さい。

Back 10

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

Hint 10

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

Front 11

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 11

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

Hint 11

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

Front 12

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 12

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 12

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

Front 13

新しい車を買うためにお金をためています。

Back 13

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

Hint 13

(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 14

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 14

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

Hint 14

(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 15

みんなに聞こえるように、大きい声で話して下さい。

Back 15

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

Hint 15

(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 16

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 16

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

Hint 16

(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 17

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 17

once upon a time, in a place...

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

I met someone famous.

Hint 17

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 18

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 18

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

Hint 18

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 19

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 19

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

Hint 19

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 20

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 20

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

Hint 20

(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 21

今日、雨が降るんではないでしょうか。

Back 21

Today I think it might rain.

Hint 21

(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 22

困っている人がいたら迷わず助けてあげる。

Back 22

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

Hint 22

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 23

辞書を見ずに新聞が読めるようになりたいです。

Back 23

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

Hint 23

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 24

試験はペンで書かずに、鉛筆を使って下さい。

Back 24

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

Hint 24

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 25

両親に相談せずに、入学することを決めてしまった。

Back 25

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

Hint 25

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 26

日本人は丁寧で親切だ。そういう話をよく聞く。

Back 26

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

Hint 26

（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 27

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 27

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

Hint 27

（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 28

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 28

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 28

（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 29

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 29

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

Hint 29

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 30

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 30

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

Hint 30

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 31

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 31

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

Hint 31

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 32

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 32

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

Hint 32

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 33

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 33

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

Hint 33

〜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 34

先生、この文法よく分からないんです。。。

Back 34

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

Hint 34

〜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 35

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 35

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

Hint 35

〜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 36

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 36

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

Hint 36

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 37

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 37

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

Hint 37

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 38

世界中、どこに行ってもマクドナルドが食べられる。

Back 38

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

Hint 38

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

Front 39

この漢字何回覚えても、すぐに忘れてしまう。

Back 39

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

Hint 39

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

Front 40

この問題は、いくら考えても分からない。

Back 40

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

Hint 40

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

Front 41

試合に負けてどんなに悔しくても、泣いてはいけない。

Back 41

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

Hint 41

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

Front 42

彼はギターがとても上手だ。どんな曲でも弾ける。

Back 42

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

Hint 42

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 43

日本にいるうちに、色々な所に旅行に行きたい。

Back 43

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

Hint 43

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 44

熱いうちに、どうぞ召し上がって下さい。

Back 44

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

Hint 44

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 45

暑くならないうちに、犬の散歩をしてきた方がいいよ。

Back 45

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

Hint 45

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 46

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 46

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

Hint 46

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 47

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 47

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

Hint 47

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 48

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 48

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

Hint 48

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 49

山田さん、できたら、果物を持って来てくれない。

Back 49

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

Hint 49

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 50

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 50

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

Hint 50

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 51

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 51

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

Hint 51

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.