| 際(さい – sai) | a noun that refers to the occasion, moment, or opportunity when something happens or is done. It often appears in expressions related to specific occasions or circumstances. 議の際に (かいぎのさいに – kaigi no sai ni): At the time of the meeting 新年の際 (しんねんのさい – shinnen no sai): On New Year’s Day 退職の際に (たいしょくのさいに – taishoku no sai ni): Upon retirement |
| に際して” (にさいして – ni saishite) | used to indicate the timing or occasion when something happens, similar to “on the occasion of” or “upon” in English. They are often used interchangeably but may have slightly different nuances in certain contexts. に際して (にさいして – ni saishite): This expression is more formal and often used in written language or formal speech. It implies a significant or formal occasion, such as an event, ceremony, or important decision. 入学式に際して、学生たちにメッセージを送りました。(Nyūgakushiki ni saishite, gakusei-tachi ni messēji o okurimashita.) – “Upon the occasion of the entrance ceremony, I sent a message to the students.” にあたって (にあたって – ni atatte): This expression is slightly less formal and can be used in both written and spoken language. 転職にあたって、新しいスキルを身につけました。(Tenshoku ni atatte, atarashii sukiru o mi ni tsukemashita.) – “Upon changing jobs, I acquired new skills.” |
| とたん(totan ni) | is used to indicate that something happens immediately or suddenly upon a certain condition or event. It implies an instantaneous change or action following a specific trigger. Example:彼女が部屋に入るとたん、電話が鳴りました。 (Kanojo ga heya ni hairu to tan, denwa ga narimashita.)Meaning: “As soon as she entered the room, the phone rang.” |
| かと思うと かと思ったら | is used to express the sudden realization or occurrence of something unexpected after a preceding action or event. It indicates a swift change in situation or expectation. かと思うと (ka to omou to): Structure: [Clause 1 (verb (short form))] + かと思うと + [Clause 2 (result)] Meaning: “Just when…… thought (Clause 1), …………….(unexpected Clause 2)” Example:ドアを開けたかと思うと、猫が飛び出してきた。 (Doa o aketa ka to omou to, neko ga tobidashite kita.)Meaning: “Just when I opened the door, a cat jumped out unexpectedly.” かと思ったら (ka to omottara): Structure: [Clause 1 (verb (short form))] + かと思ったら + [Clause 2 (result)] Meaning: “Just when (I/you/etc.) thought (Clause 1), (unexpected Clause 2)” Example:明日晴れるかと思ったら、また雨が降りそうだ。 (Ashita hareru ka to omottara, mata ame ga furisou da.)Meaning: “Just when I thought it would be sunny tomorrow, it looks like it’s going to rain again.” |
| “〜か〜ないかのうちに” | is used to indicate that something happens or occurs immediately after another action or event. Here’s an explanation of each component: 彼女が部屋に入るか入らないかのうちに、雨が降り始めた。 (Kanojo ga heya ni hairu ka hairanai ka no uchi ni, ame ga furihajimeta.) “The moment she entered the room, it started raining.” 会議が始まるか始まらないかのうちに、彼は早めに席についた。 (Kaigi ga hajimaru ka hajimaranai ka no uchi ni, kare wa hayame ni seki ni tsuita.) “He took his seat early, just as the meeting was about to begin.” |
| 次第” (shidai) | is a Japanese word that can be used in various contexts, but generally, it refers to a sequence or order of events, conditions, or circumstances. It can also indicate dependence or reliance on something else happening first. 彼の返事次第で、私たちは計画を進めることができます。 (Kare no henji shidai de, watashitachi wa keikaku o susumeru koto ga dekimasu.) “Depending on his response, we can proceed with the plan.” 電車が来る次第、駅を出よう。 (Densha ga kuru shidai, eki o deyou.) “As soon as the train comes, let’s leave the station.” |
| “うちに” (uchi ni) | is a Japanese expression that indicates an action takes place within a certain period or situation. It’s often translated as “while” or “during” in English. 彼女が留守のうちに、部屋を掃除した。 (Kanojo ga rusu no uchi ni, heya o souji shita.) “I cleaned the room while she was out.” 電車が来るうちに、チケットを買っておこう。 ~ (Densha ga kuru uchi ni, chiketto o katte okou.) “Let’s buy the tickets before the train arrives.” 子供たちが寝静まったうちに、静かな夜を楽しむ。 (Kodomotachi ga neshizumatta uchi ni, shizuka na yoru o tanoshimu.) “Enjoy a quiet night while the children are asleep.” |
| “つつ” (tsutsu) | is a versatile and somewhat formal grammatical element that expresses simultaneous or ongoing actions, often indicating a sense of continuity or progression. It’s typically used with the stem form of verbs. 彼は話すつつ、手紙を書いている。 (Kare wa hanasu tsutsu, tegami o kaite iru.) “He is writing a letter while talking.” 彼女は歩きつつ、音楽を聴いている。 (Kanojo wa aruki tsutsu, ongaku o kiite iru.) “She is walking while listening to music.” 彼の態度は変わることなく冷静なままでいるつつ、状況に適応している。 (Kare no taido wa kawaru koto naku reisei na mama de iru tsutsu, jōkyō ni tekōshite iru.) “While maintaining a calm demeanor without change, he is adapting to the situation.” |
| “ようとしている” (yō to shite iru) | Expresses the idea of someone attempting or trying to do something. It’s formed by combining the volitional form “よう” (yō) of a verb with the auxiliary verb “する” (suru), followed by the progressive form “している” (shite iru) of the verb “する” (suru). Here’s a breakdown of each part: “よう” (yō): The volitional form of a verb, which indicates an intention or attempt to do something. “する” (suru): The auxiliary verb meaning “to do.” “している” (shite iru): The progressive form of the verb “する” (suru), indicating that the action is in progress or ongoing. When combined, “ようとしている” (yō to shite iru) conveys the sense of someone actively trying or attempting to do something at the moment or in the near future. Example: 彼は宿題をしようとしています。 (Kare wa shukudai o shiyō to shite imasu.) “He is trying to do his homework.” |
| “つつある” (tsutsu aru) | is a Japanese expression that denotes an ongoing process or state of change, typically towards a certain outcome. It indicates that something is gradually happening or progressing. Example: 彼の健康状態は改善つつある。 (Kare no kenkō jōtai wa kaizen tsutsu aru.) “His health condition is gradually improving.” その国の政治体制は変わりつつある。 The political system of that country is in the process of changing. Here, “変わりつつある” (kawari tsutsu aru) suggests that the political system is undergoing change or transition. 人間のせいで様々な動物が絶滅しつつある。 Various animals are in the process of becoming extinct due to human actions. 絶滅しつつある” (zettai shi tsutsu aru) indicates that the extinction of various animals is currently happening or progressing. 守るべき文化が失われつつある。 Cultures that should be preserved are in the process of being lost. “失われつつある” (ushinaware tsutsu aru) implies that the loss of cultures that should be protected is currently underway. |
| ばかりだ (bakari da): | Meaning: Indicates a negative trend or situation that continues or repeats. Usage: Follows a verb stem or noun to express that something undesirable or unfavorable keeps happening. Example: 雨ばかりだ。 (ame bakari da) Translation: It’s been nothing but rain. (Implying continuous rainfall, which may be undesirable.) 祖母の病気は悪くなるばかりだ。 Translation: My grandmother’s illness just keeps getting worse. |
| 一方だ (ippou da): | 一方だ (ippou da): Meaning: Indicates a trend or situation that is moving in one direction or is steadily progressing. Usage: Often used with verbs to indicate that something is continuously or steadily happening in a particular way. Example: 価格は上がる一方だ。 (kakaku wa agaru ippou da) Translation: Prices are steadily rising. (Implies a continuous upward trend in prices.) やらなければいけないことが溜まっていく一方だ。 Translation: The things I have to do just keep piling up. |
(よ)うとしている VS つつある VS 〜ばかりだ | 〜(よ)うとしている focuses on the intention or effort to do something. 〜つつある emphasizes an ongoing process or development. 〜ばかりだ highlights the continuous or repeated nature of an undesirable situation. |
| て以来 (te irai) | Putting them together, 〜て以来 (te irai) means “since doing something” or “after doing something.” 日本に来て以来、日本語を勉強しています。 (Nihon ni kite irai, Nihongo o benkyou shiteimasu.) Translation: “Since coming to Japan, I have been studying Japanese.” |
| このかた | is an expression used to refer to a period of time extending from a certain point in the past up to the present moment. It implies the duration or period since a specific event or time. 生まれてこのかた苦労したことがない” (umarete kono kata kurou shita koto ga nai), (kono kata) means “since birth” or “up to now.” So, the sentence translates to “I have never experienced hardship since birth” or “I have not faced any difficulties up to now.” 学校を卒業してこのかた、毎日新しいことを学んでいます。 (Gakkou wo sotsugyou shite kono kata, mainichi atarashii koto wo manandeimasu.) “Since graduating from school, I have been learning something new every day.” 留学してこのかた、日本の文化に興味を持ち始めました。 (Ryuugaku shite kono kata, Nihon no bunka ni kyoumi wo mochi hajimemashita.) “Since studying abroad, I have begun to take an interest in Japanese culture.” |
| てはじめて | is a Japanese grammar pattern used to express that something happens or becomes possible only after another action or event has occurred. Here are three example sentences: 日本語を勉強してはじめて、日本の文化をよく理解できるようになった。 (Nihongo wo benkyou shite hajimete, Nihon no bunka wo yoku rikai dekiru you ni natta.) “It wasn’t until I started studying Japanese that I was able to understand Japanese culture well.” 一人暮らしをしてはじめて、家事の大変さを実感した。 (Hitorigurashi wo shite hajimete, kaji no taihensa wo jikkan shita.) “It wasn’t until I started living alone that I realized how difficult household chores can be.” 運転免許を取ってはじめて、自分で車を運転することができる。 (Unten menkyo wo totte hajimete, jibun de kuruma wo unten suru koto ga dekiru.) “It wasn’t until I got my driver’s license that I could drive a car by myself.” |
| に限り (ni kagiri): | This pattern is used to indicate a limited or restricted scope or condition under which something applies or is permitted. It often follows a noun or noun phrase. 聞く限り (kiku kagiri): As far as I’ve heard. Example: 彼の話を聞く限り、問題なさそうだね。 (Kare no hanashi o kiku kagiri, mondai nasasou da ne.) (As far as I’ve heard from him, there doesn’t seem to be a problem.) 見た限り (mita kagiri): As far as I’ve seen. Example: この映画を見た限りでは、面白かったです。 (Kono eiga o mita kagiri de wa, omoshirokatta desu.) (As far as I’ve seen this movie, it was interesting.) Example sentence: 土曜日に限り、特別価格で提供します。 (Doyoubi ni kagiri, tokubetsu kakaku de teikyou shimasu.) “We offer it at a special price only on Saturdays.” 交通機関の遅延に限り遅刻を許します。 Koutsuu kikan no chien ni kagiri chikoku o yurushimasu. English: “We will allow tardiness only in case of delays in transportation.” 会員のお客様に限り500円引きに致します。 Kaiin no okyaku-sama ni kagiri gohyaku-en hiki ni itashimasu. English: “We offer a discount of 500 yen only to our members.” 鳥に限り飼育が認められているマンションだ。 Tori ni kagiri shiiku ga mitomerareteiru manshon da. English: “This condominium allows bird-keeping only.” |
| 〜限り(2) | “〜限り” (〜kagiri), which means “as long as” or “as far as.” This expression indicates a condition or state that remains true or valid for a certain period of time. 〜という状態の間は: This phrase translates to “as long as” or “while.” Connection: 接続: It connects to the plain form (普通形) of a verb or adjective, followed by “限り(は)”. Example: 日本に住んでいる限り、日本語を勉強しなければなりません。 (Nihon ni sunde iru kagiri, nihongo o benkyou shinakereba narimasen.) (As long as you live in Japan, you must study Japanese.) Example: 健康である限りは、何でもできると思います。 (Kenkou de aru kagiri wa, nan demo dekiru to omoimasu.) (As long as you’re healthy, I think you can do anything.) |
| に限って | This pattern is used to express that something happens or is true especially under certain conditions or circumstances ” only in the case of “. It is often used with nouns or pronouns followed by the particle は (wa). Example: 彼は親切な人だが、雨の日に限って急に機嫌が悪くなる。 (Kare wa shinsetsu na hito da ga, ame no hi ni kagitte kyuu ni kigen ga waruku naru.) Translation: “He’s a kind person, but especially on rainy days, he suddenly becomes moody.” その日に限って天気予報を見なかった。 “On that particular day, I didn’t check the weather forecast.” 学校を休んだときに限って大事なテストがある。 “Whenever I skip school, there’s always an important test.” English: “It seems like whenever I skip school, there’s always an important test.” うちの子に限って万引きなんてするわけがない! “There’s no way my child would shoplift, of all things!” “Of all the kids, mine wouldn’t ever shoplift!” |
| 限り(は) | In Japanese refers to the extent or scope of a specific condition or situation. It indicates the limit or boundary within which something applies or exists 親である限りは子どもを第一に考えるべきだ。 As long as one is a parent, they should prioritize their children. 彼が態度を改めない限り、仲良くする気はない。 Unless he changes his attitude, I don’t feel like getting along with him. 私の体が丈夫な限りは君を守ることを約束する。 I promise to protect you as long as my body remains healthy. |
| 限りでは | follows “限り” and indicates a premise regarding a specific condition or situation. For example, “これまでの限りでは” means “based on the situation up to now. 私が知っている限りでは彼は犯人ではない。 As far as I know, he is not the culprit. ちょっと見た限りではひどいケガではないと思う。 From what I’ve seen briefly, I don’t think it’s a serious injury. 朝の天気予報の限りでは今夜は雨が降る。 According to the morning weather forecast, it will rain tonight. |
| “に限る” (ni kagiru) | This phrase means “nothing is better than” or “there’s nothing like.” Example: 夏の暑い日には、冷たい水浴びが一番に限る。 (Natsu no atsui hi ni wa, tsumetai mizuabai ga ichiban ni kagiru.) There is nothing better than taking a cool shower in summer! 夏は冷たいビールに限る。 なつはつめたいビールにかぎる。 natsu wa tsumetai biiru ni kagiru. In summer, nothing beats a cold beer.. |
| に限らず | AもBも refers to a wide range of things, not just specific subjects. is a Japanese expression used to indicate that something applies not only to a specific thing but also to other similar things or situations. It’s often translated as “not limited to” or “not confined to” in English 〜だけでなく: Translates to “not only… but also” or “not limited to.” 日本人に限らず、外国人観光客も多く訪れています。 Not only Japanese people but also foreign tourists visit in large numbers. このイベントは学生に限らず、一般の方も参加できます。 This event is open not only to students but also to the general public. 美術館では絵画に限らず、彫刻や陶芸も展示されています。 In the art museum, not only paintings but also sculptures and pottery are exhibited. 日本人に限らず、外国人観光客も多く訪れています。 Not only Japanese people but also foreign tourists visit in large numbers. このイベントは学生に限らず、一般の方も参加できます。 This event is open not only to students but also to the general public. 美術館では絵画に限らず、彫刻や陶芸も展示されています。 In the art museum, not only paintings but also sculptures and pottery are exhibited. そう思っているのは君に限らずみんなもだ。 Not only you but also everyone thinks so. この仕事は季節に限らず、一年中忙しい。 This job is busy not only in certain seasons but all year round. この俳優は女性に限らず男性にも人気だ。 This actor is popular not only among women but also among men. |
| のみならず | indicate that something applies not only to one thing but also to another, emphasizing the latter. Let’s break them down: もAもB ノリコ先生は日本語のみならず中国語も話せる。 Not only can Teacher Noriko speak Japanese, but she can also speak Chinese. 彼は嘘をついたのみならず証拠を消そうとした。 He not only lied but also tried to destroy the evidence. 僕の彼女は、綺麗であるのみならず頭もいい。 My girlfriend is not only beautiful but also smart. |
| POINT! | Both “のみならず” and “に限らず” express a similar meaning of “not only… but also,” indicating that something applies to more than just one thing. However, there are some nuances in their usage while both expressions convey a similar meaning of inclusivity, “のみならず” emphasizes the contrast between two specific elements, while “に限らず” emphasizes the broad applicability of a statement to various situations or groups. Example: 彼はスポーツに限らず、芸術にも関心がある。 “He has an interest not only in sports but also in the arts.” 彼女は美しいのみならず、知的な一面も持っている。 “She is not only beautiful but also has an intellectual side.” |
| はもとより | expression used to emphasize that something is not just limited to a certain condition or aspect but extends to another condition or aspect as well. It is often translated as “not only… but also” or “as well as. It can have Negative and positive meanings はもとより is formed by combining the particle は (wa), which marks the topic of the sentence, with the noun もと (moto), meaning “origin” or “basis,” followed by the particle より (yori), meaning “than” or “from.” 私は車はもとより自転車もないんです。 わたしはくるまはもとよりじてんしゃもないんです。 watashi wa kuruma wa moto yori jitensha mo nai n desu. I don’t have a bicycle, let alone a car. 私が生まれた村は、電車はもとより、バスも全然ない。 わたしがうまれたむらは、でんしゃはもとより、バスもぜんぜんない。 watashi ga umareta mura wa, densha wa moto yori, basu mo zenzen nai. There are no trains, let alone buses in the village I was born in. 彼はスポーツはもとより、勉強も優秀です。 Translation: He is excellent not only in sports but also in academics. この店は肉料理はもとより、魚料理もおいしいです。 Translation: This restaurant serves delicious dishes not only with meat but also with fish. 彼女は美術はもとより、音楽にも詳しいです。 Translation: She is knowledgeable not only in art but also in music. 外出中はもとより家の中でも風邪予防をしよう。 Translation: Let’s prevent colds not only when going out but also at home. 母は、料理はもとより大工仕事も得意だ。 Translation: My mother is skilled not only in cooking but also in carpentry work. 彼は地元ではもとより引っ越先でも人が多い。 Translation: He is popular not only in his hometown but also in his new place after moving. |
| POINT! | ~に限らず: This pattern translates to “not only ~ but also,” indicating that the statement applies to a broader scope beyond what is explicitly mentioned. It’s used with nouns. 〜のみならず: Translated as “not only ~ but also,” this pattern is more emphatic than “~に限らず” and can be used with both nouns and verbs. はもとより: This expression means “not to mention ~,” or “as well as ~.” It emphasizes something that’s expected or obvious given the context. It’s typically used with nouns… ..はもとよりは「Aは当たり前」 |