| ばかりか (bakari ka) | is used to express contrast or addition, emphasizing the surprising or remarkable nature of the additional information. “Not only… but also,” “not just… but even,” or “not merely… but also. It’s typically used to emphasize an unexpected or remarkable addition after stating one aspect of the situation. その仕事はものすごく疲れるばかりか給料も低い。 “Not only is that job incredibly tiring, but the salary is also low.” 彼とは知り合いであるばかりか付き合っています。 “Not only do I know him, but I’m also in a relationship with him.” |
| ばかりでなく | is a grammatical structure used to indicate that something is not limited to just one aspect but also includes another. It’s often translated as “not only… but also” or “not just… but also” in English. 富士山は日本一高いばかりでなく美しい。 “Mount Fuji is not only the tallest mountain in Japan but also beautiful.” |
| 上に” (ue ni) | used to indicate an additional action or circumstance that occurs on top of another action or situation. It’s often translated as “on top of” or “in addition to” in English. Example: 寝坊した上に財布を家に忘れた。 Meaning: “Not only overslept but also forgot my wallet at home.” ここは花火がよく見える上にあまり混まない。 Here, not only can you see fireworks well, but it’s also not very crowded. |
| POINT! | 〜ばかりか (bakari ka): Indicates not only the main point but also an additional surprising or unexpected point. Often followed by another surprising or contrasting clause. Emphasizes the unexpectedness or contrast of the additional point. ~上(に) (~ue ni): Indicates an additional situation or circumstance that further enhances or intensifies the main point. Can be used to indicate an additional benefit, condition, or circumstance. |
| をもとに | is used to indicate the basis or foundation upon which something is done or created. ひらがなは漢字をもとにしてつくられた。 (Hiragana was created based on kanji.) このアイデアは君の話をもとにしています。 (This idea is based on what you said.) |
| をもとにして | “をもとにして” is a slightly more formal version, which is followed by a verb phrase or clause. この小説は実話をもとにしたフィクションです。 (This novel is fiction based on a true story.) |
| にもとづいて “に基づいて” | is a Japanese grammar construction used to indicate that something is based on or founded upon something else. It’s often translated as “based on” or “according to” in English. このレポートは最新の研究にもとづいています。 (This report is based on the latest research.) この計画は市民の意見にもとづいて作られました。 (This plan was created based on the opinions of the citizens.) この法律は憲法に基づいています。 (This law is based on the constitution.) |
| に基づいて | (ni motozuite), which means “based on” or “according to” in English. 法律に基づいて正しく処分する。 Dispose of correctly based on the law. 実験結果に基づいて見解を発表する。 Announce opinions based on experimental results. 親の考えに基づいた教育が行われる。 Education based on parents’ ideas is conducted. |
| に沿って” (ni sotte) | means “along” or “following” in English. It indicates movement or progression along a certain path, direction, or guideline. 道に沿って歩く。 Translation: Walk along the road. 川に沿って散歩する。 Translation: Take a walk along the river. 鉄道路線に沿って駅が建設される予定だ。 Stations are scheduled to be built along the railway line. 規則に沿って行動する。 Act in accordance with the rules. |
| のもとで” (no moto de) | indicates the idea of “based on” or “under the guidance of” in English. They are used to describe the foundation, basis, or authority upon which something is done or decided. 彼は父の指導のもとで音楽を学んだ。 Translation: He learned music under the guidance of his father. 会議は新しい方針のもとで進行されました。 Translation: The meeting proceeded under the new policy. この計画は新しいデザインのもとで進行されています。 (This project is being carried out under the guidance of the new design.) |
| “のもとに” (no moto ni) | “のもとで” (no moto de) and “のもとに” (no moto ni) both indicate the idea of “based on” or “under the guidance of” in English この計画は専門家の意見のもとに立てられました。 Translation: This plan was formulated based on the opinions of experts. 彼らは新しい法律のもとに合意に達しました。 (They reached an agreement based on the new law.) |
| に関して” (ni kanshite) | Used to indicate “regarding,” “concerning,” or “in relation to” in English. It is often used to introduce the topic or subject of discussion 彼の提案に関して、私は異議を唱えた。 I raised objections regarding his proposal. このレポートに関して、質問がありますか？ Do you have any questions concerning this report? その問題に関して、詳しく調査しています。 We are conducting a detailed investigation into the matter. この件に関しては、彼の意見を尊重すべきだ。 Regarding this matter, we should respect his opinion. “地球温暖化に関する調査を行う。 (Chikyū ondanka ni kansuru chōsa o okonau.) “We will conduct an investigation about global warming.” 今回の件に関しての君の意見を聞きたい。 (Konkai no ken ni kanshite no kimi no iken o kikitai.) I want to hear your opinion about this matter. |
| をめぐって” (wo megutte) “をめぐり” (wo meguri) | used to indicate the idea of “surrounding” or “centering around” something. They are often used to describe the context or circumstances in which something occurs. 彼らの結婚をめぐって、多くの議論が交わされた。 Translation: Many discussions took place surrounding their marriage. この問題をめぐり、様々な意見が出されている。 Translation: Various opinions have been expressed regarding this issue. 現在の政治情勢をめぐって、市民は懸念を抱いている。 Translation: Citizens are concerned about the current political situation. 環境保護をめぐる国際協力が重要だ。 Translation: International cooperation surrounding environmental protection is important. |
| にかけては | is a Japanese grammar expression used to indicate a specific area or aspect in which someone or something excels or performs well compared to others. It’s often used to acknowledge someone’s strengths, abilities, or achievements in a particular field or context. 彼はスピードにかけては誰にも負けない。 Translation: When it comes to speed, he doesn’t lose to anyone. このチームは戦術にかけては非常に優れている。 Translation: When it comes to tactics, this team is exceptionally good. 彼女は勉強にかけては真面目に取り組んでいる。 Translation: When it comes to studying, she works diligently. その店はサービスにかけては評判が高い。 Translation: When it comes to service, that shop has a good reputation. |
| に対して” (ni taishite) | is a Japanese grammar expression used to indicate the target or recipient of an action or the subject of someone’s feelings, opinions, or attitudes. It often translates to “toward,” “against,” “in relation to,” or “regarding” in English. 彼は友達に対して親切だ。 Translation: He is kind to his friends. この政策は環境保護に対して積極的なアプローチを取っている。 Translation: This policy takes an active approach toward environmental protection. 彼女は批判に対しては敏感だ。 Translation: She is sensitive to criticism. そのチームは強豪校に対して勝利した。 Translation: The team won against the strong school. |
| “にこたえて” | “in response to” or “in answer to.” It is used to describe actions or behaviors taken in reaction to something. Let’s look at some examples to understand its usage: 彼は要求にこたえて、新しい機能を追加した。 Translation: He responded to the request by adding new features. 会社は顧客のニーズにこたえるために新商品を開発した。 Translation: The company developed new products to meet customer needs. 市民の要望にこたえて、公園に新しい遊具が設置された。 Translation: In response to the citizens’ requests, new playground equipment was installed in the park. 子供たちは先生の質問にこたえて、答えを考えた。 Translation: The children thought of answers in response to the teacher’s questions. 視聴者からの要望にこたえてドラマを再放送する。 “We will re-broadcast the drama in response to the viewers’ requests.” 期待にこたえる結果を残せるようがんばります。 “We will do our best to produce results that meet expectations.” 応援してくれているみんなの気持ちにこたえたい。 “I want to respond to the feelings of everyone who supports me.” |
| につれて | used to express a correlation or change that occurs in conjunction with another action or event. It indicates that one thing happens as another thing changes or progresses. Here are the English translations of the provided sentences: 会う回数が増えるにつれてどんどん惹かれていった。 “As the number of meetings increased, I became more and more attracted.” 食欲がなくなるのにつれて体重が落ちていった。 “As my appetite decreased, my weight dropped.” 時間の経過にしたがって緊張が増してきた。 “As time passed, the tension increased.” |
| にしたがって | “にしたがって” is similar to “につれて” and is used to indicate that one thing happens in accordance with or following another thing. It expresses a relationship of correspondence or progression between two actions or events. 時間の経過にしたがって緊張が増してきた。 “Tension increased as time passed.” 成績が上がるにしたがって自信もついてきた。 “Confidence grew along with the improvement in grades.” 季節が変わるにしたがって風邪を引きやすくなる。 “It becomes easier to catch a cold as the seasons change.” |