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Translation of 友達【ともだち】に 嘘【うそ】がばれてしまった
I have some trouble to translate this sentence:
>
is that: "I have discovered that my friend is lying" or "My friend found out I was lying"?
* * *
>
| Since the sentence says **** , it means that your friend found out. There is another hint in the sentence, though: is usually used to convey an unfortunate event/outcome/happening from the point of the speaker. In this case this is your friend finding out about your lie.
To get the other meaning with the least change, we can say
> ****
> my friend's lie was found out
By whom would not be immediate, but it could mean that you found out about your friend's lie. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 6,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "translation, particles, particle に"
} |
What is the meaning of やるやない？
>
Um... is this supposed to be a form of `[positive verb] [negative verb]` chaining together? What does it mean? | I'm not sure due to lack of context, but there's a high likelihood that it's in **Kansai-ben/Kansai dialect**.
What's written is Kansai-ben negation. The Hyojungo/standard version would be
> ****
Here are some links that should be helpful:
* List of Hyojungo to Osaka-ben suffix conversions. Please refer to the 8th listing. (in Japanese)
* Wikipedia Kansai-ben page for further reading. (in English)
Hope that helps! | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 6,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "meaning, dialects, kansai ben"
} |
Meaning of "gkbrです"
I have noticed the usage of `gkbr` in sentences not related to the G insect:
> gkbr
>
> gkbr
Does it mean "I am afraid and want to crawl under the furniture"? | According to the ja.wikipedia page on GKBR, it can be as well as:
> -
So it'd be "GaKu BuRu," onomatopoeia that represents fearful trembling.
It's some 2ch slang, of course.
Here also is an entry on the nicovideo dictionary | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 9,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "expressions, idioms, internet slang, animals"
} |
「のだろう、」 mid-sentence
> ****
What is the meaning of here and how does it connect to the rest of the sentence? | That in question is not special.
(Assuming this paragraph is exactly the same as the original) I think the confusing problem is that the author used punctuation marks clumsily (with a certain intention, maybe). Read this paragraph like this:
> 1.
> 2.
> 3.
> 4.
>
This is definitely , so don't worry too much. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "meaning, conjunctions"
} |
Which grammar rules are applied when でいい is conjugated to nouns?
"" means "Is it ok to just write [my] name here?"
I'm confused about where comes from.
< is about conjugating / to adjectives and verbs.
I don't know which grammar rules are applied when is conjugated to nouns as in "".
Can anyone tell me? | The you see after nouns can be analyzed as follows:
> 's continuative form +
* * *
's continuative form, , should not be confused with the … you see in the -form of verbs (like ), which is actually just a that has undergone a sound change:
> //nomite//
> ⇒ //nomte//
> ⇒ //nonde// | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 0,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "grammar, etymology"
} |
What is the difference between すみませんが and すみません?
I'm still a beginner with japanese.
Here is the example that I foud:
I'm not completely sure about the meaning of in this sentence, since the teacher told me you can both use it or not. What is it for? | simply means "but".
> **** =
>
> "Excuse me, _**but**_ please pass me the sugar."
You can also make the same request without using by saying:
> =
>
> "Excuse me. Please pass me the sugar."
The difference between the two is almost too subtle to mention. It just flows a little better with IMHO. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 6,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "usage, meaning"
} |
Is this a different accent than Tokyo's?
A friend of mine wrote
>
But aparently it should be written as:
>
I think this is not a typo because he wrote two different sentences, both with `` instead of ``. Is this wrong or just a local difference. | Nothing is either wrong or dialectal about []{}. It sounds 100% natural and it would be said all over the country.
It is your **** that is incorrect. There is no such conjugation as in standard Japanese. The correct form is for the plain and for the potential.
> []{} means:
>
> "(You) have not been able to invite (someone)." | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 0,
"tags": "orthography, dialects, spoken language"
} |
Why words such as しばらく are almost always written in kana while words such as 石鹸 are usually in kanji?
"Almost" and "usually" here means that while "alternative" is definitely used, vast majority of people is still using the mentioned version. Just look at google results count!
Also, note that kanji used in words like and are jōyō while is not.
(I understand the common variants are generally suggested by IMEs and dictionaries and people simply are used to seeing written in kana. But my question is, how did this situation come into existence?) | Most modern style guidelines say that adverbs, including , should be written in hiragana. (examples of adverbs which should be written in hiragana.) It is true that some adverbs are simple enough even in kanji, but many people are conscious of this rule and tend to use hiragana versions.
I think this rule came into existence somewhere during the simplification process in writing after WWII. Pre-war documents are full of kanji adverbs. I found that , predecessor of , issued in 1946, already said .
According to such guidelines, I believe should be written as because "" is not in jōyō kanji list. Frankly, I am a native speaker of Japanese and I don't remember how to write in kanji by hand. But IMEs are so powerful, and people do not strictly memorize which kanji is in the jōyō kanji list. And such mixture of kanji and hiragana in a single noun is simply not pleasant to the eye. So it's not surprising people use often, and I would probably do the same in casual situations. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 8,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "history, kana usage"
} |
～しよう＋としてします。 What is the meaning of this expression?
I always see this sentence being used. Like **** or **** I'm just wondering what is the difference if I use **** or **** instead. Whenever I watch anime or JDrama I always here this pattern. Can someone enlighten me? | The difference between, for example, and is simply the difference between "to try to study/to be about to study/to get down to studying" (depending on the context) and "to study."
As for the construction , I found a couple of examples on Twitter: "" and "." However, in these, cannot be taken as a single lexical unit. The first one has a break between the and the ("I **was about to** () tweet goodnight, but fell asleep before **doing so** ()." And in the second one, means that love is "a thing to do" () that cannot be a "try to/be about to/get down to doing" () "thing to do." I.e., the is like an adjective that describes (or, in the tweeter's mind, shouldn't be allowed to describe) the . In other words, there's no half-assing about with love - you fall in or you don't. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 0,
"tags": "syntax"
} |
はは or おかあさん what should be used?
What I've learnt is: when you talk about your mother you use when you talk about someone else's mother you use
But what happens when you talk **to** your mother? How should you address her?
In anime they usually say , but isn't it too formal? | If you want to talk to your mother in Japanese, call her . This is like calling your mother "mother". Small kids sometimes call their mother ("mommy"), but since you're probably older than 10, you should stick to . (And no, it's not too formal. Anime Japanese is not really known for being too formal...)
There are cutefied or colloquial variants on , like , , .
By the way, it's also possible to talk about your own mother using , as in …
Just to be clear, is not a form of address, but expresses the biological relationship "mother". Talking to your mother, you wouldn't address her with . You can use in principle for talking about other mothers (), but this sound like "I saw Taro's biological mother".
In the olden days, was (and in Samurai circles still is) a formal way of addressing (and talking about) your own mother. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "words, usage"
} |
「行くときゃ誰とゆく」— what's this きゃ and the とs?
I'm trying to understand the lyrics to the children's song (< ; analysis here < ). What's up with these verses:
> []{}
> **** ****
> []{}
> **** ****
1. Is the a contraction, and if so, of what? What does it mean?
2. Are those s companionship, conditional, or something else? | * is a contraction of []{}
* **** is " **with** who"
Does this answer your questions? | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "particle と, contractions"
} |
How to say "go by bike"
I want to say "many Dutch (go by | take the | use the ) bike". (or car,...)
I've come up with:
> {}{}
and
> {}{}
But they seem very constructed to me and I'm not sure whether you can omit the thing for which they use a bike. But I want to omit that!
How can I say this properly? | I believe it will more sound natural if the sentence goes like this.
This way it can mean "to use" "go by" or " take the" , which you want to tell. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 9,
"question_score": 6,
"tags": "english to japanese"
} |
Does ただな mean the same thing as ただの?
According to is a na-adjective.
People seem to use exelucisvely, and I wonder what means.
What does mean? | **** is NOT an adjective in the same way that ,, etc. are. Thus, a noun _**cannot**_ follow .
**** is usually used like an _**interjection**_ at the beginning of a sentence that is said in reply to a statement made by another person. It means something along the lines of:
> "One thing that we have to consider is ~~", "One thing you shouldn't forget is ~~", "We can't go without mentioning ~~", etc.
>
> A feminine version is **** . **** sounds pretty masculine.
_**Other " + particle" forms and their usages:**_
**** = "for free"
**** = "ordinary", "run-of-the-mill", etc. It can also mean "free (of charge)". | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 0,
"tags": "word choice"
} |
Is おふくろ related to ふく?
Since is one way to address one's own mother, I was wondering whether the part is related to the word meaning 'clothes' or not.
And if not, what is the origin of ? | My answer is (basically) the same as kiss-o-matic.
I would have never thought about why we call our mothers if you didn't ask us.
I am going to translate (< ( I can not copy the original Japanese due to the copyright ):
> The word has been seen since Muromachi era, and there are several theories about the origin of the name that have not been confirmed. One theory is is a prefix, and since mothers managed placing all the money and valuables into bags (), thus they came to be called /.
>
> Another theory is that because organs such as the placentae, womb, and egg membrane were called , the name of organ also became used for mothers.
>
> Last one holds because children were brought up by mothers, the name denoting "the nest, pockets, etc" contracted to be .
>
> In modern times, the word is mostly used by males. however according to the Japanese-Portuguese dictionary published in 1603, it was females rather than males using the term back then. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 0,
"tags": "words, meaning, etymology"
} |
「探してくる」には「見つける」という意味は含まれますか？
1.2.
> 1\. ―
> 2\. ―
> 3\. ―
> 4\. …―
>
> 1:
> 2:
> 3:
> 4:
> 5:
> 6:
> Google
13
* 13
* |
> **13**
> ****
> ****
> 10 ****
> …
>
>
**V** | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 6,
"question_score": 11,
"tags": "meaning"
} |
How to read: the "~" (tilde) in "3~4 行"
How should I read the "~" mark that stands for range, as described in the title?
I saw this in the following sentence:
> 3~41 | There is no strict rule about this. It's best not to use this "" symbol denoting a range, when it's meant to be read out loud by someone.
But if you really have to, you can read the "" symbol as "" in many cases.
> * 34
> * 235
> * 1517 or
> * 500600 or
>
Note that this sounds like you strictly specify the range of numbers. If you say like this, it means "three or four lines; not five nor two".
Alternatively, in this case, you can use the common idiom "", which more vaguely refers to the range _around_ it.
> * 34
> * 23
> * 45
> * 500600
>
These are closer to English "a few", "several", "a couple of", etc. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 35,
"question_score": 19,
"tags": "readings, numbers, symbols"
} |
「周囲を取り囲む(ように)」, set phrase?
I encountered this phrase and after a bit of Googling, it seems to describe the action of crowding around a particular thing or object (people crowding around someone, trees crowding around a building) but doesn't itself also describe that action? Does omitting the change the effect of its use in sentences or is it more similar to an idiomatic set phrase?
The sentence i saw it in was:
> | Japanese motion verbs utilize the particle for both object and place the action takes place. So you can equally say:
>
>
>
but not:
> × (same case particle cannot be repeated in one clause)
In my opinion, the `` version has slightly more "completely surrounded" nuance, but it barely matters in the usual case. Also, the `` can be used as good as a "dummy noun" to bypass obvious pronouns like _him_ , _her_ , _it_ etc. in English. We hate pronouns.
If you'd look for similar expressions in Japanese, they abound:
>
>
>
>
>
Of course, you don't want to translate them literally.
!enter image description here
(from < | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "words, set phrases"
} |
Should どれ always be the first part of a sentence?
I have two sentences:
1.
2.
Are there any differences between the two sentences? I've heard that Japanese is a flexible language structure so I'm wondering if they are interchangeable? | Both are 100% grammatical; That is for sure.
There is, however, a _slight_ difference in nuance between the two. It is so slight that I probably would not mention it if I were teaching a beginning or intermediate learner.
**_Both mean "Which one is your pen?"_**
The difference is in the main focus.
> 1)
focuses more on the "which one" part.
> 2)
focuses more on the "your" part -- in other words, the listener him/herself. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "syntax"
} |
What does 看板親父 mean?
I searched every translation site I could find, and I can't make sense of what it's supposed to mean. I know is some kind of chef in a restaurant, but what do you called it in English? | Translation sites (or even big paper dictionaries) would not work with []{} because it is not an established term.
The well-established term instead is []{}, which refers to a pretty girl store clerk that draws many (male) customers. originally meant a "signboard" but also has another meaning of "draw" or "attraction". means a "young girl" or "daughter". So a is often the business owner's own daughter.
, therefore, is a coined parody that plays on the original phrase and it would refer to a male owner or employee of character who attracts many customers.
If it is a chef that is being referred to as a , how about a "star chef" for a translation?
This smoke shop in Tokyo has a rare []{} as it says in the video title. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 17,
"question_score": 6,
"tags": "translation"
} |
「ひがし」 vs. 「あずま」
From what I understand, both and meant "east" and then the latter became the reading of .
Is an archaic term and never used, or are both acceptable? If both are acceptable, what context/how are the two written differently? | Are you sure they aren't the other way round? I have only ever known `` as either `` on it's own `{}` or `` when used in a compound `{}`.
The reading `` seems like in comes from the period where the region encompassing Kyoto and Nara were the political and cultural capitals of Japan as it basically means Tokyo from the Perspective of Kyoto. My dictionary tells me that the reading `` is outdated so I would recommend the `` reading when reading contemporary words, for example `{}` as opposed to `{}`, unless the name of the person or place expressly uses `` as it's reading. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "words"
} |
Is 「習得している」much different from 「勉強している」？
{}{}means "to acquire the ability to use Japanese", right?
{}means "to study Japanese", right?
So, in what ways are different from
Might a nuance be that is optimistic? In English, something like "I am on the path to mastering Japanese." is simply "I am studying Japanese."
Surely, is completely different from. The former meaning "I learned (mastered?) Japanese." The latter "I studied Japanese.", right?
I assume that the comparison applies to and in the same way. | Yes, is much different from , and your understanding is correct.
means to study, to put effort to learn something. It may imply that they have actually acquired the ability, but that's not important.
means to actually master/acquire the ability to do something. Whether you have put effort is not important.
> 5
> I have studied Japanese for five years, but I haven't mastered it yet.
It's possible to say:
> I am on the path to mastering Japanese.
>
But it would be more natural to say I'm still learning Japanese. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "word choice"
} |
What's the difference between (いちば/しじょう) for 市場?
Does it refer to two different types of markets? Thank you. | "" is a real place, e.g.
* []{} (fish market)
* []{} (fruit and vegetable market)
* etc.
"" is the abstraction, e.g.
* []{} (domestic market)
* []{} (labor market)
* []{} (financial market)
* etc.
**_Exceptions:_**
* []{} (central wholesale market)
* others (in the field of finance often "") | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 11,
"question_score": 9,
"tags": "word choice"
} |
What is the difference between 〜て and 〜の？
Sometimes when I see verbs in a sentence that uses it as a subject or noun rather than an event or verb which explains what happens in a sentence. E.g.:
> *
> *
>
In the two examples,the verbs are expressed in different ways but both are treated as nouns. In the first example is expressed as but is expressed as in the second example.
What is the difference between these two sentences? | means "I like eating" and functions as a noun but () as in is not a noun but an adverb or a verb in an adverbial form, and it means "Every friday I go to Japan and think".
As for , first, is not a particle to denote the subject of the sentence here, so the sentence doesn't mean "the act of going make me think" or something. This following a form means you automatically repeat those sequential actions of going and thinking.
* : I think
* : going to Japan, I think (there)
Now … means the actions above occur repetitively, and if you regard the preceding action as a condition for the following one, you can translate it into "Every time I go to Japan, I think". | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 0,
"tags": "grammar, verbs, conjugations"
} |
Use of 「～ておりますしょうか。 」
I came across this construct that I'm not familiar with:
>
What is the use of the ending I assumed it to be a shortening of seeing as the meaning seems to be the same. Is this correct? | I believe this was a typo. itself is neither grammatical nor commonly accepted. Your assumption that it was meant to mean is perfectly rigid. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "grammar"
} |
Usage of a verb 希望する
While filling in the application I have met the next sentence:
* **** There was also a translation into English:
* Please choose the universities that you wish to attend from among those listed in the“Course Guide.”
But, it was the first time for me, when I have met the verb ****. I know the word and it's meaning "hope", but not the verb.
1) I am not even sure, how to translate it. For ex.: **** ? 2) Also I am confused, in which situations (except this application, where I need to fill in a chosen school) can I use this verb ****. Is it very formal? Is there any situations, whe this verb can suit?
I hope, my question is clear.Thank you a lot in advance. | When someone says , it implicitly means (), hence, "wish to attend" (although, it should be "hope to attend" to be more accurate). When you say , it is translated to "I hope for a college," which sounds a bit strange. A better way to say it would be .
I don't think is very formal, but a more informal way of saying it would probably be or . | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "usage, verbs"
} |
Usage of an adjective 細やか（な）
I have met the sentence:
* ****
The word **** is translated in the dictionary usually as _friendly_ or _tender_.
1) Could you please tell me more exact translation of this word and of the whole sentence? 2) And in which contexts is this word most suitable?
Thank you. | The term , as suggested by the letter "", has the nuance like _finesse_ , _delicateness_ , _subtleness_ , _sensitiveness_. So when it is used to modify (concideration/care), the outline of the meaning of the expression "" is that there has been a careful, adequate and warm care for the students, which supported each student in need. The support was accessible and was regardful of the different states that different students had.
Modifying the word like "" and "" is one of the most suitable contexts for this word. It can also be used to describe other things. Some examples taken from :
> (, )
,
> (, )
,
> (, )
,
> (, ) | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 6,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "usage, na adjectives"
} |
「～てます」 as an adjective
In an email, I came across
>
I understand how can get shortened to , but I thought this was informal (hence, contradicting the need for the ending.
Also, I found it strange to be using a verb with a ending as an adjective. What are the rules/nuances of using like this? | >
If this was in a formal business email, I would say it's grammatical but overly casual. As you well know, the -to--conversion is very common in casual and colloquial Japanese, but that's not something you can use in a business email.
They should have wrote in one of the followings ways:
> *
> * (using humble )
> *
>
As you can see, using to modify the following noun like this is not uncommon.
That said, the last one is universally valid, and I personally prefer it even in a formal email. There is no need to use there, and I feel that using the first form too much may leave an obsequious impression on people.
Of course you can safely say "" in a casual situation. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "verbs, adjectives"
} |
I was told to do X if Y
I have no idea how to translate this sentence pattern into Japanese. If I try with basic grammar, it sounds very wrong and overly complex.
What is the most natural way of expressing this? If there is a more business version, please share it as well.
For example
> *
> * .
> | If you want to avoid using quoted speech, the common idiom worth memorizing is **"X()"**.
Your translation attempt is not bad, but here are a few comments:
* In the first example, are you intentionally using the plain form as an imperative? That makes sense, but it's better to simply use the imperative form .
* No need to say twice.
* In the second example, this is usually omitted.
* Replace with . Explaining the difference between and is difficult for me, but you can see this page: Conditionals | Learn Japanese
How about these?
> *
> *
> *
> *
> | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 0,
"tags": "translation, expressions"
} |
(Person's name) + 君の事
I came across the following sentence and I'm having troubles understanding the grammar:
> ……
`` stands for the person's name. That being said, I understand `` is a personal pronoun like `you`, as for the phrase `` means something like "yourself" or "the real you".
What I don't get is the gramatics behind adding the person's name followed by a pronoun that refers to that person: ``. Maybe it has to do with the fact that there is no `` or `` particle to denote topic/subject? | when applied to person's name is not "" but is "", which is honorific suffix for boys. is hard to translate directly, but basically it means "someone's being" (sorry if this is not the best translation). is quite obvious.
So we get: "I used to like (love) mr. Ichijo". | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 0,
"tags": "grammar"
} |
3rd person references in formal emails
I deal with lots of formal emails (within the company) that refer to unnamed 3rd parties. The first reference is . If I want to use "they" later in the email, what should I use? I've seen both and used, but I'm not clear on nuances of these or if there are other choices. | Any clarification as to who exactly is? Are they customers? Employees? Trainees?
Also who are you addressing the email to? is often quite brash to use when emailing your superiors (but this really does depend on them, mine let me get away with all sorts of things).
I would stick with but really if all else fails just call them - {Probably the one I would personally use in a similar situation}. Otherwise it can get confusing and the meaning of could mean any of the parties involved assuming you mention any other party / groups of people in an email. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 6,
"tags": "formality, email"
} |
What does 回 mean in 回答?
What does , the kanji for "turn", mean in "answer"? | In Chinese, this kanji (or hanzi) originally contains a notion of "returning" (both transitive and intransitive); for example, "to come back", "to go back home", etc.
Although in Japan this kanji seems to mean more of "rotating" than "returning", in this case, the original meaning has been carried over into Japanese.
So is about "returning an answer."
* * *
**[Edit]** More precise answer is provided below by Broccoli forest. Please don't miss it! | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 10,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "kanji, etymology"
} |
Is this how to say "I'm going to Japan Wednesday."?
Is
>
a reasonable way to say "I'm going to Japan Wednesday."?
If it is, is this also okay?
> | You **need** to say rather than just .
It might also be preferable to use instead of
but other than that your sentences will work.
>
and
>
Best per Tomono-san is
> | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 1,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "grammar"
} |
How to understand なんだ
In the following sentence:
What is from the grammar point of view? | I guess I was right, so I'll offer it as an answer.
According to Daijirin (look at the bottom of the link) it is a shortened form of the ``. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 0,
"tags": "grammar"
} |
生活になぶられた、男の子は自殺した。Passive voice in Descriptive Relative clauses, and word choice
>
My translation:
> Tormented by daily life, the boy killed himself.
My other translation:
> The boy who was tormented by daily life killed himself.
I was wondering if there is any nuance when using the passive voice in descriptive relative clauses, and if some of my word choices like and sound natural in this context. | Unfortunately, is very rare in modern Japanese, except that the compound is occasionally used.
I'm not sure about the exact nuance of "tormented by daily life", but if I have to find a transitive verb that fits this situation, I would choose or . The latter is mainly used in its passive form ().
> *
> *
>
There is no problem with using passive voice in a relative clause. But don't insert a comma between the noun and the relative clause.
And generally speaking, Japanese language tends to avoid inanimate subjects with transitive verbs. See this discussion, or examples here. If you can replace the subject with , you can say this in various ways using , etc. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 1,
"question_score": 0,
"tags": "passive voice"
} |
Passive vs Active form of verbs when used as adjectives
The passive/active verb preference question has been discussed before ( Passive vs. active form of verb (past) What is the difference? ), but I had a specific question.
When a verb is used in the adjective location, is active form preferred always to passive form?
I would tend to write:
>
But I was told it would better to use the active voice:
>
Is this always the better (clearer) form? | In this specific case, at the phrase level, the difference between and is usually subtle; both means "saved file".
However, this phrase is followed by whose subject is _you_ , so I feel it flows much better when you use the same subject.
Your first example perfectly makes sense, but may be unnecessarily complicated as compared to the second one.
**Edit:**
This may be too obvious, but if you say "", there would be small ambiguity regarding who saved the file. I don't think that's a huge problem in this specific case, but when the creator of the file is important, you have no choice but to use the active voice. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "verbs, adjectives"
} |
What is the meaning of らと?
I was reading this news article today:
4 ****
In the heading and again in the text is ****
My question is what is the meaning of the between Yamaguchi Tomoko and co-starring? I could not find any dictionary reference for it. | is **two words** , not one, which is why it will not be found in the dictionary.
= "~~, etc."
= "with"
> "Sadao Abe is co-starring **_with_** Kiko Mizuhara, Tomoko Yamaguchi, **_etc_**." | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 6,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "meaning, plural suffixes"
} |
Nominalizing する Verbs
When using verbs, is there a significant semantic/connotative difference between using the bare noun compared to simply adding a nominalizer () after the ?
I'm tempted to say that the latter emphasizes the act of driving, such that they'd be translated respectively to: "I like driving." "I like the act of driving."
... Though I'd be hard pressed to explain even in English how these are significantly different in meaning. Maybe they're effectively synonymous in Japanese? | I have no prior research but, speaking from experience, I would say most of the time your way of thinking is right, for some examples (like the one you proposed) the difference from one sentence to the other is simply the level of emphasis you want to impose. But I also believe that for other sentences such as:
and
you have a more distinct difference in meaning, the first sentence has the meaning of "liking baseball", the sport itself, the second sentence carries the meaning "I like to play baseball". But since I have not made a prior research I would also like to hear from others. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "word choice"
} |
幸い Usage with Particles (~で or ~に)
I'm trying to write a phrase that says "Fortunately I passed (the exam)" and I would like to use in it, but I'm not sure how I would go about writing it, mainly because I'm not quite sure which particle to use together with . In my vision there are 2 options:
or
I'm more inclined to say that the first option is the right one, but both could be wrong or the second option could be the right one. I would appreciate some insight. | []{} **** is the correct form and another possibility is **** .
**** is incorrect.
You will see/hear , etc., but the is not a particle in any of those phrases. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "particles"
} |
Using 「点」 vs 「所」 vs 「箇所」to refer to a point in a document, description, etc
When referring to previous document (manual, email, etc.) or a previous statement/reply I'm not sure of the difference between using , and .
I would want to say something along the lines of:
>
>
>
>
>
But to me, it seems as though , and are mainly interchangeable, granted the sentence might have to be slightly changed to accommodate the new word. | **{}** (or ) is a physical "point" you can point where it is (that is, on the paper or elsewhere). You can translate it as "place", "spot" or "site". **{}** , by contrast, indicates abstract "point" you can only name in your mind (unless it means literal "dot"). Possible translations are "respect", "regard" or "aspect".
> {}{}{} **** _There are illogicalities in the argument._
> × ****
>
> × {} **** {}
> **** _I fixed three typos._
**{}** is a vague word more or less corresponds to "where". It could be used in place of both and , just sounds more informal (colloquial) than them. Take care that and are counter words (as above), while is _not_ (`× `). | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "grammar, words"
} |
Does しとこう mean what I think it means in casual speech?
Dear fellow lovers of Japanese language,
I've come across this dialogue in a visual novel:
> …
The implied meaning is unambiguous here, as it is that they should stop talking secrets and act more like students.
However, I'm at my wit's end with the grammar in the second sentence. Is a volitional form of (a shortened )? That is, does carry the meaning that they should put these stories down [in preparation] for what happens in the next sentence? It would make sense to me this way but I'm very inexperienced with Japanese language so please correct me if I'm wrong.
Thank you for your patience. | , when used as a subsidiary verb, can basically serve two functions.
> 1) Expresses "performing Action A in advance (so it will help one perform Action B in the future)".
>
> 2) Expresses "leave something as-is" or "let a situation continue".
Judging from the context given, I would say that we have a case of function #1 in use here.
You have been doing some secret talk (all night) and you want to stop now because it is almost 7 o'clock and people may start coming in any minute. It is time you acted like normal students again.
Action A: Bring the secret talk to an end.
Action B: Act and look like normal students. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "meaning, slang"
} |
自意識過剰 - what does it mean, exactly?
Could someone please clarify the meaning of ? Does it mean the person is overly self-conscious of other people's looks/opinions (e.g. very shy person), or does it imply an overly huge ego (e.g. narcissist)? Both (somehow)? Something else entirely?
Thank you.
Edit:
It seems I'm not the only one confused about here, e.g. here < one person says it can mean both, while the other confirms my intuition that it doesn't make too much sense for two opposite things to share a common word (being shy vs. egocentric/narcissist).
Still, it would be interesting to hear if anyone manages to find a more meaningful distinction as it could shed some light on the way Japanese approach to their public image and how it may differ from ours (a fascinating topic in itself, I suppose). | It refers to a person who is worrying too much about evaluations from others.
As a consequence, can appear both as narcissists and shy worriers, but I think their appearance is not important.
Even when this term is used for "narcissistic" people, it implies they are not fully confident, and they are trying to beautify themselves out of unnecessary anxiety. On the other hand, a true narcissist does not care about other people's criticism. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "meaning"
} |
ければ possibly used to link verbs instead of causation? (visual novel, narration)
I apologize if this is a silly question but can be used to simply link two verbs (as in, "and")? It doesn't make much sense (or does it?) in the following sentence for "to scream angrily" making the person to "follow/cling to" to the narrator, that is: "(he) was in the state as if he wanted to say something (but) Shinji didn't shout and didn't follow" as opposed to "didn't shout, so didn't follow me"?
>
Couldn't it simply be replaced here by ......?
Have I completely misunderstood the sentence?
Thank you. | _**Double Negatives:**_
The structure that you need to be looking at is:
> **** **** = "neither ~~ nor ~~"
This has **nothing to do with causation**. It can link two **verb/adjective/noun** phrases, not just verbs.
As you mentioned "causation", I think you are thinking of another usage of as in **** []{} = "If you have no cheese, you cannot make pizza."
> []{}[]{}[]{}[]{},
>
> therefore, means: "Shinji would **neither** yell at me **nor** follow me about"
Example with adjectives:
= "This pizza is neither good nor bad."
Example with nouns:
[]{}[]{}[]{} = "That person is neither a man nor a woman." | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "meaning"
} |
what is the use of で in 日本料理は京都の料理でたいへん美味しい
found it at the kanji workbook of shin nihongo no kiso. would it be something like "among the japanese cuisine, kyoto's cuisine is specially tasty"? I know that is used to say "among" but the only example I know is using SAdj | > []{}[]{}[]{} **** []{}
The content of the sentence is somewhat questionable, but it is a grammatical sentence and it can be analyzed as such.
**_The here is an auxiliary verb, not a particle_**. is the []{} (the conjunctive / continuative form) of the affirmation auxiliary verb . This can be replaced by .
The author could have used a **comma** and wrote:
It is saying **two separate things** , which is why you need a to connect them.
1) Japanese cuisine is (or "means") Kyoto cuisine.
and
2) It is delicious.
Related: Translation of particle in | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "particle で"
} |
Unfamiliar phrase: ありきたりっちゃありきたり
I just came across an unfamiliar phrase: .
Does anyone know what this means? Mainly its because I don't know what the function of the is here. | is a common colloquial pronunciation of []{}. It is heard mainly, if not exclusively, in Kanto.
> word or phrase + + _**same**_ word or phrase = "somewhat (word/phrase)", "(word/phrase) to a degree", etc.
It is a way of affirming a quality partially, if not entirely.
>
>
> = "somewhat conventional", "kind of ordinary", "just another ~~", etc.
The best translation would depend on the context. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "phrases"
} |
いい人そう。using "seemingly" そう with nouns?
Recently I've been trying to wrap my head around the differences between .
I thought I was making some progress when I gave this example to a Japanese friend.
>
If I wanted to convey what I thought of the stranger to my friend, my guess was:
>
However, I was also told it was possible to say:
>
If you google or you will get quite a bit of hits.
Is actually some sort of compound na-adjective rather than a noun?
Or is this some sort of exception to the rule? | I slept on it and still think it is a great question because you noticed something as a learner that I had never noticed in all of my life as a Japanese speaker.
We **DO** say []{} quite frequently and think nothing of it.
We **DO NOT** , however, really say []{}[]{}, etc.
Just like + + , all of those have the same grammatical structure adjective + + . So, what makes the difference?
It seems to me that Japanese speakers are unconsciously treating the phrase as a compound functioning adjectivally in this case. The simplicity and semantic broadness of the word appear to be making it all possible. In short, is an exception to the normal grammar standards.
There may be grammarians out there who insist on the ungrammaticality of the phrase but the truth is people use it and they will understand it if you use it. It has already won its citizenship. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 7,
"question_score": 8,
"tags": "grammar"
} |
Is the ending ~ま鶴 just a slang corruption of ~ます?
Occasionally on Twitter, I see tweets from young native Japanese-speakers like:
> []{}
with the obvious meaning of
Is this change of to just a form of slang, and is it commonly used and understood? | As mentioned in the comments above, this seems to be just a small Twitter following. The main user, YANAKIKU, is a musician, and changing the ending of verbs to seems to be their usage of artistic license, most likely to be cute.
I haven't seen it used anywhere other than this, so I assume the meme (if it can be called this) is really just for fans of the group.
Other examples from their twitter page include:
>
>
> MC
>
>
Not really something I'd be able use anytime or anywhere without feeling self conscious ; ) | stackexchange-japanese | {
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"question_score": 4,
"tags": "slang, internet slang"
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What could it be: つもりでいた？?
I need some help with the sentence below. Things like when finishing the verb as in []{} **** []{} **** are okay for me. But next sentence is something else, because the ending is standing after a noun, not a verb.
> ****
* Could you please explain, why was used here, in this sentence?
* And when we can usually use grammar like this? | This is simply a valid combination of two things you already know:
* te-form + forms the past-progressive
* the te-form of the copula is
so we have:
* -> intend to study Japanese
* **** -> **was intending** to study Japanese | stackexchange-japanese | {
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"question_score": 3,
"tags": "grammar, usage"
} |
What is wrong with my translation?
Take the following sentence. . I thought this meant "Person is likable fish" (I'm new at this) I was told it meant "People like fish" Why? | AB/ means A likes/dislikes B.
indicates the theme and indicate the subject, it litteraly means "About A : B is liked".
There are many adjectives that follow this pattern in which what would be the direct object in english is the subject in japanese.
>
>
> I envy him. "To me, he is enviable."
Not strictly an answer to your question but the AB + adjective structure is also used in many cases where the verb "to have" would be used in english.
>
>
> That girl is tall. "That girl has a tall height (back)", "About that girl, her height is tall."
>
>
>
> Dogs have long noses. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "na adjectives"
} |
How can I say this in japanese?
My friend who is Japanese asked me where to meet him. I want to tell him " next to Tim Hortons like last time" Do I say "Tim hortons no chikai zenkai mitai" Thanks! | My suggestion is:
> zenkai mitai ni Tim Hortons no soba de. ( Tim Hortons )
First, `chikai` neither is grammatical here, nor means "next to". It means _near_ or _around_ , that means it could also be a place one block away from Tim Hortons. `soba` is the right word "where beside" (it's a noun). An alternative is `tonari` ("next door"), if where you're mentioning is another building, house or park etc.
Next, English language sometimes modifies from behind: " _right_ next to TH" vs. "next to TH _like last time_ ", but Japanese doesn't do this. We always say "like-last-time next to TH".
Lastly, it's better to put `de` in the end. Your English actually means "Let's meet next to --.", only without saying the "Let's meet" part. Likewise in Japanese, "-- no soba de aou" without "aou" must be "-- no soba de", otherwise your friend would be subconsciously baffled around 0.2 seconds about what he should do next to Tim Hortons. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": -2,
"tags": "translation"
} |
最終講義・懇親会の出欠連絡の葉書に、伝統的にどんなコメントを書くべきですか。
3
|
>
>
*
*
… | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "expressions"
} |
Difference between 「～かかわらず」 and 「～かまわず」
I never knew the differences between and and assumed they were more or less the same until I tried saying
> *
and was told to use .
What am I missing? | is the negative form of []{}, meaning to "care about/mind/pay attention to". It has an emotional/personal sense to it to.
> * 1 → May I write with a/in pencil? ("Do you not care if I write in pencil?")
> * 2 → He doesn't care about his appearance.
>
is the negative form of , meaning "have to do with/concerning/related to" (. This is more objective in its use.
> * 1 → I have nothing to do with the matter.
> * 1 → It's a matter of life (and death).
>
So when you say ``, it sounds like what follows is some kind of emotional relationship to the software, when you were probably going for something like `Regardless/Irrespective of the software's functionality, ...`.
* * *
1 Examples from
2 Example from | stackexchange-japanese | {
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"question_score": 2,
"tags": "words, conjunctions"
} |
Can 勝手に決める by itself carry a negative connotation?
As in, to add a selfish and careless tinge to ? Here, for instance:
>
Implying that such action (without taking any other context into consideration) would lead the other party to lose to the speaker?
Thank you. | Depending on the situation yes, it can carry a negative connotation. It is especially easy to see this situation in school and love-related dramas where people are trying to make plans and there is a quarrel or disagreement over something and one of the parties gives up trying to give input.
> A
> B
> A
> B
> A
> B
> A **** <\--- Is now angry/fed up | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "meaning"
} |
Particle Choice: は・が・を - "I want ... to be my ..."
() ****
I am trying to say: "I hope Yamada Sensei could be my advisor, so I'm writing this mail."
In this situation, is the correct particle? | The correct particle to use there is . Another possibility is , but would be far more common. Some children might use , but they, too, will grow out of it in time.
> (person) + **** \+ (thing/position) + **** \+ = "to have (person) become a/my (thing/position)"
I actually see a huge problem in the middle part of your sentence. Not sure if I should correct it, but makes no sense.
It is or for grammatical correctness, but because those lack any respect for the teacher, you would want to say:
> []{} **** []{} **** []{} | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "particles"
} |
Can we use negative form before ～てしまう : f.ex. なく+～てしまう？
Using the form **** we mean, that something happened in a way we did not expect. But what if we use a negative form before the **** ending? Will it be also grammatically right?
For example:
> | doesn't connect to but does, in other words, you can say .
(Technically, is possible but that sounds very awkward. On the other hand, is fine though I still can't see the point to use it here.) | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 8,
"question_score": 12,
"tags": "grammar"
} |
How would you translate ボタンを掛け違う?
I am new here and very happy that I found this webpage, where everyone can ask questions concerning Japanese. ^^ I am studying Japanese in my 2nd year now and in my free time, I love to translate song lyrics, which are not always easy.
Currently, I'm struggling with the phrase .
I've tried to read Japanese explanations for it, but I still can't figure out what exactly the concept of this phrase is. That's why I would be very grateful if someone could briefly explain me the concept of this phrase.
The context in the song is , which makes it even more difficult to find like the one phrase to insert into the lyrics in English. To keep it very short, the song is about a person, whose world is falling apart and who can't hear any mercy anymore.
Thank you very much in advance! | It is a **_metaphor_** (unless the song is actually about buttons) used to describe an interpersonal relationship.
[]{}[]{} is a fairly common metaphor meaning "to have small misunderstandings", "to be at cross purposes", "to fail to move closely together", "to continuously have little disagreements", etc.
[]{} might be difficult for you because the author is creating a new phrase using an existing metaphor. Once again, unless the song is about real buttons, this phrase is a metaphor as well.
It would mean something like "small misunderstandings easily lead to other (even larger) misunderstandings", "once at cross purposes, it only became more difficult for us to unite", etc.
It is saying that things are starting to fall in a vicious cycle now. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 7,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "translation, meaning, definitions, phrases, song lyrics"
} |
Constructions like [ "direct speech" と noun ]
The next sentence sounds enough strange for me, as I have got used to constructions like "...A" or something similar. But, here it looks like at least the word "" was omitted.
Why do we have just " **** " after the direct speech?
> **** | Yes, it's a pure omission. Omitting at the end of a sentence is fairly common in novels.
It makes the sentence sound light to make the whole paragraph flow smoothly. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 6,
"tags": "grammar"
} |
Difference between using ころ and ころに？
I'm kinda new to this site so I'm not entirely sure how the format works.
In the sentence below, which I'm assuming I translated correctly as "When I was in high school, I studied often":
>
some people tend to add after when I looked it up. Is it necessary and is it wrong to have/not have the particle in the sentence? I'm fairly certain that the particle is used for destination/certain time reference among other things but I don't see why it's more common to not have it at the end of while some people actually do
Also, I didn't know if I can include a separate question since I didn't really want to make a whole new thread for it but is it wrong if I were to say instead of to be more specific? | For the translation, I would say
> (spoken)
>
> (written)
* You usually use when you're speaking.
* : Here, means study often, has a duration so is better.
* After , you usually use or nothing.
You can use when you want to insist on the time context. Like:
> (It's that I met you)
or when it's the destination.
> (I want to go back to ) | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "grammar"
} |
Is レリゴる likely to be understood, and what does it mean?
Last year, I heard from other English speakers about the katakana verb . It's supposed to be a verb related to the movie Frozen ().
Is the verb generally understood by Japanese speakers? I tried searching weblio and jisho.org for , , or , but couldn't get any relevant matches. Also, I tried doing a google search for and the matches I got didn't seem to include the verb.
Also, what does it mean? Does it mean to watch Frozen (link to tweet pictured within the tweet), or to sing "Let It Go"? | Jokingly coining such verb using a title/character of a movie/anime/book is not uncommon among native speakers, but many of them are one-time jokes which will be forgotten soon. Only a few of them (including = to have one's head mutilated; to die a tragic death) will be widely recognized and gain specific definitions.
I don't think the verb itself caught on last year. So the actual meaning would purely depend on the context. I think people _may_ use it at least in three ways:
> * = To sing _Let it Go_
> * 1 = To watch _Frozen_
> * = To let it go, to forget
>
EDIT: Please note that these are more like possible jokes rather than normal conversations. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 6,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "meaning, loanwords"
} |
Usage of Verb て Verb て
I am currently studying the usage of Verb Verb sentence structure which means that I have two te form verbs being used in a sentence. I just need a bit of clarification.
For example:
> I wake up at 6:00 AM, brush my teeth, and go to university on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Would the sentence be...
> | Yes, your use of the - is correct. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 1,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "grammar, verbs"
} |
meaning of もったり
don't understand meaning of Just want to draw attention to its use in a sentence: so I doubt there is implied something like | ≠ []{}
There is nothing in common between those two. The meaning is completely different and so is the pronunciation. The pitch accent is on the in and in .
is an adverb describing, for instance, the texture of whipped cream. " **Sticky liquid** ", " **glutinous** ", etc. would come to mind.
It can also mean " **dull** " or " **slow-moving** " depending on the context.
Note that regardless of how you translate it, it is an **adverb** in Japanese. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "meaning"
} |
How does the negative form of である get to be ではない?
< doesn't explain the reason clearly.
Can anyone explain? | "" is the negation of the assertion
> **Positive:** ->("" is assertive sentence) ---> OK
> **Negative:** ->---> NG
> alternate [()]{assertive} <> []{Negative} >>> ---> OK
"Assertion" has the meaning of enhancement(or Emphasis) for the Subject.
"" provides further emphasis than "". (the Subject is "")
Note:
> __ ---> OK (Simple Positive and Simple Assertion)
> __ ---> OK (Simple Negative)
> __ ---> OK (Positive affirmation of the Assertion)
> __ ---> OK (Negation of the Assertion)
Examples:
> __
> __
> __
> __ | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 5,
"tags": "grammar, etymology"
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Which one is better? 鮮魚 or 新鮮な魚?
I have this question about or . I've read them both in different situations and I want to know if there's a correct way or in what situations can I use each of them. | is virtually a commercial term which is mostly seen in fish shops, supermarkets and sea food restaurants. Using in everyday conversation may sound slightly weird.
For example, supposing you are on a fishing boat and having a catch-and-cook lunch, if you say your friends may laugh, because it sounds a little funny. Using is more natural in this case. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 8,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "word choice"
} |
What is the difference between 仲間 and 友達?
I've seen nakama used in One Piece a lot, but I've learned tomodachi in my text book. Is there a different in usage? | : People who share the same goal and work/struggle/fight together in a group or organization. They often can be your close friends, too, but that's not necessary. A person whom you personally dislike, or whom you don't even know, can sometimes be your . In _One Piece_ it sounds dramatic because it's about people who share the same destiny, literally in the same boat. That won't happen often in real life. means "Join us," but not "Be my (personal) friend."
: A friend. Something based on personal feelings of intimacy or affection. You don't have to do something special with your . They can be someone you haven't met for a long time. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 15,
"question_score": 12,
"tags": "meaning, nouns"
} |
Does 同居 have a sexual connotation?
I have been watching Fate/Stay Night, the Unlimited Blade Works one. In this particular episode, as Shirou (male character) tells other characters that Saber (female character) will stay at his place, they are very surprised and use the word `{}`.
The subtitles I have used the word "shack up" to translate that idiom. However, in English "shack up" has a sexual connotation :
> 1. To live together and have sexual relations without being married.
> 2. To live, room, or stay at a place
>
However, in Japanese it does not seem so :
>
But as the other protagonists are quite shocked at this, and that Fate/Stay Night is after all based on an erotic game, does carry a sexual connotation in colloquial Japanese ? Or is it just poor translation ? | Your observations are correct. does not necessarily imply sexual relations. For example , , and so on are perfectly natural.
(or since is not in the Joyo kanji list) is the one that does imply having sexual relations without getting married. is incorrect.
Of course, or would be actually understood as a proposal for or even marriage in great many cases, especially when this is said between a young man and a woman. I don't know the story of _Fate_ , so I can't judge if it was a bad translation. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 7,
"question_score": 5,
"tags": "word choice, colloquial language"
} |
これまた／なんてこれまた meaning?
Going off the main clause I think the general meaning here is that Saegusa (2nd person) is giving the speaker (narrator, 1st person) a surprised look (lit. "giving me a great suprise" - the speaker used to stress random things before so assume it's the same here).
> (NARRATOR, 1st person):
There's not much relevant context here other than the narrator just having surprised Saegusa by revealing a surprising fact (surprise!).
What I'm missing here is the role of .
The grammar book I'm using as reference has two forms of , the first one (a fixed phrase) used before a noun or a verb as a question, e.g.
>
Or as as an exclamation, e.g.
>
The second form (a particle) is used after another word "to express a strong feeling", e.g.
> ****
As for , I am at a loss. Does it carry any nuance? Google search didn't help much (or, to be more accurate, I don't really know where to look for).
Thank you! | > []{}[]{}[]{}
here expresses exclamation, which is the same usage as in []{} among the examples you have listed. = "How ~~!"
should **not** be analysed too literally by its components and . Instead, it should be treated as a common set phrase used to express a great degree of exclamation, excitement, surprise, etc. that the speaker is feeling about something.
Therefore, is what I might call a double-exclamatory expression similar in feeling to "how on earth", "how freaking ~~", "what in the world", etc.
> "Boy, how freaking elegantly Saegusa showed his surprise!"
That is just a "translation". The original is only a long noun phrase, not a sentence like my TL above, in which modifies . | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "grammar, meaning"
} |
What is (たた）なわり?
A friend and I are slowly translating a Japanese novel ( by together for practice/fun, and we've found something weird (to us) in this sentence:
We couldn't find anything for the , but I did come across . Which wasn't in our dictionary, but means "Tatami needle" according to the oh-so-reliable Google Translate, ...which doesn't really make sense. The needs to be a verb doesn't it?
So I looked around some more and saw (Tatami needle), and , a verb meaning to fold.
As of right now, we're going with that verb, which makes our translation something like "The hill-shaped mountain folds like a wave, and the mountainside is dotted with private houses." It basically makes sense, and the sound-change seems reasonable, but...
If anyone could tell us what this verb(?) is, or if our speculation seems reasonable, we'd appreciate it... | It's a verb . defines it as "".
Anyway it's a very rare word. I can't remember any instance I actually heard/read this word. Perhaps I never did. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "translation"
} |
How to read 一人 and 人 in those sentences
>
I've found this sentence on tatoeba.org and the furigana they use for is Isn't it wrong? Shouldn't it be ?
Same doubt with this sentence:
>
with which they use the furigana
Shouldn't it be ? Is it a matter of soud? I have to admit that doesn't sound so fluent... | Stay assured; You are correct on both accounts.
To say "to leave (someone) alone" = (someone) + , is always read .
To describe a quality of a person by saying "(adjective) + ", is always read . | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "readings"
} |
Can 〜てもいい indicate you are giving yourself permission?
I saw this picture online and it was of someone giving their business card to a girl (presumably to become an idol). The girl says in the picture:
>
Attempt at translation:
> Hmm, I wonder what I should do? If you kiss me right now, it's okay for me to become an idol.
When I was first learning it seemed that when it was ()it was asking for permission for yourself and when it was just it was for giving permission to someone else. It seems like the girl in the statement above is giving permission to herself or is my interpretation of the sentence wrong? | " **Giving yourself permission** " may be one way to interpret it. You are certainly on the right track with that.
In my own words, however, it would be more like " **agreeing (or consenting) to do something** " in this particular context. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "grammar"
} |
Meaning of 「なぜでもだ」
I've been watching 7th episode of Aldnoah Zero S2, and stumbled across a part I couldn't completely understand - . If I'm understanding correctly is saying something like "Don't give me your 'why?'" or "It's none of your business" etc. However what exactly does this phrase means? Of course it's connected with previous phrase …, however what has changed, when he rephrased it backwards?
>
>
>
>
>
>
> …
>
> ****
>
> …
This moment starts on 6:54. | Here is how I understood this conversation.
The first , in …, is the meaning "but". Here, Edelrittuo is asking Slaine "But why?".
The second , in , is the that you use with interrogatives in constructions like or , to mean "anything" / "anyone" / etc. Since means "why", I guess would literally mean "for any reason". In the context of this exchange, where it is being used as an angry reply to a question, I would think of it as meaning "it doesn't matter what the reason is".
For an idiomatic way of putting this in English, consider:
> Edelrittuo: "But why?"
> Slaine: "Because!"
I don't think it's useful to view Slaine's retort as being Edelrittuo's question "rephrased backwards" - it just happens to look that way, since happens to have a lot of meanings. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 6,
"tags": "translation"
} |
Looking for a kanji/symbol used for counting noodles
Just to add some context: I was with a Japanese friend at a and restaurant in where they had a small sign by the counter to buy their fresh noodles. However, the size of the portion was not indicated by a weight in grams or anything like that, it was a kanji/counter/symbol that looked like a checkbox... Something like this : !Strange kanji
If I remember well, he told me it was an old kanji that denotes a well-defined quantity of noodles, a bit like {} is used for a loaf of bread.
However, I have tried hand drawn kanji recognition without success, gone through a few counter and unit lists but none of them seem to mention it.
So is this thing a kanji ? How is it pronounced ?
Thanks a lot ! | That is the for , the square vessel used for sake and a measurement of volume.
EDIT: Punningly, also used as an abbreviation for the verb ending during the Edo period:
> | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 14,
"question_score": 13,
"tags": "kanji, counters"
} |
Explaining pharse 「今日のイチオシ」 - part ~オシ
Recently I have received the e-mail from online music store - and the is the title . It translates as "Today's choices". But abbreviation (?) at the end ~ I can't understand/translate.. And also the name itself of the shop is not very clear to me - the part ~. Maybe it is also some abbreviation? | comes from the verb []{}, which means "to recommend". You may already know the word []{}, which means the same. Notice the same kanji is used in both.
, of course, means []{}. Thus, is a colloquial (kind of slangy but not too much) word meaning " ** _one's best recommendation_** ".
Finally, in is []{} in kanji. It means "direct".
According to Wikipedia, the company was named because it is directly funded by the record companies -- []{}. It took the and parts and put them together.
< | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "words, meaning"
} |
How do I pronounce these Katakana Onomatopoeia (words that sound like noises)?
When I have been reading Manga recently I have encountered many onomatopoeia words such as as in ' _Brush Brush_ ' and for ' _rush rush/flap flap_ ' but I have found some words such as for a ' _zoosh/swoosh_ ' sound but what is the (small tsu) suppose to mean in this onomatopoeia when it is at the end of the word? for another onomatopoeia word, I read it as ' _Sha_ '? but does the change the way I pronounce the word in any way? Other examples of onomatopoeia words include ' _shuum_ ' and ' _thump_ '.
Sorry if the onomatopoeia words are wrongly translated. I just basically want to know what is the small ' _tsu_ ' (Hiragana or Katakana) do to the word when it is placed at the end because from my knowledge it usually indicates a pause for words like .
| When or its katakana counterpart appears word-finally, it's commonly a glottal stop //ʔ// or an implosive, "unreleased" stop at some other point of articulation, for me usually implosive //k//.
Glottal stops appear in English too, most common example being "uh-oh".
First English word I can think of which has an implosive stop is "yep".
EDIT:
Update as I was not fully understanding the question.
() at the end of an onomatopoeia usually works to intensify it.
Many onomatopoeia denoting crushing, slashing, cracking, i.e "destructive" ones tend to have at the end.
sounds stronger than (hitting something), stronger than (breaking something), and so on.
"Soft" onomatopoeiae tend not have () at the end.
Examples include (river water quietly streaming), (flipping through pages of a book) | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "grammar, pronunciation, onomatopoeia"
} |
In a period of time
What's the best way to express **in** in the following sentence:
> I will go in five minutes time.
Here's my attempt
>
Here's another attempt which I have even less confidence in:
>
Assuming the above are correct then I would translate them as "I will go after 5 minutes", and "I will go 5 minutes from now". So, questions:
1. Are the above correct?
2. If not then please explain what I've done wrong.
3. Are there better ways to say it?
Please excuse the inconsistent kanji. I've only used the kanji I already know. | The easiest and most commonly-used structure for expressing "come/go/return, etc. + **in** \+ (time period) " would be to use particle and say:
> (time period) + **** \+ []{}/[]{}/[]{}, etc.
This would by far be the most versatile way of expressing " _ **in**_ (a time period)"
**Other expressions:**
> (time period) + []{} + (verb phrase)
This expression is **less versatile** than the one using because it cannot be used to make a general statement such as "Instant ramen cooks in 3 minutes."
3 **** can be said anytime as a general statement because it is "true".
3 **** , however, can only be said when you are actually starting to cook instant ramen.
I have seen quite a few Japanese-learners make mistakes in using these two expressions correctly.
You can also choose to place in front of the time period and say:
> | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 7,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "word choice, particles, syntax"
} |
"to talk with friends" structure
I tried to make "to talk with friends" based on , so my try is this: , but not only I'm not sure about this, but I also have some questions regarding its structure.
1.-Why that ? I studied that means "and" and it can be used to make conditionals, so why is it necessary in the sentence ?
2.-Even if my attempt is correct, I have the feeling that it doesn't mean exactly what I want to express. Why using instead of using the verb ?
Thank you very much! | > []{}[]{} **** is correct, but
>
> []{} **** is incorrect.
This is because of the difference in the verbs -- and The correct particles to use are:
> A + + + **** \+ = "to speak with A". **** is the only possible particle to use here.
>
> A + + + ** or ** \+ = "to **want to** speak with A". Both particles are possible (even though using **** is more common).
Hope you are following me...
> "Why that ? I studied that means "and" and it can be used to make conditionals, so why is it necessary in the sentence ?"
can also mean "with". Some particles have multiple meanings.
> "Even if my attempt is correct, I have the feeling that it doesn't mean exactly what I want to express. Why using instead of using the verb ?"
As I stated above, you cannot say **** . It is **** if you just need to say "to speak with (someone)". | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 1,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "translation, particles, particle と"
} |
Something is broken
How do you say "Since this thing is broken, I need to buy a new one."?
And, what are the differences between the following:
>
>
> | First, I would like to talk about the phrase []{}. We rarely, if ever, say it in a natural setting. It is grammatical, but we just do not say it much.
Instead, you would simply say **** if you are holding the thing in your hand or pointing your finger to it.
You can also use ** + real name** as in , etc.
Your two sentences:
> []{}[]{}[]{}
>
>
are grammatical but not very natural-sounding if I were to speak strictly.
The only reason for the unnaturalness is your combined use of non-informal phrases ( and ) and very informal phrase .
Your use of is excellent (and very natural).
My suggestion would be to use :
> Not so informal: or ****
>
> Informal: or ****
In meaning, . The latter is more informal/colloquial. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "transitivity"
} |
Radicals: がしら (gashira) endings?
Does somebody know for what the []{gashira} ending stands in radicals like:
* eight ({hachigashira})
* winter ({fuyugashira}), or
* short thread ({itogashira})?
Is it part of {ashi} (bottom radical position) or ashi variant (center radical position / top and bottom radical position)? I understand the other endings (kanmuri, gamae-kamae, hen-ben, nyō, tare, etc.).
I know some of them don't have those endings and could be phonetic (sound) parts of kanji and not semantic (meaning). | []{} (the is also read ) means "head" and etc. refer to the top part of the component. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "meaning, kanji, radicals"
} |
How to translate this sentence about ebooks and reading habits?
I came across this long sentence that I am not sure of what it means:
>
With the help of safarikai, contextually I (very roughly) interpret it as:
> It is rare to walk to the read bookstore looking for ebooks, in compare with real books.
Is this correct? Please correct me. | > Ironically, after starting to read ebooks I actually developed the habit of browsing for books in a real book store. I guess I might be an exception, though.
This is my (loose) translation.
(Since you haven't (yet) provided any other explanation of where you're having problems understanding the sentence, I don't know where to break down the sentence further.) | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 6,
"question_score": 0,
"tags": "translation"
} |
Why does this word have the registered trademark symbol ® on it?
On the weather app on my phone, the word has a ® next to it. Here's a screenshot:
!Japanese Screen
And here's the corresponding shot in English:
!enter image description here
Am I correct in believing that what is really trademarked is just the English "REALFEEL", and not the Japanese? If so, why keep the ® in the Japanese (and presumably other languages') translation? | It is most likely a coding mistake. When products are internationalized, strings in the code are changed depending on the locale of the user. In this case, their template is something like
"%s\u00AE:"
where %s is the localized string. \u00AE is ®. They obviously haven't filed a trademark on , but rather some formula they use that is different from actual windchill/heat index, which they named RealFeel in English. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 9,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "words, symbols"
} |
Difference between 類 and 類
What is the difference between (unicode: 985e) and (unicode: f9d0)?
They look virtually identical (at least as rendered by my computer). Rikaichan says that the former has 18 strokes and the latter 19 but I count 19 in both (rice (6)+ dog (4)+ page (9)). On Wiktionary the latter redirects to the page for the former. | > = + +
> = + +
Naturally, has one more stroke than , so that has one more stroke than .
The latter is a () variant of the former (but, as snailboat points out, is listed as variant in the ). The variant is also contained in the list. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 3,
"tags": "kanji, kyūjitai and shinjitai"
} |
What does '-' mean?
Namely here, a definition of :
‐ ()()
My intuition suggests it could stress the class of 'inside things' to make it more abstract (putting inside anything as opposed to restricted physical space), but my intuition has been wrong many, many times before.
Thanks!
Edit:
I've found two other examples:
‐
- ∥
Perhaps it's used to illustrate things? E.g. doesn't have to refer to sprouting plants but the concrete analogy makes the meaning so much clearer. I could be totally wrong, however.
Well, turns out I _was_ wrong! | This is simply a notation of the dictionary used. It doesn't say so explicitly on the results page, but the dictionary for the entry you linked is the .
An overview of the notation used by this dictionary can be found here.
Particularly, it says this about the dash: `-`
> ‐
>
> …‐ →… …
>
> …‐ →… …
>
> →
>
> …‐→… …
Therefore, the entry `‐` is a shortcut for both
*
*
In other words, the dictionary entry defines `` as `` or ``. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "dictionary"
} |
Konya kimi wa boku no mono
I got this from one Japanese drama (if I heard right) 'konya kimi wa boku no mono' . Does this mean: 'tonight you are mine' ? | Yes, it does and your translation is spot-on. (This type of question can also be asked in chat.) | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 1,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "translation, meaning"
} |
What does ～たまえ mean exactly and how do you use it?
I've seen the verb , usually written in hiragana and after the stem of another verb, ending a phrase. I'm not too sure about its meaning.
I've read that it means "...please" but is that the only meaning? Also is it used in conversation and if so when/how should I use it? | Not-so-young native speaker here. I personally have _never_ used verb + myself or had another person say something to me using that structure.
The only places that I have actually heard it used have been:
1. **Fiction** (films, dramas, plays, novels, etc.) and
2. **Religious sermons**
In fiction, **adult male speakers** sometimes use verb + as a **_somewhat friendly imperative_** with younger colleagues. In real life, however, I have _never_ met such a male boss or co-worker in the companies I have worked for.
In religious sermons and prayers, verb + is quite often used when asking for blessings from above. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 13,
"question_score": 10,
"tags": "meaning, verbs, subsidiary verbs"
} |
How to translate "もしかしてそのスーシおニュー？"?
I'm attempting to translate something but this sentence is confusing me.
It's the "" and "" that I don't understand. I hope this isn't too dumb of a question.. | ** ≠ **
** ≒ ** and ** ≒ **.
is how many non-Japanese people pronounce .
Jokes aside, the word you saw would probably be **** instead of **** .
**** means a "suit", the clothes. **** does not exist.
is a **comical** way to say "brand-new" or just "new". is the honorific prefix for politeness. This is a very exceptional usage of .
**_"Is that a brand-new suit by any chance?"_** would be my translation.
Come back if that does not make sense for the context.
Related: How to understand | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "translation, meaning"
} |
Don't quite understand sentence in Japanese folk-tale video
The video is the following: <
Towards the beginning, it says:
>
> ****
>
>
>
From what I've been told, means although. So I understand the first sentence as: Although humble, the old man and the old lady lived. It really doesn't sound very logical to me. Am I missing something? | Yes, means "although". However, in this sentence, you are parsing it wrong. It is:
> ...
So it is really []{}, which means "an honest person" or "a person of integrity" ( means "honest", not "humble"). | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "meaning"
} |
Is the "？" character an official character in Japanese syntax?
In English, "?" can end a sentence.
In Japanese, can "" ever end a sentence?
With regard to the UNICODE standard character blocks:
"" ---> CJK_SYMBOLS_AND_PUNCTUATION _// as expected_
"" ---> HALFWIDTH_AND_FULLWIDTH_FORMS
Is the "" character an official part of Japanese syntax?
What is "" called in Japanese?
What is "?" called in Japanese?
What is "" called in English? | /Fullwidth question mark
? /Halfwidth question mark
Question marks are not a part of the traditional Japanese language. However, it is not uncommon to see it used informally or casually nowadays. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "syntax"
} |
What's the difference between ために/ため, ように and のに meaning "in order to"?
I know they all mean "in order to" and similar translations, sometimes however I see that some are used instead of others. Also it's not clear if and have different usages.
I know that is used with potential and negative forms, but I'm not too sure.
hope someone can clarify! | I think the best way to explain this is with some examples
##
* Fight for one's country
* 3 I lined up for three hours to buy tickets.
* A performance for children
"" is usually used in the context of someone doing something for someone else, or doing something in order to accomplish something else.
##
* I'll try not to let it happen again
* Get some sleep so you don't catch a cold.
"" is more indirect, often in the context of _trying_ to do something as opposed to a direct cause and effect.
##
* TOEIC Things you should do to get a perfect score on TOEIC
* You need to be good at studying in order to get into university.
"" usually is used when saying you need X in order to do Y (YX or YX).
I'm not a Japanese teacher or anything so let me know if that's hard to understand (^_^). | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 12,
"question_score": 13,
"tags": "grammar"
} |
What is a newspaper 段, exactly?
Does this bit contain 2, for instance?
!image of a text with multiple
Would 3 refer to a write-up containing 3 such ? | Your picture contains 5. In other words, this picture is 5.
refers to a long heading or figure which spans multiple .
In your example, the purple heading with "" is called 2, and the other one is 3.
Reference: Adobe InDesign CS5 | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 6,
"tags": "counters"
} |
Is ありです a colloquial expression for ありがとう?
I got this as a reply to a YouTube comment:
>
I understood what the person meant but I'd like to know if is that common and if it can have other meanings. | Yes (or sometimes simply ) means , which is used mainly in busy online chats or games.
I don't recommend using it in real conversatons, though, because it I think would sound geeky. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "usage"
} |
Can 話して歩いた be the same as 話しながら歩いた?
I have read in many grammar books that the te-form of a Japanese verb is the equivalent of "and" in English. However, the problem is that "and" has many meanings such as how it can mean consecutive action like in "he got shot and died" or simultaneous action like in "we talked and walked." Most grammar books I've seen have examples of the te-form being consecutive action like in sentences such as , but I am curious if the te-form can also mean that both verbs started at the same time. In this case, can mean the same as where talking and walking occur at the same time? | Both usages are equally common in the real Japanese-speaking world, if not in the world of Japanese-as-a-foreign-language.
Which one it means would totally depend on the context.
[]{}[]{}[]{} would naturally mean "(I) brushed (my) teeth and went to bed." because brushing teeth and sleeping could not take place simultaneously.
The same goes for []{}[]{}[]{}[]{}[]{}. Just cannot do all three or any two of them simultaneously.
[]{}[]{} is clearly different in that almost everyone talks while walking. It is more than just possible; It is a human custom.
If you want to express clearly that a conversation took place first and only after it was finished, you walked, you could say:
[]{}[]{}[]{}, etc.
In the video below of the well-known song, Kyu Sakamoto is **_not_** saying "Let's look up towards the sky and then take a walk!" He is, instead, saying "Let's do both simultaneously (so that tears won't fall)."
< | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 1,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "grammar"
} |
Difference between 彫る【ほる】 (horu) and 刻む【きざむ】 (kizamu)
As I see it right now they both mean: to carve; to engrave, to chisel; to notch.
Is there any difference between them? | []{} actually does _**not**_ mean "to carve", "to engrave" or "to chisel". Instead, it means "to dig (up)".
> []{} = "to dig a hole"
>
> = "to dig up potatoes"
You are probably thinking of []{}, which means what you stated.
> []{} = "to engrave one's name on a medal"
>
> []{} = "to carve a Buddha"
Traditionally, has another important meaning which is "to tattoo".
[]{} can mean "to carve", "to engrave", etc., but its primary meaning is "to cut into pieces", "to chop", etc.
> = "shredded cabbage" | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 6,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "words"
} |
The meaning of "ありちゅーかありじゃないですか"?
I'm going through some comments on an old blog and came across this dictation of an interview that's gotten me a bit befuddled. The seiyuu's asking the writer about what will happen to the seiyuu's character in the following year.
>
>
> ……
The writer's wording confused me tbh, so randomly guessing I think it's something like:
> Seiyuu: At this rate, he could even become a groom.
>
> Writer: That's possible as well, isn't it? What to do do...
If anyone could confirm/correct me with an explanation of what '' means I'd be very grateful. | * : that'll be fine too
* : contracted , which is a colloquial expression meaning "or rather".
* : fine
* ?: isn't it?
Saying implies there is other ideal options, and is not the best (See this answer about and ).
first said , implying is a possible alternative which may be selected reluctantly. Then he rethought it and repeated without , indicating may be a really good option. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "translation, meaning"
} |
Intrepretation of よく
A sentence from Japanesepod101, with the official translation.
>
> Both red and green grapes are good squeezed and turned into wine or juice.
Their translation of as good (i.e. the grapes good for being squeezed) doesn't seem right. To me should be referring to (i.e. if the grapes are well/properly squeezed, they become wine or juice). Here I have interpreted the as "if/when". Was my interpretation correct? | **** can only reference **** , because the adjective precedes the verb. In English, the adjective must be translated as **well**. The inaccurate English translation may occlude your understanding.
The present (or: non-past) tense, here of the verb **** , together with the particle **** do indeed express a conditional relationship ( _if_ ). | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "grammar, adverbs"
} |
Why was "アオ" used instead of ”あお”?
I was reading a picture book, and there was this sentence:
Why is "ao" and "isu" written in katakana and not hiragana? | It's done because it makes it easier to read and understand when no _kanji_ are used.
# Easy to read (general usage)
> []{}[]{}[]{}[]{}
# Normal(this question)
>
# Hard to read (hard to understand)
>
# Hardest to read (this might not be understandable)
>
# Impossible to read (joke :-P)
> | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 4,
"tags": "orthography"
} |
Explaning the phrase 「注{ちゅう}目{もく}特{とく}集{しゅう}」
I want to know exactly what the phrase means. Part means "attention, focus" and - "feature, special issue". I can understand the meaning, but how can I combine them - what is the correct translation? | This is a "special feature" or "special report" (whence ) with a particular focus (whence ). Just like in English (I think), it suggests an in-depth report of the topic in question. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "meaning, compounds"
} |
Clarification on 人の夢は終わらねェ
Good evening!
Is the correct spelling for "A man's dream never dies", or is it with a language twist, like someone very specific would spell or say it like that? I know that the way it's spelled is like "hito no yume wa owara nee", and that the correct japanese version would be "hito no yume wa owaranai", but i'm thinking about getting a tattoo with that, and wanted to know for sure how to do it. Also, it would be divided, on one side, on the other. What side should each of them be on? Thank you very much,
João Reis Santos, Portugal | If you're _really_ interested only in grammatical and semantic clarification, yes, you are understanding that sentence correctly. That would be still somewhat funny to the eyes of native speakers by its nature, but at least you don't have to worry about your tattoo being listed in sites like this.
If you want to separate that sentence into two lines, yes, breaking after is OK. means "man's dream," and , "never ends." I'm not sure what you mean by _side_ , but neither nor would make sense alone. If you want it to be understandable as a meaningful message, it would be better to keep them together. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 2,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "words, spelling"
} |
How to express an exception, being able to do sth. normally, but not today?
I want to express an exception and don't know which sentence would be appropriate. I want to say that I just wasn't able to do it today, but I am able to do it normally. Which of the following sentences has got this meaning; or are there better ways to say this?
(I guess some of these sentences actually mean the opposite, `I am not able to do it, as always.`)
*
*
*
Or maybe one of these sentences?
*
*
*
I guess that `()` is alright, but I am not certain. Also, maybe these sentences in the past tense would make it easier, but I wanted to try it with the present tense.
Also, adding a `` to the sentences could make it easier, too, I guess. | Your first set of three sentences without used in them **_could_** mean two very different things. This represents one of the soft spots of informal Japanese today.
> 1) "I am being unable do it (today) as good as I usually do." Today is an exception.
>
> 2) "As usual, I could not do it (today)." Today is no exception.
**By adding ** as you did in your second set of three sentences, the semantic ambiguity instantly disappears and the sentences can now mean only one thing:
> "I am being unable to do it (today) as good as I usually do."
One can easily (and naturally) express the same idea by adding []{}:
> []{}[]{}//[]{}
By using , you can drop the .
(Lastly, it is officially , not .) | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "grammar, word choice, usage"
} |
How to say "X if Y"?
I want to say _Please tell me if you want to go tomorrow!_.
I can translate **Please tell me** to **** and **you want to go tomorrow** to **** ,
but how do I connected both with a conditional **if**?
* * *
I read this question and I don't think it's a duplicate, as that doesn't answer mine. | There are quite a few ways to express **" X if Y."** in Japanese.
Here are the more common ones _**roughly**_ in the order of formality:
> / + Y + / + X
>
> / + Y + + X
>
> Y + / + X
>
> Y + + X
>
> + Y + + X
Thus, the sentence "Please tell me if you want to go tomorrow!." can be said in many ways. How you would want to phrase it would mainly depend, of all things, on the relationship between the speaker and listener.
In the order of formality, one might say:
> []{}[]{}[]{} Used honorifics. Probably not for beginning or intermediate learners.
>
> or Neutral in every way. This is how many J-learners speak in my experience. On this level of formality, could be pronounced either or . Will sound natural either way.
>
> []{} Pretty informal. Notice the change in how is pronounced in informal speech.
>
> []{} One step more informal.
I took the liberty of using instead of as the former would sound more natural. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 5,
"question_score": 2,
"tags": "clause pattern"
} |
What is the meaning of どうじゃい
I would like to know the definition of this phrase. | Maybe you heard this in anime? or it might be dialect as well
It means "How about xxx ?"
proper japanese would be "" or even more proper "" | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 3,
"question_score": -1,
"tags": "meaning"
} |
What is this verb form? 見せっこ
I am reading Hunter x Hunter, and the two protagonists (friends, and kids) are given cards that they are not supposed to reveal for the duration of the game. They start talking and they exchange a bit of information and then this is said :
!bubble
``
Then, they proceed to show their cards at the same time (saying ).
I understand that one asks the other to show the card but I am unsure as to what is this form (is it a contraction of sorts?). Does it comes with a particular nuance?
Thanks! | []{} of a verb + small + = "performing the same action to/for/with one another"
is the of the verb = "to show".
is a suffix that sort of functions as a nominalizer while giving the verb a meaning of doing the same thing among two or more persons as a competition, game or just fun.
See []1 in : <
"Show me yours and I'll show you mine." | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 10,
"question_score": 8,
"tags": "verbs"
} |
起きたことを ... proper english rendering?
Reading an article from the Asahi Shimbun using Rikaikun, I'm trying to formulate a good translation for the first sentence:
> → {Upon Waking?}, along with the place name, there is a symbolic meaning.
The writer goes on to talk about the events after the Great Kanto Earthquake and a group of kids that took the initiative to find shelter, and some guy's wife whom he thought was missing and it was hard to bear.
Most of the article is easy for me to understand, but I am having trouble with that very first half. I usually see as "having woken up" or the like, does it mean here "to have happened" ? | happened
what happened
a word that describes what happened
There is a word that, along with a place name, symbolically describes what happened there. | stackexchange-japanese | {
"answer_score": 4,
"question_score": 1,
"tags": "translation"
} |
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