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  • Using 〜によると in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Using 〜によると in Japanese | My Language Classes

    〜によると in Japanese

    Have you ever come across the phrase 〜によると in Japanese and wondered what it really means or how to use it naturally in conversation? Whether you’re watching a Japanese news report, reading a weather forecast, or chatting with native speakers, 〜によると is one of those powerful, everyday grammar expressions that pops up again and again. And if you’re aiming to sound more natural and fluent in Japanese, learning how to use 〜によると the right way is a must!

    In this ultimate beginner-to-advanced guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about

    〜によると. You’ll learn how to use it correctly, where it fits in real-life situations, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to make your Japanese sound more native-like.

    An infographic with example sentences demonstrating the use of the Japanese grammar pattern 〜によると (meaning 'according to'). It includes four Japanese sentences with hiragana, romaji, and English translations. Sources used in the examples include the news, newspaper, teacher, and friend, showing how 〜によると introduces information from a third party.

    By the end of this guide, you’ll confidently know:

    • When and where to use 〜によると
    • How to use it with verbs, nouns, and adjectives
    • The grammar rules and exceptions that come with it
    • Real-world examples and practice exercises to boost your learning

    Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for the JLPT, this guide is for you. Let’s get started on mastering 〜によると — your new favorite grammar tool in Japanese!

    👉 Don’t forget to check out more useful Japanese grammar lessons on our blog at My Language Classes and follow us on Instagram and YouTube for daily learning tips!

    Common Expressions: 10 Sentences Using 〜によると in Real Life

    The phrase 〜によると is a powerful and useful structure in Japanese, and it helps convey information from sources or reports. It’s frequently used in news, casual conversations, and storytelling. Here are 10 real-life examples of how you can use 〜によると naturally in sentences:

    1. 天気予報によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
      Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga furu sou desu.
      According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
    2. 新聞によると、今年の夏は非常に暑くなると言われています。
      Shinbun ni yoru to, kotoshi no natsu wa hijou ni atsuku naru to iwareteimasu.
      According to the newspaper, this summer is expected to be extremely hot.
    3. 友達によると、あのレストランはとても美味しいそうです。
      Tomodachi ni yoru to, ano resutoran wa totemo oishii sou desu.
      According to my friend, that restaurant is very delicious.
    4. 先生によると、このテストは簡単だそうです。
      Sensei ni yoru to, kono tesuto wa kantan da sou desu.
      According to the teacher, this test is easy.
    5. ウェブサイトによると、今週末はイベントがあるらしいです。
      Webusaito ni yoru to, konshuumatsu wa ibento ga aru rashii desu.
      According to the website, there will be an event this weekend.
    6. テレビのニュースによると、交通渋滞がひどいそうです。
      Terebi no nyuusu ni yoru to, koutsuu juutai ga hidoi sou desu.
      According to the TV news, the traffic congestion is terrible.
    7. 友達の話によると、彼は最近引っ越しました。
      Tomodachi no hanashi ni yoru to, kare wa saikin hikkoshimashita.
      According to my friend’s story, he recently moved.
    8. 専門家によると、この方法は効果的だと言われています。
      Senmonka ni yoru to, kono houhou wa kouka teki da to iwareteimasu.
      According to the experts, this method is said to be effective.
    9. 警察によると、この地域では最近犯罪が増加しているそうです。
      Keisatsu ni yoru to, kono chiiki de wa saikin hanzai ga zouka shiteiru sou desu.
      According to the police, crime has been increasing in this area recently.
    10. インターネットによると、この映画は大ヒットしているそうです。
      Inta-netto ni yoru to, kono eiga wa dai hitto shiteiru sou desu.
      According to the internet, this movie is a big hit.

    These examples cover a range of situations from news reports to casual conversations. You’ll see that 〜によると is a fantastic way to express “according to” or “based on” a source.

    Usage: When to Use 〜によると in Japanese

    The expression 〜によると is a versatile and commonly used phrase in Japanese. It indicates the source of information or the basis for a statement. Here are the main situations in which 〜によると is typically used:

    1. To Mention Sources of Information (News, Reports, or Studies)
      • Example:
        ニュースによると、来週大きな台風が来るそうです。
        Nyūsu ni yoru to, raishuu ookina taifuu ga kuru sou desu.
        According to the news, a big typhoon is coming next week.
      • Usage: When you are referring to news reports, studies, or anything that provides factual information or statistics.
    2. To Share Information from a Reliable Source
      • Example:
        先生によると、この本はとても役に立つそうです。
        Sensei ni yoru to, kono hon wa totemo yaku ni tatsu sou desu.
        According to the teacher, this book is very useful.
      • Usage: When you want to relay information from a knowledgeable person like a teacher, expert, or professional.
    3. To Refer to Opinion or Knowledge from a Friend or Acquaintance
      • Example:
        友達によると、このレストランは人気があるそうです。
        Tomodachi ni yoru to, kono resutoran wa ninki ga aru sou desu.
        According to my friend, this restaurant is popular.
      • Usage: When you are sharing what your friends or acquaintances have told you.
    4. To Quote Official Reports or Studies
      • Example:
        専門家によると、この病気の予防には運動が効果的だそうです。
        Senmonka ni yoru to, kono byouki no yobou ni wa undou ga kouka teki da sou desu.
        According to the experts, exercise is effective in preventing this disease.
      • Usage: When quoting findings from scientific studies, research, or expert advice.
    5. To Refer to Something Heard on TV or Radio
      • Example:
        ラジオによると、今夜は雪が降るそうです。
        Rajio ni yoru to, konya wa yuki ga furu sou desu.
        According to the radio, it will snow tonight.
      • Usage: When you are mentioning information that was broadcast on TV or radio.
    6. To Reference Information from Written Texts (Books, Articles, Blogs, etc.)
      • Example:
        インターネットによると、この映画は面白いらしいです。
        Intānetto ni yoru to, kono eiga wa omoshiroi rashii desu.
        According to the internet, this movie is interesting.
      • Usage: When the information comes from written sources like books, websites, or articles.
    7. To Mention the Source of a Rumor or Gossip
      • Example:
        うわさによると、彼は来週引っ越すそうです。
        Uwasa ni yoru to, kare wa raishuu hikkosu sou desu.
        According to the rumor, he is moving next week.
      • Usage: When you are quoting hearsay or gossip, 〜によると works well to express that this is not confirmed information.
    8. To Relay Information from a Document or Written Announcement
      • Example:
        会社の通知によると、来月から新しい規則が適用されるそうです。
        Kaisha no tsuuchi ni yoru to, raigetsu kara atarashii kisoku ga tekiyou sareru sou desu.
        According to the company’s notice, new regulations will be applied next month.
      • Usage: When the information is found in formal documents, official notices, or announcements.
    9. To Share Information from a Specific Event or Occasion
      • Example:
        会議によると、新しいプロジェクトは来月始まるそうです。
        Kaigi ni yoru to, atarashii purojekuto wa raigetsu hajimaru sou desu.
        According to the meeting, the new project will start next month.
      • Usage: When you are referring to information from a specific meeting or event.
    10. To Express What Someone Else Has Seen, Heard, or Experienced
      • Example:
        目撃者によると、事故は午後3時頃に起こったそうです。
        Mokugekisha ni yoru to, jiko wa gogo san-ji goro ni okotta sou desu.
        According to the eyewitness, the accident occurred around 3 PM.
      • Usage: When you are reporting firsthand information from someone who has witnessed or experienced an event.

    In these various situations, 〜によると is a useful and flexible tool for presenting the source of information. Whether it’s a casual conversation or a formal report, knowing when to use this expression will help you sound more natural and fluent in Japanese.

    Conjugation: How to Use 〜によると with Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives

    The expression 〜によると is very flexible, and knowing how to use it with different parts of speech—verbs, nouns, and adjectives—will make your Japanese sound more natural. Let’s dive into each case with visual clarity.

    1. Using 〜によると with Verbs

    When using 〜によると with verbs, simply take the plain form (dictionary form) of the verb and add “によると” after it.

    • Verb (plain form) + によると

    Example Sentences:

    • 先生によると、来週テストがあるそうです。
      (Sensei ni yoru to, raishuu tesuto ga aru sou desu.)
      According to the teacher, there will be a test next week.
    • 専門家によると、この薬は効果があると言われています。
      (Senmonka ni yoru to, kono kusuri wa kouka ga aru to iwareteimasu.)
      According to the experts, this medicine is said to be effective.
    Explanation:
    • In these examples, the verb (ある, いわれている) is in its plain form (dictionary form), followed by 〜によると.
    • There’s no special conjugation needed for the verb when using this structure.

    2. Using 〜によると with Nouns

    With nouns, the source word is followed by “による” and then “と” is added to complete the phrase.

    • Noun + によると

    Example Sentences:

    • 新聞によると、来月新しい法律が施行されるそうです。
      (Shinbun ni yoru to, raigetsu atarashii houritsu ga shikou sareru sou desu.)
      According to the newspaper, a new law will be enforced next month.
    • インターネットによると、この商品は人気があるそうです。
      (Intānetto ni yoru to, kono shouhin wa ninki ga aru sou desu.)
      According to the internet, this product is popular.
    Explanation:
    • The noun (新聞, インターネット) acts as the source of the information.
    • By adding “によると” after the noun, we indicate where the information is coming from.

    3. Using 〜によると with Adjectives

    With adjectives, no change is needed in the adjective itself. Simply use the plain form of the adjective, then add “によると” to indicate the source.

    • Adjective (plain form) + によると

    Example Sentences:

    • 天気予報によると、明日は暖かいそうです。
      (Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa atatakai sou desu.)
      According to the weather forecast, tomorrow will be warm.
    • ラジオによると、今日は暑いと言われています。
      (Rajio ni yoru to, kyou wa atsui to iwareteimasu.)
      According to the radio, today is said to be hot.
    Explanation:
    • The adjective (暖かい, 暑い) remains in its plain form.
    • 〜によると is added at the end to show where the information is coming from.

    Summary of Conjugation Rules:

    • Verbs:
      Use the plain form of the verb (dictionary form) + 〜によると.
      (No special conjugation required.)
    • Nouns:
      Noun + “による” + “と”.
    • Adjectives:
      Use the plain form of the adjective + 〜によると.
      (No special conjugation needed for adjectives either.)

    This simple visual breakdown will help you understand how to apply 〜によると with different parts of speech in various contexts. Now you’re ready to use it naturally in your Japanese conversations!

    Grammar Rules for Using 〜によると

    In this section, we will cover all the essential grammar rules and guidelines for using 〜によると This phrase is commonly used in Japanese to convey information from a source, and it’s important to understand the correct way to use it in different contexts. Let’s explore the grammar rules in detail.

    1. Basic Structure of 〜によると

    The structure for 〜によると is simple and straightforward, but there are a few key things to keep in mind:

    • Source + によると
      • The source can be anything—like a person, a book, a website, a report, etc.
      • After the source, add によると to indicate that the information is coming from that particular source.

    Example Sentences:

    • テレビによると、今夜は雨が降るそうです。
      (Terebi ni yoru to, konya wa ame ga furu sou desu.)
      According to the TV, it is going to rain tonight.
    • 友達によると、あのレストランはおいしいそうです。
      (Tomodachi ni yoru to, ano resutoran wa oishii sou desu.)
      According to my friend, that restaurant is delicious.

    Explanation:

    • テレビ (TV) and 友達 (friend) are the sources of information. 〜によると shows that the information is coming from them.

    2. How to Use 〜によると with Different Types of Information

    〜によると can be used to convey different types of information, such as facts, rumors, or opinions. It’s versatile and works in various situations.

    • Fact: When you’re quoting a factual piece of information.
      • Example:
        新聞によると、会社が新しい製品を発表するそうです。
        (Shinbun ni yoru to, kaisha ga atarashii seihin wo happyou suru sou desu.)
        According to the newspaper, the company will announce a new product.
    • Rumor or Speculation: When you’re talking about something that is rumored or not confirmed.
      • Example:
        彼によると、彼女はもうすぐ結婚するそうです。
        (Kare ni yoru to, kanojo wa mousugu kekkon suru sou desu.)
        According to him, she is getting married soon.
    • Opinion: When you are expressing someone’s opinion or belief.
      • Example:
        先生によると、この本は非常に役立つと言われています。
        (Sensei ni yoru to, kono hon wa hijou ni yakudatsu to iwareteimasu.)
        According to the teacher, this book is said to be very helpful.

    Explanation:

    • Whether it’s a fact, a rumor, or an opinion, 〜によると works in each of these situations to indicate where the information is coming from.

    3. The Use of 〜によると with Different Tenses

    While 〜によると itself doesn’t change based on tense, the verb or adjective after it will be conjugated according to the tense you want to use.

    • Present Tense:
      • Example:
        彼女によると、今週の天気は良いそうです。
        (Kanojo ni yoru to, konshuu no tenki wa ii sou desu.)
        According to her, the weather this week is good.
    • Past Tense:
      • Example:
        先生によると、彼は試験に合格したそうです。
        (Sensei ni yoru to, kare wa shiken ni goukaku shita sou desu.)
        According to the teacher, he passed the exam.
    • Future Tense:
      • Example:
        天気予報によると、明日は雪が降るそうです。
        (Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa yuki ga furu sou desu.)
        According to the weather forecast, it is going to snow tomorrow.

    Explanation:

    • The tense of the verb (良い, 合格した, 降る) changes based on the timing of the event or action being reported. The phrase 〜によると itself does not change.

    4. The Use of 〜によると with the Word “そうです”

    The phrase “そうです” is often used with 〜によると to show that the information is hearsay or reported speech. It’s commonly used to indicate that the information comes from someone else, and not directly from the speaker’s experience.

    • Example:
      ニュースによると、来月新しい映画が公開されるそうです。
      (Nyūsu ni yoru to, raigetsu atarashii eiga ga koukai sareru sou desu.)
      According to the news, a new movie will be released next month.

    Explanation:

    • “そうです” after the verb or adjective helps clarify that the speaker is reporting what they’ve heard, rather than stating it as a direct fact.

    Summary of Grammar Rules:

    • Formal Usage: This expression is used in formal or neutral situations, so use alternatives for informal conversations.
    • Basic Structure: Source + によると
    • Tenses: The verb or adjective after 〜によると conjugates based on tense, but the phrase itself doesn’t change.
    • Use with “そうです” to indicate reported speech or hearsay.

    Things to Keep in Mind while using 〜によると: Tricky Points and Exceptions

    When learning and using 〜によると, there are a few important things to keep in mind to avoid mistakes. Let’s go through some of these tricky points, exceptions, and nuances to ensure that you use this phrase correctly in different situations.

    1. 〜によると vs. “〜から” and “〜で”

    A common point of confusion for learners of Japanese is how to distinguish 〜によると from other expressions like “〜から” and “〜で”, both of which also indicate a source of information. While these expressions can seem similar, they are used in different contexts and convey different meanings.

    • “〜から” is typically used to show where something originates from in a general sense (for example, “from a person” or “from a place”). It is used in the same way as saying “because of” or “from the perspective of.”
      • Example with “〜から”:
        彼から聞いた話では、彼は日本に行く予定だ。
        (Kare kara kiita hanashi de wa, kare wa Nihon ni iku yotei da.)
        According to what I heard from him, he plans to go to Japan.
    • “〜で” is often used to indicate a location or medium, and it can also show the means by which something happens (e.g., through something, via something). It’s more focused on the action happening in a specific place or method.
      • Example with “〜で”:
        インターネットで調べた情報によると、東京の天気は晴れだ。
        (Intānetto de shirabeta jōhō ni yoru to, Tōkyō no tenki wa hare da.)
        According to the information I researched on the internet, the weather in Tokyo is sunny.
    • Difference with 〜によると:
      〜によると is specifically used to report information from an external source or authority. It is most commonly used in formal contexts, especially when quoting something reported by someone else, like a book, news, or a formal statement.
      • Example with 〜によると:
        新聞によると、明日の試合は延期になったそうです。
        (Shinbun ni yoru to, ashita no shiai wa enki ni natta sou desu.)
        According to the newspaper, tomorrow’s match has been postponed.

    Tip:
    Always keep in mind that 〜によると is about reporting what others have said, whereas “〜から” and “〜で” focus on sources or mediums in a more general sense.

    2. Avoiding Overuse of 〜によると

    While 〜によると is a very useful structure for quoting sources, overusing it can make your language sound repetitive. In both spoken and written Japanese, it’s important to vary your expressions to maintain natural flow.

    For example, if you’re writing a longer piece or engaging in a conversation, instead of always saying 〜によると, you can use different ways to introduce the source of information.

    • Instead of 〜によると, try:
      • 〜と言われています (to iwareteimasu): “It is said that…”
      • 〜だそうです (da sou desu): “I heard that…”
      • 〜から聞きました (kara kikimashita): “I heard from…”

    Example:

    • 新聞によると → 新聞で言われているのは (According to what is said in the newspaper)
    • 友達によると → 友達が言うには (According to what my friend says)

    These variations help make your Japanese sound more fluid and natural.

    3. Be Careful with the Tense of the Reported Information

    One of the tricky parts of 〜によると is that it doesn’t change for tense. However, the verb or adjective after 〜によると should match the correct tense (past, present, or future) based on the context.

    • Incorrect Use:
      テレビによると、明日は雨が降ったそうです。
      (Terebi ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga futta sou desu.)
      According to the TV, it rained tomorrow.
      • Why it’s incorrect: This sentence incorrectly uses the past tense “降った” (rained) when talking about the future. Since “明日” (tomorrow) is in the future, the verb should be in the future tense: “降る” (will rain).
    • Correct Use:
      テレビによると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
      (Terebi ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga furu sou desu.)
      According to the TV, it is going to rain tomorrow.

    Always pay attention to the tense of the information you’re reporting, and make sure the verb or adjective matches the context.

    4. 〜によると for Reporting Rumors or Uncertain Information

    When using 〜によると, it’s important to remember that it can be used for reporting not just certain facts, but also rumors or speculations. Be mindful that you are sharing something that someone else said, so use caution when reporting rumors or unverified information.

    • Example (Rumor):
      友達によると、彼女はもうすぐ引っ越すそうです。
      (Tomodachi ni yoru to, kanojo wa mousugu hikkosu sou desu.)
      According to my friend, she is about to move soon.

    Since you are not sure if this information is true, it is important to indicate that it is a rumor or unverified, which is done with “そうです” at the end of the sentence.

    Tip:
    To avoid any misunderstandings, try to avoid using 〜によると for things that are highly speculative or could be easily misunderstood as a fact. If you do use it in these cases, it’s important to make it clear that it’s just a rumor or unconfirmed information by using expressions like “と言われています” or “そうです”.

    5. Formal vs. Informal Usage

    〜によると is typically used in formal situations, such as news reports, presentations, and written forms of communication. In informal conversations, it’s more natural to use expressions like:

    • 〜から聞いた (I heard from…)
    • 〜で言われた (It was said at…)

    However, you can still use 〜によると in informal settings when you want to be polite or emphasize that the information is coming from an external, reliable source.

    Summary of Things to Keep in Mind:

    • Distinguish 〜によると from “〜から” and “〜で”: They all refer to sources but have different uses and contexts.
    • Avoid overusing 〜によると: Vary your expressions to make your speech or writing sound more natural.
    • Be mindful of tense: The verb or adjective after 〜によると should match the context.
    • Consider rumors or uncertainty: If you’re reporting a rumor or unverified information, make sure to express that it’s not confirmed.
    • Formal vs. informal usage: While 〜によると is more formal, it can still be used informally if needed.

    🛑 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Using 〜によると

    Even though 〜によると seems simple at first glance, learners often make a few common mistakes while using it. Let’s take a look at these errors and learn how to avoid them, so you can sound more natural and confident in Japanese.

    ✅ 1. ❌ Using 〜によると Without a Follow-Up Reporting Phrase

    Mistake:
    Using 〜によると as a complete sentence.

    • Incorrect:
      先生によると。
      (Sensei ni yoru to.)
      According to the teacher. ← This is incomplete!

    Why it’s wrong:
    〜によると introduces the source of information, but it must be followed by what that source said using a reporting phrase like “そうです”, “と言っていました”, or “と書いてあります”.

    Correct:
    先生によると、明日はテストがあるそうです。
    (Sensei ni yoru to, ashita wa tesuto ga aru sou desu.)
    According to the teacher, there will be a test tomorrow.

    ✅ 2. ❌ Forgetting to Use “そうです” or Another Reporting Expression

    Mistake:
    Ending the sentence right after the factual statement without using “そうです” or “と言っています”.

    • Incorrect:
      ニュースによると、台風が来ます。
      (Nyūsu ni yoru to, taifū ga kimasu.)
      According to the news, the typhoon is coming. ← Sounds like you’re stating it as your own fact.

    Why it’s wrong:
    The phrase 〜によると implies someone else’s opinion or report, so you should distance yourself from the statement using phrases like:

    • そうです (it is said that…)
    • と言っています (they said that…)
    • と書いてあります (it is written that…)

    Correct:
    ニュースによると、台風が来るそうです。
    (Nyūsu ni yoru to, taifū ga kuru sou desu.)
    According to the news, a typhoon is coming.

    ✅ 3. ❌ Using the Wrong Tense After 〜によると

    Mistake:
    Mismatch between the verb tense and the reported time.

    • Incorrect:
      新聞によると、昨日のコンサートは楽しいです。
      (Shinbun ni yoru to, kinō no konsāto wa tanoshii desu.)
      According to the newspaper, yesterday’s concert is fun. ← Tense mismatch!

    Correct:
    新聞によると、昨日のコンサートは楽しかったそうです。
    (Shinbun ni yoru to, kinō no konsāto wa tanoshikatta sou desu.)
    According to the newspaper, yesterday’s concert was fun.

    📝 Tip: Match the verb tense to the actual timing of the event, not the time you are reporting it.

    ✅ 4. ❌ Using 〜によると for Personal Opinions

    Mistake:
    Using 〜によると to share your own thoughts or guesses.

    • Incorrect:
      私によると、彼は悪くないです。
      (Watashi ni yoru to, kare wa warukunai desu.)
      According to me, he’s not wrong. ← Not natural in Japanese.

    Correct:
    私の意見では、彼は悪くないと思います。
    (Watashi no iken de wa, kare wa warukunai to omoimasu.)
    In my opinion, I think he’s not wrong.

    📌 Note: 〜によると is used to refer to outside sources, not your own thoughts. Use expressions like:

    • 〜と思います (I think…)
    • 〜の意見では (In my opinion…)

    ✅ 5. ❌ Mixing Up 〜によると with 〜によって

    This is a big one!

    • 〜によると → “According to…” (Used to cite information)
    • 〜によって → “By means of / depending on / caused by” (Completely different meaning!)
    • Incorrect:
      彼によって、明日は雨だそうです。
      (Kare ni yotte, ashita wa ame da sou desu.)
    • Correct:
      彼によると、明日は雨だそうです。
      (Kare ni yoru to, ashita wa ame da sou desu.)
      According to him, it’s going to rain tomorrow.

    🛑 Be careful! Even though both phrases look similar, they are not interchangeable.

    ✅ 6. ❌ Repeating 〜によると Too Often in One Paragraph

    Mistake:
    Using 〜によると in every sentence makes the writing or conversation sound repetitive.

    Tip: Mix it up! Try using other natural expressions like:

    • 〜の話では… (According to what [someone] said…)
    • 〜によれば… (Alternative to “によると” but more formal)
    • 〜と聞きました (I heard that…)

    Example:
    Instead of writing:
    先生によると〜。先生によると〜。先生によると〜。

    Try this instead:
    先生によると〜。また、先生の話では〜。さらに、先生が言っていたことによれば〜。

    🔁 Quick Recap: Mistakes to Avoid

    ❌ Common Mistake✅ Correct Usage
    Using “によると” aloneAlways follow with a reporting phrase like “そうです”
    Forgetting tenseMatch past/present/future tense properly
    Using it for personal opinionUse “と思います” or “私の意見では” instead
    Mixing with “によって”Use “によると” only to report external info
    Repeating too muchVary your expressions for natural speech

    ✨ 20 Example Sentences Using 〜によると

    These real-life example sentences will help you understand how 〜によると is used in different contexts. Practice reading them aloud and notice the sentence structure and placement of the reporting phrase. Let’s dive in!

    🗞️ News & Media Context

    1. ニュースによると、今日は雪が降るそうです。
      Nyūsu ni yoru to, kyō wa yuki ga furu sou desu.
      According to the news, it’s going to snow today.
    2. 新聞によると、新しい動物園が来月オープンするそうです。
      Shinbun ni yoru to, atarashii dōbutsuen ga raigetsu ōpun suru sou desu.
      According to the newspaper, a new zoo will open next month.
    3. 天気予報によると、週末は晴れるそうです。
      Tenki yohō ni yoru to, shūmatsu wa hareru sou desu.
      According to the weather forecast, it will be sunny on the weekend.
    4. 雑誌によると、そのレストランはとても人気があるそうです。
      Zasshi ni yoru to, sono resutoran wa totemo ninki ga aru sou desu.
      According to the magazine, that restaurant is very popular.
    5. インターネットによると、この映画は世界中でヒットしています。
      Intānetto ni yoru to, kono eiga wa sekaijū de hitto shiteimasu.
      According to the internet, this movie is a hit all over the world.

    🧑‍🏫 Academic & Personal Sources

    1. 先生によると、この本は試験に出るそうです。
      Sensei ni yoru to, kono hon wa shiken ni deru sou desu.
      According to the teacher, this book will be on the exam.
    2. 友達によると、そのお店は安くて美味しいそうです。
      Tomodachi ni yoru to, sono omise wa yasukute oishii sou desu.
      According to my friend, that shop is cheap and delicious.
    3. ガイドによると、このお寺は500年前に建てられたそうです。
      Gaido ni yoru to, kono otera wa gohyaku nen mae ni taterareta sou desu.
      According to the guide, this temple was built 500 years ago.
    4. 先生によると、漢字を毎日練習すると上達するそうです。
      Sensei ni yoru to, kanji o mainichi renshū suru to jōtatsu suru sou desu.
      According to the teacher, practicing kanji daily helps improve your skills.
    5. 兄によると、そのゲームはとても難しいそうです。
      Ani ni yoru to, sono gēmu wa totemo muzukashii sou desu.
      According to my older brother, that game is very difficult.

    🏙️ Events, Nature, and Travel

    1. 駅員によると、次の電車は10分遅れるそうです。
      Ekiin ni yoru to, tsugi no densha wa jūpun okureru sou desu.
      According to the station staff, the next train will be 10 minutes late.
    2. 観光案内所によると、この町は春が一番きれいだそうです。
      Kankō annaijo ni yoru to, kono machi wa haru ga ichiban kirei da sou desu.
      According to the tourist information center, this town is most beautiful in spring.
    3. 地図によると、公園は駅の近くにあるそうです。
      Chizu ni yoru to, kōen wa eki no chikaku ni aru sou desu.
      According to the map, the park is near the station.
    4. 旅行会社によると、夏の北海道はおすすめだそうです。
      Ryokō gaisha ni yoru to, natsu no Hokkaidō wa osusume da sou desu.
      According to the travel agency, Hokkaido is recommended in summer.
    5. ガイドブックによると、このレストランは予約が必要だそうです。
      Gaidobukku ni yoru to, kono resutoran wa yoyaku ga hitsuyō da sou desu.
      According to the guidebook, this restaurant requires a reservation.

    🎓 Facts & Fun

    1. 科学者によると、宇宙にはまだ知られていない星がたくさんあるそうです。
      Kagakusha ni yoru to, uchū ni wa mada shirarete inai hoshi ga takusan aru sou desu.
      According to scientists, there are still many unknown stars in space.
    2. 本によると、猫は一日中寝ているそうです。
      Hon ni yoru to, neko wa ichinichijū nete iru sou desu.
      According to the book, cats sleep all day.
    3. 占いによると、今日はラッキーデーだそうです。
      Uranai ni yoru to, kyō wa rakkī dē da sou desu.
      According to the horoscope, today is a lucky day.
    4. 統計によると、日本では長寿の人が多いそうです。
      Tōkei ni yoru to, Nihon de wa chōju no hito ga ōi sou desu.
      According to statistics, Japan has many long-living people.
    5. 研究によると、朝ごはんを食べる人は集中力が高いそうです。
      Kenkyū ni yoru to, asagohan o taberu hito wa shūchūryoku ga takai sou desu.
      According to research, people who eat breakfast have better focus.

    These examples give you a wide range of real-life situations where you can use 〜によると.

    ✅ Exercise – 20 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions Using “〜によると”

    This exercise will help reinforce your understanding of how to use “〜によると” in real-life sentences. Try to fill in the blanks before checking the answers in the next section.

    ✏️ Fill in the blanks:

    _____________ によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
    (According to _____________, it will rain tomorrow.)

    1. 天気予報 _____________、今日はとても暑くなるそうです。
      (According to the weather forecast, it will be very hot today.)
    2. _____________ によると、そのお店は新しくオープンしたばかりです。
      (According to _____________, that store just opened.)
    3. 先生 _____________、来週テストがあります。
      (According to the teacher, there is a test next week.)
    4. _____________ によると、この犬は賢いそうです。
      (According to _____________, this dog is smart.)
    5. ガイド _____________、この建物は古いお寺です。
      (According to the guide, this building is an old temple.)
    6. _____________ によると、電車は30分遅れています。
      (According to _____________, the train is 30 minutes late.)
    7. インターネット _____________、このスマホは人気があります。
      (According to the internet, this smartphone is popular.)
    8. _____________ によると、宿題は金曜日までです。
      (According to _____________, the homework is due by Friday.)
    9. 父 _____________、この道は近道だそうです。
      (According to my dad, this road is a shortcut.)
    10. _____________ によると、日本の夏はとても暑いです。
      (According to _____________, Japan’s summer is very hot.)
    11. 雑誌 _____________、この映画は話題になっています。
      (According to the magazine, this movie is trending.)
    12. _____________ によると、あのレストランは高いです。
      (According to _____________, that restaurant is expensive.)
    13. 医者 _____________、たくさん寝ることは大切です。
      (According to the doctor, sleeping a lot is important.)
    14. _____________ によると、この服は今セール中です。
      (According to _____________, these clothes are on sale now.)
    15. 地図 _____________、公園はこの道をまっすぐ行ったところにあります。
      (According to the map, the park is straight down this road.)
    16. _____________ によると、この魚は健康にいいです。
      (According to _____________, this fish is good for health.)
    17. 統計 _____________、日本では多くの人が朝ごはんを食べます。
      (According to statistics, many people in Japan eat breakfast.)
    18. _____________ によると、今日はイベントがあります。
      (According to _____________, there’s an event today.)
    19. 科学者 _____________、宇宙はとても広いです。
      (According to scientists, the universe is very vast.)

    ✅ Answers – 20 Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences Using “〜によると”

    (Each sentence includes bolded answers, romaji, and English translations.)

    1. 天気予報 によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
      Tenki yohō ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga furu sō desu.
      According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
    2. 天気予報 によると、今日はとても暑くなるそうです。
      Tenki yohō ni yoru to, kyō wa totemo atsuku naru sō desu.
      According to the weather forecast, it will be very hot today.
    3. 友だち によると、そのお店は新しくオープンしたばかりです。
      Tomodachi ni yoru to, sono omise wa atarashiku ōpun shita bakari desu.
      According to my friend, that store just opened.
    4. 先生 によると、来週テストがあります。
      Sensei ni yoru to, raishū tesuto ga arimasu.
      According to the teacher, there is a test next week.
    5. 飼い主 によると、この犬は賢いそうです。
      Kainushi ni yoru to, kono inu wa kashikoi sō desu.
      According to the owner, this dog is smart.
    6. ガイド によると、この建物は古いお寺です。
      Gaido ni yoru to, kono tatemono wa furui otera desu.
      According to the guide, this building is an old temple.
    7. 駅員 によると、電車は30分遅れています。
      Ekiin ni yoru to, densha wa sanjūpun okurete imasu.
      According to the station staff, the train is 30 minutes late.
    8. インターネット によると、このスマホは人気があります。
      Intānetto ni yoru to, kono sumaho wa ninki ga arimasu.
      According to the internet, this smartphone is popular.
    9. 先生 によると、宿題は金曜日までです。
      Sensei ni yoru to, shukudai wa kin’yōbi made desu.
      According to the teacher, the homework is due by Friday.
    10. 父 によると、この道は近道だそうです。
      Chichi ni yoru to, kono michi wa chikamichi da sō desu.
      According to my dad, this road is a shortcut.
    11. ニュース によると、日本の夏はとても暑いです。
      Nyūsu ni yoru to, Nihon no natsu wa totemo atsui desu.
      According to the news, Japan’s summer is very hot.
    12. 雑誌 によると、この映画は話題になっています。
      Zasshi ni yoru to, kono eiga wa wadai ni natte imasu.
      According to the magazine, this movie is trending.
    13. レビュー によると、あのレストランは高いです。
      Rebyū ni yoru to, ano resutoran wa takai desu.
      According to the reviews, that restaurant is expensive.
    14. 医者 によると、たくさん寝ることは大切です。
      Isha ni yoru to, takusan neru koto wa taisetsu desu.
      According to the doctor, sleeping a lot is important.
    15. 店員 によると、この服は今セール中です。
      Ten’in ni yoru to, kono fuku wa ima sēru-chū desu.
      According to the store clerk, these clothes are on sale now.
    16. 地図 によると、公園はこの道をまっすぐ行ったところにあります。
      Chizu ni yoru to, kōen wa kono michi o massugu itta tokoro ni arimasu.
      According to the map, the park is straight down this road.
    17. 料理本 によると、この魚は健康にいいです。
      Ryōri-bon ni yoru to, kono sakana wa kenkō ni ii desu.
      According to the cookbook, this fish is good for health.
    18. 統計 によると、日本では多くの人が朝ごはんを食べます。
      Tōkei ni yoru to, Nihon de wa ōku no hito ga asagohan o tabemasu.
      According to statistics, many people in Japan eat breakfast.
    19. カレンダー によると、今日はイベントがあります。
      Karendā ni yoru to, kyō wa ibento ga arimasu.
      According to the calendar, there’s an event today.
    20. 科学者 によると、宇宙はとても広いです。
      Kagakusha ni yoru to, uchū wa totemo hiroi desu.
      According to scientists, the universe is very vast.

    ✅ Summary – Key Takeaways on 〜によると

    • Meaning:
      • “〜によると” means “according to…”.
      • Used to report information from a source.
    • When to Use:
      • Reporting news, advice, or opinions.
      • Common in weather forecasts, news, books, guides, etc.
    • Structure:
      • [Source] + によると、[statement].
      • Example: 天気予報によると、明日は雨が降るそうです.
        (According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.)
    • Conjugation:
      • Only used with nouns (no verb/adjective conjugation).
    • Common Sources:
      • News, weather forecasts, official statements, guides, opinions from others.

    ❗ Things to Remember:

    • Use for reliable sources only.
    • Follow with indirect speech forms like そうです or らしいです.
    • Don’t use for personal opinions.

    ❌ Mistakes to Avoid:

    • Incorrect: Using for personal thoughts or opinions.
    • Incorrect: Forgetting the noun as the source.

    📝 Examples:

    • 天気予報によると、明日は雪が降るそうです.
      (According to the weather forecast, it will snow tomorrow.)
    • 医者によると、もっと運動した方がいいそうです.
      (According to the doctor, I should exercise more.)

    You’re all set! Review this summary whenever you need a quick refresher.

    ✅ Conclusion

    Mastering 〜によると is essential for improving your Japanese communication, especially when discussing information from external sources. Whether you’re reporting weather updates, news, or quoting others, this grammar point allows you to share details smoothly and accurately.

    Key Points to Remember:
    • 〜によると is used to indicate “according to…” a source.
    • It follows a noun and is often used with indirect speech markers like そうです or らしいです.
    • Avoid using it for personal opinions; instead, stick to reliable sources.

    Now that you’ve learned how to use 〜によると, it’s time to practice!

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

  • Using 〜たまらない in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Using 〜たまらない in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Mastering the Japanese 〜たまらない: Expressing Overwhelming Emotions and Sensations

    When learning Japanese, one of the most important aspects to master is expressing emotions and physical sensations naturally. The grammar pattern 〜たまらない is an essential expression that conveys strong emotions or irresistible feelings, such as happiness, pain, excitement, or discomfort.

    In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the meaning, usage, and nuances of 〜たまらない with detailed explanations and practical examples. Whether you are preparing for the JLPT, improving your Japanese conversation skills, or simply enhancing your understanding of natural Japanese expressions, this article will help you integrate 〜たまらない into your speech effectively.

    Let’s dive into the details and learn how to use 〜たまらない like a native Japanese speaker!

    Common Expressions

    1. 暑くてたまらない。
      (Atsukute tamaranai.) – It’s unbearably hot.
    2. この映画は感動してたまらない。
      (Kono eiga wa kandō shite tamaranai.) – This movie is incredibly moving.
    3. お腹が空いてたまらない。
      (Onaka ga suite tamaranai.) – I’m starving.
    4. 彼の話は面白くてたまらない。
      (Kare no hanashi wa omoshirokute tamaranai.) – His story is extremely interesting.
    5. 頭が痛くてたまらない。
      (Atama ga itakute tamaranai.) – I have a terrible headache.
    6. この曲が好きでたまらない。
      (Kono kyoku ga sukide tamaranai.) – I love this song so much.
    7. 彼女に会いたくてたまらない。
      (Kanojo ni aitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to see her.
    8. 眠くてたまらない。
      (Nemukute tamaranai.) – I’m extremely sleepy.
    9. 早く旅行に行きたくてたまらない。
      (Hayaku ryokō ni ikitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to go on a trip.
    10. このケーキを食べたくてたまらない。
      (Kono kēki o tabetakute tamaranai.) – I’m dying to eat this cake.

    Usage of 〜たまらない

    The grammar pattern 〜たまらない is used in various situations where one feels an overwhelming emotion, physical sensation, or uncontrollable desire. Here are the key usages with example sentences:

    1. Expressing Strong Physical Sensations (Pain, Heat, Cold, Hunger, etc.)

    Used when someone is experiencing an intense physical feeling that is almost unbearable.

    🔹 Example:

    • 寒くてたまらない。
      (Samukute tamaranai.) – It’s unbearably cold.
    • 足が痛くてたまらない。
      (Ashi ga itakute tamaranai.) – My legs hurt so much.

    2. Expressing Strong Emotions (Happiness, Sadness, Excitement, etc.)

    Used when emotions become so intense that the speaker cannot suppress them.

    🔹 Example:

    • 彼の優しさが嬉しくてたまらない。
      (Kare no yasashisa ga ureshikute tamaranai.) – His kindness makes me so happy.
    • 試験に落ちて悔しくてたまらない。
      (Shiken ni ochite kuyashikute tamaranai.) – I failed the exam, and I’m extremely frustrated.

    3. Expressing a Strong Desire (Wanting to Do Something Badly)

    Used when someone really wants to do something and finds it hard to wait.

    🔹 Example:

    • 家族に会いたくてたまらない。
      (Kazoku ni aitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to see my family.
    • この本の続きが知りたくてたまらない。
      (Kono hon no tsuzuki ga shiritakute tamaranai.) – I’m dying to know what happens next in this book.

    4. Expressing an Irresistible Interest or Love

    Used when the speaker finds something so interesting or lovable that they cannot help but be drawn to it.

    🔹 Example:

    • このアニメが好きでたまらない。
      (Kono anime ga sukide tamaranai.) – I absolutely love this anime.
    • 彼の話が面白くてたまらない。
      (Kare no hanashi ga omoshirokute tamaranai.) – His story is so funny that I can’t stop laughing.

    5. Expressing an Uncontrollable Reaction (Crying, Laughing, etc.)

    Used when someone cannot control their physical reactions due to emotions.

    🔹 Example:

    • 映画が感動的で涙が出てたまらない。
      (Eiga ga kandō-teki de namida ga dete tamaranai.) – The movie was so touching that I couldn’t stop crying.
    • おかしくて笑えてたまらない。
      (Okashikute waraete tamaranai.) – It’s so funny that I can’t stop laughing.

    Conjugation of 〜たまらない

    The grammar pattern 〜たまらない is typically attached to adjectives and verbs in the て-form to express strong emotions, physical sensations, or irresistible desires. Below is a detailed breakdown of its conjugation with verbs, nouns, and adjectives.

    1. Conjugation with Verbs (る-verbs, う-verbs, and Irregular verbs)

    For verbs, 〜たまらない is attached to the て-form of the verb.

    (1) る-Verbs (Ichidan verbs)

    These verbs drop る in their dictionary form and take てたまらない.

    🔹 Example:

    • 食べる (taberu) → 食べてたまらない
      (Tabete tamaranai.) – I really want to eat (something).
    • 見る (miru) → 見たくてたまらない
      (Mitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to watch (it).

    (2) う-Verbs (Godan verbs)

    For う-verbs, change the verb to its て-form, then attach たまらない.

    🔹 Example:

    • 会う (au) → 会いたくてたまらない
      (Aitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to meet (someone).
    • 飲む (nomu) → 飲みたくてたまらない
      (Nomitakute tamaranai.) – I really want to drink (something).

    (3) Irregular Verbs (する and くる)

    The verbs する and くる follow the same rule: convert them to their て-form and attach たまらない.

    🔹 Example:

    • 勉強する (benkyō suru) → 勉強したくてたまらない
      (Benkyō shitakute tamaranai.) – I really want to study.
    • 来る (kuru) → 来たくてたまらない
      (Kitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to come.

    2. Conjugation with Nouns

    To use 〜たまらない with nouns, we generally pair the noun with an adjective or a verb in て-form that describes the strong feeling.

    🔹 Example:

    • この映画が感動でたまらない。
      (Kono eiga ga kandō de tamaranai.) – This movie is overwhelmingly emotional.
    • 彼の声が好きでたまらない。
      (Kare no koe ga sukide tamaranai.) – I absolutely love his voice.

    (Note: Direct use of nouns + たまらない is uncommon unless used in expressions like 好きでたまらない, 不安でたまらない, etc.)

    3. Conjugation with Adjectives

    There are two main types of adjectives in Japanese: い-adjectives and な-adjectives.

    (1) い-Adjectives

    For い-adjectives, replace い with くて, then add たまらない.

    🔹 Example:

    • 暑い (atsui) → 暑くてたまらない
      (Atsukute tamaranai.) – It’s unbearably hot.
    • 眠い (nemui) → 眠くてたまらない
      (Nemukute tamaranai.) – I’m extremely sleepy.

    (2) な-Adjectives

    For な-adjectives, replace な with で, then add たまらない.

    🔹 Example:

    • 心配な (shinpai na) → 心配でたまらない
      (Shinpai de tamaranai.) – I’m extremely worried.
    • 退屈な (taikutsu na) → 退屈でたまらない
      (Taikutsu de tamaranai.) – I’m unbearably bored.

    Summary Table

    TypeBase Form〜たまらない FormExample Sentence
    る-Verb食べる (taberu)食べてたまらないケーキを食べてたまらない。 (I really want to eat the cake.)
    う-Verb飲む (nomu)飲みたくてたまらないコーヒーが飲みたくてたまらない。 (I really want to drink coffee.)
    する Verb勉強する (benkyō suru)勉強したくてたまらない日本語を勉強したくてたまらない。 (I really want to study Japanese.)
    くる Verb来る (kuru)来たくてたまらない早く友達の家に来たくてたまらない。 (I can’t wait to come to my friend’s house.)
    い-Adjective暑い (atsui)暑くてたまらない今日は暑くてたまらない。 (It’s unbearably hot today.)
    な-Adjective退屈な (taikutsu na)退屈でたまらないこの授業は退屈でたまらない。 (This class is unbearably boring.)
    Noun好き (suki)好きでたまらないこの歌が好きでたまらない。 (I absolutely love this song.)

    Grammar Rules of 〜たまらない

    To effectively use 〜たまらない, it’s essential to understand its grammatical structure, restrictions, and nuances. Here are the key rules:

    1. 〜たまらない Must Be Used with Subjective Feelings

    • 〜たまらない is used only for personal emotions, sensations, and desires that the speaker directly experiences.
    • It cannot be used to describe someone else’s feelings unless there is a clear indication that the speaker has direct evidence of their emotions (e.g., seeing them cry).

    ✅ Correct Example:

    • 彼に会いたくてたまらない。
      (Kare ni aitakute tamaranai.) – I really want to see him.

    ❌ Incorrect Example:

    • 彼は彼女に会いたくてたまらない。 (Wrong)
      (Kare wa kanojo ni aitakute tamaranai.) – He really wants to see her. (Incorrect unless the speaker knows his feelings for sure.)

    2. Often Used with Strong Sensory or Emotional Expressions

    〜たまらない is commonly paired with words that describe physical sensations or emotions, such as:

    • 痛い (itai – painful), 寒い (samui – cold), 暑い (atsui – hot)
    • 眠い (nemui – sleepy), うれしい (ureshii – happy), 悔しい (kuyashii – frustrated)
    • 会いたい (aitai – want to meet), 食べたい (tabetai – want to eat)

    ✅ Correct Example:

    • 目がかゆくてたまらない。
      (Me ga kayukute tamaranai.) – My eyes are unbearably itchy.

    3. Cannot Be Used with Objective or Neutral Statements

    Since 〜たまらない conveys a highly personal experience, it is not used for objective descriptions or general facts.

    ❌ Incorrect Example:

    • この部屋は広くてたまらない。 (Wrong)
      (Kono heya wa hirokute tamaranai.) – This room is extremely spacious. (Not a personal feeling, so incorrect.)

    ✅ Correct Example:

    • この部屋は寒くてたまらない。
      (Kono heya wa samukute tamaranai.) – This room is unbearably cold. (Personal experience, so correct.)

    4. Often Used with the 〜たい Form to Express Uncontrollable Desire

    When combined with 〜たい (want to do something), 〜たまらない expresses an overwhelming desire to do something.

    ✅ Correct Example:

    • 映画を見たくてたまらない。
      (Eiga o mitakute tamaranai.) – I really want to watch a movie.

    5. Commonly Used with て-Form of Adjectives and Verbs

    • い-Adjectives → Change い to くて + たまらない
    • な-Adjectives → Change な to で + たまらない
    • Verbs → Change to て-form + たまらない

    ✅ Correct Example:

    • 友達に会いたくてたまらない。
      (Tomodachi ni aitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to meet my friend.

    6. More Formal Alternative: 〜てしょうがない & 〜てならない

    〜たまらない is a casual way to express strong feelings. For a more formal or literary tone, you can use:

    • 〜てしょうがない (a bit more neutral, used in writing and speech)
    • 〜てならない (even more formal, often used in writing)

    ✅ Example with 〜てしょうがない:

    • この曲が気になってしょうがない。
      (Kono kyoku ga ki ni natte shōganai.) – I can’t stop thinking about this song.

    ✅ Example with 〜てならない:

    • 明日の面接が不安でならない。
      (Ashita no mensetsu ga fuan de naranai.) – I’m extremely anxious about tomorrow’s interview.

    Things to Keep in Mind When Using 〜たまらない

    While 〜たまらない is a useful expression for strong emotions and sensations, there are a few tricky points, exceptions, and nuances that learners should be aware of. Below are important aspects to avoid mistakes and use it naturally.

    1. Cannot Be Used for Third-Person’s Feelings (Unless There’s Evidence)

    • 〜たまらない expresses personal feelings, so it cannot be directly applied to someone else’s emotions unless the speaker has strong evidence (e.g., seeing them cry, hearing them complain).
    • If talking about someone else’s emotions, use expressions like 〜そう (looks like) or 〜らしい (apparently).

    ✅ Correct Example:

    • 彼は寂しそうでたまらない。
      (Kare wa sabishisō de tamaranai.) – He looks incredibly lonely.

    ❌ Incorrect Example:

    • 彼は寂しくてたまらない。 (Wrong unless you have proof of his feelings.)

    2. Cannot Be Used for General Facts or Objective Statements

    • 〜たまらない must be used for subjective feelings.
    • You cannot use it for describing objective qualities of objects, places, or events.

    ❌ Incorrect Example:

    • この映画は面白くてたまらない。 (Wrong)
      (Kono eiga wa omoshirokute tamaranai.) – (Incorrect unless you’re emphasizing your own overwhelming excitement about it.)

    ✅ Correct Example:

    • この映画が面白くてたまらない。 (Correct)
      (Kono eiga ga omoshirokute tamaranai.) – This movie is so interesting that I can’t help but be excited. (Subjective experience)

    3. Pay Attention to the Difference Between 〜たまらない, 〜てしょうがない, and 〜てならない

    These three expressions are similar but have slightly different nuances:

    ExpressionMeaning & NuanceUsage
    〜たまらないStrongest personal emotion or sensation, used in casual speechExpresses overwhelming desire, pain, emotions, etc.
    〜てしょうがないMore neutral, often used in both writing and speechUsed in daily life situations but slightly softer than たまらない
    〜てならないMore formal and literary, commonly used in writingOften used in serious contexts like books, articles, or formal speeches

    ✅ Example Sentences for Comparison:

    1. 会いたくてたまらない。 (Aitakute tamaranai.) – I really, really want to meet (someone). (Casual, very strong emotion)
    2. 会いたくてしょうがない。 (Aitakute shōganai.) – I really want to meet (someone). (More neutral, still strong but slightly softer)
    3. 会いたくてならない。 (Aitakute naranai.) – I have an uncontrollable urge to meet (someone). (More formal and literary)

    4. Used Mostly in Spoken or Informal Writing

    • 〜たまらない is more common in casual conversations or personal writing (like diaries, blogs, social media).
    • In formal business emails, reports, or academic papers, 〜てならない or a different expression should be used.

    ✅ Where it’s appropriate:
    ✔️ Speaking with friends
    ✔️ Personal blog or diary
    ✔️ Social media (Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

    ❌ Where it’s inappropriate:
    🚫 Business emails
    🚫 Official reports
    🚫 Academic writing

    5. Be Careful When Using It with Negative Adjectives

    • When used with negative adjectives (like 怖い, 悲しい, 苦しい), 〜たまらない can sound exaggerated.
    • Instead, 〜てならない is often more natural in such cases.

    ❌ Incorrect Example (too strong and unnatural):

    • 悲しくてたまらない。 (Kanashikute tamaranai.) – (Technically correct, but sounds overly dramatic unless you’re deeply devastated.)

    ✅ Better Alternative:

    • 悲しくてならない。 (Kanashikute naranai.) – I can’t help but feel sad. (More natural and commonly used in formal settings.)

    6. Often Used in Fixed Phrases with Sensory or Emotional Words

    Some adjectives and phrases are frequently used with 〜たまらない. Learning these common collocations will make your speech more natural.

    ✅ Common Expressions with 〜たまらない:

    • 暑くてたまらない (Atsukute tamaranai) – It’s unbearably hot.
    • 痛くてたまらない (Itakute tamaranai) – It hurts so much.
    • 眠くてたまらない (Nemukute tamaranai) – I’m incredibly sleepy.
    • 会いたくてたまらない (Aitakute tamaranai) – I really want to see (someone).
    • 知りたくてたまらない (Shiritakute tamaranai) – I’m dying to know.

    7. “Cannot Help But…” Meaning in Some Contexts

    • 〜たまらない can sometimes imply an uncontrollable reaction (e.g., laughing, crying, feeling emotional).
    • In these cases, it can be translated as “I can’t help but…”

    ✅ Example Sentences:

    • 笑えてたまらない。
      (Waraete tamaranai.) – I can’t stop laughing. / I can’t help but laugh.
    • この映画が感動的で涙が出てたまらない。
      (Kono eiga ga kandō-teki de namida ga dete tamaranai.) – This movie is so touching that I can’t stop crying.

    8. Be Careful with Different Conjugations of Adjectives and Verbs

    • い-Adjectives: Change い → くて → たまらない
    • な-Adjectives: Change な → で → たまらない
    • Verbs: Change to たい-form or て-form → たまらない

    ✅ Correct Example:

    • 暑い → 暑くてたまらない (Atsui → Atsukute tamaranai) – It’s unbearably hot.
    • 好き → 好きでたまらない (Suki → Sukide tamaranai) – I love it so much.
    • 会う → 会いたくてたまらない (Au → Aitakute tamaranai) – I really want to meet (someone).

    Conclusion

    Understanding 〜たまらない is essential for expressing intense emotions, sensations, and desires in Japanese. To master it:
    ✅ Use it only for personal feelings (unless you have proof of someone else’s emotions).
    ✅ Don’t use it for objective facts or neutral statements.
    ✅ Be mindful of formal vs. casual usage (use 〜てならない for formal situations).
    ✅ Learn common fixed phrases like 眠くてたまらない (I’m extremely sleepy) and 会いたくてたまらない (I really want to meet someone).

    By keeping these tricky points in mind, you’ll be able to use 〜たまらない naturally and confidently!

    Example Sentences

    1. 彼に会いたくてたまらない。
      Kare ni aitakute tamaranai.
      I really, really want to see him.
    2. この映画が面白くてたまらない。
      Kono eiga ga omoshirokute tamaranai.
      This movie is so interesting that I can’t help but be excited.
    3. 暑くてたまらない。
      Atsukute tamaranai.
      It’s unbearably hot.
    4. お腹が空いてたまらない。
      Onaka ga suite tamaranai.
      I’m starving.
    5. 目がかゆくてたまらない。
      Me ga kayukute tamaranai.
      My eyes are unbearably itchy.
    6. この曲が気になってたまらない。
      Kono kyoku ga ki ni natte tamaranai.
      I can’t stop thinking about this song.
    7. 頭が痛くてたまらない。
      Atama ga itakute tamaranai.
      I have an unbearable headache.
    8. 眠くてたまらない。
      Nemukute tamaranai.
      I’m incredibly sleepy.
    9. 寒くてたまらない。
      Samukute tamaranai.
      It’s unbearably cold.
    10. この仕事が大変でたまらない。
      Kono shigoto ga taihen de tamaranai.
      This job is overwhelmingly tough.
    11. 彼のことが好きでたまらない。
      Kare no koto ga suki de tamaranai.
      I love him so much that I can’t stand it.
    12. 会議が退屈でたまらない。
      Kaigi ga taikutsu de tamaranai.
      The meeting is unbearably boring.
    13. 足が疲れてたまらない。
      Ashi ga tsukarete tamaranai.
      My legs are extremely tired.
    14. ゲームをしたくてたまらない。
      Gēmu o shitakute tamaranai.
      I really want to play video games.
    15. 彼女の笑顔が可愛くてたまらない。
      Kanojo no egao ga kawaikute tamaranai.
      Her smile is so cute that I can’t stand it.
    16. 旅行に行きたくてたまらない。
      Ryokō ni ikitakute tamaranai.
      I really want to go on a trip.
    17. 緊張してたまらない。
      Kinchō shite tamaranai.
      I’m so nervous I can’t stand it.
    18. 新しいスマホが欲しくてたまらない。
      Atarashii sumaho ga hoshikute tamaranai.
      I really want a new smartphone.
    19. この本が面白くてたまらない。
      Kono hon ga omoshirokute tamaranai.
      This book is so interesting that I can’t put it down.
    20. 彼の冗談が面白くて笑えてたまらない。
      Kare no jōdan ga omoshirokute waraete tamaranai.
      His joke is so funny that I can’t stop laughing.

    Exercise

    Fill in the blanks with the correct form of 〜たまらない to complete the sentences.

    1. 彼女に会いたくて _______。
    2. このカレーは辛くて _______。
    3. 朝から何も食べていないので、お腹が空いて _______。
    4. 目がかゆくて _______。
    5. 旅行に行きたくて _______。
    6. 仕事が忙しくて _______。
    7. この映画は感動的で涙が出て _______。
    8. 頭が痛くて _______。
    9. 彼のことが好きで _______。
    10. 早く週末になってほしくて _______。

    Answers

    1. 彼女に会いたくてたまらない。
      Kanojo ni aitakute tamaranai.
      I really, really want to see her.
    2. このカレーは辛くてたまらない。
      Kono karē wa karakute tamaranai.
      This curry is unbearably spicy.
    3. 朝から何も食べていないので、お腹が空いてたまらない。
      Asa kara nanimo tabete inai node, onaka ga suite tamaranai.
      I haven’t eaten anything since morning, so I’m starving.
    4. 目がかゆくてたまらない。
      Me ga kayukute tamaranai.
      My eyes are unbearably itchy.
    5. 旅行に行きたくてたまらない。
      Ryokō ni ikitakute tamaranai.
      I really want to go on a trip.
    6. 仕事が忙しくてたまらない。
      Shigoto ga isogashikute tamaranai.
      My work is so busy that I can’t stand it.
    7. この映画は感動的で涙が出てたまらない。
      Kono eiga wa kandō-teki de namida ga dete tamaranai.
      This movie is so touching that I can’t stop crying.
    8. 頭が痛くてたまらない。
      Atama ga itakute tamaranai.
      I have an unbearable headache.
    9. 彼のことが好きでたまらない。
      Kare no koto ga suki de tamaranai.
      I love him so much that I can’t stand it.
    10. 早く週末になってほしくてたまらない。
      Hayaku shūmatsu ni natte hoshikute tamaranai.
      I can’t wait for the weekend to come.

    Summary

    • 〜たまらない expresses an uncontrollable or intense feeling or state, such as strong emotions, physical sensations, or desires.
    • It is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese to emphasize something that feels unbearable or overwhelming.
    • The structure follows adjective (て-form) + たまらない or verb (たい-form → たくて) + たまらない.
    • Nouns + でたまらない and な-adjectives (stem + でたまらない) are also used.
    • It is often used to describe feelings such as happiness, pain, hunger, love, curiosity, and more.
    • The phrase cannot be used for voluntary actions—only for emotions or involuntary states.
    • Common alternative expressions include ～しょうがない and ～仕方がない, which carry similar meanings.
    • Paying attention to the correct conjugation of adjectives, verbs, and nouns is essential when using 〜たまらない.
    • Context plays a key role in determining whether the phrase expresses a physical sensation, an emotional state, or a strong desire.
    • Understanding the nuances of 〜たまらない helps learners sound more natural in Japanese conversations.

    Conclusion

    Mastering 〜たまらない is crucial for anyone who wants to express strong emotions and sensations naturally in Japanese. Whether you’re feeling extreme excitement, unbearable pain, or overwhelming curiosity, this grammatical structure allows you to communicate your feelings effectively. By practicing common sentence patterns and understanding the correct usage, you’ll be able to incorporate 〜たまらない seamlessly into your conversations. Keep practicing with real-life examples, and soon, using 〜たまらない will feel as natural as expressing emotions in your native language!

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference
  • Understanding 〜おかげで in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Understanding 〜おかげで in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Understanding 〜おかげで

    In Japanese, 〜おかげで (okage de) is a grammar point used to express gratitude or acknowledgment for a positive outcome that resulted from someone’s help, effort, or a specific situation. It translates to “thanks to,” “because of,” or “due to” in English. While it is often used in positive contexts, it can also be used sarcastically to imply a negative outcome. Understanding how to use 〜おかげで correctly is essential for expressing cause and effect in Japanese, especially when giving credit or showing appreciation.

    Formation of 〜おかげで

    The 〜おかげで structure can be formed with verbs, nouns, and adjectives. Here’s how it works:

    1. With Verbs

    • Verb (plain past tense) + おかげで
      Example:
      勉強したおかげで (benkyou shita okage de) – Thanks to studying

    2. With Nouns

    • Noun + の + おかげで
      Example:
      先生のおかげで (sensei no okage de) – Thanks to the teacher

    3. With Adjectives

    • い-Adjective (plain past tense) + おかげで
      Example:
      楽しかったおかげで (tanoshikatta okage de) – Thanks to it being fun
    • な-Adjective + だった + おかげで
      Example:
      静かだったおかげで (shizuka datta okage de) – Thanks to it being quiet

    Usage of 〜おかげで

    〜おかげで is used in various situations to express gratitude or acknowledge the cause of a positive outcome. Here are some common scenarios:

    1. Expressing Gratitude: Thanking someone for their help or effort.
      Example: あなたのおかげで成功しました。 (Anata no okage de seikou shimashita.) – Thanks to you, I succeeded.
    2. Acknowledging a Situation: Recognizing a situation that led to a positive result.
      Example: いい天気のおかげでピクニックが楽しめました。 (Ii tenki no okage de pikunikku ga tanoshimemashita.) – Thanks to the good weather, we enjoyed the picnic.
    3. Sarcastic Usage: Implying a negative outcome (often used humorously or ironically).
      Example: あなたのおかげで遅刻しました。 (Anata no okage de chikoku shimashita.) – Thanks to you, I was late.

    List of Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives with 〜おかげで Form

    Word TypeWord〜おかげで FormExample Sentence (Japanese)Romaji VersionEnglish Meaning
    Verb勉強する (study)勉強したおかげで勉強したおかげで合格した。Benkyou shita okage de goukaku shita.Thanks to studying, I passed the exam.
    Verb頑張る (work hard)頑張ったおかげで頑張ったおかげで成功した。Ganbatta okage de seikou shita.Thanks to working hard, I succeeded.
    Noun先生 (teacher)先生のおかげで先生のおかげで日本語が上手になった。Sensei no okage de nihongo ga jouzu ni natta.Thanks to the teacher, my Japanese improved.
    Noun友達 (friend)友達のおかげで友達のおかげで楽しかった。Tomodachi no okage de tanoshikatta.Thanks to my friend, it was fun.
    い-Adjective楽しい (fun)楽しかったおかげで楽しかったおかげで元気になった。Tanoshikatta okage de genki ni natta.Thanks to it being fun, I felt energized.
    い-Adjective早い (early)早かったおかげで早かったおかげで間に合った。Hayakatta okage de maniatta.Thanks to being early, I made it on time.
    な-Adjective静か (quiet)静かだったおかげで静かだったおかげで集中できた。Shizuka datta okage de shuuchuu dekita.Thanks to it being quiet, I could focus.
    な-Adjective便利 (convenient)便利だったおかげで便利だったおかげで時間が節約できた。Benri datta okage de jikan ga setsuyaku dekita.Thanks to it being convenient, I saved time.

    More Example Sentences

    1. 友達のおかげで新しい仕事を見つけました。
      Tomodachi no okage de atarashii shigoto o mitsukemashita.
      Thanks to my friend, I found a new job.
    2. 雨のおかげで庭の花がきれいに咲きました。
      Ame no okage de niwa no hana ga kirei ni sakimashita.
      Thanks to the rain, the flowers in the garden bloomed beautifully.
    3. 彼のアドバイスのおかげで問題が解決しました。
      Kare no adobaisu no okage de mondai ga kaiketsu shimashita.
      Thanks to his advice, the problem was solved.
    4. 勉強したおかげで試験に合格しました。
      Benkyou shita okage de shiken ni goukaku shimashita.
      Thanks to studying, I passed the exam.
    5. 先生のおかげで日本語が上手になりました。
      Sensei no okage de nihongo ga jouzu ni narimashita.
      Thanks to the teacher, my Japanese improved.
    6. 早く起きたおかげで朝ごはんを食べられました。
      Hayaku okita okage de asagohan o taberaremashita.
      Thanks to waking up early, I could eat breakfast.
    7. 彼女のおかげで楽しい時間を過ごせました。
      Kanojo no okage de tanoshii jikan o sugosemashita.
      Thanks to her, I had a great time.
    8. 天気が良かったおかげで遠足が楽しめました。
      Tenki ga yokatta okage de ensoku ga tanoshimemashita.
      Thanks to the good weather, the field trip was enjoyable.
    9. あなたのおかげで自信がつきました。
      Anata no okage de jishin ga tsukimashita.
      Thanks to you, I gained confidence.
    10. 便利なアプリのおかげで道に迷いませんでした。
      Benri na apuri no okage de michi ni mayoimasen deshita.
      Thanks to the convenient app, I didn’t get lost.

    Things to Keep in Mind

    1. Positive vs. Sarcastic Usage: While 〜おかげで is mostly used for positive outcomes, it can also be used sarcastically. Pay attention to the context.
    2. Politeness: When expressing gratitude, 〜おかげで is polite enough for most situations. However, adding です or ます forms can make it more formal.
    3. Avoid Overuse: Use 〜おかげで when the cause and effect are clear. Overusing it can make your speech sound unnatural.
    4. Subject Awareness: The subject of the sentence is often omitted in Japanese, so ensure the context makes it clear who or what is being thanked.

    Fill in the Blanks

    1. 彼の助けのおかげで、__________。
    2. 勉強したおかげで、__________。
    3. 先生のおかげで、__________。
    4. 天気が良かったおかげで、__________。
    5. 友達のおかげで、__________。
    6. 早く起きたおかげで、__________。
    7. 便利なアプリのおかげで、__________。
    8. 静かだったおかげで、__________。
    9. 彼女のおかげで、__________。
    10. 頑張ったおかげで、__________。

    Answers:

    1. 彼の助けのおかげで、問題が解決しました。
    2. 勉強したおかげで、試験に合格しました。
    3. 先生のおかげで、日本語が上手になりました。
    4. 天気が良かったおかげで、遠足が楽しめました。
    5. 友達のおかげで、楽しい時間を過ごせました。
    6. 早く起きたおかげで、朝ごはんを食べられました。
    7. 便利なアプリのおかげで、道に迷いませんでした。
    8. 静かだったおかげで、集中できました。
    9. 彼女のおかげで、自信がつきました。
    10. 頑張ったおかげで、成功しました。

    Conclusion

    〜おかげで is a versatile and essential grammar point in Japanese that allows you to express gratitude, acknowledge positive outcomes, or even add a touch of sarcasm. By mastering its formation and usage, you can effectively communicate cause-and-effect relationships in various contexts. Practice using 〜おかげで in your daily conversations, and soon it will become a natural part of your Japanese language skills. Keep studying, and 頑張ってください！ (Ganbatte kudasai!)

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

  • Using 〜ばかりか〜も in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Using 〜ばかりか〜も in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Mastering the Japanese Grammar Point: 〜ばかりか〜も

    When learning Japanese, one of the most fascinating aspects is discovering how the language expresses complex ideas with seemingly simple structures. One such structure is 〜ばかりか〜も, a grammar point that allows speakers to emphasize not just one thing, but an additional, often surprising or unexpected, element. In English, this can be roughly translated as “not only… but also…” or “not just… but even…”. It’s a powerful way to add depth and nuance to your sentences, making your Japanese sound more natural and sophisticated.

    In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the formation, usage, and nuances of 〜ばかりか〜も. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use this grammar point in various contexts, along with plenty of examples to guide you.

    Formation of 〜ばかりか〜も

    The structure 〜ばかりか〜も is used to connect two clauses, where the first clause introduces something expected or known, and the second clause adds something unexpected or surprising. It can be used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives. Let’s break down the formation for each:

    1. With Verbs

    • Verb (plain form) + ばかりか + も
      • Example: 食べる (to eat) → 食べるばかりか、も…

    2. With Nouns

    • Noun + ばかりか + も
      • Example: 学生 (student) → 学生ばかりか、も…

    3. With Adjectives

    • い-Adjective (plain form) + ばかりか + も
      • Example: 高い (expensive) → 高いばかりか、も…
    • な-Adjective (plain form) + ばかりか + も
      • Example: 静か (quiet) → 静かなばかりか、も…

    Usage of 〜ばかりか〜も

    The 〜ばかりか〜も structure is used to emphasize that something goes beyond what is expected. It often carries a tone of surprise or emphasis, and it’s commonly used in both written and spoken Japanese. Here are some situations where you might use it:

    1. To emphasize an unexpected addition:
      • “Not only did he forget my birthday, but he also didn’t even apologize.”
    2. To highlight a contrast:
      • “Not only is she smart, but she’s also incredibly kind.”
    3. To express exaggeration or surprise:
      • “Not only did it rain, but it even snowed!”
    4. To list multiple negative outcomes:
      • “Not only did I lose my wallet, but I also missed my train.”

    List of Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives with 〜ばかりか〜も

    Here’s a table with examples of 〜ばかりか〜も used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives:

    TypeWordExample SentenceRomajiEnglish Meaning
    Verb食べる (to eat)彼はケーキを食べるばかりか、アイスクリームも食べた。Kare wa keeki o taberu bakari ka, aisu kuriimu mo tabeta.Not only did he eat cake, but he also ate ice cream.
    Verb行く (to go)彼女は公園に行くばかりか、映画館にも行った。Kanojo wa kouen ni iku bakari ka, eigakan ni mo itta.Not only did she go to the park, but she also went to the movie theater.
    Noun学生 (student)彼は学生ばかりか、先生もしている。Kare wa gakusei bakari ka, sensei mo shite iru.Not only is he a student, but he’s also a teacher.
    Noun雨 (rain)今日は雨ばかりか、雪も降っている。Kyou wa ame bakari ka, yuki mo futte iru.Not only is it raining today, but it’s also snowing.
    い-Adjective高い (expensive)このレストランは高いばかりか、サービスも悪い。Kono resutoran wa takai bakari ka, saabisu mo warui.Not only is this restaurant expensive, but the service is also bad.
    い-Adjective暑い (hot)夏は暑いばかりか、湿度も高い。Natsu wa atsui bakari ka, shitsudo mo takai.Not only is summer hot, but the humidity is also high.
    な-Adjective静か (quiet)この町は静かなばかりか、安全でもある。Kono machi wa shizuka na bakari ka, anzen demo aru.Not only is this town quiet, but it’s also safe.
    な-Adjective便利 (convenient)このアプリは便利なばかりか、無料でもある。Kono apuri wa benri na bakari ka, muryou demo aru.Not only is this app convenient, but it’s also free.

    More Example Sentences

    Here are 10 more examples of 〜ばかりか〜も in action:

    1. 彼は遅刻するばかりか、宿題も忘れた。
      Kare wa chikoku suru bakari ka, shukudai mo wasureta.
      Not only was he late, but he also forgot his homework.
    2. この本は面白いばかりか、ためにもなる。
      Kono hon wa omoshiroi bakari ka, tame ni mo naru.
      Not only is this book interesting, but it’s also helpful.
    3. 彼女は歌が上手なばかりか、ダンスも得意だ。
      Kanojo wa uta ga jouzu na bakari ka, dansu mo tokui da.
      Not only is she good at singing, but she’s also great at dancing.
    4. この車は速いばかりか、燃費もいい。
      Kono kuruma wa hayai bakari ka, nenpi mo ii.
      Not only is this car fast, but it’s also fuel-efficient.
    5. 彼は日本語が話せるばかりか、フランス語も話せる。
      Kare wa nihongo ga hanaseru bakari ka, furansugo mo hanaseru.
      Not only can he speak Japanese, but he can also speak French.
    6. このホテルは綺麗なばかりか、サービスも素晴らしい。
      Kono hoteru wa kirei na bakari ka, saabisu mo subarashii.
      Not only is this hotel beautiful, but the service is also excellent.
    7. 彼は宿題をしないばかりか、授業もサボった。
      Kare wa shukudai o shinai bakari ka, jugyou mo sabotta.
      Not only did he not do his homework, but he also skipped class.
    8. この料理は美味しいばかりか、見た目も素敵だ。
      Kono ryouri wa oishii bakari ka, mitame mo suteki da.
      Not only is this dish delicious, but it also looks amazing.
    9. 彼は仕事が忙しいばかりか、家事もやらなければならない。
      Kare wa shigoto ga isogashii bakari ka, kaji mo yaranakereba naranai.
      Not only is he busy with work, but he also has to do housework.
    10. この映画は感動的ばかりか、音楽も素晴らしい。
      Kono eiga wa kandouteki bakari ka, ongaku mo subarashii.
      Not only is this movie moving, but the music is also wonderful.

    Things to Keep in Mind

    1. Tone: The structure often carries a tone of surprise or emphasis, so use it when you want to highlight something unexpected.
    2. Formality: It’s more common in written Japanese or formal speech. In casual conversation, you might hear 〜だけでなく〜も more often.
    3. Word Order: The second clause (after も) should logically follow the first clause.
    4. Avoid Overuse: Like any advanced grammar point, overusing it can make your speech or writing sound unnatural.

    Fill in the Blanks Questions

    1. 彼は勉強しないばかりか、__________もサボった。
    2. このレストランは美味しいばかりか、__________も安い。
    3. 彼女はピアノが上手なばかりか、__________も得意だ。
    4. この本は面白いばかりか、__________にもなる。
    5. 今日は雨が降るばかりか、__________も降っている。
    6. 彼は日本語が話せるばかりか、__________も話せる。
    7. この町は静かなばかりか、__________でもある。
    8. 彼は仕事が忙しいばかりか、__________もやらなければならない。
    9. この映画は感動的ばかりか、__________も素晴らしい。
    10. この車は速いばかりか、__________もいい。

    Answers

    1. 授業
    2. 値段
    3. ダンス
    4. ため
    5. 雪
    6. フランス語
    7. 安全
    8. 家事
    9. 音楽
    10. 燃費

    Conclusion

    The 〜ばかりか〜も structure is a versatile and powerful tool in Japanese that allows you to express not only the expected but also the unexpected. Whether you’re emphasizing a surprising addition, contrasting two ideas, or simply adding depth to your sentences, this grammar point is invaluable. With the examples and explanations provided in this blog, you’re now equipped to use 〜ばかりか〜も confidently in your own Japanese conversations and writing. Keep practicing, and soon it’ll become second nature!

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

  • Understanding 〜だけでなく〜も in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Understanding 〜だけでなく〜も in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Using 〜だけでなく〜も in Japanese

    In Japanese, the structure 〜だけでなく〜も is a versatile and commonly used grammatical pattern that means “not only… but also…” in English. It is used to emphasize that something is true not just about one thing, but about another as well. This structure is incredibly useful for adding depth and nuance to your sentences, whether you’re talking about nouns, verbs, or adjectives.

    For example, if you want to say, “Not only is she smart, but she is also kind,” you would use 〜だけでなく〜も to convey this idea. This blog post will guide you through the formation, usage, and nuances of this structure, along with plenty of examples to help you master it.

    Formation of 〜だけでなく〜も

    The structure 〜だけでなく〜も can be used with nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Let’s break it down:

    1. With Nouns

    When used with nouns, the structure is:
    Noun + だけでなく + Noun + も

    Example:

    • 彼は先生だけでなく作家でもあります。
      (Kare wa sensei dake de naku sakka demo arimasu.)
      He is not only a teacher but also a writer.

    2. With Verbs

    When used with verbs, the structure is:
    Verb (dictionary form) + だけでなく + Verb + も

    Example:

    • 彼女は歌うだけでなく踊ることもできます。
      (Kanojo wa utau dake de naku odoru koto mo dekimasu.)
      She can not only sing but also dance.

    3. With Adjectives

    When used with adjectives, the structure is:
    Adjective + だけでなく + Adjective + も

    Example:

    • この映画は面白いだけでなく感動的でもあります。
      (Kono eiga wa omoshiroi dake de naku kandouteki demo arimasu.)
      This movie is not only interesting but also moving.

    Usage of 〜だけでなく〜も

    The 〜だけでなく〜も structure is used in a variety of situations to emphasize that two or more things are true. It can be used in formal and informal contexts, and it works well in both written and spoken Japanese. Here are some common situations where you might use it:

    1. Highlighting multiple qualities of a person or thing:
      • 彼は頭がいいだけでなくスポーツも得意です。
        (Kare wa atama ga ii dake de naku supōtsu mo tokui desu.)
        He is not only smart but also good at sports.
    2. Adding additional information:
      • このレストランは安いだけでなく美味しいです。
        (Kono resutoran wa yasui dake de naku oishii desu.)
        This restaurant is not only cheap but also delicious.
    3. Expanding on actions or abilities:
      • 彼は走るだけでなく泳ぐこともできます。
        (Kare wa hashiru dake de naku oyogu koto mo dekimasu.)
        He can not only run but also swim.

    Table of Examples

    Here’s a table with examples of 〜だけでなく〜も used with nouns, verbs, and adjectives:

    SituationExample Sentence (Japanese)Romaji VersionEnglish Meaning
    Noun + だけでなく + Noun + も彼は医者だけでなく画家でもあります。Kare wa isha dake de naku gaka demo arimasu.He is not only a doctor but also a painter.
    この本は面白いだけでなく役に立つです。Kono hon wa omoshiroi dake de naku yaku ni tatsu desu.This book is not only interesting but also useful.
    Verb + だけでなく + Verb + も彼女は料理するだけでなく掃除することも好きです。Kanojo wa ryōri suru dake de naku sōji suru koto mo suki desu.She not only likes to cook but also likes to clean.
    彼は勉強するだけでなく遊ぶことも大切にしています。Kare wa benkyō suru dake de naku asobu koto mo taisetsu ni shiteimasu.He not only studies but also values playing.
    Adjective + だけでなく + Adjective + もこの町は静かなだけでなく美しいです。Kono machi wa shizuka na dake de naku utsukushii desu.This town is not only quiet but also beautiful.
    彼の話は長いだけでなく退屈です。Kare no hanashi wa nagai dake de naku taikutsu desu.His story is not only long but also boring.

    More Example Sentences

    Here are 10 more examples of 〜だけでなく〜も in action:

    1. 彼は日本語だけでなく英語も話せます。
      (Kare wa nihongo dake de naku eigo mo hanasemasu.)
      He can speak not only Japanese but also English.
    2. この車は速いだけでなく安全です。
      (Kono kuruma wa hayai dake de naku anzen desu.)
      This car is not only fast but also safe.
    3. 彼女は歌うだけでなくピアノを弾くこともできます。
      (Kanojo wa utau dake de naku piano o hiku koto mo dekimasu.)
      She can not only sing but also play the piano.
    4. このアプリは便利なだけでなく無料です。
      (Kono apuri wa benri na dake de naku muryō desu.)
      This app is not only convenient but also free.
    5. 彼は勉強だけでなくスポーツも得意です。
      (Kare wa benkyō dake de naku supōtsu mo tokui desu.)
      He is not only good at studying but also at sports.
    6. このレストランは美味しいだけでなく雰囲気も良いです。
      (Kono resutoran wa oishii dake de naku funiki mo ii desu.)
      This restaurant is not only delicious but also has a good atmosphere.
    7. 彼は走るだけでなく泳ぐこともできます。
      (Kare wa hashiru dake de naku oyogu koto mo dekimasu.)
      He can not only run but also swim.
    8. この本は面白いだけでなくためになるです。
      (Kono hon wa omoshiroi dake de naku tame ni naru desu.)
      This book is not only interesting but also informative.
    9. 彼女は優しいだけでなく頭もいいです。
      (Kanojo wa yasashii dake de naku atama mo ii desu.)
      She is not only kind but also smart.
    10. この公園は広いだけでなく静かです。
      (Kono kōen wa hiroi dake de naku shizuka desu.)
      This park is not only spacious but also quiet.

    Things to Keep in Mind

    1. Politeness Level: The structure 〜だけでなく〜も can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing or speech, you might want to use 〜のみならず〜も for a more polished tone.
    2. Order of Information: The first part of the sentence (before だけでなく) is usually the more obvious or expected information, while the second part (after も) adds something unexpected or additional.
    3. Avoid Overuse: While this structure is useful, overusing it can make your sentences sound repetitive. Use it when you want to emphasize the addition of information.
    4. Parallel Structure: Ensure that the parts before and after だけでなく are grammatically parallel (e.g., both nouns, both verbs, or both adjectives).

    Fill in the Blanks

    Here are 10 fill-in-the-blank questions to test your understanding of 〜だけでなく〜も:

    1. 彼は日本語だけでなく________も話せます。
      (Kare wa nihongo dake de naku ________ mo hanasemasu.)
    2. この映画は________だけでなく感動的でもあります。
      (Kono eiga wa ________ dake de naku kandouteki demo arimasu.)
    3. 彼女は歌うだけでなく________こともできます。
      (Kanojo wa utau dake de naku ________ koto mo dekimasu.)
    4. この本は________だけでなく役に立つです。
      (Kono hon wa ________ dake de naku yaku ni tatsu desu.)
    5. 彼は走るだけでなく________こともできます。
      (Kare wa hashiru dake de naku ________ koto mo dekimasu.)
    6. この町は________だけでなく美しいです。
      (Kono machi wa ________ dake de naku utsukushii desu.)
    7. 彼は勉強だけでなく________も得意です。
      (Kare wa benkyō dake de naku ________ mo tokui desu.)
    8. このアプリは________だけでなく無料です。
      (Kono apuri wa ________ dake de naku muryō desu.)
    9. 彼女は優しいだけでなく________です。
      (Kanojo wa yasashii dake de naku ________ desu.)
    10. この公園は________だけでなく静かです。
      (Kono kōen wa ________ dake de naku shizuka desu.)

    Answers:

    1. 英語 (eigo)
    2. 面白い (omoshiroi)
    3. 踊る (odoru)
    4. 面白い (omoshiroi)
    5. 泳ぐ (oyogu)
    6. 静か (shizuka)
    7. スポーツ (supōtsu)
    8. 便利 (benri)
    9. 頭がいい (atama ga ii)
    10. 広い (hiroi)

    Conclusion

    The 〜だけでなく〜も structure is a powerful tool in Japanese for emphasizing multiple qualities, actions, or characteristics. Whether you’re describing people, places, or things, this pattern allows you to add depth and nuance to your sentences. By mastering its formation and usage, you’ll be able to express yourself more clearly and effectively in Japanese. Keep practicing with the examples and exercises provided, and soon you’ll be using 〜だけでなく〜も like a pro!

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference
  • Using〜そうだ (Appearance) | My Language Classes:

    Using〜そうだ (Appearance) | My Language Classes:

    Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese 〜そうだ

    In Japanese, the grammar pattern 〜そうだ (sou da) is used to express that something “looks like” or “seems” a certain way based on its appearance. This pattern is useful when describing objects, actions, or situations that give a certain impression. It is often used with adjectives, nouns, and verbs, but its meaning slightly changes depending on the word category.

    This blog will guide you through the formation, usage, and different contexts where 〜そうだ (Appearance) can be applied.

    Formation of 〜そうだ (Appearance)

    1. Using with Adjectives

    • For i-adjectives: Drop the final い (i) and add 〜そうだ.
      • Example: おいしい → おいしそうだ (Oishii → Oishisou da) – “Looks delicious.”
    • For na-adjectives: Just add 〜そうだ directly to the adjective.
      • Example: 美しい → 美しそうだ (Utsukushii → Utsukushisou da) – “Looks beautiful.”

    2. Using with Verbs

    • For verbs (stem form): Take the ます-stem and add 〜そうだ.
      • Example: 雨が降る (Ame ga furu) → 雨が降りそうだ (Ame ga furisou da) – “It looks like it will rain.”

    3. Using with Nouns

    • Nouns do not usually take the 〜そうだ form when expressing appearance. Instead, のようだ or みたいだ is commonly used.

    Usage of 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form

    1. Describing Physical Appearance:

    「他は強そうだ」

    • Romaji: Kare wa tsuyosou da.
    • English: He looks strong.

    「このかばんは重そうだ」

    • Romaji: Kono kaban wa omosou da.
    • English: This bag looks heavy.

    2. Expressing Predictions Based on Appearance:

    「このケーキは生でたべられそうだ」

    • Romaji: Kono kēki wa nama de taberare-sou da.
    • English: This cake looks edible raw.

    「この車はまだ動きそうだ」

    • Romaji: Kono kuruma wa mada ugoki-sou da.
    • English: This car looks like it can still run.

    3. Talking About Immediate Future Actions:

    「雨が降りそうだ」

    • Romaji: Ame ga furi-sou da.
    • English: It looks like it’s going to rain.

    「電車が出発しそうだ」

    • Romaji: Densha ga shuppatsu shisou da.
    • English: The train looks like it’s about to depart.

    Common Words with 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form:

    Here’s a well-structured table with verbs, nouns, and adjectives in their 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form, along with two example sentences for each.

    TypeWord〜そうだ FormExample Sentence 1RomajiEnglish MeaningExample Sentence 2RomajiEnglish Meaning
    Verb食べる (taberu) – to eat食べられそうだ (taberare-sou da)このケーキは美味しそうだから食べられそうだ。Kono kēki wa oishisou dakara taberare-sou da.This cake looks delicious, so it seems edible.このスープは熱そうだけど飲めそうだ。Kono sūpu wa atsusou dakedo nome-sou da.This soup looks hot, but it seems drinkable.
    Verb壊れる (kowareru) – to break壊れそうだ (koware-sou da)この椅子は古くて壊れそうだ。Kono isu wa furukute koware-sou da.This chair looks old and about to break.このおもちゃは落としたら壊れそうだ。Kono omocha wa otoshitara koware-sou da.This toy looks like it will break if dropped.
    Noun雨 (ame) – rain雨が降りそうだ (ame ga furi-sou da)空が暗くなってきたから、雨が降りそうだ。Sora ga kuraku natte kita kara, ame ga furi-sou da.The sky is getting dark, so it looks like it’s going to rain.風が強くなってきたし、雨が降りそうだね。Kaze ga tsuyoku natte kita shi, ame ga furi-sou da ne.The wind is getting stronger, and it looks like it will rain.
    Noun試験 (shiken) – exam試験が難しそうだ (shiken ga muzukashisou da)明日の試験は難しそうだ。Ashita no shiken wa muzukashisou da.Tomorrow’s exam looks difficult.先生の説明を聞いて、試験が簡単そうだと思った。Sensei no setsumei o kiite, shiken ga kantansou da to omotta.After hearing the teacher’s explanation, I thought the exam looked easy.
    Adjective美味しい (oishii) – delicious美味しそうだ (oishisou da)このラーメンは美味しそうだね！Kono rāmen wa oishisou da ne!This ramen looks delicious!おばあちゃんの作ったケーキは美味しそうだ。Obaachan no tsukutta kēki wa oishisou da.The cake my grandmother made looks delicious.
    Adjective楽しい (tanoshii) – fun楽しそうだ (tanoshisou da)彼らの旅行はとても楽しそうだ。Karera no ryokō wa totemo tanoshisou da.Their trip looks really fun.あの子たちはゲームをしていて楽しそうだね。Ano kotachi wa gēmu o shiteite tanoshisou da ne.Those kids look like they’re having fun playing games.
    Adjective寒い (samui) – cold寒そうだ (samusou da)彼は薄い服を着ていて寒そうだ。Kare wa usui fuku o kiteite samusou da.He is wearing thin clothes and looks cold.外は雪が降っていてとても寒そうだ。Soto wa yuki ga futteite totemo samusou da.It is snowing outside, and it looks very cold.

    More Example Sentences

    Here are 10 more example sentences using 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form, along with romaji and English meanings:

    1. このスープは熱そうだ。
      • Romaji: Kono sūpu wa atsusou da.
      • English: This soup looks hot.
    2. 彼は疲れていそうだ。
      • Romaji: Kare wa tsukareteisou da.
      • English: He looks tired.
    3. あの建物は古くて壊れそうだ。
      • Romaji: Ano tatemono wa furukute kowaresou da.
      • English: That building looks old and about to collapse.
    4. この箱は軽そうだね。
      • Romaji: Kono hako wa karusou da ne.
      • English: This box looks light.
    5. 彼の話は面白そうだ。
      • Romaji: Kare no hanashi wa omoshirosou da.
      • English: His story sounds interesting.
    6. この靴は履きやすそうだ。
      • Romaji: Kono kutsu wa haki-yasusou da.
      • English: These shoes look easy to wear.
    7. あの犬はおとなしくて優しそうだね。
      • Romaji: Ano inu wa otonashikute yasashisou da ne.
      • English: That dog looks calm and gentle.
    8. このカバンは丈夫そうだ。
      • Romaji: Kono kaban wa joubusou da.
      • English: This bag looks durable.
    9. 彼女の料理は美味しそうだ。
      • Romaji: Kanojo no ryōri wa oishisou da.
      • English: Her cooking looks delicious.
    10. あの道は滑りそうだから気をつけて！
    • Romaji: Ano michi wa suberisou dakara ki o tsukete!
    • English: That road looks slippery, so be careful!

    Things to Keep in Mind About 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form

    When using 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form, there are a few important points to remember:

    1. Used for Visual Appearance or Impression

    • This form is used when something looks a certain way based on visual observation or impression.
    • Example:
      • このケーキは甘そうだ。 (Kono kēki wa amasou da.) → This cake looks sweet. (Judging by appearance, not by tasting it.)

    2. Not for First-Hand Experience

    • It should not be used when you have direct experience with something (e.g., you actually ate the cake).
    • Incorrect: このケーキを食べたけど甘そうだ。(Kono kēki o tabeta kedo amasou da.) ❌
    • Correct: このケーキは甘い。(Kono kēki wa amai.) ✅ → This cake is sweet.

    3. Different from 〜そうだ (Hearsay)

    • 〜そうだ (Appearance) is different from 〜そうだ (Hearsay), which is used to report something you heard from someone else.
    • Example (Appearance):
      • 彼は元気そうだ。 (Kare wa genkisou da.) → He looks energetic.
    • Example (Hearsay):
      • 彼は元気だそうだ。 (Kare wa genki da sou da.) → I heard that he is energetic.

    4. Adjective Conjugation Rules

    • For い-adjectives: Remove い and add そうだ.
      • Example: おいしい → おいしそうだ (oishii → oishisou da) → Looks delicious
    • For な-adjectives: Just add そうだ.
      • Example: 元気（げんき）→ 元気そうだ (genki → genkisou da) → Looks healthy

    5. Special Case: Negative Form

    • To say “doesn’t look ~,” change ない to なさそうだ.
      • Example:
        • 美味しくない (oishikunai) → 美味しくなさそうだ (oishikunasa sou da) → Doesn’t look delicious.
        • 元気じゃない (genki janai) → 元気じゃなさそうだ (genki janasa sou da) → Doesn’t look healthy.

    6. Verb Usage: Potential & Immediate Action

    • For potential actions: Use the stem of the potential form of the verb + そうだ.
      • Example: この橋は渡れそうだ。(Kono hashi wa watare-sou da.) → This bridge looks crossable.
    • For immediate actions: Use the stem of the dictionary form + そうだ.
      • Example: 雨が降りそうだ。(Ame ga furi-sou da.) → It looks like it’s going to rain soon.

    7. Special Irregular Adjectives

    • いい (good) → よさそうだ (yosasou da) → Looks good.
    • ない (not existing) → なさそうだ (nasasou da) → Doesn’t seem to exist.

    Fill in the Blanks

    Fill in the blanks with the correct 〜そうだ form of the given words.

    Questions:

    1. このスープは _______ (熱い) ですね！気をつけて！
    2. 彼は昨日から寝ていないみたいで、とても _______ (疲れる)。
    3. あの子はとても _______ (賢い) ね！
    4. この橋は古くて _______ (壊れる)。
    5. あの店のラーメンは _______ (美味しい)。
    6. 今日は空が暗くて、雨が _______ (降る)。
    7. このかばんはとても _______ (丈夫) ですね。
    8. 彼女の話は _______ (面白い)。
    9. この靴は _______ (歩きやすい)。
    10. この椅子は _______ (座りにくい) から、別のを使おう。

    Answers:

    1. 熱そうだ (atsusou da)
    2. 疲れていそうだ (tsukareteisou da)
    3. 賢そうだ (kashikoso da)
    4. 壊れそうだ (kowaresou da)
    5. 美味しそうだ (oishisou da)
    6. 降りそうだ (furisou da)
    7. 丈夫そうだ (joubusou da)
    8. 面白そうだ (omoshirosou da)
    9. 歩きやすそうだ (arukiyasusou da)
    10. 座りにくそうだ (suwarinikusou da)

    Conclusion

    Mastering 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form is a great way to express observations and predictions based on how things look. Whether describing someone’s emotions, the taste of food, or a future event, this grammar pattern helps make your Japanese sound more natural and fluent.

    By understanding its conjugation rules, differences from hearsay 〜そうだ, and special cases, you can use it confidently in daily conversations. Keep practicing with real-life examples, and soon, you’ll be able to describe appearances effortlessly in Japanese!

    If you found this guide helpful, feel free to explore more Japanese grammar lessons and keep improving your language skills.

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

  • Using 〜そうだ (Hearsay) | My Language Classes

    Using 〜そうだ (Hearsay) | My Language Classes

    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

    In Japanese, the grammar structure 〜そうだ (sou da) is used to express reported speech or hearsay. This form is used when conveying information that was heard from another source, similar to “I heard that…” or “It is said that…” in English. It differs from the 〜そうだ used for expressing appearance (e.g., “It looks like…”).

    Understanding how to use 〜そうだ correctly is crucial for effective communication in Japanese, as it helps relay secondhand information accurately. In this blog, we will explore the formation, usage, and differences between 〜そうだ and similar structures like 〜ようだ.

    Formation of 〜そうだ (Hearsay)

    1. With Verbs

    To form 〜そうだ with verbs, use the plain form (dictionary form or past form) of the verb before adding そうだ.

    • Verb (Plain Form) + そうだ
    • Verb (Past Form) + そうだ

    Example:

    • 来るそうだ (kuru sou da) → “I heard that he/she will come.”
    • 行ったそうだ (itta sou da) → “I heard that he/she went.”

    2. With Nouns

    For nouns, simply attach だそうだ after the noun.

    • Noun + だそうだ

    Example:

    • 先生だそうだ (sensei da sou da) → “I heard that he/she is a teacher.”

    3. With Adjectives

    • For -i adjectives: Remove い and add そうだ
      • 面白い → 面白いそうだ (omoshiroi sou da) → “I heard that it is interesting.”
    • For -na adjectives: Attach だそうだ after the adjective
      • 静か (shizuka) → 静かだそうだ (shizuka da sou da) → “I heard that it is quiet.”

    Usage of 〜そうだ (Hearsay) in Different Situations

    1. News and Reports:
      • 日本の人口が減っているそうだ。
      • Nihon no jinkou ga hetteiru sou da.
      • “I heard that Japan’s population is decreasing.”
    2. Casual Conversations:
      • 明日、雨が降るそうだ。
      • Ashita, ame ga furu sou da.
      • “I heard that it will rain tomorrow.”
    3. Quoting Someone Else’s Words:
      • 田中さんは先生になるそうだ。
      • Tanaka-san wa sensei ni naru sou da.
      • “I heard that Tanaka-san will become a teacher.”

    Situations Where 〜ようだ is Used

    Unlike 〜そうだ (Hearsay), 〜ようだ is used for conjecture or resemblance. Some common cases include:

    1. Guessing based on evidence
      • 雨が降ったようだ。(Ame ga futta you da.) → “It seems like it rained.”
    2. Comparisons and similarity
      • 彼は日本人のようだ。(Kare wa nihonjin no you da.) → “He seems to be Japanese.”

    List of Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives with Their 〜そうだ (Hearsay) Forms

    Word TypeWord (JP)Hearsay FormExample Sentence (JP)RomajiEnglish Meaning
    Verb食べる (taberu)食べるそうだ (taberu sō da)先生は寿司を食べるそうだ。Sensei wa sushi o taberu sō da.The teacher is said to eat sushi.
    彼は毎日ケーキを食べるそうだ。Kare wa mainichi kēki o taberu sō da.He is said to eat cake every day.
    Verb行く (iku)行くそうだ (iku sō da)田中さんは東京に行くそうだ。Tanaka-san wa Tōkyō ni iku sō da.Tanaka-san is said to be going to Tokyo.
    来週、彼女は海外に行くそうだ。Raishū, kanojo wa kaigai ni iku sō da.Next week, she is said to be going abroad.
    Verb勉強する (benkyō suru)勉強するそうだ (benkyō suru sō da)彼は毎日日本語を勉強するそうだ。Kare wa mainichi Nihongo o benkyō suru sō da.He is said to study Japanese every day.
    兄は大学で医学を勉強するそうだ。Ani wa daigaku de igaku o benkyō suru sō da.My older brother is said to be studying medicine at university.
    Verb来る (kuru)来るそうだ (kuru sō da)彼は明日来るそうだ。Kare wa ashita kuru sō da.He is said to be coming tomorrow.
    友達が駅に来るそうだ。Tomodachi ga eki ni kuru sō da.My friend is said to be coming to the station.
    Verb結婚する (kekkon suru)結婚するそうだ (kekkon suru sō da)彼女は来月結婚するそうだ。Kanojo wa raigetsu kekkon suru sō da.She is said to be getting married next month.
    田中さんは来年結婚するそうだ。Tanaka-san wa rainen kekkon suru sō da.Tanaka-san is said to be getting married next year.
    Noun先生 (sensei)先生だそうだ (sensei da sō da)彼の父は先生だそうだ。Kare no chichi wa sensei da sō da.His father is said to be a teacher.
    山田さんは数学の先生だそうだ。Yamada-san wa sūgaku no sensei da sō da.Yamada-san is said to be a math teacher.
    Noun有名人 (yūmeijin)有名人だそうだ (yūmeijin da sō da)彼は有名人だそうだ。Kare wa yūmeijin da sō da.He is said to be a celebrity.
    彼女は有名な歌手だそうだ。Kanojo wa yūmei na kashu da sō da.She is said to be a famous singer.
    Noun医者 (isha)医者だそうだ (isha da sō da)彼の兄は医者だそうだ。Kare no ani wa isha da sō da.His older brother is said to be a doctor.
    彼女の父は医者だそうだ。Kanojo no chichi wa isha da sō da.Her father is said to be a doctor.
    Adjective (i)高い (takai)高いそうだ (takai sō da)このホテルは高いそうだ。Kono hoteru wa takai sō da.This hotel is said to be expensive.
    あの車はとても高いそうだ。Ano kuruma wa totemo takai sō da.That car is said to be very expensive.
    Adjective (i)寒い (samui)寒いそうだ (samui sō da)明日は寒いそうだ。Ashita wa samui sō da.It is said to be cold tomorrow.
    北海道の冬は寒いそうだ。Hokkaidō no fuyu wa samui sō da.The winter in Hokkaido is said to be cold.
    Adjective (na)便利 (benri)便利だそうだ (benri da sō da)このアプリは便利だそうだ。Kono apuri wa benri da sō da.This app is said to be convenient.
    東京の電車は便利だそうだ。Tōkyō no densha wa benri da sō da.Tokyo’s trains are said to be convenient.
    Adjective (na)有名 (yūmei)有名だそうだ (yūmei da sō da)彼の店は有名だそうだ。Kare no mise wa yūmei da sō da.His shop is said to be famous.
    彼女の家は有名だそうだ。Kanojo no ie wa yūmei da sō da.Her house is said to be famous.

    More Example Sentences

    彼は明日の会議に参加しないそうだ。
    Romaji: Kare wa ashita no kaigi ni sanka shinai sō da.
    English: He is said not to participate in tomorrow’s meeting.

    彼は新しい仕事を始めるそうだ。
    Romaji: Kare wa atarashii shigoto o hajimeru sō da.
    English: He is said to be starting a new job.

    この映画はとても面白いそうだ。
    Romaji: Kono eiga wa totemo omoshiroi sō da.
    English: This movie is said to be very interesting.

    彼女の弟は医者になるそうだ。
    Romaji: Kanojo no otōto wa isha ni naru sō da.
    English: Her younger brother is said to become a doctor.

    先生は今週忙しいそうだ。
    Romaji: Sensei wa konshū isogashii sō da.
    English: The teacher is said to be busy this week.

    この店のラーメンは美味しいそうだ。
    Romaji: Kono mise no rāmen wa oishii sō da.
    English: The ramen from this shop is said to be delicious.

    あのホテルはサービスが良いそうだ。
    Romaji: Ano hoteru wa sābisu ga yoi sō da.
    English: That hotel is said to have good service.

    彼は来年アメリカに引っ越すそうだ。
    Romaji: Kare wa rainen Amerika ni hikkosu sō da.
    English: He is said to be moving to America next year.

    この会社は給料が高いそうだ。
    Romaji: Kono kaisha wa kyūryō ga takai sō da.
    English: This company is said to have high salaries.

    日本の夏はとても暑いそうだ。
    Romaji: Nihon no natsu wa totemo atsui sō da.
    English: The summer in Japan is said to be very hot.

    Things to Keep in Mind

    〜そうだ is only used when you hear information from someone else, not for personal assumptions.

    〜そうだ (Hearsay) should not be confused with 〜そうだ (Appearance).

    Fill in the Blanks Questions

    1. 田中さんは来月日本に＿＿＿＿そうだ。
    2. 彼の兄は医者＿＿＿＿そうだ。
    3. この本はとても面白い＿＿＿＿そうだ。
    4. 先生は毎日運動を＿＿＿＿そうだ。
    5. このレストランの料理は美味しい＿＿＿＿そうだ。
    6. 彼は新しい車を＿＿＿＿そうだ。
    7. 明日は天気が悪い＿＿＿＿そうだ。
    8. 彼女は来年結婚＿＿＿＿そうだ。
    9. この映画は子供に人気＿＿＿＿そうだ。
    10. 友達は今日学校に来ない＿＿＿＿そうだ。

    Answers

    1.そう (sō)

    2.行く (iku)

    3.だ (da)

    4.そう (sō)

    5.する (suru)

    6.そう (sō)

    7.買う (kau)

    8.そう (sō)

    9.する (suru)

    10.だ (da)

    Conclusion

    Understanding 〜そうだ (Hearsay) is essential for conveying reported information in Japanese. By practicing its correct usage with verbs, adjectives, and nouns, learners can improve their fluency and comprehension. Keep practicing, and soon this grammar pattern will become second nature!

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

  • Using 〜ために in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Using 〜ために in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Understanding 〜ために in Japanese

    In Japanese, “〜ために” (tame ni) is a highly versatile grammatical structure used to indicate purpose, reason, or benefit. Understanding its different meanings and contexts is crucial for mastering the Japanese language.

    This article will explain all the possible uses of “ために” along with example sentences and a list of situations where it is commonly used.

    **1. Expressing Purpose (目的)

    The most common use of “ために” is to express purpose or intention. In this case, it is used with dictionary form verbs or nouns.**

    Structure:

    • Verb (dictionary form) + ために
    • Noun + の + ために

    Examples:

    1. 体重を減らすために歩いています。 (I walk in order to lose weight.)
    2. 簡単な日本語を勉強するためにこのアプリを使う。 (I use this app to study simple Japanese.)
    3. 健康のために毎日ヨガをしています。 (For my health, I do yoga every day.)

    Note:

    • “ために” is used for intentional actions performed by someone with a goal in mind.

    2. Expressing Reason or Cause (原因)

    “ために” can also be used to express a reason or cause for a particular event, similar to “because of” in English.

    Structure:

    • Verb (plain past form) + ために
    • Noun + の + ために

    Examples:

    1. 天気が悪かったためにゲームが中止された。 (Because of bad weather, the game was canceled.)
    2. 病気のために休んだ。 (I took a break because of illness.)
    3. 仕事が大変だったためにとても疲れています。 (Because work was difficult, I am very tired.)

    Note:

    • In this case, the outcome is not controlled by the speaker and is often negative.

    3. Expressing Benefit or Effect (利益)

    Another meaning of “ために” is to indicate the benefit or positive effect of something.

    Structure:

    • Noun + の + ために

    Examples:

    1. 子供のために私たちは最良の教育を提供したい。 (For the benefit of children, we want to provide the best education.)
    2. 世界のために安全な環境を作りましょう。 (For the benefit of the world, let’s create a safe environment.)

    Note:

    • This use of “ために” is often found in formal speech, policies, and slogans.

    4. “ために” vs. “ように” (Comparison)

    Both “ために” and “ように” express purpose, but they have different uses:

    PhraseUsed withMeaning
    ためにDictionary-form verbs (intentional)Purpose (the subject can control the action)
    ようにPotential-form verbs or non-intentional actionsPurpose (the subject cannot directly control the action)

    Examples:

    1. ために: 体重を減らすために歩いています。 (I walk in order to lose weight.)
    2. ように: 日本語を話せるように勉強している。 (I study so that I can speak Japanese.)

    Key difference: “ために” is used when the subject can control the outcome, while “ように” is used for situations where the outcome depends on ability or an external factor.

    Situations Where 〜ために is Used

    SituationExample
    Expressing Purpose旅行するためにお金を貯めています。
    Expressing Reason天気が悪かったためにコンサートが中止された。
    Expressing Benefit社会のために活動しています。

    Conclusion

    The structure “ために” is an essential part of Japanese grammar, used to express purpose, reason, and benefit. Mastering its different uses will greatly improve your ability to form complex and meaningful sentences in Japanese.

    Understanding the differences between “ために” and similar expressions like “ように” will help you sound more natural in Japanese conversations. Keep practicing and using “ために” in different contexts!

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference
  • Using 〜ほど〜ない in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Using 〜ほど〜ない in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Understanding 〜ほど〜ない in Japanese

    The Japanese grammar pattern 「〜ほど〜ない」 is commonly used for making comparisons and expressing degree or extent. It implies that something is “not as much as” something else. This phrase is often translated as “not as… as…” in English.

    Basic Structure of 〜ほど〜ない

    The structure of this grammar pattern is as follows:

    Noun + ほど + Adjective (ない-form)

    or

    Verb (dictionary form) + ほど + Adjective (ない-form)

    General Meaning

    「A ほど B ない」 means that B is not as A.

    • A is the standard of comparison.
    • B is the thing being compared.

    Examples:

    1. この町は東京ほど賑やかではない。
      (Kono machi wa Tōkyō hodo nigiyaka de wa nai.)
      → This town is not as lively as Tokyo.
    2. 彼は私ほど速く走れない。
      (Kare wa watashi hodo hayaku hashirenai.)
      → He cannot run as fast as I do.
    3. この問題は思ったほど難しくない。
      (Kono mondai wa omotta hodo muzukashiku nai.)
      → This problem is not as difficult as I thought.

    Situations Where 〜ほど〜ない is Used

    1. Comparing Extent or Degree

    • Used when two things are compared, but the second one (B) has less intensity than the first (A).

    Example:
    北海道の冬は東京の冬ほど寒くない。
    (Hokkaidō no fuyu wa Tōkyō no fuyu hodo samuku nai.)
    → Hokkaido’s winter is not as cold as Tokyo’s winter.

    2. Expressing Subjective Opinions

    • Often used to express personal opinions about differences in perception.

    Example:
    数学は国語ほど難しくないと思います。
    (Sūgaku wa kokugo hodo muzukashiku nai to omoimasu.)
    → I think math is not as difficult as Japanese.

    3. Negative Comparison in Abilities or Characteristics

    • Used when comparing someone’s ability or characteristics with another’s.

    Example:
    彼の英語は先生ほど上手ではない。
    (Kare no eigo wa sensei hodo jōzu de wa nai.)
    → His English is not as good as the teacher’s.

    4. Comparing Expectations vs Reality

    • Used when expectations were high, but the actual situation is not as expected.

    Example:
    この映画は評判ほど面白くない。
    (Kono eiga wa hyōban hodo omoshiroku nai.)
    → This movie is not as interesting as its reputation suggests.

    5. Comparing Feelings and Emotions

    • Used when talking about feelings that are not as strong as expected.

    Example:
    彼は私が思ったほど優しくない。
    (Kare wa watashi ga omotta hodo yasashiku nai.)
    → He is not as kind as I thought.

    6. Comparing Physical Condition or Health

    • Used to compare health conditions or physical states.

    Example:
    風邪は思ったほどひどくない。
    (Kaze wa omotta hodo hidoku nai.)
    → The cold is not as bad as I thought.

    7. Comparing Amount or Frequency

    • Used when comparing quantity or frequency of actions.

    Example:
    今日は昨日ほど忙しくない。
    (Kyō wa kinō hodo isogashiku nai.)
    → Today is not as busy as yesterday.

    8. Comparing Importance or Necessity

    • Used when comparing levels of importance or necessity.

    Example:
    宿題はテストほど大事ではない。
    (Shukudai wa tesuto hodo daiji de wa nai.)
    → Homework is not as important as tests.

    9. Comparing Strength of Desire or Preference

    • Used to compare desires, preferences, or interests.

    Example:
    私は映画を見るのが好きですが、本を読むほど好きではない。
    (Watashi wa eiga o miru no ga suki desu ga, hon o yomu hodo suki de wa nai.)
    → I like watching movies, but not as much as reading books.

    Key Points to Remember About 〜ほど〜ない

    1. It is used for making comparisons where the second element has less intensity.
    2. It is often used to express subjective opinions.
    3. It is used to compare expectations vs reality.
    4. It can be used in various contexts: ability, frequency, amount, physical conditions, and emotions.
    5. It follows a simple pattern: “A ほど B ない”, where A is the standard, and B is the thing being compared.

    Conclusion

    The 「〜ほど〜ない」 grammar pattern is an essential part of Japanese when making negative comparisons. Mastering it will help you express your opinions, compare things effectively, and sound more natural in conversations. Make sure to practice using this structure in daily life to reinforce your understanding!

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference
  • Expressing Ability in Japanese | My Language Classes

    Expressing Ability in Japanese | My Language Classes

    How to Express Ability in Japanese

    When learning Japanese, expressing ability is an essential skill. Japanese uses specific grammatical structures to indicate whether you can do something. These expressions differ depending on the type of verb, politeness level, and context. This blog post will cover all the patterns and nuances you need to know.

    1. Using Potential Form (可能形, Kanoukei)

    The potential form of verbs is the most common way to express ability in Japanese. This form modifies the verb to mean “can” or “be able to.”

    Formation Rules:

    • Group 1 Verbs (五段動詞): Change the last “u” sound to its corresponding “e” sound and add -る.
      • 書く (kaku, to write) → 書ける (kakeru, can write)
      • 飲む (nomu, to drink) → 飲める (nomeru, can drink)
    • Group 2 Verbs (一段動詞): Simply replace -る with -られる.
      • 食べる (taberu, to eat) → 食べられる (taberareru, can eat)
    • Irregular Verbs:
      • する (suru, to do) → できる (dekiru, can do)
      • 来る (kuru, to come) → 来られる (korareru, can come)

    Usage in Sentences:

    • ピアノを弾けますか？ (Piano o hikemasu ka?)
      Can you play the piano?
    • 日本語が話せます。 (Nihongo ga hanasemasu.)
      I can speak Japanese.

    Note: For Group 2 verbs, the shortened form 食べれる is often used in casual speech, but it may be considered grammatically incorrect in formal contexts.

    2. Using the Verb できる (Dekiru)

    できる is a versatile verb that expresses general ability or possibility. It is often used with nouns or “nominalized verbs” (verbs turned into nouns).

    Formation Rules:

    • [Noun] + ができる
      • スキーができる (Sukī ga dekiru) → I can ski.
    • [Verb in dictionary form] + ことができる
      • 本を読むことができる (Hon o yomu koto ga dekiru) → I can read books.

    Usage in Sentences:

    • 私は泳ぐことができません。 (Watashi wa oyogu koto ga dekimasen.)
      I cannot swim.
    • 新しいゲームができる。 (Atarashii geemu ga dekiru.)
      I can play a new game.

    Tip: Use できる for broader abilities or formal contexts, while the potential form of verbs is more direct.

    3. Expressing Inability with できない and Potential Form

    The negative forms of できる and potential verbs are used to express inability.

    • 書けない (kakenai, cannot write)
    • 飲めない (nomenai, cannot drink)
    • できない (dekinai, cannot do)

    Examples:

    • 車を運転できません。 (Kuruma o unten dekimasen.)
      I cannot drive a car.
    • 漢字が読めない。 (Kanji ga yomenai.)
      I cannot read kanji.

    4. Using Expressions with 〜られる in Daily Conversation

    In casual conversation, 〜られる forms often sound softer and less assertive. You can use them to express possibilities or abilities politely.

    Examples:

    • この本、読めますか？ (Kono hon, yomemasu ka?)
      Can you read this book?
    • 外国語は難しいけど、頑張れば話せるよ！ (Gaikokugo wa muzukashii kedo, ganbareba hanaseru yo!)
      Foreign languages are hard, but you can speak them if you try!

    5. Using ～ことがある to Talk About Situational Ability

    You can also use ～ことがある to describe situations where something is possible or permissible.

    Examples:

    • 会議室を使うことができますか？ (Kaigishitsu o tsukau koto ga dekimasu ka?)
      Is it possible to use the meeting room?
    • この公園で遊ぶことができます。 (Kono kōen de asobu koto ga dekimasu.)
      You can play in this park.

    6. Things to Keep in Mind

    1. Politeness Levels:
      Adjust the verb endings according to the situation. For example:
      • Polite: 話せます (hanasemasu)
      • Casual: 話せる (hanaseru)
    2. Using が vs. を:
      When expressing ability, the object marker changes from を to が:
      • ピアノを弾く → ピアノが弾ける
    3. Cultural Sensitivity:
      Japanese speakers often avoid being overly assertive about their abilities. Phrases like ちょっと難しいです (chotto muzukashii desu, “It’s a bit difficult”) can soften the tone.

    7. Practice Sentences for Learners

    1. 明日、山に登れますか？ (Ashita, yama ni noboremasu ka?)
      Can you climb the mountain tomorrow?
    2. 子どもの時、泳ぐことができました。 (Kodomo no toki, oyogu koto ga dekimashita.)
      When I was a child, I could swim.
    3. 日本語でメールを書けますか？ (Nihongo de mēru o kakemasu ka?)
      Can you write an email in Japanese?

    Expressing ability in Japanese can feel tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes natural. Master these forms, and you’ll be able to communicate your skills and understand others effortlessly!

    Have questions or want more examples? Share them in the comments below! 🌸

    If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

    Happy learning! 😊

    Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide
    Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms
    Mastering Japanese Past Tense
    Mastering Polite Forms in Japanese:ます/ません
    Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide
    Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese
    Understanding ～たら in Japanese
    Volitional Form in Japanese
    Expressing Ability in Japanese
    Potential Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Passive Form of Verbs in Japanese
    Causative Form in Japanese
    Causative-Passive Form in Japanese
    〜ながら Form in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese
    〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference