Japanese, like any other language, utilizes various grammatical elements to express different concepts and ideas. One important aspect of Japanese grammar is the use of prepositions to indicate conditions or circumstances. These prepositions play a crucial role in constructing sentences that convey specific conditions or states. In this introduction, we will explore the different prepositions of condition in Japanese and provide example sentences to illustrate their usage.
で (de)
The preposition で (de) is commonly used in Japanese to indicate the condition or means by which an action takes place. It can be translated into English as “by” or “with.” Let’s take a look at some example sentences:
電車で学校に行きます。
(Densha de gakkō ni ikimasu.)
I go to school by train.
スマートフォンでメールを送りました。
(Sumātofon de mēru o okurimashita.)
I sent an email with my smartphone.
In these sentences, the preposition で (de) is used to indicate the means of transportation (train) and the means of communication (smartphone), respectively.
によって (ni yotte)
The preposition によって (ni yotte) is used to express the condition or reason behind an action. It can be translated as “due to,” “depending on,” or “according to.” Here are a couple of example sentences:
天候によって試合は延期されました。
(Tenkō ni yotte shiai wa enki saremashita.)
The match was postponed due to the weather.
年齢によって入場料が異なります。
(Nenrei ni yotte nyūjōryō ga kotonarimasu.)
The entrance fee varies depending on age.
In these examples, the preposition によって (ni yotte) indicates the reason for the postponement (weather) and the basis for the variation in entrance fees (age).
として (to shite)
The preposition として (to shite) is used to express the condition or role that someone or something assumes. It can be translated as “as” or “in the capacity of.” Let’s look at some example sentences:
彼は社長として会議に参加しました。
(Kare wa shachō toshite kaigi ni sanka shimashita.)
He participated in the meeting as the president.
この本は辞書として使えます。
(Kono hon wa jisho toshite tsukaemasu.)
You can use this book as a dictionary.
In these sentences, the preposition として (to shite) indicates the role of someone (president) and the function of something (dictionary).
にとって (ni totte)
The preposition にとって (ni totte) is used to express the condition or perspective from which someone or something is considered. It can be translated as “for,” “to,” or “from the viewpoint of.” Consider the following example sentences:
子供にとって、遊びは大切です。
(Kodomo ni totte, asobi wa taisetsu desu.)
Play is important for children.
環境保護にとって、再生可能エネルギーは必要です。
(Kankyō hogo ni totte, saisei kanō enerugī wa hitsuyō desu.)
Renewable energy is necessary for environmental conservation.
In these examples, the preposition にとって (ni totte) indicates the perspective of children and environmental conservation, respectively.
に対して (ni taishite)
The preposition に対して (ni taishite) is used to express the condition or target toward which an action is directed. It can be translated as “to,” “towards,” or “in relation to.” Let’s examine some example sentences:
彼は教師に対して敬意を持っています。
(Kare wa kyōshi ni taishite keii o motteimasu.)
He respects teachers.
この計画に対して意見を述べてください。
(Kono keikaku ni taishite iken o nobete kudasai.)
Please give your opinion on this plan.
In these sentences, the preposition に対して (ni taishite) indicates the target of respect (teachers) and the topic on which an opinion is requested (plan).
note that Japanese does not have prepositions in the same way as English. Instead, the examples provided in the introduction feature postpositions, which are particles that follow nouns or phrases to indicate various grammatical functions. The examples are correct, but it’s important to clarify the difference in terminology.
Additionally, here are a few more examples of prepositions (postpositions) of condition in Japanese:
を通じて (o tsūjite)
The preposition を通じて (o tsūjite) is used to express the condition or means by which an action is done. It can be translated as “through” or “via.”
彼との会話を通じて、彼の考え方を理解しました。
(Kare to no kaiwa o tsūjite, kare no kangaekata o rikai shimashita.)
I understood his way of thinking through conversation with him.
に関して (ni kanshite)
The preposition に関して (ni kanshite) is used to express the condition or topic regarding which something is discussed or considered. It can be translated as “regarding” or “concerning.”
この問題に関して、より多くの情報が必要です。
(Kono mondai ni kanshite, yori ōku no jōhō ga hitsuyō desu.)
More information is needed regarding this issue.
に限って (ni kagitte)
The preposition に限って (ni kagitte) is used to express the condition or exception that applies only to a specific situation. It can be translated as “in particular” or “when it comes to.”
彼はお金に限ってケチです。
(Kare wa okane ni kagitte kechi desu.)
He is stingy when it comes to money.
It is important to note that prepositions in Japanese can be quite versatile and have multiple translations depending on the context. Moreover, there are additional prepositions of condition beyond those covered in this introduction. Nonetheless, understanding and recognizing the usage of these prepositions will significantly enhance your ability to express conditions and circumstances in Japanese.
By incorporating prepositions of condition into your language skills, you will be able to construct more nuanced and accurate sentences that effectively convey the intended meaning. Practice using these prepositions in different contexts and gradually expand your understanding of their usage. With time and practice, you will become more proficient in incorporating prepositions of condition into your Japanese communication.
Originally posted 2023-07-13 17:22:59.