In the Japanese language, prepositions of means/method play a crucial role in indicating how an action is performed or the means by which something is accomplished. These prepositions provide valuable context and detail, allowing speakers to express various methods or instruments used to achieve a certain outcome. In this guide, we will explore the most common prepositions of means/method in Japanese, along with example sentences to enhance your understanding.
で (de) – Indicates the Means/Instrument of an Action
The preposition で (de) is frequently used to indicate the means or instrument through which an action is performed. It can be roughly translated as “by” or “with” in English. This preposition is versatile and can be applied to various verbs and situations. Let’s take a look at some example sentences:
くるまで 学校に 行きます。
(Kuruma de gakkō ni ikimasu.)
I go to school by car.
ともだちと にほんごで はなします。
(Tomodachi to nihongo de hanashimasu.)
I speak in Japanese with my friends.
ペンで てがみを かきます。
(Pen de tegami o kakimasu.)
I write a letter with a pen.
をつかって (o tsukatte) – Indicates the Instrument Used
The expression をつかって (o tsukatte) is a more specific way to indicate the instrument or tool used to perform an action. It is formed by adding the particle を (o) after the instrument and attaching the verb つかう (tsukau), meaning “to use.” Let’s see some examples:
はさみを つかって がみを きります。
(Hasami o tsukatte kami o kirimasu.)
I cut paper using scissors.
でんわを つかって ともだちに よびます。
(Denwa o tsukatte tomodachi ni yobimasu.)
I call my friend using the telephone.
パソコンを つかって ほんを よみます。
(Pasokon o tsukatte hon o yomimasu.)
I read books using a computer.
で (de) – Indicates the Location of an Action
Although we have already discussed で (de) as a preposition of means, it is important to note that it can also indicate the location where an action takes place. In this sense, it is similar to the English preposition “at” or “in.” Here are some examples:
としょかんで べんきょうします。
(Toshokan de benkyō shimasu.)
I study at the library.
えいがかんで えいがを みます。
(Eigakan de eiga o mimasu.)
I watch movies at the cinema.
うちで パーティを します。
(Uchi de pāti o shimasu.)
I have a party at home.
によって (ni yotte) – Indicates the Agent or Cause
The preposition によって (ni yotte) is used to indicate the agent or cause responsible for an action or event. It can be translated as “by” or “due to” in English. This preposition is commonly used in formal or written Japanese. Let’s take a look at some examples:
このモニュメントは 有名な 画家によって 作られました。
(Kono myūnimento wa yūmei na gaka ni yotte tsukuraremashita.)
This monument was created by a famous painter.
フライトは 悪天候によって キャンセルされました。
(Furaito wa akutenkō ni yotte kyanseru saremashita.)
The flight was canceled due to bad weather.
この本は 多くの 研究者によって 書かれました。
(Kono hon wa ōku no kenkyūsha ni yotte kakaremashita.)
This book was written by many researchers.
による (ni yoru) – Indicates the Influence or Impact
Similar to によって (ni yotte), による (ni yoru) is used to indicate the influence or impact of something on a particular situation or outcome. It can be translated as “by” or “through” in English. Let’s see some examples:
環境による 変化が 起こっています。
(Kankyō ni yoru henka ga okotte imasu.)
Changes are occurring due to the environment.
新しい政策によって 経済が 改善されました。
(Atarashii seisaku ni yotte keizai ga kaizen saremashita.)
The economy was improved through new policies.
科学の発展による 技術革新が 進んでいます。
(Kagaku no hatten ni yoru gijutsu kakushin ga susunde imasu.)
Technological innovation is advancing through the progress of science.
By understanding these prepositions of means/method, you will be able to express the various ways actions are performed or instruments used in Japanese. Remember to practice using them in context to reinforce your understanding and fluency. Happy learning!
Originally posted 2023-07-13 17:24:43.