

Japanese Grammar FAQ

From WagaWiki

Revision as of 11:15, 15 August 2006 by Ongakuka (Talk | contribs)
Jump to: navigation, search

Under Construction... *



Concerning させる (Saseru)




  • ジルは先生を笑わせた
  • Jiru wa sensei o warawaseta
  • Jill made the teacher laugh


Now look at this example:

  • 先生はジルに笑ってしまった
  • Jiru wa sensei ni waratte shimatta
  • By Jill, the teacher was made to laugh


You can visit the original discussion threads -saseru -sareru te, nani?,Causitive Form Question,Thisarticle where you may ask any further questions concerning this topic.

Comparing Confusing Conditionals

As most textbooks will tell you, there are many words for "if" in the Japanese language. If you have not yet encountered these, I recommend you visit this page. (link to be added.)

The problems usually arise with the conditionals たら and ーれば、both of which we are told mean "if." So what is the difference between the two? Is one more formal than the other? Is there a certain situation where one is preferrable, or are they interchangeable?

These are important questions to consider. In my belief, no two words are the same; context and nuance play a big role in Japanese and even in English. For example, the following English words all have the same meaning- but each has a slightly different nuance: but, still, though, although, however, nevertheless.

1. Is one conditional more formal than the other?

As far as たら and れば are concerned, no. Formalities are usually expressed at the end of a sentence, and most sentences with these conditionals take this structure:

  • 日本に行ったら、すしを食べます

2. Are たら and れば interchangeable?

No. It all depends on what you want to say.

3. Ok, so how do I use them?

This is the final and most important question. You see, the flaw is actually in English, not Japanese. Observe the two sentences below:

  • If it rains tomorrow, I'll use an umbrella.
  • If you buy that one, you'll have no money left.

Unlike the first example, the second example has a definite nuance to it. If you buy that one, you will have no money left. It is a fact. Whereas in the first example, there is no definite state implied. The rain isn't going to force me to use an umbrella, I just want to use one because it is going to rain.

たら would be more suitable in the first example. れば would be more suitable in the second example.

  • 明日雨が降ったら、かさを使います if it rains tomorrow, I expect I'll have to use my umbrella
  • それを買えば、お金がありません if you buy that one, you will have no money left (FACT)
Personal tools