N2 Grammar Flashcards

Question

**N + からして** **Adj + からして (2)**

Answer 1

**(can't) even X… [negative evaluation]** 彼はひらがな**からして**読めないな。 He ***can’t even*** read hiragana. 僕と姉の性格は似ている。食べ物の好み**からして**同じだ。 My older sister and I have similar personalities. ***Even*** the food we like is the same. 彼は礼儀を知らない。挨拶**からして**、きちんとしていない。 He has no manners. He ***can’t even*** do greetings properly. ## Footnote **からして**（２）: Negative evaluation implying judgement or censure at someone’s poor performance or inability.

Answer 2

**judging from; based on [usu. negative]** カバー**からして**、つまらなさそうな本だ。 ***Judging from*** the cover, it’s a boring looking book. 性格はともかく、彼女は見た目**からして**不味そうだ。Personality aside, ***from*** looks alone she seems unpleasant. この手紙は筆跡**からして**彼が書いたものに違いない。 ***Judging from*** the handwriting, he must be the one who wrote this letter. ## Footnote **からして**（１）: Indicates judgement, usually negative.

Answer 3

**through the entire…; over a period** その雑誌は環境問題を数回**にわたって**掲載した。 That magazine ran a feature about environmental problems ***over*** several issues. 我が社は２０年間**にわたり**、恐竜をDNAから復元することに努めてきました。 ***Over*** the past 20 years, our company has endeavoured to recover dinosaurs from their DNA. ## Footnote **にわたって**: Indicates that a verb spans a wide timeframe/geographical area. Can be vague, undetermined like ‘issues of a magazine’ or ‘generations in a family’.

Answer 4

**through; by; via; throughout [formal]** 今回の作品**を通じて**新しく学べる経験があったから、次の作品も期待できるんです。 I gained new experience ***by*** working on this project, so I’m looking forward to the next one. 民間レベルでの国際交流**を通じて**、両国間の理解が深まることをお願います。 I hope that ***through*** citizen level international exchange it will deepen each country’s understanding. わたしは、仕事**を通じて**様々な人たちと接してきた。 I have had the opportunity to connect with many people ***through*** my work. ## Footnote **を通じて**: Indicates that something happens throughout a time period/through a method. Slighly more formal than 通して.

Answer 5

**through; by; via; throughout** この研究**を通して**、私はあることに気がついた。 I realised ***something*** through this study. そのヒッピは一生**を通して**世界平和を叫び続けた。 That hippie continued to shout about world peace ***throughout*** his life. ## Footnote **を通して**: Indicates that something happens throughout a time period/through a method. Slighly less formal than 通じて.

Answer 6

**as much as [one one likes etc.]** 食べたい**だけ**食べても構わないですよ。 You may eat ***as much as*** you want. 好き**なだけに**食べなさい。 Please eat ***as much as you like***. 言い**たいだけ**言ったから、もう満足。 I’ve said **all I wanted** to say, so I’m satisfied now. ## Footnote **だけ**: This usage emphasises the limit of one’s desire.

Answer 7

**as much as [one can etc., maximum effort]; (let's) at least/might as well [with volitional, minimum effort]; do [verb] as much/often/far as possible; do [verb] to the extent that one can** できる**だけ**早く送ってくれ。 Please send it ***as soon as possible***. 行く**だけ**行ってみよう We ***might as well*** go. 面接に合格し難いけれども、申し込む**だけ**申し込もうと思っている。 Even though it might be difficult to pass the interview, I’ll ***still try*** my best to apply. ダメ元だけど、聞く**だけ**聞いてみよう。 It’s probably hopeless, but ***let’s at least*** ask. ## Footnote **だけ**: This usage emphasises the limit of one’s capacity, time, or opportunity. Can suggest a resigned or minimum effort (e.g. “I’ll at least try”) in instances where the speaker feels a situation is difficult to overcome etc, like "at least doing what I can / might as well try". In these instances, often used with repetition of the verb: VだけVしよう／してみる／しておく etc.

Answer 8

**being the case; precisely because; as one would expect** 駅が近い**だけに**家賃も高い。 The station is nearby, which is also ***why*** the rent is so high. このホテルは５つ星ホテルな**だけに**、サービスが充実している。 ***As one would expect*** of a 5-star hotel, the service is perfect. 成績が悪い**だけに**、人一倍努力するよりほかはない。 ***Because*** my grades are bad, I have to work harder than others. 彼女は日本語を二十年教えている**だけに**、教え方がとても上手だ。 ***As expected*** of someone who has taught Japanese for 20 years, her teaching style is very good. ## Footnote **だけに**: Used to explain a feeling that something is suitable for a particular case.

Answer 9

**concerning; with regard to [formal]** その件**に関しましては**、武田さんがご説明いたします。 Mr Takeda will explain ***about*** the matter. 彼女は将来**に関して**楽観的である。 She is optimistic ***about*** the future. ## Footnote **に関して**: More formal than について; super formal version is に関しましては. Often used in the news and academic or official writing.

Answer 10

**an N concerning / relating to N [formal]** 創作版画**に関する**論文を詳しく書きました。 I wrote a detailed thesis ***regarding*** the creative prints movement. 最近テロ**に関する**ニュースがよく新聞に出ています。 Recently, newspapers are frequently printing stories ***relating to*** terrorism. ## Footnote **に関する**: More formal than について; super formal version is に関しましては. Often used in the news and academic or official writing.

Answer 11

**concerning; over [contention]** 環境問題**をめぐって**議論が行われた。 There was a debate ***regarding*** environmental issues. 先生たちはその問題**をめぐって**言い争った。 The teachers got into a shouting match ***over*** the issue. 有名な歌手の恋愛関係**をめぐって**、様々な噂が流れている。 Many rumours are circulating ***regarding*** that famous singer’s affair. ## Footnote **めぐって**: Formal expression implying that conflict, debate or contention ensues. Often formed around opposite opinions or thoughts about one single issue; implies conflicting information.

Answer 12

**when it comes to [usu. quality / characteristic]** 母は料理**にかけては**、誰にも負けない自身がある。 My mom has absolute confidence ***when it comes*** to cooking. 安さ**にかけては**、そのホテルが一番だ。 ***If*** you’re looking for cheapness, that hotel would be best. 弟は勉強はできないが、泳ぎ**にかけては**誰にも負けない。 Though my little brother’s not good at studying, he won’t lose to anyone ***at*** swimming. 絵を描くこと**にかけては**、彼の右に出るものはいない。 He’s the best ***when it comes to*** painting. ## Footnote **にかけては**: Like について but acts as an emphatic topic maker, indicating the speaker’s confidence in the subject. What precedes にかけては is usually a quality or characteristic, an area of expertise.

Answer 13

**in response to // an N in response to N** 社員の要求**に応えて**、会社は賃金を大幅に引き上げた。 The company increased employee wages ***in response to*** their demands. 顧客からの意見**に応えて**新製品を開発しました。 ***In response to*** customer feedback, we developed a new product. 子供達の欲望**に応えて**遊園地に遊びに行った。 We went to the play park **in accordance** with the children’s desires. ## Footnote **に応えて**: Often used in formal situations like business reports and acts like a topic marker and follows a noun to express ‘in response to N’. N usually expresses a question or expectation.

Answer 14

**made for; intended for; aimed at; oriented to** これは未婚の男性**向けに**書かれた本です。 This book was written ***for*** unmarried men. ミレニアル世代**向けの**シェアハウスを運営しています。 I manage a share house ***aimed at*** millennials. ## Footnote **向け**: Indicates a target group of people for which something is made, done, produced etc. Be careful which particle follows 向け: に or の.

Answer 15

**suitable for; appropriate for** この映画は子供**向き**です。 This film is ***appropriate*** for children. この機械は大きすぎて家庭で使うのには**不向き**だ。 This appliance is too big and therefore ***unsuitable*** for the home. ## Footnote **向き**: Indicates a particular group of people for which something is suitable or appropriate for.

Answer 16

**based on; derived from [ingredients, experience etc.]** この小説はある地方に伝わる伝説**をもとにして**書かれた。 This novel was written ***based on*** a legend passed down in this region. 自身の体験**をもとにして**小説をかいた。 I wrote a novel ***based on*** personal experience. ひらがなは漢字**をもとにして**作られた。 Hiragana was made ***based on*** kanji. ## Footnote **をもとにして**: Used to describe the material that creates something, i.e. ‘based on noun’, ‘made from noun’. Used to state how things were made from physical things such as ingredients, or past experiences.

Answer 17

**based on [data etc.]** これまでの私の調査**に基づいて**言えば、… ***Based on*** my research so far… この番組は、皆様からのご意見**に基づいて**構成されています。 This TV show is produced ***based on*** people’s feedback. 会社の理念**に基づいた**経営を行う。 I manage the company ***based on*** corporate vision. ## Footnote **に基づいて**: Used to describe the abstract material that forms the basis of something, i.e. ‘based on noun’, ‘made from noun’. Can be used for data, test scores, opinions, but is not used for physical things or experiences.

Answer 18

**to follow along [a path]; go in accordance with [rules, policies]** 山道**に沿って**進んでいくと、湖に着きます。 If you ***go along*** the mountain road, you’ll reach the lake. 決められた手続き**に沿って**ビザを申請してください。 Please apply for the visa ***following the*** predetermined paperwork. 講義スタイル**に沿って**書き方を変えると、ノートを作成するのが簡単になります。 Changing the way you write ***according to*** the style of lecture will make it easier to make notes. ## Footnote **に沿う**: Used when talking about policies, guidelines, rules etc. Abstract notion of ‘follow’. Sounds formal; used in the same way で is in more casual sentences.

Answer 19

**under the guidance of/direction of/governance of** 国立公園は、国の保護**のもとに**環境が保護されている。 The environment of the national park is ***under*** the protection of the state. 谷口先生**のもとで**柔道を習いました。 I learned judō ***under*** the instruction of Mr Taniguchi. 晴れた空**のもとで**式典が盛大に行われた。 The ritual was magnificently performed ***under*** clear skies. ## Footnote **〜のもとで**: Used for superiors to show how they guided you or taught you something. Also used to indicate how something is controlled by an event or concept, such as the weather, a regime etc.

Answer 20

**comparatively; in proportion to; unexpectedly; considering the fact that…** [S1 fact, S2 contradiction] 彼はアニメが好きだと言う**わりには**、そんなにアニメのことを知らない。 He may say he likes anime, ***but in reality*** he doesn’t know much about it. その事件については、新聞で取り上げられていた**わりには**、知らない人が多い。 Many people don’t know about the incident, ***which is surprising considering the fact that*** it was featured in the newspaper. ## Footnote **わりに（は）**: Splits a sentence into two: part 1 tells us a fact about something, while part 2 tells us something unexpected based on that fact. Used where appearances may contradict reality.

Answer 21

**for (someone who…); considering it’s (someone/something)** [contradictory appearance] 大きさ**にしては**、すごく軽いです。 It's incredibly lightweight ***considering*** its size. 母は５０歳**にしては**若く見える。 My mother looks young, ***considering that*** she is fifty. 犬**にしては**大きすぎる。 He is too big ***for the fact that he is a*** dog… この食器、洗ったばかり**にしては**汚れが目立ちます。 These dishes are very dirty, ***despite the fact that*** they’ve just been washed. ## Footnote **にして（は）**: Contradictory appearance. Similar to above as it is used to mark a contradiction or something unexpected. Major difference is the verb conjugation, which usually takes である. Sometimes は will be omitted when you don’t have to make the topic of the sentence clear.

Answer 22

**from the POV of...** 親**にしてみれば**いくつかになっても子供は子供だ。 ***For*** parents, a child is a child, no matter how old. 子供**にすれば**、宿題は少なければ少ないほどいいだろう。 ***When you’re a*** kid, the less homework you have the better. フラれたから、彼女**にしたら**、かなり落ち込んでいるでしょう。 She was dumped by her boyfriend so ***she*** must feel pretty down. ## Footnote **〜にしたら**: Used when the speaker is imagining things from another person/another group’s point of view. Generally shows the speaker’s empathy towards other people but can be used for things that are non-human. Often followed by expressions of supposition like だろう.

Answer 23

**no wonder…; it’s no surprise that…; as expected [positive impression]** 彼女は泳ぐの早い、さすが水泳選手**だけのことはある**。 She swims fast. I***t’s no surprise*** though, she is a professional swimmer. 色んな国を旅行している**だけあって**、海外のことには詳しい。 She’s well travelled, so ***it’s to be expected that*** she knows a lot about other countries. ## Footnote **だけあって・だけのことはある**: Something is happening as expected; speaker expressing their lack of surprise. Confirms an expectation.

Answer 24

**used to…; would… [reminiscence]** 学生の頃は、よく貧乏旅行をし**たものだ**。 I ***used to*** travel around on a shoe-string budget when I was a student. 子供の頃はよく悪戯をし**たものだ**。 ***I would often*** play pranks when I was a boy. 若い頃はよく牛丼を三杯も食べられ**たものだ**。 When I was younger, I ***used to*** be able to eat three bowls of gyūdon. ## Footnote **Vた+ものだ**: Used to reflect and reminisce about things that used to happen habitually, usually associated with positive emotions. Sounds a bit old-timey. Different to たことがある, which expresses experience, the state of ‘having done’ something.

Answer 25

**really want to; would love to [emphatic desire]** そのお話はぜひ伺い**たいものです**。 I ***would very much like*** to hear that story. 早く仕事を見つけて、家族を安心させ**たいものだ**。 ***I’m eager to*** find a job quickly to give my family peace of mind. これは私の個人的な問題だから、口を挟ま**ないでほしいものだ**。 This is a personal problem, so ***I really hope you don’t*** say anything about it to anyone. ## Footnote **desiderivative + ものだ**: Expresses a strong desire to do something, suggesting that the intention has been building for a while. More intense than simply saying Vたいです or てほしい.

Answer 26

**(1) is; is supposed to be; should be; must be; meant to be [universal truth/essential nature/admonition]** 人は約束を守る**ものだ**。 People should keep their promises. 時間が経つのは早い**ものだ**。 Time passes quickly. ## Footnote **ものだ（１）**: Indicates what you believe to be common sense or a universal truth. Someone’s opinion but stated like fact. Coupled with 本来, it emphasises what you think the essential characteristics of something are. The subject is sometimes emphasised using というのは.

Answer 27

**(2) strong feelings/admiration** この校舎は古くなった**ものだ**。 This school building has gotten old now. この街も、昔と違って綺麗になった**ものだ**。 This town is much cleaner now than it was long ago. あたりを見回して、彼はつくづく遠くへきた**ものだ**と思った。 Looking around the area, he thought what a very long way he had come. ## Footnote **ものだ（２）**: Expression of strong feelings.

Answer 28

**admiration; shock; amazement** あんなに不況の時に**よく**就職できた**ものだ**と思う。 I think you did really well to find a job during the recession. こんな難しい問題が、**よく**解けた**ものだ**。 Solving such a difficult problem is really something. ## Footnote **よく（も）...ものだ**: Expresses a feeling of amazement, shock or admiration at a certain event.

Answer 29

**I feel strongly that; … is very; was truly [emphatic statement]** 彼女が描く絵は素晴らしい。人の心を動かす**ものがある**。 Her painting is amazing: it ***really*** touched people’s hearts. 満員電車で毎日通勤するのはつらい**ものがある**。 Commuting every day on a fully packed train is ***rather*** strenuous. 彼の学問的な業績には感銘を与える**ものがある**。 His academic achievements are ***truly*** impressive. 最近、中国の経済発展には目覚ましい**ものがある**。 China’s economy has been growing at a ***remarkable*** rate recently. ## Footnote **〜ものがある**: Speaker expressing their strong opinion and strong feelings. Emphatic. Means that certain remarkable (目覚ましい) or impressive (印象的) characteristics are evident. In the place of ある, forms such as 見られる and 認められる can also be used, but this gives the sentence the feeling of written language.

Answer 30

**isn’t there some way that?** [desire to achieve something that is difficult to realise] スマホが壊れちゃった。何とかして直せ**ないものだろうか**。 My phone broke… ***Isn’t there a way to*** fix it? 早く雨が止ま**ないものだろうか**。 ***Isn’t it going to*** stop raining soon? 何とかして眠れ**ないものか**。 ***Isn’t there some way*** I could sleep? もっと簡単にテニスが上手になる方法は、**ないものか**。 ***Isn’t there*** an easy ***way*** for me to get better at tennis? ## Footnote **ないものだろうか**: Expresses a strong desire or will to achieve something difficult to realise. Situation where you are wondering out loud that you really want to do something, and whether it can be done.

Answer 31

**how…; so...; a lot** [extreme emotion phrased as rhetorical] **何ということか**！ ***What the hell!/What the fuck!*** 家の近くに地下鉄の駅があるとは、どんなに**便利なことか**。 ***How convenient*** it is to have a subway station near your house. 試験に受かって、どれほど**嬉しかったことか**。 ***How happy I was*** that I passed the exam. 引っ越しの時に、ふみさんがいてくれてどれほど***助かったことか***。 Fumi was ***so helpful*** when I was moving. ## Footnote **〜ことか**: Describes an emotion so extreme the speaker cannot understand it. Could be posed as a rhetorical question, ‘How…’. The emotion conveyed can be positive or negative. Often coupled with adverbs of intensity like どれほど and どんなに.

Answer 32

**as… then; in proportion to [spoken]** 時間が経つ**につれて**、寂しい気持ちも薄れてきた。 ***As*** time goes on, my loneliness has come to fade. 残業化座る**につれて**、私のいの調子が悪くなる。 **The more** overtime work I do, **the worse** my stomach gets. 日本語を勉強する**につれて**、英語の能力が下がる気がする。 I feel like my English ability gets lower ***the more*** I study Japanese. ## Footnote **につれて**: Like に従って, indicates a change occurs as consequence of something happening; this could be a small, personal change or a general change. Because this phrase focuses around change, it is often coupled with verbs like なる (to become), 増える (to increase) and 下がる (to decrease).

Answer 33

**as… then; in proportion to [written]** この地域では、人口の増加**に従って**、土地の値段が上昇したそうだ。 The price of land in this region appears to have increased **in proportion to** its population growth. この国では、自動車が普及する**に従って**、道路の整備が必要になってきた。 In this country, ***as*** the use of cars has become mainstream, the roads have come to need greater maintenance. 警察の調査が進む**に従って**、次々と新しい証拠が出てきた。 ***As*** the police investigation unfolded, new evidence came to light bit by bit. ## Footnote **に従って**: Like につれて, indicates a change occurs as consequence of something happening; this could be a small, personal change or a general change. Because this phrase focuses around change, it is often coupled with verbs like なる (to become), 増える (to increase) and 下がる (to decrease).

Answer 34

**as; with [large, long term change]** 医療技術の進歩**に伴って**平均寿命が伸びている。 ***With*** the advancement of medical technology, the average life expectancy has been extended. 季節の変化**に伴って**、人々の服装も変わる。 ***As*** the seasons change, people’s clothes change. 祖母は歳をとる**に伴って**、口うるさくなったので困る。 It bothers me that ***as*** my grandma gets older, she nags more and more. ## Footnote **に伴って**: Similar to とともに, in that it generally expresses a large, natural change that occurs over a long time period; it is are not used for personal or small changes, as につれて and に従って can be.

Answer 35

**as; with [large, long term change]** 文化は時代**とともに**変化する。 Culture changes ***along with*** the era. 降水量が多くなる**とともに**、湿度が上がった。 Precipitation increases ***alongside*** an increase in rainfall. ## Footnote **とともに**: Like に伴う, generally expresses a large, natural change that occurs over a long time period; it is not used for personal or small changes.

Answer 36

**together with [person]** 父と母**とともに**遊園地に行きたいです。 I want to go to the amusement park ***with*** mom and dad. ## Footnote **とともに**: Can also be used to mean “with a person” in the same way as と一緒に.

Answer 37

**for; according to; depending on [formal]** 弊社では実績**に応じて**給料や待遇が決まります。 At our company, pay and benefits are determined ***based on*** performance. テストの結果**に応じて**クラスが決まる。 Classes will be decided ***based on*** the results of the test. 緊急時には、状況**に応じて**柔軟に対処する必要がある。 It’s necessary in emergencies to react flexibly ***depending on*** the situation. ## Footnote **に応じて**: Formal expression used in business reports etc that indicates that a situation changes depending on a condition. Similar to によって but unlike に応じて, によって expresses a fundamental reason or cause.

Answer 38

**every time something happens [emotional response]** 試験での失敗を思い出す**につけ**、悔しさが蘇る。 Regret comes back to haunt me ***each time*** I remember the exam that I failed. 山の中で生活しているので、何かに**つけて**手間がかかる。 It takes ages ***whenever I do anything*** because I live in the mountains. その写真を見る**につけ**、小学校のころを思い出す。 ***Whenever*** I see that photo, I think back to my elementary school days. ## Footnote **につけて**: Marks an event that triggers an emotional response from the speaker. The emphasis is that the response happens every time.

Answer 39

**without; unless [state will continue]** 練習し**ない限り**、上達もあり得ない。 ***Without*** practice, there’s no chance of improvement. 自分の目で確かめ**ない限り**、そんな恐ろしいことは誰も信じまい。 ***Without*** seeing it with one's own eyes, there's no way anyone will believe such a thing. あいつが謝ってこ**ない限り**、こっちも折れるつもりではない。 ***Unless*** he apologises to me, I won’t give in to him. ## Footnote **ない限り**: Means ‘unless something happens, [state will continue]’. Expresses a condition. Followed by an expression of the situation that will arise under that condition. Implies that if the condition changes, the situation might too.

Answer 40

**regardless of [neutral, concrete condition]** 年齢**を問わず**、誰でも入会できる。 Anyone can join the club, ***no matter*** their age. 年齢**を問わず**、たくさんの人々がAKBのコンサートに行きました。 ***Regardless of*** age, a lot of people went to the AKB concert. 値段**を問わず**、アイスクリームは美味しい。 Ice cream is delicious, ***regardless*** of the price. 経験の有無**を問わず**、やる気のある人材を募集します。 We’re recruiting motivated people, ***regardless*** of whether they have experience. ## Footnote **を問わず**: Indicates that something is not restricted or affected by a condition or situation. Usually used when talking about a concrete condition, like someone’s age or a price.

Answer 41

**regardless of; irrespective of [beyond speaker's control]** 大きさ**にかかわらず**、どれでも１００円です。 They are all 100 yen, ***regardless*** of what size they are.  セール品のため、いかなる理由**にかかわらず**、返品は受け付けておりません。 We do not accept returns for sales items ***whatever*** the reason. ## Footnote **にかかわらず**: Represents something that is not restricted or affected by a condition or situation. Usually used for circumstances out of the speaker’s control; neutral.

Answer 42

**even though; despite (the fact that) [negative]** 悪天候**にもかかわらず**、試合は開催されました。 ***Despite*** the bad weather, the game went ahead. 図書館**にもかかわらず**、大声で話している。 They spoke loudly, ***despite the fact that*** it was a library. 彼女は部活で忙しそうにしていた**にもかかわらず**、期末テストは一番の成績だった。 ***Despite the fact that*** she seemed busy with club activities, she had the best score on the end of term test. ## Footnote **〜にもかかわらず**: も adds a connotation of insistence, emphasising that something happens regardless of something negative.

Answer 43

**without caring** あの人は、人の迷惑**も構わず**、歩きながらスマホを触っている。 That person was walking along on his phone, ***not caring that*** he was causing problems for other people. 試験に合格した時は、人目**も構わず**飛び上がって喜んだ。 I was so happy I jumped up and down, ***ignoring*** people looking. 子供は服が濡れる**のも構わず**川の中に入って遊んでいる。 Children go into the river and play ***without caring*** about their clothes getting wet. ## Footnote **〜もかまわず**: Indicates a person is ignoring something they should care or be bothered about.

Answer 44

**setting aside; whether or not** 冗談**はさておき**、あなたのことが本当に心配なんだ。 All jokes ***aside***, I’m really worried about you. 金の問題**はさておき**、そういう旅行は疲れるよ。 ***Aside from*** the issue of money, a trip like that would be exhausting. 値段**はさておき**、デザインの方が気に入った。 ***Never mind*** the price, I’m more interested in the design. ## Footnote **はさておき**: Indicates that you are moving from one subject to another, possibly because you don’t want to talk or dwell on S1.

Answer 45

**setting aside; never mind; whether or not [nonchalant]** 実現できるかどうか**はともかくとして**、面白いアイデアですね。 ***Ignoring for a moment*** whether or not we can implement it, it is an interesting idea. 彼の服装**はともかくとして**、髪型がかっこいいな。 ***Never mind*** his clothing, his hair is cool. ## Footnote **〜はともかく（として）**: Same as はさておき but sounds more nonchalant.

Answer 46

**it’s not the time to; … is out of the question; there is no way that** ふざける**どころじゃない**よ。 It’s ***not the time or place to*** screw around. のんびりテレビを見ている**どころではない**。 It’s ***no time to*** be lounging about watching TV. ## Footnote **〜どころではない**: Used in serious scenarios to indicate that something shouldn’t be done or cannot be done at that time. Can also convey a sense of ‘X is no way the case’.

Answer 47

**far from being X, it’s only Y; there’s not even Y** このホテル、お湯**どころか**水もでない。 Far from having hot water, there’s ***not even*** cold water in this hotel. お金**どころか**時間もない。 I had no time, ***let alone*** money. 勉強する***どころか***寝てばかりいる。 ***Instead of*** studying, I just slept all the time. 元気な***どころか***、病気だった。 ***Far from*** being healthy, I was sick. 静か***などころか***、うるさくて眠れない。 ***Far from*** being quiet, it was too noisy and I couldn't sleep. ## Footnote **どころか**: Dramatic expression used to contrast expectations or build up irony; native speakers use it a lot in speech and writing to make strong comparisons. Used to emphasise a contrast, often when reality is much worse (or occasionally better) than expected; implies “not only is A not true, but even B!”

Answer 48

**absolutely not [determination to not do something]** 誰にも何と言われようが、コスプレを諦める**ものか**。 Whatever people say, I ***won't*** stop cosplaying. WiFiがないホテルなんかに、宿泊できる**ものか**。 There’s ***no way*** I could stay at a hotel with no WiFi. 君にわかる**ものか**。 There’s ***no way*** you’d understand. ## Footnote **〜ものか**: Strong phrase of dispute or denial. No clear equivalent in English but conveys the sentiment of ‘absolutely not’. It is often used with expressions such as refusals to do something, lack of belief in something.

Answer 49

**it's not necessarily the case that... ; shouldn't...; doesn't always mean that...** 品物は、高ければいい**というものではない**。 Expensive products ***aren’t necessarily*** any good. どんなこともお金で解決できる、**というものではありません**。 ***It’s not true that*** you can solve everything with money. 愛の形は人に定義される**ものではない**。 The shape of love is ***not*** something ***necessarily*** defined by people. ## Footnote **〜（という）ものではない**: Indicates speaker’s uncertainty about something; you attach it to the end of the sentence to say that something isn’t always true. Shows the speaker’s own opinion.

Answer 50

**despite the fact that; but; although** この暖かいコートを買った**ものの**、なかなか着ていく機会がない。 I bought this warm coat ***but*** I’ve not had chance to wear it. 仕事を引き受けた**ものの**、できるかどうか心配です。 I took this job, ***although*** I’m worried whether or not I can actually do it. やりすぎは嫌な**ものの**、ちょっとぐらいの嫉妬は嬉しいこともある。 Overdoing it isn’t good ***but*** a bit of jealousy is fun sometimes. ## Footnote **ものの**: Conjunction offering a contrast.

Answer 51

**even while; even though** 彼は私に気があると知り**ながらも**スルーし続ける。 I’m continuing to ignore him, ***even though*** I know he has feelings for me. 幼い**ながらも**、その子は平然とホラー映画を見ていた。 He calmly watched the horror movie, ***even*** though he’s young. お互いが違うと知り**ながらも**愛し合っている。 They love each other ***even*** while knowing that they are different. ## Footnote **ながら（も）**: Shows that something turns out different to how one expected.

Answer 52

**although (one might say); in name only; in saying that...** 彼を知っている**といっても**、前に何回か話したことがあるくらいです。 I’d say I know him, ***but in reality*** I’ve only spoken to him a few times before. 会社を経営している**といっても**友人と二人でやっている小さな会社です。 You could say that I manage a company, ***but in reality*** the company is just me and my friend. 料理ができる**といっても**、卵焼きぐらいです。 I’d say I can cook, ***but*** I basically only make fried eggs. ## Footnote **〜といっても**: Used to contrast what someone says or thinks. Like saying, “It is not actually like that in response to what one has said or heard or imagined. Indicates that the image built up by the first clause isn’t necessarily the case.

Answer 53

**having said that; be that as it may** 秋が来た**とはいうものの**、まだ暑い日が続く。 Autumn’s arrived, ***but in saying that***, it’s still warm. 大学時代はフランス文学専攻だった。**とはいうものの**、フランス語はほとんどしゃべれない。 I majored in French Literature. ***And yet,*** I can’t really speak French. ## Footnote **とはいうものの**: Phrase offering a contrast or contradiction.

Answer 54

**just because; even though** 日本人である**からといって**、正しく敬語を使えるわけではない。 ***Just because*** I’m Japanese doesn’t mean I can use *keigō* properly. 異世界に来た**からといって**、ヒロインとは限らない。 ***Just because*** you came to another world, doesn’t mean you’ll end up as a heroine. 子供が口答えした**からといって**、ムキになるなんて大人げないね。 It’s really immature to take it seriously ***just because*** a child answers you back. 彼から返事が来ない**からといって**、そんなに心配することはない。 ***Just because*** he’s not replied doesn’t mean you should be worried. ## Footnote **〜からといって**: Used to say that something differs from the norm. Just because something happens, it doesn’t mean that something else will occur also etc. Often used for personal opinions, decisions, actions and has a negative nuance. Frequently coupled with わけではない (it’s not the case that).

Answer 55

**only; just [with amounts]** 私は一人**きり**で暮らすのは嫌だ。 I don’t like living ***by myself***. 私たちは二人**きり**で頑張ってきました。 ***The pair of us*** tried our best. 彼女に会ったのは一回**きり**です。 I’ve ***only*** met her ***once***. ## Footnote **きり**: Used to emphasise a small amount of something. Frequently used with numbers as the noun, such as phrases indicating a number of people.

Answer 56

**since; just [state after action] // X occurred but haven’t done Y since** 行っ**たきり**戻って来ませんでした。 He left and has ***never returned since***. このアプリ、ダウンロードし**たきり**まだ使っ**ていない**。 I’ve not used this app ***since*** I downloaded it. 彼女とは飲み会で会った**きり**連絡をとっ***ていません***。 I haven’t contacted her ***since*** the party. 今朝、テレビの電源をつけて**きり**、消すのを忘れ**ていた**。 I left the TV on this morning, forgetting to turn it off. ## Footnote **〜たきり**: Used to indicate that something remains in a state after an action; is used like まま or て以来、（ていない）. The difference between まま and きり is subtle: きり indicates finality like its core meaning ‘cut’. Indicates that a condition has not changed after an event happened.

Answer 57

**after all; in the end [unfavourable end result]** 色々悩んだ**挙句**、留学に行くのを来年まで延期することにした。 ***After*** worrying about various things, I decided in the end to postpone studying abroad until next year. 考え**た挙句**、大学の専門を変えることにした。 I thought about it and ***in the end*** I decided to change my university major. その男は色々と文句を言っ**た挙句**、何も買わずに帰った。 ***After*** whining about various things, he went home ***in the end*** without buying anything. ## Footnote **挙句**: Final result of something after effort was put in. Resultant situation is unfavourable and disappointment is implied.

Answer 58

**as a conclusion of [long time period]** 警察は長いカーチェイス**の末に**泥棒を捕まえた。 ***After*** a long car chase, the police caught the thief. 散々迷っ**た末に**、大学への進学を諦めて就職することにする。 ***After*** losing my way completely, I decided in the end to quit college and get a job. あれこれ考え**た末に**、次の旅行はブラジルに行くことにした。 ***After*** thinking this and that about it, in the end, I’ve decided that my next trip will be to Brazil. ## Footnote **末（に）**: Used to express a result or conclusion after something has been done, generally over a long time period. Similar to あけく but the difference is that 末に can be used for a positive outcome, whereas 挙句 is primarily unfavourable.

Answer 59

**[wanted to but] ended up not doing** 登山用の靴を買ったが、使わ**ずじまい**だった。 I bought climbing boots, but ***ended up not*** using them. 好きな彼女に告白でき**ずじまい**で、卒業してしまった。 I graduated ***without ever*** telling my crush how I felt. お互いに仕事が忙しく、彼女とは**会えずじまい**だった。 We were both busy so I ***ended up unable to*** meet her. ## Footnote **ずじまい**: Used when you did not do an action that you wanted to do; always used when you planned to do something but ended up unable or unwilling to do it.

Answer 60

**could (be/do); might (be/do); likely to; is not difficult to [likelihood/capability]** 彼ならやり**かねない**ね。 I wouldn’t put it past him (***he could do it***). 仕事のやりすぎは、鬱の原因になり**かねない**。 Working too much ***could be*** a cause of depression. ## Footnote **かねない**: Double negative meaning, something is ‘not not possible’, i.e. it is possible.

Answer 61

**there is a risk of/fear that… [formal]** 津波**の恐れがある**場合には、速やかに避難所まで避難してください。 When ***there is a risk of*** a tsunami, please rapidly evacuate to the evacuation area. ## Footnote **恐れがある**: Always used to say something bad or undesirable is likely to occur. It is a formal expression often appearing in the media, newspaper, reports etc.

Answer 62

**there is a chance of/a possibility that…** 睡眠不足、喫煙習慣、孤独などは寿命を縮める**可能性がある**。 Lack of sleep, smoking habits, and loneliness ***can*** shorten life span. その犬は暴れる**可能性がある**。 ***There is a possibility that*** the dog will be violent. ## Footnote **可能性がある**: Formal expression offering a general statement that something is likely to occur or possible.

Answer 63

**I will never [strong resolve not to, formal]; (it) probably won’t [low probability]** 彼女は電話に出る**まい**。 She ***probably won’t*** pick up the phone. [unlikely] もう絶対に泣く**まい**。 I’ll ***never*** cry again. [strong resolve] いかなる状況のもとでも、王女が王位を継承することは**あるまい**。 ***Under no circumstances*** will the princess succeed to the throne. 火星へ旅行できる日も遠くある**まい**。 It ***won't be*** long before we can travel to Mars. ## Footnote **〜まい**: Used to mean something won’t happen or that you have decided not to do something. The first usage refers to an action or event that you believe will not happen or is unlikely to occur. The second usage refers to yourself and a strong resolve or determination not to do something, ‘I will never…’. This refers to your feelings, intentions, thoughts; it is emotionally motivated.

Answer 64

**something like…; feel from the heart** [personal importance] クッキーを食べたのは私じゃありません、それは誤解**というものです**。 ***I’m not*** the one who ate the cookie***; you*** must be confused. 天地の間にある全てのものを欲するは人の業**というものです**。 Wanting everything between heaven and earth ***is*** the human condition. ## Footnote **〜というものだ**: Used to give impressions; criticisms; or conclusive remarks about some issue. Used to highlight the contents of something and conveys a sense that you feel the issue is important.

Answer 65

**it’s best that; there’s nothing better than…** 夜一人で出歩く時は、用心する**に越したことはない**。 ***It’s best to be*** cautious when going out alone at night. そうする**に越したことはない**。 That is ***the best thing*** to do. 当日はレストランに行っても大丈夫だと思うけど、念のために予約しておく**に越したことはない**。 I think it would be fine if you went to a restaurant on that day, but just to be safe it **would be best to** make a reservation. ## Footnote **〜に越したことはない**: Used when you have an opinion that you feel is so true that no one can disagree with you. Indicates a level of common sense surrounding the matter in question.

Answer 66

**merely; nothing more than** 私はこの会社の一社員**にすぎません**から、決定権はありません。 I am ***nothing more than*** an employee of this customer and have no decision making power. そんなのは言い訳***に過ぎない***。 ***That's just*** an excuse. 病気で病院へ行ったといっても、ただの風邪**に過ぎない**。 Although I said that I went to the hospital because I was sick, ***it was just*** a normal cold. ## Footnote **〜に過ぎない**: Emphasises that something is of little importance. Expresses how low a level something is. Often couples with adverbs like ただ、単なる、だけ which also express a sense of ‘just’, ‘merely’, ‘only’.

Answer 67

**nothing but…; none other than; the only reason why** 彼が言ったのは嘘じゃなくて、皮肉**に他ならない**。 What he said is nothing more than irony. 緊急時に一番大切なことは、まず落ち着く**ことにほかならない**。 In an emergency, there’s ***nothing more important than*** to first calm down. 自分からやると言ったのに、途中でやめてしまうのは無責任**にほかならない**。 Despite saying you would do it yourself, to stop halfway through ***is nothing short of*** irresponsible. ## Footnote **〜にほかならない**: Expresses a definitive viewpoint on something. Can be used in critiques and essays where someone is judging another’s work or character.

Answer 68

**there’s no doubt that…; I’m sure that…; I bet that [confident guess]** それは痛い**に違いない**。 ***I bet*** that hurts. 誰よりも嬉しかった**に違いない**。 He’s ***undoubtedly*** the happiest person around. 彼女は日本に１０年も住んでいたから、日本語が上手に話せる**に違いない**。 She’s been living in Japan, so ***there’s no doubt*** she speaks Japanese well. ## Footnote **に違いない**: Used when the speaker is making a guess about something they are almost certain of. They have a high degree of conviction in what they are saying. More formal variation of に相違ない.

Answer 69

**there’s no doubt that…; I’m sure that… [confident guess, formal]** その情報を漏らしたのは彼女**に相違ない**。 She ***must be*** the one who leaked the information. これだけの証拠があるなら、犯人はあの男**に相違ない**。 With this much evidence, ***there’s no doubt*** he’s the criminal.  調べた結果、それはこの時代に作られたもの**に相違ない**。 From the results of our investigation, ***I’m certain that*** must have been made in this period. ## Footnote **に相違ない**: Used when the speaker is making a guess about something they are almost certain of. They have a high degree of conviction in what they are saying. More formal variation of に違いない.

Answer 70

**I’m certain …; will (surely); definitely; expected; has been decided** 売れる**にきまっている**。It will ***definitely*** sell well. 毎日、一生懸命勉強したから、絶対合格する**に決まっている**。 I've studied hard every day so ***I am certain that*** I will pass the exam. こんな暗いところで本を読んだら目に悪くなる**に決まっている**。 Your eyes ***will*** get worse if you read books in dark places like this. ## Footnote **〜に決まっている**: Expresses the spoeaker’s supreme confidence about a certain guess. Appears in speech more than expressions like に相違ない.

Answer 71

**I can’t help but…; I feel so [emotion] I can’t stand it' I'm dying to...; extremely... [emotionally motivated action]** 彼女の言葉が**悔しく****てならなかった**。 I just ***couldn’t stop feeling bitter*** about what she said. [deep emotion] 試験の結果が**気になってならない**。 I ***can’t stop worrying*** about the exam results. [mental fixation] 心配**でならない**。 I ***can't help but be concerned***/I ***feel extremely*** anxious. [passive feelings] ## Footnote **てならない**: Used to express emotions and actions motivated by emotions you cannot control, where the feeling arises naturally or involuntarily — often a mental fixation; deep emotion; or passive feelings. More formal/literary than 〜てたまらない and instead focuses on mental/emotional states, conveying a stronger sense of introspection. Typically used with phrases of worry, regret or curiosity such as 気になる, 心配だ, 残念だ.

Answer 72

**can’t help but (feel); can’t help but do; must do ~** 彼はテレビを見**ずにはいられない**人。 He is a ***compulsive*** TV viewer. 笑わ**ないではいられない**。 I ***can’t help but*** laugh. セール品を見ると、買わ**ないではいられなくなる**。 When I see something on sale, I ***can't help but want to*** buy it. ## Footnote **〜ずには・〜ないではいられない**: Used to express that you cannot help but do something; shows that you cannot control an action or emotion even if you try. Strong urge or emotion leads you to do something, unlike ざるをえない, which can be used in sentences where there isn’t strong emotion. Often used in positive sentences, like things that are so good you can’t help doing.

Answer 73

**have no choice but to do; can’t help but do [not holding back strong emotion]** 台風のため、ホテルをキャンセル**せざるを得ない**状況になった。 Because of the typhoon, I was put in a position where ***I had no choice but to*** cancel the hotel. 彼が馬鹿だと言わ**ざるを得ない**。 ***I had no choice but to*** call him an idiot. 私はそうせ**ざるを得ない**。 I had ***no choice but to*** do that. ## Footnote **〜ざるを得ない**: Expresses that you cannot avoid doing something you are perhaps hesitant about. Similar to ずにはいられない but is the more common phrase of the two and can be used in sentences without strong emotions. ざるを得ない is more appropriate in situations where you are not holding back strong urges or emotions.

Answer 74

**there’s nothing but; no choice but to** やる**しかない**。 You’ve just ***got to do it***. 自分で何とかしたかったんですが、こうなったら、もう両親に頼む**しかありません**。 I really wanted to do this by myself, but with things this bad I've ***got no option but to*** rely on my parents. ## Footnote **しかない**: Shows that the number of something is limited or that there is no other way or no other choice but to do something. Often contains someone’s feeling of hopelessness.

Answer 75

**there’s nothing but; no choice but to** 僕は学力が足りないから勉強で補う**よりほかはない**。 I don't have great academic ability, so I ***have no choice but to*** make up for it by studying. こんな経営状況が続くようであれば、店を閉める**よりほかない**ですよ。 If business conditions keep continuing like this, there will be ***no choice but to*** close up shop. 頼れる人はいないから、自分がやる**よりほか仕方がない**。 I have no one to depend on, so ***the only option is*** to do it myself. ## Footnote **よりほか（〜）ない**: Like しかない, this phrase shows that the number of something is limited or that there is no other way or no other choice but to do something. Often contains someone’s feeling of hopelessness.

Answer 76

**if it were the case that, supposing…, assuming…** あの魔物を倒せるものがいる**としたら、**それは俺くらいだろう。 ***If*** there’s anyone who could defeat that monster, ***it would be*** me. その噂が本当だ**とすれば、**驚いたものだ。 ***If*** the rumour is true, ***then*** that is surprising. ## Footnote **〜とすると**: Used to state a personal opinion or prediction. Often couples with a potential form verb to say ‘If/assuming one could…’

Answer 77

**when it comes to; in such a case; if that happens** あのような一流レストラン**となったら、**男性はネクタイが必要です。 ***When it comes to*** restaurants of that calibre, men need to wear a tie. 早く大学を卒業したいと思っていたが、いざ本当に卒業する**となると、**寂しさを感じる。 I always thought that I wanted to hurry up and graduate, but ***now that it’s come to it***, I feel sad. ## Footnote **〜となると**: Used to state a personal opinion or prediction with a slightly higher nuance of something happening. Often couples with a potential form verb to say ‘If/assuming one could…’

Answer 78

**if I only could (then one would)** 忘れられる**ものなら**、忘れたいよ。 ***I wish*** I could forget it. 生まれ変われる**ものなら**、鳥になりたい。だって、空を飛びたいんだもん。 ***If I*** could be reborn, ***I'd want to*** be a bird. Then I could fly through the sky. ## Footnote **V potential + ものなら**: Strong wish for something that is difficult to achieve or is unlikely. Has the nuance of “if possible”, “if at all”.

Answer 79

**if one chooses to…; if you happen to** クリスマスにやろ**うものなら**、どんな反応をされることか。 I wonder what kind of reaction that would provoke, ***if*** I did that at Christmas! そんな提案を**しようものなら**、わたしは会社をくびにさせられるでしょう。 ***If*** I made that kind of proposal, ***I would be*** dismissed from the company. 授業に遅れ**ようものなら**、教室に入れてもらえません。 ***If you happen to be*** late for class, you won’t be allowed to enter the classroom. ## Footnote **（よ）う＋ものなら**: Hypothetical phrase centring around a choice to do something or not do something and the consequence or result of that choice.

Answer 80

**unless you…; if you don’t… [negative outcome]** その食べ物を食べてみ**ないことには**好きかどうかわから**ない**。 You ***won't*** know if you like it or not ***unless*** you try it. 練習し**ないことには**、上手になら**ない**よ。 ***If you don’t*** practice, ***you won’t*** be any good at it. 日本語がある程度でき**ないことには**、日本でアルバイトをするのは出来**ない**。 ***You won't*** be able to work a part-time job in Japan ***unless*** you can understand some amount of Japanese. ## Footnote **ないことには（〜ない）**: Used as a warning to mean if you don’t do one thing, something else bad will happen. Usually used with two negative clauses to indicate negative outcome.

Answer 81

**imagine if; even supposing; assuming** 今回の試験で不合格になった**としても**、諦めずに次回も受験するつもりです。 ***Even if*** I were to fail the exam this time, I plan to not give up and take the exam again. 学校を卒業後、国に帰った**としても**、日本語の勉強は続けるつもりです。 After I graduate school, ***even if*** I head to my home country, I plan to continue studying Japanese. ## Footnote **〜としても**: Used to present a hypothetical situation in which the outcome is negative. Statement of personal belief or a prediction. Presents a pessimistic view so the outcome is usually something bad.

Answer 82

**because; for that reason** 遅くなってごめんなさい。道路が混んでいた**ものだから**。 Sorry I’m late**;** the traffic was terrible. そういう連中は、普通は昼間眠っている**もので**、夜になってかせぎに出るものらしい。 Those people generally sleep in the daytime, ***which suggests*** the supposition that they work by night. 忙しいん**だもん**、ペアの靴下を探してる時間なんてないよ。 I’m busy**!** I don’t have time to be finding a pair of socks. ## Footnote **もの・ものだから・もので**: Attaches to the end of a sentence or clause to express one’s personal opinion or reason for doing something.

Answer 83

**too… to be…; so much… that** この話は本当にしては**あまりに**もうますぎる。 This story ***is too*** good *to be* true. 怒りの**あまり**テーブルを壊した。 I was ***so*** pissed ***that*** I broke the table. 私はといえば精神がぴりぴりする**あまり**、食欲が失せていた。 I was ***too*** nervous ***to be*** hungry. ## Footnote **あまり（に）**: Shows that something happens in excess to the point where something else happens. The outcome of these sentences is generally unfavourable, like the sentiment of “too good to be true”. Precedes verbs, nouns and adjectives, unlike the negative adverb.

Answer 84

**(as) per [quantity/reason]; each [quantity]; due to [reason]** この飴は一つ**につき**十円です。 It’s 10 yen ***per*** piece of candy. **[quantity]** 本日は祭日**につき**、休業させていただきます。 We’re closed ***because*** there’s a festival today. **[reason]**

Answer 85

**since; because [conditions]** 雨が降っている**ことだし**、今日は家で本を読む。 ***As it is*** raining outside, today, I will read a book at home. 彼の**ことだし**、また遅れてくるんじゃないの。 ***Knowing him***, I bet that he will come late as usual. せっかく君のお父さんとお母さんが来る**ことだし**、どっかいい焼肉屋さんにでも行こう。 ***Since*** your father and mother are coming all the way to see us, let's go to a nice yakiniku restaurant. ## Footnote **ことだし**: Like し, but more formal and used once in a sentence to list logical reasons for the following statement. Gives one reason but places extra emphasis on there being other unspoken reasons besides what the speaker has specified.

Answer 86

**even / as much as / to the extent of / only** そんな初歩的なことは、子供で**さえ**知っている。 *Even* children know things that basic. 彼女は親**にさえ**知らせずに彼氏と結婚をした。 She got married to her boyfriend, without *even* telling her parents. 喉が痛くて、水**さえ**飲めない。 My throat hurts so much I can't *even* drink water. 彼は昼食**さえ**食べずに働いている。 He’s working without *even* eating lunch. 体調**がさえ**よければ、旅行に行けたのに。 I could have gone on the trip, if *only* my health had been better. ## Footnote **さえ**: Used to emphasise an extreme or unexpected example; さえ often marks a minimum amount of something that is normally to be expected or accepted as the norm.

Answer 87

**if only / as long as [subject in focus is minimum condition]** 体調**がさえ**よければ、旅行に行けたのに。 I could have gone on the trip, *if only my health had been better*. 時間**がさえ**あれば、手伝えたのに。 *If only I had had the time*, I could have helped. 彼**がさえ**いれば、何も問題なかったのに。 *If only he had been there*, nothing would have gone wrong. 愛**がさえ**あれば、お金なんていらない。 *As long as there is love*, we don’t need money. 理解**がさえ**進めば、この問題は簡単に解ける。 *If only understanding progresses*, this problem can be solved easily. ## Footnote **Nがさえ〜ば**: Construction focusing on the subject as a sufficient condition; often a counterfactual expressing regret that things would have been different if that one condition alone had been realised.

Answer 88

**as long as; if you just... ; provided…; the only thing ... needs for ... is … [conditional, minimum expectation, minimum amount]** 君**さえいれば**、他には何もいらない。 I don't need anything else, ***as long as*** I have you. この薬を毎日飲み**さえすれば**、すぐに治りますよ。 ***As long as*** you drink this medicine every day, it will heal quickly. ちゃんと練習**しさえすれば**、上手になりますよ。 ***If you just*** practice properly, you’ll get better. インターネット**さえあれば**、どこでも仕事ができる。 ***As long as*** I have internet, I can work anywhere. ## Footnote **さえ〜ば**: Used to express that a single condition is sufficient for something to be true or realised and implies that other things beyond this are trivial or unnecessary.

Answer 89

**if X hadn't been the case; if only I didn’t ...** 犬アレルギー**さえなければ**、家で犬が飼えるのに。 If only I didn't have a dog allergy, we could have a dog at our house. 渋滞**さえなければ**、間に合ったのに。 *If it hadn’t been for* the traffic jam, I would’ve made it on time. ## Footnote **さえなければ**: さえ often indicates a minimium condition, so paired with the negative なければ it can suggest the minimum condition for something to happen or be possible. Often coupled with counterfactual phrases such as（な）のに.

Answer 90

**as long as you don't... / if you just don't do X** 無理**さえしなければ**、大丈夫ですよ。 ***As long as you don’t*** overdo it, you’ll be fine. 息を吸い**さえしなければ**、いいよ。君たちが恐竜に察知されない。 ***As long as you don't*** breathe, you'll be ok. The dinosaurs won't notice you. ## Footnote **さえしなければ**: さえ often indicates a minimium condition, so paired with the negative しなければ, it can suggest the minimum condition for something to happen or be possible.

Answer 91

**give examples; things like; something like; show modesty; make light of ~ [formal]** 日本語で電話対応**など**、できないよ。 I can’t do ***things like*** make a phone call in Japanese. ## Footnote **など**: Most formal of the など, なんて, なんか trio. Nuance varies depending on usage but typically suggests humility or surprise or is used to give examples.

Answer 92

**give examples; things like; something like; show modesty; make light of ~ [neutral]** ゾンビ**なんて**存在しない。 Zombies don’t exist. 智子がエンジンニアだ**なんて**驚きました。 I was surprised to hear that Tomoko’s an engineer! ## Footnote **なんて**: Most netral of the など, なんて, なんか trio. Nuance varies depending on usage but typically suggests humility or surprise or is used to give examples.

Answer 93

**give examples; things like; something like; show modesty; make light of ~ [casual]** 彼氏がかっこよすぎて、私**なんか**が隣にいていいのかなって思っちゃう。 My boyfriend is so handsome, ***I*** feel like I don’t deserve him. ## Footnote **なんか**: Most casual of the など, なんて, なんか trio. Nuance varies depending on usage but typically suggests humility or surprise or is used to give examples.

Answer 94

**even if I have to; by all means [extreme measures]** 家を売っ**てでも**留学に行きたい。 I want to study abroad ***even if it means*** selling my house. どんな手を使っ**てでも**勝ちとってみせる。 I’ll win by ***whatever means*** necessary. ## Footnote **てでも**: Shows you are prepared to do something even if you have to take extreme measures to do so. Can be used in both positive and negative circumstances.

Answer 95

**not even one (time etc.); not a single [emphatic negative]** これらの指輪は手作りなので一つ**として**同じものは**ありません**。 These rings are all handmade, so ***not even one*** is the same. 旅行中にカメラを盗まれて、一枚**として**写真が残って**ない**。 My camera was stolen while I was traveling, so ***not a single photo*** remains. 私が仕事を辞めることは同僚の誰一人**として**知ら**なかった**。 ***Not a single one of my colleagues*** knew I would quit my job. ## Footnote **として〜ない**: Emphasises quantity to indicate that an action did not happen or somethng does not exist, like 'not even one' or 'none at all' in English.

Answer 96

**(I) can’t help but…; very; extremely ~ [formal]** USBをジーンズのポケットに入れたまま洗濯してしまい、残念**でしかたがない**。 I washed my USB drive in my jeans pocket. It's unfortunate but ***couldn't be helped***. 昨日のパーティーであった彼女のことが気になっ**てしかたがない**。 I ***can't stop*** thinking about the girl I met at the party yesterday. 第一志望の大学に合格できたので、嬉し**てしかたがありません**。 I'm ***extremely*** happy because I was accepted into my first-choice university. ## Footnote **Vて + 仕方がない**: This grammar expresses a natural feeling or emotion regarding something that is out of control of the speaker. 仕方がない sounds more than しょうがない.

Answer 97

**(I) can’t help but…; very; extremely ~ [more neutral]** バスで行くのは、時間がかかっ**てしょうがない**。 Going by bus takes more time, but it ***can't be helped***. 好きなアイドルのライブのチケットが売れ切った。遅刻して、もう買えないので残念**でしょうがない**。 The concert tickets for the idol I like sold out. I didn't buy them in time and unfortunately ***there's nothing I can do***. ## Footnote **Vて + しょうがない**: This grammar expresses a natural feeling or emotion regarding something that is out of control of the speaker.

Answer 98

**there's no point ~; it's no use ~ [even if + can’t be helped]** どうにもならないことを、悩んでい**てもしょうがない**よ。 There's ***no point*** in worrying about things beyond our control. テストは明日だし、今から焦って勉強し**てもしかたがない**。 The test is tomorrow, so it's ***no use*** to get flustered and start studying now. ## Footnote **ても + 仕方・しょうがない**: も emphasises futility of one's actions, 'even if you...'.

Answer 99

**“...so much I can’t stand it; ...to the point of bursting; to be dying to …; really want to; … is unbearable; cannot endure [physical sensation; strong desire; desperation]** さっき蚊にさされたところが、痒くて痒く**てたまらない**。 The mosquito bite I got earlier is so itchy and ***unbearable***. 今、彼と遠距離恋愛だから、なかなか会えないんだ。本当に会いたく**てたまらない**のよ。 Right now, I'm in a long-distance relationship with him, so we can't meet often. I really ***can't bear*** not seeing him. この曲が好き**でたまらない**。 I ***absolutely love*** this song. | たまらない is the negative form of たまる, meaning 'to endure’ withstand’. ## Footnote **てたまらない**: Colloquial, emotional expression used to convey physical/emotional states that are intense or unbearable. Often used in the context of intense joy, pain, or longing with phrases such as 欲しい, 痛い, 嬉しい, 会いたい.

Answer 100

**very difficult to; very hard to [almost impossible]** 大事に残しておいたケーキを勝手に食べるなんて**許しがたい**ことだ。 It’s ***unforgivable*** when someone eats a slice of cake you’d so carefully put aside, without asking if they could. その場所は車で行き**難い**。 It’s ***impossible*** to get there by car. **信じ難いほど**美しいものか。 So ***unbelievably*** beautiful. ## Footnote **がたい**: Of 難い, 辛い, and 憎い, 難い is the most difficult.

Answer 101

**unable to do something; can’t do something [formal]** 私一人では判断し**かねる**。 I alone ***cannot*** decide this. ご要望には応じ**かねます**ので、ご了承ください。 We are ***unable*** to fulfil your request. Please be understanding. ## Footnote **かねる**: The opposite of できる, meaning ‘to be unable to do something’.

Answer 102

**is possible; may occur; likely to [formal]** 全てが科学で説明し**得る**わけではない。 It's not the case that science ***can*** explain everything. だってこの世界ではどんなことでも起こり**得る**から。 I mean, anything ***is possible*** in this world. 運動不足は病気の原因になり**得る**ので、できるだけ体を動かすようにしてください。 Lack of exercise ***can*** cause illness, so try to move as much as you can. ## Footnote **V stem + 得る**: Indicates the possibility of a situation (like 可能性がある/〜かねない); can be used with both volitional and non-volitional verbs, but rarely appears in sentences where a person is the subject and is never used to talk about oneself.

Answer 103

**is impossible to; unlikely to [formal]** この試合展開は全く予測し**得ぬ**ことであった。 This game was ***not*** something one could predict. 機械は完全には人力に代わり**得ない**。 Machinery ***cannot*** completely take the place of human labor. ## Footnote **V stem + 得ない**: Indicates the impossibility of a situation (like 可能性がない・〜かねる); can be used with both volitional and non-volitional verbs, but rarely appears in sentences where a person is the subject and is never used to talk about oneself.

Answer 104

**no way to [method/manner]** プリンは箸で食べ**ようがない**。 There’s ***no way to*** eat pudding with chopsticks. 終電の時間が過ぎてしまったため、帰り**ようがない**。 The last trains have gone so I have ***no way to*** go back home. 例え**ようがない**美しさだった。 It’s so beautiful that there’s ***no way to*** describe it. ## Footnote **V stem + ようがない**: Shows that an action is impossible or that there is no way to do a certain action; this could be a physical or mental obstruction.

Answer 105

**such things as [same category]; and… and so on; the like [2 examples of long list]** インド**やら**メキシコ**やら**、いろいろな国に旅行したことがあります。 I’ve travelled to many countries *such as* India and Mexico. 先週は身体中が痛い**やら**、体調が悪い**やら**で大変でした。 Last week was a tough one because my whole body was aching, and I wasn't feeling so well. あのニュースを聞いてから不安**やら**怒り**やら**、色々な感情が溢れ出てきた。 After hearing that news, I was flooded with feelings of anxiety, anger, *among other* emotions. ## Footnote **〜やら、〜やら**: Used to show at least two examples, but the connotation is that there is a lot more than what is mentioned; think of it like adding 'and so on' to the examples given.

Answer 106

**regardless of whether; whether or not (one does) [opposites]** 行く**にしても**行かない**にしても**、早く決めてください。 Hurry up and decide *whether* you will *go* or *not*. 高い**にしろ**安い**にしろ**、この教科書は買わないといけません。 *Whether cheap or expensive*, I need to buy this textbook. 平日**にしても**週末**にしても**、この図書館は混んでいます。 *Whether a weekday or the weekend* this library is always packed. ## Footnote **〜にしても、〜にしても**: Construction using contrasing verbs, nouns or adjectives to indicate multiple examples that are either true or untrue in every case. This is simply the equivalent of “regardless of whether (or not)” in English.

Answer 107

**whatever the …; regardless of… // even though; even if; no matter how** イタズラに**したって**、寝てる間にまゆめを永久脱毛するのはちょっと… *Even if* it’s just a prank, removing my eyebrow while I’m asleep is a step too far. 動機は**何にせよ**人のプリンを勝手に食べるのは許されないことです。 *Whatever the* motivation, it is unforgivable to eat another person’s pudding. ## Footnote **にしたって**、など: related to 〜にしても、〜にしても (regardless of whether; whether or not [one does]) and used to mean 'even if' or 'whatever', it dismisses other trivial conditions to emphasise a fact or feeling the speaker considers important.

Answer 108

**I am not sure if it is… or…/you could say that… [evaluation via example]** 嬉しい**というか**、残念**というか**、複雑な気持ちだ。 ***I'm not sure whether I’d say*** I’m happy or not, I’ve got mixed feelings. ケンさんは大物**というか**、鈍感なだけ**というか**わからないが、周りが気にならない性格みたいだ。 ***I’m not sure whether*** Ken is a big shot, ***or whether*** he just has a thicker skin, but he doesn’t seem to care what others think of him. ## Footnote **〜というか〜というか**: Used when the speaker wants to evaluate something by giving an explanation or an example.

Answer 109

**such… as; like [examples of a category]** お寿司や天ぷら**といった**和食が食べたい。 I want to eat Japanese food *such as* sushi and tempura. どうぶつの森やゼルダの伝説**などといった**任天堂ゲームが最高。 Nintendo games *like* Animal Crossing and Legend of Zelda are the best. ## Footnote **N1 + といった + N2**: N1 are indicative primary examples of category denoted by N2

Answer 110

**when it comes to; speaking of; … comes to mind** タクヤの食べ方**といったら**、胸が悪くなるね。 *Thinking of* the way Takuya eats, is sickening, isn’t it? 大阪の代表的な食べ物**といったら**、たこ焼きやお好み焼きでしょうね。 *When it comes to* Osaka’s cuisine, it’s things like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, right? | 胸が悪くなる: to feel sick; to be nauseated ## Footnote **〜といったら (1)**: Introducing new information, using a reference from the topic at hand.

Answer 111

**emphatic topic marker [strong emotion]** 伏見稲荷の美しさ**といったら**、とても言葉では表現できない。 The beauty of Fushimi Inari *is* indescribable. あのジェットコースターの強さ**ったら**たまらないよ。 That rollercoaster *is* incredibly scary. ## Footnote **〜といったら (2)**: Indicates what is described shows a high degree of something. Used to emphasise the speaker’s surprise or excitement.

Answer 112

**when (something happens); when it comes to [unexpected contrast]** 俺は女性**のこととなると**、深刻な問題を抱えてるんだ。 I have serious problems ***when it comes to*** women. | （問題を）抱える【かかえる】: to have (problems, debts, etc.) ## Footnote **（〜のこと）となると**: Used when something differs from one’s expectation or the normal pattern; presents a contrasting case.

N2 Grammar Flashcards

(136 cards)