Secrets of the で particle. Why do we say みんなで行く? and 世界で一番? | Lesson 55

Summary

This lesson delves into advanced aspects of Japanese grammar, focusing on the -de particle and its use in defining boundaries for actions and states. The video explains the difference between static (nouns) and active elements (verbs, adjectives) and how the -de particle is used in both contexts. Through various examples, including modifying adjectives and noun-copula combinations, the video highlights how -de sets limits within which actions or states occur. It also clarifies common misunderstandings about logical particles and offers practical insights into Japanese sentence structure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japanese words are divided into three categories: nouns, verbs, and adjectives, with most non-verb/adjective words being nouns.
• 😀 Japanese grammar also divides words into 'taigen' (static) and 'yougen' (active), with nouns falling under 'taigen' and verbs/adjectives under 'yougen'.
• 😀 Verbs and adjectives are 'active' because they can modify by changing their final kana, while nouns cannot be modified in the same way.
• 😀 Verbs end in a u-row kana, and adjectives end in the kana 'い', which are the parts that change to modify their meaning.
• 😀 Nouns cannot modify, but logical particles or the copula ('da' or 'desu') can be added to them.
• 😀 When the copula is added to a noun, it transforms into an active unit ('yougen'), which can then modify other parts of a sentence.
• 😀 The three engines of a sentence in Japanese (verbs, adjectives, and noun-plus-copula) are all 'yougen' or active units.
• 😀 The particle '-de' is primarily used to define the boundary or limit within which an action or state of being occurs.
• 😀 '-De' can modify both physical actions and adjectival states by defining the boundary or scope in which something happens or exists.
• 😀 The difference between '-de' and '-no' is that '-de' defines the boundary for an adjective or verb, while '-no' links nouns without modifying their quality.
• 😀 The particle '-de' can modify adjectival nouns (noun + copula) like 'kirei na' to establish the boundaries within which the adjective applies.

Q & A

What is the difference between 'taigen' and 'yougen' in Japanese grammar?

In Japanese, 'taigen' refers to 'static words' like nouns, which cannot modify or change form. On the other hand, 'yougen' refers to 'active words,' such as verbs and adjectives, which can transform through modification, especially by changing their final kana.

How do verbs and adjectives transform in Japanese grammar?

Verbs and adjectives in Japanese transform by modifying the final kana. Verbs change based on their type: godan verbs change the u-row kana, and ichidan verbs drop the -ru. Adjectives, ending in -i, can change to -ku, -ka, -ke, or drop the -i entirely and add something else.

Why can't you modify the final kana of nouns in Japanese?

Nouns in Japanese are considered static words ('taigen') and cannot modify in terms of their final kana. Unlike verbs and adjectives, nouns are not designed to transform, but they can have logical particles or the copula attached to them.

What does the copula 'da' or 'desu' do when added to a noun?

When the copula 'da' or 'desu' is attached to a noun, it creates an active unit or 'yougen.' This means the noun plus the copula can be modified, unlike a standalone noun, which cannot undergo modification.

Why is 'kirei' not considered a 'na-adjective'?

'Kirei' is a noun, not an adjective, even though it behaves like one when combined with 'na' or 'da.' The term 'na-adjective' is misleading because it's used in Western textbooks to categorize 'kirei' incorrectly, even though it's more accurate to treat 'kirei na' as a combined unit.

What is the function of the -de particle in Japanese?

The -de particle is used to indicate the boundary or limit within which an action or state of being occurs. It can mark physical boundaries for actions or define the limits of qualities for adjectives or nouns with copula.

How does -de function differently in action sentences and adjective sentences?

In action sentences, the -de particle marks the physical area where an action occurs, such as 'heya-de odoru' ('I dance in the room'). In adjective sentences, -de defines the boundary within which an adjective's quality applies, such as 'sekai-de ichiban oishii raamen' ('the most delicious ramen in the world').

Why can't 'sekai-no ichiban oishii raamen' be used?

In the phrase 'sekai-no ichiban oishii raamen,' the particle -no links two nouns but cannot modify adjectives like 'oishii' (delicious). Instead, -de is used to set the boundary for the adjective, as in 'sekai-de ichiban oishii raamen,' meaning 'the most delicious ramen in the world.'

How does -de work with noun + copula constructions?

When a noun is combined with the copula 'na' or 'da,' as in 'yuumei na' (famous), it becomes an active unit ('yougen'). The -de particle can then modify this combination, indicating the boundary of the state of being, like in 'sekai-de ichiban yuumei na andoroido' ('the most famous android in the world').

What does -de indicate in sentences like 'futari-de odoru' or 'minna-de odoru'?

In sentences like 'futari-de odoru' ('we two dance') or 'minna-de odoru' ('we all dance'), the -de particle marks the boundary based on the number or group of people performing the action. It specifies who is involved in the action, limiting it to 'two people' or 'everyone' respectively.