Lesson 25: らしい Rashii made rational!. Rashii vs sou desu. らしい vs そうです. っぽい ppoi

Summary

This video script explores the nuances of the Japanese helper adjective 'rashii', contrasting it with 'sou'. It delves into 'rashii's ability to express subjective impressions and its application to both adjectival and regular nouns. The script clarifies the ambiguity of 'rashii' in conveying hearsay or personal impressions, and demonstrates its use in likening objects or qualities. It also briefly touches on the casual '-ppoi' suffix, highlighting its tendency for negative connotations compared to 'rashii's positive inclination. The lesson aims to deepen understanding of these subtleties in the Japanese language.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the Japanese helper adjective 'rashii' and its usage to express subjective impressions and hearsay.
• 🔍 'Rashii' is part of a subclass of adjectives ending in '-shii', which often convey subjective qualities rather than exact measurable ones.
• 🐰 Examples given include 'kanashii' (sad), 'ureshii' (happy), and 'muzukashii' (difficult), highlighting the subjective nature of these adjectives.
• 📝 'Rashii' can be attached to both individual words and complete logical clauses, and its use is simple and straightforward.
• 🎯 When used after a clause, 'rashii' can imply 'it seems' or 'it appears', similar to the English usage, and can have the nuance of hearsay.
• 🌐 The difference between 'rashii' and 'sou da' is that 'rashii' can be applied to any noun, not just adjectival nouns.
• 🦊 'Rashii' can liken one thing to another, as in 'ano doubutsu-wa usagi rashii' (That animal is like a rabbit), without necessarily conjecturing it is a rabbit.
• 👨‍🏫 'Rashii' can also describe the qualities or behaviors expected or perceived in a subject, like 'otoko rashii otoko' (a manly man).
• 👩‍🏫 Conversely, 'sensei rashii' can imply someone behaves like a teacher, while 'sensei rashikunai' suggests they do not, even if they are a teacher.
• 👶 The script also briefly introduces '-ppoi', a casual form used to describe a quality in a more informal or negative light.
• 💬 The speaker invites questions and comments, acknowledges patrons, and concludes the lesson with a traditional Japanese phrase.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video script?

The purpose of the video script is to explain the use of the Japanese helper adjective 'rashii' and how it differs from 'sou', as well as to introduce another form, 'ppoi', and their respective nuances in expressing subjective impressions and qualities.

What is the difference between 'sou' and 'rashii' in Japanese?

'Sou' is used to express hearsay or an impression of something, while 'rashii' is a -shii adjective that expresses subjectivities and can be attached to both individual words and complete logical clauses, indicating that something seems to be a certain way or has the qualities of something else.

How does 'rashii' express subjectivities in comparison to 'sou'?

'Rashii', being a -shii adjective, tends to express a greater degree of subjectivity by indicating that something appears to be a certain way or has the qualities of something else, whereas 'sou' is more about hearsay or an impression without necessarily implying subjectivity.

Can 'rashii' be used with any noun in Japanese?

Yes, 'rashii' can be applied to any kind of noun, whether it's an adjectival noun or a regular noun, to express likeness or the possession of certain qualities.

What does 'sou da' imply when used after a completed clause?

'Sou da' used after a completed clause implies that the speaker has heard that the statement is the case, indicating hearsay.

How does 'rashii' differ from 'sou' in terms of attaching to a completed clause?

'Rashii' can be used after a completed clause to mean 'it seems to be that way', but it does not require an additional 'da' like 'sou da' does, and it does not necessarily imply hearsay.

What is the role of 'ppoi' in expressing subjectivity?

'Ppoi' is a casual form used to express subjectivity by attaching to a word, often implying a negative inclination or the opposite of what is expected, in contrast to 'rashii' which tends to have a positive inclination.

Can 'ppoi' be used at the end of a completed clause?

No, 'ppoi' can only be attached to a single word and cannot be used at the end of a completed clause.

How does the use of 'rashii' in 'Sakura sensei-wa sensei rashii' differ from 'Sakura sensei-wa sensei rashikunai'?

In 'Sakura sensei-wa sensei rashii', it implies that Sakura, who is a teacher, behaves in a manner befitting a teacher, possessing the right qualities. In contrast, 'Sakura sensei-wa sensei rashikunai' suggests that despite being a teacher, Sakura does not behave or act like one.

What does the phrase 'sore-wa Sakura rashikunai' imply?

The phrase 'sore-wa Sakura rashikunai' implies that the action or statement in question is not characteristic of Sakura, suggesting that it was out of her usual behavior or qualities.

How does the speaker describe their appearance in the script?

The speaker describes their appearance as 'ningen-ppoi', which suggests that they look very human-like, even though they are not human, which might be perceived as 'creepy' due to the unexpected human-like appearance.