N1 grammar

たところで

Explanation

  • Even if | Even if an action or a state were realised.

Examples

Show examples (9)
  • この本を読んだところで、日本の経済の全体は分からないだろう。

    Even if you read this book, you wouldn't understand the entire economy of Japan.

  • この薬を飲んだところで、風邪がすぐ治るわけじゃない。

    Even if you took this medicine, it would not be the case that your cold would be cured right away.

  • これ以上話し合ったところで、恐らく無駄でしょう。

    Even if we discussed it more, it would probably be futile.

  • どんなに低く見積もったところで、工費は五億円を超えるだろう。

    No matter how low we estimate the construction expense it will go beyond 500 million yen.

  • どんなに頑張ったところで、この科目では優が取れるはずがない。

    No matter how much I worked, it would be impossible to get an A in this course.

  • 一週間に一度ぐらい運動したところで、あまり効果はないでしょう。

    Even if you exercise once a week, it won't be very effective.

  • 休みに天気が良くなったところで、どこかへ出かける当てもない。

    Even if the weather gets better on the holiday, there is no particular place to go.

  • 問題が起こったところで、君には迷惑はかからない。

    Even if a problem arises, it will not cause you any trouble.

  • 日本語が話せたところで、日本へ行く金もないので、何にもならない。

    Even if I were able to speak Japanese, it wouldn't amount to anything, because I cannot afford to go to Japan.

Your notes

N1 grammar

によらず

Explanation

  • Without; without ~ing; regardless of; independently of; without reference to; whether X or Y; whether X or not; whatever/whoever/etc.; no matter what/who/how/etc. | A compound particle that means “without depending on”.

Examples

Show examples (16)
  • QRの長さはPの位置によらず常に一定である。

    The distance between Q and R is always the same, regardless of where P is.

  • この会社では学歴によらず、実力があればどんどん大きい仕事をまかされる。

    At this company, if you are capable, you will be given big assignments one after another, regardless of your educational qualifications.

  • この会社は経験のあるなしによらず面接してくれる。

    This company will interview you regardless of your experience (literally: whether or not you have experience.)

  • この標準テストは在籍する大学や学部によらず、また大学生であるか社会人であるかによらず、誰でも受けられます。

    Anyone can take this standardized test, regardless of what university or school you attend or whether you are a university student or a professional.

  • どんな仕事によらず、いつも誠実に務めなければいけない

    どんな仕事によらず、いつも誠実に務めなければいけない。

    No matter what job you have, you should always do the work sincerely.

  • リストラによらず(に)この会社を救う方法はない。

    There is no way to save this company without restructuring it.

  • 何事によらず困ったことがあったらいつでも相談して下さい。

    Whatever it may be, if you have trouble, please consult me anytime.

  • 吉川さんは勤務先の斡旋によらず別の会社に再就職した。

    Mr. Yoshikawa was employed by another company without his former employer's help (literally: good offices).

  • 国産(である)か輸入(である)かによらず牛肉は食べないことにしている。

    (Regardless of) Whether it is domestically produced or imported, as a rule I do not eat beef.

  • 天候のいかんによらず試合は予定通り行われます。

    No matter what the weather (literally: whatever the weather is like), the game will be held as scheduled.

  • 当ダンス教室は、いつからでも始められ、経験によらずどなたでもご参加いただけます。

    In this dance studio, students can begin at any time and anyone, regardless of experience, can join.

  • 当社のセールスマンの給与は勤務年数や年齢によらず、常に販売実績を基に決定される。

    The salaries of this company's sales representatives are not dependent on their length of employment or age; they are always based on sales performance.

  • 持ち物が多いか少ないかによらず、きちんと整理ができている部屋は気持ちいい。

    Whether you own a few things or many, a well-organized space makes you feel good.

  • 本契約が両者の合意によらずに変更されることはない。

    This contract may not be altered without the agreement of both parties.

  • 理想は武力によらず紛争を解決することだ。

    The ideal is to resolve disputes without using armed force.

  • 誰がそのプロジェクトを担当するかによらず担当者には特別手当が支給される。

    Regardless of who it is (literally: who takes the project), the project manager will be given special compensation.

Your notes

N1 grammar

のなんのって

Explanation

  • So (~ that); so much/well (~ that); so ~ and | A phrase to emphasize that something/someone is/was in an extreme state or that someone does/did something to a great extent

Examples

Show examples (11)
  • A:試合はどうだった? B:いやもう、ひどいのなんのって、話したくもないよ。

    A: How was the game? B: Oh, no, it was so terrible! I don't even want to talk about it.

  • かゆいのなんのって一晩中寝られなかった。

    It was so itchy that I couldn't sleep all night.

  • この望遠鏡、よく見えるのなんのって土星の輪まではっきり見えたよ。

    I could see so well with this telescope; I could even see Saturn's rings clearly.

  • もう少しで釣れたのに糸が切れて魚は海の中。結構大きかったので悔しかったのなんのって!

    I almost had it, but the line broke and the fish went back into the sea. It was really big, so I was so disappointed!

  • 不便なのなんのって一番近くのスーパーに行くのに1時間もかかるんです。

    It's so inconvenient; it takes up to an hour to get to the nearest supermarket.

  • 朝日岳の山々はちょうど見事に色づいていてきれいなのなんのって。思わず時間を忘れて、しばらく見入ってしまいました。

    The Asahidake Mountains had just turned colours and were so beautiful. Without realizing it, I stared at them for a while, completely forgetting the time.

  • 海の醍醐味を味わうなら、ホエールウォッチングだ。実際に見るクジラは、大きいのなんのって、すごい迫力だよ。

    If you want to experience the true charm of the ocean, try whale watching. When seen in real life, whales are so huge they take your breath away.

  • 甘いのなんのって私は一口食べて全部残してしまいました。

    It was so sweet that I ate one bite and left the rest.

  • 重いのなんのって二人でも持ち上がりませんでした。

    It was so heavy that even two people couldn't lift it.

  • 飲んだのなんのって彼らは5本の酒を全部空けてしまった。

    They drank so much; they completely emptied five bottles of sake.

  • 驚いたのなんのって、しばらくは言葉も出なかった。

    I was so surprised that I couldn't even speak for a while.

Your notes

N1 grammar

を禁じ得ない

Explanation

  • Cannot hold; cannot hold back; cannot keep back; cannot help ~ing; cannot keep ~ from ~ing | A phrase that is used when one cannot control emotions or reactions caused by emotions.

Examples

Show examples (8)
  • 24年の苦悩と空白の後、ついに実現した家族との再会に、周囲の者も涙を禁じ得なかった。

    (Seeing) the family reunited, an occasion that finally became reality after twenty-four years of agony and separation, people around them couldn't help but cry, too.

  • このような無責任な行いに対して怒りを禁じ得ない。

    I cannot hold back my anger at such an irresponsible deed.

  • この業界の救いようのない保守性に、深いため息が出るのを禁じ得なかった。

    (Looking at) this industry's hopeless conservatism, I couldn't help but let out a deep sigh.

  • その感動的な光景を見て、涙がこみ上げてくるのを禁じ得なかった。

    Seeing the moving scene, I could not keep my tears from welling up.

  • その美しい早春の風景画に作者の温かい郷土愛を感じ、深い感動を禁じ得なかった。

    Looking at the beautiful early spring landscape painting, I felt the painter's love for his homeland, and couldn't help but be moved profoundly.

  • 出版社による無神経な個人写真の扱い方に、驚きと憤りを禁じ得ない。

    I can't hold back my surprise and anger at the publisher's thoughtless way of treating those personal photos.

  • 大統領の声明は、せっかく第一歩を踏み出した両国の平和統一の働きに水を差すのではないかという疑問を禁じ得ない。

    I cannot keep myself from wondering if the president's announcement will pour cold water on the two nations' hard-won first step toward peaceful unification.

  • 長い間憧れていた人に会う瞬間が近づいて、次第に動悸が速まるのを禁じ得なかった。

    As the moment approached when I was to meet with the person I'd admired for a long time, I could not stop my heart from beating faster and faster.

Your notes

N1 grammar

となると

Explanation

  • When it comes to; if it is true that ~; if it is the case that ~; if it turns out that ~ | A phrase which expresses the idea "when it comes to" or "if it is true that".

Examples

Show examples (9)
  • この仕事は簡単そうに見えるが、一人でするとなると結構大変だ。

    This job looks easy, but if (it is the case that) you do it by yourself, it will be quite tough.

  • 何でも仕事となると楽なものはない。

    Nothing is easy (literally: There is nothing easy) when it comes to work.

  • つとむはギャンブルとなると人が変わってしまう。

    When it comes to gambling, Tsutomu becomes another person.

  • 彼が参加できないとなるとこのプロジェクトは考え直さなければならない。

    If it turns out that he cannot participate (in this project), we'll have to reconsider it.

  • 彼が手伝ってくれないとなると誰かほかの人を頼むしかない。

    If it's true that he is not going to help us, we'll have no alternative but to ask someone else.

  • 彼が新しい社長になるとなると経営方針がかなり変わるだろう。

    If he turns out to be the new president, the management policy will probably be considerably different.

  • 日本語が出来る科学者となると数がかなり限られてくる。

    When it comes to scientists who can speak Japanese, the number is quite limited.

  • 私は機械のこととなると何も分からない。

    When it comes to mechanical things, I don't understand anything.

  • 秘密が漏れたとなるとこの計画は変更しなければならない。

    If it is true that the secret (of this plan) has leaked, we must change it.

Your notes

N1 grammar

Explanation

  • A sentence final particle used in weak assertive or volitional sentences by a female speaker.

Examples

Show examples (4)
  • この部屋は小さいわ。

    This room is small.

  • 久子ひさこはまだ学生ですわ。

    Hisako is still a student.

  • 大木おおきさんはもう帰りましたわ。

    Mr. Ooki has already gone home.

  • 私も明日のパーティーに行くわ。

    I'll go to tomorrow's party, too.

Your notes

N1 grammar

およそ

Explanation

  • Generally; commonly; all; quite entirely; totally; utterly; (not) at all; for the most part; mostly; almost; approximately; roughly; about; rough; general | An adverb representing the ideas “all; totally; mostly; approximately”.

Examples

Show examples (14)
  • およそ天才と言われる人は誰でも人には知れない重荷を背負っているものだ。

    Generally, anyone who is called a genius carries a heavy burden others can't see.

  • およそ楽をして得られる技能で身につくものはない。

    Generally, none of the skills you can learn easily will become second nature.

  • この会社の年間取引額はおよそどのくらいですか。

    Approximately what is the volume of this company's annual business?

  • その大学のおよその情報はインターネットで得られる。

    Most of the information on that university can be obtained via the Internet.

  • その学会にはおよそ1500人の会員がいる。

    That academic association has approximately 1,500 members.

  • それは彼の普段の言動からはおよそ想像できない行動であった。

    It was behaviour we couldn't even have imagined based on what he usually said and did.

  • 仕事は午前中でおよそ片づいたので今日は早く帰れそうだ。

    I finished most of my work this morning, so it looks like I can go home early today.

  • 彼には気の毒だが、彼の努力はおよそ意味のないものだった。

    I'm sorry for him, but his effort was totally meaningless.

  • 彼の考えていることはおよそ想像がつく。

    I can make a fairly good guess about what he's thinking.

  • 彼女はこういう根気のいる仕事にはおよそ向いていない。

    She is not at all suited for work that requires perseverance like this work does.

  • 我々はおよそ不合理なこの制度に長い間縛られている。

    We've been bound by this utterly irrational system for a long time.

  • 現在中国に生息するジャイアントパンダの数はおよそ1千頭ということだ。

    They say there are about 1,000 giant pandas living in China now.

  • 田宮たみや先生は大学の政治的なことにはおよそ縁遠い人だった。

    Professor Tamiya was totally removed from university politics.

  • 私はおよそ名作と言われている映画はすべて見ているつもりだ。

    I'm convinced that I've watched all the movies that are commonly considered masterpieces.

Your notes

N1 grammar

をよそに

Explanation

  • Indifferent to ~; contrary to ~; ignoring ~; despite | A compound particle that expresses someone’s indifference to warnings, criticism, advice, accusations, opposition, anxiety, wishes, eagerness, provocative actions, etc.

Examples

Show examples (8)
  • たび重なる妻の忠告をよそに、彼は酒もタバコもやめなかった。

    Ignoring his wife's repeated advice, he never quit drinking and smoking.

  • 今回のイベントは、我々の心配をよそに多くの参加者を集め、大成功だった。

    Despite our worries, many people participated in the event, so it turned out to be a big success.

  • 多くの国々が経済発展ばかりに躍起になっているのをよそに、この国は個人の豊かな生活を基盤にした幸福を追求している。

    Contrary to the many countries in the world that enthusiastically pursue economic growth, this country is pursuing happiness based on an affluent life for individuals.

  • 平和を希求する市民による核兵器廃絶への切なる願いをよそに、核兵器開発、核軍拡競争は、今なおとどまるところを知りません。

    Despite the heartfelt pleas of peace-minded citizens who want to abolish all nuclear weapons, the nuclear arms race and the development of nuclear weapons still know no limits.

  • 彼はその恋を自身の最後の恋と感じて、周囲の警告をよそにのめり込んでいった。

    Feeling that it would be his last chance for love, he ignored the warnings of those around him, and allowed himself to get deeply involved.

  • 青春時代、友達がデートに明け暮れるのをよそに、僕は家に一人こもってSFを読んでいた。

    During my adolescent years, I secluded myself at home and read science fiction, ignoring my friends, who were spending all their time dating.

  • 首相は国民の批判をよそにイラク戦争支持しじを表明した。

    Setting aside people's criticism, the prime minister declared his support for the Iraq War.

  • 2006年12月、様々な反対の声をよそに、教育基本法改正案が国会の十分な審議を経ることなく可決された。

    In December 2006, the revision of the Fundamental Law of Education was passed without sufficient deliberation by the Diet, despite opposition from various sectors.

Your notes

N1 grammar

さも

Explanation

  • Truly; really; as if; so; that way; like that | An adverb meaning “truly,” used when describing the way someone’s action or behaviour appears.

Examples

Show examples (11)
  • あの「自分はさもワインの通ですよ」って感じの戸田の話し方はまったく嫌みだ。

    Toda's way of talking (literally: That way Toda has of talking), as if he knew everything about wine, is truly offensive.

  • そのプログラムは、操作説明書を見るとさも簡単に使えそうに書いてあるが、本当にそうなのだろうか

    そのプログラムは、操作説明書を見るとさも簡単に使えそうに書いてあるが、本当にそうなのだろうか?

    When I read the operation manual, it sounds like the program is really easy to use, but I wonder if that's really true.

  • 今すぐ病院に連れて行こう。さもないと手遅れになる。

    Let's take him to the hospital right now. If we don't, it's going to be too late.

  • 係員はさも面倒くさそうに私の苦情を聞いていた。

    The person in charge listened to my complaint with an expression that revealed it was truly bothersome.

  • 古田はさも自分一人が苦労したように言っているが、実は彼は文句を言うばかりで何もしなかったのだ。

    Furuta talks as if he suffered alone, but the truth of the matter is that he just complained and didn't do any work.

  • 子供たちはさも退屈そうな顔をして授業を聞いている。

    The children are listening to the lecture looking really bored.

  • 川村はいつもその話をさも自分自身の体験みたいに話しているが、本当はそれは私が彼に話したことなのだ。

    Kawamura always tells that story as if it were his own experience, but actually I told it to him.

  • 彼女はさも忙しそうにしているが、本当は大した仕事なんかないのだ。

    She acts as if she were truly busy, but really she doesn't have anything significant to work on.

  • 浩二こうじは冷めたコーヒーをさもまずそうに飲んだ。

    Koji drank the cold coffee with a look that showed how bad it tasted.

  • 男はさも親しげに私に近寄ってきた。

    The man approached me as if he knew me very well.

  • 部長はさも当然のごとく私に日曜出勤を命じた。

    The division chief ordered me to come to the office on Sunday as if it were a matter of course.

Your notes

N1 grammar

さぞ(かし)

Explanation

  • I believe/I’m sure/I’m certain ~ very/really/truly ~; must be very/really/truly ~ | An adverb that is used when the speaker thinks that someone or something is in an extreme state.

Examples

Show examples (9)
  • もうすぐクリスマス。子供たちはさぞ楽しみなことでしょう。

    Christmas is almost here. I'm sure children are really looking forward to it.

  • シカゴの冬はさぞ(かし)寒いに違いない。

    I'm sure winter in Chicago will be very cold.

  • 孝史たかしはあの音が聞こえなかったのだから、さぞかしよく寝ていたに違いない。

    Takashi didn't hear that sound, so he must have been sleeping very heavily.

  • 彼はもう勝った後のことを話しているから、さぞかし自信があるんだろうね。

    He's already talking about what happens after they win, so he must be really confident.

  • 彼女は大学合格の知らせを聞いてさぞ喜んだだろう。

    She must have been so happy after hearing the news that she'd been accepted (to college)!

  • 被災地の人々はさぞかし困っているだろうと思う。

    I imagine the people in the disaster-stricken areas are having a really hard time.

  • 誕生日を忘れてしまったんだから、アリスはさぞ怒っているだろう。

    I forgot her birthday, so I'm sure Alice is really mad.

  • 谷本たにもと先生は長旅でさぞかしお疲れだろうと思います。

    I imagine Professor Tanimoto is quite tired after her long trip.

  • 青森への単身赴任はさぞ(かし)大変でしょう。

    Moving to Aomori (for a new assignment) without your family must be very tough.

Your notes

N1 grammar

とあって

Explanation

  • Because ~, ~ as expected; because ~, naturally ~; because | A phrase that introduces a reason when the speaker/writer considers it natural that someone does something or is in some state, or that something takes place for that reason.

Examples

Show examples (8)
  • この社会人プログラムは、科目を低額で聴講できるだけでなく、自習室や図書館も自由に利用できるとあって、かなりの応募があります。

    Because this program for professionals not only allows students to audit courses cheaply but lets them use study rooms and the library freely, we receive quite a few applications.

  • ボーナス後の連休とあって、観光地はどこも人でいっぱいだ。

    Because this is the series of holidays after the bonus season, (not surprisingly) all the tourist spots are crowded.

  • レポートの締め切りがあさってとあって、学生たちはみんな焦っている。

    Because the deadline for the paper is the day after tomorrow, the students are all panicking.

  • 中途半端な訓練では実社会で通用しないとあって、この語学学校の指導は非常に厳しい。

    Because partial training does not help students function in the real world, the teaching at this language institution is very strict.

  • 人気作家のサイン会とあって、本屋にはサインを求める人たちが長い列を作った。

    Because it was the autograph session for a popular writer, people (who wanted his autograph) made a long line at the bookstore.

  • 優勝を争うチーム同士の対決とあって、スタジアムは超満員だ。

    Because this is the match between the teams competing for the championship, the stadium is packed beyond capacity.

  • 夏休みが始まったとあって、子供たちはみんな嬉しそうだ。

    Summer vacation has begun, so the children all look happy.

  • 掃除そうじが終わったらお菓子がもらえるとあって、子供たちは一生懸命手伝っている。

    Because they know they'll get sweets after they finish cleaning, the children are doing their very best to help out.

Your notes

N1 grammar

とあっては

Explanation

  • If it is true that; if it is the case that; if; because; since | A conditional phrase that indirectly presents a factual situation as a reason.

Examples

Show examples (8)
  • この大学が他の大学に統合されるのは残念だが、国の方針とあっては致し方ない。

    It is a pity that this university is going to be integrated into another university, but if that's the national policy, it cannot be helped.

  • どんなに短い作文でも、他の人に読まれ、コメントがつくとあっては、書く時の真剣味が増す。

    No matter how short your composition is, if it is read by others and they make comments, it makes you think more seriously when you write.

  • スカイダイビングがここサイパンで楽しめるとあっては、挑戦してみない手はない。

    If it's true that we can enjoy skydiving here in Saipan, there's no reason not to try it.

  • ブラジル・ドイツ戦のすぐ後とあっては国内チーム同士の試合が物足りなく感じられたのも仕方がない。

    Because it came right after the game between Brazil and Germany, it was inevitable that people did not feel the game between the domestic teams was very exciting.

  • 全商品が3割引きで買えるとあっては、遠方からわざわざ人が買いに来るのもうなずける。

    If (it's true that) you can buy everything at 30% off, I understand why people come from far away to shop (here).

  • 役人の飲食費に税金が使われたとあっては、誰もが腹立たしく思うのは当たり前だ。しかも、そのことが明るみに出そうになると、今度は圧力をかけて「口封じ」をやったとあっては、もう救いようがない。

    If tax money was used to pay for government officials' dining and drinking, of course people would be angry. But there's no hope if the officials pressured those involved to keep their mouths shut when the practice was about to be exposed.

  • 皆が多忙な身とあっては30人以上の家族が集まれるのはクリスマスの休みしかない。

    Since everyone is so busy, Christmas vacation is the only time our family of more than 30 can get together.

  • 社長の頼みとあっては断るわけにはいかない。

    If (it's true that) it's a favour for the president, I can't say no.

Source notes

  • 戦 = war, battle, match

Your notes

N1 grammar

とばかりに

Explanation

  • As if; as if to say that; as if ~ were convinced that; as if ~ believed that; as if ~ decided that | A phrase that indicates that someone does something in order to convey something or in such a way that someone is convinced that something is the case.

Examples

Show examples (10)
  • 守は心の洗濯とばかりに一週間の旅行に出かけた。

    Mamoru left for a one-week trip, seemingly convinced that it would refresh his mind.

  • 庭園の花たちは早く撮ってとばかりに美しく咲いていました。

    The flowers in the garden were blooming beautifully, as if they wanted us to take their pictures.

  • 彼らはここぞとばかりに自分たちの給料の安さを訴えた。

    Seeming to have decided that this was a great opportunity, they protested that their wages were low.

  • 彼女は「えい!」とばかりに侵入者を投げ飛ばした。

    She threw off (literally: flung) the intruder with a yell (literally: as if yelling, "Ei.!").

  • 思い立ったが吉日とばかりにエアロビクスを始めました。

    I began aerobics believing that the day you think of something is an auspicious day to start it.

  • さとるは「黙ってついてこい」とばかりに先に立って歩き出した。

    Satoru started off (literally: began to walk ahead) as if to say: "Don't say anything and follow me."

  • 新鮮な魚を食べられるのは今日が最後とばかりに、刺身を食べられるだけ食べた。

    I ate as much sashimi as I could, as if I were convinced it was the last day I could eat fresh fish.

  • 竹本たけもとはこの時とばかりに日頃の不満を吐き出した。

    Takemoto vented his long-held complaints as if he were convinced this was the time (to do so).

  • 課長は余計な質問はするなとばかりに私をにらみつけた。

    My section chief glared at me as if to tell me not to ask any unnecessary questions.

  • 霧が晴れたので、私は今がチャンスとばかりに写真を撮りまくった。

    The fog had cleared, so I took pictures furiously, as if it were my only chance.

Your notes

N1 grammar

とでも言うべき

Explanation

  • Which could/may be called; which can/could be described as | A phrase that introduces a noun (or noun phrase) to describe the nature of someone or something.

Examples

Show examples (7)
  • あれは運命とでも言うべき出来事だった。

    That was an incident that could be called fate.

  • これはエッセイ的なサイトとでも言うべきでしょう。

    This should probably be described as an essay-like website.

  • マイホーム計画最大のポイントとでも言うべきローンの組み方には、大きく分けると公的融資と民間融資の2種類があります。

    The ways of arranging a mortgage, which could be described as the most important consideration when planning to buy a home, can be classified into two types; government mortgages and private mortgages.

  • ミュンヘンのシンボルとでも言うべきこの市役所は1867年から1908年にかけて建てられたものです。

    This city hall, which could be called Munich's symbol, was built between 1867 and 1908.

  • 彼を一言で表現するとしたら「ネットワークの旅人」とでも言うべきだろうか。

    If I had to describe him in a word, I would call him a "network traveller."

  • 我々は20世紀の技術の賜物とでも言うべき明石あかし海峡大橋おおはしを渡った。

    We crossed the Akashi Strait Bridge, which could be described as a gift of 20th century technology.

  • 近いうちに試用版とでも言うべきものをお送りします。

    I'll send you something before long that could be called a trial version.

Your notes

N1 grammar

といえども

Explanation

  • Even; any; although; though; even though | A conjunction that expresses the idea of “even (though)”.

Examples

Show examples (11)
  • いかなる名人といえども時には失敗することもある。

    Any master sometimes makes a mistake. (literally: No matter what kind of master he/she may be called, he/she sometimes makes a mistake.)

  • いかなる自動翻訳機といえども、完全に機械だけで自然言語を翻訳するのは難しい。

    No matter what kind of automatic translation machine (you use), getting a natural-sounding translation solely from a machine is difficult.

  • いかに日本での生活が長いといえども、言葉の問題には常には遭遇する。

    Although I've lived in Japan for a long time, I constantly encounter language problems.

  • 世界広しといえども、東京の神田かんだほど多くの古本屋が一か所に集中しているところはほかにないだろう。

    Even though the world is a big place, nowhere else are there as many used book stores concentrated in one place as there are in Kanda, Tokyo.

  • 医者といえども時に病気になることもある。

    Even doctors sometimes become ill. (literally: Even though we call them doctors, there are times when they become ill.)

  • 同時通訳は一瞬といえども気が抜けない。

    In simultaneous translation, you cannot lose your concentration even for a moment.

  • 天性の才能を持ち合わせているといえども、絶え間ない努力と訓練なくして今日の彼女はなかった。

    Although she has natural talents, she couldn't be what she is now without her unceasing effort and training.

  • 当たらずといえども遠からず。

    Close, but not quite. (literally: Although it is not exactly right, it is not far off.)

  • 東京に住んでいるといえども知らない都内の名所は沢山ある。

    Even though I live in Tokyo (literally: Even though I say I live in Tokyo), there are many sightseeing spots in Tokyo that I don't know.

  • 科学技術の分野では、たとえグループ研究といえども個人の新しい発想によるところが非常に大きい。

    In the field of science and technology, even group research is greatly dependent on individuals (coming up with) new ways of thinking.

  • 筋力は少し衰えたといえども、彼はまだまだ若い選手に負けない集中力とスタミナを保っている。

    Although his strength has faded, he still maintains (levels of) concentration and stamina comparable to younger players.

Your notes

N1 grammar

~といい~といい

Explanation

  • In terms of both ~ and ~; in terms of ~ as well as ~; from the perspective of both ~ and ~ | A structure that introduces multiple perspectives when describing a person or a thing.

Examples

Show examples (7)
  • このコーヒーは味といい香りといい、申し分ありません。

    This coffee is perfect in terms of both flavour and aroma.

  • スピードといいパワーといい、今の彼に勝てる選手はいない。

    No player can beat him now in terms of either speed or power.

  • 人柄といい才能といい、米倉さんに勝る人はいない。

    No one surpasses Ms. Yonekura in terms of both personality and ability.

  • 内容といい話し方といい、見事なスピーチでした。

    It was a splendid speech in terms of content as well as delivery.

  • 声といい演技力といい、彼女は最高だ。

    She is the best from the perspective of both voice and acting ability.

  • 家柄といい学歴といい、彼は非の打ちどころがない。

    He is just perfect, both in terms of his family and educational backgrounds.

  • 音楽の情感といい音の豊かさといい、こんな感動的な演奏を聴いたことがない。

    I've never heard such a moving performance, both in terms of the artist's emotion and the richness of the sound.

Your notes

N1 grammar

といったところだ

Explanation

  • I would say ~; ~ is how I’d put it | A phrase the speaker/writer uses to explain something in a brief/rough manner.

Examples

Show examples (8)
  • 9月になって猛暑も一段落といったところです。

    I'd say the searing heat levelled off in September.

  • ここは山というよりは、小高い丘といったところだ。

    I'd say that this is more of a (small) hill than a mountain.

  • この大学の学部生と院生は合わせて6、000人といったところだ。

    この大学の学部生と院生は合わせて6,000人といったところだ。

    Together, the number of undergraduates and graduates at this college is about 6,000.

  • この小説の主人公の男の性格を一言で表すとすれば、「自分には厳しいけれど、人にはとても優しい」といったところです。

    If I were to describe the personality of this novel's main character in short (literally: in a word), I would say he is very hard on himself but very kind to others.

  • たった1年間の経験だけでは、図書館「達人」と呼ばれるには、まだまだといったところです。

    With only one year of experience, I'd say I have a long way to go before people call me a library expert.

  • ホテルの部屋の広さはまあまあといったところでした。

    I'd say that the space in the hotel room was so-so.

  • ヤンキースとレッドソックスはほぼ互角といったところだ。

    I'd say that the Yankees and the Red Sox are even.

  • 英語の"Sorry"は日本語の「すみません」よりも「謝罪」の意味合いが強い。いわゆる「ごめんなさい」「申し訳ありません」といったところだ。

    “Sorry” in English is more of an apology than the Japanese “sumimasen.” I would say that it corresponds to “gomennasai” or “moushiwake arimasen.”

Your notes

N1 grammar

と言って

Explanation

  • However; but; having said that | A conjunction used at the beginning of a sentence to convey the idea of “however”.

Examples

Show examples (6)
  • あと1000万円あればなんとか欲しい家が買える。と言って、そんな大金を借りられるあてはない。

    If we had another ten million yen, we could manage to buy the house we want. Having said that, we don't know how we could borrow that much money.

  • いくら考えても名案は浮かばない。と言って、何もしなければ事態は悪化する一方だ。

    No matter how hard I think, I cannot come up with a good idea. However, the situation will get only worse if I don't do anything about it.

  • アメリカで自分の能力をためすのも面白いかもしれない。と言って、英語ができなければどうしようもないが。

    It might be interesting for you to try out your skills in America. But, it won't do any good if you cannot speak English.

  • 外食は飽きたし自分で料理するのも億劫だ。と言って、何も食べずにいるというわけにもいかない。

    I've gotten tired of eating out, and cooking for myself is tiresome, too. But, I have to eat something (literally: I can't just not eat).

  • 彼女と別れるのは絶対いやだ。と言って、妻と離婚する勇気もない。

    I definitely don't want to leave my girlfriend. Having said that, I don't have the courage to divorce my wife, either.

  • 最近は少し運動するとすぐ疲れてしまう。と言って、何もしないと体が衰えるばかりなので何かしなければならない。

    These days I get tired quickly after doing a little exercise. However, I have to do something because if I don't do anything, l'll only get weaker.

Your notes

N1 grammar

と言うか

Explanation

  • Or; or rather; or I’d (rather) call it; or I may call it; or I’d (rather) say; or I may say | A phrase used to restate what was just said in order to be more accurate or appropriate.

Examples

Show examples (10)
  • A:あの人は奥さんですか。 B:うーん、と言うか、恋人みたいなもんです。

    A: Is she your wife? B: Well, actually, (I'd say) she's something like a lover.

  • この事件については、私たちも驚いていると言うか、困惑しています。

    We are also surprised by this incident, or perplexed, rather.

  • これは何と言うか、まあ、一種の妥協でしょうね。

    What should I call it? Hmm, it's a kind of compromise, I guess.

  • これは日記と言うか覚え書きと言うか…。

    Should I call this a diary, or a memo?

  • 今日来た人は、商魂たくましいと言うか、本当に厚かましい人でした。

    The person who visited us today was an aggressive salesman, or maybe I should just say he was a really shameless person.

  • 何度裏切られても涙を見ると許してしまう自分に腹が立つと言うか、愛想が尽きる。

    No matter how many times I get betrayed, I end up forgiving him when I see his tears. I'm angry at myself, or I should say, I'm sick of myself. (literally: I'm angry at myself, who ends up...)

  • 彼のことは諦めたと言うか、もうどうでもよくなった。

    I'm through with him. Or rather, I don't care anymore.

  • 彼は議論好きと言うか、いつも人の意見に反対したがります。

    He is argumentative, or should I say, he always wants to disagree with others.

  • 我が社の話は何もできません。と言うか、何も話すことはありません。

    I cannot talk about our company. Or, I should say, I have nothing to say about it.

  • 自分の勘違いと言うか、不注意でした。

    It was my misunderstanding . . . or carelessness, rather.

Your notes

N1 grammar

と言うのは

Explanation

  • (I’m saying this) because; the reason (why I’m saying this) is that; by ~ I mean that; what I mean is that | A phrase that introduces the reason for what has just been said.

Examples

Show examples (8)
  • あの提案書はたぶん通ると思う。たぶんと言うのは、審査委員の中に一人だけ反対するかもしれないのがいるんだ。

    I think that proposal will probably be approved. I say "probably" because there is one person on the review committee who might oppose it.

  • これらのゲームは、より正確に言えば、「一人用ゲーム」というより「一人でもできるゲーム」と言うべきでしょう。と言いますのは、これらのゲームはやり方によっては二人以上でもできるからです。

    To be more accurate, these games should be called "games that can also be played alone" rather than "games for one person." What I mean is, depending on how you play them, these games can be played by two or more people.

  • それは一度専門家に調べてもらった方がいいでしょう。と言うのは、素人が勝手に直すと、知らないうちに部品を傷めてしまう可能性があるからです。

    I think it's better to have it checked out by an expert, because if an amateur tries to fix it himself, he could damage a part without knowing it.

  • もう少し詳しく話してもらえませんか。と言うのは、私も少し前、同じような男から同じような被害に遭ったんです。

    Could you talk about it a little more in detail? (Because) I also ran into similar trouble with the same kind of man a little while ago.

  • 今まで読めていた画像ファイルがほとんど読めなくなってしまいました。ほとんどと言うのは、少しですが読めるファイルもあるのです。

    Almost all the image files that I have been able to read until now have become unreadable. I say "almost" because, even though there are only a few, there are files that are still readable.

  • 最近のパソコン用OSの普及で視覚障害者が困っている。と言うのは、これらのOSは画像中心で文字情報が少なく、文字を音声で読ませる方法があまり使えないからだ。

    People with vision problems are having trouble with the spread of the latest operating systems for personal computers because these operating systems are image-oriented with little word-based information, so there's not much of a chance to use software that reads words aloud.

  • 来月の旅行は取りやめます。と言うのは、同じ頃に大事なお客が来ることになったんです。

    We are cancelling next month's trip. I'm saying this because it turns out that we're going to have an important guest around the same time.

  • 社長に直接話してみたらどうですか。と言うのは、実は社長も以前そういうアイディアについて話していたことがあるんです。

    Why don't you talk to the (company) president (about it)? I'm saying this because he was talking about a similar idea before.

Your notes

N1 grammar

~言わず~と言わず

Explanation

  • A, B and many other ~; A, B and every ~ else; including: whether X or Y | A structure indicating that something is the case not only for A and B but also for many other places, things, etc., of X, to which A and B belong

Examples

Show examples (9)
  • しばらくすると、発疹が首と言わず手足と言わず、全身に広がった。

    Sometime later, a rash spread over my neck, hands, feet and all over the rest of my body.

  • イベント会場は廊下と言わず階段と言わず、参加者で溢れていた。

    The participants were everywhere at the event site, even in the halls and on the stairs.

  • 保守と言わず革新と言わず、どんな政治家もみな選挙資金集めのために奔走する。

    Every politician, whether conservative or liberal, works hard (literally: runs around) to raise money for his/her political campaign (literally: election).

  • 友達の引っ越しを手伝ったら、翌日肩と言わず腰と言わず体のあちこちが痛んだ。

    I helped my friend move. Then, the next day my shoulders, my back and every other part of my body ached.

  • 姉のうちは昼と言わず夜と言わず、一日中テレビをつけっぱなしにしている。

    At my (elder) sister's house, the TV set is on all the time, day or night.

  • 彼は仕事中と言わず休み時間と言わず、一時もコンピュータから離れることがない。

    He doesn't leave his computer even for a moment, whether it's work time or break time.

  • 彼女が身につけているものは、靴と言わず、時計と言わず、スカーフと言わず、すべてブランドものだ。

    Everything she wears, including her shoes, her watch and her scarf, is a famous brand.

  • 武史たけしの部屋は、壁と言わず天井と言わず、いたるところにサッカーの写真が貼ってあった。

    In Takeshi's room, pictures of soccer were posted on the walls, the ceiling and everywhere else.

  • 男と言わず女と言わず、誰もがこの物語のヒロインには共感するはずだ。

    Anyone—man or woman—would sympathize with the heroine of this story.

Your notes

N1 grammar

ところから

Explanation

  • Because; be caused by the fact that ~; from the fact that ~ | A phrase that introduces the origins of names, theories, ideas and events.

Examples

Show examples (9)
  • この宝石は猫の目に似ているところから「猫目石」と名づけられている。

    This gem is called "cat's-eye" because it resembles a cat's eye.

  • この説は、両者が生物的に多くの共通点を持っているところから来ている。

    This theory comes from the fact that, biologically, the two species have many things in common.

  • この雑誌は最初、ある有名月刊誌の別冊として刊行されたのが好評だったところから、後に単独の雑誌として独立したものだ。

    This magazine was first published as a separate volume of a famous monthly magazine and later became an independent publication because it was so well received.

  • そのイギリス人とは家が近くだったところから、よく遊びに行って英語や英語の歌を教えてもらったりした。

    Because my house was close to the Englishman's, I visited him often and he taught me English and English songs and other things.

  • 今音楽で広く使われているCDは、実はベートーベンの第九交響曲の演奏時間が74分間だったところからその容量が決められたということだ。

    I heard that the capacity of the CDs we use so widely now for music was settled on because a (certain) performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony was 74 minutes long.

  • 日本は憲法が戦力の保持を禁止しているところから、「軍隊」ではなく「自衛隊」を持っている。

    Because its constitution bans the possession of military power, Japan has "Self-Defence Forces," but not an "army."

  • 田中先生はいつも蝶ネクタイをしていたところから「蝶ネクタイ先生」と呼ばれていた。

    Dr. Tanaka was called "Professor Bow Tie" because he always wore one.

  • 私が両者にそのことを十分説明しなかったところから誤解が生じた。

    The misunderstanding was caused by the fact that I didn't explain it to both of them fully.

  • 論語に「何もしないでいるよりは碁を打つ方がましだ」という教えがあるところから、碁は孔子以前にかなり普及していたとみられる。

    Because the Analects teach us that "It is better to play Go than to not do anything," it appears that Go was already fairly popular before Confucius' time.

Your notes

N1 grammar

ともなく

Explanation

  • Without intending to; without paying much attention; unconsciously; mindlessly; don’t know (exactly) who/where/etc. (but); cannot tell (exactly) who/where/etc. (but); (to/from) no particular (person, etc.) | A phrase indicating that the subject does something without paying much attention, or that when, where, to whom, etc., something took place is unclear.

Examples

Show examples (8)
  • 「やっと終わった」。彼は誰にともなくつぶやいた。

    Finally, it's over, he muttered (literally: muttered to no one in particular).

  • どこからともなくいい匂いが漂ってきた。

    (I couldn't tell from where, but) a good smell wafted from somewhere.

  • 二人はどちらからともなく顔を見合わせて微笑んだ。

    The two smiled at each other almost at the same time. (literally: I cannot tell which one did it first, but the two looked at each other and smiled.)

  • 大学時代のことを考えるともなく考えていると、次々にクラスメートの顔が浮かんできた。

    When I was thinking mindlessly about my university days, the faces of my classmates came to my mind one after another.

  • 我が家ではいつからともなく正月にスキーに行く習慣が始まった。

    We do not know when, but my family started a tradition of going skiing on New Year's Day.

  • 散歩をしているうちに、来るともなく駅まで来てしまった。

    While I was taking a walk, I came as far as the station without intending to.

  • 目撃者の話を聞くともなく後ろで聞いていたが、突然その話の中に事件解決のための重要な情報が含まれていることに気がついた。

    I was listening to the witness's story from behind without paying much attention when, all of sudden, I realised that it contained an important piece of information for solving the case.

  • 聴くともなく聴いていたら、だんだんその演奏に引き込まれていった。

    As I was listening to the performance without paying much attention, I was gradually pulled into it.

Your notes

N1 grammar

とは

Explanation

  • (not think/expect/etc.) that; (be surprised/be glad/regret/etc.) that | A compound particle marking an event, action or state that the speaker/writer does not expect and that causes him/her to feel some emotion

Examples

Show examples (13)
  • あんないい店がなくなったとは残念だ。

    It is too bad that such a nice shop is gone.

  • お父さんがそんなにお悪いとは知りませんでした。

    I didn't know that your father was that ill.

  • こんなにおいしくて、ボリュームがあって、たったの500円とはありがたい。

    It's great (literally: I'm thankful) that this (dish) tastes so good, there's a lot of it, and it costs only 500 yen.

  • こんなに早く自分の家が持てるとは思いもしなかった。

    I never thought I could have my own house this soon.

  • こんな便利なサイトがあったとは!

    (a) I'm surprised that there is such a convenient website. (b) How great to have such a convenient website! (c) Who would have thought there would be such a convenient website!

  • まだ知り合って一週間にもならない私にお金を借りに来るとは驚きだ。

    I was shocked that he came to borrow money from me less than a week after we first got acquainted.

  • ハリケーンのためにガソリンがこんなに上がるとは想像すらしなかった。

    I would never have imagined that gas prices would go up this much because of a hurricane.

  • バッハの最高傑作の演奏をDVDで見られるとは何という幸せでしょう!

    How happy I am to be able to watch a performance of Bach's best work on DVD!

  • 一つのテレビドラマが日韓交流にこれほど影響を与えるとは誰が予測し得たであろう。

    Who could have predicted that a TV drama would have this much influence on cultural exchange and travel between Japan and Korea?

  • 大勢の人が家をなくして困っているというのに、それを利用して金をもうけるとはけしからん。

    It is inexcusable that while many people have lost their houses and are suffering, some take advantage of this to make money.

  • 彼が自分のベンチャー会社を立ち上げるとは思いもしなかった。

    I never thought that he would launch his own venture business.

  • 自分たちで嘘を広めておいて、それを既成事実にしようとは何たることだ!

    What a (shameful) thing it is to spread lies and try to convince people that they are true (literally: make them an established fact).

  • 蒸したてのお芋がこんなにおいしいとは驚きました。

    I'm surprised that fresh steamed potatoes taste this good.

Source notes

  • 予測し得た = successfully predicted

Your notes

N1 grammar

はおろか

Explanation

  • Let alone; not only ~ (but also ~); not to mention; to say nothing of; never mind; much less | A phrase that is used when something is not only true with one thing or person, but also with another thing or person that is less expected or understandable.

Examples

Show examples (9)
  • 「近くて遠い」。この表現は日本との国交がない北朝鮮はおろか、韓国との関係を指すのにもよく使われてきた。

    Near yet far. This phrase has often been used to describe Japan's relationship not only with North Korea, with which it has no diplomatic relations, but with South Korea as well.

  • このサイトは検索はおろか、本の内容紹介までしてくれるので非常に便利だ。

    Not only does this website let you search (for books), it also gives a summary of the (searched) books' contents, so it's very convenient.

  • アメリカでは、隣町まで100マイル、途中ガソリンスタンドはおろか、民家さえないという場所がたくさんある。

    In America there are many places where the next town is 100 miles away and there are no houses, let alone a gas station, in between.

  • インターネットはおろか、パソコンも触ってことがないのだが、講習会についていけるだろうか。

    Never having touched a computer, let alone used the Internet, I wonder if I will be able to keep up in the workshop.

  • ハリス氏は日本の現代文学はおろか、古典にまで通じている。

    Mr. Harris is quite familiar with classics of Japanese literature, to say nothing of (his knowledge of) modern Japanese literature.

  • 企業は今、セキュリティのための支出を増やさなければ、セキュリティの強化はおろか、維持さえも難しくなっているという。

    It is said that it has become more difficult for businesses to maintain security, let alone enhance it, without increasing their security expenses.

  • 戦争はおろか食糧難すら経験したことがない者が、口先だけて戦争を議論しているのは笑止だ。

    戦争はおろか食糧難すら経験したことがない者が、口先だけで戦争を議論しているのは笑止だ。

    It is laughable that those people who have never even experienced a food shortage, much less a war, make glib arguments about war.

  • 最近は大学生はおろか、中学生でもかなりの者が海外旅行を経験している。

    Never mind college students, these days even junior and senior high school students often have experienced traveling abroad.

  • 英語を話すのが好きなだけで、英米の文学はおろか日本の文学もろくに読んでいない学生が英米学専攻に入ってくると悲惨だ。

    It'll be a tragedy if a student who has barely even read any Japanese literature, much less British or American literature, signs up to major in English literature just because he or she likes to speak English.

Your notes

N1 grammar

や否や・やいなや

Explanation

  • As soon as; no sooner ~ than; the moment; soon after; immediately after | A conjunction that expresses the idea that something happened or someone did something immediately following another event or action.

Examples

Show examples (9)
  • そのテレビドラマは1回目が放映されるや否や、国中に大きな韓国ブームを引き起こした。

    As soon as the first episode of the TV drama was telecast, it sparked a big Korea boom throughout the country.

  • その小説は発売されるや否やミリオンセラーになった。

    The novel sold one million copies as soon as it went on sale.

  • ジョージは大学を卒業するや否やゲームソフトのビジネスを始めた。

    George started his own game software business the moment he graduated from college.

  • スタジオに着くや否やリハーサルが始まった。

    The rehearsal began as soon as I arrived at the studio.

  • 安くておいしいと評判のそのレストランは、朝11時に開店するや否や、常連客でいっぱいになった。

    The restaurant, which is popular for its reasonable prices and good food, was full of regular customers as soon as it opened at 11:00 a.m.

  • 小池氏はメディアから批判されるや否や、手のひらを返すように意見を変えた。

    No sooner was he criticized by the media than Mr. Koike abruptly (literally: as if he turned his hand over) changed his opinion.

  • 彼女は車から降りるや否や報道陣やファンに取り囲まれた。

    She was surrounded by reporters and fans as soon as she got out of the car.

  • 母の顔を見るや否や涙が込み上げてきた。

    As soon as I saw my mother (literally: mother's face), my tears welled up.

  • 秀夫ひでおはアパートに帰るや否やベッドに倒れ込んだ。

    Hideo collapsed on his bed as soon as he returned to his apartment.

Your notes

N1 grammar

ようと・が

Explanation

  • Even if; whatever/whoever/ etc.; no matter what/who/how/etc.; whether X or Y | A conjunctive phrase that expresses the idea of concession.

Examples

Show examples (14)
  • あの教授は学生が分かろう{と/が}分かるまい{と/が}、かまわず授業を進めていく。

    That professor keeps lecturing (literally: advances his lecture) regardless of whether his students understand it or not.

  • プロの作品だろう{と/が}素人の作品だろう{と/が}いいものは採用する。

    We'll adopt anything good, whether it's a work by a professional or an amateur.

  • 人が何と言おう{と/が}、私は自分の子供を信じている。

    Whatever (other) people say, I believe my child.

  • 人が何をしようと大きなお世話だ。

    Whatever I do, it's none of your business.

  • 参加者がたとえ一人であろうとツアーは予定通り行います。

    We're going ahead with the tour as scheduled even if we have only one participant.

  • 報酬が多かろう{と/が}少ないかろう{と/が}、私はやるべきことをやるだけだ。

    Whether the compensation is high or low, l'll just do what I have to do.

  • 彼はみんなが聞いていようがおかまいなしで、上司の悪口を言っている。

    He is saying bad things about his boss without regard to whether or not others are listening.

  • 彼女が結婚しようがするまいが、そんなことは私には関係ないことだ。

    Whether she's going to marry or not, it has nothing to do with me.

  • 日本人だろうがアメリカ人だろうが、そういうことは関係ない。好きになったら結婚する。

    It doesn't matter whether she is Japanese or American. If I fall in love (with someone), I'll marry that person.

  • 自分の子供たちが走り回ろうが飲み物をこぼそうが、親たちは叱りもしないで自分たちの話に夢中になっている。

    Even if their children are running around or spilling drinks, the parents are too caught up in their own conversation to scold them.

  • 語が上手だろう{と/が}下手だろう{と/が}そういうことは関係ない。

    英語が上手だろう{と/が}下手だろう{と/が}そういうことは関係ない。

    It doesn't matter whether his English is good or bad.

  • 費用がいくらかかろうとかまわない。何としてもこの訴訟勝たなければならない。

    We don't care how much it may cost. We have to win this lawsuit by any means.

  • 頑固と言われよう{と/が}馬鹿と言われよう{と/が}、私は自分の信じることをやります。

    Even if people say I'm stubborn or stupid, I'll do what I believe.

  • 高かろうが安かろうが、必要なものなら買えばいい。

    Whether it's expensive or cheap, we should buy it if we need it.

Your notes

N1 grammar

故に・ゆえに

Explanation

  • Because; because of; due to; therefore | A conjunction that presents a reason or a cause.

Examples

Show examples (12)
  • これは極めてデリケートな問題だ。(それ(が)/その)故に、慎重に取り組む必要がある。

    This is an extremely delicate problem; therefore, we must handle it very carefully.

  • アメリカでは今でも黒人であるが故に差別されるということがある。

    In the United States even now there are cases in which someone is discriminated against because he or she is black.

  • 人はきっとミスをする。故に、それを前提とした対策を考える必要がある。

    People will certainly make mistakes; therefore, we need to think of countermeasures based on that assumption.

  • 俳句は言葉が最小限に抑えられている。それ故に。表現されていないことを想像しなければならない。

    俳句は言葉が最小限に抑えられている。それ故に、表現されていないことを想像しなければならない。

    Haiku use a bare minimum of words. Therefore, one has to imagine what is not expressed.

  • 山は高いが故に尊からず。

    Mountains are not sacred just because they are tall.

  • 彼の精神は大病の故に強靭になった。

    His mind was strengthened because of his serious illness.

  • 彼女はその美貌(の)故(に)、悩みも多い。

    Because of her good looks, she also has many things to worry about.

  • 我思う、故に我あり。」ーデカルト

    「我思う、故に我あり。」ーデカルト

    I think, therefore I am. -Descartes

  • 携帯電話は便利故に、使い方を誤らないようにしなければならない。

    Because cell phones are convenient, we have to be careful not to use them incorrectly.

  • 日本列島は南北に伸びているが故に、温度差が大きい。

    Because the Japanese archipelago extends north and south, the temperature difference (within Japan) is great.

  • 結果にこだわりすぎる(が)故(に)、小さなことに心を奪われることになる。

    Because you want the end result to be perfect, you end up being distracted by little things.

  • 電子テキストは改変と公開が容易であるが、この特徴故に公開されている電子テキストは元データを追跡することが難しい。

    Electronic texts are easy to revise and present to the public, but because of these characteristics, it is difficult to trace publicly-displayed electronic texts back to their original data.

Your notes

N1 grammar

ずにはおかない

Explanation

  • Be bound to; definitely; unmistakably; unquestionably; undoubtedly; without fail; without doubt | A phrase that expresses the idea that someone/something necessarily or naturally causes something to happen.

Examples

Show examples (7)
  • この事故は日本とアメリカの関係に影響を及ぼさずにはおかないだろう。

    This accident will undoubtedly affect the relationship between Japan and America.

  • この小説は我々に人間とは何かを考えさせずにはおかない。

    Without fail, this novel makes us think about what it is to be human.

  • この映画は観る者に感動を与えずにはおかない。

    This movie is bound to move viewers. (literally: This movie does not leave viewers without moving them.)

  • コンピュータの普及とインターネット利用の拡大は大きな教育の変革を促さずにはおかない。

    The spread of computers and the expansion of Internet use are bound to promote big changes in education.

  • 彼女は聴く者を魅了せずにはおかない音楽性とそれを表現する卓越した技術を持っている。

    She has a musicality that unfailingly captivates her audiences and the superb technique to express it.

  • 技術の発達は社会環境の変化をもたらさずにはおかない。

    Technological advancements are bound to bring about changes to social environments.

  • 環境や用途に合わせて動物たちがつくりあげる構造物は、彼らの知恵と工夫がいたるところに見られ、我々の好奇心を惹起せずにはおかない。

    Structures that animals construct according to their environment and needs exhibit in every aspect their wisdom and ideas, and are bound to arouse our curiosity.

Your notes

N1 grammar

ずして

Explanation

  • Without ~ing; before (~ing); with no ~; if ~ do not; when ~ do not | A phrase meaning “without doing something”.

Examples

Show examples (9)
  • インカ帝国を知らずして南米大陸を語ることはできない。

    You cannot talk about the South American continent without some knowledge of the Inca Empire.

  • ウイルスに感染した電子メールを社外の個人、団体に送信してしまい、意図せずして加害者になってしまった。

    I became an offender without meaning to after sending a virus-infected e-mail to individuals and groups outside my company.

  • 今勉強せずしていつするのか?

    If we/you don't study now, when will you study?

  • 我々のチームは最終日の最終戦を待たずして優勝が決定した。

    Our team won the championship before (literally: without waiting for) the final game on the final day.

  • 敵を知らずしては戦えない。

    You cannot fight without knowing your enemy.

  • 文雄ふみおは宝くじが当たって労せずして大金を得た。

    Fumio won the lottery, receiving a large sum of money with no effort.

  • 新しい議長の選出で期せずしてみんなの意見が一致した。

    In the election for a new chairman, unexpectedly (literally: without expecting), everybody agreed (on who it should be).

  • 自分の義務を果たさずして人の責任を問うべきではない。

    You should not call others to account when you have not performed your own duties.

  • 荒木氏は自分の設計した建物の完成を見ずして亡くなってしまった。

    Mr. Araki died before (literally: without) seeing the completion of the building he'd designed.

Your notes

N1 grammar

ずとも

Explanation

  • Without ~ing; even if ~ not; if ~ not | A conjunctive phrase that indicates negative concession: “even if ~ not”.

Examples

Show examples (10)
  • この携帯電話は音声による操作が可能で、数字キーを押さずとも声だけで電話をかけられる。

    This cell phone can be voice activated, so you can make a call using just your voice, without having to punch any numbers.

  • この理論は難解なので、今すぐ分からずともよい。

    This theory is hard to understand, so it is all right if you don't understand it right away.

  • この程度の故障ならサービスセンター送らずともこの店で修理できます。

    We can repair this sort of trouble here at the store without sending (the product) to the service centre.

  • これからは特別な訓練を受けずとも使えるようなユーザーインターフェースが必要となるだろう。

    From now on it will be necessary to have a user interface that doesn't require special training.

  • こんなに安くヨーロッパへ行けるのなら、旅行好きならずとも行ってみたいと思うだろう。

    If you can go to Europe this cheaply, even if you don't especially like to travel, you'll probably want to go.

  • シカゴには親しい友人が何人かいるので、ホテルに泊まらずともよい。

    Because I have several close friends in Chicago, I don't have to stay at a hotel.

  • 今回の野球ストは、これからのプロスポーツあり方を考えさせる出来事として、野球ファンならずとも注目する人が多かった。

    Many people, even if they were not baseball fans, paid attention to the baseball strike this time because it (was an event that) made them think about what professional sports should be like in the future (literally: from now on).

  • 今年の夏は涼しいので、エアコンを使わずとも過ごせそうだ。

    It is cool this summer, so it looks like we can get by without using the air-conditioner.

  • 彼がどのくらいできるかはテストをせずとも見当がつく。

    I can guess how much he can do without even giving him a test.

  • 東京で会えずとも、大阪では必ず会える。

    (Even) if we cannot meet up in Tokyo, we will meet in Osaka for sure.

Your notes