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Nov 29, 2022 · In this case, 〜と思う softens the already vague かな/かもしれない statements and makes them even less certain. On the other hand, if you add an adverb like 絶対 (definitely), it becomes a strong conviction: 絶対風邪引いたと思う。 I think that I definitely have a cold.
- Think
For example, your friend asks you what time the Crabigators'...
- Japanese Particle Kana
Going on with the theme of "doubt," you can also make it...
- Think
Sep 26, 2024 · Japanese language often embraces ambiguity, and the verb ある plays a crucial role in creating vague expressions. This article focuses on how ある is used in structures like という事がある (to iu koto ga aru) to convey nuanced meanings and subtle implications.
Feb 24, 2024 · Japanese have a culture of being vague when it comes to expressing their opinions. As illustrated by the following, in the Japanese language there are many expressions that avoid arriving at a conclusion: “Sono teian, yosasou desu ne.”. (That sounds good).
- とか
- かな
- かも
とか is usually used to list things or people, such as “リンゴとかオレンジ” meaning “an apple and orange”. However, it is also used when you offer a suggestion while indicating that you are open to the other options. For example, when your friend asks you when and where you want to meet up, you can say “７時に銀座とか？” meaning “(How about) Ginza at seven?”. Here, と...
かな is used at the end of a sentence to make it sound softer and more casual. As in とか, it is often used when you answer a question in a casual and friendly way. For instance, when someone asks you “最近(さいきん)仕事(しごと)どう？” (“How’s your work going?”), you can say “まあまあかな”, meaning “(I guess) it’s so-so/not bad.” in English. Here, putting “かな” at the end ...
かも is an abbreviation of “かもしれない” meaning “may/might” in English. As in the expressions above, it is put at the end of a sentence and makes it less assertive. For instance, when your friend asks you what you want to eat for lunch, you can say “ラーメンとか食べたいかも” meaning “(I may) want to eat ramen (or something)“. Here, とか and かも are used to state your o...
Japanese will often cushion things with phrases like と思う or んじゃない or かな and a few other strategies. Basically the more nebulous you can get a direct statement (especially an opinion or desire, but sometimes a fact too!) the better it sounds. ちょっと日本の文化について話したいと思います。
Aug 25, 2016 · Japanese can be such a vague language, where in our grammar, verb is always at the end. Compared to English, this can be something frustrating if you are new to speaking or reading Japanese. I often listen to my friends explain something and in my mind, thinking, “what do you really want to say?”…
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Paying attention and knowing the context is the best way to identify its meaning. Japanese is full of vague expressions, and really understanding the true meaning is not easy. Vague words prevent shy Japanese from saying yes or no directly or clearly.
