Maximus Senior Member United Kingdom Joined 6691 days ago 417 posts - 427 votes Studies: Spanish, Japanese, Thai
| Message 1 of 3 19 April 2009 at 8:55pm | IP Logged |
Although I believe that on the whole Japanese is a logical language, I get the feeling that conditionals of Japanese are more difficult than the European languages which I have experienced. There seems to be more variation when expressing if/when.
Before I go to Japan again, I would like to focus on the subtleties between all the different types of conditional/temporal expressions. I want to get these perfect because this is the aspect of Japanese grammar which I find to be the most difficult. I have no trouble expressing the ideas of if and when in Japanese. However, I want to eliminate any grammatical errors because I want to sound more natural, make myself clearer to the person with whom I am speaking and I want to understand the grammar as deeply and exhaustively as possible. Also I know that Japanese people don't really correct mistakes because they think it may be rude. So basically I have to work out any errors by myself.
Does anyone know of any websites, resources, books, et cetera which focus on the subtleties of conditionals/temporal expressions in Japanese? Please note subtleties, not basics. Resources with a base in Japanese or English. Any will do.
Thank you
1 person has voted this message useful
|
Kuronue Groupie United States Joined 5941 days ago 45 posts - 45 votes Speaks: English* Studies: Japanese
| Message 2 of 3 20 April 2009 at 2:01am | IP Logged |
Conditionals are usually a conjugation of the verb involved. Probably, if, when, and unless are all verb conjugations, where as time is typically the function of the adverb. So, that should at least give you the direction to look. Likewise, it's worth noting that not everything we consider a verb is one to them. Like and dislike, for example, are adjectives. Other verbs are made from nouns with the same meaning, but in addition to the verb する.
That said, for a grammar primer, you could try this:
Tim's Takamatsu
There are a couple of places that are similar, but none so easy to understand and comprehensive. Note that he does make a couple of errors, but a dictionary on the subject should fix that right up.
Good luck! 頑張って!
1 person has voted this message useful
|
ericspinelli Diglot Senior Member Japan Joined 5725 days ago 249 posts - 493 votes Speaks: English*, Japanese Studies: Korean, Italian
| Message 3 of 3 20 April 2009 at 5:28pm | IP Logged |
Yasuko's Nihongo House's 日本語レッスン provides a few articles (5/2003, 6/2003, 2-7/2007) discussing the differences in the four conditions (Japanese).
Nihongo Resource's An Introduction to Japanese Syntax, Grammar, and Language discusses conditions starting from verb bases and through to endings/inflections (English PDF).
1 person has voted this message useful
|
If you wish to post a reply to this topic you must first login. If you are not already registered you must first register
You cannot post new topics in this forum - You cannot reply to topics in this forum - You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum - You cannot create polls in this forum - You cannot vote in polls in this forum
This page was generated in 0.6484 seconds.