nguyenducminhanh - Blogger: 2009

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Friday, April 10, 2009

Mẹ ơi tại sao?

Bé Nguyễn Đức Minh Anh sinh ngày 16/12/2005 tại TP.HCM

Đến tháng này bé được 3 năm 3 tháng, bé luôn đặt câu hỏi tại sao, làm ba mẹ phải bù đầu tìm lời giải đáp cho bé.

Dưới đây là một số câu hỏi mà bà mẹ tuy có giải đáp nhưng vẫn thấy chưa ổn:

Bé: Mẹ là con gái, con là con trai, tại sao con gái đẻ ra con trai mà con trai không đẻ ra con gái được hả mẹ?

mẹ : !!??...

Nghe các anh lớn kể chuyện ma cà rồng hút máu người, bé thắc mắc:

Bé: Ma cà rồng hút máu người để sống, muỗi cũng hút máu con, vậy ma cà rồng với muỗi là bạn của nhau phải không ba?

Ba : ?!!!...

Một hôm đang xem truyền hình, bài hát có từ "Bâng khuâng", bé hỏi:

Bé: Ba ơi, bâng khuâng là gì?

Ba: à à ... là mình nhớ về một điều gì đó đã qua ...

Bé: Giống như con nhớ lúc qua nhà Ngoại chạy xe đạp phải không ba?

Ba: ờ hé!!!

Bé khoái xem clip "Giờ tý canh ba" lắm, nhưng bỗng một bữa nghe trong bài hát có từ "động phòng", bé hỏi mẹ:

Bé: Mẹ ơi, động phòng là gì hả mẹ?

Mẹ: ????

Cũng trên video clip có cảnh các cô ca sĩ mặc áo ngắn quá, bé thắc mắc:

Bé: Ba ơi, vì sao mấy cô trên tivi để rốn ra ngoài hả ba?

Ba: ???!!

Sáng nào bé cũng phải đi vệ sinh, hôm nọ bé thắc mắc:

Bé: Ba ơi, tại sao con phải ị bô?

Ba: Mình ăn thức ăn vào bụng, chất dinh dưỡng nuôi cơ thể, còn chất bã phải đưa ra ngoài, nên con phải ị bô.

B1: Vậy mình uống nước vào để tè ra phải không ba?

ba: !!!??

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Today's Economics

Volume 62
04/7/2009

In this issue

• Main Articles
• Free Services & Links
• Refer-A-Friend and Win
• Forward to a Friend
• Risk Disclosures

Main Articles

Morgan Stanley Says the Bear Market is Not Over
Market Forces Live | April 6, 2009 | View It
"Our three signposts to identify the end of the bear market do not flash green"

Gold Prices Poised to Weather IMF Sales
WSJ.com | April 6, 2009 | View It
"Gold sales by IMF unlikely to depress the metal's price because central banks would be likely buyers."

Fed Extremely Uncomfortable About Bailouts
Jeannine Avens - AP | April 3, 2009 | View It
"these operations . . . were carried out only because no reasonable alternative was available"

Dollar Devaluation is Inevitable
I.M. Vronsky | April 2, 2009 | View It
"US debt monetization = Dollar devaluation = Higher gold prices"

Gold Buying Opportunity of a Lifetime
Darryl Robert Schoon | March 19, 2009 | View It
"We are in the last days of paper money?s longest run. No economy built on fiat paper money has ever lasted in the history of the world"

Register for our VIP program and receive discounts on shipping, special reports, investment seminars, books and precious metal products. And if you are happy with our services and know someone who may have an interest in owning gold or metals, you can get them FREE delivery on their first order! If anyone you refer decides to do business with us, well give them FREE delivery (up to $70.00) on their first order ... and you'll also get our thank you points to use towards our special thank you gifts. To Register now... Click Here

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Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ ならでは (naradeha) ]

ならでは (naradeha) - but, except, without, but for

--- Notes ---
implies a special characteristic, or something that is unique to (that type
of person)

Almost always seems to be used like

noun +ならでは + の + noun

○　あの人ならではの能力
×　あの人ならではできる

--- Examples ---
あの人ならではこのような文章を書けなかっただろう。
No one could have written such a prose as this one except him.

あの人ならではとてもこの仕事はできない。
Noone but he would be equal to this task.

こんな美味しい料理は母親ならではのものです。
no one but mother could have made such delicious food.

その辞書ならではの特徴
characteristic of the dictionary

この季節ならではの感じなのかもしれない。
a feeling special to this season perhaps

地方ならではの魅力的な仕事
A charming type of work specific to the region

うるさいマスターならではの料理は、どれも新鮮で、うまいっ
Especially for the fussy 'master' (husband?) anything fresh and tasty.

y限定・入手困難】の入荷に強い当社ならではの商品力とプライスに必ずご満足頂けると思います。
With that company's stress on limited edition and hard to obtain goods, you
are sure to be satisfied. (bad trans)

こんな新しい発想はあのデザイナーならではのものです。
Such a new conception is something only of that designer.

--- Comments ---
ならでは is equal to でなくては.
(contributor: bamboo4)

#5012 I think this would be better Japanese.
こんなおいしい料理は、母親ならではのものです。
or　こんなおいしい料理は母親でなくては作れない。
母親ならでは作られない。is somewhat not natural for me.
(contributor: Miki)

I agree, Miki-san. (contributor: bamboo4)

changed. (contributor: dc)

is this a little like 「のことだから」
弘子のことだから、遅れました。
its hiroko of course, so she was late. (contributor: dc)

It is not like 弘子のことだから, which means 'as it is usual for
Hiroko.' Accordingly, you would not say
弘子のことだから、遅れました, but you would say
弘子のことだから、遅れるでしょう. In other words, we use
that expression for prediction rather than description of what actually
took place. If you want to say 'HIroko was late, as usual,' you would say
例によって(いつもの通り）、弘子は遅れてきた.
(contributor: bamboo4)

dc
You can also say : 弘子はいつも通りに遅れてきた (contributor:
誠)

So would it be correct to say that in cases where ならでは isn't
followed by の it will always be followed by a phrase containing a
negative verb? (contributor: Sumofan)

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Monday, April 6, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ まさかの〜 (masakano) ]

まさかの〜 (masakano) - If unexpectedly there is anything , 〜

--- Notes ---
Always come with
「まさかの場合、〜」、「まさかの時、〜」

--- Examples ---

まさかの場合、ここに電話してください。
If there is anything unexpected/For the unexpected , please contact to
this place.

まさかの時、すぐお知らせ下さい。
If there is anything(unexpected) ,please let me know at once.

まさかのときには貯蓄に頼ればよい。
In an emergency you can fall back on your savings.

まさかのときに備えて貯蓄せよ。
Keep something for a rainy day.

まさかのときの友こそ真の友。
Friend in need is a friend indeed.

まさかの時にはあなたを助けてやろう。
I'll stand by you in time of need.

--- Comments ---
In #5842, まさかの場合 should preferably be まさかの時は and in
#5843, まさかの時 should be まさかの時は　 (contributor:
bamboo4)

There are 19 まさかの時 examples in WWWJDIC
http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/cgi-bin/wwwjdic.cgi?1Q%A4%DE%A4%B5%A4%AB%A4%CE%BB%FE_0__
which can be 'borrowed' as necessary. In WWWJDIC examples the Japanese is
usually good, but the English is sometimes dodgy. (contributor: Paul Blay)

a lot of those examples are duplicates, but i added the best. FYI the link
on this page to 'Search big database for more examples of まさかの〜'
searches the same WWJDIC example database. (contributor: dc)

Wouldn't example [#5843] be more succinctly translated as, 'If there is
anything unexpected, please call.'? It's not really necessary to include
the 'to this place' (or better - 'here'). (contributor: lonesoullost)

｢まさかの時｣を「何か在ったら」と同じ意味で把握しても良いですか。
(contributor: ppmohapatra)

--- View this entry online ---
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Sunday, April 5, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ ながらも (nagaramo) ]

ながらも (nagaramo) - even while, even though, as she was

--- Examples ---
少し悪いと思いながらも、彼は笑うのを抑えることはできなかった。
He could not refrain from smiling, though with a slight sense of guilt.

彼は、結婚するためにイランに帰るかもしれないと言いながらも、日本から帰った後の彼の計画は依然としてめどが立っていない。
Although he says he might return to Iran to marry, his plans after Japan
are up in the air.

彼は少ないながらも持ち合わせていた金を全部私にくれた。
He gave me what little money he had about him.

トムは元気を取り戻した。そして、やっぱり、大晦日にはびっこを引きながらもパーティーに参加できた。
Tom took heart and, sure enough, on New Year's Eve he was able to hobble
along to a party.

彼は少ないながらも彼の持ち物すべてを私にくれた。
Enough gold that have it even though there is little he were given to me.

彼女は女ながらも勇敢に戦った。
Woman as she was, she fought bravely.

彼女は少ないながらも持っていた全ての硬貨をそのものもらいに与えました。
She gave what few coins she has to the beggar.

彼女は不本意ながらもそうした。
She did it against her will.

幼いながらも、その子供は勇敢だった。
Child as he was , he was brave.

--- Comments ---
How did we end up with many duplicate examples?
(contributor: bamboo4)

I put in the same ones twice, oops. (contributor: dc)

ex #3777 'He gave me what little money he had on him.'

ex #3783 'Even though he didn't have much he gave me all that he had'
or'Even though he didn't have much he gave it all to me'

ex #3784 'Even though a woman she fought bravely' or 'Even though she was
only a woman she fought bravely'

ex #3787 'Even though he was only a child he was brave' or 'He was brave
even though only a child.'

These sound more natural to me. (contributor: Kanemiya)

[#3783] Please correct the English translation or remove this example.
Kanemiya's translation is good. Currently, I have no idea what the current
translation means. (contributor: seanohagan)

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Saturday, April 4, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ とはいえ (tohaie) ]

とはいえ (tohaie) - However (the truth is in fact different)

--- Notes ---
Same as といっても but:
といっても is for spoken clauses, and
とはいえ is for written clauses.

way of use: P1 とはいえ P2.
P1 is the sentence in question, P2 is the reason why.

--- Examples ---
春とはいえまだ風は冷たい。
This is Spring, however wind is still freezing.

春になったとはいえ朝晩はまだ寒い。
Spring has came, but mornings and evenings are still cold.

携帯用とはいえ５キロも６キロもある。
'for mobile use' but it weighs 5 kg or more.

便利とはいえパソコンは高いのでなかなか買えない。
'useful' computer but so expensive that I can't hardly buy it.

８０才の祖母は、この間階段で転んで足を痛め、歩くのが不自由になってしまった。とはいえ、全く歩けないということではないので、家事をするには問題ないとのことだ。
Recently, my 80 years old grand mother fall in the stairs and hurt herself
in the feet, so unfortunately she became disabled for walking. However,
even if she can't walk, she have no problem to do his housework.

仕事が山のようにあって、日曜日とはいえ、山社しなければならない。
Because I have a mountain of work, on Sunday however I must work hard.

昔に比べて体力が衰えたとはいえ、まだまだ若い者には負けない。
Compared with olden days, my physical strength is declining, however I
didn't loose against young people yet.

--- Comments ---
Delete this item! (contributor: bamboo4)

I agree 消してください (contributor: tigert)

I intended to give a second live to this entry. Is it OK now? (contributor:
赤毛)

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Friday, April 3, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ めく (meku) ]

めく (meku) - like / ish

--- Notes ---
means '-ish' or 'steeped in'. hard to translate!

これはうまくいくだろうと確信めいたものを感じていた。
I felt sure that this would work out.

--- Examples ---
社長の皮肉めいた言い方を、社員は不快に感じている
because of the President's sarcastic like way of speech, the employees felt
uncomfortable.

きらめく太陽に青い海、考えだけでも胸がときめくわ。
The glisten ing sun on the blue sea...Ahhh, just thinking about it makes my
heart beat fast.

俺たちは十年来の友人じゃないか、そんな他人めいた言い方をするなよ。
Hey, we've been friends for many years right? Don't use such a
strangerish/stranger- like style of speaking with me!

--- Comments ---
what does this mean? example:　
山は春めく
(contributor: dc)

This grammar is quite difficult because it is hard to translate into
English. The best translation I can come up with is

* to become ~like (山は春めく - 'The mountain became spring-like')
* to show signs of (show signs of spring)
* ~ish (他人めく - 'strangerish')？
* ~ly (冗談めく - Jokingly/皮肉めく - sarcastically)
* ~ing (謎めく - Puzzling) (contributor: blabby)

Another interesting thing about this grammar is its use with
擬音語/擬態語

きらきらする = きらめく To glitter
ひらひらする = ひらめく To flash/flutter
どきどきする? = ときめく To pulpitate

If anyone can correct this or has more information, I would love to hear
it. (contributor: blabby)

きらめく、ときめく　are totally different animals from
皮肉めいた、他人めいた。 (contributor: dc)

名詞や副詞、形容詞や形容動詞の語幹base＋めく means like
something or being in a condtion of something. (contributor: Miki)

I thought that きらめく/ときめく was different to
皮肉めく/他人めく too. But in my old grammar dictionary and here:
http://ws.31rsm.ne.jp/~toolware/dictionary/412.html
they are treated as the same grammar point. Can anyone clarify this?
(contributor: blabby)

Natsumeku/Natsumeita/Natsumeite
I think they all mean 'summer-like'. (contributor: Suitto)

That's just the transformation of natsumeku 夏めく. Yes, all means
'summer-like'
すっかり夏めいてまいりました。皆様いかがお過ごしでしょうか。
Natsumeku here is used as compliments of the season for June in a letter.
(contributor: Miki)

--- View this entry online ---
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Today's Economics

Volume 61
04/1/2009

In this issue

• Main Articles
• Free Services & Links
• Refer-A-Friend and Win
• Forward to a Friend
• Risk Disclosures

Main Articles

Mints Coin it as Consumers Scramble for Gold
Reuters | March 31, 2009 | View It
". . . even ETFs aren't good enough because you only have a piece of paper,"

Dollars and Gold
Mickey Fulp | March 30, 2009 | View It
"The monetization of debt is simply massive currency inflation"

Why Obama's Stimulus Package is Doomed
Antal Fekete | March 28, 2009 | View It
"Bernanke is risking something much worse than a Depression. He is literally risking the end of America"

What a Mess
David Chapman | March 27, 2009 | View It
"Taxes became so onerous . . . free men actually sold themselves into slavery to escape taxes."

U.S. Bailout, Stimulus totals $11.6 Trillion
Bloomberg | February 24, 2009 | View It
"U.S. government has pledged more than $11.6 trillion on behalf of American taxpayers"

Free Services & Links

• Metal Price Alerts by Email
• Request Free Information
• Request Gold IRA Information
• Subscribe to the Newsletter
• Prudent Bear

American Eagles at 1% Over Cost

www.hoiden.com

Copyright © Lear Capital, Inc.
1990 S. Bundy Drive, Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90025. (800)576-9355
If you wish to cancel your subscription to this newsletter click here

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ せんがため (sengatame) ]

せんがため (sengatame) - In order to do

--- Notes ---
Formal.
Written more than spoken.

にせんがため is equivalent to にするため

uses the nai form of verbs without nai.
In the case of suru, it is, as in the name of the entry, せんがため.

--- Examples ---
キリスト教義の正当性をより強固にせんがための伏線ととれないこともありません。
This must be a covert effort in order to further strengthen the veracity of
the Christian dogma

あの頃わたしは大学に進学せんがために毎日必死でがんばった。
At that time, in order to go on to university I frantically did my best
everyday.

研究を完成させんがため、彼は昼夜寝ずにがんばった。
In order to finish the project, he worked day and night without sleeping.

一日も早く自分の店を持たんがために、必死で働いている。
To keep one's store going even one more day, one is frantically working.

--- Comments ---
Appeared in 2002 JLPT level 1 (contributor: Amatuka)

Old style usage, not in much use in modern Japanese. (contributor: Amatuka)

That's a horrible, horrible translation ^^vv (contributor: Amatuka)

any ideas on detailed difference with youni? (contributor: dc)

Hmm, I think the two big differences are
1. You'll probably never have to use せんがため
and
2. ように isn't tested in JLPT level 1.
;-) (contributor: Amatuka)

So, no I don't have any idea of detailed differences to youni youni
(contributor: Amatuka)

The English translation is not only inaccurate but terrible: 'This must be
a covert effort to further strengthen the veracity of the Christian dogma'
would be more like it. (contributor: bamboo4)

translation updated! (contributor: dc)

あの頃わたしは大学に進学せんがために毎日必死でがんばった。
At that time, in order to go on to university I frantically did my best
everyday. (contributor: beth)

thanks for the ex Beth. added #5734 (contributor: dc)

Not a comment on the Japanese, but the English: it's not 'everyday' but
'every day.' CAC (contributor: kyoho16)

Can this be used with other verbs, such as 入る？ My grammar book uses
this example:
何かを勉強したいというより、ただ一流大学に入らんがために勉強している人が多い。
If this is the same pattern, can someone update this entry? (contributor:
tmkain)

Is this the -nai form? It seems to me that it's really based on a
classical form, with the mizenkei of the verb, followed by volitional
particle 'mu' (with a not-uncommon sound change to 'n'). That's probably
a lot for a beginner with no classical experience to deal with, though.
(contributor: ggencare)

--- View this entry online ---
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Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ にもまして (nimomashite) ]

にもまして (nimomashite) - above everything; more than before

--- Examples ---
トムはいまや以前にもまして勤勉に働いている。
Tom works more diligently now.

何ものにもまして私は健康になりたい。
Above all, I want to be healthy.

彼は以前にもまして勉強しようと決めたのです。
He decided to study harder.

彼は何物にもまして名誉を重んじる。
He values honor above anything else.

その花は色が美しいのにもまして、香りが素晴らしい。
This flowers color is beautiful. However, the scent is even more
beautiful.

--- Comments ---
how is this different from　より？ (contributor: dc)

にも+まして（増して）is similar to より here.
I feel　にもまして is more emphasized than より in telling the
difference. (contributor: Miki)

is this a written only word? (contributor: dc)

「AにもましてBは〜だ」
= A is 〜 but B is even more 〜.
= Aも〜だが、さらにBの方が上だ。 (contributor: blabby)

Is this almost like TORIWAKE ?? (contributor: naimononedari)

--- View this entry online ---
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ とする (tosuru) ]

とする (tosuru) - assume, regard X as ~ , suppose

--- Examples ---
日本へ行くとすれば
If we assume that we go to japan

温度は一定であるとする。
We assume that temperature is constant.

あなたが立派な世界市民になろうとするなら、偏見は持たないように努力すべきである。
If you are to be a good world citizen, you should try to be free of any
prejudices.

私たちはみな、人生において成功を
収めようとするが、成功するのは、きわめて
数少ない人たちである。
We all try hard to make the grade in life, but only a few succeed.

進んで学ぼうとする気の無い物には教える甲斐がない。
One who is not willing to learn is not worth teaching.

歩こうとするとここがズキンとします。
When I try to walk, I get an awful pain here.

労働者たちにはもっと働こうとする刺激がなにもない。
The workers have no incentive to work harder.

--- Comments ---
温度は一定であるとする。is more natural. (contributor: Miki)

OK, done. (contributor: Amatuka)

仮定する (katei suru) I think also means 'to assume' (contributor: dc)

ひょっとする = perhaps (contributor: dc)

about ex #4191:
i tought that the form [-ou to suru] meant 'to be in a process of' or 'try
to do'. (contributor: NutritiveSoul)

what about ~ta to suru?? (contributor: Hakeem)

hakeem - can you give an example please? (contributor: dc)

perhaps you mean [youni-suru]

maybe [ou-tosuru] would be 'if you try..' which we have also as
(contributor: dc)

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Monday, March 30, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ 兼ねて (kanete) ]

兼ねて (kanete) - combine with

--- Notes ---
Noun + を + 兼ねて
Noun + を + 兼ねる

--- Examples ---
大阪の仕事を兼ねて京都見物に行く
In going to Osaka on business, I'll combine it with a sightseeing visit to
Kyoto.

総理大臣（首相）と外務大臣（外相）とを兼ねる。
Hold the office of Prime Minister concurrently with the portfolio of
Foreign Minister.

私は勉強と遊びを兼ねている仕事につきたい。
I want to get a job that mixes work and play.

作文の練習を兼ねて、日本のペンフレンドと文通をしています。まあ、一挙両得というわけです。
Combined with writing practice, I am corresponding with my Japanese pen
friend. I guess I am killing two birds with one stone.

趣味と実益を兼ねて日本語の勉強をしたが、いつの間にか、通訳が本業になってしまった。
Along with personal interest and practical reasons, I studied Japanese.
Before I knew it, translation became my main source of income.

--- Comments ---
Thank you for putting this page up.
(contributor: bamboo4)

Does anyone know if it is possible to use this in a form other than
Noun+を+兼ねて? (contributor: blabby)

I thought of examles other than Noun nor noun phrase, nothing comes up.
noun phrase eg. 頭を冷やすのを兼ねて公園に散歩に行く
(contributor: Miki)

Thanks for your help Miki, I'll add it to the notes section. (contributor:
blabby)

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Sunday, March 29, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ ことにする (kotonisuru) ]

ことにする (kotonisuru) - Decide to do something

--- Notes ---
formation: 辞書形　＋　ことにする

例）
アパートは狭いから、引越しすることにしました。
I decided to move because the apartment is too small.

漢字に興味があるので、日本学を勉強することにしました。
I decided to study japanese studies because I am interested in Kanji.

Format: Verb(plain, nonpastform) + ことにしている
Meaning: A habit or routine activity
Example:

毎朝、うんどうをしている。
I exercise every morning (routine)

--- Examples ---
最近ちょっと太ったから毎日ハンバーガーを食べないことにしました。
I gained a little weight recently so I've decided not to eat hamburgers
every day.

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Saturday, March 28, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ はかどる (hakadoru) ]

はかどる (hakadoru) - Make progress

--- Examples ---
仕事がはかどってるようですね
Looks like you are making progress in your work.

どの程度はかどっているのですか？
How much progress are you making?

あの人は学校の勉強のほうははかどっているのですか。
How is getting along with his school work?

仕事は非常にはかどっている。
The work is marching right along.

--- Comments ---
はか means the results from one's efforts - see はかない.はかどる
therefore takes the results of your efforts in making progress.
(contributor: bamboo4)

I wonder if this is really JLPT level 3? (contributor: dc)

this is an interesting phrase, but is this a grammar construct, or
vocabulary I wonder? (contributor: anon)

Maybe as bamboo4 said before that haka is the result from one's effort,
then haka+toru (take the result) becomes hakadoru which resulted to the
meaning 'making progress'... (contributor: Ethanol)

I am not sure about the connection b/n はかどる/はかない.
捗る(はかどる)-JPLT1 vocab (Kanji) / 儚い(はかない) - JPLT1
vocab (no kanji). It seems this may simply be Lev.1 vocab rather than
grammar? (contributor: samboki)

good word but it's vocab. The meaning of surrounding word constructs do not
change based on it. (contributor: Bakurosareta)

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Friday, March 27, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ 〜が最後 (〜gasaigo) ]

〜が最後 (〜gasaigo) - Once someone starts something, the person
can't stop it.

--- Notes ---
see http://www.geocities.com/easykanji/jlptgrammar.html

Once someone starts something, the person can't stop it.

Notes: Easily confused with ~kiri, but the meanings are completely
different and ga saigo doesn't mean 'for the last time'. Always used
with past tense verbs.

--- Examples ---
食べ出したが最後、おいしくて止められなかった
It was so delicious that once I started eating, I couldn't stop.

見つかったが最後、真珠は取上げられてしまいますぞ。
Whoever finds us will take the pearl.

入った
が最後、二度と出てこられなくなるトイレ
Such a restroom that once you enter in it, you wont ever want to come out.
(Ex:http://vgzh.dtdns.net/mt/images/rotorooter.jpg)

あいつはマイクを握ったが最後、離そうとしないカラオケ狂だ。
He is such karaoke fan that if only he gets his hands on the mike he
wouldn't drop it all night.

--- Comments ---
There are cases where this is similar to 一旦〜 (Once you 〜)
(contributor: blabby)

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Thursday, March 26, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ かろうじて (karoujite) ]

かろうじて (karoujite) - barely

--- Examples ---
走って行ったらかろうじて2時の電車に間に合いました
I ran and barely made the 2 O'Clock train

かろうじて落第せずにすんだ
I just barely managed to avoid dropping out of class

かろうじて付き合っている
They are just barely still together

１１時までにかろうじてなんとかその手紙を書いた。
I barely managed to finish the letter by eleven o'clock.

かろうじて間に合いましたね。
You are only just in time.

かろうじて事故に遭わずにすんだ。
I escaped the accident by the skin of my teeth.

かろうじて車に当てられずにすんだ。
I narrowly escaped being hit by a car.

かろうじて列車に間に合った。
I barely managed to catch the train.

--- Comments ---
By the look of the examples, this is spoken grammar? (contributor: blabby)

Kaens, I think you mistake 辛 for 幸. 幸 is used in 幸福、幸運 etc.
かろうじて is written as 辛うじて. (contributor: Miki)

blabby, this is the grammar for both spoken and written language (of
course).
Miki, true, I did mistake that ^^; So, the meaning would be 'bitter,
painful, bad' - the opposite to my first comment, so I'm removing that one.
Ugh. (contributor: Kaens)

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Today's Economics

Volume 60
03/25/2009

In this issue

• Main Articles
• Free Services & Links
• Refer-A-Friend and Win
• Forward to a Friend
• Risk Disclosures

Main Articles

Gold to Hit New Highs in 2009: CEO Survey Says
MineWeb | March 23, 2009 | View It
"A survey of Gold producers provides consensus view that gold will be trading in $1100 - $1500 range by year end."

Richard Russell the Gold Bull
Richard Russell | March 22, 2009 | View It
"The gold bull market will roar when least expected, after it's worn out many of its followers."

The Party is Over, Let the Hangover Begin
Peter Souleles | March 21, 2009 | View It
"What is virtually certain however, is that "things will get worse before they get worse"

Gold Buying Opportunity of a Lifetime
Darryl Rober Schoon | March 18, 2009 | View It
"We are broke, literally and figuratively and the "we" is inclusive."

50 Year Returns Higher for Gold Than Dow
Adam Brochert | March 18, 2009 | View It
"It is not too late to buy physical gold and ride the gold bull, as the most spectacular gains lie ahead"

Free Services & Links

• Metal Price Alerts by Email
• Request Free Information
• Request Gold IRA Information
• Subscribe to the Newsletter
• Prudent Bear

American Eagles at 1% Over Cost

www.hoiden.com

Copyright © Lear Capital, Inc.
1990 S. Bundy Drive, Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90025. (800)576-9355
If you wish to cancel your subscription to this newsletter click here

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ ひとり〜だけ��なく (hitori-dakedenaku) ]

ひとり〜だけでなく (hitori-dakedenaku) -

--- Notes ---
普通、「ひとりＡだけでなくＢも」の形で用いられ、「ただＡだけでなくＢも」の意味。Ａ、Ｂには対象的、並立的あるいは類似の内容がくる。

--- Examples ---
最近のロンドン爆破テロは、ひとりイギリスだけではなく世界の問題です。
The recent terrorism in London is not simply England's problem, it involves
the whole world.

いじめや不登校問題は、ひとり教育の現場だけでなく大きな社会問題となっております。
Bullying and non-attendance is not only becoming in the field of
education but also a major social problem.

義務兵役制度は
ひとり台湾、ドイツだけでなくデンマーク、オーストリアなど全世界20カ
国で長い歴史を持っています。
Compulsory military services have a long history and are being implemented
not only in Taiwan and Germany, but in 20 countries around the world
including Denmark and Austria.

--- Comments ---
A good translation could be 'Not simply', 'Not just' or 'Not merely'. What
do you all think?

This grammar is equal to ひとり〜のみならず. (contributor: blabby)

ただ単に (contributor: Miki)

does 不登校's school refusal mean skipping school? aka playing hookey?
(contributor: purple gloomy)

Yes, in one way. 不登校 also means someone refuses to go to shool due to
psychological reason. (contributor: Miki)

It seems like 'not the only'. Maybe 'not just' is best? Can it be used in
the context of 'not the only factor/reason'? (contributor: Reality Bytes)

'Bullying and school refusal becam not only in the field of education but
also major social problem.' -- This is not a good translation.

I suggest the following:

'Things like bullying and truancy are not only problems of the field of
education; they have become major social problems.' (contributor: thekaje)

I think truancy is a better translation for 不登校. skipping school has
its own word サボする｡　IE　To sabatoge yourself, by skipping
class. (contributor: tigert)

A little off the grammar topic, delving into questions of vocab..... but
while truancy and skipping are good suggestions, they don't quite cover it.
As the example suggests this is a 'special phenomenon' in Japan that is
considered to be becoming a real social problem (aren't they special?). It
refers to a situation where a student refuses to attend school at all - As
in, they lock themselves in their room and never go out. It is not a
singular event, but an ongoing and open-ended one. Dropping out/drop outs
would probably be the most appropriate translation. (contributor: samboki)

I've edited the translation and gone for 'non-attendance'. This term seems
to be used a lot, at least here in the UK, when describing the problems of
children who are 'serial truants' and essentially refusing to go at all,
rather than simply skipping school for a day here and there (it's in the
news a lot since it became law that the parents can be prosecuted and even
sent to prison for failing to ensure their child attends school).
'Drop-out' to me suggests someone who is no longer enroled at the school as
a result of non-attendance, which is perhaps a little different (?)
If anyone disagrees, feel free to edit! (contributor: mochabean)

This might also work as a translation:

not 〜 alone = ひとり〜だけでなく

not (a problem in England) alone
not (an issue in the field of education) alone
not (in Taiwan and Germany) alone (contributor: seanohagan)

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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ こととて (kototote) ]

こととて (kototote) - because/since - explains the cause or gives a
reason for

--- Notes ---
Not normally used in speech. A more formal, written word for letters and
whatnot. Explains the reason for something with the sense that it is
precisely because of (person,thing) that( ).
昼間はにぎやかなこの道も、早朝のこととてあたりに犬一匹いなかった。
Because it was early in the morning, there wasn't even a dog around this
street that is so lively during the day.
〜のことだから、〜のことなので　

--- Examples ---
何も知らぬこととて、間違いをしてしまいました。
Since I did not knew anything, I ended up making mistake.

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Monday, March 23, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ かのごとく (kanogotoku) ]

かのごとく (kanogotoku) - as if

--- Notes ---
〜かのごとく：　〜かのように + 形容詞・動詞

--- Examples ---
あたかも永遠を傷つけることがないかのごとく暇をつぶしているが・・・。
As if you could kill time without injuring eternity.

誰も見ていないかのごとく自由に踊りましょう
Dance freely as if nobody was watching.

その森の中は、何万年も前に戻ったかのごとく神秘的だった
Within this forest, it was so mysterious as if one had even gone some ten
thousands years back in time

--- Comments ---
Appeared in JLPT 1 for 2002 (contributor: Amatuka)

Seems may be used mostly in poetic / lyric sense. (contributor: Amatuka)

Actually, this entry is under ごとく since the 〜かの before it can
be seen as a noun phrase, 何万年も前に戻ったか(noun phrase)
＋　の＋　ごとく (contributor: 誠)

Actually, it sounds similar with 〜かのような, only thing is now
since the following phrase is either an Adjective or Verb, it becomes
〜かのように. And also, ごとく is a classical word. (contributor:
誠)

I agree. The かの of 〜かのよう（に） might need special
explanation for those at a lower level who aren't familiar with these
constructions, but once you've reached level 1 and presumably long-since
mastered 〜よう（に） and 〜かのよう（に） I wouldn't have
thought this required any further mention once the entry for ごとく had
been read; certainly not a seperate entry. (contributor: mochabean)

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Sunday, March 22, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ いかにも (ikanimo) ]

いかにも (ikanimo) - seems (but is not); indeed

--- Notes ---
Description + いかにも + evidence to the contrary = seems (but isn't)
Desciption + いかにも = indeed

--- Examples ---
あのかばんはいかにも重そうだが、中身はからで、１キロしかない。
The bag indeed looks heavy, but there's nothing inside, so it only weighs 1
kilo.

あの人は見かけはいかにもこわそうだが、本当はとても優しい人です。
That guy has a really frightening look, but he is in fact a very gentle
person.

いかにもあいつの言いそうなことだ。
That indeed sounds like what he would have said.

あのスーツはいかにも高そうだ。
That suit has an expensive look.

いかにもビルのやりそうなことだ。
That's Bill all over.

いかにもリゾートって感じの格好ね。
Your clothes say 'vacation resort' to me.

こんなおふざけはいかにもベーカー氏らしい。
Such playfulness is characteristic of Mr Baker.

こんな格好をしているといかにもスポーツをしてそうに見えるけど、全然やってないんだよ。
I look for all the world like an athlete in this outfit, but the truth is I
don't do any sports at all.

そうしたしゃべりかたはいかにも彼らしい。
That way of talking is typical of him.

そうした話し方はいかにも彼らしい。
That way of talking is typical of him.

そのような行いはいかにもメグらしい。
Such behavior is just like Meg.

そんな発言はいかにも彼らしい。
Such words are particular to him.

事象として簡単なことを、いかにも難しそうに表現する人は、あまり頭がよさそうではない。
A person who makes an easy matter sound difficult does not seem to be so
smart.

遅刻するなんていかにも彼らしいと思う。
I firmly believe it is characteristic of him to be late.

遅れてやってくるのは、いかにも彼のやりそうなことだった。
It was typical of him to arrive late.

朝食前に出勤するなんていかにも彼らしい。
It is characteristic of him to go to work before breakfast.

彼はいかにも「営業」って感じだね。
He's a salesman's salesman.

彼はいかにも私の親友らしく見せかけた。
He posed as my close friend.

彼女の口振りはいかにもそらぞらしい。
She talks too aloofly.

--- Comments ---
ex#2993 とても親切な人でした。not でた。
you can also say,
見るからに重さそうだが、見るからに恐そうだが、.
(contributor: Miki)

In #2993, if you want to say 親切な, you have to say 'kind,' but if you
say 優しい then you can say 'gentle.' YOu can be 親切 but do not
necessarily be 優しい and vice versa.
(contributor: bamboo4)

JDict gives both kind and gentle as meanings for both - can you clarify?

親切な　【しんせつ】kind
優しい　【やさしい】gentle (contributor: dc)

It is true that 親切な and 優しい are often mixed up. However,
technically speaking 親切 is what is represented by the act of Good
Samaritan in the Bible, meaning going out of one's way to help, but this
does not necessrily mean he is 優しい, which means that he is gentle of
disposition and sweet-tempered. A sweet-tempered person could often be a
kind person at the same time, but that is not the necessary condition.
(contributor: bamboo4)

Edited #2993. (contributor: bamboo4)

I added in a note that clarified a bit of confusion for me. After I wrote
it, it seemed a bit obvious, but I suppose that's how learning goes. I hope
it's useful for others, and the kind of note that's desired. (contributor:
Ebisu Dave)

ex #3968 ' With this appearance/outfit, I indeed look like doing sports,
but the truth is I don't do any sports at all. ' Sounds better.
(contributor: 誠)

The note says Description + いかにも but all the examples appear to be
いかにも + Description. Should we change that? (contributor: yookoso)

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Saturday, March 21, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ せめて (semete) ]

せめて (semete) - at least, at most a small thing

--- Examples ---
せめてなべでもあれば、ご飯が炊けるんですが
If we at least had a pot, we could cook rice

せめてつまらないものですが、、
at most an uninteresting thing, but ...

せめて両親には分かって貰いたいんですが
At least I want to be understood by my parents

じゃ、せめてテーブルの準備でもしましょう。
At least let me help with the table.

せめて後十分待ってくれませんか。
Can't you wait just ten more minutes?

せめて謝ってくれてもいいのに。
He might at least apologize.

せめて日常会話ができるくらいになりたい。
At the very least, I'd like to be able to have everyday conversations.

せめて病気のときぐらいは、お酒を飲まないぐらいの分別は持つべきだ。
You should have enough sense not to drink, at least during your illness.

せめてもう一日あれば
Had we at least one more day!

せめてもう一度だけ、笑顔を見せて。
At least show me your smiling face just one last time.

--- Comments ---
I don't like the second example. せめて is not used that way.
(contributor: bamboo4)

would you use seizei instead?
せいぜい、つまらないものですが、、 (contributor: dc)

せいぜい also does not cut it. If you really want to use it in the
context of the second example, it would be like
せめてもと持参したつまらないものですが(it's an
uninteresting thing that I at least brought,' but that's really stretching
it. (contributor: bamboo4)

You can say せめてのもの instead of せめて. せめてのもの is
stronger than せめて. (contributor: Miki)

ex1174 J is weird for me. Did you mean
ほんのつまらないものですが　? (contributor: Miki)

攻めて and 責めて are the only two kanji that come up for this word.
責めて means to criticize, condemn or blame. Maybe せめて means (at
it's core) 'Even if you closely examine this situation, x should be
expected.' I don't know if this is true or not, but it's a thought.
(contributor: LittleFish)

攻めて and 責めて are not equivalent of せめて, but せめて did
derive from 責む in 連用形 form with connective て. In archaic use,
there were several other meanings associated with せめて, but what we
now have is 'although not sufficient, at least this much if the situation
compels.' (contributor: bamboo4)

I agree with Miki-san re ex1174. As he says, it shoud be
ほんのつまらないものですが and therefore does not belong to
this thread.
　 (contributor: bamboo4)

Beg pardon but what is the difference between せめて and
つくなくても ? (contributor: nadine)

This isn't JLPT 1. My guess is level 3 or 2 but I don't know for sure
which. On another note, does anyone besides me always get せめて and
せいぜい confused? If so, does anyone have a good memory technique?
(contributor: yookoso)

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Friday, March 20, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ 今から思えば (imakaraomoeba) ]

今から思えば (imakaraomoeba) - Looking back on it now

--- Examples ---
今から思えばあの時に会社を辞めたことは間違いではなかった。
Looking back on it now, quitting the company was the right thing to do.

今から思えば両親に言われた通りにしておけば良かった。
Looking back on it now I wish i had done things the way my parents told
me.

今から思えばまだ両親に手伝うことをしなかった。
Looking back on it now I haven't done anything to help my parents.

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Today's Economics

Volume 59
03/18/2009

In this issue

• Main Articles
• Free Services & Links
• Refer-A-Friend and Win
• Forward to a Friend
• Risk Disclosures

Main Articles

Watch Out For Commodities and Emerging Markets
CommodityOnLine | March 16, 2009 | View It
"government is promising to spend $3 trillion, inflation will take hold eventually. We like gold in that scenario."

Gold and U.S. Dollar Trends Set to Diverge
Market Oracle | March 16, 2009 | View It
"the momentum for gold is still quite positive while that for the US $ is most definitely weakening."

Saudi Arabia: Oil Should Be $60 - $75 a Barrel
Associated Press | March 16, 2009 | View It
"If we want all hydrocarbon resources developed worldwide, 40 dollars is not enough"

A Trillion Here a Trillion There
Mineweb | March 9, 2009 | View It
"We are spending more money than we have ever spent before, and it does not work."

Now or Never: Face the Gold Cliff and Buy
Stewart Thompson | March 12, 2009 | View It
"When you look down at gold $1800, that's 1800 "feet" of cliff."

Free Services & Links

• Metal Price Alerts by Email
• Request Free Information
• Request Gold IRA Information
• Subscribe to the Newsletter
• Prudent Bear

American Eagles at 1% Over Cost

www.hoiden.com

Copyright © Lear Capital, Inc.
1990 S. Bundy Drive, Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90025. (800)576-9355
If you wish to cancel your subscription to this newsletter click here

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ とにかく (tonikaku) ]

とにかく (tonikaku) - in any case, anyway

--- Notes ---
often comes at the beginning of a sentence

see all these examples at ALC

--- Examples ---
それはとにかくとして、この問題はどうするの。
Leaving that aside, how do you intend to deal with this problem?

とにかく私に言えるのは
Anyway, all I can say is...

とにかく頼むからちょっと聞いてよ
Anyway I'm asking you to just listen for a minute

とにかくやってみないことには
Anyway, we won't know unless we try.

とにかく、きみは上京すべきだ。
In any case you should come up to Tokyo.

とにかく、君の知ったことじゃない。
In any case, it's no business of yours.

とにかく、君はそこに行った方がいい。
At any rate, you had better go there.

とにかく、言いづらい事を打ち明けてくれて嬉しいよ。
Anyway, I'm glad you were able to broach this difficult subject.

とにかく、私はあなたの意見には反対だ。
I am against your opinion in any case.

--- Comments ---
とにかく can be replaced by tomokaku　ともかく. (contributor:
Miki)

I would like to know more about the etymology of this expression. Does it
have anything to do with the Shogi game where two pieces are named 'to' and
'kaku'? (contributor: Nizar)

why is it every time when i clikc on the title the msg below will show.
Return to beginning of the Text Translation function. Unable to map
glossdic.xjdx!
(contributor: snoopycheng)

Nizar, tonikaku is not to do with 'to' and 'kaku' of Shogi game.
とにかく is used in hiragana by edo period. と of とにかく meant
そのように、かく meant このように。　Tonikaku is sometimes
write as 兎に角 but this is phonetic equivalent. This is considered to
come from Buddhism word 「兎角亀毛」. Rabbit doesn't have horns and
turtle doesn't have hairs, which was used when you talked about something
doesn't exist. So this has no relevance to current とにかく in meaning.
BTW, in shogi, 「と金」 which is another side of 「歩（ふ）」 is
called と because the simplified form of 金 looks like
と。　角（かく）　is also called 角行（かくぎょう）.
(contributor: Miki)

I have heard this word used in a lot of contexts where it couldn't mean
anyway, in any case. I asked some friends who had some difficulty
explaining it, but one seemed to say that it also has the meanings:
'quickly', 'with all haste' and maybe also 'naturally'. I also heard it
implies that some information given is generally known by everyone. Any
native speakers care to comment? (contributor: yookoso)

You have it wrong. とにかく急ごう means 'leaving all that aside,
let's hurry.' Thus, とにかく does not have a meaning of 'quickly' or
'naturally.'

Re Miki-san's comment, 角行 is pronounced かくこう.
(contributor: bamboo4)

角行 can be pronounced かっこう, かくこう and かくぎょう.
(contributor: nasu)

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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ 依頼 (irai) ]

依頼 (irai) - Request or commission

--- Notes ---
The example has little to do with 依頼 word :-) It is actually the
'contents' of a certain request.

Here's another example:
弁護士に依頼する
Hire a lawyer / Ask a lawyer to represent one.

--- Examples ---
引き続き、ご指導、ご鞭撻の程をどうぞ宜しくお願いもうし上げます。
I am counting on your continued support and guidance.

--- Comments ---
To tell you the truth, I was expecting this entry to be about 以来,
really. Is this entry even really grammar-related? (contributor: Cone)

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ 〜ともなく (tomonaku) ]

〜ともなく (tomonaku) - Without really planning to, ~

--- Notes ---
「〜と(も)なく／〜と(も)なしに」は疑問詞（疑問詞＋助詞）につくときは、「＜いつ・どこで・誰が・何を＞かよくわからないが、〜」という不確かさを表します。また、感覚・知覚・思惟などを表す動詞を反復し、「見るともなく見る／聞くともなく聞く」のように「〜しようというつもりはなく、ただ、なんとなく〜する」という無意識で行われた動作を表します。日本語の不作為・無意識の行為を表す代表がこの「〜ともなく／〜ともなしに」だと言えるでしょう。

When 「〜と(も)なく／〜と(も)なしに」is attached to a
question word (or question word and particle), it expresses uncertainty
(about when, where, who, what). Alternatively, when used on either end of
verbs expressing sensation, perception or speculation, as
in「見るともなく見る／聞くともなく聞く」, it indicates
that the action happens unintentionally or without conscious effort. This
model can be said to be representative of Japanese phrases expressing
involuntary/unconscious actions.

)「…となく…となく」の形で慣用的に用いる。
「夜≠ﾈく昼≠ﾈく」

--- Examples ---
ゴロゴロしながら見るともなく外を見ると、アンパンマンがいました！
Without really planning, I looked ouside and saw anpanman!

どこからともなく
Out of thin air...

待つこともなく彼女が現れた。
I had not waited long before she turned up.

彼女はどこからともなくひょっこりやってきた。
She came up from goodness knows where.

見るともなくぼんやり外を見ていたら、不意に大きなカラスが飛んできた。
I was gazing absentmindedly out of the window, when suddenly a large crow
flew towards me.

--- Comments ---
You can also say 〜ともなしに (contributor: blabby)

I think example #5181 is different grammar. 待つこと、もなく、〜
(contributor: blabby)

Correct! ex #5181 does not belong here. (contributor: bamboo4)

#5986 could be translated as:

I just happened to glance outside, when suddenly a large crow flew towards
me. (contributor: montydrei)

見るともなくぼんやり外を見ていたら can be translated as 'I
was looking outside absent-mindedly without really seeing anything.....'
(contributor: bamboo4)

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Monday, March 16, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ 〜べく (beku) ]

〜べく (beku) - For the purpose of; To ____, In order to

--- Notes ---
'Beku' is the same as '~ngatame' but they differ grammatically.
'Beku' comes after the dictionary form of a verb, whereas
'~ngatame' follows the '~tai' form of a verb. Written.

see http://www.geocities.com/easykanji/jlptgrammar.html

(Goal/End result) + beku + (Current Action)

--- Examples ---
エンジニアになる
べく一生懸命勉強した
I studied hard in order to become an engineer.

このお支払いの問題が解決できるよう、ご指摘の件を改善すべく努力いたします。
We will try to correct it in order to straighten out our finances.

彼らは男を逮捕すべく追いかけた。
They chased the man to arrest him.

--- Comments ---
Shall I delete ex# 3915 and ex#3916? Their べく are different from the
entry. (contributor: Miki)

yes, they should go under
in edit example, change the last field 'category' and that will move them
over... (contributor: anon)

how does this differ from ために？ (contributor: infinite_trial)

I've read that they are more or less inerchangable but ために is used
more for something you want to do - personal will (個人の意思)
However べく is used more for some assumed responsibility
(当然の義務). Can anyone help us out and explain this better?
べく is also mainly used in written Japanese. (contributor: blabby)

べく is 連用形 of べし. It could oerate as an imperative or as firm
presumption, indication of probability or expression of a plan.
Imperative = 全員参加すべく
Presumption = 後日登城の御裁可あるべく候(archaic)
Indication = 期待にこたえるべく努力する
Plan = 犯人を逮捕すべく

This expression is basically archaic, but it is still used in conversation
in such set phrases as 成るべくして成った or
勝つべくして勝った.
(contributor: bamboo4)

I came across this in a JLPT 1 problem collection. Note the unusual use of
the ~ます form - 励ますべく appears to be a special case of some
kind.

試合に負けて落ち込んでいる友達をはげますべく、酒を飲みに誘った。
(contributor: Paul)

励ます(はげます) is the dictionary form of
励まします(はげまします)
It is not a special case but sometimes easy to be confused with a
ます形 verb. (contributor: blabby)

D'oh! (contributor: Paul)

'べく'
This sounds very formal, so it fits #3914 only.

#3310
I would say 'エンジニアになれるように・・・。'

#3917
I would say '彼らは男を逮捕しようと追いかけた。'
(contributor: Nick)

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Sunday, March 15, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ それっきり (Sorekkiri) ]

それっきり (Sorekkiri) - Since, since then

--- Notes ---
それきり is the same as それっきり。

--- Examples ---
僕はそれっきりスパイクと会っていない
Since then, I haven't seen Spike.

店はたたれたまま、それっきりだった。
The store closed down for good.

去年１１月プネに移りました。それっきり先生と連絡しなかったです。
I shiefted to pune in november last year. After that I have not
communicated with my teacher.

--- Comments ---
ex #5042の英訳はちょっと違う気がしている。
The shop remained as it was since when it was
established.のようなやくするとどうですかと思う。
(contributor: ppmohapatra)

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Saturday, March 14, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ それっきり (Sorekkiri) ]

それっきり (Sorekkiri) - Since, since then

--- Notes ---
それきり is the same as それっきり。

--- Examples ---
僕はそれっきりスパイクと会っていない
Since then, I haven't seen Spike.

店はたたれたまま、それっきりだった。
The store closed down for good.

去年１１月プネに移りました。それっきり先生と連絡しなかったです。
I shiefted to pune in november last year. After that I have not
communicated with my teacher.

--- View this entry online ---
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Friday, March 13, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ としたら、と��れば、とすると (toshitara, tosureba, tosuruto) ]

としたら、とすれば、とすると (toshitara, tosureba, tosuruto)
- if one did; if one were to

--- Notes ---
FORMATION:
Ｖ(plain form) + としたら・とすれば・とすると
いＡ + としたら・とすれば・とすると
なＡ・Ｎ + だ + としたら・とすれば・とすると

--- Examples ---
温泉に行くとしたらどこがいいでしょうね。
if we were to go to onsen, where would you suggest?

この質問を答えるとしたら何が貰いますか。
If I answer this question , what will I receive?

生まれ変われるとしたら、男がいい？女がいい？
If you were born again, would you be a man or a woman?

君が僕の立場としたら、この場合どうする？
If you were in my place, what would you do in this situation?

このまま不況から抜け出せないとすれば、日本の将来に希望はない。
At this rate, if we don't pull out of this recession, there will be no hope
for Japan's future.

--- Comments ---
'温泉に行った'らはどうですかな?
(contributor: Snake)

温泉に行ったらどこがいいでしょうね。hmm not natural.
温泉に行くならば can be replaced.
温泉と言ったら、どこがいいでしょうかね。means quite
similar.
When it comes to Onsen, where would be good. かな？？ (contributor:
Miki)

The example of zero is most natural. Otehr suggestions are not as
good.温泉に行ったらどこがいいでしょうね is simply
unacceptable.'When it comes to Onsen, where would you suggest?' would sound
natural in English. (contributor: bamboo4)

Not as good? You shouldn't say so as we use them except
温泉に行ったら even if you use only what you call the most natural
one. 心外なご意見です。（・＿・） (contributor: Miki)

Sorry, I did not realize that 'other examples' included
温泉に行くならば and 温泉と言ったら. Both of them, of
course, are acceptable even though I would vote for 温泉といえば.
(contributor: bamboo4)

##5234 Japanese is not natural.
この質問に答えるとしたら、　何をもらうのですか？
この質問に答えたら、　　　　　何が貰えますか？
(contributor: Miki)

Is this actually how to use a subjunctive mood in Japanese? I wasn't sure
if such thing existed. For example, 'If I had been born rich, my life would
be better.' or 'If I were President, I would feed the hungry.' -- Both
meaning 'X is not true, but if it were, then I think Y would happen.' The
emphasis is on the requirement that 'X is not true.' Does this nuance come
through in the Japanese? (contributor: adamstudio)

金持ちに生まれていたら生活がもっと豊かだったろうに
or
大統領であるとしたら、飢えた人々を救済したであろうに
- both of these examples satisfy the supposition ' that X is not true' but
if it were, then Y would have happened. (contributor: bamboo4)

I think of this as more of an 'assuming that...' or 'if we assume...'
construct. It's basically saying, this might not be correct (or might not
happen), but what if it is (or does)?

For example:
本当だとしたら、どうするの？
Assuming it's true, what do we do then? (contributor: KWhazit)

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Grammar a Day - Level 1 [ 〜であれ (deare) ]

〜であれ (deare) - No matter what; Even if; No matter how

--- Notes ---
Same meaning as 'Tatoe~temo'. Written. Formal.

see http://www.geocities.com/easykanji/jlptgrammar.html

＊〜であれ〜であれ（二語の組み合わせ）も同じ意味である。例えば：糖尿病（ダイアベティス）があって、菓子であれ果物であれ、甘いものは一切口にしない。

--- Examples ---
社長
であれ規則はまもらないといけない。
Even the company president has to obey the rules.

投票は海外に住んでいる人
であれするべきだ。
Voting is something that you have to do, even if you live abroad.

あなたの職業がなんであれ、また、その職業にどんなに満足していても、何かほかの仕事を選べばよかったと思うときがあるものだ。

No matter what your profession, or how happy you may be in it, there are
moments when you wish you had chosen some other career.

たとえ天候がどうであれ、私は行きます。
I will go, be the weather what it may.

ドアの所にいる人が誰であれ、待つように言ってください。
Whoever is at the door, please ask him to wait.

--- Comments ---
Please, think to the people who have a hardtime understandin japanes
writing and put the example also in romanji. Thank you. (contributor:
futaro)

I am not able to read kanjis... (contributor: uetaki)

This example is JLPT level 1. It is formal and WRITTEN grammar.

Just click on the example and you will get a tranlastion into hiragana from
the Edict dictionary.

If you can't read hiragana, you will find studying advanced written grammar
a little hard... (contributor: blabby)

Is this just like a formal version of　「だって」、As
in,　アメリカ人だってご飯を食べますよ。

Hmm actually that's not right, is it. I guess it's more like でも or
であっても, yeah? (contributor: rogen)

From what I have studied so far であれ has a similar meaning to
であっても　and　でも (contributor: evdsluys)

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Today's Economics

Volume 58
03/11/2009

In this issue

• Main Articles
• Free Services & Links
• Refer-A-Friend and Win
• Forward to a Friend
• Risk Disclosures

Main Articles

The Goldsmiths - Part XXXXVII
R. D. Bradshaw | March 11, 2009 | View It
"Once this happens, "the US dollar will cease to be the reserve currency . . ."

Fund Managers Cautiously Bullish on Gold
Reuters | March 10, 2009 | View It
"Whenever you have negative interest rates . . . and you have continuous deficit spending, gold becomes an attractive asset class"

Gold is Ready To Go Very High Very Fast
Hubert Moolman | March 9, 2009 | View It
"we are in the final phase which should take us to about US $ 1 300 and eventually to about US $ 1 700 in a very short time."

Gold Bullish, Silver Volatile, as no Quick Fix to Global Crisis Likely
Mineweb | March 10, 2009 | View It
"the overall financial climate is bullish for safe haven investments and silver is well placed to benefit from that"

UBS Recommendation Fails to Lift Gold
Javier Blas - Ft.com| March 10, 2009 | View It
"The Swiss bank, one of the most active gold dealers, warned of ?a potential upside of $2,500 an ounce"

Free Services & Links

• Metal Price Alerts by Email
• Request Free Information
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• Subscribe to the Newsletter
• Prudent Bear

American Eagles at 1% Over Cost

• Gold is moving - and projections from even the major brokerages say, "gold will hit $1500 within the next five years". Lear would like to offer the easiest way to start your gold purchase with the American Eagle at just 1% over dealer cost! And by acting now, we will even cover your shipping cost on your first order when you use the promo code NL101 when you check out. Online special only, click here to take advantage.

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