Processing keyword: ～ぬく (~nuku)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ぬく (~nuku)

～ぬく (~nuku)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～ぬく (~nuku) is a verb suffix in Japanese that conveys the meaning of doing something through to the end or completing an action thoroughly despite difficulties. It emphasizes persistence, endurance, and the completion of an action.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• To do something thoroughly
• To carry through with an action until the end
• To persevere in doing something

Structure

The suffix ～ぬく attaches to the ます-stem (the stem form) of verbs.

Verb ます-stem + ぬく

Formation Diagram

Verb (Dictionary Form)	ます-stem	+ ぬく	Example Verb	Combined Form
耐える (たえる)	耐え	ぬく	耐え + ぬく	耐えぬく
走る (はしる)	走り	ぬく	走り + ぬく	走りぬく
頑張る (がんばる)	頑張り	ぬく	頑張り + ぬく	頑張りぬく

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ～ぬく with Similar Grammar Points

1. ～きる (~kiru)
   • Meaning: To do something completely.
   • Difference: ～きる emphasizes the completion of an action, while ～ぬく emphasizes perseverance and endurance until the completion of the action.
   • Example:
     • 食べきる: To eat it all.
     • 食べぬく: To keep eating despite difficulties (e.g., lack of appetite).
2. ～通す (~tōsu)
   • Meaning: To do something throughout; to carry on doing something.
   • Difference: ～通す emphasizes continuity without interruption, whereas ～ぬく emphasizes enduring to the end despite challenges.
   • Example:
     • 信じ通す: To keep believing throughout.
     • 信じぬく: To believe firmly until the end despite doubts.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal Written
   • この小説は最後まで読みぬく価値があります。
     • Kono shōsetsu wa saigo made yomi*nuku kachi ga arimasu.*
     • Translation: This novel is worth reading thoroughly to the end.
2. Casual Spoken
   • マラソンを走りぬいた自分を誇りに思う。
     • Marason o hashiri*nuita jibun o hokori ni omou.*
     • Translation: I'm proud of myself for having run the marathon all the way.
3. Expressing Determination
   • 難しいプロジェクトだけど、最後までやりぬくつもりだ。
     • Muzukashii purojekuto dakedo, saigo made yari*nuku tsumori da.*
     • Translation: It's a difficult project, but I intend to see it through to the end.
4. Describing Persistence
   • 彼女は苦労を乗り越えて、研究をやりぬいた。
     • Kanojo wa kurō o norikoete, kenkyū o yari*nuita.*
     • Translation: She overcame hardships and thoroughly completed her research.
5. Idiomatic Expression
   • 信じぬくことが大切だ。
     • Shinji*nuku koto ga taisetsu da.*
     • Translation: It's important to keep believing firmly.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Japanese culture, perseverance and endurance are highly valued traits, often encapsulated in the concept of "頑張る" (ganbaru).
• The use of ～ぬく highlights a person's determination to overcome obstacles, reflecting the cultural emphasis on persistence.

Levels of Politeness

• The use of ～ぬく is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Politeness is adjusted through verb endings and politeness markers, not the suffix ～ぬく itself.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 生き抜く (いきぬく)
  • To survive; to live through difficulties.
• 耐え抜く (たえぬく)
  • To endure until the end.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Attaching ～ぬく to the Wrong Verb Form
   • Incorrect: 食べるぬく ❌
     • Attaching to the dictionary form.
   • Correct: 食べぬく ✔️
     • Attach to the ます-stem (食べ).
2. Confusing ～ぬく with Negative Form
   • Since "ぬ" can also be an old negative ending (e.g., 知らぬ), learners might confuse ～ぬく with negative meanings.
   • Remember that in ～ぬく, "ぬ" is part of the verb "抜く" (to extract), not a negation.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 抜く (ぬく) as "to extract" or "pull through," which can help you remember that ～ぬく involves pulling through difficulties to complete an action.
• Practice: Create your own sentences using verbs related to challenges you face, applying ～ぬく to express your determination.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ぬく (~nuku) expresses perseverance and completion despite difficulties.
• It attaches to the ます-stem of verbs.
• Emphasizes endurance until the very end of an action.
• Different from ～きる and ～通す, which have nuanced differences in meaning.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: How do you form the ～ぬく form of a verb? Answer: Attach ～ぬく to the ます-stem of the verb.
2. Question: What is the main nuance conveyed by using ～ぬく? Answer: It emphasizes doing something thoroughly to the end, highlighting perseverance and endurance despite difficulties.
3. Question: Choose the correct usage of ～ぬく: a) 書きるぬく
   b) 書きぬく
   c) 書くぬく Answer: b) 書きぬく

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