Processing keyword: ～ぬく (~nuku)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ぬく (~nuku)

Grammar Point: ～ぬく (~nuku)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～ぬく (~nuku) is used in Japanese to express the idea of "to do something to the end" or "to persist until completion." It signifies a sense of endurance and determination in carrying out an action or maintaining a state.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The suffix ～ぬく indicates that an action is done thoroughly or continuously until the end or the intended result is achieved.
• Structure: This grammar point is formed by attaching ～ぬく to the verb's stem.

Formation

1. Take the verb in its stem form (for example, 食べる (taberu) becomes 食べ (tabe)).
2. Add ～ぬく to the verb stem. Examples:
   • 食べる (taberu – to eat) → 食べぬく (tabenuku – to eat thoroughly)
   • 考える (kangaeru – to think) → 考えぬく (kangaenuku – to think through)

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

The grammar point ～ぬく can be compared with other expressions such as:

• ～続ける (~tsuzukeru): which means "to continue" but does not have the same connotation of reaching a final completion.
• ～きる (~kiru): Means "to be able to do" something completely, but focuses more on capability rather than persistence.

Differences:

• Focus:
  • ～ぬく emphasizes perseverance and thoroughness.
  • ～続ける emphasizes continuation of an action.
  • ～きる emphasizes completion or ability.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 日本語を学び続けて、最後までしゃべれるように頑張ります。
   • (Nihongo o manabi tsuzukete, saigo made shaberu you ni ganbarimasu.)
   • "I will continue learning Japanese and strive to be able to speak until the end."
2. Informal:
   • この本を読みぬくのは大変だ。
   • (Kono hon o yominuku no wa taihen da.)
   • "It’s tough to read this book thoroughly."
3. Written:
   • 彼は問題を考えぬいた結果、解決策を見つけた。
   • (Kare wa mondai o kangaenuita kekka, kaiketsusaku o mitsuketa.)
   • "After thinking through the problem thoroughly, he found a solution."
4. Spoken:
   • 友達とずっと遊びぬいた。
   • (Tomodachi to zutto asobinuita.)
   • "I played with my friends until the end."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of ～ぬく reflects the Japanese cultural value of persistence and dedication. In a society that appreciates perseverance, using this grammar point can show commitment to tasks and responsibilities, aligning with cultural norms of diligence.

Idiomatic Expressions

Common phrases include:

• やりぬく (yarinuku): "to carry out until completion."
• 守り抜く (mamorinuku): "to protect until the end."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using the plain form of the verb instead of the stem form.
  • Incorrect: 読むぬく (yomunuku)
  • Correct: 読みぬく (yominuku)

Learning Strategies

• Tip: Remember that ～ぬく implies persistence. Think of it as "doing something all the way through" or "to the end."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The grammar point ～ぬく signifies thoroughness and persistence in actions.
• Formed by attaching ～ぬく to the verb stem.
• Different from expressions like ～続ける and ～きる in focus and meaning.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～ぬく express?
2. How do you form ～ぬく from a verb?
3. Give an example of ～ぬく in a sentence.

Answers

1. Thoroughness and persistence.
2. By attaching ～ぬく to the verb stem.
3. Example: "この料理を作りぬくのは楽しい。 (It’s fun to cook this dish thoroughly.)"