Processing keyword: 〜からして (〜kara shite)

Japanese Grammar Point: 〜からして (〜kara shite)

〜からして (〜kara shite)

1. Introduction

The grammar point 〜からして (〜kara shite) is used in Japanese to indicate that something is typical or representative of a broader situation. It often implies that even just considering a specific example, one can make a judgment about the whole. This expression is commonly used to highlight a point from which a conclusion can be drawn.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

〜からして is attached to a noun to express that "even just from X, you can tell Y." It emphasizes that the noun it follows is a prime example or basis for a judgment about something larger. This construction often carries a sense of surprise, criticism, or admiration.

Meaning

• Even (just) from X, (you can tell that) Y.
• Based on X, Y (inference or judgment).

Structure

Noun + からして

Formation Diagram

Example Formation

• 彼の態度（noun） + からして + 信用できない（judgment）
• "Even from his attitude, (I can tell) he can't be trusted."

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• Difference: 〜からして focuses on using a specific example to make a general judgment, often with emphasis or criticism. In contrast, 〜からすると / からすれば are used more neutrally to suggest a judgment based on information or perspective.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 彼の名前からしてユニークだ。
   • Kare no namae kara shite yuniiku da.
   • "Even his name is unique."
2. このレストランは外観からして高級そうだ。
   • Kono resutoran wa gaikan kara shite kōkyū sō da.
   • "Based on the exterior alone, this restaurant looks expensive."
3. あの作者の本はタイトルからして面白そうだ。
   • Ano sakusha no hon wa taitoru kara shite omoshirosō da.
   • "Judging from the title, that author's book seems interesting."
4. 彼女は声からして優しい感じがする。
   • Kanojo wa koe kara shite yasashii kanji ga suru.
   • "Even her voice gives off a kind feeling."
5. その映画は予告編からして迫力がある。
   • Sono eiga wa yokokuhen kara shite hakuryoku ga aru.
   • "From the trailer alone, that movie looks impactful."

Formal Context

• この提案は内容からして再考の必要がある。
  • Kono teian wa naiyō kara shite saikō no hitsuyō ga aru.
  • "Based on the content, this proposal needs reconsideration."

Informal Context

• あの店、名前からして入りたくないな。
  • Ano mise, namae kara shite hairitakunai na.
  • "That shop—I don't even want to go in based on the name."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese communication, there's a strong emphasis on reading between the lines and making inferences based on subtle cues. The use of 〜からして aligns with this cultural nuance by allowing the speaker to express judgments or impressions based on specific examples.

Levels of Politeness

The expression 〜からして is neutral in terms of politeness and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the overall politeness of the sentence depends on the verbs and conjugations used.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 見た目からして怪しい。
  • "He looks suspicious just from his appearance."
  • An idiomatic way to express doubt or skepticism based on someone's looks.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Usage with Verbs or Adjectives
  • ❌ 走るからして疲れた。
    • Hashiru kara shite tsukareta.
    • Incorrect because 〜からして is used with nouns, not verbs.

Corrected Version

• ✅ この距離からして走るのは大変だ。
  • Kono kyori kara shite hashiru no wa taihen da.
  • "Running from this distance is tough."

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "starting from" or "based on" a noun to make a judgment.
• Practice: Create sentences by picking a noun and making a judgment about the whole based on that noun.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜からして is used with nouns to indicate that even that singular point is enough to make a judgment.
• It often highlights an example that is representative of a larger whole.
• Commonly used to express criticism, admiration, or emphasis.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What part of speech does 〜からして attach to? A) Verb B) Adjective C) Noun
2. Translate the following sentence: 彼の部屋は壁の色からして変だ。
3. Is 〜からして used to make judgments based on specific examples? (Yes/No)

Answers

1. C) Noun
2. "His room is strange—even the color of the walls."
3. Yes