Processing keyword: い-Adjective く + Verb (i-Adjective + ku + Verb)

Japanese Grammar Point: い-Adjective く + Verb (i-Adjective + ku + Verb)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, い-adjectives can be transformed to modify verbs, describing how an action is performed. This is done by changing the adjective ending from "い" to "く" and placing it before a verb. Understanding this grammar point is essential for expressing actions with more nuance and detail.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Changing an い-adjective into its adverbial form allows you to:

• Describe the manner in which an action is performed.
• Answer the question "How is the action done?"

Structure

[い-Adjective] (remove "い") + く + Verb

Formation Diagram

Step	Example
Original adjective	速い (はやい)
Remove "い"	速 (はや)
Add "く"	速く (はやく)
Combine with verb	速く走る (はやく はしる)

Detailed Explanation

1. Identify the い-adjective you want to use.
   • Example: 新しい (あたらしい) - new
2. Remove the final "い" from the adjective.
   • 新しい → 新し
3. Add "く" to the stem of the adjective.
   • 新し + く → 新しく
4. Place the adverbial form before a verb to describe how the action is performed.
   • 新しく買う (あたらしく かう) - to buy (something) newly

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with English

• Japanese: 速く走る (hayaku hashiru) - "to run quickly"
• English: Adjectives become adverbs by adding "-ly": quick → quickly.

Comparison with な-Adjectives

• な-Adjectives use "に" to form adverbs.
  • Example: 静かに話す (shizuka ni hanasu) - "to speak quietly"

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Positive Actions

• 彼は日本語を上手く話します。
  • Kare wa Nihongo o umaku hanashimasu.
  • "He speaks Japanese well."
• その問題を簡単に解きました。
  • Sono mondai o kantan ni tokimashita.
  • Note: "簡単" is a な-adjective, so we use "に".
  • "I solved that problem easily."

2. Negative Actions

• 彼女は悲しく泣いていました。
  • Kanojo wa kanashiku naite imashita.
  • "She was crying sadly."
• 子供たちは遅くまで起きていた。
  • Kodomotachi wa osoku made okite ita.
  • "The children stayed up late."

3. Formal Context

• お客様には丁寧に対応してください。
  • Okyaku-sama ni wa teinei ni taiō shite kudasai.
  • Note: "丁寧" is a な-adjective.
  • "Please handle the customers politely."

4. Informal Context

• 早く来て！映画が始まるよ。**
  • Hayaku kite! Eiga ga hajimaru yo.
  • "Come quickly! The movie is starting."

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• The use of adverbs formed from い-adjectives is common in both casual and formal speech.
• Adjust the politeness level with verb endings, not with the adverbial form.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 早くも: As early as; already
  • 彼は早くも帰ってしまった。
    • Kare wa hayaku mo kaette shimatta.
    • "He has already gone home."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using "に" with い-Adjectives
   • Incorrect: 速いに走る
     Correct: 速く走る
2. Failing to Remove the "い" Before Adding "く"
   • Incorrect: 速いく走る
     Correct: 速く走る

Learning Strategies

• Remember: For い-adjectives, replace "い" with "く" to form an adverb.
• Tip: い-adjective → く (Think "*い" to "く" sounds like "I" to "ku")
• For な-Adjectives: Add "に" to the adjective.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• い-Adjectives become adverbs by replacing "い" with "く".
• Place the adverb before the verb to describe how an action is performed.
• Do not confuse い-adjectives with な-adjectives when forming adverbs.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Convert the い-adjective to an adverbial form:
   • 面白い (おもしろい) - interesting Answer: 面白く (おもしろく)
2. Choose the correct sentence: a) 暑いに泳ぐ
   b) 暑く泳ぐ Answer: b) 暑く泳ぐ
3. Translate to Japanese:
   • "Please speak clearly." Answer: はっきり話してください。 Note: "はっきり" is an adverb meaning "clearly".

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By mastering this grammar point, you can add depth to your Japanese expressions and describe actions more vividly. Practice by converting い-adjectives you know into their adverbial forms and using them in sentences!

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