Processing keyword: だれも～ないです (dare mo ~ nai desu)

Japanese Grammar Point: だれも～ないです (dare mo ~ nai desu)

Grammar Point: だれも～ないです (dare mo ~ nai desu)

Introduction

The expression だれも～ないです (dare mo ~ nai desu) is a Japanese grammatical structure that conveys the meaning of "no one" or "not anyone." It is used to emphasize the absence of people or things, and it can serve as a negation in sentences.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase directly translates to “no one” or “not anyone” in English.
• Structure: It combines the word だれ (dare, meaning "who") with も (mo, meaning "also") and a negative verb form.
• Formation: Structure:
  だれも + [verb in negative form] + です
  Example:
  だれも来ないです (dare mo konai desu) - "No one is coming."

Visual Aids

Formation Diagram

だれも + [Verb in negative form] + です

Example: だれも + 来ない + です → だれも来ないです

Comparative Analysis

This grammar point can be compared to:

• 何も (nani mo) meaning "nothing," which is used similarly with nouns and items.

Example:

• だれも行かない (Dare mo ikanai) - "No one is going."
• 何も食べない (Nani mo tabenai) - "I am not eating anything." Notable Difference:
• だれも is specifically for people, while 何も is for objects or things.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • だれも来ませんでした。
     (Dare mo kimasen deshita.)
   • "No one came."
2. Informal:
   • だれも知らないよ。
     (Dare mo shiranai yo.)
   • "No one knows."
3. Written:
   • だれもが助けを必要としています。
     (Dare mo ga tasuke o hitsuyō to shiteimasu.)
   • "Everyone needs help." (implied 'no one' is excluded)
4. Spoken:
   • だれもいないね。
     (Dare mo inai ne.)
   • "There’s no one here, huh?"

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of だれも～ないです is quite common in everyday conversations, embodying the Japanese directness in expressing absence. Japanese culture often favors subtlety, and using these forms provides clarity while remaining polite.

Levels of Politeness

Using です (desu) adds a level of politeness, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Omitting です (desu) usually makes the sentence more casual.

Idiomatic Expressions

• だれもが知っている (Dare mo ga shitte iru) - "Everyone knows." (implies the opposite of ‘no one’)

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Confusion between だれも and みんな (minna, meaning "everyone"). Mixing them can lead to incorrect expressions about absence.
• Tip: Remember that だれも is negative and implies exclusion.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic: Think of だれ as "Dare" (who), も as "more" (also), and the whole structure as indicating that "not even one (person)."

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• だれも~ないです is used to mean "no one" or "not anyone."
• The structure must include a negative verb form.
• Pay attention to formality when using desu.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does だれも mean?
2. How do you form a sentence using だれも?
3. What is the difference between だれも and 何も?