Processing keyword: だれも～ません (daremo ~masen)

Japanese Grammar Point: だれも～ません (daremo ~masen)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point "だれも～ません" (daremo ~masen), which is used to express the idea of "no one" or "nobody" doing something. This structure is essential for negating actions related to people and is commonly used in daily conversations.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• だれも～ません translates to "No one..." or "Nobody..." in English.
• It is used to indicate that no person performs the action described by the verb.

Structure

The structure of this grammar point is:

だれも + Verb (negative form)

• だれも (daremo): "anyone" or "everyone", but when used with a negative verb, it means "no one".
• Verb (negative form): The verb is conjugated into the negative polite form, ending with ～ません (masen).

Formation Diagram

Japanese	English
だれも	no one
+
動詞の否定形 (～ません)	negative form of the verb
=
だれも～ません	No one does ~

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3. Comparative Analysis

• だれも～ます (daremo ~masu): Although grammatically correct, using "だれも" with an affirmative verb is less common and can sound unnatural in some contexts.
  • だれも来ます。 (Daremo kimasu.) - "Everyone comes." (Sounds unnatural; instead, "みんな来ます。" (Minna kimasu.) is preferred.)
• みんな (minna): Means "everyone" and is used with affirmative verbs.
  • みんな来ます。 (Minna kimasu.) - "Everyone comes." Comparison Table

    Phrase	Meaning	Usage
    だれも～ません	No one does ~	Negative sentences
    みんな～ます	Everyone does ~	Affirmative sentences

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. だれも知りません。
   • Daremo shirimasen.
   • "No one knows."
2. パーティーにだれも来ませんでした。
   • Pāti ni daremo kimasen deshita.
   • "No one came to the party."
3. そのことはだれも話しません。
   • Sono koto wa daremo hanashimasen.
   • "No one talks about that matter."
4. 昨日はだれも手伝ってくれませんでした。
   • Kinō wa daremo tetsudatte kuremasen deshita.
   • "No one helped me yesterday."

Contextual Usage

• Formal
  • 会議にだれも参加しませんでした。
    • Kaigi ni daremo sanka shimasen deshita.
    • "No one attended the meeting."
• Informal
  • だれも見ていないよ。
    • Daremo mite inai yo.
    • "No one is watching."

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• Using ～ません is the polite negative form and is appropriate in both formal and casual settings.
• In very casual speech, the plain negative form ～ない is used:
  • だれも来ない。 (Daremo konai.) - "No one is coming."

Expressing Emphasis

• Japanese often omits subjects if they are understood. Using だれも explicitly emphasizes that no one is involved in the action.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Errors

1. Using affirmative verbs with だれも in negative contexts
   • Incorrect: だれも来ます。 (Daremo kimasu.)
     • Sounds unnatural or contradictory.
   • Correct: だれも来ません。 (Daremo kimasen.)
2. Confusing だれも with みんな
   • だれも with a negative verb means "no one".
   • みんな with an affirmative verb means "everyone".

Tips for Learners

• Mnemonic Device
  • Remember that だれも + negative verb = no one.
  • Think: "Anyone (だれも) doesn't do something = No one does it."
• Practice Negation
  • Practice conjugating verbs into their negative polite form ～ません to use with だれも.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• だれも～ません is used to express that no one performs an action.
• Always pair だれも with a negative verb when you mean "no one".
• Be careful not to confuse だれも with みんな.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "No one eats sushi"?
   • Answer: だれも寿司を食べません。
     • Daremo sushi o tabemasen.
2. What is the mistake in the sentence: だれも学校に行きます。
   • Answer: Using an affirmative verb with だれも. It should be 行きません (doesn't go).
3. Translate to English: だれもその映画を見ませんでした。
   • Answer: "No one watched that movie."

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By understanding and practicing this grammar point, you'll be able to express negations involving people naturally in Japanese. Keep practicing with different verbs to become more comfortable with this structure!

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