Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~かいがあって (〜kaiga atte)

~かいがあって (〜kaiga atte)

Short explanation:

Used to express that an effort is worth it or has value; 'to be worth the effort' or 'to pay off'.

Formation:

Verb-casual (stem) + かいがあって

Examples:

毎日勉強するかいがあって、テストに合格した。
Mainichi benkyou suru kaiga atte, tesuto ni goukaku shita.
It was worth the effort of studying every day, as I passed the test.
練習のかいがあって、試合に勝つことができた。
Renshuu no kaiga atte, shiai ni katsu koto ga dekita.
The practice paid off, and we were able to win the match.
雨の中を走ってきたかいがあって、電車に間に合った。
Ame no naka wo hashitte kita kaiga atte, densha ni maniatta.
It was worth running in the rain, as I made it to the train on time.
早起きしてお掃除をしたかいがあって、部屋がきれいになった。
Hayaoki shite o-souji wo shita kaiga atte, heya ga kirei ni natta.
Waking up early and cleaning was worth it, as the room became clean.

Long explanation:

The ~かいがあって grammar point is used to convey the idea that an action or effort is worth it, or that it has value. It is often translated as 'to be worth the effort' or 'to pay off' in English. It is typically associated with actions or efforts that led to a successful or desirable result.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~かいがあって (〜kaiga atte)

Japanese Grammar Point: ~かいがあって (〜kaiga atte)

〜かいがあって (〜kaiga atte)

1. Introduction

The grammar point 〜かいがあって (〜kaiga atte) is used in Japanese to express that someone's efforts have paid off or that something was worth doing. It's a way to acknowledge that the results of an action were rewarding, justifying the effort put into it.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • 〜かいがあって expresses the sense of "it's worth doing" or "the efforts were rewarded."
  • It is used to highlight a positive outcome resulting from an action or effort.

Structure

The structure involves attaching 〜かいがあって to the verb stem or noun to indicate that the preceding action was worthwhile.

Formation Diagram

Verb Form かいがあって
Verb (ます stem) かいがあって
Noun + の かいがあって

Examples of Formation

  1. Verb Example:
    • 頑張る (to do one's best) → 頑張りかいがあって頑張りかいがあって
  2. Noun Example:
    • 努力 (effort) + かいがあって努力のかいがあって

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

  • 〜だけあって: Used to indicate that something is as expected due to a reason.
    • Example: プロだけあって、彼の演奏は素晴らしい。
  • 〜甲斐もなく: Expresses that despite the efforts, the results were not as expected (negative outcome).
    • Example: 練習の甲斐もなく、試合に負けてしまった。

Differences

  • 〜かいがあって is used for positive outcomes, emphasizing that the effort was worth it.
  • 〜甲斐もなく is used for negative outcomes, indicating efforts were in vain.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

  1. Formal Written
    • 彼の努力のかいがあって、プロジェクトは成功した。
    • Thanks to his efforts, the project was a success.
  2. Informal Spoken
    • 毎日練習したかいがあって、ピアノが上手になった。
    • Practicing every day paid off; I've become better at the piano.
  3. Conversational
    • 頑張りかいがあって、試験に合格したよ!
    • My hard work paid off; I passed the exam!
  4. Polite
    • 皆様の応援のかいがあって、優勝できました。
    • Thanks to everyone's support, we were able to win first place.

Contextual Usage

  • Expressing Gratitude: Often used when expressing gratitude for support or effort.
  • Reflecting on Effort: Used when looking back on the effort put into something and acknowledging the positive results.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, perseverance and effort (努力と忍耐) are highly valued. The expression 〜かいがあって aligns with this cultural emphasis on hard work leading to success.

Levels of Politeness

  • The phrase can be used in both formal and informal settings.
  • Adjust the verb forms and vocabulary to match the level of politeness required.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • やりがいがある: "Worth doing"; describes something as being rewarding.
    • Example: この仕事は本当にやりがいがある。
  • 生き甲斐 (いきがい): "Reason for living"; something that makes life worth living.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

  1. Using the wrong verb form
    • Incorrect: 頑張ったかいがあって
    • Correct: 頑張りかいがあって Tip: Use the ます stem of the verb, not the past tense.
  2. Confusing with Negative Form
    • Mixing up 〜かいがあって (positive outcome) with 〜甲斐もなく (negative outcome).

Tips

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of 甲斐 (かい) as "value" or "effect," so 〜かいがあって conveys that there was value or effect from the action.
  • Verb Stem Usage: Remember that many noun forms in Japanese are created from the ます stem of a verb.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • 〜かいがあって is used to express that efforts were worthwhile.
  • Attach かいがあって to the ます stem of verbs or nouns.
  • It emphasizes positive outcomes resulting from actions.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank: 努力の______、目標を達成できた。
    • Answer: かいがあって
  2. True or False: 〜かいがあって can be used to describe a negative outcome.
    • Answer: False
  3. Choose the correct usage:
    • a) 勉強したかいがあって、合格した。
    • b) 勉強するかいがあって、合格した。
    • Answer: a) 勉強した**かいがあって、合格した。

By understanding and using 〜かいがあって, you can express appreciation for the fruits of your or someone else's labor, fitting naturally into conversations about achievements and hard work in Japanese.

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