Processing keyword: ～かいもなく (〜kai mo naku)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～かいもなく (〜kai mo naku)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～かいもなく (〜kai mo naku). This expression is used to convey the feeling that despite making an effort or taking action, the expected result was not achieved. It often carries a sense of disappointment or regret.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• English Translation: "Despite (doing something)...", "Even though...", "In vain"
• Usage: To indicate that an effort or action did not lead to the desired outcome.

Structure

Formation	Example
Verb (dictionary form) + かいもなく	努力するかいもなく
Verb (た-form) + かいもなく	頑張ったかいもなく
Noun + の + かいもなく	手術のかいもなく

Formation Diagram

[Verb (dictionary form / た-form) / Noun + の] + かいもなく + [Unfavorable Result]

• Verb (dictionary form / た-form): Indicates the action or effort made.
• Noun + の: When using a noun to represent the effort or attempt.
• かいもなく: Suggests that the effort was in vain or did not produce the desired effect.

Detailed Explanation

The term かい (甲斐) means "effect", "result", or "worth". By adding もなく (mo naku), which means "without even" or "without", the expression emphasizes that the effort did not lead to any worthwhile result.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point	Meaning	Nuance
〜ものの	Although, even though	Acknowledges a fact, but contrasts it with reality.
〜にもかかわらず	Despite, in spite of	Used in formal contexts to show contrast.
〜たところで	Even if	Indicates that even if something is done, the result won't change.

Differences

• 〜かいもなく specifically highlights that an effort was made but did not pay off, often with a sense of regret.
• 〜ものの and 〜にもかかわらず express contrast but don't necessarily imply wasted effort.
• 〜たところで suggests futility even before the action is taken.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1

Sentence

• Japanese: 高い薬を飲んだかいもなく、病気が治らなかった。
• Romaji: Takai kusuri o nonda kai mo naku, byōki ga naoranakatta.
• English: Despite taking expensive medicine, the illness did not improve.

Example 2

Sentence

• Japanese: 一生懸命練習したかいもなく、試合で負けてしまった。
• Romaji: Isshōkenmei renshū shita kai mo naku, shiai de makete shimatta.
• English: Even though I practiced hard, I ended up losing the match.

Example 3

Sentence

• Japanese: 両親の期待のかいもなく、彼は大学を中退した。
• Romaji: Ryōshin no kitai no kai mo naku, kare wa daigaku o chūtai shita.
• English: Despite his parents' expectations, he dropped out of university.

Example 4 (Formal Context)

Sentence

• Japanese: 手術のかいもなく、彼の病状は悪化した。
• Romaji: Shujutsu no kai mo naku, kare no byōjō wa akka shita.
• English: Despite the surgery, his condition worsened.

Example 5 (Spoken Language)

Sentence

• Japanese: 徹夜で勉強したかいもなく、試験は延期になった。
• Romaji: Tetsuya de benkyō shita kai mo naku, shiken wa enki ni natta.
• English: Even though I studied all night, the exam was postponed.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Japanese culture, effort and perseverance are highly valued.
• Using 〜かいもなく acknowledges the importance of the effort while expressing disappointment over the outcome.
• It reflects a sense of humility and acceptance of situations beyond one's control.

Levels of Politeness

• Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
• Often used in written language, such as essays, articles, or literature.
• Can be used in spoken language to express sincere feelings.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 骨折り損のくたびれ儲け (ほねおりぞんのくたびれもうけ)
  • Meaning: "All pain and no gain"; to work hard for nothing.
  • Usage: Similar sentiment to 〜かいもなく, emphasizing wasted effort.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Verb Form
   • Mistake: Using the ます-form instead of the dictionary or た-form.
     • Incorrect: 走りますかいもなく、遅刻した。
     • Correct: 走ったかいもなく、遅刻した。
     • Explanation: ます-form is not used in this structure. Use the た-form for past actions.
2. Misplacement of かいもなく
   • Mistake: Placing かいもなく after the result.
     • Incorrect: 試合に負けて、練習したかいもなく。
     • Correct: 練習したかいもなく、試合に負けた。
     • Explanation: The かいもなく clause should precede the unfavorable result.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Core Meaning: Associate かい (甲斐) with "worth" or "effect". かいもなく implies "without worth".
• Create Personal Sentences: Think of situations where efforts didn't lead to success.
• Practice with Time Expressions: Use time-related verbs to express efforts over time (e.g., 待ったかいもなく, 探したかいもなく).

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜かいもなく expresses that despite an effort or action, the expected result was not achieved.
• Used with Verb (dictionary form / た-form) or Noun + の.
• Conveys a sense of regret or disappointment.
• Appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Choose the correct form to complete the sentence:

   雨の中で待った___、彼は来なかった。
   

   a) かいもなく
   b) ものの
   c) にもかかわらず
2. True or False: The expression 〜かいもなく can be used to indicate a positive outcome after hard work.
3. Which sentence correctly uses 〜かいもなく? a) 日本に行くかいもなく、日本料理を食べた。
   b) 掃除したかいもなく、すぐに部屋が汚れた。

Answers:

1. a) かいもなく
2. False
3. b) 掃除したかいもなく、すぐに部屋が汚れた。

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