Processing keyword: ～かけ (〜kake)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～かけ (〜kake)

～かけ (〜kake)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～かけ (〜kake). This suffix is used to express actions that have been started but not yet completed. It's a handy way to talk about things that are half-done or in progress.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The suffix ～かけ (〜kake) indicates that an action is incomplete or ongoing. It conveys the sense of something being:

• Half-done
• In the middle of
• Unfinished
• Left undone

Structure

To use ～かけ (〜kake), attach it to the stem form of a verb. The stem form is obtained by removing ます from the verb's masu-form. Formation:

Verb Stem + かけ

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with Similar Grammar Points

～中 (〜ちゅう)

• Meaning: Indicates that an action is currently in progress.
• Example: 勉強中です。 (I'm studying.)

～途中 (〜とちゅう)

• Meaning: Means "on the way" or "in the middle of" an action.
• Example: 帰宅途中で雨が降り出した。 (It started raining on my way home.)

Difference with ～かけ (〜kake)

• ～かけ emphasizes that the action was started but not completed, and may no longer be in progress.
• ～中 and ～途中 indicate that the action is currently happening or ongoing.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Half-Eaten Apple
   • Japanese: 食べかけのリンゴがテーブルにあります。
   • Romaji: Tabe-kake no ringo ga tēburu ni arimasu.
   • Translation: There's a half-eaten apple on the table.
2. Book Left Unread
   • Japanese: 読みかけの本を図書館に返しました。
   • Romaji: Yomi-kake no hon o toshokan ni kaeshimashita.
   • Translation: I returned the half-read book to the library.
3. Unfinished Letter
   • Japanese: 書きかけの手紙が見つかりません。
   • Romaji: Kaki-kake no tegami ga mitsukarimasen.
   • Translation: I can't find the letter I was writing.
4. Interrupted Speech
   • Japanese: 彼女は言いかけて黙ってしまった。
   • Romaji: Kanojo wa ii-kakete damatte shimatta.
   • Translation: She started to say something but then fell silent.
5. Started Watching a Movie
   • Japanese: 見かけの映画を一緒に見ませんか？
   • Romaji: Mi-kake no eiga o issho ni mimasen ka?
   • Translation: Shall we watch the movie I started watching together?
6. Half-Finished Painting
   • Japanese: 描きかけの絵が美しいです。
   • Romaji: Kaki-kake no e ga utsukushii desu.
   • Translation: The half-finished painting is beautiful.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, being thorough and completing tasks is valued. Using ～かけ can emphasize that something is left incomplete, which might carry implications about dedication or circumstances that prevented completion.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

The grammar point ～かけ itself is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Adjust the politeness level by modifying the rest of the sentence accordingly.

Idiomatic Expressions

死にかける (しにかける)

• Meaning: To be on the brink of death; almost die.
• Example: 彼は事故で死にかけた。
• Translation: He almost died in an accident.

忘れかける (わすれかける)

• Meaning: To start to forget.
• Example: 大切な約束を忘れかけていた。
• Translation: I was beginning to forget an important promise.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using Dictionary Form Instead of Verb Stem
   • Incorrect: 食べるかけのリンゴ
   • Correct: 食べかけのリンゴ
2. Confusing with ～ている Form
   • Incorrect: 食べていかけのリンゴ
   • Correct: 食べかけのリンゴ

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of かけ as "cake" in English—a cake that's half-eaten represents something unfinished.
• Visual Association: Picture an unfinished task whenever you see ～かけ.
• Practice: Create sentences about your daily life using ～かけ, like tasks you've started but haven't completed.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～かけ (〜kake) is used to express actions or things that are started but not finished.
• Attach ～かけ to the verb stem (masu-form without ます).
• It can describe both physical objects and abstract actions that are incomplete.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the ～かけ construction?
   • Answer: Attach かけ to the verb stem (masu-form minus ます).
2. Translate: 書きかけのレポートがあります。
   • Answer: I have a report that I've started writing but not finished.
3. Which of the following sentences uses ～かけ correctly? a) 飲むかけのお茶が冷たくなった。 b) 飲みかけのお茶が冷たくなった。
   • Answer: b) 飲みかけのお茶が冷たくなった。 (The tea I was drinking has become cold.)

By mastering ～かけ (〜kake), you can more precisely describe incomplete actions or items in Japanese. Keep practicing by incorporating it into your daily conversations!