Processing keyword: ～かけ (〜kake)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～かけ (〜kake)

Grammar Point: ～かけ (〜kake)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～かけ (〜kake) is used in Japanese to indicate the idea of something that is in the process of being done but has not yet been completed. It can also imply that the action is partially done or that it has just begun. This construction is often used to express actions that feel incomplete or interrupted.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The suffix かけ (kake) implies an incomplete action or state. It can be understood as "half-done" or "in the middle of".
• Structure: The grammar is formed by taking the stem (the verb minus the ます ending) of a verb and adding かけ (kake).

Formation Diagram

• Verb stem + かけ

Examples:

• 行く (iku) → 行きかけ (ikikake) = "in the process of going"
• 食べる (taberu) → 食べかけ (tabekake) = "in the process of eating"

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Grammar:

  • ～きる (〜kiru): Focuses on completion ("to be able to finish").
    • Example: 食べきる (tabekiru) = "to finish eating"
  • ～始める (〜hajimeru): Indicates the beginning of an action, while かけ (kake) indicates that the action is ongoing and incomplete.

• Nuance: While both かけ and 始める indicate processes, かけ emphasizes that the action has started but is not fully realized, whereas 始める simply marks the initiation of an action.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • Japanese: 彼は仕事に行きかけたが、急な用事ができてしまった。
   • English: He started to go to work but suddenly had an urgent matter to attend to.
2. Informal:
   • Japanese: 今、映画を見かけている。
   • English: I’m in the middle of watching a movie.
3. Written:
   • Japanese: その本を読みかけのままで、ずっと放置している。
   • English: I’ve left that book half-read for a long time.
4. Spoken:
   • Japanese: 昨日、友達と話し中かけで電話が切れた。
   • English: Yesterday, while talking to my friend, the call got cut off.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of かけ (kake) reflects a cultural aspect of the Japanese language where actions are not just about completion but also about the process and status of the action. In Japanese culture, it is common to discuss efforts and processes rather than solely focusing on outcomes.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 出かけかけ (dekakekake): "to be on the verge of going out"

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Learners might confuse かけ (kake) with other similar grammatical forms and mistakenly use it where completion is intended.
• Example: Saying 食べきけ (tabekike) instead of 食べかけ (tabekake).

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: You can remember かけ (kake) as relating to "cutting off" the action, suggesting that it is incomplete.
• Tips: Practice by combining verbs with かけ and visualize the action being incomplete or interrupted.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The suffix かけ (kake) expresses that an action is incomplete or in progress.
• It adds nuance to the meaning of the verb, making it useful for describing ongoing actions or states.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the kake form of a verb?
2. What is the difference between かけ (kake) and きる (kiru)?
3. Give an example using 食べ (taberu) in かけ form. By understanding and using かけ (kake), learners can enhance their ability to express various states of activity in Japanese!