Processing keyword: ～かけ (〜kake)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～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
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Masu-form | Verb Stem | + かけ | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 食べる (たべる) | 食べます | 食べ | 食べかけ | Half-eaten |
| 読む (よむ) | 読みます | 読み | 読みかけ | Half-read |
| 書く (かく) | 書きます | 書き | 書きかけ | Half-written |
| 始める (はじめる) | 始めます | 始め | 始めかけ | Just started |
| 飲む (のむ) | 飲みます | 飲み | 飲みかけ | Half-drunk (drink) |
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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
- 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
- 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
- How do you form the ～かけ construction?
- Answer: Attach かけ to the verb stem (masu-form minus ます).
- 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.
- 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!