Processing keyword: ～かける (〜kakeru)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～かける (〜kakeru)
1. Introduction
The grammar point ～かける (〜kakeru) is a versatile expression in Japanese that conveys the meaning of an action being incomplete or in progress. It often translates to "half-..." or "begun to..." in English, indicating that something has started but not yet finished.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- Incomplete Action: Describes an action that has been started but not completed.
- In Progress: Indicates that something is in the midst of occurring.
Structure
- Verb Stem + かける
- Verb Stem + かけの + Noun
- Verb Stem + かけだ
Formation Diagram
[Verb Stem] + かける
Breakdown
- Verb Stem: The masu-form of a verb minus ます.
- For example, 飲みます (nomimasu) → 飲み (nomi)
- かける: Attached to the verb stem to indicate an incomplete action.
Visual Aid: Verb Conjugation Table
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | + かける Form |
|---|---|---|
| 読む (yomu) | 読み | 読みかける |
| 書く (kaku) | 書き | 書きかける |
| 食べる (taberu) | 食べ | 食べかける |
3. Comparative Analysis
～始める (〜hajimeru)
- Usage: Indicates the start of an action.
- Example: 読み始める (yomihajimeru) - "to start reading" Difference: While ～始める emphasizes the beginning of an action, ～かける emphasizes that an action has started but remains unfinished.
～途中 (〜tochū)
- Usage: Means "in the middle of" doing something.
- Example: 読み途中 (yomitochū) - "in the middle of reading" Difference: Both indicate an ongoing action, but ～かける often implies that the action was interrupted or left incomplete, whereas ～途中 simply states that the action is ongoing.
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Informal Spoken
- Japanese: 彼は言いかけて黙ってしまった。
- Romaji: Kare wa iikakete damatte shimatta.
- English: He started to say something but then fell silent.
Example 2: Formal Written
- Japanese: 読みかけの本を図書館に返しました。
- Romaji: Yomikake no hon o toshokan ni kaeshimashita.
- English: I returned the half-read book to the library.
Example 3: Casual Conversation
- Japanese: 食べかけのケーキを冷蔵庫に入れておいた。
- Romaji: Tabekake no kēki o reizōko ni irete oita.
- English: I put the partially-eaten cake in the fridge.
Example 4: Polite Speech
- Japanese: 書きかけですが、レポートを送ります。
- Romaji: Kakikake desu ga, repōto o okurimasu.
- English: It's incomplete, but I will send the report.
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Formality
- ～かける can be used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in everyday conversation.
- In formal writing, other expressions like 未完の (mikan no) meaning "unfinished" might be used.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 死にかける (shinikakeru): Literally "on the verge of dying"; used idiomatically to mean "almost died" or "came close to dying."
- Example: 溺れて死にかけた。
- English: I nearly drowned.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistake 1: Using the Plain Form Instead of the Verb Stem
- Incorrect: 読むかける
- Correct: 読みかける Tip: Always use the verb stem (masu-form minus ます) before attaching かける.
Common Mistake 2: Confusing with ～ている Form
- Incorrect: 読んでかける
- Correct: 読みかける Tip: Do not combine て-form with かける. Use the verb stem instead.
Mnemonic Device
- Think of かける as "kakke," sounding like "cake" that's half-eaten. This can help you remember that it refers to something half-done.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～かける is used to express an action that has started but is not completed.
- It attaches to the verb stem.
- Useful for indicating incomplete tasks or actions interrupted midway.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you form the ～かける expression with verbs?
- Translate to Japanese using ～かける: "The movie was half-watched."
- What is the difference between ～かける and ～始める? Answers
- Attach かける to the verb stem (masu-form minus ます).
- 見かけの映画だった。 (Mikake no eiga datta.)
- ～かける indicates an action started but not finished; ～始める indicates the start of an action.
Note: Ensure to practice forming sentences with ～かける to become comfortable with its usage in various contexts.