Processing keyword: ～からすると (〜kara suru to)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～からすると (〜kara suru to)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point ～からすると (〜kara suru to), a useful expression in Japanese that allows you to make judgments or inferences based on certain evidence or perspectives. Mastering this structure will enable you to articulate your reasoning and interpret situations more effectively in Japanese.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～からすると is used to express:

• "Judging from..."
• "Considering..."
• "Based on..."
• "From the perspective of..." It indicates that the speaker is making a judgment or inference based on the preceding noun.

Structure

Formation:

Noun + からすると / からすれば / からして

Component
Noun	+	からすると
Noun	+	からすれば
Noun	+	からして

• からすると and its variations からすれば, からして are often interchangeable.

Formation Diagram

[Evidence/Source (Noun)] + からすると → [Inference/Judgment]

Detailed Explanation

• Usage: Attach からすると to a noun to indicate that you're making a judgment or inference based on that noun.
• Nuance: It suggests that, from the standpoint of the evidence provided by the noun, the speaker concludes something.
• Variations:
  • からすれば has a similar meaning but may emphasize the standpoint slightly more.
  • からして can also be used but sometimes carries a nuance of "even" or highlights an extreme example.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ～によると (〜ni yoru to)
   • Meaning: "According to..."
   • Usage: Used to report information obtained from a source.
   • Difference: Focuses on relaying information, not making an inference.
2. ～にとって (〜ni totte)
   • Meaning: "For (someone)..."
   • Usage: Expresses the perspective or opinion of a person.
   • Difference: Indicates personal relevance, not necessarily used for making judgments based on evidence.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 彼の態度からすると、今日は機嫌が悪いようだ。
   • Kare no taido kara suru to, kyō wa kigen ga warui yō da.
   • Translation: "Judging from his attitude, he seems to be in a bad mood today."
2. この足跡からすると、昨夜誰かが庭に入ったようだ。
   • Kono ashiato kara suru to, sakuya dareka ga niwa ni haitta yō da.
   • Translation: "Judging from these footprints, someone seems to have entered the garden last night."
3. 彼女の話し方からすれば、彼女はこの件について何も知らないと思う。
   • Kanojo no hanashikata kara sureba, kanojo wa kono ken ni tsuite nani mo shiranai to omou.
   • Translation: "Considering the way she talks, I think she doesn't know anything about this matter."
4. あの服装からして、彼はエンジニアではないかもしれない。
   • Ano fukusō kara shite, kare wa enjinia dewa nai kamo shirenai.
   • Translation: "Even judging from that outfit alone, he might not be an engineer."
5. 専門家の意見からすると、この計画は成功するだろう。
   • Senmonka no iken kara suru to, kono keikaku wa seikō suru darō.
   • Translation: "Based on the experts' opinions, this plan will probably succeed."

Usage in Different Contexts

• Formal Writing: Commonly used in essays, reports, and formal analyses.
• Casual Speech: Used in daily conversations to express thoughts and inferences.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Indirectness in Communication: Japanese language often uses indirect expressions to convey thoughts politely. ～からすると allows the speaker to suggest an inference without making a direct statement, aligning with cultural preferences for subtlety.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The grammar point itself is neutral.
• Politeness is adjusted through verb endings and honorific language in the sentence, not through からすると.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Attachment
   • Wrong: 面白いからすると、この映画は見たほうがいい。
   • Omoshiroi kara suru to, kono eiga wa mita hō ga ii.
   • Issue: からすると should be attached to a noun, not an adjective.
   • Correct: 評判の良さからすると、この映画は見たほうがいい。
   • Hyōban no yosa kara suru to, kono eiga wa mita hō ga ii.
   • Explanation: Changed to a noun 評判の良さ (the good reputation).
2. Confusion with ～によると
   • Wrong: 天気予報からすると、明日は雨が降る。
   • Tenki yohō kara suru to, ashita wa ame ga furu.
   • Issue: Should use ～によると when reporting information.
   • Correct: 天気予報によると、明日は雨が降る。
   • Tenki yohō ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga furu.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Noun Link: Ensure からすると is attached to a noun. If you have an adjective or verb, consider converting it into a noun form.
• Practice with Observations: Look around and make inferences based on what you see using ～からすると.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～からすると is used to make judgments or inferences based on evidence or perspective, attaching to nouns.
• Can be translated as "judging from...", "considering...", "based on...".
• Be careful not to confuse it with ～によると, which is used for citing sources.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the Blank 彼の声の様子______、彼は風邪をひいたようだ。
   • Answer: からすると
2. True or False You can attach からすると directly to adjectives.
   • Answer: False
3. Choose the Correct Sentence a) この写真を見るからすると、彼女は元気そうだ。 b) この写真からすると、彼女は元気そうだ。
   • Answer: b)

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Congratulations! You've learned how to use ～からすると to express inferences and judgments in Japanese. Keep practicing by observing situations and forming sentences using this structure.

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