Processing keyword: ～から言うと (〜kara iuto)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～から言うと (〜kara iuto)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～から言うと (~kara iu to) is a Japanese expression used to convey a perspective or standpoint. It translates to "from the point of view of" or "considering". This expression is useful when you want to express an opinion or judgment based on a particular aspect.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～から言うと means "from the perspective of" or "judging from".
• It is used to express a viewpoint based on a specific criterion or aspect.

Structure

[ Noun ] + から言うと

• [Noun]: The basis or standpoint from which something is considered.
• から言うと: "from the standpoint of" or "judging from".

Formation Diagram

Component	Function
Noun	The basis or perspective
から	From
言うと	Speaking/Judging/Talking

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ～から見ると (〜kara miru to)
   • Meaning: "from the viewpoint of"
   • Usage: Emphasizes visual or observational perspective.
2. ～にとって (〜ni totte)
   • Meaning: "for" or "to"
   • Usage: Expresses how something is important or relevant to someone.

Differences

• ～から言うと focuses on a specific criterion or standard.
• ～から見ると is more about personal viewpoint or impression.
• ～にとって conveys a personal relevance or significance.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal - Written
   • 日本の文化から言うと、この習慣は非常に重要です。
   • From the perspective of Japanese culture, this custom is very important.
2. Formal - Spoken
   • 専門家の意見から言うと、この方法は最も効果的です。
   • Judging from expert opinions, this method is the most effective.
3. Informal - Written
   • 経験から言うと、早起きは健康に良いよ。
   • From my experience, waking up early is good for your health.
4. Informal - Spoken
   • 彼の性格から言うと、そんなことはしないはずだ。
   • Considering his personality, he shouldn't do such a thing.

Additional Examples

• 消費者の立場から言うと、この価格は高すぎます。
  • From the consumer's standpoint, this price is too high.
• 法律から言うと、彼の行為は違法です。
  • Judging from the law, his actions are illegal.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese communication, expressing viewpoints from different perspectives is common and reflects the culture's emphasis on context and consideration of various factors.

• Politeness Levels: Using ～から言うと is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but the surrounding language should match the level of formality.
• Indirect Communication: Japanese often use such expressions to convey opinions indirectly, which is a culturally preferred way of expressing disagreement or criticism.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 世間一般から言うと
  • From the general public's perspective
• 常識から言うと
  • Judging from common sense

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the wrong particle
   • Incorrect: 日本から言えば、この料理は辛いです。
     • This is incorrect because ～から言うと is more appropriate when focusing on an aspect like culture or perspective.
   • Correct: 日本の味覚から言うと、この料理は辛いです。
     • From the Japanese palate's perspective, this dish is spicy.
2. Confusing with ～にとって
   • Incorrect: 彼から言うと、この仕事は簡単です。
     • While grammatically correct, if you mean "For him, this job is easy," ～にとって would be more natural.
   • Correct: 彼にとって、この仕事は簡単です。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that から means "from" and 言うと means "if you say," so think of it as "If you speak from [perspective]."
• Practice Pairing: Pair から言うと with various nouns representing perspectives (e.g., 法律, 経験, 専門家) to get comfortable with its usage.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～から言うと is used to express a judgment or opinion from a specific standpoint.
• It helps convey perspectives in both formal and informal settings.
• Be mindful of similar expressions and choose the one that best fits the context.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 経済の視点____言うと、この政策はリスクが高い。

   • Answer: から

2. Choose the correct usage of ～から言うと: a) 彼の話し方から言うと、彼は緊張している。

   b) 彼の気持ちから言うと、それは難しい。

   • Answer: a) 彼の話し方から言うと、彼は緊張している。

3. True or False: ～から言うと can be used interchangeably with ～にとって.

   • Answer: False

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Happy studying! Remember to use ～から言うと to express perspectives thoughtfully, reflecting the nuanced communication styles in Japanese.

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