Processing keyword: ～がい (〜gai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～がい (〜gai)

～がい (〜gai)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～がい (〜gai) is a suffix used in Japanese to express that something is worth doing or has value. It attaches to the stem of verbs and conveys a sense of reward or satisfaction derived from an action.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～がい (〜gai): Worth doing; worthwhile; rewarding; value in doing something.

Structure

• Verb Stem + がい

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

• ～甲斐がある (～かいがある): Similar in meaning, but uses the kanji 甲斐. Both expressions indicate that an effort yields a rewarding result. The shorter ～がい is often used in compound nouns.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1

Sentence:
やりがいのある仕事を探しています。 Romaji:
Yarigai no aru shigoto o sagashite imasu. Translation:
I am looking for a job that is worthwhile.

Example 2

Sentence:
彼の笑顔を見ると、教えがいがあります。 Romaji:
Kare no egao o miru to, oshiegai ga arimasu. Translation:
Seeing his smile makes teaching him worthwhile.

Example 3

Sentence:
これは作りがいのあるプロジェクトだ。 Romaji:
Kore wa tsukurigai no aru purojekuto da. Translation:
This is a project worth undertaking.

Example 4

Sentence:
毎日練習した甲斐があって、試合に勝てた。 Romaji:
Mainichi renshū shita kai ga atte, shiai ni kateta. Translation:
The effort of practicing every day paid off, and we won the match. Note: In this example, 甲斐があって is used, showing the similarity with ～がい.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese work culture, finding やりがい (yarigai) in one's job is often emphasized. It reflects a pursuit of personal fulfillment and contribution to society.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 生きがい (いきがい): Purpose in life; something that makes life worth living. Example:
  子供たちが私の生きがいです。
  My children are my reason for living.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Attachment: Attaching がい directly to the dictionary form instead of the verb stem. Incorrect:
  やるがい Correct:
  やりがい

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that がい attaches to the verb stem, just like adding ます in polite forms.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～がい is used to express that something is worth doing.
• It attaches to the verb stem.
• Commonly used in phrases like やりがい (worth doing) and 生きがい (reason to live).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "worth doing" using ～がい?
2. What is the correct way to attach ～がい to the verb 食べる?
3. Translate to English: これは読みがいのある本だ。 Answers:
4. やりがい
5. 食べがい
6. This is a book worth reading.