Processing keyword: ～がい (〜gai)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～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
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | + がい | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 生きる (いきる) | 生き | 生きがい | Purpose in life; something to live for |
| やる | や | やりがい | Worth doing; rewarding to do |
| 教える (おしえる) | 教え | 教えがい | Worth teaching |
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
- How do you say "worth doing" using ～がい?
- What is the correct way to attach ～がい to the verb 食べる?
- Translate to English: これは読みがいのある本だ。 Answers:
- やりがい
- 食べがい
- This is a book worth reading.