Processing keyword: ～がらないで (〜ga ranai de)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～がらないで (〜ga ranai de)

～がらないで (〜garanai de)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point ～がらないで (〜garanai de), a useful expression in Japanese that allows you to tell someone "Don't feel..." or "Don't be..." a certain way. This grammar is particularly helpful when encouraging someone not to feel negative emotions like fear, loneliness, or shyness.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～がらないで is used to tell someone not to exhibit or feel a certain emotion. It translates to "Don't be (emotion)", "Don't feel (emotion)", or "Don't act (emotion)".

Structure

The structure involves:

1. An adjective (usually emotion-related).
2. Adding がる (garu) to the adjective stem to form a verb meaning "to show signs of...".
3. Converting it to the negative te-form: がらないで (garanai de).

Formation Steps

1. Identify the adjective (usually an emotion or feeling).
   • For i-adjectives: Remove the final い (i).
   • For na-adjectives: Use the adjective as is.
2. Add がる (garu) to form a verb meaning "to show signs of...".
3. Conjugate がる (garu) into its negative te-form: がらないで (garanai de).

Formation Diagram

Example

• 怖い (kowai) "scared"
  1. Remove い: 怖(こわ)
  2. Add がる: 怖がる (kowagaru) "to show signs of being scared"
  3. Negative te-form: 怖がらないで (kowagaranaide) "Don't be scared"

Usage

Use ～がらないで when you want to gently encourage someone not to feel a certain negative emotion.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing Similar Expressions

～ないでください (～naide kudasai)

• Meaning: "Please don't do..."
• Usage: General request not to perform an action.
• Example: 行かないでください。(Ikanaide kudasai.) "Please don't go."

～がらないで (～garanai de)

• Meaning: "Don't feel..." or "Don't be..."
• Usage: Specifically relates to emotions or feelings.
• Example: 寂しがらないで。(Sabishigaranaide.) "Don't feel lonely."

Nuances

• ～がらないで is more personal and empathetic, focusing on the person's emotions.
• ～ないでください is a polite request to not perform an action, more general in nature.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Example 1

恥ずかしがらないで、質問してね。 Hazukashigaranaide, shitsumon shite ne.

• Meaning: "Don't be shy, feel free to ask questions."

Example 2

怖がらないで、一緒に遊びましょう。 Kowagaranaide, issho ni asobimashou.

• Meaning: "Don't be afraid, let's play together."

Example 3

寂しがらないで、みんながいるよ。 Sabishigaranaide, minna ga iru yo.

• Meaning: "Don't feel lonely, everyone is here."

Example 4

怒らないで、聞いてください。 Okoranaide, kiite kudasai.

• Meaning: "Don't get angry, please listen."

Example 5

泣きたがらないで、大丈夫だよ。 Nakitagaranaide, daijoubu da yo.

• Meaning: "Don't feel like crying, it's going to be okay."

Various Contexts

• Formal Spoken: 恥ずかしがらないで、意見を述べてください。 "Don't be shy, please state your opinion."
• Informal Spoken: 怒らないでよ、ごめんね。 "Don't be mad, I'm sorry."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, there is often an emphasis on modesty and suppressing strong emotions in public settings. Using ～がらないで can be a way to gently encourage someone to overcome feelings that might prevent social harmony.

Levels of Politeness

• Adding ください (kudasai) increases politeness:
  • 怖がらないでください。 "Please don't be afraid."
• Omitting ください is more casual and used among friends or peers.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 遠慮しないで (Enryo shinaide)
  • "Don't hesitate."
• 気にしないで (Ki ni shinaide)
  • "Don't worry about it."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using the plain negative form instead of がらないで.
  • Incorrect: 寂しくないで。 (Sabishikunai de.)
  • Correct: 寂しがらないで。 (Sabishigaranaide.)
• Mistake: Forgetting to remove い from i-adjectives before adding がる.
  • Incorrect: 怖いがらないで。 (Kowaigaranaide.)
  • Correct: 怖がらないで。 (Kowagaranaide.)

Learning Strategies

• Remember: For i-adjectives, drop the final い before adding がる.
• Practice: Create flashcards with common emotion adjectives and practice forming ～がらないで.
• Visualization: Imagine comforting a friend to embody the empathetic tone of ～がらないで.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～がらないで is used to tell someone not to feel or show a certain emotion.
• Formed by adding がる to the adjective stem and then ないで.
• Commonly used with emotion-related adjectives.
• Politeness can be adjusted by adding ください.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "Don't be angry" using ～がらないで? Answer: 怒らないで。 (Okoranaide.)
2. What is the correct formation of ～がらないで with the adjective 寂しい (sabishii)? Answer: 寂しがらないで。 (Sabishigaranaide.)
3. True or False: Adding がる to an adjective allows it to be conjugated as a verb. Answer: True

By mastering ～がらないで, you'll enhance your ability to express empathy and offer comfort in Japanese, making your conversations more natural and heartfelt.