Processing keyword: ～それと～ (〜sore to〜)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～それと～ (〜sore to〜)

JLPT Grammar Point: ～それと～ (sore to)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～それと～ is commonly used in Japanese to connect sentences or clauses, similar to saying "and" or "that too" in English. It is often utilized to provide additional information or to add another point to an argument or statement.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase combines the pronoun それ (sore), meaning "that", with と (to), which is a conjunction meaning "and". Together, it expresses the idea of adding more information or another point.

• Structure:

  • Form: それと + (Sentence/Clause)
  • Usage: It is typically used in spoken or informal contexts, but can be found in written contexts as well.

Formation Diagram

Sentence 1, それと Sentence 2.

Example:

• 学校は楽しいです。それと、友達もいます。(Gakkō wa tanoshii desu. Sore to, tomodachi mo imasu.)
• "School is fun. And I have friends too."

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Grammar Points:

  • それに (soreni): This also means "and" but carries a slightly different nuance, often used to provide additional reasoning or support.
  • Example: それに、勉強が必要です。(Sore ni, benkyou ga hitsuyou desu.) - "Moreover, studying is necessary."

• Key Difference:

  • ～それと～ suggests a simple addition of information, while ～それに～ implies providing further support or argument.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:

   • 昨日、映画を見ました。それと、新しいレストランにも行きました。(Kinō, eiga o mimashita. Sore to, atarashii resutoran ni mo ikimashita.)
   • "Yesterday, I watched a movie. And I also went to a new restaurant."

2. Informal:

   • 今日は晴れてるね。それと、風も気持ちいいよ。(Kyō wa hareteru ne. Sore to, kaze mo kimochi ii yo.)
   • "It's sunny today, you know. And the wind feels nice too."

3. Written:

   • 研究が進んでいます。それと、成果も出始めています。(Kenkyū ga susundeimasu. Sore to, seika mo dehajimeteimasu.)
   • "Research is progressing. And results are beginning to emerge."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ～それと～ reflects a conversational style that is common in Japanese culture, which values harmony and clarity in communication. It allows speakers to present points in a straightforward manner without being overly formal.

Levels of Politeness

While this grammar point can be used in various settings, it skews slightly informal. In more formal situations, alternatives like それに or それでは could be more appropriate to connect ideas.

Idiomatic Expressions

• In conversational Japanese, you might hear phrases like それと同時に (sore to dōji ni - "at the same time") to elaborate on ideas.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Using it in overly formal writing, where more formal conjunctions should be used.
• Clarification: Learners might confuse it with “それに,” which could lead to miscommunication about the intent or strength of the additional point.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of それと as “that and” - just remember it adds a point without heavy implications.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～それと～ is a conjunction meaning "and" for adding information.
• It is used in informal to semi-formal contexts.
• It is different from ～それに～ in terms of nuance and purpose.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How would you use ～それと～ in a sentence?
2. What is the difference between ～それと～ and ～それに～?
3. Is ～それと～ appropriate for formal writing? Why or why not? Feel free to review these concepts and try creating your own sentences using ～それと～!