Processing keyword: ～たきり (〜takiri)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～たきり (〜takiri)

〜たきり (〜takiri)

1. Introduction

The grammar point 〜たきり (〜takiri) is used to express that since a certain action occurred, the situation has remained unchanged. It often implies that something expected hasn't happened after that initial action, and the state continues up to the present.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Since ~
• After ~
• Indicates that since the action took place, nothing has changed, and the expected or intended action hasn't occurred.

Formation

To form this grammar point, attach きり to the た-form of a verb.

**Verb (た-form) + きり**

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

〜て以来 (〜te irai) vs. 〜たきり

Both 〜て以来 and 〜たきり express that since a certain action occurred, something has continued. However:

• 〜て以来 is used in broader contexts and emphasizes continuity from the past to the present.
• 〜たきり often implies that the expected action hasn't occurred since then.

  Grammar Point	Usage	Nuance
  〜て以来	Since doing ~ (and continuously)	Emphasis on continuous state
  〜たきり	Since doing ~ (and no change)	Emphasis on lack of expected action

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 彼は朝、出かけたきり戻ってこない。 Kare wa asa, dekaketa kiri modotte konai. He went out this morning and hasn't returned since.
2. 友達に会ったきり、それ以来連絡がない。 Tomodachi ni atta kiri, sore irai renraku ga nai. Since I met my friend, I haven't heard from them.
3. この本は一度読んだきり、棚に置いたままだ。 Kono hon wa ichido yonda kiri, tana ni oita mama da. I've only read this book once, and it's been left on the shelf.
4. 祖父は5年前に北海道へ行ったきりです。 Sofu wa 5 nen mae ni Hokkaidō e itta kiri desu. My grandfather went to Hokkaido five years ago and hasn't come back.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

• Formal: Used in both formal and informal settings, but often found in written language to describe situations where something hasn't happened since a certain point.
• Informal: Common in spoken language to express surprise or frustration about the lack of change.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, there is often an expectation of promptness and regular communication. Using 〜たきり can imply a sense of disappointment or concern that someone hasn't been in touch or that something hasn't progressed as anticipated.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 寝たきり Netakiri Bedridden; confined to bed
  • This is an idiomatic use where 〜たきり combines with 寝る (neru) to describe someone who remains in bed due to illness or age.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the dictionary form instead of the た-form
   • Incorrect: 彼は出かけるきり戻ってこない。
   • Correct: 彼は出かけたきり戻ってこない。
2. Confusing with 〜っきり meaning "only"
   • 〜っきり as in 二人っきり (just the two of us) is different from 〜たきり.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that たきり ties back to the た-form, indicating a past action, and きり signifies "just" or "only," emphasizing that only that action occurred, and nothing has followed.
• Practice: Create sentences using familiar verbs in the た-form + きり to reinforce the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜たきり (〜takiri) expresses that since a past action occurred, the expected subsequent action hasn't happened.
• Formed by attaching きり to the た-form of a verb.
• Often carries an implication of unexpectedness or concern over the lack of change.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the 〜たきり grammar pattern?
   • Answer: Verb (た-form) + きり
2. What nuance does 〜たきり express in a sentence?
   • Answer: Since the action occurred, nothing has changed; the expected action hasn't happened.
3. Translate the following sentence: 彼女は部屋に入ったきり出てこない。
   • Answer: She went into her room and hasn't come out since.

Practice using 〜たきり in your own sentences to describe situations where something hasn't happened since a particular action.