Processing keyword: ～だらけ (〜darake)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～だらけ (〜darake)

Grammar Point: ～だらけ (〜darake)

1. Introduction

The Japanese grammar point ～だらけ (〜darake) is used to express that something is filled with or covered in a particular undesirable or negative thing. It conveys a sense of being "full of" something considered messy, unwanted, or excessive.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The structure 〜だらけ conveys the idea of abundance or saturation with something undesirable. It is often used with nouns to indicate that the subject is covered with or full of something unappealing or troubling.
• Structure:
  • [Noun] + だらけ
  • Example: "ゴミ" (gomi - trash) + "だらけ" → "ゴミだらけ" (gomi darake) meaning "full of trash."

Formation Diagram

    Noun + だらけ
        ↓
   Full of / Covered in

3. Comparative Analysis

The structure 〜だらけ can be compared to two other expressions that convey similar meanings:

• 〜まみれ (〜mamire): This also implies being covered in something. However, まみれ is more neutral or can even be used positively in some contexts (e.g., "汗まみれ" - "covered in sweat").

• 〜まん (〜man): This indicates that something is overflowing with a specific attribute or quality but is usually more general and less emotionally charged than だらけ.

Differences:

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:

   • この部屋はゴミだらけです。
     (Kono heya wa gomi darake desu.)
     "This room is full of trash."

2. Informal:

   • 彼の机は書類だらけだよ。
     (Kare no tsukue wa shorui darake da yo.)
     "His desk is covered in papers."

3. Written Context:

   • その公園は犬のフンだらけで、遊ぶ気になれない。
     (Sono kouen wa inu no fun darake de, asobu ki ni narenai.)
     "That park is full of dog poop, so I don't feel like playing there."

4. Spoken Context:

   • このカバンは汚れだらけなんだけど、洗えない。
     (Kono kaban wa yogore darake nan da kedo, araenai.)
     "This bag is full of dirt, but I can't wash it."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, cleanliness and neatness are highly valued. Thus, using だらけ often communicates a strong discomfort with disorder or dirtiness. It signals a need for improvement or clean-up in the discussed situation.

Levels of Politeness

The use of だらけ can vary depending on context—using it in formal situations might need more caution due to its negative connotation.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 「汚れだらけの心」 (yogore darake no kokoro) - "a heart full of dirt" can express guilt or emotional turmoil.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Use: Some learners might mistakenly use だらけ for neutral or positive terms. Remember, it is specifically for undesirable things.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: "Darake" sounds like dark; you can remember that it refers to something dark or negative, like dirt or unwanted things.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜だらけ expresses being full of or covered in something regarded as undesirable.
• It's often used in informal speech, but context is important to maintain appropriateness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What noun structure is used with だらけ?
2. Can だらけ be used with positive contexts?
3. How is だらけ different from まみれ? Use this framework to understand and practice the usage of 〜だらけ effectively in your Japanese language learning journey!