Processing keyword: ～とおり (〜toori)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～とおり (〜toori)

1. Introduction

The grammar point 〜とおり (〜とおり) is a useful expression in Japanese that means "just as", "exactly as", or "according to". It is used to indicate that an action or state occurs in the same way as something else. Understanding how to use 〜とおり can help you accurately describe events and actions that align with expectations, instructions, or previous statements.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• 〜とおり conveys the meaning of "as", "just as", "the same as", or "according to".
• It is used to express that something happens in the same manner or way as something else.

Structure

The structure of 〜とおり depends on the word that precedes it.

Formation

1. Verb Dictionary Form + とおり
   • Vる + とおり
   • Indicates that an action is done as per the verb's action.
2. Verb Ta-Form (Past Tense) + とおり
   • Vた + とおり
   • Expresses that something occurred just as was done or said.
3. Noun + のとおり
   • N + のとおり
   • Uses the possessive particle の to connect the noun.
4. Noun + どおり
   • N + どおり
   • An alternative where の is omitted, and とおり becomes どおり.

Visual Aid: Structure Table

Preceding Word	Structure	Example
Verb (Dictionary Form)	Vる + とおり	見るとおり (Just as I see)
Verb (Ta-Form)	Vた + とおり	聞いたとおり (Just as I heard)
Noun	N + のとおり	指示のとおり (According to instructions)
Noun	N + どおり	予定どおり (As planned)

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3. Comparative Analysis

〜とおり vs 〜ように

• 〜ように also means "as" or "like", but it is often used to express a goal or a desired outcome.
• 〜とおり emphasizes that something happens exactly as something else. Example:
• 先生が言ったとおりに書きます。
  • "I will write exactly as the teacher said."
• 先生が言うように書きます。
  • "I will write so that it is like the teacher says."

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Verb Dictionary Form + とおり

• 彼は思うとおりに行動した。
  • Kare wa omou toori ni kōdō shita.
  • "He acted just as he thought."

2. Verb Ta-Form + とおり

• 試験は私が予想したとおり難しかった。
  • Shiken wa watashi ga yosō shita toori muzukashikatta.
  • "The exam was difficult just as I had expected."

3. Noun + のとおり

• 地図のとおりに行けば迷わない。
  • Chizu no toori ni ikeba mayowanai.
  • "If you go according to the map, you won't get lost."

4. Noun + どおり

• 計画どおりに仕事が進んでいます。
  • Keikaku doori ni shigoto ga susunde imasu.
  • "The work is progressing as planned."

Formal and Informal Contexts

Formal

• 説明書のとおりに操作してください。
  • Setsumeisho no toori ni sōsa shite kudasai.
  • "Please operate according to the instruction manual."

Informal

• 君の言ったとおりだね。
  • Kimi no itta toori da ne.
  • "It's just as you said."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Japanese culture, following instructions and conforming to expectations is often emphasized.
• Using 〜とおり reflects a respect for directions, plans, and the insights of others.

Levels of Politeness

• The politeness level is determined by the formality of the verbs and expressions used alongside 〜とおり.
• 〜とおり itself is neutral but can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 思いどおり
  • Means "as one wishes" or "to one's satisfaction".
  • 例: 全てが思いどおりにいくわけではない。
    • Subete ga omoidoori ni iku wake de wa nai.
    • "Not everything goes as one wishes."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Verb Form Usage
   • Common Mistake: Using the wrong verb form before 〜とおり.
     • Incorrect: 彼が言うとおりにします。
     • Correct (if referring to something he said in the past): 彼が言ったとおりにします。
2. Confusing のとおり and どおり
   • Tip: Remember that どおり is used directly after certain nouns without の.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of とおり as "to order" — doing something "to order" or "as ordered".
• Practice Pairing: Create sentence pairs using both 〜とおり and 〜ように to understand the nuances.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜とおり is used to express that something happens "just as" something else.
• It can be used with verbs in dictionary or past tense forms and with nouns.
• Pay attention to verb forms and whether to use のとおり or どおり after nouns.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of 〜とおり: a. 説明______に組み立てました。 b. 試合は私たちが期待した______になりました。
2. True or False: 〜とおり can be used after both verbs and nouns.

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Answers:

1. a. 説明書のとおりに組み立てました。 b. 試合は私たちが期待したとおりになりました。
2. True

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By mastering 〜とおり, you can more accurately describe situations that occur as expected or instructed, enhancing both your comprehension and expression in Japanese.

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