Processing keyword: ～となると (〜to naru to)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～となると (〜to naru to)

Grammar Point: ～となると (〜to naru to)

1. Introduction

The Japanese grammar point ～となると (to naru to) is used to express a situation where something can be assumed or a conclusion can be drawn based on the preceding condition. It is often translated as "when it comes to," "if it's about," or "in terms of." This expression is commonly used in discussions of conditions, situations, or topics.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase implies a conditional or situational relationship, indicating that if we are talking about a certain topic or situation, certain conclusions or expectations apply.

• Structure:

  • The structure of ～となると is:
    • [Noun] + となると
    • Verb [plain form] + となると
  • Example:
    • 学校のこととなると (gakkou no koto to naru to) - "When it comes to school..."
    • 映画を見ることとなると (eiga o miru koto to naru to) - "If it’s about watching movies..."

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Grammar:
  • ～について (ni tsuite): This means "about" or "concerning." While ～について discusses the subject in detail, ～となると focuses on the implications or conclusions based on that subject.
    • Example: 「映画について話しましょう。」(Eiga ni tsuite hanashimashou.) - "Let's talk about the movie."
    • Example with ～となると: 「映画の話となると、興味が出る。」(Eiga no hanashi to naru to, kyoumi ga deru.) - "When it comes to movies, I become interested."

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 経済の問題となると、多くの人が関心を持っています。
   • (Keizai no mondai to naru to, ooku no hito ga kanshin o motteimasu.)
   • "When it comes to economic issues, many people are interested."
2. Informal:
   • 旅行の話となると、彼はいつも楽しそうになる。
   • (Ryokou no hanashi to naru to, kare wa itsumo tanoshisou ni naru.)
   • "If it's about travel, he always seems excited."
3. Written:
   • 彼女の趣味となると、音楽を聞くことが最も重要だ。
   • (Kanojo no shumi to naru to, ongaku o kiku koto ga mottomo juuyou da.)
   • "When it comes to her hobbies, listening to music is the most important."
4. Spoken:
   • サッカーの話となると、彼は止まらないよ。
   • (Sakkaa no hanashi to naru to, kare wa tomaranai yo.)
   • "When it comes to soccer, he can't stop talking."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ～となると can reflect the speaker's familiarity and comfort with a topic. In Japanese culture, context and the ability to navigate various topics are highly regarded. It often appears in discussions at meetings or when analyzing issues casually among friends.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 一言で言うと (hitokoto de iu to) means "to put it in a nutshell." It often sets the stage for a summary that can relate to using ～となると for a more focused discussion.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Students may confuse ～となると with ～について, thinking they are interchangeable. Remember, ～となると emphasizes conclusions based on conditions; whereas ～について simply refers to the subject matter.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "to naru" as "the topic turns into" to remember that it leads to a conclusion or perspective based on what's being discussed.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The grammar point ～となると indicates a conditional or situational basis for discussions.
• It can be used with nouns and verbs, always leading to a conclusion or emphasis on the topic at hand.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～となると imply in a conversation?
2. How would you use this phrase in a sentence about cooking?
3. Compare ～となると with another phrase you know (e.g., ～について). What is the main difference?