Processing keyword: ～にかけては (〜ni kakete wa)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～にかけては (〜ni kakete wa)

JLPT Grammar Lesson: ～にかけては (〜ni kakete wa)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～にかけては (〜ni kakete wa). This expression is used to highlight someone's exceptional skill or ability in a particular field. It conveys the idea that "when it comes to ~, (someone) is the best" or "in terms of ~, (someone) excels."

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～にかけては is used to emphasize that someone is outstanding or unparalleled in a specific area or skill. It often carries a sense of praise, highlighting exceptional ability. Translation:

• "When it comes to ~"
• "In terms of ~"
• "Regarding ~ (someone) is the best"

Structure

Formation:

[Skill/Field Noun] + にかけては + [Positive statement about ability]

• [Skill/Field Noun]: The area in which someone excels.
• にかけては: Grammar point indicating exceptional ability.
• [Positive statement]: A comment highlighting the person's skill.

Explanation

• Attach にかけては to the noun representing the skill or field.
• Follow it with a positive statement that showcases the person's excellence.
• The expression is used to make comparisons, often implying that no one else matches up.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with Similar Grammar Points

• ～にかけては specifically emphasizes unparalleled skill or excellence.
• ～については and ～に関しては introduce topics without implying skill level.
• ～としては refers to roles or capacities, not necessarily skills.
• ～においては is used in formal contexts to denote a location or field without emphasis on skill.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 彼はスポーツにかけては、クラスで一番です。
   Kare wa supōtsu ni kakete wa, kurasu de ichiban desu.
   When it comes to sports, he is the best in the class.
2. 料理の腕前にかけては、彼女にかなう人はいない。
   Ryōri no udemae ni kakete wa, kanojo ni kanau hito wa inai.
   When it comes to cooking skills, no one can beat her.
3. 日本史の知識にかけては、先生以上です。
   Nihonshi no chishiki ni kakete wa, sensei ijō desu.
   In terms of knowledge of Japanese history, he surpasses even the teacher.
4. 彼は音楽センスにかけては、天才と言われています。
   Kare wa ongaku sensu ni kakete wa, tensai to iwarete imasu.
   When it comes to musical sense, he is called a genius.
5. 英語の発音にかけては、ネイティブ並みです。
   Eigo no hatsuon ni kakete wa, neitibu nami desu.
   When it comes to English pronunciation, he's on par with native speakers.

Context Variations

• Formal Context:
  おもてなしの心にかけては、日本人は世界一です。
  Omotenashi no kokoro ni kakete wa, Nihonjin wa sekaiichi desu.
  When it comes to the spirit of hospitality, Japanese people are the best in the world.
• Informal Speech:
  ゲームにかけては、あいつに勝てないよ。
  Gēmu ni kakete wa, aitsu ni katenai yo.
  When it comes to games, I can't beat that guy.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Recognition of Expertise: Japanese culture often values humility, but it's also important to recognize and acknowledge others' skills respectfully. Using ～にかけては is a polite way to highlight someone's strengths.
• Group Harmony: By emphasizing individual skills in a specific context, it maintains group harmony while recognizing personal achievements.

Levels of Politeness

• The expression ～にかけては is neutral; politeness is adjusted with verb endings and honorifics.
• Polite Form Example:
  田中さんはサービスにかけては、他のスタッフより優れています。
  Tanaka-san wa sābisu ni kakete wa, hoka no sutaffu yori sugurete imasu.
  When it comes to service, Mr. Tanaka excels compared to other staff.

Idiomatic Expressions

• While ～にかけては is not an idiom, it's commonly used in set phrases that highlight unparalleled ability.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using Negative Statements:
   • Incorrect:
     彼は数学にかけては、苦手です。
     Kare wa suugaku ni kakete wa, nigate desu.
     (He is bad at math.)
   • Correction:
     ～にかけては is used with positive statements about exceptional abilities.
2. Confusing with Topic Markers:
   • Mix-up: Using ～については instead of ～にかけては when emphasizing skill.
   • Example:
     Incorrect:
     絵画については、彼女が一番上手です。
     Kaiga ni tsuite wa, kanojo ga ichiban jōzu desu.
     • This means "Regarding painting, she is the best," but doesn't emphasize her exceptional skill.
   • Correction:
     絵画にかけては、彼女が一番上手です。

Learning Strategies

• Association: Remember that かける (kakeru) can mean "to hang" or "to stake." Think of にかけては as "staking one's reputation on" a skill, emphasizing confidence in that area.
• Positive Context: Always use ～にかけては with positive statements to highlight excellence.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～にかけては emphasizes exceptional skill or ability in a specific field.
• Attach it to the noun representing the skill area, followed by a positive statement.
• It differs from ～については and ～に関しては, which introduce topics without highlighting skill level.
• Use it to praise someone's abilities in a respectful and culturally appropriate manner.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct grammar point:
   彼女はデザイン______、会社で一番才能があります。
   Answer: にかけては
2. True or False:
   ～にかけては can be used with negative statements about someone's abilities.
   Answer: False
3. Choose the correct sentence that uses ～にかけては appropriately: a) 彼は料理にかけては、全然ダメです。
   b) 彼女はファッションにかけては、誰にも負けない。
   c) 彼は歴史については、興味がない。 Answer: b) 彼女はファッションにかけては、誰にも負けない。

By understanding and practicing ～にかけては, you can effectively express exceptional skills and abilities in Japanese, enhancing both your language proficiency and cultural awareness.