Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~につけ~につけ (〜ni tsuke 〜ni tsuke)

~につけ~につけ (〜ni tsuke 〜ni tsuke)

Short explanation:

Expresses 'whenever', 'each time', 'whether...or'.

Formation:

Verb-casual + につけ, い-Adjective + につけ, な-Adjective + につけ, Noun + につけ

Examples:

外国へ行くにつけ、勉強するにつけ、言葉の壁にぶつかる。
Gaikoku e iku ni tsuke, benkyou suru ni tsuke, kotoba no kabe ni butsukaru.
Whether I go abroad or study, I always encounter language barriers.
彼と話すにつけ、彼が考えるにつけ、彼の知識に驚かされる。
Kare to hanasu ni tsuke, kare ga kangaeru ni tsuke, kare no chishiki ni odorokasareru.
Whenever I talk to him or hear his thoughts, I'm always amazed by his knowledge.
この公園で遊ぶにつけ、散歩するにつけ、子供時代を思い出す。
Kono kouen de asobu ni tsuke, sanpo suru ni tsuke, kodomo jidai wo omoidasu.
Each time I play or take a walk in this park, it reminds me of my childhood.
春につけ、秋につけ、彼は母校を訪れる。
Haru ni tsuke, aki ni tsuke, kare wa bokou wo otozureru.
Whether in spring or autumn, he visits his alma mater.

Long explanation:

The ~につけ~につけ grammar point is used to express that something happens 'each time' or 'whenever' a certain event or situation occurs, and can also mean 'whether...or'. This grammar point indicates that the same event or feeling occurs no matter which of the following situations happen.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~につけ~につけ (〜ni tsuke 〜ni tsuke)

Japanese Grammar Point: ~につけ~につけ (〜ni tsuke 〜ni tsuke)

~につけ~につけ (〜ni tsuke 〜ni tsuke)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ~につけ~につけ (〜ni tsuke 〜ni tsuke). This pattern is used to express that the same thought or feeling applies in various situations, emphasizing consistency across different scenarios.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~につけ~につけ is used to indicate that regardless of different situations or conditions, the same outcome, feeling, or judgment applies. It often translates to:

  • "Whether...or..."
  • "Every time..."
  • "Both...and..."

Structure

The basic structure of this grammar point is:

Verb (dictionary form) + に + つけ + Verb (dictionary form) + に + つけ

It can also be used with adjectives or nouns in certain cases.

Formation Diagram

Component Structure
Verb (Dictionary Form) 見る (to see)
+ に + つけ 見る + に + つけ → 見るにつけ
Repeat 聞く + に + つけ → 聞くにつけ

Usage Breakdown

  • Consistency Across Situations: Emphasizes that the same result or feeling applies regardless of different situations.
  • Pairing of Terms: Often pairs two contrasting or related verbs, adjectives, or nouns.
  • Emotional Response: Commonly used to express emotional reactions or personal reflections.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

~にしろ~にしろ (〜ni shiro 〜ni shiro)

  • Meaning: "Whether...or...", "Even if..."
  • Usage: Presents hypothetical situations or choices, often suggesting that the outcome is the same.

~にせよ~にせよ (〜ni seyo 〜ni seyo)

  • Meaning: Similar to ~にしろ~にしろ, but slightly more formal.
  • Usage: Indicates that regardless of the situation, the following statement holds true. Key Differences:
  • ~につけ~につけ: Focuses on emotional reactions or consistent outcomes in real situations.
  • ~にしろ~にしろ / ~にせよ~にせよ: Often used for hypothetical scenarios or to give advice.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

  1. 嬉しいにつけ、悲しいにつけ、彼女は友達に電話をする。
    Ureshii ni tsuke, kanashii ni tsuke, kanojo wa tomodachi ni denwa o suru.
    Whether she's happy or sad, she calls her friend.
  2. 写真を見るにつけ、旅行を思い出す。
    Shashin o miru ni tsuke, ryokō o omoidasu.
    Every time I look at the photos, I remember the trip.
  3. 良いにつけ悪いにつけ、結果を受け入れるしかない。
    Yoi ni tsuke warui ni tsuke, kekka o ukeireru shika nai.
    Whether good or bad, we have to accept the results.
  4. 天気が良いにつけ悪いにつけ、彼はジョギングをする。
    Tenki ga yoi ni tsuke warui ni tsuke, kare wa jogingu o suru.
    Regardless of the weather being good or bad, he goes jogging.
  5. 経験するにつけ学ぶことが多い。
    Keiken suru ni tsuke manabu koto ga ōi.
    Every time I experience something, I learn a lot.

Context Variations

  • Formal Settings: This grammar point is often used in written Japanese, speeches, and formal conversations.
  • Emotional Expression: Suitable for expressing personal feelings or reflections.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Emphasis on Reflection: Japanese culture values introspection and learning from experiences. This grammar pattern aligns with expressing consistent feelings or lessons learned across different situations.
  • Politeness and Subtlety: By expressing that something applies in all cases, speakers can convey strong sentiments politely.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 見るにつけ聞くにつけ
    Miru ni tsuke kiku ni tsuke
    Whenever I see or hear A common expression used when various inputs (seeing, hearing) lead to the same reaction or thought.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Incorrect Verb Form: Using forms other than the dictionary form before につけ.
    • Incorrect: 見たにつけ、聞いたにつけ
    • Correct: 見るにつけ、聞くにつけ
  • Mixing Grammar Patterns: Confusing ~につけ~につけ with ~にしろ~にしろ or ~にせよ~にせよ.

Learning Strategies

  • Associative Memory: Remember that つけ comes from 付ける (to attach), so think of attaching the same feeling to different situations.
  • Practice with Pairs: Create sentences using pairs of opposite or related words to get comfortable with the pattern.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • Meaning: Expresses that the same feeling or outcome applies in various situations.
  • Structure: Verb (dictionary form) + に + つけ + Verb (dictionary form) + に + つけ
  • Usage: Emphasizes consistency, often in emotional contexts.
  • Common Mistake: Using the incorrect verb form; always use the dictionary form before につけ.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blanks: 天気が____、____、彼は出かける。
    Answer: 良いにつけ、悪いにつけ
  2. True or False: ~につけ~につけ is used to present hypothetical scenarios.
    Answer: False (It expresses that something consistently applies in real situations.)
  3. Choose the correct structure for ~につけ~につけ:
    a) Verb (dictionary form) + に + つけ
    b) Verb (ます stem) + に + つけ
    Answer: a) Verb (dictionary form) + に + つけ

By mastering ~につけ~につけ, you can express nuanced thoughts about situations where the same feelings or outcomes apply, enriching your Japanese communication skills.

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