Processing keyword: ～にわたって (〜ni watatte)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～にわたって (〜ni watatte)

Grammar Point: ～にわたって (〜ni watatte)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～にわたって (ni watatte) is used to indicate a range or span of time, space, or conditions over which something occurs. It emphasizes the entirety of the period or scope, often conveying continuity or reach.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: Indicates that something lasts or extends over a certain time period or area.
• Structure:
  • [Noun] + にわたって (ni watatte)
  • Example: 日本全土にわたって (Nihon zendo ni watatte) - "Throughout all of Japan"

Formation Diagram:

Noun + にわたって → Indicates a range or span (time/space)

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Grammar Points:

  • ～を通じて (～o tsuujite): Indicates that something is done through a particular means, often focusing on the method rather than the extent.
    • Example: 学校を通じて (Gakkou o tsuujite) - "Through the school"

• Differences:

  • ～にわたって emphasizes the span or extent, while ～を通じて emphasizes the means or method through which something is done.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 事業は全国にわたって展開されています。
     • Jigyou wa zenkoku ni watatte tenkai sareteimasu.
     • "The business has expanded throughout the entire country."
2. Informal:
   • このイベントは一週間にわたって行われるよ。
     • Kono ibento wa isshuukan ni watatte okonawareru yo.
     • "This event will be held over the course of a week."
3. Written:
   • 彼の研究は二十年以上にわたって続けられました。
     • Kare no kenkyuu wa nijuu nen ijou ni watatte tsuzukeraremashita.
     • "His research continued for more than twenty years."
4. Spoken:
   • 旅行は五日間にわたって新しい場所を見て回った。
     • Ryokou wa itsukakan ni watatte atarashii basho o mite mawatta.
     • "The trip spanned five days visiting new places."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of ～にわたって reflects a level of thoroughness and completeness in both language and culture, which is important in Japanese society. It shows respect for the entirety of time or space involved, acknowledging the full scope of experiences.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 世代を超えて (sedai o koete): "Across generations"
  • This expression also conveys spanning or crossing over to emphasize continuity in time.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Misuse of Context: Students may confuse using ～にわたって with time expressions like ～から～まで (kara - made), which specify the start and end without the broader range aspect.

• Overusing: Some learners may use it too frequently in contexts that do not require emphasizing a range, resulting in awkward phrases.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "watatte" as "spanning out" like a bridge that connects two points across a distance.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Meaning: Indicates a range or extent in time, space, or conditions.
• Structure: [Noun] にわたって
• Comparison: Unlike ～を通じて, it emphasizes the breadth rather than the method.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the meaning of ～にわたって?
2. Formulate a sentence using ～にわたって to describe an event lasting for three months.
3. Compare ～にわたって with ～を通じて. What is the main difference?

Feel free to ask any questions if you need further clarification!