Processing keyword: ～に応えて (〜ni kotaete)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～に応えて (〜ni kotaete)

～に応えて (〜ni kotaete)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, expressing actions taken in response to requests, demands, or expectations is a common aspect of communication. The grammar point ～に応えて (〜ni kotaete) allows speakers to convey that they are acting "in response to" or "in accordance with" someone's needs or wishes. This lesson will cover the usage, structure, and nuances of ～に応えて, providing examples and comparisons to enhance your understanding.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～に応えて translates to "in response to ~", "in accordance with ~", or "to meet ~".

Usage

• Used to describe an action taken as a direct response to a request, expectation, demand, or need expressed by someone else.

Structure

[ Noun ] + に応えて

• [ Noun ]: A noun representing a request, expectation, demand, need, or desire.

Formation Diagram

• 依頼に応えて行動する。 "Act in response to a request."

Visual Aid: Structure Breakdown

[ Request/Noun ] に応えて [ Action Taken ]

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ～に応えて with Similar Grammar Points

1. ～に対して (〜ni taishite)

• Meaning: "towards," "against," "in contrast to"
• Usage: Indicates direction of action or contrast between two things. Example:
• 先生の意見に対して、学生たちは反対した。 "The students opposed the teacher's opinion." Difference:
• ～に応えて is used for actions taken in direct response to requests or expectations.
• ～に対して can express opposition, contrast, or direction towards an object or person.

2. ～に沿って (〜ni sotte)

• Meaning: "along with," "in line with"
• Usage: Indicates following a policy, plan, or guideline. Example:
• 計画に沿って進めます。 "We will proceed in line with the plan." Difference:
• ～に応えて focuses on responding to external requests or demands.
• ～に沿って emphasizes adhering to predefined guidelines or plans.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Formal Context

• お客様のご要望に応えて、新しいメニューを開発しました。 Okyakusama no go-yōbō ni kotaete, atarashii menyū o kaihatsu shimashita. "We developed a new menu in response to our customers' requests."

Example 2: Business Setting

• 社員の意見に応えて、勤務時間を柔軟にしました。 Shain no iken ni kotaete, kinmu jikan o jūnan ni shimashita. "We made the working hours flexible in response to employee feedback."

Example 3: Informal Context

• ファンの期待に応えて、彼女はアルバムをリリースした。 Fan no kitai ni kotaete, kanojo wa arubamu o rirīsu shita. "She released an album to meet her fans' expectations."

Example 4: Written Language

• 社会のニーズに応えて、大学は新しい学部を設立した。 Shakai no nīzu ni kotaete, daigaku wa atarashii gakubu o setsuritsu shita. "In response to societal needs, the university established a new department."

Example 5: Spoken Language

• 皆さんの質問に応えて、説明します。 Minasan no shitsumon ni kotaete, setsumei shimasu. "I'll explain in response to your questions."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, attentiveness to others' needs and responding appropriately is highly valued. Using ～に応えて emphasizes a considerate action taken to fulfill someone else's desires or expectations, reflecting the cultural importance of harmony and respect.

Politeness and Formality

• ～に応えて is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
• Adjust the surrounding language to match the level of formality appropriate for the context.

Idiomatic Expressions Using 応える

• 期待に応える: To meet expectations.

  Example: 彼はチームの期待に応えた。 "He lived up to the team's expectations."

• 声援に応える: To respond to cheers/support. Example: 選手たちはファンの声援に応えた。 "The players responded to the fans' support."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Mistake 1: Misusing the Noun Before に応えて

• Incorrect: 天気に応えて、出かけた。
• Correct: 天気がいいので、出かけた。
• Explanation: Weather isn't a request or expectation. Use a causal conjunction instead.

Mistake 2: Confusing に応えて with に対して

• Incorrect: 彼の提案に応えて反対します。
• Correct: 彼の提案に対して反対します。
• Explanation: Use に対して when expressing opposition, not に応えて.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Verb 応える (kotaeru): Means "to respond" or "to meet (expectations)."

• Identify the Noun: Ensure the noun before に応えて represents a request, expectation, or demand.

• Context Clues: Look for contexts where someone is acting because of someone else's expressed needs.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～に応えて is used to express actions taken in response to requests, expectations, demands, or needs.
• Formed by attaching に応えて to a noun representing the request or expectation.
• It highlights consideration and responsiveness, key aspects of Japanese interpersonal relations.

Quick Recap Quiz

Question 1

Fill in the blank with the appropriate grammar point:

• 市民の要望___、新しい公共図書館が建設された。

Question 2

True or False:

• ～に応えて can be used to express opposition to someone's opinion.

Question 3

Choose the correct usage of ～に応えて: A) 試験に応えて、彼は驚いた。 B) 先生の質問に応えて、答えた。

Answers

Answer 1

• 市民の要望に応えて、新しい公共図書館が建設された。

Answer 2

• False Explanation: Expressing opposition is conveyed by ～に対して, not ～に応えて.

Answer 3

• B) 先生の質問に応えて、答えた。 Explanation: This sentence correctly shows responding to a question. Option A is incorrect because an exam is not a request or expectation that one responds to with surprise.

By understanding and practicing ～に応えて, you'll enhance your ability to express responsiveness and meet expectations in Japanese, aligning your language skills with cultural nuances.