Processing keyword: ～に至った (〜ni itatta)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～に至った (〜ni itatta)

～に至った (〜ni itatta)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～に至った (〜ni itatta) is used to express that something has "reached" a certain state or "led to" a particular outcome. It emphasizes the culmination of events or circumstances that have resulted in the current situation. Understanding this expression is valuable for articulating processes, decisions, or developments in Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• English Translation: to have reached; to have led to; resulted in
• Function: Indicates the culmination or conclusion of a process leading to a certain result.

Structure

The structure combines a noun or verb phrase with the particle に (ni) and the past tense form of the verb 至る (いたる), which is 至った (いたった).

[Phrase/Noun] + に + 至った

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～ようになった (~you ni natta)

  • Meaning: "came to (be); became able to"
  • Difference: Focuses on a change in ability or habitual action, whereas ～に至った emphasizes the final result of a process.

• ～ことになった (~koto ni natta)

  • Meaning: "it has been decided that; it turns out that"
  • Difference: Implies a decision or conclusion made, often outside the speaker's control, while ～に至った highlights the process leading to a result.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Formal Written Context

Japanese: 彼の長年の努力が実り、ついに成功に至った。 Romaji: Kare no naganen no doryoku ga minori, tsuini seikō ni itatta. English Translation: His years of effort bore fruit, and he finally achieved success.

Example 2: Formal Spoken Context

Japanese: 調査の結果、このような結論に至った次第です。 Romaji: Chōsa no kekka, kono yōna ketsuron ni itatta shidai desu. English Translation: As a result of the investigation, we've come to this conclusion.

Example 3: Informal Context

Japanese: いろいろ考えて、その案を採用するに至った。 Romaji: Iroiro kangaete, sono an wo saiyō suru ni itatta. English Translation: After much thought, I ended up adopting that plan.

Example 4: Written Narrative

Japanese: 彼女は多くの困難を乗り越え、この地位に至った。 Romaji: Kanojo wa ōku no konnan wo norikoete, kono chii ni itatta. English Translation: She overcame many difficulties to reach this position.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese communication, articulating the process leading to a result is important, especially in formal contexts such as business or academic writing. Using ～に至った conveys a logical progression and transparency about how conclusions or decisions were made.

Levels of Politeness

• Formal Usage: Commonly used in formal written and spoken language.
• Polite Forms: Often paired with formal phrases and honorifics to match the context.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 死に至る病 (shi ni itaru yamai)
  • Meaning: A deadly disease; an illness leading to death.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using ～に至った with actions that don't involve a process leading to a result.

  • Incorrect: 彼は走るに至った。
  • Issue: Running is an action, but without context, it doesn't reflect a culmination.

• Correct Usage: Ensure that ～に至った follows a phrase that implies a process or series of events.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 至る (itaru) as "arrive at." So, ～に至った is "arrived at [result]."
• Tip: Pair this grammar point with events or decisions that have significant lead-up processes.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～に至った is used to express that something has been reached as a result of a process.
• It emphasizes the culmination of events leading to a particular outcome.
• Commonly used in formal contexts to explain decisions or results.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the primary function of ～に至った?
   • Answer: To indicate that a certain state or result has been reached after a process.
2. Which of the following sentences correctly uses ～に至った?
   • a) 彼は昼ご飯を食べるに至った。
   • b) 長い議論の末、合意に至った。
   • Answer: b) 長い議論の末、合意に至った。
3. True or False: ～に至った can be used for instantaneous actions without prior processes.
   • Answer: False.

By understanding and practicing ～に至った, you'll be able to articulate complex processes and outcomes more effectively in Japanese.