Processing keyword: ～は抜きにして (〜wa nuki ni shite)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～は抜きにして (〜wa nuki ni shite)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～は抜きにして (〜wa nuki ni shite), which translates to "setting aside...", "without...", or "leaving out..." in English. This expression is useful when you want to proceed without considering a particular element or when you want to focus on what's important by excluding certain factors from the discussion.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～は抜きにして: Setting aside..., without..., leaving out... This phrase is used to exclude a particular topic or factor from consideration, allowing the conversation or action to focus on other aspects.

Structure

Formation Diagram

graph TD
A[Noun] -- は抜きにして --> B[Main Action or Statement]

Formation

• Noun + は抜きにして + Main Action/Statement Components:

1. Noun: The element you want to set aside or exclude.
2. は (wa): Topic marker particle.
3. 抜きにして (nuki ni shite): Phrase meaning "leaving out" or "without".

Detailed Explanation

The phrase ～は抜きにして is constructed by taking a noun (the topic to exclude) and attaching は抜きにして. This effectively tells the listener that you're setting that noun aside and proceeding without considering it.

• Example Breakdown:
  • 冗談は抜きにして、仕事に取り掛かりましょう。
    • Jōdan wa nuki ni shite, shigoto ni torikakarimashō.
    • "Putting jokes aside, let's get to work."
  • 冗談 (jōdan): Joke(s)
  • は (wa): Topic marker
  • 抜きにして (nuki ni shite): Setting aside
  • 仕事に取り掛かりましょう (shigoto ni torikakarimashō): Let's get to work

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point	Meaning	Nuance Difference
～を抜きにして	Without..., excluding...	Uses を instead of は, slightly changes the focus to the direct object being excluded.
～はさておき	Putting aside..., aside from...	Suggests postponing discussion about the topic; often used to divert the conversation to another subject.
～を除いて	Except for..., excluding...	More formal; directly states the exclusion of something from a group or list.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal

• 結果は抜きにして、努力を評価します。
  • Kekka wa nuki ni shite, doryoku o hyōka shimasu.
  • "Setting aside the results, we will evaluate the effort."

2. Informal

• 冗談は抜きにして、本題に入ろう。
  • Jōdan wa nuki ni shite, hondai ni hairō.
  • "Jokes aside, let's get to the main topic."

3. Spoken

• 予算は抜きにして、いいアイデアを出してください。
  • Yosan wa nuki ni shite, ii aidea o dashite kudasai.
  • "Forget about the budget; please come up with good ideas."

4. Written

• 感情は抜きにして、客観的に判断するべきだ。
  • Kanjō wa nuki ni shite, kyakkan-teki ni handan subeki da.
  • "Emotions aside, we should judge objectively."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, maintaining harmony and focusing on collective goals over individual feelings is important. Using ～は抜きにして allows speakers to gently set aside personal matters or less relevant topics to focus on what's important, which aligns with the cultural emphasis on group cohesion and efficiency.

Politeness and Formality

• The expression is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
• Adjust the politeness level by modifying the verbs and phrases that follow ～は抜きにして.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 冗談は抜きにして (Jōdan wa nuki ni shite): "Jokes aside"
• 個人的な意見は抜きにして (Kojin-teki na iken wa nuki ni shite): "Putting personal opinions aside" These idiomatic uses are common in both business and casual conversations.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Particle
   • Incorrect: 冗談を抜きにして、本当のことを話しましょう。
   • Correct: 冗談は抜きにして、本当のことを話しましょう。
   • Explanation: Use は as the topic marker in this expression, not を.
2. Misplacing 抜きにして in the Sentence
   • Incorrect: 抜きにして冗談は、本題に入りましょう。
   • Correct: 冗談は抜きにして、本題に入りましょう。
   • Explanation: The noun followed by は抜きにして should come before the main clause.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Structure:
  • Think of [Noun] + は抜きにして + Action as a fixed pattern.
• Association Technique:
  • Associate 抜き (nuki) with "抜く (nuku)" meaning "to extract" or "to remove". This can help you remember that you're "removing" the topic from consideration.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～は抜きにして is used to exclude a topic from consideration, meaning "setting aside..." or "without...".
• It is formed by attaching は抜きにして to a noun.
• Commonly used to focus on the main issue by excluding less relevant topics.
• Remember to use the particle は with this expression.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate to Japanese: "Putting personal feelings aside, let's discuss the facts."
   • Answer: 個人的な感情は抜きにして、事実を話し合いましょう。
2. Fill in the Blank: 予測_____抜きにして、現状を見つめる必要がある。
   • Answer: 予測は抜きにして
3. True or False: The particle を is used with 抜きにして in this grammar point.
   • Answer: False (は is used, not を.)

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By understanding and practicing ～は抜きにして, you can effectively steer conversations to focus on what's important, a useful skill in both professional and personal contexts.

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