Processing keyword: ～も同然だ (〜mo douzen da)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～も同然だ (〜mo douzen da)

JLPT Grammar Point: ～も同然だ (〜mo douzen da)

1. Introduction

The expression ～も同然だ is used to indicate that something is almost equivalent to another thing. It expresses a sense of similarity or equality and is often used to draw comparisons, suggesting that the situation is effectively the same as another that has already been mentioned.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The basic meaning of ～も同然だ is "it's almost the same as" or "it's practically the same as."
• Structure:
  • Form: [Noun/Verb (dictionary form)] + も同然だ
  • It can also be used in the negative form: [Noun/Verb (negative form)] + も同然だ (meaning "it's not different from...").

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• 〜のようだ (〜no you da): This suggests similarity but is more general. For example, "彼は学生のようだ" (Kare wa gakusei no you da) means "He is like a student."
• 〜と同じだ (〜to onaji da): This means "the same as" and signifies exact equivalence. For example, "彼はバスケットボール選手と同じだ" (Kare wa basukettobōru senshu to onaji da) means "He is the same as a basketball player."

Differences

• も同然だ indicates something that is practically the same but still allows for slight differences, while と同じだ indicates complete equality.
• のようだ is broader and not strictly about equality.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 彼は教授になったが、実際にはまだ学生も同然だ。
   • (Kare wa kyōju ni natta ga, jissai ni wa mada gakusei mo douzen da.)
   • "He has become a professor, but in reality, he is still practically a student."
2. Informal:
   • あの店のラーメンは家で作るのと同然だよ。
   • (Ano mise no rāmen wa ie de tsukuru no to douzen da yo.)
   • "The ramen at that shop is practically the same as what we make at home."
3. Spoken:
   • 彼女の意見は、僕のと同然だと思うよ。
   • (Kanojo no iken wa, boku no to douzen da to omou yo.)
   • "I think her opinion is pretty much the same as mine."
4. Written:
   • その結果は成功と同然であると言える。
   • (Sono kekka wa seikou to douzen de aru to ieru.)
   • "One can say that the outcome is equivalent to success."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ～も同然だ can reflect a certain level of humility or modesty in Japanese culture. It downplays one’s achievements or statements by suggesting they are not significantly better than another.

Idiomatic Expressions

A common expression utilizing this grammar point can be seen in contexts discussing success and failure.

• 成功も同然の結果 (seikou mo douzen no kekka): "An outcome that is practically a success."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Confusing ～も同然だ with just stating things as similar without the nuance of equality.
• Tip: Remember that this expression emphasizes the closeness of comparison; it’s not just similarity, but almost equivalence.

Learning Strategies

• Associate the phrase with the visual of two objects being very close to each other, like two puzzle pieces fitting together, to remember the meaning of "almost the same."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The grammar point ～も同然だ means "it's practically the same as."
• It draws comparisons and shows that two things are effectively equal, even if a small difference exists.
• Use it to express subtle nuances in discussions.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you use the structure for verbs in the past form?
2. Translate this sentence: "Her efforts are practically the same as my efforts."
3. What’s the difference between ～も同然だ and ～と同じだ? By understanding and applying this grammar point, learners can articulate comparisons in a nuanced way, reflecting the subtleties of the Japanese language.