Processing keyword: ～ように言う (〜you ni iu)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～ように言う (〜you ni iu)
1. Introduction
In Japanese, expressing indirect commands or requests is essential for polite and nuanced communication. The grammar structure ～ように言う is used to convey such indirect commands, requests, or suggestions. Understanding this structure will enhance your ability to report what someone told someone else to do or to make polite requests.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ～ように言う: To tell someone to do something; to report a command or request indirectly.
Structure
- Verb (Dictionary Form) + ように言う
- Verb (Negative Form) + ように言う
Formation Diagram
| Pattern | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (Dictionary Form) + ように言う | 食べるように言う | Tell someone to eat |
| Verb (Negative Form) + ように言う | 食べないように言う | Tell someone not to eat |
Usage Notes
- Used to indirectly report commands or requests.
- Makes the statement more polite and less direct.
- Commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Visual Aid: Structure Breakdown
[Person A]は[Person B]に[Verb (Dictionary Form)/Negative Form]ように言う
- Person A tells Person B to do/not do something.
3. Comparative Analysis
Similar Grammar Points
～てくださいと言う
- Meaning: To tell someone to do something (direct request).
- Example: 先生は学生に座ってくださいと言いました。
- Sensei wa gakusei ni suwatte kudasai to iimashita.
- "The teacher said to the students, 'Please sit down.'"
Differences
- ～ように言う is more indirect and polite.
- ～てくださいと言う is a direct quotation of a request, less formal.
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- 彼は私にもっと野菜を食べるように言った。
- Kare wa watashi ni motto yasai o taberu you ni itta.
- "He told me to eat more vegetables."
- 医者は彼女にお酒を飲まないように言いました。
- Isha wa kanojo ni osake o nomanai you ni iimashita.
- "The doctor told her not to drink alcohol."
- 先生は学生たちに遅刻しないように注意した。
- Sensei wa gakuseitachi ni chikoku shinai you ni chuui shita.
- "The teacher cautioned the students not to be late."
- 母は妹に部屋を片付けるように言った。
- Haha wa imouto ni heya o katadzukeru you ni itta.
- "Mother told my younger sister to tidy up her room."
- 上司は部下に報告書を締め切りまでに提出するように頼んだ。
- Joushi wa buka ni houkokusho o shimekiri made ni teishutsu suru you ni tanonda.
- "The boss asked the subordinates to submit the report by the deadline."
Context Variations
- Formal Spoken: 部長は皆に安全に注意するように言われました。
- "The manager told everyone to pay attention to safety."
- Informal Spoken: 友達に早く来るように言って。
- "Tell your friend to come early."
5. Cultural Notes
Politeness and Indirectness
- In Japanese culture, indirect expressions are preferred to maintain harmony and show respect.
- ～ように言う allows speakers to give commands or requests gently.
Levels of Politeness
- The verb 言う can be made more polite:
- 言います (iimasu): Polite form.
- おっしゃいます (osshaimasu): Honorific form.
- Using these forms adjusts the politeness level of the entire expression.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 気をつけるように言う: To tell someone to be careful.
- 頑張るように伝える: To convey to someone to do their best.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect Verb Form
- ❌ 先生は学生に静かにしてように言った。
- ✅ 先生は学生に静かにするように言った。
- Mistake: Using して instead of the dictionary form する before ように言う.
- Omitting ように
- ❌ 母は私に野菜を食べると言った。
- ✅ 母は私に野菜を食べるように言った。
- Mistake: Using と言う instead of ように言う, changing the meaning to simply quoting what was said.
Tips
- Remember the Verb Form: Always use the dictionary form or negative form of the verb before ように言う.
- Mnemonic Device: Think of ように as "so that" or "in order to", helping you remember its use in making indirect commands.
- Practice: Create your own sentences to become familiar with the structure.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～ように言う is used to indirectly convey commands or requests.
- Formed by adding ように言う to the verb's dictionary or negative form.
- It reflects the Japanese preference for indirect and polite communication.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank: 先生は学生に宿題を忘れない____言いました。
- True or False: "母は私に早く寝ると言った。" correctly uses ～ように言う.
- Translate: "He told me to be careful."
Answers:
- ように
- False (It should be "母は私に早く寝るように言った。")
- 彼は私に気をつけるように言った。
By mastering ～ように言う, you can accurately report commands and make polite requests, adding depth to your Japanese communication skills. Keep practicing, and soon it will become second nature!