Processing keyword: ～以来 (〜irai)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～以来 (〜irai)
1. Introduction
The grammar point ～以来 (〜いらい) is used in Japanese to indicate "since" a certain event or time up to the present. It expresses that something has continued from that point in the past until now.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ～以来 (〜いらい) means "since" or "ever since".
Usage
- It is used to describe a state or action that has been ongoing from a specific point in the past up to the present.
- Often used with verbs that denote a significant event or change.
Structure
Verb (た-form) + 以来
| Part of Speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| Verb | 動詞のた形 (Verb た-form) + 以来 |
Formation Diagram
[Verb in た-form] + 以来
↑
Past event
3. Comparative Analysis
～以来 vs. ～から
- ～以来 emphasizes the continuation of a state or action from a past event to the present.
- ～から simply indicates "from" a certain point but doesn't necessarily imply continuous action.
Grammar Point Emphasis Example ～以来 Continuous state/action since an event 日本に来て以来、日本語を勉強している。 ～から Starting point without continuity implied 日本に来てから、たくさん旅行した。
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Formal Written
日本に来て以来、ずっと忙しいです。
Ever since I came to Japan, I've been busy.
Example 2: Conversational
卒業して以来、彼に会っていない。
I haven't seen him since we graduated.
Example 3: Formal Speech
この薬を飲み始めて以来、体の調子が良くなりました。
Since I started taking this medicine, I've been feeling better.
Example 4: Informal
その日以来、彼女は元気がない。
Since that day, she hasn't been herself.
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness
- ～以来 can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- The politeness level is adjusted by the surrounding sentences and verb forms.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 震災以来
Since the earthquake disaster. - 結婚して以来
Since getting married.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistake 1: Using Present Tense Verb Before 以来
- Incorrect: 会う以来
- Correct: 会って以来 Always use the verb in its past (た-form) before 以来.
Common Mistake 2: Confusing ～以来 with ～以後 (いご)
- ～以来 implies continuity up to the present.
- ～以後 can refer to any time after a point in the past, not necessarily continuous.
Learning Tip
- Mnemonic: Think of 以来 as "Event EYE (い) witnessed in the past, continuing up to now."
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～以来 is used to express "since" an event, emphasizing continuity to the present.
- Formation: Verb (た-form) + 以来
- Be mindful to use the た-form of verbs before 以来.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you form a sentence using ～以来?
- What verb form is used before 以来?
- Translate: 日本に帰って以来、毎日家族と過ごしています。 Answers:
- Verb (た-form) + 以来
- The past tense (た-form) of the verb
- "Since returning to Japan, I spend time with my family every day."
Feel free to revisit the examples and explanations to reinforce your understanding of ～以来 (〜いらい).