Processing keyword: ～以来 (〜irai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～以来 (〜irai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～以来 (〜irai)

Introduction

The grammar point ～以来 (〜irai) is used to express that something has occurred or has been the case continuously from a certain point in time up until now. It highlights the idea of "since" a specific time or event.

Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning & Structure

• Meaning: The phrase 以来 indicates a sense of duration or continuation starting from a particular time up to the present.
• Structure:
  • [Noun/Verb in past tense] 以来 (いらい)

Formation Diagram

[Time/Event] 以来
    ↓ 
[A] - Something has been true since that point in time.

Examples of Structure:

1. Noun Use:
   • 学生（がくせい）以来 (gakusei irai) - since I was a student.
2. Verb Use:
   • 日本に行った（にほんにいった）以来 (nihon ni itta irai) - since I went to Japan.

Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• 〜から: Both indicate the starting point of an action or situation, but から focuses on a more immediate sense of time, while 以来 emphasizes duration from that point onwards.

  • 例: 日本に来てから、友達ができました。 (Nihon ni kite kara, tomodachi ga dekimashita.) - Since I came to Japan, I made friends.

• 〜て以来: This can be used interchangeably but usually comes after a verb. It is more formal and emphasizes the action taken since that time.

  • 例: 日本に行って以来、好きになった。(Nihon ni itte irai, suki ni natta.) - Since I went to Japan, I have come to like it.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 彼が結婚した以来、彼とは会っていません。(Kare ga kekkon shita irai, kare to wa atteimasen.)
     Translation: Since he got married, I haven't met him.
2. Informal:
   • 大学を卒業して以来、ずっと働いているよ。(Daigaku o sotsugyou shite irai, zutto hataraite iru yo.)
     Translation: Since I graduated from college, I've been working continuously.
3. Written:
   • その事件以来、彼女は家に閉じこもることが多くなった。(Sono jiken irai, kanojo wa ie ni tojikomoru koto ga ooku natta.)
     Translation: Since that incident, she has often stayed closed up in her house.
4. Spoken:
   • この町に引っ越して以来、毎日散歩してる。(Kono machi ni hikkoshite irai, mainichi sanpo shiteru.)
     Translation: Since I moved to this town, I take a walk every day.

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of 以来 often reflects Japanese values around long-standing relationships and continuity. You may find this expression in discussions about friendships, careers, and other commitments that hold significance over time.

Levels of Politeness

Using 以来 in a formal context is more appropriate, especially in spoken or written communication to express respect and seriousness about the time elapsed.

Idiomatic Expressions

Some idiomatic expressions may use 以来, including:

• 教えて以来 (oshiete irai) - since you taught me; highlighting a long-term impact on the speaker.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Overuse: Learners might use 以来 with present or future actions. Remember, 以来 should always refer to events from the past leading to the present.
• Confusion with から: Respect the nuance that 以来 indicates duration, while から merely states when an action began.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: "Iryai sounds like ‘in range,’ reminding you to think of ‘since this range of time’."
• Visualization: Create a timeline from past to present and mark events where you can use 以来.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The grammar point 以来 is used to express a period that continues from a specific past moment to the present.
• It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, emphasizing the duration rather than just the start of an action.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does 以来 indicate about time?
2. Can you use 以来 to refer to future events?
3. Compare the usage of 以来 and から. Feel free to revisit this guide whenever you encounter or wish to use the 以来 grammar point in your studies!