Processing keyword: ～末 (～sue)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～末 (～sue)

Grammar Point: ～末 (～sue)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～末 (～sue) is used in Japanese to indicate "the end of" or "after" a certain action or event has taken place. It conveys a sense of completion or conclusion. This grammar is often used in formal contexts and written Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The ending ～末 signifies that something occurs after the completion of an action.
• Structure: The basic structure includes the verb in its ます-form followed by 末.
• Formation Diagram:
  • Structure: [Verb ます-form] + ～末
  • Example: 食べます (tabemasu) + 末 → 食べた末 (tabeta sue)

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• ～後 (～go): Indicates "after (doing something)" but does not necessarily emphasize the completion of the action.
  • Example: 勉強した後、遊びに行く。 (Benkyou shita ato, asobi ni iku.) - "After studying, I will go play."
• ～た後 (～ta ato): Similar to ～末, but more commonly used in conversational Japanese.
  • Example: 食べた後、散歩した。 (Tabeta ato, sanpo shita.) - "After eating, I took a walk." The nuance with ～末 is more fixed and can imply a formal conclusion or a definitive state after action.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Written:
   • 研究の末、我々は新しい理論を発表しました。
   • (Kenkyuu no sue, wareware wa atarashii riron o happyou shimashita.)
   • "After conducting research, we presented a new theory."
2. Informal Spoken:
   • 彼と話した末、彼女は彼のことを信じることにした。
   • (Kare to hanashita sue, kanojyo wa kare no koto o shinjiru koto ni shita.)
   • "After talking with him, she decided to trust him."
3. Written Context:
   • 相談の末、私たちはこのプロジェクトを続けることにしました。
   • (Soudan no sue, watashitachi wa kono purojekuto o tsuzukeru koto ni shimashita.)
   • "After discussion, we decided to continue with this project."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ～末 often implies politeness and a level of formality that suits business or academic contexts. Hence, it reflects the Japanese values of thoroughness and respect in communication.

Idiomatic Expressions

A common phrase might be:

• 結論の末 (Ketsuron no sue) - "At the conclusion" Used in formal writing or speeches when wrapping up discussions or findings.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Usage: Using 末 after casual actions can sound overly formal.
  • Example Mistake: 友達と遊んだ末に帰る。 (Incorrect - sounds too formal for casual context)
• Correct Usage: Generally reserve it for formal or written contexts.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Devices: Remember that 末 resembles the word "end" (as in ‘the end of the process’) to help associate it with concluding actions.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～末 indicates "after" or "at the end of" an action and is used mainly in formal contexts.
• It conveys a sense of conclusion and is associated with politeness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does the grammar point ～末 signify?
2. How does ～末 differ from ～後?
3. Provide an example sentence using ～末 in a formal context.

Feel free to ask for more examples or further clarifications if needed!