Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~末 (~sue)

~末 (~sue)

Short explanation:

Express the outcome after a period of time or a series of actions; 'after', 'as a result of'.

Formation:

Noun + 末

Examples:

長い議論の末、ようやく意見がまとまった。
Nagai giron no sue, youyaku iken ga matomatta.
After a long discussion, opinions finally came together.
一週間の勉強の末、試験に合格した。
Isshūkan no benkyou no sue, shiken ni goukaku shita.
After a week of studying, I passed the exam.
何度も失敗の末、成功を手に入れた。
Nando mo shippai no sue, seikou wo te ni ireta.
After many failures, I finally achieved success.
彼との別れの末、新しい人生を始めた。
Kare to no wakare no sue, atarashii jinsei wo hajimeta.
After breaking up with him, I started a new life.

Long explanation:

The ~末 grammar point is used to express the outcome or result that occurs after a period of time has passed or after a series of actions have been completed. It can be translated as 'after', 'as a result of', or 'following' in English. It is used with nouns.

Detailed Grammar notes:

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

Element Description
Verb in ます-form Indicates the action to be completed
末 (sue) Indicates the result or consequence after the action

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!

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