Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
A につけ B につけ (A ni tsuke B ni tsuke)

A につけ B につけ (A ni tsuke B ni tsuke)

Short explanation:

Used to express 'whether... or...', 'both... and...', 'in either case'.

Formation:

Phrase A + につけ、Phrase B + につけ

Examples:

彼には笑うにつけ泣くにつけ、とても魅力的な人だ。
Kare ni wa warau ni tsuke naku ni tsuke, totemo miryokuteki na hito da.
He is very attractive whether he is laughing or crying.
子供のころにつけ大人になってからも、彼は音楽が好きだ。
Kodomo no koro ni tsuke otona ni natte kara mo, kare wa ongaku ga suki da.
He likes music, both when he was a child and after he became an adult.
日中につけ夜間につけ、この景色は美しい。
Nitchuu ni tsuke yakan ni tsuke, kono keishiki wa utsukushii.
This view is beautiful whether it's during the day or at night.
喜びにつけ悲しみにつけ、彼女はいつも私を支えてくれる。
Yorokobi ni tsuke kanashimi ni tsuke, kanojo wa itsumo watashi o sasaete kureru.
Whether in joy or sorrow, she always supports me.

Long explanation:

The ~AにつけBにつけ grammar point is used to express that a certain state or action applies both in case A and case B. It can be translated as 'whether... or...', 'both... and...', 'in either case' in English. It is often used with a pair of contrasting statements.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: A につけ B につけ (A ni tsuke B ni tsuke)

Japanese Grammar Point: A につけ B につけ (A ni tsuke B ni tsuke)

A につけ B につけ (A につけ B につけ)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point 「A につけ B につけ」 (A ni tsuke B ni tsuke). This structure is commonly used to express that regardless of whether it's A or B, the result is the same. It's a way to present two contrasting examples that lead to the same conclusion.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The expression 「A につけ B につけ」 means:

  • "Whether it's A or B; in either case; whenever A or B happens; both in A and in B situations." It emphasizes that no matter which of the two situations (A or B) occurs, the same conclusion or feeling applies.

Structure

Formation Diagram:

[Verb (Dictionary Form)] + につけ + [Verb (Dictionary Form)] + につけ
[い-Adjective (Dictionary Form)] + につけ + [い-Adjective (Dictionary Form)] + につけ
[Noun] + に + つけ + [Noun] + に + つけ

Formation Components

  • A and B: These are typically dictionary forms of verbs, adjectives, or nouns.
  • につけ: This is a fixed expression that connects A and B.

Examples of Formation

  • Verb Example: 見るにつけ聞くにつけ (Whenever I see or hear)
  • Adjective Example: いいにつけ悪いにつけ (Whether good or bad)
  • Noun Example: 嬉しいにつけ悲しいにつけ (Whether happy or sad)

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points:

  • 「A にしろ B にしろ」: Also means "whether A or B," but can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
  • Difference: 「につけ」 often implies a more emotional or reflective response, whereas 「にしろ」 is more neutral.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

  1. Formal (Written):
    • 日本では、何事につけ礼儀正しさが求められる。
    • Nihon de wa, nanigoto ni tsuke reigi tadashisa ga motomerareru.
    • "In Japan, politeness is expected in all matters."
  2. Informal (Spoken):
    • 彼は嬉しいにつけ悲しいにつけ、食べることで感情を表す。
    • Kare wa ureshii ni tsuke kanashii ni tsuke, taberu koto de kanjō o arawasu.
    • "Whether he's happy or sad, he expresses his feelings by eating."
  3. Descriptive:
    • 見るにつけ聞くにつけ、彼の才能には感心する。
    • Miru ni tsuke kiku ni tsuke, kare no sainō ni wa kanshin suru.
    • "Every time I see or hear about it, I'm impressed by his talent."
  4. Advice:
    • 良いにつけ悪いにつけ、自分の行動には責任を持ちなさい。
    • Yoi ni tsuke warui ni tsuke, jibun no kōdō ni wa sekinin o mochi nasai.
    • "Whether it's good or bad, take responsibility for your actions."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • In Japanese culture, expressing emotions indirectly is common. Using structures like 「A につけ B につけ」 allows speakers to convey feelings or observations in a nuanced way.
  • It reflects the Japanese value of considering multiple perspectives and acknowledging various situations.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 思うにつけ考えるにつけ
    • "The more I think about it..."
  • 何事につけ
    • "In all things..."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Using the wrong verb form: Remember to use the dictionary form of verbs and adjectives.
    • Incorrect: 見たにつけ聞いたにつけ
    • Correct: 見るにつけ聞くにつけ
  • Mixing formal and informal speech: Ensure consistency in the speech level throughout your sentence.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of "につけ" as "につけて考える" (whenever considering), which can help you remember that it relates to various situations leading to the same conclusion.
  • Practice Pairing Contrasts: Practice by pairing opposite words (e.g., happy/sad, good/bad) to get accustomed to the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • 「A につけ B につけ」 is used to express that regardless of A or B, the same result occurs.
  • It often pairs contrasting situations to emphasize that the outcome remains consistent.
  • Use the dictionary form of verbs and adjectives in this structure.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank: 彼は春_______秋_______、一年中旅行している。 Answer: につけ、につけ
  2. True or False: 「A につけ B につけ」 can only be used with verbs. Answer: False (It can be used with adjectives and nouns as well.)
  3. Translate to English: 良いにつけ悪いにつけ、この経験は君を成長させるだろう。 Answer: "Whether it's good or bad, this experience will help you grow."

Feel free to review these points and practice creating your own sentences using 「A につけ B につけ」 to solidify your understanding!

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Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


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