Processing keyword: A。だって B。(Datte~)

Japanese Grammar Point: A。だって B。(Datte~)

Grammar Point: A。だって B。 (Datte~)

Introduction

The grammar point だって (datte) is commonly used in Japanese conversations to express something analogous to "even" or "also." It often indicates justification or an explanation for a situation or to introduce a contrasting point of view.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Structure:

  • A。だって B。
  • Here, A is a statement that may provide a reason or context, and B is the follow-up statement or response.

• Usage:

  • だって is used in informal speech, typically when responding to a suggestion or a statement.
  • It emphasizes that what follows is an understandable or reasonable objection.

Meaning

• "Even [A], B."
• "Because [A], B."

Formation Diagram

[Statement A] だって [Statement B]
          |            |
          |            |
       Reason/Context   Response

Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. でも (demo): Used to express contrast but does not give a reason.

   • Example: それはいいけど、雨が降っている。 (That's good, but it’s raining.)

2. しかし (shikashi): More formal than だって but also introduces contrast or an objection.

   • Example: 雨が降っている。しかし、出かけます。 (It is raining. However, I will go out.)

Key Differences

• だって emphasizes a personal reaction or excuse, while でも and しかし serve to present contrasts.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:

   • A: どうして行かないの？ (Why aren’t you going?)
   • B: 車がないんだって。 (Datte I don’t have a car.)

2. Informal:

   • A: これを食べたくないの？ (Don’t you want to eat this?)
   • B: だって、辛いから！ (Datte it’s spicy!)

3. Written:

   • 彼は仕事が忙しい。だって、毎日残業しているから。 (He is busy with work. Datte he works overtime every day.)

4. Spoken:

   • A: 連絡しなかったの？ (Didn’t you contact them?)
   • B: だって、電話が壊れているんだもん。 (Datte my phone is broken.)

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• The use of だって reflects the casualness and interconnectedness in Japanese conversation, where speakers often utilize justifications for their statements.

Levels of Politeness

• だって is considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations among friends or peers. In more formal situations, one might choose でも (demo) or しかし (shikashi).

Idiomatic Expressions

• A common phrase: "だって、いいじゃない！" (Datte, it's fine, isn’t it?) used to justify a relaxed approach to a situation.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Confusing だって with でも: Remember that だって provides reasons or justifications, while でも just shows contrast.

Learning Strategies

• A mnemonic to remember this usage: "D(at)te, 'That’s why' I have a point!"

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• だって is used to introduce reasons and justifications in informal speech.
• It reflects the Japanese conversational style emphasizing personal context.
• Best used around friends or in casual environments.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does だって mean in English?
2. Can you use だって in formal situations?
3. Give an example of a sentence using だって.

This concludes the explanation of the grammar point だって.