Processing keyword: Noun + ぐるみ (〜gurumi)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun + ぐるみ (〜gurumi)

Grammar Lesson: Noun + ぐるみ (〜ぐるみ)

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern Noun + ぐるみ (〜ぐるみ) is used in Japanese to express the idea of involving the entirety of something or someone. It implies that an action or state includes all members or aspects of the noun it attaches to.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Noun + ぐるみ conveys that something encompasses or involves the whole of the noun mentioned.
• Translates to "together with", "including all of", or "the whole..." in English.

Structure

[Noun] + ぐるみ

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

• 〜ごと (〜後): Also means "the whole" or "entirety," but is often used to indicate doing something along with something else.
  • Example: 箱ごと食べる (Eat the whole box including its contents).
• 〜中 (〜じゅう): Means "throughout" or "all over."
  • Example: 世界中 (All over the world).
• Differences:
  • ぐるみ often implies involvement or participation of all members in an activity.
  • ごと focuses on including everything, sometimes even unintended parts.
  • 中 indicates coverage over time or space.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: 家族ぐるみ

Sentence: 私たちは家族ぐるみでお付き合いしています。 Reading: わたしたちは かぞくぐるみで おつきあいしています。 Translation: "We interact with each other as whole families."

Example 2: 町ぐるみ

Sentence: 町ぐるみで祭りを開催する。 Reading: まちぐるみで まつりをかいさいする。 Translation: "The entire town holds a festival."

Example 3: 組織ぐるみ

Sentence: 組織ぐるみの不正が明らかになった。 Reading: そしきぐるみの ふせいが あきらかになった。 Translation: "The organization's widespread corruption was revealed."

Example 4: 会社ぐるみ

Sentence: 彼らは会社ぐるみで環境活動に取り組んでいる。 Reading: かれらは かいしゃぐるみで かんきょうかつどうに とりくんでいる。 Translation: "They are engaging in environmental activities company-wide."

Example 5: 仲間ぐるみ

Sentence: 仲間ぐるみで旅行に行く予定だ。 Reading: なかまぐるみで りょこうに いくよていだ。 Translation: "We're planning to go on a trip with the whole group of friends."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Japanese society, group harmony and collective activities are highly valued.
• Using 〜ぐるみ reflects the cultural emphasis on community and group involvement.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 家族ぐるみの付き合い: Indicates a close relationship where entire families interact regularly.
• 町ぐるみのプロジェクト: A project that involves or benefits the whole town.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

• Misplacing ぐるみ: Placing ぐるみ after verbs instead of nouns.
  • Incorrect: 彼らはぐるみ働く。
  • Correct: 彼らはチームぐるみで働く。
• Confusing with 〜ごと: Using 〜ごと when 〜ぐるみ is more appropriate for involvement.

Tips

• Remember: ぐるみ attaches directly to nouns and emphasizes total involvement.
• Mnemonic: Think of "ぐるみ" as "group me"—including the whole group.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Noun + ぐるみ is used to express involving the whole of something.
• It highlights collective participation or inclusion.
• Commonly used with groups like families, towns, organizations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does 家族ぐるみ mean?
2. How does 〜ぐるみ differ from 〜ごと?
3. Create a sentence using 学校ぐるみ (the whole school). Answers:
4. Involving the whole family.
5. 〜ぐるみ emphasizes involvement of all members, while 〜ごと means including everything, sometimes unintended parts.
6. Example: 学校ぐるみで清掃活動を行った。("We conducted a cleaning activity involving the whole school.")