Processing keyword: Noun だけではすまない (Noun dake dewa sumanai)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun だけではすまない (Noun dake dewa sumanai)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, expressions often convey nuances beyond direct translation. One such grammar point is "Noun だけではすまない". This expression is used to indicate that something cannot be settled with just the noun mentioned; more action or consequence is expected or required.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Literal Translation: "It will not end with just (Noun)."
• Practical Meaning: The situation demands more than just the noun; additional actions, compensations, or consequences are necessary.

Structure

Noun + だけではすまない

Formation Diagram

Component	Explanation
Noun	The item/action that's insufficient
だけでは	"not just"
すまない	"won't end," "can't be settled," "not enough"

Breakdown

• だけ (dake): Only, just
• では (dewa): Particle indicating the topic with a negative nuance
• すまない (sumanai): From the verb 済む (sumu) meaning "to finish," "to be enough"; negative form indicating "won't finish," "won't suffice"

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. Noun だけで済む (Noun dake de sumu)
   • Meaning: It can be settled with just (Noun).
   • Usage: Indicates sufficiency of the noun.
   • Example:
     • この修理は費用だけで済む。
       This repair can be settled with just the cost.
2. Noun だけではない (Noun dake dewa nai)
   • Meaning: It's not just (Noun).
   • Usage: Used to suggest that there's more than just the noun mentioned.
   • Example:
     • 彼は頭が良いだけではない、運動も得意だ。
       He's not just smart; he's also good at sports.

Nuance Differences

• だけではすまない emphasizes insufficiency and often hints at a required additional action or consequence.
• だけで済む conveys sufficiency, suggesting that only the noun is needed.
• だけではない simply states that there's more than just the noun, without the implication of necessity or consequences.

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4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Formal Context

Japanese:
会社に損害を与えたのだから、謝罪だけではすまない。
Reading:
かいしゃに　そんがいを　あたえたのだから、しゃざい　だけでは　すまない。
English Translation:
Because you caused damage to the company, an apology alone won't suffice.

Example 2: Casual Conversation

Japanese:
今回のミスはただの注意だけではすまないよ。
Reading:
こんかいの　ミスは　ただの　ちゅうい　だけでは　すまないよ。
English Translation:
This time's mistake can't be settled with just a simple warning.

Example 3: Written Language

Japanese:
環境問題は一国だけではすまない、世界全体で取り組む必要がある。
Reading:
かんきょうもんだいは　いっこく　だけでは　すまない、せかいぜんたいで　とりくむ　ひつようがある。
English Translation:
Environmental issues can't be addressed by just one country; the entire world needs to tackle them.

Example 4: Business Setting

Japanese:
納期に大幅な遅れが出たので、ただ謝るだけではすまされない状況だ。
Reading:
のうきに　おおはばな　おくれが　でたので、ただ　あやまる　だけでは　すまされない　じょうきょうだ。
English Translation:
Since there's a significant delay in the delivery date, simply apologizing won't resolve the situation.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, responsibility and harmony are highly valued. When someone causes inconvenience or harm, merely apologizing may not be considered sufficient. "だけではすまない" reflects the cultural expectation that one must take appropriate actions to make amends, beyond just words.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The expression is formal and often used in written language or formal spoken situations.
• It can express a strong sense of duty or obligation.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 謝罪だけではすまない
  • An apology alone won't suffice.
• 弁償だけではすまない
  • Compensation alone won't settle it.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using "すまない" to mean only "I'm sorry."
  • Explanation: While "すまない" can be an apology in casual speech, in this grammar point, it relates to "済む" meaning "to finish" or "to suffice," not an expression of apology.
• Mistake: Confusing "だけではすまない" with "だけだ" (it's just...).
  • Explanation: "だけではすまない" implies insufficiency and necessity for further action, whereas "だけだ" simply states something is only the noun mentioned.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  Think of "すまない" as "won't be sum-med up with," indicating that more is needed.
• Practice:
  Create sentences where an action leads to consequences that cannot be resolved by simple means.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• "Noun だけではすまない" expresses that just the noun is insufficient to resolve a situation.
• It implies the necessity for additional actions, compensations, or consequences.
• Commonly used in formal contexts to emphasize responsibility.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does "だけではすまない" imply about the sufficiency of the noun it follows?
   a) It's sufficient
   b) It's insufficient
   c) It's optional
2. Which verb is "すまない" derived from, and what does it mean?
   a) 済む (sumu) - to finish/to suffice
   b) 住む (sumu) - to live
   c) 話す (hanasu) - to speak
3. Translate the following sentence:
   彼の行為は謝罪だけではすまないだろう。
   Your answer: _________________

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Answers:

1. b) It's insufficient
2. a) 済む (sumu) - to finish/to suffice
3. His actions probably can't be settled with just an apology.

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