Processing keyword: Noun ですら (~desura)
Japanese Grammar Point: Noun ですら (~desura)
1. Introduction
The grammar point ～ですら is used in Japanese to emphasize that something is true even in an extreme or unexpected case. It often highlights surprising information or expresses that a situation applies even to the most unlikely examples.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ～ですら translates to "even" in English.
- It emphasizes that the statement applies even to the extreme case of the noun it follows.
Structure
The structure for using ～ですら is straightforward:
Noun + ですら
- Noun: Any noun to which the emphasis applies.
- ですら: A particle indicating "even".
Formation Diagram
[ Noun ] + ですら
Visual Aid
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| Noun | The subject being emphasized |
| ですら | Particle meaning "even" |
3. Comparative Analysis
～ですら vs. ～さえ
- Both ですら and さえ mean "even" and are used to emphasize unexpected or extreme examples.
- ですら is considered slightly more formal or literary than さえ.
- さえ can be used in more casual contexts and can attach to verbs and adjectives with additional grammar, whereas ですら is primarily used with nouns.
Grammar Point Usage Formality ～ですら Emphasizes "even" with nouns Formal ～さえ Emphasizes "even" with nouns and verbs Informal
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- 忙しくて、食事ですら取れない。 Isogashikute, shokuji desura torenai. "I'm so busy that I can't even have a meal."
- 彼は自分の名前ですら忘れてしまった。 Kare wa jibun no namae desura wasurete shimatta. "He forgot even his own name."
- この問題は専門家ですら解けない。 Kono mondai wa senmonka desura tokenai. "Even experts cannot solve this problem."
- 彼女はひらがなですら読めない。 Kanojo wa hiragana desura yomenai. "She can't even read hiragana."
- その出来事は子供ですら知っている。 Sono dekigoto wa kodomo desura shitte iru. "Even children know about that incident."
Contextual Notes
- The use of ですら adds emphasis, highlighting that the noun is an extreme or unexpected case.
- These sentences can be used in both spoken and written Japanese, though ですら leans towards a more formal tone.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Emphasizing unexpected situations is common in Japanese communication to express surprise or to stress the severity of a situation.
- Understanding the nuance of particles like ですら helps in grasping the speaker's intent and the emphasis they want to convey.
Politeness and Formality
- ですら is more formal and may be used in written language, speeches, or formal conversations.
- In casual conversations, さえ might be more commonly used.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Misusing ですら with verbs or adjectives: Incorrect: 彼は走るですらできない。 Correct: 彼は走ることですらできない。
- Confusing ですら with でも (which means "but" or "however"): でも is a conjunctive particle and does not convey the meaning of "even".
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of ですら as "DEmonstrating SUrprising RAre cases" to remember that it emphasizes even the rarest instances.
- Practice by creating sentences: Make your own sentences using ですら to emphasize unexpected situations in your daily life.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～ですら is used to emphasize that something is true even in an extreme case.
- It attaches directly to nouns.
- It is more formal than ～さえ.
- Helps express surprise or highlight the unexpected nature of a situation.
Quick Recap Quiz
- What does ですら mean and how is it used?
- How does ですら differ from さえ?
- Create a sentence using ですら to express that you didn't have time to sleep.
Answers
- ですら means "even" and is used to emphasize that something applies even to an extreme or unexpected case. It attaches directly to nouns.
- ですら is more formal and used primarily with nouns, whereas さえ is less formal and can be used with nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
- 忙しくて、睡眠ですら取れなかった。 Isogashikute, suimin desura torenakatta. "I was so busy that I couldn't even get any sleep."