Processing keyword: Noun ともなれば (〜to mo nareba)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun ともなれば (〜to mo nareba)

Noun ともなれば (〜ともなれば)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point 〜ともなれば used with nouns. This expression emphasizes that when it comes to a certain role, status, or situation, certain expectations, behaviors, or consequences naturally follow. It's often used to highlight the responsibilities or standards associated with that noun.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Noun ともなれば conveys the idea that once someone or something attains a particular status or condition (Noun), it's only natural for certain things to happen or be expected. It underscores the inevitability or naturalness of specific outcomes given that status.

Structure

The structure is straightforward:

**Noun + ともなれば**

Formation Diagram

• Noun: A noun representing a significant role, status, or situation.
• ともなれば: A conditional expression combining と (if/when) + もなる (also becomes) + ば (if).

Detailed Explanation

Let's break down ともなれば:

• と: A conditional particle meaning "if" or "when."
• も: An intensifier meaning "also" or "even."
• なる: The verb "to become."
• ば: A conditional ending meaning "if." Combined, ともなれば emphasizes that when it comes to (Noun), certain conditions naturally arise.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. Noun となれば
   • Meaning: "When it comes to [Noun]; if [Noun] happens."
   • Usage: Indicates a situation or condition leading to a particular consequence.
   • Example: 雨となれば、試合は中止だ。
     • If it rains, the game will be canceled.
2. Noun とあれば
   • Meaning: "If it's for [Noun]; given [Noun]."
   • Usage: Expresses willingness to do something under a specific condition.
   • Example: 彼のためとあれば、何でもします。
     • If it's for him, I'll do anything. Differences:

• ともなれば emphasizes natural expectations tied to a significant role or status.
• となれば simply introduces a condition leading to a consequence.
• とあれば stresses willingness or justification under a condition.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 大統領ともなれば、責任は重大だ。
   • When one becomes the president, the responsibility is immense.
2. 親ともなれば、自分より子供のことを考えるものだ。
   • When you become a parent, you naturally think of your children before yourself.
3. 社会人ともなれば、時間を守るのは当然だ。
   • As a working adult, it's only natural to be punctual.
4. 教師ともなれば、生徒の模範でなければならない。
   • When one is a teacher, they must be a role model for their students.
5. プロの料理人ともなれば、味だけでなく見た目にもこだわるものだ。
   • As a professional chef, one is particular not just about taste but also presentation.

Context Variations

• Formal Written: Often used in essays, articles, or formal statements emphasizing societal expectations.
• Spoken Formal: May appear in speeches or formal discussions.
• Spoken Informal: Less common; in casual conversation, simpler expressions might be used.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, social roles and the responsibilities associated with them are highly valued. The use of ともなれば reflects this cultural emphasis on fulfilling the duties expected of one's position or status.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ともなれば is neutral but tends to appear in formal contexts due to its emphasis on roles and expectations.
• Adjust politeness by selecting appropriate verbs and honorifics in the rest of the sentence.

Idiomatic Expressions

While ともなれば itself is not idiomatic, it frequently appears in set phrases discussing societal roles, such as:

• 成人ともなれば: When one becomes an adult...
• 一国のリーダーともなれば: As a nation's leader...

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using with Inappropriate Nouns
   • Incorrect: 昼ご飯ともなれば、食堂は混む。
     • (At lunchtime, the cafeteria gets crowded.)
   • Correction: 昼休みともなれば、食堂は混む。
     • When it comes to lunchtime, the cafeteria gets crowded. Tip: Use nouns representing significant roles, statuses, or situations that carry expectations.
2. Confusing with Similar Expressions
   • Mixing up with となれば
     • Incorrect: 明日雨ともなれば、行かない。
     • Correction: 明日雨となれば、行かない。
       • If it rains tomorrow, I won't go. Tip: Remember that ともなれば emphasizes natural expectations from a status, while となれば sets a simple condition.

Learning Strategies

• Practice with Common Roles: Write sentences using nouns like 親 (parent), 社会人 (working adult), リーダー (leader).
• Create Contextual Associations: Link the noun to its societal expectations to reinforce understanding.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Noun ともなれば is used to express that when someone or something attains a significant role or status, certain expectations or consequences naturally follow.
• It emphasizes the naturalness or inevitability of certain outcomes given that role.
• Commonly used in formal contexts to discuss societal roles and responsibilities.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 一人暮らし________、自炊を覚えたほうがいい。
   • Answer: ともなれば
   • When living alone, it's best to learn to cook for yourself.
2. True or False: ともなれば can be used interchangeably with となれば.
   • Answer: False
   • They have different usages and nuances.
3. Translate into English: 新人社員ともなれば、失敗するのは仕方がない。
   • Answer: When you're a new employee, it's understandable to make mistakes.

[End of Lesson]