Processing keyword: Noun にして (Noun ni shite)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun にして (Noun ni shite)

Noun にして (Noun ni shite)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the Japanese grammar point Noun にして (Noun ni shite). This expression is used to emphasize a particular state or quality of a noun, often highlighting exceptions, extremes, or simultaneous conditions. Understanding にして will help you express nuanced ideas and add depth to your Japanese language skills.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

Noun にして can be translated as:

• "Even for (Noun)"
• "Only (Noun)"
• "At (Noun)"
• "Both (Noun) and (Noun)"
• "In (Noun)" It is used to:
• Emphasize that something is true or possible even for the noun mentioned.
• Indicate that two conditions or qualities exist simultaneously.
• Highlight that something happens only at a particular time or state.

Structure

Formation Diagram:

[Noun] + にして

Detailed Explanation

1. Emphasizing Extremes or Exceptions Used to denote that something is the case even for the noun, which is considered exceptional.
   • Example: "天才にして解けない問題"
     • "A problem that even a genius cannot solve"
2. Simultaneous Conditions Indicates that two conditions or qualities exist at the same time.
   • Example: "彼は医者にして作家だ"
     • "He is both a doctor and a writer"
3. Specific Timing or State Used to express that something happens only at a particular time, age, or state.
   • Example: "50歳にして父親になった"
     • "He became a father at 50 years old"

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• Noun であって
  • Also used to express "being (Noun)", but lacks the emphasizing nuance of にして.
• Noun として
  • Means "as (Noun)" or "in the role of (Noun)". It highlights the function or role rather than emphasizing simultaneity or exceptions.

Differences

• にして emphasizes simultaneity or exceptions, whereas として focuses on role or capacity.
• にして can imply a sense of uniqueness or rarity.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Emphasizing Exception
   • 天才にして解けない問題だ。
     • Tensai ni shite tokenai mondai da.
     • "It's a problem that even a genius cannot solve."
2. Simultaneous Conditions
   • 彼女は母親にして教師でもある。
     • Kanojo wa hahaoya ni shite kyōshi demo aru.
     • "She is both a mother and a teacher."
3. Specific Timing
   • 彼は80歳にして現役で働いている。
     • Kare wa hachijussai ni shite gen'eki de hataraite iru.
     • "He is still working actively at 80 years old."
4. Highlighting Rarity
   • この作品は名作にして最高傑作だ。
     • Kono sakuhin wa meisaku ni shite saikō kessaku da.
     • "This work is not only a masterpiece but also the greatest work."
5. Expressing Limit
   • これは一度にして覚えられるものではない。
     • Kore wa ichido ni shite oboerareru mono de wa nai.
     • "This is not something that can be learned in just one go."

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• にして is often used in written language or formal speech.
• It appears in literary works, academic writing, and formal speeches.
• Using にして can add a dramatic or emphatic tone to the statement.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 一瞬にして
  • Meaning: "In an instant"
  • Example: 街は一瞬にして静まり返った。
    • Machi wa isshun ni shite shizumari kaetta.
    • "The town fell silent in an instant."
• 同時にして
  • Meaning: "At the same time"
  • Example: 二つのイベントが同時にして開催された。
    • Futatsu no ibento ga dōji ni shite kaisai sareta.
    • "Two events were held at the same time."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing にして with して
   • して is the te-form of する (to do) and has different usages.
   • にして is a set expression with specific meanings.
2. Overusing in Casual Conversation
   • Using にして in casual speech may sound unnatural.
   • It's more appropriate in formal contexts.

Tips for Correct Usage

• Context Matters
  • Use にして when emphasizing exceptions, simultaneity, or specific states.
• Mnemonic Device
  • Think of にして as "in (Noun's) state" to remember its usage in expressing conditions or timing.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• にして is used to emphasize exceptions, simultaneity, or specific timing.
• It often translates to "even for", "both...and", or "at (age/time)".
• Common in formal or written Japanese, adds emphasis or dramatic effect.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate the following sentence using にして: "He started painting at 70 years old."
   • Answer: 彼は70歳にして絵を描き始めた。
2. What is the nuance added by using にして in the sentence 天才にして解けない問題?
   • Answer: It emphasizes that even a genius cannot solve the problem, highlighting the problem's difficulty.
3. Is にして appropriate in casual conversation?
   • Answer: No, it's more suitable for formal or written contexts.

By understanding and practicing Noun にして, you can add depth and emphasis to your Japanese expressions, especially in formal writing or speech.