Processing keyword: Noun にして (Noun ni shite)

Japanese Grammar Point: 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.

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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

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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"

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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.

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

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