Processing keyword: Noun につき (〜ni tsuki)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun につき (〜ni tsuki)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point 「Noun につき」 (〜ni tsuki). This expression is commonly used in formal written Japanese, such as notices, announcements, and signs. Understanding this grammar point will help you comprehend and use formal expressions appropriately.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

「Noun につき」 has two primary meanings:

1. Due to ~ / Because of ~
   Used to indicate a reason or cause for something.
2. Per ~ / Each ~
   Used to indicate a rate or amount per unit.

Structure

Formation

1. Indicating Reason/Cause

   Noun + につき
   

2. Indicating Unit/Rate

   Noun (Unit) + につき
   

Examples

1. Reason/Cause
   • 雨天につき、中止いたします。
     (Due to rain, it will be canceled.)
2. Unit/Rate
   • お一人につき一枚限り。
     (Limited to one per person.)

Formation Diagram

Reason/Cause

Noun (Reason)	につき	Result/Action
メンテナンス	につき	サービスを停止します。
(Maintenance)		(We will stop service.)

Unit/Rate

Noun (Unit)	につき	Quantity
お一人	につき	500円の料金です。
(Per person)		(A fee of 500 yen.)

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with Similar Grammar Points

1. ので (Node) and だから (Dakara)

• ので / だから also mean "because" or "due to," but they are used in less formal contexts.
• Usage Comparison:

  • につき: Formal written notices.

    • 会議中につき、入室禁止。
      • (Due to a meeting, entry is prohibited.)

  • ので / だから: Everyday conversation.

    • 会議中なので、入れません。
      • (Because we're in a meeting, you can't come in.)

2. あたり (Atari)

• あたり means "per" or "each," similar to the unit/rate usage of につき.
• Usage Comparison:

  • につき: Formal contexts.

    • お一人につき一枚まで。
      • (Up to one per person.)

  • あたり: General contexts.

    • 一人あたりケーキを二つ食べました。
      • (Each person ate two cakes.)

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Written Contexts

Reason/Cause Usage

1. 休業のお知らせ

   社員研修**につき**、本日休業いたします。
   

   Translation: Due to employee training, we will be closed today.
2. 電車内のアナウンス

   強風**につき**、電車が遅延しております。
   

   Translation: Due to strong winds, the train is delayed.
3. 図書館の掲示

   システム更新**につき**、午後は利用できません。
   

   Translation: Due to system updates, the library will be unavailable in the afternoon.

Unit/Rate Usage

1. チケット販売

   一名様**につき**チケット2枚まで購入可能です。
   

   Translation: Each person can purchase up to two tickets.
2. 駐車場の料金表

   1時間**につき**300円の料金がかかります。
   

   Translation: A fee of 300 yen is charged per hour.
3. 商品の割引

   3個**につき**1個無料。
   

   Translation: Get one free for every three items.

Spoken Language Contexts

While 「につき」 is primarily used in written, formal contexts, understanding it can help in comprehending announcements or formal speech.

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5. Cultural Notes

Formality in Japanese Language

• Usage in Formal Settings: 「につき」 is a formal expression often found in public notices, official announcements, and written communication.
• Politeness Levels: Using 「につき」 adds a level of professionalism and is not typically used in casual conversation.
• Understanding Public Notices: Familiarity with this expression helps in navigating places like train stations, public buildings, or during events in Japan.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 特別価格につき
  (Due to special pricing) Used in advertisements to indicate special sale conditions.
• 新発売につき
  (Due to new release) Used to promote new products.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using 「につき」 in Casual Conversation
   • Incorrect: 明日暇につき、映画に行こう。
     (Let's go to a movie because I'm free tomorrow.)
   • Correct: 明日暇だから、映画に行こう。 Tip: Use 「だから」 or 「ので」 for casual conversations.
2. Confusion with 「について」 (Nitsuite)
   • Incorrect: 日本の文化につき勉強しています。
     (I'm studying due to Japanese culture.)
   • Correct: 日本の文化について勉強しています。
     (I'm studying about Japanese culture.) Tip: 「について」 means "about" or "regarding," which is different from 「につき」.

Learning Strategies

• Associate with Formal Notices: Remember that 「につき」 is often used in formal written contexts.
• Practice Reading Signs: Pay attention to public signs and announcements when in Japan or using Japanese materials.
• Create Example Sentences: Write your own formal notices using 「につき」 to become comfortable with its usage.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 「Noun につき」 is a formal expression meaning "due to" or "per."
• Used mainly in written Japanese, especially in formal notices and announcements.
• Has two primary uses: indicating reason/cause and indicating unit/rate.
• Not commonly used in spoken, casual Japanese.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does 「雨天につき、中止」 mean? A) It's raining, so let's cancel. B) Due to rain, it's canceled. C) It's not raining, so it's canceled. Answer: B) Due to rain, it's canceled.
2. Which is more appropriate for casual speech? A) 暑さにつき、休みます。 B) 暑いので、休みます。 Answer: B) 暑いので、休みます。
3. Fill in the blank with the correct particle: お一人_____につき、一枚まで購入可能です。 Answer: 様 Complete Sentence: お一人様につき、一枚まで購入可能です。

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By understanding 「Noun につき」, you enhance your ability to read and comprehend formal Japanese notices and use appropriate expressions in formal writing.

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