Processing keyword: Noun にもまして (〜ni mo mashite)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun にもまして (〜ni mo mashite)

Noun にもまして (〜ni mo mashite)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the Japanese grammar point にもまして (ni mo mashite). This expression is used to emphasize that something surpasses all others in a certain aspect, often translated as "more than...", "above...", or "even more so than..." in English. Understanding this grammar point will help you make stronger comparative statements and express exceptional circumstances in Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

にもまして (ni mo mashite) is used to indicate that something is even more [adjective/adverb] than something else. It emphasizes that the degree or extent of something surpasses all others, including the noun it references.

Structure

• Noun + にもまして

Formation Diagram

Detailed Explanation

• Noun: The standard or point of reference being compared.
• にもまして: An expression meaning "even more than" or "above", used to intensify the comparison. This structure is utilized when you want to stress that something exceeds another in a significant way. It often conveys a sense of surprise or emphasis on the exceptional nature of the comparison.

Usage Notes

• Emphasis: The grammar point adds emphasis to the comparison, highlighting that the subject is outstanding in some aspect.
• Formality: Commonly used in written language or formal speech.
• Context: Often paired with expressions of emotion, evaluations, or subjective judgments.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• より (yori) is used for basic comparisons without additional emphasis.
• 以上に (ijō ni) indicates going beyond a certain level or standard, often quantitatively.
• にもまして (ni mo mashite) adds a layer of emphasis, suggesting that the subject not only surpasses the reference point but does so exceptionally.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 今年は去年にもまして暑い。 Kotoshi wa kyonen ni mo mashite atsui. Translation: This year is even hotter than last year.
2. 彼女は誰にもまして親切だ。 Kanojo wa dare ni mo mashite shinsetsu da. Translation: She is kinder than anyone else.
3. 結婚式当日はいつにもまして美しかった。 Kekkonshiki tōjitsu wa itsu ni mo mashite utsukushikatta. Translation: She was more beautiful than ever on her wedding day.
4. 試験の結果が不安にもまして心配だ。 Shiken no kekka ga fuan ni mo mashite shinpai da. Translation: I'm worried even more than anxious about the exam results.
5. 練習にもまして本番は緊張する。 Renshū ni mo mashite honban wa kinchō suru. Translation: I get even more nervous during the real performance than during practice.

Contextual Usage

• Formal Written Example: 技術の進歩にもまして重要なのは、人間性の向上である。 Gijutsu no shinpo ni mo mashite jūyō na no wa, ningensei no kōjō de aru. Translation: Even more important than technological advancement is the improvement of human qualities.
• Spoken Informal Example: 今日はいつにもまして忙しい。 Kyō wa itsu ni mo mashite isogashii. Translation: I'm busier than ever today.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Expressing Politeness and Humility: Using にもまして reflects a common Japanese communication style of emphasizing modesty or elevating others, which aligns with cultural values of humility and respect.

Levels of Politeness

• While suitable in both casual and formal contexts, にもまして tends to appear more frequently in formal speech or writing due to its emphatic nature.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 以前にもまして (izen ni mo mashite): Even more than before; now more than ever. 環境問題は以前にもまして深刻になっている。 Kankyō mondai wa izen ni mo mashite shinkoku ni natte iru. Translation: *Environmental issues are becoming more serious than ever before.
• 何にもまして (nani ni mo mashite): More than anything else. 何にもまして健康が大切だ。 Nani ni mo mashite kenkō ga taisetsu da. Translation: *Health is more important than anything else.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using にもまして with adjectives directly without a noun.
  • Incorrect: 美しいにもまして彼女は輝いている。 Translation: Even more than beautiful, she is shining.
  • Correct: 彼女は美しさにもまして輝いている。 Translation: She is shining even more than (her) beauty.
  • Tip: Ensure にもまして follows a noun. If starting with an adjective, convert it to a noun form if necessary.
• Mistake: Confusing にもまして with より, and using it for simple comparisons.
  • Incorrect: 彼は私にもまして背が高い。
  • Correct: 彼は私より背が高い。
  • Tip: Use より for standard comparisons. Reserve にもまして for emphasizing that something surpasses all others.

Learning Strategies

• Associations: Connect にもまして with the idea of raising the bar or going above and beyond.
• Practice Sentences: Create your own sentences using familiar nouns to internalize the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• にもまして is used to emphasize that something surpasses the reference point exceptionally.
• Structure: Attach にもまして directly after a noun.
• Emphasis: It adds weight to your statement, highlighting exceptional qualities or circumstances.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate to English: この仕事は前にもまして難しくなった。 Answer: This job has become even more difficult than before.
2. Fill in the blank with the appropriate grammar point: 試合に勝つことは練習_______大切だ。 Answer: にもまして Full Sentence: Shiai ni katsu koto wa renshū ni mo mashite taisetsu da. Translation: Winning the match is even more important than practice.
3. True or False: "にもまして" can be used with verbs directly without converting them to noun forms. Answer: False Explanation: にもまして should follow a noun. If you want to use a verb, convert it into its noun form (e.g., using the nominalizer こと).

By mastering にもまして, you can express nuanced comparisons and emphasize exceptional qualities in your Japanese communication. Practice using this grammar point to enhance your expressive abilities!