Processing keyword: Noun に言わせれば (Noun ni iwasereba)
Japanese Grammar Point: Noun に言わせれば (Noun ni iwasereba)
1. Introduction
The grammar point に言わせれば (ni iwasereba) is used to express an opinion from someone's perspective. It translates to "if you let (someone) say" or "if you ask (someone)", similar to "in (someone's) opinion" in English. This structure is valuable for attributing opinions or statements to a specific person or entity.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
に言わせれば is used to introduce an opinion or assertion attributed to the noun preceding に. It conveys that what follows is the viewpoint of that person or entity.
- English Equivalent: "If you ask...", "In (someone's) opinion...", "From (someone's) point of view..."
Structure
The basic structure of this grammar point is:
Noun + に言わせれば
Formation Diagram
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| Noun | The person/entity whose opinion is expressed |
| に | Particle meaning "to" or "by" |
| 言わせれば | Conditional form of "言わせる" (to let say) |
3. Comparative Analysis
に言わせれば vs. にとって
に言わせれば: Focuses on expressing an opinion from someone's perspective. It often precedes a subjective statement.
- Example: 彼に言わせれば、この映画は最高だ。
にとって: Indicates what something means to someone, often used to express judgments or evaluations.
- Example: 彼にとって、この映画は最高だ。 Difference: While both relate to someone's perspective, に言わせれば emphasizes the act of expressing an opinion, whereas にとって focuses on personal judgments or significance.
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- Informal Spoken
- 日本人に言わせれば、この料理は本物とは言えない。
- If you ask a Japanese person, this dish can't be called authentic.
- Formal Written
- 専門家に言わせれば、その解決策は効果的ではないそうです。
- According to experts, that solution is not effective.
- Casual Conversation
- 母に言わせれば、もっと野菜を食べるべきだって。
- My mom says I should eat more vegetables.
- Polite Spoken
- 私に言わせれば、その計画は少し無理があるように思います。
- In my opinion, that plan seems a bit unrealistic.
Usage Notes
- Often used to introduce opinions that may differ from others.
- Can be used to lightly disagree or present an alternative viewpoint.
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness
- に言わせれば is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Adjust the surrounding language to match the level of politeness required.
Cultural Relevance
In Japanese culture, expressing one's own opinion directly can sometimes be considered too forward. Using structures like に言わせれば allows the speaker to attribute the opinion to someone else, making it a softer way to present potentially conflicting viewpoints.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Misplacement of Particles
- Incorrect: 言わせれば私に、その問題は簡単です。
- Correct: 私に言わせれば、その問題は簡単です。
- Confusion with にとって
- Mixing up に言わせれば with にとって due to their similar meanings.
Tips
- Remember that 言わせれば comes after the noun and particle に.
- Think of に言わせれば as "if (someone) is allowed to say" to keep the structure clear.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- に言わせれば is used to express an opinion attributed to someone.
- Structure: Noun + に言わせれば
- Useful for presenting viewpoints in a nuanced manner.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you say "In my brother's opinion, that game is boring" using に言わせれば?
- Answer: 兄に言わせれば、そのゲームはつまらない。
- What is the main difference between に言わせれば and にとって?
- Answer: に言わせれば introduces someone's expressed opinion, while にとって indicates what something means to someone or their personal judgment.
Feel free to review these points and practice creating your own sentences using に言わせれば!