Processing keyword: Noun を皮切りに - を皮切りにして (Noun wo kakikiri ni - wo kawakiri ni shite)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun を皮切りに - を皮切りにして (Noun wo kakikiri ni - wo kawakiri ni shite)

Noun を皮切りに / を皮切りにして (Noun をかわきりに / をかわきりにして)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point を皮切りに and を皮切りにして, which are used to express the beginning of a series of events or actions. Understanding this grammar will enhance your ability to describe sequences and developments in Japanese.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

を皮切りに and を皮切りにして translate to "starting with", "beginning with", or "taking ... as a start". They are used to indicate that an event marks the beginning of a series of subsequent actions or developments.

Structure

The structure involves attaching を皮切りに or を皮切りにして to a noun that represents the initial event.

[Noun] を皮切りに (して)

Formation Diagram

Noun	を皮切りに (して)
コンサート	を皮切りに
新商品の発売	を皮切りにして
海外進出	を皮切りに

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• に始まる: Also means "starting with", but を皮切りに often implies a significant or impactful beginning that leads to a noteworthy sequence.

• をきっかけに: Means "triggered by" or "prompted by", highlighting a cause or catalyst rather than the start of a series.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. そのバンドは東京公演を皮切りに、全国ツアーを行います。 Translation: Starting with the Tokyo performance, the band will go on a nationwide tour.
2. 新製品の発売を皮切りに、売り上げが急増した。 Translation: Beginning with the launch of the new product, sales surged rapidly.
3. 彼の成功を皮切りに、多くの若者が起業を目指すようになった。 Translation: His success marked the beginning of many young people aiming to start their own businesses.
4. 映画の公開を皮切りに、関連商品が次々と発売された。 Translation: Starting with the movie's release, related merchandise was launched one after another.
5. あの事件を皮切りに、社会全体で議論が巻き起こった。 Translation: That incident sparked debates across society as a whole.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• を皮切りに is often used in formal written and spoken contexts, such as news reports, business, and formal announcements.

• It conveys a sense of momentum or a chain reaction initiated by the first event.

Idiomatic Expressions

• The term 皮切り literally means "cutting the skin", originating from a surgical term but has evolved to mean the start or outset of something significant.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using verbs instead of nouns: Incorrect: 旅行をするを皮切りに、... Correct: 旅行を皮切りに、... Tip: Ensure that を皮切りに is attached to a noun, not a verb.
• Confusing with をきっかけに: While both can sometimes be translated as "starting with", をきっかけに focuses on the cause, whereas を皮切りに emphasizes the beginning of a series.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 皮 (skin) as the surface; when you cut the skin (皮切り), it's the very first step, initiating what's beneath.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• を皮切りに is used to express that an event marks the beginning of a series of actions.
• It is attached to nouns representing significant starting points.
• Commonly used in formal contexts to indicate momentum or sequential developments.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does を皮切りに mean?
2. True or False: を皮切りに can be attached to verbs.
3. Fill in the blank: 新店舗のオープン_____、全国に展開していく予定です。 Answers:
4. It means "starting with" or "beginning with", indicating the start of a series of events.
5. False. It should be attached to nouns.
6. 新店舗のオープンを皮切りに、全国に展開していく予定です。

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By mastering を皮切りに, you can effectively describe the commencement of significant sequences in Japanese, adding depth to your language skills.