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

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

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point 「Noun を皮切りにして」 (Noun wo kawakiri ni shite). This expression is used to indicate that something begins or starts with a particular event and then continues or spreads from there. It's commonly used to describe the starting point of a series of events or actions.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

「Noun を皮切りにして」 literally translates to "starting with Noun" or "taking Noun as a start." It is used when an initial event (the noun) triggers a series of subsequent events or actions. This grammar point emphasizes that the initial event is the catalyst for what follows.

Meaning, Structure, Formation

Meaning

• "Starting with Noun"
• "Beginning with Noun"
• Indicates the starting point of a series of events or actions.

Structure

Noun + を皮切りに（して） + (Subsequent events/actions)

• Noun: An event or action that serves as the starting point.
• を皮切りに（して）: A set phrase meaning "starting with."

Formation Diagram

Component	Example
Noun	コンサート
を皮切りにして	を皮切りにして
Rest of Sentence	全国ツアーを行う
Example Sentence Formation

コンサート + を皮切りにして + 全国ツアーを行う。

Translation: "Starting with the concert, (they) will conduct a nationwide tour."

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. Noun をはじめ（として）

• Meaning: "Starting with Noun," usually to list examples among many.
• Usage: Emphasizes inclusivity of Noun among others.
• Example:
  • 東京をはじめ、日本の主要都市でイベントが開催された。
    • Events were held in major Japanese cities, starting with Tokyo.

2. Noun をきっかけに（して）

• Meaning: "Taking Noun as an opportunity," focusing on the cause or motivation for a change.
• Usage: Highlights an event that led to a significant change.
• Example:
  • 事故をきっかけに、安全対策が強化された。
    • Safety measures were strengthened due to the accident.

Differences

• を皮切りにして: Focuses on the starting point of a series of events.
• をはじめとして: Lists Noun as an example among others.
• をきっかけにして: Emphasizes Noun as a trigger for change or action.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 新商品発表会を皮切りにして、全国でキャンペーンが始まった。 Starting with the new product launch event, a nationwide campaign began.
2. 彼のデビュー作を皮切りにして、ベストセラー作品を次々と発表した。 Starting with his debut work, he released one bestseller after another.
3. このプロジェクトは東京を皮切りにして、他の都市にも展開される予定だ。 This project is scheduled to expand to other cities, starting with Tokyo.
4. 映画の公開を皮切りにして、関連商品の販売が開始された。 Starting with the movie release, sales of related products began.
5. オープニングセレモニーを皮切りにして、一週間の祭りが行われる。 A week-long festival will take place, starting with the opening ceremony.

Context Variations

• Formal Written Language: Commonly used in news articles, reports, and formal announcements.
• Formal Spoken Language: May be used in speeches or presentations.
• Not Common in Casual Conversation: The expression is formal and might sound out of place in everyday speech.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Origin of 皮切り (かわきり): Literally means "first cut," originally referring to making the initial cut in leatherwork or the first incision in surgery.
• Metaphorical Use: Symbolizes the beginning of something significant or the first step in a process.
• Usage in Media and Events: Often used in reporting the start of events, tours, campaigns, etc.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Formal Expression: Suitable for written reports, news, and formal speeches.
• Not Used in Informal Settings: In casual conversation, simpler expressions are preferred.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 皮切り by itself can sometimes be used to mean "the beginning" or "start," though it's most commonly used in the phrase を皮切りにして.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using with Non-Event Nouns
   • Incorrect: 彼は本を皮切りにして、部屋を掃除した。
     • He cleaned the room, starting with a book. (Doesn't make sense as a series of events)
   • Correct: 彼は引っ越しを皮切りにして、新しい生活を始めた。
     • He started a new life, beginning with moving.
2. Confusing with をきっかけにして
   • Mistake: Mixing up the cause/effect emphasis.
   • Tip: Remember that を皮切りにして focuses on the starting point of sequential events, whereas をきっかけにして focuses on the catalyst for a change.

Learning Strategies

• Visualize a Timeline: Imagine the noun before を皮切りにして as the first point on a timeline of subsequent events.
• Create Your Own Sentences: Practice by writing sentences starting with significant events leading to others.
• Associate with "First Cut": Remember the literal meaning of 皮切り to reinforce the concept of the starting point.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Function: Indicates the starting point of a series of events or actions.
• Structure: Noun (event/action) + を皮切りに（して） + subsequent events/actions.
• Formality: Used in formal written and spoken Japanese.
• Not to be Confused With:
  • をはじめ（として）: "Including Noun," "Starting with Noun" (listing examples).
  • をきっかけに（して）: "Taking Noun as an opportunity" (cause/effect).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does 「Noun を皮切りにして」 express? a) Listing examples starting with Noun. b) Noun is the cause of an unexpected result. c) Starting with Noun, subsequent events occur. d) Despite Noun, something contradictory happens.
2. Choose the sentence that correctly uses を皮切りにして: a) 彼は試験に不合格を皮切りにして、勉強をやめた。 b) 新年を皮切りにして、新しいプロジェクトが始まる。 c) 雨を皮切りにして、洗濯物が乾いた。 d) 友達を皮切りにして、プレゼントをもらった。

Answers

1. c) Starting with Noun, subsequent events occur.
2. b) 新年を皮切りにして、新しいプロジェクトが始まる。

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By understanding and practicing 「Noun を皮切りにして」, you can effectively express the concept of starting points leading to subsequent events in Japanese. Remember to use it in appropriate formal contexts, and be mindful of the types of nouns it pairs with.

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