Processing keyword: Noun を経て (〜wo hete)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun を経て (〜wo hete)

Grammar Point: Noun を経て (〜をへて)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the Japanese grammar point Noun を経て (〜をへて). This expression is used to indicate that something happens through, via, or after going through a certain period, place, or experience. Understanding how to use を経て will help you articulate sequences of events and describe experiences that lead to a particular outcome in Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

を経て conveys the idea of passing through or undergoing a process or experience before reaching a result. It is akin to saying "through", "via", or "after going through" in English.

Structure and Formation

Formation Diagram

Noun + を経て

• Noun: A noun representing a period, stage, experience, or medium.
• を経て: The particle を (direct object marker) + 経て (the te-form of the verb 経る, meaning "to pass through" or "to experience").

Examples of Nouns Used

Detailed Explanation

• 経る (へる): A verb meaning "to pass," "to go through," or "to elapse."
• 経て: The te-form of 経る, used here to connect with the previous noun and indicate the means or process. When you attach を経て to a noun, you express that the action or state described occurs after passing through the noun in question.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 大学卒業を経て、彼は教師になった。 Daigaku sotsugyō o hete, kare wa kyōshi ni natta. After graduating from university, he became a teacher.
2. さまざまな経験を経て、彼女は自信を持つようになった。 Samazama na keiken o hete, kanojo wa jishin o motsu yō ni natta. Through various experiences, she became confident.
3. 数世紀の歴史を経て、この建物はまだ存在している。 Sū seiki no rekishi o hete, kono tatemono wa mada sonzai shite iru. After centuries of history, this building still exists.
4. 激しい競争を経て、チームは優勝した。 Hageshii kyōsō o hete, chīmu wa yūshō shita. After intense competition, the team won the championship.
5. 審査を経て、作品が選ばれた。 Shinsa o hete, sakuhin ga erabareta. After the screening process, the work was selected.

Context Variations

Formal Context

• 彼らは長い議論を経て、結論に達した。 Karera wa nagai giron o hete, ketsuron ni tasshita. After lengthy discussions, they reached a conclusion.

Written Language

• 技術の進歩を経て、生活が便利になった。 Gijutsu no shinpo o hete, seikatsu ga benri ni natta. Through technological advancements, life has become more convenient.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Formality: The expression を経て is often used in formal writing, official statements, historical accounts, and news reports.
• Emphasis on Process: Japanese culture places importance on the processes and experiences one undergoes, not just the outcomes. Using を経て highlights respect for the journey.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 歳月を経て (さいげつをへて): Literally "after years have passed," used to describe something occurring after a significant amount of time.
  • Example: 歳月を経て、彼らは再会した。 Saigetsu o hete, karera wa saikai shita. After many years, they reunited.
• 変遷を経て (へんせんをへて): "Through changes," often used to describe evolution over time.
  • Example: 社会の変遷を経て、価値観が変わった。 Shakai no hensen o hete, kachikan ga kawatta. Through societal changes, values have shifted.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using を経て with Verbs Directly
   • Incorrect: 試験に合格するを経て、入学した。
   • Correct: 試験合格を経て、入学した。 Shiken gōkaku o hete, nyūgaku shita. After passing the exam, I enrolled.
   • Tip: Ensure that を経て follows a noun. Convert verbs to noun forms (nominalization) when necessary.
2. Confusing を経て with を通じて
   • Incorrect: 友人を経て彼女と知り合った。
   • Correct: 友人を通じて彼女と知り合った。 Yūjin o tsūjite kanojo to shiriaitta. I met her through a friend.
   • Tip: Use を通じて when emphasizing the medium or agent (e.g., a person) through which something happens.

Learning Strategies

• Visualizing the Journey: Imagine を経て as a path or journey you traverse to reach a destination.
• Practice Nominalization: Get comfortable converting verbs into nouns (e.g., changing "to graduate" 卒業する into "graduation" 卒業) to use with を経て.
• Contextual Practice: Write sentences about personal experiences using を経て to internalize its usage.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• を経て means "through," "via," or "after going through" and is used to describe a process leading to a result.
• It is a formal expression commonly found in written Japanese.
• The structure is Noun + を経て, where を経て follows a noun representing an experience, period, or process.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does を経て mean, and when is it used?
2. Can を経て be used after verbs directly?
3. Rewrite the following sentence correctly using を経て: 彼は試験に合格するを経て、大学に入った。

Answers

1. を経て means "through," "via," or "after going through." It is used to indicate that an action or state occurs after passing through a certain period, experience, or process.
2. No, を経て cannot be used after verbs directly. It must follow a noun. If you have a verb, you need to nominalize it (turn it into a noun).
3. 彼は試験合格を経て、大学に入った。 Kare wa shiken gōkaku o hete, daigaku ni haitta. After passing the exam, he entered university.

By understanding and practicing を経て, you can more eloquently describe processes and experiences that lead to outcomes in Japanese, especially in formal contexts.