Processing keyword: Noun1 も Noun1 なら、Noun2 も Noun2 だ (A mo A nara, B mo B da)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun1 も Noun1 なら、Noun2 も Noun2 だ (A mo A nara, B mo B da)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar structure Noun1 も Noun1 なら、Noun2 も Noun2 だ (A mo A nara, B mo B da). This expression is used to highlight similarities between two subjects, often emphasizing negative qualities or criticizing both parties equally.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The structure Noun1 も Noun1 なら、Noun2 も Noun2 だ is used to express that both Noun1 and Noun2 share similar characteristics or faults. It's akin to saying "like A, like B" or "both A and B are equally to blame" in English.

Structure

1. Noun1 も Noun1 なら、Noun2 も Noun2 だ
   • Literal Translation: "If Noun1 is Noun1, then Noun2 is also Noun2."
   • Meaning: Both Noun1 and Noun2 have similar negative traits or are equally responsible.

Formation Diagram

[ Noun1 ] も [ Noun1 ] なら、
[ Noun2 ] も [ Noun2 ] だ。

• も (mo): Particle meaning "also" or "even".
• なら (nara): Conditional form of the copula だ (da), often translated as "if" or "since".

Visual Aid: Breakdown Table

Component	Role
Noun1 も	"Even Noun1"
Noun1 なら	"If Noun1 is Noun1" (emphasizing state)
Noun2 も	"Also Noun2"
Noun2 だ	"Noun2 is Noun2" (affirming similar state)

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• Noun1 も Noun1 なら、Noun2 も Noun2 だ vs. Noun1 は Noun1 で、Noun2 は Noun2 だ
  • Both structures compare two nouns, but は...で is more neutral, whereas も...も emphasizes similarity, often negatively.
• AもAなら、BもBだ vs. どっちもどっちだ
  • どっちもどっちだ means "they are both the same," used colloquially to indicate no difference between two options, often negative.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 彼も彼なら、彼女も彼女だ。
   • Kare mo kare nara, kanojo mo kanojo da.
   • Translation: "He's just as bad as she is."
   • Context: Used when both people are equally at fault.
2. 親も親なら、子も子だ。
   • Oya mo oya nara, ko mo ko da.
   • Translation: "Like parent, like child."
   • Context: Both the parent and child share similar negative traits.
3. 店員も店員なら、客も客だ。
   • Ten'in mo ten'in nara, kyaku mo kyaku da.
   • Translation: "The staff is bad, and so are the customers."
   • Context: Criticizing both parties in a service scenario.
4. 社長も社長なら、部下も部下だ。
   • Shachō mo shachō nara, buka mo buka da.
   • Translation: "The boss is one thing, but the subordinates aren't any better."
   • Context: Both management and staff are problematic.

Formal and Informal Usage

• Usage: This expression is more informal and often used in spoken language or casual written communication.
• Politeness Level: Be cautious using this structure, as it can sound critical or rude.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, harmony and avoiding direct confrontation are valued. However, expressions like Noun1 も Noun1 なら、Noun2 も Noun2 だ allow speakers to vent frustration or criticize both parties equally, often in a resigned or exasperated tone.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 類は友を呼ぶ (Rui wa tomo o yobu)
  • Translation: "Birds of a feather flock together."
  • Relation: Similar in meaning, indicating that similar people tend to associate with each other.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using this structure in formal settings or with superiors.
  • Tip: Avoid using this expression in polite company; it's best reserved for casual conversations.
• Mistake: Misplacing particles or mixing verbs.
  • Tip: Remember the structure relies on nouns and the repetition for emphasis.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "A is A, and B is B" to remember the repetition.
• Practice: Create your own sentences by identifying two related nouns that share characteristics.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Noun1 も Noun1 なら、Noun2 も Noun2 だ emphasizes that both subjects share similar, often negative, traits.
• Used mainly in informal contexts to criticize or express exasperation.
• Structure relies on the repetition of nouns and the particle も to highlight similarity.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the main use of the structure Noun1 も Noun1 なら、Noun2 も Noun2 だ? a) To praise two subjects equally. b) To indicate that both subjects have similar negative traits. c) To compare and contrast two unrelated subjects.
2. Is it appropriate to use this expression in formal business meetings? a) Yes, it's perfectly acceptable. b) Only with close colleagues. c) No, it's considered too informal and possibly rude.
3. Fill in the blanks: 先生も先生なら、生徒も______だ。
   • Answer: 生徒 (seito)

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Answers:

1. b) To indicate that both subjects have similar negative traits.
2. c) No, it's considered too informal and possibly rude.
3. 生徒 (seito)

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