Processing keyword: Verb て いく (Verb-te iku)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb て いく (Verb-te iku)

Verb て いく (Verb-te iku) - Detailed Grammar Explanation

Introduction

The grammar point Verb て いく (Verb-te iku) is commonly used in Japanese to describe actions that are continuing or evolving over time. This structure conveys the idea of not just doing something, but also the direction or future continuation of that action.

Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• The structure Verb て いく translates roughly to "to do [verb] and go" or "to keep on [verb]-ing."
• It indicates that an action is starting now and will continue into the future.

Structure

• The basic formation of this grammar point is:

  Verb (て-form) + いく
  

• Example: 食べる (taberu - to eat)
  • 食べていく (tabete iku - to eat and go / to continue eating)

Formation Diagram

Here's how the structure breaks down:

Verb Dictionary Form --> Verb て-form --> いく (iku)
Example: 食べる (taberu) --> 食べて (tabete) --> 食べていく (tabete iku)

Visual Aids

Comparative Analysis

Verb て いく (Verb-te iku) vs. Verb て くる (Verb-te kuru):

• Verb て いく (Verb-te iku) focuses on the action moving away from the speaker and continuing in the future.
• Verb て くる (Verb-te kuru) indicates an action coming towards the speaker or a past action that has relevance to the present.

Example:

• 買っていく (katte iku) - "to buy and go" (moving away with the purchase)
• 買ってくる (katte kuru) - "to buy and come back" (action is brought back to the speaker)

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   引っ越しの準備をしていますので、これから徐々に物をまとめていきます。
   (Hikkoshi no junbi o shiteimasu node, kore kara jojoni mono o matomete ikimasu.)
   "Since I am preparing to move, I will gradually start gathering my things from now on."
2. Informal:
   明日から毎日日本語を勉強していくつもりだ。
   (Ashita kara mainichi Nihongo o benkyou shite iku tsumori da.)
   "I plan to study Japanese every day starting tomorrow."
3. Written:
   環境問題についての意識が高まり、皆で進んでいかなければならない。
   (Kankyou mondai ni tsuite no ishiki ga takamari, mina de susunde ikanakereba naranai.)
   "As awareness of environmental issues rises, we all need to move forward together."
4. Spoken:
   これからも健康に気を付けていくよ！
   (Kore kara mo kenkou ni ki o tsukete iku yo!)
   "From now on, I will continue to take care of my health!"

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, the concept of looking ahead and preparing for the future is valued. The usage of Verb て いく reflects this notion, emphasizing ongoing effort and development.

Levels of Politeness

Using this structure can be adapted for different levels of speech:

• Casual/Informal: Use with friends or family.
• Polite/Formal: Use in business settings or when speaking formally.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect verb form: Ensure you use the correct て-form of the verb.
2. Confusing with Verb て くる: Remember that いく indicates movement away from the speaker while くる indicates movement toward.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Visualize someone walking away while doing an action. This can help remember that いく (iku - to go) is about moving away or extending into the future.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb て いく is used to express actions that will continue to happen into the future.
• It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action rather than a completed event.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does Verb て いく express?
2. How is it different from Verb て くる?
3. Provide an example sentence using Verb て いく. By understanding Verb て いく, learners can express ongoing actions and plans in Japanese more effectively.