Processing keyword: Verb てからというもの (Verb te kara to iu mono)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb てからというもの (Verb te kara to iu mono)

Verb てからというもの (Verb te kara to iu mono)

Introduction

The grammar point Verb てからというもの is used to express a change or a consequence that has occurred since a specific event happened. This construction often conveys a sense of ongoing change or effect in the behavior, feelings, or situation after the referenced action.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

Verb てからというもの is structured as follows:

1. Verb (te-form) + から + というもの
   • This translates roughly as "since (the action) happened, (something has continued to happen)." Meaning: The grammar indicates that ever since a certain action took place, a subsequent situation or state has been evident or has transformed in some way.

Structure Diagram

[Verb (te-form)] + から + というもの

Comparative Analysis

The structure can sometimes be confused with Verb (te-form) + から, which simply denotes "after" or "since" without the same emphasis on ongoing change.

• Verb てから: Just indicates the timing of when something happens after the action.
• Verb てからというもの: Emphasizes the result and ongoing effect since the action. Example:
• 雨が降ってから、道が濡れた。 (Ame ga futte kara, michi ga nureta.)
  • "After it rained, the road got wet."
  • (Only states the fact) In contrast:
• 雨が降ってからというもの、道が濡れている。 (Ame ga futte kara to iu mono, michi ga nurete iru.)
  • "Since it rained, the road has been wet."
  • (Emphasizes ongoing state)

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal
   • 彼は大学を卒業してからというもの、忙しく働いています。
   • (Kare wa daigaku o sotsugyō shite kara to iu mono, isogashiku hataraiteimasu.)
   • "Since he graduated from university, he has been working busily."
2. Informal
   • 彼女と別れてからというもの、ずっと寂しく感じている。
   • (Kanojo to wakarete kara to iu mono, zutto sabishiku kanjite iru.)
   • "Since I broke up with her, I have been feeling lonely."
3. Written
   • 旅行に行ってからというもの、世界が広がった気がします。
   • (Ryokō ni itte kara to iu mono, sekai ga hirogatta ki ga shimasu.)
   • "Since I went on a trip, I feel that the world has expanded."
4. Spoken
   • 髪を切ってからというもの、みんなに若く見えるって言われるよ。
   • (Kami o kitte kara to iu mono, minna ni wakaku mieru tte iwareru yo.)
   • "Since I cut my hair, everyone tells me I look younger."

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, expressing changes in feelings or situations is very common. It reflects how experiences shape one's current state. Using Verb てからというもの can be seen as a way to acknowledge the impacts of significant life events, often in a reflective manner.

Idiomatic Expressions

A common phrase using this point might be:

• 人生が変わってからというもの、毎日が楽しい。
  • (Jinsei ga kawatte kara to iu mono, mainichi ga tanoshii.)
  • "Since my life changed, every day is enjoyable."

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Misuse of Forms: Some learners mistakenly use the plain form instead of the te-form of the verb.
   • Incorrect: 学校に行ってからというもの、たくさんの友達ができた。
   • Correct: 学校に行ってからというもの、たくさんの友達ができた。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember the phrase "from this action onward" helps encapsulate the ongoing change aspect of this grammar.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb てからというもの signifies a change that has been ongoing since a specific action took place.
• It emphasizes the impact of past actions on the present situation.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the purpose of using Verb てからというもの?
2. Give an example of a sentence using this grammar point in a formal context.
3. Compare Verb てから and Verb てからというもの. What is the main difference?

Using this structure allows learners to express personal reflections effectively and acknowledge changes in their lives, an essential skill in mastering conversational and written Japanese.