Processing keyword: Verb に かえります (〜ni kaerimasu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb に かえります (〜ni kaerimasu)

Detailed Grammar Explanation: Verb に かえります (〜ni kaerimasu)

1. Introduction

The expression 〜にかえります (ni kaerimasu) is commonly used in the Japanese language and translates to "to return to" or "to go back to" in English. This phrase is crucial for discussing travel, homecomings, or returning to a previous state or condition.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The phrase consists of the following components:

• に (ni): This particle indicates direction or destination.
• かえります (kaerimasu): This is the polite form of the verb かえる (kaeru), meaning "to return" or "to go back".

Meaning and Structure

• Structure: Subject + に + かえります
• Meaning: "I will return to [destination]"

Breakdown

1. に (ni):
   • Indicates the target destination.
   • Conveys the idea of 'to' a place or person.
2. かえります (kaerimasu):
   • Polite form of the verb かえる (kaeru), used for returning.
   • Also can be conjugated into other forms such as "かえって" (kaette) for a conversational style.

Formation Diagram

Subject + に + かえります
   ↓        ↓
  (I)    (return)
     ↑  （destination）
    に

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

1. に行く (ni iku):

   • 〜に行く (ni iku) means "to go to" a place.
   • Example: 学校に行きます (Gakkou ni ikimasu) - "I will go to school."

2. に戻る (ni modoru):

   • 〜に戻る (ni modoru) also means "to return to" but is less formal than かえります.
   • Example: 家に戻ります (Ie ni modorimasu) - "I will return home." Nuances:

• かえります primarily implies a return to a point of origin, while 行く indicates movement towards a new destination, and 戻る emphasizes returning to a previous state, often with a nuance of correction or moving back.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:
   • 明日、会社にかえります (Ashita, kaisha ni kaerimasu).
   • "Tomorrow, I will return to the company."
2. Informal Context:
   • 今日、家にかえる (Kyou, ie ni kaeru).
   • "I'm going back home today."
3. Written Context:
   • 昨日の会議の後、東京にかえりました (Kinou no kaigi no ato, Tokyo ni kaerimashita).
   • "After yesterday's meeting, I returned to Tokyo."
4. Spoken Context:
   • もうすぐ学校にかえりますよ (Mou sugu gakkou ni kaerimasu yo).
   • "I'm going back to school soon!"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Returning home or to one's hometown is deeply embedded in Japanese culture; it's a common practice during holidays like お正月 (oshogatsu - New Year) and during family gatherings.

Levels of Politeness

• The use of polite forms (ます form) in conversation signifies respect and is essential in formal situations or with people of higher status.

Idiomatic Expressions

• すぐに戻る (sugu ni modoru): "to return right away" often used in casual conversations.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Confusing にかえります with に行きます.
  • Tip: Remember that かえります always implies a return to some place, while 行きます is for traveling to a new place.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: "Kae" sounds like "care" which can help remember it's about going back to a place you care about.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜にかえります (ni kaerimasu) means "to return to" a destination.
• It's important for expressing movement towards a familiar place.
• Use in polite contexts to show respect.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does 〜にかえります mean?
2. How do you say "I will return home" in Japanese?
3. What is the difference between かえります and 行きます? Answer Key:
4. "to return to."
5. "家にかえります" (Ie ni kaerimasu).
6. かえります implies returning to a previous place while 行きます indicates going to a new place.