Processing keyword: Verb ように言う (Verb-you ni iu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ように言う (Verb-you ni iu)

Verb ように言う (Verb-you ni iu)

1. Introduction

The expression ように言う (you ni iu) is used to indicate that someone is telling or suggesting that another person should do something in a particular way or manner. This structure is essential in Japanese for conveying indirect requests or instructions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• ように: This part means "in order to" or "so that," and it's used to express the manner in which something should be done.
• 言う (いう): This verb means "to say" or "to tell." When combined, Verb + ように言う literally translates to "to say [to do something] in such a manner."

Structure

The structure of the grammar point is as follows:

[Verb (in dictionary form)] + ように言う

Formation Diagram

• 食べるように言う (taberu you ni iu) - "to say (someone) to eat"
• 行くように言う (iku you ni iu) - "to say (someone) to go"

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ようにする (you ni suru): This means "to try to do" or "to make an effort to do." It indicates intention or effort rather than a suggestion.

   • Example: 毎日運動するようにする (Mainichi undou suru you ni suru) - "I try to exercise every day."

2. ようになる (you ni naru): This expression means "to come to do" or "to change to a state where" something occurs.

   • Example: 日本語が話せるようになる (Nihongo ga hanaseru you ni naru) - "I have come to be able to speak Japanese."

Differences

• ように言う: Implies a suggestion or instruction.
• ようにする: Indicates an intention or an effort.
• ようになる: Signifies a change in state or ability.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 先生は私たちにもっと勉強するように言いました。
     • (Sensei wa watashitachi ni motto benkyou suru you ni iimashita.)
     • "The teacher told us to study more."
2. Informal:
   • 友達は早く帰るように言ってたよ。
     • (Tomodachi wa hayaku kaeru you ni itte ta yo.)
     • "My friend said to go home early."
3. Written:
   • 上司からプロジェクトを早く終わらせるように言われました。
     • (Joushi kara purojekuto wo hayaku owaraseru you ni iwaremashita.)
     • "I was told by my boss to complete the project quickly."
4. Spoken:
   • お母さんが野菜を食べるように言ってる。
     • (Okaasan ga yasai wo taberu you ni itteru.)
     • "My mom is telling me to eat vegetables."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, communication often reflects indirectness and politeness. Utilizing ように言う facilitates a gentle way of giving orders or suggestions, adhering to the cultural norm of avoiding direct confrontations.

Levels of Politeness

This structure can be adapted to both formal and informal contexts by changing the formality of the verbs or addressing the subjects accordingly.

Idiomatic Expressions

• ように祈る (you ni inoru) - "to hope that…"
• ように考える (you ni kangaeru) - "to think about it in such a way…"

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mixing up ように言う with ようにする. Remember, ように言う focuses on communication of suggestions while ようにする indicates personal efforts.
• Forgetting to change the verb to its dictionary form before adding ように言う.

Learning Strategies

• Create mnemonic devices by associating ように with the concept of "how to do something," reinforcing the idea of a suggestion.
• Practice making sentences using this structure, imagining different scenarios where guidance or suggestions are given.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ように言う is used to express telling someone to do something.
• Structure: [Verb (in dictionary form)] + ように言う.
• It differs from similar structures like ようにする and ようになる, which indicate effort or change.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How would you say "to say to study" using ように言う?
2. What is the difference between ように言う and ようにする?
3. Provide an example sentence using ように言う in a formal context. Answers:
4. 勉強するように言う (benkyou suru you ni iu)
5. ように言う suggests, while ようにする indicates effort.
6. Example: 彼にお金を返すように言いました。 (Kare ni okane wo kaesu you ni iimashita.) - "I told him to return the money."