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

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point Verb ように言う (Verb-you ni iu). This structure is essential for conveying indirect commands, requests, or advice given by someone else. Mastering this grammar point will enhance your ability to report speech and communicate more naturally in Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Verb ように言う is used to indirectly report a command, request, or piece of advice given by someone. It translates to:

• "to tell someone to do something"
• "to tell someone not to do something"

Structure

The basic structure is:

[Person A] は [Person B] に [Verb (plain present form)] ように言う

• [Person A] は: The person who gives the command or request.
• [Person B] に: The person who receives the command or request.
• [Verb (plain present form)] ように: The action being commanded or requested.
• 言う: The verb "to say" or "to tell".

Formation Diagram

Examples:

1. 先生は学生に早く来るように言いました。
   • Sensei wa gakusei ni hayaku kuru you ni iimashita.
   • "The teacher told the students to come early."
2. 母は私に野菜を食べるように言った。
   • Haha wa watashi ni yasai o taberu you ni itta.
   • "My mother told me to eat vegetables."

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

A. Verb てください (Verb te kudasai)

• Usage: Direct and polite request.
• Example: 宿題をしてください。
  • "Please do your homework."

B. Verb なさい (Verb nasai)

• Usage: Direct command, often from a superior to a subordinate.
• Example: 早く寝なさい。
  • "Go to bed early."

C. Verb るように言う (Verb ru you ni iu)

• Usage: Indirect command or request.
• Example: 医者は彼にタバコをやめるように言った。
  • "The doctor told him to quit smoking."

Nuance Differences

• Direct vs. Indirect: Using ように言う makes the command or request indirect, which is more polite and less imposing in Japanese culture.
• Formality: Verb なさい can be too direct or harsh in some contexts. ように言う softens the command.
• Reporting Speech: ように言う is specifically used when reporting what someone else said.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Context

1. 上司は社員に時間を守るように言いました。
   • Jōshi wa shain ni jikan o mamoru you ni iimashita.
   • "The boss told the employees to be punctual."
2. 医者は患者に塩分を控えるように指示した。
   • Isha wa kanja ni enbun o hikaeru you ni shiji shita.
   • "The doctor instructed the patient to reduce salt intake."

Informal Context

3. 友達は私にもっと運動するように勧めた。
   • Tomodachi wa watashi ni motto undō suru you ni susumeta.
   • "A friend recommended that I exercise more."
4. 母は弟に部屋を片付けるように言った。
   • Haha wa otōto ni heya o katadzukeru you ni itta.
   • "Mom told my younger brother to clean his room."

Negative Commands

5. 先生は学生に遅刻しないように注意した。
   • Sensei wa gakusei ni chikoku shinai you ni chūi shita.
   • "The teacher warned the students not to be late."
6. 彼女は彼に無理をしないように言った。
   • Kanojo wa kare ni muri o shinai you ni itta.
   • "She told him not to overdo it."

Spoken Conversation

7. 部長がこの書類をコピーするように言っていました。
   • Buchō ga kono shorui o kopī suru you ni itte imashita.
   • "The manager was saying to copy these documents."
8. お父さんが早く帰ってくるように言ってたよ。
   • Otōsan ga hayaku kaette kuru you ni itte ta yo.
   • "Dad told you to come home early."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Indirectness in Communication: Japanese culture values harmony and avoiding direct confrontation. Using ように言う allows for polite and indirect requests or commands.
• Hierarchy and Politeness: Reporting commands indirectly shows respect, especially when dealing with superiors or in formal situations.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 気をつけるように言う
   • Meaning: "To tell someone to be careful."
   • Example: 母は私に気をつけるように言った。
     • "My mother told me to be careful."
2. 頑張るように言う
   • Meaning: "To tell someone to do their best."
   • Example: 先生は試験の前に学生に頑張るように言った。
     • "The teacher told the students to do their best before the exam."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Verb Form

• Incorrect: 先生は学生に勉強してように言った。
  • Using the て-form (勉強して) is incorrect here.
• Correct: 先生は学生に勉強するように言った。
  • Use the plain present form of the verb.

Mistake 2: Omitting Particles

• Incorrect: 彼は彼女宿題を持ってくるように言った。
  • Missing the particle に after 彼女.
• Correct: 彼は彼女に宿題を持ってくるように言った。
  • Include the に particle to indicate the indirect object.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Structure: Keep in mind the pattern [Person A] は [Person B] に [Verb plain form] ように言う.
• Practice Transformation: Take direct commands and practice converting them into ように言う structures.
  • Direct: ドアを閉めてください。 (Please close the door.)
  • Indirect: 彼は私にドアを閉めるように言った。 (He told me to close the door.)

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb ように言う is used to report commands, requests, or advice indirectly.
• The verb is in its plain present form before ように.
• This structure adds politeness and indirectness, aligning with Japanese communication styles.

Quick Recap Quiz

Question 1

Fill in the blanks:

• 先生は私たちに宿題を____ように言いました。 (to do the homework) Answer:
• する
• 先生は私たちに宿題をするように言いました。

Question 2

Correct the sentence:

• 母は弟に遊んでないように言った。 Answer:
• 母は弟に遊ばないように言った。
• The verb should be in the negative plain form 遊ばない.

Question 3

Translate into Japanese:

• "The coach told the players to practice every day." Answer:
• コーチは選手たちに毎日練習するように言った。

By understanding and using Verb ように言う, you'll improve your ability to convey indirect speech in Japanese, making your communication more nuanced and culturally appropriate.