Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Verbる べからざる Noun (Verb-ru bekara zaru Noun)

Verbる べからざる Noun (Verb-ru bekara zaru Noun)

Short explanation:

Used to express what should not be done; 'must not', 'should not'.

Formation:

Verb-dictionary form + べからざる + noun

Examples:

人を裏切るべからざる行為だ。
Hito o uragiru bekara zaru koui da.
Betraying people is an act that should not be done.
子供を傷つけるべからざる行動だ。
Kodomo o kizutsukeru bekara zaru koudou da.
Hurting a child is a behavior that must not happen.
公に嘘をつくべからざる行動だ。
Kou ni uso o tsuku bekara zaru koudou da.
Lying publicly is an act that should not be done.
他人の財産を侵すべからざる行為だ。
Tanin no zaisan o okasu bekara zaru koui da.
Infringing on someone else's property is an act that must not be performed.

Long explanation:

The Japanese grammar point Verbる べからざる Noun is used to indicate something that should not be done, or is not allowed to be done. It translates to 'must not' or 'should not' in English. It is often used in formal written Japanese or in formal speeches. It is constructed by using the verb in its dictionary form followed by 'べからざる' and a noun, usually behaviour or event.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Verbる べからざる Noun (Verb-ru bekara zaru Noun)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verbる べからざる Noun (Verb-ru bekara zaru Noun)

Japanese Grammar Lesson: Verbる べからざる Noun

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the classical Japanese grammar structure "Verbる べからざる Noun". This form is often found in formal writing, literature, and historical texts. Understanding this grammar point will enhance your ability to read and appreciate more sophisticated Japanese materials.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The grammar pattern "Verbる べからざる Noun" translates to "a noun that should not be [verb]" or "a noun that must not be [verb]". It expresses a strong prohibition or something that is unacceptable.

Structure

The formation of this grammar point is as follows:

Verb (dictionary form) + べからざる + Noun

Formation Diagram

Verb (Dictionary Form) + べからざる + Noun
求める + べからざる + 態度
(to seek) (attitude)

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with べきではない:

  • べきではない is a modern expression meaning "should not [verb]" and is used in both spoken and written Japanese.
  • Verbる べからざる Noun is an older, more formal expression with a similar meaning but is primarily found in literature and formal contexts. Example:
  • 許すべきではない行為 - An act that should not be forgiven.
  • 許すべからざる行為 - An act that must not be forgiven.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

  1. 彼は信頼するべからざる人物だ。
    • Kare wa shinrai suru bekarazaru jinbutsu da.
    • He is a person who must not be trusted.
  2. 忘れるべからざる教訓を学んだ。
    • Wasureru bekarazaru kyōkun wo mananda.
    • I learned a lesson that must not be forgotten.
  3. これは見過ごすべからざる問題です。
    • Kore wa misugosu bekarazaru mondai desu.
    • This is an issue that must not be overlooked.
  4. 触れるべからざる禁忌がある。
    • Fureru bekarazaru kinki ga aru.
    • There are taboos that must not be touched upon.
  5. 避けるべからざる運命に直面した。
    • Sakeru bekarazaru unmei ni chokumen shita.
    • Faced with an inevitable fate that cannot be avoided.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • The use of べからざる is typically found in classical literature, legal documents, and formal speeches.
  • It conveys a sense of gravity and seriousness, often associated with moral judgments or societal rules.

Levels of Politeness

  • This grammar point is considered formal and is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
  • It adds a formal tone to the sentence, making it suitable for written texts, formal speeches, or serious discussions.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 必要不可欠なるべからざる要素
    • Hitsuyō fukaketsu naru bekarazaru yōso
    • An indispensable element that must not be lacking

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Using the wrong verb form: Remember to use the dictionary form of the verb before adding べからざる.
    • Incorrect: 信じべからざる
    • Correct: 信じるべからざる

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of "べからざる" as "べ (be) + から (kara) + ざる (zaru)" where "ざる" is the classical negative form.
  • Associate with "べき": Since "べき" means "should," remember that "べからざる" is a classical negative form implying "should not."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • "Verbる べからざる Noun" is a formal expression meaning "a noun that must not be [verb]".
  • Used in formal writing and literature to express strong prohibitions.
  • Formed by attaching "べからざる" to the dictionary form of the verb before a noun.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does "忘れるべからざる" mean?
    • Answer: Must not be forgotten.
  2. Is "べからざる" used in casual conversation?
    • Answer: No, it's used in formal contexts.
  3. How do you say "an action that must not be repeated" using this grammar point?
    • Answer: 繰り返すべからざる行為

By understanding and practicing this grammar point, you'll be able to comprehend and appreciate formal Japanese texts more deeply.

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