Processing keyword: Verbる 始末だ (〜ru shimatsu da)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verbる 始末だ (〜ru shimatsu da)

Verbる始末だ (〜るしまつだ)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point Verbる始末だ (〜るしまつだ). This expression is used to convey that things have ended up in a bad situation after a series of events. It's often utilized to express dissatisfaction or disappointment about an unfavorable outcome.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

"〜る始末だ" is used to indicate that after various events or actions, things have finally resulted in an undesirable situation. It emphasizes the negative outcome resulting from a sequence of actions.

Structure

The formation of this grammar point is straightforward:

Formation Diagram

[Verb (dictionary form)] + 始末だ

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Patterns

• 〜あげく（に）: Indicates that after a lot of effort or after doing something for a long time, an undesirable result occurred.
  • Example: 彼は悩んだあげく、会社を辞めた。
  • Translation: After much deliberation, he quit his job. Difference: While both express an unfavorable outcome, 〜る始末だ often carries a stronger sense of exasperation and highlights that the negative result is the culmination of previous events.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Personal Situation

Sentence: 彼は毎日遅刻し、ついには仕事をクビになる始末だ。 Reading: かれはまいにちちこくし、ついにはしごとをクビになるしまつだ。 Translation: He was late every day, and ultimately, he ended up getting fired.

Example 2: Social Commentary

Sentence: 店員に文句を言い続け、警察を呼ばれる始末だ。 Reading: てんいんにもんくをいいつづけ、けいさつをよばれるしまつだ。 Translation: He kept complaining to the store clerk, and in the end, the police were called on him.

Example 3: Casual Conversation

Sentence: ダイエットすると言っていたのに、ケーキを全部食べる始末だ。 Reading: ダイエットするといっていたのに、ケーキをぜんぶたべるしまつだ。 Translation: Even though she said she'd go on a diet, she ended up eating all the cake.

Example 4: Formal Writing

Sentence: 政府の対応が遅れ、問題が悪化する始末だ。 Reading: せいふのたいおうがおくれ、もんだいがあっかするしまつだ。 Translation: The government's delayed response led to the problem worsening in the end.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• 始末だ is typically used in written language or formal speech.
• It expresses a critical or disapproving tone, so it should be used carefully to avoid sounding overly harsh in casual conversations.

Idiomatic Expressions

• この始末だ: An idiom meaning "to end up like this (in a bad way)."
  • Example: 努力もしないで、この始末だ。
  • Translation: Without even trying, he ended up like this.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using it for Positive Outcomes:
  • Incorrect: 彼は勉強して、試験に合格する始末だ。
    • 始末だ is not used for positive outcomes.

Tips

• Remember the Negative Connotation: 始末だ is reserved for undesirable results. When you want to express a positive outcome, consider using different grammar points like 〜結果（けっか）.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Meaning: Expresses that after various events, things ended up in a bad situation.
• Formation: Verb (dictionary form) + 始末だ
• Usage: Highlights a negative outcome resulting from prior actions.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does 始末だ imply about the outcome?
   • Answer: It implies a negative or undesirable outcome.
2. Is 始末だ used for positive results?
   • Answer: No, it's used for negative outcomes only.
3. Create a sentence using 始末だ to describe someone who didn't study and failed their exam.

Sample Answer for Question 3

Sentence: 彼は全く勉強せず、試験に落ちる始末だ。 Translation: He didn't study at all and ended up failing the exam.