JLPT N1 Grammar
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Using as an excuse; under the pretext of
Category: Method and Basis
The grammar pattern "名詞／動詞辞書形＋にかこつけて" is used to indicate that someone is using a seemingly valid reason (the pretext) to hide their true motive or to do something unrelated. This pattern often carries a critical nuance, implying that the person's actions are not entirely genuine or are being done for ulterior motives. It is essential to distinguish this pattern from other similar expressions, such as "ni saishite" (on the occasion of) and "o kigai ni" (with the spirit of), which convey different meanings.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 動詞辞書形 | 名詞 + にかこつけて + 動詞 | 彼は取材ににかこつけて、密かにライバル企業の情報を集めていた。 |
| 動詞一段活用 | 名詞 + にかこつけて + た | 彼は出張ににかこつけて、観光を楽しんだが、公私混同だと言わざるを得ない。 |
| 動詞五段活用 | 名詞 + にかこつけて + た | 彼は忘年会ににかこつけて、日頃の不満を上司にぶつけた。 |
彼は取材ににかこつけて、密かにライバル企業の情報を集めていた。
Kare wa tsukai ni ni kakotsukete, misuka ni raibaru kigyō no jōhō o tsukamete ita.
He was gathering information about the rival company secretly under the pretext of a report.
彼は取材ににかこつけて、密かにライバル企業の情報を集めていた。 (Kare wa tsukai ni ni kakotsukete, misuka ni raibaru kigyō no jōhō o tsukamete ita.)
出張ににかこつけて、観光を楽しむのは、公私混同だと言わざるを得ない。
Shutsujō ni ni kakotsukete, kankō o tanoshimu no wa, kōshi konsō to iwarezu o dekinai.
Enjoying sightseeing on a business trip is unavoidable to be considered a mix of public and private matters.
出張ににかこつけて、観光を楽しむのは、公私混同だと言わざるを得ない。 (Shutsujō ni ni kakotsukete, kankō o tanoshimu no wa, kōshi konsō to iwarezu o dekinai.)
彼は忘年会ににかこつけて、日頃の不満を上司にぶつけた。
Kare wa bōnenkai ni ni kakotsukete, nichijō no fuman o jōshi ni buttsukete.
He complained to his superior about his daily dissatisfaction under the pretext of a year-end party.
彼は忘年会ににかこつけて、日頃の不満を上司にぶつけた。 (Kare wa bōnenkai ni ni kakotsukete, nichijō no fuman o jōshi ni buttsukete.)
This pattern is used to express that someone is using a pretext to do something unrelated or to hide their true motive. It is often used in a critical or negative context. The pattern can be used in formal or informal situations, but it is more commonly used in formal situations. It is essential to distinguish this pattern from other similar expressions, such as "ni saishite" (on the occasion of) and "o kigai ni" (with the spirit of), which convey different meanings.
While both patterns express a relationship between a noun and a verb, 'ni saishite' implies a more neutral or positive context, whereas 'にかこつけて' implies a critical or negative context.
While both patterns express a relationship between a noun and a verb, 'o kigai ni' implies a more positive or sincere context, whereas 'にかこつけて' implies a critical or negative context.
This pattern is often used in a critical or negative context, so it is essential to use it correctly to avoid misinterpretation.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, pay close attention to the context and the relationship between the noun and the verb. Make sure to use the correct pattern to express the intended meaning. Also, be aware of the common mistakes and avoid confusing this pattern with other similar expressions.
彼は取材に______、密かにライバル企業の情報を集めていた。
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