JLPT N1 Grammar
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Ended up with the result of (negative)
Category: Determination and Choice
The grammar pattern "V-辞書形/た形 + 始末だ" is used to describe a regrettable outcome after a series of problematic events. It emphasizes that things have worsened to a point that is quite embarrassing or deplorable. This pattern is often used to express disappointment, regret, or frustration with the final result of a situation. It can be translated to English as "ended up with the result of (negative)" or "ended up in a regrettable situation".
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plain form of the verb | V-辞書形/た形 + 始末だ | 食べる + 始末だ |
| Te form of the verb | V-て + 始末だ | 食べた + 始末だ |
| Nai form of the verb | V-ない + 始末だ | 食べない + 始末だ |
不摂生を続けた結果、とうとう入院する始末だ。
Fushō o tsuzuketa koto de, tōtō nyūin suru shimatsu da.
As a result of not taking care of oneself, he ended up in the hospital.
不摂生を続けた結果 (not taking care of oneself) + とうとう (finally) + 入院する (ended up in the hospital) + 始末だ (regrettable outcome)
彼は仕事でミスを連発し、最後には上司に暴言を吐く始末だ。
Kare wa shigoto de misu o renpatsu shi, saigo ni wa jōshi ni bōgen o hatsu kimasu shimatsu da.
He made a series of mistakes at work and ended up insulting his boss.
仕事でミスを連発し (made a series of mistakes at work) + 最後には (finally) + 上司に暴言を吐く (ended up insulting his boss) + 始末だ (regrettable outcome)
あんなに大口を叩いていたのに、結局は何の成果も出せない始末だ。
An'nani ōkuchi o tataiteta no ni, ketsu ketsu wa nan no seika mo dekinai shimatsu da.
Despite having made a big effort, he ended up with no results.
あんなに大口を叩いていた (made a big effort) + のに (despite) + 結局は (finally) + 何の成果も出せない (ended up with no results) + 始末だ (regrettable outcome)
This pattern is used to describe a regrettable outcome after a series of problematic events. It is often used in situations where things have worsened to a point that is quite embarrassing or deplorable. It can be used in formal and informal situations, but it is more commonly used in informal situations.
This pattern is specifically used to describe regrettable outcomes, so using it for positive results is incorrect.
～ずじまい and this pattern are often confused, but they have different meanings.
This pattern follows the plain form of the verb, so forgetting this can lead to incorrect usage.
In the JLPT exam, this pattern is often tested in the reading comprehension section. Be sure to pay attention to the context and use the correct form of the verb.
不摂生を続けた結果、とうとう入院する______。
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