JLPT N1 Grammar
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As if to say
Category: State and Appearance
The grammar pattern "Clause (Plain) + とばかりに" is used to convey that someone's attitude or action strongly suggests a specific thought or word, without actually saying it. This pattern often follows a quoted thought, implying that the speaker's actions or words are equivalent to the quoted thought. The phrase "とばかりに" is a polite way of expressing a strong implication, and it is often used in formal or polite language. The nuance of this pattern lies in its ability to convey a subtle yet strong implication, making it a useful tool for expressing complex ideas in a concise manner.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plain form of the verb | Clause (Plain) + とばかりに | 彼は「帰れ」とばかりに、ドアを乱暴に閉めた。 |
| Plain form of the verb | Clause (Plain) + とばかりに | 待ってましたとばかりに、彼は一気に料理を平らげた。 |
| Plain form of the verb | Clause (Plain) + とばかりに | 文句があるなら言ってみろとばかりに、彼女は胸を張って立った。 |
彼は「帰れ」とばかりに、ドアを乱暴に閉めた。
Kare wa "kaere" to bakani, doa o ranpō ni tomete.
He slammed the door shut as if to say "go home".
彼は「帰れ」 (He said "go home") とばかりに (as if to say) ドアを乱暴に閉めた (slammed the door shut)
待ってましたとばかりに、彼は一気に料理を平らげた。
Matteshimashita to bakani, kare wa ikki ni ryōri o hiraketa.
He ate the meal in one go as if to say "I've been waiting for you".
待ってました (I've been waiting for you) とばかりに (as if to say) 彼は一気に料理を平らげた (ate the meal in one go)
文句があるなら言ってみろとばかりに、彼女は胸を張って立った。
Monku ga aru nara itte mirō to bakani, kanojo wa mune o hirakete tatta.
She stood up with her chest out as if to say "if you have a complaint, speak up".
文句があるなら言ってみろ (if you have a complaint, speak up) とばかりに (as if to say) 彼女は胸を張って立った (stood up with her chest out)
This pattern is used to convey a strong implication or suggestion, often in a polite or formal context. It is often used in situations where the speaker wants to express a subtle yet clear message. The pattern can be used with a variety of verbs and clauses, but it is most commonly used with polite language and in formal situations.
While both patterns can be used to convey a suggestion or implication, 'とばかりに' is more formal and polite, while 'to iu bakari' is more casual and neutral.
This pattern can be easily misinterpreted as an actual quote, but it is essential to remember that it is a phrase that conveys a suggestion or implication.
Using 'とばかりに' with first-person subjects can come across as impolite or informal, so it is best to use it with third-person subjects.
When using 'とばかりに' in the JLPT exam, be sure to use it in a context where a strong implication or suggestion is necessary. Pay attention to the tone and formality of the language, and use 'とばかりに' in a way that is consistent with the context.
彼は「帰れ」______、ドアを乱暴に閉めた。
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