JLPT N1 Grammar
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During; for the past (period)
Category: Time and Sequence
The grammar pattern "ここ（この）＋ 期間を表す名詞 ＋ というもの" emphasizes that a state has continued uninterrupted throughout a specific duration until now. It often expresses emotion or emphasis about the length of time. This pattern is used to describe a situation that has been ongoing for a certain period, and it can convey a sense of duration, continuity, or monotony. For example, if someone says "ここ一ヶ月______、仕事が忙しくて一度も休みを取っていない," it means that they have been working non-stop for the past month without taking a break. This pattern is often used to express a sense of exhaustion, frustration, or monotony.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present or past tense of the verb | ここ[この] + 期間を表す名詞 + というもの | ここ一ヶ月______、仕事が忙しくて一度も休みを取っていない。 |
| Present or past tense of the verb | ここ[この] + 期間を表す名詞 + というもの | この三日間______、雨が降り続いていて、洗濯物が全く乾かない。 |
| Present or past tense of the verb | ここ[この] + 期間を表す名詞 + というもの | 娘が留学に行ってからの半年______、家の中が火が消えたように寂しくなった。 |
ここ一ヶ月______、仕事が忙しくて一度も休みを取っていない。
Koko ichimai______、shigoto ga isogashikute ichido mo yasumi o toru to ienai.
For the past month, I've been working non-stop without taking a break.
ここ一ヶ月 (for the past month), 仕事が忙しくて (I've been working non-stop), 一度も休みを取っていない (without taking a break)
この三日間______、雨が降り続いていて、洗濯物が全く乾かない。
Kono sansuun______、ame ga furitsutsuite, sentaku mono ga arukaku kawanai.
For the past three days, it's been raining non-stop, and my laundry hasn't dried at all.
この三日間 (for the past three days), 雨が降り続いていて (it's been raining non-stop), 洗濯物が全く乾かない (my laundry hasn't dried at all)
娘が留学に行ってからの半年______、家の中が火が消えたように寂しくなった。
Musume ga ryugaku ni itte kara no han'nen______、ie no naka ga hi ga kesareta yōni samishikunatta.
For the past half year since my daughter went abroad, the house has felt empty and lonely.
娘が留学に行ってからの半年 (for the past half year since my daughter went abroad), 家の中が火が消えたように (the house has felt empty and lonely), 寂しくなった (it's been feeling lonely)
This pattern is used to emphasize the duration of a situation or state. It's often used to express emotion or emphasis about the length of time. It can be used in formal or informal situations, but it's more commonly used in informal conversations. Be careful not to confuse it with ～というものだ, which expresses a definition or social norm.
～というものだ is used to express a definition or social norm, whereas this pattern is used to emphasize the duration of a situation or state.
This pattern requires a duration or period noun to specify the time frame, such as 一ヶ月 (a month), 三日間 (three days), or 半年 (half a year).
～の間 is used to express a neutral or temporary situation, whereas this pattern is used to emphasize the duration of a situation or state.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct verb form (present or past tense) and specify the duration or period noun. Also, be careful not to confuse it with other patterns that express duration or continuity.
ここ一ヶ月______、仕事が忙しくて一度も休みを取っていない。
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