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Being the case; precisely because
Definition
The grammar pattern "V・A・Na・N（普）+ だけに" is used to express that a result is natural or even more intense because of a specific reason. It emphasizes the special circumstances of the cause, making it distinct from other cause-and-effect expressions. This pattern is often used in formal or polite contexts, and it can be formed with plain forms for Na-adjectives and Nouns. The use of "dake ni" implies that the reason is the sole cause of the result, making it more intense or natural than it would be otherwise.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plain form of Na-adjective | V・A・Na・N（普）+ だけに | このバッグは有名なブランド品だけに、作りが非常にしっかりしている |
| Plain form of Noun | V・A・Na・N（普）+ だけに | ここは高級レストランだけに、客の服装にもマナーが求められる |
| Plain form of Verb | V・A・Na・N（普）+ だけに | 一生懸命準備しただけに、不合格だった時のショックは大きかった |
Examples
この店は有名なレストランだけに、客が多い
kono mise wa yūmei na resutoran dake ni, kyaku ga ōi
This store is famous only because it has many customers
kono mise wa (this store is) yūmei na (famous) resutoran (restaurant) dake ni (only because) kyaku ga ōi (has many customers)
彼女は優秀な学生だけに、大学に入学することができた
kare wa yūshū na gakusei dake ni, daigaku ni nyūgaku suru koto ga dekiru
She was able to enter university only because she was an outstanding student
kare wa (she was) yūshū na (outstanding) gakusei (student) dake ni (only because) daigaku ni nyūgaku suru koto ga dekiru (was able to enter university)
この会社は優秀な人材だけに、成功することができた
kono kaisha wa yūshū na hito zutsu dake ni, seikō suru koto ga dekiru
The company was able to succeed only because it had outstanding personnel
kono kaisha wa (the company was) yūshū na (outstanding) hito zutsu (personnel) dake ni (only because) seikō suru koto ga dekiru (was able to succeed)
Context
This pattern is often used in formal or polite contexts to emphasize the special circumstances of the cause. It can be used with Na-adjectives and Nouns in plain form. Unlike other cause-and-effect expressions, "dake ni" implies that the reason is the sole cause of the result, making it more intense or natural than it would be otherwise.
Watch out
Using volitional or command endings with "dake ni" can change the meaning of the sentence and make it sound less polite or less formal.
'Dake atte' is used to express that something is good or praiseworthy only because of a specific reason, whereas 'dake ni' emphasizes the special circumstances of the cause.
'Bakari ni' implies that something is bad or negative only because of a specific reason, whereas 'dake ni' emphasizes the special circumstances of the cause.
Strategy
When using "dake ni" in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the plain form of the Verb, Na-adjective, or Noun. Also, be careful not to confuse it with other cause-and-effect expressions, such as 'dake atte' or 'bakari ni'.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V・A・Na・N（普）+ だけに used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
このバッグは有名なブランド品だけに、作りが非常にしっかりしている。
Pattern used: だけに
Precisely because it is a famous brand, it's natural that the quality is high.
一生懸命準備しただけに、不合格だった時のショックは大きかった。
Pattern used: だけに
The intensity of the shock is proportional to the effort put in; 'dake ni' fits this emphasis.
ここは高級レストランだけに、客の服装にもマナーが求められる。
Pattern used: だけに
Because it's a high-class restaurant (a specific status), certain standards are expected.
Interactive
このバッグは有名なブランド品______、作りが非常にしっかりしている。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.