JLPT N2 Grammar
· Upper Intermediate
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· Upper Intermediate
Appearing; looking like
Category: Evaluation & State
The grammar pattern 'Adj-i (stem) / Adj-na (stem) + げ' is used to describe the outward appearance or atmosphere of someone, typically related to their emotions. It is a more literary or formal way to express how someone looks or seems. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of something being apparent or noticeable. For example, if someone has a sad expression, you might say '彼はどこか寂し げな目をしている' (He has a melancholic look in his eyes). This pattern is commonly used in literary or formal writing, and can add depth and nuance to descriptions of people's emotions and appearances.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective i-form | Adj-i (stem) + げ | 楽しい (happy) -> 楽しみ げ |
| Adjective na-form | Adj-na (stem) + げ | 楽しい (happy) -> 楽しみ げ |
| Adjective i-form with す | Adj-i (stem) + す げ | 楽しい (happy) -> 楽しみ す げ |
彼女は何かいた げな顔をして、こちらを見ている。
Kanojo wa nanika ita げな kao o shite, kono oka ni mite iru.
She has a worried look on her face and is looking at us.
彼女は何かいた げな顔をして (She has a worried look on her face), こちらを見ている (and is looking at us)
子供たちは楽し げに公園で遊んでいる。
Kodomo-tachi wa tanoshimi げ ni kōen de asobite iru.
The children are enjoying themselves in the park.
子供たちは楽し げに (The children are enjoying themselves), 公園で遊んでいる (in the park)
彼はどこか寂し げな目をしている。
Kare wa doko ka sabishii げ na me o shite iru.
He has a melancholic look in his eyes.
彼はどこか寂し げな目をしている (He has a melancholic look in his eyes)
彼女はどこか疲れ げな顔をしている。
Kanojo wa doko ka tsukare げ na kao o shite iru.
She has a tired look on her face.
彼女はどこか疲れ げな顔をしている (She has a tired look on her face)
This pattern is often used in literary or formal writing to describe the outward appearance or atmosphere of someone. It can add depth and nuance to descriptions of people's emotions and appearances. Be careful not to confuse this pattern with other similar patterns, such as 'sou' or 'ppoi'.
While 'sou' can be used to describe someone's appearance, it is not as formal or literary as 'げ'. 'Sou' is more commonly used in informal writing or conversation.
While 'ppoi' can be used to describe someone's appearance, it is not as formal or literary as 'げ'. 'Ppoi' is more commonly used in informal writing or conversation.
Make sure to use the correct adjective form (i-form or na-form) when using this pattern. Using the wrong form can change the meaning of the sentence.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, be careful to choose the correct adjective form and to use the pattern correctly. Practice using this pattern in different contexts to get a feel for how it is used in writing.
彼女は何かけいた ______ な顔をして、こちらを見ている。
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