N2Evaluation & State

V-masu (stem) + っぱなし

Q: Is "Using "mama" instead of "ppanashi"" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use "ppanashi" instead of "mama"". The word "mama" is a different grammatical particle that is used to indicate a cause or reason, whereas "ppanashi" is used to indicate a state of being left as it is.

Q: Is "Using "nagara" instead of "ppanashi"" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use "ppanashi" instead of "nagara"". The word "nagara" is a different grammatical particle that is used to indicate a simultaneous action, whereas "ppanashi" is used to indicate a state of being left as it is.

Q: Is "Using "tsutsu" instead of "ppanashi"" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use "ppanashi" instead of "tsutsu"". The word "tsutsu" is a different grammatical particle that is used to indicate a state of being in a place, whereas "ppanashi" is used to indicate a state of being left as it is.

Left as it is; kept doing

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V-masu (stem) + っぱなし" is used to indicate that an action is left unfinished or a state is left as it is, often with a negative nuance of negligence. It can also mean doing a single action for a long time. For example, "ドアを開けっぱなしで出かけてしまった" implies that the door was left open and the person forgot to close it before leaving. This pattern is often used to describe situations where something is left in a state of disarray or neglect.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Masu form	V-masu (stem) + っぱなし	ドアを開けっぱなし
Masu form with te-form	V-masu (stem) + て + っぱなし	電車が混んでいたので、ずっと立ちっぱなしでした
Masu form with te-form and past tense	V-masu (stem) + て + っぱなし + た	水を出しっぱなしにしないでください

Examples

Example Sentences

ドアを開けっぱなしで出かけてしまった。

Doa o akeppanashi de dekakete shimatta.

I left the door open and went out.

ドアを開け (left the door open), っぱなし (left as it is), で (because), 出かけてしまった (went out and forgot)

電車が混んでいたので、ずっと立ちっぱなしでした。

Densha ga konande ita node, zutto tachi-ppanashi deshita.

Because the train was crowded, I stood for a long time.

電車が混んでいた (the train was crowded), ので (because), ずっと (for a long time), 立ちっぱなし (stood for a long time)

水を出しっぱなしにしないでください。

Mizu o dashi-ppanashi ni shinai de kudasai.

Please don't leave the water running.

水を出し (left the water running), っぱなしにしないで (don't leave as it is), ください (please)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to describe situations where something is left in a state of disarray or neglect. It is often used in negative sentences to convey a sense of regret or apology. The pattern can be used with any verb in the masu form, and it is commonly used in everyday conversation.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using "mama" instead of "ppanashi"

Use "ppanashi" instead of "mama"

The word "mama" is a different grammatical particle that is used to indicate a cause or reason, whereas "ppanashi" is used to indicate a state of being left as it is.

Using "nagara" instead of "ppanashi"

Use "ppanashi" instead of "nagara"

The word "nagara" is a different grammatical particle that is used to indicate a simultaneous action, whereas "ppanashi" is used to indicate a state of being left as it is.

Using "tsutsu" instead of "ppanashi"

Use "ppanashi" instead of "tsutsu"

The word "tsutsu" is a different grammatical particle that is used to indicate a state of being in a place, whereas "ppanashi" is used to indicate a state of being left as it is.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern on the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct verb form and grammatical particles. Pay attention to the nuance of the sentence and choose the correct answer based on the context.

In context