JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
to do together/each other
Category: Compound Verbs and Completion
The grammar pattern "V-stem + 合う" is used to indicate a reciprocal action where two or more people do something to or with each other. This means that the action is performed by both parties involved, and it is often used to describe actions such as helping, discussing, or looking at each other. The nuance of this pattern is that it implies a sense of mutual involvement and cooperation.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-stem | V-stem + 合う | hanash- + 合う = hanashiau |
| V-stem (intransitive) | V-stem + 合う (with a partner) | mi- + 合う (with a partner) = miiau (not a common example, but illustrates the point) |
| V-stem (transitive) | V-stem + 合う (with a partner) | tasuke- + 合う = tasukeau |
困ったときは、みんなで助け合いましょう。
ayamatta toki wa, minna de tasukeai mashou.
Let's help each other when we're in trouble.
ayamatta toki wa (when we're in trouble) + minna de (everyone) + tasukeai (help each other) + mashou (let's do it)
二人はしばらくの間、見つめ合っていた。
futari wa shibaraku no aida, mitsumeai itte imashita.
The two people looked at each other for a while.
futari wa (the two people) + shibaraku no aida (for a while) + mitsumeai (look at each other) + itte imashita (were looking)
その問題について、もっと話し合い必要があります。
sono mondai ni tsuite, motto hanashiai hitsuyou ga arimasu.
We need to discuss the problem further.
sono mondai ni tsuite (about the problem) + motto (further) + hanashiai (discuss) + hitsuyou ga arimasu (is necessary)
彼女は彼と一緒に料理を作り合います。
kanojo wa kare to issho ni ryouri o tsukuriai masu.
She cooks with him.
kanojo wa (she) + kare to (with him) + issho ni (together) + ryouri o (cooking) + tsukuriai (cook) + masu (does)
This pattern is used to describe reciprocal actions, and it is often used in situations where two or more people are working together or helping each other. It is not typically used to describe actions that are not reciprocal, such as a single person doing something alone. In terms of register, this pattern is formal and polite, and it is often used in writing or formal speech.
Intransitive verbs that don't involve a partner do not imply a reciprocal action, so they should not be used with this pattern.
The particle 'to' is used to describe the direct object, while the particle 'ni' is used to describe the indirect object. Make sure to use the correct particle to avoid confusion.
'Issho ni' implies a sense of togetherness, but it does not necessarily imply a reciprocal action. Use 'issho ni' when describing actions that are done together, but not necessarily with the same level of involvement.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to choose the correct verb stem and use the correct particle to describe the subjects. Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with 'issho ni' or other similar patterns.
困ったときは、みんなで助け______ましょう。
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