JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
ever since
Category: Time and Sequence
The grammar pattern "V(て形) + 以来" is used to express that a certain state has continued uninterrupted from the time a specific event happened until now. This pattern emphasizes the continuous nature of the state, and is not typically used for very recent events. It is often used to describe a change in circumstances or a new habit that has been adopted since a particular event occurred.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Te-form of the verb | V(て形) + 以来 | 勉強して以来 |
| Te-form of the verb with the particle "から" | V(て形) + 以来から | 勉強して以来から毎日勉強している |
| Te-form of the verb with the particle "ずっと" | ずっと V(て形) + 以来 | ずっと勉強して以来 |
卒業して以来、彼には一度も会っていません。
Sotsugyō shite irai, kare ni hitotsu mo aitteinai desu.
Ever since graduation, he has never met me.
卒業して (graduated and since then), 以来 (since then), 彼には (he has never), 一度も (never), 会っていません (met him)
日本に以来、毎日納豆を食べている。
Nihon ni irai, mainichi nattō o tabete imasu.
Ever since coming to Japan, I have been eating natto every day.
日本に (came to Japan), 以来 (since then), 毎日 (every day), 納豆を食べている (eating natto)
怪我をして以来、大好きなサッカーができなくなった。
Yabō o shite irai, daiyōkina sakkaa ga dekimasen.
Ever since getting hurt, I have not been able to play my favorite soccer.
怪我をして (got hurt and since then), 以来 (since then), 大好きな (favorite), サッカーができなくなった (not able to play soccer)
This pattern is used to describe a change in circumstances or a new habit that has been adopted since a particular event occurred. It is often used in formal writing and speech. It can be compared to the pattern "kara" (since), but "irai" is more formal and emphasizes the continuous state.
The 'te' form is used to indicate a continuous or completed action, whereas the dictionary form is used to indicate a completed action that is not ongoing.
This pattern is used to describe a continuous state, not a one-time event. Use a different pattern, such as "kara" (since), to describe a one-time event.
While both patterns are used to describe a time period, "irai" emphasizes the continuous state, whereas "kara" is more general and can be used for both continuous and one-time events.
Pay attention to the context and the type of action being described. If the action is continuous, use "irai". If the action is one-time, use a different pattern.
卒業して______、彼には一度も会っていません。
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