JLPT N4 Grammar
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· Elementary
difficult to do
Category: Compound Verbs
The grammar pattern "V-ます + にくい" is used to express that an action is physically or psychologically difficult to perform. This pattern is formed by attaching にくい to the ます-stem of a verb, resulting in an i-adjective. It is essential to understand the nuances of this pattern to accurately convey the intended meaning. For instance, the pattern can be used to describe the difficulty of performing a task due to physical or mental constraints. For example, "この本は読むにくい" means "This book is difficult to read," implying that the content is complex or the writing style is challenging to follow. In contrast, "この本は読むづらい" would convey that the book is emotionally or physically uncomfortable to read, such as due to its graphic content. The correct usage of this pattern is crucial to avoid confusion and accurately express the intended meaning.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu-stem of a verb | V-ます + にくい | 読む + ます + にくい = 読むにくい |
| Masu-stem of a verb | V-ます + にくい (with a negative verb) | 読まない + ます + にくい = 読まないにくい |
| Masu-stem of a verb | V-ます + にくい (with a verb ending in -u) | 見る + ます + にくい = 見るにくい |
漢字が多くて、この本は読むにくいです。
Kanjiga takute, kono hon wa yomunikui desu.
This book is difficult to read due to the many Chinese characters.
漢字が多くて (There are many Chinese characters) + この本は (This book) + 読むにくいです (is difficult to read)
あの人の名前は長くて呼ぶにくいです。
Ano hito no namae wa nagute, yobunikui desu.
That person's name is long and difficult to call out.
あの人の名前は (That person's name) + 長くて (is long) + 呼ぶにくいです (is difficult to call out)
この靴は古くて履くにくいです。
Kono kutsu wa furukute, hokunikui desu.
This shoe is old and difficult to wear.
この靴は (This shoe) + 古くて (is old) + 履くにくいです (is difficult to wear)
この問題は解くにくいです。
Kono mondai wa tokunikui desu.
This problem is difficult to solve.
この問題は (This problem) + 解くにくいです (is difficult to solve)
この料理は作るにくいです。
Kono ryōri wa tsukurunikui desu.
This dish is difficult to make.
この料理は (This dish) + 作るにくいです (is difficult to make)
The grammar pattern "V-ます + にくい" is used to express that an action is physically or psychologically difficult to perform. It is essential to use this pattern in the correct context to avoid confusion. For example, if you want to express that something is emotionally or physically uncomfortable, you should use the pattern "V-ます + づらい" instead. Additionally, this pattern can be used in various situations, such as describing the difficulty of performing a task or expressing that something is challenging to do. It is crucial to understand the nuances of this pattern to accurately convey the intended meaning.
Using the negative form of the verb + にくい can lead to incorrect meaning. For example, "読まないにくい" would mean "It is not difficult to not read," which is not the intended meaning. Instead, use the correct form of the verb + にくい, such as "読むにくい" to express that reading is difficult.
The adjective 'nikui' means hateful or detestable, which is different from the grammar pattern "V-ます + にくい". To avoid confusion, use the correct pattern to express that an action is physically or psychologically difficult to perform.
Some verbs ending in -u, such as "見る", can be used with the pattern "V-ます + にくい". However, it is essential to use the correct form of the verb + にくい to avoid confusion. For example, "見るにくい" is the correct form, not "見ないにくい".
When taking the JLPT N4 exam, pay attention to the usage of the grammar pattern "V-ます + にくい". Make sure to use the correct form of the verb + にくい and avoid common mistakes. Practice using this pattern in various sentences to improve your understanding and accuracy.
漢字が多くて、この本は______です。
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