Let's learn grammar! Japanese language teacher's grammar explanation for beginners ~Let's talk using ``koku''~/Japanese Learning Support LLC
When do you use the word "intended"?
When we talk about the future, it's not just about that.
This time, let's experience the wide range of expressions used by the word ``koku''.
Well, this week has had many warm days for November, but we want to be careful about the temperature difference. Also, with less than a month left until the actual JLPT, let's take a break from time to time and feel the pleasant autumn breeze while continuing our studies at a good pace.
This time, we will take a deeper look at the word ``koku'', which we introduced in the previous episode ``Let's talk about plans and schedules.'' The meaning changes depending on the form of the verb in front of it, so please enjoy reading it while feeling the difference between each one.
■I'm planning to move next year. (V = dictionary form)
→If you use the dictionary form of the verb, it becomes a way to say plans or plans. It is often used when you have an intention to do something even if it is not yet decided, rather than when you have a specific schedule. I talked about this in detail in a previous blog, so please go back and read it.
Example) - Are you going to take a Chinese test next time?
-Yeah, I haven't decided yet, but I'm planning on taking it for now.
・By the way, did you buy a new bicycle?
-No, I was planning to buy it , but it was more expensive than I expected, so I decided against it.
・Are you going to the next drinking party?
- No, I don't plan on going . I don't really like drinking, and I want to relax at home.
■Oh, I thought I left my wallet here, but it's not there. (V=past/ta form)
→Now, what happens if we change the verb before “koku” to “ta”? This results in sentences that mean things like ``That's what I thought, but it wasn't true'' or ``That's what I thought, but other people didn't think so.'' In the first sentence, you thought you had put your wallet here, but in reality your wallet wasn't there.
Example: The presentation didn't go well. I tried my best to prepare .
・Although I intended to cut corners on this material, I was praised for saying it was the best material I've ever created.
・(×) I thought Rin-san was going to Hiroshima for a week starting yesterday, but I wonder why she's in Tokyo.
→When you want to talk about other people's actions or facts, do not use ``koku''. In this case, use ``-hazu'' and say, ``Rin-san said that she was going to Hiroshima for a week starting yesterday...''
Example: He thought he had already prepared the materials, but I wonder why he hasn't submitted them yet.
→He should have created the materials a long time ago...
・Mr. Tanaka thought he took the day off from work yesterday, but it seems strange that he actually went to work.
→ Mr. Tanaka should have taken the day off from work yesterday...
However, when you want to ask a question about the other person's actions or say that the person "thinks..." you can use ``koku''.
Example) Mother: Taro! Are you planning on cleaning your room? It's not clean at all!
Taro: Don't worry, I'll do it now.
・A: Mr. Tanaka, you seem to be acting rather bossy or arrogant lately.
B: He's liked by his boss, so he must be thinking of becoming an executive .
■I'm trying my best, though. (V=current progress/form)
→Just like the ``ta-kata'' sentence above, this can also be used to say ``I think so, but the reality is different/The other person doesn't think so.''
・Do you think studying more will help you pass the exam?
-I'm still trying to do my best .
・You make a lot of mistakes. You should do a little more careful checking.
-I try to check it carefully every time...
・No, that's not it. Kick the ball with the side of your foot, not your toes.
-I was trying to do as I was told, but I've been getting yelled at for a while now.
So far, we've been creating sentences using verbs, but you can also use nouns and adjectives.
・What was meant to be a simple prank turned into a major incident involving the police. (prank: noun)
・I thought I had mutual feelings for her, but when I confessed my feelings to her, she dumped me easily. (ambivalent feelings: noun)
・Grandma, don't push yourself so hard.
-I think I 'm still young , but it's not good to worry about my grandchildren. (young: i adjective)
・I thought I was fine , but when I went for a medical checkup, I had to be retested. (Energetic: na adjective)
Now, this time we looked at how to use the word ``koku''. Have you ever experienced something like, ``I thought so, but it wasn't really true'' or ``I was the only one who thought that way''? Please remember these episodes and try talking to people around you using ``mochi''. Talking about your failures and slightly bittersweet memories with others can make your heart feel lighter. Please make use of your past experiences and future plans in your studies.
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