Let's speak using "teimasu" and "tearimasu"! / Japanese Learning Support LLC
Let's try speaking using imasu and tearimasu!
Today, I'd like to introduce two grammar expressions that express the condition of things: "te imasu" and "te amari"!
It may be a little difficult to distinguish between them, but please make sure you remember them through today's blog!
Today's Menu
1. How to use "intransitive verb + imasu"
2. How to use "transitive verb + te arimēru"
How to use "intransitive verb + imasu"
This grammar expresses the state (condition) of something.
First, let me introduce some example sentences.
Sample1 The window is open.
Sample2 The lights in the conference room are off.
Sample3 The branch is broken.
Sample4 Your clothes are dirty.
"I'm waiting" is preceded by an intransitive verb.
What is an intransitive verb?
Among Japanese verbs, there are intransitive verbs and transitive verbs.
An intransitive verb is a verb that does not have an object (the target of the verb), such as "open" or "disappear."
for example,
"The door will open."
"The lights are going out."
Both of these sentences use intransitive verbs.
Let's take a look at the particles.
There is no "wo". "wo" is a mark that indicates the object (the target of the verb), but there is no "wo" before an intransitive verb.
This is because "door" and "electricity" are the subjects.
In this way, intransitive sentences there is no question of who or what, and the object is the subject.
Imagine the doors of a train.
Neither passengers nor station staff are pushing or pulling the train doors.
The door moves automatically.
In this case, we use the intransitive verb "the door opens."
When you come home, unlock the front door, and push or pull the door yourself, you say, "I will open the door."
↑This "open (the door)" is a transitive verb.
If you look at the particles, you will see "wo".
A transitive sentence is
"I'll open the door."
"Tanaka-san will turn off the lights."
It will be.
"I" is the person who took the action, the "door" is the object (the target of the verb), and "open" is the verb.
In other words, intransitive verbs are used when an object is the subject and happens automatically or naturally.
Transitive verbs clearly state who did what and how, and they can describe the action of someone (a person or an animal).
Now, let's go back to the grammar of "intransitive verb + imasu."
This grammar uses an intransitive verb, so
"The lights in the conference room are off."
This means that we don't know who turned it off (it doesn't matter whose action it was), but the conference room is now dark.
Now, imagine your room and try to describe its condition using "imasu."
・The electricity is on.
・The door is closed.
・The window is open.
・The air conditioner is off.
How to use "transitive verb + te arimēru"
This also expresses the state of an object, but because it uses a transitive verb, it means that the result (effect) of the action is still continuing.
Sample1 There is a lock next to the desk.
Sample 2: The vegetables are cut into small pieces to make them easier to eat.
Sample3 The scissors are kept in the drawer.
Sample4 The calendar is on the wall.
"Transitive verb + te amari" is used when someone has performed the action and the results are still continuing.
It represents the result of deliberate, purposeful action.
Let's compare the meaning with "intransitive verb + imasu."
Intransitive verb example 1
There's a lock next to the desk.
→ Who did it isn't important, it just describes what is next to the desk. It shows that there is a key.
Transitive Verb Example 1
There's a lock next to the desk.
→ Someone locked the door next to the desk. This makes it easier to use, or they won't lose the key. This shows that they locked the door for such reasons.
Intransitive verb example 2
There is air conditioning.
→It simply describes the state of the air conditioning in this room (i.e., it's cool).
Transitive Verb Example 2
There is air conditioning.
→This means that someone thought, "It would be a shame if everyone had to suffer from the heat," or "I want the customers to have a comfortable time," so they turned on the air conditioner to keep it cool.
Now, let's imagine you're getting ready for a party!
Are you ready yet? Check by using "te amari"!
The beer is chilled.
・The room has been cleaned thoroughly.
The food has already been bought.
Also, "transitive verb + te aru" means that something has always been in that state or is continuing, while "intransitive verb + imasu" expresses the current state.
Therefore, "transitive verb + te amari" is not used as shown below.
✖ Oh, your clothes are dirty.
〇 Oh, your clothes are dirty.
✖ Oh, your bag is open.
〇 Oh, your bag is open.
In this way, when you want to tell someone about the current condition of their clothes or bag, try using "teimasu."
Be careful when using "te amari," as it may sound like the situation has always been like that and that it's normal.
summary
How was it?
Today, we introduced the difference between "te imasu" and "te amari" and the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs.
This is a difficult part, so some people may not have been able to understand how to use them properly until now.
I hope today's blog will be of some help to you.
In particular, there are probably few Japanese people who consciously use intransitive and transitive verbs differently in their daily lives.
Your mouth and body remember when to use an intransitive verb and when to use a transitive verb.
So, I hope you all keep in mind what I have explained today, and then try to imitate the way Japanese people use words.
It will come out naturally!
That's all for today!
See you again in the next blog.
