use of the word "about"
Can someone describe the difference in the use of the word "about' in lessons 2.1 where they say "Basu de jū go fun gurai desu" as in about 15 minutes and in lesson 3.4 wher they say "Nihon tēen ni tsuite nani ka shitte imasu ka?" as in about Japanese Gardens.
Konnichiwa!
As you are aware, English has two meanings of 'about' - as in:
1. 'about' = 'approximately
2. 'about (something) = 'pertaining to/having to do~ with something'
Japanese makes this distinction by using entirely different expressions.
When you want to say 'about' as in, 'approximately' you can use the ending ~gurai/~kurai.
:idea: ~gurai (or ~kurai) after a number or quantity indicates it is an approximation: 'about~ / ~or so'.
It is often used when referring to time - so, 'about 1pm' would be 'Ichi-ji gurai'.
When you want to refer to something - such as Nihon tēen, Japanese Garden, and talk about that, you attach the phrase ~ni tsuite. So Nihon tēen ni tsuite... translates as 'about the Japanese Garden...' in English in the sense of 'pertaining to the Japanese Garden.' In this case, 'about' does not mean 'approximately'.
-Sayaka
As you are aware, English has two meanings of 'about' - as in:
1. 'about' = 'approximately
2. 'about (something) = 'pertaining to/having to do~ with something'
Japanese makes this distinction by using entirely different expressions.
When you want to say 'about' as in, 'approximately' you can use the ending ~gurai/~kurai.
:idea: ~gurai (or ~kurai) after a number or quantity indicates it is an approximation: 'about~ / ~or so'.
It is often used when referring to time - so, 'about 1pm' would be 'Ichi-ji gurai'.
When you want to refer to something - such as Nihon tēen, Japanese Garden, and talk about that, you attach the phrase ~ni tsuite. So Nihon tēen ni tsuite... translates as 'about the Japanese Garden...' in English in the sense of 'pertaining to the Japanese Garden.' In this case, 'about' does not mean 'approximately'.
-Sayaka
Thanks, though I feel like an idiot. I kinda knew that, but for some reason it just wasn't clicking in my head. Got it now. Arigato, Sayaka!
Keith
Keith
Keith-san,
You are very welcome! Please don't hesitate to ask more questions! We all learn by asking questions
-Sayaka
You are very welcome! Please don't hesitate to ask more questions! We all learn by asking questions
-Sayaka
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