Compound Particles

Introduction

Intermediate Japanese introduces compound particles — multi-word particles that express more precise relationships. These are essential for academic writing, formal speech, and nuanced expression.

Mastering these takes your particle knowledge well beyond the basics.

Themes

All Japanese Grammar Intermediate in This Chapter (16)

1. ～において / ～における において Indicates the place, situation, or time in which an action or event occurs. It is a formal equivalent of で and is commonly used in writte...
2. ～について について Used to indicate the topic or subject that something concerns or is about. Equivalent to 'about' or 'concerning' in English.
3. ～につき につき Expresses a rate or ratio (meaning 'per'), or provides a formal reason or cause. Commonly seen on signs, notices, and in official documents.
4. ～にとって にとって Expresses a perspective or standpoint. It means 'for someone' or 'from the standpoint of someone.' Often followed by evaluative expressions.
5. ～に対して / ～に対する にたいして Indicates the target of an action, attitude, or contrast. It means 'toward,' 'against,' 'regarding,' or 'in contrast to' depending on con...
6. ～に関して / ～に関する にかんして A formal way to express 'regarding,' 'concerning,' or 'related to' a topic. More formal than について and commonly found in academic and offi...
7. ～に基づいて / ～に基づく にもとづいて Indicates that something is done based on or grounded in a particular source, principle, or fact. Equivalent to 'based on' in English.
8. ～に反して / ～に反する にはんして Indicates that something goes against or is contrary to expectations, rules, wishes, or established norms. Equivalent to 'contrary to' or...
9. ～に比べて / ～に比べると にくらべて Used to compare two things, expressing the idea of 'compared with' or 'in comparison to.' It highlights a difference between the two item...
10. ～に限って にかぎって Expresses that only a particular case is different from the norm, often with a nuance of surprise, frustration, or irony. Equivalent to '...
11. ～に限らず にかぎらず Expresses that something is not limited to a particular scope and extends beyond it. Equivalent to 'not limited to' or 'not only... but a...
12. ～に代わって / ～に代わり にかわって Indicates that someone or something takes the place of another, expressing replacement or substitution. Equivalent to 'instead of,' 'in p...
13. ～を通して / ～を通じて をとおして Indicates a medium, channel, or means through which something is done, or a period throughout which something continues. Equivalent to 't...
14. ～をはじめ（として） をはじめ Used to introduce a primary or representative example from a larger group, meaning 'starting with,' 'including,' or 'such as... and others.'
15. ～に当たって / ～に当たり にあたって Indicates the occasion or timing of an important event, meaning 'on the occasion of' or 'when doing something.' Used to mark a significan...
16. ～によって / ～により によって A versatile compound particle expressing means, cause, agent in passive sentences, or variation depending on circumstances. Equivalent to...