Learning how to translate common English words into Japanese opens a fascinating window into the language and culture of Japan. One such versatile English word is by, which can have several meanings and uses depending on context. Understanding the various Japanese equivalents of by is important for learners aiming to grasp subtle nuances and speak or write accurately. This topic delves into the different ways by is translated into Japanese, illustrating each with examples and explanations to clarify its usage in everyday language and formal situations.
Multiple Meanings of By in English
The English preposition by serves several functions, which leads to multiple translations in Japanese. Some common uses of by include:
- Indicating the agent performing an action (e.g., written by her)
- Showing means or method (e.g., travel by train)
- Expressing proximity or location (e.g., sit by me)
- Denoting time or deadline (e.g., by tomorrow)
- Indicating measurement or rate (e.g., increased by 10%)
Each of these uses corresponds to different Japanese words or ptopics.
Japanese Translations for By
1. Expressing the Agent: ï½ã«ãã£ã¦ (ni yotte)
When by indicates the doer of an action, Japanese often uses the phrase ï½ã«ãã£ã¦. This structure is common in passive sentences or formal writing.
- Example: The book was written by the author.
æ¬ã¯è è ã«ãã£ã¦æ¸ããã¾ã ãã
(Hon wa chosho ni yotte kakaremashita.) - Example: This decision was made by the committee.
ãã®æ±ºå®ã¯å§å¡ä¼ã«ãã£ã¦è¡ããã¾ã ãã
(Kono kettei wa iinkai ni yotte okonawaremashita.)
ï½ã«ãã£ã¦ emphasizes who or what caused or performed the action.
2. Indicating Means or Method: 㧠(de)
When by refers to the means or method something is done, Japanese typically uses the ptopic ã§.
- Example: I traveled by train.
é»è»ã§æ è¡ã ã¾ã ãã
(Densha de ryokou shimashita.) - Example: She sent the letter by mail.
彼女ã¯æç´ãéµä¾¿ã§éãã¾ã ãã
(Kanojo wa tegami o yuubin de okurimashita.)
Here, 㧠marks the method or means by which an action occurs.
3. Expressing Location or Proximity: ãã° (soba), è¿ã (chikaku), or 横 (yoko)
To convey the idea of being by or next to something, Japanese uses words like ãã° (nearby), è¿ã (close), or 横 (beside).
- Example: Please sit by me.
ç§ã®ãã°ã«åº§ã£ã¦ãã ããã
(Watashi no soba ni suwatte kudasai.) - Example: The park is by the river.
å ¬åã¯å·ã®è¿ãã«ããã¾ãã
(Kouen wa kawa no chikaku ni arimasu.)
These words express physical closeness or adjacency.
4. Expressing Deadline or Time Limit: ã¾ã§ã« (made ni)
When by means no later than or indicates a deadline, Japanese uses ã¾ã§ã«.
- Example: Please finish the report by tomorrow.
ã¬ãã¼ãã¯ææ ¥ã¾ã§ã«çµãããã¦ãã ããã
(Repooto wa ashita made ni owarasete kudasai.) - Example: I need to arrive by 5 PM.
åå¾5æã¾ã§ã«å°çã ãªããã°ãªãã¾ããã
(Gogo go-ji made ni touchaku shinakereba narimasen.)
ã¾ã§ã« clearly states the time by which an action must be completed.
5. Expressing Amount or Degree: ï½ã ã (dake), ï½å (bun)
Sometimes, by refers to changes in amount, degree, or extent, which can be translated with ï½ã ã or ï½å.
- Example: The price increased by 10%.
å¤æ®µã10ï¼ ã ãä¸ããã¾ã ãã
(Nedan ga juu-paasento dake agarimashita.) - Example: The temperature dropped by 5 degrees.
æ° æ¸©ã5度åä¸ããã¾ã ãã
(Kion ga go-do bun sagarimashita.)
These expressions indicate quantitative changes related to by.
Summary of Common Japanese Words for By
| English Usage | Japanese Translation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Agent/Doer | ï½ã«ãã£ã¦ (ni yotte) | æ¬ã¯å½¼ã«ãã£ã¦æ¸ãããã (The book was written by him.) |
| Means/Method | 㧠(de) | é»è»ã§è¡ãã (Go by train.) |
| Proximity/Location | ãã° (soba), è¿ã (chikaku), 横 (yoko) | ç§ã®ãã°ã«åº§ãã (Sit by me.) |
| Deadline/Time | ã¾ã§ã« (made ni) | ææ ¥ã¾ã§ã«çµããã (Finish by tomorrow.) |
| Amount/Degree | ã ã (dake), ï½å (bun) | 10ï¼ ã ãå¢ ããã (Increased by 10%.) |
Tips for Learners Using By in Japanese
- Understand the context: Since by has many meanings, the Japanese translation depends heavily on context.
- Focus on ptopics and phrases: Ptopics like 㧠and phrases like ï½ã«ãã£ã¦ carry essential meaning for by.
- Practice with real sentences: Exposure to sentences in books, movies, or conversations helps internalize these usages.
- Be aware of formality: Some expressions like ï½ã«ãã£ã¦ are more formal and suited for writing or official speech.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using 㧠for agent: 㧠usually indicates means, not who performed an action.
- Confusing ã¾ã§ (until) with ã¾ã§ã« (by): ã¾ã§ã« is necessary to express deadlines properly.
- Overusing ãã° for proximity: Depending on nuance, è¿ã or 横 might be more natural.
By is a multifaceted English word that can be translated into Japanese in various ways depending on its meaning and function. Whether expressing an agent with ï½ã«ãã£ã¦, indicating means with ã§, showing location with ãã° or è¿ã, specifying deadlines with ã¾ã§ã«, or describing amounts with ã ã, understanding these nuances is vital for accurate and natural Japanese communication. With practice and exposure, learners can confidently use the appropriate Japanese terms for by in different contexts, improving both their comprehension and expression skills.