Processing keyword: だれ～ (dare～)

Japanese Grammar Point: だれ～ (dare～)

Japanese Grammar: だれ～ (dare～)

1. Introduction

The だれ (dare) is a pivotal interrogative pronoun in Japanese that translates to "who" in English. It is used to inquire about the identity of a person or people.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The word だれ means "who" and is used to ask questions about a person's identity.
• Structure:
  • Questioning Format: だれ + Verb + ですか (or other verb forms)
  • Example: だれが来ますか？ (Dare ga kimasu ka?) - "Who is coming?"

Formation Diagram

[だれ] + [verb] + [ですか] (Question)

3. Comparative Analysis

In Japanese, other interrogative words are used in similar contexts:

• 何 (なに, nani) - "what"
• どこ (doko) - "where"
• いつ (itsu) - "when" Example Comparison:
• だれが来ますか？ (Who is coming?)
• 何が起こりますか？ (What will happen?)

While だれ is specifically for persons, the other words ask about things, places, or times.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Informal Context:

   • だれが来るの？ (Dare ga kuru no?) - "Who is coming?"

2. Formal Context:

   • だれがこちらにいますか。 (Dare ga kochira ni imasu ka?) - "Who is here?"

3. In Writing:

   • だれがその問題を解決しましたか。 (Dare ga sono mondai o kaiketsu shimashita ka?) - "Who solved that problem?"

4. In Speech:

   • だれか手伝ってくれませんか？ (Dareka tetsudatte kuremasen ka?) - "Can someone help me?"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Inquiry into someone's identity is treated with varying levels of politeness in Japan. It's essential to use ですか for formal situations and appropriate language in the context of the relationship.

Idiomatic Expressions

• だれのこと？ (Dare no koto?) - "About whom?" or "Who are you talking about?"

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• A common mistake is confusing だれ with their informal counterpart だれか (dareka), which means "someone." Be cautious when indicating whether you are asking about one specific person or any person.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate だれ (dare) with the English word "dare," which suggests bravery to ask "who" in either language.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• だれ is used to ask about a person.
• It can be used in various contexts but maintains a core meaning of identifying someone.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does だれ mean in English?
2. How would you ask "Who is that?" in Japanese using だれ?
3. What is the difference between だれ and だれか?

Feel free to reflect on these concepts and practice forming your own sentences using the grammar point だれ!