Processing keyword: ～て当然だ (〜te touzen da)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～て当然だ (〜te touzen da)

Grammar Point: ～て当然だ (〜te touzen da)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～て当然だ (〜te touzen da) translates to “it is only natural that...” or "it's no surprise that...". It is used to express the speaker's expectation or acknowledgment that something is normal, expected, or obvious in a given situation.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase indicates that the speaker considers the situation following "て" (te) form to be completely reasonable and naturally occurring.
• Structure: The structure consists of:
  • Verb (て form) + 当然だ (touzen da)
  • Example: 食べる (taberu) → 食べて (tabete) + 当然だ (touzen da) → 食べて当然だ (tabete touzen da) - "It's only natural to eat."

Formation Diagram

[Verb (て form)] + 当然だ (touzen da)
                     ↓
                 [It is natural that ...]

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～はずだ (〜hazuda): Expresses an expectation based on reasoning or evidence ("it should be that...").

  • Example: 雨が降っているから、濡れているはずだ (Ame ga futte iru kara, nurete iru hazu da) - "It should be wet because it's raining."

• ～に決まっている (〜ni kimatte iru): Indicates something is certainly the case ("it is decided/clear that...").

  • Example: 彼は遅れるに決まっている (Kare wa okureru ni kimatte iru) - "He is certainly going to be late." The main difference with ～て当然だ is that it expresses a more general acknowledgment of what is normal, while はず and に決まっている imply more certainty and reasoning.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 彼はまだ若いから、ミスをするのはして当然だ。
   • (Kare wa mada wakai kara, misu o suru no wa shite touzen da.)
   • "He is still young, so it's only natural for him to make mistakes."
2. こんなに忙しいのだから、遅れるのは当然です。
   • (Konnani isogashii no dakara, okureru no wa touzen desu.)
   • "It's only natural to be late when you are this busy."
3. これだけ勉強しているのだから、合格するのは当然だ。
   • (Kore dake benkyou shite iru no dakara, goukaku suru no wa touzen da.)
   • "It's only natural that you'll pass having studied this much."
4. 今日は祝日なので、店が閉まっているのは当然です。
   • (Kyou wa shukujitsu nanode, mise ga shimatte iru no wa touzen desu.)
   • "It's only natural that the stores are closed today, being a public holiday."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, the concept of what is "natural" or expected often stems from societal norms and collective understanding. Using ～て当然だ can be seen as aligning with societal expectations and acknowledging shared experiences.

Levels of Politeness

This expression can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the context that follows is essential since it reflects the speaker's stance towards social norms.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 当たり前 (atari mae) - “It’s obvious” can often be used as a more colloquial way of expressing similar sentiments.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Misusing it with strong emotions (like anger) in situations where it comes off as dismissive.
  • Wrong: こんな問題で怒るのは食べて当然だ！
    • (This implies it’s natural to be angry, which can sound harsh.)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Devices: Think of "当然" (touzen) as "door open" which implies something is open/given/normal when it comes to expectations.
• Practice using the structure by creating sentences about daily occurrences or events to get used to its application.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～て当然だ conveys what is natural or expected in a situation.
• It can be contrasted with similar expressions that denote different degrees of certainty.
• Acknowledge social norms when using this phrase as they influence its appropriateness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～て当然だ mean?
2. How do you form a sentence using this structure?
3. Compare ～て当然だ with another similar expression and explain the difference.

By practicing with this grammar point, you'll gain a greater understanding of expressing normal expectations in the Japanese language!