Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
A。それがB。(~sorega)

A。それがB。(~sorega)

Short explanation:

Expressing 'that's what A is; in other words, B'.

Formation:

A (Statement)。それが B (Restatement or explanation of A)。

Examples:

彼は勉強ができる。それが天才だ。
Kare wa benkyou ga dekiru. Sore ga tensai da.
He can study well. That's what a genius is.
美味しい料理を作る。それが私の趣味だ。
Oishii ryouri wo tsukuru. Sore ga watashi no shumi da.
I make delicious food. That's what my hobby is.
彼女は私を助ける。それが友達だ。
Kanojo wa watashi wo tasukeru. Sore ga tomodachi da.
She helps me. That's what friends are for.
一人で長い旅をする。それが自由だ。
Hitori de nagai tabi wo suru. Sore ga jiyuu da.
Traveling alone for a long time. That's what freedom is.

Long explanation:

The grammar point A。それがB。is used to show that B is a restatement or clarification of A, emphasizing the point being made. It can be translated as 'that's what A is; in other words, B' in English.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: A。それがB。(~sorega)

Japanese Grammar Point: A。それがB。(~sorega)

A。それがB。(~sorega)

Introduction

The grammar structure A。それがB。 (A. sore ga B.) is a useful construction in Japanese that connects two statements, where A introduces a topic and B provides further information, clarification, or contrast regarding that topic.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  1. Structure:
    • A: This is the introductory statement or topic.
    • それが (sore ga): This phrase means "that" or "it" and is used to refer back to the topic introduced in A.
    • B: This is the statement that elaborates on, contrasts with, or explains A.
  2. Function:
    • Clarification: B often clarifies or expands on A.
    • Contrast: It can show a contrast between two ideas or situations.

Meaning and Formation

  • Meaning: "As for that (A), (B)..." - It emphasizes the subject or topic before elaborating on it.
    Part Japanese English
    A それ That / It
    それが (sore ga) それが As for that
    B ____ ____

Visual Aids

Here's a simple diagram to illustrate the connection of this grammar point:

  A (Topic)
    ↓
それが (sore ga)
    ↓
  B (Explanation)

Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

  • AがB - This is simply a subject-verb structure where A is the subject and indicates a direct relationship to B without the additional nuance of contrast or further clarification.
  • AですけどB - This structure also allows for a contrast but includes more explicit nuance that can suggest a softening of the statement or an implication that the speaker might want to soften the impact. Differences:
  • While それが emphasizes a connection and lets B elaborate on A, provides a straightforward subject-verb relationship, and ですけど often implies a contrast.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal Context:
    • A: このプロジェクトは難しいです。
      • (Kono purojekuto wa muzukashii desu.)
      • "This project is difficult."
    • B: それが、たくさんの経験を得ることができます。
      • (Sore ga, takusan no keiken o eru koto ga dekimasu.)
      • "That said, you can gain a lot of experience."
  2. Informal Context:
    • A: 彼はいつも忙しい。
      • (Kare wa itsumo isogashii.)
      • "He is always busy."
    • B: それが、時々手伝ってくれる。
      • (Sore ga, tokidoki tetsudatte kureru.)
      • "But still, he helps sometimes."
  3. Written Context:
    • A: この映画は評価が高い。
      • (Kono eiga wa hyōka ga takai.)
      • "This movie has high ratings."
    • B: それが、多くの人に支持されています。
      • (Sore ga, ōku no hito ni shiji sareteimasu.)
      • "That is to say, it is supported by many people."

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • The use of それが often reflects a desire to provide clarity or detail, which is important in Japanese communication to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Levels of politeness are influenced by the context: formal situations often require the use of それが with appropriate honorific forms to maintain respect.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • While それが itself may not be part of a specific idiom, it serves as a bridge to phrases that expand discussions, reflecting the Japanese tendency to elaborate thoughtfully.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Overuse: Learners might use それが excessively; it’s important to ensure B truly adds value or contrast to A.
  • Omitting subject: Sometimes learners forget to clearly link A and B, leading to confusion about the topic.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Devices: Remember "それが" as "that + expanding detail"—think of it as the "that explains it" phrase.
  • Practice: Form example sentences using daily topics in conversations to solidify understanding.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • A。それがB。 is used to link a topic with a contrasting or clarifying statement.
  • It emphasizes the point of discussion, inviting further elaboration and clarity.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does それが typically imply in a sentence?
  2. How is それが different from AがB?
  3. Can you think of a situation where you would need to use それが in casual conversation?

Feel free to ask any questions for deeper understanding!

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