Learning how to express the term “by” in Japanese is essential for effective communication. Whether you want to convey the concept of “by” in formal or informal contexts, this guide will provide you with valuable insights, useful tips, and numerous examples. Additionally, we will explore any regional variations if relevant. Read on to master the various ways of expressing “by” in Japanese.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “By”
In formal Japanese, there are several ways to express the English term “by.” Here are the most common ones:
- ～によって (ni yotte): This is the standard way to express “by” in formal contexts. It is often used to indicate the agent or means by which an action is performed. For example, “The book was written by the author” would be translated as 「その本は作者によって書かれました」(Sono hon wa sakusha ni yotte kakaremashita).
- ～によると (niyoru to): This is used to express the idea of “according to” in formal settings. For example, “According to the news” would be translated as 「ニュースによると」(Nyūsu niyoru to).
2. Informal Ways to Say “By”
When it comes to informal speech, Japanese offers more casual alternatives for expressing “by.” Here are a few commonly used phrases:
- ～によって (ni yotte): Just like in formal speech, this phrase can also be used in informal contexts. However, it may sound slightly more formal than other options.
- ～によるんだ (niyorun da): This is a more casual variation of “by” in informal speech. For example, “I heard it from my friend” would be translated as 「友達によるんだ」(Tomodachi niyorun da).
- ～から (kara): While “kara” primarily means “from,” it can also be used to indicate the doer of an action, similar to “by.” This form is popular in casual conversations. For instance, “I received a present from my sister” would be translated as 「姉からプレゼントをもらった」(Ane kara purezento o moratta).
3. Examples and Usage Tips
Here are some examples to help solidify your understanding:
Formal: その研究は教授によって行われました。
Sono kenkyū wa kyōju ni yotte okonawaremashita.
The research was conducted by the professor.
Informal: 彼は友達によるんだと言っていました。
Kare wa tomodachi niyorun da to itte imashita.
He said it was done by his friend.
Informal: ランチは同僚から誘われました。
Ranchi wa dōryō kara sasowaremashita.
I was invited to lunch by my colleague.
Keep the following tips in mind to enhance your usage of “by” in Japanese:
- Pay attention to the appropriate level of formality when using the different expressions for “by.”
- Context is crucial. Understand the situation before choosing the most suitable form.
- While “～によって (ni yotte)” is the most common formal expression, it can also be used in informal speech. However, it may sound slightly more polite or formal in casual conversations.
- “～から (kara)” can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more common in casual conversations, so use it accordingly.
- Listening to native speakers will greatly help you internalize the correct usage and tone of these expressions.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Use these phrases regularly to become more comfortable with their pronunciation and usage.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide on how to say “by” in Japanese! With this knowledge, you can now effectively express the concept of “by” in both formal and informal contexts. Remember to consider the appropriate level of formality and use the phrases we’ve discussed accordingly. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll become fluent in incorporating “by” in Japanese conversation effortlessly!
