複数の動詞
fukusū no dōshi
The English phrase "multiple verbs" is translated into Japanese as 複数の動詞 (fukusū no dōshi).
This phrase is used to refer to a situation where more than one verb is employed within a single sentence or phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
fukusū no dōshi
Did you know?
- The word 動詞 ('verb') literally translates to 'moving word', reflecting the ancient linguistic view that verbs are the engine of the sentence.
- While English separates verbs into 'action' and 'state', Japanese verbs like ある ('to be') and いる ('to exist') change based on whether the subject is an object or a living creature.
- When using a sequence of verbs, the final verb in the series determines the politeness level and tense of the entire sentence, even if the preceding verbs are already conjugated. This means the very end of your sentence dictates the 'mood' of everything that came before it.
Examples in context
- 食べて寝るEat and sleep
- 走って泳いで飛ぶRun, swim, and fly
- 読んで書いて話そうLet's read, write, and talk
- この文章には複数の動詞があります。Kono bunshō ni wa fukusū no dōshi ga arimasu.There are multiple verbs in this sentence.
- 複数の動詞を適切に使い分けましょう。Fukusū no dōshi o tekisetsu ni tsukaiwagemashō.Let's use multiple verbs appropriately.
- 複数の動詞が並ぶと意味が複雑になります。Fukusū no dōshi ga narabu to imi ga fukuzatsu ni narimasu.When multiple verbs are lined up, the meaning becomes complex.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are studying Japanese grammar together.
- 美咲 Misakiこの文は少し分かりにくいね。Kono bun wa sukoshi wakarinikui ne.This sentence is a bit hard to understand.
- 健太 Kentaたぶん複数の動詞が使われているからだよ。Tabun fukusū no dōshi ga tsukawarete iru kara da yo.It is probably because multiple verbs are being used.
- 美咲 Misakiなるほど、健太君の言う通りだね。Naruhodo, Kenta-kun no iu tōri da ne.I see, it's just as you say, Kenta.
- 健太 Kenta文法を整理して一緒に勉強しよう。Bunpō o seiri shite issho ni benkyō shiyō.Let's organize the grammar and study together.
