Japaneseness. ← Back Next: L30 →
Japaneseness.
JLPT N1 grammar · unit 29 of 37
Name   Date

L29 JLPT N1 grammar — 〜のももっともだ … 〜ばきりがない

Read each pattern and its example, then write your own sentence on the line.

〜のももっともだ 普通形 + のももっともだ(na-adj・N は 〜な + のも)
"It's only natural that ..." Shows sympathy with someone's reaction, especially anger or complaint. Neutral to slightly formal.
あれだけ待たされたら怒るのももっともだ。 After being kept waiting that long, it's only natural to get angry.
〜だけましだ 普通形 + だけましだ(na-adj は 〜な、N は 〜である + だけましだ)
"At least it's better than the worst case." Accepts a bad situation by pointing to one saving grace. Conversational, with a resigned tone.
給料は安いが、休みが取れるだけましだ。 The pay is low, but at least I can take time off.
〜くらいなら V-dict + くらいなら(後件に 〜ほうがましだ/〜ほうがいい)
"Rather than do X, I'd sooner do Y." X is presented as the option the speaker finds unbearable. Common in speech and writing alike.
満員電車に乗るくらいなら歩いた方がましだ。 I'd rather walk than get on a packed train.
〜ぐらいのものだ N/V-dict + ぐらいのものだ(くらいのものだ も同じ)
"X is about the only one; that's about all there is." Limits the scope to one small case, often with mild resignation. Used in speech and writing.
この件で頼れるのは彼ぐらいのものだ。 He's about the only one I can rely on in this matter.
〜てまで / 〜までして V-te + まで;N + までして
"Going so far as to do X." Marks an extreme, often excessive means taken to reach a goal, usually with criticism or surprise. 〜までして follows a noun.
借金してまで旅行に行きたくない。 I don't want to travel if it means going into debt.
〜ばきりがない V-ba + きりがない(数え出せば・言い出せば などが典型)
"There's no end to it once you start." Says that listing, wanting or fixing something could go on forever. Neutral; frequent in explanations.
数え上げればきりがないほど問題がある。 There are so many problems that listing them would be endless.
japaneseness.com · ← L28 · L30 → Japaneseness · CC BY-SA 4.0