「〜はそのけで」- Expressing Neglect Due to a Reason
Explanation
The grammatical structure 〜はそのけで in Japanese is primarily used to indicate that someone or something is neglected or put in a difficult situation due to a specific reason. This expression is similar to the Chinese phrase "因…而置于困境" (neglected because of...). In sentences, this structure typically connects to nouns and emphasizes the act of ignoring or abandoning what should be done because of a particular reason.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 〜はそのけで | Noun + はそのけで | Indicates that someone or something is neglected or put in a difficult situation due to a specific reason. |
Basic Usage
This grammatical structure is mainly used to describe a situation where someone neglects what they should be doing because of a specific reason or becomes engrossed in something else, leading to a difficult situation. It can be used to criticize a behavior or describe a phenomenon.
Examples
生徒 たちはのろし をそのけで夢中 だ。- Seito-tachi wa noroshi o sono ke de muchuu da.
- The students are completely engrossed in the lights, neglecting everything else.
彼 は仕事 をそのけで遊んで ばかりいる。- Kare wa shigoto o sono ke de asonde bakari iru.
- He completely neglects his work and just plays around.
子供 たちは勉強 はそのけでゲーム に夢中 だ。- Kodomo-tachi wa benkyou wa sono ke de geemu ni muchuu da.
- The children are completely neglecting their studies and are engrossed in games.
Deep Dive
The basic structure of 〜はそのけで is a noun followed by はそのけで, expressing the idea of neglecting the former and becoming engrossed in the latter. This structure can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
Grammar Structure
- Noun + はそのけで
Examples
彼 は家族 をそのけで仕事 に没頭 している。- Kare wa kazoku o sono ke de shigoto ni bottou shite iru.
- He completely neglects his family and is absorbed in his work.
学生 たちは宿題 をそのけでテレビ を見ている。- Gakusei-tachi wa shukudai o sono ke de terebi o mite iru.
- The students are completely neglecting their homework and are watching TV.
Comparison and Differences
〜はそのけで is very similar to 〜をそっちのけで, with the main difference being subtle nuances in usage. 〜をそっちのけで also expresses neglecting something to focus on another, but it is more commonly used in casual conversation and has a lighter tone.
| Grammar Point | Usage | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| 〜はそのけで | More formal, suitable for written language | Formal |
| 〜をそっちのけで | More colloquial, suitable for everyday conversation | Casual |
Example Comparison
- 〜はそのけで:
先生 は授業 はそのけで生徒 に説教 する。- Sensei wa jugyou wa sono ke de seito ni sekkyou suru.
- The teacher completely neglects the class and just scolds the students.
- 〜をそっちのけで:
彼 は仕事 をそっちのけでスマホ をいじっている。- Kare wa shigoto o socchi no ke de sumaho o ijitte iru.
- He completely neglects his work and is just playing with his phone.
Real-Life Scenarios
Dialogue Examples
- At school:
学生 A:昨日 の宿題 やった？- Gakusei A: Kinou no shukudai yatta?
- Student A: Did you do yesterday's homework?
学生 B:宿題 はそのけでゲーム をしてたよ。- Gakusei B: Shukudai wa sono ke de geemu o shiteta yo.
- Student B: I completely neglected the homework and just played games.
学生 A:本当 に？それじゃ成績 が心配 だよ。- Gakusei A: Hontou ni? Sore ja seiseki ga shinpai da yo.
- Student A: Really? Then your grades are going to be a problem.
- At work:
同事 A:彼 は最近 どう？- Douji A: Kare wa saikin dou?
- Colleague A: How has he been recently?
同事 B:仕事 はそのけでずっと電話 しているよ。- Douji B: Shigoto wa sono ke de zutto denwa shite iru yo.
- Colleague B: He completely neglects his work and is always on the phone.
同事 A: それは問題 だね。- Douji A: Sore wa mondai da ne.
- Colleague A: That's a problem.
Summary
〜はそのけで is a highly practical grammatical structure used to express neglecting or abandoning what should be done due to a specific reason. By understanding and mastering this structure, you can more accurately express the contrast between neglect and focus. Whether in everyday conversation or formal settings, this grammar helps convey meaning more effectively.