「〜なばかりに」- Expressing an Almost State
Explanation
「〜なばかりに」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to describe a state that almost happens but doesn't actually occur. It conveys the meaning of "on the verge of..." or "almost about to..." and is often used to emphasize the intensity of a situation.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Verb な-form + なばかりに | Verb な-form | Indicates a state that almost happens but doesn't actually occur. |
Basic Usage
When using 「〜なばかりに」, it is typically attached to the な-form of a verb to express an extreme state that is on the verge of happening.
Examples
彼 は泣 き出さんばかりに の顔 をしていた。- Kare wa naki dasan bakari ni no kao o shiteita.
- He had a face that looked like he was on the verge of crying.
彼女 は叫 び出さんばかりに の声 を上げた 。- Kanojo wa sakebi dasan bakari ni no koe o ageta.
- She raised her voice as if she was about to scream.
Deep Dive
「〜なばかりに」 is often used to describe a state that appears to be on the verge of happening but doesn't actually occur. This structure is commonly found in written language and formal contexts, as it adds a nuanced and expressive tone to the description.
Key Points
- Difference from Similar Grammar: 「〜なばかりに」 is similar to 「〜んばかりに」, but 「〜んばかりに」 is more often used to describe strong emotions or actions, while 「〜なばかりに」 tends to focus on describing a state.
- What Follows: Note that 「〜なばかりに」 is followed by verbs, adjectives, or adverbs.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 「〜なばかりに」 with 「〜ばかりに」, leading to incorrect usage.
- Mixing up 「〜なばかりに」 and 「〜んばかりに」, overlooking their different emphases in emotional expression.
Summary
By learning the usage of 「〜なばかりに」, you can more accurately describe a state that is on the verge of happening but doesn't actually occur. Understanding its differences from similar grammar points will allow you to use it more flexibly in various language scenarios.