When learning Japanese, one of the key elements to master is the use of conjunctions and transitional phrases. These phrases not only help in connecting sentences but also in expressing complex ideas and contrasts. One such crucial phrase is それに対して (sore ni taishite). Understanding its usage can significantly enhance your Japanese language skills, especially in writing and speaking.
Understanding それに対して
The phrase それに対して is often translated as “on the other hand” or “in contrast to.” It is used to draw a distinction between two statements, ideas, or situations. This phrase is particularly useful when you want to show a comparison or contrast between two different subjects or objects.
Breaking Down the Phrase
To understand それに対して better, let’s break it down:
– **それ (sore):** This word means “that” or “it.”
– **に (ni):** This particle indicates direction, place, or a point in time.
– **対して (taishite):** This is derived from the verb 対する (taisuru), which means “to face” or “to contrast with.”
When combined, それに対して means “in contrast to that” or “on the other hand.”
Usage in Sentences
The phrase それに対して is commonly used to highlight a contrast between two statements. Let’s look at some examples to see how it works in different contexts.
Example 1: Simple Contrast
Consider the following sentences:
– 彼はテニスが得意です。それに対して、彼の兄はサッカーが得意です。
– Kare wa tenisu ga tokui desu. Sore ni taishite, kare no ani wa sakkā ga tokui desu.
– He is good at tennis. On the other hand, his older brother is good at soccer.
In this example, それに対して is used to contrast the sports in which the two brothers excel.
Example 2: Contrasting Opinions
Another common usage is to contrast opinions or viewpoints:
– 多くの人はその映画が好きです。それに対して、私はそれが退屈だと思います。
– Ōku no hito wa sono eiga ga suki desu. Sore ni taishite, watashi wa sore ga taikutsu da to omoimasu.
– Many people like that movie. On the other hand, I think it is boring.
Here, それに対して highlights the difference in opinion between the speaker and many other people.
Example 3: Different Situations
The phrase can also be used to describe different situations or conditions:
– 昨年は暖冬でした。それに対して、今年は非常に寒い冬です。
– Sakunen wa dantō deshita. Sore ni taishite, kotoshi wa hijō ni samui fuyu desu.
– Last year was a mild winter. In contrast, this year is a very cold winter.
In this case, それに対して is used to contrast the weather conditions of two different years.
Nuances and Formality
Understanding the nuances of それに対して is essential for using it correctly. It is generally used in written language and formal speech. In casual conversation, you might hear simpler forms of contrast, such as でも (demo) or しかし (shikashi), which mean “but” or “however.”
Example 4: Formal vs. Informal
Consider the following formal and informal contrasts:
– Formal: 彼は仕事が忙しいです。それに対して、彼の妻は専業主婦です。
– Kare wa shigoto ga isogashii desu. Sore ni taishite, kare no tsuma wa sengyō shufu desu.
– He is busy with work. On the other hand, his wife is a homemaker.
– Informal: 彼は仕事が忙しい。でも、彼の妻は専業主婦です。
– Kare wa shigoto ga isogashii. Demo, kare no tsuma wa sengyō shufu desu.
– He is busy with work. But, his wife is a homemaker.
In the formal example, それに対して is used to provide a clear, structured contrast. In the informal example, でも is used for a more casual conversation.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
While それに対して is a powerful tool for contrasting ideas, it can be easy to misuse. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to avoid them:
Pitfall 1: Overusing それに対して
Using それに対して too frequently can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. To avoid this, try to vary your transitional phrases. Use alternatives like しかし (shikashi), けれども (keredomo), or ところが (tokoro ga) to keep your language dynamic.
Pitfall 2: Incorrect Placement
Make sure to place それに対して correctly in the sentence. It usually comes at the beginning of the second clause, right after the first statement.
– Incorrect: それに対して、彼はテニスが得意です、彼の兄はサッカーが得意です。
– Sore ni taishite, kare wa tenisu ga tokui desu, kare no ani wa sakkā ga tokui desu.
– Correct: 彼はテニスが得意です。それに対して、彼の兄はサッカーが得意です。
– Kare wa tenisu ga tokui desu. Sore ni taishite, kare no ani wa sakkā ga tokui desu.
– He is good at tennis. On the other hand, his older brother is good at soccer.
Pitfall 3: Misunderstanding the Contrast
Ensure that the ideas you are contrasting are logically connected. The contrast should make sense to the reader or listener.
– Incorrect: 彼はテニスが得意です。それに対して、昨日は雨が降りました。
– Kare wa tenisu ga tokui desu. Sore ni taishite, kinō wa ame ga furimashita.
– He is good at tennis. On the other hand, it rained yesterday.
– Correct: 彼はテニスが得意です。それに対して、彼の兄はサッカーが得意です。
– Kare wa tenisu ga tokui desu. Sore ni taishite, kare no ani wa sakkā ga tokui desu.
– He is good at tennis. On the other hand, his older brother is good at soccer.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master the use of それに対して is through consistent practice. Try incorporating it into your sentences when writing essays, diary entries, or even when thinking in Japanese. The more you use it, the more natural it will become.
Practice Exercise 1: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences using それに対して:
1. 日本の夏は非常に暑いです。________、冬はとても寒いです。
2. 彼女は数学が得意です。________、私は数学が苦手です。
3. 多くの人はコーヒーを飲みます。________、私はお茶が好きです。
Answers:
1. 日本の夏は非常に暑いです。それに対して、冬はとても寒いです。
Nihon no natsu wa hijō ni atsui desu. Sore ni taishite, fuyu wa totemo samui desu.
– Japanese summers are very hot. In contrast, winters are very cold.
2. 彼女は数学が得意です。それに対して、私は数学が苦手です。
Kanojo wa suugaku ga tokui desu. Sore ni taishite, watashi wa suugaku ga nigate desu.
– She is good at math. On the other hand, I am bad at math.
3. 多くの人はコーヒーを飲みます。それに対して、私はお茶が好きです。
Ōku no hito wa kōhī o nomimasu. Sore ni taishite, watashi wa ocha ga suki desu.
– Many people drink coffee. On the other hand, I like tea.
Practice Exercise 2: Create Your Own Sentences
Create your own sentences using それに対して. Try to think of two contrasting ideas and connect them using the phrase. For example:
– 私は犬が好きです。それに対して、私の友達は猫が好きです。
– Watashi wa inu ga suki desu. Sore ni taishite, watashi no tomodachi wa neko ga suki desu.
– I like dogs. On the other hand, my friend likes cats.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of それに対して can greatly enhance your ability to express contrasting ideas and opinions in Japanese. By understanding its meaning, usage, and nuances, you can add more depth and complexity to your language skills. Remember to practice regularly and vary your transitional phrases to keep your language dynamic and engaging.
Happy learning!
