Must Know コンマの使い方 For You

英語のピリオドとコンマの使い方！英語が大文字になるルールと固有名詞 from bizeigo.org

Introduction

Punctuation marks are vital in any language as they help in conveying the intended meaning of a sentence. In Japanese, the comma, known as "コンマ" (konma), plays a crucial role in separating different elements of a sentence. In this article, we will discuss the proper use of the Japanese comma.

The Basic Use of the Japanese Comma

The Japanese comma is used to separate items in a list, just like in English. For example, "りんご、バナナ、そしてオレンジ" (ringo, banana, soshite orenji) means "apples, bananas, and oranges." It is essential to note that the Japanese comma is usually placed after every item, including the last one.

Using the Comma to Separate Clauses

In Japanese, the comma is used to separate clauses in a sentence. For instance, "私はコーヒーが好きですが、紅茶も好きです" (watashi wa koohii ga suki desu ga, koucha mo suki desu) means "I like coffee, but I also like tea." The comma is used to separate the two clauses, indicating a pause between them.

Using the Comma in Compound Sentences

In compound sentences, the Japanese comma is used to separate the two independent clauses. For example, "昨日は雨が降ったので、家にいました" (kinou wa ame ga futta node, ie ni imashita) means "It rained yesterday, so I stayed at home."

The Use of the Comma in Direct Speech

In Japanese, the comma is used to separate the quoted speech from the rest of the sentence. For example, "彼女は言いました、「今日は寒いですね」" (kanojo wa iimashita, "kyou wa samui desu ne") means "She said, 'It's cold today, isn't it?'"

Using the Comma to Indicate a Pause

The Japanese comma is also used to indicate a pause in a sentence, just like in English. For instance, "彼は、とても優しい人です" (kare wa, totemo yasashii hito desu) means "He is a very kind person." The comma after "彼は" indicates a slight pause.

Using the Comma with Conjunctions

In Japanese, the comma is used with conjunctions such as "しかし" (shikashi) and "だけど" (dakedo) to separate the two clauses. For example, "私は山に登りたい、だけど怖がりです" (watashi wa yama ni noboritai, dakedo kowagari desu) means "I want to climb the mountain, but I'm afraid."

Avoiding the Overuse of Commas

While the Japanese comma is essential for conveying the intended meaning of a sentence, it is crucial to avoid overusing it. Overuse of commas can lead to confusion and make the sentence difficult to read. Therefore, it is essential to use the comma only when necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Japanese comma is a crucial punctuation mark that helps in conveying the intended meaning of a sentence. It is used to separate items in a list, clauses in a sentence, and to indicate a pause. Understanding the proper use of the Japanese comma is essential in communicating effectively in Japanese.