Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 2: 20/24

()Whenever, Every time something happens

Rarely used in modern times, mostly in literature, 文学的・古い

Structure

Verb[る]+ つけ(て)
Noun + つけ(て)

Details

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    Formal

About につけ

In a similar way to につき, につけ implies that there is a something that is 'affixed' to the event or occasion of (A). However, unlike () this structure is a combination of に and the conjunctive form of the る-Verb ()ける 'to affix', or 'to adhere'.

When using につけ, the most common translation will be that something is happening 'every (A)', or 'whenever (A)'. In the (B) part of the sentence, the thoughts or feelings of the speaker will often be expressed in relation to (A). Additionally, (B) will always be something that is thought to happen naturally due to (A).

This structure may appear with either verbs or nouns in their dictionary forms.

It is also possible to see につけて, but the abbreviated form is far more common.

Caution

This is considered a fairly old-fashioned grammar structure, so will mostly only be seen in literature or shows that are emphasizing a specific time period.

Examples

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    (はな)()いをする()喧嘩(けんか)ばかりしてしまう。

    Whenever we have a discussion, unfortunately we end up only fighting.

    この()()()子供(こども)(ころ)のことを(おも)()す。

    Every time I see this picture, I recall my childhood.

    (わる)(うわさ)()()けて、だんだん不安(ふあん)になってきた。

    Every time I hear a bad rumor, I gradually become anxious.

    (あめ)()(ゆき)()、どうせ仕事(しごと)には()かなければならない。

    Whenever it rains, whenever it snows, I somehow have to go to work.

    (となり)叔父(おじ)さんは(なに)()けて文句(もんく)()(ひと)だ。

    The old man next door is a person who complains whenever something (anything) happens.

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      につけ – Grammar Discussion

      Most Recent Replies (3 in total)

      • Elliotjoyner3

        Elliotjoyner3

        It says this structure may appear with either verbs or nouns in their dictionary forms, but then you give an example sentence where it appears with an い-adjective.

        妻は妊娠中なので悲しいにつけ嬉しいにつけ、すぐに泣きだします。

      • nekoyama

        nekoyama

        It’s not specifically mentioned, but this is a third usage pattern with two contrasting words, meaning something like “whether A or B, either way…”. This one works with adjectives too.

      • Elliotjoyner3

        Elliotjoyner3

        Okay, thank you. I was just pointing it out to suggest adjectives should be added to the “structure” section.

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