Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 2: 15/22

的(てき)~ly・~like・~al, Typical

adjectivization

Structure

Noun + 的(てき) + に
Noun + 的(てき) + な + Noun

Details

  • Register

    Standard

About 的

的(てき) is a 接語尾(せつごび) (suffix) in Japanese that has two primary uses. The first use is very similar to 'as' or 'for' in English, and means 'considering/within the category of (A), (B)'. The second use primarily relates to people, and will be covered later. As a single word, 的(てき) is often likened to adjective endings such as '~ly', '~like', and '~al'.

To use 的(てき), attach it to the end of a noun that you want to express as being the focus point of either a verb or a noun that will come later in the sentence. When describing a noun, 的(てき) will be followed by な (meaning that it becomes a な-Adjective). When describing a verb, it will be followed by に (making it an adverb).

Fun Fact

The second common use of 的(てき) is specifically with the names of people, and highlights that (B) is something that is being considered in regard to (A). (A) being the person mentioned. This may be used either positively or negatively. In English, this is similar to 'that's so (A)', or 'just what you'd expect of (A)'.

  • リサ的(てき)にはどう思(おも)う？
    In a Lisa-way, what do you think? (What is your opinion)
  • それは本当(ほんとう)にタナカ的(てき)な考(かんが)え方(かた)だな。
    That is such a Tanaka-way of thinking.

Fun Fact

The easiest way to understand and use 的(てき) correctly almost all the time, is by knowing another common suffix, 圏(けん). Let's look at how these suffixes compare:

圏(けん) - Occurring in the sphere of (A), (B). (B) only happens inside of (A).

的(てき) - Speaking in the sphere of (A), (B). (B) can only be said within the sphere of (A).

  • 彼(かれ)は英語(えいご)圏(けん)の国(くに)に引(ひ)っ越(こ)しました。
    He moved to an English speaking country. (A country within the English speaking world)
  • 彼女(かのじょ)は国民(こくみん)的(てき)アイドルです。
    She is a national star. (Speaking in terms of the nation, she is a star)

As we can see here, when you want to convey something that can be said from a specific standpoint, 的(てき) will be a logical choice.

Examples

--:--

    印象(いんしょう)的(てき)な絵(え)。

    An impressive picture.

    一般(いっぱん)的(てき)な考(かんが)え方(かた)。

    A popular way of thinking.

    一時(いちじ)的(てき)な大雨(おおあめ)。

    Temporary heavy rain.

    悪魔(あくま)的(てき)な手口(てぐち)。

    A devilish trick.

    時期(じき)的(てき)に雨(あめ)が降(ふ)りやすい。

    Typical of the season, it is more likely to rain.

  • Get more example sentences!

    Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.

Self-Study Sentences

Study your own way!

Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.

  • Online

    • Offline

        • Tobira

          Page 122

        • [AIAIJ] An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese

          Page 134

      • Track Resources!

        Bunpro tracks all of the resources you’ve visited, and offers relevant bookmarks of physical books to help with offline tracking.

      的 – Grammar Discussion

      Most Recent Replies (3 in total)

      • jmadsen

        jmadsen

        I think this might be a bug in the answer, but want to check here first:

        時期＿＿雨が降りやすい。

        The hint & answer are “tie it to the verb” with Noun + 的 ・ に + Verb, but doesn’t 時期 describe the 雨 (and so Noun + 的 ・な + Noun)?

      • gyroninja

        gyroninja

        If you look at the translation it’s not modifying rain.

      • jmadsen

        jmadsen

        Ah, I see now - it is describing the likelihood of “falling”

        Thank you!

      Got questions about 的? Join us to discuss, ask, and learn together!

      Join the Discussion