Japanese grammar
What does ～をかわきりに mean? Japanese grammar N1
～をかわきりに means starting with…; kicking off with….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + を皮切りに(して) N + を皮切りとして |
| Romaji | wokawakirini |
| Meaning | starting with…; kicking off with… |
Forming it
| Noun (remark) | 社長の発言 + を皮切りに |
|---|---|
| Noun (performance) | 東京公演 + を皮切りに |
How to use it
States that A is the STARTING point, after which things spread/continue in succession. Usually positive (development).
- 「～を皮切りに」 = "taking A as the opening act, then B follows/spreads". A is the starting point of a series.
- The following clause is usually a continuous development/expansion (a touring series, a movement).
- Usually carries a positive nuance (the beginning of something bigger).
Examples
東京公演を皮切りに、全国ツアーが始まった。
Starting with the Tokyo show, the nationwide tour began.
彼の発言を皮切りに、議論が活発になった。
Beginning with his remark, the discussion grew lively.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to a noun indicating a starting event.
- The clause that follows states a continuing series.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong事故を皮切りに、問題が起きた。
Taking the accident as the trigger, problems began to arise.
Correct事故をきっかけに、問題が起きた。
「を皮切りに」 states the start of a chain of DEVELOPMENT/expansion (usually positive); a single cause uses 「をきっかけに」.
-
Wrong東京を皮切りにして、有名になった。
Starting from the Tokyo performance and then spreading across the whole country.
Correct東京公演を皮切りに、全国へ広がった。
A must be the STARTING event and the following clause must state a CONTINUING/expanding chain, not stand alone.
Exam tips
- 「を皮切りに」 = taking A as the opener and then spreading (a chain, usually positive).