Japanese grammar
What does ～にのぼる mean? Japanese grammar N2
～にのぼる means amounts to; reaches as many/high as.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Quantity + にのぼる |
| Romaji | ninoboru |
| Meaning | amounts to; reaches as many/high as |
Forming it
| Connection | Quantity + にのぼる |
|---|
How to use it
States that a number reaches a notably LARGE level. Written style, common in news/reports.
- 「数量＋にのぼる」 = reaches up to (a large number): 「被害は一億円にのぼる」, 「参加者は三千人にのぼった」.
- Only used when the number is NOTABLE; a small number uses 「～になる」.
- The opposite (a number dropping to a low level) uses 「～に落ち込む／～にとどまる」.
Examples
参加者は千人にのぼった。
The number of participants reached one thousand.
被害額は一億円にのぼる。
The damage amounts to one hundred million yen.
Keep in mind
- Only used for a notably large number.
- Written style/news.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong参加者は千人をのぼった。
Correct参加者は千人にのぼった。
A number reaching a level takes にのぼる.
Exam tips
- 「にのぼる」 = reaches up to (a LARGE number); a small number uses 「になる」.