Japanese grammar
What does ～かける／～かけの＋N mean? Japanese grammar N2
～かける／～かけの＋N means doing something halfway; just starting to… (left unfinished).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vます形 (drop ます) + かける Vます形 + かけの + N Vます形 + かけだ |
| Romaji | kakeru／kakeno＋N |
| Meaning | doing something halfway; just starting to… (left unfinished) |
Forming it
| Verb | 言う → 言いかける |
|---|---|
| Modifier | 食べる → 食べかけのリンゴ |
How to use it
Something has started but is not finished. Attaches to the masu-stem; the 「かけの」 form modifies a noun.
- 「Vかける」 = started doing something and stopped midway: 「彼は何か言いかけて、やめた」.
- Modifying a noun MUST include 「の」: 「食べかけのリンゴ」「やりかけの宿題」.
- With verbs describing an instantaneous event, the meaning becomes "nearly": 「死にかける」 (nearly died), 「日が沈みかけている」 (the sun is about to set).
Examples
彼女は食べかけのリンゴを置いて出かけた。
She left a half-eaten apple and went out.
彼は何か言いかけたが、結局黙ってしまった。
He started to say something but ended up staying silent.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to the masu-stem.
- Modifying a noun requires 「の」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong食べかけリンゴを捨てた。
I threw away the half-eaten apple.
Correct食べかけのリンゴを捨てた。
Modifying a noun must include 「の」.
-
Wrong読むかけの本があります。
I have a book I'm partway through reading.
Correct読みかけの本があります。
Attaches to the MASU-STEM 「読み」.
Exam tips
- 「Vかける」 = left unfinished; as a modifier, 「かけの＋N」, attaches to the masu-stem.