Japanese grammar
What does ～だけあって mean? Japanese grammar N2
～だけあって means no wonder…, that's exactly why… (living up to its reputation).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + だけあって な形 + な + だけあって N + だけあって |
| Romaji | dakeatte |
| Meaning | no wonder…, that's exactly why… (living up to its reputation) |
Forming it
| Noun | プロ → プロだけあって |
|---|---|
| Verb | 住んでいた → 住んでいただけあって |
| na-adjective | 上手 → 上手なだけあって |
How to use it
A result that is fitting given one's background, experience, or reputation. This is a COMPLIMENT, so the second clause must be positive.
- 「AだけあってB」 = precisely because A, B: 「彼はアメリカに住んでいただけあって、英語がうまい」.
- A na-adjective must connect with 「な」: 「上手なだけあって」 — the catalog entry that writes 「上手だけあって」 is incorrect.
- The second clause is always something praiseworthy or reasonable; if the result is bad, use 「～のに」 or 「～わりに」 instead.
Examples
彼はアメリカに住んでいただけあって、英語の発音がきれいだ。
Just as you would expect from someone who lived in America, his English pronunciation is clean.
この店は有名なだけあって、料理がとてもおいしい。
It is famous for a reason — the food here is delicious.
Keep in mind
- Na-adjectives connect with 「な」, nouns connect directly.
- The following clause must be positive/fitting.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong上手だけあって、日本人のように話す。
Just as you'd expect from being skilled, he speaks just like a Japanese person.
Correct上手なだけあって、日本人のように話す。
A na-adjective must connect through 「な」.
-
Wrong彼は毎日練習しただけあって、試合に負けた。
He practiced every day, yet still lost the match.
Correct彼は毎日練習したのに、試合に負けた。
The second clause must be fitting/positive; for a result that goes against expectations, use 「のに」.
Exam tips
- 「だけあって」 = precisely because… (a COMPLIMENT); na-adjectives need 「な」.