Japanese grammar
What does ～ままに mean? Japanese grammar N2
～ままに means exactly as; left to the mercy of….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V受身形 + まま（に） Vる + ままに N + のままに |
| Romaji | mamani |
| Meaning | exactly as; left to the mercy of… |
Forming it
| Impulse | 足の向く → 足の向くままに |
|---|---|
| Passive | 言われる → 言われるままに |
How to use it
Doing exactly as someone else or circumstances lead, without one's own will. Written style.
- 「言われるままに」 = doing whatever one is told: 「彼は言われるままに書類にサインした」 — implies a lack of one's own opinion.
- Fixed phrases: 「足の向くままに」 (going wherever one's feet lead), 「気の向くままに」 (on a whim), 「思いのままに」 (as one wishes).
- Don't confuse it with 「～まま」 (keeping a state unchanged): 「窓を開けたまま出かけた」 — that pattern describes a STATE, whereas 「ままに」 describes FOLLOWING along.
Examples
彼は言われるままに書類にサインしてしまった。
He signed the documents just as he was told.
休日は足の向くままに町を歩くのが好きだ。
On days off I like to wander the town wherever my feet take me.
Keep in mind
- Emphasizes a lack of one's own opinion, or acting on a whim.
- An unchanged state uses 「～まま」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong窓を開けたままに出かけた。
I went out leaving the window open.
Correct窓を開けたまま出かけた。
Keeping a state unchanged uses 「まま」, without adding 「に」.
-
Wrong子供が寝ているままに、部屋を出た。
While the child was sleeping, I left the room.
Correct子供が寝ているうちに、部屋を出た。
Taking advantage of being still in that state uses 「うちに」.
Exam tips
- 「ままに」 = following along/on a whim; 「まま」 = keeping a state unchanged.