Hi guys, today I came across this example sentence: … - Feed Post by konjibo
Hi guys, today I came across this example sentence:
とても暗いので、私は本が読めない。
It is too dark for me to read.
What I noticed was the 本が読めない part, where I would have expected 本を読めない.
Does 本が読めない have an emphasis on "the book" (which cannot be read, because it's too dark)? Would 本を読めない then put an emphasis on "me" (not being able to read, because it's too dark)?
I'm not sure if I'm interpreting this correctly...
Could someone explain what the difference in meaning/nuance between these two sentences is?
とても暗いので、私は本が読めない。 (with が particle)
とても暗いので、私は本を読めない。 (with を particle)
とても暗いので、私は本が読めない。
It is too dark for me to read.
What I noticed was the 本が読めない part, where I would have expected 本を読めない.
Does 本が読めない have an emphasis on "the book" (which cannot be read, because it's too dark)? Would 本を読めない then put an emphasis on "me" (not being able to read, because it's too dark)?
I'm not sure if I'm interpreting this correctly...
Could someone explain what the difference in meaning/nuance between these two sentences is?
とても暗いので、私は本が読めない。 (with が particle)
とても暗いので、私は本を読めない。 (with を particle)
posted by konjibo
Comments 7
With potential form of verbs, I've heard only the が variant is gramatically correct, however を is popularly used regardless. I think a difference is perceived between the two, with を carrying no particular emphasis and が emphasizing the "book" cannot be read (might be able to read simple things, but not realistic to sit down and read a book in the present lighting conditions).
I might be wrong though. :P
This link mentions the difference and is interesting:
http://japanese.stackexchange.com/questions/609/the-difference-between-%E3%81%8C-and-%E3%82%92-with-the-potential-form-of-a-verb
Also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_verb_conjugation#Potential
Thanks for the info, I think I got it now. :)
Most grammars will tell you that を has to be treated as the direct object of the sentence. Instead, with the potential form, you won't have a direct object but only a potential object: the most used form, then, is が, because it expresses a form of feasibility. In some cases は is used.- For reference> http://www.guidetojapanese.org/learn/grammar/potential
- Awesome grammar guide link! :D
I have recently started studying it. - If you have some money to spend, once you have a solid grammar base, i suggest you to purchase "A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar". http://www.amazon.com/A-Dictionary-Basic-Japanese-Grammar/dp/4789004546/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413576406&sr=8-1&keywords=beginner+dictionary+of+japanese+grammar
It is really the best guide if you want to master the high steep of average-level japanese ;) 
I remember my 先生 sensei talking about this particular point and how there is really little difference between を and が when used here, except that が somehow carries a stronger meaning in the sense that you are emphasizing - like in the example you mentioned - how YOU are not able to read because it`s very dark.
Not sure if it makes sense, but it kind of helps knowing that the difference is indeed very subtle and not all that significant.
