JLPT N1 reference · Discourse and information structure
Ellipsis and reference
Japanese discourse routinely depends on zero anaphora, shared perspective, and contextual inference.
Core meaning and form
Omit recoverable subjects, objects, and predicates, and use demonstratives or lexical repetition when reference needs reinforcement. Add an explicit noun or viewpoint marker when more than one participant could fill the omitted role.
- Form: Omit recoverable subjects, objects, and predicates, and use demonstratives or lexical repetition when reference needs reinforcement.
- Core use: Japanese discourse routinely depends on zero anaphora, shared perspective, and contextual inference.
- Context: Add an explicit noun or viewpoint marker when more than one participant could fill the omitted role.
Examples in context
田中さんに会った。元気そうだった。Tanaka-san ni atta. Genki sō datta.I met Mr Tanaka. He looked well.
この案は難しい。だが、検討する価値はある。Kono an wa muzukashii. Daga, kentō suru kachi wa aru.This proposal is difficult. Still, it is worth considering.
A社は価格を下げた。これに対し、B社は品質を強調した。A-sha wa kakaku o sageta. Kore ni taishi, B-sha wa hinshitsu o kyōchō shita.Company A lowered prices. In response, Company B emphasized quality.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Omit recoverable subjects, objects, and predicates, and use demonstratives or lexical repetition when reference needs reinforcement.
- Japanese discourse routinely depends on zero anaphora, shared perspective, and contextual inference.
- Add an explicit noun or viewpoint marker when more than one participant could fill the omitted role.