Henlo WK Community,
just stumbled across the wonderful 明ける - which I can absolutely see meaning “to dawn”, given it’s literally “to become bright”. To begin also makes sense, what with a new day dawning and stuff, all fun and games.
But. To end? … ok I guess the night ends, sure - but how the hell do I tell the difference then? The example sentences help jack all and surprisingly google did not turn up 7k Posts spread among various japanese learning sites that go into this topic. So errr… is it just me? Am I missing something?
WK gives us:
“年が明ける - the new year begins
and
つゆが明ける - the rainy season ends”
How do I know which it is??? just based on vibes? is there a set rule when it’s supposed to mean begin or end? Do I guess from context? Like future tense?
Please, someone bestow their Wisdom upon me, for I’m going nuts here haha
This item poped up for me this week and I was sooo confused with the examples. Thinking about the “bright up” meaning explains it for me much better. Having this in mind, I can see myself remember it.
Thank you!
They basically suggest that translations like “begin” or “end” are the best English equivalent words we have in certain use cases, even though they don’t fully deliver the nuance of transitioning from one state to another (while potentially referring to either state).
Yeah, like 今度. This time, next time…oh well, just go with the flow 今度 and hopefully you’ll get it 今度.
Explanation
In the now occurrence you’ll learn your kanji, no? This word means this time. Despite being “this time” it has the feeling of next time, though. It’s like saying “okay, this time we’ll get it” where “this time” really means “next time,” making it a little bit different from 今回.
