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robhol (Offline)
Can I eat him??
 
Posts: 128
Join Date: Mar 2010
05-09-2010, 08:22 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tsuwabuki View Post
So far, I think the primary use of こと one should focus on is the first one really mentioned, which is called 動名詞 in Japanese. I often hear sentences like あなたの主事を読むことができません, or "I cannot read your calligraphy." In English, as was mentioned, we usually add ing to make a verb into a noun, but as you see above, the translation may not always work out that way. A sentence that shows this pattern might be スケトをすることを楽しみます, or "I enjoy skating." In that case the こと really is serving the exact same function as the ing.
あなた達の漢字を読むことができません.
But I suppose this topic has kinda been "hijacked" anyway. Treat 'er nicely; I'll just sit here and absorb knowledge.

*sits down with an attentive expression*

Last edited by robhol : 05-09-2010 at 08:28 AM.
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