【No. 0397】There's No Limit to Things (Ue niwa ue ga aru)
Jan 19, 2016 15:06
Today, I'd like to introduce a Japanese phrase that we often confused.
It's "ue niwa ue ga aru (which means there's no limit to things, or there's always somebody above you.)"
This is the phrase, which express there is no limit to things, but we often say "ue niwa ue ga iru ("iru" means a person is present, while "aru" means a thing is present)."
I think the reason is because when we say this phrase to people, "iru" sounds more natural.
However, originally, using "aru" in this phrase seems to be accurate even when the subject is person.
Actually, I had also thought that "ue niwa ue ga iru" was a correct Japanese expression until today.
It's "ue niwa ue ga aru (which means there's no limit to things, or there's always somebody above you.)"
This is the phrase, which express there is no limit to things, but we often say "ue niwa ue ga iru ("iru" means a person is present, while "aru" means a thing is present)."
I think the reason is because when we say this phrase to people, "iru" sounds more natural.
However, originally, using "aru" in this phrase seems to be accurate even when the subject is person.
Actually, I had also thought that "ue niwa ue ga iru" was a correct Japanese expression until today.
上には上がある
今日は、日本人がよく間違える日本語を紹介します。
「上には上がある」です。
これは物事に限度がないことを表す慣用句ですが、我々はよく「上には上がいる」と言います。
人に対して使うときは、「ある」よりも「いる」のほうが自然に聞こえるからだと思います。
しかし本来は、人に対しても物事に対しても「ある」と表現するのが正しいようです。
実は、私も今日まで「上には上がいる」を正しい慣用表現だと思っていました。
今日は、日本人がよく間違える日本語を紹介します。
「上には上がある」です。
これは物事に限度がないことを表す慣用句ですが、我々はよく「上には上がいる」と言います。
人に対して使うときは、「ある」よりも「いる」のほうが自然に聞こえるからだと思います。
しかし本来は、人に対しても物事に対しても「ある」と表現するのが正しいようです。
実は、私も今日まで「上には上がいる」を正しい慣用表現だと思っていました。
Corrections (2)
No. 1 Timmy
- Today, I'd like to introduce a Japanese phrase that we often confused.
- Today, I'd like to introduce a Japanese phrase that is often misused.
- However, originally, using "aru" in this phrase seems to be accurate even when the subject is person.
- However, originally, using "aru" in this phrase seems to be accurate even when the subject is person (or: animate).
Interesting! If the universe is infinite there is definitely no limit to anything.
Toru
Thank you so much always for correcting my post! :)
Yeah. Your comment reminded me of the phrase "To infinity and beyond!"
Thank you so much always for correcting my post! :)
Yeah. Your comment reminded me of the phrase "To infinity and beyond!"
Timmy
You're welcome!^_^
>Yeah. Your comment reminded me of the phrase "To infinity and beyond!"
Oh,really ^_^ Your comment made me want to watch "Toy Story" once again.
You're welcome!^_^
>Yeah. Your comment reminded me of the phrase "To infinity and beyond!"
Oh,really ^_^ Your comment made me want to watch "Toy Story" once again.
No. 2 シャル❇️
- This is the phrase, which express there is no limit to things, but we often say "ue niwa ue ga iru ("iru" means a person is present, while "aru" means a thing is present)."
- This phrase means that there is no limit to things, but we often say "ue niwa ue ga iru ("iru" means a person is present, while "aru" means a thing is present)."
Sky is the limit :)
I didn't know about this misuse until today.
Toru
Haha, indeed.
Actually, this phrase is mainly used for human abilities in Japan.
And you and I can point out this misuse toward many Japanese from now on :)
Haha, indeed.
Actually, this phrase is mainly used for human abilities in Japan.
And you and I can point out this misuse toward many Japanese from now on :)
シャル❇️
You got that right ! ^_^b
'Human abilities' as in the extent to which a person can explore his abilities are limitless ..or in some other sense ?
You got that right ! ^_^b
'Human abilities' as in the extent to which a person can explore his abilities are limitless ..or in some other sense ?
Toru
Hmm, I think it a little different. My dictionary translated "上には上がある" into "there is no limit to things," but the nuance might be different.
We often use this phrase when we saw a person who has excellent abilities. The sense is something like:
I thought I/you/he/she had a good ability. However, I realized there is always someone better.
Also, I forgot to say thank you. Thank you so much for your correction :)
Hmm, I think it a little different. My dictionary translated "上には上がある" into "there is no limit to things," but the nuance might be different.
We often use this phrase when we saw a person who has excellent abilities. The sense is something like:
I thought I/you/he/she had a good ability. However, I realized there is always someone better.
Also, I forgot to say thank you. Thank you so much for your correction :)
シャル❇️
oh I see. なるほ
あ、問題ないよ：）
oh I see. なるほ
あ、問題ないよ：）