だけに
As might be expected, Because, All the more because, It's only natural
Structure
［い］Adjective + だけに
［な］Adjective + な + だけに
Noun + だけに
Explanation
The grammar point だけに is used to express that something is a natural or expected consequence of a particular reason. It can be translated as 'precisely because (A)', 'since it is (A)', or 'as one would expect from (A)'. It is formed from だけ ('only' or 'just') and the particle に, giving it a nuance of 'specifically due to the fact that it is (A)'.
だけに can be used to emphasize both positive and negative outcomes that logically follow from a cause (A). It attaches to the plain form of verbs and い-adjectives, to な-adjectives followed by な, and directly to nouns.
- 彼女は毎日ピアノを練習しているだけに、演奏がとても上手だ。She practices piano every day, so it's no wonder her playing is so skillful.
- このパソコンは古いだけに、動きが遅い。This computer is old, and as you'd expect, it runs slowly.
- そのデザインはシンプルなだけに、たくさんの人に人気がある。Precisely because its design is simple, it's popular with so many people.
- 週末だけに、デパートはとても混んでいる。It's the weekend, so naturally the department store is very crowded.
Additionally, だけに can emphasize that due to reason (A), the resulting outcome (B) is felt more strongly or is more significant than usual. This heightened effect can apply to emotions, surprise, difficulty, or any other measurable quality.
- 彼を信じていただけに、裏切られた時の悲しみは深かった。Precisely because I had trusted him, the sadness I felt when I was betrayed was all the more profound.
- いつもは静かな先生だけに、大声で叫んだので、みんな驚いた。Everyone was so surprised when the teacher shouted, precisely because he is usually so quiet.
Fun-fact
For all of its uses, the English phrase 'precisely because it is (A)' serves as a good counterpart. Both this phrase and だけに function by drawing special attention to the reason (A), emphasizing why the result (B) is so significant or noteworthy.
- 有名なレストランだけに、いつも行列ができている。Just in that it's a famous restaurant, there is always a line of people waiting.
Examples
このホテルは高級だけに、サービスが一流だ。
As one would expect from a high-class hotel, the service is first-rate.
彼女は医者だけに、健康に関する知識が豊富だ。
She's a doctor, so as you'd expect, she has a wealth of knowledge about health.
一生懸命練習しただけに、試合に負けてとても悔しい。
Precisely because I practiced so hard, losing the match is incredibly frustrating.
このバッグは値段が高いだけに、作りがしっかりしている。
As you would expect for such an expensive bag, it's very well-made.
周りが静かなだけに、小さな物音でもよく響く。
Precisely because it's so quiet around here, even small sounds echo loudly.
日本製の家電だけに、丈夫でなかなか壊れない。
As you'd expect from a Japanese-made appliance, it's durable and doesn't break easily.
ずっと楽しみにしていただけに、イベントが中止になってがっかりした。
I had been looking forward to it for so long, so as you can imagine, I was disappointed when the event was canceled.
彼はトップアスリートだけに、身体能力がずば抜けている。
He's a top athlete, and as one would expect, his physical abilities are outstanding.
一番の親友だけに、裏切られたときのショックは大きかった。
Precisely because he was my best friend, the shock of his betrayal was immense.
あのレストランは人気があるだけに、予約を取るのが大変だ。
That restaurant is very popular, so as you'd expect, it's tough to get a reservation.
相手はまだ子供だけに、あまり厳しく叱らないでください。
Given that he's still just a child, please don't scold him too harshly.
このアプリはとても便利なだけに、利用者がどんどん増えている。
This app is extremely convenient, so as you'd expect, the number of users is steadily increasing.