だけあって
Is only natural, …Being the case, Because, As might be expected
Structure
［い］Adjective + だけ（のことは）あって
［な］Adjective + な + だけ（のことは）あって
Noun + だけ（のことは）あって
Explanation
Much like だけに, the grammar point だけあって is used to express that something is 'just as one would expect from (A)', or 'fitting for (A)'. This phrase combines the particle だけ, meaning 'only' or 'just', with the て-form of the verb ある, 'to be'. Therefore, a more literal interpretation would be 'just being (A), (B) happens', suggesting that an inherent quality of (A) logically results in the outcome of (B).
だけあって is specifically used when the resulting situation is considered a positive or admirable consequence of (A).
As with other grammar patterns starting with だけ, this structure can be attached to verbs, い-Adjectives, な-Adjectives (followed by な), and nouns.
- 彼は毎日トレーニングしているだけあって、体がとても強い。As you'd expect from someone who trains every day, he is very strong.
- このレストランは新しいだけあって、店内がとてもきれいだ。This restaurant is new, so it's no surprise that the inside is very clean.
- この図書館は静かなだけあって、勉強に集中しやすい。True to its reputation for being quiet, it's easy to concentrate on studying in this library.
- 彼女はプロの料理人だけあって、作った料理は何でもおいしい。As you would expect from a professional chef, everything she makes is delicious.
Caution
Since だけあって highlights a known or established quality of (A), it is not suitable for describing uncertain or future events. Consequently, it is unnatural to use it with expressions of speculation like だろう, でしょう, or かもしれない, which express a lack of certainty.
- 彼は一番の生徒だけあって、将来はいい大学に入るだろう。As you'd expect from the top student, he will probably get into a good university in the future. (Unnatural Japanese)
- あの店は人気があるだけあって、今日は混んでいるかもしれない。That store is popular, so as expected, it might be crowded today. (Unnatural Japanese)
Examples
彼は一流のシェフだけあって、料理の味は格別だ。
As you'd expect from a first-class chef, the taste of his food is exceptional.
毎日ピアノの練習をしただけあって、コンクールで優勝できた。
As expected, since I practiced piano every day, I was able to win the competition.
このセーターは高かっただけあって、十年着ても丈夫だ。
Just as you'd expect for something so expensive, this sweater has remained durable even after wearing it for ten years.
さすが金メダリストだけあって、走る速さが全然違う。
As expected of a gold medalist, his running speed is on a completely different level.
この地域は静かなだけあって、とても住みやすいです。
As you'd expect for a quiet area, it's very easy to live here.
夜しっかり準備しただけあって、今日の発表はうまくいった。
As one would expect, because I prepared thoroughly last night, today's presentation went well.
日本製の車だけあって、滅多に故障しない。
As expected from a Japanese-made car, it rarely breaks down.
彼は長年この仕事をしているだけあって、本当に手際がいい。
As expected from someone who's been doing this job for years, he is truly efficient.
ここは五つ星ホテルだけあって、接客のレベルが高い。
As you would expect from a five-star hotel, the level of customer service is high.
十分に休んだだけあって、体の調子がすごくいい。
As expected from getting plenty of rest, I'm feeling great.
チームのリーダーだけあって、責任感が強い。
As one would expect from the team leader, she has a strong sense of responsibility.
最新のパソコンを買っただけあって、処理速度も速いし、画質もきれいだ。
As expected from buying the latest computer, the processing speed is fast and the picture quality is beautiful.