く・に
～ly (Describing verbs), Adverbs
Structure
［な］Adjective + に + Verb
Exceptions:
いい￫よく
Explanation
In Japanese, adverbs are placed before a verb to describe how an action is performed. This is much like how English adjectives such as 'slow' change to adverbs like 'slowly' to modify a verb.
The method for turning an adjective into an adverb depends on whether it is an い-Adjective or a な-Adjective. For い-Adjectives, the final い is dropped and replaced with く. For な-Adjectives, the particle に is attached to the end.
- 速く走る。To run quickly.
- 安く買う。To buy cheaply.
- 楽しく遊ぶ。To play joyfully.
- 静かに歩く。To walk quietly.
- きれいに掃除する。To clean neatly.
- 元気に挨拶する。To greet cheerfully.
Generally, adverbs formed from い-Adjectives and な-Adjectives are placed immediately before the verb that they describe.
Caution
It is important to note that many Japanese adverbs are not derived from adjectives at all. These are sometimes called 'pure adverbs'. Their placement within a sentence can be more flexible, but this is a more complex subject that will be addressed in a future lesson.
Examples
友達と楽しく歌った。
I happily sang with my friends.
犬が元気に庭を走り回っている。
The dog is energetically running around the yard.
彼の手を強く握った。
I squeezed his hand tightly.
安全に運転してください。
Please drive safely.
その映画は悲しく終わった。
That movie ended sadly.
彼女は一生懸命に働いている。
She is working as hard as she can.
昨日は遅く帰った。
I got home late yesterday.
彼は真面目に勉強している。
He is studying diligently.
ピザを大きく切ってください。
Please cut the pizza into large slices.
先生が問題を簡単に説明してくれた。
The teacher explained the problem simply.
彼は速く走れる。
He can run fast.
どうぞ、ご自由にお使いください。
Please feel free to use it freely.
ケーキが美味しくできた。
The cake turned out deliciously.
質問に正直に答えた。
I answered the question honestly.
もっと具体的に話してください。
Please speak more specifically.