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新渡戸稲造
新渡戸稲造という人をご存じですか？
- 新渡戸稲造という人 a person named Nitobe Inazou [新渡戸稲造 (was a Japanese educator, diplomat, agronomist and political scientist (September 1, 1862 – October 15, 1933)); という (called; named); 人 (person; someone; somebody)]
- を (indicates the direct object of action)
- ご存じ knowing; being aware (of) [ご is a polite/honorific/humble prefix]
- です be; is
- か (question marker)
2007年まで発行されていた5000円札の肖像だった人なので、顔を知っている人は多いと思いますが、
- 2007年 year 2007
- まで until (a time); till; to; up to
- 発行されていた (it) was issued [~ていた form of 発行される (plain passive positive form of 発行する (to issue; to publish)) which is used to put emphasis on the duration of a past action; how to use: Verb て-form + いた]
- 5000円札 5,000 yen bill [円 (yen (Japanese monetary unit)); 札 (banknote; bill; note; paper money)]
- の of (modifier)
- 肖像 portrait; likeness; picture
- だった was [plain past form of です (be; is)]
- なので so; that being the case; because of ...; the reason is ...; given that ... [な is used when following a noun and serves to link the noun 人 (person) with the particle の]
- 顔を知っている人 people who recognize (his) face [顔 (face; visage); を (indicates the direct object of action); 知っている (recognize; ~ている form of 知る (to know; to be aware (of); to recognize) which is used to describe a continuing state or condition; how to use: Verb て-form + いる); 人 (person; people)]
- は (indicates the sentence topic)
- 多い many; numerous; a lot
- と思います (I) think [と (is used for quoting thoughts); 思います (polite form of 思う (to think; to consider; to believe))]
- が but; however
何をした人なのかというと、意外と知らないのではないでしょうか？
- 何をした人なのか what did the person do [何 (what); を (indicates the direct object of action); した (did; plain past form of する (to do)); 人 (person); な (serves to link the noun 人 (person) with the particle の); のか (gives more emphasis on the wh-question part and is used when you would be requesting a clearer or more precise answer; か is used in pair with a question word in a question clause)]
- というと (is used with interrogative words such as “what, when, why, which, how, etc.” to ask a question)
- 意外と知らない surprisingly, it is not well known; it's not as well-known as you might think; surprisingly, it's not widely known; we think we know ~, but actually we don't [意外と (unexpectedly; actually; an adverb that takes the particle と); 知らない (do not know; plain negative form of 知る (to know; to be aware (of)))]
- のではないでしょうか I think ... isn't it?: It might be that..., don't you agree? [an expression for suggesting or doubting; is used when you want to express your opinion indirectly, in the form of a rhetorical question; this phrase can also be used when seeking agreement from the listener]
- 新渡戸稲造の Nitobe Inazou’s [新渡戸稲造 (Nitobe Inazou); の (‘s; indicates possessive)]
- 有名な言葉 famous words [有名な (famous); 言葉 (words; statement)]
- 「」(quotation marks; “ ”)
- 我 I; me
- 太平洋の橋とならん (I) will be a bridge to the Pacific Ocean [太平洋 (Pacific Ocean); の (of; to; modifier); 橋 (bridge); とならん (will become (shows intent); archaic volitional form of となる (to become); implies the will to accomplish the action: “I want to” or “I will”)]
- です be; is
その言葉の通り、新渡戸稲造は、日本と外国との交流、相互理解のために働きました。
- その that; the
- 言葉の通り as (his) words; in accordance with (his) words [言葉 (words); の通り (as ~; in the same way as; in the way; in accordance with; following; how to use: Noun + の + 通り)]
- 日本と外国との交流 exchange between Japan and foreign countries [日本 (Japan); と (and); 外国 (foreign country); との (with; between); 交流 (exchange (e.g. cultural); interchange; interaction; mingling)]
- 相互理解のために for mutual understanding [相互理解 (mutual understanding; 相互 (mutual; reciprocal); 理解 (understanding; comprehension; appreciation)); のために (for; how to use: Noun + の + ために)]
- 働きました worked [polite past form of 働く (to work; to labor; to labour)]
また、女子教育にも尽力し、日本女子大学の初代学長になっています。
- また also; too; as well
- 女子教育に to women's education [女子 (woman; girl); 教育 (education; schooling; training; instruction; teaching); に (to)]
- も too; also; as well
- 尽力し devoted (himself) ~ and; made efforts ~ and [ます-stem form of 尽力する (to devote oneself; to exert oneself; to make efforts; to render a service) which is used to connect to the next phrase, creating the meaning of “and”]
- 日本女子大学の of Japan Women's University [日本女子大学 (Japan Women's University; 日本 (Japan); 女子 (woman; girl); 大学 (university; college)); の (of; ‘s; modifier)]
- 初代学長になっています has become the first president [初代 (first generation; founder); 学長 ((university) president; chancellor; principal); に (expresses the result of change); なっています (has become; ~ています form of なる (to become; to attain) which is used to describe a continuing state or condition; how to use: Verb て-form + います; ます-form is the polite form of Japanese verbs)]
国際連盟の事務次長としても働きました。
- 国際連盟の事務次長 Deputy Secretary General of the League of Nations [国際連盟 (League of Nations; 国際 (international); 連盟 (league; federation; union; alliance)); の (of; modifier); 事務次長 (Deputy Secretary General)]
- としても働きました also worked as [として (as (i.e. in the role of)); も (also); 働きました (worked; polite past form of 働く (to work; to labor))]
彼が書いた有名な本が「武士道」で、世界的なベストセラーとなりました。
- 彼が he [彼 (he; him); が (marks the subject of the immediate verb phrase)]
- 書いた wrote [plain past form of 書く (to write; to compose; to pen)]
- 有名な本が (his) famous book [有名な (famous); 本 (book; volume; script); が (expresses the subject of the predicate)]
- 「武士道」で “Bushido” [「武士道」(“Bushido”; way of the warrior; samurai code of chivalry; is a Japanese word for the way of the samurai life, loosely analogous to the concept of chivalry; 武士 (samurai; warrior); 道 (road; path; way)); で (for compound sentences; て-form of です (be; is) which is used to connect to the next phrase)]
- 世界的なベストセラーとなりました became an international bestseller [世界的な (worldwide; global; international; universal); ベストセラー (bestseller); となりました (became (with finality); polite past form of となる (to become; implies having reached a final stage); how to use: Noun + となりました)]
この本で彼は日本人の道徳観を世界に紹介しました。
- この本で with this book [この (this); 本 (book); で (with; by; indicates the means of action)]
- 彼は he [彼 (he; him); は (indicates the sentence topic)]
- 日本人の道徳観 moral values of the Japanese people [日本人 (Japanese people); の (of); 道徳観 (moral values; moral framework; ideas on morals)]
- を (indicates the direct object of action)
- 世界に to the world [世界 (the world; society; the universe); に (to)]
- 紹介しました introduced [polite past form of 紹介する (to introduce; to present; to showcase)]
今回は、この新渡戸稲造の人生を紹介してみたいと思います。
- 今回は this time [今回 (this time; now); は (adds emphasis)]
- この this
- 新渡戸稲造の人生 life of Nitobe Inazou [新渡戸稲造 (Nitobe Inazou); の (of; ‘s); 人生 ((one's) life)]
- 紹介してみたい (I) would like to try to introduce [~たい form of 紹介してみる (try to introduce; ~てみる form of 紹介する (to introduce; to present; used to express an exploratory nuance, as in “to try doing something” to find out more about it; how to use: Verb て-form + みる); ~たい means “want to do something”; how to use: Verb (ます-stem form) + たい]
- と思います I think [と (is used for quoting thoughts); 思います (to think; polite form of 思う (to think; to consider; to believe))]
新渡戸稲造は、１８６２年岩手県盛岡で生まれました。
- １８６２年 year 1862
- 岩手県盛岡で in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture [岩手 (Iwate); 県 (prefecture (Japan)); 盛岡 (Morioka (city in Iwate)); で (in)]
- 生まれました (he) was born [polite past form of 生まれる (to be born)]
父が亡くなったため、9歳の時に兄たちとともに東京の叔父のところへ引っ越しました。
- 父が亡くなった (his) father died [父 (father); が (marks the subject of the immediate verb phrase); 亡くなった (died; plain past form of 亡くなる (to die; to pass away))]
- ため so; consequence; because of; as a result of ~; effect
- 9歳の時に when (he) was 9 years old [9歳 (9 years old; 歳 (... years old; age (of) ...)); の時 (when; how to use: Noun + の + 時); に (specifies time)]
- 兄たちとともに (he) and (his) older brothers; together with (his) older brothers [兄たち (older brothers; たち is a pluralizing suffix); とともに (together with; at the same time as; as well as ~; how to use: Noun + とともに)]
- 東京 Tokyo
- 叔父 uncle
- ところ place; one's house
- へ to
- 引っ越しました moved [polite past form of 引っ越す (to move (house); to change residence)]
そのころは、あまり勉強をせず、怠けてばかりいたため、家族からの信頼を失っていました。
- そのころは at that time [その (that; the); ころ ((approximate) time; around; about); は (adds emphasis)]
- あまり (not) very; (not) much
- 勉強をせず (he) did not study; without studying [勉強 (study); を (indicates the direct object of action); せず (from する (to do); ~ず means “without doing ~”; how to use: Verb (ない-stem form) + ず; for the verb する: change to せず)]
- 怠けてばかりいた (he) was always lazy [from 怠ける (to be lazy; to be idle; to slack); ~ばかりいた is the plain past form of ~ばかりいる (only; nothing but ~); how to use: Verb (て-form) + ばかりいた]
- 家族からの信頼を失っていました (he) lost the trust of his family [家族 (family); から (from); の (‘s; of; descriptive limiting particle; modifier); 信頼 (reliance; trust; faith; confidence); を (indicates the direct object of action); 失っていました (lost; ~ていました form of 失う (to lose) which is used to put emphasis on the duration of a past action; how to use: Verb て-form + いました)]
ある時、兄のために手袋を買いましたが自分のお金で買ったのにもかかわらず、盗んだと疑われてしまいます。
- ある時 one day; on one occasion; at some point in time [ある (a certain ...; some ...); 時 (the day; time; the times; moment)]
- 兄のために for (his) brother [兄 (brother; one's old brother; elder brother); のために (for; how to use: Noun + の + ために)]
- 手袋を買いましたが (he) bought gloves but
- 自分のお金で買った (he) bought (a pair of gloves) with (his) own money [手袋 (glove; mitten; mitt); を (indicates the direct object of action); 自分 (myself; yourself; oneself; himself; herself); の (‘s; indicates possessive); お金 (money); で (with; indicates means of action); 買った (bought; plain past form of 買う (to buy; to purchase))]
- のにもかかわらず but; although [の (placeholder for nouns); にもかかわらず (but; although ~; despite; in spite of)]
- 盗んだと疑われてしまいます (he) is suspected that (he) stole [盗んだ (stole; plain past form of 盗む (to steal)); と (is used to phrase a clause); 疑われてしまいます (is suspected; from 疑われる (plain passive positive form of 疑う (to doubt; to distrust; to be suspicious of; to suspect)); ~てしまいます is the polite form of ~てしまう (refers to a regrettable event or negative meaning); how to use: Verb て-form + しまいます)]
彼は、普段の行いが悪いので、だれも自分を信じてくれないと反省し、それからは態度を一変し、勉強に励むようになりました。
- 彼は he [彼 (he; him); は (indicates the sentence topic)]
- 普段の行いが悪い (his) usual behavior is bad [普段 (usual; normal; habitual); の (of; modifier); 行い (conduct; behavior; deed; act); が (expresses the subject of the predicate); 悪い (bad; poor; undesirable)]
- ので because of ...; the reason is ...
- だれも no one; nobody
- 自分 myself; yourself; oneself; himself; herself
- 信じてくれない (they) don’t believe me [from 信じる (to believe; to place trust in); ~てくれない is the plain negative form of ~てくれる (to do a favor; to do something for someone; expresses something was done for you; how to use: Verb て-form + くれる)]
- と反省し (he) felt sorry that ~ [と (is used for quoting thoughts); 反省し (ます-stem form of 反省する (to regret what one has done; to reflect on oneself; to reflect on one's past conduct) which is used to connect to the next phrase)]
- それからは and then [それから (and then; since then; and); は (adds emphasis)]
- 態度を一変し (he) drastically changed (his) attitude and [態度 (attitude; manner; behaviour); を (indicates the direct object of action); 一変し (drastically changed ~ and; ます-stem form of 一変する (to drastically change; to do a full about-face) which is used to connect to the next phrase, creating the meaning of “and”)]
- 勉強に励むようになりました began to study hard; started to work hard at one’s lessons [勉強 (study); に (at; to); 励む (to work hard; to try hard; to strive; to devote oneself to); ようになりました (started to (as a habit); polite past form of ようになる (to come to the point that...; to start to...); how to use: Verb (dictionary form) + ようになりました)]
1877年、農業を勉強しようと、15歳の時に北海道農学校に入学しました。
そのころ、キリスト教に感銘を受けて洗礼をうけました。
- そのころ at that time; in those days; at that moment; then [その (that; the); ころ ((approximate) time; around)]
- キリスト教に by Christianity [キリスト教 (Christianity; キリスト (Christ); ~教 (the faith)); に (by)]
- 感銘を受けて (he) was impressed (by Christianity) and [感銘 (deep impression; being deeply moved; being deeply touched); を (indicates the direct object of action); 受けて (て-form of 受ける (to receive; to feel; to accept) which is used to connect to the next phrase, creating the meaning of “and”)]
- 洗礼をうけました (he) was baptized [洗礼 (baptism; christening); うけました (received; polite past form of うける (to receive; to feel; to accept))]
北海道農学校には、「青年よ。大志を抱け！」
- 北海道農学校には at Hokkaido Agricultural College [北海道農学校 (Hokkaido Agricultural College); には (at; puts more emphasis and restriction on the preceding word)]
- 「青年よ。大志を抱け！」“Young men, be ambitious!” [「」(quotation marks; “ ”); 青年 (youth; young man); よ (sentence ender showing emphasis and certainty); 大志 (ambition; aspiration); 抱け (embrace; plain imperative positive form of 抱く (to embrace; to cherish (e.g. an ambition); to hold))]
という言葉で有名なクラーク博士がいました。
- という that says; that [と (quotation marker; is used for quoting speech); いう (to say)]
- 言葉で with (his) words [言葉 (words; remark; statement); で (by; with)]
- 有名なクラーク博士 Dr. Clark who was famous ~ [有名な (famous); クラーク (Clark); 博士 (doctor; PhD; Dr.; used as a suffix)]
- (が)いました there was/were [polite past form of (が)いる (there is/are (living things); how to use: Noun + (が)いました)]
新渡戸が入学したときにはクラーク博士はアメリカに帰国していて、直接会うことはありませんでしたが、新渡戸は彼から深く影響を受けました。
- 新渡戸が Nitobe [新渡戸 (Nitobe); が (marks the subject of the immediate verb phrase)]
- 入学したときには when (Nitobe) entered the school [入学した (entered the school; plain past form of 入学する (enter a school; enroll in school; get into a school)); とき (means “time” and can function like “when” in English to create a time clause); に (specifies time); は (adds emphasis)]
- クラーク博士は Dr. Clark [クラーク博士 (Dr. Clark; William Smith Clark (July 31, 1826 – March 9, 1886) was an American professor of chemistry, botany, and zoology; a colonel during the American Civil War; and a leader in agricultural education.); は (indicates the sentence topic)]
- アメリカに帰国していて returned to the United States [アメリカ (United States of America; United States; US; USA); に (to); 帰国していて (returned; て-form of 帰国している (~ている form of 帰国する (to return to one's home country) which is used to describe a continuing state or condition; how to use: Verb て-form + いる) which is used to connect to the next phrase)]
- 直接会うことはありませんでした never met (him) in person [直接 (direct; immediate; personal; firsthand); 会う (to meet; to encounter; to see); ことはありませんでした (something never happened; polite past form of ことはない ((something) never happens; there is no possibility that ~; how to use: Verb (dictionary form) + ことはない))]
- が although; but; however
- 彼から by him [彼 (he; him); から (by; from)]
- 深く deeply; intimately; heartily; sincerely; profoundly [adverbial form of 深い (deep; profound); how to form: drop the ending い of い-adjectives (exception: いい (good) → よく) then replace it with く]
- 影響を受けました (he) was (deeply) influenced [影響 (influence; effect; impact); 受けました (received; polite past form of 受ける (to receive; to feel; to accept))]
その後、新渡戸はアメリカに留学します。
- その後 later; after that; afterwards; thereafter [その (that; the); 後 (after)]
- アメリカに to the U.S. [アメリカ (America; United States; U.S.); に (to)]
- 留学します to go abroad for study; to go on an overseas study program [ます-form is the polite form of Japanese verbs]
クエーカーのキリスト教徒たちの集まりで出会った女性、メアリーと結婚しました。
- クエーカーのキリスト教徒たちの集まりで at a Quaker Christian gathering [クエーカー (Quaker; Society of Friends); の (of; modifier); キリスト (Christ); 教徒たち (believers; たち is a pluralizing suffix); 集まり (gathering; meeting; assembly); で (at)]
- 出会った女性 a woman (he) met [出会った (met; plain past form of 出会う (to meet (by chance); to come across)); 女性 (woman; female)]
- メアリーと結婚しました (he) married Mary [メアリー (Mary); と (with; to); 結婚しました (married; polite past form of 結婚する (to get married; to enter into a marriage; to marry))]
さらに、ドイツにも留学したのですが、そのとき、大学の教授から「日本人は、宗教教育をしないのに、どうやって善悪を学ぶのか？」という質問を受けました。
- さらに furthermore; again; after all; moreover
- ドイツにも in Germany [ドイツ (Germany); に (in); も (emphasizes the preceding word)]
- 留学した went abroad for study [plain past form of 留学する (to go abroad for study; to go on an overseas study program)]
- のですが but [のです (to explain something; to show emphasis); が (but; a conjunction which is used to combine two sentences together into one compound sentence)]
- そのとき at that time; back then; at that moment [その (that; the); とき (time; moment)]
- 大学の教授から by a university professor [大学 (university; college); の (of; possessive or descriptive particle); 教授 (professor); から (by; from)]
- 「」(quotation marks; “ ”)
- 日本人は Japanese people [日本人 (Japanese person/people); は (topic marker)]
- 宗教教育をしないのに even though (they) don't provide religious education [宗教 (religion; belief; faith); 教育 (education; schooling; training; instruction; teaching); しない (don’t; plain negative form of する (to do)); のに (although; despite; even though; and yet)]
- どうやって how; in what way; by what means
- 善悪を学ぶのか? (how can they) learn about good and evil? [善悪 (right and wrong; good and evil); 学ぶ (to learn; to study; to take lessons in); のか (gives more emphasis on the wh-question part and is used when requesting a clearer or more precise answer from the other person)]
- という that; that says [と (quotation marker); いう (to say)]
- 質問を受けました (he) was asked (by a university professor) [質問 (question; inquiry; enquiry); 受けました (received; polite past form of 受ける (to receive; to feel; to accept))]
新渡戸はそのときにはっきりと答えることができませんでした。
- そのときに at that moment [その (that; the); とき (time; hour; moment; occasion); に (at)]
- はっきりと in a direct manner; loud and clear; with bright clarity [と is used with an onomatopoeic word はっきり (clearly; plainly; distinctly)]
- 答えることができませんでした (he) could not answer; (he) was not able to answer [答える (to answer; to reply); ことができませんでした (could not; polite negative past form of ことができる (can; able to; how to use: Verb (dictionary form) + ことができる))]
そして、日本人の道徳観は武士道にあると答えを出したのです。
- そして and; and then; thus
- 日本人の道徳観 the Japanese people's moral framework [日本人 (Japanese people); の (‘s; of; indicates possessive); 道徳観 (moral framework; ideas on morals; moral outlook)]
- 武士道にある lies in Bushido [武士道 (Bushido); に (in; indicates a location); ある (to be; to exist)]
- と (is used for quoting speech)
- 答えを出した (he) answered; provided an answer; gave an answer [答え (answer; reply; response); 出した (gave; plain past form of 出す (to give off; to put out))]
- のです (to explain something; to show emphasis)
それを本にしたのが、1900年に発表された「武士道」です。
- それを本にしたのが made it into a book [それ (that; it); 本 (book; volume; script); にした (made something into; plain past form of にする (to make something into); how to use: Noun + にする); の (placeholder for nouns); が (marks the subject of the immediate verb phrase)]
- 1900年に in year 1900 [年 (year); に (in; specifies time)]
- 発表された (it) was published [plain passive positive past form of 発表する (to publish; to release; to go public)]
- 「武士道」 “Bushido” [samurai code of chivalry]
- です be; is
「武士道」を簡単にご紹介しましょう。
- 簡単にご紹介しましょう let me briefly introduce [簡単に (briefly; に is added after 簡単 (simple; easy; uncomplicated; brief) to turn it into an adverbial form); ご紹介しましょう (let me introduce; polite volitional (talking about your intention or will) form of ご紹介する (to introduce; to present; ご is a polite/humble/ honorific prefix))]
新渡戸は、武士道には義・勇・仁・礼・誠・名誉・忠義の7つの教えがあると書きました。
- 武士道には in Bushido [武士道 (Bushido); には (in; puts more emphasis and restriction on the preceding word)]
- 義 morality; righteousness; justice
- 勇 bravery; courage; heroism
- 仁 benevolence (especially as a virtue of Confucianism); consideration; compassion; humanity; charity
- 礼 manners; etiquette; respect
- 誠 sincerity; honesty; faithfulness; good faith
- 名誉 honor; honour; credit; glory; fame; distinction
- 忠義 loyalty; devotion
- 7つの教え seven teachings [7つ (seven); の (of; modifier); 教え (teaching; instruction; teachings; precept; lesson; doctrine)]
- (が)ある (it) has; there is/are (non-living things) [how to use: Noun + (が)ある]
- と書きました wrote that ~ [と (is used to phrase a clause); 書きました (wrote; polite past form of 書く (to write; to compose; to pen))]
この7つの中で、新渡戸は、特に大事なものは、義と勇であり、周りに流されずに正義を守る勇気を持つ者こそが、真の武士だと記しました。
- この7つの中で of these seven; among these seven [この (this; these); 7つ (seven); の中で (in; among ~; how to use: Noun + の中で)]
- 特に particularly; especially; in particular; expressly [an adverb]
- 大事なものは the important thing [大事な (important; valuable; precious); もの (thing; object; article; something); は (indicates the sentence topic)]
- 義と勇であり are justice and courage, and [義 (morality; righteousness; justice); と (and); 勇 (bravery; courage; heroism); であり (are; ます-stem form of である (be; is/are; formal or literary term) which is used to connect to the next phrase, creating the meaning of “and”)]
- 周りに in the vicinity; around ~ [周り (surroundings; neighbourhood; vicinity; around); に (in)]
- 流されずに without being influenced (by others) [from 流される (plain passive positive form of 流す (to carry away; to sweep away)); ~ずに means “without doing ~”; how to use: Verb
ない(ない stem) + ずに] - 正義を守る勇気 the courage to uphold justice [正義 (justice; right; righteousness); 守る (to uphold; to protect; to guard; to keep); 勇気 (courage; bravery; valor)]
- 持つ者 the person who has [持つ (to possess; to have; to hold); 者 (person)]
- こそ for sure (emphasizes the preceding word); precisely; definitely ~ [how to use: Noun + こそ]
- が (marks the subject of the immediate verb phrase)
- 真の武士 true samurai [真 (true; authentic); の (modifier); 武士 (samurai; warrior)]
- だ is [casual for です (be; is)]
- と記しました wrote that ~ [と (is used to phrase a clause); 記しました (wrote; polite past form of 記す (to write; to note down))]
また、武士の究極の目標は、忠義だとも言っています。
- また also; too; as well
- 武士の of a samurai [武士 (samurai; warrior); の (of)]
- 究極の目標 ultimate goal [究極 (ultimate; final; last; eventual); の (modifier); 目標 (goal; target; aim; objective)]
- は (indicates the sentence topic)
- 忠義だと is loyalty [忠義 (loyalty; devotion); だ (is; casual for です (be; is)); と (quoting particle, indicating that this is something said)]
- も also; even [emphasizes the preceding word or phrase, suggesting that loyalty is not just a goal but a significant one]
- 言っています saying; states [~ています form of 言う (to say) which is used to indicate an ongoing state; how to use: Verb て-form + います]
忠義を守って名誉を得ることが武士の目指すべき到達地点なのです。
- 忠義を守って by upholding loyalty [忠義 (loyalty; devotion); を (indicates the direct object of action); 守って (by upholding; て-form of 守る (to uphold; to protect; to guard) which is used to express a means for a subsequent action or event)]
- 名誉を得るto gain honor [名誉 (honor; honour; credit; glory; fame); 得る (to get; to earn; to acquire; to gain)]
- こと (nominalizer; turns the preceding phrase into a noun phrase)
- が (marks the subject of the immediate verb phrase)
- 武士の目指すべき a samurai should strive for [武士 (samurai; warrior); の (of; modifier); 目指す (to aim at; to strive for); べき (should; must; how to use: Verb (dictionary form) + べき)]
- 到達地点なのです is the attainment [到達 (attainment; reaching; attaining); 地点 (viewpoint; mark; spot); な (serves to link the noun 到達地点 (attainment) with the particle の); のです (explanatory ender; shows emphasis)]
現代の日本人が忘れてしまっている武士道ですが、
- 現代の日本人 modern Japanese [現代 (modern age; present day; today); の (modifier); 日本人 (Japanese people)]
- 忘れてしまっている (Bushido) has been forgotten [~ている form of 忘れてしまう (from 忘れる (to forget; to leave carelessly; to forget about); ~てしまう (refers to a regrettable event or negative meaning; how to form: Verb て-form + しまう)) which is used to describe a continuing state or condition; how to use: Verb て-form + いる]
- です be; is
- が but; however
今こそもう一度思い出すべきものなのかもしれません。新渡戸によって英語で書かれた「武士道」はベストセラーとなり、ドイツ語やポーランド語にも訳されました。
- 今こそ now [今 (now; the present time); こそ (for sure (emphasizes the preceding word); how to use: Noun + こそ)]
- もう一度 once again; once more; all over again; one more time
- 思い出すべき must remember [思い出す (to recall; to remember; to recollect); べき (should; must)]
- ものなのかもしれません perhaps; might be [もの (material thing; placeholder for nouns); な (serves to link もの with the particle の); の (explanatory particle; indicating emphasis); かもしれません (may; might; perhaps; may be; possibly)]
- 新渡戸によって by Nitobe [新渡戸 (Nitobe); によって (by; by means of, according to; how to use: Noun + によって)]
- 英語で in English [英語 (English); で (in)]
- 書かれた written [plain passive positive past form of 書く (to write; to compose; to pen)]
- 「武士道」は “Bushido” [「武士道」(“Bushido”); は (indicates the sentence topic)]
- ベストセラーとなり became a bestseller and [ベストセラー (bestseller); となり (became ~ and; ます-stem form of となる (become (with finality); implies 'finality' or 'uniqueness' in the change; how to use: Noun + となる) which is used to connect to the next phrase, creating the meaning of “and”)]
- ドイツ語やポーランド語にも訳されました translated into German and Polish [ドイツ語 (German language); や (and); ポーランド語 (Polish (language)); に (into); も (also; emphasizes the preceding word); 訳されました (translated; polite passive positive past form of 訳す (to translate; to interpret))]
この本の功績により、高名となった新渡戸は国際連盟の事務次長に選ばれました。
- この本の of this book [この (this); 本 (book); の (of; modifier)]
- 功績により in recognition of (somebody's) services; by means of the accomplishment [功績 (accomplishment; merit; distinguished service; achievement; contribution); により (by (means of); through; how to use: Noun + により)]
- 高名となった became famous [高名 (famous; well-known; renowned; distinguished); となった (became; plain past form of となる (become (with finality)))]
- 国際連盟の事務次長に as the Deputy Secretary General of the League of Nations [国際連盟 (League of Nations); の (of); 事務次長 (Deputy Secretary General; under secretary-general); に (as)]
- 選ばれました (he) was chosen [polite passive positive past form of 選ぶ (to choose; to select)]
このころ、日本は軍国主義に傾倒し、国際社会から孤立し始めていました。
- このころ at the time; in those days; then [この (this); ころ ((approximate) time; around)]
- 日本は Japan [日本 (Japan); は (indicates the sentence topic)]
- 軍国主義 militarism [軍国主義 (militarism; 軍国 (nation at war; militant nation); 主義 (doctrine; rule; principle; -ism))]
- に傾倒し lean toward (militarism) and; immerse oneself in ~ and [に (towards; in; into; to); 傾倒し (ます-stem form of 傾倒する (be committed to; to immerse oneself) which is used to connect to the next phrase, creating the meaning of “and”)]
- 国際社会から from the international community [国際社会 (international community; international society; 国際 (international); 社会 (society; public; community; the world)); から (from)]
- 孤立し始めていました had begun to isolate [~ていました form of 孤立し始める (to begin to isolate oneself; from 孤立する (to isolate oneself; to alienate oneself); ~始める means “to begin to ~; to start”; how to use: Verb (ます-stem form) + 始める) which is used to put emphasis on the duration of a past action; how to use: Verb て-form + いました]
新渡戸は必死に日本の立場を理解してもらおうと働きましたが、彼の努力もむなしく、1933年日本は国際連盟から脱退しました。
- 新渡戸は Nitobe [新渡戸 (Nitobe); は (indicates the sentence topic)]
- 必死に desperately; frantically [に is added after 必死 (frantic; frenetic; desperate) to turn it into an adverbial form]
- 日本の立場を理解してもらおうと働きました worked (desperately) to have Japan's position understood [日本 (Japan); の (‘s; indicates possessive); 立場 (position; situation); を (indicates the direct object of action); 理解してもらおう (to have (Japan's position) understood; plain volitional (is used when you talk about your intention or will) form of 理解してもらう (from 理解する (to understand; to get the idea); ~てもらう means “to get someone to do; to have someone do”; how to use: Verb て-form + もらう)); と (is used to phrase a clause); 働きました (worked; polite past form of 働く (to work; to labor))]
- が but; however
- 彼の努力もむなしく his efforts were in vain [彼 (he; him); の (‘s; indicates possessive); 努力 (effort; exertion; endeavour; hard work); も (emphasizes the preceding word); むなしく (in vain; to no purpose; fruitlessly)]
- 1933年 year 1933
- 国際連盟から from the League of Nations [国際連盟 (League of Nations); から (from)]
- 脱退しました withdrew [polite past form of 脱退する (to withdraw; to secede)]
その後、新渡戸もカナダのビクトリアで国際会議に出席後、亡くなりました。
- その後 later; after that; afterwards; thereafter
- 新渡戸も Nitobe [も (emphasizes the preceding word)]
- カナダのビクトリアで in Victoria, Canada [カナダ (Canada); の (of; modifier); ビクトリア (Victoria); で (in; indicates the location of action)]
- 国際会議に出席後 after attending an international conference [国際 (international); 会議 (meeting; conference; session; assembly; council; convention; congress); に (to; at); 出席 (attendance; presence; appearance); 後 (after)]
- 亡くなりました died [polite past form of 亡くなる (to die; to pass away)]
最後まで、日本と世界の平和に尽力した新渡戸稲造は、旧5000円札の肖像にふさわしい人物だと言えるでしょう。
- 最後まで until the end [最後 (end; last; final); まで (until (a time); till; to; up to)]
- 日本と世界の of Japan and the world [日本 (Japan); と (and); 世界 (the world; society; the universe); の (of)]
- 平和に to the peace [平和 (peace; harmony); に (to)]
- 尽力した devoted (himself) [plain past form of 尽力する (to devote; to exert oneself; to render a service)]
- 旧5000円札の肖像に for the portrait of the old 5,000-yen bill [旧 (old; former; ex-; a prefix); 5000円札 (5,000-yen bill); の (of; modifier); 肖像 (portrait; likeness; picture); に (for; to)]
- ふさわしい appropriate; suitable; fitting; worthy
- 人物 person; character; figure; man; woman
- だ was; were [plain past form of です (be; is)]
- と言えるでしょう I believe (it) can be said that ~ [と (is used for quoting thoughts, speech, etc.); 言える (can say; plain potential positive form of 言う (to say)); でしょう (it seems; I think; I believe; indicates that the speakers assert their speculation based on their interpretation of something)]
私たちは新渡戸と同じように日本と世界の平和を守っていかなければならないと思います。
- 私たちは we [私たち (we; たち is a pluralizing suffix); は (indicates the sentence topic)]
- 新渡戸と with Nitobe [新渡戸 (Nitobe); と (with)]
- 同じように in the same way [同じ (same; identical; similar); ように (in the manner of; similar to; just like; as)]
- 日本と世界の平和 peace in Japan and the world [日本 (Japan); と (and); 世界 (the world; society; the universe); の (in; of; modifier); 平和 (peace; harmony)]
- を (indicates the direct object of action)
- 守っていかなければならない must protect [from 守っていく (守って (て-form of 守る (to protect; to guard; to defend) which is used to connect to the next verb いく); いく (to move (towards); to go); ~ていく (is used when you describe something (physically or mentally) that is going away from where you are; how to use: Verb て-form + いく)); ~なければならない means “must do something; have to do something”; how to use: Verb (ない form; plain negative) な
い+ ければならない] - と思います (I) believe that ~ [と (used for quoting thoughts); 思います (to think; to consider; to believe; ます-form is the polite form of Japanese verbs)]
In Japanese
新渡戸稲造
新渡戸稲造という人をご存じですか？2007年まで発行されていた5000円札の肖像だった人なので、顔を知っている人は多いと思いますが、何をした人なのかというと、意外と知らないのではないでしょうか？新渡戸稲造の有名な言葉は、「我、太平洋の橋とならん。」です。
その言葉の通り、新渡戸稲造は、日本と外国との交流、相互理解のために働きました。また、女子教育にも尽力し、日本女子大学の初代学長になっています。国際連盟の事務次長としても働きました。彼が書いた有名な本が「武士道」で、世界的なベストセラーとなりました。この本で彼は日本人の道徳観を世界に紹介しました。今回は、この新渡戸稲造の人生をご紹介してみたいと思います。
新渡戸稲造は、１８６２年岩手県盛岡で生まれました。父が亡くなったため、9歳の時に兄たちとともに東京の叔父のところへ引っ越しました。そのころは、あまり勉強をせず、怠けてばかりいたため、家族からの信頼を失っていました。ある時、兄のために手袋を買いましたが、自分のお金で買ったのにもかかわらず、盗んだと疑われてしまいます。彼は、普段の行いが悪いので、だれも自分を信じてくれないと反省し、それからは態度を一変し、勉強に励むようになりました。
1877年、農業を勉強しようと、15歳の時に北海道農学校に入学しました。そのころ、キリスト教に感銘を受けて洗礼をうけました。北海道農学校には、「青年よ。大志を抱け！」という言葉で有名なクラーク博士がいました。新渡戸が入学したときにはクラーク博士はアメリカに帰国していて、直接会うことはありませんでしたが、新渡戸は彼から深く影響を受けました。その後、新渡戸はアメリカに留学します。クエーカーのキリスト教徒たちの集まりで出会った女性、メアリーと結婚しました。
さらに、ドイツにも留学したのですが、そのとき、大学の教授から「日本人は、宗教教育をしないのに、どうやって善悪を学ぶのか？」という質問を受けました。新渡戸はそのときにはっきりと答えることができませんでした。
そして、日本人の道徳観は武士道にあると答えを出したのです。それを本にしたのが、1900年に発表された「武士道」です。「武士道」を簡単にご紹介しましょう。
新渡戸は、武士道には義・勇・仁・礼・誠・名誉・忠義の7つの教えがあると書きました。この7つの中で、新渡戸は、特に大事なものは、義と勇であり、周りに流されずに正義を守る勇気を持つ者こそが、真の武士だと記しました。また、武士の究極の目標は、忠義だとも言っています。忠義を守って名誉を得ることが武士の目指すべき到達地点なのです。現代の日本人が忘れてしまっている武士道ですが、今こそもう一度思い出すべきものなのかもしれません。
新渡戸によって英語で書かれた「武士道」はベストセラーとなり、ドイツ語やポーランド語にも訳されました。この本の功績により、高名となった新渡戸は国際連盟の事務次長に選ばれました。このころ、日本は軍国主義に傾倒し、国際社会から孤立し始めていました。
新渡戸は必死に日本の立場を理解してもらおうと働きましたが、彼の努力もむなしく、1933年日本は国際連盟から脱退しました。その後、新渡戸もカナダのビクトリアで国際会議に出席後、亡くなりました。最後まで、日本と世界の平和に尽力した新渡戸稲造は、旧5000円札の肖像にふさわしい人物だと言えるでしょう。
私たちは新渡戸と同じように日本と世界の平和を守っていかなければならないと思います。
In English
Nitobe Inazou
Please try to tackle the Japanese first and use this only as needed.
Do you know a person named Nitobe Inazou, whose portrait was on the 5,000 yen bill issued until 2007? So many people may recognize his face. However, you might not be aware of what he did. Nitobe Inazou is famous for saying, “I will be a bridge to the Pacific Ocean.”
True to his word, Nitobe Inazou worked for exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and foreign countries. He also devoted himself to women's education and became the first president of Japan Women's University. He also worked as the Deputy Secretary General of the League of Nations. His famous book “Bushido” became an international bestseller. With this book, he introduced the moral values of the Japanese people to the world. This time, I would like to introduce the life of Nitobe Inazou.
Nitobe Inazou was born in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture in 1862. After his father died, he and his older brothers moved to live with his uncle in Tokyo when he was 9 years old. At that time, he did not study much and was always lazy, so he lost the trust of his family. One day, he bought a pair of gloves for his brother with his own money, but was suspected of stealing them. He felt sorry that no one would believe him because of his usual bad behavior, so he drastically changed his attitude and began to study hard.
In 1877, at the age of 15, he entered Hokkaido Agricultural College to study agriculture. At that time, he was impressed by Christianity and was baptized. At Hokkaido Agricultural College, there was Dr. Clark who was famous for saying, “Young men, be ambitious!” When Nitobe entered the school, Dr. Clark had already returned to the United States but Nitobe was deeply influenced by him, although they never met in person. Later, Nitobe went to the U.S. to study. He married Mary, a woman he met at a Quaker Christian gathering.
Furthermore, he studied in Germany, where he was asked by a university professor, “How can the Japanese learn about good and evil when they don't provide religious education?” Nitobe could not give a clear answer at that moment.
And he answered that the Japanese people's moral framework lies in Bushido. The book “Bushido” was published in 1900. Let me briefly introduce “Bushido”.
Nitobe wrote that Bushido has seven teachings: justice, courage, compassion, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty. Of these seven, Nitobe wrote that the most important are justice and courage, and that a true samurai is the one who has the courage to uphold justice without being influenced by others. He also says that the ultimate goal of a samurai is loyalty. To gain honor by upholding loyalty is the attainment that a samurai should strive for. Bushido has been forgotten by modern Japanese, but perhaps now is the time to remember it once again.
“Bushido”, written by Nitobe in English, became a bestseller and was translated into German and Polish. It can be said that Nitobe's book made him so famous that he was chosen as the Deputy Secretary General of the League of Nations. At the time, Japan was becoming increasingly militaristic and isolated from the international community.
Nitobe worked desperately to have Japan's position understood, but his efforts were in vain, and in 1933, Japan withdrew from the League of Nations. Later, Nitobe also died after attending an international conference in Victoria, Canada. Nitobe Inazou, who devoted himself to the peace of Japan and the world until the end of his life, was a fitting portrait for the old 5,000-yen bill.
I believe that we must protect peace in Japan and the world in the same way that Nitobe did.
Clay about a year ago I asked you for more historical articles. You have delivered loads and I am on the edge of my seat reading these.
とても面白いな人たちたくさんいます
ありがとうございました！
Awesome! Glad to hear it. We will eventually mix it up with more fiction / folktales, but the next series will be on the various eras starting with the Jomon period.