Japanese from zero · N2 Lesson 40
A letter to Seattle
〜につけ ・ 再び ・ ちなみに ・ とっくに
In this lesson, you will learn to say that something comes back to you every time with 〜につけ, to say 'again' in a formal way with 再び, to add a related fact with ちなみに, and to say something happened long ago with とっくに. It is the end of March, the cherry trees are in bloom, and Lisa writes a letter to Tanaka in Seattle.
By the end you will be able to say
桜を 見るにつけ、最初の 春を 思い出します。Every time I see the cherry blossoms, I remember my first spring.
再び 会える 日まで、元気で いてね。Until we can meet again, take care of yourself.
ちなみに、さくらの 絵は 今 部長の へやに あります。By the way, Sakura's painting is now in the manager's office.
その 話なら、とっくに 聞いたよ。If it's that story, I heard it ages ago.
帰って くる ときは、空港に 出迎えに 行く。When you come back, I'll go to the airport to meet you.
The grammar in this lesson
- 〜につけ — every time — A verb + につけ says a feeling or a memory comes back every time; 何かにつけ is 'at every chance'.
- 再び — again (formal) — 再び is a formal 'again', for writing, speeches and big moments.
- ちなみに — by the way (adding a related fact) — ちなみに adds a related fact to what you just said: 'by the way; for your information'.
- とっくに — long ago; ages ago — とっくに says something happened long before now: 'long ago; ages ago'.