N2#literary#formal#grammar#n2

Literary & Formal Lesson 3

Mastering the classical copula 'dearu', the imperative 'beshi', and the comparative 'gotoshi' for formal writing and academic discourse.

Context

The World of Academic Prose

When reading Japanese research papers, historical essays, or formal editorials, you will encounter a style of writing that feels significantly more rigid and authoritative than the standard 'desu/masu' or plain 'da' forms.

These structures—dearu, beshi, and gotoshi—are remnants of classical Japanese that have been preserved in modern formal writing. They serve to distance the author from the reader, creating an objective, timeless tone that is essential for academic or literary success.

Explanation

Core Formal Structures

These three forms act as the backbone of formal, objective writing.

であるべしのごとし

である is the formal equivalent of 'da'. It is used in essays to make definitive, objective statements. べし is a classical auxiliary indicating obligation or strong recommendation, often used in manifestos or firm rules. のごとし (or 'gotoku') is a formal way to say 'like' or 'as if', often used in metaphors or comparisons.

Tip

These forms are strictly for writing. Using them in spoken conversation will make you sound like a character from a historical drama or an overly stiff academic.

Examples

Examples in Context

Observe how these forms elevate the tone of the sentence.

本稿(ほんこう)の目的(もくてき)は、事実(じじつ)を明らか(あきらか)にすることである。

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the facts.

本稿ほんこうthis paper目的もくてきpurpose事実じじつfact明らかあきらかclear

学生(がくせい)は勉学(べんがく)に励む(はげむ)べし。

Students must strive in their studies.

学生がくせいstudent勉学べんがくstudies励むはげむto strive

彼(かれ)の行動(こうどう)は、嵐(あらし)のごとし。

His actions are like a storm.

彼かれhe行動こうどうaction嵐あらしstorm

規則は守る【べし】。

Hint: Classical auxiliary for obligation

Rules must be followed.

Usage

Register and Nuance

Understanding where these fit in the spectrum of Japanese formality.

Formality Spectrum

だ

Plain form (casual/neutral)

これは事実だ。

である

Formal/Academic

これは事実である。

です

Polite (spoken)

これは事実です。

Which of these is most appropriate for a formal academic thesis?

これは事実だ。
✓ これは事実である。
これは事実です。

である is the standard copula for academic and formal written prose.

Deep dive

Deep Dive: The Evolution of 'Beshi'

While 'beshi' is rare in modern speech, its influence remains.

In modern Japanese, 'beshi' is often replaced by 'beki' (e.g., するべき). However, 'beshi' is still used in formal mottos, legalistic language, or when an author wants to evoke a sense of historical authority or extreme emphasis.

Summary

Lesson Summary

These literary forms provide the necessary weight for formal writing. Use them to establish an objective, authoritative voice.

本稿

ほんこうnoun

this paper/manuscript

勉学

べんがくnoun

studies

事実

じじつnoun

fact

嵐

あらしnoun

storm