〜かけ

verb suffix for half-done ; unfinished ; in the middle of ...

1. Overview

"〜かけ" indicates that an action has started but remains unfinished, or it may describe something that is in progress but has temporarily paused. It is often used to describe incomplete tasks or actions that are ongoing.

2. Structure

• Verb (stem form) + かけ
  The stem form of a verb is followed by "かけ" to show that the action is unfinished or interrupted.

3. Usage Explanation

1. Expressing Unfinished Action: "〜かけ" is commonly used to express that an action is ongoing but hasn't been completed, or that something was only partially done.

   • Example: 読みかけの本
     (A book I started reading but haven't finished)

2. Expressing a Paused Action: It can also describe an action that has been started but paused for some reason.

   • Example: 食べかけのパン
     (A half-eaten piece of bread)

3. Expressing an Imminent Action: It can be used to describe an action or event that is about to happen but hasn't fully occurred yet.

   • Example: 死にかける
     (To be on the verge of death)

4. Example Sentences

1. 読みかけの本を机の上に置いた。
   (I placed the half-read book on the desk.)

2. 彼は言いかけて、黙ってしまった。
   (He started to speak but then fell silent.)

3. 食べかけのリンゴが皿の上にある。
   (There’s a half-eaten apple on the plate.)

4. 彼は死にかけたが、奇跡的に助かった。
   (He was on the verge of death, but miraculously survived.)

5. Important Points

1. "〜かけ" emphasizes that the action is incomplete or paused. It can imply that the action will continue or has stopped temporarily.
2. Unlike expressions that indicate a fully completed action, "〜かけ" focuses on the incomplete or still-ongoing state.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜途中 (とちゅう): This structure indicates that something is in progress, but it doesn’t emphasize the action’s interruption or incompleteness as strongly as "〜かけ."
  • Example: 仕事の途中で電話がかかってきた。
    (I received a phone call in the middle of work.)

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜つつある: This phrase is used to indicate that an action is gradually taking place, similar to "〜かけ," but it’s more formal.
  • Example: 世界は変わりつつある。
    (The world is gradually changing.)

8. Summary

"〜かけ" is used to describe actions that are incomplete, paused, or in progress. It can express that something has been started but not finished, or that it’s close to happening. It’s a commonly used structure in everyday conversation for describing interrupted tasks or actions that are on the verge of completion.