〜だに

Even just...; Even merely...; Just imagining...

1. Overview

「〜だに」is an expression that conveys an intense emotional reaction, used to indicate that even just imagining or hearing about something brings about an extreme response. This structure emphasizes the incredible or overwhelming nature of a situation and is often used to express strong emotions.

2. Structure

• Verb (base form) + だに
• Noun + だに

3. Usage Explanation

• Expressing Emotional Reaction:
  「〜だに」is used to express a reaction so intense that even thinking or mentioning the topic brings shock, fear, or amazement, often conveying strong negative emotions.

• Rare Expression:
  This structure is less commonly used in modern Japanese and is typically seen in literary or formal contexts.

• English Translation:
  It can be translated as "even imagining…" or "just hearing..."

4. Example Sentences

1. その光景を想像するだに恐ろしい。
   Even just imagining that scene is terrifying.

2. 彼の名前を聞くだに怒りが湧いてくる。
   Just hearing his name makes my anger rise.

3. そんな大事故が起こるなんて、考えるだに悲しい。
   Even thinking about such a large accident is heartbreaking.

4. 結果を想像するだに興奮してきた。
   Just imagining the result makes me excited.

5. 地震の被害状況を聞くだに胸が痛む。
   Just hearing about the earthquake's devastation hurts my heart.

5. Key Points to Note

• Literary Expression:
  「〜だに」has a literary tone and is mainly used in written language or formal settings.

• Intense Emotion:
  This expression is typically used to describe powerful emotions, especially negative ones.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜すら: Used to indicate "even…" and often emphasizes the extreme nature of a situation.
  • Example: 彼は自分の名前すら書けない。
    He can’t even write his own name.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜だけで: Expresses a similar idea of reaction but with less intensity than 「〜だに」.
  • Example: 彼のことを思うだけで胸が痛む。
    Just thinking about him makes my heart ache.

8. Summary

「〜だに」is used to emphasize an intense emotional reaction that arises even from imagining or mentioning something. It has a literary tone, making it more suitable for formal or written contexts, and often conveys strong emotions, particularly negative ones.