〜だに
even just ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜だに” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜だに」 means "even just ~". Structure: Verb dictionary / Noun + だに. This is a JLPT N1 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1採決の失敗は想像するだに恐ろしい。
さいけつ の しっぱい は そうぞう する だに おそろしい。
saiketsu no shippai wa souzou suru dani osoroshii.
Even just imagining failure of the vote is frightening.
Shopping & services
Example 2買収の失敗は想像するだに恐ろしい。
ばいしゅう の しっぱい は そうぞう する だに おそろしい。
baishuu no shippai wa souzou suru dani osoroshii.
Even just imagining failure of the acquisition is frightening.
Everyday life
Example 3志願の失敗は想像するだに恐ろしい。
しがん の しっぱい は そうぞう する だに おそろしい。
shigan no shippai wa souzou suru dani osoroshii.
Even just imagining failure of the volunteering is frightening.
Everyday life
Example 4転載の失敗は想像するだに恐ろしい。
てんさい の しっぱい は そうぞう する だに おそろしい。
tensai no shippai wa souzou suru dani osoroshii.
Even just imagining failure of the reprinting is frightening.
Everyday life
Example 5滞納の失敗は想像するだに恐ろしい。
たいのう の しっぱい は そうぞう する だに おそろしい。
tainou no shippai wa souzou suru dani osoroshii.
Even just imagining failure of the payment arrears is frightening.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Even just imagining failure of the vote is frightening.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜だに.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.