現代日本語における「くせ」の意味と機能

Abstract

In this paper, the meanings and functions of modern Japanese “kuse” are studied based on practical example sentences. Previous research mainly focuses on the usage of “kuse” as a conjunctive particle in a format of “kuseni” connecting to a verb. No literature has reported on the usages of “kuse” as a noun usage or a postposition. In the paper, the usages of “kuse” are described in the three different cases of meanings and functions: (1) noun usage, (2) postposition, and (3) conjunctive particle. The results of the study are summarized as follows. First, when “kuse” is used as a noun usage, it basically represents a habit indicated by a front noun, and “N+kuse” takes various cases in the sentences. In this case, “N+kuse” functions as a noun usage. Second, when “kuse” is used as a postposition, it implies the criticism against the meaning of a front noun. Nouns with stereotype meanings are commonly used in N, and unexpected or opposite things are discussed in the predicate. It is morphologically limited to the one fixed form of “N+kuseni”. In this case, “N+kuse” functions as a postposition. Third, when “kuse” is used as a conjunctive particle, it represents the criticism indicated by a front verb. Contradictions to V are discussed in the predicate. It is morphologically limited to the one fixed form of ”V+kuseni“. In this case, “V+kuse” functions as a conjunctive particle. In conclusion, our research found that “kuse” is used as a postposition or a conjunctive particle, although its basic function is a noun usage and it represents a habit in modern Japanese. As a postposition or a conjunctive particle, “kuse” shows significant changes in both aspects of formats and meanings.