Many learners of English encounter confusion when translating sentences that contain phrases like ‘all but everything.’ The sentence ‘all but everything can be controlled by us’ might be interpreted in different ways, depending on how one understands the phrase. This article explains the meaning and correct translation of such sentences.
Breaking Down the Phrase: ‘All but Everything’
The phrase ‘all but everything’ can be tricky. In this context, ‘all but’ means ‘almost all,’ ‘everything except.’ Thus, ‘all but everything’ essentially refers to ‘almost everything.’ This means the sentence is not saying that nothing can be controlled but that there is one exception where control cannot be exerted.
Correct Translation of the Sentence
When translated correctly, ‘all but everything can be controlled by us’ means ‘ほとんどすべてが私たちによって支配されることができる’ in Japanese. The translation provided in the question, ‘私たちに支配されるものは何もない,’ is a misunderstanding, as it implies the opposite—suggesting that nothing can be controlled, which is not the intended meaning of the original sentence.
Understanding the Role of ‘Can’ and ‘Controlled’ in the Sentence
The verb ‘can’ in the sentence expresses ability or possibility, which means that ‘everything but’ refers to almost everything that can be controlled by us, with one exception. Therefore, it’s important to interpret the meaning of ‘can be controlled’ in the correct context to avoid misunderstanding.
How to Approach Similar Sentences
When encountering phrases like ‘all but’ in English, it’s important to understand the subtle difference it implies. In such cases, looking up similar examples in dictionaries or trusted translation sources can help clarify meaning. Listening to native speakers or reading English texts can also help you better understand the usage of such phrases.
Conclusion
The phrase ‘all but everything’ refers to ‘almost everything,’ meaning that it is not about nothing being controlled, but almost everything being within our control, with one exception. Understanding these nuances is important for accurate translation and avoiding confusion.
コメント