Translation guide
VPE stands for Verb Phrase Ellipsis, a grammatical phenomenon where a verb phrase is omitted to avoid repetition. In Japanese, there is no direct equivalent; instead, various strategies are used depending on context.
When responding to a question or making a statement where the verb phrase is omitted after an auxiliary or modal-like expression (e.g., 'I can', 'I will', 'I have').
In Japanese, the verb phrase is often omitted when it is clear from context. The auxiliary or modal-like expression (e.g., できる, する, いる) is used alone or with a sentence-final particle.
A: 明日来られる？ B: うん、行けるよ。
A: Can you come tomorrow? B: Yeah, I can.
A: Have you done your homework yet? B: Yeah, I have.
When the omitted VP is a statement of hearsay or conjecture, そうだ/そうじゃない can be used.
A: 彼女、来るって言ってた？ B: うん、そう言ってた。
A: Did she say she would come? B: Yeah, she said so.
When comparing two things and omitting the repeated verb phrase (e.g., 'He runs faster than I do').
In comparative sentences, the verb phrase is often omitted after the compared item. The structure is typically Aは Bより [adjective] or Aのほうが Bより [adjective].
彼は私より速く走る。
He runs faster than I do.
私のほうが彼より速く走る。
I run faster than he does.
When adding a tag question like 'isn't it?' or 'don't you?' where the verb phrase is omitted.
When giving a short answer to a yes/no question where the verb phrase is omitted (e.g., 'Yes, I do' or 'No, I don't').
In Japanese, short answers often consist of just はい/いいえ, or the key word from the question. The verb phrase is typically omitted.
A: コーヒー飲む？ B: うん、飲む。
A: Do you drink coffee? B: Yes, I do.
A: 映画見た？ B: ううん、見てない。
A: Did you see the movie? B: No, I didn't.
English VPE often uses 'do so' or just an auxiliary. Japanese does not have a direct equivalent. Translating literally (e.g., using そうする every time) can sound unnatural. Instead, rely on context and omission.
A: もう食べた？ B: うん、食べた。
A: Have you eaten yet? B: Yes, I have.
While そうする can be used to mean 'do so', it is often more natural to simply omit the verb phrase or repeat the verb. そうする is more common in formal or written contexts.
彼はそうすると言った。
He said he would do so.