Verb + だに
JLPT Level: N1
Meanings
Just
Even just
Even merely
Usage
Verb (dictionary form) + だに
Explanation
A strong, old-fashioned way to express the idea of “even just ~” or “the very act of ~,” often implying some surprise, regret, or emphasis. It tends to appear in literary, formal, or highly emotional speech rather than in casual conversation. The phrase highlights that even the occurrence or action in question is noteworthy enough to be mentioned, sometimes with a sense of limitation or impatience about what follows.
彼が来るだに、私の心は落ち着かなかった。
かれがくるだに、わたしのこころはおちつかなかった。
Even his coming would not calm my heart.
そんな小さな失敗だに、彼は大騒ぎした。
そんな ちいさな しっぱいだに、かれは おおさわぎした。
Even a mere small mistake like that caused him to make a big fuss.
あの山道を歩くだに、体力が必要だ。
あのやまみちをあるくだに、たいりょくがひつようだ。
Even the mere act of walking that mountain path requires strength.