1.
modifier; modifying word or phrase (grammar)
A word or phrase that adds information to or limits the meaning of another word. Includes both adjectives (modifying nouns) and adverbs (modifying verbs).
「美しい」は修飾語だ。
'Beautiful' is a modifier.
修飾語は被修飾語の前に置く。
The modifier is placed before the word it modifies.
作文で修飾語を使いすぎると、文がわかりにくくなる。
If you overuse modifiers in writing, sentences become hard to understand.
A standard grammar term used in Japanese language education. Composed of 修飾 (modification, embellishment) + 語 (word). In Japanese grammar education, modifiers are divided into two types.
TYPES OF MODIFIERS:
- 連体修飾語: adnominal modifier — modifies a noun (e.g., 赤い花: red flower)
- 連用修飾語: adverbial modifier — modifies a verb (e.g., ゆっくり歩く: walk slowly)
RELATED TERMS:
- 被修飾語: the word being modified
- 修飾する: to modify
- 形容詞: adjective
- 副詞: adverb
- 連体詞: pre-noun adjectival (Japanese-specific category)
USAGE:
This term is learned in Japanese elementary school 国語 (Japanese language) classes and continues through grammar study at all levels.