〜だけあって

As Expected of

Level 4Sounds Like dakeatte

〜だけあって means 'as expected of' or 'precisely because of [X], it is natural that [Y].' It is used to praise someone or something for living up to a high reputation or standard.

How It Works

The expression 〜だけあって is a formal to standard conjunction used to highlight that a result is a natural consequence of a high standard or characteristic.

Key Characteristics:

  • Evaluation Nuance: It is primarily used for praise, admiration, or positive expected outcomes, suggesting that the subject is 'living up to its reputation.' While it can occasionally be used for negative results in an ironic or sarcastic way in real life (e.g., 安いだけあって、すぐ壊れた), for JLPT exams, this pattern is strictly considered for positive evaluations. Unlike 〜だけに, which can express unexpected or heightened emotions, this pattern is strictly for expected results.
  • Natural Consequence: The second part of the sentence must be a fact or a state that naturally follows the first part.
  • Subject is Usually a Third Party: Because this pattern is used to evaluate, the subject is usually a third party (someone or something else). It is rarely used for the speaker's own actions unless boasting or self-deprecating.
  • No Will or Command: The second clause cannot express the speaker's will, a command, a request, or a future intention (e.g., you cannot say 'Because he is a teacher, please ask him').
  • Usage with Superiors: Because this pattern involves passing judgment or evaluating someone's skills, it should generally not be used directly toward superiors (目上の人), as it can sound condescending.
  • Emphasis: It is often paired with the word さすが (as expected) for extra emphasis, though this is not grammatically required.
  • Longer Form: The mid-sentence conjunction can also be written in its longer form, 〜だけのことはあって, which carries the exact same meaning.
  • Sentence-Ending Form: If you want to end a sentence with this grammar pattern, it becomes 〜だけのことはある or the slightly more casual 〜だけある (e.g., 'It is worth... / It is no wonder...').

Grammatical Rules:

  • Nouns: Attach directly, or use Noun + な / Noun + である (e.g., 先生だけあって / 先生なだけあって / 先生であるだけあって).
  • Verbs: Use the plain form. Note that verbs are most frequently used in the past tense (e.g., 練習しただけあって) or continuous state (e.g., 住んでいるだけあって) because the pattern relies on an established fact or past effort.
  • い-Adjectives: Use the plain form (e.g., 美味しいだけあって).
  • な-Adjectives: Use the な-form or である (e.g., 有名なだけあって / 有名であるだけあって).

Examples (5)

  1. さすがプロの歌手だけあって、彼女は歌が本当に上手だ。

    As expected of a professional singer, she is truly good at singing.

    Word by Word: As expected professional singer precisely because, she song really is-skilled.

    Here, the speaker is impressed by the singer's skill, noting that it perfectly matches her professional status.

  2. このバッグは高いだけあって、とても丈夫で長持ちする。

    Being expensive as it is, this bag is very sturdy and lasts a long time.

    Word by Word: This bag expensive precisely because, very sturdy and long-lasting.

    The high quality (sturdiness) is presented as a natural result of the high price.

  3. 彼は５年も日本に住んでいただけあって、日本の事情に詳しい。

    Having lived in Japan for five years, he is (naturally) very knowledgeable about Japanese affairs.

    Word by Word: He 5 years even Japan in lived precisely because, Japan's circumstances regarding is-detailed.

    The result (being knowledgeable) is a natural outcome of the effort/experience (living in Japan for 5 years).

  4. ここは有名なレストランだけあって、料理がどれも美味しい。

    Precisely because this is a famous restaurant, all the food is delicious.

    Word by Word: Here famous restaurant precisely because, cooking every one is-delicious.

    Note that the noun レストラン attaches directly to だけあって without any extra particles.

  5. 毎日練習しているだけあって、彼のピアノは素晴らしい。

    As expected of someone who practices every day, his piano playing is wonderful.

    Word by Word: Every day practicing precisely because, his piano is-wonderful.

    The positive result (wonderful piano playing) is the natural consequence of the effort (practicing every day).

Common Mistakes

  • Using the pattern with commands or requests.

    有名人だけあって、サインをください。
    有名人だけあって、彼はサインに慣れている。

    The clause following 〜だけあって must be a state or a fact, not a personal request, command, or future intention.

  • Using 「だ」 instead of 「な」 for な-adjectives.

    有名だだけあって、人が多い。
    有名なだけあって、人が多い。

    When connecting a な-adjective to this pattern, you must use the 「な」 form, not the 「だ」 form.

  • Using it for simple cause-and-effect without a 'reputation' nuance.

    雨が降っただけあって、道が濡れている。
    雨が降ったので、道が濡れている。

    〜だけあって is for results that live up to a standard or status. For simple facts like 'the road is wet because it rained,' use ので or から.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

〜だけあってLevel 4As Expected of

Learn This First

To understand '〜だけあって' (as expected of), you need to know the particle 'だけ' which indicates extent or limit, and how it combines with the 'て' form of the verb 'ある' (to exist) to express that a result is naturally proportional to a specific quality or reputation.

Words in This Pattern

だけあって