GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜っぱなし
Indicates that a state resulting from an action is left unchanged, often in an undesirable way.
Examples
弟は部屋の電気をつけっぱなしで眠っていた。
My younger brother fell asleep with his bedroom light left on.
Words used
水を出しっぱなしにしてはいけない。
You must not leave the water running.
Words used
窓を開けっぱなしで出かけてしまった。
I went out and accidentally left the window open.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
っぱなしto a verb's masu-stem for a resulting state left in place or an action that keeps continuing. - Basic usage:
水を出しっぱなしにしてはいけない。tells someone not to leave the water running.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Leaving something unchanged versus preparation
電気をつけっぱなしにするfocuses on keeping the light on and can imply neglect, depending on context.電気をつけておくcan instead present leaving it on as preparation for later.
- Continuation of the action itself
立ちっぱなしで疲れたdescribes tiredness from continuously standing. This differs from a resulting state left after an action, as in開けっぱなしの窓.