Limits and basis with 以
The kanji 以 marks a point taken as a basis, a limit, or the thing something is done by means of.
In modern compounds it often sets thresholds like “above” and “below”, or starting points like “since then” and “from before”. The common function is anchoring one thing relative to another.
Bounds
以上 (Above)
以上 means above, over, or not less than. It sets a lower limit and includes what is beyond it.
It combines 以 (basis) with 上 (above) to show what lies at or above the set point.
Sakurako forces Takeru to join the shogi club. When he suggests she join as well, she refuses and tells him not to go either, or else he’ll be in the way there.
- タケル:
- 「乗り気じゃなかったが入部した以上はしっかり活動する！」
- “I wasn't enthusiastic, but now that I'm in the club, I'll work hard!”
- 「それが男ってもんだ！！」
- “That's what it means to be a man!!”
- “I wasn't enthusiastic, but now that I'm in the club, I'll work hard!”
Exclusions
以外 (Except)
以外 means except, outside of, or other than. It excludes something from the chosen basis.
It combines 以 (basis) with 外 (outside) to show what lies outside the set point.
Since Cocoa will be making stew for dinner, sends her a text message on ingredients selection.
- チノ:
- 「にんじん以外を伝えておこう」
- “I'll let her know in advance everything except carrots.”
Here, おく is is modified to the volitional (showing intent to do) おこう. “I will send a message …”
Time Anchors
以来 (Since)
以来 means since then or ever since. It marks a starting point and the time continuing from it.
It combines 以 (basis) with 来 (come) to show what has come from that point onward.
While Cocoa thinks Syaro wants her to stay away, Chiya explains that it’s because of the shop’s rabbit, Anko.
- 千夜:
- 「小さい頃あんこによくかじられて以来ちょっと恐怖症で…」
- “Ever since she received bites by Anko a lot when she was little, she's a bit traumatized...”
齧る’s negative stem is 齧ら. Append れる for 齧られる.