A: We’ve had a tough time for a long time, haven’t we?
B: That’s true, but this deal is starting to help us to see a better future.
A: You’re right. I expect things to go well.
In this situation, what should you say ‘this deal is starting to help us to see a better future’ in Japanese?
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B：本当にそうですね。でも、今回の取引のおかげで、よくなりつつありますね。
Note: This is not a word-for-word translation.
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A word-for-word translation
B：確かにそうですが、この取引は私たちがより良い未来を見るのに役立ち始めています。
This isn’t bad, but it’s a bit stiff and can sound unnatural.
The phrase ‘something helps us to do’ is usually translated into Japanese as 〇〇のおかげで〇〇になる.
It’s natural, and we often use this expression.
おかげで is similar to ‘thanks to’ in the meaning.
In this context, ‘is starting to’ can be said しつつある instead of し始めています.
This つつ is a handy expression that has several meanings.
The meaning here is that you are in the process of moving towards this situation just right now.
Other meanings and their examples are given below.
1. while, at the same time:
彼は歩きつつ、景色を見ていた。
He walked and looked at the scenery.
2. although, despite:
私は喜びつつも、彼のことを思うと複雑な気持ちだった。
Although I was happy, I had mixed feelings when I thought of him.
