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にほんごをりゅうちょうにはなせることゆめなんだ。
Nihongo o ryuuchou ni hanaseru koto yume nanda.
It is my dream to be able to speak Japanese fluently.
The use of こと and の as nominalizers
こと is a noun meaning 'thing'. It is used often to nominalize a verb, adjective, or even an entire sentence that precedes it. Nominalizing means to turn a part of a sentence into a noun. For example, to transform the verb 'to eat' into a noun, we can say 'the fact of eating' or just 'eating' in English, as in 'I love eating'.
こと has a lot of functions as you may have noticed. We saw it in expressions such as ことがある and ことができる.
In this case, we will see it as a nominalizer.
こと in itself means 'things' as abstract things or ideas. It can mean 'things', 'matter', 'incident' and 'circumstance'. Intangible things, if you may. You can say....
I have a lot of things to think about.
かんがえることがいっぱいある。
Kangaeru koto ga ippai aru.
You will attach こと to the verb かんがえる to nominalize it. It becomes 'things to think about'.
I like interesting things.
おもしろいことがすきです。
Omoshiroi koto ga suki desu.
In this instance, you mean that you like interesting things as something intangible. It could be interesting ideas.
In sad moments, as well as in lonely moments, you can always find happiness.
かなしいことにも、さびしいことにも、いつもしあわせをみつけられるの。
Kanashii koto mo, sabishii koto mo, itsumo shiawase o mitsukerareru no.
In this case, こと means 'moments' as in 'abstract ideas of moments of sadness and loneliness'.
Something bad happened.
やばいことがおこった。
Yabai koto ga okotta.
In this case, we are talking about something that happened.
Let's see how こと can nominalize things.
It is important to exercise.
うんどうをすることはたいせつだよ。
Undou o suru koto wa taisetsu da yo.
Here, you are referring to 'to exercise' as a noun, because of the use of こと. 'To exercise' in this case is not presented as a verb, but as a thing that is important to do. You can translate this sentence as 'the fact of exercising is important'.
Licking your elbow is impossible.
ひじをなめることはむりです。
Hiji o nameru koto wa muri desu.
Here, it is the fact of licking our elbow that is impossible to do. See how こと nominalize the verb? 'Licking your elbow,' in this case, is turned into something that is impossible to do.
The particle の has a similar function as well. We saw it a little bit when we saw how to mix verbs with adjectives together, such as 'raising children is hard'.
ひじをなめるのはむりです。
Hiji o nameru no wa muri desu.
There are mostly interchangeable, but こと will mostly be used with broad, abstract concepts, whereas の will be used for concrete actions and things familiar to you.
Using こと as facts
You can use こと while talking about a fact, such as 'the fact that Sakura became vegetarian'.
さくらがベジタリアンになったこと
Sakura ga bejitarian ni natta koto
Or....
The fact that Sakura doesn't eat meat
さくらがにくをたべないこと
Sakura ga niku o tabenai koto
I didn't know that Sakura doesn't eat meat.
さくらがにくをたべないことをしってない。
Sakura ga niku o tabenai koto o shittenai.
You can also add という in this statement.
I didn't know that Sakura doesn't eat meat.
さくらがにくをたべないということをしってない。
Sakura ga niku o tabenai to iu koto o shittenai.
We learned that という was used to say 'to say something', but in this case, it is only used to link the factual statement with こと and it doesn't add any other meaning.
The expression ということが。。。as a suspense means 'so, it means that....'
〜のこと to talk about something or someone as an entity
こと can also be attached to nouns, although in this case, it won't really nominalize the noun since the noun is already a noun... it will instead speaks about something or someone as an entire entity.
Do you like me?
わたしのことがすき？
Watashi no koto ga suki?
In this case, the focus is put on the person as a whole. Do you like everything about me, do you like the person that I am, sort of thing.
I like Tomoyo-chan
ともよちゃんのことすき。
Tomoyo-chan no koto suki.
Again, こと will give the meaning that you like everything about Tomoyo.
Did you tell Yukito about the birthday party?
たんじょうびのこと、もうゆきとにもいった？
Tanjoubi no koto, mou Yukito ni mo itta?
Here, こと is crucial and cannot be omitted, as you are talking about the birthday party as a whole, from the fact that your friend is throwing it, to the date and place of the party, and so on. You can maybe translate のこと as 'about the birthday party', but I would be careful about this since 'about' in Japanese does not work the same way as in English.
If your friend is not planning on inviting Yukito, they can respond with:
Eeeh, sorry, but I am not inviting Yukito.
あの、わるいけど、ゆきとのことは、さそわないよ。
Ano, warui kedo, Yukito no koto wa, sasowanai yo.
Here, you can translate this sentence as 'as for Yukito, he is not invited'. You might wonder what difference こと makes in this sentence, as you can technically drop it, but by adding it, you will sound less harsh about not wanting to invite Yukito and that for some reasons personal to you, you don't want to invite him (whatever the reasons might be).
〜ことがある to talk about occasional experiences
We saw that this construction - verb (past) た + ことがある - meant that you are talking about past experiences, such as 'I have been to Japan' にほんにいったことがあります.
In this case, when the verb is at the infinitive, it means that you are talking about occasional experiences.
Sometimes, we fight. (We have moments when we fight)
ときどき、ケンカをすることがある。
Tokidoki, kenka o suru koto ga aru.
There are also times when we don't talk for a week.
いっしゅんかんぐらいしゃべらないこともある。
Isshunkan gurai shaberanai koto mo aru.
You can replace the particle が with も to say 'also'.
こと for rules and directions
By adding こと at the end of the sentence, you can convey rules or directions that people need to observe. For instance, if a teacher wants to give an instruction to their students, they might say:
Don't be mean to your friends.
ともだちには、いじわるしないこと。
Tomodachi ni wa, ijiwaru shinai koto.
It can work as bullet points.
Don't be mean to your friends, be nice to them, help each other.
ともだちには、いじわるしないこと、やさしくてあげること、たすけてあうこと。
Tomodachi ni wa, ijiwaru shinai koto, yasashikute ageru koto, tasuketeau koto.
I briefly talked about the nominalizer の. As we saw before, it can nominalize a verb with an adjective.
Playing games is fun.
ゲームをするのはたのしい。
Geemu wo suru no wa tanoshii.
In English, nominalizing a verb will take the form 'ing'. In Japanese, verbs will take の. However, の is more versatile than the English 'ing' when it comes to nominalization. Take this example for instance:
(The time for) running is tomorrow.
はしるのはあしたです。
Hashiru no wa ashita desu.
Here, it implies that the time to run is tomorrow. It will add more information about it. Due to the word あした, it will imply that you will be running tomorrow.
Relative clauses + の
It is important to understand that の is a particle, but in these examples, it will act like a noun. It is somewhat a placeholder for nouns like こと (intangible things) and もの (tangible things).
The thing dad bought is a banana.
おとうさんがかったものはバナナです。
Otousan ga katta mono wa banana desu.
かったもの is 'the bought thing', the thing that was bought.
You can replace もの with の in this sentence.
What dad bought is a banana.
おとうさんがかったのはバナナです。
Otousan ga katta no wa banana desu.
With sentences with な-adjectives, the な is retained.
What is important is kindness.
O たいせつなのはやさしさです。
O Taisetsuna no wa yasashisa desu.
X たいせつのはやさしさです。
X Taisetsu no wa yasashisa desu.
こそあど words + の
こそあど words are the demonstratives, この, その, あの and どの (which). This is especially true for こんな, そんな, あんな and どんな, and こういう, そういう, あいう and どういう, which mean 'like this' and 'like that'.
I don't need things like this.
こんなのいらないよ。
Konna no iranai yo.
Please let me know in advance about things like that.
そういうのは、まえもっておしえてください。
Souiu no ha, mae motte oshiete kudasai.
Other things の will nominalize
Non-physical things
As mentioned, in the case of non-physical things, の and こと can be used.
I do not clearly remember having gone to the bathroom by myself.
ひとりでトイレにいったのは、よくおもいだせない。
Hitori de toire ni itta no wa, yoku omoidasenai.
ひとりでトイレにいったことは、よくおもいだせない。
Hitori de toire ni itta koto wa, yoku omoidasenai.
It is frustrating that I cannot speak Japanese.
にほんごできないのが、くやしい。
Nihongo dekinai no ga, kuyashii.
にほんごできないことが、くやしい。
Nihongo dekinai koto ga, kuyashii.
Material things
の can used to turn clauses into nouns to describe material things that have a physical presence. This works for livings things too.
I want to eat sweet things.
あまいのがたべたい。
Amai no ga tabetai.
What I used to have is a dog.
むかしかっていたのは、いぬです。
Mukashi katte ita no wa, inu desu.
Time and place
の is used to turn clauses into nouns that describe when and where something will take place.
It is tomorrow that the suitcase will be delivered.
スーツケースがとどくのはあしたです。
Suutsukeesu o todoku no wa ashita desu.
It is in Tokyo that the next Olympics will be held.
つぎのオリンピックがかいさいさせるのはとうきょうだ。
Tsugi no orinpikku ga kaisai saseru no wa toukyou da.
Yamanashi is where I was born.
うまれたのはやまなしです。
Umareta no wa Yamanashi desu.
Reason
の can be used to state a reason, especially if the sentence is to explain or ask for a reason.
Why I want to live in Tokyo is because I want to learn Japanese.
とうきょうにすみたいのは、にほんごのべんきょうしたいからです。
Toukyou ni sumitai no wa, nihongo no benkyou shitai kara desu.
Why did you think that?
そうおもったのは、なぜですか？
Sou omotta no wa, naze desu ka?
の for listing
の can be used to list a couple of things that contrast with each other, or for things that are similar.
We argued about whether to go to a restaurant or not.
レストランにいくのいかないのでもめた。
Resutoran ni iku no ikanai no demometa.
For nouns and な-adjectives, you need to add だ.
I am busy with things like studying for exams and club activities.
テストべんきょうだのぶかつだのでいそがしいよ。
Tesuto benkyou da no bukatsu da no de isogashii yo.
As you can see, in Japanese, many words will be versatile, a bit like the verb です, that can be used in many sentences to convey a certain meaning.
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Use of the expression さすが
さすが is an expression that conveys a meaning of inevitability. We use this expression when something lives up to our expectations.
It is only natural that A5 wagyu is delicious.
A5わぎゅうはさすがにおいしいです。
A5 wagyuu wa sasuga ni oishii desu.
Here, it is inevitable that wagyu is delicious. A5 wagyu is known for its deliciousness and quality, thus, it only means that it would be delicious.
However, さすが can also be used in some contradictory statements. Let's say you left the wagyu for too long on the counter and now it has begun the rotting process.
Despite being A5 wagyu, it will not be delicious now.
A5わぎゅうだけど、さすがにおいしくない。
A5 wagyuu da kedo, sasuga ni oishikunai.
Since the meat is not good anymore, it is only natural that it won't be delicious anymore. The taste of wagyu goes against normal expectation, because the meat is now spoiled.
さすが can also be used to give compliments. When it is at the end of a sentence, it is an adjective that implies the subject is impressive in a way that is expected.
Your shot is rather impressive, Mr. Kinomoto.
きのもとさんのショットはさすがですね。
Kinomoto-san no shotto wa sasuga desu ne.
It means that you expected no less in Mr. Kinomoto for hos shot.
You can make it into the past as well by conjugating the verb です.
Since さすが is used to show our admiration, we cannot really put it in the negative.
Mr. Kinomoto's shot is not impressive.
X きのもとさんのショットはさすがじゃない。
X Kinomoto-san no shotto wa sasuga janai.
You would use other adjectives.
Kinomoto's shot is not really impressive.
きのもとさんのショットはそんなにすごくない。
Kinomoto-san no shotto wa sonna ni sugokunai.
The only time you will see さすが in the negative is when you say things like 'isn't it impressive?' or when you deny that your shot is impressive.
Isn't it impressive?
さすがじゃないか？
Sasuga janai ka?
No no, it is not impressive at all.
いやいや、ぜんぜんさすがじゃないよ。
Iyaiya, zenzen sasuga janai yo.
In Japanese, always deny compliments. I know in the Western world we have a tendency of saying 'thank you' when we receive a compliment. In Japan, we deny compliments by saying 'no, not at all' to show modesty. If you respond to a compliment by a 'thank you', you will sound a bit rude.
Among friends, you could perhaps say 'thank you' when receiving a compliment. It all depends on the circumstances. Let's say you have been feeling depressed recently, and your friend delivers a speech to you, saying that they will always be there for you since you are a great friend, you can say 'thank you' for their kind words.
さすが（は）for compliments
さすが can come at the beginning of a sentence and can sometimes take the particle は. This is when さすが（は）will mean 'I expected nothing less...'
I expected nothing less of a professional.
さすが（は）プロですね。
Sasuga (wa) puro desu ne.
We can also minimalize this.
I expected nothing less coming from Sakura.
さすがさくらちゃん！
Sasuga Sakura-chan!
This sentence can also mean 'you don't disappoint, Sakura'.
さすがの for compliments and contradictions
When さすがの precedes a noun, this noun becomes an ability or a skill.
That was quite the singing ability!
さすがのかしょうりょくでした！
Sasuga no kashou ryoku deshita!
Be careful with this expression! It won't work with the word かしゅ if you want to compliment someone about being a professional singer. You will use さすがは instead.
Xさすがのかしゅ
Oさすがはかしゅ
When さすがの is used for contradictions, it appears immediately before something that failed to fulfil our expectations due to a specific reason. Let's take our example again of the wagyu you spoiled from earlier.
It's inevitable that even a A5 wagyu, if it is rotten, it's not going to be good.
さすがのA5わぎゅうも、くさっていれば、おいしくない。
Sasuga no A5 wagyuu mo, kusatte ireba, oishikunai.
さすがに as an adverb
If you add に after さすが, you can turn it into an adverb.
It is natural that my little sister is good with kids.
いもうとはさすがにこどものあつかいがじょうずだ。
Imouto wa sasuga ni kodomo no atsukai ga jouzu da.
In this sentence, there is something that leads us to expect that she is great with kids. Perhaps she has a fun personality or she had hands-on experience with children before.
だけある is often paired with さすが to mark nouns, adjectives and clauses showing that these are attributes or causes that naturally lead to what we would expect.
With a noun and な-adjectives, it will take な.
I can really tell you are an interpreter.
さすがはつうやくなだけある。
Sasuga wa tsuuyaku na dake aru.
It's only natural, given how gifted you are.
さすがにてんさいなだけある。
Sasuga ni tensaina dake aru.
It really shows you lived in China.
さすがはちゅうごくにすんでいただけある。
Sasuga wa chuugoku ni sundeita dake aru.
Now, I think it is necessary for me to explain the difference between さすが and やはり (やっぱり in its casual form). These two words tend to be translated the same way. やっぱり will often be translated as 'as I expected', so they are rather close.
However, やっぱり does not have this inevitable feel that さすが has. やはり (やっぱり) has more of a feel of 'after all'.
I won this game after all.
やっぱりこのゲームをかちました。
Yappari kono geemu o kachimashita.
If you play outside without wearing a coat, you will definitely catch a cold.
コートをきずにそとであそびたら、やっぱりかぜをひく。
Kooto o kizu ni soto de asobitara, yappari kaze o hiku.
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Use of はず
はず, coupled with the verb です (or だ) can be translated as 'should' or rather as something that you expect to happen.
VERB (casual) + はずです
い-ADJ + はずです
な-ADJ + はずです
NOUN + のはずです
It should be simple!
かんたんなはずだよ！
Kantanna hazu da yo!
The meaning of はず will change depending on the verb tense that precedes it and the verb tense of です (or だ for casual speech). Let's see the differences using だ.
Base form + はずだ - should be
Neg. causal form + はずだ - shouldn't be
Base form + はずがない - is unlikely to be
Neg. casual form + はずがない - is unlikely not to be
Base form + はずだった - should have been
Base form + はずではなかった - shouldn't have been
Past tense - た + はずだ - should have been
Let's see some examples to really grasp how this expression is used!
Anyone should pass this exam if they study hard.
これだけべんきょうすれば、だれでもしけんにうかるはずだ。
Koredake benkyou sureba, daredemo shiken ni ukaru hazu da.
In this sentence, passing the exam if you studied hard enough should be obvious or attainable. It is expected of you to pass if you studied hard enough.
The translation is not always expressed with the modal verb 'should' or 'to expect' however. Nonetheless, it gives a feeling that the speaker expects the indicated result to be something that will most likely be achieved.
Take this example for instance:
あのドレスはこうかなはずだ。
Ano doresu wa koukana hazu da.
We cannot translate this sentence as 'this dress should be expensive', but rather 'this dress must be expensive'. In this case, you are looking at a very chic dress and you are expecting the price to be high. You can thus translate the sentence as 'I am sure this dress is expensive'.
There are many ways to translate sentences in Japanese, that is one of the reasons why my former students found Japanese to be difficult. However, if you know the different feelings that a sentence can convey in Japanese, you should be able to get the hang of it.
For instance, we already viewed what 'must' is in Japanese. You remember なかればなりません? It means 'must' as in 'I must do my homework'. Thus, in this sentence, 'this dress must be expensive', you wouldn't be able to use なかればなりません, because the 'must' in this sentence is not an indication of 'must do something' or 'must be something' but rather it is an indication that you expect the dress to be expensive. Does that make sense?
I will try my best to translate really what every sentence conveys in Japanese so to not confuse you even more. But keep in mind that this is really difficult to do, because, as you probably have noticed by now, Japanese is a very nuanced language compared to English. Not all 'must' means the same thing, not all 'should' means the same thing, etc. So, in other words, you should be able to see the different meanings of 'must' or 'should' in your own language in order to know how to translate a sentence in Japanese.
The exam should be tomorrow.
しけんはあしたのはずです。
Shiken wa ashita no hazu desu.
In this case, let's say you just reviewed what you learned throughout the year. You are, thus, expecting the exam to be tomorrow.
はずがない means 'to not expect something' or 'should not'. You can also use はずがありません for the polite form.
This would never work.
そんなやりかたでうまくいくはずがない。
Sonna yarikata de umaku iku hazu ga nai.
In this sentence, I mean that I don't expect a job done in this manner to work.
はずだった, on the other hand, is used to express that something did not turn out as expected.
I was supposed to meet him yesterday.
かれとはきのう、あうはずだった。
Kare to wa kinou, au hazu datta.
In this case, you should have met with someone yesterday, but you didn't.
Finally, the form 〜たはずだ means that you are sure that something has actually happened in the past.
He should have arrived yesterday.
きのう、かれはここにきたはずだ。
Kinou, kare wa koko ni kita hazu da.
In this case, you expect that he has arrived yesterday. It shows that you expect something to have happened, regardless of whether the fact actually happened in reality.
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You have completed lesson 27!
レッシュン27ができた！