N2Evaluation & State

V/Adj/N (plain) + だけ（のことは）ある *Adj-na + な / N (no 'da')

Q: Is "Using "dake ni" instead of "dake no koto wa"" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use "dake no koto wa" to indicate that something is no wonder.". The correct pattern is "V/Adj/N (plain) + だけ（のことは）ある *Adj-na + な / N (no 'da')", not "V/Adj/N (plain) + だけに (dake ni)".

Q: Is "Using "dake atte" instead of "dake no koto wa"" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use "dake no koto wa" to indicate that something is no wonder.". The correct pattern is "V/Adj/N (plain) + だけ（のことは）ある *Adj-na + な / N (no 'da')", not "V/Adj/N (plain) + だけって (dake atte)".

Q: Is "Using the wrong verb form" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the plain form of the verb or adjective.". The correct pattern requires the plain form of the verb or adjective, not the polite or negative form.

No wonder; it's worth it

Definition

Meaning

This grammar pattern is used to praise someone or something, indicating that the high quality or positive result is exactly what one would expect from the effort or reputation mentioned. It emphasizes that the outcome is no wonder, given the circumstances. For example, if someone has spent 10 years living in Spain, it's no wonder they are fluent in Spanish. This pattern is often used to express admiration or surprise at someone's skills or achievements.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
plain form of a verb or adjective	V/Adj/N (plain) + だけ（のことは）ある *Adj-na + な / N (no 'da')	彼は10年もスペインに住んでいたことのことは、スペイン語がペラペラだ。
plain form of a noun	N (plain) + だけ（のことは）ある *Adj-na + な / N (no 'da')	このバッグは高かったが、使いやすくて、高い品質だ。
plain form of an adjective	Adj (plain) + だけ（のことは）ある *Adj-na + な / N (no 'da')	さすがにプロが作った作品のことは、芸術的なデザインだ。

Examples

Example Sentences

彼は10年もスペインに住んでいたことのことは、スペイン語がペラペラだ。

Kare wa 10-nen mo hishō ni sumande ita koto no koto wa, hishōgo ga peraperada.

It's no wonder he's fluent in Spanish, given that he's lived in Spain for 10 years.

彼は10年もスペインに住んでいた (he lived in Spain for 10 years) + ことのことは (it's no wonder) + スペイン語がペラペラだ (he's fluent in Spanish)

さすがにプロが作った作品のことは、芸術的なデザインだ。

Sasuga ni puro ga tsukutta sakuhin no koto wa, geijutsuteki na dezain da.

It's no wonder the artwork is so artistic, given that it was created by a professional.

さすがに (it's no wonder) + プロが作った (created by a professional) + 作品のことは (it's no wonder) + 芸術的なデザインだ (it's artistic)

このバッグは高かったが、使いやすくて、高い品質だ。

Kono baggu wa takakatta ga, tsukaikarashite, takai hinshitsu da.

It's no wonder the bag is of high quality, given that it's easy to use and expensive.

このバッグは (this bag) + 高かったが (it's expensive) + 使いやすくて (it's easy to use) + 高い品質だ (it's of high quality)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to express admiration or surprise at someone's skills or achievements. It's often used in formal or polite language. Be careful not to confuse it with other patterns that use the word "dake", such as "dake ni" or "dake atte".

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using "dake ni" instead of "dake no koto wa"

Use "dake no koto wa" to indicate that something is no wonder.

The correct pattern is "V/Adj/N (plain) + だけ（のことは）ある *Adj-na + な / N (no 'da')", not "V/Adj/N (plain) + だけに (dake ni)".

Using "dake atte" instead of "dake no koto wa"

Use "dake no koto wa" to indicate that something is no wonder.

The correct pattern is "V/Adj/N (plain) + だけ（のことは）ある *Adj-na + な / N (no 'da')", not "V/Adj/N (plain) + だけって (dake atte)".

Using the wrong verb form

Use the plain form of the verb or adjective.

The correct pattern requires the plain form of the verb or adjective, not the polite or negative form.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

Pay attention to the context and the word order. The pattern is often used to express admiration or surprise, so look for words that indicate a high level of skill or achievement. Be careful not to confuse it with other patterns that use the word "dake".

In context