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Should; naturally; used to (social norms/nostalgia)
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-dictionary / V-nai + ものだ" is used to express general social expectations, common sense, or a feeling of 'that's how things are.' It can also be used to express nostalgic memories with the past tense. This pattern is often used to describe situations or behaviors that are considered normal or expected in a particular context. For example, it can be used to describe how people typically behave in a certain situation or how things are usually done. The pattern can also be used to express a sense of nostalgia or reminiscence about the past.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form | V-dictionary + ものだ | 食べるものだ |
| Nai form | V-nai + ものだ | 飲まないものだ |
| Past tense | V-dictionary / V-nai + ものだ (past tense) | 食べたものだ |
Examples
目上の人には敬語を使うものだ
Mekete no hito ni wa keigo o tsukau mo no da
It's only natural that people in a higher position use polite language.
目上の人 (people in a higher position), 敬語を使う (use polite language)
子供は外で元気に遊ぶものだ
Kodomo wa soto de genki ni asobu mo no da
It's only natural that children play energetically outside.
子供 (children), 外で (outside), 元気に (energetically), 遊ぶ (play)
学生時代はよく友達と朝まで飲んだものだ
Gakusei jidai wa yoku tomodachi to asa made nomu mo no da
It's only natural that we drank until morning with our friends during our student days.
学生時代 (student days), よく (often), 友達と (with friends), 朝まで (until morning), 飲んだ (drank)
昔はよく朝から夜まで勉強したものだ
Mukashi wa yoku asa kara yoru made benkyou shita mo no da
It's only natural that we studied from morning to night back in the old days.
昔 (back in the old days), よく (often), 朝から (from morning), 夜まで (until night), 勉強した (studied)
Context
This pattern is used to express general social expectations or common sense. It can also be used to express nostalgic memories with the past tense. The pattern is often used in formal or polite language. It can be confused with the pattern "～ことだ" which is used to give personal advice, or the pattern "～ものか" which is used to express denial.
Watch out
～ことだ is used to give personal advice, whereas ～ものだ is used to express general social expectations or common sense.
～ものか is used to express denial, whereas ～ものだ is used to express general social expectations or common sense.
The pattern can be used to express either social norms or nostalgic memories, but it's essential to use it in the correct context.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use it in the correct context and avoid confusing it with other patterns. Pay attention to the verb form and the tense used.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-dictionary / V-nai + ものだ used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
目上の人には敬語を使うものだ。
Pattern used: ものだ
Expresses a general social norm that everyone is expected to follow.
子供は外で元気に遊ぶものだ。
Pattern used: ものだ
Describes the 'natural' or expected state/behavior of children.
学生時代はよく友達と朝まで飲んだものだ。
Pattern used: ものだ
Uses the past tense form to express a nostalgic memory of a recurring habit.
Interactive
目上の人には敬語を使う______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.