JLPT N2 Grammar
· Upper Intermediate
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· Upper Intermediate
Certainly not; as if; used to express strong denial
Category: Judgment & Opinion
The grammar pattern "V/A (ordinary form) + ものか / もんか" is used to express strong denial or skepticism in informal speech. It is often used to convey a sense of incredulity or astonishment, and can be translated to English as 'Certainly not' or 'As if'. This pattern is commonly used in casual conversations and is not suitable for formal speech or writing.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (plain form) | Verb + ものか / もんか | 食べる + ものか / もんか |
| Adjective (na-adjective form) | Adjective + なものか / なものんか | 失礼な + なものか / なものんか |
| Noun (plain form) | Noun + なものか / なものんか | 荷物 + なものか / なものんか |
あんな失礼な店、二度と食べるものか。
Anna shitsurei na ten, nidou to taberu monoka.
I'll certainly not go to that rude shop again.
あんな (such a), 失礼な (rude), 店 (shop), 二度と (not again), 食べる (to eat), ものか (certainly not)
彼が正直なものか。嘘ばかりついているじゃないか。
Kare ga seijitsu na mono ka. Uso bakari tsuite iru janai ka.
He's certainly not honest. He's always telling lies, isn't he?
彼が (he), 正直な (honest), ものか (certainly not), 嘘ばかり (always lies), ついている (telling), じゃないか (isn't he)
こんなに重い荷物、一人で持てるもんか。
Konna ni omoi kui nimotsu, hitori de moteru monka.
I'll certainly not be able to carry this heavy luggage by myself.
こんなに (such a), 重い (heavy), 荷物 (luggage), 一人 (by myself), で (to), 持てる (to carry), もんか (certainly not)
This pattern is used in informal speech and is not suitable for formal speech or writing. It is often used to express strong denial or skepticism, and can be used in casual conversations with friends or family. Be careful not to mix this pattern with ～ものだ (social norm/advice) or ～ことか (exclamatory).
This pattern is too casual and informal for formal speech or writing.
～ものだ is used to express social norms or advice, while this pattern is used to express strong denial or skepticism.
This pattern is too casual and informal for formal speech 'desu/masu'.
Be careful not to mix this pattern with other similar patterns, and make sure to use it in the correct context. Pay attention to the tone and register of the sentence, and choose the correct pattern accordingly.
あんな失礼な店、二度と______。
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