Search pages and navigate
It is truly; that's what you call; it's natural that
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-dictionary / Na-adj / N + というものだ" is used to express a general truth or the speaker's strong judgment about the nature of something. It often identifies the essence of a situation, implying that it is natural or inherent. This pattern is often used to describe a universal principle or a characteristic that is commonly accepted. The speaker's tone can be one of conviction, emphasizing the truth or inevitability of the situation. For example, "困った時に助け合うのが、本当の友人だ" implies that helping each other in times of trouble is the true nature of friendship.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-dictionary | V-dictionary + Na-adj + N + というものだ | 困る + 本当の + 友人 + というものだ |
| Na-adj | Na-adj + N + というものだ | 本当の + 友人 + というものだ |
| N | N + というものだ | 友人 + というものだ |
Examples
困った時に助け合うのが、本当の友人だ
ayatsurareta toki ni tasukau no ga, hontou no tomodachi da
It's natural that true friends help each other in times of trouble.
困った (troubled), 時間 (time), 助け合う (help each other), 本当の (true), 友人 (friend)
今日中にこれを全部一人でやれというのは、無理だ
kyou ni niwa kore o subete hitori de yare toiu no wa, muri da
It's natural that it's impossible to do everything by oneself today.
今日中に (today), 全部 (all), 一人で (by oneself), やれ (do it), 無理 (impossible)
自分勝手な行動で周りに迷惑をかけるのは、無責任だ
jibun shitei na koudou de shūnai ni meiwaku o kakete iru no wa, mushi sekinin da
It's natural that being selfish and causing trouble for others is irresponsible.
自分勝手 (selfish), 行動 (action), 周りに (others), 迷惑 (trouble), 無責任 (irresponsible)
この国では、英語を話すのが、普通だ
kono kuni de wa, eigo o hanasu no ga, futsuu da
It's natural that speaking English is common in this country.
この国 (this country), 英語 (English),話す (speak), 普通 (common)
Context
This pattern is used to express a general truth or a universal principle. It is often used in formal or written language. The speaker's tone can be one of conviction or emphasis. This pattern can be compared to "～ものだ" which is used to express a broad social norm or convention. However, "～ものだ" often implies a sense of obligation or expectation, whereas "V-dictionary / Na-adj / N + というものだ" emphasizes the natural or inherent nature of the situation.
Watch out
The key difference between the two patterns is the presence of "～ではない" which indicates denial or negation. In contrast, "～というものだ" emphasizes the truth or naturalness of the situation.
While both patterns express a general truth or convention, "～ものだ" often implies a sense of obligation or expectation, whereas "V-dictionary / Na-adj / N + というものだ" emphasizes the natural or inherent nature of the situation.
The correct formation of this pattern is V-dictionary / Na-adj / N + というものだ, without the particle 'da' before 'to iu'.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, pay attention to the context and the speaker's tone. Emphasize the natural or inherent nature of the situation, and avoid confusing it with other patterns such as ～というものではない or ～ものだ.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-dictionary / Na-adj / N + というものだ used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
困った時に助け合うのが、本当の友人というものだ。
Pattern used: というものだ
Defines the essential quality of a true friend.
今日中にこれを全部一人でやれというのは、無理というものだ。
Pattern used: というものだ
The speaker judges the request as being inherently impossible/unreasonable.
自分勝手な行動で周りに迷惑をかけるのは、無責任というものだ。
Pattern used: というものだ
Labels the behavior as being definitively irresponsible.
Interactive
困った時に助け合うのが、本当の友人______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.