JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
it is the rule/custom that
Category: Rules and Decisions
The grammar pattern "V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになっている" is used to describe rules, social customs, laws, or appointments that have been established by a group or society. It implies that the situation is fixed and expected to be followed. This pattern is often used in formal or official contexts, such as laws, school regulations, or social norms. It's essential to understand that this pattern is not used for simple future plans without a fixed appointment context.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form | V-dictionary + ことになっている | 法律で、20歳未満はお酒を飲むことが禁止になっている |
| Nai form | V-nai + ことになっている | 明日の朝、9時に駅で山田さんと会うことになっている |
| Other verb forms | Other verb forms + ことになっている | この部屋では靴を脱ぐことになっている |
法律で、20歳未満はお酒を飲むことが禁止になっている
Hōritsu de, 20-sai miman wa o-sake o nomu koto ga kinshi ni nattte iru
According to the law, people under 20 are not allowed to drink alcohol.
法律で (according to the law), 20歳未満 (people under 20), は (are), お酒を飲むことが (to drink alcohol), 禁止になっている (is not allowed)
明日の朝、9時に駅で山田さんと会うことになっている
Ashita no asa, 9-ji ni eki de Yamada-san to au koto ga nattte iru
I'm supposed to meet Yamada-san at the station at 9 am tomorrow morning.
明日の朝 (tomorrow morning), 9時に (at 9 am), 駅で (at the station), 山田さんと (with Yamada-san), 会うこと (to meet), なっている (is supposed to)
この部屋では靴を脱ぐことになっている
Kono heya de, kutsu o nagasu koto ga nattte iru
It's customary to take off your shoes in this room.
この部屋では (in this room), 靴を (shoes), 脱ぐこと (to take off), なっている (is customary)
This pattern is used in formal or official contexts, such as laws, school regulations, or social norms. It's essential to understand that this pattern is not used for simple future plans without a fixed appointment context. The dictionary form and nai form are commonly used in this pattern.
While 'shite iru' can be used to describe actions that are being done, it's not suitable for describing rules or regulations. 'V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになっている' is a more formal and suitable pattern for this context.
'Koto ni naru' focuses on the moment of decision, whereas 'V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになっている' describes a situation that is fixed and expected to be followed.
This pattern is not suitable for simple future plans without a fixed appointment context. It's essential to understand the context and use the correct pattern accordingly.
Pay attention to the context and use the correct pattern accordingly. Make sure to understand the difference between 'koto ni naru' and 'V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになっている'. Practice using this pattern in different contexts to improve your understanding.
法律で、20歳未満はお酒を______。
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