N3Characteristics and Emotions

Verb-plain + ものか / Adj + ものか / Noun + なものか

Q: Is "Using it in formal situations." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use more formal language or a different pattern.". This pattern is too casual for formal situations and may be considered impolite.

Q: Is "Confusing it with 'mono da' (they are opposites)." correct?

No. The correct form is "Pay attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence.". Both patterns are used to express a strong opinion, but they have opposite meanings.

Q: Is "Missing the 'na' for nouns/na-adjectives." correct?

No. The correct form is "Add the 'na' to the noun or na-adjective.". The 'na' is an essential part of the pattern and must be included for it to be grammatically correct.

definitely not / as if

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "Verb-plain + ものか / Adj + ものか / Noun + なものか" is a strong rhetorical negation used to express the speaker's firm determination not to do something or their strong disagreement. It is often used in casual conversations, especially among men, and is considered a forceful way of expressing one's opinion. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of certainty or conviction, and is often translated to English as 'definitely not' or 'as if'.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Verb-plain	Verb-plain + ものか	行くものか (I will never go)
Na-Adjective	Adj + ものか	正直なものか (It's definitely not honest)
Noun	Noun + なものか	難しいなものか (It's definitely not difficult)

Examples

Example Sentences

あんなひどい店、二度と行くものか

Anna hidoi ten, nidoto iku mo no ka

I will never go to that awful store again

あんなひどい店 (that awful store), 二度と (never again), 行くものか (I will never go)

彼が正直なものか。全部嘘ですよ。

Kare ga seijin na mo no ka. Zenbu uso desu yo.

He's definitely not honest. It's all a lie.

彼が (he), 正直なものか (He's definitely not honest), 全部 (all), 嘘ですよ (it's a lie)

あんな難しい問題、私にできるものか。

Anna muzukashii mondai, watashi ni dekiru mo no ka.

It's definitely not a difficult problem for me.

あんな難しい問題 (that difficult problem), 私に (for me), できるものか (It's definitely not difficult)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is often used in casual conversations, especially among men, and is considered a forceful way of expressing one's opinion. It is not suitable for formal situations. Be careful not to confuse it with "mono da" (they are opposites).

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using it in formal situations.

Use more formal language or a different pattern.

This pattern is too casual for formal situations and may be considered impolite.

Confusing it with 'mono da' (they are opposites).

Pay attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence.

Both patterns are used to express a strong opinion, but they have opposite meanings.

Missing the 'na' for nouns/na-adjectives.

Add the 'na' to the noun or na-adjective.

The 'na' is an essential part of the pattern and must be included for it to be grammatically correct.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, pay attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence. Make sure to use the correct form of the verb, na-adjective, or noun, and do not confuse it with other patterns.

In context