N3Hearsay and Information

普通形 + んだって (Na/N + なんだって)

Q: Is "Using it in formal contexts" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use formal language instead". This pattern is too casual for formal contexts, so use formal language to convey the same message.

Q: Is "Forgetting to use 'な' for Nouns/Na-adjectives" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'な' for Nouns/Na-adjectives". Forgetting to use 'な' for Nouns/Na-adjectives can change the meaning of the sentence, so make sure to use it correctly.

Q: Is "Confusing with 'んだよ' (telling someone a fact you know)" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'んだよ' for facts you know". While both patterns are used to convey information, 'んだよ' is used to tell someone a fact you know, whereas 'んだって' is used to express hearsay or information in a casual tone.

I heard that... (casual emphasis)

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "普通形 + んだって (Na/N + なんだって)" is used to express hearsay or information in a casual tone, often implying that the information is surprising or interesting. It combines the explanatory 'ん' with hearsay 'だって', making it sound more conversational. This pattern is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used to express a range of emotions, from surprise to excitement.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Na-adjective	普通形 + んだって	おいしいんだって
Noun	普通形 + な + んだって	東京に行くんだって
Na-adjective (with ない)	普通形 + ない + んだって	知らないんだって

Examples

Example Sentences

あの二人、来月結婚するんだって。知ってた?

ano futari, raigetsu kesshoku suru nanda tte. shitte ta?

I heard that those two are getting married next month. I knew that!

あの二人 (those two), 来月結婚する (getting married next month), んだって (I heard that), 知ってた (I knew that)

彼女、犬が嫌いんだって。意外だね。

kanojo, inu ga kirai nanda tte. igai da ne.

I heard that she doesn't like dogs. That's unexpected!

彼女 (she), 犬が嫌い (doesn't like dogs), んだって (I heard that), 意外だね (That's unexpected)

あそこのケーキ、すごく美味しいんだって。今度行ってみようよ。

asoko no kēki, sugoku oishii nanda tte. kondo itte mi you yo.

I heard that the cake at that place is really delicious. Let's go try it next time!

あそこのケーキ (the cake at that place), すごく美味しい (really delicious), んだって (I heard that), 今度行ってみようよ (Let's go try it next time)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is commonly used in everyday conversations to express hearsay or information in a casual tone. It's not suitable for formal contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with "んだよ" (telling someone a fact you know), as the nuance is different.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using it in formal contexts

Use formal language instead

This pattern is too casual for formal contexts, so use formal language to convey the same message.

Forgetting to use 'な' for Nouns/Na-adjectives

Use 'な' for Nouns/Na-adjectives

Forgetting to use 'な' for Nouns/Na-adjectives can change the meaning of the sentence, so make sure to use it correctly.

Confusing with 'んだよ' (telling someone a fact you know)

Use 'んだよ' for facts you know

While both patterns are used to convey information, 'んだよ' is used to tell someone a fact you know, whereas 'んだって' is used to express hearsay or information in a casual tone.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When answering JLPT N3 questions, pay attention to the context and the nuance of the sentence. If the sentence is in a casual tone, look for the 'んだって' pattern. Also, be careful not to confuse it with other patterns, such as 'んだよ'.

In context