JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
I heard that... / It means that...
Category: Hearsay and Information
The grammar pattern "普通形 + ということだ" is used to convey information heard from a source or to rephrase/summarize a situation. It is often paired with sources like '〜によると' or '〜では' in hearsay. This pattern is used to report objective information, not personal intentions or general social truths. It is essential to use the correct verb form and nuance to convey the intended meaning.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present tense (普通形) | 普通形 + ということだ | 私は、天気予報によると、今年の冬は例年より寒くなるということだ。 |
| Past tense (過去形) | 過去形 + ということだ | 私は、昨日のニュースによると、事故が起こったということだ。 |
| Potential tense (可能形) | 可能形 + ということだ | 私は、メールによると、田中さんは来週の会議に出席できないということだ。 |
私は、天気予報によると、今年の冬は例年より寒くなるということだ。
Watashi wa, tenki yohou ni yotte, kyonen no fuyu wa reiyouni samuku naru to iu koto da.
I heard that this winter will be colder than usual according to the weather forecast.
私は (I heard) + 天気予報によると (according to the weather forecast) + 今年の冬は (this winter) + 例年より (than usual) + 寒くなる (will be colder) + ということだ (it means that)
不合格だったということは、努力が足りなかったということだ。
Fukugouka shita to iu koto wa, doryoku ga tarinakatta to iu koto da.
Not passing the exam means that I didn't put in enough effort.
不合格だった (not passing the exam) + ということは (it means that) + 努力が足りなかった (didn't put in enough effort) + ということだ (it means that)
メールによると、田中さんは来週の会議に出席できないということだ。
Mēru ni yotte, Tanaka-san wa raishuu no kaigi ni shussekinai to iu koto da.
According to the email, Tanaka-san won't be able to attend the meeting next week.
メールによると (according to the email) + 田中さんは (Tanaka-san) + 来週の会議に出席できない (won't be able to attend the meeting next week) + ということだ (it means that)
This pattern is used to report objective information, not personal intentions or general social truths. It is essential to use the correct verb form and nuance to convey the intended meaning. This pattern is often paired with sources like '〜によると' or '〜では' in hearsay.
This pattern is used to report objective information, not personal intentions. Using it for personal intentions can lead to misunderstandings.
This pattern is used to report objective information, not personal habits. Confusing the two can lead to incorrect interpretations.
This pattern is used to report specific information, not general social truths. Confusing the two can lead to incorrect interpretations.
Pay attention to the verb form and nuance used in the sentence. Make sure to use the correct pattern to convey the intended meaning. Practice using this pattern in different contexts to improve your understanding.
天気予報によると、今年の冬は例年より寒くなる______。
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