JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
Search pages and navigate
· Intermediate
I heard that... / (topic marker)
Category: Hearsay and Information
The grammar pattern "普通形 + って" is used to express hearsay or information that is not directly known. It is often used in casual speech to convey that the speaker has heard something from someone else, but may not be entirely sure about its accuracy. This pattern can replace "と" (quotation), "と言っている" (hearsay), or "は" (topic marker) in certain situations. It is commonly used to end a sentence, especially in informal conversations. However, it is generally not suitable for formal writing or when speaking to a superior, as it can come across as casual or unprofessional.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| テ form (te form) | 普通形 + って | 聞いたって |
| ナ form (na form) | 普通形 + だって | 暇だって |
| タ form (ta form) | 普通形 + ったって | 行ったって |
佐藤さん、今日は風邪でお休みって。
Satou-san, kyou wa kazehade o yasumi tte.
Mr. Satou is taking a sick day.
佐藤さん (Mr. Satou), 今日は (today), 風邪で (with a cold), お休み (taking a sick day), って (hearsay)
彼、結婚するんだって。
Kare, kekkon suru ndatte.
He's getting married.
彼 (he), 結婚する (getting married), んだ (polite form), って (hearsay)
明日のテスト、すごく難しいって。勉強した?
Ashita no tesuto, sugoku muzukashitte. Benkyou shita?
Tomorrow's test is really difficult. Did you study?
明日のテスト (tomorrow's test), すごく難しい (really difficult), って (hearsay), 勉強した (studied)
彼、来週に来るんだって。
Kare, raishuu ni kuru ndatte.
He's coming next week.
彼 (he), 来週に (next week), 来る (coming), んだ (polite form), って (hearsay)
This pattern is commonly used in casual speech to convey hearsay or information that is not directly known. It is often used to end a sentence, especially in informal conversations. However, it is generally not suitable for formal writing or when speaking to a superior, as it can come across as casual or unprofessional.
Using 'って' in formal writing or to a superior can come across as casual or unprofessional.
Failing to add 'だ' before 'って' can result in incorrect grammar.
Using the wrong type of 'って' can change the meaning of the sentence.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, be careful to use it correctly in context. Pay attention to the tone and register of the sentence, and make sure to use the correct type of 'って' (topic or hearsay).
佐藤さん、今日は風邪でお休み______。
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.