BackGrammar JLPT Level N3 - Lesson 3
Structure of 事(こと)だ:
Verb［る］ + こと + だ
Verb［ない］ + こと + だ
Details about 事(こと)だ:
As a sentence ending particle, こと has two primary functions. These are as follows:
願望や軽い命令を表す - Highlighting a desire or weak command.
感嘆や疑問を表す - Highlighting astonishment or doubt.
We will focus on the first meaning in this grammar point, as the 'astonishment' nuance is not as commonly used in modern Japanese, and is primarily used only by women.
At the end of a sentence, こと will be paired with the dictionary (or ない) form of a verb, to highlight a particular action that either should, or should not occur. It is usually grouped with the auxiliary verb だ, although this is not always the case. This construction is most often translated as 'should/should not (A)', or 'ought to/not (A)'.
願望や軽い命令を表す - Highlighting a desire or weak command.
感嘆や疑問を表す - Highlighting astonishment or doubt.
We will focus on the first meaning in this grammar point, as the 'astonishment' nuance is not as commonly used in modern Japanese, and is primarily used only by women.
At the end of a sentence, こと will be paired with the dictionary (or ない) form of a verb, to highlight a particular action that either should, or should not occur. It is usually grouped with the auxiliary verb だ, although this is not always the case. This construction is most often translated as 'should/should not (A)', or 'ought to/not (A)'.
- 面倒くさくても朝ご飯を食べることだ。Even though it might be a pain, you should eat breakfast.
- 明日の朝8時から試験が始まる。何があっても、時間通りに来ることだ。みんな、分かったか。The exams will begin tomorrow at 8 am. No matter what happens, you should come on time. Understood?
- どんなに疲れていても諦めないことだ。You should not give up, no matter how tired you are.
- 怪我をしたら、我慢をしないことだ。すぐ責任者に報告するように。If you get hurt, you shouldn't just suffer in silence. Immediately call your supervisor.
事(こと)だ
Usage Notes for 事(こと)だ:
This use of こと implies a certain level of 'authority', and is therefore regularly used in relation to set rules and expectations (can very frequently be seen on signs in shops/parks, etc). Due to this, it should not be used when giving 'general' advice, especially to people of higher status.
- 先輩、後輩はもっと大切にすることだ。Senpai you should treat your kouhai with great care.
Synonyms for 事(こと)だ:
たほうがいい
It'd be better to, Should do
なければならない
Must do, Have to do
べき
Must, Should , Ought to
ものだ
Supposed to, Should, That's the way it is
ばいい
Can, Should, It'd be good if
わけだ
For that reason, No wonder, As you'd expect, Naturally, Thus, This is why
ないほうがいい
It'd be better not to, Shouldn't do
べきではない
Should not, Must not , Ought not to
てはならない
Must not, Cannot, Should not
ことはない
There is no need to, Never happens
Example of 事(こと)だ
明日は大切な試合があるから、練習をすることだ。
Because there is an important game tomorrow, you should practice.
生徒は、先生に従うことだ。
Students should obey their teachers.
大事なのは医者からもらった薬を飲むことだ。
What is important, is that you should take the medicine the doctor gave you.
まずはやってみることだ。改善点が見えてくるから。
You ought to try it first because you'll find out what needs to be improved.
覚えたらすぐにしゃべってみることだ。上達するから。
As soon as you memorize something, you ought to say it out loud. If you do that, you will get better.
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