Grammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 7
Structure of こと:
Verb + こと
Details about こと:
In a very similar way to のは, こと is used in Japanese for nominalization (creating a noun-like phrase). However, unlike のは, which is a combination of two particles, こと is a noun. To use こと, just add it to the end of a verb in its dictionary form.
こと (or 事 in its kanji form) is a noun that is often translated as 'thing', and in this way, literally means 'the thing that is (A)' when used for nominalization.
Although this lesson discusses こと pairing with the dictionary form of verbs, it can actually pair with any standard verb form. Standard form just means anything that does not finish with the polite ます.
こと (or 事 in its kanji form) is a noun that is often translated as 'thing', and in this way, literally means 'the thing that is (A)' when used for nominalization.
- 近所の迷惑になることをしてはいけない。You should not do things that will cause annoyance to your neighbors. (That which is 'causing a problem in the neighborhood')
- ファックスをすることが嫌い。I dislike things like faxing. (That which is 'faxing')
- お金を使い過ぎないことが大事です。It is important to not use too much money. (That which is 'not using too much money')
Although this lesson discusses こと pairing with the dictionary form of verbs, it can actually pair with any standard verb form. Standard form just means anything that does not finish with the polite ます.
こと
Usage Notes for こと:
When a sentence (usually short) finishes with こと, it quite often has the nuance of being a rule, or command. This こと is not actually a noun, but a sentence ending particle.
- 1.クラスメイトをいじめないこと。1. Do not bully your classmates.
Synonyms for こと:
のがすき
Like doing, Love doing
の
Verb nominalizer, The one who..., That which...
ことなの
(A) is (Description of A), (A) means that (Description of A)
ということ
~ing, The ~ that ~ (Nominalization)
Example of こと
日本語を話すことは難しい。
Speaking Japanese is difficult.
スポーツをすることが好き。
I like playing sports.
ダンスをすることは楽しい。
Dancing is fun!
大きい声で喋らないこと。
Not talking loudly.
フォークじゃなくて、お箸を使うこと。
Not using a fork, using chopsticks.
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