Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 8: 6/22

ものか

Definitely not, Absolutely not, Impossible, Do you really think~?

Structure

Verb[る]+ もの(1) +
[い]Adjective + もの(1) +
[な]Adjective + + もの(1) +
Noun + + もの(1) +

(1) もん

Details

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About ものか

ものか is a set expression in Japanese that is used to strongly suggest that the previous statement absolutely will not happen, or is definitely not true. It is a combination of the noun もの 'thing', and the adverbial particle use of か for conveying 'doubt' or 'uncertainty'. Common translations include 'definitely not (A)', 'absolutely not (A)', and 'do you really think that (A)'. Literally, the meaning is quite close to 'as if' in English, as ものか just poses a strong question to which the speaker already completely disagrees with.

ものか may appear after any word that could attach to もの, such as a verbs and い-Adjectives, or な-Adjectives and nouns followed by な.

Other forms which may be seen are もんか, もんですか, and ものですか, with women being more traditionally likely to use the もんですか and ものですか variants.

Additionally, when following the た form of verbs, ものか will imply that the speaker cannot bear for (A) to eventuate, due to evaluating it as something highly negative.

Caution

There are several other situations in where ものか will be used, but in each of them it may be easiest to think of the primary translation as being 'as if (A)', as it merely implies the speakers shock or disbelief in relation to whatever conditions are presented in the previous statement. These 'conditions' may involve an amount, possibility, or result of (A).

Examples

--:--

    あんなひどいこと()われたんだ。平気(へいき)なものか

    Such a terrible thing was said. It is impossible to be calm.

    (かれ)皮肉(ひにく)なんて()ものか。そういう(やつ)じゃない。

    He absolutely will not use sarcasm. He is not that kind of a person.

    そんな(やす)っぽい言葉(ことば)(こころ)(ひび)ものか

    Such insignificant wording absolutely will not make an impression.

    それくらいの研究(けんきゅう)理解(りかい)など(ふか)まるものか

    Research to that degree absolutely will not deepen understanding.

    あの(やま)噴火(ふんか)するものか。あれは火山(かざん)じゃない。

    That mountain absolutely will not erupt. It is not a volcano.

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