Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 2: 17/22

ものだ

Supposed to, Should, That's the way it is

Structure

Verb + もの(1) + (2)
[い]Adjective + もの(1) + (2)
[な]Adjective + + もの(1) + (2)

(1) もん
(2) ではないじゃない

Details

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About ものだ

もの (or (もの) in its kanji form) is classified as a 形式名詞(けいしきめいし) (dummy noun) in Japanese. This just means a noun that is used in a similar way to 'thing' in English. もの regularly refers to things that do not have their own name, or are difficult to name due to their complexity. When もの is combined with the auxiliary verb , it implies that the previously mentioned (A) is something that 'is what it is'. This is often used in relation to customs, conventions, common sense, or to highlight results that would naturally be expected in any given situation.
To use ものだ, attach it to the end of the attributive form of any word/word that ends a phrase that you would like to highlight as being an obvious piece of information.
  • 仕事(しごと)一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい)するものだ
    Work is something you should put all your effort into.
  • ユウキ自分(じぶん)からプラン()てる(めずら)しいものだ
    It is rare for Yuki to plan something out on his own.
  • こどもは元気(げんき)ものだ
    Kids should be energetic. (Man, kids are energetic)
ものだ as 'supposed to', or 'the way it is' can also be used to negate a phrase, and say that it is 'something that isn't expected', or 'shouldn't be the case'. To do this, will be replaced with ではない, or じゃない.
  • 人生(じんせい)そんなに簡単(かんたん)(もの)ではない。
    Life is not something that is easy.
  • 家族(かぞく)()てるものじゃない。
    Family is not something you should throw away.
Caution
もの may sometimes be abbreviated as もん. This is far more common in spoken language, and can make the statement sound a bit more casual overall.
  • 東大(とうだい)(はい)れた(たい)したもんだ。
    You were able to get into Tokyo University? That is impressive.
  • ゴミ(みち)()てるもんじゃない!
    You should not throw garbage on the street!

Examples

  • ケーキ(あま)ものだ。

    Cake is supposed to be sweet.

  • 仕事(しごと)自分(じぶん)から(すす)んでするもの

    Work is something you should do proactively.

  • (おや)親切(しんせつ)もの

    Parents are supposed to be kind.

  • ()(もの)はムダにする(もの)じゃないよ!

    You shouldn't waste food!

  • ()きるのは大変(たいへん)だ。人生(じんせい)とはそういうものだ

    Life is tough. That is just what life is.

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ものだ – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (5 in total)

  • Kawazoe

    Kawazoe

    Ah, so that’s what it was!
    Phew…
    I was really worrying that I cannot get the variety of meanings of this point
    Thank you for looking into it

  • Ambo100

    Ambo100

  • Charlesjh

    Charlesjh

    WHat is the difference between this and はずだ

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