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March 19, 2025

Using 〜とおり in Japanese | My Language Classes

Understanding「〜とおり」 in Japanese

If you’re learning Japanese, you’ve probably come across the phrase 「〜とおり」 at some point. This grammar pattern is incredibly useful for expressing actions, instructions, and events happening “as expected,” “just as,” or “in the same way” as something else. Whether you’re following a recipe, describing an event, or giving precise instructions, 「〜とおり」 helps you communicate with accuracy and clarity.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
✅ The true meaning of 「〜とおり」 and why it’s so powerful
✅ How to use 「〜とおり」 correctly in everyday conversations
✅ Common mistakes learners make (and how to avoid them!)
✅ Real-life example sentences with Romaji, and English translations

By the end of this lesson, you’ll not only understand 「〜とおり」 perfectly, but you’ll also be able to use it naturally, just like a native speaker.

Let’s dive in!

Common Expressions Using 「〜とおり」

Now that you understand the basics of 「〜とおり」, let’s explore 10 useful expressions where this grammar pattern naturally appears. These phrases are commonly used in daily conversations, instructions, and even formal speech.

1. 思ったとおり (Omotta tōri) – Just as I thought

📌 Example:
🔹 思ったとおり、テストは難しかった。
🔹 Omotta tōri, tesuto wa muzukashikatta.
🔹 (Just as I thought, the test was difficult.)

2. 予想どおり (Yosō dōri) – As expected

📌 Example:
🔹 予想どおり、雨が降り始めた。
🔹 Yosō dōri, ame ga furi hajimeta.
🔹 (As expected, it started to rain.)

3. 指示どおり (Shiji dōri) – According to instructions

📌 Example:
🔹 先生の指示どおりに、宿題をしました。
🔹 Sensei no shiji dōri ni, shukudai o shimashita.
🔹 (I did my homework according to the teacher’s instructions.)

4. 予定どおり (Yotei dōri) – As planned

📌 Example:
🔹 旅行は予定どおりに進んでいます。
🔹 Ryokō wa yotei dōri ni susundeimasu.
🔹 (The trip is going as planned.)

5. ルールどおり (Rūru dōri) – According to the rules

📌 Example:
🔹 試合はルールどおりに行われました。
🔹 Shiai wa rūru dōri ni okonawaremashita.
🔹 (The match was conducted according to the rules.)

6. 予報どおり (Yohō dōri) – Just like the forecast said

📌 Example:
🔹 天気は予報どおりに晴れた。
🔹 Tenki wa yohō dōri ni hareta.
🔹 (The weather cleared up just like the forecast said.)

7. 計画どおり (Keikaku dōri) – As per the plan

📌 Example:
🔹 プロジェクトは計画どおりに進んでいます。
🔹 Purojekuto wa keikaku dōri ni susundeimasu.
🔹 (The project is progressing as per the plan.)

8. 約束どおり (Yakusoku dōri) – As promised

📌 Example:
🔹 約束どおり、明日会いましょう。
🔹 Yakusoku dōri, ashita aimashō.
🔹 (Let’s meet tomorrow as promised.)

9. 本のとおり (Hon no tōri) – Just like the book says

📌 Example:
🔹 この料理は本のとおりに作りました。
🔹 Kono ryōri wa hon no tōri ni tsukurimashita.
🔹 (I made this dish just like the book says.)

10. マニュアルのとおり (Manyuaru no tōri) – Following the manual

📌 Example:
🔹 マニュアルのとおりに設定してください。
🔹 Manyuaru no tōri ni settei shite kudasai.
🔹 (Please set it up according to the manual.)

These 10 practical expressions will help you use 「〜とおり」 in real-life situations with confidence. Try practicing them in conversations and writing to make them feel natural!

Usage of 「〜とおり」

The grammar point 「〜とおり」 is highly versatile and used in various real-life situations. Below are the key scenarios where this expression is commonly applied:

1. Expressing “Just as Expected”

You can use 「〜とおり」 to show that something happened exactly as you predicted or expected.

✅ Example:
🔹 思ったとおり、試験は難しかった。
🔹 Omotta tōri, shiken wa muzukashikatta.
🔹 (Just as I thought, the exam was difficult.)

2. Following Instructions or Orders

When you need to indicate that something was done according to given instructions, rules, or commands, 「〜とおり」 is the perfect phrase to use.

✅ Example:
🔹 先生の指示どおりに宿題をやりました。
🔹 Sensei no shiji dōri ni shukudai o yarimashita.
🔹 (I did my homework according to the teacher’s instructions.)

3. Describing Plans and Predictions

If something happens as planned or as forecasted, 「〜とおり」 helps to express that the outcome matched the expectation.

✅ Example:
🔹 旅行は予定どおりに進んでいます。
🔹 Ryokō wa yotei dōri ni susundeimasu.
🔹 (The trip is going as planned.)

✅ Example:
🔹 天気は予報どおりに晴れた。
🔹 Tenki wa yohō dōri ni hareta.
🔹 (The weather cleared up just like the forecast said.)

4. Performing Actions in the Same Manner

You can use 「〜とおり」 when instructing someone to follow a manual, book, or any set of instructions exactly as given.

✅ Example:
🔹 マニュアルのとおりに設定してください。
🔹 Manyuaru no tōri ni settei shite kudasai.
🔹 (Please set it up according to the manual.)

✅ Example:
🔹 本のとおりに料理を作りました。
🔹 Hon no tōri ni ryōri o tsukurimashita.
🔹 (I made the dish exactly as written in the book.)

5. Describing Rules and Regulations

When something follows a set of rules, laws, or official guidelines, 「〜とおり」 can be used to describe adherence to them.

✅ Example:
🔹 試合はルールどおりに行われました。
🔹 Shiai wa rūru dōri ni okonawaremashita.
🔹 (The match was conducted according to the rules.)

6. Keeping Promises

When you want to emphasize that something was done as promised, you can use 「〜とおり」 to confirm that the commitment was fulfilled.

✅ Example:
🔹 約束どおりにお金を返しました。
🔹 Yakusoku dōri ni okane o kaeshimashita.
🔹 (I returned the money as promised.)

7. Explaining Results Matching Expectations

When an outcome perfectly matches an expectation or prediction, 「〜とおり」 expresses that sense of alignment.

✅ Example:
🔹 予想どおり、彼が試合に勝った。
🔹 Yosō dōri, kare ga shiai ni katta.
🔹 (As expected, he won the match.)

8. Giving Step-by-Step Instructions

If you need to explain how to do something in a step-by-step manner, you can use 「〜とおり」 to ensure that actions are followed precisely.

✅ Example:
🔹 私の言うとおりにしてください。
🔹 Watashi no iu tōri ni shite kudasai.
🔹 (Please do exactly as I say.)

These are the most common situations where 「〜とおり」 is used in Japanese. This grammar point is essential for daily communication, making instructions clear, and expressing expectations accurately.

Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with Verb

The grammar point 「〜とおり」 can be used with verbs in different forms. Below is a complete breakdown of how to use it with:

Dictionary Form (Plain Form) → (Verb as is)
Past Form (Ta-form) → (Verb in た-form)
Stem Form (Masu-stem for ます verbs) → (Verb without ます)

1. Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with Different Verb Groups

Verb Group	Dictionary Form (Plain Form) + とおり	Past Form (Ta-form) + とおり	Stem Form (Masu-stem) + とおり
Group 1 (う-Verbs)	読むとおり (Yomu tōri) → (As one reads…)	読んだとおり (Yonda tōri) → (As one read…)	読みとおり (Yomi tōri) → (As one is reading…)
Group 2 (る-Verbs)	見るとおり (Miru tōri) → (As one sees…)	見たとおり (Mita tōri) → (As one saw…)	見とおり (Mi tōri) → (As one is seeing…)
Group 3 (Irregular Verbs)	する通り (Suru tōri) → (As one does…) 来るとおり (Kuru tōri) → (As one comes…)	したとおり (Shita tōri) → (As one did…) 来たとおり (Kita tōri) → (As one came…)	しとおり (Shi tōri) → (As one is doing…) 来とおり (Ki tōri) → (As one is coming…)

2. Example Sentences for Each Verb Group in Different Forms

📌 Group 1 (う-Verbs) Example: 「書く」 (kaku – to write)

✅ Dictionary Form:
🔹 先生が書くとおりにメモしてください。
🔹 Sensei ga kaku tōri ni memo shite kudasai.
🔹 (Please take notes exactly as the teacher writes.)

✅ Past Form (Ta-form):
🔹 先生が書いたとおりに答えを書いてください。
🔹 Sensei ga kaita tōri ni kotae o kaite kudasai.
🔹 (Please write the answer exactly as the teacher wrote.)

✅ Stem Form (Masu-stem):
🔹 先生の書きとおりに書けば大丈夫です。
🔹 Sensei no kaki tōri ni kakeba daijōbu desu.
🔹 (If you write as the teacher is writing, you’ll be fine.)

📌 Group 2 (る-Verbs) Example: 「食べる」 (taberu – to eat)

✅ Dictionary Form:
🔹 レシピに書いてあるとおりに食べると美味しいです。
🔹 Reshipi ni kaite aru tōri ni taberu to oishii desu.
🔹 (It’s delicious if you eat it as written in the recipe.)

✅ Past Form (Ta-form):
🔹 レシピのとおりに食べたら、美味しかった。
🔹 Reshipi no tōri ni tabetara, oishikatta.
🔹 (It was delicious when I ate it as per the recipe.)

✅ Stem Form (Masu-stem):
🔹 レシピの食べとおりに作れば大丈夫です。
🔹 Reshipi no tabe tōri ni tsukureba daijōbu desu.
🔹 (If you cook it as you are eating, it will be fine.)

📌 Group 3 (Irregular Verbs) Example: 「する」 (suru – to do) & 「来る」 (kuru – to come)

✅ Dictionary Form:
🔹 彼がする通りにやってください。
🔹 Kare ga suru tōri ni yatte kudasai.
🔹 (Please do it just as he does.)

✅ Past Form (Ta-form):
🔹 彼がしたとおりにやれば成功します。
🔹 Kare ga shita tōri ni yareba seikō shimasu.
🔹 (If you do it as he did, you will succeed.)

✅ Stem Form (Masu-stem):
🔹 彼のしとおりに練習すれば上手になります。
🔹 Kare no shi tōri ni renshū sureba jōzu ni narimasu.
🔹 (If you practice as he is doing, you will improve.)

📌 Example with 「来る」 (Kuru – to come)

✅ Dictionary Form:
🔹 先生が来るとおりに準備してください。
🔹 Sensei ga kuru tōri ni junbi shite kudasai.
🔹 (Prepare as the teacher comes.)

✅ Past Form (Ta-form):
🔹 先生が来たとおりに、試験が始まります。
🔹 Sensei ga kita tōri ni, shiken ga hajimarimasu.
🔹 (As the teacher arrived, the exam started.)

✅ Stem Form (Masu-stem):
🔹 先生の来とおりに行動してください。
🔹 Sensei no ki tōri ni kōdō shite kudasai.
🔹 (Act as the teacher is coming.)

By mastering the different verb conjugations with 「〜とおり」, you can express actions that are done exactly as expected, predicted, or instructed. Whether you are following a manual, repeating someone’s actions, or verifying if something happened as anticipated, this grammar pattern is essential for clear and natural Japanese communication!

Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with Nouns and Adjectives

In addition to verbs, 「〜とおり」 can also be used with nouns and adjectives to express “as expected,” “just like,” or “exactly as.” Below is a detailed breakdown of how to use 「〜とおり」 with:

Nouns
い-Adjectives
な-Adjectives

1. Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with Nouns

📌 Rule for Nouns:

For nouns, 「の」 is added before 「とおり」 to link the two words.
🔹 Noun + の + とおり → (As per [Noun], Just like [Noun])

Noun	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
予想 (yosou) – Expectation	予想のとおり、試験は難しかった。	Yosou no tōri, shiken wa muzukashikatta.	As expected, the exam was difficult.
説明 (setsumei) – Explanation	先生の説明のとおりにやってください。	Sensei no setsumei no tōri ni yatte kudasai.	Please do it exactly as explained by the teacher.
計画 (keikaku) – Plan	計画のとおりに進めます。	Keikaku no tōri ni susumemasu.	We will proceed according to the plan.
指示 (shiji) – Instructions	指示のとおりに行動してください。	Shiji no tōri ni kōdō shite kudasai.	Please act as per the instructions.
地図 (chizu) – Map	地図のとおりに行けば、迷いません。	Chizu no tōri ni ikeba, mayoimasen.	If you follow the map, you won’t get lost.

2. Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with い-Adjectives

📌 Rule for い-Adjectives:

Since い-adjectives cannot directly attach to 「とおり」, they are converted into their noun form by adding 「こと」 before 「とおり」.
🔹 い-Adjective + こと + とおり → (As [Adjective] as expected)

い-Adjective	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
簡単 (kantan) – Simple	思ったこととおり、問題は簡単だった。	Omotta koto tōri, mondai wa kantan datta.	As I thought, the problem was simple.
難しい (muzukashii) – Difficult	聞いたこととおり、その試験は難しい。	Kiita koto tōri, sono shiken wa muzukashii.	As I heard, that exam is difficult.
楽しい (tanoshii) – Fun	予想したこととおり、旅行はとても楽しかった。	Yosou shita koto tōri, ryokō wa totemo tanoshikatta.	As I expected, the trip was really fun.
正しい (tadashii) – Correct	あなたの言ったこととおり、それは正しかった。	Anata no itta koto tōri, sore wa tadashikatta.	As you said, that was correct.
高い (takai) – Expensive	店員が言ったこととおり、その時計は高かった。	Ten’in ga itta koto tōri, sono tokei wa takakatta.	As the clerk said, that watch was expensive.

3. Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with な-Adjectives

📌 Rule for な-Adjectives:

Since な-adjectives function like nouns, they follow the same rule as nouns and use 「の」 before 「とおり」.
🔹 な-Adjective + な + の + とおり → (As [Adjective] as expected)

な-Adjective	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
静か (shizuka) – Quiet	彼の部屋は聞いたのとおり、静かだった。	Kare no heya wa kiita no tōri, shizuka datta.	As I heard, his room was quiet.
有名 (yuumei) – Famous	彼女は写真のとおり、有名な人です。	Kanojo wa shashin no tōri, yūmei na hito desu.	As in the photo, she is a famous person.
便利 (benri) – Convenient	このアプリは説明のとおり、便利ですね。	Kono apuri wa setsumei no tōri, benri desu ne.	As described, this app is convenient.
元気 (genki) – Energetic	あなたの言ったのとおり、彼は元気だった。	Anata no itta no tōri, kare wa genki datta.	As you said, he was energetic.
親切 (shinsetsu) – Kind	その人は紹介のとおり、とても親切だった。	Sono hito wa shōkai no tōri, totemo shinsetsu datta.	As introduced, that person was very kind.

By learning how to use 「〜とおり」 with nouns, い-adjectives, and な-adjectives, you can express confirmation, expectations, and precise descriptions in various situations.

Got it! Here’s the Grammar Rules section with the “How to Use 「〜とおり」 with Different Word Types” part removed.

Grammar Rules of 「〜とおり」

The 「〜とおり」 grammar structure is used to express that something happens exactly as expected, planned, instructed, or perceived. Below are all the essential grammar rules related to 「〜とおり」, along with clear explanations and examples.

1️⃣ Basic Sentence Structure

「〜とおり」 is commonly used in the following pattern:

🔹 [Action/Noun] + とおり (に) + [Main Clause]
(Do something exactly as [Action/Noun] describes.)

Examples:

✅ 予想のとおり、試験は難しかった。
(Yosou no tōri, shiken wa muzukashikatta.)
➡️ As expected, the exam was difficult.

✅ 先生が言ったとおりに、宿題をしました。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni, shukudai o shimashita.)
➡️ I did my homework exactly as the teacher said.

2️⃣ 「〜とおり」 vs. 「〜のとおり」

The choice between 「〜とおり」 and 「〜のとおり」 depends on the word before it.

Word Before 「とおり」	Grammar Rule
Verbs	Use dictionary form (plain form) or past form (た-form) before 「とおり」.
Nouns	Attach 「の」 before 「とおり」.

Examples:

✅ 計画のとおりに進めます。
(Keikaku no tōri ni susumemasu.)
➡️ We will proceed according to the plan. (Noun + のとおり)

✅ 聞いたとおりにやってください。
(Kiita tōri ni yatte kudasai.)
➡️ Please do it as you heard. (Verb in past form + とおり)

3️⃣ Optional Use of 「に」 after 「とおり」

Sometimes, 「に」 is added after 「とおり」, depending on the sentence structure.

Form	Example Sentence	Romaji	Translation
Without に	予想のとおり、彼は合格した。	Yosou no tōri, kare wa goukaku shita.	As expected, he passed.
With に	先生が言ったとおりにやりました。	Sensei ga itta tōri ni yarimashita.	I did it exactly as the teacher said.

✅ 「に」 is optional if the meaning is still clear without it.
✅ 「に」 is required when followed by a verb, such as やる (do), 行く (go), 書く (write), 話す (speak).

4️⃣ 「〜とおり」 vs. Similar Expressions

Grammar Point	Meaning	Example Sentence	Translation
〜とおり	“As expected / As instructed”	先生が言ったとおりにやってください。	Do it as the teacher said.
〜ように	“So that / In order to”	風邪を引かないように、マスクをしてください。	Wear a mask so that you don’t catch a cold.
〜まま	“As is / Leave as is”	電気をつけたまま寝てしまった。	I fell asleep with the lights on.

✅ 「〜とおり」 focuses on following instructions, plans, or expectations.
✅ 「〜ように」 focuses on purpose or results.
✅ 「〜まま」 describes unchanged states.

Things to Keep in Mind When Using 「〜とおり」

Understanding 「〜とおり」 is straightforward, but there are a few tricky points and exceptions to be aware of. Below are some important rules, nuances, and mistakes to avoid when using this grammar structure.

1️⃣ Be Careful with 「に」 After 「とおり」

The particle 「に」 is sometimes added after 「とおり」, but not always.
「に」 is required when a verb follows 「とおり」.
「に」 is optional when there is no verb immediately after 「とおり」.

Examples:

✅ 先生が言ったとおりにやってください。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni yatte kudasai.)
➡️ Do it exactly as the teacher said. (Verb follows → に is necessary)

✅ 予想のとおり、彼は合格した。
(Yosou no tōri, kare wa goukaku shita.)
➡️ As expected, he passed. (No verb immediately after → に is not used)

2️⃣ 「〜とおり」 Changes to 「〜どおり」 in Some Cases

When attached to certain nouns, 「とおり」 becomes 「どおり」 instead.
This happens mainly with common set expressions.

Examples:

✅ 予定どおりに試験が終わった。
(Yotei dōri ni shiken ga owatta.)
➡️ The exam ended as scheduled. (Instead of 予定のとおり, we use 予定どおり.)

✅ 指示どおりに動いてください。
(Shiji dōri ni ugoite kudasai.)
➡️ Move according to the instructions.

🔹 Common nouns that use 「どおり」 instead of 「とおり」:

予定どおり (As scheduled)
指示どおり (As instructed)
思ったどおり (As I thought)
希望どおり (As hoped)

💡 Tip: If a noun directly follows 「とおり」, check if it has a common どおり form!

3️⃣ Difference Between 「〜とおり」 and 「〜まま」

🔹 「〜とおり」 → Focuses on following instructions or expectations.
🔹 「〜まま」 → Focuses on keeping something unchanged.

Examples:

✅ 先生が言ったとおりにやりました。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni yarimashita.)
➡️ I did it exactly as the teacher said. (Followed the instructions)

✅ 電気をつけたまま寝てしまった。
(Denki o tsuketa mama nete shimatta.)
➡️ I fell asleep with the lights on. (State remained unchanged)

💡 Tip: If you’re following a plan or instructions, use 「とおり」.
If you’re keeping a condition unchanged, use 「まま」 instead.

4️⃣ Be Careful with Negative Forms

When using 「〜とおり」 in negative sentences, be careful with meaning.
If the first clause is negative, the second clause also follows the negative meaning.

Examples:

✅ 思ったとおり、彼は来なかった。
(Omotta tōri, kare wa konakatta.)
➡️ Just as I thought, he didn’t come.

✅ 聞いたとおりにしなかったので、失敗しました。
(Kiita tōri ni shinakatta node, shippai shimashita.)
➡️ I failed because I didn’t do it as I was told.

💡 Tip: If using 「〜とおり」 in a negative sentence, make sure the meaning is logical!

5️⃣ Difference Between 「〜ように」 and 「〜とおり」

Grammar	Meaning	Example	Translation
〜とおり	As expected / instructed	先生が言ったとおりに書いてください。	Write as the teacher said.
〜ように	So that / In order to	風邪を引かないようにマスクをしてください。	Wear a mask so that you don’t catch a cold.

💡 Tip: If you’re talking about following instructions → Use 「〜とおり」.
If you’re talking about purpose or goals → Use 「〜ように」 instead.

6️⃣ Watch Out for Particle Changes When Using 「〜のとおり」

When a noun comes before 「〜とおり」, use 「の」.
When a verb comes before 「〜とおり」, do not use 「の」.

Examples:

✅ 先生の指示のとおりにやってください。
(Sensei no shiji no tōri ni yatte kudasai.)
➡️ Do it according to the teacher’s instructions. (Noun → Use の)

✅ 先生が言ったとおりにやってください。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni yatte kudasai.)
➡️ Do it exactly as the teacher said. (Verb → No の)

💡 Tip: If the phrase before 「とおり」 is a noun, always use 「の」!

7️⃣ 「〜とおりにする」 vs. 「〜とおりになる」

「〜とおりにする」 → You actively do something as planned.
「〜とおりになる」 → Something naturally happens as expected.

Examples:

✅ 先生が言ったとおりにしました。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni shimashita.)
➡️ I did exactly as the teacher said. (You actively followed instructions)

✅ 予想のとおりになった。
(Yosou no tōri ni natta.)
➡️ It turned out just as expected. (Happened naturally)

💡 Tip: If you’re taking action, use 「する」.
If something happens naturally, use 「なる」.

Example Sentences

Here are some example sentences using 「〜とおり」to help you understand its real-life usage.

Following Instructions or Expectations

先生が言ったとおりに宿題をしました。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni shukudai o shimashita.)
➡️ I did my homework exactly as the teacher said.
レシピのとおりに料理を作りました。
(Reshipi no tōri ni ryōri o tsukurimashita.)
➡️ I cooked according to the recipe.
説明書のとおりにパソコンを設定しました。
(Setsumeisho no tōri ni pasokon o settei shimashita.)
➡️ I set up the computer according to the manual.
先生の指示のとおりに動いてください。
(Sensei no shiji no tōri ni ugoite kudasai.)
➡️ Please move according to the teacher’s instructions.
私が言ったとおりにやれば、大丈夫です。
(Watashi ga itta tōri ni yareba, daijōbu desu.)
➡️ If you do it as I said, it will be fine.

Describing Things That Happened as Expected

予想のとおり、試験は難しかった。
(Yosou no tōri, shiken wa muzukashikatta.)
➡️ As expected, the exam was difficult.
思ったとおりの結果でした。
(Omotta tōri no kekka deshita.)
➡️ The result was just as I thought.
天気予報のとおりに雨が降りました。
(Tenki yohō no tōri ni ame ga furimashita.)
➡️ It rained just as the weather forecast predicted.
彼は私が考えたとおりの人でした。
(Kare wa watashi ga kangaeta tōri no hito deshita.)
➡️ He was exactly the kind of person I thought he would be.
噂のとおり、そのレストランの料理は美味しかった。
(Uwasa no tōri, sono resutoran no ryōri wa oishikatta.)
➡️ As the rumors said, the food at that restaurant was delicious.

Following Movements, Plans, or Changes

地図のとおりに進んでください。
(Chizu no tōri ni susunde kudasai.)
➡️ Please follow the map to proceed.
スケジュールのとおりに会議を進めます。
(Sukejūru no tōri ni kaigi o susumemasu.)
➡️ We will proceed with the meeting according to the schedule.
計画どおりに仕事が進んでいます。
(Keikaku dōri ni shigoto ga susunde imasu.)
➡️ The work is progressing as planned.
マニュアルのとおりにソフトをインストールしてください。
(Manyuaru no tōri ni sofuto o insutōru shite kudasai.)
➡️ Please install the software according to the manual.
道のとおりに歩けば、駅に着きます。
(Michi no tōri ni arukeba, eki ni tsukimasu.)
➡️ If you walk along the road, you will reach the station.

Expressing Personal Thoughts and Opinions

あなたが言ったとおり、日本の夏はとても暑いですね。
(Anata ga itta tōri, Nihon no natsu wa totemo atsui desu ne.)
➡️ As you said, summers in Japan are very hot.
映画は期待したとおりに面白かったです。
(Eiga wa kitai shita tōri ni omoshirokatta desu.)
➡️ The movie was as interesting as I expected.
彼の話は聞いたとおりに正しかった。
(Kare no hanashi wa kiita tōri ni tadashikatta.)
➡️ His story was correct just as I had heard.
彼女の料理は評判のとおりに美味しかった。
(Kanojo no ryōri wa hyōban no tōri ni oishikatta.)
➡️ Her cooking was as delicious as the reviews said.
私が想像したとおりの素晴らしい景色でした。
(Watashi ga sōzō shita tōri no subarashii keshiki deshita.)
➡️ It was a magnificent view, just as I had imagined.

These example sentences cover different contexts where 「〜とおり」 is used. Let me know in comment if you want more examples! 😊

Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences using 「〜とおり」 appropriately. The verb, noun, or adjective that needs to be conjugated is given in parentheses (bold).

先生が ______ に答えてください。（言う）
______ に料理を作りました。（レシピ）
______ にパソコンを設定しました。（説明書）
試験は ______ 、難しかった。（予想する）
雨が ______ に降りました。（天気予報）
______ に進んでください。（地図）
先生の指示の ______ に動いてください。（とおり）
彼女の料理は ______ に美味しかった。（評判）
彼は私が ______ の人でした。（考える）
あなたが ______ 、彼は本当に親切な人ですね。（言う）
______ に仕事が進んでいます。（計画）
______ に歩けば、駅に着きます。（道）
私が ______ の結果でした。（思う）
私が ______ の素晴らしい景色でした。（想像する）
彼の話は ______ に正しかった。（聞く）
______ にソフトをインストールしてください。（マニュアル）
______ に会議を進めます。（スケジュール）
先生が ______ にやれば、大丈夫です。（言う）
映画は ______ に面白かったです。（期待する）
______ 、そのレストランの料理は美味しかった。（噂）

Answers

Here are the correct answers along with Romaji and English translations.

先生が 言ったとおり に答えてください。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni kotaete kudasai.)
➡️ Please answer as the teacher said.
レシピのとおり に料理を作りました。
(Reshipi no tōri ni ryōri o tsukurimashita.)
➡️ I cooked according to the recipe.
説明書のとおり にパソコンを設定しました。
(Setsumeisho no tōri ni pasokon o settei shimashita.)
➡️ I set up the computer according to the manual.
試験は 予想したとおり 、難しかった。
(Shiken wa yosou shita tōri, muzukashikatta.)
➡️ The exam was as difficult as predicted.
雨が 天気予報のとおり に降りました。
(Ame ga tenki yohō no tōri ni furimashita.)
➡️ It rained just as the weather forecast predicted.
地図のとおり に進んでください。
(Chizu no tōri ni susunde kudasai.)
➡️ Please follow the map to proceed.
先生の指示の とおり に動いてください。
(Sensei no shiji no tōri ni ugoite kudasai.)
➡️ Please move according to the teacher’s instructions.
彼女の料理は 評判のとおり に美味しかった。
(Kanojo no ryōri wa hyōban no tōri ni oishikatta.)
➡️ Her cooking was as delicious as the reviews said.
彼は私が 考えたとおり の人でした。
(Kare wa watashi ga kangaeta tōri no hito deshita.)
➡️ He was exactly the kind of person I thought he would be.
あなたが 言ったとおり 、彼は本当に親切な人ですね。
(Anata ga itta tōri, kare wa hontō ni shinsetsu na hito desu ne.)
➡️ As you said, he is really a kind person.
計画どおり に仕事が進んでいます。
(Keikaku dōri ni shigoto ga susunde imasu.)
➡️ The work is progressing as planned.
道のとおり に歩けば、駅に着きます。
(Michi no tōri ni arukeba, eki ni tsukimasu.)
➡️ If you walk along the road, you will reach the station.
私が 思ったとおり の結果でした。
(Watashi ga omotta tōri no kekka deshita.)
➡️ The result was just as I thought.
私が 想像したとおり の素晴らしい景色でした。
(Watashi ga sōzō shita tōri no subarashii keshiki deshita.)
➡️ It was a magnificent view, just as I had imagined.
彼の話は 聞いたとおり に正しかった。
(Kare no hanashi wa kiita tōri ni tadashikatta.)
➡️ His story was correct just as I had heard.
マニュアルのとおり にソフトをインストールしてください。
(Manyuaru no tōri ni sofuto o insutōru shite kudasai.)
➡️ Please install the software according to the manual.
スケジュールのとおり に会議を進めます。
(Sukejūru no tōri ni kaigi o susumemasu.)
➡️ We will proceed with the meeting according to the schedule.
先生が 言ったとおり にやれば、大丈夫です。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni yareba, daijōbu desu.)
➡️ If you do it as the teacher said, it will be fine.
映画は 期待したとおり に面白かったです。
(Eiga wa kitai shita tōri ni omoshirokatta desu.)
➡️ The movie was as interesting as I expected.
噂どおり 、そのレストランの料理は美味しかった。
(Uwasa dōri, sono resutoran no ryōri wa oishikatta.)
➡️ As the rumors said, the food at that restaurant was delicious.

This exercise helps reinforce 「〜とおり」 usage with different types of words.

Summary of 「〜とおり」

Here’s a quick recap of the key points covered in this blog:

Meaning & Usage:
- 「〜とおり」 is used to express “as, just as, according to” in Japanese.
- It conveys that something happens exactly as expected, planned, or instructed.
Common Sentence Structures:
- Verb (Dictionary/Past form) + とおり → As (someone) does/did
- Noun + のとおり → According to (noun)
- Noun + どおり → As (noun) states/shows
- Adjective (な/い) + とおり → Just as (adjective) describes
Situations Where 「〜とおり」 is Used:
- Following instructions (マニュアルのとおりに設定する – Set it up as per the manual.)
- Predictions coming true (予想したとおり、試験は難しかった – As expected, the test was difficult.)
- Following someone’s words (先生が言ったとおりにする – Do as the teacher said.)
- Describing something as imagined (想像したとおりの景色 – A view just as imagined.)
Key Considerations:
- 「〜とおり」 can be used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives, but the structure changes slightly.
- Noun + のとおり and Noun + どおり are interchangeable in many cases, but どおり is more commonly used with set phrases.
- Verb + とおり requires proper conjugation, especially for past and dictionary forms.
- Be mindful of the context – it should indicate similarity, accuracy, or following a reference.
- By mastering 「〜とおり」, you can express instructions, expectations, and confirmations naturally in Japanese. Keep practicing, and soon, using this grammar pattern will feel effortless!

Mastering 「〜とおり」 is essential for expressing actions, expectations, and results accurately in Japanese. Whether you’re following instructions, describing events as predicted, or comparing reality with expectations, this grammar structure allows you to communicate with clarity and precision.

By understanding its different forms—when used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives—you can naturally incorporate it into daily conversations and written Japanese. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to use 「〜とおり」 effortlessly, just like native speakers do.

So, keep practicing with real-life examples, listen to how native speakers use it, and don’t hesitate to try it in your own sentences. With time and effort, you’ll be able to use 「〜とおり」 just as fluently as you imagined! 🚀🔥

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

March 16, 2025

Using 〜たまらない in Japanese | My Language Classes

Mastering the Japanese 〜たまらない: Expressing Overwhelming Emotions and Sensations

When learning Japanese, one of the most important aspects to master is expressing emotions and physical sensations naturally. The grammar pattern 〜たまらない is an essential expression that conveys strong emotions or irresistible feelings, such as happiness, pain, excitement, or discomfort.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the meaning, usage, and nuances of 〜たまらない with detailed explanations and practical examples. Whether you are preparing for the JLPT, improving your Japanese conversation skills, or simply enhancing your understanding of natural Japanese expressions, this article will help you integrate 〜たまらない into your speech effectively.

Let’s dive into the details and learn how to use 〜たまらない like a native Japanese speaker!

Common Expressions

暑くてたまらない。
(Atsukute tamaranai.) – It’s unbearably hot.
この映画は感動してたまらない。
(Kono eiga wa kandō shite tamaranai.) – This movie is incredibly moving.
お腹が空いてたまらない。
(Onaka ga suite tamaranai.) – I’m starving.
彼の話は面白くてたまらない。
(Kare no hanashi wa omoshirokute tamaranai.) – His story is extremely interesting.
頭が痛くてたまらない。
(Atama ga itakute tamaranai.) – I have a terrible headache.
この曲が好きでたまらない。
(Kono kyoku ga sukide tamaranai.) – I love this song so much.
彼女に会いたくてたまらない。
(Kanojo ni aitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to see her.
眠くてたまらない。
(Nemukute tamaranai.) – I’m extremely sleepy.
早く旅行に行きたくてたまらない。
(Hayaku ryokō ni ikitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to go on a trip.
このケーキを食べたくてたまらない。
(Kono kēki o tabetakute tamaranai.) – I’m dying to eat this cake.

Usage of 〜たまらない

The grammar pattern 〜たまらない is used in various situations where one feels an overwhelming emotion, physical sensation, or uncontrollable desire. Here are the key usages with example sentences:

1. Expressing Strong Physical Sensations (Pain, Heat, Cold, Hunger, etc.)

Used when someone is experiencing an intense physical feeling that is almost unbearable.

🔹 Example:

寒くてたまらない。
(Samukute tamaranai.) – It’s unbearably cold.
足が痛くてたまらない。
(Ashi ga itakute tamaranai.) – My legs hurt so much.

2. Expressing Strong Emotions (Happiness, Sadness, Excitement, etc.)

Used when emotions become so intense that the speaker cannot suppress them.

🔹 Example:

彼の優しさが嬉しくてたまらない。
(Kare no yasashisa ga ureshikute tamaranai.) – His kindness makes me so happy.
試験に落ちて悔しくてたまらない。
(Shiken ni ochite kuyashikute tamaranai.) – I failed the exam, and I’m extremely frustrated.

3. Expressing a Strong Desire (Wanting to Do Something Badly)

Used when someone really wants to do something and finds it hard to wait.

🔹 Example:

家族に会いたくてたまらない。
(Kazoku ni aitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to see my family.
この本の続きが知りたくてたまらない。
(Kono hon no tsuzuki ga shiritakute tamaranai.) – I’m dying to know what happens next in this book.

4. Expressing an Irresistible Interest or Love

Used when the speaker finds something so interesting or lovable that they cannot help but be drawn to it.

🔹 Example:

このアニメが好きでたまらない。
(Kono anime ga sukide tamaranai.) – I absolutely love this anime.
彼の話が面白くてたまらない。
(Kare no hanashi ga omoshirokute tamaranai.) – His story is so funny that I can’t stop laughing.

5. Expressing an Uncontrollable Reaction (Crying, Laughing, etc.)

Used when someone cannot control their physical reactions due to emotions.

🔹 Example:

映画が感動的で涙が出てたまらない。
(Eiga ga kandō-teki de namida ga dete tamaranai.) – The movie was so touching that I couldn’t stop crying.
おかしくて笑えてたまらない。
(Okashikute waraete tamaranai.) – It’s so funny that I can’t stop laughing.

Conjugation of 〜たまらない

The grammar pattern 〜たまらない is typically attached to adjectives and verbs in the て-form to express strong emotions, physical sensations, or irresistible desires. Below is a detailed breakdown of its conjugation with verbs, nouns, and adjectives.

1. Conjugation with Verbs (る-verbs, う-verbs, and Irregular verbs)

For verbs, 〜たまらない is attached to the て-form of the verb.

(1) る-Verbs (Ichidan verbs)

These verbs drop る in their dictionary form and take てたまらない.

🔹 Example:

食べる (taberu) → 食べてたまらない
(Tabete tamaranai.) – I really want to eat (something).
見る (miru) → 見たくてたまらない
(Mitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to watch (it).

(2) う-Verbs (Godan verbs)

For う-verbs, change the verb to its て-form, then attach たまらない.

🔹 Example:

会う (au) → 会いたくてたまらない
(Aitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to meet (someone).
飲む (nomu) → 飲みたくてたまらない
(Nomitakute tamaranai.) – I really want to drink (something).

(3) Irregular Verbs (する and くる)

The verbs する and くる follow the same rule: convert them to their て-form and attach たまらない.

🔹 Example:

勉強する (benkyō suru) → 勉強したくてたまらない
(Benkyō shitakute tamaranai.) – I really want to study.
来る (kuru) → 来たくてたまらない
(Kitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to come.

2. Conjugation with Nouns

To use 〜たまらない with nouns, we generally pair the noun with an adjective or a verb in て-form that describes the strong feeling.

🔹 Example:

この映画が感動でたまらない。
(Kono eiga ga kandō de tamaranai.) – This movie is overwhelmingly emotional.
彼の声が好きでたまらない。
(Kare no koe ga sukide tamaranai.) – I absolutely love his voice.

(Note: Direct use of nouns + たまらない is uncommon unless used in expressions like 好きでたまらない, 不安でたまらない, etc.)

3. Conjugation with Adjectives

There are two main types of adjectives in Japanese: い-adjectives and な-adjectives.

(1) い-Adjectives

For い-adjectives, replace い with くて, then add たまらない.

🔹 Example:

暑い (atsui) → 暑くてたまらない
(Atsukute tamaranai.) – It’s unbearably hot.
眠い (nemui) → 眠くてたまらない
(Nemukute tamaranai.) – I’m extremely sleepy.

(2) な-Adjectives

For な-adjectives, replace な with で, then add たまらない.

🔹 Example:

心配な (shinpai na) → 心配でたまらない
(Shinpai de tamaranai.) – I’m extremely worried.
退屈な (taikutsu na) → 退屈でたまらない
(Taikutsu de tamaranai.) – I’m unbearably bored.

Summary Table

Type	Base Form	〜たまらない Form	Example Sentence
る-Verb	食べる (taberu)	食べてたまらない	ケーキを食べてたまらない。 (I really want to eat the cake.)
う-Verb	飲む (nomu)	飲みたくてたまらない	コーヒーが飲みたくてたまらない。 (I really want to drink coffee.)
する Verb	勉強する (benkyō suru)	勉強したくてたまらない	日本語を勉強したくてたまらない。 (I really want to study Japanese.)
くる Verb	来る (kuru)	来たくてたまらない	早く友達の家に来たくてたまらない。 (I can’t wait to come to my friend’s house.)
い-Adjective	暑い (atsui)	暑くてたまらない	今日は暑くてたまらない。 (It’s unbearably hot today.)
な-Adjective	退屈な (taikutsu na)	退屈でたまらない	この授業は退屈でたまらない。 (This class is unbearably boring.)
Noun	好き (suki)	好きでたまらない	この歌が好きでたまらない。 (I absolutely love this song.)

Grammar Rules of 〜たまらない

To effectively use 〜たまらない, it’s essential to understand its grammatical structure, restrictions, and nuances. Here are the key rules:

1. 〜たまらない Must Be Used with Subjective Feelings

〜たまらない is used only for personal emotions, sensations, and desires that the speaker directly experiences.
It cannot be used to describe someone else’s feelings unless there is a clear indication that the speaker has direct evidence of their emotions (e.g., seeing them cry).

✅ Correct Example:

彼に会いたくてたまらない。
(Kare ni aitakute tamaranai.) – I really want to see him.

❌ Incorrect Example:

彼は彼女に会いたくてたまらない。 (Wrong)
(Kare wa kanojo ni aitakute tamaranai.) – He really wants to see her. (Incorrect unless the speaker knows his feelings for sure.)

2. Often Used with Strong Sensory or Emotional Expressions

〜たまらない is commonly paired with words that describe physical sensations or emotions, such as:

痛い (itai – painful), 寒い (samui – cold), 暑い (atsui – hot)
眠い (nemui – sleepy), うれしい (ureshii – happy), 悔しい (kuyashii – frustrated)
会いたい (aitai – want to meet), 食べたい (tabetai – want to eat)

✅ Correct Example:

目がかゆくてたまらない。
(Me ga kayukute tamaranai.) – My eyes are unbearably itchy.

3. Cannot Be Used with Objective or Neutral Statements

Since 〜たまらない conveys a highly personal experience, it is not used for objective descriptions or general facts.

❌ Incorrect Example:

この部屋は広くてたまらない。 (Wrong)
(Kono heya wa hirokute tamaranai.) – This room is extremely spacious. (Not a personal feeling, so incorrect.)

✅ Correct Example:

この部屋は寒くてたまらない。
(Kono heya wa samukute tamaranai.) – This room is unbearably cold. (Personal experience, so correct.)

4. Often Used with the 〜たい Form to Express Uncontrollable Desire

When combined with 〜たい (want to do something), 〜たまらない expresses an overwhelming desire to do something.

✅ Correct Example:

映画を見たくてたまらない。
(Eiga o mitakute tamaranai.) – I really want to watch a movie.

5. Commonly Used with て-Form of Adjectives and Verbs

い-Adjectives → Change い to くて + たまらない
な-Adjectives → Change な to で + たまらない
Verbs → Change to て-form + たまらない

✅ Correct Example:

友達に会いたくてたまらない。
(Tomodachi ni aitakute tamaranai.) – I can’t wait to meet my friend.

6. More Formal Alternative: 〜てしょうがない & 〜てならない

〜たまらない is a casual way to express strong feelings. For a more formal or literary tone, you can use:

〜てしょうがない (a bit more neutral, used in writing and speech)
〜てならない (even more formal, often used in writing)

✅ Example with 〜てしょうがない:

この曲が気になってしょうがない。
(Kono kyoku ga ki ni natte shōganai.) – I can’t stop thinking about this song.

✅ Example with 〜てならない:

明日の面接が不安でならない。
(Ashita no mensetsu ga fuan de naranai.) – I’m extremely anxious about tomorrow’s interview.

Things to Keep in Mind When Using 〜たまらない

While 〜たまらない is a useful expression for strong emotions and sensations, there are a few tricky points, exceptions, and nuances that learners should be aware of. Below are important aspects to avoid mistakes and use it naturally.

1. Cannot Be Used for Third-Person’s Feelings (Unless There’s Evidence)

〜たまらない expresses personal feelings, so it cannot be directly applied to someone else’s emotions unless the speaker has strong evidence (e.g., seeing them cry, hearing them complain).
If talking about someone else’s emotions, use expressions like 〜そう (looks like) or 〜らしい (apparently).

✅ Correct Example:

彼は寂しそうでたまらない。
(Kare wa sabishisō de tamaranai.) – He looks incredibly lonely.

❌ Incorrect Example:

彼は寂しくてたまらない。 (Wrong unless you have proof of his feelings.)

2. Cannot Be Used for General Facts or Objective Statements

〜たまらない must be used for subjective feelings.
You cannot use it for describing objective qualities of objects, places, or events.

❌ Incorrect Example:

この映画は面白くてたまらない。 (Wrong)
(Kono eiga wa omoshirokute tamaranai.) – (Incorrect unless you’re emphasizing your own overwhelming excitement about it.)

✅ Correct Example:

この映画が面白くてたまらない。 (Correct)
(Kono eiga ga omoshirokute tamaranai.) – This movie is so interesting that I can’t help but be excited. (Subjective experience)

3. Pay Attention to the Difference Between 〜たまらない, 〜てしょうがない, and 〜てならない

These three expressions are similar but have slightly different nuances:

Expression	Meaning & Nuance	Usage
〜たまらない	Strongest personal emotion or sensation, used in casual speech	Expresses overwhelming desire, pain, emotions, etc.
〜てしょうがない	More neutral, often used in both writing and speech	Used in daily life situations but slightly softer than たまらない
〜てならない	More formal and literary, commonly used in writing	Often used in serious contexts like books, articles, or formal speeches

✅ Example Sentences for Comparison:

会いたくてたまらない。 (Aitakute tamaranai.) – I really, really want to meet (someone). (Casual, very strong emotion)
会いたくてしょうがない。 (Aitakute shōganai.) – I really want to meet (someone). (More neutral, still strong but slightly softer)
会いたくてならない。 (Aitakute naranai.) – I have an uncontrollable urge to meet (someone). (More formal and literary)

4. Used Mostly in Spoken or Informal Writing

〜たまらない is more common in casual conversations or personal writing (like diaries, blogs, social media).
In formal business emails, reports, or academic papers, 〜てならない or a different expression should be used.

✅ Where it’s appropriate:
✔️ Speaking with friends
✔️ Personal blog or diary
✔️ Social media (Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

❌ Where it’s inappropriate:
🚫 Business emails
🚫 Official reports
🚫 Academic writing

5. Be Careful When Using It with Negative Adjectives

When used with negative adjectives (like 怖い, 悲しい, 苦しい), 〜たまらない can sound exaggerated.
Instead, 〜てならない is often more natural in such cases.

❌ Incorrect Example (too strong and unnatural):

悲しくてたまらない。 (Kanashikute tamaranai.) – (Technically correct, but sounds overly dramatic unless you’re deeply devastated.)

✅ Better Alternative:

悲しくてならない。 (Kanashikute naranai.) – I can’t help but feel sad. (More natural and commonly used in formal settings.)

6. Often Used in Fixed Phrases with Sensory or Emotional Words

Some adjectives and phrases are frequently used with 〜たまらない. Learning these common collocations will make your speech more natural.

✅ Common Expressions with 〜たまらない:

暑くてたまらない (Atsukute tamaranai) – It’s unbearably hot.
痛くてたまらない (Itakute tamaranai) – It hurts so much.
眠くてたまらない (Nemukute tamaranai) – I’m incredibly sleepy.
会いたくてたまらない (Aitakute tamaranai) – I really want to see (someone).
知りたくてたまらない (Shiritakute tamaranai) – I’m dying to know.

7. “Cannot Help But…” Meaning in Some Contexts

〜たまらない can sometimes imply an uncontrollable reaction (e.g., laughing, crying, feeling emotional).
In these cases, it can be translated as “I can’t help but…”

✅ Example Sentences:

笑えてたまらない。
(Waraete tamaranai.) – I can’t stop laughing. / I can’t help but laugh.
この映画が感動的で涙が出てたまらない。
(Kono eiga ga kandō-teki de namida ga dete tamaranai.) – This movie is so touching that I can’t stop crying.

8. Be Careful with Different Conjugations of Adjectives and Verbs

い-Adjectives: Change い → くて → たまらない
な-Adjectives: Change な → で → たまらない
Verbs: Change to たい-form or て-form → たまらない

✅ Correct Example:

暑い → 暑くてたまらない (Atsui → Atsukute tamaranai) – It’s unbearably hot.
好き → 好きでたまらない (Suki → Sukide tamaranai) – I love it so much.
会う → 会いたくてたまらない (Au → Aitakute tamaranai) – I really want to meet (someone).

Conclusion

Understanding 〜たまらない is essential for expressing intense emotions, sensations, and desires in Japanese. To master it:
✅ Use it only for personal feelings (unless you have proof of someone else’s emotions).
✅ Don’t use it for objective facts or neutral statements.
✅ Be mindful of formal vs. casual usage (use 〜てならない for formal situations).
✅ Learn common fixed phrases like 眠くてたまらない (I’m extremely sleepy) and 会いたくてたまらない (I really want to meet someone).

By keeping these tricky points in mind, you’ll be able to use 〜たまらない naturally and confidently!

Example Sentences

彼に会いたくてたまらない。
Kare ni aitakute tamaranai.
I really, really want to see him.
この映画が面白くてたまらない。
Kono eiga ga omoshirokute tamaranai.
This movie is so interesting that I can’t help but be excited.
暑くてたまらない。
Atsukute tamaranai.
It’s unbearably hot.
お腹が空いてたまらない。
Onaka ga suite tamaranai.
I’m starving.
目がかゆくてたまらない。
Me ga kayukute tamaranai.
My eyes are unbearably itchy.
この曲が気になってたまらない。
Kono kyoku ga ki ni natte tamaranai.
I can’t stop thinking about this song.
頭が痛くてたまらない。
Atama ga itakute tamaranai.
I have an unbearable headache.
眠くてたまらない。
Nemukute tamaranai.
I’m incredibly sleepy.
寒くてたまらない。
Samukute tamaranai.
It’s unbearably cold.
この仕事が大変でたまらない。
Kono shigoto ga taihen de tamaranai.
This job is overwhelmingly tough.
彼のことが好きでたまらない。
Kare no koto ga suki de tamaranai.
I love him so much that I can’t stand it.
会議が退屈でたまらない。
Kaigi ga taikutsu de tamaranai.
The meeting is unbearably boring.
足が疲れてたまらない。
Ashi ga tsukarete tamaranai.
My legs are extremely tired.
ゲームをしたくてたまらない。
Gēmu o shitakute tamaranai.
I really want to play video games.
彼女の笑顔が可愛くてたまらない。
Kanojo no egao ga kawaikute tamaranai.
Her smile is so cute that I can’t stand it.
旅行に行きたくてたまらない。
Ryokō ni ikitakute tamaranai.
I really want to go on a trip.
緊張してたまらない。
Kinchō shite tamaranai.
I’m so nervous I can’t stand it.
新しいスマホが欲しくてたまらない。
Atarashii sumaho ga hoshikute tamaranai.
I really want a new smartphone.
この本が面白くてたまらない。
Kono hon ga omoshirokute tamaranai.
This book is so interesting that I can’t put it down.
彼の冗談が面白くて笑えてたまらない。
Kare no jōdan ga omoshirokute waraete tamaranai.
His joke is so funny that I can’t stop laughing.

Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of 〜たまらない to complete the sentences.

彼女に会いたくて _______。
このカレーは辛くて _______。
朝から何も食べていないので、お腹が空いて _______。
目がかゆくて _______。
旅行に行きたくて _______。
仕事が忙しくて _______。
この映画は感動的で涙が出て _______。
頭が痛くて _______。
彼のことが好きで _______。
早く週末になってほしくて _______。

Answers

彼女に会いたくてたまらない。
Kanojo ni aitakute tamaranai.
I really, really want to see her.
このカレーは辛くてたまらない。
Kono karē wa karakute tamaranai.
This curry is unbearably spicy.
朝から何も食べていないので、お腹が空いてたまらない。
Asa kara nanimo tabete inai node, onaka ga suite tamaranai.
I haven’t eaten anything since morning, so I’m starving.
目がかゆくてたまらない。
Me ga kayukute tamaranai.
My eyes are unbearably itchy.
旅行に行きたくてたまらない。
Ryokō ni ikitakute tamaranai.
I really want to go on a trip.
仕事が忙しくてたまらない。
Shigoto ga isogashikute tamaranai.
My work is so busy that I can’t stand it.
この映画は感動的で涙が出てたまらない。
Kono eiga wa kandō-teki de namida ga dete tamaranai.
This movie is so touching that I can’t stop crying.
頭が痛くてたまらない。
Atama ga itakute tamaranai.
I have an unbearable headache.
彼のことが好きでたまらない。
Kare no koto ga suki de tamaranai.
I love him so much that I can’t stand it.
早く週末になってほしくてたまらない。
Hayaku shūmatsu ni natte hoshikute tamaranai.
I can’t wait for the weekend to come.

Summary

〜たまらない expresses an uncontrollable or intense feeling or state, such as strong emotions, physical sensations, or desires.
It is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese to emphasize something that feels unbearable or overwhelming.
The structure follows adjective (て-form) + たまらない or verb (たい-form → たくて) + たまらない.
Nouns + でたまらない and な-adjectives (stem + でたまらない) are also used.
It is often used to describe feelings such as happiness, pain, hunger, love, curiosity, and more.
The phrase cannot be used for voluntary actions—only for emotions or involuntary states.
Common alternative expressions include ～しょうがない and ～仕方がない, which carry similar meanings.
Paying attention to the correct conjugation of adjectives, verbs, and nouns is essential when using 〜たまらない.
Context plays a key role in determining whether the phrase expresses a physical sensation, an emotional state, or a strong desire.
Understanding the nuances of 〜たまらない helps learners sound more natural in Japanese conversations.

Conclusion

Mastering 〜たまらない is crucial for anyone who wants to express strong emotions and sensations naturally in Japanese. Whether you’re feeling extreme excitement, unbearable pain, or overwhelming curiosity, this grammatical structure allows you to communicate your feelings effectively. By practicing common sentence patterns and understanding the correct usage, you’ll be able to incorporate 〜たまらない seamlessly into your conversations. Keep practicing with real-life examples, and soon, using 〜たまらない will feel as natural as expressing emotions in your native language!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

March 5, 2025

Understanding 〜ことがある in Japanese | My Language Classes

Understanding 〜ことがある

In Japanese, the phrase 〜ことがある (koto ga aru) is a versatile and commonly used expression that allows speakers to talk about past experiences or situations that have occurred at least once. It translates roughly to “have done something” or “there are times when…” in English. This structure is essential for anyone looking to express experiences, habits, or occasional events in Japanese. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, mastering 〜ことがある will significantly enhance your conversational and writing skills.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the formation, usage, and nuances of 〜ことがある. We’ll also provide plenty of examples and practice questions to help you get comfortable with this grammar point.

Formation of 〜ことがある

The formation of 〜ことがある depends on the type of word it follows: verbs, nouns, or adjectives. Let’s explore each one.

1. With Verbs

When used with verbs, 〜ことがある follows the past tense (ta-form) of the verb. This structure is used to express that someone has experienced something at least once in their life.

Formation: Verb (た-form) + ことがある
Example:
食べる (taberu) → 食べた (tabeta) → 食べたことがある (tabeta koto ga aru)
Meaning: “I have eaten (it) before.”

2. With Nouns

When used with nouns, 〜ことがある is paired with the particle の to indicate that something has happened or exists.

Formation: Noun + の + ことがある
Example:
旅行 (ryokou) → 旅行のことがある (ryokou no koto ga aru)
Meaning: “There are times when I travel.”

3. With Adjectives

When used with adjectives, 〜ことがある follows the adjective in its plain form. This structure is used to describe situations or feelings that have occurred.

Formation:
- い-adjectives: い-adjective + ことがある
  Example:
  楽しい (tanoshii) → 楽しいことがある (tanoshii koto ga aru)
  Meaning: “There are times when it’s fun.”
- な-adjectives: な-adjective + な + ことがある
  Example:
  静か (shizuka) → 静かなことがある (shizuka na koto ga aru)
  Meaning: “There are times when it’s quiet.”

Usage of 〜ことがある

The 〜ことがある form is used in various situations to express experiences, habits, or occasional events. Here are some common scenarios:

Talking about past experiences:
- 日本に行ったことがある。
  (Nihon ni itta koto ga aru.)
  “I have been to Japan before.”
Describing occasional events:
- 雨が降ることがある。
  (Ame ga furu koto ga aru.)
  “It sometimes rains.”
Expressing habits or tendencies:
- 夜遅くまで起きていることがある。
  (Yoru osoku made okite iru koto ga aru.)
  “There are times when I stay up late at night.”
Talking about rare occurrences:
- 彼が怒ることがある。
  (Kare ga okoru koto ga aru.)
  “He sometimes gets angry.”
Describing feelings or emotions:
- 寂しいことがある。
  (Sabishii koto ga aru.)
  “There are times when I feel lonely.”

List of Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives with 〜ことがある

Here’s a table with examples of verbs, nouns, and adjectives used with 〜ことがある:

Type	Word	〜ことがある Form	Example Sentence (Romaji)	Meaning in English
Verb	見る (miru)	見たことがある (mita koto ga aru)	その映画を見たことがある。 (Sono eiga o mita koto ga aru.)	“I have seen that movie before.”
	行く (iku)	行ったことがある (itta koto ga aru)	京都に行ったことがある。 (Kyoto ni itta koto ga aru.)	“I have been to Kyoto before.”
Noun	夢 (yume)	夢のことがある (yume no koto ga aru)	怖い夢のことがある。 (Kowai yume no koto ga aru.)	“There are times when I have scary dreams.”
	事故 (jiko)	事故のことがある (jiko no koto ga aru)	大きな事故のことがある。 (Ookina jiko no koto ga aru.)	“There are times when big accidents happen.”
い-Adj	暑い (atsui)	暑いことがある (atsui koto ga aru)	夏は暑いことがある。 (Natsu wa atsui koto ga aru.)	“There are times when it’s hot in summer.”
	寒い (samui)	寒いことがある (samui koto ga aru)	冬は寒いことがある。 (Fuyu wa samui koto ga aru.)	“There are times when it’s cold in winter.”
な-Adj	便利 (benri)	便利なことがある (benri na koto ga aru)	このアプリは便利なことがある。 (Kono apuri wa benri na koto ga aru.)	“There are times when this app is convenient.”
	危険 (kiken)	危険なことがある (kiken na koto ga aru)	山登りは危険なことがある。 (Yamanobori wa kiken na koto ga aru.)	“There are times when mountain climbing is dangerous.”

More Example Sentences

Here are 10 additional example sentences using 〜ことがある:

彼女と話したことがある。
(Kanojo to hanashita koto ga aru.)
“I have talked to her before.”
このレストランで食事をしたことがある。
(Kono resutoran de shokuji o shita koto ga aru.)
“I have eaten at this restaurant before.”
雪が降ることがある。
(Yuki ga furu koto ga aru.)
“It sometimes snows.”
彼は遅刻することがある。
(Kare wa chikoku suru koto ga aru.)
“He is sometimes late.”
この本を読んだことがある。
(Kono hon o yonda koto ga aru.)
“I have read this book before.”
旅行中に迷子になったことがある。
(Ryokou-chuu ni maigo ni natta koto ga aru.)
“I have gotten lost during a trip before.”
この歌を聞いたことがある。
(Kono uta o kiita koto ga aru.)
“I have heard this song before.”
彼女は泣くことがある。
(Kanojo wa naku koto ga aru.)
“She sometimes cries.”
この道を通ったことがある。
(Kono michi o tootta koto ga aru.)
“I have taken this road before.”
試験に失敗したことがある。
(Shiken ni shippai shita koto ga aru.)
“I have failed an exam before.”

Things to Keep in Mind

Tense: 〜ことがある is always used in the present tense, even when referring to past experiences.
Example: 日本に行ったことがある。 (Not 行ったことがあった。)
Negation: To say “I have never done something,” use 〜ことがない.
Example: 日本に行ったことがない。 (Nihon ni itta koto ga nai.)
“I have never been to Japan.”
Frequency: 〜ことがある implies that the event or experience is occasional, not regular.
Politeness: In formal situations, use 〜ことがあります instead of 〜ことがある.

Fill in the Blanks

Verbs

彼は______がある。(怒る)
Answer: 彼は怒ることがある。
(Kare wa okoru koto ga aru.)
“He sometimes gets angry.”
この映画を______がある。(見る)
Answer: この映画を見たことがある。
(Kono eiga o mita koto ga aru.)
“I have seen this movie before.”
雨が______がある。(降る)
Answer: 雨が降ることがある。
(Ame ga furu koto ga aru.)
“It sometimes rains.”
彼女と______がある。(話す)
Answer: 彼女と話したことがある。
(Kanojo to hanashita koto ga aru.)
“I have talked to her before.”
この本を______がある。(読む)
Answer: この本を読んだことがある。
(Kono hon o yonda koto ga aru.)
“I have read this book before.”

Nouns

旅行中に迷子に______がある。(なる)
Answer: 旅行中に迷子になったことがある。
(Ryokou-chuu ni maigo ni natta koto ga aru.)
“I have gotten lost during a trip before.”
この歌を______がある。(聞く)
Answer: この歌を聞いたことがある。
(Kono uta o kiita koto ga aru.)
“I have heard this song before.”

Adjectives

彼女は______がある。(泣く)
Answer: 彼女は泣くことがある。
(Kanojo wa naku koto ga aru.)
“She sometimes cries.”
この道を______がある。(通る)
Answer: この道を通ったことがある。
(Kono michi o tootta koto ga aru.)
“I have taken this road before.”
試験に______がある。(失敗)
Answer: 試験に失敗したことがある。
(Shiken ni shippai shita koto ga aru.)
“I have failed an exam before.”

Conclusion

Mastering 〜ことがある is a key step in becoming fluent in Japanese. It allows you to express experiences, habits, and occasional events with ease. By understanding its formation and usage, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively and naturally. Practice the examples and fill-in-the-blank questions provided in this blog, and soon you’ll be using 〜ことがある like a pro!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

February 22, 2025

Understanding 〜おかげで in Japanese | My Language Classes

Understanding 〜おかげで

In Japanese, 〜おかげで (okage de) is a grammar point used to express gratitude or acknowledgment for a positive outcome that resulted from someone’s help, effort, or a specific situation. It translates to “thanks to,” “because of,” or “due to” in English. While it is often used in positive contexts, it can also be used sarcastically to imply a negative outcome. Understanding how to use 〜おかげで correctly is essential for expressing cause and effect in Japanese, especially when giving credit or showing appreciation.

Formation of 〜おかげで

The 〜おかげで structure can be formed with verbs, nouns, and adjectives. Here’s how it works:

1. With Verbs

Verb (plain past tense) + おかげで
Example:
勉強したおかげで (benkyou shita okage de) – Thanks to studying

2. With Nouns

Noun + の + おかげで
Example:
先生のおかげで (sensei no okage de) – Thanks to the teacher

3. With Adjectives

い-Adjective (plain past tense) + おかげで
Example:
楽しかったおかげで (tanoshikatta okage de) – Thanks to it being fun
な-Adjective + だった + おかげで
Example:
静かだったおかげで (shizuka datta okage de) – Thanks to it being quiet

Usage of 〜おかげで

〜おかげで is used in various situations to express gratitude or acknowledge the cause of a positive outcome. Here are some common scenarios:

Expressing Gratitude: Thanking someone for their help or effort.
Example: あなたのおかげで成功しました。 (Anata no okage de seikou shimashita.) – Thanks to you, I succeeded.
Acknowledging a Situation: Recognizing a situation that led to a positive result.
Example: いい天気のおかげでピクニックが楽しめました。 (Ii tenki no okage de pikunikku ga tanoshimemashita.) – Thanks to the good weather, we enjoyed the picnic.
Sarcastic Usage: Implying a negative outcome (often used humorously or ironically).
Example: あなたのおかげで遅刻しました。 (Anata no okage de chikoku shimashita.) – Thanks to you, I was late.

List of Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives with 〜おかげで Form

Word Type	Word	〜おかげで Form	Example Sentence (Japanese)	Romaji Version	English Meaning
Verb	勉強する (study)	勉強したおかげで	勉強したおかげで合格した。	Benkyou shita okage de goukaku shita.	Thanks to studying, I passed the exam.
Verb	頑張る (work hard)	頑張ったおかげで	頑張ったおかげで成功した。	Ganbatta okage de seikou shita.	Thanks to working hard, I succeeded.
Noun	先生 (teacher)	先生のおかげで	先生のおかげで日本語が上手になった。	Sensei no okage de nihongo ga jouzu ni natta.	Thanks to the teacher, my Japanese improved.
Noun	友達 (friend)	友達のおかげで	友達のおかげで楽しかった。	Tomodachi no okage de tanoshikatta.	Thanks to my friend, it was fun.
い-Adjective	楽しい (fun)	楽しかったおかげで	楽しかったおかげで元気になった。	Tanoshikatta okage de genki ni natta.	Thanks to it being fun, I felt energized.
い-Adjective	早い (early)	早かったおかげで	早かったおかげで間に合った。	Hayakatta okage de maniatta.	Thanks to being early, I made it on time.
な-Adjective	静か (quiet)	静かだったおかげで	静かだったおかげで集中できた。	Shizuka datta okage de shuuchuu dekita.	Thanks to it being quiet, I could focus.
な-Adjective	便利 (convenient)	便利だったおかげで	便利だったおかげで時間が節約できた。	Benri datta okage de jikan ga setsuyaku dekita.	Thanks to it being convenient, I saved time.

More Example Sentences

友達のおかげで新しい仕事を見つけました。
Tomodachi no okage de atarashii shigoto o mitsukemashita.
Thanks to my friend, I found a new job.
雨のおかげで庭の花がきれいに咲きました。
Ame no okage de niwa no hana ga kirei ni sakimashita.
Thanks to the rain, the flowers in the garden bloomed beautifully.
彼のアドバイスのおかげで問題が解決しました。
Kare no adobaisu no okage de mondai ga kaiketsu shimashita.
Thanks to his advice, the problem was solved.
勉強したおかげで試験に合格しました。
Benkyou shita okage de shiken ni goukaku shimashita.
Thanks to studying, I passed the exam.
先生のおかげで日本語が上手になりました。
Sensei no okage de nihongo ga jouzu ni narimashita.
Thanks to the teacher, my Japanese improved.
早く起きたおかげで朝ごはんを食べられました。
Hayaku okita okage de asagohan o taberaremashita.
Thanks to waking up early, I could eat breakfast.
彼女のおかげで楽しい時間を過ごせました。
Kanojo no okage de tanoshii jikan o sugosemashita.
Thanks to her, I had a great time.
天気が良かったおかげで遠足が楽しめました。
Tenki ga yokatta okage de ensoku ga tanoshimemashita.
Thanks to the good weather, the field trip was enjoyable.
あなたのおかげで自信がつきました。
Anata no okage de jishin ga tsukimashita.
Thanks to you, I gained confidence.
便利なアプリのおかげで道に迷いませんでした。
Benri na apuri no okage de michi ni mayoimasen deshita.
Thanks to the convenient app, I didn’t get lost.

Things to Keep in Mind

Positive vs. Sarcastic Usage: While 〜おかげで is mostly used for positive outcomes, it can also be used sarcastically. Pay attention to the context.
Politeness: When expressing gratitude, 〜おかげで is polite enough for most situations. However, adding です or ます forms can make it more formal.
Avoid Overuse: Use 〜おかげで when the cause and effect are clear. Overusing it can make your speech sound unnatural.
Subject Awareness: The subject of the sentence is often omitted in Japanese, so ensure the context makes it clear who or what is being thanked.

Fill in the Blanks

彼の助けのおかげで、__________。
勉強したおかげで、__________。
先生のおかげで、__________。
天気が良かったおかげで、__________。
友達のおかげで、__________。
早く起きたおかげで、__________。
便利なアプリのおかげで、__________。
静かだったおかげで、__________。
彼女のおかげで、__________。
頑張ったおかげで、__________。

Answers:

彼の助けのおかげで、問題が解決しました。
勉強したおかげで、試験に合格しました。
先生のおかげで、日本語が上手になりました。
天気が良かったおかげで、遠足が楽しめました。
友達のおかげで、楽しい時間を過ごせました。
早く起きたおかげで、朝ごはんを食べられました。
便利なアプリのおかげで、道に迷いませんでした。
静かだったおかげで、集中できました。
彼女のおかげで、自信がつきました。
頑張ったおかげで、成功しました。

Conclusion

〜おかげで is a versatile and essential grammar point in Japanese that allows you to express gratitude, acknowledge positive outcomes, or even add a touch of sarcasm. By mastering its formation and usage, you can effectively communicate cause-and-effect relationships in various contexts. Practice using 〜おかげで in your daily conversations, and soon it will become a natural part of your Japanese language skills. Keep studying, and 頑張ってください！ (Ganbatte kudasai!)

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

February 21, 2025

Using 〜ばかりか〜も in Japanese | My Language Classes

Mastering the Japanese Grammar Point: 〜ばかりか〜も

When learning Japanese, one of the most fascinating aspects is discovering how the language expresses complex ideas with seemingly simple structures. One such structure is 〜ばかりか〜も, a grammar point that allows speakers to emphasize not just one thing, but an additional, often surprising or unexpected, element. In English, this can be roughly translated as “not only… but also…” or “not just… but even…”. It’s a powerful way to add depth and nuance to your sentences, making your Japanese sound more natural and sophisticated.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the formation, usage, and nuances of 〜ばかりか〜も. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use this grammar point in various contexts, along with plenty of examples to guide you.

Formation of 〜ばかりか〜も

The structure 〜ばかりか〜も is used to connect two clauses, where the first clause introduces something expected or known, and the second clause adds something unexpected or surprising. It can be used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives. Let’s break down the formation for each:

1. With Verbs

Verb (plain form) + ばかりか + も
- Example: 食べる (to eat) → 食べるばかりか、も…

2. With Nouns

Noun + ばかりか + も
- Example: 学生 (student) → 学生ばかりか、も…

3. With Adjectives

い-Adjective (plain form) + ばかりか + も
- Example: 高い (expensive) → 高いばかりか、も…
な-Adjective (plain form) + ばかりか + も
- Example: 静か (quiet) → 静かなばかりか、も…

Usage of 〜ばかりか〜も

The 〜ばかりか〜も structure is used to emphasize that something goes beyond what is expected. It often carries a tone of surprise or emphasis, and it’s commonly used in both written and spoken Japanese. Here are some situations where you might use it:

To emphasize an unexpected addition:
- “Not only did he forget my birthday, but he also didn’t even apologize.”
To highlight a contrast:
- “Not only is she smart, but she’s also incredibly kind.”
To express exaggeration or surprise:
- “Not only did it rain, but it even snowed!”
To list multiple negative outcomes:
- “Not only did I lose my wallet, but I also missed my train.”

List of Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives with 〜ばかりか〜も

Here’s a table with examples of 〜ばかりか〜も used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives:

Type	Word	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Meaning
Verb	食べる (to eat)	彼はケーキを食べるばかりか、アイスクリームも食べた。	Kare wa keeki o taberu bakari ka, aisu kuriimu mo tabeta.	Not only did he eat cake, but he also ate ice cream.
Verb	行く (to go)	彼女は公園に行くばかりか、映画館にも行った。	Kanojo wa kouen ni iku bakari ka, eigakan ni mo itta.	Not only did she go to the park, but she also went to the movie theater.
Noun	学生 (student)	彼は学生ばかりか、先生もしている。	Kare wa gakusei bakari ka, sensei mo shite iru.	Not only is he a student, but he’s also a teacher.
Noun	雨 (rain)	今日は雨ばかりか、雪も降っている。	Kyou wa ame bakari ka, yuki mo futte iru.	Not only is it raining today, but it’s also snowing.
い-Adjective	高い (expensive)	このレストランは高いばかりか、サービスも悪い。	Kono resutoran wa takai bakari ka, saabisu mo warui.	Not only is this restaurant expensive, but the service is also bad.
い-Adjective	暑い (hot)	夏は暑いばかりか、湿度も高い。	Natsu wa atsui bakari ka, shitsudo mo takai.	Not only is summer hot, but the humidity is also high.
な-Adjective	静か (quiet)	この町は静かなばかりか、安全でもある。	Kono machi wa shizuka na bakari ka, anzen demo aru.	Not only is this town quiet, but it’s also safe.
な-Adjective	便利 (convenient)	このアプリは便利なばかりか、無料でもある。	Kono apuri wa benri na bakari ka, muryou demo aru.	Not only is this app convenient, but it’s also free.

More Example Sentences

Here are 10 more examples of 〜ばかりか〜も in action:

彼は遅刻するばかりか、宿題も忘れた。
Kare wa chikoku suru bakari ka, shukudai mo wasureta.
Not only was he late, but he also forgot his homework.
この本は面白いばかりか、ためにもなる。
Kono hon wa omoshiroi bakari ka, tame ni mo naru.
Not only is this book interesting, but it’s also helpful.
彼女は歌が上手なばかりか、ダンスも得意だ。
Kanojo wa uta ga jouzu na bakari ka, dansu mo tokui da.
Not only is she good at singing, but she’s also great at dancing.
この車は速いばかりか、燃費もいい。
Kono kuruma wa hayai bakari ka, nenpi mo ii.
Not only is this car fast, but it’s also fuel-efficient.
彼は日本語が話せるばかりか、フランス語も話せる。
Kare wa nihongo ga hanaseru bakari ka, furansugo mo hanaseru.
Not only can he speak Japanese, but he can also speak French.
このホテルは綺麗なばかりか、サービスも素晴らしい。
Kono hoteru wa kirei na bakari ka, saabisu mo subarashii.
Not only is this hotel beautiful, but the service is also excellent.
彼は宿題をしないばかりか、授業もサボった。
Kare wa shukudai o shinai bakari ka, jugyou mo sabotta.
Not only did he not do his homework, but he also skipped class.
この料理は美味しいばかりか、見た目も素敵だ。
Kono ryouri wa oishii bakari ka, mitame mo suteki da.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it also looks amazing.
彼は仕事が忙しいばかりか、家事もやらなければならない。
Kare wa shigoto ga isogashii bakari ka, kaji mo yaranakereba naranai.
Not only is he busy with work, but he also has to do housework.
この映画は感動的ばかりか、音楽も素晴らしい。
Kono eiga wa kandouteki bakari ka, ongaku mo subarashii.
Not only is this movie moving, but the music is also wonderful.

Things to Keep in Mind

Tone: The structure often carries a tone of surprise or emphasis, so use it when you want to highlight something unexpected.
Formality: It’s more common in written Japanese or formal speech. In casual conversation, you might hear 〜だけでなく〜も more often.
Word Order: The second clause (after も) should logically follow the first clause.
Avoid Overuse: Like any advanced grammar point, overusing it can make your speech or writing sound unnatural.

Fill in the Blanks Questions

彼は勉強しないばかりか、__________もサボった。
このレストランは美味しいばかりか、__________も安い。
彼女はピアノが上手なばかりか、__________も得意だ。
この本は面白いばかりか、__________にもなる。
今日は雨が降るばかりか、__________も降っている。
彼は日本語が話せるばかりか、__________も話せる。
この町は静かなばかりか、__________でもある。
彼は仕事が忙しいばかりか、__________もやらなければならない。
この映画は感動的ばかりか、__________も素晴らしい。
この車は速いばかりか、__________もいい。

Answers

授業
値段
ダンス
ため
雪
フランス語
安全
家事
音楽
燃費

Conclusion

The 〜ばかりか〜も structure is a versatile and powerful tool in Japanese that allows you to express not only the expected but also the unexpected. Whether you’re emphasizing a surprising addition, contrasting two ideas, or simply adding depth to your sentences, this grammar point is invaluable. With the examples and explanations provided in this blog, you’re now equipped to use 〜ばかりか〜も confidently in your own Japanese conversations and writing. Keep practicing, and soon it’ll become second nature!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

February 19, 2025

Understanding 〜だけでなく〜も in Japanese | My Language Classes

Using 〜だけでなく〜も in Japanese

In Japanese, the structure 〜だけでなく〜も is a versatile and commonly used grammatical pattern that means “not only… but also…” in English. It is used to emphasize that something is true not just about one thing, but about another as well. This structure is incredibly useful for adding depth and nuance to your sentences, whether you’re talking about nouns, verbs, or adjectives.

For example, if you want to say, “Not only is she smart, but she is also kind,” you would use 〜だけでなく〜も to convey this idea. This blog post will guide you through the formation, usage, and nuances of this structure, along with plenty of examples to help you master it.

Formation of 〜だけでなく〜も

The structure 〜だけでなく〜も can be used with nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Let’s break it down:

1. With Nouns

When used with nouns, the structure is:
Noun + だけでなく + Noun + も

Example:

彼は先生だけでなく作家でもあります。
(Kare wa sensei dake de naku sakka demo arimasu.)
He is not only a teacher but also a writer.

2. With Verbs

When used with verbs, the structure is:
Verb (dictionary form) + だけでなく + Verb + も

Example:

彼女は歌うだけでなく踊ることもできます。
(Kanojo wa utau dake de naku odoru koto mo dekimasu.)
She can not only sing but also dance.

3. With Adjectives

When used with adjectives, the structure is:
Adjective + だけでなく + Adjective + も

Example:

この映画は面白いだけでなく感動的でもあります。
(Kono eiga wa omoshiroi dake de naku kandouteki demo arimasu.)
This movie is not only interesting but also moving.

Usage of 〜だけでなく〜も

The 〜だけでなく〜も structure is used in a variety of situations to emphasize that two or more things are true. It can be used in formal and informal contexts, and it works well in both written and spoken Japanese. Here are some common situations where you might use it:

Highlighting multiple qualities of a person or thing:
- 彼は頭がいいだけでなくスポーツも得意です。
  (Kare wa atama ga ii dake de naku supōtsu mo tokui desu.)
  He is not only smart but also good at sports.
Adding additional information:
- このレストランは安いだけでなく美味しいです。
  (Kono resutoran wa yasui dake de naku oishii desu.)
  This restaurant is not only cheap but also delicious.
Expanding on actions or abilities:
- 彼は走るだけでなく泳ぐこともできます。
  (Kare wa hashiru dake de naku oyogu koto mo dekimasu.)
  He can not only run but also swim.

Table of Examples

Here’s a table with examples of 〜だけでなく〜も used with nouns, verbs, and adjectives:

Situation	Example Sentence (Japanese)	Romaji Version	English Meaning
Noun + だけでなく + Noun + も	彼は医者だけでなく画家でもあります。	Kare wa isha dake de naku gaka demo arimasu.	He is not only a doctor but also a painter.
	この本は面白いだけでなく役に立つです。	Kono hon wa omoshiroi dake de naku yaku ni tatsu desu.	This book is not only interesting but also useful.
Verb + だけでなく + Verb + も	彼女は料理するだけでなく掃除することも好きです。	Kanojo wa ryōri suru dake de naku sōji suru koto mo suki desu.	She not only likes to cook but also likes to clean.
	彼は勉強するだけでなく遊ぶことも大切にしています。	Kare wa benkyō suru dake de naku asobu koto mo taisetsu ni shiteimasu.	He not only studies but also values playing.
Adjective + だけでなく + Adjective + も	この町は静かなだけでなく美しいです。	Kono machi wa shizuka na dake de naku utsukushii desu.	This town is not only quiet but also beautiful.
	彼の話は長いだけでなく退屈です。	Kare no hanashi wa nagai dake de naku taikutsu desu.	His story is not only long but also boring.

More Example Sentences

Here are 10 more examples of 〜だけでなく〜も in action:

彼は日本語だけでなく英語も話せます。
(Kare wa nihongo dake de naku eigo mo hanasemasu.)
He can speak not only Japanese but also English.
この車は速いだけでなく安全です。
(Kono kuruma wa hayai dake de naku anzen desu.)
This car is not only fast but also safe.
彼女は歌うだけでなくピアノを弾くこともできます。
(Kanojo wa utau dake de naku piano o hiku koto mo dekimasu.)
She can not only sing but also play the piano.
このアプリは便利なだけでなく無料です。
(Kono apuri wa benri na dake de naku muryō desu.)
This app is not only convenient but also free.
彼は勉強だけでなくスポーツも得意です。
(Kare wa benkyō dake de naku supōtsu mo tokui desu.)
He is not only good at studying but also at sports.
このレストランは美味しいだけでなく雰囲気も良いです。
(Kono resutoran wa oishii dake de naku funiki mo ii desu.)
This restaurant is not only delicious but also has a good atmosphere.
彼は走るだけでなく泳ぐこともできます。
(Kare wa hashiru dake de naku oyogu koto mo dekimasu.)
He can not only run but also swim.
この本は面白いだけでなくためになるです。
(Kono hon wa omoshiroi dake de naku tame ni naru desu.)
This book is not only interesting but also informative.
彼女は優しいだけでなく頭もいいです。
(Kanojo wa yasashii dake de naku atama mo ii desu.)
She is not only kind but also smart.
この公園は広いだけでなく静かです。
(Kono kōen wa hiroi dake de naku shizuka desu.)
This park is not only spacious but also quiet.

Things to Keep in Mind

Politeness Level: The structure 〜だけでなく〜も can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing or speech, you might want to use 〜のみならず〜も for a more polished tone.
Order of Information: The first part of the sentence (before だけでなく) is usually the more obvious or expected information, while the second part (after も) adds something unexpected or additional.
Avoid Overuse: While this structure is useful, overusing it can make your sentences sound repetitive. Use it when you want to emphasize the addition of information.
Parallel Structure: Ensure that the parts before and after だけでなく are grammatically parallel (e.g., both nouns, both verbs, or both adjectives).

Fill in the Blanks

Here are 10 fill-in-the-blank questions to test your understanding of 〜だけでなく〜も:

彼は日本語だけでなく________も話せます。
(Kare wa nihongo dake de naku ________ mo hanasemasu.)
この映画は________だけでなく感動的でもあります。
(Kono eiga wa ________ dake de naku kandouteki demo arimasu.)
彼女は歌うだけでなく________こともできます。
(Kanojo wa utau dake de naku ________ koto mo dekimasu.)
この本は________だけでなく役に立つです。
(Kono hon wa ________ dake de naku yaku ni tatsu desu.)
彼は走るだけでなく________こともできます。
(Kare wa hashiru dake de naku ________ koto mo dekimasu.)
この町は________だけでなく美しいです。
(Kono machi wa ________ dake de naku utsukushii desu.)
彼は勉強だけでなく________も得意です。
(Kare wa benkyō dake de naku ________ mo tokui desu.)
このアプリは________だけでなく無料です。
(Kono apuri wa ________ dake de naku muryō desu.)
彼女は優しいだけでなく________です。
(Kanojo wa yasashii dake de naku ________ desu.)
この公園は________だけでなく静かです。
(Kono kōen wa ________ dake de naku shizuka desu.)

Answers:

英語 (eigo)
面白い (omoshiroi)
踊る (odoru)
面白い (omoshiroi)
泳ぐ (oyogu)
静か (shizuka)
スポーツ (supōtsu)
便利 (benri)
頭がいい (atama ga ii)
広い (hiroi)

Conclusion

The 〜だけでなく〜も structure is a powerful tool in Japanese for emphasizing multiple qualities, actions, or characteristics. Whether you’re describing people, places, or things, this pattern allows you to add depth and nuance to your sentences. By mastering its formation and usage, you’ll be able to express yourself more clearly and effectively in Japanese. Keep practicing with the examples and exercises provided, and soon you’ll be using 〜だけでなく〜も like a pro!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

February 17, 2025

Using〜そうだ (Appearance) | My Language Classes:

Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese 〜そうだ

In Japanese, the grammar pattern 〜そうだ (sou da) is used to express that something “looks like” or “seems” a certain way based on its appearance. This pattern is useful when describing objects, actions, or situations that give a certain impression. It is often used with adjectives, nouns, and verbs, but its meaning slightly changes depending on the word category.

This blog will guide you through the formation, usage, and different contexts where 〜そうだ (Appearance) can be applied.

Formation of 〜そうだ (Appearance)

1. Using with Adjectives

For i-adjectives: Drop the final い (i) and add 〜そうだ.
- Example: おいしい → おいしそうだ (Oishii → Oishisou da) – “Looks delicious.”
For na-adjectives: Just add 〜そうだ directly to the adjective.
- Example: 美しい → 美しそうだ (Utsukushii → Utsukushisou da) – “Looks beautiful.”

2. Using with Verbs

For verbs (stem form): Take the ます-stem and add 〜そうだ.
- Example: 雨が降る (Ame ga furu) → 雨が降りそうだ (Ame ga furisou da) – “It looks like it will rain.”

3. Using with Nouns

Nouns do not usually take the 〜そうだ form when expressing appearance. Instead, のようだ or みたいだ is commonly used.

Usage of 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form

1. Describing Physical Appearance:

「他は強そうだ」

Romaji: Kare wa tsuyosou da.
English: He looks strong.

「このかばんは重そうだ」

Romaji: Kono kaban wa omosou da.
English: This bag looks heavy.

2. Expressing Predictions Based on Appearance:

「このケーキは生でたべられそうだ」

Romaji: Kono kēki wa nama de taberare-sou da.
English: This cake looks edible raw.

「この車はまだ動きそうだ」

Romaji: Kono kuruma wa mada ugoki-sou da.
English: This car looks like it can still run.

3. Talking About Immediate Future Actions:

「雨が降りそうだ」

Romaji: Ame ga furi-sou da.
English: It looks like it’s going to rain.

「電車が出発しそうだ」

Romaji: Densha ga shuppatsu shisou da.
English: The train looks like it’s about to depart.

Common Words with 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form:

Here’s a well-structured table with verbs, nouns, and adjectives in their 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form, along with two example sentences for each.

Type	Word	〜そうだ Form	Example Sentence 1	Romaji	English Meaning	Example Sentence 2	Romaji	English Meaning
Verb	食べる (taberu) – to eat	食べられそうだ (taberare-sou da)	このケーキは美味しそうだから食べられそうだ。	Kono kēki wa oishisou dakara taberare-sou da.	This cake looks delicious, so it seems edible.	このスープは熱そうだけど飲めそうだ。	Kono sūpu wa atsusou dakedo nome-sou da.	This soup looks hot, but it seems drinkable.
Verb	壊れる (kowareru) – to break	壊れそうだ (koware-sou da)	この椅子は古くて壊れそうだ。	Kono isu wa furukute koware-sou da.	This chair looks old and about to break.	このおもちゃは落としたら壊れそうだ。	Kono omocha wa otoshitara koware-sou da.	This toy looks like it will break if dropped.
Noun	雨 (ame) – rain	雨が降りそうだ (ame ga furi-sou da)	空が暗くなってきたから、雨が降りそうだ。	Sora ga kuraku natte kita kara, ame ga furi-sou da.	The sky is getting dark, so it looks like it’s going to rain.	風が強くなってきたし、雨が降りそうだね。	Kaze ga tsuyoku natte kita shi, ame ga furi-sou da ne.	The wind is getting stronger, and it looks like it will rain.
Noun	試験 (shiken) – exam	試験が難しそうだ (shiken ga muzukashisou da)	明日の試験は難しそうだ。	Ashita no shiken wa muzukashisou da.	Tomorrow’s exam looks difficult.	先生の説明を聞いて、試験が簡単そうだと思った。	Sensei no setsumei o kiite, shiken ga kantansou da to omotta.	After hearing the teacher’s explanation, I thought the exam looked easy.
Adjective	美味しい (oishii) – delicious	美味しそうだ (oishisou da)	このラーメンは美味しそうだね！	Kono rāmen wa oishisou da ne!	This ramen looks delicious!	おばあちゃんの作ったケーキは美味しそうだ。	Obaachan no tsukutta kēki wa oishisou da.	The cake my grandmother made looks delicious.
Adjective	楽しい (tanoshii) – fun	楽しそうだ (tanoshisou da)	彼らの旅行はとても楽しそうだ。	Karera no ryokō wa totemo tanoshisou da.	Their trip looks really fun.	あの子たちはゲームをしていて楽しそうだね。	Ano kotachi wa gēmu o shiteite tanoshisou da ne.	Those kids look like they’re having fun playing games.
Adjective	寒い (samui) – cold	寒そうだ (samusou da)	彼は薄い服を着ていて寒そうだ。	Kare wa usui fuku o kiteite samusou da.	He is wearing thin clothes and looks cold.	外は雪が降っていてとても寒そうだ。	Soto wa yuki ga futteite totemo samusou da.	It is snowing outside, and it looks very cold.

More Example Sentences

Here are 10 more example sentences using 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form, along with romaji and English meanings:

このスープは熱そうだ。
- Romaji: Kono sūpu wa atsusou da.
- English: This soup looks hot.
彼は疲れていそうだ。
- Romaji: Kare wa tsukareteisou da.
- English: He looks tired.
あの建物は古くて壊れそうだ。
- Romaji: Ano tatemono wa furukute kowaresou da.
- English: That building looks old and about to collapse.
この箱は軽そうだね。
- Romaji: Kono hako wa karusou da ne.
- English: This box looks light.
彼の話は面白そうだ。
- Romaji: Kare no hanashi wa omoshirosou da.
- English: His story sounds interesting.
この靴は履きやすそうだ。
- Romaji: Kono kutsu wa haki-yasusou da.
- English: These shoes look easy to wear.
あの犬はおとなしくて優しそうだね。
- Romaji: Ano inu wa otonashikute yasashisou da ne.
- English: That dog looks calm and gentle.
このカバンは丈夫そうだ。
- Romaji: Kono kaban wa joubusou da.
- English: This bag looks durable.
彼女の料理は美味しそうだ。
- Romaji: Kanojo no ryōri wa oishisou da.
- English: Her cooking looks delicious.
あの道は滑りそうだから気をつけて！

Romaji: Ano michi wa suberisou dakara ki o tsukete!
English: That road looks slippery, so be careful!

Things to Keep in Mind About 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form

When using 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form, there are a few important points to remember:

1. Used for Visual Appearance or Impression

This form is used when something looks a certain way based on visual observation or impression.
Example:
- このケーキは甘そうだ。 (Kono kēki wa amasou da.) → This cake looks sweet. (Judging by appearance, not by tasting it.)

2. Not for First-Hand Experience

It should not be used when you have direct experience with something (e.g., you actually ate the cake).
Incorrect: このケーキを食べたけど甘そうだ。(Kono kēki o tabeta kedo amasou da.) ❌
Correct: このケーキは甘い。(Kono kēki wa amai.) ✅ → This cake is sweet.

3. Different from 〜そうだ (Hearsay)

〜そうだ (Appearance) is different from 〜そうだ (Hearsay), which is used to report something you heard from someone else.
Example (Appearance):
- 彼は元気そうだ。 (Kare wa genkisou da.) → He looks energetic.
Example (Hearsay):
- 彼は元気だそうだ。 (Kare wa genki da sou da.) → I heard that he is energetic.

4. Adjective Conjugation Rules

For い-adjectives: Remove い and add そうだ.
- Example: おいしい → おいしそうだ (oishii → oishisou da) → Looks delicious
For な-adjectives: Just add そうだ.
- Example: 元気（げんき）→ 元気そうだ (genki → genkisou da) → Looks healthy

5. Special Case: Negative Form

To say “doesn’t look ~,” change ない to なさそうだ.
- Example:
  - 美味しくない (oishikunai) → 美味しくなさそうだ (oishikunasa sou da) → Doesn’t look delicious.
  - 元気じゃない (genki janai) → 元気じゃなさそうだ (genki janasa sou da) → Doesn’t look healthy.

6. Verb Usage: Potential & Immediate Action

For potential actions: Use the stem of the potential form of the verb + そうだ.
- Example: この橋は渡れそうだ。(Kono hashi wa watare-sou da.) → This bridge looks crossable.
For immediate actions: Use the stem of the dictionary form + そうだ.
- Example: 雨が降りそうだ。(Ame ga furi-sou da.) → It looks like it’s going to rain soon.

7. Special Irregular Adjectives

いい (good) → よさそうだ (yosasou da) → Looks good.
ない (not existing) → なさそうだ (nasasou da) → Doesn’t seem to exist.

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct 〜そうだ form of the given words.

Questions:

このスープは _______ (熱い) ですね！気をつけて！
彼は昨日から寝ていないみたいで、とても _______ (疲れる)。
あの子はとても _______ (賢い) ね！
この橋は古くて _______ (壊れる)。
あの店のラーメンは _______ (美味しい)。
今日は空が暗くて、雨が _______ (降る)。
このかばんはとても _______ (丈夫) ですね。
彼女の話は _______ (面白い)。
この靴は _______ (歩きやすい)。
この椅子は _______ (座りにくい) から、別のを使おう。

Answers:

熱そうだ (atsusou da)
疲れていそうだ (tsukareteisou da)
賢そうだ (kashikoso da)
壊れそうだ (kowaresou da)
美味しそうだ (oishisou da)
降りそうだ (furisou da)
丈夫そうだ (joubusou da)
面白そうだ (omoshirosou da)
歩きやすそうだ (arukiyasusou da)
座りにくそうだ (suwarinikusou da)

Conclusion

Mastering 〜そうだ (Appearance) Form is a great way to express observations and predictions based on how things look. Whether describing someone’s emotions, the taste of food, or a future event, this grammar pattern helps make your Japanese sound more natural and fluent.

By understanding its conjugation rules, differences from hearsay 〜そうだ, and special cases, you can use it confidently in daily conversations. Keep practicing with real-life examples, and soon, you’ll be able to describe appearances effortlessly in Japanese!

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to explore more Japanese grammar lessons and keep improving your language skills.

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese

Understanding Japanese Verb Groups: A Beginner’s Guide

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

〜そうだ (Appearance): Expressing ‘Looks Like’ in Japanese

〜そうだ (Hearsay) vs 〜そうだ (Appearance): Understanding the Difference

February 14, 2025

Using 〜そうだ (Hearsay) | My Language Classes

〜そうだ (Hearsay): Expressing Reported Speech in Japanese

In Japanese, the grammar structure 〜そうだ (sou da) is used to express reported speech or hearsay. This form is used when conveying information that was heard from another source, similar to “I heard that…” or “It is said that…” in English. It differs from the 〜そうだ used for expressing appearance (e.g., “It looks like…”).

Understanding how to use 〜そうだ correctly is crucial for effective communication in Japanese, as it helps relay secondhand information accurately. In this blog, we will explore the formation, usage, and differences between 〜そうだ and similar structures like 〜ようだ.

Formation of 〜そうだ (Hearsay)

1. With Verbs

To form 〜そうだ with verbs, use the plain form (dictionary form or past form) of the verb before adding そうだ.

Verb (Plain Form) + そうだ
Verb (Past Form) + そうだ

Example:

来るそうだ (kuru sou da) → “I heard that he/she will come.”
行ったそうだ (itta sou da) → “I heard that he/she went.”

2. With Nouns

For nouns, simply attach だそうだ after the noun.

Noun + だそうだ

Example:

先生だそうだ (sensei da sou da) → “I heard that he/she is a teacher.”

3. With Adjectives

For -i adjectives: Remove い and add そうだ
- 面白い → 面白いそうだ (omoshiroi sou da) → “I heard that it is interesting.”
For -na adjectives: Attach だそうだ after the adjective
- 静か (shizuka) → 静かだそうだ (shizuka da sou da) → “I heard that it is quiet.”

Usage of 〜そうだ (Hearsay) in Different Situations

News and Reports:
- 日本の人口が減っているそうだ。
- Nihon no jinkou ga hetteiru sou da.
- “I heard that Japan’s population is decreasing.”
Casual Conversations:
- 明日、雨が降るそうだ。
- Ashita, ame ga furu sou da.
- “I heard that it will rain tomorrow.”
Quoting Someone Else’s Words:
- 田中さんは先生になるそうだ。
- Tanaka-san wa sensei ni naru sou da.
- “I heard that Tanaka-san will become a teacher.”

Situations Where 〜ようだ is Used

Unlike 〜そうだ (Hearsay), 〜ようだ is used for conjecture or resemblance. Some common cases include:

Guessing based on evidence
- 雨が降ったようだ。(Ame ga futta you da.) → “It seems like it rained.”
Comparisons and similarity
- 彼は日本人のようだ。(Kare wa nihonjin no you da.) → “He seems to be Japanese.”

List of Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives with Their 〜そうだ (Hearsay) Forms

Word Type	Word (JP)	Hearsay Form	Example Sentence (JP)	Romaji	English Meaning
Verb	食べる (taberu)	食べるそうだ (taberu sō da)	先生は寿司を食べるそうだ。	Sensei wa sushi o taberu sō da.	The teacher is said to eat sushi.
			彼は毎日ケーキを食べるそうだ。	Kare wa mainichi kēki o taberu sō da.	He is said to eat cake every day.
Verb	行く (iku)	行くそうだ (iku sō da)	田中さんは東京に行くそうだ。	Tanaka-san wa Tōkyō ni iku sō da.	Tanaka-san is said to be going to Tokyo.
			来週、彼女は海外に行くそうだ。	Raishū, kanojo wa kaigai ni iku sō da.	Next week, she is said to be going abroad.
Verb	勉強する (benkyō suru)	勉強するそうだ (benkyō suru sō da)	彼は毎日日本語を勉強するそうだ。	Kare wa mainichi Nihongo o benkyō suru sō da.	He is said to study Japanese every day.
			兄は大学で医学を勉強するそうだ。	Ani wa daigaku de igaku o benkyō suru sō da.	My older brother is said to be studying medicine at university.
Verb	来る (kuru)	来るそうだ (kuru sō da)	彼は明日来るそうだ。	Kare wa ashita kuru sō da.	He is said to be coming tomorrow.
			友達が駅に来るそうだ。	Tomodachi ga eki ni kuru sō da.	My friend is said to be coming to the station.
Verb	結婚する (kekkon suru)	結婚するそうだ (kekkon suru sō da)	彼女は来月結婚するそうだ。	Kanojo wa raigetsu kekkon suru sō da.	She is said to be getting married next month.
			田中さんは来年結婚するそうだ。	Tanaka-san wa rainen kekkon suru sō da.	Tanaka-san is said to be getting married next year.
Noun	先生 (sensei)	先生だそうだ (sensei da sō da)	彼の父は先生だそうだ。	Kare no chichi wa sensei da sō da.	His father is said to be a teacher.
			山田さんは数学の先生だそうだ。	Yamada-san wa sūgaku no sensei da sō da.	Yamada-san is said to be a math teacher.
Noun	有名人 (yūmeijin)	有名人だそうだ (yūmeijin da sō da)	彼は有名人だそうだ。	Kare wa yūmeijin da sō da.	He is said to be a celebrity.
			彼女は有名な歌手だそうだ。	Kanojo wa yūmei na kashu da sō da.	She is said to be a famous singer.
Noun	医者 (isha)	医者だそうだ (isha da sō da)	彼の兄は医者だそうだ。	Kare no ani wa isha da sō da.	His older brother is said to be a doctor.
			彼女の父は医者だそうだ。	Kanojo no chichi wa isha da sō da.	Her father is said to be a doctor.
Adjective (i)	高い (takai)	高いそうだ (takai sō da)	このホテルは高いそうだ。	Kono hoteru wa takai sō da.	This hotel is said to be expensive.
			あの車はとても高いそうだ。	Ano kuruma wa totemo takai sō da.	That car is said to be very expensive.
Adjective (i)	寒い (samui)	寒いそうだ (samui sō da)	明日は寒いそうだ。	Ashita wa samui sō da.	It is said to be cold tomorrow.
			北海道の冬は寒いそうだ。	Hokkaidō no fuyu wa samui sō da.	The winter in Hokkaido is said to be cold.
Adjective (na)	便利 (benri)	便利だそうだ (benri da sō da)	このアプリは便利だそうだ。	Kono apuri wa benri da sō da.	This app is said to be convenient.
			東京の電車は便利だそうだ。	Tōkyō no densha wa benri da sō da.	Tokyo’s trains are said to be convenient.
Adjective (na)	有名 (yūmei)	有名だそうだ (yūmei da sō da)	彼の店は有名だそうだ。	Kare no mise wa yūmei da sō da.	His shop is said to be famous.
			彼女の家は有名だそうだ。	Kanojo no ie wa yūmei da sō da.	Her house is said to be famous.

More Example Sentences

彼は明日の会議に参加しないそうだ。
Romaji: Kare wa ashita no kaigi ni sanka shinai sō da.
English: He is said not to participate in tomorrow’s meeting.

彼は新しい仕事を始めるそうだ。
Romaji: Kare wa atarashii shigoto o hajimeru sō da.
English: He is said to be starting a new job.

この映画はとても面白いそうだ。
Romaji: Kono eiga wa totemo omoshiroi sō da.
English: This movie is said to be very interesting.

彼女の弟は医者になるそうだ。
Romaji: Kanojo no otōto wa isha ni naru sō da.
English: Her younger brother is said to become a doctor.

先生は今週忙しいそうだ。
Romaji: Sensei wa konshū isogashii sō da.
English: The teacher is said to be busy this week.

この店のラーメンは美味しいそうだ。
Romaji: Kono mise no rāmen wa oishii sō da.
English: The ramen from this shop is said to be delicious.

あのホテルはサービスが良いそうだ。
Romaji: Ano hoteru wa sābisu ga yoi sō da.
English: That hotel is said to have good service.

彼は来年アメリカに引っ越すそうだ。
Romaji: Kare wa rainen Amerika ni hikkosu sō da.
English: He is said to be moving to America next year.

この会社は給料が高いそうだ。
Romaji: Kono kaisha wa kyūryō ga takai sō da.
English: This company is said to have high salaries.

日本の夏はとても暑いそうだ。
Romaji: Nihon no natsu wa totemo atsui sō da.
English: The summer in Japan is said to be very hot.

Things to Keep in Mind

〜そうだ is only used when you hear information from someone else, not for personal assumptions.

〜そうだ (Hearsay) should not be confused with 〜そうだ (Appearance).

Fill in the Blanks Questions

田中さんは来月日本に＿＿＿＿そうだ。
彼の兄は医者＿＿＿＿そうだ。
この本はとても面白い＿＿＿＿そうだ。
先生は毎日運動を＿＿＿＿そうだ。
このレストランの料理は美味しい＿＿＿＿そうだ。
彼は新しい車を＿＿＿＿そうだ。
明日は天気が悪い＿＿＿＿そうだ。
彼女は来年結婚＿＿＿＿そうだ。
この映画は子供に人気＿＿＿＿そうだ。
友達は今日学校に来ない＿＿＿＿そうだ。

Answers

1.そう (sō)

2.行く (iku)

3.だ (da)

4.そう (sō)

5.する (suru)

6.そう (sō)

7.買う (kau)

8.そう (sō)

9.する (suru)

10.だ (da)

Conclusion

Understanding 〜そうだ (Hearsay) is essential for conveying reported information in Japanese. By practicing its correct usage with verbs, adjectives, and nouns, learners can improve their fluency and comprehension. Keep practicing, and soon this grammar pattern will become second nature!

Happy learning! 😊

JAPANESE

Japanese Verb Conjugation: Dictionary, ます, and Negative Forms

Mastering the Japanese Te-Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Japanese たい Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Expressions of Ability in Japanese