JLPT N3 Expression – The Three Meanings and Uses of “とんでもない”
Table of Contents
1. Is “とんでもない” a positive or negative expression?
2. Basic Meaning and Usage
3. ① Expressing surprise or the unexpected
4. ② Expressing a negative meaning
5. ③ The Meaning of Denial
6. Summary
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: What does “とんでもない” mean? Can it have a negative meaning?
A: “とんでもない” can be used as a polite expression, but it is also used to express something negative.
It has three main meanings: to show surprise at something unexpected, to criticize someone or something, and to humbly deny praise or thanks. Its nuance changes depending on the situation.
Basic Meaning and Usage
“とんでもない” is used in three different ways depending on the context:
① To express surprise at something unexpected or unforeseen.
② To give a negative evaluation, such as “terrible” or “unacceptable.”
③ To deny what the other person said, often with humility.
[Examples]
絶対に負けると思っていたのに、優勝するなんてとんでもない展開だね！（①）
I thought we would definitely lose, but we won the championship—what an unbelievable outcome!
あの会社の対応はとんでもないね。（②）
That company’s response was terrible.
A「日本語が上手ですね！」
B「とんでもないですよ、まだまだです。」（③）
A: Your Japanese is very good!
B: Not at all. I still have a long way to go.
① Expressing surprise or the unexpected
“とんでもない” is used to show strong surprise or shock at something the speaker did not expect.
It can express both positive and negative reactions, depending on the situation.
[Examples]
絶対に負けると思っていたのに、優勝するなんてとんでもない展開ですね！（Positive）
I thought we would definitely lose, but we won the championship—what an unbelievable outcome!
この発見ですばらしい薬が開発できるかもしれない！とんでもない発見だよ。（Positive）
This discovery might help create a great new medicine! It’s an incredible finding.
この宝石が偽物だったなんて、とんでもない話です。（Negative）
I can’t believe this jewel was fake—that’s a shocking story.
近所のあの人が犯人だなんて！とんでもないことだね！（Negative）
That person in the neighborhood is the criminal? That’s unbelievable!
② Expressing a negative meaning
“とんでもない” is used to strongly criticize behavior or situations that are rude, go against common sense, or lack moral standards.
It carries a negative nuance, similar to “terrible” or “unbelievable.”
[Examples]
客がこんなに怒っているのに、謝らないとはあの会社の対応はとんでもないね。
The customer is so angry, but they didn’t even apologize—that company’s response is terrible.
こんな時間に外でカラオケだなんて、とんでもない人達だ！
Singing karaoke outside at this hour? What unbelievable people!
子どもの前でそんな言葉を使うなんて、とんでもないマナー違反だよ。
Using that kind of language in front of children—that’s very bad manners.
ミスを部下に押しつけるなんて、とんでもない上司だね。
Blaming a mistake on a junior employee? What a terrible boss!
③ The Meaning of Denial
“とんでもない” is also used when denying what someone has said.
There are two main types of usage in this case:
① Strong denial of someone’s words
This usage expresses a strong rejection of statements or suspicions that are not true. It often carries a tone of surprise or anger.
[Examples]
私がそんなうそを言った？とんでもない！絶対にありえません。
I told such a lie? No way! That’s absolutely impossible.
A「君がこのミスをしたんじゃないの？」
B「とんでもない！私は全く関与していません。」
A: Weren’t you the one who made this mistake?
B: Not at all! I had nothing to do with it.
② Polite denial with Humility
Used when someone gives you a compliment, thanks, or an apology. This form politely rejects what the other person said and shows humility or kindness.
In formal situations, more polite versions such as “とんでもないことです” or “とんでもないことでございます” are often used.
■When receiving a compliment
A「日本人と同じレベルの日本語力ですね！」
B「とんでもないですよ、まだまだです。」
A: Your Japanese is as good as a native speaker’s!
B: Not at all. I still have a long way to go.
■When being thanked
A「こんなに早く書類を仕上げてくれて、ありがとう！」
B「とんでもないことでございます。お役に立てて嬉しいです。」
A: Thank you for finishing the documents so quickly!
B: It’s nothing at all. I’m just happy I could be of help.
■When receiving an apology
A「この度はご迷惑をおかけし、誠に申し訳ございませんでした。」
B「とんでもないことです。どうかお気になさらないでください。」
A: I’m truly sorry for the trouble I caused you.
B: Please don’t worry about it. It’s really no problem at all.
Summary
- “とんでもない” has three main uses: (1) expressing surprise or the unexpected, (2) criticizing outrageous or unreasonable behavior, and (3) denying something—either strongly or politely (as in humble refusal).
- The “surprise/unexpected” use expresses strong astonishment at something the speaker did not foresee, and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
- The “criticism” use applies when condemning actions that go against common sense or are socially unacceptable.
- The “denial” use includes: ① strongly rejecting what someone has said, and ② politely denying compliments, thanks, or apologies (i.e., showing humility). The latter is often used in respectful or formal situations.
