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]
絶対ぜったいに負まけると思おもっていたのに、優勝ゆうしょうするなんてとんでもない展開てんかいだね！（①）
I thought we would definitely lose, but we won the championship—what an unbelievable outcome!

あの会社かいしゃの対応たいおうはとんでもないね。（②）
That company’s response was terrible.

A「日本にほん語ごが上手じょうずですね！」
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]
絶対ぜったいに負まけると思おもっていたのに、優勝ゆうしょうするなんてとんでもない展開てんかいですね！（Positive）
I thought we would definitely lose, but we won the championship—what an unbelievable outcome!

この発見はっけんですばらしい薬くすりが開発かいはつできるかもしれない！とんでもない発見はっけんだよ。（Positive）
This discovery might help create a great new medicine! It’s an incredible finding.

この宝石ほうせきが偽物にせものだったなんて、とんでもない話はなしです。（Negative）
I can’t believe this jewel was fake—that’s a shocking story.

近所きんじょのあの人ひとが犯人はんにんだなんて！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]
客きゃくがこんなに怒おこっているのに、謝あやまらないとはあの会社かいしゃの対応たいおうはとんでもないね。
The customer is so angry, but they didn’t even apologize—that company’s response is terrible.

こんな時間じかんに外そとでカラオケだなんて、とんでもない人ひと達たちだ！
Singing karaoke outside at this hour? What unbelievable people!

子こどもの前まえでそんな言葉ことばを使つかうなんて、とんでもないマナー違反いはんだよ。
Using that kind of language in front of children—that’s very bad manners.

ミスを部下ぶかに押おしつけるなんて、とんでもない上司じょうしだね。
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]
私わたしがそんなうそを言いった？とんでもない！絶対ぜったいにありえません。
I told such a lie? No way! That’s absolutely impossible.

A「君きみがこのミスをしたんじゃないの？」
B「とんでもない！私わたしは全まったく関与かんよしていません。」
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「日本にほん人じんと同おなじレベルの日本にほん語ご力りょくですね！」　
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「こんなに早はやく書類しょるいを仕上しあげてくれて、ありがとう！」
B「とんでもないことでございます。お役やくに立たてて嬉うれしいです。」
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「この度たびはご迷惑めいわくをおかけし、誠まことに申し訳もう　わけございませんでした。」
B「とんでもないことです。どうかお気き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.

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