JLPT N2 Grammar – How to Distinguish the 3 Uses of “〜ものだ”
Table of Contents
1. How to Distinguish the 3 Uses of “〜ものだ”
2. 〜ものだ① Recollection
3. 〜ものだ② Reflection / Deep Emotion
4. 〜ものだ③ Advice / Moral Norm
5. Summary
6. Similer Articles
7. Comment
Q: Are there different ways to use “〜ものだ”? What are the differences?
A: Yes, “〜ものだ” has three main uses: recollection, reflection, and advice.
It is used as a sentence-ending expression, and “〜もんだ” is the more casual form.
The grammar patterns vary slightly depending on the meaning, so let’s take a look at each one.
〜ものだ① Recollection
[Meaning]
Used to express a nostalgic feeling about something you used to do frequently.
[Rule]
[V] Verb past form + ものだ
* In casual speech, “〜もんだ” is also used
[Examples]
昔はここでよく友達と遊んだものです。
I used to play with my friends here a lot in the old days.
学生のときはよくこの喫茶店に通ったものだよ。
I used to come to this café often when I was a student.
若いときは寝ないで仕事したもんです。
Back when I was young, I often worked without sleeping.
This expression is used when recalling things you used to do often in the past, with a sense of nostalgia.
It does not refer to a one-time event, but rather to habits or experiences that were repeated many times. It is commonly used in the form “よく〜ものだ.”
[Examples]
若いときはよく海外旅行したものです。
I used to travel abroad a lot when I was young.
⇒ This expresses a nostalgic recollection of going abroad many times in one’s youth.
小学生のとき、妹とよくけんかして父に叱られたものだ。
When I was in elementary school, I used to fight with my younger sister and get scolded by my father.
子ども：お父さん、これ知ってる？“めんこ”って言うんだって。
父：わあ、懐かしい。子どものころ、めんこを集めて友達と遊んだもんだよ。
Child: Dad, do you know what this is? It’s called “menko.”
Father: Wow, that brings back memories. I used to collect menko cards and play with my friends when I was a kid.
〜ものだ② Reflection / Deep Emotion
[Meaning]
Truly / Really 〜
[Rule]
[V] Verb plain form + ものだ
[A] い adjective + ものだ
[Na] な adjective + ものだ
* In casual speech, “〜もんだ” is also used
[Examples]
まだ5歳なのによく一人で買い物できるものだね。
It’s amazing that you’re only five and can already go shopping by yourself.
時間が過ぎるのは本当に早いもんだ。
Time really flies.
自然は本当に美しいものです。
Nature is truly beautiful.
This expression is also used to convey deep feelings such as surprise, admiration, or a quiet emotional response to a situation or event.
It is not used for negative judgments, but rather to express positive emotions or evaluations with sincerity.
[Examples]
祖母は病気や手術を繰り返しながら、よく90歳まで生きたものだ。
My grandmother went through many illnesses and surgeries, but she still lived to be 90.
⇒ This expresses admiration and surprise at her strength in overcoming hardships and living a long life.
この兵士はまだ戦争が続いていると思っていたらしい。よく50年以上も信じていたものですね。
It seems this soldier believed the war was still going on. It’s amazing he continued to believe that for over 50 years.
⇒ This shows deep emotion and surprise toward someone who kept believing the same thing for over five decades.
A：お久しぶりですね。最後にお会いしたのは、たしか10年ぐらい前ですよね。
B：え、あれは10年前ですか。時間が経つのは早いものですね。
A: It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I think the last time we met was about 10 years ago.
B: Wow, that was 10 years ago? Time really flies.
⇒ This expresses a quiet realization and emotional reflection on how fast time passes.
〜ものだ③ Advice / Moral Norm
[Meaning]
It is natural to 〜 / One should 〜
[Rule]
[V] Verb dictionary form / ない form + ものだ
* In casual speech, “〜もんだ” is also used
[Examples]
人には平等に親切にするものですよ。
You should treat everyone kindly and equally.
約束は破らないもんだろう。
Isn’t it natural to keep your promises?
お年寄りには席を譲るものだ。
You ought to give up your seat to the elderly.
This expression is used not to convey a personal opinion, but to teach what is considered natural or proper behavior based on moral and social norms.
It often carries a tone of advice or guidance toward the listener.
[Examples]
最近の若い人は言葉遣いがひどいですね。目上の人には敬語を使うものですよ。
Young people these days have such poor manners.You should speak politely to your elders.
⇒ This expresses the idea that using respectful language with elders is basic social etiquette.
話はまだ終わっていません。人の話は最後まで聞くもんでしょう。
The conversation isn’t over yet. You should listen to others until they finish speaking.
⇒ This shows the belief that it’s natural to listen to someone all the way through.
A：結婚式のお祝いにコップを送ろうと思っているんです。
B：そうですか。でも日本では結婚式のお祝いに、お皿など割れるものは送らないものですよ。
A: I’m thinking of giving a glass as a wedding gift.
B: I see. But in Japan, you’re not supposed to give items that can break, like plates, as wedding gifts.
⇒ This is advice based on a Japanese custom, where giving breakable items is believed to symbolize a broken relationship.
Summary
| Usage | Explanation | Main Features / Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| Recollection | Used to nostalgically talk about things one used to do in the past | Often appears as “よく〜ものだ” Expresses repeated experiences |
| Reflection | Used to express strong feelings such as surprise or admiration toward a situation | Accompanied by positive emotions |
| Advice | Used to convey what is considered natural or proper based on morals or social norms | Expresses lessons, manners, or general common sense |
Similer Articles
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