Shiro Neko Japanese

〜んです

Let’s learn how Japanese speakers use 〜んです

Please watch the video below before moving on.

Everything you need for this lesson is explained in the video.

Key Points

  • The basic function of 〜んです is explaining something
  • Use 〜なんです after plain な adjective and noun
  • Use 〜んです when explaining the situations both the speaker and the listener share
  • Use 〜んです when responding to a “why” question
  • Use 〜んです when softly declining an invitation
  • Use 〜んです when politely requesting or asking questions
  • Use 〜んです when drawing listeners into your story
  • Use 〜んですか？ when you want an explanation
  • Use 〜んですか？ when asking a “why” question
  • Use 〜んですか？ when asking other WH questions with emotions
  • Use なんですか？ instead of なんなんですか？ for general questions
  • Use 〜んですか？to react or make comments with emotions

Now that you’ve watched the video, let’s see if you can say the example sentences yourself.

Now let’s try

  • I have a test
    • Background: You’re tired because you’ve been studying for a test. Maru tells you “You look tired”.
  • We have a test
    • Background: You are a teacher, and you want to announce to the class that there’s a test.
  • She is my college friend
    • Background: You went to a store with Maru. You run into your college friend. Maru doesn’t know she is your college friend.
  • They were on sale
    • Background: You bought many items because they were on sale. You run into Maru. You want to
  • It’s my birthday
    • Background: Maru asks you “Why are you having a party?”
  • I’m going to a wedding party …
    • Background: Maru invites you to go see a movie, but you want to softly decline, because you’re going to a wedding party.
  • I have a headache… Can I go home?
    • Background: You want to politely ask your teacher if you can go home because you have a headache.
  • I used to be a stray cat …
    • Background: You used to be a stray cat, and you want to open the story to get listener’s attention
  • Are you going to quit your job?
    • Background: You saw Goma reading a book about quitting a job
  • Why are you wearing a kimono?
  • You made it!?
    • Background: Your friend gave you a handmade teddy bear. It’s well-made and you’re impressed.