Japanese grammar
What does ～とのことだ mean? Japanese grammar N1
～とのことだ means I heard that…; it is reported that….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 普通形 + とのことだ |
| Romaji | tonokotoda |
| Meaning | I heard that…; it is reported that… |
Forming it
| Clause (business trip) | 来週出張する + とのことだ |
|---|---|
| Clause (meeting postponed) | 会議は延期される + とのことだ |
How to use it
Reports information heard from another source. Formal, often used at work.
- 「～とのことだ」 = I hear/understand that A. Formally reports information from another source.
- More formal than 「～そうだ」 (I hear); often used in work emails/reports.
- The source is often stated at the start of the sentence with 「～によると」.
Examples
部長によると、会議は来週に延期されるとのことです。
According to the manager, the meeting has been postponed to next week.
先方は明日までに回答するとのことだ。
I’m told the other party will respond by tomorrow.
Keep in mind
- More formal than 「そうだ」.
- Not used for information one personally observed.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong私は明日休むとのことだ。
I'm off tomorrow.
Correct私は明日休みます。
「とのことだ」 reports news from ANOTHER PERSON, not used for one's own matter.
-
Wrong空が暗いとのことだから、雨が降りそうだ。
Since the sky is dark, it looks like it will rain.
Correct空が暗いから、雨が降りそうだ。
Something one personally OBSERVED is stated directly; 「とのことだ」 is only for information heard secondhand.
Exam tips
- 「とのことだ」 = I hear that (formal, workplace); not used for one's own matter.