Japanese grammar
What does ～のももっともだ mean? Japanese grammar N2
～のももっともだ means it's only natural that… (showing understanding).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる + のももっともだ い形 + のももっともだ な形 + な + のももっともだ |
| Romaji | nomomottomoda |
| Meaning | it's only natural that… (showing understanding) |
Forming it
| Verb | 怒る → 怒るのももっともだ |
|---|---|
| na-adjective | 不安 → 不安なのももっともだ |
How to use it
Acknowledges that someone else's reaction is reasonable, with a sense of SYMPATHY. The first clause states the reason.
- 「～のももっともだ」 = it's only natural that…: 「あんなことを言われたら、彼が怒るのももっともだ」.
- The subject is almost always SOMEONE ELSE and involves an emotional reaction (怒る・驚く・心配する・緊張する).
- Different from 「て当然だ」 (a logical, definite assertion): 「のももっともだ」 is softer, leaning toward understanding.
Examples
あんなことを言われたら、彼が怒るのももっともだ。
Being told something like that, it is no wonder he got angry.
初めての発表だから、緊張するのももっともだ。
It is his first presentation, so it is natural to be nervous.
Keep in mind
- The first clause should state the reason.
- Leans toward someone else's emotion.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの問題が難しいのももっともだ。
It's only natural that you find this problem difficult.
Correctこの問題が難しいと感じるのももっともだ。
This pattern talks about a person's REACTION, not the nature of a thing.
-
Wrong私が怒るのももっともだ。
It's only natural that you're angry.
Correct君が怒るのももっともだ。
It's an expression of sympathy for someone else, not used to defend oneself.
Exam tips
- 「のももっともだ」 = it's only natural that… (sympathizing with someone else).