Japanese grammar
What does ～ことだ mean? Japanese grammar N3
～ことだ means should…; the important thing is to… (advice/recommendation).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる + ことだ Vない + ことだ |
| Romaji | kotoda |
| Meaning | should…; the important thing is to… (advice/recommendation) |
Forming it
| Negative | 無理をしない → 無理をしないことだ |
|---|---|
| Affirmative | 毎日運動する → 毎日運動することだ |
How to use it
Advises someone of the best way to achieve a goal. Carries a superior tone, so only used with equals or subordinates.
- 「Vることだ」 = the best way is to... The sentence usually opens with the goal: 「上手になりたいなら、毎日練習することだ」.
- Connects to the DICTIONARY FORM or the ない form; does not connect to the ます stem or to nouns.
- Don't confuse it with the exclamatory 「～ことだ」 in 「なんと親切なことだ」 (how...!) — that one connects to adjectives, while the advisory pattern only connects to verbs.
Examples
日本語が上手になりたいなら、毎日話すことだ。
If you want to get good at Japanese, you should speak it every day.
風邪のときは、無理をしないことだ。
When you have a cold, you should not push yourself.
Keep in mind
- Only attaches to verbs (dictionary form／ない form).
- A tone of giving advice from a higher position — not used with superiors or customers.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong毎日運動しことだ。
You should exercise every day.
Correct毎日運動することだ。
「ことだ」 connects to the DICTIONARY FORM, not the ます stem.
-
Wrong社長、少し休むことですよ。
The director should rest a little.
Correct社長、少しお休みになってはいかがですか。
「ことだ」 carries a lecturing tone — with a superior, you must switch to a polite suggestion instead.
Exam tips
- 「Vることだ」 = advice "you should..."; only connects to verbs, has a superior tone.