Japanese grammar
What does ～ことになる mean? Japanese grammar N4
～ことになる means it has been decided that ~; it turns out that ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる／Vない + ことになる Vる + ことになっている |
| Romaji | ~ koto ni naru |
| Meaning | it has been decided that ~; it turns out that ~ |
How to use it
Stating a decision, rule, or result brought about by circumstances or an organization, not solely by personal will.
- ことになる places the decision outside the speaker: a company, a school, a family, or a situation led to that result. Even if the speaker took part in the decision, the phrasing still presents it as something already settled.
- ことになっている usually states a pre-set rule or schedule: この会社では制服を着ることになっている.
Examples
来月、大阪の支店で働くことになりました。
It has been decided that I will work at the Osaka branch next month.
この図書館では、食べ物を持ち込まないことになっています。
This library has a rule against bringing in food.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong私は毎朝走ることになりました。（one's own decision）
Correct私は毎朝走ることにしました。
When the speaker decides for themselves, use ことにする. ことになる suggests an external decision or circumstance.
Exam tips
- When there's a word indicating an organization/rule such as 会社・学校・規則, ことになっている is very often correct.