12.9 ～ものだ — The Way Things Are

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Overview

Learn ～ものだ, used to express general truths, nostalgic recollection, or strong expectation. Also learn ～ものではない for gentle prohibition and ～ものの for concession.

～ものだ — general truths and how things should be

Plain form + ものだ

～ものだ expresses that something is the natural way things are — a general truth, social norm, or expectation based on common sense.

。

Children are supposed to play outside (that's just how it is).

。

Failure happens to everyone (it's a fact of life).

。

Life doesn't go the way you plan (that's just the way it is).

～たものだ — nostalgic recollection

Verb た-form + ものだ

Used to reflect fondly (or wistfully) on past habits:

、。

We used to play here a lot as children.

。

I used to travel a lot when I was young.

～ものではない / ～ものじゃない — shouldn't / you shouldn't

Expresses that something is socially inappropriate or morally wrong:

。

You shouldn't bully people (it's just not done).

。

You shouldn't say things like that.

～ものの — although; even though

Used as a conjunction meaning "although":

、。

Although I made an effort

it didn't go well.

Dialogue

あAきごう：さいきん最近のわかもの若者はれいぎ礼儀をしらない知らないとおもいません思いませんか。 bBきごう：まあ、わかいころ若いころはそういうものですよ。

せんせい先生きごう：むかし昔はここでよくあそんだ遊んだものです。いま今はかわりました変わりましたね。

あAきごう：やくそくをまもらない約束を守らないひと人もいますね。 bBきごう：やくそく約束はまもる守るものです。そういうふうにそだちました育ちました。

A: Don't you think young people today don't have manners? B: Well, that's just how it is when you're young.

Teacher: We used to play here a lot in the old days. Things have changed.

A: Some people don't keep their promises. B: Promises are meant to be kept. That's how I was brought up.

New words

12.8 ～わけだ — That Is Why / No Wonder

13.1 Speech Levels Overview

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