Genki Grammar #71: Mastering -ndesu

This image illustrates the use of "んです" (ndesu). A patient is explaining to the doctor why something happened to them, while another person, possibly a family member, is listening attentively.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Introduction

In this blog post, we will learn about the Japanese grammar pattern: -んです (ndesu). This pattern is used to explain things and provide reasons. Let’s explore how to use it!

What It Means

The -んです (ndesu) pattern is used to explain or give reasons for something. It connects the fact with the situation being discussed.

When You Use It

Use -んです (ndesu) when you want to:

  1. Explain why something happened.
  2. Provide a reason for your action or situation.
  3. Invite clarifications in questions.

Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand how to use -んです (ndesu):

Example 1: バスが来なかったんです。
(Basu ga konakatta ndesu.)
The bus didn’t come. (That’s why I’m late.)

Example 2: あした試験があるんです。
(Ashita shiken ga aru ndesu.)
I have an exam tomorrow. (So I can’t go out tonight.)

Example 3: トイレに行きたいんです。
(Toire ni ikitai ndesu.)
I want to go to the bathroom. (So tell me where it is.)

Example 4:

A
A

どうして彼と別れたんですか。
(Dōshite kare to wakareta ndesu ka.)
Why did you break up with your boyfriend? (You’ve got to tell me.)

B
B

彼、ぜんぜん部屋を掃除しないんです。
(Kare, zenzen heya o sōji shinai ndesu.)
Oh, him. He never cleans his room. (That’s why.)

Note

  • When -んです (ndesu) follows a noun or a な-adjective in the present tense affirmative, な (na) comes in between.
    • 静かなんです (Shizuka na ndesu): It’s quiet. (That’s why.)
    • 学生なんです (Gakusei nan desu): I’m a student. (That’s why.)
  • Use -んです (ndesu) to provide additional comments on what has just been said.
    • A: きれいな絵ですね。
      (Kirei na e desu ne.)
      That’s a beautiful picture.
    • B: ええ。日本で買ったんです。
      (Ee. Nihon de katta ndesu.)
      You bet. I bought it in Japan. (For your information.)
  • In written language, のです (no desu) is used instead of んです (ndesu) for a more formal style.
  • In casual conversation, んです (ndesu) appears as んだ (nda) and in casual questions, んですか (ndesu ka) is replaced by の (no).
    行かないんです→行かないんだ
    (Ikanai ndesu → Ikanai nda)
    行かないんですか→行かないの
    (Ikanai ndesu ka → Ikanai no)

Conclusion

The -んです (ndesu) pattern is a great way to explain reasons and provide context in Japanese. It makes your conversations more informative and engaging.

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