~ものだ
〜mono da
JLPT N2 Formal
Formation
Verb-dictionary form + ものだ, な-Adjective + なものだ, (Also: Verb-た form + ものだ for recollections)
Expresses something natural or expected; 'it is normal that...', 'should', 'ought to'.
When to use
Moralizing "that's just how things are/should be" - general truths or social norms.
Explanation
「~ものだ」 can indicate that something is regarded as a general truth, common sense, or natural behavior. It can also express strong sentiment or emotion. In the past tense (Verb-た form + ものだ), it often shows nostalgia or recollection ('I used to...').
Example sentences
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It is natural to have a lot of fun when you are young.
Wakai toki wa takusan asobu mono da.
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If you make a promise, you should keep it.
Yakusoku o shitara, mamoru mono da.
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When guests arrive, it's customary to serve tea.
Okyakusan ga kuru to, ocha o dasu mono da.
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In life, one ought to face hardships.
Jinsei wa konnan ni tachimukau mono da.
Should (Advice / Expectation)
- ~たらいい〜tara iiN4Expressing a desire or suggestion for a particular…
- ~ばいい〜ba iiN4Express a suggestion or advice; 'should', 'it would be…
- ~ことだ〜koto daN3Expresses advice or recommendation; 'should', 'it is…
- ~はずだ〜hazu daN3Expresses an expectation, 'should' or 'it is supposed to'.
- ~といい〜to iiN4Express a wish or hope; 'I hope', 'it would be good if'.
- ~たら いかがですか〜tara ikaga desu kaN4Making polite suggestions; 'how about if', 'what if', 'it…
- Verb たほうがいい〜ta hou ga iiN4Used to give advice or make a suggestion to someone -…
- ~たら どうですか〜tara doudesukaN4Express a suggestion or advice; 'what if', 'how about'…
- ~べきだ〜beki daN3Express an obligation or something that should be done…
- ~に越したことはない〜ni koshita koto wa naiN1Expresses that something is the best or most desirable…
Corpus examples (60)
最高の男というのは、最高のコーヒーのようなものだ。強くて、熱くて、あなたを一晩中寝かせない。
The best men are like the best coffee: they're strong and hot and keep you awake all night long.
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He has a considerable income.
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She used to be called the Belle of Asakusa.
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It used to be thought that the earth was flat.
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I took his attendance for granted.
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I was robbed of my rightful share.
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I used to keep a diary every day when I was young.
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How dare he complain?
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Chicken pox is an itchy nuisance for kids.
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For him, that will be like taking candy from a baby.
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Children imitate their parents' habits.
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Slow speech is characteristic of that man.
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I used to sit up late at night listening to the radio.
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This is what I've long wanted.
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A child will depend on the television.
今までは民主党に投票したものだが、これからは共和党に乗り換えるつもりだ。
In the past I used to vote the Democratic ticket, but from now on I'll climb on the Republicans' bandwagon.
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Even a worm will turn.
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This problem arose from a mutual misunderstanding.
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She would often play the piano after school.
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Honesty will pay in the long run.
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We should love our neighbors.
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Despite the seriousness of his illness, Mr Robinson is in good spirits.
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His bad behavior is a reflection on his common sense.
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How easily one acquires bad habits!
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This is the very thing that I wanted.