Yuufoo o mitandesu!

“nda” and “ndesu”

In Japanese, “nda” and “ndesu” are used to provide explanations or reasons, and they come after short forms of verbs, adjectives, and nouns. The choice between “nda” and “ndesu” depends on the level of formality and the context in which they are used.

What is “n”?

In Japanese, “n” is an abbreviation of “no” and can convey several nuances and meanings in conversation. Despite being just one sound, “n” can express various functions and ideas, making it a versatile and essential part of the language.

“no” (“n”) means “thing” , “case” and “matter”. When “no” comes after sentences, that clauses are nominalized. Nominalization can make the sentence bold and emphasized. It is a kind of quote. “nda” and “ndesu” are the emphasises and work to explain the situations and reasons.

“nda” and “ndesu” are used for subjective opinions and answers, not used in objective things.

Here are the main functions of “nda” and “ndesu”.

  1. Asking for a reason
  2. Telling its reason
  3. Expressing intentions
  4. Expressing emphasis

What’t the difference between normal sentences and “ndesu”-sentences?

  1. Kinou satousan o mimashita.
  2. Kinou satousan o mitandesu.

1 is expressing that “I just saw Mr. Sato”.
2 means “I saw Mr. Sato” and then he or she wants to say more about this, expressing emphasis.

Expressions

Expression 1

A: (Looking at someone who seems to be sad) Dou shitandesuka?
B: Kareshi to wakaretandesu.

*A is asking the reason. Then B is telling the reason.

Expression 2

Kinou yuufoo o mitandesu!

*He or she saw a UFO and he or she is going to talk more about the UFO he saw.

Expression 3

Q: (Looking at Mr. Sato wearing new clothes.) Satousan, fuku kattandesu ne? Ikura shitandesuka?
A1: Sanzen’en desu. A2: Tadade morattandesu. A3: Sen’en nandesu.

*A1 is an objective answer, so “ndesu” is not used.
*A2 is the answer which explains the unexpected situation, so “ndesu” is used.
*A3 is also explaining that the clothes are cheap, but it’s rather subjective.

Exercise

Questions

Change the sentences using “nda” and “ndesu”.

  1. Kinou suzukisan o mimashita.
  2. Ima shuppatsu shimasuka?
  3. Ashita wa shigoto ga arimasen.

Answers

  1. Kinou suzukisan o mitandesu.
  2. Ima shuppatsu surundesuka?
  3. Ashita wa shigoto ga naindesu.