Processing keyword: そんな (sonna) + Noun

Japanese Grammar Point: そんな (sonna) + Noun

そんな (sonna) + Noun

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point 「そんな (sonna) + Noun」. This expression is commonly used to refer to things like "such a" or "that kind of" something. Understanding how to use そんな properly will help you describe objects, situations, or even people in relation to something previously mentioned or known in context.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

そんな (sonna) means:

• "Such a"
• "That kind of"
• "Like that" It is used to describe a noun that is of a type or kind already mentioned or understood from context.

Structure

The basic structure is:

そんな + Noun

• そんな modifies the noun directly.

Formation Diagram

• そんな人: "That kind of person"

3. Comparative Analysis

そんな is part of a series of demonstrative adjectives:

• こんな: "Such a" (like this)
• そんな: "Such a" (like that)
• あんな: "Such a" (like that over there) Note: They correspond to the demonstratives これ (this), それ (that), and あれ (that over there).

4. Examples in Context

Let's see how そんな is used in different sentences.

Example Sentences

1. そんな本は読みたくない。 Sonna hon wa yomitakunai. "I don't want to read a book like that."
2. 彼がそんなことを言うなんて信じられない。 Kare ga sonna koto o iu nante shinjirarenai. "I can't believe he would say such a thing."
3. そんな人に会ったことがない。 Sonna hito ni atta koto ga nai. "I've never met a person like that."
4. どうしてそんなに忙しいの？ Dōshite sonna ni isogashii no? "Why are you so busy?"
5. そんな問題は簡単だよ。 Sonna mondai wa kantan da yo. "Such a problem is easy."

Various Contexts

• Formal Written Language: そんな行動は許されません。 Sonna kōdō wa yurusaremasen. "Such behavior is unacceptable."
• Casual Spoken Language: えー、そんなのありえない！ Ē, sonna no arienai! "No way, that's impossible!"
• Polite Speech: お忙しいところ、そんなお願いをして申し訳ありません。 Oisogashii tokoro, sonna onegai o shite mōshiwake arimasen. "I'm sorry to make such a request when you're busy."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, indirect references are common. Using そんな allows a speaker to refer to something without specifying it directly, relying on shared context.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• そんな itself is neutral.
• Politeness is adjusted with verb endings and honorifics.
• In very formal situations, そのような may be used instead of そんな.

Idiomatic Expressions

• そんなことないです。 Sonna koto nai desu. "That's not the case." / "That's not true." Often used to be modest or to politely disagree.
• そんな馬鹿な！ Sonna bakana! "That’s ridiculous!" / "That can't be!"

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mixing up 「こんな」, 「そんな」, and 「あんな」: Be mindful of the context and physical or metaphorical distance:
  • こんな: Near the speaker
  • そんな: Near the listener or in context
  • あんな: Away from both or something not present
• Overusing in Formal Writing: In formal documents, prefer そのような over そんな for increased politeness.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "so" in "sonna" to remember it relates to "that" (as in "so" referring to something previously mentioned).
• Practice Creating Sentences: Write your own sentences using そんな to describe things you've recently talked about or things someone else mentioned.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• そんな + Noun is used to describe "such a" or "that kind of" noun.
• It references something known from context or previously mentioned.
• Distinguish between こんな (this kind of), そんな (that kind of), and あんな (that kind over there).
• Adjust politeness through verb forms and additional polite expressions.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: "I can't eat such food." Answer: そんな食べ物は食べられない。
2. Choose the correct demonstrative: Something close to the speaker: こんな, そんな, or あんな? Answer: こんな
3. Translate into Japanese: "I didn't expect such a result." Answer: そんな結果は予想していなかった。

By mastering そんな + Noun, you'll be able to more naturally describe and refer to things in conversation, enhancing your fluency in Japanese.