Processing keyword: ～に決まっている (〜ni kimatte iru)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～に決まっている (〜ni kimatte iru)

Grammar Point: ～に決まっている (〜ni kimatte iru)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～に決まっている is used to express a high degree of certainty or conviction about a statement or situation. It's often translated into English as "It must be..." or "It is definitely..." This phrase can reflect a speaker's strong belief or logical conclusion about a particular situation.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: Indicates that something is certain or inevitable based on logical reasoning.
• Structure:
  • The main structure is [Noun/Verb (plain form)] + に決まっている.
  • In this structure:
    • Noun/Verb: Represents the subject or situation being discussed.
    • に決まっている: Expresses certainty about the subject.

Formation Diagram

[Noun/Verb (plain form)] + に決まっている

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

This grammar point is similar to:

• ～に違いない (〜ni chigai nai): Both indicate certainty, but ～に違いない is often used for less subjective situations. When you say something is "surely" true.
• ～と思います (〜to omoimasu): This is less assertive, as it expresses personal opinion rather than certainty.

Key Differences

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Written Context:
   • 彼は昇進するに決まっている。
     (Kare wa shoushin suru ni kimatte iru.)
     "He is definitely going to be promoted."
2. Informal Spoken Context:
   • 彼女が来ないなんて、そんなことはないよ。彼女は来るに決まってる！
     (Kanojo ga konai nante, sonna koto wa nai yo. Kanojo wa kuru ni kimatteru!)
     "There’s no way she wouldn’t come. She must definitely be coming!"
3. Neutral Context:
   • 明日は雨が降るに決まっている。
     (Ashita wa ame ga furu ni kimatte iru.)
     "It is definitely going to rain tomorrow."

5. Cultural Notes - If applicable

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, expressing certainty can often come across as assertive or sometimes impolite, depending on the context and relationship between speakers. Therefore, the use of ～に決まっている should be done with an understanding of the social dynamics involved.

Idiomatic Expressions

• そうに決まっている (sou ni kimatte iru): "It must be so."
• それに決まっている (sore ni kimatte iru): "That’s definitely it."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Frequent errors learners might make include:

• Using polite forms incorrectly, such as trying to use ます or です with this phrase.
• Confusing it with less assertive forms like ～と思います.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: "決まって" sounds like "Commit to it!" Remember that once you commit to this phrase, you are expressing strong certainty.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The phrase ～に決まっている expresses strong certainty or conviction.
• It is structured as [Noun/Verb (plain form)] + に決まっている.
• Be aware of context and levels of politeness when using this phrase.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～に決まっている express?
2. Give an example using a verb in the plain form followed by ～に決まっている.
3. Compare ～に決まっている with another similar grammar point and highlight a key difference. Feel free to practice using this grammar point and observe how it changes the nuance of your expressions!