Processing keyword: ～のももっともだ (〜no mo mottomo da)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～のももっともだ (〜no mo mottomo da)

1. Introduction

Understanding how to express that something is natural or reasonable is essential in Japanese. The grammar point ～のももっともだ (~no mo mottomo da) allows you to convey that a situation or reaction is only to be expected given the circumstances.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

～のももっともだ is used to state that it is natural or understandable for someone to feel or act a certain way. This expression shows agreement or empathy with the reason behind someone's feelings or actions.

• English Equivalents: "It's natural that...", "No wonder...", "It's reasonable that..."

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

Structure:

[Verb plain form / い-adjective + の] も もっともだ
[な-adjective + なの] も もっともだ
[Noun + なの] も もっともだ

Components:

• [Verb plain form / い-adjective + の]: Plain form verbs or い-adjectives followed by の (nominalizer).
• [な-adjective / Noun + なの]: な-adjectives or nouns followed by なの.
• も: Particle meaning "also" or emphasizing the preceding phrase.
• もっともだ: Expression meaning "is reasonable" or "is natural."

Visual Aid

Component	Role
Verb/Adjective/Noun	Describes the action or state
の / なの	Nominalizer (turns clause into a noun)
も	Emphasizing particle ("also")
もっともだ	"Is reasonable/natural"

3. Comparative Analysis

• ～のももっともだ vs. ～わけだ:

  • ～のももっともだ: Emphasizes that a reaction or feeling is natural or reasonable.
  • ～わけだ: Used to conclude or explain a reason ("That's why...", "No wonder...").

• ～のも当然だ:

  • Similar meaning to ～のももっともだ.
  • Both express that something is natural or expected, but 当然 leans slightly more towards "obvious" or "expected."

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 彼が怒るのももっともだ。
   • Kare ga okoru no mo mottomo da.
   • Translation: "It's natural that he's angry."
2. 試験に落ちて落ち込むのももっともだ。
   • Shiken ni ochite ochikomu no mo mottomo da.
   • Translation: "It's understandable that you're depressed after failing the exam."
3. こんな忙しい時に休みたいと思うのももっともだ。
   • Konna isogashii toki ni yasumitai to omou no mo mottomo da.
   • Translation: "It's reasonable to want a break during such busy times."
4. 結果に満足しないのももっともだ。
   • Kekka ni manzoku shinai no mo mottomo da.
   • Translation: "It's natural not to be satisfied with the results."
5. 彼女が驚くのももっともだ。突然そんなことを聞かれたら。
   • Kanojo ga odoroku no mo mottomo da. Totsuzen sonna koto o kikaretara.
   • Translation: "No wonder she's surprised. Being asked something like that all of a sudden."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, showing empathy and understanding towards others is highly valued. Using expressions like ～のももっともだ allows speakers to acknowledge someone's feelings gracefully, maintaining harmony in social interactions.

Idiomatic Expressions

• もっとも can also mean "although" or "though" as a conjunction.
  • Example: 彼は親切だ。もっとも、時々厳しいけれど。
    • Kare wa shinsetsu da. Mottomo, tokidoki kibishii keredo.
    • Translation: "He's kind. Though, he's strict at times."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Forgetting the Nominalizer:
  • Incorrect: 彼が怒るももっともだ。
  • Correct: 彼が怒るのももっともだ.
• Using the Wrong Form of the Adjective:
  • Remember to use なの after な-adjectives and nouns.
  • Incorrect: 静かな場所が好きなのももっともだ。
  • Correct: 静かな場所が好きなのももっともだ。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate もっとも with "most" in English, implying the "most natural" reaction.
• Practice by Creating Sentences: Write your own sentences using situations where reactions are natural or expected.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～のももっともだ expresses that it's natural or reasonable for someone to feel or act a certain way.
• Requires the nominalizer の (for verbs and い-adjectives) or なの (for な-adjectives and nouns).
• Useful for showing empathy and understanding in conversations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 彼が不満を言う___ももっともだ。 a) の
   b) なの
   c) が
2. True or False: もっとも can function as both an adjective meaning "most reasonable" and a conjunction meaning "although."
3. Translate to Japanese: "It's understandable that she wants to quit."

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Answers:

1. a) の
   • Explanation: Because 不満を言う is a verb phrase, use の as the nominalizer.
2. True
   • Explanation: もっとも can mean "most reasonable" as part of ～のももっともだ and also function as a conjunction meaning "although" or "though."
3. 彼女が辞めたいのももっともだ。

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By understanding ～のももっともだ, you can express empathy and acknowledge that certain reactions or feelings are natural in given situations. Practice using this grammar point to enhance your Japanese communication skills.

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