Processing keyword: ～ものではない (〜mono dewa nai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ものではない (〜mono dewa nai)

～ものではない (〜mono dewa nai)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～ものではない (〜mono dewa nai) is used to give advice or express a general opinion that something should not be done. It carries a sense of admonishment or moral judgement, often based on common sense or social norms.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• "One should not..."
• "It's not appropriate to..."
• "It's against common sense to..." This expression is used to advise against a particular action or to state that something is generally unacceptable.

Structure

Formation Diagram

[Verb Dictionary Form] + ものではない

Components

• Verb Dictionary Form: The plain form of a verb.
• ものではない: An expression meaning "one should not" or "it's not appropriate to".

Example Formation

• 食べる (to eat) ➔ 食べるものではない (one should not eat)
• 言う (to say) ➔ 言うものではない (one should not say)

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～べきではない: Expresses that one ought not to do something.
  • Example: そんなことを言うべきではない。 (You ought not to say such things.)
• ～てはいけない: Indicates that one must not do something.
  • Example: ここに入ってはいけない。 (You must not enter here.)

Nuances

• ～ものではない often conveys a general principle or social norm, while ～べきではない can be more personal advice, and ～てはいけない is a direct prohibition.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1

夜遅くに電話をかけるものではない。

• Yoru osoku ni denwa o kakeru mono dewa nai.
• Translation: "One should not make phone calls late at night."

Example 2

人の悪口を言うものではない。

• Hito no waruguchi o iu mono dewa nai.
• Translation: "One should not speak ill of others."

Example 3

約束を忘れるものではありません。 (Formal)

• Yakusoku o wasureru mono dewa arimasen.
• Translation: "One should not forget promises."

Example 4

食べ物を粗末にするものではない。

• Tabemono o somatsu ni suru mono dewa nai.
• Translation: "One should not waste food."

Example 5

初対面で失礼なことを聞くものではない。

• Shotaimen de shitsurei na koto o kiku mono dewa nai.
• Translation: "One should not ask rude questions when meeting for the first time."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, there is a strong emphasis on social harmony and respect for others. Using ～ものではない reflects an understanding of societal expectations and norms.

Politeness Levels

• The phrase can be made more formal by using ～ものではありません instead of ～ものではない.
• It is often used in written language, formal speech, or when giving advice in a considerate manner.

Idiomatic Expressions

While ～ものではない itself is a set phrase, it can be found in idiomatic expressions that promote moral behavior and mutual respect.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using the wrong verb form
   • Incorrect: 食べないものではない。
     • (Incorrect negative form of the verb)
   • Correct: 食べるものではない。
2. Confusing with ～てはいけない
   • ～てはいけない is a direct prohibition, often used for rules and regulations.
   • ～ものではない is softer, offering advice based on general norms.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Think of もの as "thing" and ではない as "is not." So, "It's not a thing (one should do)."
• Remember that ～ものではない is about general advisory statements rather than strict rules.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ものではない is used to express that one should not do something based on common sense or social norms.
• Formed by attaching ものではない to the dictionary form of a verb.
• Often conveys advice or moral judgement in a gentle manner.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the negative advisory using ～ものではない with the verb 走る (hashiru, "to run")?
   • Answer: 走るものではない。
2. Choose the correct usage:
   • a) 遅刻するものではない。
   • b) 遅刻してはいけない。
   • Answer: Both are correct but convey slightly different nuances. Option (a) is advising that one should not be late (general advice), while (b) is stating that one must not be late (a rule).
3. True or False: ～ものではない can be used to give direct orders.
   • Answer: False. It is used for gentle advice or admonishment, not for giving direct commands.

Feel free to revisit this lesson to reinforce your understanding of ～ものではない. Practice by creating your own sentences to become more comfortable with its usage!