Processing keyword: Verb ない ことになる (Verb nai koto ni naru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ない ことになる (Verb nai koto ni naru)

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1. Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the grammar point Verb ないことになる (Verb nai koto ni naru). This structure is commonly used in Japanese to express that it has been decided (often by circumstances or external factors) that something will not happen. Understanding this pattern will help you articulate situations where events or actions are determined not to occur, often beyond your control.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Verb ないことになる is used to indicate that:

• It has been decided that [verb will not happen].
• It turns out that [verb will not happen].
• Due to circumstances, [verb will not happen]. The decision is typically made by someone else or due to external factors, not by the speaker.

Structure

1. Verb in Negative Form (ない form)
2. ことになる Formation:

[Verb ない form] + ことになる

Formation Diagram

Let's break it down:

Step	Explanation	Example with 食べる (to eat)
1. Base Verb	Dictionary form	食べる
2. Negative	Convert to ない form	食べない
3. Add Pattern	Add ことになる	食べないことになる
Result: 食べないことになる
Meaning: It has been decided that (someone) will not eat.

Visual Aid: Structure Chart

Component	Example	Meaning
Verb (ない form)	行かない (ikanai)	Will not go
+	+
ことになる	ことになる (koto ni naru)	It has been decided that...
Combined	行かないことになる	It has been decided that (someone) will not go

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3. Comparative Analysis

Verb ないことになる vs. Verb ないことにする

It's essential to distinguish between these two similar patterns:

• Verb ないことになる
  • Usage: A decision is made by others or external circumstances.
  • Implication: The speaker is not the decision-maker.
  • Example: 明日の会議は行われないことになった。
    It has been decided that tomorrow's meeting will not be held.
• Verb ないことにする
  • Usage: The speaker decides not to do something.
  • Implication: The decision is made by the speaker.
  • Example: 甘い物を食べないことにします。
    I have decided not to eat sweets.

Key Differences

Aspect	Verb ないことになる	Verb ないことにする
Decision Maker	Others, external factors	Speaker themselves
Usage	Passive decision or outcome	Active personal decision
Example	行かないことになった (Not going due to circumstances)	行かないことにした (I've decided not to go)

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Examples

1. 来月から電車の料金が上がらないことになりました。
   Raigetsu kara densha no ryōkin ga agaranai koto ni narimashita.
   It has been decided that train fares will not increase from next month.
2. その提案は採用されないことになった。
   Sono teian wa saiyō sarenai koto ni natta.
   It has been decided that the proposal will not be adopted.

Informal Examples

3. 彼は今年、帰国しないことになったらしいよ。
   Kare wa kotoshi, kikoku shinai koto ni natta rashii yo.
   It seems he won't be returning to his country this year.
4. 雨だから試合は行われないことになったんだ。
   Ame dakara shiai wa okonawarenai koto ni nattanda.
   Because of the rain, it turns out the match won't be held.

Spoken Examples

5. 部長が急に行けなくなったので、会議は開かないことになりました。
   Buchō ga kyū ni ikenaku natta node, kaigi wa hirakanai koto ni narimashita.
   Since the manager suddenly can't go, it has been decided that the meeting won't be held.
6. その商品は販売しないことになったって聞いたよ。
   Sono shōhin wa hanbai shinai koto ni natta tte kiita yo.
   I heard that it has been decided not to sell that product.

Written Examples

7. 諸事情により、イベントは延期しないことになりました。
   Shojijō ni yori, ibento wa enki shinai koto ni narimashita.
   Due to various circumstances, it has been decided that the event will not be postponed.
8. 新しい法律は導入されないことになる見通しだ。
   Atarashii hōritsu wa dōnyū sarenai koto ni naru mitōshi da.
   It is expected that the new law will not be introduced.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, it's common to express decisions as outcomes determined by collective circumstances or external factors rather than personal choice. This reflects the societal emphasis on harmony and consensus.

• Using ことになる softens the statement, making it less direct.
• It avoids assigning blame or personal responsibility in situations where decisions may not be favorable.

Politeness and Formality

• Formal Polite Form:
  • なります instead of なる
    Example: 行わないことになります。
• Casual Form:
  • Drop です/ます endings
    Example: 行わないことになった。

Idiomatic Expressions

• ～ないことになっている
  • Indicates a rule or established decision that something is not to be done. Example: 教室では携帯電話を使わないことになっている。
    It is a rule that cell phones are not to be used in the classroom.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Mistake: Using ことになる for personal decisions.
   • Incorrect: 私は酒を飲まないことになる。
     (It has been decided that I will not drink alcohol.)
   • Correct: 私は酒を飲まないことにする。
     (I have decided not to drink alcohol.)
2. Mistake: Confusing the negative form.
   • Incorrect: 行かことになる。
     (Missing the negative form "ない")
   • Correct: 行かないことになる。
     (It has been decided that [someone] will not go.)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Tip:
  • なる (to become) suggests the outcome is the result of circumstances.
  • する (to do) implies personal action or decision.
• Practice:
  • Create sentences switching between ことになる and ことにする to reinforce the difference.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb ないことになる is used when a decision has been made by others or due to external circumstances that an action will not happen.
• The structure follows: Verb (ない form) + ことになる.
• It is different from Verb ないことにする, where the speaker is the one making the decision.
• Pay attention to who is making the decision to choose the correct structure.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank:
   他の予定が入ったので、旅行に ______ ことになりました。
   (Because another plan came up, it has been decided that I will not travel.) Answer: 行かない
2. True or False:
   Verb ないことになる is used when you decide not to do something. Answer: False (It is used when the decision is made by others or circumstances.)
3. Which structure implies personal decision-making?
   a) Verb ないことになる
   b) Verb ないことにする Answer: b) Verb ないことにする

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By mastering Verb ないことになる, you can effectively communicate decisions made by external factors in Japanese, enhancing your ability to express nuanced situations.

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